Evening Express

IRISH INDISCRETIONS. -I After examining his observations in a variety of ways best calculated to pro- duce humour, we have reluctantly come to the conclusion that Mr. Sheppard, the treasurer of the Irish Rugby Union, is not a humorist, and scarcely an Irishman. If his remarks had bten delivered by an Irish member at St. Stephen's they would have been excusable; but why he should have gone out of his way at a meeting of the Irish Rugby Union to insult those who were his guests a year ago passes our compre- hension. Wt trust that the Irish Union will lose no time in making it perfectly clear that Mr. Sheppard spoke on his own behalf, and on no one else's. Amongst athlptes there is a code of manners, and especially amongst footballers, it has been the custom in Wales, at any rate, to enter- tain visiting clubs on a handsome scale, wthout making any distinction between one country and another, and without making a miserable fuss over the details of liquor consumption twelve months after- wards. The same custom is observed in England and Scotland, and, knowing as wo do the hospitable nature of the Irish, it is a great pity that an official of the Irish Union is so much out of touch with his own people as to misrepresent their general feeling towards the Principality. If the Irish Union happens to be out of touch with them, too, then we have an explanation of bad football as well as of bad manners. Some of Mr. Sheppard's observations are obviously absurd. The charge against the few hundreds of Welsh spectators of damaging everything they could lay their hands on is pure Celtic imagination. So far as can be gathered, that £ 30 dinner was not far from being pure imagination also. It was so un- worthy of Ireland, in fact, that the Welsh- men had quite forgotten it until Mr. Sheppard restored it to their minds. It would be a kindness to forget Mr. Shep- pard as well; but, although his remarks are not likely to affect the reception wait- ing for the Irish players when they visit Cardiff shortly, we think he ought to be called upon to apologise for his indiscre- tions.

So the Celestial's pig-tail is of some utility after all! Everybody was aware it was not an ornament, but how few dreamt that it was an efficient weapon of defence! Yet a Chinaman named Ah Ming would have been killed but for his queue—at least, so he told the Liverpool magistrates. A ship's officer hit him on the head with a crowbar by way of argu- ment, and the Celestial cranium would have, undoubtedly, caved in; but on it was coiled the pig-tail, and Ah Ming was saved from his ancestors!

[An incident with quite a Mikado-like ring about it was chronicled at Cardiff Police-court yesterday, when the plea put in by a female prisoner was stated by Alderman Beavan to have nothing to do with the case."] "Your plea about fighting in Caroline-street Has nothing to do with the case. This present charge you have got to meet, And fourteen days you will now retreat To the snug little Adamsdown place! 'Tis I, Ebenezer, pass sentence on you. And you know that my judgment is righteous and true." "They swear me away, sir— I bid you good day, sir!" "Be off to the Adamsdown place!"

John Hunt, of Upper Boat, has been placed upon the black list. But that doesn't trouble him a bit, since he has had the opportunity of unburdening his soul, and that, too, in open court. Mr. Hunt is commonly described as a tinker, and, no doubt, he is a lineal descendant of the famous individual who boasted that" no tinker beside could mend an old kettle like me." Still, that was in the days of long ago, and to-day we are getting more eclectic altogether. Mr. Hunt desires it to be known that he is not a tinker, but a sheet-metal worker. Then let the bugler blow a fanfare and proclaim it unto all the world.

The Japanese Parliament must surely be the very pink of propriety when com- pared with our own. With us hon. mem- bers do all sorts of queer things, and. as for yawning, why, didn't a very eminent statesman once yawn in the middle of his own speech? But they manage these things differently in Japan. There a member has been fined and sent to prison for yawning, and the judge was all ilip, > more severe with him because it appeared that, iua Yawaed to annoy the Government.

Mainly About People. Bishop Ellicott, the patient, scholarly diocesan of Gloucester, began his forty-first year of work in that capacity yesterday. Lieutenant-colonel Frederick St. Clair Anstruther-Thomason, who has just been appointed to succeed Sir Audley Neeld as colonel commanding the 2nd Life Guards, was born in 1855, and is the son of Mr. John Anstruther-Thomason, and his first wife, Caroline Maria. Agnes Robina, daughter of the late Rev. John Hamilton Gray. The new commander has had a brilliant career. Enter- ing the Army 32 years ago, he was promoted major, and during the recent war in South Africa he served with the Composite Regi- ment of Household Cavalry, and in 1900 was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, and was mentioned in Lord Roberts's dispatch in 1901. Colonel Anstruther-Thomason married in 1882 Agnes Dorothea, daughter of the late James Alexander Guthrie, of Craige, Forfar- shire. It is not strictly correct to speak of General Miles, who is at present in London, as the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army. There is no such military office, the President of the United States being ex-officio Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Our dis. I tinguisbed visitor is the lieutenant-general commanding the United States Army, the other leading officers of which are major- generals. General Miles has been to the Philippines on a visit of inspection, and he has also called at China and Japan. He travelled across Siberia by the famous rail- way, and at St. Petersburg was the guest of the Czar, as he has just been the guest of King Edward at Windsor. He has had a most interesting tour altogether, and at the end of this week he enters upon the last stage of it-that is to may, he sails for home. Yesterday the Marquess of Salisbury, K.G., G.C.V.O., Ac., reached his seventy-third birth- day. The evening of his life is being spent in one of the loveliest homes of England—Hat- field. Since his retirement he has developed into the country squire, and spends much of his time in a wideawake and an Inverness cape in the park when it is fine. When it is not fine his days are divided between a well-equipped laboratory and his library. The home life of Hatfield can only be com- pared with that at Hawarden years ago. His sons pay reverence, while his daughters adore him, Lady Gwendoline Cecil devoting her life to her honoured father. By the way, a recent visitor to Hatfield says that the late Prime Minister is much better in health than when in office, and has regained much of his old vivacity. Mr. Herbert W. Bowen, the American Minis- ter at Caracas, is a strong man physically and mentally and of tried courage. He stands over six feet in height and carries himself with soldierly erectness. He speaks fluently Ger- man, French, Italian, and Spanish; he a-c quired his preparatory education in Germany, graduated from Yale University, and took a post-graduate course in the law school of Columbia University. He has written a text book on international law which is highly regarded. Mr. Bowen was Consul-General at Barcelona before the outbreak of the Spanish- American war, and on more than one occa- sion narrowly escaped death at the hands of infuriated mobs. Once ten thonsand angry men gathered about the Consulate determined to wreck it, and Mr. Bowen, coming up, forced his way through the mob and stood with hie back to the door in company with one other American till the police arrived in the nick of time. "Before they were married he said he would be willing to die for her." "Well, he has partially proved it. At any rate, he doesn't seem able to earn a living for her." For some time Mr. Chamberlain has been making a collection of South African curios. Amongst these is a portrait of ex-President Kruger. This collection has been added to by the presentation to Mrs. Chamberlain of a shell which assumed the form of an orchid on exploding. Among the most recent acquisi- tions at the British Museum are the auto- graphs of Generals De Wet and Delarey. Lord Edward Cecil brought with him when returning home a number of curios, most of which he purchaased from the Kaffirs while besieged in Mafeking. Some fancy good? houses in the West End are offering for sale gongs made from exploded shells. It was one of General Baden-Powell's ambitions to obtain a tall hat of President Kruger's; but when he reached Pretoria he was informed that the President had purchased one about twenty years ago, and that it was still in use. Dan Leno has amongst his collection of curios a pair of Mr. Kruger's slippers. The New York correspondent of the "Times" characterises as a "curious suggestion" the statement of the "New York World" that "Colonel" Lynch, like some of the Irish rebels of 1848, may live to become a "high and honoured British official." Why curious? It is a commonplace of history. Sir Chafrles Gavan Duffy, a leader of the '48 rebellion, was subsequently Prime Minister of Victoria, and Speaker of its Parliament. Dr. O'Doherty, a colleague of his in Ireland, who was convicted and transported for treason, has sat in both Housea of the Queensland) Parliament, and is now a high official in that colony. ine Hon. Thomas D'Arcy 3CCee, another rebel of '48, became a fervent loyalist Minister in Canada. Another, the late P. J. Smyth, M.P., finished up as an official in Dublin Castle. The Hon. R. D. Ireland. Attorney-General of Vic- toria; Judge Bindon, of the same Colony; the Hon. Edwa.rd Butler, Attorney-General of New South Wales; and several other '48 men who rose to distinction in Greater Britain might be cited. Professor J. K. Ingram, who wrote that treasonable lyrio, "Who fears to speak of '98!" became a pillar of loyalty in Trinity College, Dublin. Mr. Beit, whose apoplectic attack in Johan- nesburg was one of the events of the week before last, is the richest man in England, and, perhaps, the richest self-made man in the world. Mr. Beit is as unlike the millionoire of popular fancy as may be. His temperament is highly strung;, he is keenly artistic; and his phy- sical appearance suggests the artist rather than the man of business. His beautiful house in Park-lane is the most interesting built in the capital during the past ten or fifteen years. It is full of art treasures, some wonderful old Dutch paintings, Gainsboroughs, and Romneys, as well as fine Italian bronzes, which were one of his hobbies. He has, too, fine residences in Cape Town, Kimberley, and Johannesburg, and the offices of Messrs. Wernher, Beit, and Company form one of the most palatial buildings in the City. Mr. Beit's shyness is as well known in society as his goodness of heart. His admiration for Mr. Rhodes was unbounded, and he and Dr. Jame- son went out to the Oape last August in order to carry on the great schemes of the creator of South Africa. Unfortunately, his efforts to do the work of three men have told on Mr. Beit during the past few years, culmi- nating in his recent apoplectic attack. That he is now better is a matter of congratula- tion to all South Africans and h.s many friends in English Society. So you rode past your station last night? Asleep, as usual?" No; there was a. new porter who called out the name of the station so distinctly that I didn't recognise it." As fellows and tutors have been gathering a.t New College, Oxford, since the late Dr. Sewell was elected in 1860, there is no lack of possible successors from within the col- lege, and the Wykehamists might be expected to choose Dr. Fearon, who has been head- master of Winchester. But there is a rumour that the Common Room has already fued upon the Rev. W. A. Spooner, who is one of the few New College dons not educated at Winchester—he comes from Oswestry. Mr. Spooner, however, is. perhaps, the most world- renowned man in the University of Oxford, for he has given his name to a special mis- take, and "Spoonerisms" are quoted in all corners of the earth as often as Joe Millers. Mr. Spooner is not responsible for all that is attributed to him, and he pro- bably nver cherished a "half-warmed fish" to be warden. But there is more evidence that at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations he called for "Three cheers for the queer old dean! Love and laughter go often together, and Oxford would hail the official elevation of Spoonerism to the queuo which waits for J

THE LONDON PRESS. Examples of Their Views To-day. BRIEF EXTRACTS FROM LEADING ARTICLES. I Trial by Jury. Trial by jury, if the verdict of the majority could be taken, would afford very little pro- tection to the innocent. No one would trust it or beldeve in it as it is now trusted and believed in.—"Morning Advertiser." I Thoroughly Tangled. The Venezuelan nuisance has knotted itself up into a tangle of claims and percentages tuat becomes more and more exasperating every day.—"Daily Express." I Germany's Navy. Of one thing the Kaiser is perfectly well aware, that it is only by strengthening her sea-power that Germany can now extend her commerce and her authority in the wider questions of international politics.—"Daily Chronicle." I Educational Interests. There are not a few encouraging signs that the great mass of the laity throughout the country and a large proportion at least both of the clergy of the Church of England and of the ministers of other denominationp- are anxious to get rid of sectarian controversies and to work together for educational inte- rests pure and simple.—" Times." Irish Agrarian Question I Mr. Wyndham intends to ask Parliament to make a serioua effort to settle the agrarian question on the lines of voluntary purchase. It is not in the least likely that his measure will be greeted with unqualified approval either by the representatives of the tenants or by those of the landlords. It is, however, desira.ble that the question should, be approached by both parties in the same busi- ness spirit which characterised the proceed- ing's of the Land Conference, and resulted in such unexpected and most welcome agree- ment.—"Daily Telegraph. I Haut Ton. I "Mr. Chamberlain's train de luxe arrived here yesterday from Kimberley," says a Renter message, dated Bloemfontein, Feb- ruary 2. The right hon. gentleman is facing the hardship;) of his Imperial task most man- fully, and though he has not enjoyed pomp and circumstance equal to Lord Ourzon's Durbar delights of 150 first-class elephants keeping step, he has quite eclipsed Mr. Brodrick's salutes from some awkward squad of the horse-marinesh The Randlords will take care that the result of the trip, so far as they are concerned, will be altogether of a "de luxe" nature.—"Morning Leader." I Licensing Reform I The remarkable feature of this widespread activity in the direction of licensing reform appears in the fact that it does not imme- diately arise out of any temperance cam- paign, characterised by unhappy recrimina-- tions and fruitful of local ill-feeling, and that it cannot be traced to any recent public impetus. The whole question seems rather to have been slowly ripening to the point of a practical solution, and the readiness with which the licensing trade in many parts of the country is meeting the views of tiie magistrates indicatee that that solution is neither so difficult nor so distant as many suppose.—"Daily Mail."

CARDIFF BOARD SOHOOLS. I Site Wanted in Canton Marke*. At a meeting of the Cardiff Property and Markets Committee, over which Mr. W. Evans presided, this morning the Borough Engineer estimated the value of an acre and a half of land in Canton Market, which is required for the erection of an elementary school, at £5,633 18s. 3d., of which 1188 18s. 3d. was for private improvements. Mr. Harpur valued the land ( h: ch belongs to the corporation) at 6d. per yard, at 30 years' purchase.

I A CARDIFF GROCER'S DEBT I Before Judge Owen, at Cardiff County-court to-day, Messrs Spillers and Bakers, Cardiff, sought to recover L15 2s. from W. R1. Warman in respect of goods supplied.—For the plain- tiffs, it was stated that defendant's mother died in September last, and left an estate of about E700, of which defendant's portion was £ 89.—The Judge: Have you had that money? —Defendant: Only £ 25. A Newport firm has had nearly X40, on which they had a garni,ihee.-The Judge: They were in the field before Messrs. Spillers and Bakers then. How have you been living?—Defendant: On the E25.-Th,e Judge: Oh, you have been kicking your heels up and doing nothing. How much more'a coming to you?—Defendant: Nothing. I have paid off debts with the remainder.— The Judge: How much have you got left of the £ 25?—Defendant: Nothing.—The Judge: Oh, it has all gone by righteous living, I sup- pose.—Judgment for plaintiffs for Zi per month.

I A FORTUNE LOST I A sitting of the London Court of Bankruptcy was held yesterday for the public examina- tion of Herbert Scott Thompson, described as a member of the Primrose Club, Park-place, St. James's, lately of Beverley, Yorkshire. In answer to Mr. E. S. Grey (Official Receiver), the debtor said that he formerly lived at Beverley with his mother, who died in June, 1900. leaving to him the whole of her estate, consisting of gilt-edged securities and a freehold house and furniture, worth together about £ 33,000. A few weeks later he conveyed to his wife by deed of gift the house and fur- niture, valued together at f,3,000, and in the following October he transferred to her rail- way and other securities of the value of 211,500. At this time he was perfectly solvent, and the sole object of the deed of gift was to make his wife's position secure. He subse- quently realised the remaining stoclis and shares by degrees, and commenced betting and gambling, with the result that the elate had altogether disappeared, and he now owed E700. His wife also realised the stocks and shares transferred to her, and in December, 1901, went abroad to live. She forwarded money to him through an agent, and that was at present his only source of income. His deficiency account showed that since June, 1900, he had lost M,000 by betting and gam- bling. During the same period his household and personal expenditure amounted to E3,215, and he had expended aboutil,500 on jewellery, which he presented to his wife. Of his present indebtedness a portion was for liabilities incurred on behalf of a lady who had been living under his protection. The examination was concluded.

COUNTY-COURT COSTS At Cardiff County-court to-day (before his Honour Judge Owen) Robert Bevan, cycle dealer, Cardiff, claimed from B. Rces Oriel, a commercial traveller, the sum of 18s. 3d.. being the balance of jE4 15s. 2d. for goods supplied.— Mr. Francis represented the plaintiff, and stated that the costs in the case had made the original amount double what it really was. Defendant had up to now paid about L7 3s.— His Honour fined the defendant £2 for non- attendance.

BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS. I Tha following are the readings since five o'clock last evening, &3 given by the barometer in the vestibule of the Evening Kxpress," St. Mary-street, Cardiff, which is 33ft. above mean sea level:-

TALES OF THE SEA. Wreck of a Sailing Ship. REPORTED LOSS OF THIRTY HANDS. 1-1 Great consternation has been caused at Dunkirk by the receipt of information that the sailing ship Vanstabel, belonging to Dun- kirk, has been lost, with all hands, whilst on a voyage from the Clyde to San Francisco. She was only launched recently. The ship, according to telegrams received from Dun- kirk, has been found wrecked off Stornaway, Scotland, under circumstances leaving no doubt that all hands, about 30, perished. The wreck and bodies are reported to have been washed ashore. The steamer Meldon, which was reported a few days ago to have been in collision at Pen- arth, entered the Channel Dry Dock last night for repairs. She still retains her cargo, the total dead-weight of the ship and cargo in dock being about 6,000 tons. Steamer Ashore. A steamer is ashore at Porthgwarra-, near Penzance. The Land's End lifeboat is proceed- ing to the rescue, A Lloyd's message states that the steamer ashore at Porthgwarra, Cornwall, is the Ren- wick, of Newcastle. She is full of water. Part of the crew left in their own boat. The remainder are on board. Another message says:—The Newcastle steamer Berwick, 1.800 tons, went ashore early this morning on the Runnelstone, near Land's End. She afterwards drifted towards the shore and became a total wreck. Nineteen of the crew landed in their own boat. and Cap- tain Ooulson, two officers, an engineer, and a fireman were taken off by the lifeboat and landed at Penzance. The Berwick was from Antwerp to Swansea. German Steamer Aground. Aden, Wednesday.—A German steamer ie aground four miles west of Mocha. Her signal letters are" Q G 4 Yv." She expects to get off. The 4" in the signal letters is possibly a mutilation for V," the telegraphic signals being almost identical, and the signal letters thus corrected into "Q. G. V. W." would be those of the North German Lloyd steamer Freiburg, from Hamburg for China, which was at Port Said on January 28.-Reuter.

THE KING'S ILLNESS. Progressing Satisfactorily. No announcement could be made at Windsor Castle at ten o'clock this morning as to his Majesty's condition, but it was understood the King had again passed a satis- factory night. Sir Francis Laking will see the King this morning. The band of the Scots Guards played this morning as usual in the Gra-nd Quadrangle before the private apart- ments. a later telegram says:—The King continues to progress satisfactorily. His Majesty is still confined to his room.

CARDIFF FISH MARKET. I Further Decrease in the Receipts I At a meeting of the Cardiff Property and J Markets Committee this morning the manager of the fish market reported that the receipts for the last three weeks were X36 19s. Id., com- pared with X41 15i. lid. in the corresponding period of last year—a decrease of L4 16s. lOd. Mr. Mildon asked the manager if he could give any reason for the decrease. The Manager replied that it was due to a lack of tenants for the wholesale market. There was an increase in the receipts from hucksters on the land adjoining the market. Mr. Veall asked how much of the total receipts was paid by hucksters. The Manager replied that out of the X36 19s. Id. received for the last three weeks zE13 Is. was paid by the hucksters. Mr. Veall: So that we only receive RB a week from the fish market, and the manager's salary alone is nearly X5 a week. The Manager stated thai the weight of fish brought into the market last week was 241cwt. There were plenty of buyers, but there was a scarcity of fish, owing to the stormy weather. Mr. Mildon said this was becoming a serious matter. The Chairman stated that a sub-committee had been appointed to deal with the subject, but for a reason which he stated he had not called the members together yet.

REFORM BILL IN MANXLAND. Public-houses to be Closed at Election Time. The Manx Legislative Council yesterday con-I sidered the Reform Bill which had been passed by the House of Keys. The! Council paaaed I clauses providing for household suffrage, reducing the duration of the Hou^e of Keys I from seven to five years, and closing all licensed premises in the district where an election is being held. The House of Keys had inserted a clause abolishing canvassing, but this was struck out, it being consider??, sible to carry it out, and, if effective, render- ing every election liable to be upset. The Tied House Abolition Bill was read a first time in the House of Keys. Mr. Hall Caine moved the clauses excluding from the licen- sing bench not only persons interested in the licence under adjudication, but interested as owners, occupiers, or mortgagees in other licensed premises in the district, exception being made to shareholders in railway, tram- way, or steam packet companies. The new standing orders of the House prevented any- one voting on a matter in which he is pecu- niary interested, and on a divisioh on Mr. Hall Caine's motion, a dozen members, including the speaker, all interested in licences as shareholders in companies, left the House, and there was no quorum. Eventually, after several similar scenes, the House resolved that members did not come, within the standing orders simply through being shareholders. Still, several members declined to vote on the clause, which was adopted.

I DR CLIFFORD'S REPLY TO MR BALFOUR In the new issue of the "New Liberal Review" Dr. Clifford continues his reply to the recent pamphlet of Mr. Balfour on the Education Act, vigorously and rhetorically defending the policy of passive resistance. He claims that:—"The right to resist is in- herent in the citizen; the only question is, What act of the Executive Government is of such a. character as to make. it absolutely right and necessary for the independent and patriotic citizen to meet it with stubborn, if passive, resistance?" Meeting the argu- ment that the collective voice of the people, ascertained by constitutional means and made effective by the universal rule of majority, must prevail in national affairs, Dr. Clifford exclaims:—"Agreed! It is a part of the Liberal creed; but it is certain, by every sign our national life affords, that this Act does not express the eollective voice of the people: it is equally certain that that voice has not been ascertained by constitutional means, j and, therefore, no one feels that the Act has any moral authority behind it. It is itself a breach of the Constitution, and must be resisted by every man who cares to keep that Constitution intact." Treating of the position of the teachers under the Bill, Dr. Clifford says" It is the re-imposition of the Tut Act in the Civil Service of the country in the most flagrant way. It is a direct bribe to the Free Churchmen to enter the Anglican Church, and I, as a Free Church- man, am asked to share in this act of bribery. It is putting a premium on hypoo- risy, and I. as an honest man, am to join in the creation of hypocrites. It ensures the deterioration of English education by shutting out the most skilled and competent from the highest poats. and I. as a citizen, must pay the rate for it. Is any sane man surprised if I say, 'I will do no such thing?' The article concludes in a passionate protest against clerioalwm.

I AFFORESTATION. Action by the Pembroke County Council. A PROPOSED SCHOOL OF FORESTRY At the Pembrokeshire County Council on Tuesday Mr. Edward Robinson, Boncath, moved: That our clerk be instructed to com- municate with the respective county councils in the Principality, with a view of ascertain- ing if they are prepared to join in a confer- ence, to be composed of, say, three repre- sentatives of each county council, for the purpose of discussing the desirability of estab- lishing a school of forestry for the whole of Wales." In doing so, he said that, since giving notice of the resolution, a Government Com- mittee had issued its report with reference to the afforestation of waste lands. In his opinion, however, this report was somewhat disappointing, and the scheme they recom- mended was not a bold or comprehensive one. It would take years to educate any large number of young men as foresters if the Com- mittee's recommendations were carried out, which was doubtful. Successive Governments had been appealed to to establish a school of forestry for the United Kingdom, but they had hitherto turned a. deaf ear to the entreaties made. He. considered it to be a national question, and, as the Government had hitherto refused to deal with it, his con- tention was that public bodies must step into the breach and endeavour to supply the long- felt want. The Government had also been inconsistent. For a number of years a school of forestry had been established to educate young men to watch over the forests of India. If India required such a school, surely the mother country should have one also. They were considered to be the greatest commer- cial nation in the world, yet so far as the afforestation of their lands was concerned they were the most backward. He believed nearly every State in Europe had its school of forestry, and the Governments of those States paid great regard to their woodlands; but in this country they were neglected, and, consequently, millions of money were lost through lacking proper supervision. He much regretted having no reliable data to work upon as to what waste lands they had in the Principality. Assuming, however, that there were 1,000,000 acres (and this he considered a low estimate), this, if cultivated and judi- J ciously planted, would at the end of thirty years be worth from £25,000,000 to £30,000,000. At present they drew their supplies of pit- wood for the South Wales collieries principally from France. He estimated that they received 750,000 to a million tons annually, representing a money value of nearly £1.000.000. If their waste lands were properly cultivated in the Principality they could supply the whole of the collieries in South Wales without having recourse to the imported article. Let them consider the enterprise the French Government had shown. About the year 1860 they had, in the province of Landes, some 750,000 acres of utterly waste land. the freehold of which was not worth more than 2s. 6d. per acre. To bring this into cultivation the land was drained and dykes were made. after which the land was planted with a species of pine. It thrived so luxu- riously that it stimulated private enterprise. and a further 750,000 acres were planted by private owners, and it was this magnificent forest that now supplied their collieries in South Wales. The timber in this forest, from what he could learn, was now worth over £30,000,000. They paid about £25.000,000 annually to foreign countries for their timber require- ments, and he contended that if all their wood a.nd waste lands in the United Kingdom were properly cultivated a saving could be effected of at least £6,000,000 per annum, the greater part of which would go into the pockets of their landed proprietors. That it paid to grow timber was beyond dispute, as the company he represented lately purchased, in the neighbourhood of Narberth, ten acres of very fine larch of 45 growth for £1.000. This worked out at £100 per acre. and repaid the owner for the rental of the land nearly £2 5s. per acre during the whole time it was erowing, and on land, a portion of which, in his opinion, from an agricultural point of view, was not worth more than 5s. per acre. A. part of this timber grew in a dingle, and the land. consequently, was not capable of cultivation. The demand for native timber was. he imagined, beyond the conception of the council. The company he represented cut down, on an average, 150 acres annually, as they were only one of hundreds in the timber trade this would rive the council some idea of the great demand. In fact, unless something was done to renlpce their waste ind utterlv-neglected woodland* there would he a native timber famine within the next- 50 vears. The auestion then rose what was the first step towards re-planting. His answer was, establish a school of forestry without Tha need of such a school was the "hief reason why landi had not been more nxt¡>11si.vplv nl:1.ntõ. Owners of wood and waste had had anvorie to advioe them all to • hat timber wag emit 1, l for soils. Tt. was imnossihlf in Wales. England, and Tre- to obtain for»«ter*. except in very rare instances, who landowners a a to what class of t'mber they should plant. 'h", result, beine that they had had failures in planting wni,h worp most discouraging. In travelling over the country one saw thousand* and thousands of miserably-erown, stnnted oak, which was not worth more than £10 to £20 ner acre, whereas if timber suited to the soil had been Planted it would probably be worth £50 to £1M per acre. It would thus be seen what an enormous loss was sustained through not having anvone to advise them as to the par- ticular timber they should have planted on their lands. A school of forestrv would give employment to hundreds of young men. It I would also be a nursery where landowners oould report, to and secure suitable persons to undertake to advise as to how their waste and wood lands should be cultivated. It would also be a great boon to small landed proprietors who did not care, for financial reasons, to employ a forester all the year round, for they could then resort to this school and obtain one for a few months. Assuming they got the county councils to fall in with their views, they would have to select in one of the counties of the Principality a suitable plot of land. sav 200 acres. This, he imagined, could be obtained at a very cheap rate, of course, reserving to the councils the right to purchase a further quantity of land up to 1.000 acres. When the school was thoroughly established there would, he felt sure, be a great call for their trained foresters for the whole of the United Kingdom. The school would, he believed, in the course of a few years, be self- supporting. On the lands they had acquired trees and shrubs could be grown which, when disposed of, would be a great source of revenue. In this age of agricultural depres- sion landowners, in a great number of instances, had not the means at their hands to enable them to plant so extensively as they would wish. He, therefore, considered that the Government should come forward and advance a certain sum to landed proprietors at a rate of. say 3i per cent.—he should imagine that from £1.000.000 to £2.000,000 would be the maximum required—they, of course, to have the first charge on the property. Assum- ing it was mortgaged, no mortgagee would object to this. as by planting the woodlands it would considerably enhance the value, the Government to be re-paid by a sinking fund, say of 4 per cent. per annum. Supposing a landed proprietor wanted to plant 100 acres, the outlay would be about. £600. This amount, re-paid by establishing a sink- ing fund, say for 25 years, would, exclusive of interest, amount to only £24 per annum—not a very great burden to be borne. Assuming the county councils agreed to the schemc. he thought that if they were to contribute a maximum of £500 each, and £100 a year for ten years, the college would be after that date self-supporting, and if the Government were appealed to it would probably give a grant of. say, £5.000 towards the building and land purchase. If money could be obtained in this manner what an impetus it would give to afforestation and re-planting. It would place country districts in a flourishing condition and give work to thousandb upon thousands of their unem- ployed. He hoped his motion would meet with the unanimous support of the council. Mr. W. Howell Walters seconded. He said the motion commenced at the right end by educating people to undertake forestry.. Other members having supported, the Chair- man (Sir Charles Philipps, Bart.) said that few more practical resolutions had been brought before the council. They knew that a very large proportion of land in Wales, particu- larly in Pembrokeshire, was devoid of trees, and he knew, of his own experience, that there was a good deal of it upon which nothing would grow but trees, and, if trees were properly planted on it they would, in the course of a few years yield a good return to those who had pluck enough to pl&nt them. They greatly needed a school of forestry to make tree-planting both popular and more remunerative, and he. therefore, hoped that the other county councils of Wales would receive Mr. Robinson's resolution in the encouraging way in which he was sure the Pembrokeshire Council would receive it. (HeaT. hear.) The motion was then pnt to the meeting &nd carried unanimously,

VILLAGE SCANDAL. The Vicar and His Parishioner. AFFILIATION CASE SEQUEL. I Rev. Gentleman Charged with Perjury. At the opening of Essex Winter Assizes at Chelmsford to-day Mr. Justice Lawrance, in charging the grand jury, referred to the oa.se in which the Rev. Sydney Charles Beauchamp, rector of Little Lavers, is charged with perjury, alleged to have been committed during the hearing of an affiliation summons I brought against the defendant by Alice Pavitt, a parishioner. His Lordship said that when Beauchamp was threatened with the affiliation order he consulted his friends, and then proceeded to the Pavitt's house, where he obtained from the girl and her mother a written document which stated that there was no truth in the charge which Miss Pavitt had made. The girl, however, proceeded with her case, and said that when she put her name to the paper there was no writing upon it. Mr. Beauchamp, on the other hand, said he sat down in the cottage and wrote it with the same pen and ink as the names were signed with. That was not so. He made a mistake in saying that he wrote the document at the cottage, but making a mistake was a very different thing from committing perjury. [Proceeding.]

I THE LIFLBOAT DISASTER. I Removal of Bodies toOystermouth I for Burial. This morning the bodies of the six lifeboat men, who lost their lives in the recent life- boat disaster at Aberavon, were conveyed by road to Oystermouth for burial. It was a mournful scene to witness the coffins contain- ing the bodies of the deceased men (each covered with a Union Jack and in a separate hearse) as the cortege wended its way through High-street, Aberavon. The greatest respect wa& shown by the tradesmen of Aberavon, all business being suspended and all blinds having been drawn. A number of the prin- cipal residents accompanied the sad and mournful cortege to the outskirts of the town, the procession being witnessed by a large number of silent spectators, whose eyes betokeped sympathy with the relatives of the deceased men. Mr. Forsdyke, of the Walnut Tree Hotel, Aberavon, provided the hearses, &c.

I SMALL-POX. I I Another Case at Oswestry. I Another case of small-pox is reported at Oswestry, the patient being a tramp, who, aocording to his own statement, has been travelling about Montgomeryshire during the past fortnight. He states that while at For- den Workhouse he complained of feeling un- well, and asked to see a doctor. The request was refused, and, it being thought he was fit for work, he was taken while in a state of infection before a magistrate, who, however, discharged him. This is only the man's state- ment. He is now under treatment at the isolation hospital at Morda.

I SUDDEN DEATH OF A COLLEGE I PROFESSOR. A feeling of painful surprise was experienced at St. Andrews this morning when it became known that Professor Ritchie had died sud- denly at his residence, Kennedy House, last night. Although Mr. Ritohie had been indis- posed for several days and was unable to meet his classes, nothing serious was appre- hended. In fact, the deceased was engaged in conversation with a brother professor about twenty minutes before he expired, and there was no indication that death was so near at hand. Professor Ritchie, however, became suddenly worse about ten o'clock, and, although medical assistance was imme diately called, he shortly afterwards expired from heart weakness.

OUT ON HER GOOD BEHAVIOUR f Before Alderman Ebenezer Beavan and Dr. James Mullin at Cardiff Police-court to-day Catherine Sullivan, 27, was charged with being drunk whilst in charge of a child under the age of seven in Broadway.-Prisoner, pro- ducing a medical card, said the child was in the doctor's hands, and had, in fact, always been ill.—Police-constable Theophilus James said that at 8.30 p.m. on the 20th of last month he was in Broadway, and saw defendant with a three months' child in her arms. She was drunk and staggering. He took her into custody, and she fell several times on the way. She "smelt heavily" of drink.—She had (said Police-sergeant Davies) appeared before no fewer than 21 times. She was last fined on the 10th of December, and still owes the penalty of 10s. then inflicted.—The Magistrates adjourned the case for three months, prisoner being out on her good behaviour for that period.

I DARING JEWELLERY ROBBERY I I Last December nearly 11,000 worth of jewel- iery was sent by order of a forged telegram on approval to the Liverpool residence of Mrs. Thomas Brocklebanks, wife of a Liverpool shipowner, and there called for by a man who had previously, as alleged by telegram, been so instructed by Mrs. Brocklebanks, who was staying in London. To all outward appear- ance the man's bona-fides seemed good. and the Brocklebanks' housekeeper handed over the jewellery to be conveyed by him to Mrs. Brocklebanks. In the telegram he gave the name of Lang Millar, agent for the Brockle- bank shipping firm at Cape Town. This telegram was the only clue the Liver- pool police had. They photographed it, and sent it to the Cape, and Mr. Lang Millar has since identified it as the handwriting of a man who took part in the war in the cyclist corps and obtained, by means of a good address, entrance into the best society at the Cape. He is alleged to have a bad record, and pre- viously to the Transvaal War was convicted of forgery. On leaving South Africa he sailed for England, via Delagoa Bay. The police offer a reward of X50 for his apprehension.

I MULTIPLICATION I Joseph Davis, a London and North Western Railway carman, was summoned at the City Summons Court, London, yesterday for driv- ing on the footway in Widegate-street. Police-constable Norman, in the course of his evidence, said the horse had its fore feet on the footway. Defendant: No. The Constable: I say it did. Defendant: It only had its front feet on. The Constable: That is what I say. Defendant: You say it had its four feet on ? The Constable: Yes. Dr. Crosby: He says it had its two fore feet on the footway. Defendant: Two four-two fore feet, yes. (Laughter.) He was fined 28. 6d. and costs.

JUDGEOWEN AND MANAGING CLERKS I At Cardiff County-court to-day (before his Honour Judge Owen) George Merry, a Cardiff tradesman, claimed lis. from the Taff Vale Railway Company in respect of goods lost in transit. Mr. Portnell (managing clerk to Messrs. Ingledew and Sons, solicitors, Cardiff) appeared for the railway company.—The Judge: But you are not a solicitor.—Mr. Port- nell: But I ask your honour to give me leave, as I have had this action in hand all along.— The Judge: You know I have no power to hear managing clerks.—Mr. Portnell: I should have asked you to give me leave in the first I place.—The Judge: I cannot give you leave. I must do my duty to the Bar. You must tell Messrs. Ingledew that if they want work done they must do it themselves. I won't allow managing clerks to be sent here,The plain- j tiff having stated his case, judgment wai civen in hit favour.

VENEZUELAN WAR. I Destruction of a Rebel Army. 50 OFFICERS AND 200 MEN TAKEN PRISONERS, Caracas, Tuesday.—An attempt to revive the revolution has been decisively crushed by the Government troops. A rebel army, which was advancing under the command of Rolando and Ducharmis, has been encountered and destroyed near Camatagua by General Alcan- tarn, who took 50 officers and 200 men pri- soners. He also captured 200 Mausers, 40,000 cartridges, and 50 mules. Consternation reigns in the camp of the Revolutionist party in Caracas, who were confident of victory.— Press Association Foreign Special. Paris, Wednesday.—The "Matin" publishes the following from Caracas:-It is announced from Mara.caibo that the Revolutionary fac- tion which was operating on the banks of the lake has surrendered to the Government. A large force of troops, under the command of General Ferrer, were sent this morning to the region of Guayquire and Guarina-s, where the revolutionary General Rolando is in strength. All bakeries in Caracas are closed, having exhausted their stock. Two shops -sold biscuits this morning, but these are now closed.-Reuter. The British Consul at La Guayra has informed the Prefect that the British cruiser Tribune is going to enter the inner harbour of Puerto Cabello to clean her bottom, and has asked the Prefect to inform the inhabi- tants of Puerto Cabello that they need not be alarmed at the arrival of the cruiser. Everything is quiet at Caracas. The Govern- ment has ordered the Nationalist General Samuel Acosta, who has been a prisoner at Maracaybo for two years, to be released.— Reuter. Claims by Mexico Washington, Wednesday.—Mexico has entered the ranks of the claimant nations. The Mexican Ambassador here has notified Mr. Bowen that the claims of Mexican citizens against Venezuela are computed at £ 18,000.— Reuter. The Attitude of the United States New York, Wednesday.—The newspapers state, on what they describe as good authority, that at a. conference of the repre- sentatives of Great Britain, Germany, and Italy at the British Embassy yesterday it was agreed to send Notes to their Governments setting forth the exact attitude of the United States regarding the demand for the special treatment of their claims put forward by the co-operating Powers and the state of public feeling in this country on the subject, and urging prompt acceptance.—Reuter.

I EX-CONVICT'S SINGULAR STORY An extraordinary story was told to Mr. Plowden at Marylebone Police-court, London, yesterday, by a man describing himself ail an ex-convict, who said that a few days ago he and another man were walking along a road when he met two constables. Both of them were known to him; they stopped, and one of them shook him by the hand, saying, "HaJlo, Tommy, how are you getting on?" He replied that he was all right, whereupon the con- stable said, "Can you put us up to a job?" explaining that they wanted him to find two "mugs" who had done a little bit of time. Mr. Plowden: What is a tnug? (Laughter). Applicant: A fellow I could lead astray, I suppose. Continuing, he said the constable then promised to give him a "bit of gold," as it would "get their names up," and directed him to take the "mugs" up a certain avenue, give them some keys and a chisel, or some- thing of tha-t sort, and leave them there, so that the constables could pounce upon them and charge them with attempted house- breaking. Mr. Plowden: A very simple plan. What did you say? Applicant: I said, "All right. Arrange your time," and after they bad arranged the time and place they each gave me threepence and some cigarettes. Now (he continued), I want to ask, is it fair of me to get a man convicted like that? Mr. Plowden: Have you really come to waste the time of the Court with this cook-and-bull story ? Applicant: I have come to see justice done. Why should I be used to swear innocent men's lives away? Mr. Plowden: Go and report the matter at Scotland Yard, and you might, I would sug- gest, leave the 6d. with the Commissioner as a pledge of your veracity.

WELSH TIN-PLATE TRADE All the employes of the Melyn Tin-plate Company, Neath, have been given a month's notice. No reason has been assigned, but it is stated that the company will undergo a change in its personal constitution.

COLLIERY STOPP AGE AT NEATH The men of Eaglesbush Colliery, near Neath, are all out, the property, it is reported, having failed to pay. The men state that they have had no wages for three weeks. The pit has been idle since last Saturday, and 300 men are thrown out of work.

SOLICITOR IN THE DOCK Christopher Frederick Emmett, a solicitor, of 119, Loughborough-road, Brixton, was, a Bow-street Police-court, London, yesterday charged, on a warrant, with forging and uttering a cheque for 912 12&. Mr. F. A. Rowe, representing the Director of Publio Prosecutions, said in July, 1901, Mr. Richard Squire, an undertaker, of Chiswick, conducted the funeral of the late Marquis de Louville, whose executors refused to pay the account on the ground that the charge of twelve guineas was excessive. Mr. Squire thereupon consulted the prisoner at his office in Budge-row, City, and he eventually suc- ceeded in obtaining a cheque for the amount from Messrs. Hore, Pattison, and Bathurst, solicitors to the executors. The prisoner en- dorsed the cheque in the name of Squire (which was the act of forgery alleged) and cashed it, and he afterwards told Mr. Squire that he had been unable to obtain the money. Prisoner asked if the charge could be re- duced to one of larceny as a bailee and dealt with summarily. He admitted having en- dorsed the cheque, being under the impres- sion that he had some authority to do so. He had not paid over the money owing to great misfortunes. He was at present undergoing a month's imprisonment in default of pay- ing a fine of f,5 for assaulting a 'bua con- ductor. Mr. Marsham said the case must go for trial, and in the meantime the prisoner would be remanded to enable the prosecution to com- plete the case.

I ACCIDENT TO A T.V.R. GUARD At 8.10 this morning William Hawkins, aged 48, residing at May-street, Cardiff, a guard in the employ of the Taff Vale Railway Company, was admitted into the Cardiff Infirmary, suf- fering from injuries to his head, caused by falling from a truck while the train was in motion. He is still unconscious, and is in a. serious condition.

I SUNDAY GOLF AT PORTHCAWL I f The Free Church Council at Porthcawl is to l combine with certain gentlemen of the Eatab- lished Church to endeavour to put a atop to golfing on Sundays.

SAXONY SCANDAL.1 New and Unexpected Development. FRENCH OFFICIALS DEMAND I PRINCESS'S PAPERS. The affair of the ex-Crown Princess of Saxony is entering upon a. stage which will probably bring much unpleasantness to the lady. A telegram to the Vienna, "Neuea Wiener Tag- blatt" from Mentone reports that M. Giron was called before the Prefecture there and ordered V produce his papers. Giron could only partially satisfy the demands of the authorities, so a certain time was granted him within which he must comply with the official requirements. An officer of the Pre- fecture also called upon the ex-Princess, desiring to see her papers. She answered.that she po-seessed no papers (that is, of identifica- tion, marriage, baptism, &c.), but everyone knew who she was. The official expressed the wish of the Prefecture that she would obtain these documents. It is rumoured that the authorities contem- plate the expulsion of Giron and the ex- Princess from Mentons. The lady, who was evidently prepared for the request of the Pre- fecture, has addressed, as many North German papers asserted yesterday, a. letter to her father, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in which she strongly protected against the necessary documents, especially her baptismal certifi- cate, being refused her. The intended journey of the Princess to Salzburg is connected with obtaining her papers, and arrangements are also to be made at Salzburg as to her future intercourse with her children. It is stated, however, in a well-informed quarter in Vienna that the Salzburg journey of the Princess is not at all certain. The Crown Princess of Saxony, accompanied by M. Giron, left Mentone on Tuesday for Geneva in order to consult M. Lachenal, her solicitor, with a view to ascertaining whether it will be possible for her to see one of her children, who is ill. M. Giron will return on Friday next, and the Princess on the following Wednesday. Nice. Wednesday.—The Crown Princess of Saxony, with M. Giron, left Cap Martin hur- riedly last night for Geneva. The Princess last evening received a telegram from her mother stating that her youngest child, the Princess Mary, was suffering from typhoid fever, and was in a dangerous condition. The Princess at once telegraphed to Dresden demanding permission to see the child, and then made preparations to leave. She hopes to receive at Geneva the necessary authority which will enable her to proceed to Dresden without delay. After the interview the Prin- cess will return to Mentone with M. Giron.— Central News. I The Crown Princess at Geneva. Geneva, Wednesday.—The Crown Princess of Saxony, with M. Giron, arrived at Geneva at a quarter past twelve this afternoon by the Geneva express. The Archduke Leopold was waiting at the station, and tenderly em- braced his sister when she alighted. The I party proceeded at once to the Hotel.Suirse.- Central News.

I THE CHARGE AGAINST" LODR I GARDNER." The grand jury at the North London Ses- sions. Clerkenwell, to-day returned- a true bill for misdemeanour in connection with this case. The calendar contains the following:— Allen Hyde Gardner, otherwise Lord Gardner,' bailed at the police-court on the 29th of January, 1903, obtaining by false pre- tences from William Chorley Dunn the sum of jE5 8s. 4d., the moneys of the Carlton Hotel Company (Limited), in incurring a debt of L40 to the said Carlton Hotel Company (Limited) did obtain credit by false pretences." It is understood that Mr. Bodkin and Mr. Travers 'Humphreys have been instructed for the prose- cution, but up to the present, no counsel have been instructed to represent the accused. The case will not be taken to-day. Probably an application will be made to fix a date for trial.

I ASSAULTING A TRAMWAY INSPECTOR I This afternoon at Cardiff Police-court (before Messrs. T. H. Stephens and James Howard) Thomas Thomas, 43, Dorsetrstreet, was summoned for assaulting Tramway- inepector G. Knill, in Wood-street, on the even- ing of the 26th of January. Mr. Hailoran (from the town-clerk's office) conducted the prosecution. He stated that at 8.40 on the night in question a tramcar wad in Wood- street taking passengers. Defendant was there in a state of intoxication, and, in spite of complainant's prohibition, persisted in getting on the car. He was prevailed upon to leave, but as the car was about to start he boarded it again, used bad language, and dealt an un- provoked blow with his clenched fist in the jaw. Defendant called next day at the tram- way officer, and saw Mr. H. David, traffic manager, and 'said he was very sorry, but could not remember anything about it-There were previous convictions against defendant, who was fined 10s. and costs, or fourteen days.

LADY GOES TO AN INEBRIATES' HOME I At West London Police-court to-day Lady Lawson, 39, wife of Sir Charles Lawson, was brought up on remand charged with annoying the inhabitants of 15, Evelyn-gardens, Ken- sington, by ringing the door-bell.Gounsel said Lady Lawson had agreed to enter an inebriates' home, and defendant went into the witness-box and signed the necessary docu- ment, saying that she did so voiuntarily.- The Magistrate said she was acting very wisely, and allowed the charge to be with- drawn.

I EXTENSION OF LIVERPOOL. I At a meeting to-day of the Liverpool City Council a. letter was read from the Local Government Board stating that, after con- sidering the report of the inspeotor regarding the recent inquiry into the extension of the city boundaries, and having decided that the borough of Bootleshall be included in the city, a Provisional Order will be issued to carry out his decision. The adjoining districts are not to be incorporated. Bootle's petiton for extension was refused. This will add about 60.000 to Liverpool's population.

I TROUBLE IN SALVADOR. I New York, Wednesday.-Panama advices state that the situation in Salvador is becom- ing worse. The rebels are supported by Guatemala, and the Guatemalan and Salva- dorean Armies are assembling on the frontier. Nicaragua is helping Salvador. The Nicara- guan cruiser Mmntombo as landed at Acapitla, Salvador, 1,500 rifles and 300,000 cartridges, which President Zelaya is sending to the Guatemalan revolutionists who are with the Salvadorean Army. The movement is aimed against Guatemala. Costa Rica, and the Central American Union, the ostensible object being war.-Reuter.

CONCERT AT CARDIFF WORKHOUSE I The inmates of the Cardiff Workhouse last I evening were given a most enjoyable enter- tainment by the local post and telegraph staff. For upwards of an hour the audience was delighted with a bewildering succession of moving pictures," shown on the bioscope, manipulated by Mr. Tetlow. The musical pro- gramme; arranged by Mr. Hutchens, gave much satisfaction, his duets with Miss Dora Reid taking the audience by storm. Miss Mildred Waters and her orchestra gave charm- ing items, Miss Lena Matthews contributing several well-rendered recitations. The other artistes were Miss Gwen Lyons, Messrs. Perry, Sydney Jenkins, Hughes, Penn, and short; Mesdames Esnouf and Cook, and Miss L. Reid. Messrs. Kelly and Coles assisted at the piano.

A HARBOUR IN ZULULAND. I Pietermaritzburg, Tuesday—In a. report to the Government concerning the scheme for the construction of a harbour in Zululand Mr. Cathcart Methven, the well-known engi- neer, condemns St. Lucia Bay, and strongly recommends Umratoose Lagoon as the site for the proposed harbour, pointing out the advantage of the latter place for the found- ing of a flourishing township and calling attention to its good water mppiy.—Reuter.

"Coehfarfs" ii Comments. Bravo, Whitchurch! I have always admired the activity of the parish council of this enterprising community; and, whilst hundreds of parishes are content with having a meeting once a year to "elect a council," such councils agree to a policy of masterly inactivity until the next election, when they are again elected on account of their "save the rates" qualities. At Whitchurch they provide footpaths, erect lighting stan- dards, get as many slices of luck as they can out of their big neighbour, the county borough of Cardiff, and now they have adopted the Free Libraries Act. Let other urban parishes go and do like- wise. The parishioners of Whitchurch are II much indebted to Mr. Bullock for his indefatigable watchfulness over their inte- rests. He has been aptly described as the town-clerk of Whitchurch, and he is well entitled to that distinction. Through my absence from home, the publication of the following letter in I reply to Idris's" strictures on the translations of Ann Griffiths's hymns has been delayed: I Dear Cochfarf',—Your correspondent Idris is, undoubtedly, eminently quali- fied to pose as a judge of what is, or is I not, poetic verse. That he is also supremely sensitive for the dignity of Christianity' is also evident from his use, in this connection, of the quotation I from Artemus Ward. The translations were sent you in response to your invita- tion given in your interesting column, and my having sent them did not convey endorsement or criticism of any kind. < Before your readers endorse' the some- what hasty dictum of Idris' it may be well to remind them that the Eisteddfod award was made, not for the best Eng- ¡ lish poetry' on any subject, but for the best (which, I take it, includes the most literal) translations of certain hymns from the original Welsh of Ann Griffiths I into English verse, or, if possible, the same rhythm and metre. Where was this purist when the first batch of trans- I lations appeared in your columns ?—Yr eiddoch yr bur, "RHYS D. MORGAN." "Maesteg, Jan. 30, 1902." When General Miles's name was so j much before the public as the successful commander of the American forces a few j years ago it was confidently said he was j a descendant of an old Glamorganshire family who migrated into that country j during certain religious persecutions in England. If I am not mistaken, he him- self favours that supposition-or, at least, certain American papers asserted it. If so, and now that General Miles is in this country, it would be a happy inci- dent in his British tour if he could bo induced to visit the scenes of the lives of his ancestors. There are readers of the "Evening Express" who could enlighten its other readers upon the history of the Miles '• family, and if such information were > laid before our distinguished visitor it might decide him to come to Gwald Forgan" before he returns to the land of the setting sun. Certain Welsh- Americans who are resident in London are about to approach him, with the view of his meeting them before he completes his stay in this country, and that will be the time to definitely know from him what his family traditions are concerning the sojourn of his ancestors in Glamor- ganshire. If the names of the contributors to "Y Geninen," the national quarterly maga- zine of Wales, are any criterion of the source of its literary strength, then the editor will soon have to follow thq j example of the editor of Young Wales," j and remove its headquarters to Cardiff. No less than three of the chief contri- butions to the current number are by I Cardiff writers, viz., on "The Welsh Poetry of the Present Day," by Mr. Eilir Evans; National Degeneracy," by I the Rev. Charles Davies; and Islwyn," by the Rev. Cynwyd Thomas. Other I contributors are the Rev. R. Jenkyn Jones, M.A., Aberdare, and "Gwilym I Elian," Pontypridd; whilst a belated notice by the late Jenkin Howell, of ¡ Aberdare, causes the reader to lament ¡ the ..ct that it must have been about the last contribution he prepared for the press before his death. I do not want, two bardic wars to wage in the columns of the "Evening Ex- press" at the same time, which would involve two of my journalistic colleagues being engaged in a deadly combat over things poetic; for is it not enough to have "Idris" and Mr. Rhys D. Morgan discussing translations of Ann Griffiths's hymns without bringing a challenge to Eilir also? Otherwise, I would deal with I Mr. Evans's judgment upon "Modern Welsh Poetry. Now, to call a Welsh poet a "Die Shon Dafydd" is as dangerous to the peace of a community as it is wield a shillellagh at Donnybrook; but that is the term used, in cold blood, by Mr. Eilir Evans to certain writers of modern verses. The charge that contemporary poetry does not reflect the conditions of the age is equivalent to saying that the poet does not well understand his mission, and when he is also deprived of the credit of being his people's prophet readers can understand of what a sweeping character Mr. Evans's article is. It has come in good time, however, and should have a good corrective influence upon those who do not even understand Welsh idioms as native writers ought to know them. A discussion is going on in the columns of the Western Mail" on village sanitation. I do not of my own know- ledge know what the conditions are in the village of Dinas Powis, but wherever there is a rapid development by new building-by which small villages become minature towns almost imperceptibly- and when houses are dumped down with- out the formation of streets or the provi- sion of drainage, an inevitable accumu- lation of village refuse follows, and vil- lages become the breeding grounds of diseases which quickly spread to more populous centres. This is the story of hundreds of mining villages in Glamor- ganshire and Monmouthshire, although matters have improved very much since the inception of the large trunk sewerage schemes, such as that of the Rhondda Dis- trict sewer. Very often the fault does not lie with existing sanitary authorities, the trouble arising from buildings which were erected when every man was his own archi- tept, sanitary inspector, and builder, and when the chief consideration was not what was requisite for good sanitation, but how a house could be built at the least possible cost. The popular description of such. buildings, was that they were blown up," i.e., in the same manner as bubbles are blown.