South Wales Daily News

GOOD NEWS. PROSPECT OF PEACE. NEGOTIATIONS TO BE RENEWED. There is reason to believe that some movement is on foot whereby negotiations between the coalowners and miners will be re-opened upon such a basis as to give promise of a satisfactory outcome. We are not able to give any particu- lars nor would it, in this early stage, be wise so to do. Obviously, such preliminaries are not of definite form, and any statement by way of indicating their nature might prove mischievous, either by raising hope or by rousing antagonism. It has been for some time clearly apparent that a basis of negotiation did exist. We have indicated its main lines more than once. We most heartilv wish success to the movement, and earnestly hope that no speeches will be made, or resolutions passed, that will tend to discourage the proceedings. One word of caution There must be a spirit of concession. Give-and-take is the only way by which satisfactory agreement can be arrived at, for any settlement which left bitterness or sense of defeat would be but the forerunner of renewed strife. At the same time we would not unduly arouse expectation of successful result, for there may be a breakdown once more -though every reader will join in hope of favourable issue.

MINIMUM. SUGGESTION TO THE COALOWNERS AND THE MEN. A correspondent writes :—The crucial point in she whole dispute at present is the question of Minim tun. If the men were offered the old Scale with a reasonable minimum they would accept ii. The question of uaipire and of a. Conciliation .o3ow has been practically thrown overboard, ,onsequently it should be known whether the .mployers are prepared to discuss the proposal of a minimum with the men's representatives having plenary power. If the employers are willing, then the sooner it is done the better. The Pro- visional Committee should without delay put that question to the Emergency Committee of the coalowners, leaving the amount to be decided it the joint meeting. If the employers agreed to discuss the matter there would then be a chance of soon settling the dispute. The minimum is now the real bone of conten- tion. If a favourable reply were received from the coalowners, the Provisional Committee should be invested with full power to settle. If the principle of a minimum wage were even acknow- ledged by the employers, even if it were, say, 15 per cent. above the standard of 1879, the men would, by accepting it, not return to work humiliated. A little concession on this impor- tant point would go a long way towards making the men forget the bitterness engendered between them and their employers during the great struggle, and the employers would certainly benefit by having operations resumed upon terms iarmoniou3 to both.

CARDIFF FREE CHURCHES ¡ IN COUNCIL. LETTER FROM MR DALZIEL. THE UNION SUGGESTS COMPROMISE. A meeting of the Evangelical Free Churches Council and Ministerial Union of Cardiff and District was held in the lecture-hall of the United Methodist Free Church, Newport-road, Cardiff, last evening for the purpose of consider- ing what means, if any. may be employed by the council to assist if possible in bringing about a settlement of the present coal strike. Mr Lewis Williams presided, and amongst those present were Revs. R. J. Rees, W. T. Lee, R. Wilkins Rees, John Morris, J. Harding, Cambrose, Thomas Davies, Mr Robert Bird, Councillor John Jenkins. and Messrs W. G. Hardie, R. Proud, S. Ching, and W. J. Thomas, Penarth. The Chair- man said that their business was to talk over and try to come to a decision as to what was their duty in relation to one of the greatest calamities South Wales had ever known. The issues of the respective parties who could not see eye to eye had, it appeared to him, been narrowed down to such a compass that if by any means the parties could be got together be believed that in 24 hours- the whole matter might be adjusted. If the Cardiff Free Churches could do anything to create peace they would not have met that evening in vain. The Rev. R. J. Rees read the following letter received in reply to a letter forwarded to the Em- ployers' Emergency Committee :— Dear Sir,—I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th inst., together with the copy of the appeal drawn up by the Cardiff Ministerial Union, and addressed to the Em- ployers' Emergency Committee, as to which I had the pleasure of a conversation with you, the Rev. John Pugh, Rev. R. W. Rees, and Rev. C. B. Davies. I placed your favoured communica- tion before the Employers' Emergency Com- mittee. The committee desire me to thank the members of your Union for pointing out so clearly and forcibly the terrible suffering which exists amongst the large number of the working classes in this district, which are not in any way parties to the unfortunate dispute between colliery owners and their workmen. The Employers' Committee are very keenly alive to and greatly deplore the suffering which you allude to. and they appreciate the spirit in which your appeal is made for the exercise of a more conciliatory attitude in dealing with the dispute with a view to putting an end to the privations that are affecting so large a population. The employers may point out to your Union that they have shown throughout the dispute every desire to arrive at an amicable (settlement. The position of the dispute when the last meeting of the employers and workmen took place on the 16th July was that the workmen declined and absolutely refused to even open the discuesion of the employers' terms, or even any terms of their own, until the employers in the first instance recognised an absolutely impossible condition, viz., for referring que&tions in dispute to a third party. The workmen still adhere to this determina- tion, and in the face of this attitude on the part of the workmen there seems little probability or prospect of any speedy settlement being arrived at.—Yours faithfully, W. GASCOYNE DALZIEL. Rev. R. J- Rees, Hon. Secretary Cardiff Ministerial Union." A further letter from Mr Dalziel, expressing the regret of the colliery owners that they saw that no advantage could be derived from con- ferring with them on the subject of the dispute which has arisen, was also read. On the motion of the Rev. J. Morris, seconded by the Rev. J. P. Bellingham, it was resolveod :—" That this conference greatly deplores the prolonged industrial struggle which has been going on in South Wales for over four months. The suffering and feelin of humiliation amid thousands of very worthy men is a spectacle we have to witness day by day, and as the suffering is growing more acute the sources of relief are becoming ex- hausted. If this is to continue much longer we look to the state of our town with grave appre- hension. We look for deliverance to those who take a leading part in the negotiations, and urge on their earnest consideration the dire need of thousands who are not only deprived of the means of subsistence, but also excluded both from the benefit of public funds, from having a voice in the settling of this dispute." On the motion of Mr Robert Bird, seconded by the Rev., R, Wilkins Rees, it was resolved—" That whilst we disclaim any attempt at mediation, yet we would respectfully ask both parties to this dispute to seriously consider the all but universal opinion whether at this juncture some concessions should be made and agreed to, so that this dead- lock may be terminated, and we therefore suggest that a basis of agreement may be arrived at by one side withdrawing the demand for an umpire, and the other conceding the principle of a minimum in connection with a Sliding Scale. Of C01US6, what that minimum should be would be a matter for negotiation, or by a mutual agreement for a fixed wage. We believe if this were done confidence and harmony would be restored between employers and employed, and we are assured that the side that makes the first move towards this end would not thereby pre- judice or endanger the justice of the cause." The resolution was supported by Councillor John Jenkins, Rev. W, Wakwshaw, Rev. W. J. Rees, Dr. W. G. Hardie, and others. On the motion of the Rev. W. r. Lee, it was resolved that copies of the resolution be sent to the secretaries of the Employers' and the Men's Emergency Committees. It was stated that no reply had been received to the letter forwarded by the Union earlier in the week to the Workmen's Emergency Committee.

OUTSPOKEN CRITICISM. CHURLISH ARROGANCE" OF THE EMPLOYERS, BENT ON STARVING THE MINERS INTO SUBMISSION. The London Daily New, devotes its first leader yesterday to the South Wales coal dead- lock, and speaks its mind plainly and boldly. Says that journal We do not wonder that there should be severe criticism in Newport, in Cardiff, and elsewhere, of the powerful Federa- tion which will not hear of any interference from outside. It is not as if the employers could regulate their own affairs without themselves encroaching upon the interests of other people. The lock-out is a public calamity, and the imme- diate authors of it will not recognise that the public have anything to do with it. The naval manoeuvres were stopped to the prejudice of the national defence because steam coal of the requi- site quality could not for love or money be obtained. The railways and the steamship com- panies are heavy losers. The retail trade of South Wales is seriously depressed. It would be begging the question to assume that the masters were responsible for this state of things. If they locked out the men. the men had previously given notice to repudiate the Sliding Scale of wages. The men would now be satisfied if there were a Scale below which wages could not fall, as there is a Scale above which they cannot rise—or in other words, if the Sliding Scale had a bottom as well as a top. But our present point is that the men are perfectly willing to arbitrate, whereas the masters have persistently REJECTED NOT MERELY ARBITRATION but conciliation, and even advice. They may win the battle. A very grave responsibility is incurred by strangers who encourage them to stand firm, without any intention of supporting them. But in their mode of conducting the con- troversy the workmen have certainly been the more reasonable. They have welcomed the judgment of an impartial tribunal. The employers have rejected and denounced it. They do not aim at smashing the Unions." There are no Unions to smash. But they claim to do what they will with their own, and they consider that THEIR MEN BELONG TO THEM. Sir Edward Fry, for many years a judge of the highest ability and distinction, was appointed by the President of the Board of Trade, in the exercise of his statutory powers, as conciliator. He had several interviews with the leaders of the men, who expressed their desire to co-operate with him in making terms of peace. The masters would have nothing to do with him. They would not acknowledge him or the Minister who selected him, or the Government to which that Minister belongs, or the Act of Parliament which gave Sir Edward Fry his position. A great lawyer undertaking a thankless task for the good of the nation might have expected LESS COSMJRPTNODS TREATMEBT from respectable and intelligent citizens. Since Sir Edward Fry left Cardiff a friendly settlement has been generally regarded as hopeless. The Bishop of Hereford, an active and enlightened prelate, has made a creditable attempt to bring the parties at least together. He intervened under ncf legal sanction, but as a Christian and a patriot. The masters sent him about his business. THIS CHURLISH ARROGANCE, this obstinate refusal not only to take advice, but to listen to it, must turn public opinion against the association. Sir William Lewis may be a very clever man. But as Rochefoncauld says, the cleverest man in the world is not so clever as the rest of the world combined. It is not a self- evident proposition that there should be no minimum wage." Economically, indeed, there must be one, because a man will not work for what will not support him. Society would not be dissolved nor the Welsh coal trade annihilated if a standard which must exist were in black and white defined. It was proved before the Labour Commission.that the earnings of the Welsh col- liers bore AN UNUSUALLY SMALL PROPORTION to the profits of the Welsh collieries. Mr Abra- ham, otherwise Mabon, the well-known member for the Rhondda Valley, has preached moderation throughout the struggle. He has settled many strikes, and he is as much respected in the Prin- cipality as in the House of Commons. But he can do nothing with the masters. Nobody can do anything with them. They are bent upon starv- ing the miners into submission. Mr Ritchie's resources seem to have been ezhausted by send- ing Sir Edward Fry to Cardiff. He has certainly neglected one of his most important functions under the Act of 1896. He has not had an offi- cial history of the lock-out drawn up for the bene- fit of the Board of Trade and the country. Even coalowners are not always impervious to criticism, and such a narrative would at all events have shown whether there was any plausible excuse for the intractable aloofness of the employers." WHAT THE DAILY CHRONICLE THINKS. The Welsh coalowners' case is hardly improved by the latest return as to the export coal trade. The shipments from the South Wales ports for 1897. including coal for ships' use, came to 19,230,940 tons, an increase of 1,318,684 tons over 1896. This vast bulk of coal was half as big again as the entire shipments from Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Shields, Hartle- pool, and Hull. It was exported to 77 different countries, colonies,or dependencies. It represented —after deducting coal used for ships' purposes— close upon half the total export of coal from England and Scotland. Yet with this priceless monopoly (says the Daily Chronicle), the South Wales coalowners will see their men starve sooner than grant them a living wage. And the men, we must remember, are not asking to be brought up to the level of the miners of the Mid- lands and the North. Their utmost demands have never amounted to such an extravagant ideal. The Welsh owners' position is surely an impossible one. The English coalowners are able to pay a reasonable minimum wage and to thrive on it. Indeed at the very time that Sir William Lewis was engaged in pouring the mili- tary into the Rhondda and stopping the naval manoeuvres, the English owners were agreeing with their men to raise the wages in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the Midlands. It is about time that the Welsh coalowners took a leaf out of the English book.

THE COLLIERS' LOCK OUT. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,—It is perfectly clear that the coalowners of South Wales and Monmouthshire are deter- mined to starve the colliers into submission. It is not a case of Right but of Might. They are desirous to show that they are the masters. No doubt the owners thought the men could not stay out very long, but they were greatly mistaken, for the miners nave shown good pluck and have fought gallantly for four months. They have the feeling of the country with them because their cause is just, and the money that is sent from every part of the world proves that the working men are in the right. The Emergency Committee are very unreasonable and cruel. From the commencement they have said they will not discuss the subjects brought on by the men, but simply say No to everything. They refused the servees of Sir Edward Fry and also those of the Bishop of Hereford and Lord Dun- raven. Therefore I cannot see how any reason- able man blames the colliers for not making an effort to settle the lock-out. The blame is en- tirely on the masters' side. It is a great shame that a handful of men have the power to starve thousands of men, women, and children. All mines, railways, and all kinds of works ought to be the property of the Government, and the profits derivect should be used for the benefit of the country at large, instead of going into the pockets of a few money-seekers, who forget everybody and everything except their own interest.-I am, &c., WELSH MINER.

MUTUAL CONCESSIONS. The London Echo says One thing is cer- tain. The end will be a compromise. No one who knows the Welsh character, with its union of the deep passion of the Celt and the self-control induced by centuries of industrial labour and Nonconformist influences, can suppose that the men are going to surrender unconditionally. And no one, of course, can suppose that their demands will be conceded by the masters. It will end in mutual concessions. Why not now before the ruin of a great industry is accomplished ?"

A CORRECTION. In the report of the interview with Mr Lester Jones, published on Thursday, the following occurs I have been struck with the fact that ■on July 19th Messrs Pyman, Watson, and Co.. in respect of their FfaJdau Collieries, wrote a letter to the Press, in which they stated that the colliers in the steam coal seams of their pits received faxing the first three months of this year an average wage of over 5s 9d per day, without deducting the payments made by them to their boys." The word without" should have been after," the sentence reading- 5s 9d per day after deducting the payments," etc.

CARDIFF. CARDIFF MAN'S ACCIDENT AT THE MUMBLES.— On landing at the Mumbles Pier on Thursday afternoon from the Lady Margaret, Mr W. T. Marks, of Claude-road, Cardiff, met with rather a serious accident. Owing to the slippery con. dition of the pier he fell and sustained a very bad double dislocation of the left elbow joints, which will probably totally disable him for at least a month or six weeks. Fortunately Dr. Bassett, of Newport, was on board the boat, and rendered the necessary temporary medical aid to enable him to return by first train to Cardiff. BETHANY BAPTIST CHAPEL, ST. MARY-STREET.— The preacher at this place to-morrow will be the Rev. E. G. Thomas, of Merthyr. For particulars see advertisement columns. LLANDAIT CATHEDRAL.—lhe eleventh Sunday after Trinity. In residence, the Very Rev. the Dean and the Rev. Canon Johnson. Holy Com- munion, midday. Morning-11 a.m., chants; hymns, 7, 189, and 528 preacher, Canon John- son. 3 p.m., Litany. Afternoon, 3.30 p.m.— Chants; hymns, 244, 260, and 252; preacher, the Dean. Offertories for Cathedral Expenses and Choir Fund. SUCCESS OF A LOCAL EKIUBITOR. — At the Shrewsbury Floral Fete Mr William Treseder Was awarded the first prize for a collection of dahlias arranged for effect in a space of fifty square feet, also first prize for a shower bouquet of cactus dahlias. HAMADRYAD Hosprr.L.-The medical superin- tendent acknowledges receipt of £7 19. 6d per Mr F. Stephen Turner, being a portion of the proceeds of the first charity festival at the Sophia Gardens.

CARMARTHEN. REGATTTA. On Thursday evening stormy weather compelled the committee of the Carmar- then Regatta to postpone this fixture, to the great disappointment of a 'number of townsfolk and excursionists.

MERTHYR. BOOTMAKER'S AFFAIRS,—Yesterday a meeting was held at the office of the Official Receiver of creditors of Elizabeth Ann Harding, 17, Glebe- land-street, and 19, Twynyrodyn, bootmaker and repairer. The liabilities amounted to E147 15s lid due to eleven unsecured creditors, and iC6 due preferentially. The deficiency was estimated at JE131 5s lid.

BLAINA. AN IMPUDENT Tm-FF.-Charles Herbert Rose (28), described as a tramping labourer and a native of Abersychan, was charged with stealing trousers and stockings from a house at Biaina. On Thursday morning Mrs Sarah Ann Nicholls awoke to find prisoner peering into her bedroom, silly-like." She jumped out of bed and got him out of the house, but not without some trouble, and after he cleared off she missed the articles from a chair downstairs. When prisoner was collared by a waterman named Lewis, who brought him to the Police Station, he was wear- ing the pants and the hoee, having burned his cast-offs in the kitchen grate. One month's hard labour.

BARRY. THEFT.—Robert Williams, labourer, living at 22, Lee-road, Cadoxton, was charged with stealing a chisel, value 2s, from the relief works of the Barry District Council, where he had been employed. There was a previous conviction against him, and he was sent to gaol for a fortnight.

PORTH. STEALING BOOTS.-Reynold Alexander (24), seaman, for stealing a pair of boots, the property of Mr Kinsey, boot dealer, Treorky, was sen- tenced to three months' hard labour. There were previous convictions against prisoner.

NEW YORIi PRICES. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS. I NEW YORK, Friday.—On the Stock 'Market supporting orders at the opening checked bear operators realising sales being well absorbed, and the decision to close the Exchange to-morrow prompted bear covering. There was an aggressive rise in Chicago, Milwankees, and Saint Paul, which were bought quite heavily, especially in the closing hour, which awakened activity; market closed very buoyant at the top figures and net gains of one to seven. Government Bonds were irregular and Railroad Bonds strong. In honour of the return of Admiral Sampson's fleet the stock, cotton, and produce exchanges will be closed to-morrow. The Produce Exchange, how- ever, meets at 10 a.m., when it will adjourn in order to comply with the rules. Western Union, Erie Shares, and Louisville advanced i; Canada Southern, Cleveland Ordinary, Delaware Hudson, Denver Common, Reading Shares, Union Pacific Shares, and Wabash P-fe-i, i New Jersey. 1 Chicago Great Western and Denver Preferred, North Western Ordinary, Illinois Central and Northern Preferred, f Milwaukee Common, 2j; Rock Island, 1% Reading First Preferred, Ii; and Union Preferred, Ii. Erie General Lien declined §; Lake Shore and Michigan Central, J. Money steady. Sterling Exchange easier. Silver bars unchanged. Cotton, after early fluctuations, finally advanced on less favourable crop accounts, and closed steady; spot easy. Cotton oil dull and unchanged. Petroleum-refined steady, Lard- cash firm, and 12! points up. Wheat advanced on bullish cables, but closed weak on predictions of a big crop spot firm. Flour easy and unchanged. Corn declined with wheat and closed weak spot easy. Sugar firm at late rates. Coffee has been featureless, and closed steady spot quiet. Tin weak at 5 points fall. Iron quiet. Copper firm. Aug 19 Aug. 18 Call Money U.S. Gov. Bonds 1% p.c l p. Ditto, other Securities 1% p.c 'Y. P., Exchange onL°nd°n,60days'sight 4,8.3 4.83V Ditto, Cable Transfers 4.8594 4.85% Exchange Paris, 60 days'sight 5.21% 5,21% Exchange on Berlin Days 94 U 94 v Four per Cent. U.S. Funded Loan 1U& lily. Western Union Telegraph Shares 95% 94 aj Atchison Topeka, and S. Fe 14 i3v Do. Do. 4 p.c. Mor 95% asy, Do. Do. 5 p.c. Preferr- 36 35% Baltimore and Ohio 16 V Do. Do. S.W. 4 p.c..„„. 101% 10154 Canada Southern Shares 54^ 54V Canadian Pacific 8454 8454 Central New Jersey. 94 93 Central Pacific Shares 172 17% Chesapeake and Ohio Common. 25% 24% Chicago, Burlington and Quincey 118 118% Chicago and North-Western Ord. 134% 133% Chicago and N-Western Preferred 175 175 Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul 112 109% Chicago and Rock Island 106V 104% Clevel'd, Cin., Ch, & St. Ls. Ord. 45% 451,/ Delaware and Hudson 109 1084 Delaware Iiackawana 149% 150 Denver and Bio Grande Shares. 13U 13 Denver Preterred. 53% 53 Illinois Central Shares 112 111 Lake Shore & Michigan Southern 192 193 Louisvme and Nashville Shares. 57M 56% Michigan Central Shares 108 1C8VS Missouri Kansas, and Texas 12 W -2 Missouri Pacific. 37S 37s/ New Yor^Lake Erie,and Western 14« 14 Ditto, Lien 74a" 7g New York Central and HudsonRiv 119% 118?i New York Ontario & Western, Ord 16% lBhi Northern Pacific Common 37 353/ Northern Pacific Preferred 75% 75U Norfolk and Western Preferred. 54' 53V Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. 59% 59% Philadelphia and Reading Shares 19% 19 Philadelphia&ReadingSp.c.lstInc 45% 44 Do. do. 4 p.c. Mor 84% 84iS Union Pacific Shares 28% 27% Do. Preferred 64% 63% Wabash, St. Louis, and Pacific 8% 8% Wabash, St. Louis, etc. Pref. Shrs 21% 21M Silver Bullion 59^ 59^ COTTON AND PRODUCE MAUKKTS Cotton, day'sreceiptsat U.S. ports 1,000 0.00C Cotfcon,day's receipts at Gulf ports 0,300 1,000 Cotton, day's export to G. Britain 1,000 0,000 Cotton, day's export to Continent 2,000 0,000 Co. ion future Sept. delivery 5.62 5.61 Cotton future Nov.. delivery 5.68 5.66 Cctton middling upland N. York.. 5% 5% Cotton middling New Orleans 5% E% Petroleum, refined, in cases. 7.15 7.15 Petroleum,sta'dard White N.York 6.50 6.50 Petroleum,st'dwhitePhiladelphia 6.45 6.45 Petroleum, Pipe Line Certs 98 98 Spirits of Turpentine. 29% 29 Lard, Wilcox's spot 5.50 5.37% Tallow, Prime City 3% 3% Sugar, fair reflningMoscovados. 3:14 3i Do. 96 p.c. Centrifugal 4% 47 Corn, Newmixed, Western spot. 37% 37% Corn futures Sept. 35 35% Corn futures Dec 35% 36 Spring Wheat, No. 1 spot 80 84 Wheat, red winter on the spot 78% 79% Wheat delivery Sept. 69. 70% Wheat delivery Dec.A 67M 68 Coffee Rio No. 7 6% 6% Coffee Rio No. 7 Low Ord. Sept. 5.60 5.60 Coffee ditto delivery Nov. 5.60 5.60 Flour ex State Shipping Brands. 3.40 2.40 Iron, No. 2 Northern 10.75 10.75 Tin, Australian 16.20 16.25 Copper 12 12 Steel Rails I8j^ 18% Freight Grain Liverpool steamers l%d l%d Freight Grain steamers London. 2%d 2%d Freight, Cotton to Liverpool Wheat, Chicago, Sept.delivery 65 66% Corn, Chicago, Sept delivery 30% 31% Turpentine, Savannah 27 27 Freight, Cotton to Liverpool Wheat, Chicago, Sept.delivery 65 66% Corn, Chicago, Sept delivery 30% 31% Turpentine, Savannah 27 27

EX-DETECTIVE SERGEANT MASEY. It is always gratifying to know that a public servant who has performed his duties in an ex- emplary fashion has received some token of appre- ciation beyond the bare acknowledgment that he has done his duty. In this connection it is pleasing to notice that ex-Detective-Sergeant Masey, of the Y Division of the Metropolitan Police, is to receive a testimonial from the inhabi- tants of Upper Holloway and Kentish Town. Mr Masey was born at Bristol in 1844, and left school before he had got into his teens. Upon attaining bis majority he left his native town and like another Dick Whittington made tracks for London. He spent some years in the Metro- polis, but when in 1872 the great builders' strike occurred he was thrown out of employment and secured an appointment in the L or Lambeth Division of the Metropolitan Police. In a very short time he saw some rough work in the neigh- bourhood of the Mint, Southwark (now cleared away), and the New Cut, which at that time held a. very undesirable reputation. Mr Masey was one of the original members of the" Flying Brigade," out of which the present elaborate organisation has been evolved,-and he was with one exception the oldest detective in the Depart- ment, having been in the force for more than a quarter of a century. In the sourse of his service he has effected over 500 arrests, and on several occasions under difficult and dangerous circum- stances. It goes without saying that he has had many narrow escapes, but he ca.me very near to losing his life on the occasion of the entry of the Dnke nad Duchess of Edinburgh into London, whilst on Jubilee Day, 1897, he received a painful injury, from which unfortunately he will suffer during the remainder of his life.

-$"" C. BRANDAUBB & Co.'s Circular-Pdinted Pens neither scratch nor spurt, the points being rounded bv anew process. Assorted Sample Box for seven stammrat tho Works. Birmingham. 'W i

CRUSADE AGAINST RITUALISM. MR KENSIT AT BRISTOL. A NOISY MEETING. On Thursday, in connection with the Protes tant League, a meeting was held in BethesdA Schoolroom, St. George, when an address wat given by Mr John Kensit, of London.—Mr Jas. Redwood, who presided over a big attendance, stated that the meeting was convened in order to protest against the removal of the Lord's Table and the erection of an altar in St. Matthew's Church, Moorfields.—Mr John Kensit, who was received with load applause, had his first state- ments taken exception to by a clergyman in the audience, who, at his invitation, went on the plat- form. Having passed through the glamour of Ritualism and sacerdotalism, he knew, he said, having once been bitten, what he was going to state. (Hear, hear.) As long as the Church of England continued loyal to the Book of Common Prayer, upon which it was built, he would con- tinue loyal to that Church. (Hear, bear.) The Church of England was the Church of the Refor- mation. (Hear, hear.) It was the old Catholic Church. (Interruption.) He would give a few elementary truths for the benefit of those who had come to interrupt. God had used him, an empty vessel, to bring numbers of young people from the errors of Ritualism. What was the meaning of the word Catholic ? A word, though not in the Bible, they all loved. The Ritualistic meaning of the word was the Holy Roman, the Holy Greek, and the Holy Anglican. Was that right ? (" No, you are wrong.") Now, what was the Catholic Church composed of ? Was it not composed of all true believers ? (Applause.) Priestcraft was the same to-day as it was 400 years ago. (Hear, hear.) Christian people were getting out of Churchianity into Christianity (Applause.) Thank God, when they got to heaven there would be no sect and there would be no Protestant League either. (Interruption.) The daily reading of God's Word was a sure cure for Ritualism. (Applause.) If they felt a bit weak on any point they should not go to men's books, but God's Word. (Applause.) They placed too much reliance on men's books. (Hear, hear.) He believed the young men of Bristol were going to take part in his crusade—(hear, hear)—and he wished to urge them to be good Bible readers. He was of opinion that they were all priests, and he wag getting more and more convinced of it. (Hear, hear.) What they wanted to-day was the priesthood of all believers. (Hear, hear.) From Matthew's Gospel to Revelation the ministers of religion were never once called priests. They were all priests in the sense that they could only offer one sa.crifice-viz., the sacrifice of a broken and contrite spirit." (Applause.) Mr Kensit then went on to describe what he termed the abomination of the confessional, and con- cluded by referring to St. Matthew's Church, Moorfields. Now, in the Book of Common Prayer, from cover to cover, they never once read of an altar, but they did read of the Communion Table. Had the word altar dropped out of the Prayer Book by chance ? Well, he did not believe in chance. (Hear, hear.) Where was it ? There was a time when the Communion Table was called an altar, but at the blessed Reformation their forefathers swept away the altars, the priests, and the masses. (Applause.) Now, at St. Matthew's, Moorfields, what was the table ? He could tell the difference between a table and an altar. (" You can't.") The Ritualistic altar always had steps leading up to it, but God's altar never had steps loading to it. He would give them complete Scriptural answers. (" No, no.") Let the man who said" No," tell him where he had not done so ? (Interruption.) This meeting that night would be an object lesson to the people of Bristol. (" No, no.") The people of Bristol would say he was doing his best. (Hear hear, and No.") The Church of England had no altars. At the Reformation the Church of Eng- land altered the altars and turned them into tables. He trusted the day was coming when there would be another clearing out of altars from their churches. Amidst considerable inter- ruption, which lasted for some minutes, Mr Kensit continued speaking, and was understood to say that to call a bit of bread a wafer was blasphemy. (t: We do not do it," and renewed interruption.) They wanted men of God to go to their parish churches—(" And behave them- selves ")—and wherever the law of the Church was being broken that there should be a godly man not ashamed to stand up in the church and publicly protest against idolatry. The meeting closed amidst confusion, with cheers for Mr Kensit, with counter-cheers for Mr Stephens, and the ejecting of a gentleman from the building who had been very emphatic in his objections. In the afternoon a Bible reading took place in the chapel, the Rev. George Graves presiding over a good attendance. An address on Protes- tantism was given by Mr John Kensit.

BRIDGEND COUNTY COURT. 3 [Before Mr IGNATIUS WILLIAMS on Triday. DISPUTE AS TO COMMISSION.—Thomas Phillips, of Terrace-road, Swansea, commercial traveller, sued Robert G. Pugh, of Porthcawl, retired draper, for 117 10s, commission on sale of defendant's drapery busines3 at Tynewydd, Ogmore Vale. Mr J. Sankey appeared for the plaintiff, and the defendant was represented by Mr W. A. Williams, from the office of Mr S. H. Stockwood, Bridgend. Defendant denied that he had arranged with plaintiff to pay him a commission on the sale.—His Honour gave judg- ment for plaintiff for the full amount. ARMOUR'S BRAWN DEFINED.—David Williams and Sons, grocers, Bridgend, brought an action against Wilier and Riley, wholesale provision merchants, Manchester and Cardiff, to recover III 6s lOd, damages sustained by them by reason of defendants' breach of contract to deliver 45 cases of Armour's brawn. In May last the Elaintiff firm s tender for the supply of Armour's rawn to the Asylums was accepted by the Asylums authorities, and a few days afterwards Mr Nicholls, the traveller for the defendants' Cardiff branch, entered into a contract on his employers' behalf for the supply of 50 cases of Armour's brawn to Messrs David Williams and Son at 18s per case. Shortly after this order was given the plaintiffs wrote stating that they only had five cases of Armour's Chicago brawn, which they sent on. They afterwards forwarded 50 cases of Armour's Kansas brawn, which was a very inferior stuff, and which the plaintiffs re- fused to accept.—Mr Sankey, who appeared for the defendants, contended that the price in the contract proved it was Kansas brawn which was ordered, as the price of that brand was at the time of the contract 19s per case, whereas Armour's Chicago brawn was 23s per case. Mr T. J. Hughes, for defendants, argued that plaintiffs understood that they were ordering the Chicago brawn, as in the trade Armour's brawn always meant Armour's Chicago brawn. Several grocers were brought forward as witnesses to prove this latter statement. Mr Nicholls, the traveller, stated that when Armour's brawn was ordered it was left in the discretion of the wholesale house to send either the Chicago or Kansas brand, although one was 19s per. case and the other 23s. His Honour considered that that was not a likely way of doing business, and gave judgment for plaintiffs. THE LOST RECEIPT.—T. D. Jones, of the Ystrad Hotel, Rhondda Valley, sued Lyshon Harding, of Porthcawl, for E10 4s 9d. balance of account. Mr Treharne, of Pentre, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr W. A. Williams, Bridgend, for the defendant. For the defence it was stated that on one occasion JE50 had been paid by the defendant to the plaintiff for which credit for X40 only had been given. Defendant brought a counterclaim for 4s, and admitted the 9d, which he had paid into court. He had received a receipt for £ 50, but had lost it. The defendant's son swore to having seen the receipt, which was for 450. Plaintiff admitted the counterclaim. His Honour gave judgment for defendant. ALLEGED DEFECTIVE PIPES,-Edwirl Williams, butcher, of Aberkenfig, sued John Russell and Co., Ltd., Walsall, for breach of contract in the delivery of pipes, and claimed JE15 Is 6d as damages. Mr W. R. Randall appeared for plaintiff, and Mr Bedell, of Bristol, for defendants. The plaintiff's case was that the pipes supplied were not up to the standard ordered, and were generally defective and had to e be returned.—For the defence evidence was called to show that the pipes were delivered according to contract, and when they were returned there was practically no defect exhibited. Expert evidence was given to the effect that the firm of Messrs Russell usually sent out the very best article. Witnesses from Bristol, Walsall, &c., were called, and the Judge eventually gave judgment for defendants with costs.

SCOTCH IRON TRADE. GLASGOW, Friday.—There has been a firm tone in the Scotch iron^rado this week. The manu- facturing branches have had full and steady employment. At the same time there has not been much stir in the pig iron warrant market, but prices have been firm. The uncertain posi- tion of the labour in the mining industry has interrupted business in raw iron, both home con- sumers and shippers buying sparingly. Prices of Scotch makes iron are firm. G.M.B. No. 1 is quoted f.o.b. at Glasgow 48s No. 3, 47s 6d Clyde and Calder, 51s 6d and 47s 6d Gart- -sherrie and Summerlee, 52s 6d and 48s; Coltness, 56s and 48s 6d Glengarnock (at Ardrossan), 52s and 47s Eglinton (at Ardrossan or Troon), and DalmeUington (at Ayr), 48s 6d and 47 6d Shotts (at Leith), 52s and 48s 6d; Carron (at Grange- mouth), 52s 6d and 49s. There are 81 furnaces in blast, compared with 79 at this time last year. The shipments of Scotch pig iron show no improvement, and the inquiry is quiet. There is a steady consumptionof Scotch hematite, which is quoted by merchants at 56s per ton de- livered at the steel works. Stocks of pigs in Glasgow warrant stores show the small decrease fer the week of 58 tons. The malleable iron and steel departments are well employed, especially the latter, and prices are firm. -+-

A COURAGEOUS LANDLADY. Early yesterday Mrs Clark, landlady of the Woodman Inn, King George-street, Greenwich, heard a noise on the ground floor. Proceeding downstairs, armed with a poker, she discovered a man, whom she* courageously attacked, hitting him on the head. The supposed burglar wrested the poker from her, knocked her down, and es- caped, but was followed by a man who secured him after a severe struggle. The supposed thief was severely injured, and lies in Miller Hospital. Neither case is expected to have fatal result.

ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. The permanent secretary of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Mr Lister Steadman, has just arrived in Cardiff for the purpose of taking up his residence here during the oeriod in which the business of the Order will be conducted from Cardiff.

BOARD OF TRADE RETURNS. DECREASE IN IMPORTS AND EXPORTS- '■! BY MABON, M.P. I FROM THE CARDIFF TIMES AND SOUTH wAIM WEEKLY NEWS." One regrets to find that in their net results the Board of Trade returns for the month of Joly and the seven expired months of the present year, that ended on July 31st, are far from satis- factory. As regards the import account they are more unsatisfactory than those of the exports, but to say the least both are disappointing. In June the exports showed a small increase, but last month that tendency has wholly vanished, and the final result is a heavy decrease. For the months the import returns show an estimated value of iEZ5,903,039, and show, as compared with last year's corresponding record, a decrease of 4220,484. The only increase are those under the headings of articles of food and drink, and of the raw materials for textile manufactures, the imports of which amounted to 7,134,000 cwta, being exactly double the quantity entered in Jtdy, 1897. This was due to the heavy importa- tions from India, Turkey, Argentine Republic aid the United States. The imports from India amounted to 2,382 cwts., as against 37,200 in July last year. In wheat and meal there was also an increase of nearly 2.000,000 cwt. There is also small additions in the return of Indian corn and meal, fresh beef and pork, potatoes and spices, which together account for a net increase of tS15,755 on a total of 413.2581826. Last month's imports of raw cotton amounted to 464,513 cwt., an increase of 212,203 cwt., and in flax and hemp the addition is given as 6,500 tons. On the other side of the account there are de- creases of £313,725 in the returns of animals for food, of X136,290 on metals, and of XZGL667 in a total of zF-5,323,559 under the heading of raw material for sundry industries. General manufac- tures IUld miscellaneous articles also show a de- crease of zE3,000,000, while in metals the reduc- tion is ftiven as £ 136,289. For the seven months ended July 31st, the im- ports amounted to the total value of £ 271,881,490, an increase of iUO,538,224 over last year's coires- ponding returns. The items which during this period show decreases are those under the head- ings of animals or food, tobacco, chemicals, and the raw Materials for both textile man < and sundry industries. The import of raw cotton is given as 10,383,548 cwt., of the value of X19,012,000, being an increase of 2-102,461 cwt. in quantity, and of £ 602,583 in value, but under flax, hemp, and jute these respective reductions which result in a net decrease under the head- ing of raw materials for textile manufactures of S568,947, the raw materials for sundry industries have fallen from iE27,877,594 in last year's corres- ponding return to £ 26,755,157 thus a decrease of £ 1,221,437. ^he exports for the month are given at the decreased value of X20,089,878, and show on comparison 1tith last year's corresponding re- turn a net decrease of £ 1,411,574. The only im- provements attained are those under the headings of machinery and chemicals. Under machinery the gain of tI4,857, on a total of El,653,024, is due entirely to the increased shipments of steam engines for agricultural purposes to the East Indies. In mining machinery the position a un- changed. There is a small addition under chemicals, but any other item of export shows a falling off; the heaviest decrease amounts to £ 400,545 on a return S,8,337,859 due to large con- tractions in the exports of yarns and linen piece goods, worsted and woollen tissues and flannels to France, Portugal, Egypt, Morocco, China, Madras, and the United States of America. Under metals the decrease amounts to £ 273,689, and under general manufactures to E131,722 on the respective totals of E2,749,593 and £ 2,756,039- For the seven expired months of the year the total exports valued at 1132,598,057 present a net decrease of S6,313,847 the only increase during this period are those of t24,472 under the head- ing of living animals, and of E26,250 under pared posts. In textile fabrics the falling off amounts to SZ,477,383, and under metals £ 943,717. The quantity of coal exported so far this year is re- turned at 19,671,129 tons, of the value of E9,422,499, as against 21,102,086 tons and 49,431,527 so given for the corresponding period of last year. So notwithstanding the South Wales lock-out during four months of the period here mentioned, the coal exported has only been reduced by 1,102,066 tons. But the sum received for the two different tonnages has been pretty much the same, and shows a decided advance tO prices. The exports of foreign and ColonitJ merchandise for the month of July are returned at the value of £5,243,000, and shows in compari- « son an increase of £ 228,664, while those for the seven months present a decrease of E162,412 on a total export value of £ 37,216,563. INTERNATIONAL MINERS' CONGRESS. Another word or two with regard to the recent Miners' International Congress held at Vienna. The subjects discussed, and around which chief interest centred, were the regulation of the world s output of coal by international agreement, &c., and the other the living wage." Of the latter we have said something before. Notwith- standing the ridicule that some newspapers ^have endeavoured to rest >upon the discussion of this question, one cannot help feeling that this above all is the question that gives to these conferences their life and vitality, Upon j other questions, such as the Mines Acts, Mint* j Inspections, Employers' Liability, and Old Age ] Pensions, &c., &c., the conference lis of the greatest possible value as a means of transmit- ting information trustworthy and at first hand i regarding what is sought for and what is j being done in the various countries affected. j Several Parliamentary representatives in almost every country take a great interest in promoting the safety of life and limb which can nor dare not touch the question of wages. But with respect to the question of wages, this seems to be j the main and vital object which congress is j organised for; and the workers of Europe, j especially the miners, make it their principal j battleground from or through which they hope to obtain the ideal of a living wage," notwith- standing the workings of the co-called economic | laws. Hence a very great importance is attached I to every point and argument used in the discus- 1 sion of this question at these conferences by both employers and employed on the Continent | of Europe. And it is for this noble object that 3 the miners of Europe aeem to be more deter- j mined than ever to organise for the protection of ] a standard from the operations of the Coal Ex- 1 changes. A very clever move on the part of one J of the British delegates, who proposed an amend- | ment that unrestricted free trade in coal shoold. c be the principle advocated by the conference, and j on seeing that the amendment was going to be j carried by a great majority, the Belgian dele- gation cleverly withdrew the original proposition. A resolution demanding an increase of mine inspectors in the mines of all European countries brought the practical part of the programme to an end.

LAST NIGHT'S GAZETTE." PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED. Thomas Lloyd and A\ iliiam H. Williams, trading as < Lloyd and Williams, at Back Madoc-street, Llan- dudno, plumbers Thomas Lloyd retires. Thomas Wiseman aud John S. Crossley, trading as Wiseman and Crosslev, at 13, James-street, Tredegar, Monmouthshire, fish and fruit dealer. RECEIVING ORDERS. Nathan Freed, Cardiff-street, Aberdare, furniture dealer. Robert Hobbs, High-street, Tynewydd, Ogmore Vale, bootmaker. Benjamin Kyte, Caroline-street, Cardiff, butcher. Ebenezer G. Strong, Clive-buildings, Penarth-road. Grangetown, Cardiff, grocer, br.-ker, corn merchant, saddler, &c. Thomas Berry, lately trading as Berry and Co., Llanelly, china dealer. Fred Fielding, trading as F. Fielding and Co.. of Cwmtillery, Penybont, and Abertillery, grocer and postmaster.

The late Dr. Edward Aveling, who died oø August 2nd, leaves estate sworn at JE852 7s 3d.

goo 3tate for (ftiassificaliOTt. R i^ac.er- Dunlop tyres, unpunctured gear 70» Pes' sacrifice, £ 7; cost double.—CambrUO House, Mardy. sssn OQ,Woodville-roadr'Cathays.—Comfortable Apartments young married couple or 2 gentlemen '< near trams; bath good cooking well recommended.^ UNI L'RNISHED Apartments to Let; oven te -rO- spectable locality suit young couple.-I Carlisle- street, bplotlands. 656n IF the Stranger who, about 4 lnonths ago, left a papef Parcel at the Lord Nelson Hotel, Pontlottyn, dooso^ claim the same in one calendar month from the 4a.tØ hereof, the contents wttlba sotfL-U. B.Owen,ProprietorJ» WANTED, a strong Youth, about 18, to asstf* Gardener and make himself generally useful- Apply, stating wages and references, to Lady TJevri'" J he Mardy, Aberdare. "PATTERNMAKER.—Wanted, in large collieries £ South Wales, an Improver with three or fourve*jfa experience.—A. B., South Wales Dally News, Cardiff^? TO, Butchers.—Young Man (20) seeks Situation *jt J- Second in Slaughterhouse and Assist in Shop i°S™ reference.—Apply C. B„ 99, King-street, Brynmawr. X»50 Only (Great Bargain). — Public" near Brisfji cSrf paddock and garden; rent £ 16; must be under exceptional circumstances living trade; venient dwelling-house —Mr Duke, 13, Clare-st., Bris*°i> APARTMENTS.—"Ye Wyndham," Barry Island, n beach, bathing, six eas M ASSURANCE Agents wanted in all parts of Wales and Monmouthshire bv a first class °°i», pany; splendid terms immediate benefits.—ApPl|L Davies, Dewi Villa, Stuart-street, Aberdare. LOST, 13th Inst., a rough whits Terrier Dog7 US* name of Spot; one ear slightly deformed#jRe* over ear and eye and on one side finder detainer prosecuted.—Evans, Court Hotel, POSTAXJ.—A competent Sorting-room and xtjrndate^ S,N" histrumei^— j

WHAT CAUSES PIMPLES ? Clogging on the pores. The little plug in the centre of the pimple is called a blackhead grab, or comedone. The only real preventive is CUTICURA SOAP, the most effective skin purifying and beautifying soap in the world, as well as purest and sweetest for toilet, bath, and nursery. It is the only pre- ventive of pimples, blackheads, red, rough, and oily skin, red, rough hands, with shapeless nails, dry, thin, and failing hair, and simple baby blemishes, because the only preventive of inflam- mation and clogging of the pores, the cause of ¡ all minor affections of the skin, scalp, and hair. Sale greater than the combined mfo of all other skin and complexion saaoa.

LATE SHIPPING NEWS. [LLOYD'S TELEGRAMS.] The British steamer El Dorado, before reported ashore, has arrived at Stockholm. The German steamer Patria, from Hamburg, which has arrived at New York, reports that she lost her starboard propeller and tail end of shaft on AUU8t 18th. The ketch Jane, before reported ashore at Portloe, has floated and is proceeding to Fal- moHth. The passenger steamer Clacton Belle, in pro- ceeding down the Thames about noon on Friday, collided with the barge Henry, of Rochester, with a cargo of flints. The latter sank, and now lies in Enth Reach. Crew saved. The steamer was undamaged. A Nassau telegram states that the British steamer Jacob Bright is ashore at Egg Island, and cannot be got off without assistance. No damage reported. The above vessel cleared from New York on August 10th, for Inagua and Bluefields.

GONE At the London Bankruptcy Court on Friday, Mr Howell, assistant receiver, presiding, the first meeting of creditors was held under the failure of F. T. H. Hastings, described as a stockbroker, lately carrying on business at 77, Comhill. It was alleged as the act of bankruptcy that on or about June 11th the debtor departed from his dwelling-house or otherwise absented himself with intent to defeat or delay his credi-1 tors. He has not since surrendered, and the chairman stated that his present address was unknown. Proofs amounting to £15,367 were; dealt with, and the matter was left in the Official Receiver's hands to be woand up in, bankruptcy. i

OCEAN COLLIERIES. Yesterday afternoon a meeting of the Pare and the Dare Collieries, employing about 2,000 miners, was held in the Treorky Workmen's Institute to consider the situation. A resolution was passed in favour of a Sliding Scale with minimum. MASS MEETING AT MERTHYR. The adjourned meeting of the workmen of the Plymouth, Cyfarthfa, and Dowlais Works was understood to be held at the Union Tips, Merthyr, yesterday morning. It transpired, however, that the bellman had not been round, as he had not received instructions to do so. The weather also was rainy, and there were only a few hundred men present. For some time the position of affairs was discussed in sections, and at length the men drew together. Several speakers argued that some of the men, especially the Plymouth men, were in favour of having a Scale with a minimum, and others considered that the Dowlais men wanted to give a free hand to the Provisional Committee to negotiate with the employers. One Dowlais man roundly asserted that if after all this vacillation the men went back to work, they could not be called black- legs; they could not stand there and starve, nor could they go out and graze like cattle. What was said to be a telegram, but turned out to be a letter, was read, purporting to come from three of the men who had gone away to the Nottingham coalfield to work as blacklegs. It was repre- sented that the men were doing well; and one of the workmen present said he was afraid if the men in question were taking other men's work it would lead to the stop- page of public subscriptions for the miners of South Wales. Mr Morgan Morgan put a motion to the meeting in favour of calling upon the Glamorgan and Monmouth County Councils to put into force, without delay, the County Council Act in order to borrow money from the Local Government Board for county road and other improvements. This was carried, but Mr Morgan afterwards consented to another motion in lieu of it, viz., that a meeting of the committees of the three works be held on Saturday. at 5 o'clock, at the New Inn, Penydarren, to consider the advisability of calling a mass meeting on the subject. COLLIERY PROSECUTIONS AT BLAINA. At Biaina Police Court yesterday (before Dr. W. E. Williams and other justices) Jas. Hilman, Thomas Lowrie, John Wiltshire, Samuel Pickett, and Wm. Austin were summoned for stealing coal from tips belonging to Messrs John Lancaster and Co., at Biaina. Mr T. G. Powell, Brynmawr, who prosecuted on behalf of the company, pointed out and called evidence to prove that defendants with numerous others had persisted in under- mining several of prosecutors' tips, regardless of warnings from the colliery officials and the police, and notices posted against the practice. The damage incurred had been great, and had the company pursued another course it would be a serious matter for offenders, who would be liable to be sent for trial for wilful damage. Being the first cases of the kind, the Bench fined defendants 5s, and stated that future offenders would have to be dealt with more severely. Charles Lee and William Lewis were mulcted in a like amount for stealing coal belonging to the Powell's Tillery Colliery Company, Abertillery. APPLICATION OF MR BRACE'S SUGGESTION. Messrs Day and Mogg, checkweighers, with the addition of four men representing the Llanhilleth workmen, waited on Mr Edward Jones, J.P., Snatchwood, managing director of the colliery company, on Thursday, and the outcome of the interview was a general meeting called yesterday morning, at which the men passed a resolution to confirm Mr Brace's suggestion at Abertillery, viz., that they were prepared to resume work on the basis of the absoluto wage rate of 20 per cent, on the 1879 standard rate of wage* for three years, such arrangement to be terminable by six months' notice on either side. It was resolved to consult the whole body of the Llan- hilleth workmen on the matter in order that Mr Jones might lay their terms before the employers' Emergency Committee. A meeting of all men employed under the firm of Partridge and Jones will be held on Monday at the Travellers' Rest, on the mountain, near Blaensychan, at one o'clock. THE ALLEGED MERTHYR BLACK- LEGS AT SILVER BROOK. Considerable doubt yet lingers in the minds of the workmen of the Merthyr district with regard to the actual position taken up by the nine men who lately left Merthyr for Silver Brook Colliery, near Mansfield, and by one or two other sections of men who have left during the week for the same destination. In a general way it is supposed that the men are acting as blacklegs, but oh the other hand it is suggested that they are not blacklegs in the usual sense of the term. It is stated, however, that four of the batch of nine men, believing that they were acting as black- legs, have now left the Silver Brook workings, and inquiries are being made on behalf of the Merthyr workmen as to the actual bearings of the case. Some of the men were told to depart from Abercanaid, that they would have their breakfast in Cardiff, their dinner in Gloucester, and their tea in some distant county," and upon this trip some of them proceeded. A letter sent by one of the Merthyr men at Silver Brook states that 50 men are at work at the pit, which is a fine new one, and that there is room for 150 colliers (not labourers "). It is also set forth that the local men are out, but that the dispute is not about wages, but owing to something the men have against an under- manager.

CENTRAL FUND. The following contributions were received towards the Central Fund yesterday :— ot; s d Kirkintulloch Miners. 17 0 0 Employees of Mr J. Spurgeon, Mer- chant Tailor, London, per Daily Chronicle 1 12 8! Collected at Woolwich Arsenal, per Daily Chronicle. 6 16 2 Stradey Colliery. Llanelly 4 5 0 James Whitehead. Glasgow. 1 6 0 Esh Colliery, Durham 2 14 0 Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners 1,000 0 0 Llanfawr Colliery, Llanelly 1 11 2 Browney Colliery, Durham 7 15 2 Scottish Trades Union Congress Parliamentary Committee 10 6 0 Glynea Colliery, Llanelly 23 0 0 Two Enginemen Waencoed Colliery, Alltwen 0 13 3 Congregational Church, Narberth, per Rev. R. Sirhowy Jones. 4 18 0 Hafod Colliery, Brynaman 16 11 2 Amalgamated Toolmakers'. Engi- neers, and Machinists, Liverpool Branch 0 5 0 Brysiog Colliery, Ebbw Vale 0 16 0 Amalgamated Section of the Scottish Miners 30 0 0 Hebburn Lodge, Durham 5 0 0 Amalgamated Society of Bakers and Confectioners, Hanley 5 0 0 North Biddick Lodge, Durham 3 10 0 Hafod, Bersham, and Vauxhall Col- lieries, Rhos, Rnabon 18 8 11 Usworth Colliery, Durham 4 0 0 Dudley Wood Colliery, Machen 3 6 0 Wentlodge Colliery, Machen 2 14 0 The amount of relief distributed this week again from the Central Fund is just over U,000, the Provisional Committee giving Is 9a per head, according to the number of men at each colliery stated in the Governmental returns. The men, however, receive from this amount from 2s to 4s, and in some cases even more, the increase being due to the large number of men who have left their respective districts, going either to the rural districts or other colliery districts in England, where many have found employment. It would be difficult to discover the exact number of men who have left the coalfield, but it can safely be put down at about 20,000. STRIKE PAY. Strike pay to the Great Western Colliery work- men will be given at the Workmen's HaJI, Hop- kinstown, from 10 to 12 to-day (Saturday). Strike pay will also be distributed to the Maritime Colliery workmen from 9 to 12 o'clock to-day, Personal application is requested. A general meeting qf the Maritime men will be held at 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon at the Green- meadow Inn. Pontypridd, to consider the advisa- bility or otherwise of dissolving the sick fund. All members of the fund are requested to attend. The cheque received at Dowlais yesterday from the Provisional Committee for distribution amongst the strikers, allowed about 3s each for men and Is 6d for boys, the amount being for "S 19s 6d. A cheque for 1192 10s was received from the Workmen's Central Fund by the Plymouth (Merthyr) Workmen s Committee on Friday. This was calculated upon the rate of Is 9d per head, but owing to a number of men having left the district, &c., the committee were able to distribute the money at the rate of 2s Id per head for men, and Is lid per head for boys. The men, upon being paid, made a subscription in aid of the soup kitchen fund, which is now being exhausted. The distribution to Resolven Colliery workmen will take place this morning from 10.30 to 12.30. Back payments will be discontinued in future. LLWYNYPIA. Throughout the school holidays soup has been dispensed to the children of Llwynypia Schools. Over 100 put in an appearance each day. RATIONAL ASSOCIATION. A special meeting in connection with the above benefit association was held at Court Hotel, Tonypandy, on Thursday, when the branch chair- man placed the case of members out on strike before their more fortunate brother members who are in work. The Secretary suggested that a relief fund be opened, and this was agreed to unanimously. The fund was immediately opened, and enabled assistance to be given to 40 of the most needy brethren. A GIFT FROM GRIMSBY. Four tons of fish were despatched from the Grimsby Fish Market yesterday to the Mayor of Newport to be distributed amongst the miners, who are suffering on account of the coal strike in the district. This generous gift was sent by Mr Robert Day Melhuish, who also enclosed a cheque for JE5 towards providing boots for the miners' children. ABERAMAN. The Aberaman Children's Soup Kitchen is progressing favourably, the fund being kept up well by local and other subscriptions. Among the latest subscriptions is one from the Dunlop pacemakers, London, who, through Messrs Sam Linton and John Jones, jun., sent £ 3 10s, MERTHYR GUARDIANS AT WORK. Yesterday the Merthyr Board of Guardians held their adjourned meeting, Rev. J. H. Davies, Cefn, in the chair.—It was also laid down that no relief must be given to able-bodied colliers in any case, unless there was illness or urgent necessity, in accordance with the directions of the Local Government Board. It appealed that after the meeting of the Guardians on Thursday, the then chairman, Aid. D. Davies, met the clerk, and it was arranged that the latter should write to the Local Government Board asking for their sanction to an overdraft to meet the grocers' claims. A reply, it was hoped, would be received by Satur- day. In reference to a statement at a previous meeting ljy Mr John Edwards that the Treharris men had endeavoured to come to terms with the Ocean Company and failed, Mr Jenkins, Ocean Colliery Company, wrote saying that the Ocean pits were still open to the workmen upon terms stated at the pit-head. FERNDALE. The Relief Committee have during the present week distributed relief on alternate day*. On Monday 1,335 children under 16 years of age were each supplied with one pound of bread on Wednesday, 1,535; and on Friday 1,650 were supplied. The committee hope to continuu the relief a part of next week. All the local resources have been completely drained. The following donations have been received :—London Relief Committee, per Mr Henry Morgan, third donation, X5; Mr David Morgan, Tydvil Villa, St. Dogmell's, £1 5s two donations from four members of the Ferndale Prize Brass Band of El and S.1 10s respectively; Professor Allots's temperance lectures on the beach at Aberystwyth, fourth donation a Os 5d, fifth £1 3s lOd col- lected by Mr J. V. Lewis, Aberystwyth, 48 8s 9d, making a total of IE21 10s collected by Mr Lewis fifth and sixth donations of XI 10s each contri- buted by Mr Keir Hardie, making a total of iElO 3s. The committee are thankful to the Aberystwyth Male Voice Party for their assistance in singing on the Castle grounds every Sunday. The total amount of subscriptions received since the commencement af the strike now amounts to E396 9s lOd. THE JOINERS AND THE RELIEF FUND. Yesterday Mr Alfred Onions, treasurer of the Central Relief Fund, received a cheque for £1,000 from the Amalgamated Society of Car- Eenters and Joiners. This is the second contri- ution this week, the one received on Monday being for JE500. CARDIFF. In aid of the Mayor's Relief Fund, the Cardiff Military Band will this (Saturday) evening at six o'clock, under the leadership of Mr J. Matthews, give a concert in the Town Hall Square, and by kind permission of the postmaster the Post Office Band will give a concert in the Victoria Park, Canton, at 6.30 on Monday evening. The whole of the money collected at both concerts will be handed over to his Worship the Mayor.

BLAENRHONDDA SUDDEN DEATH.—Yesterday morning a married man named John Cole, a signalman in the employ of the Taff Vale Railway Company at Blaenr/ionclda, was found dead in bed. He was apparently in good health on the previocs evening.

CWMAVON. PRESENTATION.—At a public meeting at the Institute it was unanimously resolved to recog- nise Dr. J. R. James's 30 years' services by presenting him with a tangible token of the appreciation of the inhabitants of the valley. A committee has been selected to carry out the details.

MORRISTON. PRESENTATION. On Thursday evening, at Tabernacle Vestry, a silver dessert service inlaid with gold was presented to Mrs Jones, wife of Rev. Emlyn Jones, on her marriage. The popu- larity of Mrs Jones, nee Miss Thomas, daughter of Mr Edmund Thomas, late of Maindy Hall, had preceded her. Mrs William Thomas, Tany- graig House, Morriston, presided. Congratula- tory addresses were made and the Rev. Emlyn Jones suitably responded.

LLANELLY. EMIGRATION OF IILANELLYITZS. — For many weeks past numbers of Llanellyites have been emigrating to different parts of the world, principally America and South Africa. On Friday morning a party, numbering between 30 and 40; left Llanelly Railway Station for Liver- pool, where they will embark for America.—Mr T. Dummer, until recently employed at the Llanelly Post Office, was on Thursday evening, at Capel Als, presented with a writing case by members of the orchestra and choir. A few Cymmrodorion friends have also presented Mr Dummer with a travelling bag. He left for South Africa yesterday.

LLANGADOCK. THE LATE MR LONG PRICE.—At Llangadock Petty Sessions on Thursday, Mr E. P. Lloyd, Glansevin, presiding, the Bench passed the fol- lowing resolution and recorded it on the minutes:—" That this Bench desire to place on record their deep sense of the great loss they have sustained by the death of Mr David Long Price, who for a long number of years so ably and efficiently performed the office of clerk to this Bench; and the Bench desire further to express their deep sympathy to Mrs Long Price and family in their great bereavement."

FISHGUARD ATHLETIC SPORTS The seventh annual athletic sports and trotting races took place on Friday afternoon in Maesgwynne Meadow, Fish- guard. The weather was delightful, ana a large concourse of spectators assembled to witness the proceedings, which were very successful in every respect. The Band of the 1st V.B. Welsh Regiment was in attendance, and filled in the intervals with some fine selections of music.

CAERPHILLY. A BAD CASE.—Before Mr H. Anthony and Dr. Evans Charles Brookes, groom and gardener, late of St. Mellon's, was brought up under a warrant for having stolen E2 3s 6d from the house of Mr John Farr, Tower Coffee-rooms, Caerphilly. Pri- soner, who is a married man,jand had been staying for a little time with his father-in-law on the St. Cenydd-road, Caerphilly, was turned out of the house and was given shelter for the night by Mrs Farr. In the morning the prisoner left surrep- titiously and took money belonging to Mr Farr. He was committed to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions.

A STEEPLE-CLIMBING CRAZE. An amusing despatch from the Vienna corre- spondent of the London Daily News relates that an extraordinary craze has seized certain merry Viennese who wish to climb apparently inacces- sible heights in order to fix flags in comemmora- tion of the Emperor's birthday. A plumber and a rode dancer and his brother were stopped, but about the same hour (9 p.m.) a young woman, tall and strong, with a flagstaff twice as tall as herself, was found climbing up the side of the votive church. When she was questioned she answered that she meant to climb to the roof and fasten her flag between the two belfries so that everybody could see it. She expected that if the Emperor was told that a woman had put it there, he would want to see her, and he would then be anxious to grant her wish. This was to get her grandfather admitted as one of the twelve old men at the next annual feet-washing at the Burg Palatte on the Thursday before Easter. While the police were discussing these matters with the adventurous parties, another man, the fifth climber, quietly approached the other side of the church which was unguarded, and with a black- and-yellow flag bearing the Imperial eagles climbed she eastern tower to within 50 feet of the top, fixed his flag, and quietly came down again. But he had been noticed. He was stopped when he came down, and made to report himself at a neighbouring police station. He is a young workman, aged eighteen, named Schreiber.

CELEBRATED DETECTIVE DEAD. One of the most noted of the old City detec- tives, James Brett, who for over 30 years was in most of the big cases," has passed away. He was one of the features of Frith's great paint- ing, "The Railway Station." Deceased was 78 years of age.

THE BRECON AND MERTffiR RAILWAY. EFFECTS OF THE STRIKE. THE BARGAIN WITH BARRY, The 78th ordinary meeting of the shareholders of the Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil Junction Rail- way Company was held at 134, Palmerston Buildings, Old Broad-street, yesterday. Mr H. F. Slattery presiding. The directors in their report for the half-year ended 30th June last stated that the gross receipts amounted to £36,874, being a decrease of £4,196 as compared with the corres- ponding period last year. The gross expenditure was £ 23,783—an increase of JE5. The total net revenue was £13,113. This was sufficient to pay the fixed charges down to and including the A Debenture Stock, but in consequence of the great losses caused by the colliers' strike they regretted being unable at present to make any distribution to the B Debenture holders. The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said he was sorry the accounts showed a decrease in the receipts of £4,196, while the expenditure stood at practically the same figure as last year, leaving a net loss of £4,179, Doubtless the shareholders had been prepared for this, arising as it did from the loss of mineral traffic due to the strike of workmen at the associated collieries in South Wales and Mon- mouthshire. This disastrous stalie of things had now existed since the 1st of April, and as prac- tically there were no non-associated collieries on the company's system they had been without any mineral traffic for three months of the half year, except a small quantity which had come down from the Rhondda Valley from the Pontypridd and Caerphilly and Newport Company's line. In consequence of this they carried to net revenue a balance only of £13,091 against £17,292 in the corresponding period of 1897. This was sufficient to provide for all the fixed charges, down to and incluaing the A Debenture Stock, and to clear off the debit balance cf £4,694 brought forward from the last half-year, the balance unliquidated being only £59, The directors were, therefore, unable at present to make any distribution to the B Deben- ture Stock holders. The interest on this stock was of course accumulative, and in the event of an early arrangement being come to in South Wales it would be met—they hoped, before very long. However gloomy the pre- sent might be they had the greatest hopes of the near future. The recent Parlia- mentary Session had been an important one for that company. As the shareholders were aware they promoted a Bill for the purpose of giving a direct and more convenient route to Cardiff, Penarth and Barry Docks. The projected lines would have cost the company about £100,000, The Barry Company were projecting lines similar to their own, and which, in fact, afforded them a direct route to Cardiff via the new connection with the Rhymney Railway. This effected their main object, and on investigation proved to be better laid out than their own for the working of traffic. As he expected, they were soon approached by their Barry friends, and after considerable negotiations they agreed to withdraw their own scheme and support that of the Barry, giving the Barry Company running powers up to Rhymney. In return for this the Barry Company would pay the cost of doubling the single portion of the Brecon and Merthyr Company's line between the points of junction with them and the Rhymney and of such other works as might be necessary for the full use of the Brecon and Merthyr line by them. An expenditure of some £20,000 would be in- curred, of which £9,500 was to be free of all charge to that company, but on any excess over and above that sum, they were to pay three per cent, per annum with the option of repaying the sum should they desire to do so. The Barry Company would allow them to run over their line down to its junction with the Rhymney on very favourable terms, and had a.greed to provide sufficient siding accommoda- tion both at that point and at the junction with the Brecon and Merthyr line. Having regard to the new pits now being sunk in the Rhymney Valley, and the consequent large increase in the output from that valleYl this connection, placing the Brecon and Merthyr as it did in direct communication with the Barry line and docks, and providing an excellent new route to Cardiff via the connection with the Rhymney Railway, was of the utmost importance. He was sure the shareholders would agree with him that they had good cause to congratulate themselves upon this arrangement. He felt confident that it would prove to be the best investment ever made by the Brecon and Merthyr Company. The Usk Valley Railway Bill had passed both Houses, and before it reached the Second House that company came to terms with the promoters, who, upon being given access to Talyllyn Station, withdrew the running powers as between that place and Brecon. Mr W. BAILEY HAWKINS seconded the motion, which was adopted. PROGRESS OF THE RHYMNEY SINKINGS. The CHAIRMAN then reported the progress made with the new pits in the Rhymney Valley. He said that of the Powell Duffryn new pits one was sunk 200 yards and the other 100 yards, and there was no trouble now with water or any other unusual obstruction. The other necessary works were going on well. The McLaren Pit No. 1 had been sunk to a depth of 290 yards. The coal they intended to work out of this sinking was at 300 yards. It was steam coal, and the seam was called the Ras Las." It was three feet thick on the way down. They had pass 3d several small seams, but these would not be worked at present. This Ras Las seam was in addition to the coal which would be raised from the existing workings in this pit. The Tredegar Iron and Coal Company in their 25th annual report said It has been decided after careful consideration to construct a tramway from Tredegar to the Brecon and Merthyr Railway capable of trans- porting about 1,200 tons per day." Every pro- gress was therefore being made with these pits, and the Brecon and Merthyr line was getting into perfect order. He was convinced that the increase of traffic ready to be put down as soon as this unfortunate strike was over would amount to some million tons a year. it was a sad thing that the coalowners and workmen could not come to some arrangement and put an end to the strike which they all regretted. Mr GWYTHER JONES Do you expect a million tons extra a year over the line ? The CHAIRMAN Yes. Mr G. JONES That will double our income nearly. The CHAIRMAN I hope so. Mr HAWKINS We expect a great deal more than that. The CHAIRMAN We expect 1,200 tons a day as soon as our connection with the Barry Company is made and everything is right, but at the present moment there is a considerable increase of traffic ready to be carried. Mr G. JONES: Is there any clause by which you can make the Barry Company complete that line within a certain time. The CHAIRMAN Their own interest, I think, is quite sufficient. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

WHITE SWALLOWS IN ENGLAND. The announcement that a white swallow is to be seen at Ealing has called forth intimations that similar curiosities are to be met with else- where. Mr S. A. Rogers, of Prebend House, Buckingham, says that for three successive years pure white swallows have had a nest adjoining his residence. Mr A. Sidney Leary, 48, Lansdowne- place, IBrighton, states that while staying last month at the Pwllycrochan Hotel, Colwyn Bay, he observed a similar rara avis. The visitors became much interested in the bird, which they saw for several days. It, however, eventually disappeared, being perhaps, captured on account of its rarity.

HIS WIFE WAS IN THE TRENCHES. William Evans, a Crimean veteran, has died at Richmond yesterday in his eightieth yeai. Evans enlisted at the age of 20 in the 4th Battalion of the King's Own, and served 22 years. He was present throughout the Crimean cam paign, and what was almost unique was that Jhis wife, who survives him, was with him throughout the war, and frequently in the trenches under fire.

LATEST NEWS FROM THE TRANSVAAL.—A Gentle yy-;? ii t,u,,Lvelliiig in BecbuannJand en route for Bulu wuj o, writes I bave been very bad with fearful headache for (Tver a week. I took two doses of Mpn day's Liver PiUs, and am all right again."—Sold in boxes, Is, Is 6d, and 4s 6d, free by post.—J. Munday otontirt EUsb-otmt Qwfltfv iiz

THE BLACKHEATH MURDER The efforts of the police to establish the identity and the whereabouts of the murderer of Mrs Tyler at Blackheath are still without result Beyond the finger marks on the window pane and the footprints in the garden, the detectives have obtained no evidence on which to pursue a definite series of inquiries; and it is generally feared by the residents and even by the police that the per- petrator of the brutal crime will escape from jus- tice. Of course, everything possible is being done, to tuce the murderer by means of the photo- graphed finger-marks, and the records of finger impressions in possession of the Scotland Yard authorities have Deen most diligently searched, but so far in vain. The question asked at the inquest as to the possibility of the murder having been committed while Mrs Tyler was in bed has led to some speculation. The evidence was altogether opposed to the suggestion that the body was dragged from the bed and thrown on the ground. The bed- clothes were not unusually disturbed, and, aa already stated in the Daily Mail, it is more than probable that Mrs Tyler got out of bed with the object of suddenly confronting the intruder but that she was seized in his powerful grip and effectually prevented from uttering any cry. A Blackheath resident told a Daily Mail representative on Thursday that a prevalent idea in the neighbourhood is that there is a gang of burglars living in luxurious style in one of the villas near. Some time ago, he stated, Black- heath was worked with forged cheques, but now apparently the same gang has taken to burglary. The idea, however, is far fetched. For the most part the robberies in the district have not betrayed the skilful hand of experienced cracksmen, and the property stolen would not go very far towards paying the rent of a villa at Blackheath. The funeral of the deceased lady took place on Thursday afternoon at Charlton Cemetery, the first part of the service being held at St. James's Church, which is directly opposite the house in Kidbrook-park-road. The church was crowded, and many of those present were moved to tears. In one corner of the church sat a poorly-dressed woman and her daughter. They were almost un- observed, but one or two people noticed that they cried bitterly during the service. They wer mourning the loss of a charitable benefactress. Daily Mail.

PILOT'S SIEEOCKING DEATH- Mr Calvert, dock mooring pilot, of Hartlepool, met with a shocking death yesterday. He was leaving the steamer Westoe by means of a rope ladder, when he fell between the ship and the pier. In his descent he struck two large beams and then rolled into the water. When he was got out it was found that his jaw and his collar bones were broken and that his spine was injured. He died in a few minutes.