The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

WESLEYAN HOME MISSION CON- VENTION AT CARMARTHEN. A NOVEL SUNDAY GATHERING. Easter Sunday was made a home mission festival by the Wesleyan Methodists of Carmar- then. In the morning the Rev. G. H. Camburn, of Tenby District Home Mission, secretary, preached. In the afternoon a meeting was held, at which Mr Camburn presided, aud addresses were made to the children of the Sunday school and their parents and friends. The chief speaker was Mr Hugh Bevan, of Tenby, who insisted upon the importance of Sunday morning schools, and the necessity of caring for the villages and strongly commended Joyful New. which he called a second edition of the Acts of the Apostles, to the support of the congregation. The hymn, I will sing of my Redeemer," was sung as a quar- tette by Misses Smith and Ellen Jones, Mes-rs. D. J. Phillips and George Smith and Sowing the Seed as a solo by Miss Ellen Jones. EVENING MEETIXC. i In the evening a public meeting was held, and the chapel was well filled. Mr J. F. Morris presided. After the opening exercises, Mr D. R. Thomas sing a solo, Behold me standing at the door, and Miss Rachel Evans sang "0 Rest in the Lord. Mr E. H. Maggs read the report of the Home Mission Committee, from which it appeared that the income of the year had been 135,308 14s 5d, and the expenditure E35,162 4s 4d. Carmarthen circuit had contributed zE12 10s ld, and received a grant from the committee of EC)2 10s. Mr J. Rees sang Why do you wait, dear brother." Rev. G. H. Camburn, Tenby, followed. He said he liked the new departure which they were that day making in Carmarthen in the matter of home missionary meetings. They had, in these days, several departures for which they need be very thankful. Amongst them were the London missions, to which Carmarthen had had the un- speakable honour of sending the Rev. Hugh Price Hughes, who was at the head of the West Central Mission, and was that very night address- ing a crowded audience at St. James's Hall. The need for home missions was shown in the fact that there were in England thousands of men, women, and children who never heard one word which would lift them above the level of the gutter. They were born, they lived, died, were dead, and never heard one word which would brighten with hope the dark future. There were that day 100,000 children in London alone who were in training for the treadmill. Methodism had done, and was doing, much by means of crcchc work, the Children's Home conducted by Dr. Stephenson, and ragged schools, to reach and rescue these children. A member of the London School Board once said with reference to the Elementary Education Act, We have a ladder from the gutter to the university but in the Gospel of Jesus Christ they had a ladder from the gutter to the throne of heaven (hear, heir). When peace like a river was sung as a quartette by Miss Smith, Master Bertio Williams, Messrs. D. J. Phillips and D. R. Thomas; and She only touched the hem of her garment" as a solo by Miss M. J. Evans, Mr Hugh Bevan, of Tenby, followed, and said he desired to pay a high compliment to the choir and vocalists who had sung to them that day. If they had such singing as that in all their chapels it would do a great deal of good. After referring to the great awakening which was taking place in the large centres of population, Mr Bevan said there was never more need for Wesleyan Methodism in Wales than there was at present. There was need for clear and discinct testimony to the experience of personal salvation and the witness of the Spirit. There was a great deal of the profession of religion in Wales and of attendance at the House of God, but the tone of religion was very low, and very few knew Christ as a personal, present Saviour. Thus, then, was their mission in Wales to-day. The collection was here made, and amounted, together with those of the preceding services, to a total for the day of E;5 Os 2d, an increase over last year—when there was a week evening meet- ing, as well as sermons and collections on a Sunday-of over 30s.

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CONSERVATIVE BANQUET AT Ct LLANELLY. A very successful banquet was held at the Conservative Club, Llanelly, on Thursday even- ing, April 18th. It was intended as the annual gathering of Llanelly Conservatives to com- memorate the anniversary of Lord Beaconsfield's death. Dr. H. C. Buckley presided, and was supported by Mr W. H. Meredyth. There were also present Messrs Richard Margrave, E. Trub- shaw, W. G. Nevill, W. Alabaster, W. P. Pritchard, J. C. Jones, Forbes, &c. Covers were laid for 150. After a capital repast, Dr. Buckley proposed The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family in graceful and appropriate terms. Mr Nevill proposed the Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces." He referred to the increase of the Navy, and welcomed the action of the present Government in affording better protection to our mercantile marine. There were considerably over 200,000 men employed in carrying our commerce to and from these shores. A strong Navy was only a kind of national insurance (cheers). The Army was always efficient and ready to do any work that might be allotted to it. The Volunteers had become a recognised force, and Great Britain need never fear a foreign foe so long as her sons rallied round her flag in that great army, whose motto was "defence and not defiance (applause). This toast was responded to by Mr Forbes, who mentioned the formation of a new Conserva- tive Association for the Carmarthen Borough. He feared that registration had been somewhat neglected in the past, and he was determined to remedy this state of things. Only one Primrose League meeting had been held lately in Carma- then, which was quite insufficient (applause). Mr Richard Margrave proposed "The memory of Lord Beaconsfield," which was toasted in silence. Mr E. Trubshaw proposed the Conservative Cause." He said that Mr Goschen's budget was a wonderful example of financial genius. The country would benefit to the extent of nearly 24,500,000 by the cnnversion of consols. He was glad to see that the alliance between patriotic men of both parties had been productive of so much good to the taxpayers (cheers). Mr W. H. Meredyth, who was received with applause, responded. He said that the growth of political clubs in South Wales since the 1885 election was remarkable. Conservatism had made wonderful progress since that time (cheers). He himself could remember when the Conservative cause was infinitely weaker in the industrial centres of South Wales. At Llanelly, as in Swansea, it was gratifying to observe the increase in the number of Lord Salisbury's supporters. They need not fear to advocate their cause. He believed that the country was with them, and it was quite possible to prove this by examining the results of the polling at the bye-elections. He would compare the 1885 elections with the recent contests. In the 50 constituencies which have been fought since the general election in 1885, the total Gladstonian vote was 180,283. It had fallen in the bye-elections to 177,068, being a decrease of no less than 12,215 votes (cheers). Whereas the Unionist vote in the same con- stituencies in 1885 amounted to 100,784, and in 1886-80 it had risen to 167,001, being an increase of 6,217 in favour of the Union (cheers). This calculation included the defeat at Rochester by that insignificant majority, but it also included the magnificent victory at Birmingham (loud cheers). Could the country find any rational cause of complaint with the present Government ? In face of the bitterest and most unscrupulous opposition, a programme of which they might well be proud, had been successfully carried out. Local Government had been given to the counties. It was now being extended to Scotland, and the only persons responsible for the delay in granting Local Government to Ire- land were the followers of Mr Parnell (cheers). The Employers' Liability Act would be proceeded with this Session, and if the Welsh people would only show the Radical party that they are earnest and resolute, the Tithe Bills introduced by Lord Salisbury would be passed despite obstruction (cheers). It was to the interest of the Con- servative party that a supposed grievance should be removed, and that the people in every part of the United Kingdom should be contented and happy (applause). In approaching the Irish question Mr Meredyth wished at the outset to deny that Ireland any longer blocked the way, and for the first time since Lord Beaconsfield's administration, there was a marked improvement and decrease in crime. This was due to Mr Balfour (cheers). Mr Wm. O'Brien considered himself a martyr, because he was compelled to travel second instead of first class (laughter). While they made capital out of such ridiculous grievances as that, when a brave police offic-3 was brutally murdered in the execution of his duty, the Parnellits members, from Mr Parnell to Dr. Tanner, had no word of condemnation for such an atrocious crime. The Union was winning an 1 must continue to win (cheers), and if the British people remained true to their best and highest interests, the next general election would result in an overwhelming victory for loyalty, order and contentment (applause). Dr. Buckley proposed the visitors in an able speech. Mr Forbes, and afterwards Mr Meredyth briefly returned thanks. Several songs were sung in the course of the evening, and this very successful gathering came to an end about 11.30.

EISTEDDFOD AT THE ALBERT HALL, SWANSEA. The second annual eisteddfod was held at the Albert-hall on Easter Monday, by the brethren of Belle Vue Chapel. The morning president was Mr L. T. Monro, and the chair was tilled in the afternoon (in the unavoidable absence of his Worhip the Mayor, Mr James Jones), by Mr David Davies Joseph. The adjudicators were Mr W. G, M'Naught, A.R.A.M., London; Mr George Oakey Mus. Bac., London and Mr John Thomas, Llan- ■wrtyd. Accompanist Mr T. D. Jones, Plasmarl. Conductors: The Rev I J. Evans, Gadlys, Abcrdare, and the Rev J. Lewis, of Belle Y ue Chapel. Secretaries: Messrs W. T. Samuel, William Rees, and J. Evans. Treasurer Mr V. Davies. Appended is a list of successful competitors Playing" Ash Grove" on the violin, boy or girl under 15 years of age-five competed Master Tomilson, Swansea. Reading music at first sight, for boy or girl under 15 years of age William Ap Rees, Cwmaman, Carmarthenshire, and another, the name of whom we could not get. Drum and fife band contest-two bands com- peted Swansea Navals, under the leadership of W. H. James. Juvenile choir—"Storm the Fort of Sin (W. T. Samuel)-two competed Best, Vale of Towy, Carmarthen, under the leadership of Mr George Rees. A gentleman on the stage gave a second prize of jEl. Four brass bands competed for a prize of £10, viz., Ystalyfera, Ferndale, 1st Glamorgan, and 3rd Glamorgan. The prize was awarded to the Ferndale Band, under the leadership of Mr W. R. Howe. Soprano solo, Heaven and Earth prize El two competed. Winner, Miss Mabel Knox (pupil to Madam Clara N. Davies), Cardiff. Contralto solo five competed Best, Miss Adela Bona, pupil of Mr C. V. Harding, Carmar- then and the adjudicator (Mr M'Naught) gave a second prize of 10s. Gd. to a little boy (David Rees) from Felinfoel, Llanelly, for his excellent singing. Tenor solo-eight competed, and the prize (tl Is.) was awarded to Mr George Thomas, Llanstephan. Male Voice competition. -Four parties entered, .viz. Carmarthen, Treboth, Morriston, and Brynamman. The latter took the prize ( £ 10), under the leadership of Mr John Jones. Eight entered for the bass solo competition, and the prize of 21 Is. was awarded to Mr Wm. Evans. Next came the chief choral competition. Only two had entered, viz. Plasmarl United Choir (leader, Mr John Jones), and Carmarthen. The adjudicators were unanimous in awarding the prize of 950 to Carmarthen, under the leader- ship of Professor Harding.

ECHOES FROM THE MIDLANDS. ABERYSTWITH AND BIRMINGHAM. Of the unusually large number of excursions that were run during rhe Easter holidays from the newly created city (without a Cathedral) of the Midlands, through some inexplicable reason not one was run to Aberystwith, the Queen of the Welsh watering places. Several thousand inhabitants of Birmingham left for Kenilworth, Leamington, Bournemouth, Bristol, Matlock, Evesham, Portsmouth, Southampton, Llandudno, Swansea, Tenby, and numerous other places. PRIMROSE DAY. Last Friday was the seventh anniversary of the death of the immortal Earl of Beaconsfield. Falling this year on Good Friday, the event was not perhaps so generally observed as in former years. Primroses were, however, worn by a great nnmber—in fact the great majority—of the people thronging the streets of Birmingham, the botanical gardens and the parks, and the little flower was in great demand in the market. Several of the steam trams were decked with primroses, and it was observed that they were well patronised all day. Rich and poor, young and old sported them in their button holes while not a few wore bunches on their hats. If the magnitude of these bunches is to be taken as symbolical of the degree of the attachment of the wearer to the glorious cause of his queen and country, then indeed, it is in Birmingham in- tense and unmistakable. It had been the custom of former years to decorate the various Con- servative clubs in and around Birmingham with a profuse display of the primrose, but this year, on account of the awful solemnity of Good Friday to the whole Christian world, this was not so generally done. The Midland and the Temple Row West Conservative clubs were con- tent with an exhibition of only a few bunches of the emblem of their political faith on the window sills on a neat ground of moss. St. Paul's and the Balsall Heath clubs were more elaborately decorated principally through the untiring efforts of the Primrose League Dames, who, by the way, are very numerous and well organised here. Your correspondent visited several of the sur- rounding towns and districts, where he found the primrose in great favour with the majority of the people seen around. Birmingham is situated partly in the three counties of Warwick, Stafford and Worcester. The political strength of these three counties with Birmingham is 24 members, being ten Conservatives eleven Unionists and three Gladstonians. Wales go thou and do likewise. THE CENTRAL DIVISION OF BIRMINGHAM While all the lovers of the unity and integrity of our vast Empire look upon the decisive voice of the intelligent electorate of this constituency with much gratification, rising in bold condemna- tion of the attempt to disintegrade their rich and glorious inheritance built by the struggles of centuries and cemented with the blood of their forefathers, they cannot but rue the fact that there is at this moment a serious breach in the Unionist ranks owing to the violation of an alleged compact arrived at between the two great local wings of the party. The Liberal Unionists assert that they only promised to support the candidature of Lord Randolph Churchill, and that when he refused to stand they were not bound to espouse the cause of any other Con- servative candidate. The leaders of the Con- servative party, on the other hand, state that Lord Randolph Churchill had not unreservedly declined to stand before the Liberals invited the son of the late chieftain of this city to contest the seat. It is to be hoped that satisfactory explana- tions will be forthcoming, as the Unionist party as a whole can ill afford splits. Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts, that no dissension hinder Government." It is evident that the Conservative party in this constituency (and they are more numerous than the Liberal Unionists) under great and trying circumstances were mindful of their traditions and sensible of their duty to their country that they supported the candidature of a person in whose choice they had no voice. Perhaps one of the most powerful appeals to them was the large placard that was extensively posted throughout the ward bearing these words Conservatives, you will admire Mr Balfour. Mr Beale, the Parnell candidate, has called him the meanest of God's creatures. Resent this national insult by voting for Mr Bright." That they did, with the result that they vindicated their appreciation of the great and eminent services this distinguished, if much abused, statesman has done for his country, and had a magnificent majority of 3,060. I am given to understand that of the many daily and weekly newspapers printed and published in Birmingham not one espouses Home Rule. That fact goes far to prove that the Separatists, if they exist at all, are infinitesimally small in the great city of the Midlands. BIRMINGHAM RAGGED CHILDREN. Nothing can more forcibly strike a casual visitor to this great centre of the hardware manu- factures of our country than the number of its ragged children. They are to be met with in crowds in every street and alley, bare-beaded and bare-footed, with feeble forms and pallid faces, unknown to water, and covered with but a few tatters, now running after the trams and 'buses, then offering a few boxes of matches for sale, with the plaintive and irresistible cry of Please spare a copper, sir." For many years past this class has been the recipient, year by year, of a Good Friday breakfast, through the generosity of Mr Amos Roe, one of the wealthy manufacturers of the city. Last Friday the breakfast was served in the great Bingley Hall. As early as 6 o'clock in the morning several hundred children had assembled in front of the htige doors of this hall, with eager hearts and sharp appetites. This crowd gained in numbers as the minutes rolled until, by 7 o'clock, the thoroughfare was rendered quite impassable. At 9 o'clock the doors were thrown open, and there followed a tremendous rush for the front. With great difficulty the children, who now numbered upwards of 3,500, were seated, and something approaching order was restored. The hungry baud were soon re- galed with an ample supply of coffee and buns by the 150 ladies and gentlemen who had so willingly tendered their services. The side galleries of the hall were filled with the mothers and sisters of the youngsters looking down upon them, and evidently longing to join them in their feast. A GAY LOTHARIO. For some time past a person, who is described as of a commanding appearance and plausible address, has been walking the streets of Birming- ham endeavouring to make the acquaintance of young ladies of position. He described himself as Count Falkini, an Italian nobleman of enor- mous wealth, his parents having, he said, been washed overboard during a great storm which beset them on a voyage from Italy to England. He delighted his fair but gullible companions with versions of his riches and territorial wealth, with poetic strains, and the invoking of the stars of the heavens to be witnesses of the honesty of his professions, the purity of his heart, and the earnestness of his aims. One young lady was bold enough to ask him what his intentions were in paying his addresses to her, whereupon he said he had been engaged, unknown to himself, to a rich Italian heiress, but that he could and would never marry her. He represented himself as living at present with an uncle of his in a fine house in Dudley-road, Birmingham. One of his victims, failing to find that he lived here, deter- mined on following him to his home, which turned out to be in one of the back streets of the city. Accompanied by her sister, she entered the house, and found the gay Lothario humbly ,n seated near a table with a wife and children around him Finding he had been discovered, he bolted away, but his wife was soon in pursuit, and brought him back again and demanded an p explanation. Here the Italian Count turned out to be no other than John Smith, a bricklayer, to the utter discomfiture of the fair hopes and aspirations of a number of young ladies. He hears On all sides from innumerable tongues A dismal universal hiss, the sound Of public scorn." THE EASTER WEEK. The series of meetings that will be held during the E-ist er week commenced at Birmingham last Monday, when the twentieth anuual conference of the National Union of Elementary Teachers was held in the Town-hall. Delegates from all parts of the country were present in large num- bers. On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held under the presidency of the Mayor (Alderman R. C. Barrow). The principal speakers were the Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., and George Dixon, M.P. There was a very large attendance of delegates and of the public generally.—The National Liberal Unionist Con- ference was held in Birmingham on Wednesday, Thursday, and to-day (Friday). This Friday evening a demonstration is to be held in the great 11 el Bingley Hall, where accommodation has been made to seat 26,000 people. The chair will be taken at 8 o'clock by the Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain, M.P., and the chief speakers will be the Marquess of Hartington, M.P., Messrs George Dixon, M.P., and Sir Henry James, Q.C., M. P., will also address the meeting. Mr J. A. Bright, M.P., who is also announced as a speaker, will be unavoidably absent.

WESLEYAN METHODIST DISTRICT CONVENTION AT SWANSEA. A convention of Christian workers was held at Wesley Chapel, Swansea, on Easter Monday, when representatives were present from various parts of the Swansea District. MORNING SESSION. The morning session was presided over by Rev E. Moulton, chairman of the District, who said the convention was arranged to include Christian workers of all descriptions, and it was desired to make it useful and helpful to the greatest number. They would not attempt to indicate how all these various Christian activities should be carried on, but he trusted that the spirit in which the work should be undertaken would be both indicated and realised. Church machinery to-day was a very complex and interlaced system-they had many irons in the fire. They had a Gospel not only for the souls but for the bodies of men as well, and had not only to combat drunkenness, lust, gambling and pernicious literature, but to see that the conditions under which men live were fit for a being created in the image of God (applause). They had secured the help of several lay friends, and they had-as they always ought to have-a mixed platform that morning (hear, hear). FITNESS FOR WORK. Mr D. J. Thomas, of Brecon (" David Devoir "), read an extremely interesting and instructive paper on Fitness for Work." The elements of that fitness he defined as (1) the Divine call (2) human response to that call (3) sanctitication (4) faith (5) zeal (6) love (7) joy. The Chairman said he had been led to expect a racy paper from Mr Thomas, and he thought they would agree that the paper was not only racy, but sparkling and brilliant. A short discussion followed, in which Revs. J. A. Barrow-Clough, B.D., George Eddy, and J. Hugh Morgan (Birmingham) took part. Mr Eddy said that the last October convention in Swansea had stirred up a lady living in Amman- ford and led to the starting of a baud of hope, which now numbered 120 members. AFTERNOON SESSION. The attendance was larger in the afternoon, when the Rev J. Hugh Morgan read a paper on The Christian Workers Association." The chief points of the address are found in the pamphlet published by Morgan at the request of the Liverpool ministers' meeting, and to be obtained at the Wesleyan Bookroom. Mr Morgan defined the Association as a simple organisation having for its paramount aim the systematized visitation of the neighbourhood in which the chapel is situated, and that would bring all such agencies as tract distribution, cottage services, open-air preaching, &c., into sympathetic com- bination with each other, and under regular and stimulating oversight." In the discussion, Dr. Rawlings moved That we believe the scheme of the Christian Workers Association, proposed by the Rev. J. Hugh Morgan, would, if carried out, be of great benefit to Methodism in the Swansea District, and we pledge ourselves to secure its adoption in all the circuits in which we have influence." Rev. George Eddy seconded, and the motion was agreed to. EVENING MEETING. The chapel was well filled for the evening meeting. Mr S. Bevan, Llanelly, presided, and in opening claimed, in support of special efforts and missions, that Noah and Jonah were special missioners. Christianity was established at first by a special mission, and the English Reforma- tion was brought about in like manner. God was giving them another manifestation of the spirit to-day, and it depended upon them whether they took advantage of it, or neutralised, or thwarted it. Mr W. J. Needle, Carmarthen, dealt with the duty and responsibility of the followers of Jesus Christ towards the Press of this country. Rev. George Eddy, District Missionary, said that during the last 27 weeks he had taken the names of over 700 enquirers at various missions in the Swansea District. Rev. J. Hugh Morgan followed, with an interesting address on general Christian Work. Our energies, he said, are elastic, and may be contracted or expanded. Our motto should be found in the advice of the art master to the student—amplius, amplius, amplius. The Chairman suggested that Conference should be asked to appoint a purely Welsh evangelist for Wales. He believed the people of Wales were ready for such an appointment, and the work of an evangelist would be of immense service to Welsh Methodism, and to the other denominations. Rev. J. Hugh Morgan agreed with the sugges- tion. He was glad that a better understanding was coming about between Welsh and English Methodists in Wales. He knew such was the case in spite of some things which appeared to be contrary. In time, of course, Welsh Methodism would disappear. But it would, perhaps, take a longer time than some people thought and it would be a loss to English Methodism if Welsh Methodism died prematurely. There was a good deal in the suggestion, and if a man like John Evans (applause) could be set apart for that work it would be a great blessing to the country (cheers). After the usual votes of thanks the proceedings terminated.

Two youths named Eteson and Wignall aged fourteen and seventeen, were drowned on Monday afternoon in the river Ribble at Preston by the upsetting of their boat. A publican, named Francis Kelly on Sunday evening went to the residence of his father-in- law, named Donaghy, at Augher, Tyrone and at- tacked the old man in a field, almost severing his head from his body, and causing immediate death. They had had some dispute about pro- perty. Kelly was arrested. Lieut.-colonel Robert Osborn, late of the Bengal, Cavalry was playing tennis on Friday afternoon last at the Hyde Park Lawn Tennis Club, with Mr. Renshaw, the champion, when he suddenly fell insensible to the ground. Medical aid could do nothing to restore him, and he died shortly after. The coroner's jury on Monday acquiesced in the opinion of the doctors that the gallant officer succumbed to syncope of the heart. An inquest was held on Saturday on the bodies of three persons drowned in the Mersey on Friday by the capsizing of a sailing boat, in which were nine persons. —Captain William Watson said a sudden gust of wind upset the boat.—George Duckworth said there was too much sail on.-A sailor who was on board said the boat was swamped by the waves. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death," and censured the captain. The body of Miss Bury, whose parents reside at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, has been found floating in Kingtown Harbour, Dublin. The deceasod, who was about nineteen years of age, had been on a visit to friends in Dublin, and had been missing since January 19. Mr. Balfour won the second prize at the meet- ing of the Felixstowe Golf Club on Saturday, Mr. N. R. Foster, a well-known crack player taking the first prize. Mr. Balfour, who is the captain of the club, presided over the annual din- ner on Saturday evening, and made a speech commendatory of golf as a holiday pursuit.

SOCIETY AND PERSONAL. Ten years ago society would have been out- raged at the idea of women of fashion going into trade absolutely like ordinary shopwomen, serving behind the counter, with the names printed up outside over the plate-glass windows of their establishments. Now, however, it is the rage, and therefore the correct thing. One of the latest recruits to the ranks—fast becoming well filled-is Mrs. Stuart Menzies, of Park Lane who, under the nam de commerce Marion," has begun business as a milliner and dressmaker, It is interesting to notice the modus operandi of these fair shopwomen. Mrs. Cooper Oakley, known among aristocratic tradeswomen as the Girton girl and to the general public as Isabel, is of opinion that nothing but French workman- ship is worth paying for. Mrs. Gurney pins her faith also to French cutters and needlewomen, and is Parisienne to the backbone. Not so Madame Le Breton, who, with the cachet of Madame Lili, under whom she studied, should know something, and who declares that English workers are quite as clever and far more reliable than foreign ones. A florist, a curry maker, and a fnuiture dealer are added to the list of lady traders, and welcome as proving that something beyond millinery and dressmaking can be at- tempted by the fair. *»* Apropos of Prince Jerome Napoleon's recent escape from a watery grave a very good story is told which dates from the time when poor Prince Lulu was in knickerbockers. One day the boy asked his father, the Emperor when Prince Jerome was dining with them, "What is the difference between an accident and a mis- fortune ?" Napoleon III. replied, I will explain the differance by an illustration. If our cousin Jerome were to fall into the water, that would be an accident; but if he were to be saved, would be a misfortune." v Lord Coventry is about to follow the example of Lord Sudeley and become a jam manufacturer. His lordship has begun to build a factory on his estate at Pershore. An abundant water supply has been found in the vicinity and the work of building is to be rapidly pushed on. The Gaulois says that the Princess de Sagan, the distinguished leader of French fashion, and the intimate friend of the Prince of Wales, was bitten a few days ago by a pet monkey, which has since died of hydrophobia. The princess, who is now at Cannes, intends coming to Paris to put herself under the treatment of M. Pasteur. The three gentlemen who were pricked to serve the office of high sheriff in the county of Essex have each paid the necessary fine, and the question has risen whether Mr. E. North Buxton the holder of the office for the past year, will not have to serve the office again. *#* The Drawing-room, arranged for the 12th inst., has been postponed till the 3rd of May. Many people had got their dresses, and superstitious ones will remember that last year another Fri- day's Drawing-room was countermanded on the very day before it was to be held on account of the death of the Emperor Frederic. Cardigan- shire is to be well represented at the ensuing one. Mrs Pryse-Rice, Miss Florence Pryse, of Goger- ddan, Miss Elsie Abadam, and Miss Price- Lewes, of Tyglyn Aeron, were to have been among the presentations, and Lady Parker and Mrs Mayhew in the general company. The Czar of Russia is a very superstitious man, and, being surrounded by Nihilistic agitations on every side, is certainly not in an enviable position. One day, while he was out shooting, a gipsy told him his fortune," although she was not aware of the exalted rank of her "subject;" she pre- dicted many things, all of which, it seems, have by accident or chance been exactly fulfilled. The last words she spoke were, You will not outlive your 46th birthday," and now the poor Czar is much depressed at the thought, as he has just entered un his 45th year. There is an amusing hit amongst genealogical Joe Millers at the great length of pedigrees among Welsh families, notably where a certain Vaughan ap Rhys, on being questioned as to the meaning of a certain mark half way down his family tree" replied, Oh, it means that at about this time Adam lived This good man would have been quite at home with the present claimant for the Throne of our ancient ally, the late Negus of Abyssinia. King John has left no son-and-heir. His only son, who married a daughter of King Menelek of Shoa, was poisoned last year. The only son of King Menelek is also dead, so that the rightful heir to the Abyssinian Throne is King Menelek himself, by right of descent from Sabela Selassie, of the old dynasty, claiming origin from the Jewish King Solomon, a pretty respectable genealogy to boast of During the Easter week political meetings held in Birmingham the following distinguished per- sonages were the guests of Mr and Mrs Chamber- lain at Highbury :-The Marquess of Hartington, the Duke and Duchess of St. Albans, the Earls of Selborne and Camperdown, Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, Sir Henry James, Q.C., M.P., Lady Sophia Palmer, and others. On Wednesday evening Mr Chamberlain gave a dinner party at Highbury, to which were invited, in addition to the above-mentioned guests, the leaders of the Liberal Unionist party in Birmingham. At 10.30 o'clock the same night Mrs Chamberlain held an At Home, when the wives and daughters of the a local leaders were introduced to her. Mr Chamberlain's palatial residence looks at its very best, and the grounds are green and fresh. His huge glass houses for the growth of his favourite flower-the orchid—are a sight by themselves. The accepted tender for their erection was 213,000. Mr Chamberlain invariably sports this flower in his button-hole, as also does his son, Mr Austin Chamberlain. The free dinners instituted by Princess Christian for the poor children of Windsor have just ceased The meals were provided twice a week during the winter season. No less than 5,569 dinners were given, the average attendance of children at each meal being 242. It is stated that when the Emperor William visits England this summer he will come in truly Imperial style, attended by his fleet, and that though he will come on shore in order to visit the the Queen and perform other public and private ceremonies, he will mainly live on board ship. By this arrangement he will avoid any awkward collisions with an illustrious personage whom he has violently offended. Notwithstanding his sixty-five years the Duke of Beaufort is still an ardent horseman. One day last week he started on horseback from Badmin- ton, his place in Gloucestershire, to Manton, in Wilts, where Alec Taylor trains his Grace's horses, among others. This is a ride of thirty miles, but he arrived in time to see his pets take their morning gallops. He stayed the night at Manton, and next day rode back to Badminton, returning in time for a good day's hunting with the Beaufort pack, which met at Highway Common. # The new Earl of Carlisle (says the Northern Echo) will be a valuable addition to the House of Peers. Few men of high rank have so fully com- prehended the duties of their station and laboured so hardjto fulfil them as has the Earl of Carlisle, and to few have been given so worthy a helpmeet as his able and amiable Countess. Round stately Castle Howard and grimly-picturesque Naworth their works do speak for them. The Earl and Countess do not see eye to eye in political matters. The divisions of the last few years have sent them into different camps, and as both are too much in earnest to be content with abstract opinions they may often be heard haranguing from hostile platforms. Lord Carlisle is a man of broad opinions in religious matters, and of wide culture. His favourite pursuit, however, is art. Most of the fine bits around Naworth-a typical Border castle, once the head-quarters of the Lord of the Marches, who lives in popular song and story as Belted Will Howard-have been transferred by him to canvas. Private theatricals are another hobby at Naworth Castle. As an addendum, we cannot resist giving a couple of sentences from the pen of Pendragon The new Earl o Carlisle is a rabid teetotaller, and so is his Countesss. While trustee of the estates to which he has now succeeded he closed all the public- houses thereon he could, and as their leases fall in he has determined to close all the others. Also he has had all the ale vats at Castle Howard emptied, and the contents of the cellars des- troyed. Here is enthusiasm with a vengeance." Charity in London has lately beaten the record in the shape of novelty, and particularly in the novel method of loosing the purse strings at the timid. At the Ice Carnival held in the Albert Hall, some two thousand pounds were handed over as the net proceeds, and a goodly proportion of this sum is said to have been netted by a certain gentleman who, trading on British snobism, obtained whole lacs of shillings by simply pointing out the unconscious identity of the future Duchess of Portland. At one of the stalls in the above show were certain mashers of the Vere de Vere type, but who, it is said, were utterly unable to properly dispose of their goods. Why so ? Because at the next stall there presided two of the loveliest young girls that one could possibly picture- charming in manner and exquisitely dressed. They were provided to order by Mr Whiteley, The Universal Provider." Charity covereth a multitude," and so it seems it in no way lacked on the occasion of the Eastern Dream," which, by the way, was another of the lately fashionable, and, I may add, extremely successful of London Bazaars but even funniness and jocosity has its limits, and the climax seems to have been reached when, after payment of one guinea as an entrance fee, the further privilege was granted to the charitably inclined by the discovery of Mrs Gladstone, veiled and decorated, and dispensing daffidom- dillies, and doing her best to look like an Eastern Dream # Do not suppose that the "song d'une nuit Orieutale ended even in such a charming illu- sion, for were there not plagues of photographs being handed about, with an extreme Radical on one side, a great Divine on the other, with Mr Gladstone's beaming portrait in the ceutre. Yes, and with a Madonna above him, all topped with silver crescents, the fair sellers themselves try- ing their best to look Oriental too. Oh, it was quite too too.'

PEMBROKE. A series of Primrose League meetings have been held by the Pembroke Habitation, under the able superintendence of Mrs Saurin, of Orielton, the Dame President, and Ruling Councillor. At Pembroke itself, on the 16th inst., fairly representative meeting was held. Captain Jones-Parry, the District Agent, dwelt chietly on the Irish question, answering a speech that had lately been delivered in the same room by a lead- ing Radical of the neighbourhood. On the 17th, the meeting was held at Orielton. The carpenter's shop was tastefully fitted up and decorated. The room was simply crowded. After some interesting speeches, a selection of music followed, in which the singing of Mrs Winn, Mrs Saurin and Miss Tyrwhit Walker, was much appreciated. Stackpole Court was the next scene of action. Here again the carpenter's shop came into requisition, and Captain Jones- Parry, alluding to his frequent use of carpenters' shops, invited his audience to become joiners of the League. The musical arrangements on this occasion also were very satisfactory. At each of these meetings, a vote of confidence in Her Majesty's Government was enthusiastically passed. Much regret was expressed at the absence of Colonel and Lady Vidma Lambton, at this first gathering at Stackpole. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded to Lord Cawdor for his kindness in lending the room. As an earnest of the good results of these meetings it may be mentioned that over 70 new members were en- rolled.

RHYDYFELIN (ABERYSTWITH.) CONCERT. — A highly successful concert, both musically and financially, was held in the Gochen Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Rhydyfelin, under the able presidency of Mr Evan Evans, solicitor, Aberystwith. The sacred edifice was filled to its utmost capacity with an orderly and appreciative audience. The proceeds which amounted to a considerable sum, were devoted towards defray- ing the debt remaining on the Chapel's school- room Most of the performers were drawn from the young, and they acquitted themselves one and all in such a manner as to demonstrate beyond doubt a musical proficiency of no mean a type in prospectx." Amongst the pianists, Mrs Major Anderson of the Elm Cottage, and Miss Anna Roberts of Aberystwith, deserve special mention, Miss Price, Aberystwith, also gave her favourite song" Y Llong ddrylliad" (" The Ship- wreck ") in an exceedingly fine and effective mauner, and well deserved the hearty encore accorded her. The following programme was gone through :—Glee "Gwlithyn," Llanbadarn Glee Society pianoforte duet,Miss J.and Master Jenkins; can, Yr Eos," Mr Thomas Evans; song, Miss Sarah Lizzie Jones part song, Twinkle, twinkle, little stars," The Chapel Juvenile Party The Gipsy Countess," by Miss Rowley and Messrs Murphy, Rowley and Sheraton; "Twr Babel," P.C. David Jones; duet, Misses Kate and Ellen Jones U Fy ngwlad fy hun," Mr Morgan Davies; "The Mighty Horsemen," Mr Llewelyn Jones; pianoforte solo, Miss Anna Roberts; Rhyfelgyrch Cadben Morgan," Mr Lewis JenkinsThree little Mice," Miss Lypette Jones quartette, "Gwalia Wen, gwlad y Delyn," Mr Jonea and party; "The Robin," Mr Willie Jones; part song, Chapel Juvenile Party pianoforte solo, Marche des Flambeau," Mrs Major Anderson Watching for Pa," Miss Nellie Morcom; song, Miss Allen Jones; Man i ganu," Messrs Jones and Evans, Ora pro nobis," Miss Hughes; "Fiddle and I," Mr Ernest Edwards with a violin obligato by Mr Murphy "Y Llong ddrylliad," Miss Price; duet (violin and piano) Messrs A. H. and W. James Cymru Fydd," Mr J. D. Stephens Finale, Hen wlad fy Nhadau," solo sung by Miss Price, Mrs Griffith Jones, Aberllolwgn, and Miss Maggie Morgan, Aberystwith, ably accompanied on the piano dur- ing the evening.

LLANFIHANGEL-AR-ARTH. "j CONCEttT.-Oll Wednesday, the 10th inst., a capital concert was held at the National School, and was crowded with an appreciative audience. Charles Lloyd, Esq., of Waunifor, was voted to the chair, and very ably filled it. He is ever ready to lend his helping hand on any occasion. Few appropriate words were spoken by the chair- man, and the Rev Mr Hughes, vicar of the place. A very good programme had been pre- pared, and it was carried out in a very creditable manner by the talented amateur performers. The singing was very good, and several pieces were encored. Mr Thomas and his children frorn Llandyssul, sang exceedingly well. Mr Thomas appearance on the stage is always greeted with a storm of applause for the. audience are well assured that something amusing and funny will ensue. The following is the proeramme Selection by the Llanwenog String Band fluta and cornet duett, Messrs Edward and Davies; song, Mr T. Thomas echo chorus by a party ø six trio, Mr D. Hughes and party song, "Can Y Gwcoo," Eos Wen song, Can yr Afar," by a party of seven from Dolbantau selection by the Llanwenog string band song, Kiss me quickly 0 and I'll go love," W. Thomas and Children* which was loudly encored; song, Flow, gcntl0 Deva," Messrs. D. Hughes and T. Bowen > comic song, Mr D. Morgan song King of the Cannibal Islands," Mr W. Thomas. This fairly brought down the house, and Mr Thomas quite excelled himself in this song, and a vociferoillg encore burst forth immediately on its conclusion' and which was duly responded to. Before sioS; ing the H Land of my Fathers," hearty votes oJ: thanks were given to the worthy chairman.

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