South Wales Daily News

INVASION OF PORTO RICO. DESPERATE RESISTANCE EXPECTED. [REUTER'S SPECIAL SERVICE.] NEW YORK, Friday.—The New York Herald to-day publishes the following telegrams from Arroyo, Porto Rico, dated August 3 Landing of troops was continued to-night under search- lights. When all the men are ashore General Brooke will advance on Guayamo. Desperate resistance is expected, and it is understood that there is a considerable number of Spaniards on the hills between here and Guayamo, while the garrison of the latter place is 1,500 strong. The St. Louis and Cincinnatti are shelling with shrapnel the hills at the back of Guayamo Bay while the troops are landing. Coamo is still unoccupied, though the report given out at General Miles's head- quarters was that a reconnoitring party had reached the suburbs on Monday but had retired. SPANISH OFFICIAL REPORT. MADRID, Thursday Night.—An official tele- gram from Havana states that the sittings of the Insular Parliament have been suspended. Another official telegram says a body of insurgents entered the town of Jiburon and massacred 18 volunteers, and that a party under a flag of truce yesterday sent some docu- ments, the contents of which are not known, to the commandant of the province of Spiritus. The Governor-General of Porto Rico telegraphs that the Volunteers have abandoned the open space in the city of San Juan in which they were encamped, but that a third part of the city is still in the occupation of the Spanish forces. He adds that the American troops, reinforced by farther landings at Arroyo, are steadily advancing upon San Juan. A body of Spanish troops at San German have rebelled, but the rising has been suppressed.—Central News. AMERICAN TRANSPORT WRECKED. WASHINGTON, Friday.-A telegram from Ponce, Porto Rico, states that the transport Massa- chusetts has been whore for ^ven^ay^ will probably become a total wreck. Her troo^ have been disembarked .—Reuter

SOUDAN EXPEDITION. THE ADVANCE ON KHARTOUM. [RETITER'S SPECIAL SERVICE.] ATBABA CAMP, Friday.-The 32nd Field Bat- tery R.A., with guns complete, arrived to-day with Brigadier-General Lyttleton, who goes into camp at once with his brigade on the bank of the Atbara. The system of train and water trans- port from Cairo to this camp has been working regularly to date. [CENTRAL NEWS SPECIAL SEKVICK.J ASSOUAN, Friday.—The foreign attaches to General Kitchener's staff, with Colonel Wingate and Colonel Rhodes, left here this afternoon for the front. The Grenadier Guards have already gone through, and the Lancers are expected to reach here to-night. Everything is working smoothly.

HOLY LAND FOR GERMANY. A GIFT FROM SULTAN TO KAISER. Renter's correspondent at Beirt, writing under date July 27th, says:—" A rumour is being widely circulated in Syria to the effect that the Sultan intends, on the occasion of the Emperor William s visit, to cede to Germany a part or even a large tract of land on the coast of Syria. The two German Catholic societies, the German Association of the Holy Sepulchre,' which dates from 1804, and the Palestine Union,' which was founded in 1888, have just fused into one associa- tion under the title of the first named. It is also expected that on the occasion of the Imperial visit the German Catholics will obtain an impor- tant foundation in Jerusalem controlled by Germany alone."

TO-DAY'S WEATHER 4.30A.M _u- TO-DAY'S FORECAST POR ENGLAND, S.W,. ANa i>OUTH WALES. Issued at 8 o'clock last night. Westerly to north-westerly winds, fresh or strong; squally, showery; cooler. GENER"Squally and showery weather is probable in most places tomorrow, but some im- provemen t with cooler conditions may be expected late in the day. WARNING.—South cone hoisted In districts 5, 7, and part of 9. GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts were prepared lasfcnight at the Meteorological Office at eight o'clock:— DiiaTwcT" 0. Scotland, N. ] Easterlyand variable breezes, 1. Scotland, E. j dull; unsettled; rainy. 2. England, N.E.\ South-westerly to westerly 3. England, E. or north-westerly winds, 4. Mia. Counties.. strong; a gale in some 5. Eng. S. (Lon. places; squally and showery and Channel) ..) at first; fine and cooler later. 6. Scotland, W. 7.England, N.W., J & North Wales, f Westerly to north-westerly 8. England, S.W., V winds, fresh or strong & South Wales, j squally; showery; cooler. 9. Ireland, N | 10. Ireland, S « ":I' -,rr"

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SPHERE OF BRITISH AND RUSSIAN RAILWAY INFLUENCE. THE position it is only necessary to remember that the Hong Kong and Shanghai Ba.nk (British) is M negotiation to build the extension of the Pekin Shan-hai-kwan RailwaV to Niu- chwang. J importance of this to Russia is seen when it is considered that the line will form the only link between Russia's trans-Siberian extension line to Port Arthur on the one hand and Pekin on the other hancl-vn importance which is multiplied by the value of the concession obtained by Russia to build the line southward from Pekin through Chingting to Hankan, the centre of the trade of the middle Yang-tsze Valley. The town of Shan-hai-kwan, the present terminus of the railwry from Pekin through Tientsin and Taku, is east of Pekin on the Gulf of Liao-tung. Niu-chwang is an important commercial town and treaty port at the north of the Gulf of Liao-tung —and therefore 150 miles north of the new Russian stronghold of Port Arthur and 350 east-north- east of Pekin. Niu-chwang will thus cover the land approach to Pekin from Port Arthur as well as from Manchuria and Siberia, while it will form the terminus of the line connecting Pekin with Tientsin, Taku, and the commerce of the Gulf of Pe-chi-Ii.

THE LORDS' VETO. PREMIER'S WARNING NOTE. COMMONS STAND TO THEIR GUNS. VACCIN ATIONBILL CLAUSES REINSTATED. HOUSE OF LORDS.—FRIDAY. The Lord Chancellor took his seat on the Woolsack at a quarter-past 4. THE VACCINATION BILL. On the consideration of the report of amend- ments to the Vaccination Bill, the Earl of FEVERSHAM drew attention to a statement by Lord Salisbury that if their Lordships deleted the clause in the Bill relating to conscientious objection to vaccination it would go back to the Commons, who would reinsert it and the Bill would be lost. That was to say that the House of Lords were to take the Bill, the whole Bill, and nothing but the Bill, or it would be lost. Was that the condition to which the House of Peers was to be reduced ? They bad the ancient privilege-not yet a dead letter-of revising what was done by the other House, but if they were to be told that they could not make a single amendment in a Bill, or it they did so, it would be lost with other provisions in it, which must be distinctly bene- ficial, then the action of the House was rendered nugatory. In eliminating the conscience clause they had the support of the vast majority of the country. The LORD CHANCXLIJOR said the noble Earl had evidently misundWstood the Marquis of Salis- bury. The noble Marquis was alluding to what would possibly be the attitude of the House of Commons when the Bill went to them with the clause omitted. It was clear that if both Houses I did not agree the Bill, ipso facto, was killed. The statement of Lord Salisbury was not in the nature of a threat against the House of Lords. The report of amendments was agreed to, and the Bill read a third time and passed. IRISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT. On the consideration of the Commons amend- ments to the Lords amendments to the Local Government (Ireland) Bill, Lord ASHBOURNE said the amendments made by the other House were not of great importance, and as to the inclusion of Galway in the county boroughs that was not in order because it set up a new rating authority. The amendments were thereupon agreed to. The Mercantile Shipping (Mercantile Fund) Bili and the Trusts (Scotland) Bill passed through Committee. The Customs and Inland Revenue Bill and the India Office (Store Depot) Bill were read a third time and passed. NONCONFORMIST MARRIAGES. "The" Earl of SELBORNE moved the second reading of the Nonconformist Marriages (Attend- ance of Registrars) Bill. The Bishop of WINCHESTER cordially wel- corned the Bill as being based upon principles alike of perfect fairness, ordinary common- sense, and of public policy. The Bill was read a second time. A second reading was also given to the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill. Their Lordships rose at five o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FRIDAY. The Speaker took the chair at 3.0. RUSSIA AND THE PERSIAN GULF. Mr CURZON, in reply to Mr Drage, stated that rumours of a desire on the part of one of the Great I Powers to acquire by lease or otherwise a port on the Persian Gulf had from time to time reached the Foreign Office, but he could not say whether any weight was to be attached to them. The figures published in the latest Consular reports showed that two-thirds of the trade of the Persian Gulf was with the United Kingdom and British posessions. The political anil coninierci&lresponsi- bilities of Great Britain in the Persian Gulf were undoubtedly of such magnitude as to give to her Majesty's Government a special interest in these Mr DRAGE asked whether the loan which the Persian Government had been negotiating with the Imperial Bank of Persia— the only British institution in Persla-on the security of the Customs revenues at the ports on the Persian Gulf had fallen through owing to re- presentations by Russia, and whether her Majesty's Government would communicate to the Persian Government a promise of support in such case similar to that made on July 22 to the Chinese Government. Mr CURZON The main reasons for the collapse of the loan negotiations are that the Persian Government asked for a larger sum than the bank was prepared to find and the change of Govern- ment in Persia, accompanied by a strong opposi- tion to anything in the shape of control of the Customs revenue as security for a loan. The Government have gone as far as possiblb in sup- port of the bank, but they have received no in- formation that the Persian Government desire such promise of support as is suggested. PACIFIC CABLE SCHEME. Mr CHAMBERLAIN, replying to Mr Bowles, stated that no official communication had been received from the Government of Canada or the Govern- ments of any of the Australasian Colonies uf their willingness to jointly contribute or guarantee two-thirds of the cost of an all-British cable via the Pacific to the Australasian Colonies. Should such communications be received they would have due consideration from her Majesty's Government. PROCEDURE. Mr A. J. BALFOUR informed Mr'Coghill that he hoped to take into consideration the Lords' amendments to the Vaccination Bill that night if it were possible to do so before one o'clock. He could give no pledge in regard to the introduc- tion of a Re-vaccination Bill next Session. NEW LIBERAL MEMBER Mr Fletcher Moulton, introduced by Mr Bill- son and Mr Lambert, was received by Opposi- tion cheers upon taking the oath and his seat for the Launceston Division of Cornwall. SUPPLY. The House went into Committee of Supply (21st allotted day), and the first vote proposed was £ 26,982 to complete the sum for the Registrar- General's Department that was agreed to after a brief conversation. On the next vote of 1340,535 for the Stationery Office, including the reports of Parliamentary debates, Mr H. Lewis directed attention to the waste of money in the circulation of unnecessary Parliamentary papers, and Mr Carvell Williams and Mr Lough expressed the opinion that the official reports of debates had not of late reached the degree of excellence which had been attained in past times. Dr. Clark, on the other hand, held that they were getting a better and fuller report at a much cheaper rate. Mr Hanbury said that no doubt the contractors had difficulties to over- come in the first year of their contract. There had Been a saving of £ 5C,000 a year in the con- tract for the supply of stationery to the Depart- ment, and the paper they were now getting was almost entirely of English manufacture. (Hear, hear.) The vote was agreed to. REAFFORESTATION OF WELSH CROWN LANDS. On the vote for the Office of Woods and Forests, Mr HERBERT JJEWIS called attention to a subject which he had raised frequently with regard to Wales, and which he thought Parliament would take a great deal more interest in a few years ftence than it did now. It was that of the re- afforestation of waste lands, He knew that one of the present Commissioners was in favour of such a policy, and would do all he could to carry u uttt' *n ^ales the Crown possessed the free- hold of 8,400 acres, but it possessed mineral rights over a. much larger area, in regard to which a dimculty arose by reason of there being common- able rights to be dealt with, and which might have to be dealt with by legislation. He would be very sorry to take away from any commoner any right he might possess of feeding his sheep or cattle on common belonging to the Crown without giving ^enu&te compensation for it, but he sug- gested that the commonable rights might be extinguished by purchase, and that then the conld bJ proceeded with. Mr HANBURY stated that the Commissioners of Woods and Forests were doing what they could to develop the planting of timber, and he would see how-far it was possible, at any rate in some few places, to get rid of common rights with that object. vote w»s agreed to SECRET SERVICE. Upon the vote for Secret Service, Mr Dillon in order to record his objection to the way in which some of this money was applied, moved to reduce the vote by 910,000. Sir C. DILXE could not support the amendment, because in the present state of Europe expendi ture of this kind was necessary. Mr LABOUCHERE observed that the effect of the argument was that money was to be spent badly in Ireland because we ought to be spending 10 times as much badly in Europe. He had always been against secret service. Mr DILLON wished it to be understood that what he was protesting against was the abomin- able practice which prevacled the whole police system of Ireland of promoting crime in order to discover and break up supposed conspiracies. A division was taken and the reduction was negatived by 120 to 46, majority 74. The vote was agreed to. Votes for educational grants were passed. SLAVERY AT ZANZIBAR. Sir CHARLES DILKE moved a reduction on the vote of X271,600 to complete the sum for Embassies, missions and Cousular establishments abroad, and called attention to the action of the British authorities in the coast strip of Zanzibar, who, he said, were violating British law by returning fugitive slaves to their owners. Mr CURZON said the attitude of missionaries in persuading slaves to run away from their masters was in violation of the engagements they had entered into, and the experience of the last few years warned the Government to be very careful how they handled the question with refer- ence to the mainland. They were not going to be hurried by charges made in that Rouse into running the risk of outbreak and disturbance by immediately abolishing slavery on the mainland, but they hoped and intended to carry out on the mainland that which they were in process of carrying out upon the islands. (Hear, near.) Mr LABOUCHERE looked upon the question as one that concerned our honour and good name in the world. If this was a British Protectorate people ought not to remain slaves there till some experiment had been made in freeing slaves else- where. Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT could not help thinking that the tone adopted by the Under-Secretary was unfortunate, and did not correspond with the feelings of the House and of the country. (Hear, hear.) Sir A. Harding, our representative at Zanzibar, had used language on the subject of fugitive slaves entirely unworthy of a person who represented the British Empire.

MANCHESTER SHIP CANAL. THE HALF-YEARLY REPORT. The half-yearly report of the Manchester Ship Canal Co., to be presented at a meeting of share holders on the 11th inst., shows revenue receipts of £ 106,695, and expenditure £ 86,122, leaving a credit balance of £ 20,573. The profits of the Bridgewater Department amounted to £ 21,706. The balance carried to net revenue account amounts to £ 42,669. Interest for the half-year on amounts to £ 42,669. Interest for the half-year on First and Second Mortgage Debentures amount- ing to S,44,732 has been paid, the half-year's net revenue of 4;42,669 being used for the purpose, and £ 2,073 being taken from previously accumu- lated revenue of the Biidgewater Department. The interest due to the Manchester Corporation, amounting to £ 112,500, has not been paid, and the total amount owing to the Corporation on June 30th was 1731,250. The net revenue of ¡ the ship canal portion of the undertaking I amounted to £ 20,573, as compared with a loss of £ 834 on the working of the corresponding period of 1897. The improvement was caused by in- creased earnings and reduced expenditure. 'IØ!IIII'f\otIQM-

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CONFERENCE AT LLAN- DRINDOD WELLS. THE WELSH PLATFORM. The National Liberal Council for Wales and Monmouthshire held its first meeting yesterday at the Public HaJI, Llandrindod. The scheme for the formation of the Council was adopted at the National Convention held at Cardiff in February. The Council consists of delegates from each constituency aesociation in the proportion of one for every 3,000 elec- tors. This meeting of the Council had been summoned by the Welsh Liberal Parliamentary Committee to define the policy of the Council and to elect officers. Mr Alfred Thomas; M.P., was elected to the chair, and supporting him on the platform were Mr Brynmor Jones. Q.C., M.P., one of the convention secre- taries; Mr Lloyd George, M.P., Mr W, Jones, M.P., Alderman Thomas Gee, Denbigh Mr Egerton Allen, the ex-member for Pembroke Boroughs and Mr R. H. Davies, of the Central Liberal Office, acting as secretary pro tern. There were present a large number of delegates from North and South Wales and several ladies repre- senting the Welsh Women's Liberal Association. The CHAIRMAN, who was very warmly greeted, congratulated the Council upon the great success of the convention held at Cardiff. The Welsh members had a very hard task to gather the voice of Wales, but they had admirably suc- ceeded, and that day they witnessed the first assembly of a. Council with power to voice the opinions and aspirations of the Welsh people. He had certa.inly not been prepared to see the sacrifices that were made by the stalwarts of Wales when they assembled in large numbers at the Cardiff Convention from such distant places as Anglesey, Carnarvon, Cardigan, and Pem- broke, thereby showing how warmly they appre- ciated the dream of the Welsh patriots of old. If the Welsh people wanted that association, as he firmly believed they did, then they would carry it on with energy and vigour. (Cheers.) Mr BRYNMOR JONES reported having received several letters of apology from absentees. Mr Herbert Roberts, M.P., wrote :—" Speaking for Nor:h Wales, for which, as secretary of the Cardiff Convention, I am responsible, I have had numerous proofs of the reality and strength of the sentiment which has resulted in an organisation, the first chapter in whose history will be, I am sure, successfully written to- morrow. Yon will, I believe, have a substantial delegation from North Wales despite distance, and this in itself will prove our determination in this part to build and sustain a vigorous central Liberal organisa- tion for Wales. (Cheers.) Mr Albert Spicer was absent owing to family bereavement, and others who wrote were Mr Ellis Jones Griffith, M.P. Mr R. Bird, and Mr Sidney Robinson, Cardiff; Dr. Edward Jones, J.P., Dolgelly; Mr Cory Yeo, J.P., Swansea; Mr Llewellyn E^ton, Mold; Mrs Viriamu Jone3. Cardiff; Mrs Howell Idris, London; Alderman T. J. Hughes, Bridgend; Mr H. G. C. Allgood, Cardiff; and the Rev. Towyn Jones. Mr BRYNMOR JONES next submitted the report of the Provisional Committee appointed under the revised scheme at the Cardiff Convention. The report pointed out that at the first meeting of the Welsh Liberal Parliamentary party this Session the scheme came under considaration, and a sub-committee were appointed to arrange for the creation and calling together of the National Council. The sub-committee consisted of the six members who had formed the Conven- tion Committee, viz., Messrs Albert Spicer, Alfred Thomas, T. Ellis, Lloyd George, Herbert Roberts, and Brynmor Jones, and four others newly-elected, viz., Messrs Wynford Philipps, Charles Morley, William Jones, and Vaughan Davies. The sub-committee, after interchange of opinions between themselves and Liberals of a representative character in Wales, had resolved to convene the Council for tha.t day at Llandrindod. Mr H. Davies, of the Liberal Central Office, was appointed to assist the secre- taries, and had rendered very efficient aid. All constituency associations except two were repre- sented there. Those two constituencies, Angle- sey and Denbigh Boroughs, though responding sympathetically, were unable to send delegates. The committee now desired to point out that with the holding of the first meeting of the Council their powers were at an end. They had not thought it well to set down any detailed agenda, thinking it better that the Council should take upon itself the responsibility of carrying on the work of national organisation and framing the constitution of the National Council. The report was received and adopted. WELSH LIBERAL POLICY. Mr LLOYD GEORGE, M.P., moved a. resolution which, after certain verbal amendments had been introduced after discussion, read as follows :— That this Council reaffirms previous declara- tions made at Welsh Liberal gatherings in favour of the Disestablishment and Disenaowment of the Church in Wales, of temperance reform, land reform, und constitutional reform and it also expresses its conviction that, having regard to the congestion of business in the Imperial Parliament and to the diverse political conditions obtaining in various parts of the United Kingdom, speedy and adequate effort cannot be given to the wishes of the Welsh people in the above and other subjects except by such a.n extension of self-government as will confer on the various nationalities of the kingdom the power to manage their own purely domestic affairs that the circumstances which render necessary such a measure of devolution constitute the most urgent political difficulty now confronting the forces of progress in this country that no measure of self-government will be acceptable to the Welsh people which does not maintain unimpaired the unity of the Empire and the integrity and supremacy of the Imperial Parliament; and that it is expedient in order the more satisfactorily to ensure this object, to deal. with the four nation- alities as far as practicable simultaneously." In the course of his remarks the hon. member said that what they first required was a thoroughly good programme to work. Fortun- ately it was not necessary to have a new programme, because the old was such an excel- lent one; and he simply proposed in the first place that they should reaffirm their old pro- gramme. Their ideals remained the same bat they were now possibly suggesting fresh means of attaining them and if there was the slightest difference in the form of the resolution from resolutions passed at previous gatherings of the kind with kindred objects, it simply meant that they had come to the conclusion that it may be necessary they should take some different methods of accomplishing the objects they stated in the old programme and placed in the forefront, There was no suggestion of laying it one side—(cheers)—or postponing it. They stuck to it He agreed with the South Wales Daily Neios, though he did not always agree with it, that men who abandoned their principles purely and simply because they had encountered defeat in fighting for them were even beneath contempt, (Cheers.) The fact that they had been beaten was one reason the greater for adhering to their prin- ciples much more strongly, fighting for them with increased vigour and let them show that there was one part ot the country at least where there was plenty of grit, and which was not to be swept away by every passing deluge. They believed in civil and religious equality, and if they had been defeated it did not alter the principle. (Cheers.) But the question arose, how they were most likely to accomplish their objects. They were asking Parliament for a measure of Disestablish- ment and Disendowment of the Church, which was an enormous task in itself. They were asking for a measure of temperance reform — not one, but several. They were asking for land reform, which in reBpect to Iraland bad occupied several sessions even to partially complete, and which in respect to Wales would occupy the same number of years to attain anything like a satisfactory measure. They were also asking for educational reforms but what wore the difficulties they had to confront now that they were at the outset of their career,, starting their business afresh ? Let them look at their difficulties fairly in the face. How were they going to attain their objects ? The Imperial Parliament had under its dominion the concern of an Empire with four hundred millions or more inhabitants of this globe. It had to legislate, to administer, and to manage their huge property. If the Imperial Parliament gave the whole time at its disposal for the next ten years simply to legislate upon purely Welsh concerns, they might then be in a position to retire for another ten years. But still they had the fact that the Imperial Parliament had not the necessary time to legislate for all parts of the Empire. There was the other difficulty which Lord Rosebery had accentuated at the last General Election— that the different parts of the United Kingdom de- manded different things. This was clearly illus- trated in the educational systems which prevailed in each country. In Ireland they had the denomi- national system in toto. Scotland had a School Boaxd system. England had a sort of compromise, the two systems running side by side, while Wales demanded an undenominational system altogether. The same variance prevailed with reference to other questions. Their grievances were not iden- ticaJ, and their suggestions for redressing them were not identical. The result was they presented absolutely different demands to the Imperial Par- liament for settlement, when the Imperial Parlia. ment was already clogged, and the result was absolute deadlock. So long as England was Con- servative they got nothng they wanted. They had many things they did not want. They asked for bread, and they got stones hurled at their heads. (Laughter.) They must have something in the nature of devolution which would enable the four nationalities to conduct their own business purely and simply. In Wales they wanted Dis. establishment, land temperance, educational, and oth-er reforms, but the most urgent question of the hour was the congestion of business in the Impe- rial Parliament—the failure of the Imperial Par- liament to attend to the necessities of small por- tions of the Empire. Mr EGERTON ALLEN, the ex member for Pem- broke Boroughs, seconded, and spoke enlogisti- cally of the great work done in Parliament by the Irish members. Mr W. ELLWY WILLIAMS (Rhyl) asked whether it was to be understood that they were to aban- don Disestablishment in favour of Home Rule for Wales. (" No, no.") Mr H. BROWN (Newport) suggested certain verbal alterations in the reeolntion, which were agreed to, in order to emphasise the fact that D9V0TAT&S was sought ia addition to and not as a. substitution of the other reforms mentioned on the platform. Dr. GRIFFITH (Milford Haven) feared if they put Welsh Home Rule into the forefront very few of them would live to see the reforms on whioh they had set their hearts. Alderman JACOBS (Newport) feared the resolu- tion would have the effect of discouraging the especially if they made the securing of Welsh Home Rule a necessary preliminary to the other reforms. Principal EDWARDS, Cardiff, thoroughly agreed with the spirit of the resolution, which he took to mean that they did not drop anything, even for the present, but that the Welsh Parliamentary party would continue to press forward in Parlia- ment those questions that were dearest and nearest to their hearts. The Rev. E. RICHARDS, Tonypandy, supported the resolution. The Rev. GWYNOBO DAVIES, of Barmouth, said the great majority of Liberals throughout Wales were convinced that the best way to force Dises- tablishment to the front was by supporting such a method as was outlined in the resolution to- day. Mr W. JONES, M.P., declared they were not dropping Home Rule for Ireland, but what they said RoB practical politicians was this, Home Rule will never crop up except in some form of devolu- tion to the four countries. They would give Home Rule to Ireland certainly, but Home Rule to Ireland could not be given unless at the same time they gave some measure of self-government to each of the other three nations. Some weak- kneed Liberals talked of dropping several things, but in Wales they were not going to take their political ideals from Grimsby. Alderman THOMAS GEE, Denbigh, while heartily agreeing with the five points of their charter, felt they should place the five side by side, without giving precedence to one over the other, though they might emphasize if they wished the import- ance of this devolution of public business. Mr LLOYD GEORGE characterised the debate as useful and interesting, and the criticism had been sound and pertinent. It had been suggested that they were postponing Disestablishment and other reforms in order to prosecute some chimerical notions about Home Rule for Wales. They had no intention of doing anything of the kind. They would prosecute those reforms in season and out of season, as before. The principle of self-government was at the root of their demand for Disestablishment, and when fighting for one they would be fighting for the other, and devolution itself, whatever its nature or extent, would relieve the pressure of Parliamejbt and give it more time to deal with Disestablishment. The resolution, as given above, was then sub- mitted to the meeting and carried unanimously, MR T. ELLIS. On the motion of Alderman D. DAVIES, Merthyr, the Council adopted a resolution expressing sympathy with Mr T. Ellis, M.P., in his illness, and hope for hi" early recovery. ELECTION OF PRESIDENT. Mr ALFRED THOMAS, M.P., proposed that Mr Thomas Gee, of Denbigh, be elected the first president of the Welsh National Liberal Council. Mr Gee was a man whose labours for Welsh Liberalism could never b" overestimated, and his election to that office of honour that day would be hailed with gladness throughout the country. Alderman J. R. JACOB, of Newport, seconded. and the motion was alco supported by the Rev. Lewis James, representing Pembrokeshire; Mrs Brynmor Jones, representing the Women's Liberal Association; and Alderman D. Davies, Merthyr, and adopted with acclamation. Mr GEE suitably returned thanks. On the motion of Mr Ht".(:8 it was resolved that the presidents should remain in office for one year only. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE. Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., and Mr R. D. Burnie declined nominations ior the treasurership, whereupon Mr Brynmor Jones, M.P., suggested the appointment, of a provisional committee to draft standing orders for the conduct of business, to arrange the terms for the engagement of secretary, to advertise for candidates, and to report thereon to the next meeting of the Council. This was seconded by Mr Morgan Thomas and agreed to. Mr R. H. Davies, of the Central Liberal Office, London, was appointor", convener of the first meeting of the commiit> which was fixed to be held at Shrewsbury Votes of thanks to the co-secretaries—Messrs Brynmor Jones and Herbert loberts-30nd to Mr Albert Spicer for his services in initiating the movement concluded the proceedings. PUBLIC MEETING. In the evening a public meeting was held, under the presidency of Alderman Gee, when addresses were delivered by Principal Edwards, Cardiff; Messrs Lloyd George, M.P., D. Bryn- mor Jones, M.P., Alfred Thomas. M.P., and W. Tones, M.P., and a resolution was adopted similar to that carried at the conference.

LAST NIGHT'S If GAZETTE." RECEIVING ORDERS. John Parrv Thomae, of Abercegin, Bangor, lately tenant of fishery, now no occupation. Mry Ann Verdon, 16, Forrest-street, Cardiff, grocer. WIlliam Jones, of Dresden Bakery, Llanelly, baker. klizaoetn Ann Harding, of Glebeland-street and Twynyrodyn, Merthvr Tydfil, bootmafeer. CHARLES Evans, 126, Gorse-i«ne, Swansea, newsagent.

LOCAL WINDING-UP NOTICE. The London O-aaette of last night states that at an extraordinary general meeting of the members of the Castro Steamship Company, Limited, recently held at 19, Mounistuart-square, Cardiff, it was reolved and duly confirmed that the j company be wound up voluntarily (for recon- struction). Mr George Hosking Wills, of Brooklyn, Whitchurch, near Cardiff, has been, appointed liquidator for purposes of auch- wmding-up.

COURT CIRCULAR. OSBORNE, Friday. The Queen a.nd Princess Henry of Battenberg, attended by the Dowager Lady Ampthill, drove through West Coves yesterday afternoon. Major the Hon. H. C. Legge was in attendance on horse- back as Equerry-in-Waiting. Herr Liebling had the honour of performing music upon the piano before her Majesty last evening. The Queen went out this morning accompanied by Princess Henry of Battenberg and the Duches of York. Princess Louise, Marchioness of Lome, and the Marquis of Lorne left Osborne, crossing overto Portsmouth on board,her Majesty's yacht Alberta. The band of the Austrian-Hungarian training ship Donau, anchored in the roadstead, played a selection of music at Osborne yesterday during her Majesty's luncheon. The Countess of Warwick is seriously indis- posed and unable to keep her engagement to open the extension of the Nurses' Home. Plaistow. The Prince of Wales continues to make satis- factory progress. Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein left Coburg yesterday for London. It is said that a strong endeavour will be made to get the Prince of Wales to visit the United States in the course of next summer. The inten- tion in this respect is largely the result of the Anglo-American movement. Prince Alexander of Battenberg, the eldest son of the late Prince Henry of Battenberg, who is gomg through a course of studies ae cadet on board her Majesty s ship Britannia, has gone on leave, and joined his mother, the Princess Beatrice, at Osborne. Mr Arthur Pease, M.P., was not so well to- night, and was weaker. If the condition of the patient allowed he was to have been removed to London on Saturday. This has, however, been postponed till Monday.

DISASTER AT SEA. LOSS OF A CHINESE CRUISER. 146 LIVES SACRIFICED. The Ostend paper Carilla yesterday morning published a telegram from its Antwerp corres- pondent to the effect that information has been received there of the loss of a Chinese cruiser and 146 lives in a heavy gale.

MR HOOLEY S ALLEGATIONS. TO THE EDITOE. SIR,—As manager of the Law Courts Branch of Lloyds Bank, Limited, I have been made the subject by Mr Hooley of grave accusations in his evidence, which have obtained wide publicity. It is of course impossible in the columns of a newspaper to go into details, but I hope you will afford me the opportunity to deny with equal publicity the truth of the accusations which Mr Hooley has made. There has been no single transaction which will not bear the strongest light. Mr Hooley's statements constitute a tissue of misrepresentations, which I shall at the earliest moment claim to have the opportunity to publicly expose.—I am, &c., MACKWORTH PRAED. Lloyds Bank, Limited, 222. Strand, W.C., August 4th, 1898.

BRISTOL & SOUTH WALES RAILWAY WAGGON CO. HALF-YEARLY MEETING. Tbe half-yearly meeting of the above company was held at Bristol yesterday, Colonel H. B. O. Savile presiding. The directors' report stated that the revenue account shows a, disposable balance of £6.675 15s, and the directors recommend that a dividend be paid at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum free of income tax, leaving a balance of £194 153 9d to be carried to the current half-year's account. As in the last account, the directors have taken credit for instalments in arrear on sorno of the American contracts, the reports on the companies in question pointing to a. settlement or satisfactory re-arrangement of their debts. the rolling stock of tbe company consists of 15,829 carriages and waggons and 12 locomotive engines. The CONTINGENT fund now stands at 28 Sd. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report AND accounts, said the company for 30 years had regularly had dividend of 10 per cent., and it had accumulated in that time the reserve cf £37,500 without calling upon that reserve at all to equalise the dividend. But there had been a long time of depression among the railways in Amcrica, and as they did business with American railways it was natural they should have felt that depression. With such A reserve fund as they possessed they felt justified in in- cluding certain items in tbe accounts. He could look back at the PAST with pride, and say that few COMPANIES in the kingdom could show such a record. (Applause.) Mr J. Inekip seconded the motion, which was carried. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr R. H. Warren, a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. was resolved upon. Messr* JOSEPH Almond and ChaR, C. Saville were re-elected directors, and Messrs W. F. Brookman and Stephen To yon, wore re- appointed auditors. "a¡.i-r-

PROPOSED TRAMWAYS AT BARRY. At the ordinary meeting of the Barry District Council, held vesterday Mr W Thomas, one of the" members, intro- duced a motion to the effect that a com- mittee be appointed to consider the desirability of establishing a system of tramways or omni- buses m the district, and to report thereon. Councillor J H. Joee seconded the resolution, which was eventually carried. -n_-

"YOUR HORSE IS COUGHING t" Are you giving him HARVEY'S ACONITE POWDERS? Of Chemists 2s 8d and 20* Si pme bam

ENGLAND AND RUSSIA. A STRANGE STORY. The London correspondent of the Birmingham Post says :—A curious story reaches me as cur- rent in diplomatic quarters here which may throw some light upon the singular contradictions between the statements circulated within the past two days as to the health of the Queen of Den- mark. It is said that very great importance is attached to the meeting of the Princess of Wales and the Empress Dowager of Russia at Copen- hagen, and official and diplomatic opinion alike support the belief that the Princess's hurried departure from England yesterday was in re- sponse to a telegram from her Imperial sister bearing upon Anglo-Russian relations. No doubt is entertained that the meeting is to be in a special sense a political one, and that the Empress powager is working for the conclueion if a definite understanding in regard to Anglo- Russian interests in the Far East.

THE BATHING FATALITY AT ABERAVON. RECOVERY OF THE BODY. The body of the lad, John Dogherty, of Treher- fcert (who was drowned on Bank Holiday), was found on the beach between the north and south piers of the Port Talbot Dock and Railway Co.'s works yesterday afternoon, and was conveyed to Hhe improvised Mortuary at Aberavon, where it waits identification and the Coroner's inguest. J

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS GO SLOWLY. AMERICANS SUSPICIOUS. PORTO RICO. ADVANCE OF INVADERS. DESPERATE RESISTANCE EXPECTED. A SINISTER REPORT. FCENTBALI NEWS SPECIAL SERVICE.J MADRID, Friday, 9.40 p.m.—The pro- ceedings at this evening's Cabinet Counil have been of a most secret character. It is, however, stated that resolutions of a grave nature were taken by the Ministers, and it is even reported that they have decided to send no answer to President McKinley's peace proposals at present. Ministers, however, maintain the strictest silence as to the nature of their decision. [CENTRAL NEWS SPECIAL SERVICE.] WASHINGTON; Friday Night.—A Cabinet Council was held this morning at 11 o'clock, members only adjourning at 1 o'clock. It is reported that the conference was mainly devoted to a discussion upon the necessity of recalling as many troops as possible from Santiago. Nothing new has transpired here to-day with regard to the peace negotiations, and the slow progress being made has produced a growing belief in the capital that the Spanish Government is only fencing in order to secure delay in the hope that something may turn up for their benefit. President McKinley and Secretary Day are the only members of the Cabinet Tvho are hopeful that Spain will accept the American terms at an early date. FREUTEB's SPECIAL SERVICE.] WASHINGTON, Friday.—Conversing on the sub- ject of peace negotiations, a Cabinet Minister remarked to-day that having thoroughly realised the nature of the grave political problems which Senor Sagasta must solve before he can finally assent to the peace conditions, the Washing- ton Administration was not surprised that the answer of the Spanish Government should be delayed. He believed that as far as Sagasta was concerned he had made up his mind to accept the American terms of peace, and that he was supported by the majority of his Cabinet, but he finds it necessary to secure the adhesion of the leaders of the other parties in order to guard against disaster in future. Therefore it was hardly expected that a final decisive answer would be immediately forthcoming. CABINET MEETING AT WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, Friday.—The Board of Naval Strategy was present at to-day's regular Cabinet meeting. Special significance is attached to the conference. During the forenoon Mr Day, Secre- tary of State, said he knew nothing of the plans for communicating Spain's reply, and he had no knowledge of when it would reach the Govern- ment. So far as could be learned there has been no communication betweeen Mr Day and M. Cambon since Wednesday night. After the Cabinet one of the Ministers remarked that at this moment peace negotiations were in a state of quiescence. These were not, he said, mentioned at the Cabinet meeting except incidentally.— Reuter. CORTES CALLED TO DISCUSS A PEACE TREATY. MADRID, Friday.—Senor Sagasta conferred to-day with Senor Silvela, Conservative leader, when both agreed it was imperative to convene the Cortes at once in order to negotiate a treaty of peace. General Polaireja, who was also present at the conference, excused himself from making any communication to the Press as to what passed on the ground that his duty as a soldier imposed secrecy. General Azcarraga thought if Spain possessed adequate resources the war ought to be continued to secure more acceptable conditions, but that, if not, peace ought to be concluded immediately. General Chinschilla said We have a brave and well disciplined army. It is ready to go wherever it may be sent." This evening the Premier will confer with Marshal Primo de Riveira, General Weyler, and Senor Salmeron, leader of the Republicans in the Chamber. The Ministers of Public Works and Colonies will also oonfer together. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has received a telegram from Senor Leon y Castillo, but the purport of the message has not been divulged.—Reuter. SPANISH PEOPLE FOR PEACE. PARIS, Friday.—The Temps correspondent at Madrid says the conviction prevails that there is nothing to fear at present from the popular feel- ing which is everywhere in favour of peace, although deeply chagrined at the extent of the sacrifices involved.—Beater. MADRID, Friday, 3 p.m.—The leading political men of all parties are being asked to give their views on the desirability of concluding peace upon the American terms. The evident desire of the Government is to have their hands strength- ened in the coming negotiations, Up to the present all those consulted have been in favour of the peace party with the exception of Senor Romero y Robledo and Senor Nocedal, the leader of the National Catholic party. These two politicians believe that Spain might secure better terms by a continuation of the struggle.—Central Neios. A SLOW PROCESS. His Excellency the United States Ambassador, in an interview with a representative of the Central News yesterday, said the two Govern- ments were now earnestly negotiating for peace, but the proceedings must necessarily be slow. The American Government's terms and com- munications had to be sent to Paris in cypher, and there they had to be deciphered and sent to Madrid, where they were deciphered again. Any which had to be sent to Washington went via Paris.

MANILA. REINFORCEMENTS FOR ADMIRAL DEWEY. WASHINGTON, Friday.—It IS v be sent battleships and one cruiser 1 "> fleet, to Manila to reinforce Admiral ? to It is not known whether further be sent to Manila, but if so they W pre. across the Atlantic via the Suez parations have been made in coold be should be wanted, and an expediti sent off promptly.—Central Neios. WM KTOY-XBE W«QI6^ ties 1eny the report that the American Govern' ment intends to send troops to Manila via the Suez Canal.-Weut-. AQUINALDO GIVING TROUBLE. NEW YORK, Friday.-The Hong Kong corre- spondent of the Evening Journal telegraphs that: Aquinaldo has addressed a man)ifesto Ito Mr Rounsevelle Wildman, American Consul at Hong, Kong, in reference to a statement that was behaving as he had promised Mr Wildman. Aquinaldo asks, "Why should America expect me to outline my policy for the presen an future, and fight blindly for her in s,, when America has not been frank wi *ne" Tell me this. Am I fighting for annex-ebon, protection, or independence ? It is for America to say not me. I can take Manila as I nave defeated the Spanish everywhere, but what would be the use ? If America takes Manila I can have my men and arms for what the future has in store for me. Now, my good friend, believe me, I am not both fool and rogue. The interests of my people are sacred to me as the interests of your people are sacred to you.Reuter. MARIA TERESA FLOATED. NEW YORK, Friday.-The Evening Post pub- lishes a telegram from Norfolk stating that the salvage company has received advices that the Spanish vessel Maria Teresa which was sunk in Santiago Channel has been refloated- and will shortly start for Norfolk under her own steam.- Reuter. A HEAVY DEATH-ROLL. SANTIAGO, Thursday-General Toral has sent a letter to General Shatter stating that the camp of surrendered Spanish soldiers is un- healthy, and that several hundred men are sick in hospitals, and that on an average there are 1-2 deaths daily. General Shatter will take imme diate action to improve the sanitary situation. Reuter. HUMANITY TO THE VANQUISHED. WASHINGTON, Friday.-Admiral Cervera to-day visited the Spanish wounded in the hospital at Norfolk, There were many affecting scenes, officers fervently embracing each other. The admiral expressed his appreciation of the treat- ment acoorded to the wounded. He declared that the kindness accorded to the Spanish sick m America was without parallel in the world s history between two nations at war. RIGHTS OF AMERICA IN THE SOUTH SEAS. NEW YORK, Friday.—The New York Herald publishes the following from Washington: President McKinley has decided to utilise Pagopago Harbour, in Samoa, which was ceded to the United States in 1878, for the establish- ment of a fully equipped naval and coaling station. Such action overturns the Cleveland policy, and indicates to Germany that it is the intention of America to abandon none of her rights in the South Seas. The Navy Department has completed preparations for sending large supplies of coal there.Reuter. HOBSON AND CERVERA. NEW YORK, Friday.—Lieut. Hobson, of Mer- rimac fame, presided last night at a meeting, at which he told the story of his experiences at Santiago. In the course of his address he mentioned the name of Admiral Cervera, which was received with a few hisses. Someone in the audience then called for cheers for Cervera,which were heartily given, Lieut. Hobson himself joining in.-aeltrat News. -A

THE FAR EAST. ANGLO-RUSSIAN RELATIONS. The Central News says that in well-informed party circles it is understood that the fresh difficulties between Great Britain and Russia in China are in a fair way of settlement. The statement circulated to the effect that the British Government had taken exclusive possession of the St. Petersburg wire is founded on entire ignorance of the tele-, graph system of Europe. The report in question is supposed to owe its origin to stock jobbing operations. There is no anxiety in Ministerial circles.

RUSSIA ON THE RED SEA. A SINISTER REPORT. VIENNA, Friday.—The Evening Post, the official organ of the Austrian Government, publishes a telegram taken from the St. Petersburg Novoe Vremya stating Russia has acquired the small Sultanate of Raheita, between Obok and Assab, on the Red Sea. The concession was obtained by Count Leontieff and M. Vlassieff from the Emperor Menelik, who will exercise a protec- torate over the possession. The Evening Post, commenting on this news, says by the acquisi- tion of Raheita Russia now controls the southern entrance to the Red Sea quite as much as England does by her position at Perim.-Central News.

THE INDIAN FRONTIER. COOLIES SLAUGHTERED IN THE TOCHI VALLEY. SlMLA, Friday.—On the night of the 3rd instant an attack was made on a coolies camp at Kanirogah, in the Tochi Valley. Seven men were killed, ten were wounded dangerously, and two wounded slightly. The assailants are not known.—Reuter.

THE VACCINATION BILL. LORDS' AMENDMENTS REJECTED. The House entered upon the consideration of the Lords' amendments to the Vaccination Bill at half-past 12 o'clock. On the question of the omission of Clause 2, the conscientious objection clause, Mr CHAPLIN said I need hardly say that this is a material amendment, and makes 111 material change in the Bill; I move that the House dis- agree with the Lords in their amendment. (Hear, hear.) Mr GRANT LAWSON did not see the reason for the substitution of an oath for a fine and so far he found himself on the side of the other House. He hoped it was not true that the Government intended to drop the Bill if this clause was struck out. (Cheers). Mr MONK considered that the Bill as it had come down was an excellent one, and the House would do wisely not, by insisting on the restora- tion of this clause, to risk its loss. Mr GRIFFITH BOSCAWEN could not understand the position of the Government in doing away with compulsory vaccination when they were removing the principal objections to vaccination. Mr CHAPLIN reminded the House that the original Bill contained two penalties for non- compliance with the law. He agreed that harm had ceen done to the cause of vaccination, but that was by the member for Gloucester and others in Committee in the House altering the Bill so that onepenalty was substituted for two. (Hear, hear.) He appealed to the common sense of Parliament. They were all anxious to pro- mote vaccination, and they had the choice between two methods of accomplishing that end, the one being by the Bill in the form in which it left the House of Commons and the other to return to the existing Acts. (Hear, hear, and cries of Why ? ") Hon. members knew perfectly well that unless Parliament changed its opinion suddenly for the third time there was no hope of striking out the clause and carrying the rest of the Bill. A number of local authorities declined to enforce the law unless some provision was made for the conscientious objection, and though it would have been possible to compel the observance of the law there was no certainty that the House of Commons would support such action, and it seemed that the great majority of the members were in favour of a conscience clause. (Hear, hear.) Colonel WELBY said he would vote for the rejection of the clause. Mr S. GEDGE observed that the clause was immoral and made the law nothing but a scare- crow. Mr G. WYNDHAM advised the House to adhere to a principle which it had affirmed by a large majority rather than to accept an amendment carried in the Lords in a thin House by a majority of two only. Mr JAMBS JLOWTHBR supported the Lords' amendment. Mr ARNOLD said the Government deserved praise for offering a policy of persuasion instead of coercion. Sir W. HARCOURT observed that the scene they had witnessed recalled the classical story of Acteon denounced by his own dogs. (Laughter.) What they had to consider was the best way ol' making vaccination effectual. Everyone ad- mitted that the old system was bad, and he cordially supported the Government in the course they had adopted. (Hear, hear.) The House then divided, and the numbers wprA For disagreeing with the Lords 129 Against 34 Majority for the Government 95 The clause was accordingly reinstated, and a Committee was appointed to draw up reasons for disagreeing with the Lords. The report of Supply of the 4th of August was brought up and agreed to. The House adjourned at a quarter-past 2 o'clock.

INTERNATIONAL MINERS' CONGRESS. VIENNA, Friday.—The International Miners' Congress held its final sitting to-day. Resolu- tions in favour of legislation in favour of sick and aged workmen and for adequate remunera- tion of labour inspectors were unanimously adopted. A resolution was passed for the nationalisation of mines. For the Inter- national Committee of the Miners' Congress Messrs Burt. Pickard, and Ashton were elected for Great Britain; MM. Calvignac and Lar- nondin for France, and MM. Caviot and O&lle- sarte for Belgium. The Austrian representative is M. Stark. Brussels was fixed as the meeting- Place of the next congrcs'—Reuter.

COLLIERY FATALITY AT ABERDARE. THE VALUE OF FIREMEN'S REPORTS. The first inquest iu the Aberdare district affected by the Workmen's Compensation Act took place yesterday at the Rosewenallt, Aber- nant, before Mr R J. Rhys, coroner, touching the death of Ebenezer Ellis, fireman at the Werfa Colliery, who met his death in the colliery on Tuesday last. From the evidence of Edwin Bufton, shot-fireman and bratticeman, its trans- pired that the decoased that morning found Borne gas in the waste adjoining two workin places, and had done all he could to get rid of it. He stopped the men going to the working places. Deceased left witness and passed in through the waste to get around to see how much gas was present, and not returning witness went after him and called out, but received no reply. Ultimately deceased was found dead near the face.—Mr W. Thomas, the manager of the colliery, who cams to the place before the deceased's body was found, said that earlier in the morning he met the deceased, who told him there was a little gas in the place and that he had stopped Hitchings and Allen going in. Witness did not see him afterwards. On the report book being produced it was found that after the deceased had met witness he had inserted in the report book, Examined 4.30 to 6.30 a.m. All things right and safe." — The Coroner pointed out that if the report had caused the death of anyone else it would have been a serious matter for the deceased. A verdict of Accidental death was ulti- mately returned. Mr D. Richards, solicitor, Aberdare, represented the widow Mr Peake represented the Employers' Liability Insurance Corporation, in which the Werfa Colliery had insured. "¡A"

NEGLECT OF CHILDREN NEAR ABERYSTWYTH. HUDDLED IN A TENT. At the Llanilar Petty Sessions yesterday John Macdonald and Edith Tig he, of Bwlohbach, were summoned before Mr Vaughan Davies, I M.P., the Earl of Lisburne, and Dr. J. E. Hughes for so neglecting the three children I of Macdonald as to cause them unnecessary suffering. The proceedings were instituted by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, for whom Mr I F. W. Williams, solicitor, Shrewsbury, appeared. Mr Williams explained that Macdonald and bis three children and the young womau Tighe, with whom he cohabited, and who was the mother of a child two months old, all lived in a wretched littb tent near Bwlch Bach. The children had been living in a tent for over two years, and were in a filthy stata. The mother of the legitimate children of Macdonald died 12 months ago. Macdonaldbadbeen repeatedly warned since 1396, and had been prosecuted at Aberystwy th for living in a place without «aaitary requirements. The Earl of Lisburne I know something about the case, which is a most deplorable and shame- ful one, and I am pleased to see the society taking it up. George Lnff, Shrewsbury, inspector of the society, gave evidence as to having seen the tent occupied by the six persons named. The sleeping place was at one end, and was covered with dirty verminous clothes. He examined the three children, whom he found dressed in one garment only. He had visited many haunts of gipsies, but he never saw such a fearful place as this.— Macdonald said the children would not allow the voung woman to clean them.—The Earl of Lis- frarne: That is a downright lie.—The Bench fined the male defendant 10s including costs, and dismissed the case against the young woman.

BARRY AND THE COUNTY OFFICES. CLAIMS TO BE BROUGHT FORWARD. At a meeting of the Barry Urban District Council held yeskrday evening under the presi- dency of Dr. E. Treharne, J.P., a notice of motion was given by Captain F. Murrell in favour of a committee being appointed to bring before the Glamorgan County Council the advan- tages of the town for the erection of the pro- posed County Offices. In the absence of that gentleman the motion was moved by the chair- man, who referred to the vastly improved rail- way facilities which the town enjoyed from the western, Rhondda, and Cardiff districts. Mr W. Thomas seconded the resolution, which was op- posed by Alderman Meggitt, who still maintained that Barry was inconveniently situated compared with Cardiff. The motion when put was, however carried without a dissentient, the committee selected being the chairman, Alderman Meggitt, Messrs W. Thomas, and J. H. Jose.

FAILURE OF THE SIMPSON-LEVER CHAIN COMPANY. A meeting of the shareholders of the Simpson- Lever Chain and Cycle Company, Limited, which was promoted by Mr E. T. Hooley in 1895, a.nd which is now being wound up, was held in Lon- don yesterday. A reconstruction scheme had been proposed, under which Ir Hooley had under- taken to provide £25,000 working capital, and to give old shareholders new shares. The company had fallen through owing to the failure of tha.t gentleman. The failure of the company was due to the fact that the public had not taken to the Lever chain, and the manufacture of them had been gradually stopped. The account filed showed unsecured debts of £2,326; debenture bonds, £15.000; and assets valued at £25,865, subject to realisation. The case was left in the hands of the Official Receiver to wind up.

HIRLAS HORN IN CARDIFF. EXHIBITED AT THE MUSEUM. In bringing the Hirlaa Horn to the Cu. diff Museum the committee of that progressive institution have probably taken a step which is calculated more than any other of recent years to popularise the Museum, and at the same time to accentuate their desire to make that institu- tion, in the best sense of the word, a national one and worthy of the Welsh Metropolis. The Hirlas Horn, which is the property of Lord Tredegar, has been designed oy Mr Goscombe John, and will, at the National Eisteddfod of 1899, to be held at Cardiff, be formally presented by his Lordship to the G-orsedd. This quaint curio has been exhibited at this year's Royal Academy, where it attracted great attention, not only on account of its high artistic qualities, but also its remarKable design and purpose. The "Hirlas Horn is temporarily on exhibition at the CardiC museum from to-day.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING PATENTS. WHOLESALE LITIGATION THREATENED. A conference of corporations and vestries who are l'1embor.. of the Municipal Electrical Association was heW yesterjay afternoon at the Westminster r.alaoo Hotel, London, under the presidency of Mr A. H. Gibbinge, of Bradford, to consider their course of PROCEDURE with reference to the action commenced against the London Electric Supply Corporation by Mr Martin D. Packer for an alleged infringement of certain electric lighting patents. S'me 50 cor- rations and other bodies throughout the country, including Cardlll. are concerned, and iti is under- stood that if the present test action is successful proceedings will ta-ken against ear-h of the other local authorities owning electric lighting undertakings. A resolution was passed agreeing to combine to assist the London Electric Supply Corporation M defending the action, and, if necessary, to carry the case to the House of Lords.

BRECONSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. The quarterly meeting of the above Council was held at the Shire Hall, Brecon, yesterday, under the presidency of Mr Councillor C;lftrlea Evan Thomas. Miss Clara Thomas, of .ulwyn- madoc, having resigned her seat on the Brecon- shire County Governing Body as representative of the Council, Miss G anions Williams, of Aber- camlais, WAS elected in her stead. The report of the Finance Committee recommending the pay- ment of sums amounting to £4,539 15s lOd wa.s adopted. On the motion of the Chairman, it was resolved that the Council opposed the proposed Merthyr Tydfil Light Railway, and that the clerk and the county surveyor be instructed to attend the inquiry and give evidence against the scheme. Sir Joseph Bailev moved a resolution in favour of petitioning Parliament to grant facilities to County Councils, enabling them to extend th period of repayment of loans to a maximum term ot 60 years. The resolution was curried. A letter was read from the Local Government Board informing the Council that the Provisional Order rescinding the borrowing powers of the Brecon- shire County Council for asylum purposes had been confirmed.