South Wales Daily News

NO SIGN OF PEACE. LETTER FROM MABON. AID FROM AUSTRIA. At yesterday's meeting of the sub-committee of the Workmen's Provisional Committee at Pontypridd, Messrs A. Onions, David Beynon, 1, Woodward, and Lewis Miles being present, a letter was read from Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), from Vienna, stating that the Inter- national Congress of Miners had, on the whole favourably received the case of the South Wales miners. The Austrian delegates had handed him JE500 towards the strike fund, and the French and Belgian delegates had undertaken to lay the matter before their respective Unions when they Ietorned home from the congress.

RIGHT TO RELIEF. TROUBLES OF THE MERTHYR GUARDIANS. ACTION BY THE POWELL DUFFRYN COMPANY. At an adjourned meeting of the Merthyr Board Df Guardians, on Friday afternoon, Mr D. r. Davies, J.P., presiding, the Clerk (Mr F. T. James) announced that Messrs Linton and Xenshole, for the Powell Duffryn Steam Coal Company, had on Thursday issued a writ as »gainst the guardians, plaintiffs claiming an injunction restraining the defendants from defraying out of the public funds the expenses Df the relief works at the stoneyards. The Clerk d he understood Messrs Linton and Kenshole re acting in concert with all the col- lieries and steel works of the Union. The Clerk also read a letter from Messrs Linton lend Kenshole asking whether the board would e prepared to produce for inspection their orders Hid returns upon the matters affected by the proposed interim injunction. The Clerk said it "'8.8 certainly ullusual for a defendant to a1. once show the whole of his case, and before the pf&mtiff had filed his evidence in support. His feea was that this point ought not to come before the ordinary meeting of the board on Saturday. No ratepayer had a statutory right to see these documents until later on at the audit. These were pat the accounts of the Union. The informa- tion would be made out on the 29th September, Had would then be open to any ratepayer. They, tn his opinion,had acted perfectly legally in open- ing their labour yards under the circumstances. Therefore they were bound to take proper steps to defend themselves. Considertion of the matter was deferred until to-day (Saturday).—Chair man: It will be for the board to-morrow to appoint a committee, a strong committee, and fen independent one.—Mr W. Lewis The evil here is that the plaintiffs are members of the Board of Guardians.—Chairman We cannot help that.—Mr J. Edwards (Trehaaris) They are plaintiffs and defendants.—The motion was Agreed to unanimously.—The Clerk then read a letter from their treasurer, Mr J. S. Thomas, London and Provincial Bank, to the effect that his directors, with regard to thb board's probable requirements to issue cheques for £4,100 on Saturday, had been laid before his directors, and they had informed him they could not consent to pass any farther cheques unless the consent of the Local Government Board could be obtained or approved Security was lodged. The account was over- drawn to the extent of £11,090, and there was to credit on loan account £4,271, leaving a Sebit balance of £6,819. He regretted, therefore, that he could not honour any further cheques except on the conditions mentioned.—The Clerk said he had telegraphed to the Secretary to the Local Government Board the facts of the case, but so far had received no reply. If the trea- surer refused to honour their cheques on Satur- day, the guardians would not have any money to hand to the pay-clerk or to the people who wera perhaps greatly in want of it. This condition of tiff airs, he was bound to say, was in consequence of the action of this board in fixing the date at which the precept was to be paid, and to the manner in which the overseers had endeavoured to get out of their duty in making the rate.—Mr J. W. Morgan What security is there ?—The Clerk The personal security of the guardians, approved by the treasurer. He also mentioned that the contractors of the new infirmary had handed to him the architects'certificate for JE750, for which they could sue the board if they did not pay. They had no money with which to pay £350 re- quired for the ordinary poor relief.—Mr Hankey promised to form one of the committee to wait npon the treasurer to arrange for a cheque for JE350 to be drawn for the ordinary poor.—The clerk was authorised to engage counsel, and to enter appearance to the action. OVERSEERS AND THE EXTRA POOR RATE. As already stated the opinion given by Mr Charles A. Russell, Q.C., upon the position of the Merthyr overseers, is that the duties of those gen- ^ilemea are purely administrative. The overseers have simply to obey the precept of the guardians, and any question as to the legality of the rate must be fought out by those who object to the rate. Probably any of the ratepayers who object to pay will attend when the auditor next visits Merthyr to examine the Union accounts. It will then be a question whether the auditor will pass the expenses which are already deemed to have been sanctioned by the Local Government Board, or whether he will discharge those ladies and gen- tlemen who signed the cheques. The audit will Cot take place for several months.

AN EXPLANATION. TO THE EDITOR. SrEt,-The winding enginemenof tbe Plymonth, Treharris, Abercynon, Ynysybwl, and Albion Collieries in the Merthyr Valley subscribe to the Central Fund as members of the Rhondda Winders' Association, and I consider it very un- fair that those men are being attacked by the miners for not subscribing to the said fund. The members of our association subscribe to the soup kitchens in both villages, apart from the monthly donation to the Central Fund. Trusting that the miners will go to the proper place for their information before they condemn us in future, on behalf of my fellow workmen —I am, &c„ T. JONES, Secretary,

MR D. MORGAN AND HIS DETRACTORS. TO THE EDITOR. StB4-plesse permit me a small space to reply to some of my detractors who have been trying to misrepresent me and mislead the public in reference to what I have said in some of my speeches. I have seen several remarks written by persona under fictitious names—that. L ignore the grocers and other tradespeople hosing any- thing to say in the present dispute in South Wales, and that I have no sympathy with the gcocera at all in fevce of the fact that tbey d' are giving away their goods to the present sufferers who are idle. My reply to all this is— that I have every respect and sympathy with the philanthropic public, and feel very thankful to tradespeople for their sympathy, and hope that the workmen will not fail to pay their debts to the grocers after they have commenced work. But I must object to any shopkeeper dictating to the workmen as to what they should do, viz., to submit to the employers' terms, or otherwise. Another one of my critics is someone writing under the fictitious name of "E in your paper of Thursday last, in which he complains of my (supposed) remarks, that the employers are employing clerks and cashiers on low wages, and giving them the advantage of being local agents to the Permanent Provident Society; and he goes on to name about six collieries, where the men have the right to select local agents by means of the Fallot, trying to prove that the men have perfect freedom to select whom they like, so that the employers have no voice in the matter. Now, Mr Editor, I never intended to say, in my speech at Aberdare last Monday, that all the employers selected the local agents for the Permanent Society; but I say now that they do select as many as they are permitted, As E has thought proper to name six or seven collieries where the selection is by ballot, I will name twenty that select them in a small room, without the ballot, and that under greater influence than that of the employers, viz., colliery officials: -Lower Hirwain, Aberdare, Merthyr Hirwain Nantmelyn, Gadlys, Blaenant, Werfa, Tunnel Pit, No. 9 Abernant, ..Lletty- shenkin, George Pit, Lower Duffryn, Deep Duffryn, Navigation, Penrhiwceiber, Aberaman, Fforchaman, Cwmaman, Abercanaid Pit, South Duffryn, and, as far as I can understand, the whole of the Dowlais collieries. If time would permit, I believe that the great majority of the local agents for the Permanent Society are selected in the latter manner, and not by the ballot and free will of the workmen.—I am, &c., Aberdare. D MORGAN.

WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODISM. ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE SOUTH WALES ASSOCIATION. The annual meetings of the South Wales Calvinistic Methodist Association were resumed on Thursday at Llanon, under the presidency of the Rev. W. Evans, M.A., Pembroke Dock, supported by the Revs. J, M. Jones, Aaron Davies, William James, T. Rees, D.D., J. Griffiths (Cilgerran), T. J. Morgan (Penygarn), and Wm. Jones. Rev. J. E. Davies, M.A., London, gave an inter- esting statement on the condition of the cause in London, and stated that he and others had been deputed by the London Monthly Meeting to appeal to the association for assistance in carrying on the forward work in the Metropolis and the suburbs. During the past three or four years four new centres had been opened, viz., Stratford, Clapham Junction, Walham Green, and Willesden Green. A branch would be started atDeptford in October next, and it was intended to open a cause in Camden Town, Tottenham, Stoke Newington, and Woolwich. The new causes already started had proved a great success. Several ministers took part in the discussion, and the Revs. J. M. Jones and Dr. Rees (Cefn) and others advocated sending a message to the Forward Movement Committee urging them to give additional grants to the London churches, and that a message be despatched to the Finance Committee of the General Assembly, appealing for financial support for this work. The suggestion was warmly adopted by the meeting. Mr William Thomas (New Quay) submitted the statistics of the South Cardigan Monthly Meeting, and the report was of a satisfactory character. Rev. Rees Evans (Llanwrtyd) gave an interest- ing and encouraging report of the collection made towards augmenting the college fund. The amount already collected was E8,412, and friends had informed him that this sum would be in- creased in a few days by £ 150. The association rejoiced to know that the collection had realised so large a sum. The Rev. D. T. Evans (Swansea), secretary and organising agent of the Home Mission Board, read the report, the figures-in consequence of the coea dispute-showing a deficit of over E300. Rev. D. ill.. Rees (Park-place) and Mr Thomas Davies, on behalf of the churches at Tredegar and the Monmouthshire Monthly Meeting, invited the association to hold their next meetings at Tredegar, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, October 4th, 5th, and 6th. Rev. Hughes Parry (Utica, U.S.A.) addressed the meeting. The Moderator gave him a hearty welcome, and desired him on his return to America to convey to the brethren there the hearty greetings of the friends in Wales, and wishing him a safe and happy return. Rev. T. J. Morgan (Penygarn) read a satis- factory report dealing with the work of the Temperance Committee. On Wednesday evening a public temperance and missionary meeting was held under the presidency of Jjthe Moderator, and stirring addresses were delivered.

RHYMNEY RAILWAY CO. THE CHAIRMAN ON THE STRIKE. A LITTLE BREEZE. The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders of the Rhymney Railway Company was held at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, Mr Wm. Austin, (the deputy chairman) presiding in the absence through indisposition of Mr Boyle. The chairman moved the adoption of the report and statement of accounts, which showed that whilst there was a balance in band of £9,943 the directors had decided to pay no dividend on the ordinary stock, although this sum would have provided a distribution at the rate of 3 per cent. per annum. They met, the Chairman remarked, under a combination of depressing circumstances. In addition to the strike, they had the attack of the Bute upon them in Parliament, and there was the misfortune to the district of the passing of the Workmen's Compensation Act, which was a serious blow to all the collieries in South Wales. The greatest of these three misfortunes was, of course, the strike, which, during its continuance, had deprived the company of two-thirds of its traffic. It was a slight consolation, however, that the traffic for the first three months of the year had proved larger that any three months of the com- pany's existence. The receipts for the first quarter of 1894 were £53.000; 1895, £52,000; 1896, £58.000; and This last figure showed an increase of £12,500 over the receipts in respect of the 1894 quarter, and proved that the earning powers of the line during a normal state of things were as good as ever. As showing the deadness of the traffic pro- duced by the strike, it appeared from the return for the week ended July 30th Messrs Crawshay Brothers paid them JE3 lis instead of as usually abont £600; the Dowlais Iron Company, .£.33 6s Id instead of between JE900 and £1.].00; Nixon's Navigation, JE6 Is 9d instead of JE300 or £400 and the Rhymney Iron instead of about JE400. Referring to the strike, which had deprived the railway of two-thirds of its trafic, the Chairman said it entailed what might almost be called the MISFORTUNES OF A CIVIL WAR, and suggested whether action of this kind should not be put a stop to by the Legislature. If the workmen combined to entirely stop the prosperity of a district in this way it appeared so uncivilised an act that if legislation could put an end to it it would appear that it ought to be done. It should be pronounced unlawful for any parties to combine together to stop the business of the country, for they not only stopped the business in which they themselves were engaged, but they stopped all other busi- nesses with which they were connected, and spread distress of the most lamentable character amongst their fellow-workmen and caused loss to the owners of property. He strongly approved the attitude of the colliery owners in refusing at any cost to consent to the appointment of an arbitrator, since an employer would have in- finitely more to lose by an unfavourable decision in a dispute than the workman, who could go and obtain employment ftIsewhere. He was in favour of a law being passed to prevent the com- bination either of the men against the masters or of the masters against the men. A law of this kind would in no way trench upon the liberty of the workman, for it would always leave him free to seek better employment else- where. Not a few colliery owners were looking forward to the day when they might be able to dispose of their property. With regard to the Parliamentary position of the company, one could not help looking to a year ago when they had the chance of getting preference stock at 10 per cent. Certainly the value of their property would have been greater now if they had not been prevented from carrying the arrangement through and it was also said that their REFUSAL TO AMALGAMATE had driven Lord Bute to seek the present extenbions. It had been said widely, and he believed with truth, that other parties participated in preventing that arrange- ment, and whether the shareholders generally repented their opposition it should be a lesson to them to place greater confidence in the directors since as a united body they were much more likely to prosper. Alluding to the Bute railway scheme, the Chairman proceeded to deprecate what he considered as the insufficient protection afforded to existing railway companies, particu- larly in South Wales, by the sanction too freely given to new and competitive undertakings by Parliamentary Committees composed of members too often ill-qualified for their difficult duties. This over-competition was also injurious rather than beneficial to the public as the state of things in the Sonth-East of England showed. The Rhymney Company, however, still had some crumbs of comfort, for in adidtion to the record first quarter of the year agreements had been made for securing the traffic of their two largest ironworks and collieries for seven years, with every probability of renewing these agreements for 21 years. The Bute scheme would not, if successful, do them the same amount of injury as their neighbours, and they hoped to defeat the greater portion of it. At the same time it could not be denied that it was A CRITICAL TTME for the company, and it behoved them all to use their influence to prevent the extension and I to check the internecine war which was taking place between the different railways in the district. Mr J. HUDSON SMITH, Bristol, seconded the motion. Mr F. J. BBAVAN, Cardiff, said he could not allow the chairman's remarks anent the strike to pass unchallenged. The country, at any rate, he hoped would not share the chairman's views, for it was neither correct nor fair to describe the men as having combined to stop the collieries. (Hear, hear.) To talk of making combination on the part of the men unlawful, and to prevent it at the point of the bayonet, or in some such way, was altogether out of keeping with the spirit of the times, and could not be entertained for a moment, and however much as railway proprietors they might suffer from the strike, it did not help matters to talk in that way, but only inflamed the passions of men, was altogether beside the [ mark, and'calculated to produce adeal of mischief. I The views expressed by the chairman were not those generally entertained, and it would bo far better if he remembered that he was living in the latter half of the 19th century. Mr WHITE, of Melksham, emphatically denied the chairman's insinuation that the oppo- sition to the amalgamation scheme had been pro- moted in the slightest degree by any outside interested parties. If the directors were to com-, mand the greater confidence of the shareholders they would have to treat them honestly. If the directors had not endeavoured to rob the six per cent, preference holders by transferring one per cent. on their stock to the Marquis of Bute the amalgamation would never have been opposed. Mr THOMAS DAVIES, Rhymney, on the other -hand, expressed, complete confidence in the in- tegrity and ability of the directorate, and hoped the amalgamation scheme might be revived and successfully carried through. The CHAIRMAN, in reply to Mr White,, objected to the expressions applied to the directorate charging them with dishonesty and robbing as altogether unjustifiable. The amalgamation pro- posal had been made in the best interests of the I shareholders. The motion adopting the report and statement of aecoonts was then carried unanimously, and the meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the directors.

MR D. A. THOMAS AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. COMPENSATION ACT AND CON- TRACTING-OUT. ADVICE TO WORKMEN. I Last night a crowded meeting of the hon. 1 member's constituents assembled at the Temper- ance Hall, Merthyr, to heat an address by Mr D, A. Thomas, MJP. The platform was occupied by a number of local Liberals. The hon. member made j his appearance amid repeated outbursts of ap- planse.^Mr T,Thomas, C.C., presided, and inopen- ing the proceedings, referred to certain state- ments with regard to the action of Mr D. A. Thomas, who, he said, was alleged to have brought about the present coal trade crisis. (" Shame.") As a working man he (the chair- man) said the statement was false. (Applause.) Mr D. A. THOMAS, who was received with great cordiality, said he had come to address his con- stituents rather earlier in the year than was his custom, partly at the wish of some of his collier constituents and partly because some of his Tory friends had expressed a desire that he should not unduly delay a visit to the locality during the present crisis. It was not often that his political opponents evinced any wish to have the benefit of his counsel, and he felt that he would be wanting in courtesy were he not to respond a.t the very earliest opportunity to the anxiety they had shown to have him once more among them. (Laughter and applause.) He proposed on this occasion to defer any reference to general politics, and to deal with two ques- tions that naturally absorbed their attention at the present time to the exclusion of all others, namely, the position of the workmen under the new Compensation Act, and the attitude they should adopt in regard to contracting out; and the grave situation that had been created throughout Sonth Wales and Monmouthshire by the prolonged cessation of work in their chief industry. (Applause.) The first of these ques- tions he conld deal with freely, though he would be brief; the second he would treat with at greater length, but it would require CIBCirMKPECTION AND DELICACY IN HANDLING. His sympathies were with the workmen in this great struggle; he would not deny it—(ap- plause)—but while his sympathies were wijih the men they were still more with the tradesmen, the small grocer, and the workmen not directly engaged in coal mining, but who with their wives and families were dependent upon it, and yet who had no voice or say in the settlement of the dispute. (Hear, hear.) A dead-lock had again occurred, and under all the circumstances it would be criminal on the pa.rt of anyone to say anything that might embitter feeling or tend te prolong the existing suffering and distress, and beyond correcting one or twu misrepresentations he would not upon the present occasion even defend himself against the abuse that had been levelled upon him for fear of uttering any word that might reasonably provoke a retort. (Hear, hear.) On a later day he might have much to say, much to say as to the action of the employers, something as to the action of the men but that night he was anxious to be a peacemaker, and though he did not expect his hearers to agree with all he said he knew that from a Merthyr audience he should receive a fair and patient hearing. He had A SOLUTION to pro pose—nothing very novel—but one that he had reason to believe would commend itself to a large number of the employers. A solution which he ventured to think would afford, even at this late hour, au easy mode of bridging the difficulty and bringing the deadlock to an end. A solution over which neither side could claim victory or would have to acknowledge defeat, one that would give the men the minimum wage they desired and at the same time place the employers in a position to pay it with profit to themselves and retain the Sliding Scale which they so mnch desired. But before going into that let him first say a few words on the Compensation Act. They would recollect that at the last election he devoted a large portion of his speeches, he might say the major portion of all is speeches, to advocating a measure for reasonably compensat- ing every colliery workman who might be injured in the course of his employment—(hear, hear)—and he estimated at that time the cost of such compensation roughly at Id per ton. He would confess that when he advocated this he had faint hope that any Unionist Govern- ment would bring such a measure forward —(laughter)—but when some months before the Compensation Bill was introduced, he was approached by a member of the Tory Government, and asked what his attitude would be towards such a Bill he did not hesitate to reply that he would support it heart and soul. This he afterwards did by voting steadily, and holding his tongue. (Laughter.) And the only amendment he moved, and the only time he spoke, was on the report stage, when he asked the House to make NO EXCEPTION OF ANY KIND, and to delete the provision introduced into the Bill in Committee that no compensation should be paid in cases of injury due to the wilful misconduct of the person injured. This he moved not because he considered that a man was morally entitled to compensation when injured by his own wilful default, but because he believed such cases would be so rare as tocost little to the employer in the shape of additional in- surance premium, while the provision would open the door to litigation and so diminish the value of the Act. (Hear, hear.) He had no apology to offer for supporting the Tory Government on this measure. (Applause.) He was a party man. He believed in party Government, and though he should like to see a little more independence of judgment exercised by members on both sides of the House, he was opposed to the splitting of parties into sections, and sub-sections into cliques, coteries, and corners, and he held that, save on matters of vital principle, a man should subordinate his private opinions and give loyal support to those whom he recog- nised as the leaders of his party. When, however, a Tory Government proposed a measure such as the Compensation Bill, of a thoroughly Radical and progressive character, he should never think of opposing it merely on the ground that it came from a tainted source, or because of any ulterior party motive his opponents might have. He considered every measure on its merits, and he did not hesitate to say that the Compensa- tion Bill was ONE OF THE GREATEST SOCIAL REFORMS that had been passed during the ten years that he had had the honour of representing Merthyr in the House of Commons. (Hear, hear.) Last year he had advised the workmen of this coalfield not to barter away their rights under the Act except for an adequate return. Had the employers proposed a contribution to the Permanent Fund that was without question equivalent to the benefits of the Act, he should have advised them to accept it, because under the Permanent Fund litigation would be avoided, and the first fortnight would be provided for; but rather than accept the offer recently made by the employers, he would strongly urge the men to hold their hand for a while and see how the Act worked. (Applause.) After the assurance he had repeatedly received from the Government in the House that the workmen should be consulted before any scheme for contracting-out was accepted by the Registrar-General of Friendly Societies, he was surprised at the action of that gentleman and more would be heard of it. A paragraph had gone round the Press, probably emanating from an inspired source, criticising the action of the CAMBRIAN BOARD OF DIRECTORS for withdrawing from the Permanent Fund and effecting an insurance through another agency. He was there as their representative in Parlia- ment, while at Westminster his first duty was to them, and be challenged anyone to give a single instance during the 10 years he had been their member when he had not consulted their interests and theirs alone rather than his own in the House of Commons, but as a director of the Cambrian Company and when sitting on the board of that company, he was in the position of a trustee to the shareholders, and his first duty was to them. He was not prepared to mix up the two positions—they were perfectly distinct, with- out being in any way inconsistent. He was not prepared to go into the private affairsof the Cam- brian Company, but he might, perhaps, mention that the insurance effected would not lead to vexatious and useless litigation. That had been provided against, and inasmuch as the whole amount resulting from the compen- sation payments not coming up to the premium sum paid in insurance after due provision for working expenses would be returned to the Cambrian Company, there was every inducement to the! company to safeguard the workmen from accidents, for the fewer the injuries the less the Cambrian Company would have to pay. (Ap- plause.) He would now pass on to consider the serious position in which THE COAL TRADE in South Wales was placed that day. But first there was one charge that had been m,1d", very freely against him which he wished to deny. It was that he had misled the workmen by saying that they were entitled to 20 per cent, advance in wages. If his memcry served him rightly what he had said in effect was that if Sir W. T. Lewis's scheme for adjusting the output bad been put into operation last autumn before contracts had been tmtered into, then that the men would have been entitled in the spring to 15 or 20 per cent, advance in consequence of tbe higher prices that would have resulted. (Hear, hear.) That was an entirely different statement, and he held to it, as he did to all else he had said in his many addresses to the workmen in various parts of the coalfield during the past two or three years. (Applause.) This was not the occasion to apportion blame as to the origin of the dispute or as to its continu- ance, though he held strong opinions on these points. Disputes there would always be, but this had been a most unnecessary and disastrous one. (Hear, hear.) The deep-rooted cause of all the trouble was the excessive and UNNATURAL COMPETITION to which the present circumstances of the trade in Sooth Wales gave rise. It seemed little short of madness that they should year aftertyear be squandering like spendthrifts the great wealth with which Providence had endowed South Wales, giving away year after year, at miserably unremunerative prices, millions upon millions of tons of coal that could never be re- placed, and for which there was an ever growing demand. (Loud applause.) Undue competition was the real cause of the trouble, but the more immediate causes of the present,! dispute were, first, the determination on the part of some of the employers to place the cost of the Compensation Act upon the men, and secondly, there could be no doubt that the men who were-dissatisfied with the Sliding Scale were led to believe that the employers would embody some arrangement in the Scale that would put a stop to the undue competition in the coal trade, under which, though the demand increased by leaps and bounds, prices, and consequently wages, k remained at a vary tow point. (Beat, hetn.) In this they had been grievously disappointed thus far, and that was one of the immediate causes of the dispute. Now, what gave rise to that belief ? He held in his hand—he always liked to give chapter and verse for what he said-a docu- ment of an official character to which the name of Mr Gascoyne Dalziel was appended. It was dated December 1st, 1896, and was described as" a report of the owners' representatives on the Sliding Scale Joint Committee" on the work- men's proposal for an alliance, also heads of a suggested scheme for the consideration of the employers in the South Wales and Monmouth- shire coal trade for the ADJUSTMENT OF THE OUTPUT to meet the demand proposed by Sir William Thomas Lewis, Bart., chairman of the Sliding ] Scale Committee, and unanimously adopted at a meeting of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Association, held 1st December, 1896." (Sensation.) He wished to draw special attention to the fact that this scheme was pro- posed by Sir William Thomas Lewis" and unanimously adctpted" at a meeting of the Coalowners' Association. The report was signed by Sir William Thomas Lewis, and stated inci- dentally that among schemes which the com- mittee were unable to recommend as applicable to the circumstances of South Wales and Monmouthshire "was one formulated by Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P. (Laughter.) So let no one say again that the scheme for adjusting the output upon which the false hopes of the men were founded was his scheme. (Renewed laughter and applause.) He wished to emphasise this point because it might have some bearing upon the acceptance of his proposal by the employers. He was told by several gentlemen who were favourable to the adjustment of the output that it was useless his proposing a solution on those lines because Sir W. T. Lewis would never agree to what he (the speaker) suggested. (Laughter.) He deprecated the introduction of anything in the nature of a party or personal element into this grave crisis, and he was anxious to point out that this solution of the trouble was based not upon any proposal of his own, but upon THE SCHEME PROPOSED BY SIR W. T. LEWIS, and according to Mr Dalziel adopted unanimously by the Coalowners' Association on December 1st, 1896. (Applause.) The request put forward in February last by the workmen was the adoption of Sir W. T. Lewis's scheme. (Hear, hear.) His suggestion for the solution of the difficulty, a suggestion which, if adopted, might end the dis- pute in a few days, was that all demands on both sides subsequent to February last should be set aside, and that Sir W. T. Lewis's scheme should be embodied in the Sliding Scale-that an under- taking should be given that the scheme should be put into operation in time to influence contracts over next year, and should be given at least a twelve months' fair trial. (Loud applause.) The advantage from the employers' point of view would be that the Sliding Scale would be con- tinued, that time would be given for working off old contracts before the scheme came into opera- tion, and that cut-throat competition would be done away with, while they would be able to pay the minimum wage demanded by the men. (Applause.) Practically, from the workmen's point of view, the MINIMUM WAGE WOULD BE SECURED. From the public point of view the disastrous dispute would be brought to a close. (Applause.) He would like to point out that the scheme was not one of restriction but one of adjustment of output to meet tbe demand, and inasmuch as it only came into operation when the average price fell below lis per ton, though the moral effect on the market might be great, it probably would not come actually into operation at all during the next year, for there was every prospect that prices next year would rule far above the level of lis per ton. (Loud applause.) How, then, could this solution preju- dice anyone ? How could it harm even those among the employers who opposed it on principle? (Hear, hear.) He had reason to know that there was only one firm of importance in the Coal- owners' Association who refused to subscribe upon any conditions to Sir W. T. Lewis's scheme as amended by the committee. (Shame.) There would be another advantage though some of the associated coalowners might consider;it a doubtful one, and that was that if the scheme were adopted Cambrian, Naval, and other outside collieries were prepared to join the association. (Laughter and applause.) Such was his suggestion, and he hoped at least that it might receive fair and im- partial consideration. (Hear, hear.) It was idle to say the scheme was impracticable, for SIMILAR SCHEMES HAD WORKED ADMIRABLY over long periods in other districts to the great benefit alike of workmen and shareholders. A strong committee of colliery representatives was at present being formed to promote the scheme, and whether it was adopted now or not they may rely that no stone would be left unturned to secure its ultimate adoption, and that sooner or later it would have to be given a fair triaL Why then not give it a trial now and so end the dis- pute ? (Applause.) In reply to questions put by the Royal Commission on Depression of Trade some years ago the South Wales Coalowners' Association officially stated that over produc- tion has caused the fall of prices in most cases." Over production combined with unnatural compe- tition was at the bottom of the present trouble. The prices of deliveries under contract were not governed by supply and demand during the cur- rency of the contract, but largely by the conditions ruling immediately at the time when the con- tracts were entered into. Foreign com- petition was a matter they heard much of in these days. It would occupy too long a time to discuss it there that night, but he pro- mised them he would go fully into it in its latest phases on a future occasion. He did not deny its existence, but he would ask them to take it from him, and he believed he could speak with some knowledge on the subject, that it was largely a bogey put forward by astute buyers to frighten 1 ignorant sellers. (Laughter and applause.) Competition by Germany and America, beyond; their respective coastlines could be shown to be a commercial impossibility in normal times under existing conditions. But whether his proposal for a compromise were adopted or not he would urge both the workmen and employers to modify their claims with a view to BRINGING ABOUT A SETTLEMENT. He would ask the workmen to abandon their demand for a permanent umpire. He was strongly in favour of an independent chairman of the Join Committee without voting power, because both sides would then meet on a perfect equality, but if that alone stood in the way of a settlement he would say it had better be post- poned for the present. (Hear, hear ) On the other hand let the employers be satisfied with a change of the monthly holiday from Monday to Saturday. (Hear, hear.) If Sir W. T. Lewis's scheme were not acceptable, then the next best solution would be the old Scale with a reasonable minimum. (Hear, hear.) One word he should like to say in conclusion. He understood that the stoneyards were to be closed that day. That no doubt would be considered a great hardship, but let him urge them in the strongest possible manner to accept the position peaceably. They had conducted themselves in a way that had secured for them the respect and admiration of the world. Let them do nothing now to prejudice the high reputation they had won or that might reflect in the slightest degree on the peaceful character of the people of Wales, of which they formed so important a part. (Loud applause.) Several questions having been put and answered by Mr Thomas, Mr David Evans pro- posed a vote of thanks to the hon. member, which was seconded by Mr W. Williams, checkweigher, Dowlais, and carried unanimously.

NEW ROUTE TO LONDON. A GIGANTIC UNDERTAKING. Sir Edward Watkin, although he has prac- tically retired from any active participation in railway work, has lived to see one of the great ideas of his life brought to completion in the opening of the Great Central Railway, the new route from the North into London. The Great Central Railway, before its extension to the Metropolis, was known as the Manchester, Shef- field, and Lincolnshire Railway, and its extension to London is due to the persistent advocacy of that course by the chairman. Sir Edward Watkin. The new line is not yet ready for passenger traffic, but the first goods train has been run into the coal station at Lisson Grove. The passenger station when complete will be of ample propor- tions, having platforms a thousand feet in length. There is now in course of construction in the THE NEW MO DTE TO LONDON. Marylebone-road a large and comodious hotel, and the principal approach to the railway station will be tnrough an archway in the* centre of this building. The entire London terminus, including the hotel, will cover an area of between 60 and 70 acres. The new line is in direct communication with the large mining districts of Cheshire, Der- byshire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham- shire, Yorkshire, and North Wales, whose col- lieries have a yearly output of between 70 and 80 million tons. So great has been the demand for space to discharge coal at the new terminus that, although the yard covers an area of about six acres and will accommodate nine trains with ample space ior unloading, there is already talk of an application to Parliament for powers to obtain further accommodation. Besides the coal yard and passenger station there is a vast goods yard with ap immense fireproof wareiouse, and stabling for 750 horses, large electric lighting works, carriage works, pumping station, and gas works. Mr J. T. Firbank, M.P., is responsible, under the direction of Sir Douglas Fox and Mr Mr Francis Fox, for the erection of this huge collection of buildings.

PENCARREG, LAMPETER. } SCHOOL BoARD ELECTION.—Eleven candidates were nominated for the triennial election of the above board. By Wednesday six of these gentle- men had withdrawn, leaving the following five to constitute the new board :—G. J. Davies, Penlan, L., chairman of the old board J. Rees, Dolgwm, j L.; J. Davies, Cwmdawe, L.; Stephen Parry, L.; Rev. J. D. Lewis, vicar, C.

PENCLAWDD. SUDDEN DEATH.—Mrs Elizabeth Pugh, of Penclawdd, upon alighting from a train at Gowerton at 9 a.m. yesterday, fell down and expired immediately.

MAERDY. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.—In consequence of the coal dispute, the arrangements for the annual treat to Sunday School scholars had fallen through to the dismay of the children. Mrs Davies, Royal Hotel, has, however, come to the rescue, and has generously offered to entertain all the children, 1,200 in number, to a tea on < Thursday next.

CARDIFF. UNLAWFUL REMOVAL OF SWINE.—At the Cardiff Police Court yesterday J. J. John was summoned for causing swine to be moved along a highway, viz., from Llanedan to Roath market, without a declaration, on the 2nd inst. Mr Halloran, who conducted the prosecution on behalf of the Corporation, explained that Cardiff was an infected area, and that proceedings were taken under section 22 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894. Defendant, who pleaded ignorance of the law, was fined 10s, or in lien 14 days.

BARRY. ASSAULT ON A FARMER.—At the Barry Dock Police Court yesterday Thomas Protheroe (14) was summoned for assaulting David Howells, Cwmbranog Farm, Barry. The boy was fined 5s.

YACHTING. KAISER'S CUP AT COWES. There was a very strong west-south-west wind blowing yesterday at Cowes, and as it held steady all day a fine display of racing took place. MATCH FOR THE AUSTRALIAN Cup.-For all yachts exceeding 52 but not exceeding 65 linear rating. Entries were :-Gloria, Senta, Tutty, Commodore, Isolde, and Astrild. Astrild was over the line too soon and had to return, which put her quite five minutes astern and robbed her of all chance of winning. Commodore fouled the mark and gave up. Isolde and Senta got away close together. Before getting to the Warner Senta got ahead of Isolde. They had a close reach to Cowes, and then had to make a couple of boards to weather the East Lepe Buoy, and with a run to Cowas the first round finished H. M. S. Senta 12 20 22 Isolde. 12 23 15 On the second round they had a rough saiL Everything held on, however, and a hard and well-sailed race finished:- n. M. a. Senta (winner) 2 27 48 Isolde (2nd) 2 33 1 Astrild gave up. MATCH for the EMPEROR'S Cap and prizes presented by the German Emperor-a handicap race for all schooners and yawls of 40 tons Thames measurement and upwards. Entries:— Yacht. Rig. Rating. Winner. Friday yawl 120 Mr W. Cook. Heartsease Yawl 91 Sir Henry King Hya.cinth.. yawl 53 Mr T. C. Garth. Pleiad yawl 49 Mr F. Pearson. Vindex. yawl 46 Col. Vernon. Gertrude.. yawl 69 Mr John Fleuret. Lady Ruth yawl 47.5 Mr Trollope. Roseneath. schr. 52 Mr A. Fulcher. Latona. yawl 16.5 Blr W. Johnstone. Rowena schr. 62 Mr E. Bernhardt. Violet yawl 83 Mr H. Bartlett. Esperance. schr. 70 Mr H. Wolton. The handicap was :—Latona allowed Freda lOmin., Heartsease IGmin., Hyacinth 21min., Violet 24min., Gertrude 25min., Pleiad 3lminn Roseneath 38min., Lady Ruth 40min., Vindex 41min., Esperance 50min., and Rowena 50min. Course, from Cowes round the Bullock Buoy, thence round the Lymington Spit Buoy and back to Cowes, distance 50 miles. At the statt Latona and Roseneath lead, with Freda next, Vindex and Rowena being last. Near the Bul- lock Buoy Freda carried away some of her running gear, a,nd had to give up. Lady Ruth lost her topmast and bowsprit, and Rowena carried away her foretopmast, and did some other damage. The others finished :— H. M. S. I ii. M. S. Latona(winner) 2 44 49 Roseneath(2nd) 3 39 42 Gertrude (3rd).. 3 27 37 ( MATCH For. YACHTS exceeding 42 but not exceeding 51 linear rating.-EI(Ired, Penitent, Fiera, and Senga started, and Eldred led until she carried away her main boom. After this Penitent led all the way. The race was stopped at the end of the first round thus :— H. M. s. H. M. 8. Penitent (win'r) 1 0 38 Fiera 14 7 Senga(2nd prize) 1 1 50 c I MATCH FOR H.R.H. THE PRIKCE OF WALES (TB* Commodore's) Cup, for yachts of the Solent one design class, to be steered by their owners. There was a large entry and a good race, which was won by Tangerine, Poto being second, and Polaris third.

TIVYSIDE AGRICULTURAL SHOW. The annual show was held at Newcastle Emlyn yesterday, and the attendance, despite unfavour- able weather, was large. The secretary, Mr Eynon Bowen, deserves every credit for the admirable way in which he carried out his duties. The black cattle were about the grandest collec- tion seen on the banks of the Tivy during the present decade.

FURTHER ADVANCE AT COALBROOKVALE. Yesterday, at a meeting of the workmen employed at Messrs Barnes's non-associated CoaJbrookvale Collieries, Nantyglo, Mr A. C. Willis, chairman of the Workmen's Committee, presiding, Mr Wallace J. Tong, accountant, Brynmawr, the men's auditor, presented his certificate, which showed the employees were entitled to a further advance of 7% per cent., making a total of 50 per cent. advance on the standard. The certificate showed as follows :— Total advance on standard as shown by audit. 65 Less allowance to company as per agreement. 15 50 June 3rd, 1898, the last audit 42^% Advance due — 7% Mr James Barnes, Liverpool, who represented the company at the audit, handed over £10 to Mr jas, Waiters, agent, for the local relief fund.

ASSOCIATED OWNERS' DIFFICULTIES. SOME DISADVANTAGES OF COMBINATION. It is rumoured that after the strike is over it may be considered desirable by coalowners, who are also ironworkers, to sever their connection with the Coalowners' Association. It is apparent that those proprietors must feel the effect of the deadlock veiy keenly, because their output both of coal and iron has been stopped, and at a time when there was a prospect of better times for trade generally.

DISTRICT REPORTS. EBBW VALE SUGGESTS A BALLOT. Mr T. Richards on Thursday addressed a meeting of Ebbw Vale Colliery workmen. He said thev were now fighting for a system or prin- ciple. They had made various offers to the em- plovers, each of which had been construed that the workmen were continually changing their ground. It was forgotten that each offer made bad been a modification of the offer that had gone before it. The question was "Which side could hold out the longer ? He was not to say whether the workmen had out long enough or not; it was for them to decide. The em- ployers insisted that they must have a Sliding Stale, and the workmen insisted they would not accept it the other matters were matters of detail after that had been settled. A minimum had been suggested of 22 per cent., and he for one would be prepared to meet and discuss that, bnt until the system or principle involved was settled he did not think anything could bo done. The principle the men were fighting for was a righteous ore, to which they were fully entitled. He maintained that the South Walss coalowners could get a better price for coal than they had been getting, which had. J/een admitted from their own lips. Whenever work was resumed he hoped it would not be wrtil the whole body went in. (Applause) It wan unanimously resolved That this meeting ftjprcsscs the opinion that the Provisional Committee should take a ballot upon the sugges- tions of Sir Edward Fry and the decisions of the Cardiff conference at the earliest possible date." NATIONAL COLLIERIES, WATTS- TOWN. A meeting of the National Collieries workmen, who numbered 1,262 when the strike began, was held at the Butchers'Arms, Wattstown, yesterday evening. The situation was discussed at some although no formal resolution was carried, the feeling of the meeting was strongly "r favour of the attitude adopted a week or two since, when the meeting approved of the action taken by the Provisional Committee with reference to the terms offered to the employers \1.8 a basis for discussion and arrived at between them and Sir Edward Fry, the conciliator, and farther that when a settlement would be arrived at it should be through the authorised representa- tives, viz., the members of the Provisional Com- mittee. The workmen are prepared to resume operations upon satisfactory terms, and are favourable to a Sliding Scale with a minimum Xfeat will give them a living wage. Strike pay was afterwards distributed, each workman receiv- ing 2B 9d. A resolution was passed suggesting to the Provisional Committee the desirability of inspecting th9 lists of workmen entitled to relief the various collieries with a view to giving an itoral distribution of the funds. TT.WJI. SERVANTS AND THE COAL CRISIS. TVi^scr is considerable discontent amongst the e. on the Great Western Company's which serve the coalfields in the Og*twre, Garw, Lynvi, and other valleys owing ie thesystem adopted in order 1;0 effect rednctions 1ft the expenditure, consequent upon the loss of thxooKh the coal deadlock. The men. thoroughly recognise that economy must be exer- cised, but what they complain of is the inequal- ities of the system that has been adopted whereby men in an inferior position are given places that they would not occupy in the ordinary way. Already the matter has been discussed at a con- ference of railway servants, and certain action has been decided upon. EBBW VALE DOCTORS' FUND. MEN'S COMMITTEE SERVED WITH WRITS. The workmen's representatives on the Ebbw Vale Doctors' Fund, as instructed by a general meeting some weeks ago, applied for the loan of S600 from the reserve. The majority of the committee agreed to this, but Major Powell, manager one of the trustees, refused to sign the cheque, and also lodged a protest with the bankers. On the other hand the men's representatives refused to sign cheques in payment of doctors' salaries. ClC. Dr. Davies and the builders of the new surgery, Messrs James and Evans, Ebbw Vale, have now served the men's representatives on the fund with writs for payment of the moneys due. It was unanimously resolved at a mass meeting of Ebbw Vale workmen on Thursday night that steps should be taken to secure the workmen's quota of the S-3,000 in the bank and to separate from the existing Doctors' Fund.

DISTRESS AND RELIEF. A COLLIER'S STARVATION AND DEATH. On Thursday night Robert Jones, a widower, about 35 years old. died under very sad circum- stances at his residence 11, Regent-street, Porth. It appears that about five weeks ago, being out of work since the strike commenced, he went on tramp to North Wales, begging his food on the way, and some nights sleeping out in the fields. His three children were left at home alone, being looked after by the neighbours. He buried his wife about two years ago. He had altogether five children, but his relatives had adopted two of the youngest. It is stated that the family were in needy circumstances for some months previous to the strike, his wages as a labourer underground being less than JE1 a week. About a fortnight ago he returned home from North Wales in a weak and emaciated state and Eenniless. A few days later he was confined to is bed suffering from a complaint which proved fatal, but the indirect cause, according to Dr. Armstrong's statement, was want of food. An appli- cation had been made about a fortnight ago on his behalf to the parish for relief, and on Wednes- day last he received 5s from the relieving officer. THE DISFRANCHISEMENT OF VOTERS. A deputation representing Merthyr steelworkers and others waited upon Mr Joseph Owen, one of the Merthyr overseers, on Friday, and asked him if the overseers would be agreeable to receive them at the next meeting in order that they might move the overseers, if possible, to do some- thing whereby their votes will not be taken from them on the ground of their having received pay- ment for stone breaking at the labouryards of the Merthyr Union. Mr Owen promised to bring the matter forward before the overseers individu- ally as soon as possible. DOWLAIS. In pursuance of the decision arrived at on Wed- nesday at the meeting of the Dowlais Town's Relief Committee soup is distributed at the Dow- lais soup kitchen on alternate days. Amongst the recent contributors to the funds were the eight officials of the Pant Labour Yard, who sent in 8s. Mr D. W. Huggins oollected S-3 12s 6d, and also received three bags of potatoes for use at the soup kitchen. RHONDDA. To the Porth Relief Fund the local male voice choir, conductor Mr Taliesin Hopkin, have sent another £ 5. RELIEF MEASURES IN SPLOTT. The Relief Committee in the Splott Ward, where the distress is very keenly felt, held a con cert last evening in the St. Saviour's School, at which medals were presented the successful com- petitors in the recent Indian club display. The committee, of which Mr S. H. Morgan is chair- man, earnestly solicit subscriptions to cope with the prevailing distress.

DISTRESS IN GRANGETOWN, CARDIFF. TO THE EDITOB. SIB,—Kindly permit me, through your columns, to appeal for funds to carry on the relief work in this ward. Owing to lack of funds relief tickets to heads of families had to be discon- tinued. About 600 children have been daily fed since the 4th of May. They receive one meal a day—latterly bread and milk alternating with tea. Our funds are now almost exhausted, and unless more help is forthcoming this benevolent work will have to be given up. The condition of a large portion of the inhabitants is daily becoming more distressing. I, in common with my brother ministers in this ward, am inundated with pitiful appeals for help. It is almost heart-breaking to send them away, or visit them in their homes empty-handed; and now the dear children, whose only ray of comfort during this bitter experience has been this one meal a day, are threatened with a terrible disappointment. Whatever charges of neglect, want of thrift, or wanton waste might be hurled at some of the parents, the poor children suffer through no fault of their own. It is on behalf o these little ones I now more especially plead. Ye rich inhabitants of Cardiff, I appeal to you for the sake of the children, none the less for your own sake, to respond to this cry of distress from hundreds of little ones, and verily, ye shall in no wise lose your reward." The committee desire to express their sincere thanks to the South Wales Shorthand and Type- writing Academy for a donation of zE8 12s received towards this fund. Mr J. E. Turner, chairman. Councillor Mildon hon treasurer, or Rev. F. P. Hill (vicar), hon. sec., will be glad to receive and acknowledge any contribution sent to them.-I am, &c., JOHN WILLIAMS, Baptist Minister. 74, Clive-street. 4th August, 1898.

APPALLING DISTRESS. TO THE EDITOR. Sm,-Penn.it me briefly to draw the attention of all philanthropists and trade societies to the importance and urgent necessity of forming a relief fund for the benefit of labourers, iron, tin, and steel workers. Up to the present all moneys have been forwarded to the Central Fund, and is distributed among colliers only. The poor labourer and iron worker, who is idle through no fault of his own, is permitted to starve. The collier gets strike pay and also his share of the local relief which has been given in the various districts. Coming, as I do, in daily contact with a number of ironworkers, it is appalling to see the distress that exists among them. Hundreds of them have sold and pawned everything they possess to get food for their wives and children, and unless this barbarous industrial war is speedily terminated I have no heitation in saying that we shall have hundreds of deaths through starvation throughout South Wales. Where are the leaders of the steel and iron workers ? Where are'the Christian ministers and men of light and leading ? Have they lost their moral courage and power ? It appears to me that this strike is never to be settled by the so-called miners' leaders. They appear to be more interested in pushing forward their own pet schemes than in making an honest attempt to settle and to bring this disastrous warfare to an end. Therefore I trust that the thoughtful Christian colliers and others will step into the arena, and in the in- terests of thousands of starving wives and chil- dren, bring the matter to a speedy termina- tion, feeling confident the longer a settlement is delayed the less likely they are of getting their demands.—I am, &c., AN OBSERVER. [" Well Wisher and others bave written in somewhat similar terms.—ED. S. W.D.N. J

THE STRIKE AND THE WAY OUT. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—Would that the words of your correspon- dent, The Man Under the Clock," could be brought to the notice of every man who is party to this fearful strike. He states: There is a clear way out (of the strike)—old Scale, 5 per cent., and a minimum Permit me to say that I move in a circle that enables me to hear as much as almost any man in South Wales of the views of both parties to this dispute, and I may add that there is a remarkable increase of com- municativeness becoming apparent oh the part of the colliers and the colliery owners, and the summing up of your correspondent is a strictly accurate one according to my observation. And what is it we do hear ? It is this-that up to the last meeting of the men's representatives a strong section, if not a majority of the em- ployers, were not averse to a settlement on the "old Scale, 5 per cent., and a minimum." But the injudicious action of the men's representatives at their last meeting Arove the section I have referred to of the employers back into line with the Pharaohs of the Emergency Committee. On the other side it is known that the colliers' Provisional Committee, at their last meeting previous to the last delegate meeting, by a vote of 10 to 4 were in favour of the old Scale or Concilia- tion Board, 5 per cent., and a minimum. And what is the opinion of the bulk of the colliers ? Why, that they should go to work on the basis favoured by the majority of their Provisional Committee. Now, cannot the very undesirable effect of the very injudicious action of the last delegate meeting be set aside ? It can if a little sacrifice of pride is made on both sides. A curb- ing of pride is a most aalutory self-discipline, and in the name of humanity let it be tried, and let our dear country once more experience the- better times we all sc much need.-I am, &c., GLAN TAF.

THE COLLIERS' SHARE. TO THE EDITOR. SIB,—" Colliery Accountant wishes to cal- culate the employers' share of increased prices on the entire cost of coal instead of on profits. Our percentage is calculated on our wages, our revenue. Profit, not cost, is the employers' revenue, his wages and must stand against our wages in calculating comparative increase. Would he consent to pay income tax on the total cost of coal production in his colliery ? He says it is conceivable that an advance of wages has brought no increase of profits, &c. That is outside my argument altogether. What I claim is that an increase of sale price brings an increase of pro- fit, and at 12i per cent. to the shilling advance in wages, the big share of the increase falls to the profit. I may also remind him that the first step of my argument is that if the entire cost of pro- duction consisted of wages 12 per cent, to the shilling would be a fair division.—I am, &c., Llanelly, Aug. 7, 1898. JAS. B. GRANT.

NEW YORK PRICES# TBEUTEB'S TELEGRAMS. NEW Yoi%K, Friday.-There was a slight depres- sion at the opening of the Stock Market in sympathy with London, but it was quickly over- come by large aggressive buying of combined in- terests, supplemented by an outside demand and short covering. In 3n^ustrials, the buoyancy permeated the whole list, and there was a large absorption of Railway Bonds the market closed strong near the top, and at net gains of 1 to 3. Government Bonds strong. Baltimore Shares, North-Western Ordinary, Erie General Lien, Michigan Central, New York Central, Northern Preferred, and Union Pacific Shares advanced i New Jersey and Rock Island, i; Delaware Hudson, 1; Quincy, 2% Milwaukee Common, Northern Common, and Union Pacific Preferred, and Lake Shore, 1J Canadian Pacific and Central Pacific declined i, and Lackawanna Ii. Money steady. Sterling Exchange firm. Silver Bars unchanged. Gross earnings in July, Kansas City, Pittsburg, and A. E. I. Gulf Railroad amount to 243,756 dollars; increase, 39,480 dollars. Cotton has been featureless and closed-quiet; spot dull. Cottonseed oil steady, and prices unchanged. Petroleum dull at late rates. Lard -cash steady at 2 up. Wheat has had increased in inquiry for spot, also advanced onforeign buying, and closed firm spot strong. Flour firm and 5 points dearer. Corn advanced in sympathy with wheat, and also on good export demand, and closed firm spot strong. Sugar strong and dearer. Coffee advanced on light Brazilian re ceipts, and closedsteady ;.spot steady. Tin quiet. Iron dull. Copper dull. Aug 5 Aug. 4 Call Money U.S. Gov. Bonds — 134 p.c 1M P-c Ditto, other Securities 134 p.c p.c ExchangeonLondon,60dayB*sight 4.83% 4.83% Ditto, Cable Transfers 4.85% 4.85% Exchange Paris, 60 days' sight 5.21% 5.21% Exchange on Berlin Days 94% 94^ Four per Cent. TJ.S. Funded Iioan 111 111% Exchange-onLondon,60day8'sigh 4.83% 4.83% Ditto, Cable Transfers 4.85% 4.85% Exchange Paris, 60 days' sight 5.21% 5.21% Exchange on Berlin Days 94% 94^ Four per Cent. TJ.S. Funded Iioan 111 111% Western Union Telegraph Shares 93 95% Atchison Topeka, and S. Fe 13% 13% Do. Do. 4 p.c. Mor 95% 95% Do. Do. 5 p.c. Preferr.. 35 34% Baltimore and Ohio 15 14% Do. Do. S.W. 4 px 100% 101 Canada Southern Shares 53% 53% Canadian Pacific .<— 83% 84 Central New Jersey 91% 90% Central Pacific Shares 16 16% Chesapeake and Ohio Common. 22% 22% CWcago^Burlington and Quincey 111% 109% Chicago and North-Western Ord. 134 13J Chicago and N-Western Preferred 175% 175% Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul 102% 101% Chicago and Bock Island 99% 97% Clevel'd, Cin., Ch, & St. Ls. Ord. 41% 41% Delaware and Hudson 107% 106% Delaware Lackawana 150 151% Denver and Bio Grande Shares. 12 12% Denver Preferred 50% 50% Illinois Central Shares 107% 107% Lake Shore & Michigan Southern L96 194% Louisville and Nashville Shares. 54% 54% Michigan Central Shares 107% 1C7% Missouri Kansas, and Texas 11% 11 Missouri Pacific 36% 35% New Yorkjjake Erie,and Western 1S% 13% Duto, Lien 75 74% New York Central and HudsonRiv 119% 118% New York Ontario & Western, Ord 15% 15 Northern Pacific Common 30% 30% Northern Pacific Preferred. 73% 72% Norfolk and Western Preferred. 54% 54% Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. 58% 58% Philadelphia and Reading Shares 18 17% Philadelphia&Reading5p.c.lstInc 42% 42% Do. do. 4 p.c. Mor 83% 83% Union Pacific Shares 25% 24% Do. Preferred .1 63% 62% Wabash, St. Louis, and Pacific 1% 7% Wabash, St. Louis, etc. Pref. Shrs 19% 19% Silver Bullion 58% 58% Silver Bullion 58% 58% COTTON AND PBODUCE XABXET, Cotton, dayn-eceipts at U.S. ports 1,000 I 0,000 Cotton,day's receiptsat Gulf ports 0,000 1,000 Cotton, day's export to G. Britain 8,000 0,000 Cotton, day's export to Continent 1,000 3,000 Co, jin future Sept. delivery 5.93 5.92 Cotton future Nov.. delivery 5.99 6.00 Cctton middling upland N. Yorii.. 6A 6ft Cotton middling New Orleans 5fi Eli Petroleum, refined, in cases 7.5 7.5 Petroleum, sta'dard WhiteN.Yorlc 6.40 6.40 Petroleum^st'dwhitePhiladelphia 6.35 6.35 Petroleum, Pipe Line Certs 96 96 Spirits of Turpentine 28% 28% Lard, Wilcox's spot 5.52 550 Tallow, Prime City 3% 3% Sugar, fair refmingMoacovados. 3% 3% Do. 96 p.c. Centrifugal 4& 4% Corn, Newmixed, Western spot. 39% 38% Corn futures Sept. 37% 37% Corn futures Dec 38% 38% 5 Spring Wheat, No. 1 spot 85 85 Wheat, red winter on the spot 77% 76 Wheat deliverySept 72% 71 Wheat delivery Dec 70% 6 Coffee Rio No. 7 6 6 Coffee Rio No. 7 Low Ord. Sept.. 5.55 5.45 Coffee ditto delivery Nov. 5.60 5.50 Flour ex State Shipping Brands. 3 JO 25 Iron, No. 2 Northern 10.75 10.75 Tin, Australian 15.85 15.85 Copper .—.— 11% 11% steel Bails 18% 18% Freight GrainLiverpoolsteamers l"d ld Freight (Irmin steamers liamdon- 2%d 2% Freight, Cotton to Liverpool Wheat, Chicago, Sept. delivery 67 66% Corn, Chicago, Sept delivery 33% 33 Tw»anfoo.ifawnBafa- wMtnnnKrl 26 iex j

TAFF YALE RAILWAY. NO DIVIDEND. The Toff directors declare no-dividend for the past haK-yeaz, but cwry ferww&a balance of

HAVE You TRIED PHILLIPS'S IS 6D TEA ? It is a Triumph of the Tea Blending Art, and is distinctly fI"-J

FORESTERS' HIGH COURT. SHOP CLUB QUESTION. INSTALLATION OF THE CARDIFF EXECUTIVE. The annual meeting of the High Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters was concluded in the Drill Hall, Chester, yesterday, under the presi- dency of High Chief Ranger Hulee. MIXED COURTS. Bro. G. Baird (Jedburgh) proposed a resolu- tion approving of the principle of mixed courts composed of male and female members, and instructing the incoming Executive Council to submit to next High Court the required altera- tions to the general laws necessary for the attainment of this end. He urged there could be no objection to mixed courts in Scotland, where the meetings were held away "from public-houses.— Brother Pembery (Bristol) said the proposal was not to the best interest of Forestry.—Bro. Gerrard (Glasgow) asserted that the present system of separate courts had a bad effect in dividing the family circle.—f^ister Clauss (London) remarked that she was convinced mixed courts I would not be out of place if their meetings were held away from public-houses.—Sister St. John I (Norwich) asked the High Court not to lead them into temptation by forming mixed courts held in public-houses.—The resolution was adopted by 292 votes. THE TAINT OF PAUPERISM. BI £ >. Jessop (Wilmslow) moved an instruction to the incoming Executive Council to endeavour to free members of Friendly Societies from the stigma of pauperism and loss of citizenship which, under the existing conditions of affairs, is attached to members who by force of circum- stances are compelled to apply for temporary relief from the poor law guardians.—Brother Lindsey (London) seconded the resolution, which was adopted. SICK PAY. A proposal from the Halifax District was carried, asking for an alteration of the order of the Local Government Board on the subject of relief granted by boards of guardians to members of Friendly Societies so as to insure that the amount of sick pay received by such persons from their respective societies should not be taken into account in granting relief. SHOP CLUBS. Permanent Secretary Stead introduced the question of compulsory shop clubs, and the Executive Council suggested that her Majesty's Government be urged to pass immediate legisla- tion to make it illegal for employers to require as a condition of employment that their employers shall contribute to a shop's club or any benefit society in connection with their works, and further making any compulsion to join or leave any Friendly Society as a condition of hiring an illegal act. —Bro. Chapman, London (Parliamentary agent), stated that the Home Secretary intended to appoint a Confidential Committee of the Home Office to inquire into the facts as to the works clubs, and if the evidence produced satisfied him of the necessity for immediate action he would introduce legislation on the subject next Session. APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. Bro. A. Chapman (London) was re-appointed Parliamentary agent; Bro. G. Abbott (Sheffield), editor Foresters' llfiscellany; and Bro. W. Hud- son (Leicester) official valuer. CARDIFF EXECUTIVE. At the conclusion of the business of the High Court last evening, the new Cardiff Executive, who will take over the government of the Order of Foresters for the next twelve months, were installed in office and invested with the ribbons of their respective positions as follows :-High Chief Ranger, Brother John Edwards High Sub. Ranger, Bro. D. H. Balsdon High Court Treasurer, Bro. W. J. Spiller; High Court Secretary, Bro. N. B. Hosgood High Court Senior Woodward, Bro. R. G. Court; Junior Woodward, Bro. M. Fletcher; Senior Beadle, Bro. G. B. Loyns and Junior Beadle, Bro. T. Chappell. The retiring High Chief Ranger hav- ing invested High Chief Ranger Edwards with the, ribbon of office, said he had great pleasure in congratulating him on the high honour which had been conferred upon him—the highest honour that could be conferred on a member of that society. He felt sure that as High Chief Ranger he would add dignity and prestige to the Order, and he hoped the Cardiff Council would prove a brilliant council, outshining all their predecessors. High Chief Ranger Edwards said that, on behalf of himself and colleagues, he tendered most hearty thanks to the High Court for having placed them in so exalted a position. He could assure the Order that the members of the Cardiff Executive were aware of the responsibilities and hard work attaching to the position, and he could assure them, if they were blessed with good health and strength, no work would be considered too hard or time too precious to be devoted to the interests of their good old Order. (Cheers.) High Chief Ranger Edwards then invested his predecessor in office with Past High Chief Ranger's ribbon. BANQUET TO THE RETIRING EXECUTIVE. A banquet was given at the Bull and Stirrup Hotel, Chester, last night by the new Cardiff Executive Council to the retiring Chester Executive and some of the leading delegates to the High Court meeting'. High Chief Ranger Edwards presided, and amongst those present were Permanent Secretary Lister Stead Assistant Secretary Walter Stead Col. Scott, Manchester Mr S. Hudson, Leicester Mr G. Abbott, Sheffield the Cardiff delegates and others. The proceedings were of a very pleasant character, and the speeches were of the briefest. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE SOUTH WALES FORESTERS. Yesterday afternoon, on the consideration of the Investigation Committee's report, Mr Thomas (Aberdare) proposed that the best thanks of the meeting be tendered to the Execntive Council for the prompt and hearty manner in which they came to the rescue of their distressed brothers in South Wales. He said the action of the Executive Council was fully appreciated by the members in South Wales, and had prevented the Order losing a. single member. — Mr Hind (Chesterfield) seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously.

CARDIFF FINANCES. PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE RATES Councillor S. A. Brain presided yesterday afternoon over a meeting of the Finance Com- mittee, at which the chief business was the assess- ment of a general district rate to cover the expenditure from 30th Sept., 1898, to 31st March, 1899. The total estimated expenditure amounted to £71,255 16s 7d, which it was proposed to meet by the levy of a rate of Is 7d, which is 2d in excess of the present rate. The first department whr»s<» estimates had to be considered was the public works. Mr HARPuR (borough engineer) at the outset contended that the estimate which had been pre- pared for the Finance Committee was not the estimate which had been approved by the Public Works Committee, and forwarded by them to the Finance Committee. Mr Harpur stated that according to his computation the deficit was about £400 less than that made out in the esti- mates before them, The CHAIRMAN pointed out that the borough engineer's estimate for granite and paving stone had been exceeded by £1,200, which, added to the excess of the expenditure over the estimates of the cost of keeping the highways, etc., amounted Alderman JONES remarked the public works were in excess of their estimate to the tune of a penny rate. Councillor DAVID The official who goes to the committee should expressly call the attention of the committee to the fact that they are going in their expenditure beyond the amount allowed. Other members concurred. Alderman JONES: Our work here as Finance Committee when this is carried on is a, farce. Councillor COURTIS A perfect farce. We might as well go on without an estimate at all. The CHAIRMAN Altogether we require a new penny rate on three items in the public works department alone. Councillor DAVID Suppose this balance-sheet belonged to us privately ? The CHAIRMAN I know what I should have done I should either go and drown myself or clear everybody off the staff. Alderman JONHS It has come to this. We are simply a registering committee. The CHAIRMAN The Public Works Com- mittee in this matter have displayed an amount of ignorance that is really alarming. We ask the ratepayers to pay a rate of is 5d and now we turn round and ask Is 7d. I consider we are not doing our duty at a time like this when every- body is endeavouring to make the two ends meet. Mr HARPUR again suggested that that estimate was not identical with the one passed by the Public Works Committee. Councillor DAVID Then I move that we don't touch this estimate until we hnive the actual estimate sent in by the Public Works Committee. Councillor ILLTYD THOMAS rderred to the J"8¡ ief operations undertaken by the Public Works Committee, and said they played to the gallery more than anything else. Councillor DAVID did not think for one moment that the Public Works Committee had done anything wilfully. Their attention should have been expressly called to their financial position. Alderman JONES likewise exonerated that com- mittee from the commission of wilful errors. Mr Harpur accounted for the difference in the estimated and the actual cost of the maintenance of highways by saying it was due to more efficiency in their maintenance. In order to keep up that efficiency he had found it necessary to keep the men employed on the highways con- tinuously at their work and not use them for the work of every department or for capital, and when necessary to obtain additional labour for those special purposes. The CHAIRMAN Shall we go-on with this work? Alderman JONES (sarcastically) I propose we pass everything. Let every man spend what he thinks wise. Councillor COURTIS I move that the serious attention of the chairman of the Public Works Committee be called to Alderman JONES WCe can't put that. The consideration of the budget was deferred on the motion of Mr GEORGE DAVID, seconded by Mr ILLTYD THOMAS, in order that the estimates should be amended so as to include the estimated expenditure and the actual expenditure for the corresponding half-year, the items for each com- mittee to be totalled separately.

It makes a Lady mad to find her Blankets and Furs ruined by moths. She ought when placing away to see they are plentifully sprinkled with Keating's Powder. This is unrivalled in lulling Moths, Fleas, Beetles whilst harmless to everything 1 bat iosects. Sold in 3d, 6d, and is ttoa

CARDIFF. t BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH.—The pulpit at THIS • church will be occupied to-morrow by the Rev. D. Davies, of Tonypandy. ALBANY-ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH.—The Rev. W. Howell Williams, of Nantwich, who is one of the most promising of the younger men in the; ministry, will occupy the pulpit at this church j to-morrow. LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL.— lhe ninth Sunday after Trinity. In residence, the Very Rev. the } Dean and the Rev. Canon Johnson. Holy Com- -f munion, midday. Moruing-li a.m., chants; hymns, 36 and 294; preacher, Canon Johnson. Afternoon-3 p.m., Litany 3.30 p.m., chants; hymns, 184, 255, and 300; preacher, the Rev, Minor Canon Skrimshire. Offertories for Cathe- dral Expenses and Choir Fund. Evening prayer at 6 p.m. throughout the week will be read. CHARITY CONCERT.—The concert which it was originally intended to hold on Wednesday evening in the Sophia Gardens in aid of local charitable institutions, such as the Infirmary, Hamadryad, and Deaf and Dumb Institute, will take place this evening.

SWANSEA. THE BRIDGE TOLLS.-The Harbour Trustees and the Corporation having failed to come to an arrangement or compromise with respect to the former body's demand for the payment of X3,750 this year in lieu of bridge tolls, the Trust saying that under the Act they can this year demand it, the Corporation have decided to engage an expert accountant to scrutinise the Trust's accounts. PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A CAVALRY DEPOT AT SWANSEA.—The Swansea Corporation Commit- tee which has in hand the taking of steps towards securing the establishment of a cavalry depot at Swansea recently directed that letters requesting support of the movement be sent to the South Wales members of Parliament. From nearly all replies have been received expressing approval of the idea and promising support. l

PENTWYNMAWR. SAD FATALITY.—Mr M. Roberts-Jones, coroner, I held an inquiry at the Newbridge Inn, Newbridge, ( yesterday, into the cause of the death of G. A. Woodman, a boy, who was run over by a horse "I and cart the previous day. A verdict of Accidental death was returned.

PONTARDULAIS. LLANDILO TALYBONT SCHOOL BOARD.—At a meeting held on Wednesday, Mr T. Davies pre- siding, the following tenders were received for the erection of a new infants' school at Pontar- dulais :—D. Davies, Pontardnlais, £ 2,215; E. I Mercer, Swansea, £ 2,948; W. Gregory, Pontar- I dulais, £ 2,990; Brown, Thomas, and John, Llanelly, £ 2.879; Isaac Jones, Llanelly, £ 2^25; W. Hopkins, Llanelly, £ 2,300; E. Morgan, Lan- dore, £ 3,010; — Hiley, Swansea, £ 3,150. The tender of Mr D. Davies, Pontardulais, was ( accepted.

NEATH. ASSAULT.—Yesterday (before Mr Edward Davies and Mr T. Powell) Ellen Pugh, of Glyn Neath, was charged with unlawfully wounding a child, named John Howell, also of Glyn Neath, by striking him with a beer bottle. Having heard the evidence, the Bench reduced the charge to one of common assault, and fined defendant 20a and costs.

(Joo JIlatt for iglassiticativit. WTANT-BD. a Representative for first-class firm of T > Cisar, Cigarette, and Tobacco Manufacturers in Wales and V/esti of England must have good connec- tion amongst tobacconists and hotelkeepers.—Apply (i. K., South Wales Daily News. 46, Fleet-street, S. 303n WANTED to Borro w £ 30 as second mortgage un- doubted security; good interest.—A 456, Echo. Cardiff. 456n F9Pi?aJ,e' cheap, strong, sound hauling Horse and light Cart.—l,Komilly-road, Cardiff. 455n TWO Cart Horses, £ 10 and £ 4 each, warranted good workers strong Tin Cart, £ 6; good Crank-axle Cart, £ 5; Pleasure Trap, £ 5.—Globe, Cwmaman, Aber- dare. 457n BAKERSYoung Man wanted at once to Assist In Bakery for one month.-W. H. John, Bridgend Steani Bakery, Bridgend. 461n rpo Riggers.—Wanted, 12 smart Riggers, well used to ■A. cutting and fitting rigging: wages, 5s per day; J months' certain work to suitable men, and probably constant employment afterwards; passage money allowed one way.—Apply the Channel Dry Docks, Pas- sage West, Cori. Ireland. 6457 WANTED, strong Boat, wood or iron, to carry 8-IC w ions.—Reply to Mr Reed. Glanbryn Villa, Johns- town, Carmarthen, from whom further particulars. &c. WANTED for Oakfield-street, Cardill. experienced General Servant; 3 in family; nurse kept.— Apply, first instance, 8, Richmond-road, 6 to 8 pni. 460n WANTED, General Servant in farmhouse, no dairy: comfortable home.—Apply, stating salary and references* to IPs? fritobard, Suckly Court, Worcester^)