Evening Express

NEWPORT ROMANCE. Minister's Marriage in Bristol. SAID TO HAVE BEEN ENGAGED TO CARDIFF LADY. I An Extraordinary Story of Love Complications. we reported in our columns the other day the sensational disappearance of the Rev. D. Hywel Wigley, the pastor of the London-street Congregational Chapel, Newport, on the eve, it was reported, of his marriage with a lady in that town, and his subsequent marriage in Bristol with a widow named Mrs. Phillips. After the marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wigley dis- appeared. Yesterday afternoon a press representative- called at the house in. Fishponds where Mrs. Phillips had lived, and there obtained some interesting information relative to the couple. The landlady said she had known Mrs. Phillips for about eighteen inoiitw, She was intro- duced to her by a friend, and fur a long time was quite "gone on her." tu fact, more than once she spent the week end with her at Ashley Down, where Mrs. Phillips kept a news- agent and tobaconist's shop. It was there that she met Mr. Wigley, who was an exceed- ingly nice man. She was told that the couple were engaged to be married, and that Mr. Wigley was a. Congregationalist minister at I Newport. Mrs. Phillips, in fact, showed her the engagement ring. Some time back Mrs. Phillips sold her business at Ashley Down, and went to Clevedon, but she I Got Tired of Clevedon I and asked of the lady in question if she could let her have a. couple of rooms at her house in Fishponds-road. After hesitation this request was complied with, and for the last two or three months Mrs. Phillips, with her little girl. aged about four- teen years, had been living there. She said she had sufficient means to live upon, an uncle having left her some money. Mr. Wigley came up to Bristol once and sometimes twice a, week, and lately he had stopped for the night once or twice. First of all they said tha.t they were going to be married before Christmas, and were going to Western Aus- tralia, but as a. matter of fact they were mar- ried on January 14. It was a quiet wedding. They drove to the Tabernacle, Penn, in a cab, the lady from Fishponds and her friend through whom she had made the acquaintance of Mrs. Phillips accompanying them and wit- nessing the wedding. This was the fourth date that had been fixed for the wedding, it having been postponed for unknown reasons on three previous occasions. They came back to Fishponds-road after the ceremony, and re- mained there until the following Saturday, on which day the lady of the house and the members of her family were surprised to receive a. telegram from Wigley asking them to find them a bed, as they were coming back, and sure enough at eleven o'clock at night they did return, but gave no reason-s for their extraordinary oon- duct. A bed was found for them at a house in Stapl-eton-road, and here they remained until la-si Saturday morning, when they left for Plymouth again, the child accompanying them. It was then stated that they were oing to New York. Mr. Wigley was in his manners a perfect gentleman, and so imposed upon the informant's brother that he prevailed on him to cash a cheque for L5. The cheque has since been returned by the bank dis- honoured. Rumours are general among Mrs. Phillips's late neighbours of Ashley Down and Fishponda-road to the effect that her husband is still living, but how far these rumours are true cannot, of course, be ascertained yet. Interview with the Rev. T. S. Phillips. I Last night a press representative saw tne Rev. T. Sinclair Phillips, pastor of the Bristol Tabernacle, who conducted the marriage cere- mony between the Rev. D. H. Wigley and Mrs. Phillips. Mr. Phillips said that he had known Mr. Wigley for about five or six years. and had found him an exceedingly nice man. He knew nothing of the engagement between the missing minister and Mrs. Phillips until early last summer. Then he met the couple on Purdown, and neither of them attempted to keep their engagement a secret, or in any way to hide their identity. Mr. Phillips, thereofrc, never had the slightest suspi- cion that there was anything wrong more especially as he had known Mr. Wigley for so long. Until the disclosures this week he had no idiea tha.t Mr. Wigley was engaged to a. lady at Newport, althou-gh he now had reason to believe that this was the ca-se-in fact, he was given to understand that Mr. Wigley waa also engaged to another lady a.t Cardiff. When, therefore, Mr. Wigley wrote asking him to marry him on January 15, he had no hesita- tion in complying with the request, and accordingly performed the marriage cere- mony. That was on the Thursday, and on the Friday evening, that is to say, the day before the couple went to Plymouth, they visited Mr. Phillips at his residence, and spent an hour with him. He had not the slightest idea that they had returned from Plymouth and spent another week in Bristol until yes- terday.

RAILWAY DISASTER IN AMERICA. As reported in the later editions of yester- day's Evening Express," the Royal Blue Line express of the Central of New Jersey Railroad, New York, crashed into the rear end of a local train, and the collision resulted in 100 pas- sengers being killed and injured. What made matters worse was that a long mail train, eastward bound, was pass- ing on a parallel line just as the wreck occurred. Many who were hurled aside by the express engine, and would have escaped with comparatively slight injuries, were thrown back into the'wreckage by the mail train. Davis, the driver of the express, died of his injuries. The policeman who assisted him from his engine reported that Davis said: "I am responsible. I saw the danger signal, but I expected it to turn white." Stories of dreadful incidents are numerous. One of these is that the engine of the express ploughed halfway through the rear carriage of the local before it came to a standstill, and that the bodies crushed against the front of the engine, on the cow- catcher, and on the crown sheet could only be removed after a fireman had drenched the front of the locomotive for two hours and thus cooled the plates. The lists of the dead and injured are incomplete, but, so far as they have been compiled, they show that the victims mainly belonged to Plainfield, a residehtial town inhabited by many New York business men.-Reuter. The number of dead is reported at 30. and the injured at over 100. A more horrible wreck has not occurred in the vicinity of New York for years. One woman was slowly roasted to death in full view of the spectators. She was pinned on the crown sheet of the express loco- motive, where the heat was so intense that it was impossible to approach her.-Laffan. Later messages state variously that at least 100 were killed or injured, and over 50 were injured very severely.

TWO MORE COLLISIONS. THIRTEEN KILLED AND 29 I INJURED. According to a telegram from Tucson (Arizona), two Southern Pacific passenger trains came into collision early on Wednes- day morning at a spot fifteen miles east of that place when going at full speed. The debris caught fire and eleven cars were con- sumed in a few minutes. The engine-driver of one of the trains and a fireman were burned to death. Up to the present eight bodies have been found. Seventeen injured persons have been taken to Tucson. One of the earft-a. tourist or cheap sleeping car-broke away from one of the trains and ran down a gradient to Tucson, where it was stopped. Three persons were killed and twelve injured on Wednesday in a collision between two stock trains in a fog at La Fox (Ill.). One of the trains ran into the rear of the other.— Reatea

RhYMNEY RAILWAY. Reply to Shareholders Committee. REASONS for the FLUCTUATION IN DIVIDENDS. I Last week we were able to publish an open letter addressed to the shareholders by a com- mittee who are not satisfied with the actions M the present board of directors. They pro- Posed that the board be increased from seven to nine members, and asked for broxiea in favour of the following shareholders: -Merars. W. H. Lewis. Llanishen; William Jenkins. Treorky; J. B. Ferrier, Penarth; and J. L. 'Smith, Pengam. The directors, through their secretary (Mr. W. Fairlamb), have issued to the shareholders the following reply:- The circular is signed by seven share- holders, whose united holding on the books of the company in their own right is about £ 10,500. They complain that the speech of Mr. Ferrier at the last half-yearly meeting was curtailed, in the published report. That gentle- man spoke a great many times, and the indul- gence of the chairman gave him more than the usual latitude. The board did not attach so much importance to his remarks as the speaker appears to have done, and did not suppose that Mr. Ferrier would on reflection desire that some of hie language should be fully reported. The gentlemen referred to in the circular fcave given notice of motion to increase the lumber of directors from seven to nine. The koard have no objection to nine, provided the nembers elected are true friends of the com- waiiy, and are able and willing to bring traffic o the line, or otherwise aid in promoting its wosperity. It remains to be seen how far the rentlemen named in the circular come under that definition. Mr. Ferrier, who is the chief L-uthor of the circular, is closely allied with the Cardiff Railway Company, by whom a Bill leriously attacking this company is pro- moted in the present year. Mr. Ferrier has repeatedly and constantly supported by his evidence Bills promoted by the Cardiff Rail- way Company and the Barry Railway Com- pany, contrary to the interests of this com- pany. He cannot, therefore, be considered by the directors a suitable addition to the board. Another ground of complaint is the agree- ment entered into with the Great Western Railway Company in regard to Monmouth- obire traffic as far back as 1889. Mr. Ferrier Is reported to be interested in Monmouthshire soal. and the complaint appears to be sug- tested or coloured by his personal interest, rhe directors can assure the shareholders tha.t the agreement was made in their best inte- rests. They do not think it expedient to dis- cuss the details of the agreement, the more 10 as Mr. Ferrier has thought proper to pub- lish in the circular information given to him confidentially, at his request, and on his express promise not to use it publicly. It may be sufficient to say that the powers obtained in 1888 were strongly opposed by the Great Western Railway Company, and were seriously curtailed in the second House. Instead of continuing a contest with the Great Western Railway Company, who at this time lowered their rates, the directors were able to effect an arrangement mutually advan- tageous, and by which this company secured 9, substantial income without the expenditure of any capital. That this wasa wise policy is Proved by the fact that it was adopted and confirmed by the shareholders, and that the Bute Docks Company in 1890 obtained power to construct this Monmouthshire line, instead [If the Rhyinney Railway Company, but decided not to do so. Some very severe blows received by the Rhymney Company have been dealt by their own shareholders, in conjunction with the interested antagonism of their competitors for traffic, but for which the company would have been to-day in an impregnable position. It is to be hoped that history will not repeat itself on this occasion. The past half-year's working shows a great improvement, notwithstanding the adverse conditions, some still existing, mentioned in the last report, and illustrates anew the recu- perative powers of your property. Seven per tent. has been earned on CI50,000 recently added to the qapital and issued at par to the shareholders. Most other railway companies issue stock at a high premium, and if the Shymney Company had done so the nominal .dividend would have been much higher. This should always be remembered in any com- Barigon. The fluctuation of the dividend has been due, as Mr. Ferrier well knows, to the com- petition of the Barry Company, increased "Wages and rates, extra cost of coal and other materials, strikes and explosions at several collieries, Dowlais re-construction largely deducing output. Bute-Nixon lawsuit causing diversion of traffic, colliers' stop-days, and not to such causes as are suggested in the cir- cular. The company are carrying a larger traffic than they ever did, but for a shorter distance, owing to causes entirely beyond their own control. The directors, therefore, appeal to the shareholders to support them against this Unjustifiable attack, and to send them their proxies, which will be used in their beat mt«rests."

STRANGE EXPERIENCE OF A NEWPORT MAN. Alleged Drugging and Robbery of a Bridegroom. A young man named Alfred Pill, an engine- Ver on the Great Western Railway at New- Port, who was to have been married on Tues- day at Holy Trinity Church to a young lady resident in the neighbourhood of that New- Port church, was missing when the wedding "boiild have taken place. He left his lodgings °n Monday apparently with a view to visit ? nance, but did not return that evening, and was not seen by the young lady. Pill, who is a Carmarthen man, returned to his lodgings, however, on Wednesday in a dazed ndition and related an extraordinary expe- lence. When he left his lodgings on Monday It was. he said, with the intention of making a number of purchases for the house. He had then f,38 in gold in his possession, and after visiting the works where he was employed he caled at a public-house and had one glass of nisky. There were two men in the bar while he tlas there but he took no particular notice hf them, though, in the light of after events, h e could not help having some suspicion that their Presence might have been by design rather than by accident. After he left the riss he met a man who asked him to lend him twopence, but, although he declined to do so. he offered to pay for a drink. They wpnt into a public-house and there had a drink each. From that point the missing an's mind is a blank, till he found himself in the neighbourhood of Bassalleg feeling very ill, on Tuesday. The money he had with him had disappeared, and all that was left Was sixpence. What had happened in the meantime it is impossible to say, but his ^Pinion is that someone who knew that he had money had drugged his drink and robbed him. The matter has been reported to the Police.

PAVILION FOR SWANSEA, I Reduced Corporation Scheme I Recommended. At a special meeting of the Swansea Parka Committee on Wednesday afternoon, Alder- laan Spring (chairman) said the sub-com- mittee had further considered the question of Providing a place of entertainment in the Victoria Park. There was an impression in J'he council that LIO,OW was too muah money to expend at the present time. They had, therefore ? considered the question of aub- "???S a "maller scheme, and they now ^tocL ommended that for the present a 8chem8 f>8bng ?ooo to ?.(MQ should be recommended o the council, and he thought that would feet with their approval and that of the tradesmen and ratepayers.—Mr. Mill sup- rted this. and said that the re-payment on m, an amount would only be L250 a year.- a e. Borough Surveyor said that probably B accommodation for 5,000 people could r e Provided for that sum.-It was decided to conunend this reduced scheme 1.0 the 00 ii.

MERTHYR DISTRICT COUNCIL AND I INCREASED REPRESENTATION At a IJP' f h IAt a 'Pcciat nreeting of the Merthyr District n » nc,l on Wednesday the report of the i. nerea representation committee was sub- Dan Thom" thought it would ? '"?Mary to submit the scheme to the boarH of guardians before handing it over to t)???y council.-Mr. V. A. Win. agreed, all be was of opinion that certain anomahee e„iMr; F. S. Simons said that before they went ♦ £ t*16 guardians the polling districts ??n-)L' ? to be defined.-Mr. D. W. Jones critic. the dividing of Penydarren Ward into -? ?? ?Y?in? of Penydarren Ward into  ?"? "West" wards, maintaining that P Ward should have a separate name whic? h ??ld not cause any inconvenience. The «^ Th,? poDulatiOrl ??? unequally divided-It ?a. agreed tv, + the report be referred back to the commin» J« or the poUing districts to be deflnort  ?"t the guardians be asked to appoint » committee to meet the coancH and '?'?'" th? scheme.

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. "EXPRESS" OFFICE, 11.45 a.m. The 8T3C-.—I«on, JWbsie. Kefer*, Boreea II PyperstoTie .run)', ;iml Alboin. STAIi. -Siiariey Vow. Swett.hiar'. JIT., Bonarcado (IUp;, SlifU-kieford, Pyper- noiie. and Rose- Wreath. A LEAKY LLVKR. X.S., Thursday MorruAg;.—The Atlantic f r.insj. or! liner America, which arrived here several days ago, was leaving port yesterday morning when it was ,d\s- covered that :~he liar! sinrted » leak- wae making water very rapidly. It IV, probably be found necessary to beach, the ■"t&eel for repairs before sh<? aga:fl goes to eea.—Central The PINK EDITION of the Evening Express," on Sale at 6.15 p.m., contains all the news of the day up to that time, includ- ing Closing Prices on London and Cardiff Stock Exchanges, Special Market Reports, Local Charterings, and Arrivals.

SIR ALFRED THOMAS, M.P. An Interesting Presentation at Cardiff. A presentation meeting was held at Taber- nacle Welsh Baptist Chapel, Cardiff, on Wednesday night, when the members of the Church presented Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P.. with aa illuminated address in honour of his recent knighthood. The address, which was prepared by the Western Mail Limited, contained portraits of the bon. member and his parents, and also portraits of the Revs. Christmas Evans, David Jones, and Nathaniel Thomas, past ministers of the Church, and the present minister, the Rev. Charles Davies. The chair was occupied by the present pastor, and he was supported by Principal Edwards, Professor Davies, Coun- cillor Edward Thomas (mayor of Cardiff), the Hon. D. T. Phillips, Councillor J. T. Richards, and the officala of the Church. It is worthy of note that Sir Alfred is one of the oldest deacons of Tabernacle, and has acted in the capacity of school superintendent for several years. The Mayor, in speaking of Sir Alfred, remarked that his interest in the Church always manifested itself, no matter where he was. (Applause.) He took the greatest inte- rest in the services, the Sunday school and everything connected with its welfare. Prin- cipal Edwards, in paying a tribute to Sir Alfred's worth, mentioned his kind support to the Baptist College and his benefactions to the university college.—The American Consul (Mr. D. T. Phillips) said he could spend half an hour in dwelling upon Sir Alfred's geniality, urbanity, and honesty of purpose. Sir Alfred's heart was to be seen in his face. His steadfastness to principle was always to the fore.—The address was presented by the Chairman, after which speeches were delivered by Mr. Evan Griffiths (deacon), Mr. Henry Davies (deacon), Mr. Albert Evans, and Mr. Tom Price (secretary), who also bore testimony to the great inte- rest Sir Alfred had always taken in the work of the Church.—In returning thanks for the honour shown him, Sir Alfred said that of all the congratulations he had received he valued pone more highly than that from Tabernacle. He referred to the traditions of the chapel and the band of eminent preachers that had graced its pulpit, and made special mention of the rev. gentlemen whose portraits appeared upon the address and to their in- fluences over him. He believed there was a future before the chapel, also, no less distin- guished than the past.—Professor Davies, Mr. Cornelius Griffiths, and Mr. Albert Evans also spoke at the close.

ANGLO-ABYSSINIAN TRADE. I Expedition on the Blue Nile: To! Dish the French. An important expedition will start from England for the heart of Abyssinia, in a few days with the object of exploring the whole course of the Blue Nile, starting from a. point nearest to the Abyssinian capital, and ending at Khartoum. The principal object in view is to attempt for the first time to navigate its thousand miles of waterway in order to ascer- tain the practicability of utilising the river as a trade route for Abyssinian commerce through the Anglo-Egyptian sphere. At present the bulk of the Abyssinian trade finds its way to the coaat at Jibutil, the sea terminus of the French railway- Colonel Harrington, British Resident at Adis Abeba, will himeelf accompany the expedition. A steel launch and a flotilla of steel punts have been built in England for the work to be undertaken. Press Association Foreign Special.

ELECTION INTELLIGENCE PEEBLES AND SELKIRK. _I At a meeting of the executive committee of the Midlothian Liberal Association on Wed- nesday Mr. Murray. M.P. (the Master of Elibank), intimated that he had decided to accept the invitation to contest Peebles and' Selkirk at the next election. He said he had to consider whether, being a person of limited means, he should retire from Parliament or stand for a constituency which was at his own doors, and he had decided on the latter course. For himeelf he could say that there had been no political jugglery to serve the ends of any individual or any section of anti- leaguers. The committee adopted a resolu- tion thanking the hon. member for his services, and expressing regret that he could not see his way to again contest Midlothian. A small committee Was appointed to confer as to future representation of the consti- tuency.

NEWPORT TECHNICAL SCHOOLS The Newport Technical Instruction Com- mittee, at their meeting on Tuesday night, dealt with a. communication which they had received from the Board of Education in refer- ence to the proposed new technical institute. The Board point out that the number of class- rooms shown on the plans does not appear sufficient, even for the classes at present attending the technical school, while sum- cient space is not provided for machine draw- ing and building construction. They also complain that no provision is made for a mechanical laboratory, and contend that engineering ought to be one of the principal branches of ins traction in a, town like New- poct

THE TOBACCO TRADE Meetingof Outside Firms in London. RETAILERS NOT SATISFIED WITH PRESENT PROFITS. A mass meeting of representatives of the retail tobacco trade of the United Kingdom was held in London on Wednesday afternoon, under the presidency of Mr. Thomas Gallaher, to protest against the action of the Imperial Tobacco Company. The manufacturers pre- sent were all members of firms outside the Imperial Company. On the motion of Mr. Abercombie (Messrs. R. and J. Hill), seconded by Mr. Bell, of Glasgow, the following resolu- tion was unanimously carried: -"That the manufacturers present at this meeting pledge themselves to adopt a system of prices that will ensure the retailers of the United King- dom a minimum profit of 20 per cent, on proprietary cigarettes, it being understood that the present rate of duty practically makes it impossible to extend this margin of profit to threepenny tobacco." Mr. Tay lor, hon. secretary of the Lincoln Tobacco- nists' Organising Committee, moved a resolu- tion which set forth that, in consequence of the action of the Imperial Company in fight- ing Irish houses and opening retail shops, the meeting pledged itself to support the outside firms by a prominent display of their goods, and to place its orders for loose tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes with them. He said that what the Imperial Company was intent on doing was to smash up alii the old fashioned firms, but in combination, the manufacturers with the retail dealers, they would be able to win the battle into which they had been plunged. He asked those pre- sent, if they had signed the Imperial Com- pany's agreements, to tear them up. At this point several retail- dealers in the meeting produced tnetr agreements and tore them up, their action eliciting loud applause. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and it was further resolved to form a defence fund to carry on operations. The agreement issued on Wednesday night by the Imperial Tobacco Company stated that if any retailers should be so foolish as to attempt a policy of boycotting the Imperial Company's goods, as had been threatened, it was not to be expected that this could be done with impunity. The question of profit margin for the retailer is one which could scarcely be discussed in public, but the Imperial direc- tors state that they provide full opportunity for their customers to make a, good profit, and that if the Imperial Company, with its long established businesses and the most saleable goods, could not give satisfaction it was not likely that a new and competing company could afford better terms.

THE ACCUSATION AGAINST A HOTEL MANAGER. I Alleged Theft from the Great Western Railway. We have received a communication from Mr. George Jenkins, manager of the Jersey Marine Hotel, Briton Ferry, who, on the 17th inst., was charged at the Neath County Police- court with stealing a sum of money from the Great Western Railway Company's premises, Briton Ferry-road. Mf. Jenkins says that certain statements in our report of the 19th inst. are false and misleading, and inquiry shows that our summary of the proceedings, which lasted several hours, is capable of that construction. For instance, the evidence of Mr. W. B. Morgan did not, as a whole, show that Mr. Jenkins was short in his accounts with Mr. E. Evans Bevan, the proprietor of the hotel. Further, Mr. Morgan said that Mr. Jenkins had been in Mr. Bevan's employ for three years and seven months, and had always paid regularly before this time, when he was unable to pay all because of his wife having taken the keys of the drawer with her to Swansea. The balance was paid a day or two later, together with certain moneys received from guests at the hotel. It was stated in our report that Mr. Jenkins had told Inspector Roberts that he had paid no money to Mr. Bevan. No such statement was made at all. Neither was it given in evidence. We very much regret the mistakes and the pain caused thereby to the defendant.

I LLANELLY EISTEDDFOD. I" Mabon Declines to Act as I Conductor. At the meeting of the Llanelly Eisteddfod Executive Committee on Wednesday, Mr. Tom Hughes presiding, a vote of condolence was parsed with the relatives of the late Dean Howell. Mabon respectfully declined to act as conductor, taking exception to the fee. offered, another gentleman being elected in his place. The secretary reported the receipt ) of a number of subscriptions, including one of dE50 from Lord Tredegar, who stated that on I account of a prior engagement he would be unable to attend the eisteddfod. The secre- tary was instructed to call a general meeting of subscribers and guarantors at an early date to report to them on the progress made by the various committees.

MR. KEIR HARDIE AND LAW. Proposal to Revert to Chaptism. Mr. Keir Hardie, speaking on Wednesday at Mountain Ash, referred to recent decisions in the law cotirts-particularly- that given this week by the Court of Appeal in the case of the Denaby colliers in Yorkshire, where the men had been locked out for over six months, and where the law courts had decided that the Union funds could not be used to pay them relief.. He said that, instead of making an amendment of the law as trade unionists seemed bent on doing, he thought that the better course would be to move for an indict- ment of the judges at the bar of the House of Commons. In the speaker's opinion-and he had gone carefully into the matter-not only were recent decisions concerning trade unions outside the law, but in direct defiance of the law; and no matter what Acts of Par- liament were passed, the judges would be as free then as they were now to carry through what he deliberately called their biassed ajid anti-labour judgments. It might become necessary, he concluded, to revert to' the old I policy of the Chartists, and declare for a universal stoppage of labour in order to bring those in high places to their senses.

I LIVING OF MERTHYR DOVAN I The Rev. David Weatherill, the new rector of Merthyr Dovan, Barry, having been insti- tuted into the living, on Saturday by the bishop of the diocese at the Palace Chapel, Llandaff. the induction of the rev. gentleman took place on Wednesday afternoon at the ancient Parish Church of Merthyr Dovan, and waa performed by the Yen. Archdeacon of Llandaff. The sacred edifice was filled with parishioners and others, and many of the clergy of the district were in attendance. The service was conducted by the Rev. H. Morgan Jones, B.A., curate of the parish, and the lessons were read by the Rev. G. H. Jenner, M.A., R.D., rector of Wenvoe. Pre- vious to the ceremony of induction the Arch- deacon delivered a suitable address. The new rector, he said, was not a stranger amongst them, having laboured in the parish for a considerable time. He did not bring with him the charm of novelty, but brought with him something better-and for which they would love him the more—his good works; He was glad to see so many present that after- noon in that country church, and he trusted they would pray for their new rector. There had been differences of opinion in the parish on more than one subject, but he trusted that those differences of opinion had now died out. and that peace and harmony in the work for God would prevail amongst them. —mmmmmmmm 9

MR LLOYD-GEORGE, M.P., IN SCOTLAND I A great Liberal demonstration was held on Wednesday night in Dundee, when Lord Tweed- mouth and Mr. Lloyd-George were the prin- cipal speakers. Lord Tweedmouth, in his introductory remarks, said the Education Bill had given Mr. Lloyd-George his opportunity. and he had taken that opportunity. He had fought the Bill with ability and eloquence. Mr. Lloyd-George, who was received with great enthusiasm, said it was a pleasure to get so warm a reception in such a fortress of Liberalism as Dundee. He had received as warm a reception once at Birmingham, but it was a different kind of warmth. They had been told that British supremacy was abso- lutely essential for South Africa. What was the estimate of the men on the spot? The capitalists of South Africa, the astute flnan- ciers of Johannesburg, had said the value of British supremacy in pounds, shillings, and pence was thirty millions, one-eighth of what it had cost Britain to give supremacy. But that was not all. Their clever commercial gentlemen said they would pay ten millions down and owe the rest. while they wished to borrow another 35 millions. He (Mr. Lloyd- George) was prepared to do business with any man on such favourable conditions as these. He was glad Mr. Chamberlain had gone to Africa. It was a pity he had not gone years ago. He had no doubt he would do good work there. Mr. Chamberlain was the man who had made the mess; it was his duty to clear it Q.

SOCIAL REFORMS. I Important Speech by Mr Ritchie, A REDUCTION IN TAXATION PROMISED. Mr. Ritchie, M.P.. Chancellor dI the Ex- chequer. was entertained on Wednesday night at the Crystal Palace to a complimentary banquet by a large and representative gather- ing of his constituents. In responding to the toast of his health, proposed by Sir William Treloar (the chairman), Mr. Ritchie said much had been done in the way of social legislation, out much remained to be done. The improve- ment of the social condition of the people was one which ought to be at the heart of every statesman, because he believed that in im- proving the social position of the people they were assisting to cement the attachment of the people to the constitution of the country. He had lately attempted to do some- thing in connection with the great curse of drunkenness in our midst. When the new Act was passing there were some people who belittled the Act. He hoped they saw their mistake now. It was high time we recognised that the drunken man was an enemy to the community. Continuing, Mr. Ritchie said it was assumed there was going to be a surplus which he should have some difficulty in disposing of, and the suggestions he had already received from various persons who were interested in the reduction of taxation which, if they were put into practice, would easiiy dispose of the whole of the national debt. (Laughter.) It was assumed that now the war was over all expenditure would cease. We had, of course, to maintain a large garrison for some time to come in South Africa, although he hoped every opportunity would be taken of reducing it. A garrison in South Africa. was much more costly than a garrison in England. Every soldier in South Africa cost at least 150 more for maintenance than he did in England. When they came to consider the enormous cost of housing the garrison in Africa, the cost of labour and material, they would understand there was a considerable demand on the Exchequer. With regard to that they would be obliged to compensate everybody who had been requisitioned or damaged by the troops, and they hoped to get out of that liability for a much smaller sum than was likely at the present time. When the account came to be wound up they would find it was more than they ever estimated, but whatever it cost there could be no drawing back on our part. One of the greatest things which would tend to conciliate those who had been our enemies would be to show them that the English intended to be just at whatever cost. Under these I circumstances," continued Mr. Ritchie, it may be assumed that a. very considerable ex- penditure will be entailed upon this country, and perhaps a good deal more than most people imagine. I don't want you to believe. considering all this expenditure, that I shall feel myself in a position when the Budget comes on to be unable to reduce taxation, but, on the contrary, I believe I shall." (Loud applause.) But he asked them to bear in mind all tht expenditure concerning which he had spoken? and which might, perhaps, mili- tate against the great reduction some people thought likely to be made. Mr. Ritchie pro- ceeded to say that at whatever cost they must maintain a Navy which would do for the country what the country expected it to do. With regard to the Army, he hoped that at no distant date a reduction would be effected in the numbers of our Army. Referring to Mr. Chamberlain's visit to South Africa, he said it had done much to heal some of the wounds created by war. (A Voice: No, no," cheers. and counter-cheers.) It was an augury of the highest importance to find that one of our previous opponents, General Delarey, had been one of the warmest wel- comers of Mr. Chamberlain. SPEECH BY MR. ASQUITH. I Addressing a mass meeting at Hull on Wed- nesday night, Mr. Asquith said the present Administration was the best recruiting-ser- geant for the Liberal party. He condemned the increase in expenditure, especially on the Army, and the recent insidious attack on Free Trade, which had been spoken of as a fetish and a shibboleth, but which remained the sheet anchor of our commerce and pos- perity. Referring to the Education Act, he asked what was the duty now of the Liberal party. He said they must not do anything to prejudice the efficient education of the children. They must make the most of the not inconsiderable facilities afforded by the Act, and keep public opinion alive to the I necessity of amendment. ================

SPORT OF THE DAY. I The Irish crack three-year-old Fariman is said to be somewhat seriously amiss. There is a growing idiea that Tod Sloan will be back in the saddle again in England this season. Major Edwards has again braved racing law ( by entering unnamed horses under National Hunt Rules. An attempt will be made at one of the spring meetings of the Jockey Club to restore half-mile races for two-year-olds. It will be some time before D. Read is back in the saddle, his Plumpton fall having brought on concussion, and subsequently spinal trouble, paralysis being feared. Morganette. the dam of Galtee More, Blair- finde, and Ard Patrick, having been barren for two seasons, will be mated with Pioneer, a horse which stood for several seasons at Ya-rdley prior to being taken to Ireland. Whilst running in the Athens Steeplechase at Windsor yesterday, Mr. J. Joicey's Oribbage fell and received fatal injuries. His rider and trainer, young Tom Leader, of Wroughton, was thrown heavily. A lot of racing folk are just now at Monte Oarlb, including Mr. Walter Blake, Mr. Charles Hannam, and others not only interested in play at the tables, but the pigeon shooting for the big prizes that attract annually men of many nationalities. Eugene. Leigh has settled down comfort- ably at his new residence close to Chantilly, I where he is training Mr. Frank Gardner's I horses. The clever American trainer is. how- ever, just now on a visit to England, and was at the Windsor meeting on Tuesday. It is practically certain (says "Truth") that a Betting Bill will be introduced, and if the provisions are reasonable it is sure to pass through both Houses of Parliament without much serious opposition. The fact is that a measure of this kind, the proclaimed object of which is to stop gambling as much as pos- sible, cannot be safely opposed by either of the Front Benchers, or by senators who are either in office or who hope to be in office at some future period. The sporting papers are like the Chinese during their first war with England, when they apparently thought that if a tremendous row were raised, with drums, tom-toms, and other high-sounding instru- ments, the invaders would retire. In the same manner the sporting papers have been denouncing "faddists" in every form of invec- tive, and have been uttering piercing cries as to the curtailment of the liberty of the subject, and so on and so forth. All these rigmarole jargonings certainly will not retard the pass- ing of the contemplated etting Bill, and when once serious people all over the country have commenced to concern themselves activfely on such a subject the result is neither remote nor uncertain.

TYLORSTOWN EXPLOSION FUND Mr. D. Smith presided at the annual meeting of the executive committee of the Tylorstown Explosion Trust Fund on Wednesday.—Mr. D. Morgan (secretary) explained that after a course of correspondence lasting two months the amount of the Income-tax (R13 2s. 6d.) had been recovered.—Mr. D. Fenwick was re-elected chairman, and Mr. D. Smith vice-chairman.— In accordance with the suggestion of Mr. Vivian Rees, instructions were given to the broker to redeem L500 of the Pontypridd stock, at not less than 90J, for the purpose of making good the deficiency at the bank.

The hospital ship Orcana arrived at South- ampton on Wednesday from the Cape with 740 officers and men, including 24 men of the 1st Connaught Rangers and 24 of the 2nd Northampton Regiment. DON'T PUT OFF Curing your Backache, Lumbago. Sciatica, Dropsy, Gout, Kidney Disease until it's too late. Stop the pain to-day by taking Holdroyd's Gravel Pills. A positive and guaranteed cure. Is. ] d. all Chemists. Post free 12 stamps. Money returned if not satisfied—Holdroyd's Medical Hall, clecueaton, Yoro. icaw-4

MR. CHAMBERLAIN AT MAFEKING. ♦ QUAINT ADDRESS FROM THE NATIVES. PROPOSED ANNEXATION TO THE TRANSVAAL. A Mafeking telegram of Wednesday says:- Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson (Governor of tne Cape) and Sir J. Gordon Sprigg (Premier) dined last night with Mr. Chamberlain. A deputation headed by Mr. Julius Weil. mem- ber of the House of Assembly for Mafeking, will present an address praying for the annexation of the Bechuanaland Protectorate to the Transvaal. This morning the Colonial Secretary will meet the most important chiefs of the native tribes of the protectorate- Khama, Bothoen. Sebele, Linchwe, and Mag- hose. He will afterwards proceed to the native stadt, where a great indaba. will be held, at which Khama will do the honours. An address will also be presented couched in somewhat quaint phraseology, assuring Mr. Chamberlain, whom it describes as the great councillor," of the unswerving loyalty of the Baralong tribes, which never wavered in their allegiance in the darkest hour of the war. Re- ferring to the King's illness, the address says: We were sore afraid, but our hearts were filled With gladness when he fOlie up again, like a strong man refreshed with slumber. Press Association Foreign Special. On his way to Mafeking Mr. Chamberlain was cordially received at Ottoshoop. Address- ing the burghers, he impressed upon them the necessity for union and reconciliation, and told them that their country was a rich one, and that it was going to be developed. Their principle of government had been too conservative. They had been afraid of new things, of new inventions, and of new people. He hoped they would welcome the strangers who came to develop the coun- try, which was the country of all who came to live there. All must work together for union and peace, and the new government would do everything it could to assist them in that respect. The right hon. gentleman's speech, which was interpreted by Commandant RallX. was listened to with the greatest interest. Mr. Chamberlain afterwards addressed the members of the constabulary in eulogistic terms, saying that they were not there as a garrison, but as the friends of the people. Several people with grievances, among others a poor bywoner, approached. All were received with the greatest kindness by Mr. Chamberlain, who inquired into their grie- vances, and took the greatest trouble to explain what he had done. Replying to the presentation of addresses, Mr. Chamberlain praised the gallantry of the defenders of Mafeking. Mr. Chamberlain also received a petition for the annexation of Bechuanaland to the Transvaal. In replying, Mr. Chamberlain said that the matter must be decided by the Cape Parliament.—Reuter.

RAILWAYS AND AGRICULTURE. Lord Claud Hamilton and Mr. Hanbury. At the ordinary meeting of the Great Eastern Railway Company, held in London on Wednesday, Lord Claud Hamilton, who presided, strongly denied the allegations of the President of the Board of Agriculture that railway companies were managed by ornamental directors and not by men of business. His lordship declared that Mr. Hlan- bury's suggestion that railway companies' private Bills should be opposed in Parliament was contrary to the opinion of every other member of the Government. He (Lord Claud) asserted that the board of the Great Eastern Company had done more for agricul- ture in the district they served than the Board of Agriculture since its establishment. A great deal still remained to be done, and might be done, both by the company and the Board of Agriculture if Mr. Hanbury would set about his work in a more businesslike manner. He (the speaker) hoped the Presi- dent of the Board of Agriculture would not be above taking some of the directors into his confidence. Mr. Hanbury would lose nothing whatever by meeting them. He would pro- bably discover the board were not so unbusi- nesslike as he represented them, and the directors might arrive at the conclusion that all the members of the Government were not heaven born Ministers. Lord Claud also referred to American methods of railway management, and said they were totally inapplicable to this country.

CARMARTHEN COUNTY I COUNCIL. COMMITTEE TO DRAW UP AN EDUCATION SCHEME. A quarterly meeting of the Carmarthenshire County Council was held in Carmarthen Shire-hall on Wednesday, Mr. H. Jones-Davies, the chairman, presiding. Among the bye-laws dealt with was one sub- mitted by Dr. Howell Bees, Glangarnant, viz., that A person shall not spit on the floor, walls, or aides of any public carriage or of any public hall or court house, public waiting- room or place of public entertainment, whether admission thereto be obtained upon payment or not." In reply to the Rev. A. Fuller Mills, Carmar- then, Dr. Rees said he did not include places of worship or schools because public opinion was not ripe for it. Dr. R. L. Thomas, Whitland, said the sub- ject of tuberculosis and sanatoria was on trial. People who suffered- from certain bronchial diseases were bound to spit, otherwise they would smother. Let them look at the subject from a common-sense point of view. He did not believe there was any danger from ordi- nary expectoration. Until they had proper receptacles, let them pause before they enter- tained Dr. Rees's proposal. He moved a direct negative.—Mr. Johns (Parcethyn) seconded. On a division the motion was lost by one vote. A sub-committee was appointed to consider the question of further provision for the accommodation of the county officials. Dr. Rees, Glangarnant, as cha-irman of the technical instruction committee, presented the report of that body. who reported that the formal sanction under the Technical Instruc- tion Act, 1889, to the giving of instruction in the principles and practice of agricultural co- operation had been received from the Board of Education. The report advised that a. com- mittee be appointed to draw up a scheme for the administration of the Education Act. Dr. Rees moved the adoption of the report. Mr. Scourfield, Blaenwernddu, seconded the motion, which was adopted, the committee referred to being appointed as follows:—Mr. H. Jones Davies, Mr. J. Gwynne Hughes, Mr. J. Beava-n, Mr. W. N. Jones, Mr John Lloyd, Mr. J. Maybery. Professor Jones, Mr. Ben Evans, Dr. David Davies, Dr. Howell Rees, the Rev. W. Thomas, Mr. T. Barrott, Mr. H. J. Thomas, Mr. John Bees. and the Rev. J. H. Rees. Professor Jones said that it was absolutely necessary to know what the state of the elementary school buildings was before they were taken over. and also the state of effi- ciency of the teaching staffs, and he. there- fore, moved that the committee be authorised to incur any such reasonable expenditure to enable them to present to the council a. com- plete revort.-This was agreed to. A long discussion ensued, on the recommen- dation of the general purposes committee that the clerk take steps to inform the magis- trates of the importance of inflicting sub- stantial penalties for breaches of the Muzzling Order with the view of stamping out rabies. Eventually the words complained of were eliminated from the report.

THE MOROCCO CRISIS. I A Tangier telegram saysThe representa- A Tangier Banque de Paris et des Pays-Bas have signed a contract for a loan to the Sultan of £300,000. but the conditions have not yet been' made public. The Shereef urgently requires money. English and other bankers have been unwilling to take the risks.—Press Association Foreign Special. The Paris Temps announces that a French military mission has arrived at Fez.— Central News. Later.—The loan will bear interest at 6 per cent., guaranteed by the Customs receipts. The Sultan's word is practically the only pledge offered for the security of the money, which clearly demonstrates that the advance is a diplomatic stroke intended to strengthen French influence and prehtige.-Prem Associa- tion Foreien Snecial. PRETENDER MARCHING ON FEZ. I The Spanish Minister at Taniger telegraphs I a report that the Pretender is marching on Fez with a view of attacking the capital. I

Gatwick Meeting. TIPS FOR TO-DAY. SPORTSMAN—"VIGILANT." 1.45.—Snarley Yow. 2.15.-Bobsie. 2.45.-Mrs. Honey. 3.15.—Orpington. 3.45.-Pyperstone. 4.15.-Rose Wreath. MAN ON THE SPOT. 1.45.—Snarley oYw or Quick Shot. 2.15.—Sweetheart in. 2.45.-Mrs. Honey. 3. 15.-0 rpington. 3.45.-Aloov& in the absence of Dr. Charlie). 4.15.—Rose Wreath. SPORTING LIFE.—"AUGTTR." 1.45.—Padishah or Ashling. 2.15.—Dam or Sweetheart III. 2.45.—Mrs. Honey or Raveno. 3.15.—Shackleford or David Harum. 3.45.-Pyperstone. 4.15.—Rose Wreath. MAN ON THE SPOT. 1.45.—Descender. 2.15.—Shackleford. 2.45.-Mrs. Honey. 3.15.-Boreen II. 3.45.—Pyperstone. 4.15.—Rose Wreath. SPORTING CHRONICLE—"KETTLEDRUM. 1.45.-Aishling. 2.15.-Sweetheart III. 2.45.—Mrs. Honey. 3.15.—Shackleford; if absent, David Harum. 3.45.—Averse. 4.15.—Cobden. "MAN ON THE SPOT." 1.45.-Padisbab. 2.15.—Master Hugh. 2.45.-Blue Sleeves or Raveno. 3.15.-David Harum. 3.45.-Pyperstone. 4.15.-Cottenaliope. BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE. 1.45.-Winkfield:'s Dower or Le Mioche. 2. 15.-Biology. 2.45.—Escott's selected or Mrs. Honey. 3. 15.-Shaekleford. 3.45.-Dr. Charlie. 4.15.-AI boin. BIRMINGHAM POST. 1.45.—Snarley Yow. 2.15.—Sweetheart III. 2.45.-Mrs. Honey. 3.15.-Sha,ekleford. 3.45.-Little Teddy. 4.15.-Rose Wreath. "WESTERN MAIL." 1.45.—Le Mioche. 2.15.-Master Hugh. 2.45.-Exa,ltation. 3.15.—Celer. 3.45.—Pyperstone. 4.15.—Queen's Loaf. MORNING LEADER.—Icon, Sweetheart nr- Blue Sleeves, Shackleford, Pyperstone, and Rose Wreath. DAILY EXPRESS.—Little Brown .Mouse, Sweetheart III., Wet Paint*, Boreen II., Pyper- stone, and Rose Wreath. DAILY MAIL.—Sweetheart m. (if absent. Dam), Thursday II., Shackleford, Pyperstone, and Rose Wreath. DAILY TELEGRAPH.—Icon or Snarley Yow, Sweetheart III., Bonarcado, Shackleford, Py- perstone, and Rose Wreath. MORNING ADVERTISER.-Padisbah, Sweet- heart in., Bonarcado*, Orpington, Pyperstone, and Rose Wreath. THE STANDARD.—Quick Shot or Snarley Yow, Sweetheart III., Mrs Honey or Wet Paint, Shackleford, Pyperstone, and Rose Wreath. DAILY GRA-PHIC.-Rose Wreath, Exaltation or Bonarcado. Snarley Yow or Padishah, Sweetheart DI., Alcove or Pyperstone, and Partridge. SPECIALS. I THE JOCKEY. 1.45-Snarley Yow. 2.15—Sweetheart in. 3.15—Orpington. 3.Easter Gift II. 4.15—Rose Wreath. JOCKEY SPECIAL. 1.45—Snarley Yow* 2.15—Sweetheart in. 2.45—Mrs Honey. 3.15—Orpington or Shackleford. 3.45—Easter Gift II. 4.15—Rose Wreath or Cobden. RACING WORLD. 2.15—Dam. 2.45—Wet Paint. 3.45-Little Teddy. 4. 15-Ros-e" reath. RACING WCiiLD SPECIAL. 2.15—Dam or Biology. 2.45—Wet Paint. 3.45—Little Teddy. 4.15—Rose Wreath. SPORTING WORLD. 2.15-Biology. 3.45—Ministre. LICENSED VICTUALLERS' MIRROR. 115-Sweetheart III. 2.45—Wet Paint. 3.45-Cottenshope or Pyperstone. SPORTING SKETCHES. Z.15-Gonsalez. 2.45-Bonnie Springfield. 3.45-Pyperøtone. J 4.15—Bawbee.

ITenby Steeplechases. SPORTSMAN.— MAN ON THE SPOT.-Crot, Little Connie, Witch of the Hills, Golden Gob- let, and Prince Talleyrand. SPORTING LIFE-MAN ON THE 8POT.-Ma.ry Hughes. Weidersehen, Mountain Buck, Wor- cester Sauce, and Laarnce. SPORTIN GCHRONICLE.-MAN ON THE s.POT.-Crot, His Excellency, Mountain Buck. Golden Goblet, and Prince Talleyrand. EVENING EXPRESS" FINALS. I GATWICK MEETING. 1.45-ICON (nap). 2.15 SWEETHEART III. (nap). 2.45—RAVENO. 3.15—SHACKLEFORD (if absent, FORLORN HOPE). 3.45-PYPERSTONE. 4.15—COBDEN (if absent, MISS AVIS). TENBY MEETING. 1.30—KIRKLAND (if absent, PRINCE TALLEY- RAND. 2.10.-HIB EXCELLENCY. 2.35—SIR FRANCIS DRAKE. 3.1(}-GOLDEN GOBLET. 3.4G-PRINCE TALLEYRAND (if absent. TIT BITS). Best Two Things of the Day—ICON and SWEETHEART in.

I ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS THIS MORNING. I Snarley Yow, Quick Shot, Little Brown Mouse, Le Mioche, Icon, Shackleford, Phlege- thon, Sweetheart III., Sabot, A.N.B., Raveno, Mrs. Honey, Tonsure, Bonnie Springfield, John Dory, Wagner, Handshake, Gainsborough, Destroyer, Orpington, Father Yorke, Par- tridge, Livorno, Cotenshope, Little Teddy, Cob- den,Master of Arts, Moon Ray, Alboin, Kin- tail, Happy Boy Minting Lass, Butterwort, Fly- ing Jib, David arum. Padishah, Gonsalez, Averse, Dr. Charlie, and Bella. Angela.

I LEFT FOR KEMPTON PARK. I Wolf, Queen Catherine, Double Dealer, and I Most Excellent.

Yesterday's Starting Prices. I As published in the "Racing Calendar" and the I S port,a1Dan. '_Hu GATWICK MEETING. I raoaU("K nunue v;-—^aengerin, 0 to z agsi. Gorse Hurdle (6).-Kentmere, 8 to 1 apt. Chequers Selling (ll).-Adansi, 4 to 1 agst. Maiden Hurdle (12).-Sakuntala, 7 to 2 avt. Minor Hurdle (9).-Devil's Dance, 8 to 1 agst. Epsom Handicap (5).-Alcove, 4 to 1 agst.

GATWICK MEETING. I TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. I 1.45—The EWELL HURDLE RACE of 200 SOTS; weight for age; maidens allowed Sib; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles and a quarter. vs stlb Mr A Gorham's Vadishah Hackett a It 7 Mr F R Hunt, jun.'s Ashling V Hunt, jun. a 11 7 Mr H G Johnson's Little Brown Mouse '1 Smith 6 11 7 Mr G Jukes's Valdis 'Jr Baker a 11 7 JIT Reid Walker's Winkfield's Dower Hassall a 11 7 Mr F Bishop's Snarley Yow Mr Gore a 11 T Mr H S Goodson's Duke's Sag Fitton a 11 7 Mr E Woodland's Paul II Woodland 5 11 3 Mr IS M Mason's Rafale Leary 5 11 3 Mr G Miller's TJninina R Gordon 5 11 3 Mr P A 0 Whitaker's Quick Shot.C Peck 6 11 2 Mr H A Bellville's Descender Holt all 2 Mr Horatio Botto.nlev's Kineton Boy.Batho 5 10 12 Mr J M Bell's Fox Catcher. Ambler 5 10 12 Mr E M Mason's leon. Leary 4 10 2 Mr .T Muddiraer's Etra We?nie Private 4 10 2 Mr Horatio Bottomley's t,e Mioche Batbo 4 10 2 Mr L Brown's Communist Fitton 4 10 2 2.15—The HOLMWOOD STEEPLECHASE (handicap) of 100 sovs; winners extra. Two miles. ys st lb Mr C R Hodgson's Dam Rhodes 612 3 l Mr T Eaiiinfftoa'* stuckleflaA. Smttoa .12 0 Mr A Hamblin's Phlegethon. Escott 5 11 13 Mr F R Hunt, jun.'s Sweetheart III Hunt, jun. a 11 12 Mrs J E Baiaett's Sanctissima II.Private a 11 11 Mr Horatio Bottomley's Biology Batho 6 11 10 Mr C A Howard's Master Hugh Private a 11 9 Mr T Hartington's Prince Leo Private 5 U 9 Mr A Gorham's Gonzalez Hackett 5 11 5 Mr H Heasman's Kingscotc. T Smith 5 11 0 2.45-Tho OCKLEY HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of 100 sovs, for four year olds and upwards; winners extra. Two miles. ys st lb Mr E H Barnes's Kentshole G Allen a 12 7 Mr Ivor E Hughes's Black Cat.Burbidge a 12 5 Mr H Bonas's Friar Buck.Mr Gore 6 12 1 Mr Mosley's Dakota III Hallick 4 12 0 Mr A Sowler's Ormean Rustell a 11 12 Mr M N Rhodes's Postman's Knock Fitton 5 11 10 Mr C Trimmer's Sabot. Escott 5 11 9 Lord Buchan's Manhattan Boy.Pickering 5 11 8 Mr W J Compton's A.X.B Clements a 11 7 Mr J North's Raveno Fitton 4 11 6 Mr J Hare's Sheerness.F Hunt. jun. a 11 6 Mr J G Bulteel's Mrs Honev. ColIins 4 11 5 Lord M lrt::l;drt:Ú{t" Escott 1 H Mr E C Lovefrovp's Bevera. Hopkins 5 11 4 Mr C Macdonald's Leonid Sir C Nugent a 11 4 Mr W Murray's Tonsure Burbidge 5 11 3 Major J M Gordon's Karakoul Jarvis 4 II 1 Mr T Bushell's Bonnie Springfield Bushcll 6 10 12 Mr C D Marnes's Saltatrix Marnes 5 10 12 Mr A Stedall's Exaltation C Waugh 5 10 10 Mr J F Haliick's John Dory Hallick 4 10 1C Mr S Gill's Wagner Private 6 10 10 Mr E M Mason's Handshake. Leary 4 10 10 :Pt!nM Fr7;s "a:gt;l:l: ió 1 Mr J Mcddimer's Thursday II. Private4109 Mr J M Walpole's Royal Luck Mr Walpole 4 10 7 Cotonel H T Fenwick's Bonarrado Russell 5 10 7 Mr T G Muir's Phonia. Escott 4 10 7 Mr Corlett's Destroyer Major Edwardst107 Mr M Fitzgerald's Ipswich. Morion 410 7 H Bonas's Bl ie Sleeres Mr Gore 4 10 7 3.15—The ROSTRUM STEEPLECHASE of 100 sovs; weight for age; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. ys st lb Mr W _R C_ larke's Bella Ansrela W Robins.on a 12 0 Mr T Dallington's Shackleford Swatton a 12 0 Mr R Gore's Red Friar 11 M, Gore al? 0 Mr A Gorham's David Harum Hackett 6 12 0 ?'' ??kes's CeIcr. Mr Baker ?12 0 Sir GPregeott's Gaffer Green Shepnard a 12 0 w Mr H E Ra-idall's Boreen II C Peck a 12 0 Mr Joseph Widger's Orpington Griffiths a 12 0 Lord Denman's Father Yorke Burbidge 5 11 7 Mr F P Lysaght's Partridge Prvate 5 It 7 Mr E Woodland's ::{¡ir.HÔP' .a;d f i 3.45-The JANUARY STEEPLECHASE (handicap) of 100 sovs: winners extra. Three miles. vs ft lb Mr AIruckley. jun.'s Doctor Ctarlie Malone 6 12 7 Mr F Bishop's Pyperstone Mr Gore 5 11 13 Mr Fortrne's Averse Hackett a 11 11 Mr G Gully's Livorno.Mr Gully a 11 10 Mr C Levy's Cottenshope Burbidge a 11 7 Mr Foxhall Keeric's Easter Gift II.Mr Davies a 11 7 Mr C Sheppard's Little Teddy.F Hunt, jun. 5 11 6 Mr A Gorham's Ministre Hackett 6 11 Z Mr 0 H Jones's Alcove Collins 611 2 4.15-The MODERATE STEEPLECHASE of 40 sovs; weight for age; winners extra; allowances. Two miles. "S gtlb Mr C K Court's Brown Ewe Mr Davies 6 12 10 Mr W Buckmaster's Dreyfus 'labor 612 3 C fe;:f:B;l;f g 3 Mr V T Thpmpson's Rose Wreath Ambler a 12 3 Mr Reid Walker's Erik Hassall a 12 3 Mr F U Webb's Celebration.R Gordon 6 12 3 Mr H Lines's Ca)Ia. Lines 5 11 10 Mr W A Dowling's CoM(,D. Fitton 6 11 10 Mr R Whurr's Master of Arts P Woodland a' 11 10 Mr CD Pennant's Miss Avis BLetsoe 6 11 7 Mr J M Walpole's Moon Ray Mr Walpole 5 11 3 Mr J M Bell's Alboin Ambler 5 11 0 Sir K^ith Fra-sjr's Kintail Private 5 11 0 Mr B A Goad's Happy Boy In Ireland 5 110 Mr A J Schwabe's Queen s Loaf..Sir C Nugent 5 11 0 Mr W Lewison's Elfdale Sentence 5 11 0 1 Mr A Gorham's Biwbee Hackett 4 10 0 Mr A Jeapes's Minting Lass Jeapes, jun. 4 10 0 Mr W Mills's Butterwort Sentence 4 10 0 Mr P Samuel's Flying Jib Rustell 4 10 0 Mr Horatio Bottomley's Minford Batho 4 10 0 Mr Horatio Bottomley's 1.,e Mioche Batho 4 10 0 SCRATCHINGS. Moderate Steeplechase.—Mim'ord and Le Mioche. Ockley Handicap.—Dakota III., Manhattan Boy, and Sheerness. Ewell Hurdle.—Kineton Boy. ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS. Sanctissima II., Master Hugh, Prince Leo, Kingscote, Pyperstone, Alcove, Celer, Forlorn Hope, Dreyfus. Calla, Miss Avis, Master of Arts, Bonnie Springfield, Queen's Loaf. Postman's Knock, Exaltation, Bonarcado, Blue Sleeves, Duke's Seal, Paul II.. and Le Mioche.

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME. I 1.30-The STEWARDS' STEEPLECHASE of 40 sovs; weight for age; winners extra; allowances. Two miles, over the flying course. Mr R H Harries's (late Mr Bibby's) Mary Hughes, 5ys Mr F Bibby's Kirkland, aged Captain R H Collis's Prince Tallyrand, 5ys Mr H E Watson's Crot, 4ys Mr L W Cunliffe's Rosezeta. Sys Mr A W Wood's Gratification, 6y* Mr E P Ryan's The Runaway Girl 2.0—The KNIGHTSTON SELLING HURDLE RACE of 40 sovs; weight for age; winner to be sold for 50 sovs; allowances. Two miles, over eight hurdles. Mr R C B Cave's His Excellency, aged Mr W Hobbs's Cadran, 4yre Mr F Bibby's Wem, 4yrs Mr G R Laurence's Weidersehen. 5yre Mr Morris Owen's Deianira, 4yrs Captain R H Oollis's Form, aged Mr M J Harty's Old Tim, 6yrs Mr T C B Cave's Lord Bob. aged Mr T Sheehan's Mountain BllrK, 6yrs Captain M Hughes's Little Connie, 4yrs Mr C S Smith's Tiara, 4yrs Mr John James's Frozen League. 6yrs 2.35-The LAWRENNY SELLING STEEPLECHASE of 40 sovs; weight for age: winner to be sold for 50 sovs; allowances. Two miles, over flying course. Mr W Hobbs's Witch of the Hills, aged Mr R C B Cave's Worcester Sauce, 5ys Mr W Smith's Imbroglio, aged Capt. Michael Hughes's Mountain Buck, 6YII Mr R T Bassett's County Clare, aged Mr 0 Dixon's Bunthorne, aged Mr Deer's Sir Francis Drake, aged Mrs Boyle's Rossbrien, aged 3.10-Tho TENBY HURDLE RACE of 40 sovs; weight for age; winners extra; allowances. Two miles. Mr Morris Owen's Deianira, 4ys Mr K C B Cave's Worcester Sauce, 5ys Mr J Wynford Philipps's Golden Goblet, 4ya Mr A Stuart's Coll, 4ys Mr J T Roger's Lord Jummy, 6ys Mrs Gordon Cannjig's Merry Ray, 4ya Mr F Bibby's Leamington, 5ys Mr Geo. Parker's Cairn Hill, 6ys 5.40-The DEER PARK STEEPLECHASE of 40 sovs; 12st each; winners extra; allowances. Three miles. Mr Gordon Canning's Merry Ray, 4yrs Mr G Parker's Red Briar, 6yrs Mr Deer's Reversed, 5yrs Captain R H Collis's Prince Talleyrand, 5yrs Mr J W John's Dainty Clare, 5yr5 Colonel M Lindsay's Laarnce. 6yrs Mr Daniel Davies's Tit-bits, 6yrs Mr W Hobbs's Frieze, 5yrs M'S Boyle's Rose Brien. aged ARRIVALS. Armagh, Aunty Amy, Beverley Buck. Bunthorne, Bally Mountain, Bird on the Wing, Chevalier II.. Coll, Carnroe, Cadran. Cairn Hill, County Clare. D' Arlagnan, Dromara, Deianira Freize, Form, Golden Goblet, His Excellency, Imbroglio. Lady Flush, Lady Langford, Knock Lofty, Lord Jimmy, Leamington, Lord Bob, Little Martha, Little Connie. Mary Hughes, Mountain Buck. Min, Merry Ray, Old Tim, Pendulum. Prince Talleyrand, Ravamette, Rossbrien, Raheny. Reversed, Red Briar. Satiation, Sir Francis Drake, The Stalker, The Runaway Girl, Witch of the Hills, Worcester Sauce, Wiedersehen, and Wern. TENBY STEEPLECHASES Take Tlace This Day. Course in excellent condition. Excursions from all parts. 83653

BELFAST ORANGEMEN. I M. P. Suspended from the Order for Two Years. Mr. T. H. Sloan, M.P. for South Belfast, at- tended a meeting of the Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast last night to answer the charge pre- ferred against him of having insulted Colonel Saunderson, M.P., then Grand Master of Belfast, at the anniversary gathering of Orangemen at Castlereagh, on the 12th of July, 1902. On that occasion Mr. Sloan insisted upon questioning the colonel as to his vote upon the "Convent Laundries" Clause of the Factory Act, and, it was complained, caused an inter- ruption during the Grand Master's speech. Last night's meeting, which lasted until con- siderably after midnight, was exceptionally well attended by members. Several witnesses were cross-examined at length by Mr. Sloan. who produced documentary evidence, which did not, however, seem to convince the mebers present, who decided that MI. Sloan be sus- pended from the Orange institution for a period of two years. On learning the decision, Mr. Sloan formally handed in notice of appeal to the Imperial Grand Lodge of Ireland. The result was not unanimous. Interviewed this morning, Mr. Sloan said some members got up and threw off their official collars in disgust immediately the decision was announced. He had no regret in acting as an independent Protestant.

THE SOMALI CAMPAIGN, THE EREGO FIGHT; REPORT OF COLONEL SWAYNE. A Parliamentary paper was issued on Wed- nesday respecting the rising of the Mullah in Somaliland and the consequent military operations. It contains Colonel Swayne's report of the severe fighting at Erego some months ago and his subsequent retirement. It appears that, although some companies of the King's African Bifles fell back in sudden panic at the enemy's attack, the Somalis and the Yaos generally behaved very steadily. The loss of the Maxim gun was not reported to Colonel Swayne until late in the day, and, although every search was made, it was never recovered. It never came into action, as the men carrying it dropped it on the enemy's sudden attack. The companies recovered very rapidly from their panic, and behaved well wnen led out, but the severity of the fighting and the superstitious awe attaching to the Mullah's name were such that the senior officers reported to Colonel Swayne that they could not rely on their men. Owing to this and the difficulties of transport and water, Colonel Swayne reluctantly decided to fall back. "I now realise," says the colonel, "that even with close training, most Somalis would be deeply impressed by the Mullah's name, and could not, in close fighting, be relied upon. The employment of regular troops, on the other hand, whilst being extremely expen- sive, has very many drawbacks in this diffi. cult country." The Mullah's forces suffered very severely. Their six leaders were killed, and the pri- soners subsequently taken reported that 136 Dervish riflemen and a very much larger num. her of spearmen had been killed, while there were many wounded. Many of the dispatches relate to the illicit trade in arms by means of which the Mullah constantly obtains rifles, Ac. Both Italy and France have promised to help in stopping this pernicious traffic.

GREAT FIRE AT GLASGOW, Fire broke out on Wednesday night in a loft in the Princess Docks, Govan, Glasgow, belonging to Messrs. John Bruce and Co. The loft was filled with esparto grass. The flames extended to the lower storey, where oil, sul- phur, and fruit were stored. Before the fire- men reached the scene an area of 140 yards was blazing. Firemen from Govan and Glas- gow had the greatest difficulty in preventing the flames spreading to adjoining property. About 400 yards of sheds were burned. The damage is officially eatiaiated at £ 35,000.

Told in Tabloids. Between 1897 and 1902 the stamp reveniMI from parent medicinee haa risen from £ 260,852 to C303,337 per annum. A successful Primrose League demonstration: in connection with the Ely Habitation was held at Cadoxton-Barry on Wednesday even- ing. An inquest was held on Wednesday at Seng- henydd concerning the death of the five- year-old son of Mr. Humphreys, of 56, High- street, Senghenydd, which occurred on Mon- day morning. The jury returned a verdict of Death from scalding." The annual "social" evening held at the Cardiff Young Men's Christian Association building on Wednesday, -when some 500 mem- bers and friends gathered together and spent a pleasant evening. Light refreshmenta were provided through the kindness of Mr. John Cory, and various amusements were indulged in. A conversazione in connection with the Cardiff Free Churches' Girls' Guild was heid at the Cory-hall oh Wednesday, and attracted the majority of the members. Mrs. Austin Jenkins (hon. secretary). Mrs. Edgar Jones (treasurer), and Mrs. Charles Bird, assisted by Mr. David Shepherd (secretary of the Free Church Council), received the young guests, and after tea had been served, an interesting address was delivered by Mrs. Charlotte Ben- ham, of London (organising secretary of the Girls' Guild).

SOUTH WALES HOCKEY. The Coming international at Newport. The selection committee of the Welsh Hockey Association (writes a Western corre- spondent) can hardly be congratulated upon the result of last Saturday's meeting. Their reputation is already an unenviable one, and their latest effort certainly has not created a. feeling of confidence either in their ability or sense of fairness. The actual team selected, with one very im- portant exception, 115 a good one, but when one looks through the reserves it becomes appa- rent that a considerable amount of sentiment —a stronger word might be used—has been introduced. The exception referred to is in the half-back line. which consists of Price, Murrell, and Mytton. and the difficulty is to think of any reason that prompted the se-lec- tion of the last-named in this position. Mytton ha« for some years poeed as a forward, and as such represented Wales in 1901. To this position he adhered in the trial match at Bangor last year, and again this year at Aberdare. Yet. by some strange method of reasoning, the committee arrive at the con- clusion that this is the man to play half- back. In considering this strange arrange- ment. it should be borne in mind that the selection, committee consists of three delegate. from the North and four from the Sooth, including the chairman, and that, apparently, the last-named four-the majority—have never seen Mytton play in the position for which they have chosen him. Surely it is a simple matter to recognise that international matches are not suitable opportunities for! such experiments. Matches have been lost solely through the weakness of the half-back line, and yet the committee overlook really good men who are regularly playing in thaA position. Coming to the reserves, it is observed that Wilkinson (Maindee) is chosen. Now, no unbiaseed mind can for a moment suggest that he is equal to Lloyd (Haverfordwest), after the display of the latter at Llanelly. Wilkinson, although he played for the East, was not after- wards considered good enough even for the reserve in the South team, and yet he it selected as reserve for the international team, in front of two men considered by the South committee, who obviously had better oppor- tunities of judging, to be his superiors. As regards the half-backs, Richards (Aber- gavenny) is on the reserve list. It seems strange that although this player, after being given a. trial in the preliminary match, was not considered good enough to represent the East against the West, and was not included in the South reserve list, yet he appears as a. reserve for the international team, whilst such players as Howell (Cardiff) and Guy Jones (Newport) are ignored. But the most glaring case of absolute par- tiality is to be found in the forward line by the selection of Connop as reserve to Pearson. I have heard most emphatic expressions of dissatisfaction as to this, and some have not disguised their opinion as to how the player in question was engineered into the list. What is the history? Connop played in the pre- liminary trial match in the East, but was not found good enough to represent that divi- sion against the West. Subsequently the South committee ignored him. Yet once again the international selection committee in their wisdom form a different opinion, although the Northern delegates have never seen him play. Can it be the same influence that assisted both Connop and Wilkinson? They are club mates! Whilst discussing the position of inside left, it seems reasonable to ask why Perkins Wall not selected. Here we have a player of proved ability. He has played for Wales on several occasions, he is particularly consistent, and in each of the trials showed to advantage. It cannot seriously be stated that such a very medium class player as Connop can be com- pared to him. In the interests of the game it is necessary that more judgment should be exercised in the selection of representative teams. At present a feeling of disgust is arising, and sooner or later it will be found that players of ability will decline to take any part either in trial or international matches, with the result that Wales will continue to occupy^er present unsatisfactory position in hockey. The fault lies. not with the players, but with the officials, and the sooner this is realised and an altera- tion made the better. The dissatisfaction is assuming such serious aspects that I hope this may be taken as a. note of warning to the South Wales Hockcy Association to exercise greater care in the election of its officials, more jjartieularly of its selection committees, avoiding the men whose only ambition is to secure as many places as possible, irrespective of merit, for members of the club which they represent. In Wednesday's hockey notes we referred td the illness of a brother of Messrs. W. A. &nd P. N. Bayliss. the two Welsh internationals, as having prevented them playing in the trial match at Aberdare on Saturday. We regret to state that the illness ended in death on. Tuesday morning, and all hockey players and many other friends in South Wales will sympathise with the family in their sad bereavement.

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