Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

Time future is not, and may never be. Time present is the only time for thee. —Pope. « » THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE. Wouldst fashion for thyself a. seemly life ? Then fret not over what is past and gone And spite of all thou may'st have left behind Yet act as ilthy life were just begun. What each day wills enough for thee to know, What each day wills, the day itaelf will tell, Do thine own task, and be therewith con- tent; What others do, that shalt thou fairly judge; Be sure that thou no brother mortal hate, Then all besides leave to the Master Power -Goethe.

THE LAPSE OF TIME. Lament who will, in fruitless tears, The speed with which our moments fly; I sigh not over vanished years, But watcli the years that hasten by. Look how they come-a, mingled crowd Of bright and dark, but rapid days; Beneath them, like a summer cloud, The wide world changes as I gaze. True—time will seam and blanch my brow Weil—I shall sit with aged men, And my good glass will to]; roe how A grizzly beard becomes me then. And then, should no dishonour lie Upon mv head when I am Love yet shall watch my fading eye, And smooth the nath of my decay. Then haste thee; -'tis l That speeds thy winged feet so fast; Thy pleasures stay not till they fall, And all thy pains are qui ok] y past. Thou fliest, and bearest rr^ay woes; And as thy shadowy depart, The memory of sorrow g"lv"s A lighter burden en the heart.

LIFE'S JOURNEY. Let me but live my life from year to year, With forward face and unreluctant soul, Not hastening to, nor turning from, the goal; Not mourning for the things that disappear In the dim past, nor holding back in fear From what the future veils but with a whole And happy heart, that pays its toll To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer. So let the way wind up the hill or down, Through rough or smooth, the journey will be joy; Still seeking what I sought when but a boy, New friendship, high adventure, and a crown, I shall grow old, but never lose life's zest, Because the road's last turn will be the best T?rr,ry Yan Dyke, D.D _p.

TRUE LIFE. The mere lapse of years is not life. To eat, and drink, and sleep, to be exposed to darkness and the light, to pace round in the mill of habit, and turn thought into an implement of trade—this is not life. Knowledge, truth, love, beauty, goodness, faith alone can give vitality to the mech- anism of existence. The life of mirth that vibrates through the heart; the tears that freshen the dry wastes within the music that brings childhood back; the prayer that calls the future near; the doubt which makes us meditate; the death which start- les us with mystery; the hardship which forces us to struggle; the anxiety that ends in trust, are the true nourishment of our natural being. —J. Martineau.

THE POETRY OF LIFE. The poetry of all growing life consists in carrying an oldness into a newness, a past I into a future always. So only can our davs possibly be bound each to each by j natural piety." I would not for Lhe world think that twenty years hence I should have ceased to see things which I see now and love them still. It would make life wearisome beyond expression if I thought that twenty years hence I should see them just as I see them now, and love them I with no deeper love because of other vis- ions of their loveableness. And so there comes this deep and simple rule for any man as he crosses the line dividing one period of his life from another; make it a time in which you shall realise your ¡' faith, and also in which you shall expect of your faith new and greater things. Take what you believe and are and hold it in your hand with firmness as you go for- ward but as you go. holding it, look on it with continual and confident expectation to it open into something greater and truer. Phillips Brooks. -<

THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS A King whose ever-varying moods caus- ed him to sway between extremes of de- light and despair, sought of the wise men of his realm some precept or proverb which would give rest and poise to fitful thought His little daughter succeeded when they had failed, giving him a ring in which were engraved two Arabic words, Wa- hadha Yazool This, too, shall pass away." Paul Hamilton Mayne, the Southern poet, has given the story cele- brity by a poem it suggested to him: Art thou in misery, brother ? This I say, Be comforted. Thy grief shall pass away, Art thou elated ?Ah Be not too gay, Temper thy joy. This, too, shall pass away. Art. thou in danger? Still let reason sway, And cling to hope. This, too. shaH pass away. Tempted art thou ? In all thine anguish lay, One trux/i to heart. This, too, shall pass awav. Do rays of laurelled glory round thee Kirg-i* This too, ¡ away. „ Wbafcc'er thou art, wnoro'er lay footsteps strxy, Heed isdom's voice. All things must ( pjss away. <

HA u r, BY "PHILIP SIDNEY." Reaiers many, young men and women ee- pecialy, as year after year opens it hae been my pjnyilege to break th ordinary run of this weekl; column, and so agaiu it seems to me, that it the opening of another year, it ie not unfittng that I should say a word more par- ticulaJy to those of you who stand at the openirg of hie, who have to choose your path ix the world, to play your part for bet- ter or worse, and who still hold in your own hands the making or marring of your charac- ter, aid, if 1 may say it, to some extent the peace md happiness of yonr souls. Beat with me. I address you from no vaatagi ground of superiority or even, in 80 many jases of seniority. That right cf ad- dressing you, I do not yet possess. I do so now frml no height of ministerial office; and otkialoounael I have no wish to give, nor probabf you to receive. Why speak then, say sone of you? Simply, friends, because we staid on the same level; because you and I are contemporaries; because I know some- thing c those same trials and temptations with wiich you are beset; because the same dangers threaten us, and the same influences of the ime surround us; because the same battles ire. ours, to win or to lose, for those reasons I venture, not as a veteran or officer, to spea; a word in season, if perchance you are a word of encouragement, if your lo;alty be faint. And t it is not much that I can say to you. 0 all advice of the ages, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the gistof it all is: Seek ye "first the King- dom of God." Everything else is only com- mentary A very simple commandment, you may tel me yes, but how terribly difficult to obey. Some men talk glibly of living a religious life, as if it were one of the easiest things possible. I cannot think that they really kiow what living a religious life pro- perly mean. I can only say that, in my expedience so far as I have yet travelled the road of life. it is one 01 the hardest things Î1 the world. And I imagine that that is dso your experience. There .s hardly a saint in history, whose E" dees not bear witness to the struggle which hid to be gone through before it be- came ea to choose the Kingdom of God. Nay, th( Master Himself h new how hard it was whet He gave that commandment. He iuvuriabf warned those who offered to bü- come Hi disciples, of the sacrifice of self it would require. Yet diiHerdt as it is to make this deceive choice, it is the very thing we are callel upon to do; am. just because this is so, w< must face this necessity at the out- set. utless our religion—not oaf theology, mark that is a very different thing—is the suji'enie thing in our life, it is nothing. It will accept no second place. Marl well these words, religion is not somfetiing standing apart from the ends oi daily jfe. Religion is that which regulates life, aid very often onr duty to God in no way chshes with our desires. But when they do clash, then there must be no hesitation, no tanpering with conscience, no half way; God's ,-oicc must be paramount; because it is not :rue that, if we seek other things first, the Ivhgdom of God will be added unto us. Yet ;his is the principle, I fear, on which a good many of us seem to act. We do wish to seal the kingdom, hut no fil",t. We do wish tc lead a good life, but we do not make it our supreme aim. We go about our daily work aid pleasure, and jest put in religion as a kind extra, and only when quite conveni- ent. How constantly we meet with your.g men and wonen-aye, and older ones too—who, while qtite acknowledging that religion ought to be tie prime thing, yet never seriously try to nake it such in their own lives; in a word, V give up a much-loved pleasure at the call >f a higher duty, to spend themselves and be spent in works of charity and kind- ness—ths they are not prepared .to do. Their religion is only a paltry addition to their lives, instead of being the ground and root of all. Look jbout you among your own acquaint- ances, amongst, the people who live and move around in town and country, and see how constants this is going on, how young men and woitfn, who might be real powers in the world foigood, become mere ciphers or worse, doing llogood, or doing a good deal of harm —and I im convinced you will acknowledge that I ail pointing out no imaginary danger. This oie thing I mention, as we stand to- gether ai the new year's beginning, not to discourage us, but to put us on guard and to awaket us to fresh exertion. I do not want any to think that it is an easy thing to live a good life. It is not easy; and, believe me, we slall not do it, unless we be ready to put our yhole soul into the attempt. But it rs efois all other tilings worth seeking. The joys of such a life are those which the world carftot give, deeper and sweeter than any you will ever taste, if you seek first your own pleasure and ease. And the peace which it brings surpasses the understanding of all saw the pure in heart. We werf not sent into this world to be idle. To everyone of us some talent has been given, not only to be enjoyed, but to be used in the service of God and humanity. Some times it is the profession of wealth. Then I say we ar bound to provide ourselves with the knowledge of how to spend in such a way as to bless our fellows. Sometimes it is the power of acquiring much learning. Then are we botnd to use that learning for the benefit of fur fellows also. Sometimes it is the gift of teaching. Then we must help to remove the ignonnce which is all about us. Manifold is the diversity of gifts. But what ever be our gift, it is not to be stowed away in a napkin, or used simply and solely for our own piivate enjoyment. If then we are honestly to consecrate our powers to GtXl and His work. I would say two things. First, let us choose for ourselves a definite work. I care not what it is, so long as it is something which we do, not for our own plea- sure, but for the glory of God, and the good of our fellow men. I do not mean necessar- ily work; which the world call religious. We all know our own gifts. Take the duty which lies at our feet, be it what it may, do it religiously for God, as a God given task, and readers believe 111e, you will be far on your way to find the kingdom of God. Secondly, work for God, pray to God, and, let me add, get to know the love of the Mas- ter, and learn of His holy life, and it will not be long before we are filled with somewhat of the fullness of God. In writing these words as the old year passes in to the new. I look around, and I see that it is we. who must now, and in the near, future carry on the work of the world ir general, and Cardiganshire in particular. Men on all sides pass awny, and we younger ones have to take their places, and to do. thoir work, if possible, better than they have done it and the responsibility lying upon us is very g-eat and solemn. Yet there is a grand hope before 118 j for I know full well that if every young man and lworaan in Cardiganshire to-day did really consecrate his or her life to God, they would exert an influence in this country which should be a real power for God. Only aspire after perfection, and tell this out to God, And ere long ye shall find Him, and know His exceeding great joy.

Cymru Fu. XGIX. 314. DIARY OF REV. TIMOTHY DAV- IES) CAERONEN Ulst being a Sabbath. At KaHan, out of Rom. 1. 17 (Therein is the righteousness of God revealed etc). 28th a Sabbath. At Abermeurig out of Gen. 22. 18 (And in thy seed etc.) New Year's Day 1735-6, and 3rd a Sabbath At Kellan out of Gen. 22. 18. 7th Wednesday. At Kilgwyn. out of Mark 6. 12 (Preached that men should repent). An Humilia- tion Day, where Unclei Samuel Jer. Edwd.; and Walter Thos prayed with myself. 10th Saturday, for Mr. E Daviee. At Abermeurig, out of Rev. 6 .1. Come and see. The lith At Kellan, out of 2 Cor. 2, 16. (To the one we are the Saviour, etc.) 14th a Wednesday. At Kellan out of Ps. 144. 15. Happy is that people, etc. 18th a Si Jbbath. At Abermeurig out of j Gen. 22. 18. The last' of January. A preparatory ser- mon. At Kellan, out of Cor. 5. 7. the former part. (Purge out therefore the old leaven, etc.) Feb 1st. Mr. E. Davies. A Sacrament Day. 1735-6. The 4th a Wednesday. At Kilgwyn out of Luc. 24. 32. Did not our heart burn within us. • 8th a Sabbath. At Llwynpiod and Blaenpenal, cut of Rom. 1. 17. The just shall live by faith. 13th a Friday. At Abermeurig Ps. 119. 165. Great peace have they, etc. (And so the diary goes on places and texts regularly until the year 1738. The only other facts he notes are here given). 1736, the loth Jkarch. At Havertd. where I did not exercise. 28th a Sabbath. A Sacrament Day. Mr. P. Pugh ad- ministered. b 25th April. Easter Day. A Sacrament. 23rd May. A Sabbath. It being a Sacrament Day at Kilgwyn. 28th July, a Wednesday. b At Kellan. Tins morng. I was in a very bad frame for exercises being troubled [sic. J 15th Aug. A Sabbath, whose turn was to be a Sacrament Day, but was not kept. 12th Sept. A Sabbath at Haverfordwest for Br. Evan. 19th Sept. Sabbath and Sacrament Day at home. 29th June [1730 P] D. Wms. was ordain'd at Carmn. 12 Oct. Tuesday. At Kilgwyn. Humiliation Day. Ed. Jn., Thos. Rudd Walr. Thos. and myself pray'd. Maig. Da. Wedding day at Coedmore. 20th Oct. Wednesday. I went from home to Llanybyther Fair. 21st 9ber. Sab. At Kellan and Kilgwyn. Job. 21. 23. (One dieth in his full strength.) A fu- neral sermon for Thos. Da. J. Ober 9th. Thos. Jones, Trelech, preach'd for me. 28th 9ber. A Sabbath. M. D. Xmas Day. At Kilgwyn. Luc. 2. 10. 11 (Unto you is born, etc.) 1736/7. 0th Jan. Wed. At Kilgwyn. Humiliation Meeting. Danl. David of Kellan, Evan Daniel, and Evan John Evan pray'd with myself. 6th March. Sab. At Abermeurig. Mat. 2. 6. I was out of sorts being the day at Cn. Tr. ? 1737. Evan Jenkyns dy'd Monday. May 16, 1737, and was bury'd the 18th, being a week before mv ordination. 26th May. Thurs. At Kilgwyn. I was crdain'd. an solemn- ly set apart for the work of the ministry, in the presence of the g,reat God, and His people. Sabbath and Monday following, brother Evan preach'd for me at Kellan. (To be continued.) brother Evan preach'd for me at Kellan. (To be continued.) 310. LAMPETER REGISTERS. (16). Baptisms, 1703. May 18. Thos., s. Ion. and Jane Richards, yeoman. June 27. Anne, dau. Da. John Charles, cot- tager, and wife Jane. July 12. Morgan, s. Roger and Lleiky Mor- gan, cottager. July 16. Thos., s. John John, yeoman. Aug. 22. Mary, dau. David and Mary John, lirongest yeoman. Sep. 10. David, s. Rees and Gwenllian Da- vid, Cwmiago, yeoman. Burials, 1703. May 1. Gwen Thos. cottager. May 4. John s. Danl. Evan, Thos. David, of ye town, cottager and wife Jane. July 26. Moses, s. Evan Griffith, cottager, and Goleu his wife. b Nov. 19. John Dd. Rhydderch, cottager.

THE YEAR'S RECORD. The great revival of political activity has been the most "notable feature of 1903. At the beginning of th9 year the Government, entrenched behind a Parliamentary majority of well over 100, seemed almost unassailable, while it had a splendid reserve of strength in Mr. Chamberlain, who was shortly returning from South Africa with new laurels. On May ,15th the position was suddenly changed by Mr. Chamberlain's speech at Birmingham, advocating such Fiscal changes as might enable us to meet adverse tariffs by retaliation, and to give a preference to the Colonies. The effect of this utterance wa-j nt and vol- canic. It not only quickened political life, but afforded that sharp dividing line between parties which had for some time been lacking. If Protection was to be the policy of the Government, then an almost unending vista of strife between Protectionists and Free Traders offered itself. Mr. Chamberlain was promptly challenged in Parliament, especially on the question of taxing food, and in his reply used the much-quoted sentence If you are to give a preference to the Colonies you must put a tax on food." The Prime Minister meanwhile neither disavowed nor supported the policy of the then Colonial Secretary, remarking that he had an open mind, and announcing that the Cabinet were instituting an inquiry into the subject. THE POTFTUBB IX THE CABINET. Ministers at this time entered into a compact to make no public expression of individual opinions on Fiscal questions. It became increasingly evident, however, that differences existed in the Cabinet; while the formation of a Committee of Unionist Peers and M. P.'s, under the name of the Free Food League, was the most important among many signs of division in the rank and file of the supporters of the Government. Thanks, however, to Mr. Balfour's skill and address as a Parliamentary Leader, a crisis was averted till after the rising of Parliament. Interest then centred on the meeting of the National Union of Conservative Associations fixed to take place at Sheffield at the end of September and beginning of October, and especially on the in which Mr. Balfour was expected to announce the policy of the Government. In the m, antime sensational events occurred. On September 14th the Cabinet met, and after a long sitting adjourned till next day. It was generally thought that pence had b"or> patched up by a postponement of the question of fn ftiences. Great surprise was therefore expressed when, on September lHh. the resignations of Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Ritchie (Chancellor of the Exchequer), and Lord i George Hamilton (Secretary for Imln-'i were f snnocncen. At the same time correspondence between Mr. Balfour and Mr. Chamberlain was published, shewing that the Colonial Secre- tary resigned because the Cabinet, while sym- pathising with his objects, thought the country unprepared for taxation of food, while the other Ministers left because of the Protectionist leanings of the Government. After a few days the retirement of Lord Balfour of Burleigh (Secretary icr Scotland), who had been in attendance on the King, was I Mtnounopd; and after further delay the Duke of Devonshire eame to the conclusion that he also was in duty bound to follow his Fr**e- Trade colleagues^ Mr. Arthur Elliot had previously retired from the Secretaryship the Treasury. RKCONSTftcCTING THB FUNISTKY. The recoiirrtn.ietion of thp Ministry gave mere trouble than was at first thought likely. The post of Colonial Secretary was offered to T/ord Milner, then recuperating on the Continent; but though he came to. London to discuss the matter personally with Mr. Balfour, the High Commissioner finally decided that his place was in South Africa, and not in the Cabinet. It was not till October õtlL that the Prime Minister was atile to announce the new appointments. The public thea learnt that Mr. Alfred Lyttelton tal hewn appointed Colonial Secretary, that Mr. Brodrick had been transferred from the War Office to the India Office, that Mr. Arnold-Fc:.iter had appointed Minister for War, Mr. Austen Cbaroberhun Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Graham Murray Secretary for Scotland, and Lord Stanley Postmaster-Genera!, all with plncps in the Cabinet. There were further announcements on October 10th, the most important of which had reference to the pppointment of Lord Salisbury to be Lord Privy Seal, and of Earl Percy as Under- Secretary for Foreign Affairs. At the. same time Lord Londonderry became Lord President of the Council. • THE FISCAL FIGHT. Meanwhile the political campaign began in earnest. Minist, rs and ex-Ministers were all free to express their convictions ou the great topic of the day, and made full use of the opportunity. Mr. Balfour, in his speech at SneiSeid, disavowed present intention tc tax food, but declared for retaliation, and against the principle, so long held hy British states- men, that taxation must he for revenue purposes only. On October 6th Mr. Chan fori- lain gave, at GJas-.ow, the long nnd eagerly- awaited exposition of his policy. He proposed 8. 1,X of 2s. a quarter on foreign corn, except maize, a tax of o per cent. ta1 foreign meat, t:"À\.t,L L;;cou, illiei rt. L.1J. v: P*;JL (_l.* Oii foreh-p d&irv produce. COIGlli<t!:rq:;o; t" of fot»~ were to c free, and c. substantial pref jence was to be given on Colonial vines, rosr-'iHy on Colonial fruit. To !lai:ce there la lies, he offered to remit three-quarters of the present du\y on tea, arid half the present duty on sugar, on coTee, and on cocoa. Re also advocated, for t' (j protection of home markets, a duty on imported manu- factured goc: averaging 10 per cent., but varying according to die amount of labour eir.ptc-yed Oil the manufactured article. At Greenock on October 7th, at Cupar on October 8fh, at en-castle on October 20th, at Tynemouth on October 21st, at Liverpool on October 27th and 28th, and at Birmingham 011 November 0th, he continued his campaign, in each place rousing great enthusiasm. Pneechos in opposition were made by such Unionists as Lord Coschen, Mr. Ritchie, Lord George Hamilton, and Lord Balfour of Burleigh, as well as by Lord Rosebery, Lord Spencer, Sir Henry Canipbell-Bannerman, Mr. Asquith, Sir Henry Fowler, Mt. John Morley, and other prominent men among the Opposi- tion. Meanwhile, Mr. Balfour's proposals for ret a iaf ion in special cases have been shaping themselves as a policy which lias the approval oi great majority of the Unburst, party, thom. h some regard it only as a stepping-stone to the larger scheme. These proposals the Prime Minister expressed in a pamphlet published after the fateful meetings of the Cabinet, rnd elaborated in a speech at Bristol ( on November 13th, with the expressed sympathy of so strong a Unionist Free Trader a". Sir Michael Hicks-Baach. One result of the campaign has been the restoration of harmony in the mutual relations of Liberal leaders, inferred from speeches of Lord Rosehery at Leicester on November 7th and Sir Henry Campbell-Bannorman at Frome a few days later. PARLIAMEXTAKY SRSSION. The 1-ati le which raced, and still rages, as hot1 if a General Election were imminent, ad of that event being nearly two years distant, according to the forecast of the Chief Whip, has almost obscured other political events of the year, though tuese J WB been of no small importance in themselves. The session of Parliament opening on February loth was chiefly memorable for the passage of the Inch Land Act, by which it was hoped the land question in Ireland was finally 8ettletl. The measure was accepted by the Irish Nationalists as a genuine effort to remove admitted grievances, and no opposition to the passage ot the bill was offered by the Liberals as a body. illr. Wvndhain, the Irish Secretary, won much praise for the clever and conciliatory manner in which he piloted through the House of Commons a measure which could only become law by the common agreement of landlords and tenants. The other first-class political bill of the session was the London Education Act. which had rather a troublous time in Committee, and differed considerably in ths end from its initial form, especially as regards the con- stitution of the Education Committee and the association of the Borough Councils with the London County Council for the purposes of educational administration. The Sugar Convention Act, c dinning the steps taken at the Brussels Conference, was passed against strong opposition. Important measures of a less controversial character were the South African Loan Act, the Employment of Children Act, and the Motor-Car Act. OTHRR POLITICAL EVKKTS. On January 1st the Coronation of King Edward VII. was proclaimed at the great Durbar at Dolbi-a ceremony of great splendour and significance. Early in the year the King visited Vienna, Rome, Paris, and was cordially receivect in ail three capitals. In July President Loubet came to England on a State visit. There were rumours at the time that King and President had discussed other matters besides the weather, and at length it was announced that an agreement referring to arbitration certain questions between England and France had just been signed. The scope of the document was some- what limited, but its signature was hailed by peace advocates as a great step towards the adoption of a general treaty of arbitration. On November 17th the King and Queen of Italy arrived in England on a visit to tlm King at Windsor. The Royal guests had a hearty welcome, anl left for Rome on November 21st, expressing cordial sentiments towards King and nation. The Ion-standing dispute between Canada and the United States with regard to the Alaska boundary was settled by a .Commission, over which Lord Alverstone presided. The result was con- sidered in Canada unduly to favonr the American claims, and the Canadian Commis- sioners declined to sign the award. A demand has also been raised in Canada for treaty- making powers of her own. The :• citation, however, appeared to bo temporary in character, and has not. affected the strong Imperialistic sentiment existing in the Dominion. A great agitation against the Education Act has been conducted by the Free Church Councils, esoecially by the method known as Passive Resistance, under which many Nonconformists have allowed dis- traints to be made on their goods rather than pay the portion of their rates they considered destined for the support of Church schools. The Mad Mullah has continued to give trouble in Somahland. An attempt to crush him early in the summer by co-operation with the Abyssinians owing to a reverse to a British force under Calouel Piunkett. At the end of the year operations were commenced by another and a better-ofj'Vi'p^rt force, which it was hoped might finally dispone of this troublesome individual. In Central Afrca there has been fightin g which enied success- fully with the oeeupatio- of Sokoto and of Kano, and tha ot of the once powerful Sultans of those iiuipires. CHAKOi.i Ar -0Ai>. On-Tune 11th a dark tragedy was enacted in the Palace at B->ig* a< e. On that nignt a band of cou^i .ratoro broko in, and J King. Alexander and tjueen Draga were assassinated. Several Ministers and some other persons, about twenty in all, were alro killed. The plot was completely successful, and the public appeared to acquiesce in what was done. The throne was otf^red to Prince Peter Karageorgeovitch, who accepted. Towards the end of the year a revolution was accomplished in the Republic of Colombia, the independence of the Isihmus of Panama being proclaimed. This affair had the elements of comedy rather than of tragedy. The new state of things was recog- nised with wonderful alwciiiy by the United States, which, eager for the completion of the Canal, threw at once its aegis oven the new Republic, and proceeded to strike & bargain wih the interesting infant. On Jtily the lone pontificate of Leo XIII. was dosed by death, and the Cardinals of the College gathered in solemn conclave for tlte election of a new Pope. Unexpectedly the choice fell on a comparatively unknown prelate, Cardinal Sarto, the Patriarch of Venice, who chose the title of Pius X. The Macedonian insurrection had not been pot down when winter sat in but, whether by Turk or Bulgarian, great devastation has been caused, and an appeal is made through the British Ambassador at Constantinople for funds for the relief of the sufferers. Russia and Austria have pressed for further reforms, which the Sultan has reluctantly agreed tÐ. It remains to bo soon. whether this programme will be put in operation or not. SCIENCE ANU ART. Great interest has been excited during the year in scientific circles by the discovery of the heat-produciig powers ot radium. 1 his substance, which has only been obtained in very minute quantities, maintains a marked degree of warmth without sensible gain or loss of substance, a phenomenon which schmtiè t3 are at a loss to explain. The year will remain a notable one in the annais of meteor- ology, from the fact that a gre»»t-^r rainfall was measured at Greenwich than in any year since weather observation* have been accurately recor ded. The book of the year wa Mr. Morley's of Gladstone," of which it may be said that. it fulfilled all the great expectations which had been aroused. T music the most marked feature has been the steady advance of jr. in reputation aco; a great composer. His oratorio of "The Aposilos" is widely regarded as a masterpieco. LAW AND POLICR. Some highly sensational murder cases have held the attention of the public during the year. Among them was the charge against '"William Gardiner of murdering a servant girl at peasenhall. The evidence was whoilv circuuistantial, and, afoer a jnry had twice disagreed, the Treasury orderea the release of the accused. A yet more sensational case, however, was the trial of Samuel Henry Dougall for the murder at the Moat Farm, near Saffron V»Taidon. Another uotaule trial was that known as the 3oubhwark poisoning case, in which a man named Chapman was con- victed of poisoning two wo nai. The trial of Mr. Arthur Lynch, the member for Gal way, on a charge of high treason for the part he took in the Boer War resulted in a sentence of death, which was afterwards commuted to one ot penal servitude tor ute. The extradition of Mr. Whi taker Wright, on charges of fraud connected with the London and Globe Corporation, was ended by the accused agree- ing to take his trial. The magisterial pro- ceedings were watched with great interest. OBITUARY. The year's obituary list is a heavy one. It is headed by the name of Lord Salisbury, and includes that of a Minister of the Crown, Mr. R. W. Haubury. The Church has tost the Bishop of Southampton, Dean Bradley, and Dean Firrar. The head of the English Koman Catholics, Cardinal vaugnan, also passed away during the year. Literature has lost Mt. Leeky, Mr. Henlsy, Miss Edna Lyall, and others. Philosophy is the poorer for the death of Mr. Herbert Spencer. From Parliament, Mr. W. S. Caine, the temperance leader, is missed; and in November there were four deaths of M.P. 's within a week—tlio-e of Sir John Blundell Maple, Mr. Seale-Hayne, Mr. Penn, and Mr. Jasper More. -,<I.IJ'<c""

A Chi-i&Mr.ns rabbit •*snoot," arrangoa 0) rue Viceroy of Ireland, resulted in a "bag" of 4-00 rabbits in one fLy, At Alnwick on Saturday the funeral of the late Canon H J. Martin, Archdeacon of Lindisfarne and Vicar of Eylingham, took place. During the twenty-four hours ended at. six o'clock on Sunday moriiiug London firemen were caJIed out twenty-two times', two of the calls being false alarms. | In view of* the rapidly-increasing population at SoutlKnd-on-Sea, the local waterworks company is seeking power to raise £1.84,000 additional 5 per cent. capital. The Pt-v. Itavcnscroft Stewart, vicar of All Saints' Church, Knightsbridge, has been instituted Canon of liristol Cathedral in succession to Canon Ainger. Ten fires occurred in London on Boxing and Christmas Days. through lights being carelessly thrown down, five were caused by accidents with candles, and four by the upsetting of oil lamps. The steaiQ trawler Gleqroy, of Grimsby, has brought sad Christmas tidings. On Friday the third hand, a man named Parsons, a native of Brixham, had his left arm wrenched off in a steam wrinch, meeting with a shocking death. Another member of the crew was also severely crushed, having five ribs broken. Happily, however, he is likely to recover. The oeath is announced of Professor Schaeffle, former I'vo:e:\sor of Political Economy at Tubingen University, and at one time an Austrian Minister. An inquest has been held on William Short, twenty-nine, who was found hanging dead behind his bedro m door at C)ielt< nhnm. Deceased had been out employment for over two years. A verdict was returned of Jelv de S". At Blackburn, Matilda Lomax, who had been chargeable io the local unioli lor forty-four years, I has died. She w; s sent- by he Guardians to Lancaster Asylum in 185?, :u:d since then has cost the ratepayers over £ i,CGl; in maintenance.

Is Smoking injurious ? A PHILANTHROPIC OFFER BY A WORLD FAMED TOBACCO PLANTER. Mr. Samuda, the famous tobacco, planter, cigar and cigarette maker, has made an un- paralleled offer to the Editor pi the Daily Telegraph" and other leading journals throughout the country. During the next month he has oiered to set aside one-fifth of the eut-i: e returns email ating from his extensive advertising through- out the country for the benefit of Hospitals and Charities. Every smoker has thus an opportunity of obtaining high class cigars. smoking mixture or cigarettes, at an exceed- ingly low price—at the same time assisting the most deserving of charities. The Hon. Sidney Holland, Chairman of the London Hospital, and well known in charitable circles, has undertaken to act as treasurer to the fund. The gread advantage that Mr. Samuda claims for his Avoca" specialities is the entire absence of arsenic, as all the tobaccos of his products are grown on his own vast plantations on virgin soil only. Mr. Samuda's Cigar Manufactory is a proof of the quality of the goods he supplies, for whereas in 1870 he employed & cigar makers only, he now employs from 1,000 to 1,500 experts, and his guaranteed output last year exceeded 25,000,000 cigars. This huge busi- ness has been built up without the assistance of a single advertisement or traveller. The "Avoca" Cigars are made by hand. Mr: Samuda never had a machine, nor does he employ female labour, only employing men who have passed their six years apprentice- ship. "Avoca" Cigars are nrnaranteed free from any trace of arsenie. It lias dways been the desire of Mr. Samuda to produce a cigar free from that poisonous and volatile chemi- cal, arsenic. After careful experiments ex- tending over a period of thirty years Mr. Sa- muda has solved the problem. Mr. S'-unuda will be ph>ased< to send any I reader of this paper full pa'-ticulars of the scheme, together with a interesting booklet, "is Smoking I- jurious ?" a work no s noker who has any regard for his health ea ,.]1 y.¡] to miss reading. Our renders should write clearly and d. «Trrf.s t'iei;- letter to—Mr. J. Samuda, 34. Street, London, -a.

Oki MmWml j llEAP "'ITSKM. f f S^SiU^T, BLACU, ii0r Public lutice. TREGARON. A LARGE AH^ORTMEKT OF DRAPERY GOODS SUITABLE FOR THE SUMMER SEASON NOW ON VIEW AT THB EMPORIUM, TREGARON. REES JONES invites partic ¡¡.Ht;t¿ÛOC to kta SPECIAL DISPLAY OF FA8HIOXABJLK COSTUMES, MANTLES, COATS BLOUSES, MILLINEKY, SUNSHADES. GLOVEH HOSIERY, LACE SILKS, MUSLINS, AND D R R 8 Iii MATERIALS, IN LATEST DESIGNS AND DAINTIEST COLOURINGS, FOR PKBSENT WKAll D. NUN DAVIES' AUTUMN AND WINTER II u. FASHIONS. m mmmT>r. 'J-H-i ?■ -~J !■ 'j.'1 ———■ AN IMMENSE STOCK OF AiriviOof! JACKETS, Nc^ CARES Season's j RAllV COA TS. F c f f l_ J AND FURS T 0 (SELECT FROM COMMERGE HOUSETLAMPETER] t The Newest only! JLIGHTS. "TitiHTS. The Cheapest Phcz in Town fo^ Incandescent Gas Fittings, The Cheapest. Place in Towii for H.?ctric Light Fittings The Cheapest Place in town for Table Lamps Oil Solz Agency for the Latest Improved Miller Lamp. Others can sell the Miller, but for every one they sell, get commission on same, so save this in buying at— W. H. Jones, IR;:J V 1A ::J V 3i, 36, Little Darkgate Street, A BE R YSTWYTH. A CHOICE SELECTION OF f LADIES' AND GENTS' UMBRELLA AT LOWEST CASH PRICES. Also Umbrei! Frames Recovered like Ne^ by experienced workmen at popular prices. Daniel Thomas, AT LOWEST CASH PRICES. Also Umbrei! Frames Recovered like Ne by experienced workmen at popular prices. -AT- Daniel Thomas, 22-24, Little Darkgate-street, /Wr-'stWyth. BACON! BACON!! BACON' FOR THE TYPICAL HOME CURED BACON AND IIilMS GO TO JOHN WILLIAMS, THE BACON FACTORY, MILL STKEKT. ABERYSTWYTH PRICES MODERATE QUALITY GUARANTEED. Hotels. T H E Q UEE X" S HO TE ABERYSTWYTH. Table D'Hote, 7.30. Boarding Terms from 3 Guineas per Week, or 12s 6d. per day THIS Hotel is replete with every modern appliance, and contains Coffee and Dinine Rooms Ladi« Drawing Room, Recreation Room, Library,. Billiard, and Smoking Rooms, and about one lmndrftfl Bedrooms. Having a frontage of 150 feet, ail the Public and Private Sitting Rooms face the sea and am 'ighied by Electricity. <> W. H. PALMER. Proprietor. BELLE VUE HOTEL .L.L .b 1: -L ABERYSTWYTH. (Facing the Sea and close to the Pier.) The one of the most reasonable and comfortable Family and Commercial Hotes in Wales 'flARLE D'Hote, 6-30. Boarding Terms from Guineas per week, or 9s. per day. 'Bus meets a Train _L Tariff ou Application to tha Manageress. rain W. H, r ALMER. Proprietor. TALBOT HOTEL, MARKEr STREET, ABERY^Si WYTH Well known for its Home Comforts. FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL tIJfÆL derthe ement of a well known Manageress of many years' experience in L The HOTEL possesses the BEST and LARGEST BILLIARD ROOM IN TOWN. THREE NEW TABLES by Messrs. Thos. Padmore and Sons, Birmingham. The Billiard-Room is well ventilated, Lighted with Electricity, and Fitted with all the Newest Appliances. E. JONES, Proprietress. TERMINUS HOTEL, ABERYSTWYTH Hotel is now under new management. It is situate close to the Station and is the mot convanient J- Hotel in Town for Travellers and others. It has recently been enlarged and is now replete with Aery modern convenience, and is lighted throughout with the Electric Light. SALMON. PROPRIETOR. GWALIA HOTEL, Ltd., LLANDRINDOD WELLS. • rpHE origin of the Llandrindod "GWALIA is the well-known "GWALIA OF UPPER WOBTTkv PLACE S LONDON. It was started 1889; by the season of Wtowir'g yar, extensive additions had to be made to meet a rapid increasing business these extensions have culmiuatevi iu tlto NEW fitKAiISFS nrhie* was opened last year (July 27tli, 1898,) The situation of the "GWALIA" is unrivalled. !U*antiful outlook, commanding the finest vi*w possible, perfect South-West aspect, close to Park ami Mineral Spring^—Sahne, Sulpbure, »;id 'aly&eat^ Heating apparatus good supply of Radiators ou balconies and corridors ELECTRIC LIGHT. PASSENGERS' LIFT. BILLIARD TA ULE EDWARD JENKINS, MA*A?W. PLACE, LONDON.