Evening Express

THE "CHAPMAN" HORROR. Anot her villain will shortly be sent to hi& account, and there will be none to mourn his execution. Chapman did three poor women to death in a slow, •studied, methodical, and deliberate man- Tier. He made use of his knowledge and the action of antimony to compass the slow destruction of those whom he should have shielded from harm. If t here be any excuse for murder it is when the deed is committed in sudden, furious, un- governable passion. Nothing of this kind could cloak or condole the miserable I- Cliapni an." But for the minute and -relentless scrntiny of science the wretch might have escaped scot free. But these are the days of the microscope and spectroscope, whose searching analysis .can reveal proofs of guilt with a certainty that a few years ago would have been deemed miraculous. In this case, science built up an edifice of damning evidence against Chapman but the elements with which he destroyed his victims acted with miraculous irony, and only preserved for the inspection of the law traces of the crimes he thought long since buried and forgotten. It is impossible to fathom the motive of such crimes as these. Here was a man well educated— at one time a medical student-coldly contemplating the practice of an art con- ceived to preserve for the purpose of destroying the lives of those whom he pre- tended to love with the holiest of human passions. Nature herself, red though she he in tooth and claw, i-evolts at such a counterpart of her most perfect crea- tion. And the whoic wortd will wOtHkr nr. the comparative ease with which this hairdresser baffled and defied the doctors who were called in to attend his last victim, Maud Marsh. The remarks of Mr. Justice Grantham on this point are strong, but not too strong in the circum- stances. KJosowski will go to the gallows without sympathy, and the world will he well rid of him.

From the example set by a well-to-do citizen of Milan it seems that would-be suicides in every town possessing electric i light and tram services hare a. means [ ready whereby they can shuffle off this mortal coil expeditiously and painlessly. This Milanese swarmed up a standard ar<d grasped the wires i, it h both hands. Death was instantaneous. Luckily with us, the l

PICTURE PUZZLES. Five Pounds for 12 Solutions. 2nd COMPETITION. Our Second Competition opened on Satur- day, and closes to-day <Friday.) Two pictures appear each day, represent- ing the names of well-known Welsh foot- ballers, and a prize of JEj is offered for the beat set of solutions. If more than one set is correct the prize will be divided. Ail you have to do it to write under- neath each picture the name you think it represents, and send the whole of the twelve pictures to Picture Puzzles Depart- ment, "Evening Express," Cardiff, to reach here not later than Twelve noon on MONDAY, March 23. Put your name and address at the foot of each couple of pictures. The day's pictures must not be sent separately, but the whole twelve must come in one envelope, marked outside, "Picture Puzzles." As a guide to competitors, we may state that practically the whole of the names of Weleh footballers are found in the list of teams in the Evening Express" on Fridays frcm the third edition onwards. In case of dispute, the decision of the Editor of the Evening Express must be accepted as final. On Saturday (to-DWrrow) another JE.5 will be. offered for a third set of solutions. Notes to Competitors. As already stated, competitors are not limited to one try, but each set of solu- solutions must be on separate forms. Some competitors in o. 1 tried putting two solutions on one form, and were, of course, disqualified. Others delayed sending in till after closing time, .and these letters were not opened. In sending in forms competitors are requested to arrange them in order of their numbers, the first on top, and pin them together. No. 11 Xo. 12 -.r" Addfess

It was very sad yesterday to see no less than five Glamorgan postal employes in the dock charged with-purloining money, and, as the judge remarked, such cases were calculated to weaken the public faith in the probity of postal officials in general. Low wages seem to have opened the door to temptation in one or two of the cases, and we are accordingly glad that justice was as far as possible tem- pered with mercy. At the same time, to make it a principle that honesty should depend upon the amount of wages paid would be a very dangerous thing. Poor folk in general are as honest—often more so—than more favoured members of the community.

IMPORTANT XOTICE TO AD VERT ISERS NIYt lritldcmding tht pressure of Football J\eurs and Notts, no Advertisement z ordered for insertion in the EVEXING EXPRESS on Saturdays are omitted from the Football Editions

Mainly About People. I Mr. J. P. Farrell, the member for North Longford, who has been seriously injured by a gas explosion in the printing offiee of his news- paper, the "Longford Leader," has not long been out of prison after serving two months' imprisonment on a charge of intimidation. Judge Curran offered to reduce the sentence if Mr. Farrell would undertake not to repeat boycotting notices, but he resolutely refused to give such an undertaking. The counsel who defended him recalled that Longford was the county of Oliver Goldsmith and Maria. Edgeworth, and declared that if those dis- tinguished persona were now alive they would be brought before a Crimea Court, the first for stating tha.t "Every rood of ground maintitins its man," and the second for entitling her novel "Castle Ilackrent." Mr. Farrell had had a previous experience of gaol in 1889. He is the author of a lai'ge illastraUrd history of County Longford, as well as of two smaller hooks on the same subject. The Piiikerton brothers, whose agency has had something to do with the smart capture of Mr. Win taker Wright, are the sons of a cooper, who lived in a village near Chicago, and founded what has developed into the most remarkable detective agency in the world. All over America "Pinkerton's" is a. magic word. a name for honest folk to con- .jnie^wiih, and for all other folk to hear in terror. It is a private Scotland Yard, with a security and reputation which make it as effective and reliable in all cases as our own official police. Presidents have engaged men from Pinkerton's to guard them, and it was Allan Pinkertoa. the founder of the business, who saved Lincoln's lite at Baltimore before he was afterwards assassinated at Washing- ton. The President was trarellingf through the secessionist ciu of Baltimore on hit way to I ¿ 1- i" his inauguration at Washington, and it was an open secret that a plot existed which, if it were carried out, would deprive the United States of its elected head. But the President passed through Baltimore with Pinkerton's guard and reached Washington, in safety. Every bridge was guarded by Pinkerton's men, and at the door of Lincoln's sleeping apart- ments were two of Pinkerton's most trusted servants, a man and a woman, both ready to shoot if an intruder should enter. "She has refused a man w:}rth a million." "Is it possible? Any rational explanation of iier acc?" "Oil. yes. 8Ge has just accepted another man worth two millions." A very interesting engagement is that ot Lady Evelyn Erakine, yonngest daughter of Lord and Lady Buchan, and Mr. Walter Edward Guinness, youngest son of Lord and Lady Iveagh. The newly-engaged couple are extremely young, the bride-elect c-uly nine- teen, and her future husband bnt twenty-two. Lady Evelyn Erskine is the loveliest girl in a group of beautiful daughters. She is exquisitely fair, with a cloud of pale golden hair. which she wears parted in the middle, in quite a Madonna-like fashion. She only came out last autumn, at Easton, at the ball given by Lady Warwick for the debut of Lady Marjorie Greviiie. It will be remembered that her eldest sister was married but the other day, and is now Lady Muriel Wiiloughby. Mr. Walter Guinness is a good-looking, pleasant young man, an Eton scholar, and later an officer in the Imperial Yeomanry, receiving his baptism of fire in South Africa. The young people are devoted to one another, and it will be an alliance of wealth and beauty and affection. One other public man in England has come into an inheritance such as that which has just fallen to Lord Ellesmere (says the St. James's "). Lord Rendlesham is the direct descendant of Peter Thellusson, whose last testament created so much sensation long ago. He it was who, by his famous will, originated the Act of Parliament which makes such wills impossible to-day in England. Parliament refused to interfere with Peter Thellusson's will, which was allowed to accumulate until the £ 600.000 had become ten3 of millions; but the Law Courts swallowed up most of the money before the three generations had passed away; and Lord Rendlesham, to whom the inheritance came on the death of the last survivor in 1856, received but an ordinary for- tune instead of the huge mountain of gold which old Peter Thellusson had dreamed of. Mr. L. Raven-Kill, the well-known black-and- white artist, was 38 on Tuesday He was edu- cated at Bristol Grammar School and Devon County School, and studied art first at Lam- beth and afterwards at Paris under Bongereau and Aime Morot. He began to exhibit at the Royal Academy in 1889, and joined the staff of "Punch" in 1896. In 1893 he founded "The Butterfly," which disappeared for a time and re-emerged in 1899. Like several others on the staff of "Punch" Mr. Raven-Hill is a volunteer. Many of his cleverest pictures were inspired while "standing easy" on the parade ground. Miss Constance Jones, who, as reported in our columns, has been appointed principal of Girton College, Cambridge, in succession to Miss Welsh, is the eldest daughter of Mrs. Jones, Langstone Court, near Ross, and niece of the late Colonel Pearce, R.H. Ffrwdgrech, Brecon. Miss Jones is well-known in the lite- rary world, and has published a translation of Latze's Mikrokosmus from the German, which has been much appreciated, especially in America. She has also lately edited the un- published works of the late Professor Sidg- wick, and written on philosophy. How many members of the House of Com- mons could give off-hand the reason for the curious custom whereby the Speaker has to be "got out the Chair" before monetary matters can be discussed? The explanation is given in "Parliament Past and Present," and is suffi- ciently singular. It appears that the faithful Commons were much impressed by the fact that their Speaker was the only member of the House with a. right of access to the Royal person, and considered that this distinction would so work upon his mind as to make him much more the King's friend than theirs. As financial questions commonly meant the King's demands for supplies, they excluded the Speaker from the discussion, lest he should be tempted to curry favour with Royalty by explaining how various members had spoken and voted on a matter so nearly affecting the King. If the description given of Signor Priuetti's normal day by the "Sphere" is at all accurate, the breakdown of the Italian states- man is only wonderful as having been delayed so long. On an ordinary day he was at the Ministry of Foreign Afliairs long before any of the clerks arrived, and worked there until two, taking such meal as he had standing. From the office he went straight to the Chamber, and stayed for hours in its pestilen- tial atmosphere. Then fee went back again to the office, dined at any time from eight to ten, went to a reception afterwards, and finished up with a heavy supper at his club at some unearthly hour of the morning. It is no wonder that Signora Prinetti got a friend to remonstrate with him on the life he was leading, but the remonstrance came too late. "Yes, my ljoy, she fell in love with me at first sight. What do you think of that?" I think it would have been better if she bad taken a, second look." Philatelists will be interested to learn that in the stamp collection formed by the late Judge Mastcrman, which will be submitted to auction early next month, is included one of the rare British Guiana, stamps of the 1866 issue, four cents, blue. Messrs. Ventom, Bnll, and Cooper state that the late owenr received two of these stamps from a relative in British Guiana, the one now to be offered and another, which they sold by auctiou in 1890 for 955-a record price at that time for any stamp. Au amusing incident of the Boer War is related in the "United Service Gazette." Just after the fall of Bloemfoutein soldiers were called upon. owing to the scarcity of civilians, to work the railway. The weary men were lying in camp one night, after a hard day's work, when a sergeant called out, "Any of you wish to put your name down as railway porters, drivers, stokers, guards, or for any other appointment connected with the rail- way?" The silence was broken only by snores. Then one of the men slowly raised his head, and drowsily shonted, Put me down as a. sleeper!"

LORD AVEBURY AND THE COLONIES I Lord Avebury speaking on Thursday night at a public meeting held under the auspices of the British Empire League at Wandsworth, cla.imed that the league, whose objects were to promote trade within the Empire and closer intercourse between its different por- tions, had had an important effect on Colonial feeling and had re-aroused Colonial enthu- siasm. But the present state of things was i unsatisfactory. We had no Imperial forces and no Imperial Excliequer. He would sup- port a pIau by which our Foreign Minister lHiht have a council representing the Colo- nies to advise him on foreign relations. Unless something like this were done the Empire would inevitably break down.

BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS The following are th.. readings mince Ave o'clock last evening, as :r¡Yl'n by the barometer in the Testibula of the Kvsninjf Express." St. Mary-street, Cardiff, which is 33ft. abOTt: mean sea lerei

Medical Examination of Recruits. THE CONFISCATION OF TRADE LICENCES. HOUSE OF LORDS.—Thursday. I The Lord Chancellor took his scat on the I Woolsack at 4.20. .SOLDIERS' PENSIONS. I The E:rl of HARDWICKE, in answer to I Jjord Mayo, said that during the years 1899 to I 1902 the total number of soldiers who had been discharged from the Army without pensions for diseases not directly attributable to active service in the field was 6,745. The Government did not admit that the number was so large as to have a deterrent effect upon recruiting. As a matter of fact, during the last two years recruiting had been better than ever before. During the years he had mentioned the number of recruits had been 126.149. and. therefore, the percentage of men discharged was really only 5 per cent. The Commander- in-Chief had laid down strict instructions that no recruit should be sent for examination by the Medical Board unless the recruiting officer considered he had a fair chance of passing. During the year 1902 the number of men presenting themselves for enlistment and who were medically inspected was 87,609, and the number rejected for various ailments was 28.221. He thought that showed that the medical examination was carried out with very great care, and that it would be difficult to improve upon the system now in force. Men discharged for ailments not due to active service were entitled to a gratuity of JE1 for each year of service, the mirSmum being 92 and the maximum £12. TRANSFER OF LICENCES. I The Earl of WEMYS8 presented a Bill to secure uniformity in the way of renewal or transfer of licences for the sale of intoxi- cating liquors, and this was read a first time. The House adjourned at 4.45.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—Thursday. I The Speaker took the Chair at two o'clock. I CONFISCATION OF LICENCES. I Sir WILLIAM HART-DYKE (U., Dartford) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he was aware that death duties had been paid upon licensed property at the rate of eighteen years' purchase in the case of freehold and of sixteen years' for leasehold property, and that notice bad been imme- diately given to terminate the said licences the following year, and whether he could suggest any remedy for such a state of things. Mr. RITCHIE said that under Section 7 (h) of the Finance Act, 1894, the basis of valua- tion for estate duty was the price which the property would fetch if sold in the open market at the time of the death of the deceased. The principle was applied to licensed property, and if, as not infrequently happened, the executors disposed of the pro- perty shortly after death, then the actual value realised was taken. The capital value in such cases bore very varying relations to the annual'rental. Of course, the probability or otherwise of a house remaining a licensed house was a governing element in deter- mining the value. If in any case a licence was withdrawn immediately or soon after the death of the owner of the premises, and the estate was still under administration, the Board of Inland Revenue would always be open to consider an application for re-adjust- ment of the value put upon the licensed pro- perty for estate duty. THE BUDGET. I Mr. BALFOUR, in answer to Mr. Buchanan I (R., Perthshire, E.), said the Budget would I not be introduced before Easter. RYE ELECTION. I Mr. Hutchinson (R.), the new member for the Rye Division of Sussex, was introduced by the Hon. Arthur Brand and Mr. Freeman Thomas, amid the prolonged cheers of the Opposition. The hon. member, after shaking hands with the Speaker, took his seat immediately behind the Front Opposition Bench, to the manifest delight of the Liberal members, whose cheering was renewed. I EDUCATION-MILITARY DRILL. I Dr. MACNAMARA (R., Camberwell, N.) then called attention to various matters on the Education Vote, and caused considerable merriment by reading extracts from the book of physical training which had been cir- culated to all elementary schools, and which he showed had been for the most part copied from the military text-book. With regard to some of the exercises, he suggested that the Secretary to the Board of Education (Sir William Anson) should accompany them into the lobby and show members how they were done. floud laughter.) As a protest, he moved to reduce the vote by £100. Sir JOHN GORST regarded the new course of drill as a retrograde step. At the evening sitting, Mr. BURNS CR., Battersea,) pointed out that the book of physical instruction gave direc- tions as to skirmishing. (Laughter.) LOCAL EDUCATION SCHEMES. Mr. LEYY (R., Loughborough) complained of delays and inconveniences caused by the unjustifiable interference by the Board of Education with the local education schemes drawn up by local education authorities. Mr. YOXALL (R., Nottingham, W.) asserted that the War Office had forced upon the Board of Education a most unsuitable form of drill for elementary schools. What was wanted was a model drill course, properly and carefully drawn up after consultation with all those who were entitled to speak on this matter. Sir WILLIAM ANSON explained that the Board of Education had been obliged to be content in their Education Code for this year with only such alterations as were absolutely necessary. Everyone at the Board of Educa- tion was working under great pressure. As to the physical drill, the Board of Education were well aware of the difficulties attending the model course issued, but he could not admit that it had been a complete failure. If necessary, the board were prepared to appoint a Departmental Committee to decide what course would be best for the children. (Cheers.) In regard to the local education schemes, he claimed that the Board of Education had acted single-mindedly. and had endeavoured to work in a friendly way with all local autho- rities throughout the country. Dr. MACNAMARA expressed satisfaction with the Government statement, and with- drew his amendment. At midnight the vote was agreed to. I The House adjourned at 12.5 a.m.

POVERTY AND RELIGION IN LONDON I The new volumes which Mr. Charles Booth and his staff of helpers have had in prepara- tion for five years, in continuation of his work entitled "Life and Labour in London," will be published next Tuesday by Messrs. Macmillan under the general sub-title "Reli- gious Influence." Six of the volumes consist of detailed description of the organisation and results of religious and philanthropic effort in the various distriots of the Metro- polis, while the seventh reviews the general questions raised during the inquiry, a chap- ter or section being devoted to each impor- tant denomination or movement. Mr. Booth attempted to measure the va,lue not only of the work of the various churches, but also of I other social and philanthropic influences, including those of local government and police, and he has obtained masses of infor- I mation on housing and health, amusements and habits, prostitution and crime, marriage and thrift.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE I A special service was held at St. Mary's Church, Whitchurch, on Wednesday, when the Bishop of Llandaff confirmed 53 candidates from Rndry. Tongwynlais. and Whitchurch. Eight of the candidates, who were choristers, were present iii cassock and surplice. Two others had reached a ripe age, one being 87 and the other 75. The service was well attended. In the evening a. special sermon was preached. The Bishop of Swansea held a confirmation at St. Peter's Church, Cockett. when 52 candi- dates from the parish were confirmed. The bishop before and after delivered impressive addresses. After the service his lordship pro- ceeded to the churchyard, and in the presence of a large concourse consecrated the addi- tion-cil burial-ground. The Bishop of Llandaff held a confirmation service at St. Mary's, Nolton. Bridgend, on Thursday, when 157 candidates were con- firmed.

BWLAXD'S (JLORY MATCHES nudp entirely I bv BRITISH LABOUR. Srn<i for particular, of comp6- 1 titiona. England'* Glory Match Woru., Gloucester. •10636

OC, riAG EDY.II Alleged Mutiny on High Seas. POLICE PROCEEDINGS AT LIVERPOOL. As reported in the extra special and later editions of yesterday's "Evening Express":—! The three seamen of the barque Veronica, of St. John's, Newfoundland, were again placed in the dock at Liverpool Police-court i yesterday (before Mr. Stewart, Stipendiary) on the charge of alleged wilful murder on the high seas of the captain and six of the crew about December 7. while on the voyage from Ship Island. Mississippi, to Monte Video, with a cargo of lumber. The prisoners are Otto Monson. 18; Gustav Rau, 29; and William Smith, 30. sailors, who formed part of the crew of the vessel. There was also a charge of setting fire to the ship. The six deceased members of the crew besides Captain Shaw were A. M'Leod, first mate; Fred Abrahamson, second mate; and Alexander Bravo, Gus Johanscn, Julius Parsons, and Patrick Doran, able seamen. Mr. TrubshriW, solicitor, conducted the prosecution on behalf of the Treasury, and Mr. Clarke appeared for Monson. Monson and Ran are Germane, and Smith is said to be an American. At the last hearing Henry Flohr, aged nineteen, who was originally charged along with the other prisoners, was discharged, with the object of giving evidence against the remaining three. Moses Thomas, the black cook and steward of the barque, who gave details of the tragedy last week, was recalled. He said the second officer's watch consisted of Rau, Bravo. Monson, and Parsons. After he was let out of the cabin on the Wednesday night be saw Ran wearing different clothes from those he was wearing when witness saw him pre- viously. Ran told him to chop up a quantity of wood, and put it the saloon. After they had left the ship in the lifeboat Rau ascer- tained by tke ship's log how many miles the boat had sailed, and registered it every four hours, and said she was making from seven to eight miles per hour on a south-westerly course. There was a good steady breeze astern all the way. During the voyage of the boat a flashing light was seen, which Ran thought belonged to a steamer. nan then altered his course, to avoid the supposed ship, because he said he did not wish to be picked up. Then the next morning they sighted land. Witness had had a previous voyage with the prisoner Smith in the ship G. A. Bartlett. They were paid off at Moville in the beginning of October last. The Veronica was still blazing when he last saw her. Ludwig Christian Heinrich Flohr deposed that he was a seaman. Before sailing Rau told him that he and Monson were going to leave the ship, and asked him what he would do if a boat came for them. Witness replied that he would tell the captain. Rau retorted that he would not, as he would put something in his mouth or tie him up, at the same time placing a revolver to his head. Ran then said that a boat was coming for them that night. He told the second officer. They left Ship Island on the 11th of October, I he being in the chief officer's watch. "Paddy" Doran, Johansen, and Smith were also in the watch. Monson, Rau, Alec Bravo, and Julius Parsons were in the second officer's watch. About three days after sailing the first officer gave an order to Smith with which the latter did not comply, whereupon the officer struck Smith. He saw no trouble between the second officer and his watch, but there was something wrong between Monson and Rau. These two he heard cursing the second officer. Witness and Rau quarrelled often, and one day the latter struck him. Rau often said he was a better sailor than the officers, because he had been in the German Navy, and learnt navigation there. Witness on one occasion told Rau that he had an uncle in London, and during a subsequent quarrel he said that witness would never see his uncle again. About three days before the trouble began witness was on the look-out on the forecastle head, when Monson came up and commenced to talk about previous ports he had been to. Ran also came up. He had not spoken to Rati for about eight days, and he at once began to talk to him. He said he heard the officers and captain talking. saying that they were going to throw Monson and him overboard. Rau said "We want to kill them now before they throw us overboard." He said t#at witness was to help them. Witness said he could not kill a man. Prisoner then said Smith and Monson and he were agreed together already to kill them. They had two revolvers and a good supply of cartridges, as well as plenty of iron belaying pins. Rau then said that all people such as those in the cabin, and all rich people, wit- ness's uncle included, should be killed, and that he (witness) would go the same way, too, unless he helped them. Witness replied that he could not see a pig killed, much less a man. Monson and Rau thereupon laughed. The latter then said that he had not brought revolvers and cartridges on board for nothing. Ran told him that if he did not help them he P, (lid not help them he would have to go overboard with the other fellows. Witness at that time had bad a quarrel with "Paddy," and Ran told him that he was to quarrel with him again, and tell him ("Paddy") that he could count his last hours. A day or so after that Rau, Monson, Smith, and himself were on deck. Rau said they must settle the time at which they were going to start, and suggested that they should start on Sunday, in the second officer's watch, when "Paddy" would be on the look- out. Smith and he were to go on the fore- castle head. and push a knife into "Paddy's" throat, while R?u and Monson were to push a knife into Johansen's throat. It was also arranged that the captain, chief mate, second mate, and the cook should be killed. Smith showed him two five-shooters and some cart- ridges. Early on a Sunday morning, in the beginning of December, Rau hit "Paddy" on the back of the head with an iron belaying pin. He fell down. and Ban struck him once more. This happened on the forecastle. The chief officer then came on the scene and asked for "Paddy." and Ran told him that lie must be "round there somewhere" (indicating another part of the vessel), and that he ("Paddy") wanted to start to fight. The officer then went to look for "Paddy." Subsequently the officer came and stood close Ho Rau and Smith, it being very dark at the tim". He (Raii), by mistake, hit Smith twice, instead of the officer. Smith called out, and Ran then felled the officer with a belaying pin, aud whilst he was on the deck hit him again, and Smith and Rau threw him overboard. The case at this point was adjourned until Tuesday next.

SOUTH AFRICAN SHIPPING. I Mr Chamberlain and Conference I Domination. In the House of Commons on Thursday, Mr. PEEL (LI., Manchester, S.) asked the Colonial Secretary whether it was the prac- tice of the Colonial Office in obtaining ten- ders through their brokers for the carriage of goods between this country and South Africa to invite firms outside the Shipping Confer- ence to quote. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said that the Colonial Office transacted no shipping business, but the Crown Agents for the Colonies undertook business of this description on behalf of the Colonial Governments. In the present condi- tions of the South African shipping market it was impossible to entertain tenders from firms outside the Conference lines, unless there was a certainty that those companies would be able in the future to provide the requisite facilities. The acceptance of a casual outside tender might place the Crown Agents and any other shippers at the mercy of the Conference.

NEW COUNCIL OFFICES FOR EBBW I VALE Some time ago the Kbbw Vale District, Council purchased from the Kbbw Vale Steel. Iron. aud Coal Company the whole of their spacious buildings near the old Drill-hall, formerly used as workshop and offices of the coal and mine department. These have been converted into a palatial council-room, suite of offices, fire-station, stable, and the necessary workshops, at a cost of £ 2,7C0. Tbe contract, was carried out by Messrs. S. T. Da vies and Sons, builders. Ebbw Vale, to plan'! drawn by the surveyor. Mr. J. T. Thomas, and his assis- tant. Mr. Rosser Davies. The opening cere- mony took place on Thursday evening. when Councillor N. L. Wilpntte. J.P., chairman of the cound!. made the formal opening, aud was presented with a silver hfy by the con- tnwtOrR. Councillor Wilputte entertained the whole of his colleagues, officials, and friends to an excellent repast. )

CiDBCRV-s riocos can always be relied upon for its pu.-itr. Adn'?.;r*ted cocoas are riiki, and ahould be aroiaefl iC:ADBTTRY",4 Cocoa if highly beneficial to voang and old, the delicate and the robust; it. eentaini all the full nonrix&iav quail tie* of tHe eocot been, It ia Coco*, pd. Ccoet G81.t. tMt- «

A VOTE ON ACCOUNT Position of Affairs in South Africa. IMPORTANT STATEMENT BY MR. CHAMBERLAIN. in the House of Commons yesterday, The Twelve o'clock Rule having been sus- pended. The House went into Committee of Supply, with Mr. Jeffreys in the Chair, and proceeded to consider the votes on account of the Civil Service and Revenue Departments Estimates (1903-4). On a vote on account of LOO,265,000 being proposed. Mr. BRYCE informed Mr. Chamberlain that there was a general desire to have a discussion on the many important questions connected with South African policy. He wished to ask Mr. Chamberlain when a record of his speeches in South Africa would be laid before the House. They were especially inte- rested in the question of native labour; what had been decided with regard to the new loan of 35 millions; what proportion of it would be devoted to the relief of taxation, and what public works, if any, it was proposed to build with it; the second loan of 30 millions; and what promises had been given, and what would be the terms of the loan. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN expressed surprise that pthe right hon. gentleman should profess to be in need of information on these matters. When in South Africa he called the atten- tion of Lord Milner to' these subjects, and arranged with him that reports should be l made upon the main subjects, such as repat- riation, railways, finance, and the constitu- tion of the Legislature, and other matters of great importance. These papers were on their way. All soon as they arrived they would be presented. But it was wrong to suppose that he had come to a vast number of decisions which had not yet been communicated to the House. It was quite true that, in addition to his public work, he saw something like 100 deputations and had personal interviews with something like 500 representative men of all parties and every shade of opinion. His object was to gain information, and there was no information whatever to communi- cate to the House with regard to them. Where they resulted in a decision that decision had already been communicated to the House, not officially, perhaps, but through the ordinary channels. The decisions were confined to two —namely, the question of the loan dealing with the indemnity, and also the way in which the Government proposed to deal with the claims for compensation and with the receipts and promises made by the military authorities Only in regard to these two was any definite decision arrived at. As to native labour, no proposals were made except a minor one that he should endeavour to use his influence with the Foreign Office to allow an experiment to be made in certain districts not hitherto utilised for the purpose. As the result, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs was prepared to give authority to allow 1,000 natives to be recruited in Cen- tral Africa as an experiment for service in the mines. Tkat was absolutely the sole result of the proceedings. If there was a desire for any preliminary information which had not appeared in the papers as to the loan he was perfectly ready to supply it, but the discussion had better take place on the proper occasion. Mr. ASQUITH: When will the Loan Bill be taken? Mr. CHAMBERLAIN: After Easter. The ques- tion of the gold law .was not one on which he felt called upon to pronounoe an opinion. A draft gold law had been prepared, and would be laid before the new Legislative Council, which he hoped would meet in the course of the present month. There had been some difficulty in getting the representative nominated members whom they desired to place upon that body. As to assisted emigra- tion, tkere was no proposal so far as he knew, except the favourable terms upon which land would probably be obtainable in the new Colony. LAND SETTLEMENT. Mr. BRYCE: There is a suggestion that the Government were buying land to sell to settlers. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN: The whole question of land settlement will be dealt with in the reports coming home from Lord Milner. The only other point on which a final decision is come to is in regard to compensation, and upon what I must call the eleemosynary grants decided under the terms of peace, and payments that have to be made in accor- dance with the promises of the military. A sum of three millions of money was allowed as a free gift, in order to provide those who were destitute with the essentials to enable them to resume cultivation. A very conside- rable sum of money had already been expended in connection with the work of repatriation, which had been going on with a success which, to his mind, was perfectly marvellous, and which reflected the greatest possible credit upon Lord Milner and all his subordinate officials. (Cheels.) Something like 100,000 people had, since the war, been repatriated on their farms, :■ nd kept there so long as it was necessary witi- rations, and assisted with stock, materials, and tools, and were now for the most part in process of restoring their fortunes. (Obeers.) Besides the three millions, a further grant was made by the House of Commons of two millions, which was to be applied to the relief of Bri- tish subjects who had suffered in the course of the war. Already a sum of more than £1.600.000 had been paid out in return for the military receipts. But a much wider liability was due to those proclamations which pro- mised protection to the men who surrendered before the end of the war. The claims under these heads had veen very numerous-some- thing like 100,000—and had involved ENORMOUS DEMANDS. ) These applications had had to be subjected to a very narrow scrutiny. The difficulties which arose in dealing with such a vast variety of cases were found to be extremely great. The whole of the administration of all moneys to be granted in the shape of either free grants or compensation or pay- ment of receipts would be placed under the control of the civil administration. The War Office agreed to pay £ 3,000,000 in discharge of all claims upon the military authorities, and the civil Government of the Transvaal and I Orange River Colony had undertaken to bear the whole charge, whether more or less, with this proviso, that if it were less (which he did not, think at all likely) the balance would be returned to the military authorities. This was an improvement, because the mili- tary commission was subject to changes, and the military authority naturally found it to j bo their duty to reduce these charges as much as possible, and in sonic instances he) was impressed with the conviction that the rules laid down did not CARRY OUT IN FULL THE PROMISES MADE, ana it would be. most impolitic to insist upon such rules. (Hear. hear.) But the civil administration, which had to look to the future and to the pacification and content- ment of the people, would. no doubt, take a just and generous view of the situation. It was at first expected that the work would take three or four years to complete, but they had now every expectation of completing it in the course of the next few months. (Ministe- rial cheers.) He had to acknowledge the co- operation which a great many of the Boers had given to the Government in their effort to deal with this difficult matter. Some of those who fought against us to the end had joined and worked, upon the settlement boards, and this action had elicited from their British colleagues the expression of their highest admiration. (Cheers.) While the policy of the Government should be a gene- rous one, they should do dothing to pauperise the population. FORCED LABOUR. Mr. ASQUITH thought that until the House was in possession of the full information that, was coming over from Lord Milner they could not review the whole grounds of our policy. The country would like to know what progress was being made in the development of self- governing institutions in the two new Colonies, and what. prospect there was of redeeming our pledge to establish at the earliest possible moment a representative form of governnmt. (Hear, hear.) Sir JOHN GORST (U., Cambridge University)1 remarked that the recruiting of 1.000 natives of Clentriti Africa to labour in the Transvaal mines required to be most carefully watched and safeguarded. He wished to ask if there would be laid before the House a copy of the rules and regulations nnder which the recruit- ing would be carried out. The rights of the natives rnUHt be pi-etserved, ttiti uiiy-thitiv, like compulsory slavery prevented. (Opposition cheers.) Mr. KEIR HARDIE (H., Merthyr Tydfil) said that Mr. Chamberlain had received no deputa- tions from the Transvaal Miners" Association < and trades' council. The white miners of the Transvaal had ooisiderable grievances. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN: I received several depu-1 tations from the working classes, including the trades' council and also the Transvaal Miners' Association. Mr. KEIR HARDIE also complained of the change in the method of allocation of claims, which was formerly by lot, but now claims were sold to 1 he highest bidder. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN said the hon. gentleman was really most unfortunate in his infor- mant. No lottery was ever held. The state- ment. that the lots had been put up to auction was entirely inaccurate. Mr. HARDIE 6aid there remained the quee- tiou of native la-bonr. The new tax of £ 2 per wife. disguise it, us they would, meant forced labour. In order to induce the natives to work in the. rainvo they were called upon to pay a rasa that could only be obtained by proceeding to the mines to work there. This was forced labour. There was no good pre- tending it was not. SETTLEMENT FINANCE. Sir ROBERT REID (R.. Dumfries Burghs) felt the House ought to be in possession of some statement of the amount of money, irrespec- tive of the 222 millions spent on the war, that our policy in South Africa would coat this country. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN at once fnrnished the figures. There was the free grant of three millions under the terms of peace; there was an additional two millions for the British sufferers; two millions paid away on military receipts; about three millions for the Colonies of Cape Colony and Natal; and then, for compensation under the proclama- tions of Lord Roberts and other generals promising protection, about five millions-. making a total, under circumstances in which such payments had never* been made be fore in order to restore prosperity to a country that had been annexed, of something like fifteen millions. The estimated revenues of the Boer Colonies had been enormously e-I ceeded, and next year the revenues would exceed very largely the whole charges for the two loans. (Loud cheers.) Mr. LLOYD-GEORGE (R., Carnarvon Boroughs) remarked that there was a very general impression that Mr. Chamberlain had while in South Africa made a declara- tion in favour of forcing the natives to work in the mines. If Mr. Chamberlain did not luako such a declaration he had better say so. But this proposal to tax the natives was nothing better than an attempt to get cheap labour-labour under market pri-ccs-for the mineowners. (Hear, hear.) The native would be forced into the mines to get money, and, having got money, he would buy more wives. (Laughter.) This tax, therefore, was not a tax to suppress polygamy; it would promote poly- gamy. (Laughter and cheers.) If these mines could not be kept going except by a system of slavery, they had better be closed. (Cheers.) In every part of Wales there were numbers of mines closed. In Wales the mineowners had to pay a fair day's wage for a fair day's work. Why should the mines of Johannes- burg receive better treatment than the mines of Wales? (Opposition cheers.) There was the name of only one British subject on the list of financiers and capitalists of the Rand. and he happened to be a Scotchman—(loud laughter)—who managed, it appeared, to sur- vive hie environment. (Renewed laughter.) The people who had great interests in South Africa at present were the great citizens of Birmingham and Jerusalem. (More laughter.) BOER AUTONOMY: IMPORTANT STATE- I MENT. Mr. CHAMBERLAIN added: We are anxious as soon as possible to be relieved of the responsibility which Crown Colony govern- ment entails, and to give the new Colonies the same institutions as are enjoyed by our self- governing Colonies. Up to the present time we have only taken one step in that direction, a step which is the usual one in the progress of a Colony from being a Crown Colony to free institutions. We have established—or, rather, proposed—elective municipalities for Johannesburg, Pretoria, and eleven other places, which will give them full representa- tive municipal government. In addition, we have established a Legislative Council in the Orange River Colony, in which, in addition to the elected members, there would be a member selected by the Government to repre- sent the different interests in the Government, and I believe the work of that Council is giving satisfaction. We propose following that up by calling together in April the Legislative Council for the Transvaal. There we retain a majority of Government members, but the representative members will represent every class and section of the community. There will be representatives of the great industry of the country, of the shopkeeping element, (}If the farmer element, of the old Boer ele- ment. of the new Boer element (those who were the earliest to surrender, or those who had supported the British Government through- out), and representatives of the working classes; and we shall endeavour to secure as far as possible a representative minority and place before that body all questions, and not use the Government-majority except on great and Imperial matters. (Hear, hear.) That should be followed, and I hope at no distant date, by substituting elected for selected representatives. but still maintaining the Government majority. Then, lastly, there would be freely- elected bodies. As to the decision of the Boer generals not to take part in the Legislative Council, I visited General Delarey at his resi- dence, and he received me most hospitably, and we established a friendship which I hope may probably last. I asked him to eerve as a representative on the Council, and after some little protest he agreed. He did not raise the objection which was subsequently raised, but he expressed the feeling that he might better asaiet the Government among his own people by absenting himself. I suppose that after he reached Pretoria he consulted with Generals Botha and Smutz, and that they persuaded him to, withdraw his assent. I mention Delarey's previous agreement to show at all events the spirit in which he was pre- pared to meet the situation, and I am certain he is prepared to assist and co-operate with the Government. (Hear, hear.) The Boer generals, I think, are wiser than some of those Liberals who are so anxious at every moment to impose self govern- ment upon Colonial possessions. The country, they said, was not ready for self- government; it needed rest. from agitation. and they would prefer to trust the action and responsibility of the Government rather than throw into discussion all the difficult and complicated questions which might arise. Self- government is the government of the majority. Crown Colony government is not the arbi- trary government of an outside authority, but it is, rather, a government which, while it worhe in accordance with the general wish, as far a? it is ascertained, of the majority, also considers it to be one of its first duties to protect the minority against anything that is unreasonable. (Hear, hear.) It is on that ground that Crown Colony government is defended. It is on that ground that the Boer generals represented that they would prefer to see a continuance of Crown Colony government. I think that great importance is to be attached to their views, and a certain time-not a long time—should elapee before full self-government is accorded. If the population of the Transvaal, both Boer and British, by a large majority desires this self- government, even though I should think it premature, I should feel it was unwise to refuse it. I do not myself believe that there is any such danger to Imperial interests con- nected with it that we need hesitate to accord it on that ground. I believe that the tem- pering influence of the Crown Colony system is desirable for some years to come. As to the native policy, he deprecated the discussion that had taken place, because it implied that our fellow-subjects in the Trans- vaal and in the Orange River Colony were unworthy of the name of Briton and were anxious to introduce forced labour and even slavery. All this went far to separate our own people from us and to provoke in them an antagonistic feeling. For all the charges, which had been made in fairly moderate language by other members, and in his usual violent style by the member for Car- narvon (Mr. Lloyd-George)—(laughter)—there was not the slightest foundation. It appeared to be untrue that the Boers gene- rally ill-treated the native. The native taxa- tion was now lighter than under the Boers. If the native had more than one wife he had to pay a tax of £2 for each additional wjf. (Ministerial laughter.) This was not at the dictation of the mineowners. To say that because we put a tax on the native he was reduced to a condition of servitude and forced labcur was absolutely ridiculous. Mr. LABOUCHERE (R., Northampton) said that for the benefit of a miserable, set Of cosmopolitan adventurers the Government were sacrificing the noblest traditions of this country, and establishing slavery in the terri- tories which had been annexed. Mr. BRYN ROBERTS (R., Carnarvon, Eiflon) urged that compensation should be paid by the Colonial Office for all private property destroyed, such destruction being contrary to the usages of war.

PRICE OF PATENT FUEL. Reticence by a Swansea Works I .1 Manager. Rees Williams, a salesman at the Graigola Fuel Works, Swansea, was charged at tho local police-court on Thursday with em-II beullng £ 4 3s. 6d., the property of his em-! ployers. Defendant was at the yard selling ¡I fuel, and it was stated that he sold more than he paid for to the extent mentioned.—Mr. Gregor, the manager, in croaa-examinatiou. refu8ed to give the wholesale price of fuel on February H.-M.r. Andrews (for the defence) persisted in demanding this information, but Mr. Gregor deeliticti.-Tite intervention of the bench was asked, and thereupon Mr. Gregor consented to write down the price for the magistrates to see privately, but he even then! added. The figures even then are very approximate."—The magistrates, after looking at the figures, thought the question was not one which ought to he asked.—The point fori the defence was whether defendant might not have sold broken fuel at, lis. to 12s. per ton,: but Mr. Gregor said the lowest price at which: he was allowed to sell was 17s. 6d.-Tbe case' was adjourned.

ADViCE TO MOTHERS.Are you broken in yonr Test, by a sick child, suffering with the pain by catting teelb? Go at once to a chemist and set a bottle of Mrs. Winsiow's Soothing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer imme- diately. It is pleasant to taste. It produces natural, quiet, sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes as bright an button. Of all efcemiate. Is. ltd. ks*f bottl* «t»

PITMAN'S FALL. L Claim Against the Great Western Railway. A MERTHYR VALE MAN'S ACTION. As reported in the extra special and later editions of yesterday's "Evening Express At the Nisi Prius Court of the Glamorgan Assizes, held at Cardiff yesterday (be- fore Mr. Justice Bruce and a jury), the action, brought by David Davies. foreman pit- man at Nixon's Navigation Colliery, Merthyr Vale, against the Great Western Railway Company for £ 250 damages in consequence of an accident lie sustained by falling out of a Great Western excursion train between Here- ford and Abergavenny oil May 7. on the occa- sion of the Chester Cup Races, and allesed to have happened through the negligence of the railway company's servants, was resumed. Mr. Abel Thomas, K.C.. M.P.. and Mr. J. Sankey appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. B. Francis-Williams, K.C., and Mr. W. D. Benson defended. The first witness called was Albert Baker, signalman, Cwmbargoed, who stated that a telegram was received at Quakers' Yard stating that plaintiff had fallen out of the train. Mr. Abel Thomas: If plaintiff had been in the Great Western train that is exactly the way in which he would have gone?—Yes. So that if he had friends in the Great Wes- tern triin, he said he bad. that is the way they would have gone?—Yes. Whereas if he or his friends were in a London and North-Western train they would not have gone that way?-No. Thomas Bowdyer. a goods guard. of sixteen years' experience, and an employe of the Great Western Railway Company, spoke to being in charge of the Great Western excur- sion to and from Chester on the date in question, by which the plaintiff said he travelled. Before leaving Chester witness saw all the doors firmly closed, also at Hereford and Abergavenny. John Williams, the other gua.rd on the train, corroborated. Willia-m Arch Cooper, Abergavenny. said that when the train arrived) there all the doors were fastened. If they had not been they would have flown open when the train stopped. William Harman, carriage examiner, and James Lewis, shunter, spoke to all the doors of the train being closed on its arrival at Abergavenny. This concluded the defendants' case. ,Mr. Abel Thomas asked for permission to call two additional witnesses, urging as a reason that, as the case for the defence had progressed, it had become evident that defen- dants based their defence on a different plea to that set forth at the outset. If they were going to allege that the plaintiff travelled by the London and North-Western Railway they should have given information at the outset that that was their defence. Henry Williams, Merthyr Vale, said he saw plaintiff on the racecourse at Chester on the date in question. and they afterwards met in the town and had some refreshments together. They got to the station about a quarter to eight. and, seeing the people rush for the train, witness went to secure his seat, and so lost sight of plaintiff. The next he heard of him was that he had met with an accident. Mr. B. Francis-Williams, addressing the jury for the defence, said that the onus in this case was upon the plaintiff; had he satisfied them that he travelled by a Great Western train? He had said over and over again that he had travelled by a Great Western train, and they had only his word, which had been contradicted by himself, that the aoci- dent happened through the negligence of the company's servants, and he submitted that they ought not to rely upon such evidence. Mr. Abel Thomas submitted that the evi- dence, so far as it had gone, and the absence of the evidence which should have been called by the defendants had led them to the con- clusion that the plaintiff got into a Great Western carriage at Chester. The question as to whether plaintiff fell out at the off or near side of the train made not the slightest difference to the case. In summing up, his Lordship reviewed the evidence at considerable length, and said it was for the jury to determine whether the plaintiff travelled by a Great Western Com- pany's train, and, if so. whether the defen- dants made reasonable provision for his safety. If they found that the defendants were guilty of negligence, it would then be for the jury to say what damages the plaintiff was entitled to. THE JURY DISAGREE. I The jury retired, and. after an hour's absence, returned to court, when the Foreman (Mr. Humphrey Wallis) stated that they were unable to agree. His Lordship: Are you likely to agree if you give the case more consideration? The Foreman: I am afraid not, my lord. We cannot agree on the question of negli- gence. His Lordship inquired whether the parties would accept the vtrdiet of the majority. The Foreman replied that that would not solve the difficulty, as they were equally divided. His Lordship asked the jury to make another attempt to arrive at a verdict, and they again retired. After deliberating for another hour, the jury again returned into court, and the Foreman said they had made no progress towards a verdict.—They were then discharged.

THE COAL COMMISSION. Further Evidence as to Fuel Economy. The Royal Commission on Coal Supplies met again on Thursday at Westminster. Mr. W. J. Crossley, of Crossley Bros., Manchester, gave evidence as to the construction and use of gas-engines and fuel, and the economy effected by such use, both as regards the quality and quantity of the coal consumed. He said the gas-engine could work with half the coal used by the best modern steam engines.—Mr. C. Dellwik described the Dellwik process for manufacturing water-gas and the economies which may be anticipated from its use.—Dr. E. Hopkinson, of Messrs. Mather and Platt, Manchester, compared in detail the use of steam and gas engines for driving dynamos. —Dr. Des Voeux (hon. treasurer of the Smoke Abatement Society) spoke of the work done by the society and their difficulties in getting the existing law as to smoke nuisances enforced. He thought the law should be applied to domestic grates.—No further evidence will be taken until towards the end of April.

SOMALILAND EXPEDITION I The War Office at a la,te honr on Thursday night issued the following telegram received from Brigadier-general Manning, dated Aden, March 18:- "March 6.-Galkayu was occupied without opposition on the morning of the 3rd of March by a mounted force from Wargello, which rode through from that place arriving early on the morning of the second day. The whole of the mounted troops of the flying column rode through from Wargello on the 4th of March, and reinforced the advance party on the same day. The infantry of the flying column arrived on the 5th of March. "Scarcity of water at Wargello, and the necessity of securing the water supply ahead necessitated this step. Water supply here is ample and good. "Spies reported a, large number of the Mullah's men and animals within a few miles of this place (n the morning of the 4th of March. These have apparently moved off. "Spies sent out on arrival yesterday to locate the whereabouts of the Mullah's force have not yet returned. "It is necessary to drive the enemy out of the Mudug district should he remain there, and directly information as to his where- abouts is obtainable and sufficient troops are available this will be done. By the end of this month the water supply of the Mudug district should be completely closed to the Mullah."

A LADY'S DISAPPEARANCE I Samuel Herbert Dougal (Go), Army pen- sioner, who wu-8 arrested on Wednesday in London, was remanded at Saffron Walden, Essex, on Thursday charged with embezzle- ment. It is stated that the accused came to Saffron Waldeir four years ago with a. Miss Camille Ilollancl, i,, lady reputed to be wealthy, and later on they went to live at Moat Hall Farm, Clavering, Essex. Miss Hol- land. however, has not been seen since 18G9, and the police are endeavouring to find her. The accused was charged with forging and uttering a cheque value JE28. payable to J. Heath, dated August, 1902. purporting to have been drawn hy Camille Holland, the. missing woman, with intent to defraud. Detective Marden stated that he arrested the prisoner at the Banit of England on Wednes- day. and on being charged prisoner replied, "That is quite right, and I understand." A sum of between and £ 600 was found upon Lini. He was remanded for eight dayx. Another report says:—The lady has been missinjr since March 9, and nothing has been heard of her. The police have now decided to drag the muiit which aorroaadi the farm- bout,

Cochfarf's"- I Comments. The Glamorganshire Beekeepers' Asso- ciation for many years failed to benefit by the example in assiduity provided by the busy and methodical bee. For six- teen years had the society hibernated, but the reproach of inactivity was fairly obliterated at the annual meeting of members held at Cardiff last night, for not only were officers elected for the coming year, but a delightful lecture upon bee culture was delivered by an expert, who possessed the knack of speak- ing fluently and instinctively. As a hobby beekeeping can take first place, but it has the additional value of being, in an economic sense, a valuable national asset, and could become an industry which would have no competitor in any country in the world. British honey is without a compeer. Why such is the case naturalists have hitherto been unable to decide; but the preponderance of opinion points in the direction that the British heather flower and the British clover lfower are the best bee feeders. Notwithstanding this natural advantage, we import from £ 29,000 to £ 30,000 worth of honey every year, much of it honey which has never been extracted from lfower petals; whereas a little expert knowledge of these prolific insects would enable cottagers and artisans to supply the whole demand without any difficulty. As artisans arc admitted as members of this association at an annual fee of 2s. 6d., and labourers at Is., whilst one visit by an expert is vouchsafed to every member once a year, tIlffC can be no good excuse for allowing this item of national wealth to lie idle any longer. The Board of Agriculture is at last taking useful steps to encourage small farming and garden and poultry culture. Free leaflets containing the most modern information are supplied free of cost on application to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture, 4, Whitehall-place, London, S.W., and letters of application so addressed need not be stamped. I have before me leaflets 32 and 78, respectively treating of foul brood or bee pest and liver disease of poultry. I am not sure what the extent of this marvellously use- ful literature is, but it is quite safe to write to the above address for informa- tion upon any question regarding agricul- ture. If the necessary information I; not forthcoming-well, no harm is done by inquiring. This boon cannot be too well known, and the Board of Agriculture is not doing itself justice by not letting the country know more of the good work it is performing. As Palm Sunday is approaching, it is worth the while attempting to check the extravagance, both as regards of excess of sentiment and excess of money expen- diture, which its observance engenders. This and the use of wreaths at funerals are a serious drain upon the resources of even fairly well-to-do people, but it is a positive hardship to poor people. I have not a word to say against the cleaning of graves and their decoration with flowers at a season of the year when modest flowers are plentiful, but the pur- chase of the more expensive kinds at the expense of the family cupboard is, indeed, a mistaken practice; whilst the habit of visiting graveyards by such as have no departed friends buried in the ground, but simply to turn what was once a poetic observance into an excuse for Sun- day rambling ,should be allowed to fall into rapid disuse. What a field of usefulness there is for an active Architectural Vigilance Associa- tion, if by its existence we are to be spared the unspeakable incongruities we have to tolerate in some of our new streets. Its president (Lord Windsor) is a nobleman of known good taste in archi- tectural matters, and I hope it will com- municate without delay with estate agents and estate arcliitects, in order to assist in the cultivation of a more artistic conception of the beautiful in bricks and mortar. We are almost in despair for the want of some novelties in artisans' dwellings. We have long ago had enough of the hen-coop samples of villas also, the sameness of design being as near aa that of so many matchbcxes. We are really in a hurry to see what this society can do in these matters, although our disap- pointment may be as swift as it is cer- tain. i The" pay for your own drink" rule. I see, is becoming popular in Devonshire. Its general adoption must aid temperance very materially. The rule was first adopted in Ireland some years ago, for in. that country hospitality runs riot, whether in drinks or eatables. If a farmer returned to a village after a good sale of cattle at a neighbouring fair nothing could induce him not to stand a drink" for every man and woman in a village, and more than the gilt was thus taken off his successful j)iirk-etijig. I- Pay- ing for rounds" is another custom fruit- ful of intemperance. Because there aro seven persons sitting together in an inn why should everyone in the company have to take seven drinks? The new rule of paying for your own drinks" will modify both these foolish customs, and it is none too soon that such should be the case. Careful note is being made of the many suggestions made in the press re- garding tne way Major-general Baden- fowclL should be received when ho visits Cardiff, but certain correspondents should bear in mind'that it is scant courtesy to suggest that he should be entertained in any way before he has been received by his hosts, the Cardiff Corporation. His visit to tthe borough is, primarily, for the purpose of receiving the freedom of the borough from the corporation, and every festivity intended for his reception by the corporation should be completed first and foremost. It must be borne in mind also that much depends upon the time he can spend in the town, and until this is known it is unwise to formulate an elabo- rate programme. The Danish Government is known to take a parental interest in its home in- dustries, and Danish-made butter still holds the British market for excellence of quality. Not only is encouragement given to attain and maintain that excel- lence, but it has caused their imitators ta be prosecuted in British courts of law for misdescribing other butter as being of tile Danish brand, and a fine of hundreds of pounds has been imposed upon the offen- ders by the Leeds magistrates. This sug- gests illimitable possibilities to promoters of British trade, and, inasmuch as it is known that articles not of British manu- facture are sold as such in many parts of the world, it will be well if our Govern- ment copies the example of the Danish Government.

posts. carrying this easy and expeditious means of exit from a world of trouble are so high that the would-be suicide would have ample time for changing his mind before his arrival at the summit.