Evening Express

SINKING OF JAPANESE SHIPS Below 1fe give the first telegrams: — "Daily Express" and "Evening Express" Special Correspondent. (COPYRIGHT.) CHI-FU, Wednesday. It is persistently reported here that a naval battle was fought iate last night or early this morning between the Japanese and Rus- sian fleets at Port Arthur. Several ships are declared to have been put out of action, but it if quite impossible to obtain any reliable details. Eltouter's Special Service.] I ST. PETEBSBUEQ, Wednesday. An official dispatch announces that a Japanese attack upon Port Arthur by sea. has been repulsed. Four Japanese battleships and two Japanese transports were sank. The Russian battleship Betvisan covered itself with glory. 9.30 lun. The dispatch announcing a great Russian Tictory at Port Arthur is not yet confirmed, and there appears to be certain doubt in official quarters concerning it-at any rate, regarding the details. 11.0 p.m. On the 23rd inst. the Japanese attempted to send four steamere filled with exploeives into Port Arthur harbour. Theee vessels did no damage, but were themselves destroyed, two of them being sunk and two run ashore. Two Japanese torpedo-boats which escorted them were destroyed by the Russian fleet. [Central News Special Service.] I ST. PETERSBURG, Thursday (12.25 a.m.). News has been received here from Port Arthur of a Japanese attempt to block 'the entrance to Port Arthur, and of its defeat by the Russian squadron. The idea of the scheme seemed to be the sinking of barges in the Strait leading from the outer to the inner harbour, so as to effectually block access or ingress to the port. The Japanese, however, were observed in time by the Russian squadron, a portion of which was in the inner harbour. Guns were immediately turned upon the enemy, and the barges were sunk by the Russian gun fire before they reached the point at which the Japanese evidently intended to sink them. No further details are yet to hand. [II.cia' Service.] I SHANGHAI. Wednesday. The Russian Consul and the commander of the Russian gunboat here have been omciaUy informed that in a futile attack on Port Arthur last night six vessels are reported to have been disabled, but the description and the nationality of the disabled vessels is uncertain. Official Confirmation I [Press Association Special Service.] I PARIS, Wednesday. The Russian Embassy here made the follow- ing announcement this evening:— On the night of the 23rd inst. the Japanese fleet made an attempt on Port Arthur. Their torpedo vessels attacked the Russian warships, and attempted to set Are to them. The battleship Reivisan, supported by the coast batteries, repulsed the attack, aad compelled the Japanese fleet to withdraw, after four of the latter's ships had been sunk. The Japanese Fleet Movements J [Press Association Speciat Service.] I CHI-FU, Wednesday. Thirteen Japanese warships are reported to have passed Wei-hai-Wei to-day, heading East. There were sixteen ships in the original fleet. The steamship Gouverneur Jaeschke heard heavy firing at three o'clock this morning while passing Port Arthur. There is a persistent rumour that several Japanese warships have been disabled. This is, however, not yet confirmed. Another steamer passed Dalny at about the same time, but heard no firing. [This would tend to show that the Japanese fleet had left Port Arthur.]

New Telegraph Cable to Japan WASHINGTON, Thursday. The Government has decided to sanction the laying of the new telegraph cable between the Japanese coast and Guam (Philipines, to con- nect with the Pacific cable, on the ground that the rise of commercial facilities does not constitute a breach of neutrality. The object of the projected cable is to prevent the isolation of Japan in the event of Russia cut- ting both existing cablea between Japan and Shanghai.—Renter. JAPANESE OFFICERS HANQED I Report Questioned. Inquiry was made yesterday by a. repreeen-I tative of the Daily Telegraph at the Japa- nese Legation respecting the report from St. Petersburg that three Japanese officers were arrested by the frontier guards just as they were on the point of blowing up the bridge over the Sungari River, and that, being con- demned to death by a court-martial, they were all three hanged on the culverts of the bridge which they had intended to destroy. The Legation had no knowledge whatever of thio incident, and until it was confirmed the officials deolined to accept the report as true. i It is incredible," said one of the principaJ secretaries, that any Japanese officer has befcn left behind in Manohuria. Besides, the names given in the telegram are not Japa- nese, and they are not to be identified as tho--e of officers belonging to the General Staff. The name of Colonel Asaai resembles a. Japanese name; the others (Torpedo-lieu- tenont Zouki Ascha and Lieutenant Kaourata, of the Sappers) are foreign names to u. It is improbable that officers of the rank given should ha.ve been attempting to destroy the bridge. Very possibly the Russians have arrested Chinese bandits." French Ambassador Visits Foreign Office. The French Ambassador had a. long inter, view with Lord Lanedovme at, the Foreign O \hie moruiq..

IALEXEIEFS REPORT Japan Tries to Block the Harbour Entrance. I [Central News Special Service.] ST. PETERSBURG, Thursday. The following official report has been forwarded to the Czar by Admiral Alexeieff, dated February 24 (lIth O.S.).: I beg to report to your Majesty that I have just received a report that during the night the Japanese forces attempted to block the entrance to Port Arthur by employ- ing merchant ships, directed against the battleship Retvisan. The attempt failed. Both of the Japanese steamers were olown up by mines, and lie on the shore below Solataia-gora and the Tiger Peninsula. I have no losses to announce. I await a detailed report from the officer commanding the fleet. The succeeding message sent by Admiral Aleieieff is as follows: — In completion of my telegram of the 11th (24th) to your Majesty, I beg to report as follows: — On the 11th inst. (24th), from 2.45 a.m. until dawn, the enemy at- tempted to attack the battleship Retvisan by means of many mine- boats (? torpedo-boats), and also to sink large steamers, with explosive materials on board, into the entrance to the harbour. After the mine-boats (? torpedo- boats) were discovered a strong fire was opened upon them from the Retvisan and also from the shore batteries, and of two steamers which were bearing directly on to the Retvisan one struck on the rocks near the lighthouse, near the Tiger Peninsula, and the other sank near Solataja-gora. Firing was continued at the mine- boats (? torpedo-boats) until it was full dawn, when four wrecked ships were perceived in the roadstead, and eight mine-boats (? torpedo-boats) were seen slowly retreating in the direction of the ships, which were awaiting i them out at sea. Part of the crews of the ships who had taken to the boats were drowned, and the remainder were, probably, saved by the enemy's mine-boats (P torpedo-boats). An examination of the shore has now been completed, and the en- trance to the harbour is quite clear. The total frustration of the enemy's plans I ascribe to the heroic defence of our batteries and the destructive fire from the Retvisan. The wrecked Japanese steamer is still burning. Mines cap be perceived floating in the roadstead. The enemy remains on the horizon in two divisions. I am re-calling the three cruisers sent in pursuit in order, first of all, to clear the road- stead of floating mines. Three Russian Cruisers Engaged I [Press Association Special Service.] I St. Petersburg, Thursday. A despatch received from a. correspondent in Port Arthur with reference to the attack on that place on Tuesday night maintains that the Japanese lost a torpedo vessel. The correspondent adds that 23 ships, great and small, were seen on the horizon after the torpedo flotilla retired, and that a naval engagement ensued, in which the Russian cruisers Bay an, Novik, and Askold took part. JAPANESE MANOEUVRES. I Attempt to Block Entrance to II Port Arthur. Paris, Thursday.—According to a telegram to the" Echo de Paris" from St. Peters- burg, the opinion of the Russian staff officers I at; St. Petersburg is that the objeot of the Japanese was to scatter the floating torpedoes in the harbour at Port Arthur. The correspondent of the same journal states that the total number of Japanese troops landed in Korea is reported not to exceed 30,000. He reports from another source that the transportation of Russian troops will now be able to continue uninterruptedly, the first train having crossed the line laid over the ice on Lake Baikal yesterday. The "Matin" publishes the following tele- gram, sent from Harbin yesterday evening:— "Details of the audacious attack of tne Japanese on Port Arthur last night show that they wish to repeat the manoeuvres successfully carried out by Lieutenant Hobson in the Spanish-Ameri- can War. They sent three merchant steamers which they intended to sink in the channel in order to obstruct the entrance and block the way for the Russian squadron. The Retvizan, however, which has been beached on the rocks since the fight of the 9th inst., foiled the intention of the assailants and succeeded in sinking the merchant steamers before they could put their audacious plan into execution. A dispatch to the "Figaro" from St. Peters- burg says that after the defeat of the Japanese squadron at Port Arthur, it retreated and was pursued by the Russian squadron. There is rejoicing at the Palace and among the Ministers to-night. A Te Deum was sung at the Winter Palace in the presence of the Czar and Czarina. It is reported that it was owing to the re- presentations made by France, who was desirous of respecting her neutrality, that the Russian squadron in the Red Sea. left Jibutil. It is now in the Mediterranean. It is announced that General Terpitski, com- manding the Fit Army Corps in Turkestan, will shortly leave for the Far East. Colonel Schenk, who came here to present to the Czar the German Emperor's letter offering to place the German Red Cross organisation in the Far East at the disposal of his Majesty, hae left again for Berlin with an autograph letter for the Emperor William. Subscrip- tions on behalf of the Russian Red Cross Society and the Russian Navy continue to l come in from all parts of the country. More Coal for Japan. I Chartering for the Far East continues active on the Cardiff Exchange, and two additional steamers were reported to-day to have been fixed for Japan at high rates. The Japanese steamer Sodo Maru, has been fally loaded aad will shortly sail. Meeting of the Cabinet. A meeting of the Cabinet was held at the Foreign Office at noon t-duy, Mr. Balfonr presidiB?. Cargo of Meat Seized by Japan I NAGASAKI, Wednesday. The authorities have seized a large quan- tity of meos meef consigned to the Russian Government by the steamer Korea, from San Pmnr-ise-, for Vladivostok. I French Assistance for Russian Wounded.. PABIS f Thursday. The Gaulois' says that it has reason to believe that another geimrour. movement will Ibl started immediately tin France in aid of the Russian wo=dzd.-&Mtw. j

I First Train Passes Over I the ice. The "Echo de Paris" has received a tele- gram from its St. Petersburg correspondent stating; that the first train crossed Lake Baikal yesterday morning in four hours on the newly-laid line over the ice. This is no advance on the time taken by the sledges, but the necessity for detraining is obviated. The Ural tunnel will be finished in April, when the trains will be able to go round the lake. At Baikal Station there is an extras- ordinary demand for post horses, 2,000 of them being in constant use over the ice.

I The Foxton Hall and Rosalie. From the latest news received concerning the British steamer Foxton Hall at Port Arthur it would appear that the original crew deserted her. Since then attempts have been made to collect a scratch crew. The steamer Rosalie is expected to leave Vladi- vostok to-day. In both these cases it may be doubted whether there has been any real j detention by the Russians. I The War Risks A large amount has been written to cover the war risks of wheat shipments from Bom- bay in British steamers during May, June, and July. As much as L750,000 has been placed at Is. 6d. per cent. The hulls of British steamers trading with the Far East are being generally done at £ 1 per cent. against the risks of capture, &c., and one fleet hr.e been written for six months at 10s. per cent. The above rates will show that the marine insurance market has little belief in the spread of hostilities to other Powers I Korean Emperor Relies on I Japan. [Press Association Special Service.] I TOKIO, Thursday. I Notwithstanding the effort made by the I French Minister to influence the Court at Seoul in favour of Russia, the Korean Em. peror continues to rely on the Japanese. The Diet will probably open here on the 20th prox. I An Englishman's Forecast. I An Englishman, who has lived for twenty years in Russia, writes: It -is rather strange to see the English press committing itself, at the opening of the present war, to precisely the same kind of wild prophecies by which the Continental press distinguished itself in the earlier stages of the Boer War. Like ourselves, Russia has to send troops a. great distance, and she begins the war almost as ill-prepared; but to prophesy disasters as great as the annihilation of Napoleon's army in its retreat from Moscow, and to write as though the plucky little Jap were going to throttle the Big Bear," is inane, to say the least of it. Permit someone who knows and under- stands Russia to give you a more sane fore- cast of the outcome of this oonfiict. Japan will maintain the command of the sea and hold Korea. She may gain some successes on land in Manchuria at first. It is not quite possible that Port Arthur may fall, though it is unlikely. Later on, vast Russian rein- forcements will not only check her on land, but inflict serious losses upon her. Finally, the war will arrive at a point of "stale mate" —neither will be able to attain what they are fighting for; both will be worn out finan- cially. Then negotiations will be suggested, probably by neutral Powers; there will be a conference, and in the end the same arrange- ment will be arrived at as might, with a little more patience and tact, have been attained by both belligerents without any war at all.

A DEFIANT BOY. I Taken Back to Dinas Powis Industrial School. The case of the boy Alfred Gaylord, who has given so much trouble to the school board and its officials, was again called at Cardiff Polioe-court to-day (before Messrs. T. H. Stevens and Joseph Howard. The lad tvas described as defiant and refractory. He had been sent to Dinas Powis Industrial School, and was allowed out on probation, but his attendance at school was so irregular that the permission given to him was withdrawn. Then he became defiant, and eluded the vigilance both of the school board officers and of the police, none of whom could lay hands on him, much lees send him back to the Dinae Powis school. The father was summoned for har- bouring," which he denied, and at the last hearing the summons was adjourned for the production of positive proof that the urchin had lived continuously under his father's roof. It was now stated that the urchin had been taken by force back to Dinae Powie, and the justicea severely censured the parent for hie laxity.

FOOTBALL I ENGLAND V. WALES. I The secretary of the Welsh Foot- ball Association to d&y informed a Llangollen correspondent that, respect- ing next Monday's international en- counter between England and Wales, at I Wrexham, he had received intimation from the majority of the Welsh players selected I promising attendance. From other sources it is stated that Morris (Derby County) and Jones (Tottenham) are the only doubtful starters, through cup. ties. As the emer- gency committee have several available reserves, the Principality confidently anticipate being victorious, as the whole of the selected team are prominently associated with noted English league organisations. IRELAND V. SCOTLAND. J CHANGE IN THE SCOTTISH TEAM. I A change in the Scottish team to play against Ireland was announced this forenoon, Turnbull withdrawing from the forwards. His place will be taken by Bell (Edinburgh Academicals), one of the deposed Scottish for- wards who played at Swansea. The change materially weakens the Scottish front line, as Turnbull was physically the strongest man on the Scottish side, and the leading forward I after Mark Marrison. LONDON WELSH CLUB'S CONCERT. I The London Welsh Football Club held last night a pleasant little concert at St. George's- hall, Aldersgate-street, London. Since the autumn the club has not only added largely to its membership, but also won mauy honours in the playing field. Of some 21 matches it has won eleven, especially priding itself on victories over the strong teams of Leicester and Bristol, which were both beaten otheir own home grounds. It has met with varying success most of the best provincial I clubs, and stands high among Metropolitan associations of the kind, with a muster of 70 playing members. The concert was well attended, and a full programme of songs, sen- timental and humorous, gone through. Dr. Pryce Jenkins recited, and Mr. Ernest Cherry gave some character sketches from Dickens.

GRAND ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL MATCH. SEMI-FINAL CUP TIE (JUNIOR), PONTLOTTYN V. HAFOD, AT COFFEE TAVERN FIELD, QUAKER'S YARD, ON SATURDAY NEXT, FEBRUARY 27th, KICK-OFF 3i30. ADMISSION 6d. I el2709

NEATH BURNING FATALITY. I Miss Swash, daughter of Mr. Swash, boot a.nd shoe maker, Neath, who was severely burnt on Tuesday whilst engaged in lighting a. fire, died this morning.

DEFIED THE BLA "K LIST. I An old woman who was fined at Bow-street Police-court, London, yesterday for being drunk and disorderly was stated to have been convicted seven times since she was placed on the black list.

JILTED BY A BLUEJACKET. I A domestic servant, named Ada Martin, was I yesterday awarded LE69 da-mages for breach of promise, the defendant being Charles Lamkin, a carpenter on his Majesty's cutter Victoria. I The courtship had gone smoothly right up to the time when the couple commenced furnish- ing a house, when, for some reason which was not explained, Ada told her lover to take his furniture and go. Had he acted upon this order he would have been a. richer man to-day. As it was, the quarrel was made up, and soon afterwards Ada found that her faith- less sweetheart had deserted her.

HOCKEY.. I INTEfR-OOLLBGIATE LADIES' MATOH. I Final eoore:—Aberystwyth, 4 goals; Bangor,,1 11 ftoair. <

KI NG EDWARD'S HINT TO I RUSSIA. Count Benckendorif s Mission to I the Czar. The London "Daily News" to-day prints a statement from a correspondent, who, it states, is in a position to know the reasons for the Russian Ambassador's visit to St. Petersburg at the present juncture. In the course of his statement, the correspondent says "The sudden departure of Count Bencken- dorff, the Russian Ambassador to the Court of St. James', last Saturday was one of the causes of the panic on the Paris and Madrid bourses. It was at first stated that the count had gone to St. Petersburg solely to see his son before the latter left to join the Russian army now fighting in the Far East. Later it was averred that the count had gone to see the Osar at the personal wish of King Edward himself. "I am, however, in the position to state that, though the King took, of course, a special interest in the present journey of the Ambassador, his wish was, after all, not the only motive for the count's hasty visit to the Russian capital. The real reason was his own position as legitimate representative of the Russian Empire in Great Britain. "For some time past there have been other Russian representatives in London besides the Ambassador, whose powerful influence with the monarch of All the R-ussias has recently made the task of Count Benckendorff a very difficult one, indeed—I speak of the agents of the Panslavists-Ma.dame de Novikoff, who is very well known in London by her articles on Russian politics, published in The Fort- nightly,' and Baron Wessilitzky, formerly belonging to the diplomatic service of the Russian Empire, and now London correspon- dent of the 'Novoye Vremya. Count Benckendorff and his predecessor, Baron de Staal, were the Ambassadors of the Czar, but Madame de Novikoff and Baron de Wessilitzky are the Ambassadors of M. Pobie- donostzeff, who has, as everybody knows, perhaps a greater power in Russia than the Czar himself. Their duty is to watch the Rus- sian Ambassador at the Court of St. James'. Madame de Novikoff, who has a very great influence with the Czar, and Baron Wessi- litzky made the position of Count Bencken- dorff's predecessor sometimes very difficult indeed, though Baron de Staal, a very shrewd diplomatist, appeared always ready to listen to their advice. They made the diplomatic path of Count Benckendorff in London equally thorny. The official reports of the Russian Ambas- sador in London and the non-omcial reports of Wessilitzky became so contradictory that Count Lamsdorff, Foreign Secretary of the Russian Empire, was not always able to persuade the Czar that the baron and his political Egeria were in the wrong. Neither Baron Wessilitzky nor Madame de Novikoff believed that Great Britain would fulfil her pledges to Japan, in case of a war with Russia. At the same time, their political friends in Paris and elsewhere who had the ear of the Czar all assured him that the Government of the Mikado were only bluffing. One of the first consequences of these Pan- slavist intrigues was the public assurance of Mr. Balfour that Great Britain would fulfil her obligations to Japan, if her treaty with the latter Power should demand it. These intrigues were brought to the know- ledge of King Edward by a very high French politician. The King, therefore, asked Count Benckendorff to make it thoroughly under- stood in St. Petersburg that every move or action of France outside the limits of the strictest neutrality would bring England into. the field as the ally of Japan. Up to this moment the success of Count Benckendorff's mission, upon which may depend not only a limitation of the war in the Far East, but also European complicar tions in the Balkans, remains doubtful. There are even shrewd observers of the political game who believe that the count will have to give up his position in London after a short time if M. Pobiedonostzeff and his clique maintain their influence over the Emperor Nicholas, and if Madame de Novikoff and Baron Wessilitzky continue in the posi- tion of political guardians over the legitimate representative of the Russian Empire in the British Metropolis."

Comments on the Position. I FROM TO-DAY'S 11 MORNING PGaT." I (By Ipwial Arrangement with tho j Proprietors.) ) (COPYRIGHT.) I The striking similarity that is percep- tible in the tone of certain Continental journals to-day, as evinced in their com- plete inability to recognise that the issue of the present war may not depend wholly on sheer weight of numbers, to that which was extensively adopted by the European press in commenting on the initial stages of the war between Japan and China ten years ago need cause no great surprise, when it is remembered that Russia must endeavour at all hazards to maintain her military prestige in France, since she badly needs another loan. The French journals are ready to view everything in the best possible light where their allies are concerned, but their conclusions may be quite wrong, and to the wholly un- prejudiced observer it must be difficult to regard the latest Russian Note to the Powers as other than a damaging admis- sion of Japan's superior readiness for decisive action. It is pointed out that if Japan had not been prompt to employ her naval and military forces in the Korean Peninsula it is certain that the Russians would have laughed in their sleeves at the Japanese hesitation, and would, without the smallest scruple, have sought to score the first points in the great game of war on which they were eventually driven, unready as they appear to have been to embark their national fortunes. The con- tention that Japan violated Korean neutrality is, surely, too ridiculous when put forward by the Power that had pre-' viously laid its all-absorbing grasp on Chinese territory in Manchuria. The claim that the three men said to have been hanged by the Russians for an attempt to blow up a bridge across the Sungari were Japanese officers may or may not be well-founded; but, in any event, the treatment meted out to them by their captors, if the report be true, was a gross infraction of the ordinary rules of twentieth century warfare, and a singular commentary on the shallowness of Russia's pretensions to pose at The Hague as the apostle of disarmament in the interests of humanity at large. Were the Russian execution of these three prisoners of war to give rise to sanguinary reprisals on the part of the Japanese the world could scarcely be shocked at such retaliation by a people on whom the tenets of the Western faith would scarcely be considered as binding. But the Japanese, it may well be believed, have no intention of wreaking vengeance on the defenceless, and, whether the story be trtie or false as regards the Sungari bridge, there need be no fear that a bad example., should it be set them during this campaign, will at once be followed. On the contrary, our allies were quick to appreciate the rescue of the sailors of the Nakonoura Maru by the Russian cruiser that sank her, though the ques- tion of the Russian right to fire on an unarmed merchantman is another matter. 1

 STUDENT AND LADY YOUTH'S ACTION FOR LIBEL I AND SLANDER The Defendant's Story in the I Box. Mr. Jnstioe Wills and a special jury in the King's Bench Division to-day resumed the hearing of the action brought by the young man, Arthur Bertram Lucy, son of a Malvern gentleman, against Mr. Ed-ward Howard Wilkine, a city maa, lately living at Croydon, to recover damages for alleged libel and slander. The statements complained of were contained in a letter written to the plaintiff's father, and alleged that the plaintiff had been improperly intimate with defendant's Mr. LUCY. I wife, a lady of mature age, and mother of a family. The defendant's examination was continued by Mr. Fraser. The defendant said that after his wife left him she returned in his absence. He allowed her to stay a.t his house one night, and she afterwards went to lodgings in Croydon, con- trary to the understanding they had arrived at, that she should leave the town. In March, 1902, he heard that the young Mr. Lucy had returned to Croydon. His daughter Cicely I was much distressed about it. Yon wrote to plaintiff's father, In consequence of facts which have come to Xr. WILSOI;. I my knowledge, I have come to the conclusion that your son is no fit -aeq=,intar?.: for my I chiMren." What were the fac4e?-I%e servants and the children told me that they had fre- quently gone to bed and left my Wife Alone with Young Lucy I in the drawing room. Witness further said that he was told by a doctor at Oroydon that the familiarity of Lucy with his wife was the talk of the place, and that he had himself seen them walking in a lane arm-in-arm. He also heard of his wife's visits to young Lucy when he had the chicken-pox. Wha;t did you tell Mr. and Mrs. Dax. with whom plaintiff lodged?—I told them that my Mrs. WILSoy. I wife went on her knees to me and said, I know it will be justice to send me away, but I implore you to temper justice with mercy and save the young fellow's life." She also said, I will go into a convent or retirement or anything you like if you will only not make public what has happened between us. What did you say?-I said I could not give her a definite answer then. Did you tell Mr. and Mrs. Dax about the drawing-room incident with the knife?—It was not in the drawing-room. I don't keep carving knives in my drawing-room. It waa in the dining-room, and dinner was laid. When I confronted her with the letter, Oh, Arthur," Ac., she said, I'm done for now. You had better cut my throat." I told her Not to, be Dramatic. I In writing the letters to plaintiff's father, I did you think you were acting in the best interests of your wife and family and of young Lucy himself ?—Certainly. Crose-examined by Mr. Haddon Chambers: Did you ever at any time suggest to this boy's father that you resented his attentions to your daughters?—No, I did not, but I com- plained of his conduct generally. Did you say to his father that you did not think his son was to blame, and that your wife had already ruined two other lads?—I did not. Did you say that you had already had two separations from your wife?—I did. I And did you suggest that the cause of these separations was due to your wife's miscon- duct, and not your own?—I did. Was that true?—Absolutely true. What did you mean by the misconduct of your wife ?-Genral disagreements in the house, and general disobedience on her part. What, in your opinion, would justify a man in turning his wife oot of the house?—A wife who grossly disobeys her husband continually and has broken all her previous promises would be a wife that a man woakl be justified in turning oat of doors. You wrote, Further facte have come to my knowledge which render it necessary for me to turn my wife out of doors." What were the further facte? Principally what the plaintiff told me as to what happened. He met my wife in the street. Did you not think that if the father took hie son away from Oroydon in view of aid the tititle tattle, that it would he an admission that he had been doing something wrong, and haot yomr accusation were well founded?—No, not in the least. They why should he leave if he had a ttitor his father wae satisfied with, and he was going on well with ?—Because of his conduct which his father knew well of. You desire to pose here as tie injured husband?—Not in the least. And as the man whose happy home in Croydon has been upset?—I don't pose at, all. Was all this due to the wiokedness of your wife?—I don't suggest anything. Do you say all this was due to your wife's m isoondnot? —I don't understand what yon mean by misconduct. You told old Mr. Lucy that you had been separt.ed twice from your wife, and you allowed him to say that your wife was a dangerous woman, and you said your wish was to protect his son ?—That wae my only wish. I wished to protect all the parties. Was your wish not to get rid of your wife at any oost ?—No, certainly not. Further examined, witness said he was a member of the Lyric Club, but he was not in the habit of staying there over Sundays, and hie wife did not compt?Q of hw neglecting ?' 1 In 1&97 had you a nursery governess named ShepDh(-d P-yw. I Was what took place between yourself and I Miss Shepherd at that time the cause of your | wife leaving you?—No, it was my wife's accu- sation against me were the cause of her leav- ing'. I insisted on her substantiating them or leaving, and she left. Did you have Shepherd taught music and dancing?—I contributed to her having her voice trained at the B-oya.1 College of Music. Did you also contribute to her furnishing a flat?—I assisted her. I lent her some money. Y EST ERDAY'S PROCEE DI-N, GS I As reported in the later editions of yester- day's "Evening1 Express'— Plaintiff was further cross-examined by Dr. Blake Odgers, and said that in September, 1902, he was at an organ recital. Mrs. Wilkins walked home with him to his lodgings, and followed him in. He was requested by Mr. Wilkins not to hold any communication with Mrs. Wilkins, either by letter or conversa- tion. Be-examined by Mr. Chambers: Had you any complaint from Mr. Wilki with regard to your conduct towards his daughters?— Never. Tell us the circumstances aa to kissing Miaa May Wilkins, a girl of fourteen?—We were all catching moths in the garden, and it waa rather dark, and I took the opportunity to kiss her. Her father and mother and sister were present. Did Mr. Wilkins say anything to you about it?—No, but Mrs. Wilkins next morning said that Mr. Wilkins objected to it, and asked me to promise it would not occur again, and I said I would not promise. His Lordship: Did you say yon were sorry? —I was not sorry for kissing her. (Laughter.; But you knew that her father objected, and you were bound as a man of honour not to do it. Plaintiff did not reply. Mr. Chambers: Did Mr. Wilkins ever com- plain about that to your father?—No, he did I not. Did he ever make any direct charge with regard to your conduct to his wife?—He said I had been makirg love to her. Did you tell him you had not done so, and was he appaient-Iy satisfied?—Yes. Who told Mr. Wilkins that when you had ehioken-pox Mrs. Wilkins came and read to you, and so on?—I told him myself. Have you religiously kept your promise not to write or speak to Mrs. Wilkins again?—Yes. Only once I met her in the street and spoke to her, because I could not help it. Have yoa ever in your life been guilty of any impropriety with her?—Never. Or anything to cause her husband to make any complaint against your conduct?—Never. Did you ever do anything of which you had I cause to be ashamed?—Never. Or anything to prevent your going back to Oroydon ?—No Have yon been guilty of any dishonour- able deception," as alleged by Mr. Wilkins in his letters ?—No. I Was there anything in your conduct tha.t IT-we yOU" no fit acquaintance for hJB wife and family?—Nothing whatever. I Mr. Thomas E. Lucy, father of the plain- tiff. spoke to receiving the letters complained of Ee said that on one occasion Mr. Wilkins told him that his wife had been the cause of the ruin of two other young men, and that was why he had written to him. He never complained about his son's conduct towards his daughter. Witness in furtner examina- tion said he knew nothing of any conduct on the part of his son which would justify the suggestions made as to his behaviour generally. He sent him to a tutor at Oroy- don because it suited him to do so, and he did not see why he should remove him at Mr. Wilkins's suggestion, especially after the assurances he had received from his eon. Mr. Herman Dax, a tutor of Croydon, said that young Mr. Lucy was still staying with him as a paying guest. Mr. Wilkins told him that plaintiff had caused trouble and scan- dal in his family, and suggested that he should be sent away from Croydon. He was told that Mrs. Wilkins had gone down on her knees to' Mr. Wilkins in the drawing-room, and said he might as well cut her throat at once as make those accusations against her. Mrs. Dax said that during the time that the plaintiff stayed at her house she never saw any impropriety between him and Mrs. Wilkins. Mrs. Wiikins visited him when he had the chicken-pox, and said she would act as a mother towards him. She was, in fact, old enough to be his mother, and he was such a perfect boy that witness never dreamt of there being anything wrong. Mr. Wilkins on one occasion said bis wife had said to him," All has happened between that boy and me that could happen, and you may as well cut my throat." In cross-examination, witness said that Mr. Wilkins had objected to his daughters visiting at her house ae long as yowng Lucy was there. When Mr. Wilkins told her about what his wife had said, she said she could not possibly be!ieve it. Mr. Wilkins laughed, and he did not eay, "I shall never know." Witness in further cross-exami- nation, said that on one or two occasions Mrs. Wilkins whistled to plaintiff as she passed the house all her bicycle. Witness objected to it. as she did not think it a, proper thing for a lady to do. Mr. Chambers: I agree with you. (Laugh- ter.) Mrs. Lamotte, of Shirley, near Earydon. gave evidence to the effect that she had never seen any impropriety between plaintiff and Mrs. Wilkins, although she frequently saw them together at Bognor and her house. The idea seemed to her impossible. Mrs. Wilkins was next called by Mr. Had- don Chambers, and most emphatically denied that there had ever been any impropriety between her and young Mr. Lucy. or that she had ever confessed to her husband that there had been any impropriety. Dr. Blake Odgers, in opening the case for the defendant, said the case as originally opened was sufficiently pain- ful, Hut it had been rendered more painful still by the fact that Mrs. Wil- kins had been called as a witness against her husband. The defendant, Mr. Wilkins, he contended, had acted with the utmost consi- deration towards, not only his wife and his children, but also towards the plaintiff. He had acted as any member of the jury would have acted under the wme circumstances, and if he had been honestly mistaken he was en- titled to their protection. There had been two previous separations between Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins. and, therefore, the defendant had reasons for watching the conduct of his wife. under circumstances which were, to say the least, suspicious. He asked the jury to consider the conduct of the plaintiff. He (plaintiff) appeared to boast of the fact that he had kissed the daughters of Mr. Wilkins in contradiction to the order of the defen- •ioj ÁU'U'Jn'Ju,¡d Sim eq put: Mr. Wilkins was naturally annoyed at all this, and obtained a promise from his wife not to speak to the young man again. She, however, did not keep her promise, and the result was these painful proceedings. She visited him at his lodgings, and frequently met him under circumstances of great eus- pioion, and, therefore, the defendant, he con- tended, was entitled to demand from young Mr. Lucy's father that he should remove him from Croydon, and thus put an end to his unwelcome visits to his house and family. Here was a young man, said counsel, supposed to be studying for the Church, spending most of his time at defendant's house in Mr. Wil- kins's absence in the City. The result was that there was a scandal in Cro don, and the defendant did what be was entitled to do in writing to plaintiff's father requesting him to remove his son from Croydon. Plaintiff, be submitted had sustained no damage and his reputation had not suffered in any way, and it was not worthy of a young man who was qualifying for the Church to bring such an action. No malice had been proved, and the defendant had only acted as he had a right to act in defending the reputation of his wife and family. Plaintiff on his own evidence had been carrying on a double-faced flirtation with Mr. Wil- kins's daughters, and had corresponded with them contrary to Mr. Wilkins's orders, and, therefore, Mr. Wilkins had a per- fect right, having also in consideration the familiarity with his wife, to write to the plaintiff's father to remove this oool, off- hand, cheeky youth from Croydon, and from all communication with h: ■ family. Mr. Edward Howard Wilk s, the defendant, was called, and said he live \t Talsfteld, and formerly resided at Richmon- uQdge, Croydon. He was an insurance broker in the city. He was married in June, 1884, his wife being then 28, and he being 23. They had five children, three girls a.nd two boys. In June, 1902, he caught plaintiff kissing his daughter May, and remonstrated with him. Plaintiff apologised, and witness said if plaintiff would behave as a gentleman he could continue to visit his family. Plaintiff promised accordingly. Plaintiff on one occasion sent flowers to his wife, but witness forbade his wife wearing them. At a party the same da.y be Saw plaintiff a.nd some young fellow laughing and looking at him. and he found out that it was on account of the flower incident. Witness, proceeding, said that a llr. Skelton approached him and said: "We I think we ought to draw your attention to || the frequency of Mr. Lucy's visits to year I house." He gathered from that that U.e "we" meant people connected with taie church. He remonstrated with his wife, and she promised not to encourage Mr. Lucy's visits in future. She, however, did not keep her promise He did not tell the plaintiff j not to go to his house again, but be treated him in such a way that any man of intelll- gence and refinement might have known that his visits were not welcome. He, however, continued to go to the house, and to walk out with his (plaintiff's) wife, thus creating j a scandal. Witness wrote to plaintiff, and also to his father. At an interview after- j wards plaintiff's father was told that he (witness) had had previous trouble with his wife, and he said "I can never sufficiently thank you for giving me the opportunity of rescuing my boy from the hands of a very dangerous woman." Plaintiff afterwards told him that he had met Mrs. Wilkins, and that she had said You've ruined me, and 1*11 ruin you." Witness &fter that eep&r?ted I from His wife. J

SCHOONER SUNK. 1 SCHOONR SUNK. I CUT IN TWO BY A JAPANESE II STEAMER. Survivor Relates His Thrilling I Exper-ence The Japanese mail steamer Bingo Maru, I which belongs to the Nippon Yusen and Kaisha j Line, and is commanded by an English- man, arrived in Cardiff yesterday and I reported that the Welsh schooner, Edward Windus, of Portmadoc, had been run down by the Bingo Maru on Monday night and had eunk in the English Channel, off Hastings. Five of the hands on the schooner were lost, the only survivor being Julius Matare, a young German. The steamer was going at full speed at the time, and struck the Edward Windus in the stern, and split her as far as tli a forecastle. The captain and the others were below when the collision occurred, but the former arrived on deck and fell down the hatchway owing to the impact. Three of the men were not seen, and must have gone down with the ship. Matare saw an able seaman named Owen Jones clinging to a plank behind him in the water just before he (Matare) waa picked up. Appended are the names of those who lost their liv. j John Williams, master, Portmadoc. Gus. Jonee, chief officer, Portmadoc. Ellis Oliver, cook, Aberystwyth. Owen Jones, A.B., Portmadoc. Herman Prahl, A.B., Hamburg. Interview with the Survivor 1 It was a thrilling experience which young Matare, the only survivor of the catastrophe, underwent. He stated to our reporter in the course of an interview that the Edward Windus was a small coasting schooner of about 400 tons, and on her fatal voyage was bound from Hull to Portsmouth with coal. Asked to give an accurate description, as far as he could, of what happened on Monday night, he said:- "I was on the look-out for'ard when the collision occurred, and Owen Jones was at the wheel. It was a very black night, but not stormy. Although we had side lights showing we had no light aft, as we should have had, and that, no doubt, brought about the accident. The Japanese steamer struck us dead on the stern, and out right away through amidships to the bows, causing the schooner to part in two halves and immediately sink." "Could you not see the Bingo Maru approaching ?" "No, I could not, because of the sails; neither could Owen Jones," "Whose watch was it—the captain's or the mate's?" "The captain's, bat he was down below." "He may have been looking at the chart?" "No; I don't think so. He was not often on deck during his watch." "What happened after the schooner sank?" "No doubt all those below went down with her. I was swimming in the water for about four hours, but during the latter part of the time I had a table to support me. At last I got to the steamer's side, and was thrown a rope. I saw Owen Jones swimming about until a quarter of an hour before I was rescued, but I suppose he must have gone down then, as he disappeared. He had a plank to support him. It's a pity he couldn't have held on just a little longer." Matare, who, of course, lost all his belong- ings, joined the schooner a few months ago. Acdfcrding to Lloyd's register, the Edward Windus was a wooden barquentine of 156 tone register. She was built in 1864, and was owned by Mr. J. H. Williams, of Portmadoc, where she was constructed. ——————

DIVORCE MADE CHEAP. • Proposal to Give County Courts Jurisdiction. The Society for' Promoting Reforms in the Marriage and Divorce Laws has now embarked upon its crusade in earnest. Its policy was endorsed last night at the first annual meet- ing held in Clifford's Inn-hall, London, and presided over by Earl Russell. The society's aims may thus be summa- rised:- Extension of grounds of divorce to three years' desertion, lunacy, or a long seutenec- of imprisonment. Justice to women—that is, women to have the same rights in the Divorce Court as men. Local and inexpensive tribunals, such as the county-courts throughout the country. Actions for the restitution of conjugal rights to be abolished. The removal of the stain of illegitimacy from the children of parents who subse quently marry.

AN OLD WELL IN THE STREET I While excavating for laying the light rail- ways at Gloucester yesterday the workmen discovered in Southgate-street, in the middle of the roadway, a large stone well, in an excellent state of preservation. It was about three feet below the surface of the road, and was covered by a stout piece of timber and a large stone. Very many years ago, it is be- lieved, the market place of old Gloucester was held at this spot, and the supposition is that the well was used in connection with it. The height of the present roadway above it is proof of its antiquity. The well has now been filled in. It was 37ft. deep, and contained 27ft. of water.

CARDIFF BOROUGH ENGINEER I HONOURED. At a meeting of the public worke committee of the Cardiff, CQunty Council, held at the Town-hall to-day, Alderman Rained ale, who presided, said that, as the members all knew, I their borough engineer was well-known throughout the engineering world. Mr. Har- pur had been invited to act as chairman of t the engineering section of the Public Health Congress, 1994.. The alderman thought this was a compliment to the borough engineer and also to the council, and had very great pleasure in moving that they acquiesce in this selection on the same conditions and terms ae granted to Dr. Walford by the health oom- mittee, viz., allow the borough engineer- to go, and pay his expenses.—This was agreed to unanimously.

PENARTH HARBOUR COMPANY. I At a. meeting of the Penarth Harbour, Dock, and Railway Company, held at Cardiff to-day, Lieutenant-colonel the Hon. G. H. W. Windsor Olive presided, and there were also present Messrs. T. G. Cartwright, Ed. Davies, H. E. Gray. and G. C. Williams (directors), and W. H. Iiewir- (secretary). The half-yearly report and statement of accounts was adopted, and the usual dividend at the rate of JB5 5s. par cent, per annum was approved of.

BURIAL WITHOUT A CORPSE. f There is an Irish undertaker who is I apparently suffering from loss of memory. He I received an order to bury. a child at Mohill, a remote part of County Donegal, and the ooffin war. made and duly interred, but five days later the child's body was discovered in the workhouse morgue. The matter has been reported, and the Local Government Board have intimated that an inquiry will be held.

COFFIN FOR A (IANT. I The coffin made for Mr. Thomas Longley, who weiched 45st., and was known as the King's heaviest subject, is 7ft. long, 2ft. Sins, wide, and 2ft. 3ins. deep.

SMALL ARMS EXPERT DEAD. I Mr. James Paris Lee, the famous small > arms expert, has died at Newhaven, Conn. j Mr. Lee, who was the inventor of the Lee-! ford, Lee-Enfield, straight pull, and other types of magazine rifie, was born in Hawick in 1831. A few years later his family emigrated to the United States, where the t greater part of Mr. Lee's life was spent. He had lately lived at Gait, Ontario.—Reuter. <

"MYSTERY OF THE SEA SOLVED I Hr. Gtoorge Dixon de Reynolds, the Worthing gentleman who put out to sea last Thursday oa a shooting expedition, and who was tli aught to have been drawned, ae his sailing boa.t was discovered next day, is safe. Mrs. Reynolds received a telegram this morning from Graveaend stating that her husband wae picked up by a baTge and taken to that port. Be ham been ill, but is returning home.

I Warwick Meeting. The LAMMAS SELLING HANDICAP l.?tO HURDLE RACE of 60 sovs; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. 6 32 7 Mr aUTiu' Tyningianie .4.. Birch i 6 12 1 Mr Cove's Chilawjl Owner 2 611 6 Mr M'Gregor's Wicderseheii Hgham 3 6 12 1 Mr Gilbert p Much Too Eariy ..Xx Flayw 0 5 12 0 Mr Deer's Owner 0 51013 Mr Cox's Baneycom owl" 0 4 10 8 Mr Bogeis's Hebetig Owner 0 Warner trained by Stapler.

MORNING GALLOPS AND PROBABLES. Latest from the Course: Selections. SPECIALLY WIRED TO THE "EVENING EXPRESS." WARWICK, Thursday Morning. Agreeable conditions will, I think, favour the second and concluding day of the War- wick Meeting, and the morning has opened in pleasant fashion, though somewhat cold. The outlook i6, certainly, of a enocessful ter- mination to this gathering, and I shall antici- pate another capital attendance being in evi- dence to witness the six events that are down for decision. The arrival list will have to be considerably augmented as the morning advances, for at present only a few horses are on the scene of action. No doubt, the Mid- land stables will subscribe liberally, and runners should be fairly plentiful, though I do not think the sport will prove as good as what was witnessed yesterday. The Lammas lands, under the drying influences, are in splendid order, and better going could not be wished. For the opening event the Lammas Selling Handicap Hurdle Kace does not call for much comment, and TYNINGHAME, on hie second to Louve at Leicester, might prove suc- cessful. The second event, the Wellesbourne Hurdle Plate, -would prove of interest if Archon and Leanster were among the com- petitors. As they are likely to be absentees, l I shall declare in favour of I GAYBOY. The chief event, the Leamington Grand A.nnual Handicap Steeplechase, is decided over a distance of two miles, and will provide visi- tors with plenty of interest, and my vote goes to I FRISCO II. I My oomplete selections are: Leamington Steeplechase-FRISOO n. Coventry Selling St"lechare-BEVIL. Debdale Hunt Flat-MISS TOTO. Barford Steeplechase PRINCE TALLEY- RAND* Double Event—FRISCO II. and PRINCE TAL- LEYRAND. I MORNING QAI lOPS. I The following horses were out on the Lam- mas land, and were all given suitable work:- Ministre, David Harum, Fri&oo II., Red Hand, Kirkby Grange, Miss Toto, Nora Creina, Photius, Oottenshope, Pepper, Quickstep, and Prince Talleyrand. ————————

PROBABLE STARTERS FOR TO.OAY'S RACE8. Leamington Handicap—Shaun Aboo, David Harum, Frisco II., Oottenshope, and Nora Creina ll. Coventry Selling.-All ready. Debdale Flat Race—St. Moritz, St. Antoniue, Arm Chair, Ministre, and Miss Toto. Barford Handicap. Prince Talleyrand, Funny Wag, Dervish, Rhyton, and Devilet. I

"EVENINU EXPRESS" FINALS. I WARWICK MEETING. 2.45—DAVID HARUM. 3-1?—BEVEL. 3.45-8T. MORITZ. 4.1a—FRISCO n.

LEFT NEWMARKET FOR HAYDOOK PARK, Cheriton Belle.

LEFT NEWMARKET FOR HURST PARK. ¿. 'redenck Charles, Outsider, Hawser, Flying Swallow, and Zampa.

YESTERDAY'S LONDON BETTING. LINCOLNSHIRE HANDICAP. 100 to 9 apt Bart itte, t 100 to 6 CerJllier. i "id w 100 to 6 Lady Heip, t and a 20 to 1 — Dumbarton Caetle, t 20 to 1 — Mareden, t GRAND NATIONAL. 9 to 1 agst Am bush II., t 10 to 1 — Detail, t and o 16 to 1 — Inquisitor, t and o 20 to 1 The Gunner, t 25 to 1 — Shannon L s, t and o 25 to I John R P., t, 33 to 1 — Comfit, t 53 to 1 — Benvenir, t

ACCEPTANCES. I LIVERPOOL SPRING MEETING. EARL OF SEFTON'S PLATE. Out of Sight, Wolf shall, Bushey BeUe, John Peel, Kearsage, The Page, Wild Night Afain, Chaucer, Rising Falcon, Lotten, Imperial II., Tully Lass, Akbar, Early Mom, Tumasha, Doer, and Go Between. Weights raised Hb. SANDOWN GRAND MILITARY MEETING. MARCH OPEN HURDLE. Hogarth, Hearwood, Australian Star, Friary, Mande- lay, Inistifree, Lucfnda, Cheriton Belle, The Eagle, Royston, Archon, Kladeradatch, Hurst Park, Leviathan, St. Colon, Arizona II., Princesunmon, Do Be Quick, Broad Arrow, and Consort. LIVERPOOL TRIAL STEEPLECHASE. Dmmcree, Patlander, Bobsie, Marpessa. Dearslayor, Moifaa, May Kiug, Shaun Aboo, Liberte, NappeT Tandy, Gonzalez, Band of Hope, Biology, Caatimere. Kiora, Daiht, Coolock, Hercules II., Queen Bee. Seisdon Prinoe, Arnold, Glenrocky, and Frederick Charles. SANDOWN SECOND SVKING MEEUING. PRINCESS OF WALES HANDICAP. Orchid, Zanoni, Yerus, Holme Lacy, Smilax Thl De'il, Country Boy, Tippler, Nahlbaud, Xeny, Gally- mawfry, Week End, Lura, Chicory, Tamasha, Lanftne. Ericstane, Oriental Princess filly, Logaai Bock, St. George's Lass, Tariff. Felo de 8e, Wincing Week, Boy- oot, MouravieS, and Clermont. TWICKENHAM HANDICAP- Fighting Fudey, Robert Ie Diable, Noblesse, Kunstier, Blue Streak. Eminent, Fame and Fcrtune, Holme Lacy, Pan Michael, Gascony, Imperator, Morris Daacer, Portcullis, Long Glass, Ashanti Gold, Retrieve, laalian Beauty. Browdist, Aneuter, Grey Goblin, Leslie Carter, Wild Willow, Mouraviefl, aad Haroma

OFFICIAL SCRATCHINGS. J The "Sportsman" has been officially informed by Means. Weatberby of the following scratchincs:— Leap Year Steeplechase, Southwell—Bteooles. Doddington Plate, Lincoln-Owston Wood. All pubished handicaps—Spinning Minnow. All engagements in Mr E C Clayton's Bane—Arrow Flight.

OFFICIAL STARTING PRICES. 1 As published in the "Racing Calendar" and the "Sportsman." Budbrooke Maiden (6).-Repel, 2 to 1 on. Avon Selling (2).-Skyligbt, 7 to 4 agst. Pool Steep echase (5).-Koli&n, erene on. Stewards' Steeplechase (Ol.-The Hawk, 7 to 4 agst. Upton Selling (7).—Rover II., 2 to 1 agst. Oounty Hurdle (7)-Trela.wny, 6 to 4 acst. Warwick Handicap (10).-Comtt, 11 to 6 aCK.

TOPPING AND SPiNDLER, I FLUSHING, HOLLAND, The oldest-established and most extensive Firm of Turf Com mission Agents in the World. Linooln Handicap, Liverpool Grand National, Oity and Suburban, The Derby. Ac., Ac. "The Continental Sportsman," contain- ing latest market movements on above, also "Year Book and Ready Reckoner," sent free I on receipt of Postcard containing address. All letters to be addressed TOPPING and SPINDLER, Flushing, Holland. Postage, 3 £ d., I Postcards Id. el2632

CRICKET. I Test Match Condition of the I Wicket. Sydney. Thursday-The wicket on which the I test match beginning to morrow will be played is hard, and is being kept under tarpaulin to- night. The weather forecast predicts UD- settled condition*. j

I CARDIFF. EXCHANGE, WedmeMe.Y. The outward freight market was quiet to-day, with i rates slightly easier foT Mediterranean ports. 2ft I following include the fixtures reported:— OPTWAED—STEAMKKS. Cardiff to Barcelona, 6s. 9d. 1 Naples, 56. U?d., 4,500 tem. 11 N apies. 55. 10Vd. ? G?or or Sa-. 6e 3d., 2?700 UM Barcelona, 6s. M., 2.400 „ Bayoime, 4f. f7 £ c.. 3,300 toas.

CARDIFF ARRIVALS. ROATH DOCK. Feb. 25.—Bala, s, 1.19S (Owen), Dunkirk, waier bal- la6t. Beaooii Rock, s, 146 (Green). Limerick, Wtttf I ballast. Mary athi 38 (Barrett), Bristol, pitch. Ann, 3C (Perkins;, Bristol, pitch. Feb. 24-Elfie, s, 1,229 tNie18øD;¡, RotAerdam, ws&w baliast. Bingo Maru: s, 3,573 (Davies), Londoc, waso ballast. HaUiu, s, Meo (potm), Newcastle, waw baliaet. John H. Barry, a, 2,002 (Waton). Antwacy, water ballast. llltyd, t;, 1.083 (Corner), Bilbao, in8 ore. BUTE EAST DOCK. Feb. 2.3.-It.rcaall., 96 (Emmereenj, Sappili, hMM BOucaa, 8 (BUy), Bordeaux, puwood. Cuatia, §, (Marsden), Bayonn?, pitwood. Lyndhurst, a, 1,- (Hughee), London, water ballast. Ardclinsfe, a, ? (Hughes), Vaile, stoaee. Koraii (Collier), Avofltaoutb, wheat. Brothers, 52 (Markey), Aionmouth, wheal. Feb. 24.-Prinews Beatrice, e, 305 (Johnson), Briofal, general goods. Tourmaline, s, ió1 (Walker), Bwtaw, water bauast Torbryan, s. 362 (Kerr), St. Brieux, water ballast.

I MOVEMENTS OF LOCAL STEAMER* Almeria arrived Algiers 23rd. Benihcent left Lonaoc far Cardiff 24tfc. Biaenavon amved Algiers 24th. Carlo left Ardroasac ior Jaarry 23rd. Curran left Kouen for biorry 2drd. Demeuan arrived Barcelona from Cardiff Mlfe Dsicoath left Garsiou for PeaartU 24tk. Euterpe arrived Liditon 24-th. Free Lance arr.v«d the 'fyne Zird Frederick leu Rouez for Barry 23rd. Gloucester City arrived Calcutta 24th. Croldcuffe arrived Swansea 23rd. Glyn left Koueu for Barry Green Jacket left Hamburg for Cardiff 21at. Hacfcney arrived Savona 2ltii. Huddersfield arrived Maryp^n from Ergasteria Sttk. Inver arrived fit. Male Zard. Jam- speir lefi Portland for Dunkirk 23rd. Southgai^ left Newport New.- for Copenhagen gist, Strathmore arrived Colombo 23rd. t-t. liegulus arrived Spezzia 24th

I SHIPPING CASUALTIES. CASUALTIES. LLloyd's 1 eiegrams j Wednesday Bes&ie.-8&ntiago (Cuba) cables: British barque Reaue, previously reported iota; loss, all hands sale. Cyclops and Green Jacket.—Hamburg telegraphs: Statu tug Cyclops and British steasaer Green JaekM. bound Cardiff, collided uevelgmune; former saak; Latter proceeded, damage unknown. Gi1-t.-Grimsby telegraphs. Fishing: vessel Gitt, from Hull, sunk Humber. Pinna.—British steamer fiana, from Philadelphia tor Dover, arrived St. Michael's, reports fearful pas- sage; chart-room damaged; saloon cabins, store-room (aft), 'tween depke flooded; hose destroyed; ranoua other damage; jettisoned some cargo, and procesda after coaling.

I LONDON FINANCE BANK-RATE. Bank-rate. 4 per cent. So change. [BY OCR OWN COBRKSPONDK5T-] LONDON, Thursday. Feb. 2L 11.3C a.1n. Money in good demand at 3j. Difcoun; rates—ebait bills 3g, three months bills i 5-16 to ii. Consols, Traaa- vaal Loan, and Eupec Paper are unchanged. Home Bails quiet. Americans dull. Fall: Ordinary 1-16. Third PIIIt Mexican Rails unaltered. Foreigners and MineE steady. PKINCIPAL CHANGES. Chatham Pref 1. Second Pref I: up; North British Deferred g dowi. Denver Fret. Wabash Debenture la, Southern Pref, Steels Pref 1, Atchison, Milwaukee, Southern Pacific i, Southern i. Illinois t, Brie, Kanam, Norfolk i. Atchison Pref, Baltimore, Chesapeake, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Reading. New York Central 1- Denver, Steels Ordinary 4 down: Louisville i up. Argentine 1886, CedU5 "F." Japan 1902 j, Turkish Unified i, Mexican, Argentine Rescission i up; Chinem Chartered Gold t. Argentine Water i down. De Been Deferred. Tinto t. Fingali, Lake View 1-16 up; Tan- ganyika j, East Rand Estate. Nile Valley 1-16 dowa.

I LOCAL FINANCE I [BY OUR FINANCIAL RDITOR.) CARDIFF, Thursday, Feb. 26. 1.0 p.m. The iocai Stock Market continues very quiet in all departments. Railway Stockf rule hardly so firm. Coiiiery Shares are somewhat irregular in tendency. Other departments are featureless.

I TO-DAY'S MARKETS. PISH. GBIM^BY, Thursday. Feb. 25. Poor supply from 50 vessels, for which there We., a good demand. Quotstiow:-Sole. 2s; turbot, Sd to ls 2d; brille, 9d per lb.; plaicc, 5t; 9d; lemon soler*. 10s; dead whiting. 3s; live halibwt. lOE; dead, 95 per stone; live ling, 55; dead. 3s: live cod, 78; dead, 4s; live skate, 6e; dead, 2s each; haie, 26s; live coal fish, 26s; dead, 20s; roker, 38s per score; kit haddocks, 20s; gibbed, 55s; live, 40s; live dabe, 2;5, dead, 25s; live codlings, 20s per box. SUGAR. GLASGu^ Thursday, Feb. 26. The official report says: Moderate business done at steady prices. The private report says: Market quiet, a moderate business being done at prices showing no change.

I WORKMEN'S TRAINS. 1 I- t In 1883 only 111 workmen's trains were run on the railway lines of London, covering a distance of 745 milee. At the end of last year there were 1,067 trains covering 7,526 milee on the sixteen lines of London. A Blue-book giv- ing these facts was published yesterday.

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY | ,iimiiimllniiiiJ | ^° Want Mvartlfianto hm* mwm whara y*u be barred ft?Mt <? tM?rvtww. MIRRORS! MIRRORS rlRROMI J?I- IN BLACK BEADED ?tAUBS I hare for SLIt 26 Ml&BO&S to tha follow- ing naea€7 x 30. Ii x K 64 x t « 1 B. 67 1 24.56 it U. 53 iL = 53 x 16, 9 1 39. SO x U. 49 x lfi, 47 x 14, 40 II: 1J. 1ft x M. » x II. < < 14, ,al,AM IMPORTERS TRACK AND SONS, 41. mpoB-rnagT, XBWPOBT. MM. NEWPORT AND MONMOUTB BOROUGHS CONSERVATIVE AND XTNIO-NOT ASSOCIATION. A pUBLIO MEETING Will be held in the TBEDEG-AH-HALL ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26th, 1904. Chair to be taken at Eight pjn. by tlM RIGHT HON. LORD TREDEGAR, who will b< supported by Sir JOBEPH LAWRENCE, M.P. and other well-knows Gentlemen ALL ELECTORS CORDIALLY INVITED. WANTED, trustworthy, good Working Housekeeper; w able manage bmin. bouse; other asrvaala kept age about 40; Weish; good character.-Appiy, with references, XrE. Joam, Uandowror Hectory, St Clears. 04284vt FTTND, Tuesday, February ?Z. C?Ue Bitck; wMt* r paws and Up of tail, ww few wwt. baok; if not claimed in 3 days will eeU.-Banbury Hotel, Aberbeeg. eumps \\TANTED to rent medium size Business Promim, t" with good dwelling accommodation. good posi- tion, respectable locality; early possession; good refe- rences given.E.. 4, Broad-street, Staple-tiill, Brissai. w A,WTSD, first-hand MMiner; able to tie charge t" of workroom; permanent.—Apply Thomas, Blaina. eMSTpW D "PFIRY -wanted, 2 intelligent Boys « Appren- tioes; aleo young Ladies, Welsh (indoortn.—I. Rees Evans, 216. High-street, Swansea e428&w2 Sale exoeptionaliY well-buill House and doobte- J fronted Shop; beet position main abnacC, Blaea- gwynfi; suitable for any buainew.-Fm particular*, apply ?rker. Gteyhoa? Hftel, Treforegt. e<282? tUT'ANTM) immedtt??y, )?oo6 Generti Ser?aat IM r?911 fMmty.—Stttte full particui&m, first leu.. Mrs. Da, Fromoec House, Tmedyrtuw ?M? -L-iWD;R tSlail wo good Huntere; very owwa; well knows jr with local p_Dock_, Cyril-orescent Cardiff. MZ71w2 TVX V T ANTED imm???t?T?rMtpeottMe yal-,? OM for manm)? work-—lfiB, Cathedral-road. ep?' V*V TANTED to Hire for 2 of 3 nw&Uu, P-Y, Tr&P- 12* hMds.—Apt?y, with tuma, Dr. ¡-, Ab<? jMg. ?d6?. .4274W m* bt Boy wMtted; over 14; good w?fes.—Home S MART BOY wanted; w- 14; good w?g B -?O and Co MASoteg. e4276p27 E" iaAND GH??requtred.—App!y BoH" and Tyler, ECharl.s-otreet, (?ardM. e4278w2 tjtr* nTg.n em&U Bouse =- C-diff; -B't bl ne« W railway station.—M., UO. O?tMnH-roMi. Card*. e4268w2 KKCHMAS7^^ general kaOwledP-" t80e wOr]6 .r -eke Stt?Mtto?; *eod M<Mt«M«L—Mt?W? U. The Parade. CsrdiS. e4279wit WANTED, Cook-General; sleep out JoMQ VV G.W.R. Refreshment Boom*. -11. e4 £ 71wt ?RATBaBHCB for Beddmp and Other PurJ-. ?tuu? Ftaed pMT&ed. from par Wrfoe Wr s-npw of feathers said bedticks to "Mom Bro, Keathsr Merchants. 20. Water-street Carmarthen WANTW, an ezparienoed General; &QW [ Gonaraglit-iowh ■UtMV