South Wales Daily News

THE END EXPECTED. (Central News Telegram.) CAPE TOWN, Tuesday Evening. It Is the generaJ belief here that peace will be Jeclared within a week.

IRREGULAR WARFARE. THREE COOL CANADIANS. (Press Association Special Telegram.) PRETORIA, Tuesday. The present operations ia the Transvaal aro -ixcellent examples of the irregular nature of the warfare which has been carried on Coring the latter part of the present 510 g. Whiie the Boer headquarters campaign. While w ,g are preBamabiy TriDSVaal) General jbe eastern 30 miles to the west Pretoria6 Yesterday he made a reconnaisance 2 Hekpoort, withoat resnlt. His task is chiefly to patrol the coautry to the immediate west of and to seize large quantities of grain to be stored there. North of him General «»»»" w.™b.thS„dP.i. £ £ RiS, and is also cle.nng the district im- lately to the north west of Pretoria and occu- X raJl to— of Hebron scenei ol one -ft!? Zst curious incidents of the war. During the days^inimediateiy follow^ the occupatmn of Pretoria three men belonging to the Canadian Pretoria to were Bent to join their .h,0»e). the Boer lines unperceived. Tbey arrived at HebroD, the lines nnpercei e p, thinking they were inhabitants of which P glad,y the forerannera of their rifles and ox wago. ">• Boer Iin«. Quantity of ammunition. General Barton is lying oatBide of Kragers- aorp line protecting the west flank of Johannes- burg. Farther east General Hildyard is patrolling and pacifying the conntry in tne neighbourhood of Utrecht and Vryheid along the line. General Pole-Carew, with the Guards Brigade, cat across the country, leaving General Stephen- son to follow by railway., and his arrival at the capture of Kaapmniden secured 56 locomotives und a hage quantity of rowing firing ha.s been heard at Nelsprnit, a.nd it is concluded that General Stephenson is engaged. It is not thought, however, tha.t he will meet with Berious opposition. It is stated tbat General Botha is remaining at Ottospruit. His capture is not an improbable ent while according to local opinion it is impossible that in a few days' time both Mr Lhalk Burger and Geu. Viljoen will be obliged whether they wish for pence or intend to deda 0nly then it be poa3ihie to make any fai: predICtIon reg.rdin tbe dura. tion of hostilities.

VILJOEN'S MOVEMENTS. (P,e..A«o™»nW"Spe°l*l-) SPITZKOP, Taesday. Vilioen, Botha's BUC- On Tuesday Gene'^ from Hector cessor, was sported Kon3ati Poort—north- Sprnit-two stations from n.o wards with about iOOO man the Selati He can move muier be Be* » district, and then westward t 3 V^oeTwCif^ownasreTbTaad, wiU pro- vujoen, w™ the wai for bis own bably endeavour to protrac- me w glorification. ^rendering b«e daily< A faw burghers aro deeire being .0 indicate « There w nothing P gnr general desire on the part of the u *eGeneral Botha is at Kaproridco.

A STEAMER ASHORE. Lloyd's Athens agt.i»t. Cbsrkieh, Wednesday, reports that the a e Company, belonging to the Khedive Ma»l PaokrtO i# and bound from the P.«n. £ fmy 0f Ashore on Andros with a broken shaft. Ibe passengers, it *s added> t<r°W"

DEATrl OFPBINCEWlX OF HOHEN- LoRE. Paris. %$ £ £ ftedeathat Asmsw* 0f Pman Imperial Chan- ^-tsronwnt at Aanio"8--0"0" x

XTHE QUEEN AND ITALY, v, "~rpL,» '• Don Chiscioit". Twsbjc De^ted at feyathM QuaaViotom w

PORTUGUESE EXCITED. There are many signs (says the ..g Lorenzo Marques ^w ch^V centred ITSTSStf" S Portugal in respect to the threatened Boer invasion. Portu- Snecial trains with reinforcements of Porta guese troops, gans and ammunition left here l elL"1^nrar?itement here to^ay, there is no doubt that the Portuguese are preparing for the almost certaIn emergency of a battle with the Boers. The tatter's forces chiefly conswt of lawless mercenaries, who have plaeed" Long Toms" and many other gans in position for opposing the British advance and also facing Resaano Garcia and Portuguese territory generally.

WILL BRITAIN HELP ? In addition to all the troops which have been sent to DelHgoa Bay, I (" Daily Mail" Lisbon correspondent) am able to announce that Portugal is now preparing another expedition, which will comprise both lancers and artillery. The Government is thoroughly roused to the possible danger of a raid by the Boers, and parti- cularly by their foreign allies, into the colony, and will take all steps to meet it. It is within the bounds of pctesibility that British assistance, should it be needed,* will be placed at. the disposal of the Portuguese authori- ties by the British officer commanding the scrong 3quadron of warships now stationed in Delagoa Bay. The relations of the two Governments are most cordial.

SIGNS OF A FIGHT. Times Telegram, Tier Press Association.) CAPE TOWN, Wednesday. The Delagoa Bay correspondent of the" Argns says the Boers here are not allowed to retnrn to the Transvaal, but are detained at Movini. Additional Portuguese troops are leaving for the border. Special trains are arriving with wounded Boers ard British. china—add explosion at Tung chow A later report states that Captain Hill, of the Chinese Regiment, is badly burnt over the shest, arms, and legs, but hopes tuce entertained of bis recovery.

KRUGER'S SEIZURES. It is reported from Cape Town that in addition to an immense hoard of gold, Kruger has with bim State records and documents of high political and commercial importance. These documents contain priceless evidence regarding political and financial intrigues and the conduct of the highest affairs of State. BOOKED FOR HOLLAND. (Renter's Telegram.) THE H AH UE, Wednesday. A cJespatch has been received from the Netber- i vtids Consul at Lorenzo Marquez stating tbat Mr Kruger has accepted the offer of Lbe Nether- lands Government of a warship to convey him to Holland.

WAR ITEMS. OUR TOTAL LOSSES. Our total losses in South Africa up totbe 15th September, exclusive of sick and wounded "men now in British hospitals iu South Africa, ia 40,075. WELSHMEN RELEASED. The following prisoners of war have been released from Nooitgedacht :—1st Welsh Regi- ment—2738 Private M. Evans, 4780 Private T. Griffiths, 755 Private W. Morgan. 2nd South Wales BordElrer-4071 Private W. Jones. 1st Welsh Kegiment—3284 Private H. Price is reported dangerously ill at Kroonstad. 1st Welsh" Fusiliers — Private H. Price, at Kioonatad. Corporal W. Robetts, at Johannes- burg. Pembrokeshire Yeomanry—Private H. Miller, who was taken prisoner on the 19th August, has been released.

THE HOSPITALS SCANDAL. MR BURDETT COUTTS AND LORD STANLEY. Mr W. Burdett-Coutts, M.P., writes that a f1. brief absence from London has prevented him irom seeing until Tuesday night the report of Lord Stanley's evidence lefaro the Hospitals Commission at Pretorin. r promises in a short time a full recital of his transactions with the Press Censor in South Africa (Lord Stanley) which will carry its own clear refutation of bis Lordship's statements. Mean- time, referring to Lord Stanley's state- ment that Mr Burdett-Coutta said that he would speak ill of the hospitals if he were sent down from the front, the hon. gentleman aays ;— That statement amounts, in plain English, to a charge of blackmail, and it i. devoid of a vestige of truth." In reply to numerous correspondents Mr Bardett-Coutls says thay may rely upon him that he will stick to his fcuns." He has, he declares, not burnt half his ammunition yét.

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT LIEUTENANT ERNALD RICHARD- SON'S EXPERIENCES. Mrs Ernald Richardson, wife of Lieutenant Richardson, of the 30th (Pembrokeshire) Com- pany Imperial Yeomanry now serving in South Africa, has just received another most; mterpsting letter from her husband. Wribing from Roux- ville. Orange River Colony, on August 17th, Lieutenant Richardson says :—" I am not quite sure whether I am under Brabazon, Brabant, Rundle. or Kelly-Kenny. Anyhow, I know that for the last three months I have been in this dis- trict and Smithfield, and have formed the duties of policeman, farm bailiff, chief gaoler, and at the present moment am officer commanding: troops at Rotixviile, commandant of Rouxville, Smithfield, and ZaQtron-a district comprising about 400 square mileR-and assistant district commissioner (civil) of Rouxville and Zastron, all of which souuds a terrible responsibility, but which brings no extra pay with The weather is levely now- real African spring, not too hot or too cold, beautiful sun all day. All the rest of the 30th Company, except my troop, are either at Wepener or Dewetsdorp. I know all the people here, so it is much more amusing than being in a strange place. I also know several of the Dutchmen, and although very few of them know how to speak the truth, some of them are not bad fellows, and it is interesting hearing all their side of the question, and what happened at places like btormberg, Paardeberg, aud Wepener. I drove over to Zastron the other day. It is a very pretty little place, one of the prettiest about here, with plenty of water, nestling right up in the hills and close to Basntoland. I am afraid I haven't heard a ballet whiz. over my head yet, and there is not much chance now of my doing so. Whilb at Zastron I held an indaba of the Basutos in the location there, as they wanted to know what was going to happen here now that we have taken over the country, and I told them that they were now all children of the Great White Queen, on whose Empire the sun never sets, ami who ruled over ll1¿my more people than exi3t in the whole of Africa that she always gives justice to every man and woman, whatever their colour may be, and that she would protect them* their wives—of which they have about three eacb-and property. And then I went on. to tell them that if the Great White Queen told them to fight they would fight like true children of the RUler of the Larth but if she told them to refrain from fighting they would lay down their arms, at which there was a great deal of eh, eh-ing and koos, &c„ which corresponds to 'hear, hear,' ana whet. I went they all rose and held up their right hands and gave the Royal salute, Eh^Maree,' which, bemg ipter- preted, means, Hail, Chieftain. We areg^tmg a lot of prisoners down from the front. Tiiey are allowed to remain on their farms on parole. I had a batch of them up in front of the Court House and spoke to them, which relieved them very much. They thoughi; that all their farms were going to be confiscated. All the prisoners say that they are very sick of the war, and the leaders—De Wet and Bobha-keûp them con- stantly on the run, and threaten to shoot anybody who tries to get away. They are all more or less barefooted, and have tc experience all sorts or hardships."

THE QUEEN'S SCARVES. Mra Terrett, of Slough, rvife of Cokmr-bergeant Teirett, of the Queen's Royal Weat Surrey Regi- ment, has received one of the four scarves made by the Queen for her soldiers in South Africa. The scarf was presented to Colour-Sergeant Terrett, as he was adjudged to be the best soldier in his regiment, and he has sent it home to bis wife. The Bcarf, which waa marked by her Majesty's own hands, is composed of wool of khaki colour, with" V.R." in white silk. It is about 3ft. long and gin. wide.

THE INDIAN FAMINE. RELIEF WORK OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. The missionaries of the Society of Prieodu Mission in the Central Provides and States of India have almost expended the whole sam of £24,000 collected for the purpose of famine relief. The relief measures have been taken with a view to confining gratuitous relief to the sicfe and those who from age and privation were nnabta to work In Only last the Friends Foreign Missmn Association, finding that their missionaries in India were all fully oocupied and seriously I overpressed with the work of distribution, sent nnt two additional missionaries—Mr Joseph Tay- fnr aSd Mr John Lampard. A cable mesrege has t hin received from Hoshangabad asking for fQ!>thf>r funds. Contributions may be sent to the f Mr Watson Grace, 15, Devonshire- Bi'shopsgate-without, London, E.C.

TEXAS DISASTER. A ja,.««toh from Galveston states that a con- tff. Sen concluded to dredge oot the I iSs Benedict, j wrecked veB6gtB -r niiin»r

CRY FOR EXPIATION. THE GERMAN MANIFESTO. SPARE THE EMPRESS." HOW MISSIONARIES ARE HATED. The Emperor of Germany's manifesto, which we published yesterday, and which lays down as an essential preliminary to peace negotiations the delivering up and the punishment of the instigators of the outrages against international law which have occurred in China, has met with a sympathetic response. Whilst in some quarters there is a tendency to view the circular in the light of a diplomatic counter-stroke to Russia, the comments of the British Press are favourable to the j Kaiser's plan, which is summed up by the word Thorough." The Times rejoices in the proposal, and regrets that the British Cabinet hesitated to secure for themselves and for their country the honour of the initiative in vindicating the rights of civilisation. The question now arises whether the Dowager. Empress is to be numbered among the victims.

REPORTED MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER. The Shanghai correspondent Of the Daily Express learns from official sources that on the eve of Li Hung Chang's departure for the North: a strongly-worded telegraphic message from Lord Salisbury was handed to him. According to oor contemporary in this message Li Hang Chang was informed in unmistakeable terms that the British Government regards the return of the Emperor Kwang Han to Peking as a.n absolutely essential condition of the negotia- tions for peace. The presence of the Emperor in the capital, declares Lord Salisbury, is necessary in order to avoid the dissolution of the Chinese Empire, which would be otherwise inevitable." The main desire of the Allies," it is added, is to preserve China, but nothing will divert them from theirdeclared and irrevocable intention of punishing those responsible for the outrages which have been committed, whether in the name of the Chinese Government or otherwise and the Allies will, if necessary, pursue these persons over all China," this the correspondent comments thus:— The Arm attitude thus adopted at the eleventh hour by the British Government has given the greatest possible satisfaction here, where Lord Salisbury's previous inaction, in view of the masterful policy of Russia, has been provocative of the gloomiest forebodings.

CHINESE MINISTER'S VIEW. AN ACUTE CRISIS. (Renter's Telegram.) WASHINGTON, Wednesday. Giving his opinion on the German Note on the Chinese queation, published yesterday, Wn-Ting- Fang, the Chinese Minister, Bays :—" The con- dition would amount to determining one of the subjects of negotiation before the negotiations have commenced. The Chinese Envoys are in- vested with complete power to make terms with the Powers, 90 when negotiations are opened this question and all others will be proper subjects of consideration and settlement by those completely authorised to deal with them, bat to take op one subject in advance, settle it, and make its execution an indispensable preliminary is extremely hard. More than tbis," auch a condition is simply impossible. Who could tell to whom this condition may apply ? Insinuations have been made against those in very high places in China, bnt it is impossible to say that they should be given up before the negotiators have considered the question I am hopeful that the Note is less positive than, the published reports would indicate." The general impression here is that the German Note has brought the Chinese trouble to an acute crisis. As far as the United States are con- cerned, this conclusion is based on the belief that the official circles in China cannot accept the German proposal, and it therefore now remains for the United States either immediately to with- draw their forces or to join with Germany and England, and possibly some of the Other Powers, in a prolonged war with China. j

THE VENGEANCE CRY.! SOME OF THE CULPRITS. FUGITIVE MISSIONARY INTER- VIEWED. Renter's representative has bad an interview with Rev. S. E. Meech, the first refugee mis- sionary to reach England from China. He said the action of the German Emperor in demanding punishment of the most prominent among the guilty parties seems to be the first step in the direction of showing the Chinese that they have really been Ijeatsn. Until this has been accom- plished other action is farcical. In the list of the guilty persons the Dowager Empress comes first and foremost. Her guilt admits of no doubt. The supposed sanctity of her person is all nonsense. She is not popular among the Chinese and never has been since her attacks upon the Emperor. Next in the list of notorious ringleaders comes Prince Tuan, and then Kang Yi, known through- out China as Lord High Extortioner, who has been closely connected with the later develop- ment of the Boxer agitation. Then follows Yung La, a member of the Privy Council, and Prince Ching, who despite the fact of his appointment as Peace Commissioner, and his reported efforts to assist the foreigners iu Peking, has long been notorious as one of the moat violent anti-foreign members of the Tsung-li-Yamen. Among there Manctans must also be included Yu Hsien, who as Governor of Shantung was the prime abettor of the Boxer movement. Among the Chinese of whom examples should be made are Li Ping Heng and Tung Ta Hsiang, who led the troops against the Legations, and whose hatred for foreigners is so well known all over China. In my opinion the deportation of the Empress is the first great necessity.

SPARE THE EMPRESS MISSIONARIES HATED. MORE PEACE COMMISSIONERS. (Through Laffan's Agency.) SHANGHAI, Tuesday. It is now certain that the Chinese negotiators will refuse to accept any peace proposals which include the infliction of any personal indignity upon the Dowager-Empress. The central and southern Vicerpys, who protected the foreigners in their jurisdictions under the agreement with the Consuls, will oppose any such suggestion to the paint of forcible resistance if need be. There are two reasons for their attitude. First, most of them were appointed by the Dowager-Empress or are under her influence second, any indignity pat upon her; the official mother of the Emperor, would cause him (the Emperor) to lose caste among the people. He would never recover his in- nnence,and it would mean the virtnat dealt action of the dynasty and of all progress. The Chinese will not be averse to tbe Dowager- Empress being shorn of all power and influence, bat further they will not go. They will approve any punishment which may be inflicted upon Prince Taan and the rest of the Imperial clan wJko are responsible for the disturbances. The Chinese negotiators wonld like to throw the responsibility for the recent troubles upon the missionaries, and they may demand their with- drawal from the country, although the negotiators probably realise that such a demand is prepos- terous. Li Hung Obang, in several interviews with foreign officials before his departure, urged missionary responsibility for the Boxer move- ment. A high official to whom Li Hun Chang bad expressed these views was asked to-day if he thought the veteran Chinaman really beliavod what he said on the subject. Yes," was the reply, officially he does, but it really depends upon whom Li is talking The Chinese approve the meitiddtAn&edTica-' I_¡j: Mr Goodnow, the American Consul, estimates that between 40,000 and 50.000 native Christians have been massacred during the disturbances for refusing to recant. An Imperial edict issued to-day appoint? Liu Kin Yi, Viceroy of Nanking, and Chang Chih- tung, Viceroy of Ha Kwang, joint Peace Com- missioners with Li Hung Chang, Prince Ching, and Yung La. The appointments have been made at the request of Li Hunft Chang, but the new appointees are without plenipotentiary powers. They will remain at their posts, and they will be consulted by telegraph and special messengers throughout the negotiations. Both Viceroys are progressive, and have taken the friendliest attitude.

THE PEACE NEGOTIATORS. IMPERIAL EDICT. (" Times Telegram.) HONG KONG. Wednesday. The Imperial edict has been received at Canton appointing Li Hang Chang, Prince Ching, and Sheng Taotai as peace negotiators.

ARRIVAL OF LI HUNG CHANG AT TAKU. (Central News Telegram.) SHANGHAI, Wednesday. The captain of the steamer Anping, on which Li Hung Chang proceeded North, telegraphs to me as follows ;—" Taku, Tuesday Night.—Li Hung Chang arrived to-day." My informant adds that Li Hung Chang was nether tiansferred to nor escorted by a Russian warship.

SIR CLAUDE MACDONALD. (" Times Telegram.) SHANGHAI, Tuesday. Sir E. M. Sttow. who is due to arrive in Japan next week, proceeds thence to succeed Sir Claude Macdonald as Minister at I eking, the latter taking Sir E. M. Satow's place in Tokio. The exchange will cause some disappointment to British subjects in the Far E 1St, who have ex- pressed hopes that in the light of recent events and tbe difficult situation her M ij< sty's Govern- ment would recognise the advisability of appoint- ing to the Peking Legation some diplomatist of prominent international standing, corresponding to the pre-eminence of British interests .in China.

SIGNS OF MORE TROUBLE. (" Times Telegtam, per Press Aaseciation.) SHANGHAI, Tuesday. Reports from a trustworthy native source at Nanking point to the increasing activity and in- fluence of tbe anti-foreign party in that city in opposition to the Viceroy. Lni Kan Yi. The position is undoubtedly fraught with serious possibilities here as elsewhere.

THE EXPLOSION AT TUNG CHOW. WELSH CASUALTIES. Tbe War Office on Tuesday issued the follow- ing telegram from Sir A. Gaselee, received through the India Office;- 15th September. Casualties in Tung Chow explosion :— 1st Chinese Regiment—Captain Hill, dangerous but hopeful. Royal Welsh Fusiliers—Privates Martin and Paddon, dead; Corporal Hughes, Privates Morgan, Jones, Cook, and Hughes, dangerons Privates Gilbert and Highfield, severe.

RUSSIAN TROOPS EMBARKED. (Renter's Telegram.) ODESSA, Wednesday. The British steamer Sicilian, One of the largest steamers that has ever visited this port, sailed to- day for the Far East with 2,800 Russian troops on board.

CONCILIATING AMERICA. (Central News Telegram.) SHANGHAI, Tuesday Night. The Viceroy Liukunji has sent to Shanghai a cordial invitation to the commander of the American warship Nashville to pay bim a visit on his arrival at Nanking. ?

COURT AND PERSONAL. BALMORAL, Wednesday. The Queen went out yesterday morning, and in the afternoon her Majesty drove out accom- panied by Princess Heury of Battenberg, Princess Henry of Prussia, and Prince Alexander of Battenbeig. Hia Royal Highness the Duke of York tooh leave of the Queen,.and, attended by the Hon. Derek Heppcl, left the CaBtle for Dalfar, Morayshire. Viscount Cromer and Admiral Baron von Seckendoiff had the honour of dining with the Queen and the Royal Family. The Earl and Countess of Cork have returned to Marston Park, the family seat in Somerset- shire, near Frome, from Homburg. A preface by Lord Rosebery will be an impor- tant feature of Mr Arnold Footer's book The War Office, the Army", and the Empire." The Earl of Enniskillen has returned to his hunting residence in Cheshire for the season. Lord Enniskillen is master of the North Cheshire Foxhounds. Lady Williams Wynn's Raabon Hills moore, in Denbighshire, have been shot over this season by Mr Wynne Corrie, and 1,205 bruco of grouse were kille4 in five days by an average party of eight guns. Countess Sondes on Tuesday received a cable- gram stating that Earl Sondes, who is at Cape Town suffering from pleurisy and heart ompli- cation, is progressing favourably. The illness, it is, however, feared, wilt be a prolonged one. Sir Francis; Plunkett, the newly-appointed British Ambassador to Austria-Hungary, was received on Wednesday afternoon in sadience by the Emperor; at Vienna, with the usual cere- monial, and presented his credentials. At the close of the audience Sir Francis presented the members of the Embassy. The Dake of Norfolk, who is accompanied by hia sister, Lady Mary Howard, has arrived at Beech Hill, Sheffield, and has as his guests the Roman Catholic Bishops of Salford and Liver- pool, the Coadjutor Bishop of Hexham and New. castle, and the Right Rev. Monaignoc John S. Vaughan, brother of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. There are one or two? fresh engagements an nounced in spice of news being 130 scarce just now, the most interesting being between Mr Geoffrey Brown-Guthrie and Miss Olwen Ponsonby. The bridegroom-elect is the only son of Lord Oran- more. Miss Olwen Ponsonby is the eldest of Lord and Lady Duncannon's handsome daugh- ters, and, besides being a granddaughter of Lorfl and Lady B asborongb, is the niece of Lord and Lady VVimbornej of Lady Lay ard, and of Mr Montague Guest. Lord Cardigan, who has been gazetted to a second lieutenancy in the 11th Hussars, joined the forces in the field in Soath Africa. in October last, and was at Nicholson's Nek, He afterwards served ander Sir George White during the siega of Ladysrcitb. All ranks of the gallant Cheru- bims are delighted at his appointment, the re- putation he has earned at the front being of itself sufficient to secure for him a. cordial welcome when be joins for duty. Lady Ctherine Allen, whose death took place at her son shouse near Basingstoke, was at one time well known in Loudon society, but had lived for many years at Boulston House, near Haverfordwest. Lady Catherine, who was Bister of the late and aunt of the present Lord Ports- mouth, was nearly 80 years of age, and had been a widow for the last; 30 years. She leaves iiVf sons, the eldest of whom is Mr Henry Seymovir Allen, ot Cresaelly House, Pembrokeshire, while another. Colonel Allen, commands the 15th Regi- mental District. liord LandafE has a private grievance. In the advertised column of births appearing in the papers the other day was that of a child born to the Countess of Landaff." True, Lord Lan- daff is only a Viscount, and is a bachelor to boot. But (says the Daily Chronicle") bachelors are particularly sensitive about possible confusions of the kind involved and the Home Secretary of old days does not smile on tbe exist- enceof a Lady Landaff who is not bis wife. It may be remembered that a gentleman of the name of Mathew about two years ago announced his intention of assuming the title of Earl of Landaff, as his" inalienable possession." It is in porsaance of that resolution that the name of tbe Conntess of Landaff has a place in tbe newspapers, but noc on the roll of authorised Peeresses. A lad named Gracey was accidentally shotdeM at Lurg&u by his uncle, a coachman. The bullet pierced the boy's heart. The Right Rev. Dr. James A. Smith, Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunkeld, has been appointed by the Pope Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinbargb. While crossing the bridge upheld by Sandow in the course of the pGiformance at the Hippo. drome on xnesday night, a horae stumbled and feu upon the rider, breaking his thigh. The smack Dreadnought was anchored off Inchkeith on Taesday, when Robert Kelly, of Peel, jumped overboard. He waa rescued, but later cut the dinghy away and committed suicide off It. At the Bridge of Allan, Coneyhill, and the higher parts on Tuesday earthquake shocks were felt. No damage was dons. This time a, year ago there were similar shocks in Central Perthshire. Tbe Queen has, on the recommendation of the Home Secretary, released from Aylesbury Con- wet Prison for Females Jane Jones, who in November, 1889, at the Lancaster Assizes, was sentencedjto death for tmrrder at Fleetwood. Orders for two 13,000 ton White Star cargo steamers have jast been placed with Messrs Hai- i&nd and Wolff, Belfast. They are intended for tbe frozen meat trade between Australia and London. Thesame firm will So-morrow lanncb a..lo.œchjDn Ibe Jw .>¡'I< 'i,t"

¡ ALL PARTIES BUSY. SOME POLLINGS FIXED. ISSUES AND OUTLOOK INTERESTING OPINIONS. PREMIER'S INTENTION. Mr Balfour is still in London, and bis private secretary was on Wednesday at 10, Downing- street, busy with arrangements in connection with the coming electoral campaign. The First Lord of the Treasury will issue his election address this week. # Mr Chamberlain was at the Coloniil Office 05 Wednesday. He too will issue his address this ^Ritchie, Sir M. W. Ridley, ami a feir other Cabinet Ministers are in TOWD. Cabinet Ministers are in Town. The Home Secretary will probably not issne hia address till the dissolution has become an accomplished fact. Mr Ritchie called at the Chief Whip's office in I.v.>wiiiug-3treet en Wednesday to see Sir W. Wal. rondo Therawere many visitors to the Chief Whip in the course of the day. and the greatest activity prevails in Sir William's office, as also at the respective party headquarters. The Prime Minister remains for the preeent at Hatfield. NATIONAL LIBERAL FEDERATION. A special meeting of the Executive Com- mittee of the National Liberal Federation will be held early next week, probably on Tuesday. An emergency meeting of the Political Committee of the National Liberal Club has been convened for Wednesday next. LORD SALISBURY WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MINISTRY. The Central News is able to state that Lord Salisbury will remain in office if the Conserva- tive party is returned to power. The same agency is informed that there is no intention of changing the personnel of tbe present Govern. ment unless any of its members fail to be reo elected by their constituencies.

FIRST POLLINGS. The High Sheriff of Gloucester on Wednes- day fixed Tuesday, October 2nd. as the date of polling for Gloucester City. Both the candidates; Mr Russell Rea (Liberal) and Mr Pandelli Ralli (Conservative) have been before the constituency for some time. The Royal Proclamation for the election of the new Parliament has reached Dublin Castle, and writs for ths ejection for counties and boroughs will be issued from the Hanaper Office on the 25th September. The City Sheriff will fix the nominatiocs for Saturday, 29th September, a.nd the polling for Wednesday, 3rd October.

MR MAS SINGH AM INDICTS THE GOVERNMENT. THE ONE ISSUE. THEIR SOUTH AFRICAN RECORD. In the London Echo Mr H. W. Massing ham, in the first of a series of articles upon the General Election, brings a strong indictment against the Tory Government. Let me roughly estimate (he says) what we have obtained as the result of five years of Tory government. What we have lost is clear enough. We have ceased to pay off our debt we are adding to it. Our credit has ceased to rise it has began to fall. Consols stood at 115 they have gone down to 97. Our expenditure stood in 1895 at about 100 millions. Even before the war it had grown to 117 millions. Next year's Budget cannot be far short of the unheard-of figure of 150 mil- lions. The Government inherited great surpluses, tbe result mainly of Sir William Harcoart's taxation of the great estates as they fell in by death. It is piling up deficits larger than this generation or the last has ever known. Nor has this vast expenditure yielded any result in com merse. We have greatly extended the actual acreage of the British Empire-that is to say, we have extended it by force. The reuniting increase I in our military expenditure in 1894-99 over 1880, 85 was roughly £56,000,000, or over £11,000,000 a year. Yet there was an actual deoi ease in the exports of British goods to British Colonies and possessions in;1894-99 as compared with 1880-85 of over £12,000,000. Truiy,force had been no remedy for British trade, and trade, and not conquest, ia after all the life of the people of these islands. On the other hand, the Government can claim that they have added some millions of acres to the British Crown. Yes but how have they added them, and on what conditions ? Their especial feat has bc-eu tbe founding of a kind of African Empire. And at this hour nearly every inch of that territory—east, west, north, south — has to be defended by Bri- tish soldiers and Bci ish cann:>ti, and could not be held by us for six months if those soldiers and cannon were withdrawn. Egypt, the Soudan, Uganda, the West African Coast, and now, alas South Africa all depend, not as Australia and Canada dep:-nri, ou British Administrators, but on British genenvla.

CONSTITUENCIES AND CANDIDATES. GRATIFYING TO MR MORLEY. Mr John Morley, M.P., has written in reply to a resolotion of the Central Liberal Committee of Montrose Burghs saying that their unwavering confidence in him was no small compensation to him for the disappointment of the hour. It was upon the main political events of the past five years that the judgment of the constituency would be taken, and he glad:y held himself ready for the honour of beiug their candidate. Mr Morley, it will be remembered, owing to tronble with his voice, offered to pla.ce himself in the hands of his constituents, but tbe latter declined the offer and pledged themselves to return him free of expense. EARL SANDWICH AS LIBERAL IMPERIALIST. The Earl of Sandwich, speaking at a Liberal demonstration at Huntingdon Tuesday night, said when he represented the constituency as Lord Hinchingbrooke he was returned as an Indepen- dent, although hia father was a strong Tory, and he received the support of both parties. He had always opposed Home Rale, but that issue being dead a.nd batied he was now Roing to support the Liberal cause. He held that the South African war ought never to have taken place, but having begun it we were bonnd to carry it through, and he thought the country now approved the nnoxa- tion of the Boer Republics. His Lordship com- mended the foreign policy of Lord Salisbury, bnt as regarded the Government's home policy he failed to see tbat with a majority of 150 that they had done anything for the advantage of the community at large. SOCIAL DEMOCRATS. The executive of the Social Democratic Federation have decided to contest only Bow ani Bromley and West Ham (South). The Federation will co-operate with the Independent Labour party at Blackburn und Kochdale. The general f eling among the exe- cutive was that it would be waste of money to pnt forward large numbers of candidates, consider- ing that social questions are not likely to be pro- minent daring the campaign. DR. CONAN DOYLE. A westing will be held to-day, at which Dr. Conan Doyle, it is reputed, will be unanimously adopted as the Unionist candidate for Central Edinburgh. This is a Btrong Radical consti- tuency. Dr. Doyle, who is expected in Edin- burgh in three days, has strong associations with the city. He was a medical student, and from an Edinbnrgb professor gathered his first idea of Sherlock Holmea." MR WYNDHAM TO DEFEND THE WAR OFFICE. Mr George Wyndham, Under-Secretary of State for War, will make an important speech at Dover either on Tuesday night or Wednesday. As Lord Lansdowne will have no opportunity of justifying the nolicy of the War Office, Mr Wyndham will go into details on the subject, and will also outline tbe propoae<K future line of action. LONDON LIBERALS TO THE FORE. Mr Renwick Seasrer, seoretary of the London Liberal and Radical Union, stated on Wednesday that 39 Liberal candidates have already been selected to contest Metropolitan constituencies, and it was expected tbnt within 24 hoars the number would be increased. Mr Sealer added that this is a larger proportion than has ever before been available for an election sprung at short notice upon the constituencies, fyid he expressed himself encouraged not only by the number bnt the quality of the candidates. There are59constituencies retmrning60 members, including 2 for the City and 1 for the Loudon University. LORD HUGH CECIL'S ADDRESS. Lord Hugh Cecil (eon, of Lord Salisbury), sitting > member for Greenwich, on Wednesday night issued his election address, in which he claimed that, the Govurment's foreign policy has been remarkably successful, and points out that tbe Liberals are still committed to Home Rule for Ireland. Regarding South Africa,his Lordship says persistent, unfaltering, and energetic measures have gloriously retrieved early failures in the war, and the future of South Africa is the most important matter to be decided at the polls. The policy of the GoveianMOt is weli known a.nd clear. It is to maintain perpetually and to enforce effectually the sovereignty of the Queen over tbe annexed territory. It was not 60 easy to state the policy of the Radical party, for they were Numerous sections of that party were entirely opposed to the whole policy of the war, and if some assented to annexation and some did not, it would be a question how fAr such a frame of mind would make the Liberals 3afe guardians of the conquest that had been achievei at eo great a cost the country mast judge. Other political questions would no doubt engage and deserve the attention of the electors, but it was pre-eminently bcoause the victory of the Unionist party would be security for their interests and a satisfaction of their hopes that he appealed for their suffrages. MR PERKS AND LOUTH. Mr Perks, M.P., in accepting on Wednesday the invitation to again be the Liberal candidate for the Louth Division of Lincolnshire, called on Liberals to endeavour to upset the Government, which he described as the most incompetent, corrupt, and dangerona which ever held power in this country. SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION TACTICS. The Imperial Sonth African Association are arranging to send Sonth African speakers into various constituencies and to distribute large sup- plies of literature in connection with the General Election. It is practically certain that Mr Skewes Cox, the Conservative sitting member, will be returned for Surrey (Kingston Division). Mr O'Keefe. M.P., is not seeking re-election for Limerick City. The Hon. Eustace Fieunes (L), son of Lord Save aud Sele, will contest North Oxfordshire. On Wednesday the following candidates were adopted :—Mr Geoe Younger (U) adopted for Clackmannan a.nd Kinross Sir Thomas Glen Coats (L), WeBt Renfrewshire Mr Arthur Big- nold (U), Wick Boroughs; Mr W. Wetb (C). Kingswinford Division of Staffordshire Sir Wm. Nevill M. Geary (L). Durham Mr J. O. Robin- son (U). Worksop Division of Notts Mr R. Vaile (L), Eccclesall Division of Sheffield Sir W. Lawdou (L), Cockermonth Divison of Cam- berland Mr Allan Bright (L), Exeter. Sir Matthew White Ridley. in the Blackpool Division, Sir Henry E. Fowler, in East Wolver- hampton, Mr Gerald Balfour, in Central Leeds, Mr Ritchie at Croydon, Mr George Wyndham at Dover, Sir William Walrond (chief Government Whip), in Tiverton Division, the Speaker at Carlisle, Sir Charles Dilke. itt the Forest of Dean, and Mr Hanbnry at Preston are so far withont opposition. Northampton Conservatives, by 40 votes to 11. on Wednesday night rejected Mr A. Drucker, the sitting member, who won the seat in '95, and de- cided to seek another candidate. The Plymouth Conservative Seven Hnndred on Wednerday night adopted the Hon. Ivor Guest, M.P., and Mr H. E. Duke, Q.C., as their candi- dates. Mr W.D. R. Walker will be recommended to the Liberal Seven Hundred to-day. Great sensation was created on Wednesday night at a meeting of the Sunderland Liberal Niae Hundred, when the replies of Sir E. T. Gourley, M.P., and Mr J, Candlcsh to the asso- ciation's invitation to jointly contest the constitu- ency was read. Sir Edward forwarded as his final reply that he will not contcst with a col- league, bat would consent to fibt alone. This intimation aroused wreat in^rrr.tion, and Mr Candlish absolutely refused to stand. The Nine Hundred, however, reaffirmed their decision to fight for both seats. Towards the conclusion of the meeting, daring which much feeling had been displayed, it was unanimously decided that Mr F. G. Storey be adopted as one of the candidates, and that Mr Candlish be ask-d to reconsider his decision and ran conjointly with Mr Storey. The latter, who is the son of Mr Samael Storey, will give his reply to-lav.

WHAT AN ELECTION COSTS. There were in 1892 1,307 candidates for the 670 seats in 1895 the ryimber of candidates had dropped to 1,181. It remains to be seen how nearly the list of 1900 will approach that of five years ago. At the last General Election the actual sum spent by the 1,100 candidates was £ 77?,333, comparr-d with t959,532 in 1892. The results achieved in the three divisions of the kingdom may be thus taken Total Votes Expense Polled £ England and Wales.. 638,952 3,190,826 Scotland. 106,075 455,729 Ireland 28,304 220,505 At the last appeal to the ballot boxes 3,867,060 voteg were cast, the number of electors on the register being then 6,330,520. To pnt it in another way, the cost of each vote secured in the dif- ferent parts of the kingdom was :— England and Wales. 3s lOd Scotland 4s 73d Ireland 3s lid These, if proportionately treated, give an average of 39 Sid for the kingdom as a whole. It may perhaps be of advantage to give details of the division of expenditure in the three coun- tries, aB shown at the last election. They thus work out Uni. Counties. BaronAhL-. versiti-. £ £ S, Eneland.361.711 231.062 137 Wfiles 31,845 14,195 — Scotland 70,730 35003 342 Ireland 25,116 3,030 107 Finally, it may be of interest to group members of the Cabinet, who went through the ordeal of a contested election, and place on record the price each had to pay for his seat. Oat of a Cabinet of nineteen thAre are ten of them, viz., Mr A. J. Balfour, E763 Sir M. W. Ridley, JE91 Mr J. Chamberlain, E491 Lord G. Hamilton, R195 Sir M. Hicks-Beach, fW3 Mr Goschen, X130 Mr Ritchie, £ 912; Mr Chaplin, £ 1,390; Mr Akera-Douglas, 2309 and Mr W. Long, L463.

—— MANCHESTER POST OFFICE BURNED DOWN. TOWN TELEGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED. The General Post Office st Manchesterwttt3 partly destroyed by fire on Wednesday after- noon, and Manchester is as a result tele- graphically isolated from tbe rest of the king- dom. The fire broke out in the telephone ex- change about half-past 1 o'clock, and spread with remarkable rapidity, the material upon which it fed being exceptionally inflammable. The telephone exchange was soon destroyed, and the extensive telegraph department suffored the same fate. The telephone and telegraph operators, numbering over 600, of whom about 300 are women, fortunately escaped from tlia burning builiing witbouti it is believed, a single mishap. All arrangements for the General Election had just been finished. The telephone trunk wires are also useless, and will be so, it is believed, for several days. The fire was extinguished by 3 o'clock. The department, both in London and Man- cheater, took prompt and energetic action with the object of restoring telegraphic and telephonic communications. Arrangements were made for terminating the large number of telegraph circuits at Stockport, six miles from Manchester, and to that town many of the local operators were sent from Manchester, while technical officers were despatched by express train from London, Liverpuol, and other centres with apparatus necessary to replace that destroyed at Manchester. COMMUNICATION RE-ESTABLISHED Mr May, conti' sr of the Central Telegraph Office at St. Martin B-le-Grand, remained at his post till late in the evening in order to cope with the emergency. To a Central News representative he said the instrument room at the top of the building had suffered moat, and part of the roof was off. The stoppage of communication with Manchester occurred about 1.30, and immediately there was a congestion of messages awaiting despatch from London. The majority of them wore at once forwarded to Leads, Stockport, and Liver- pooli whence they were despatched by train to Manchester. The local engineer" set to work immediately to establish telegraphic communication with London, aad managed to get a wire attached to an initmment in the Manchester Stock Exchange. At 4.45 com- munication was established, and two houislater another line waa brought into use. Mr May stated tbat Mr Gavey, the assistant engineer at the G.P.O., was travelling down to Manchester with apparatus and a special staff of men. Apparatus was also being sent from Glasgow, Liverpool, and Leeds, and the engineers at Manchester would receive help from neigh- bouring towns. Work would be going on all night, and it was hoped that before this morning the principal wires would be ready for use. The wires from outside the cffice are all right, and it was intended to temporarily connect them with another part of the offices, where for the preaent the instruments would be stationed. Probably four lines would be working with the Stock Exchange in the course of a few hours, Some days would elapse before tho service could be completely restored, but, barring accidents, the trunk lin.es would be in use to-day. Great efforts would probably also be made to get into communication with important towns in the North like Bradford, Bolton, and Preston. Referring to the fire itself, Mr May said he believed the telephone room was intact, though the operators left in case the iire should spread. Tbe General Post Office was not in telephonic J communication with Manchester.

ALARMING FIRE. COLLIERY ENGINE-HOUSE IN FLIAMES NEAR NEATH. About noon on Wednesday, from some cauaea.1, present unknown, the engine-house and winding gear at the No. 1 Pit at Seven Sisters, near Nuath, the property of Mr E. Evans Bevan, took fire. Strenuous but unavailable efforts were made to extinguish the fire, the bulk of th« popu- lation of SeveuSibters assisting in carrying water, but the roof of the building failing in the flames shot np to a. great height. The machinery, which WHS of the newest type, was destroyed, and the loss is great. The men were at work in the pit at the time of the outbreak, but were safely got out by means of No. 2 pit. Mr Bevan arrived on the eiene of the fire by the afternoon tram.

FOB Best Valne in Provisions go to the Direct Trading Co..New Branch 9 Woodville-road. Sow Open. KEBNHJK'S VEGETABLE PIIAS ATE absolutely free from mercury. They act on the livp.r. sto,>H\ch and kidaoys..Soid by all claexuists ni 7d. Is 3ici, ana 2, 90 boxes, or oi ^Le, g:V.c Druggies. & W

I LIBERAL READINESS. BRECONSHIRE. THE PROBABLE TORY CANDIDATE. Since Mr C. D. Venablea Llewellyn, the late Conservative candidate for Breconshire, was adopted to contest Radnorsbire, one or two names have been suggested all probable candi- dates in the Conservative interest against Mr Charles Morley, M.P., but up to the present no one has been selected. It is not expected, how- ever, that tbe Liberals will be allowed a walk- over, and the name of the Hon. Russell Bailey, son of Lord Glanask, is mentioned as likely to be submitted.

MONMOUTH BOROUGHS. OPENING THE BALL. Mr Albert Spicer, M.P., will speak at a meeting at Newport to-morrow (Friday) evening, and this meeting will mark the commencement of the electoral campaign in the Monmouth Boronghs. The Conservatives wiU also listen to one of tbe representatives of the South African Association, who will talk at Kewport on the same evening. Dr. Rntherfoord Harris has, since bis indisposi- tion, beeu staying at Brighton, but be is expected back to Llangibby Castle in the course of a few days. Dates have already been hazarded for nomi- nation and polling day, bat the matter is in the hands of the Mayor of Monmouth, who is the re. turning officer. It is believed that the election will be fought and won before the end of the first fortnight in October.

WEST MONMOUTH. SIR WM. HARCOURT'S INTENTIONS. Sir Wm. Harcourt has now definitely decided to open the Liberal campaign in West Monmouth on Tue.day next at Ebbw Vale. and be will address a meeting at Blackwood on Wednesday. It is announced that Mr IlJtyd Gardner will oppose Sir Wm. Harcoart,

NORTH MONMOUTHSHIRE. MR R McKENNA, M.P., AT ABERSYCHAN. Mr R. McKenna, M.P., in continuation of his tour of the constituency, addressed a crowded meeting at the Board Schools, Abersyohan, on Tuesday night. Mr John Daniel, C.C., presided. Mr McKenna having dealt with the desire cf the Government for a new mandate from the country on a stale register, said he was not a little sceptical of the Tory request for mandates from the people. Five years ago a Conservative candi date in that constituency asked for a mandate from the people in order to pass a measure to give old age pensions. (Laughter.) The Government got that mandate, and they had had the money with which to pay the old ago pensions, but had spent it upon themselves and their own frimds- Ihndlords, parsons, and every section of the com- munity except the vast maas of the people. (Applause.) They now asked for a mandate in order that they rmghi reform the War Office and reorgainise the Army, but as they had so signally failed in this respect during 11 years of the pasb 14, there was but little prospect that they would do better in future. (Hear, heas, and applause.) The Government hoped to exploit the patriotic sentiment of tbe country, the heroism of the soldiers, and the loyalty of the Colonies, but the Liberal party had cared more for the soldiers in the past, and the Liberal policy during the greater part of this century had gained this loyalty of the Colonies. If any party at a General Election could lay chirn to any advantage from these sources the 'Liberals were more entitled than the Conservatives to do so. (Applause.) He referred to the mismanagement of the war in South Africa, and advocated reform in local taxa- tion, particularly as to mining royalties and the increment on land, for the purpose of bearing part of the cost ot looal government. Having touched upon the gross misrepresentation by his opponents of his speech in the House of Com- mons on Sunday Closing for Monmouthshire, he queried, What is tbe truth about Sun- day closing ? The opponents of Sunday closing aslo-'d why the working man should not have full liberty to g^t his beer when he liked. His (Mr MeKenna's) answer was that he had not got fall liberty now. We had our licensing laws, winch fixed the hours of business of public-houses. Sun- day closing for Monmouth was merely an exten- sion of tho licensing laws. and not a new principle, but one which had been embodied in legislation for the pat 150 years. Wbr.6 was the evidence ? Two Royal Commissions had reported in favour of extending the Welsh Act to Monmouth. Of the 24 members of the recent Commission, eight were appointed from amongst the lioeused vic- tuallers, eight from the Temperance party, and eight were neutrals, but no less than 22 declared in favour of extending the Act to Monmouth- shire, six of the eight representatives cf the licensed victuallers voting for it. (Applause.) The evidence upon which the Comriiisssion pro- ceeded wns that the majority of the people of Monmouthshire wished it. Now, if they wished an amendment ot the licensing laws he wanted to know why they should not have it under thoso circumstances. (Hpar, hear, and applause.) He believed that he had no other course open but to buck the Bill, to speak for and to vote for it. (Loud applause.) Pacing to the housing of the working classes, he reminded his hearers of the pretty pictures on this topic displayed at last flection, with the appeal to vote for the Tory candidates." True, they did introduce a Bill, now an Act, to enable workmen to acquire thtJIrhome". He had strenuously opposed the measure, and he was convinced that he was justified by tho facts. He had said that it was a fraud, that no work- man wouid take a house under its provisions, and if anyone was fooJish enough to try he would not get its so cheaply as he could under a building society. (Applause.) He had moved in the Com- mons for a return of the number of workmen's cottages put up under the Act, and he was told, there was no means of finding out. (Lmghter.) He believed that in the neighbourhood of Bir- mingham some local authority, in an ardent desire to do credit to. Mr Chamberlain, had been found enterprising enough to put up a few cottapes under the Act. (daughter.) It was a fraud from beginning to end, and all of that character would be until we reformed our land laws and the laws relating to local taxation. If we were to have a really effective schema we must amend the land laws and give power to local authorities to acquire land at a reasonable figure without the addition of this pernicious 10 per cent, for compulsory purchase. (Applause.) Mr W. P. James, J.P., moved, Mr W. B. Witchell seconded, and Mr P. Eekersley sup- ported a vote of confidence in Mr McKenna, which was unanimously adopted, the audience rising and cheering heartily.

SWANSEA TOWN DIVISION. ATTITUDE OF THE LABOUR PARTY. The acceptance by Sir George Newnes of the cRondidatare of the Swansea Town Division is foand to have given intense satisfaction to Liberal generally throughout the borough. The officials of the party were on Wednesday busily engaged in preparing for the contest, and the enthusiasm displayed is remarkable in view of the indifference that prevailed some time ago. Sir George NewneB is chartering a Swansea tag to bring him and party over from Lynton on Friday, and according to his instructions a. suite of rooms has been engaged for him at the Metropole Hotel. The Swansea Trades and Lsjuour Council met on Weduesday night at the Mackwoitli Hotel. After a number of speeches it was agreed thnt it would be unwise for the Council to identify itself with either of the political parties.

MERTHYR BOROUGHS. • MR XEIR HARDIE MENTIONED. Although nothing definite has transpired as to the intentions of Sir W. T. Lewis or Mr Herbert C. Lewis,there is a movement amongst local Con- servatives to arge one or tbe other to become their candidate. The disfranchisement of alarge nomber of colliers who received strike relief in 1898, and who will not be reinstated until the new register comes into force, will probably aSect materi- ally the Liberal figores. This, it is thought, is one of the points the Conservatives bear in mind. There seems no probability of any member of the Wimborne family being induced to enter the contest. Mr D. A. Thomas paid a visit to Dowlais on Wednesday. It is rumoured that an effort will be made by a section of the Labour party to bring forward Mr eir Hardie as a candidate. The Conservative officials are qnite in the dark about the possibility of the candidature of Mr Herbert C. Lewis. Mr D. A. Thomas and Mr Pritchard Morgan are actively on the war- path." The former has engaged Mr Charles Kenshole as legal agent, with Mr ,T. M. Berry as agent on the Merthyr side. Mr D. A. Thomas visited Merthyr on Wednes- day. Mr Pritcbard Morgan, it was understood, wottld not be able to reach the town until mid- night. Mr D. A. Thomas and Mr Pritcbard Morgan bad a margin of 9,592 votes at the 1892 electiou. Mr Thomas's majority of 9,644 on that occasion is the biggest on record.

RHONDDA VALLEY. AN OPPONENT FOR MABON. A meeliog of the Rhondda Conservative Asso- ciation was held at Porth on Wednesday evening to consider the question of briuging out a candi- date in opposition to Mr W. Abraham, M«P. Mr Lovat Fraser, the selected Unionist candidate, withdrew, bis intention being to devote bis energy to secure the return of Major Wyndham] Qain tor South Glamorgan. The meeting decided to oppose Mabon, and to invite Coun- cillor Robert Hughe*, of Cardiff, to contest tbe seat. If he should decline to Rccept the imj tatien, Mr J. Littic-johus, the Ceu«eivative a.gent nillMJte-Mte&t 1E.;U i, V \w

MID-GLAMORGAN. Probably one of the safest seats in Wales to the Liberals is that of Mr S. T. Evans, M.P. -Mid- Glamorgan. It is extremely likely that Mr Evans will have a walk-over at the election, and his supporters are somewhat disappointed at the I; prospect, especially the populous colliery districts in the constituency. Our representative saw Mr Richards, the Conservative agent for the divi- sion, on Wednesday, and asked him if there was any probability of opposition to Mr S. T. Evans. The agent, in reply, said that he really did not know, but that he would be meeting the chair- man of the Conservative Association, Mr Newell Moore, Neath, on Saturday, when he would be informed as to what that party proposed doing.

GOWER DIVISION. RETIREMENT OF MR RANDELL. SERIOUS ILLNESS OF THE HON. MEMBER. It will be learned with deep regret that M. David Randell, who has faithfully represented the Gower Division in Parliament for many years, is now, through illness, unable to offer himself for re-election. Until recently hIS friends hoped that be would rally, and it was known that his interest in his constituency was so great that he would at great sacrifice be a candidate were that possible. Unhappily the Liberal, and the Labour patty in particular, have now lo deplore the loss of his services. Mr Randell contested the seat on two occasions, too first time against; Sir John Llewelyn, and it is noteworthy that the Labour party-cbiefly tin- platers—forced Mr Raudell to the front in pre- ference to the nominee of the Liberal Associa- tion. In 1895 he was opposed by Mr H. C, Glascodine, now deputy clerk of arraigns, when Mr Randeil's majority of 3,808 was one of the five highest during the General Election. Mr G. Saunders, hon. secretary of the Gower Liberal Association, has issued a circular in referenie to the selection of a candidate, in which he says I am sure yon will be sorry to hear that Mr Randell is in such a state of health that I am not ip a position to take hi* instructions as to what course to adopt in the coming election. I have, however, consulted Mrs Kandell, and she agrees with me that, having regard to the early dissolution of Parliament, a meeting of the repre- sentatives of each polling district should be convened to meet at the Liberal Club, Swansea, on Saturday, the 22nd inst., at 6.30 in the evening, to select another candidate for the seat. 1 had hoped that Mr Randell would have recovered sufficiently to communicate with his constituents direct, heuce this short notice, but I trust that he will soon be able to personally thank his supporters for their loyal and consistent support." As the news became knoivu in West Glamorgan that a meeting had been convened to select "another" candidate on Saturday, the most profound regret was expressed. The suggestion has been made that Mr Randell be appointed candidate on Saturday in the hope that his ill- ness is of a temporary nature. One gentleman went eo far as to offer to provide X,3W towards his expenses. However, the feeling generally exists that the inevitable must be faced, and another candidate found. The name of Mr William Williams, ex-M.P. for the Swansea District, is mentioned, and it iF believed he can be prevailed npon to be a candidate. Mr Hall Hedley, of Pontardawe, is also said to be ready to offer his services. Amongst the 1-trger section of the con- stituency, however, Mr John Williams is strongly supported, and it is understood he is prepared to contest the seat against nil comers. The name of Mr Lloyd George has also been suggested, it being thought that he would pro- bably decide to forsake Carnarvon.

CARDIFF. TRADES COUNCIL CHAIRMAN ON LABOUR REPRESENTATION. Speaking at a meeting of Bristol Channel hammermen a^Cardiff on Wednesday night, Mr Hart, chairmaai of the Trades and Labour Council, referred to the question of Parliament intervening in labour disputes. As workers they could expect no aid from such a Government as was now in power, but there was a General Election impending, and it was for the workers to give their vote and influence in favour of men who would voice their opinions and represent them according to their wishes and desires. (Applause.) If they did that, and if the great industrial element throughout the country did the same. there was some ground for hope and expectation, but if they returned to Parliament great company promoters and shipowners, he was confident their interests would be disregarded when the new Parliament was elected. (Applause.) As Parliament was now constituted, they could expect no help, and it was for them. therefore, to band themselves togetbr-r and put the right men in the right place. (Applause.)

MERIONETHSHIRE. MR HOWELL IDRIS AT BARMOUTH. A Liberal meeting was held at Barmcnth on Wednesday evening, when an address was delivered by Mr Howell Idris. Councillor Johr. Evans presided. Referring to the laud question Mr Idris stated that formerly the land of this country bore the whole expenses of the State. He -was of opinion that it should do so now much on the lines advocated byHenry George. The landlords bad been relieved of their former responsibility to supply soldiers and lead them. In iatter times the land tax was a real tax, and provided much of the revenue of the State but gradually a Parliament of landlords bad managed to shift the whole of the burden on to the shoulders of the people. But this iniquity would have to be removed. (Cheers.) The Irish Parliamentary party had shown what a small, united, and determined band of men could da. If the representatives of Wales were equally united and determined equaF justice in the matter of land legislation could bt obtained for Wales as had been secured for Ireland. He was of opinion that the fullest efforts were not made on our own side to avoid the war, but it beboved us now to assist in the restoration of peace and good government as quickly as pos- sible, afrd to make it clear that the present posi tion could not be revoked under any circumstances, but that fuller and more 6qual liborty than ever existed before should be given to every iuhabitant as quickly as possible. (Applause.)

CARDIGANSHIRE. A special general meeting of the Cardiganshire Conservative Association has been convened for Thursday next at Lampeter, when it is expected Mr J. C. Harford, Falcondale, who contested the seat at the last election, will be chosen to repre- sent the party to fight Mr Vanghan Davits, the sitting member. MR T. TERRELL'S SPEECH AT PEMBROKE. In the'racy. speech by Mr Thos. Terrell, Q.C., the Liberal candidate for Pembroke Boroogh", delivered at Pembroke on Taesday, one phrase should read, "As to the drink interest, one might expect to bear soon that they received an annoit) in consideration of the good which they bad conferred upon mankind."

POLL-RESULTS IN WELSH CONSTITUENCIES. Appended are the poll-resnlts in Walsh con- stituencies at the last two elections:— COUNTY CONSTITUENCIES. 1892. ANGLESEY. 1895. T. Lewis ti 4,420 J Ellis Griffiths .1/ 4,224 jM. Lloyd C 2,702 J. R. Roberts C 3,197 -I Libern,l majority. 1.718 I Liberal majority.. 1,037 1892. BRECKNOCKSHIRE. 1895. W. F. Mai Hand .L 4,676 I C. Morlev h 4,594 Capt. T. Wood C 3,418 Col. T. Wood C 3.451 Liberal majority.. 1,258 Liberal majority 1443 1892. CARDIGANSHIRE. 1895. W. B. Rowlands L 5,249 Vangha Davies .L 4,927 W. Jones C 3,278 J. Harford C 3,748 Liberal majority 1,9711 Liberal majority 1,179 1892. CARMARTHENSHIUE (EAST). 1895. Abel Thorns,s L 4,339 Abel Thomas,Q.C.,L 4,471 Capt. T. Davies .C 1,233 J. E. Richardson..C 2,466 Liberal majority 3.116 | Liberal majority 2,005 1892. CARMARTHENSHIRE (WEST). 1895. J. Ti. Morgan L | J. L. Morgan L 4,143 (uu opposed). | W.J. Buckley C 3,103 I Liberal majority 1,040 1892. CARNARVON0HIRE (NORTH). 1895. \v. Katbbone Wm. Jones £ <4 482 (unopposed). Prof. Hughes .C 2|853 Liberal majority 1,629 1892. CARNARVONSHIRE (SOUTH). 1895. J. B. Roberts L 4,567 J. B. Roberts L W. Humphreys C 1,973 (Unopposed). Liberal majority. 2,594 i892" a -DENBIGHSHIRE (EAST). M95. Kt- Hon.G. MorgauL 4,1*8 lit. Hon.G. MorganL 4.8S9 Sir H. W. Wynn .C 3^23 I H. St. J. Raikes .C 3,115 Liberal majority. 765 | Liberal majority. 1,784 — IS. Moss L 5,175 ~1897tiOD' I H0U' T* KenJ'onC 2,848 I Liberal majority. 2,327 T yi89,2, DENBIGHSHIRE (WEST). 1895. J-H«bert RobertsL 4,612 J. H. Roberts L 4,48? W. C. West c 2,279 T. W. Edwards C 2JBK Liberal majority. 2,333 | Liberal majority. 1,003 1892. FLINTSHIRE. 1895. S. Smith L 4,597 8. Smith Ii 4,3*6 Sir R.. A. Cunliffe.C 3,145 Col. Howard! C 3,925 Liberal majority 1,452 Liberal majority. 451 1892. GLAMORGAN (BAST). 1895. Alfred Thorn-as .L 5.764 Alfred Thomas L 6,055 H. C. Lewis C 2.797 C. J. Jackson (:! 3,909 Liberal majority 2,967 LiberaJ majority 2,146 1892. GLAMORGAN (RHONDDA). 1895. W. Abraham .L Unop. I W. Abraham .L Unop. 1692. GLAMORGAN (WEST, or GOWER). IM. David Randell L I David Randell L 6.074 Unopposed C. H. Glascodine .C ?,?& Liberal majority 3,81* 1892. GLAMORGAN (MID). 1895. S. T. Evans L 5,941 I S. T. Evans L 5,612 F. C. Grove C 1,725 j J. E. Vaughan ,C 2,935 Liberal majority.. 3,216 | Liberal majority.. 2,077 1892. GLAMORGAN (SOUTH). 1895. A. J. Williams L 4,743 | WyndbamQofn JC 5,747 Sir M. Morgan C 3,825 | A. 3. Williams L 4,922 Liberal majority.. 918 | Con. mKjoifty TB5 m I89?, MERIONETHSHIRE. 1895. T. E. Ellis L 5 175 | T. E. Ellie „L EL Owen C 1,937 1 c. E. J. 0w8 __C Liberal majority. 3,238 j Liberal msiority- 2.-$4; 1892 (Aug.). 1899 (May). T, E. P4 i Q, M. "r nlIOppt{i ¡