The Montgomeryshire Express and Radnor Times

OPENING OF THE DOVEY BRIDGE. The interesting ceremony of opening the Dovey Bridge was performed on Thursday in the presence of Col. Pryce.Jones, M.P., Mr John Jones, Llan- fyllin (Chairman of the Main Roads Committee of the County Council), Mr Ed. Hughes (Chair- man of the Machynlleth Rural District Council), Councillor Richard Rees, Mr David Evans (Clerk to the Machynlleth Rural Council), Mr N. Bennett-Owen, Mr M. Francis, Dr. Edwards, Mr G. A. D. Hutchins (County Surveyor). Mr C. Pritchard, and a large crowd of the inhabitants of the district. The main road leading to the bridge was de- clared open by Alderman JOHN JONES, who re- marked that whatever he had to say would be re- served until the opening of the Bridge. The road extends 112 yards to the railway bridge, and 115 yards from the railway bridge to the flat. Mr HUTCHINS said the bridge was ready to be opened for the ordinary traffic of the district. Mr J. JONES said he had to express his great regret for the unavoidable absence of Mr A. C. Humphreys-Owen, M.P. (Chairman of the Co,.nty Council), who had been called to London. Mr E. Davies, Dolcaradog, had had a great deal to do in connection with this bridge, and if he was present he would have treated them to some ancient his- tory respecting it. The keen eye of the celebrated S. R. had suggested that a bridge should be built on this spot, and the question having been up before the Council it was estimated that it would eost £ 3,000. Hitherto farmers had been obliged to go through Machynlleth to get to the other side of the water, but they had now a bridge, a very fine and strong bridge, capable of bearing a moving weight of about 12-2 1 tons, and at a cost considerably less than had been anticipated -.21,600-including the roadway. It had the very long span of 90ft. He congratulated the inhabitants of the district upon the opening of this valuable communication, and referred to the part taken in it by the Chairman of the County Council, who had contributed much towards it. Mr Jones then declared the bridge open until the crack of doom (hear, hear, and applause). Mr HUGHES, chairman of the Rural District Council, also declared the bridge open for the ordinary traffic of the district. Colonel PRYCE-JONES, M.P., proposed a vote ef thanks to the Chairman of the Main Roads Committee, and to the Chairman of the Rural District Council for so kindly declaring the bridge open to the public. He regretted with them that tne Chairman of the County Council was unable to attend, but they had heard that he had a very important engagement in London. His friend, Mr John Jones, well represented the County Counjil. This bridge, he was told, had been a necessity for generations. There was no County bridge except the Dovey bridge at Dinas Mawddwy, for a distance of 14 miles, save a small foot bridge a little higher up, and another at Abeiangell, which did not meet the demands of the inhabitants. If they went to Welshpool, they would see no less than five county bridges within 17 miles. There were also five county bridges in Newtown and Llanidloes district. There was no reason why the county should not build them more bridges and bring the district up to the same standard of convenience. Buttington bridge, he believed, must have cost the county X5000, whereas this one had been erected for very con- siderably less money. The Rural District Coun- cil were paying half of the amount, which would be something under Xi,ooo. He concluded by congratulating the inhabitants upon the opening of the bridge. Mr RD. REES, addressing the assembly in Welsh, seconded the motion. Mr Dd. Evans, Mr N. Bennett Owen, J.P., and Mr M. Francis, also delivered speeches in Welsh. Dr EDWARDS said he remembered seeing some very strange scenes at the County Council meetings, in connection with the proposed bridge over the Dovey. Some of the Councillors did not know there was such a river in the district. It was as strange to them as Klondyke (laughter). One gentleman said you could cross the stream in your slippers while another thought it was a roaring torrent, and that a bridge would cost thousands if not millions (laughter). He was very glad to be present to see the thing com- pleted. Mr JONES returned thanks on behalf of Mr Hughes and himself. They must, he said, have another bridge, and he would suggest to the Rural District Council to take the matter up. Mr HUTCHINS, the county surveyor, said they had not spent a penny in ornamenting the bridge. He had been assisted by a most able master and staff of workmen. They could not have found such a staff if they had gone all over the country (cheers). The bridge would at one time have cost four or five thousand pounds. Of course, at the present time the cheapness of steel and the competition in the manufacture made the con- struction less costly. The highest tender he had received was .21,450 He concluded by asking the Chairman of the Main Roads Committee and the Chairman of the Rural District Council to lay the memorial plates. The memorial plates were then laid. They bore the following inscription:- This bridge was erected by the County Council of Montgomeryshire and the Rural District Council of Machynlleth in the years 1897 and 1898. and was opened for traffic October 13th, 1898. Chairman of the County Council, A. C. Humphreys-Owen, Esq., M.P.; Chairman of the Rural District Council, Ed. Hughes, Esq., J.P.; Clerk to the Rural District Council, Mr D. Evans; Inspector, J. Davies; Chair- man of Main Roads and Bridges Committee, J. Jones, Esq., J.P.; Clerk to the County Council, G. D. Harrison, Esq.; Engineer, Mr G. A. Hutchins, M.I.C.E. Another plate was fixed on the centre of the bridge on which was inscribed :— This bridge was erected A.D. 1898. Builders, Rd. Nevill and Co., Ltd., Wern Ironworks, Llanelly; Engineer, G. A. Hutchins, county surveyor. The CHAIRMAN of the Main Roads and Bridges Committee said the bridge was to be known by the name of The Jubilee Bridge." THE LUNCHEON. After the ceremony a luncheon was partaken of at the Lion Hotel, Machynlleth. Mr J. Jones, Llanfyllin presided, and was supported by Col. Pryce-Jones, M.P., Mr D. Evans, and Mr Edward Hughes, together with Councillor R. Rees, Alder- man G. W. Griffiths, Alderman David Williams, Messrs N. Bennett-Owen, M. E. Francis, Ellis Hughes, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Rees, Dr. Matthews, G. A. Hutchins (county surveyor), D. Howell, J. Davies, E. Davies, E. Pritchard, R. Owen, J. Davies (road inspector), J. Watkin, Dd. Morgan, Wm. Jones, B. Pearce, Ed. Morgan, and P.S. Hamer. After an excellent repast the CHAIRMAN pro- posed the toast of The Queen and Royal Family." Mr G. W. GRIFFITHS said it gave him great pleasure to propose the next toast, The County and Borough Members." They were, he said, al- ways attentive to their business. He was very sorry that Mr Humphreys-Owen was not present for he always took an active part in having the bridge over the Dovey. Mr D. EVANS read a letter from the County Member, stating that he could not be present owing to a business engagement, which arose to prevent him attending the opening of the bridge. The bridge had cost a somewhat large sum, but they had no reason to complain of the outlay. Col. PRYCE-JONES responded on behalf of himself and the County Member. Mr Humphreys- Owen would have been here to-day only for his engagement in London, but he (the Colonel) was very pleased that he was able to attend in order to represent him as well as himself. As this toast had a tinge of politics in it, the Col. ventured to say that everyone was satisfied with the way in which Lord Salisbury looked after the interests of their country in the Soudan. Mr ED. HUGHES proposed the health of the Aldermen and Councillors of Montgomeryshire." Remarking that they could not have better men to represent them. Mr DAVID EVANS read a communication from Capt. Mytton, in which he stated that it was im- possible for him to attend the ceremony. Mr RD. REES said it gave him great pleasure to respond to this very important toast He felt himself getting an old member of the Comncil as he had the honour of being on the first Council, and since then the Council had undergone great changes. They had lost good men from this dis- trict, such as Dr. Edwards (hear, hear), and Mr Edward Davies, Dolcaradog (hear, hear). The county councillors were not perfect, but they were trying to do their best for the county. Their main roads were of the best, and better than those of neighbouring counties. They owed that to the County Surveyor, and the Chairman of the Main Roads' Committee. Mr D. HOWELL also responded. He appre- ciated the honour of being a member of the 4kmaty Council. He had not done much in con- nection with the bridge, because it was nearly completed when he was elected, but anything he could he would now gladly do. Dr. EDWARDS then gave the .toast of the Rural Ristrict Council." If it had not been, he said, for the energies of the Rural District Council and their excellent Chairman, there would have been no bridge to-day. The representatives of the Machynlleth Rural District Council had been ideal councillors. They could not see the immedi- ate results of the erection of the bridge, but the future inhabitanta of the district would bless the Machynlleth Rural District Council. Mr ELLIS HUGHES responded in Welsh. Mr If. BENNETT-OWEN submitted the toast of The landowners and others who contributed towards the erection of the bridge." He felt, as a Rural District Councillor, greatly indebted to those who had contributed to the funds of the bridge. Some had subscribed large and some smaller amounts, but they thanked them all. The ratepayers of Llanwrin were included in the toast. They had done much to assist the Rural District Council. At this stage a communication was read from Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, regretting that he could not attend the ceremony. Mr DAVID EVANS remarked that Sir Watkin headed the list of subscribers vifcb X200. Mr Evans also referred to Mr O. G. Owen. who had materially assisted in the matter, and who would have been present but for his ill-health, which they all regretted; and they also sorry to and that several of the DistIct Councillors were un- able to attend. Col. PRYCE-JONES proposed the "Health of their President." He had been Vice-Chaisman of the County Council, and was at present Chairman of the Main Roads Committee, which was a most important Committee. He had had the pleasure of sitting side by side with him for six or seven years, and, although not on the same side politic- ally, there was no member he respected more than Mr John Jones (applause). When he expressed that as his opinion he thought he was ex^essing the opinion of all members of the Council. Whenever Mr Jones spoke he spoke with a great amount of common sense (hear, hear). When one was opposed to him they regret having such a formidable opponent. Mr Jones has never been known to lose his temper. If it had not been for the Chairman of the Main Roads Committee they would not have had their bridge (hear, hear). It was a good sign when members from one side of the county come to louk after the wants of the people of the other side (applause). While the new bridge was above flood level their other bridge was only to be used on ceTain days of the week (laughter). He hoped t- J Council would not rest until they had more county bridges. Machynlleth was going ahead (loud applause). They had taken great strides lately, and now they had their first county bridge. He had very great pleasure in asking them to drink to the health of Mr Jones, at the same time expressing the hope that he might long be Chairman of the Main Roads and Bridges Committee (cheers). The toast was received with musical honours. Col. PRYCE-JONES: I hope you all know he is a bachelor, and I hope he will take a young lady from this district (laughter). Three cheers for the young lady (laughter and applause). Mr JONES said he did not deserve the praise which they had given him, and thanked them for their kind expressions. Mr FRANCIS, in proposing the health of the Chairman of the Rural District Council," re- marked that Mr Edward Hughes was the life and soul of the Council. Mr HUGHES suitably responded. Mr RICHARD REES proposed the health of the Officials of the County Council and Rural District Council." Mr David Evans (the clerk) had worked well in the matter, and the Rural District Council was very much indebted to him and his able clerk (Mi David Morgan), together with Mr Williams (surveyor), and Dr Matthews, who, he said, thought the bridge a necessity from a sanitary point of view, because Llanwrin was too crowded, but now they could go to Machyn- lleth (laughter). The County Surveyor had built a bridge, which, he thought, would last a thousand years, and Mr John Davies had spent most of his time, day and night, on the bridge (laughter). Mr EVANS, in responding said that he had done what he could in the matter. He produced an account of the first committee meeting presided over by Mr J. Jones. The bridge would be a great boon to the inhabitants. Dr .MATTHEWS said that he was pleased to hear of the wonderful part he had performed in the movement. Mr WILLIAMS, Mr HUTCHINS, and Mr J. DAVIES also responded. Mr DAVID EVANS proposed the health of their Host and Hostess (Mr and Mrs Jones), who had always given satisfaction in their catering. Mr JONES responded on behalf of himself and his wife. The health of the Press was drank, and was responded to by the representative of the Mont- gomeryshire Express.' After drinking to the health of the Jubilee Bridge," the proceedings terminated. DESCRIPTION OF THE BRIDGE. In 1892 the Rural District Council of Machynlleth obtained from the County Council the services of the County Surveyor to report upon the best site for a bridge near Cemmaes Road, and as a result of that re- iport the present site was selected. In 1895 the Rural District Council again obtained the services of the County Surveyor to design a bridge to carry the Jight traffic of the district (three ton loads), the cost to be limited to .£800 exclusive of land etc. This plan was considered by a Joint Committee of the County Coun- cil and Rural District Council and others, in Febru- ary, 1898, and was recommended for adoption by the County Council. The matter being delayed for twelve months by the necessary negociations for land, the whole question was during that period considered upon a broader basis, with the result that the present plan and site were adopted out of several alternative designs presented by the County Surveyor to the County Council and Rural District Council. The fol- lowing is a technical description of the superstructure, which was constructed in steel by Messrs Nevill and Co., Llanelly, South Wales:—The bridge is a Bow- string Girder, designed to carry a static or dead load of 17 cwt per foot run, or about 76 tons of the materials of which it is composed, and, in addition, a working load equal to 15 cwt. per foot runs (67t tons) uniformly distributed over the whole bridge. Say a moving traction engine weighing 12t tons aud draw- ing a train of three loaded trucks. Although it need hardly be remarked that it would certainly crack the I ly partially set concrete of the flooring to run this extreme load over the structure immediately after its comple- tion. The booms and web-members are calculated for maximum condition of loading. The main girders are 96 feet long, measured on axial lines, 12 feet deep at centre, and having eight lattice panels with their apices in a parabolic curve. The top and bottem booms are built of plates and angle irons, jointed and fished with cover plates. The cross girders are seven in number, built of angles and web plates, attached by rivetted connections to the bottom booms and vertical braces, three of the cross girders projecting on each side of the main girders to form cantilevers for the attachment of the wind brac- ing. The main girders at the northern end are sup- ported on cast iron bedplates fixed in the masonry work of the abutment; and at the southern end, the other ends of the girders rest each on a pivotted sad- dle, supported on chilled cast iron rollors, resting on cast iron bedplates, so as to provide for expansion and contraction. The flooring of the roadway consists of patent steel trough flooring, laid longitudinally and securely rivetted to the cross girders, the troughing being filled with concrete in Portland cemer. t mixed in the proportion of four to one. The masonry work of the abutments and wing walls is constructed of Penstrowed stone laid in Portland cement, dressed with a tooled half-inch arris and a hammered rock face. The foundations of the northern abutment are laid in the rock, and those on the southern side in the river gravel, on a bed of concrete in cement about four feet thick, and five to six feet below low water level. The clear water way under the girders is about 10 feet in depth and 90 feet span. And in the highest noted flood the level of the surface of the water has been the same on the upper as on the lower side of the abutments, indicating that the erection of the bridge has not been any practical obstruction to the free course of the flood water. The new roadway on the southern side runs in an almost direct line to the main road from Machynlleth, and is about half-a-mile in length, with 15 feet of metalled surface, covered with six to eight inches thick of excellent metalling well rolled in by the 1212 ton steam roller. The cost of the whole work-bridge, half-mile of new road, land and fencing, will amount to a little over Xl,900, covered partly by subscription from the land owners and ratepayers of the district, partly by a loan to the Rural District Council, and the remainder (about one half) by a loan to the County Council.

THE IMPRISONMENT OF A NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENT. GRATEFUL THANKS TO A LOCAL JOURNALIST. Last week we published an extract from the Government dispatch of the British Consul at Porto Rico, narrating the circumstances which led to the release of Mr W. F. Halstead, the corres- pondent of the New York Herald,' who was ar- rested by the Spanish at Porto Rico for photo- graphing their fortifications. As «ve have already explained, his release was effected through the good offices of Col. E. Pryce-Jones, M.P., to whom the facts of the case were made known by Mr Nettleton Goodwin, Newtown, who succeeded Halstead at Porto Rico as special correspondent of the Herald.' The following letter was received by Mr Goodwin on Thursday morning:— I Hotel Imperial, New York, October 1st, 1898. Dear Goodwin,-I have just returned from Porto Rico, and learn for the first time through extracts from English papers, of the strong and successful efforts you made in England towards my release. Be- lieve me I am truly grateful to you. The British Government only moved in time. For sending, or rather trying to send out messages, I was placed in solitary confinement in the dirtiest, hottest, darkest cell they had. Thirteen days' of it seriously broke my health, when a telegram came from Spain ordering that I be treated more leniently. Then came the new Consul, and I was set at liberty. I am writing to-day to Col. E. Pryce-Jones. M.P., thanking him for his kindness on my behalf, and ask- ing him what he thinks about putting in a claim. I am going home to Canada next week for a month's rest, or until there is another break down South, when I go back on the 'New York Herald.' Mr fccott and all your friends in Porto Rico send their regards to you. Once more let me say how grateful I am to you, and believe, your friend, W. FREEMAN HALSTEAD.

AN ELEPHANT HUNT IN CEYLON. We have received the following interesting account from Mr G. W. Savage, son of Mr Woosnam Savage, Glandulas, Newtown:— As wild elephant kraals are, in Ceylon, few and far between, I send you a short account of one held here a few days ago. Owing to so much of the island being in cultivation the elephants have retreated into the thickest jungle in the most inac- cessible parts of the island. So when I tell you the nearest railway station was just 108 miles from our kraal camp, and the nearest cart road over 17 miles, you may imagine it is no small or inexpen- sive item to spend a week of it there. Arrange- ments had to be made weeks and weeks ahead, and a very sporting planter went down, with his coolies and several carpenters, a month before hand, and on our arrival there found he had built a capital camp, large enough to put up 40 fellows. The large verandah was hung around with Chinese lanterns, mose and ferns, galons and flags flying from poles on the top; this was the bachelors camp. Small ones were build around for the few ladies who pluckily attended. The stockade was about half a mile from camp, so off we went to have a good look at a real elephant stockade, of which we had heard so much. It was about two acres and almost square, with an immensely strong fence, fully 20 feet high, of solid trees for rails, lashed on to still more solid trees that did duty for posts. On either side was a gateway. Inside, the trees and brushwood were left standing; a stream of water ran through the middle; and for any particularly wild elephant was a smaller stockade-inside the big one- -out of which an elephant could be let off back to the jungle. Around the big fence stood natives of the dusky hue-Cingalese most of them-all armed with spears, and, to make doubly sure, small heaps of brushwood were placed just inside a few feet apart right round the kraal, and the moment the elephants were in these would be lit up to keep them from charging the fence. So much for the preliminaries, and as the drive was to begin next morning we made back to camp, and spent the usual merry sing-song evening, rather more or less the night through.. We were all up early next morning, and after a hurried early tea set off to see as much of the drive-in as we could. The beaters marched up over 900 of them, and nearly all with elephant spears, and started work about two and a half miles from the kraal, and so gradually encircled the elephants that were known to be there. On, on they came, and nothing could we see, but very much hear the row of the beaters in the distance. When within about half a mile of the stockade the beaters stopped, and about half of them were sent back a mile or so in case the elephants when pressed would break through and get off. When everything was so arranged, on came the inner circle of beaters, while we, the spectators, stretched our necks from any bit of high ground to get a glimpse of a real wild elephant. All of a sudden crash, crash, went trees and jungle, and now with excitement we crowded round the gate, near as we were allowed,, to see the elephants go in. When just a few yards from the entrance back they turned, and crashed through both beaters and the jungle as though the thick brush- wood was straw. The beaters were at once sent back to help the outer circle, the ones that were about a mile and a half further back. It was very disappointing to hear that nothing more could be dene until next day, when the drive would begin again. Once again the same thing happened next day, and while at dinner in camp that night, when the possibilities of ever getting the wily elephants in was discussed, in rushed a man to say they had gone into the stockade on their own account for water. This was about nine o'clock. However, off we went, to find at the kraal all the fires lit up, and the Singhalese shouting and singing for all they were worth. It was a weird but pretty sight. We went round the fence but owing to the darkness we could not see a single elephant, as they kept well in the middle among the brushwood. Next morning we were all early on the spot again, and then sa for the first time for most of us, two herds of wild elephants together, all huddled up. Some said there was 20 and others 40, but eventually 28 were found to be in. There were some huge ones, especially one cow that had a very small baby with her. This sporting old cow came time after time full tilt at the stockade, regardless of fire or spears, and simply made the timber rattle. After a time she gave it up as a bad job, and retired, all bleeding, to the herd and her young one. Some of the others made an occasional charge, but nothing like the determination of the old cow. Soon after this two big tame elephants arrived all roped up, carrrying the noosing rope and the boosers (natives) on their backs. After a lot of jabbering, I suppose about the disposal of their earthly goods in case of accidents, into the kraal one went with three niggers on its back and about six on foot at the elephant's tail all with spears, and slowly stalked round. The wild ones, after a very poor show of fight, simply walked away, and for some time it was just a procession. In went tame elephant number two, and in a comical sort of way scraped acquaintance with the herd and made false friend- ship to any one within reach of its trunk. While all this was going on, one of the noosers crept down off the tame one, and with tha noose end of the rope in his hand dodged about the tame one's legs, and the moment he got a chance placed the noose between the hind legs of the wild one, who, feeling the rope, kicked out like blue murder and put its foot right into the noose. The noosing nigger pulled up the rope until the noose was safely taut on the wild one's leg. The other end of the rope was attached to the tame one's neck. Now came the tug of war, and for a few minutes the wild one held his own, but presently had to come, and with a sort of three-legged backward movement it was pulled up to a tree and both hind legs securely roped up. So one after the other in this way was captured, kraaled up to trees, and sold by public auction, the buyer having to take his elephant from the tree. These animals are wonderfully quick with their feet and kick out with lightning speed. I saw one nooser get a cruel kick which put him out of the stockade for the day, and very nearly out of this world too. Three of us Europeans, after a great deal of trouble and bribes to the elephant driver, were allowed in on a tame one's back, one at a time. It was great sport ti have a tussle with a wild one and keep its ever familiar trunk from getting too near one's person with the spear each of us carried. Neither of us were allowed to try our luck at noosing, but one after more bribing we were allowed to help the men to tie up three to trees. It was a week of capital sport, with very merry evenings, and as we all rode back to our totums once again felt that the whole kraal was a rippin' success. Totum means estate or tea plantation.

I ALARMING REPORTS FROM THE SOUDAN. BRITISH SOLDIERS DYING LIKE FLIES. THE NEW KHARTOUM. A telegram from Alexandria states that the men who have returned from the Nile continue to die like flies from enteric fever, contracted pos- sibly through the use of tinned beef, and certainly aggravated by immoderate indulgence in cheap, nasty spirits at 15d a bottle, the men having accumulated money th their pockets. The return states that every bed in the great hospital at Raseltin is occupied, besides which there are dozens of tents. Dozens of deaths occur weekly, and it is believed than ten per hundred of the British troops on the Nile are already affected. The I disease is, morever, following the troops into Crete. I When tinned meat is fresh it is all right, but big tins rapidly spoil before the contents are con- sumed. The mortality during the whole cam- paign is probably less than the subsequent deaths from enteric fever. Colonel Young, Commissioner of the National Aid Society, has presented the Sirdar with X300 for the benefit of the sick and wounded among the Egyptian soldiers engaged in the Soudan cam- paign, and a further sum of X200 for the purchase of articles urgently needed for the treatment of Dervish wounded now under medical care at Omdnrman. Colonel Young informed the Sirdar that the society had been prevented only by limitations of time and means of transport from affording the same benefit to the Egyptian troops as it had done to their British comrades in arms. I understand, says a Cairo correspondent, that the transfer of the Egyptian War-office and works to Khartoum will be a temporary measure only. The new town of Khartoum is to be built fur- ther inland than the old city, and to the east of the Government-building, where General Gordon was killed. The situation chosen is higher and healthier than the lowlands of the river's margin. It appears that the steamer Safia still had the patch which Mr Benbow put upon her boiler when she went up the river in January, 1885, under the command of Lord Charles Beresford to rescue Sir Charles Wilson's party. On returning from Khartoum the patch was intact, and was evidently so good that the Dervishes found it unnecessary to touch it. NEWS OF THE KHALIFA. It was Geaeral Rundle who was sent with a brigade and a battery to the help of Colonel Parsons Pasha at Gedaiif. In the course of his fight Colonel Parson had over fifty men killed. A pumour is again enrrent that not only Osman Digna but the Khalifa have got across the Nile, and are proceeding across the Red Sea coast. The Egyptian Intelligence Department profess that they know the two leaders are together at no great distance from Khartoum, that they have been headed off, and can be caught when neces- sary. SUPERABUNDANCE OF WOMEN IN THE SOUDAN. Stray parties of Dervishes in various portions of the Soudan are desirous of surrendering, but, dreading the vengeance of the local tribes, they will not leave their hiding places. The unpopu- larity of Mahdism is so great that anyone who is suspected of being a Dervish is in serious danger. General Rundle will clear the country of the Gedarif Dervishes The Khalifa appfars to be in great straits. He and his few followers have but little grain left, and are living on their cattle and on milk. A serious problem which the Soudan presents is the surplus of women who will have to be main- tained. The number is placed as high as 300,000. MR. NEUFELD AND HIS PLANS. A Cairo correspondent telegraphs:—I have seen Mr Neufeld, one of the Khalifa's captives released j by the Sirdar. He tells me that when he was captured he wished to die, as he did not believe that he would ever see freedom. The Khalifa condemned him to death, but afterwards decided to keep him in chains. Neufeld declares that he was subjected to nameless tortures, and that once he received 150 lashes. The Dervishes jeered at him, asking, "Why don't you cry out? He replied, If you want that you must beat some- one else." Mr Neufeld added," When they found I desired to lose my life in order to end my sufferings they were determined that I should keep it." After Slatin escaped he was put in heavier chains. Asked by me as to his present position, he replied: I do not know how my affairs stand-whether I have lost my fortune or not. As to the future, I shall probably return to the Soudan. For twelve years I stood still while the great world without went marching on. Here I am, confused and behind the rest of men; there I was in advance; there my future lies. My family never expected to see me again. I never expected to see them. I told them that If I came to Europe they might not have me long, owing to the climate. Even in Cairo I feel cold." Mr Neufeld believes in the possibilities of the Soudan, but says that at present trade is a matter of population, and to this everything yielded. Those who act discreetly will make money, but it would be a mistake to rush in without judgment. Mr Neufeld declares he never expected to see British troops in Omdurman. He is in good spirits, but nervous and restless. He is preparing a book on his adventures.

Killing Romance in Crusoe's Island. The romance with which Crusoe's Island ha hitherto been invested will presently disappear before the march of the pioneer. Chili is going to colonise the island, and people it with fisher- men. The island of Juan Fernandez lies 400 miles west of Valparaison in the South Pacific Ocean, and can only be reached by special steamers, which make excursions there once or twice a year. In September, 1704, a ship of 96 tons, known as the Cinque Ports, was sailing through the South Pacific Ocean. On board was the Largo man, Alexander Selkirk, who turned mutinous, and was given the choice of being hanged at the yardarm or left on the desert island of Juan Fernandez. He accepted the latter alternative, and lived on the island for four years and four months. Alexander Selkirk was at last rescued by the British privateer Duke, which was attracted to the island by a fire built by Selkirk, on what is known as Robinson Crusoe's Lookout." There is a monument to Selkirk on the island of Juan Fernandez. It is a marble table set in the rocks at Robinson Crusoe's Lookout." It was placed there by some British naval officers about 30 years ago. The inscription reads as follows :— In Memory of Alexander Selkirk, Mariner. A native of Largo, in the County of Fife. Scot- land, who lived on this island in complete solitude, four years and four months. This tablet is erected near Selkirk's look-out by Commodore Powell and the officers of H.M.S. Topaz, A.D. 1863. He died Lieutenant of H.M.S. Weymouth, A.D. 1724, aged 47 years. He was landed from Cinque Ports galley, 96 tons, 18 guns, A.D. 1704, and was taken off in the Duke, privateer, 12th February, 1709. There are at present only 15 persons on Crusoe's Island, but the Chilian Government say that ced and seal abound off the coast, and soon a bustling, striving colony will be established on the island where Alexander Selkirk spent the lonesome exile that was to give to the world its most famous story book. Epps's COCOAiNE.Cocoa-Nib Extract. (Tea- like).—The choicest roasted nibs (broken up beans) of the natural Cocoa, on being subjected to powerful hydraulic pressure, give forth their excess of oil, leaving for use a finely flavoured powder.—" Cocoaine," a product which, when pre- pared with boiling water, has the consistence of tea, of which it is now, with many, beneficially taking the place. Its active principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, supplies the needed energy without unduly exciting the system. Sold only in labelled tins. If unable to obtain it of your tradesman, a tin will be sent post free for 9 stamps.—James Epps and Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London.

CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS are warranted to cure in either sex, all acquired or constitutional Discharges from the Urinary Organs, Gravel and Pains in the back. Free from Mercury Established upwards of 30 years. In boxes 4s. 6d. each of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the World, or sent for sixty stamps by the makers, The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Company, Lincolm. TRADE NOTICES. An Open Letter of Advice: AND PUBLIC. AND TRE PUBLIC. DEAR READER,— A perusal of the remarkable particulars contained from week to week in this journal will doubly repay you. In as concise a form as possible the facts which we publish will convey to any person of discernment why Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa so far surpasses all other articles sold as beverages or food beverages in true sustenant and nourishing power. Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa IS the Food Beverage of the people, its merits having been recognised to an extent hitherto unknown in the history of any preparation. Its value as a food under every circumstance, and answering all requirements, has been testified to by people of almost every class and occupation, showing its wonderful resto- rative powers in cases of the greatest variety. More sterling qualities than these could not possibly be advanced for any food beverage, nor, we believe, have they ever before been attained by any other product until Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa was put upon the market. This wonderful pre- paration is now found in the homes of millions of the people, who cannot be induced to go without it. We publish from time to time a few of the many kind letters which have been sent us, and which are entirely unsolicited. The proprietors of Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa never ask for testimony, and never, under any circum- stances, publish any letter for which payment directly or indirectly, is expected. The public have recognised that there is merit in Dr. Tibbies* Vi-Cocoa, hence the many favourable expressions of opinion that are being received daily from all classes. We leave it to the reader to consult common sense, and at once to substitute Dr. Tibbies* Vi-Cocoa-if this has not already been done-for ordinary cocoa, tea and coffee, at breakfast and other meals. A dainty sample tin will be sent post free if when writing (a post card will do) this journal is mentioned. Very truly yours, THE PROPRIETORS, DR. TIBBLES' VI-COCOA (1898), Ltd 60, 61 and 62, Bunhill Row, London, E.C. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS. CHEAP WEEK-END EXCURSION TICKETS ARE ISSUED Every Friday and Saturday, TO ^BIRMINGHAM, "WOL VERHAMPTON, *WALSALL, PETERBORO', -LEICESTER, *DERBY, BURTON-ON-TRENT, .STAFFORD, *COVENTRY, MANCHESTER, PRESTON, BLACKBURN, BOLTON, LEEDS, DEWSBURY, HUDDERSFIELD, LIVERPOOL, BIRKENHEAD, WIGAN & WARRINGTON, FROM Oswestry, Llanymynech, Llanfyllin, Montgomery, Welshpool, Newtown, Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Borth, Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Towyn, Barmouth, Dolgelley. Harlech, Portmadoc, Penrhyn-deudraeth, Criccieth, and Pwllheli. Cheap Week-End FRIDAY AND SATURDAY To MONDAY OR TUESDAY, AND 14 DAYS EXCURSION TICKETS, Are Issued Every Friday and Saturday FROM nearly all Cambrian Inland Stations TO MACHYNLLETH, BORTH, ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, TOWYN, BARMOUTH, DOLGELLEY, HARLECH, PORTMADOC, CRICCIETH, & PWLLHELI. ALSO TO RHAYADER, BUILTH WELLS, AND BRECON, Also, Similar Tickets are issued FROM the Cambrian Coast Stations, Aberystwyth, Machynlleth, Dolgelley, Pwllheli, and inter- mediate Stations RHAYADER, BUILTH WELLS & BRECON. WEEK END And 10 and 11 Days' Tickets Will also be Issued FROM Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport, Chester, Crewe, Stafford, Shrewsbury, Bradford, Leeds, Oldham, Huddersfield, Halifax, Rochdale, Wake- field, Blackburn, Chorley, Accrington, Burnley, Bolton, Wigan, Warrington, Preston, Leicester, Derby, Burton, Stoke, Burslem, Hanley, Birken- head, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Wednesbury, Walsall, Peterboro', Northampton, Hull, Sheffield, Barnsley, &c., &c., TO OSWESTRY, LLANYMYNECH, LLANFYLLIN, WELSHPOOL, MONTGOMERY, NEWTOWN, LLANIDLOES, MACHYNLLETH, BORTH, ABERYSTWYTH, ABERDOVEY, TOWYN, BARMOUTH. DOLGELLEY, HARLECH, PORTMADOC, CRICCIETH & PWLLHELI. 1—————» WEEK-END TICKETS, ARE ISSUED EVERY Friday or Saturday, To MOKDAY or TUESDAY, TO CAMBRIAN COAST STATIONS AND WELLS, FROM CERTAIN STATIONS IN ENGLAND THEY INCLUDE BOOKINGS FROM BATH, j- Bristol, Cambridge, Darlington, Durham, Gloucester, Lincoln, Cheltenham, Harrogate, Middlesboro, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Nottingham, Norwich, Scarboro, Sunderland, Tynemouth, I Yarmouth, Worcester, &c. SIMILAR TICKETS are also issued from Aberystwyth, Borth, Aberdovey, Towyn, Bar- mouth, Dolgelley, Harlech, Penrhyn.deudraeth, Portmadoc, Criccieth, and Pwllheli, TO SHREWSBURY. •Tickets for these Stations are not issued from Welshpool. Passengers Return on the Monday or Tuesday following issue of ticket. C. S. DENNISS, General Manager.

LLANFYLLIN. THE TOWN COWNCIL ELECTION.—The councillors who retire are:—Dr Roger Edwards, Messrs W. Ellis, Bradford House, Dr Parry, Pentre, and T. Roberts, Abernant. Dr Edwards, having removed to Colwyn Bay, will not seek re-election, but it is not known as yet whether the three other retiring councillors will again come forward. So far there are no names before the public of any intending candidates.

SARN. THE ANNIVERSARY SERVICES of the Baptist Chapel were held on Sunday, October 2nd, when the Rev Samuel Jones, of Madely, preached three times to large congregations. On the Monday following the annual meeting was held in the Schoolroom, kindly lent by the Vicar. The following ladies formed the management com- mittee :—Mrs Cound, Hopton; Mrs Jones, Sybwll; Mrs Price, Lower View; Mrs MacCreath, Trefeen. The following ladies presided at the tea-tables:— Mrs Price, Lower View; Mra MacCreath, Trefeen; Mrs Jones, Sybwll; Mrs Evans, Villa; Mrs Evans, Holly Bush; Mrs Hamer, Gwenthrew Mrs Ash- ton, Montgomery; and Mrs Davies, Coedybrain; assisted by a number of willing helpers. After tea a public meeting was held in the chapel, pre- sided over by Mr W. Proudfoot, Kerry. The following able speakers took part in the meeting, Rev W. E. Thomas, Rhayader; Rev Rhys Davies, Caersws; Mr R. Morgan, Bahaillon; and Mr George Davies, Rhayader. The choir sang several anthems in a very creditable manner, Mr Davies, Coedybrain, conducting, and Mr R. D. Edwards presiding at the organ. The usual votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close. The anniversary aud tea meeting passed off in a most successful manner.

Calvinistic Methodism. The Upper Montgomeryshire monthly meeting of the Calvinistic Methodists was held at Llan- dinam, under the presidency of Mr Richard Owen, Machynlleth.—A paper was read on Pro- testantism" by the Rev. Edward Williams, Machynlleth.—It was reported that Mr Samuel Smith, M.P., had sent 250 copies of bis Claims of Rome to be distributed amongst the members. It was unanimously passed to send a letter to Mr Smith conveying thanks for and appreciation of his valuable pamphlet.—Messages from the Bangor Association were reported.—Mr R. Phillips gave notice of motion for the next monthly meeting to appoint all representatives at the annual meeting at Llanidloes.-A letter from the Tonic Solfa Union was referred to the consideration of the musical festival committee.— It was resolved to send letters conveying sym- pathy to Messrs Hugh Davies, Llanidloes, and Evan Evans, Graig, in their illness.—Reference was made to the death of the Rev. Thos. Gee and family expressing sympathy with them in their bereavement.—An account of the English Con- ference was given by the Rev. Ed. Williams, Macynylleth.—The subject of the Church meeting was, "The necessity for the Spirit of Prayer," Zech. xii-10.—The following took part in the public services: Revs T. F. Roberts, Dr. Parry, L. W. Jones, T. M. Pierce, W. S. Jones, M.A., Chas. Jones and Dr. Rees, Merthyr.

A Sea Monster. SEEN FROM A FISHING BOAT. Very little has been heard of the sea serpent for some time; but a creature, which, it is stated, closely resembled that monster of tiadition, has, it appears, been discovered off Stonehaven, a town about sixteen miles south of Aberdeen. Towards the end of last week, at about eleven o'clock in the morning, the fishing boat Lily was returning to Stonehaven from the haddock grounds when the attention of the skipper, Alexander Taylor, was directed to something floating on the surface of the sea about a hundred yards off the coast. Thinking that the object might be a body, the skipper ordered one of his crew to be in readiness with a boathook to take it on board when passing, for it was right in their course. But what was their consternation when they approached closer to see the thing rear itself partly out of the water and swim seaward across their bows. The boat was now only fifty yards away, and the crew could see the strange creature quite clearly. The skipper describes it as having a back somewhat like the upturned bottom of a ship, on which were two fins twenty feet apart, about the size of the sails of a small boat, which they closely resembled. Behind one fin was a protuberance of the shape of a camel's hump. The body was of a bluish colour, and in appear- ance the head was much flatter than that of a whale. The monster went a short distance out to sea, and, describing a circle, turned and passed the boat again, this time in the rear. At inter- vals it raised its head high out of the water, and spouted in the manner of a whale, the only difference being that it took a shorter period to blow. The skipper of the boat describes the part of the creature that was visible as being twice the length of his 34ft. boat. He did not see its tail end, so that there is no knowing what its total length might have been. Taylor tells his story clearly and without hesitation, and his crew vouch for the veracity of his statements, which are, in a measure, corroborated by the fact that in the early morning of the same day the crew of another boat heard an unusual splashing and blowing as they were leaving Stonehaven harbour. Owing to the dense fog which prevailed at that early hour, however, they were unable to discover the cause of the disturbance.

THE Disfranchisement of Welsh Miners. LETTER FROM THE LIBERAL WHIP Mr Thomas E. Ellis, M.P., the Liberal Whip' has sent the following letter to a member of the Aston Liberal Club, who wrote to him protesting against the action of the Revising Barrister in striking off the register same 6,000 miners in East Glamorganshire and Merthyr Tydvil, upon the ground that they had received Is. a day for stone breaking work performed by them in poor law labour yards during the late South Wales coal strike; and urging the Liberal party to make a determined effort in the ensuing Session of Parliament to amend or repeal Section 36 of the Reform Act, 1832, and Section 40 of the Repre- sentation of the People Act, 1867 (amended by Section 7 of the Parliamentary and Municipal Registration Act, 1878), which enactments, it was stated had led to the wholesale disfranchise- ment in question:— Liberal Central Association, 41, Parliament-st., London, S.W., October 7th, 1898. Dear Sir, I am much obliged to you for your letter relative to the striking off the register of some 6,000 miners in East Glamorgan and Merthyr Tydvil. I feel certain that the initiative in bringing the matter before Parliament will be taken by the members for those districts, and I am sure that the Liberal party will give them hearty and determined support in their efforts to amend the law so as to make dis- franchisement under similar circumstances impossible. —Yours faithfully, THOMAS E. ELLIS." The subjoined communication has also been received on the same subject from Mr David A. Thomas, M.P. for Merthyr Tydvil:- "Llanwern, Newport, Mon., October 5th, 1898. Dear Sir,—I entirely agree with you in your criticism on the present law, and I went myself to considerable expense in endeavouring to have the names of those who were removed from the register by the overseers replaced, but unfortunately we were not successful. I do not think the matter ought to rest where it is, and anything that I can do t. rectify the injustice you may rely upon it shall be done.—Yours faithfully, D. A. THOMAS."

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