South Wales Daily News

BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL. FINANCIAL RESULT. The results of the Birmingham Musie&l Fes- tival were officially issued on Saturday. Although on the last two days there was a slight falling off, the advance on the Festival of three years ago has been mainta.ined, the increase in the attend- ance being 826 persons, and in the receipts JE948. The total receipts at the eight concerts of the Festival held last week, indeed, amounted to £14,670. The largest audiences were for Mr Taylor's "Hiawatha on Wednesday evening, and Messiah on Friday night. It is estimated that, despite the heavy fees of the principal vocalists and the expenses of extra rehearsals, the amount available for the General Hospital will exceed £5,000.

BOEIS ARREST BOERS I GUARDS DERAILED AGAIN. ENEMY OUTFLANKED. The following from Lord Roberta to the Secretary of State for War was issued on Monday PRETORIA, Sunday, 4.30. Colonel Grove, commanding 2nd Bat. talion West Kent Regiment, reports from Frankfort that a mounted in. fantry patrol surprised some Boers yesterday, and made twelve of them prisoners. Three of them, a father and two sons, confessed to having cut the tele- graph line between Frankfort and Heilbron. The engine of a train conveying some Naval Brigade men and Cold- stream Guards, was derailed on the night of the 5th near Balmoral by the explosion of a dynamite cartridge. No casualties fortunately occurred. Edwards, the commandant of some scouts who have been very active against us for some months past, sur- rendered with six of his men at Krugersdorp yesterday. Edwards confirms the report re- ceived from many sources that the Boers are now broken up into seat tered parties without much fight in them. Barton took seven Boer prisoners on the fifth, and had three men wounded near Krugersdorp. Kelly Kenny reports that an armed Boer was brought in a prisoner by two former burghers yesterday—an excellent sign,showing that the people are getting tired of the war. Sunday, 9.55 p.m. I wished Captain Bearcroft and the Naval Brigade good-bye to day. They leave for Cape Town to-night, carrying with them the thanks and good wishes of the Army in South Africa for the able assistance they afforded through- out the war. LORD ROBERTS. DATE OF HIS RETURN FIXED. The London Daily News says A private telegram received in London on Saturday fixes the date of Lord Roberts's departure from South Africa for England as being within the seven days of the last week of the present month. REPRISALS IN STORE. Information has been received in London show- ing that it is Lord Roberts's intention in the course of his operations against the small bands of Boers near Lindley to give the Duke of Cam bridge's Own au opportunity to exact some satis faction for their capture near that place. It will be remembered that the D.C.O., attempting to join General Colville, arrived at Lindiey to fiad that officer gone, and that they were subsequently attacked and captured by a superior Boer force after a gallant resistance. Since iben the officers have frequently petitioned Lord Roberts for an opportunity to pay off old scores. Only some 80 of the original 170 of the corps are left fit for service, but they are being equipped afresh and concentrating at Krooustad. Letters to friends in London show the troopers are very keen on the business before them.

ENEMY OUTFLANKED. NEWS OF BULLER'S FORCE. (Press Association Special Telegram.) LYDENBURG, October 2nd. Telegraphic communication has been inter- rnpteS for the last five days. General Bailer advanced steadily through the Macmac Hills, Pilgrim Valley, and Pilgrim' Rest, and made a circuit through Kruger's Post. The General complimented the Devons on their splendid advance over the Berg. Leaving tha Macmac Pass on Thursday, Lord Dundonald worked his way to Pilgrim's Valley, and forced the Boer snipers from their position on the mountains beyond the town. Strathcona's Horse entered the town while a few Boers were still loitering about. Messrs Steyn and Schalk Burger had left on the previous Sunday with the intention of cutting Pieteisbnrg Railway. Gravett, who commanded the enemy, left on Thursday morning for Belvedere. The same evening the Boers freely snipsd the horsemen returning to our camp, which was pitched five miles out of town owing to the diffi- culty of obtaining transports. Our generals, by way of precaution against rearguard attack, superintended the transport climbing the hill. This is the second time Ganoral Buller has been through the pass, the first occasion being in Seccoconi's campaign. On Friday the South African Horse led the cavalry along the mountain fJkirting the town on the left. The cavalry outflanked the Boers and forced them to retire from an ideal defensive position throogh a gorge. The enemy made no attempt to stand. On Saturday our transport climbed the steep road, about three miles in length; leadiag out of Pilgrim's Rest into the Berg. On Sunday General Brocklehurst moved ont from Lydenbnrg to Krugersdorp. A small force of the enemy held the hills at the junction of the Lydenbnrg and Obrigstad roads, but the 2nd Cavalry Brigade, with details of the Leicester* and Rifle Brigade,advanced,and the Boers again fell back, while General Buller moved forward. On Monday our mounted infantry to the north drew the fire of the Long Tom posted on a hill near Ohrigstad, which shelled our camp at Kruger's Post. COLONIAL CONTINGENT TO VISIT ENGLAND. A consultation has (9, contemporary states) taken place between the Colonial Office and the officialt3 of the War Department v.'itii regard to the representative contingent o J0ulouittl troops which it is her Majesty's desire should be brought to England at theconclusion of the war previously to being sent to their homes. The authorities have reluctantly been compelld to limit the number of men it will be possible to entertain at 5,000, and Lord Roberts has been communicated with to that effect, and requested in no circumstances to -zeleat mote than 6,000, in- cluding officers and details. The reaso, for such strict limitation of numbers is the scarcity of barrack accommodation and the impossibility of utilising tents at this period of the year. Fol- lowing the City Imperial Volunteers, who have already arrived at Cape Town, and will embark for home immediately in the Auranin, the repre- sentative Colonials will be tbe first troops to leave South Africa. The Guards Brigade will then be the next to come home. ULSTER MEN AND BOBS." Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, V.C., ha, accepted he invitation of the Ulster AssiciaUna in London to a banquet in his honouc to be given directly after his return. GLAMORGAN YEOMAN WOUNDED. A War Office despatch issued on Monday evening states that 9879 Corporal H. D. Blessley, of the Glamorgan Squadron Imperial Yeomanry, was slightly wounded at Elandskop on September 26th. Corporal Blesgley belongs to Llanishen, and is well known and extremely popular locally. He is an architect by profession, and is a keen Volunteer, being a member of the 3rd V.B. Welsh Regiment. DANGEROUSLY ILL- 9727 Private D. Sheehan, 3rd Welah Regiment, is reported to be dangerously ill at Kimberiey. The message is dated October 5th. 7554 Sergeant O. W. Venn, of the same regiment, is also re- ported dangerously ill. He is quartered at Wynberg Hospital dated October 6th.

THE GALE. MILL BLOWN DOWN IN NORTH WALES. On Saturday night, daring the gale, a huge crushing mill in the Cratnant Valley, near I&ttwsyeoed, in course of erection by Mr J. B. Biggs, a Birkenhead contractor, for the Welsh Crown Spelter Company, Limited, London, was levelled to the ground. The damage is estimated at nearly £ 1,500. Fortunately the costly machinery had not been laid down.

MORE PEACE RUMOURS. The Times Shanghai correspondent says there is an unconfirmed but aigiticant report in the native Pres that Li Hang Chang promises that China will cede Manchuria to Russia, pro- vided that the latter withdraws her troops and persuades the other Powers to negotiate a peace.

CHINA'S ATONEMENT. (Lallan's Telegram,) PEKING, Oct. 5th (via Shanghai, Oct. 6th). The Emperor has issued two decrees. In the first Prince Tuan, Prince Ob-wang, and seven other Boxer leaders are ordered to be degraded. The second commands Ran Runz (?) to pros- trate himself before the coffin of the murdered German Minister,and to offer np before it incense and sacrifice. Tu-Ln Yula, Viceroy of China, is commanded to give every facility for the transportation of the body to Berlin. Both edicts are looked upon as weak efforts to please Germany. A French force of 1,000 men and 16 guns will leave for Pito-Ting-Fu on Saturday with the intention of visiting the Catholic villages en route. M. Pichon says tnat they will not attack the Imperial troops if they encounter them, for the Imperial troops are exterminating the Boxers. The American marines have left Peki ng. I BRITISH OUT-DO GERMANS. (Through Laffan's Agency.) PEKIft, October 3rd (via Tientsin, October 6th, Shanghai, October 7th). The British troops now occupy the Summer Palace, which was vacated by the Russians on Monday last. The Gerntaus intended taking it, but were forestalled by the British. The Rus- sians yesterday vacated the grounds of the Emperor's Palace outside the Forbidden City. The grounds are now occupied by the Germans. TO DEFEND PAO-T1NG-FU. A New York despatch from Tientsin, dated the 5th inst., says it is reported that the Boxers have placed improved gunboats on the canal to defend Pao Ting-Fu, for which place an expedition has been fixed to start on Monday. Chinese traders say that Pao-Ting Fu is practically deserted, the inhabitants having heard of the proposed attack. Renter. THE MISCHIEF-MAKERS. A Central News message from Tokio saya Princes Tuan. Rang Chang Liu, and Tang have been unanimously impeached by all the Cabinet Ministers as having caused the recent troubles. THE WILY LI. A Laffan's telegram from Peking says :-Li Hung Chang has transmitted Count Witldereee's demand for the punishment of tha leaders of the Boxer movement to Prince Chiog. Prince Ching declares that he can dojnothing with regard to the matter until Li Hung Chang's arrival. It is reported that Li Hung Chang's soldiers have been paniehing the Boxers at Cho-Chu. Four leaders have been beheaded, and 18 villages are to be destroyed as a punishment for assisting the Boxers. General Chaffee says that he is satisfied that Li Hung Chang will not come to Peking. He also states that the Knssians have Li Hung Chang practicably nnder their thumb. Count Von Waldersee is of the same opinion.

SOUTHERN CHINA. REBELS CAPTURE A TOWN. (Central News Telegram.) HONe; KONG, Monday Night. News has reached here that on Friday lasb a force of Triads rushed Sauwan, adjoining tbe British territory in the Kowloon Hinterland, and after sailing much loot took to the mountains. The Chinese garrison offered no resistance, and fled at the approach of the rebels. The people were terror-stricken. The mandarins telegraphed to Canton for assistance, and a force of black flags are march* ing to the scene from the Baque forba. Polioe reinforcements have been despatched from Hong Kong to the outposts on the British frontier.

MANCHURIA. MORE RUSSIAN SUCCESSES. An official despatch from St. Petersburg gives further details of the Russian operations in Man. oriuria. Up to September 2ir,h our troops had captured eight guns of modern manufacture with the loss of three officers wounded, ten men killed, and 64- wounded. On October 1st our troops occupied Mukden after a short and irregular op- position on the part of tbe remainder of the Chinese force, which had been routed on Sep. tember 27th nesir Tschihefu Station. In that en. gagement four Cossacks received injuries through the explosion of a mine. The town of Mukden was looted by Chinese soldiers and set on fiie, but toe codhgration was quickly extingulsued, Keuter..

THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. The Runaway Girl," which is being played at the Theatre Koyal this week by Mr George Edwardes' Gaiety company, is not a new piece in Cardiff. It has been here on a couple of preTi., ous occasions, a always with the same rflsult- crowded and thoroughly appreciative houses. It is a pretty piece, with light tunefal music, and is played to-day as brightly and with as much go as ever. Flipper (Mr Tom Fancoart) coold not be funnier or in better form than he was on Moo. day evening. Miss Lydia Flopp, as the winsoma Winifred Grey, the runaway girl, sustained hel part with marked ability throughout. Mr Gilbert Porteous as Brother Tamarind, the lay brother of St. Pierre, was as droll as ever. The otbes characters are all admirably sustained, and it ia needless to say. The Runaway Girl is worth seeing again, because people will do that without any urging.

DEATH OF A WELSH EX-POLICE OFFICER. Superintendent Crowden, late deputy chief constable of Montgomeryshire, died on Monday at Welshpool.

The winner of the Imperial Produce Stakes, t. daughter of Galopin and Qneen Adelaide, will bfr able next seaeon to go for the Oaks and St. Lege* but. not tor the Guineas or Derby. She was breij by Mr Chaplin, and bought oy Sir James Mille, for 830 guineas, at which she was an enormSRt bargain. Armateuc, the three year old son of Le f'om< pon and Araignee, who will represent Cosnt Bruno de toisgelin in the Cesarewitch, has befzf detained at Boulogne by stiess of weather, be: is a sure starter for Wednesday's big race, iti which he will be ridden by Spears. CADBUIIY s COCOA has a world wide reputatiet is a delicious, strengthening beverage, and a valuably nutritive food. The Lancet says it represents thil stp-)iditr(i of highest purity." Always insist on haTtnf C¡¡.ùl>ury's-sold only in Packets and Tins—as oHufl Cocoas are often subtitutead for the sake of ester profit jujb

■■■ Iløsnuu Jl^&Ksaea. <*1 ■ "m '■ "'»■ 1 JjlASfflONS ANB JJBW GOODS. JgEN Jg VANS AND CO.. LTD., I Bare the pleasure to announce that T G-D A Y., T UESDAY, OCTOBER 9th, 1900, AND FOLLOWING DAYS, They will hold their jpiIRST A UT-UMN s HOW, When an exceptionally fins collection will be presented, illustrative of the LATEST IDEAS IN GOWNS, MANTLES, MILLINERY, SEALSKIN JACKETS, FUR GOODS, DRESS FABRICS, SILKS, GLOVES, LACE GOODS, TRIMMINGS, RIBBONS, LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S OUTFITTINGS, BOOTS AND SHOES, &c., Ac. AN EARLY VISIT OF INSPECTION WILL ¡U GREATLY APPRECIATED. ti 2, 3, 4, 6 It 7, TEMPLE-STREET, 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5, CASTLE BAILEY-STREET, It 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6, CAER-STREET, 16, 37, 38, 39, & 40, GOAT-STREET, SPORTING DEPOT, 26, CASTLE BAILEY. STREET. FACTORIES CASTLE YARD and FISHER j aBEET, s WANSEA. 1046 J. MARSH & CO., FUNERAL CARRIAGE MASTERS I AND FURNISHING UNDERTAKE U S, 80, ST. MARY-STREET, CARDIFF. 16177 Price List on Application. 1157—Ho CARDIFF. 16177 Price List on Application. 1157—Ho pURE CEYLON TEA. 20 LBS. TIN, I-s 4I?: 5 LBS., 78 0D. SAMPLE POUND, Is 8d, POST FREE. DIRECT FROM E. SAUNDERS AND CO. 61, MARK-LANE, LONDON, E.C. 9169 G. STONE &CO UNDERTAKERS, ohm "I WORKING-STREST, ADDRESS I J JL CAKDIFF. 1400 Telegraphic Address: Stone, 11, Working-stoeek Se Cardiff. National Telephone. No. 839. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Contributions sent to the South Wales Daily Newt should be plainly written in ink, and invariably <>n one side of the paper. We desire to urge upon oar numerous correspondents the value of conciseness and the desirability of curtailing the length of their communications. It cannot be too clearly under- stood that brief ami pointed letters receive the first attention. All communications intended for inser-. tion must be authenticated by the name and addrens of the writer, not necessarily for publica- tion, bnt as a guarantee of good faith. No notice will be taken of anonymous letters. Rejected com- munications will not be returned.

IBtrtljs, AgatTiagts, and 38tatbs. Noticepof Births, Marriages, attd, Veatht, It etich, if nmt exceeding 901cords, ami 6d for ectch extra 10 words BIRTHS. FORSTER-MAP.TTN.—-On Sunday, Oct. 7th, at 55, Park- place, Cardiff. the wife of G. Forsbei-Martin, of a daughter. 879 STANBPBY.—On Oct. 8th, at 2. Galston-street, wife of W. A. Stanbury, of a, son. 902 DEATHS. PBAZEP,.—Oct. 6th, at Glencairn House, Barry Dock, Maggie Gilmour Ferguson, wife of John K. Frazer. BEES.—On October 5th, at 45, Sapphire-street, Roath, William Rees, beloved husband of Ann Bees, aged 77. Funeral on Thursday next, leaving residence at 2.30 for Llandough Churchvard, ROBINSON .-On Oct. 7th, at G-wern IfQr Farm, Moun- tain Ash, John Easton Robinson, aged65. Funeral on Thursday at the Mountain Ash Cemetery at 2.30 p.m. Gentlemen oniy. 899 THOMAS.—On Oct. 6th, at the Market place, Cwm- avon, John Thomas, draper, in hia 55th year. Funeral to-day at 4.30 p m. 898 IN MEMORIAM. MORGAN.-In ever fond, loving memory of Sarah Anne, the dearly beloved wife of Councillor Thomas Morgan, Coedcae, Victoria, who fell a-leep October 9th, 1895. So He giveth His beloved sleep." 537

The LONDON OFFICES of the S'oujrt i> itic.-> News are at 46, Fleet-street (opposite Fetter-lane, where advertisements are received ap to 1.45 p.m for insertion in the following day's issue. The South Wales Daily Newr. may be obtained immedi ately alter the arrival of the 10.15 train at the Offices 46. Fleet-street; at Messrs W. H. Smith and Sons Bookstall, Paddington Station; at Messrs Willing and Co., Ltd., 17, Royal Exchange; and at Messrs Everett and Son's, Salisbury-square,

TUESDAY. OCTOBER 9, 1900. A POLICY OF BLOOD AND IRON." WE have abstained from discussing the political principles of the Tory candidate for Cardiff because, after the closest search through the gentleman's speeches, we have been unable to find any principles in them and we have studiously refrained from discussing, up till now, his political methods, and his platform style of poli- tical controversy, because, apart from the braggadocio and bluff, and the overween- ing self-consciousness, and self-laudation, which are so peculiarly his own, his speeches are but the veriest commonplace, the mediocre deliverances, spiced with volubility of assertion, and tinged with acrimonious attacks on his political oppo- nent, which are the one staple product of Tory platforms during this election. And as we war with principles which we con- sider evil and not so much with the men who believe in them, we have left the Tory candidate severely alone. Even his revilement of the political principles which he once professedly held, and of the political associates with whom he once took counsel, did not tempt us to take up our pen to refute his unsustained asser- tions, believing as we do that the un, restrained zeal of the pervert, which is proverbially hot against the party and the principles from which he has apostatised, will in the end defeat itself. In two of his recent speeches, however, the Tory candi date said something worth noticing, and, mirabUe dic.tu, the Cardiff Tory paper strangely omits to report either of these remarkable statements. This is significant, and supplies a fund of suggestive thought to those who are wise enough to consider. The Tory candidate said, in his Empire Mnsic'Hali speech, that be believed, with the late Prince Bismarck, that a policy of blood and iron was the policy that was to guard and protect this Empire for the future." And in his speech at Andrews' Hall he narrated a personal incident redolent of the social life one reads about in Ameriean backwoods, or in semi-savage lands. Let us give tb3 personal incident precedence. The Tory candidate said that at a lanehaoa table in the town of Paart, sitting around which were a number of Dutchmen, he heard one of them say to hisfoUows. iD Dutch, that they could wipe out the English after Majuba, Where. upon he, the Tory candidate, waxed valiant, like another Bombastes Furioso, drew out his revolver, and said, The first 11 man at this table that says another word against England will have the contents of this into his body." Of course we believe it all, every word of it, upon the authority of the Tory candidate. Still we should like to know what is the Dutchmen's version of the affair, and whether they forcibly ejected the hero of the revolver after the fashion adopted by Sir William Curtis, an 1 ex-Lord Mayor of London, who, because an intruder would not go quietly out through the door, hurled him headlong out through the window. But neither this blood-curdling romance of an incident that we are willing to admit might have happened, nor the blood and iron policy which the Tory candidate advocates as the policy which Great Britain should adopt henceforth, finds insertion in the reports of the speeches in the columns of the Cardiff Tory paper. Our mild-mannered contemporary, which repudiates strong language as earnestly as Satan repudiates sin, and abhors personali- ties with the energy of religious fervour, evidently thinks that such political .morality fulminated in such phraseology would taint the ethical atmosphere of Cardiff, and so it very wisely and prudently suppresses the whole of the very objection- able episodes. They would be more likely to revolt the sense of equity and right ■ in the thoughtful and moral section of the Cardiff electors than to win recruits to the Tory standard, and therefore they were, with calculating prudence, suppressed. The blood and iron policy in conduct- ing the affairs of a nation is revolting in its inception, and still more revolting in its exercise and its end. It is murderous in intent and brutal in administration. It is the policy of the wild cat and the tiger, if policy can be predicated of ravening beasts of prey. But substitute ferocity for policy and it will faithfully describe the method of political government which the Cardiff Tory candidate advocates. Where does the righteousness which exalteth a nation come iu, in such a policy as this ? And if I" Verily there is a God that judgeth in the Earth," as an old and time-honjured Book teacbs, what is likely to be His verdict on that policy ? Our Cardiff Tory contem- j porary acted very prudently in suppressing this part of the Tory candidate's speech. For there are Conservatives in the Cardiff Boroughs, moral and religious men, whb believe in a God, in a Providence, and in humanity, who would naturally feel shocked at the ventilation of such irreli- giaus and inhuman views by the Tory candidate, and who might be induced thereby to withhold their votes from such a candidate, even if they did not give them to the Liberal candidate, Sir Edward Heed. The appeal is made to every honest, moral, and thoughtful elector in the three Boroughs by the speech of the Tory can- didate himself. He advocates a policy of blood and iron," of sheer brute forea, in the foreign policy of this country for the future. Such revolting doctrine as this, if widely held and acted upon, would reduce the world to a Gehenna, a veritable hell. For our world-wide Empire touches other uations on every meridian over the world's surface. We put it to Cardiff electors in all soberness, and divested of all partisan- ship-for this is a matter far above party- whether they can from their inmost hearts vote ior such a policy—the inhuman policy of blood and iron ? One stands almost aghast at the audacity, to use no stronger word, of a candidate who can appeal to the electors of the Cardiff Boroughs, who believe at least in a rule of moral law and in the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount, and ask them to send him to the House of Commons as their representative to advocate a policy of" blood and iron," the wild beast policy of brute force, as the future policy of this great and professedly Christian country in its future dealings with foreign States. Is it to be always thus ? Is the Gospel of Force to be for ever the creed of the world ? The Tory candidate for Cardiff in his teachings says Yes," and by the policy which he advocates does his best, or his worst rather, to make it so. We confidently appeal to the electors of the Cardiff Boroughs to send this gentleman back whence he came, and to tell him by their votes that they believe in another policy for this country than his Bis-! marckian policy of blood and iron."

THE GOVERNMENT MAJORITY; AND WHAT NEXT ? THE repeated change of plea of the Govern- ment is an instructive, and to those who have knowledge of political things, an eminently suggestive commentary on their crafty and shifty tactics in plunging the country into the turmoil and inconvenience of a hotly-contested General Election at a most unsuitable time, on an outworn Register, by which many tens of thousands of electors will be debarred from voting, and at the very moment when the New Register is in course of preparation. The Government first announced that the one issue which the country was to be asked to pronounce a verdict upon was the Govern- ment conduct of the war. But no sooner was the Dissolution proclaimed than the Government pushed the question of the policy of the war into the forefront of their battle. And during the progress of the Election contests both the Government conduct of the war and the policy of the war have receded from view, and Govern-. ment advocates and apologists, from Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlain downward, have appealed and are still earnestly appealing to the country to give the Gov- ernment an overwhelmingly large majority so as to empower them efficiently to settle the future government of South Africa. Every plea was hollow and false, the last the most hollow and false of alL They had an overwhelming majority of 128 when they dissolved, a majority vastly morp than sufficient to enable them to carry any question, and every question, as to the future government of South Africa. But as they are now pleased to affirm-NLIr Wyndham, for instance, made that affirmation in his Cardiff speeches- that it was essential for them to have a considerably larger majority than they had when they dissolved to enable them to effect a satisfactory and a permanent settlement, it follows necessarily that if the country does not give them that larger majority, the verdict of the country will be against them. As you were will not be sufficient, because that would mean that the country thinks that they could have settled the question without the excitement and the damage to business of an Election, and yet as you were is likely to be the verdict of the Election. It is too early to forecast that definitely yet, but it seems very probable that that will be the issue and that will be a verdict against the Government for dissolving. But that will be as nothing to the more serious verdict which will be pronounced against them when the taxpayers' burden which looms so heavily before us now will fall upon the country with accumulated weight and force when the secrets of the next Budget will be revealed some four or five months to come. That Budget is likely to be a lesson to the taxpayers which will make them rue present and recant folly. It is whispered in London clubs, and in political ciicles which are likely to know, aud it was intimated with all reserve in an influential London morning paper on Saturday, that Sir Michael Hicks Beach, foreseeing the storm, will be likely to flee from the Exchequer, and seek shelter from the hurricane before it bursts, in the safer recesses of the Admiralty Officas. It is hinted as a sesreb that he intends to claim the reversion of Mr G^schen's office as First Lord of the Admiralty, and leave Budgets and taxation, Sinking Funds, and Exchequer Bills, and Floating Debts, to take care of themselves. If this be true it is an ominous announcement, ominous for the already overburdened taxpayers we mean, because it indicates an era of in- creased taxation with which Sir Michael Hicks-Beach feels that he is incompetent or afraid to grapple.

RAILWAYMEN, COALTRIMMERS, AND THE ELECTION. THBRE are two important sections of the working classes in Cardiff upon whom it is incumbent, in their own interest, to record a unanimous vote against the nominee of the Tory Government at the election now only a few hours distant. We reter to rail- way employees and coaltrimmers, who are sufficiently strong in numbers to enter an effectual protest at the shameful manner in which they as a class, in common with other workers, have been neglected by the Unionist Administration. Notwithstand- ing the recent experiences we have had in Cardiff as to the worthlessness of the Con- ciliation Act, Tory speakers have during the last few days had the effrontery to hold up that measure as one of the most beneficial ever passed in the interests of the toilers. But railwaymen, and espe- cially those engaged on the Taff Vale, are not to be caught by the empty plati- tudes which are indulged in as to the virtues of the Tory Government in placing such an Act on the Statute Book. As a fact, it is not worth the paper it is printed on. It is well known that both during the disastrous coal strike and the more recent trouble on the Taff this much-vaunted Conciliation Act failed to be of the slightest value in effecting a settlement. But there is another point which we desira to enforce as showing what little sympathy railwaymen may expect from the Board of Trade when presided over by a. Tory Minister. It will be remembered that during the late strike Mr Ritchie offered to arbitrate on the case of the signalman Ewington, who, it was alleged, had been victim- ised by the Taff management, and one of the terms of the final settlement was to the effect that this course should be adopted. What has been Mr Ritchie's action ? After the lapse of many weeks the case of Ewington remains in the same position as when the general body of his fellow-workers, feeling that he had been unfairly dealt with, decided to stop work. Possibly it was regarded as an incon- venient moment to give an opinion on the point just before or during a General Election, And railwaymen may rest assured that under Tory rule they will never succeed in securing legislation whereby their Trade Organisations shall be recognised by the great railway capital- ists of this country. With regard to the coaltrimmers, they have had the mortifica- tion of seeing it authoritatively stated within the last few days that they do not come within the provisions of the Compen- sation Act. Sir Edward Reed, and also Alderman Walter Morgan, the Liberal candi- date for South Glamorgan, in which consti- tuency Barry Dock and Penarth are situate, have both given definite pledges upon this point, and that voluntarily. Why men engaged in such a hazardous occupation as coal-trimming should be ex- cluded as beneficiaries under the Act it is difficult to imagine except that this is the kind of piecemeal and incomplete legisla- tion which is characteristic of Tory Governments. Both railwaymen and coal- trimmers have, therefore, at this election a special duty to perform to themselves and those dependent upon them, and we have no doubt they will make good use of the opportunity afforded.

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. RHYMNEY VALLEY MINERS. The monthly meeting of the Rbymney Valley Miners' Association W.\8 held at the Plus Hotel, Bargoed, on Monday, Mr T. Jenkins presiding over a fail attendance of delegates, with Mr W. P. O'Shea, secretary, Mr Powell, treasurer, and Mr .&van Thomas, agent. A lengthy debate arose as tc the m&n paying to the lodgen of the collieries at which they are working, it being pointed one that under the present svstem men were working hot collieries under the plea. that they were members of a lodge in another district, whereas in fact they were not Federationists at all. It was eventually decided that every man be recommended to pay to the lodge of bit colliery. The Secretary reported:thc total receipts for the day to be with three lodges not paid. Replying to a question the ngent painted ont tba.t it was as yet illegal to pay any money oat of the funds of the Federation to aapport labour representation on local governing bodies, aithongh individual ledges could agree to fix a special levy to meet such expenditure. MrE. Thomas was appointed the district representative at the miners' conference at Saltburn-on-Sea. The agent in bis monthly report stated he hoped to complete the question of the Maesycymmer Lodge joining the district in cllrse of a few days. He thought it would be better for the East Glamorgan District to also join the Khymney District. He detailed the compensation cases which had been settled darine the month, and said that the Powell Dcffryu Company had now agreed to pay the maximum amount of JE300 to Mrs Mack for the loss of her hnaband, but that the allocation of the money was to be decided by the County Court judge. It had been understood that the dispnte at the Bryncoch Colliery as to the price for cutting bottom had been settled, but the manager now disputed the terms of settlement which had been distinctly understood by himself and the deputation which waited upon tJim. The Nottingham system had been intro- duced in the 1 and 2 yards seams at Ne Trede- gar, and an agitation was going on to have the clod scale adopted. The question of cutting the bottom at the Darzan, Gilfach, and Cefn Brithdir Collieries was also under consideration.

A FOOTBALL DISPUTE IN COURT. CLAIM TO A CUP. The dispute which has uocufred with reference to the winners of the Glamorgan Times" football cup last season was the subject of au action heard before his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams at the Pontypridd Counly Court on Monday. The finai match between Aberaman and Ysfirad Stars at Pontypridd ended in a win for the former, who were duly presented with the trophy. The Ystrad Stars, however, lodged a protest on the ground Parker, a three- quarter who played for Aberaman, was a pro- fessional. The Junior League Committee decided that the match should be replayed without him. This the Aberaman club refused to do, and consequently the Y3trad Stars were declared the winners. Aberaman, however, refused to deliver up possession, hence the-se proceedings. Mr St. John Francis Williams (instructed by Mt Alun Morgan, solicitor) appeared for plaintiffs (Messrs T. E. Lewis and Tom Phillips, ohairmau and secretary of the League), and Alderman J. W. Evans, solicitor, Aberdare, defended. His Honour gave judgment for the £ 30 claimed, the amount to be reduce! to Is should the cup be handed over to the> League by next Monday. Mr Williams said that t¡8e Aberaman Cinb's name should not be inscrroed on the cup, but Alderman Evans replied amid muoh laughter that it had already been done, in addition to Abesdare's coat-of-arnis.—-His Honour Ah, the Aberdare pdople are always very smart. (Laughter.) x

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LONDON LETTER. LONDON, Monday NigM. LIBERAL SUCCESSES. No farther change* have been recorded to-day ns the resnlt of Saturday's palling ia the counties. The Conservatives had made sure of winning Forfarshire, where, however, the great territorial influence of the Dalhousie family has failed for the third time to win back the seat which the Hon. C. M. Ramsay lost for the Unionists in 1895. Banffshire was another county which had been sat down in Conservative calculations as a pro- bable win, but there again the traditional Liberal- ism of the constituency has withstood the strain of an unusually formidable assault. Both parties, to tell the truth, are not a little surprised by the results so far of the election in Scotland. The expectation was tha.t the Govern- ment would lose seats in the west and gain a few in the east, yet np to now the only changes have been three Ministerial gains, two of which were obtained in Glasgow. On this side of the Border the most striking return is that of Major Kasch, the outspoken Conservative member, who recently stung Mr Balfour icto a paroxysm of fury by describing Sir Redvers Bailer as a gentleman. It was not, of course, that Mr Balfour ques- tioned Sir fiedver's right to the title, but that he resented the implication which he conceived to have been conveyed by Major Rasch's use of the word against the personal honour of Ministers. The victory, therefore, can scarcely be claimed as a Ministerial triumph. WHEN PARLIAMENT MEETS. Unless Sir M. Hicks-Beach has a further call to make on the national parse the new Parlia- ment will probably not assemble till about the end of next January. Apart from the possibility of financial needs there is no necessity for aa earlier meeting. The swearing in of the new members, it is true, will take up a good deal of Parliamen- tary time, but as the Government have no impor- tant legislative proposals in contemplation the loss of a few days at the beginning of the Session will be of little account. As a rule, when tbe preceding Session has been concluded and is followed by a dissolution the recess is continued by prorogations until the usual time for the meeting of Parlia- ment. At the three pravious elections of 1895, 1892, and 1886, the Session in each case was in- terrapted by a summer dissolution, and Parlia- ment accordingly reassembled in each lof those years for a short autumn Session. In 1885 the circumstances were more closely analogous to the nresent instance. Parliament was dissolved in November of that year, and reassembled in the following January. MR CHAMBERLAIN'S INSOLTS. By a singular and suggestive coincidence two of the most prominent of the Ministerial journals set themselves the task this morning of bridling Mr Chamberlain. In cne caso, the chief organ of Jingoism actually tells the Colonial Secretary that he has been going too far, and that his vio- lence of speech must tend to unfit him fot the conduct of negotiations with foreign Powets. The particular expression that evokes this unexpected rebuke is Mr Chamberlain's ^almost incredible message to the electors of a Lancashire constitu- ency, "Every vota lost to the Govern- ment is a vote sold to the Boers." I need not attempt to describe the impression produced here by this precious piece of claptrap. Everyone who has read tbe phrase must have shared in the same emotion. Never- theless, it is a distinct surprise to find Mr Cham- berlain's most devoted supporter in the Press avowing its nausea, while on the same day the chief Ministerial organ gravely explains to the Governments of Enrope that the Colonial Secre- tary speaks only for himself, and that he is but one man in a Cabinet of twenty. The incident whether regarded aa a sympjjjm of the forces at work in Downing-street or merely as a reflection of independent Conservative opinion ia not with- out significance. LIBERALISM AND LABOUR. Although not so mischievous as at the last election, the irreconcilable element in the Labour party has nevertheless made its influonce felt in the present contest, and, strange to say, generally on the side of reaction. Why it should be so it is difficult to imagine. At the beginning of the contest the official heads of the Liberal party did what they could to encourage the can- didature of Labour men in different districts, and their exampla was followed by Liberals in the constituencies. Mr Bell came in for Derby with the aid of Liberal votes, while the great bulk of Mr Koir Hardie's support was derived from voteesplit between him and Mr D. A. Thomas. Yet in some parts of the country there seems to have been not ouly an absence of reciprocity on the part of the Socialistic Labour party, but right antagonism. Thus Labour votes at Halifax were actually split in favour of the Conservative candidate, and at Newcastle were cast against the Liberals, Moreover, a seat might have been won at Rochdale but for the inexplicable tactics of the extremists, and now, owing to the same cause, it is possible that the Liberal predomin- ance at Accrington may be endangered. A MESSAGE IN WELSH. Welshmen in London are greatly elated over Mr Lloyd George's victory. Many of them were pxepared to sit up all night on Saturday rather than go to bed without knowing the result of their plucky countryman's fight. I am told, and am asked to mention, that when the netvs arrived at the National Liberal Club in the small hours of Sunday morning a devoted and enthusiastic band of admirers immediately telegraphed their congratulations in the following emphatic form— Llongyfarch galon. Hip, hip, hwre The sentiment is shared by other Liberals, though expressed in. different terms. VANISHING LONDON. London is losing one landmark after another. The latest sacrifice is the historic South Sea House in Tbreadneedle-Btreet, which is now in process of demolition to make way for a block of new buildings. Readers of Charles Lamb will remember the essayist's description of the place with its magnificent portals ever gaping wide a.nd disclosing to view a grave court with cloisters and pillars, with tew or no traces of goers in or comers ont-a. desolation something like Bal- The great house, however, had changed since Charles Lamb's time. He could speak of oaken wainscots hung with pictnree of deceased governors and sub-governors, Queen Anne and the two first monarchs of the Bruns- wick dynasty, of huge charts which subsequent discoveries had antiquated, dusty maps of Mexico" dim as dreams," soundings of the Bay of Panama, and pisces-of eight long since dissi- pated or scattered into air at the bhst of the breaking of that famous bnhble." Not only the pieces-of-eight, but most of the other relics had vanished long before this last scene in the event- ful career of the South Sea House. There was a sale of the furniture and fittings the other day, but moat of the articles were quite modern and useful.

THE FRENCH NAVY. Paris, Sunday.—The French warships of all sizes to be begun or carried forward during 1901 namber 111. The list includes four battleships and 17 submarines. All are to be completed by the end of 1905.—London Daily Express." u-

GROUNDED IN A FOG. Brest. Monday.—The British steamer Glen- livet (?), of Glasgow, 1.000 tons, with a crew of 20 men, has ran aground on tbe Tete an Chat at the Point Due Raz de Seine. The crew got off in the ship's boats. The vessel Jeanne d'Arc. of the De de Sein, is on her way here with the rescued boats in tow. The vessel grounded in a fog.— Reater.

SEMOUS STOCK FIRE. A aerions conflagration occurred on Sunday on the farm of J. Eriaon, at Kamsey, Hnnts, the whole produce of the harvest being barned. Twelve stacks of corn, quantities of roots, all tbe implements, together with the fum buildings, were destroyed. The Ramsey Fire Brigade with M. steam engine were quickly at work, but were only able to save the live stock and au adjoining cottage. The cause of the outbreak is unknown

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LETTERS FROM THE FRONT. WELSHMEN AS BOER PRISONERS. PONTYPRIDD AND CARDIFF MEN RELEASED. Mr D. G. Davies, a Cardiff telegraphist with Lord Roberts's staff -at. Belfast, on September 2nd writes home as follows t — This plau" i 100 or 130 mlle east of Pretoria, on the Delsgo* line. From here Lord Roberts controls to a great ux- tent the whole army scattered over the Transvaal and Orange Rivt-r Colony, by means of the tele- graph, so yon may guess what an amount; of work we have to do. We work m a. little office on the station and a little tent, where we have all instru- ment joined up. We are very cramped for room, but if we had a building ten times the sizo I don'c think we could do more work. We work eight- hour shifts, which means practically night and day. Our food supply again is not calculated to fatten u. This morning I was lucky enough to get a piece of crosfe half the size of one's band, and tbat, with a basin of coffee. I-ad to suffice for breakfast, and keep me until 2 p.m., when we gob a good dinner. It is tpa-litre now, and I have a piece of bread and some tea, which I think very rich. Through it all we pxisfr, buti it is no enjoy- ment, I onn assure you. The night before last the released British prisoners went through here to Midcfeibmg. Every preparation was made here to give the poor chaps a good feed and hot drink, and Lord Roberts waited in person on the station nil til the arrival of the train at 1 a.m. They did not look so bad, although their face., showed that they had not been overfed. Tins of bully beef and loave-i of bread, as well as tea, coff. e, and beef tea and rum, were dished out to each man, and with others I had a deal of pleasure in handing them some of the stuff in the trucks. I eftnie aoross several Welshmen among them. One man- Sergeant BH) Watkins, of the Gloucester Regiment, a native of Pontypridd, was captured at Nicholson's Nek, and had been a prisoner neariy ten months. Another two belonged to the Welsh Regiment, and had only been captured a week since near this place. Their names are Privates Griffiths, from Dowlais, and Morgan, of Knowle-streot.Grangetown. All of tliPin were look- ing in capital condition, although Sergeant Wat- kins told me his weight had been reduced several stone during his captivity. It was the first bit ot bread the poor chaps had tasted for many a day. The Boers only allowed 2!b of mealies, 2ib of flour, and lib of meat perman per week. We are shifting the headquarters to Machadodorp next Tuesday, so I expect to remove from here with the others." SWANSEA WAR FUNDS. At a meeting of the Swansea Reservist; Fllnlh Committee, the Mayor presiding, Mr Divirl Davies reported that up bo the prc.n t £ 4,520 had been spent, and there remained L180 in hand. For some months past payments had been made of about £130 a week, but now that the Militia had been disbanded this had been reduced to L85 a wer-k. There were 265 wives, 545 children, and 289 mothers and fathers receiving weekly aid from tltt) funds. The Mayor said he held over £ 900, chiefly moneys not allocated for any special fnnd, which could be made available for the families of the Reservists, etc., and eventually it) was decided to draw J3500 for this purpose.

COURT AND PERSONAL. BALMORAL, Monday. The Qaeen, the Royal Family, and household attended Divine service in the Castle yesterday morning. The Rev. Colin Campbell, D.D., minister of the parish of Dundee, officiated. The Queen went out yesterday morning, accompanied by Princess Henry of Battenberg, the Duke of Connaught, Princess Victoria of Schlpswig-H.oigtein, Princess Margaret of Con- naught, and Prince Leopold and Prince Maurice of Eattenbarg. In the afternoon her Majesty drove out, at- tended by the Duchess of floxburgbe. The Rev. Colin Campbell, D.D., had the honour of dining with the Qaeen and the Royal Family. Mr Chaplin attended at the Local Government Board on Monday, and afterwards left London to speak at Stamford and Bourne in the Stamford Division of Lincolnahire. The Prince of Wales returned to town on Mon- day night from Scotland. Lord Clarendon, tho new Lord Chamberlain, haiS taken over his office vice the Karl of Hope- tonn, and visited Buckingham Prince. Mr Hubert Herkomer delivered last week two lectures in Kngli»h in Hamburg on England Lovable and Pamtable" and "Portrait Painting." Mr Herkomer WIA3 most cordially'received. Mme. Perret, the wife of a former French senator, has died at.Collonges,near Lyons,leaving an estate worth sevetal millions, principally to President Loubet, who obtained a private audience for her of Leo XIII. last year. Ovr 1,000 English Roman Catholics left Lou- don on Monday for Rome, where they will be re- ceived in audioi.ct ay the Pope. The Queen has approved of the following appointments :—Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. Yule to be colonel to command the 21st Regimental District. The Shah has telcgraphed to the Saltan from Sofia thanking his Majesty for the reception accorded him at Constantinople, and adding that he hoped their meetiug would mark the opening of a mw era in which the relations of the two countries would become closer.

ALLEGED MANSLAUGHTER AT NEWBRIDGE. HUSBAND IN CUSTODY. Tha Newbridge police on Monday morning arrested at Penner-street. Newbridge, an elderly man named William Morgan, chttigeo him with causing the death of his wife at Newbridge, and removed him to Abercarn in custody. Deceased had received a wound near the right temple. -t_

BERESFORD'S STRATEGY. SMART NAVAL MAN(EUVRING. A Portsmouth correspondent telegraphs that ieiters received at that porb give particulars of some smart strategy displayed bv Lord Charles Beresford, The Mediterranean Fl^efc was divided into two sections, one-under Admrtral Sir John Fisher, and tlio other commanded by Lord Charles Boresford, second in command of the fleet. They were instructed to carry out important ni.>vcenvres designed to prove with what safety a fleet could go along certain shores in war time if an enemy's norpcdo boats infested such coast waters. Lord Charles was given the task of coaling his section and getting to sea undiscovered by the enemy's torpedo boats. This Oe did by fixing lights on launohes so that they resembled ships' scuttles carelessly left open. The enomy saw the lights, and crept down with the ohjtct of torpfdoiug the shifts, bub meantime Lord Charles had slipped safely out to sea, and trie enemy fonnd only the decoys. As soon as he was well at sea Lord Charles, by a false signal, mis'ed the enemy's scouts, and made for Lemnos- On the way he saw the enemy's fleet, under Admiral Fisher, steaming m two lines. He im- mediately ran his own shipii between the lines, so that he could use both broadsides, whilst the enemy could only use one. The victory was therefore awarded to Lord Charles Beresford.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER 4.3GA.M. TO-DATS CUIKOASL! H)n ENGLAND, S.W., ANJ) Isoulla W A MrS. Issued at 8 o'clock last Higkt Southerly to westerly winds, cloudy some rain in places. General.-The general appear- ance remains unsettled over all northern and western parts of the country, but over greater part of England fine warm weather may be expected daring the ensuing 24 hours.

GENERAL FORECASTS. The foUowing forecasts wertl issued bv the J Meteorological Office at 8 o'clock last night- DISTlUCTS- I e Scotland N | Southerly ana south-westerly 1. Scotland' E f w3nds> Moderate cloudy some rain. 2. England, N.E.^ 3. England,E.j Southerly and south-westerly 4. Mid Counties, i- winds, light or moderate 5. Eng. S. {Lon. I fair generally, and Channel). 6. Scotland,W. 7. England, N.W.} <fc North Wale*. Southerly to westerly winds; 8. England, S.W. V cloudy some rain in & South Wales., i places. 9 Ireland. N } 10. Ireland, S J

SUICIDE AT CARDIFF. A DOSE OF PRUSSIC ACID. Charles Heald, druggets' assistant, employed at the Eton Drug Stores. 192, Cowbridge-road. Cardiff, committed suicide about 8 o'clock on Monday evening by taking a dose of prussic acid. Deceased, it is stated, came into the shop in the evening, and there saw the manager. After this interview Heald was thought to have gone out, but be was later fonnd in his room lying on the bed dead. His body was removed to the mortuary.

EMINENT NONCONFORMIST DEAD. Mr Heury Wood, J.P,, treasurer of tho Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland, has passed away. Mr Wood was only taken seriously ill two er three weeks since with an internal complaint, and thongh Sir William Broadbent performed au operation, the end came with alarming sudden- ness, Mr Wood was officially connected with nearly all the Baptist societies and institutes."

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SHANGHAI MENACED. SHAN HAI KWAN FORTS. THE FUGITIVE COURT REPORTED GERMAN ULTIMATUM. Little change has occurred on the China chessboard. Rumours are thick, but facts are scarce. One report says that Li Hung Chang is doing his best in the interests of peace another that he is under the thumb of the Court. Currency has been given to two significant reports—(1) that Li has promised that China will cede Manchuria to Russia if the latter withdraws and persuades other Powers to negotiate peace and (2) that Shanghai is seriously threatened by a Chinese force.

SHANGHAI MENACED. There is considered to be some possibility (says the Morning;Popc Shanghai correspondent) of an attack being made on Shanghai by a Chinese force. Eight thonsand Chinese troops are reported to be marching down from the north by way of the Grand Canal with the object of joining those who are already here. 4.11 the foreign troops in Shanghai are being held in readiness to meet an attack.

SHAN HAI KWAN FORTS. (Press Association Telegram.) The following telegrams have been received at the Japanese Legation TOKIO, Saturday. Forts at Shan Hai Kwau were evacuated on demand made by British gunbaat. Admiral Dewar reports that about 120 marines from Tako- sago were landed at Shan Hai Kwan, and they, co-operating with the marines of other Power-, occupied the railway stations and forts. Pending the order from Count Waldersee a provisional arrangement has been made, according to which the northern gate of the town is guarded by the French and British, the eastern by the Russian, the southern by the Germans, and the western by the Italian and Japarteae forces. TOKIO, Sunday. Two Imperial edicts have been iasaed. Two Tartar generals, Ching Chang and Shon Shang, at Monbden and Amur respectively, were dis- missed and ordered to await official investigatioa Of their conduct. ALLEGED FRICTION. (Central News Telegram.) BBRLIN, Monday Evening. The Lokalsnzeiger has receivsd the follow- ing cablegram from its special correspondent in China :—The steamer Sintan, which arrived at Taku to-night, reports that there is serious fric tion between the English and Russianil at Shan Hai Kwan. It is evident that these Powers tried to outwit each other in capturing the forts.

THE FUGITIVE COURT (Press Association Special Telegram.) A Washington despatch, which was dated October 2nd, was forwarded via St. Petersburg, ¡ and was from the Vieeroya Lia Rang Yih and Chang Chih Tang. It is stated that the departure of the Imperial Majesties for Shenei province is due to the flistressing condition of affairs preva- lent at Tai Yaen Fa. A scarcity of tfood pre- vailed throughout the province of Shensi owing to long continued drought. The capital was almost deserted, tradespeople having left on account of disturbances caused and continued for months by Boxer rebels who had invaded the province. Their Majesties were therefore obliged to proceed to Shensi, where telegraphic commu- nication is open with Shanghai and other parts of the Empire, and rapid communication with their Majesties is possible, thus enabling the Court and official bnsinoss to be transacted more expediti- ously than in Shansi. The reason of the temporary^ post- ponement of their Majesties return to Peking are the presence of the allied forces there, on account of which solicitous fear is doubtless entertained, besides a dread of an outbreak of epidemic diseases which often follow after great disturbances and destruction of pro- perty and military operations. The despatch concludes by stating that it is hoped the Powers will be considerate in their judgment on thin matter. A telegram from Tokio says :-An edict iasoad on September 29th announces the departure of the Imperial Court for Changan to take Place on the 1st of October. The Governor of Shang-si telegraphed to all the Viceroys and Governors in the Southern provinces to seud their tribute to Snau-ai, in which province Changan, the new ¡. site of the Imperial Court, is situated. An official despatch to St. Petersburg from Vice-Admiral Alexieff repeats a. deapatcu from Port Arthur, which says that all the Chinese cruisers are off Shanghai. REPORTED GERMAN ULTIMATUM. A Central News telegram froin Berlin says According to a Chinese report Germany has sent an ultimatum to the Emperor Kwangsu calling upon bim to return and resume theresponsibibtiea of government. If he should disregard this warn- ing it is intimated that the Powers will proceed to the selection of another Emperor. PLOT AT SHANGHAI. A Central News Berlin message say«A mysterious conspiracy has been discovered at Shanghai, directed against Changchitang and Likunyifc. The conspirators are prominent re- formers associated with Changyuwai. Ic is doubtful whether the Consuls will permit the arrest of the conspirators in the foreign settlements. The increasing aeiiouaness of the situation is shown by the fact that revolutions appear to be spreading even amongst the trusted troops of the Yangtae Viceroys. TROOPS IN CHINA. (Proas Association Special Telegram.) PEKING, October 2nd. General Yamaguchi is forming a new Japanese Brigade to occupy positions in China. It is to consist of 5,000 men of the 21st and 5,000 men of the 9th Brigade, and will be under the command of General Bukamoto. Two thousand will re* main here, the rest being distributed between Taku, the line of communications, and other points. Eight thousand Germans will winter at Peking, 1,500 Americans, and the same number of Russians. It has not yet been determined how many British will remain, probably one brigade.

GRAND THEATRE, CARDIFF. Despite tbe election excitement there was at tha Grand Theatre last evening an excellent II.,hend.. an36 to gieet that well-known play From Scot- land Yard." This utirxinR drama ia a tale of crime and criminals, by John Douglass and Frank Batensan, and has tbe rare recClmmendlllli tion of having been founded on facts that were widely discussed in the papers not very long ajp. Last evening it met with a most cordial recep- tion, Mr Frank Bateman's company being voted an accomplished body of actors in all PBtrts of tb" house.

THE LYCEUM, NEWPORT. The Prodigal Pa.rson," a. powerful drama, ths joint production of Messrs Fred Conynghama and C. A. Clarke, was produced last evening at the above theatre for the iirst time. The drama has met with great success in London and the leading provincial cities and towns, and waa accorded II. hearty reception by the audience. Misfl Alice Dorie appeared with mnch success in Fern Godly, her original creation, whilst Mr Lyn Harding, the well-known and popular actor, took the important part of the parson. The other members of tbe selected company are each an j all deserving of praise for the skill and ability which they displayed m their respective roles.

THE EMPIRES. CARDIFF. An extraordinary turn, in which the amena* iiility of the beasts of the fieid to discipline was demonstrated in qnite a remarkable manner, figured 011 the Cardiff Empire programme last evening. Mr Richard S&wadeV group of animals, with which he performs an act described as the greatest animal act in Earjpe," created an im. pression bordering upon consternation at both houses, and it may safely be said that as a per' formance of this class it has never been approached in Cardiff. Prominent the variety artistes wai Leo Dry den, of "Dublin Fasif liers fame, whose latest Huccepses were accorded a very cordial welcome. An original pantomimicat speciality entitled A Zoological Comedy waf. another of the big items on the programme. Excellent work was :1,1"0 contributed by the Bale Troupe of acrobatic cyclists, the AlexandroC Troupe of Russian singers, Sam Torr, character vocalist. Miss Ella and Two Wilbera in ao eccentric musicai burlesque, and ochets. NEWPORT. At the Newport Empire a very good rscepticc was given last evening to the British Bioscope it. a. series of animated pictures which included the best lepresentations yet taken of the Pane Exhibition. The St. Jatrseu's Quintette, from tb- Palace Theatre, Ldndon, saug glees and part in » very acceptable manner, while Idat Heath again proved her great versatility all an exponent of the terpsichorean art. The evening'^ entertainment was greatly enhanced through the efforts of Rosie Lloyd, Brooks and Duncan, the Gorty Brothers (i D a comedy act and burlesque wrestling), Phil Ray, Marie Reeve, Fred HalJam; &c. SWANSEA. At Swansea a Beries of Bio-tableaux formed one of the most acceptable features of the entertainment, including as it did, in addition U, pictures of general interest, several war pictures. The O'Maiievs, the Hibernian gag tellers, were, very successful, while the Three Sifters Maearte, in then- gymnastic novelties, contributed one ot the moat popular, turns of the eveniag. Lotto. Lilo, and Otto. in their latest creation, bicyclc- football, and Mr Bransby Williams, the famouc delineator of characters from Dickens's works, also won golden opinions.

SWANSEA MAGISTRATES' CLERK'S SALARY. At a special meeting of the Swansea Generaf Purposes Committee on Monday Mr Jenkia Jonas, the wagistratssJ clerk, applied for ufc increase upon his present salary of j3550. It wati decided to r«coinmend an increase of B100 a year,

SWANSEA HARBOUR TRUST. Ab the monthly meeting all Monday 10 wa< reported that the trade of tho port; for tbv month showed an increase of 20.000 tons 10 tb. aggregate, while the profit was £1,567. Captain, Niles was appointed dockmaster at th South Dock at; jS150 a year.