Evening Express

I The searching inquiry into the working of Cardiff mamcioal machinerv and officials has not nearly completed its labours, yet already it has given rise to a dramatic incident in the suspension of the chief of the scavenging department I and about half his assistants. Such a thing has not taken place at Cardiff for many years, and we doubt whether things would have been brought to a crisis now but for tlit) ksenness and determination of Councillor Xieholls and Councillor Flenwick. These gentlemen were accused j rhe other day of officious conduct in the matter, but we do not think for a moment the public will take this vie-w of their action. Messrs. Nicholls and Renwick have a proper conception of their duty, ¡ and they have done it, with the dramatic sequel which occurred yesterday after- noon. It was evident early in the investiga- tion of the state of affairs in the scavenging department that there had been much loosenas3 and slipshod manage- ment, to say tho least of it, and, strong ad is the action taken yesterday, no one, will say that it is too severe under the circumstances. Meanwhile Mr. Harpur I -an official on whose scutcheon the breath of suspicion has never rested for a moment—is asked to take chargo of ¡ the scavenging department during the remainder of the investigations. Whether the suspended employes are all guilty, or whether they are merely the victims of a dangerously loose system remains to be seen. There have been many whimperings and innuendoes. Let, us hope that now. for the sake of the persons implicated, the whole thingj will be probed to its depths, and ample justice done. Nothing less will or j ought to—satisfy the public. It is evident that an exposure like this; must be exceedingly unpleasant for every department under the Corporation, espe- cially those w here in the nature of thi ngs there are opportunities of fraud. Honest officials will, therefore, be only too; anxious that the committee and sub-j committees of inquiry shall bring the stricte6t investigation to bear, with the object of proving that they. at all events, have nothing to conceal, for the simple! reason that they have done nothing but what is straight and square and abave- i board. The Corporation, thoreiore, owesj it to itself, and to the public, and to its own officials, that the search-light shall sweep relentlessly in every corner. We are going through a general clearing- j up tin-,C-a great municipal spring-clean-j ing, so to It must be effective, it must be thorough, so that public con-, fide/ice—rudely shaken by the latest ex- posure—shall be firmly re-established. Another die. appoint meat for Cardiff. First she expected our gracious Sove- reign to open the New Townhall and so' forth. This is not to be, neither this year nor next. Foiled of his Majesty, she yet expected the Prince and Princess of Wales to lay the foundation stone of the! new college. Jbnt now it appears that the ever popular and charming Princeea will not be present. This will be a great grief to loyal CarJiilians. though there will be much chuckling and nudging in the: ribs up Aberystwyth way, no doubt. Apparently, the worthy police are no more accurate in their estimate of age; than they are of speed; at any rate, so it: appeared from some amusing evidence: taken at Cardiff Quarter Sessions yes- terday. One witness described a woman as medium-aged." He defined that as about 45, and said he judged by the drees, which was not loud. What loudness of dreaa has to do with the age of the wearer was not explained. Another witness thought by the look on the lady's face that she had a pocket in her dress—a bit of character reading which would make the fortune of any physiognomist. Of course, learned counsel made the most of these little points, to the intense amusement of the court. j Attention was called yesterday at the Cardiff Health Committee to several lofty buildings, where large numbers of young people are boarded, and a ques- tion iviki asked whether such premises were properly protected against fire. Itf appears that the committee has no control in such a matter, but only in the case of factories and workshops. It was,, however, mentioned that some establish- iuer-tz, -have iron staircases outside! their premises in case of five, and this was thought to be an adequate piecau- ■ tiou. We iiiive no doubt the chid,con- stable has a v;gi.'arit eye on any premises; that are either ill-protected or not pro- lected at all in this way. Thorp ii- l neat little references rto Wales ia Mr. Lloyd Meyrick's new novel, Vicar Denior." Mr. Meyrick makes Dr. M'Taggart say:- I shall look into his pedigree, and it is long odds that I shall find Celtic blood, pro- bably Welsh-a race that ought to have a little world of its own, with no competition, no rough struggles, and no public-house in it. It would be a gentle, refined little world —all poetry, songs, and sermons. But in the world as it is they only receive bruises and unknown unfathomable sorrows. It is a race that has thought too much and felt too keenly for robustness. The cosmopolitan character of Cardiff was well illustrated yesterday by the names of some of the applicants for boarding-house* licence?, such as Mohammed A li, Constance Casteila, Maria Rufenalli, and so forth—the names being pronounced with more or less approach to correctness by the senior inspector of nuisances. But Councillor Chappell brought a bit of insular preju- dice to bear. "These Turks and the like," lie mumbled dubiously; "are they of good character?" The inspector hastened to reassure the member for Splott. Their record was such as did credit to the nations whence they sprang. But a man named Jones would have been exposed to no such suspicions! The other day the Cardiff hairdressers moved for earlier closing of their pre- mises, and now the watchmakers and jewellers are following in their wake. A strong memorial on the subject was pre- sented to the Cardiff Health Committee yesterday, and was received (metaphori- cally) with open arms, especially by Councillor Chappell, who said these shop- keepers had a right to earlier closing, thereby reducing their expenditure. He hoped to see their example generally fol- lowed, and that by and bye even the publicans would participate in the good movement. The committee decided that the necessary steps should be taken with- out delay. What trade follows next ? Offence; against morality are on the increase once again, for we have a report of an attack on a married woman at Neath occurring at the same time as an attempt to decoy little girls at Newport, this last being the third offence of the kind in the neighbourhood during the past week. It is ea'nesty to be hoped the misceants nponHble for these outragœ will be captured and receive the reward of their misdeeds. Unfortunately, there have been several serious cases of the kind within the past few years where the perpetratora have got off scot-free. If all townsfolk were like Mr. J. H. Williams, of Newport, the local chronicler would have to look for his living in some other direction. Yesterday, on a motion that Mr. Hobson Matthews prepare a preliminary report on. the Newport Records, Mr. Williams declared the town could not spare 50 guineas or 50 pence for such a purpose." There are others who think likewise, for Mr. Wil- liams was able to raise six votes in support of his amendment, which was, however, lost. Of course, there is nothing utilitarian about local records; still, they servo as an inspiration. Few people knew Cardiff had such an interest- ing history till Mr. Matthews got to work, and wo expect it will be the same at N ewport. I

Kicked Downstairs. PENGE MAN'S ADVENTURE AT WEST CROYDON. Meeting a tall, well-dressed girl named Mattd Hennessey out&ide Sydenham Railway Station, George Hill, of Penge, accompanied her to a house at West Croydon. Here Hill met with an adventure, the details of which he rela.ted in Croydon Police-court yesterday, when the girl was charged with stabbing him. He siid that a man came and told him to go out. When on the landing he was attacked by someone, whom he did not see, and a second man struck him. Thre was a fierce struggle, the two men trying to eject him. Prisoner then appeared with something bright in her hand, and cut his right wrist and stabbed him in the back of the neck. Prosecutor added that he then ceased to struggle, and waa kicked down- stairs and out of the house. When arrested the prisoner said, "I did not do it at all; the others did some of it." At the station she added. "I don't know what I was doing." Hennessey was remanded. Subsequently the police arrested a man named Alec Allum in the street and charged him with being concerned in the attack on Hill. Allum was also remanded.

A CWMBRAN WORKS FATALITY An inquest was held at Xerwport Town-hall yesterday (before Mr. Lyn'don Moore) touching the death of Lnke Vaughan, who died on April 4 from injuries sustained through being canghfc between the buffers of trucks at the foundry works cf Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold, at Cwnrbran, on the same date. A witness named George BllITis. 50 years of age, told the coroner that he had found work very slack in the country, and during the winter he had walked 2.000 miles in search of work, and only found a job at which he i could stay when he got to Cwmbran. The Jury returned a, verdict of Death from shock."

PROPOSED COLONIAL CONFERENCE I In the House of Lords yesterday Lord Bal- four of Burleigh called attention to the declaration of certain of his Majesty's Minis- ters concerning the proposed Colonial Con- ference, and asked under what conditions the conference would be summoned. In the course of his reply the Duke of Marlborough, who opposed the motion on behalf of the Government, said that with regard to Imperial trade and the Colonial Conference the position of the Prime Minister and Mr. Chamberlain was one in which freedom was indulged and concord was in no way violated.

IRISH AFFAIRS In the House of Commons yesterday Mr. Long, replying to questions, explained more folly the relations between himself and the Under-Secretary for Ireland (Sir A. i M'Dounell), saying that, while the latter had the right to express his opinions of adminis- trative acts and to give advice as to acts of policy, everything must be under his (Mr. Long's) complete control and subject to his approval. If that involved a change, then there certainly would be a change in the administration.

AN ASTRAL MYSTERY SOLVED Paris, Wednesday.—Tho mystery of the strangely luminous star which has caused! such excitement at Cherbourg is believed to be solved. Scientists state that it is simply the planet Venus. Its extra,ordinary brilliance is due to special meteorological conditons, which have made it appear brighter and exaggerated its size, thus rendering it un. recognisable.—Central News.

THE DTTTCH CAFE, is now open for the reception oi Visitors M Sevens', Confectioner, near T.V. station. CARPETS BJSATEX b7 Go!d Medal Machinery, rabber bed and &utta peroha beaters; satisfaction guaranteed; carpets retctced game day.—-Seed post, card. 1, Mlaiiy-rtreet, Cathay*. Tel. 741. e204 Let your Intelligence and feat keep pace together.— Boberf Use, ddropodist* 3, Dvke-etreet, OM<HC. eM?

MODERATE CARDIFF. I One Boundary Extension I in 100 Years. WHAT THE TOWN MAY NOW RIGHTLY EXPECT. I The fact that Cardiff's last applicatioii to extend her boundaries met with an unceremonious refusal will make the rate- payers hope that the Corporation will ponder matters very thoroughly before they commit themselves to another attempt. It may be some assistance if we marshal a few facts and figures bear- ing on this subject, important as it is to all who reside in Cardiff or its neigh-j hour hood. First of all let us note that Cardiff has been by no means lavish in her endeavours to enlarge her boundaries. For instance, her area up till 1S75 was 2,791 acres. Then Rcath (3,347 acres) and Canton (2,270) were included, bring- ing the total area of the borough up to 8,408 acres, at which figure it still stands, after an interval of 30 years. In this estimate the Flat Holm (89! acres) is not included, nor do we lay great stress on the capacities of that island na a residential quarter, at any rate at present! j p One solitary extension of the borough in more than a hundred years cannot be regarded as excessive, especially when we are dealing with what is de facto the Metropolis of Wales, the twentieth: largest town in the whole of the United j Kingdom, and certainly the town of them all that has shown the most rapid growth during the pa&t hundred years. We have said Cardiff has not been: greedy in this matter, and we think we can prove it by comparing her with the neighbouring boroughs. Let us take Swansea. With her almost stationary population, she has within the past few years added 600 acres to her area, enlarging it from 5,363 to 5,963. Merthyr, though not as yet incorpo- rated (we hope she may be soon), raised her 17,400 acres in 1896 to 17,759, though her population at present is prac- tically stationary. Newport, with a population growing much less rapidly than that of Cardiff, has increased her bounds twice in 30, years. Prior to 1876 her area was 9381 .acres; in that year it was extended to 2,734, and in 1889 to 4,924 acres. These figures show that Cardiff has neither been ambitious in this matter, nor was she at all well treated when she, made her attempt at extension in 1898. Cardiff lias now the example of Bristol to inspire her, that city having lately enlarged its bounds to an almost in-! credible extent. Bristol's extension-i considering the relative size of the boroughs—would be more than equiva- lent to Cardiff's being enlarged, so as to include Penarth, Dinas Pow is, Llandough, Ely, St. Fagan's, Llandaff, Whitchurch, j Radyr, Llanishen, Liavane, Rumney, and: St. Mellons! No one can blame Bristol for consoli- dating herself in this way, and, as a, matter of fact, Cardiff's case for including the places above named is equally cogent.! Unfortunately, when she made her abortive attempt in 1898 powerful adverse influences of various kinds were brought into the field, which will have a distinct' bearing on the next move that Cardiff may make, whether she decides to do it by local inquiry or by Act of Parliament.

I Struggle for Existence. I I SHOREDIlCH WIDOW'S FIGHT FOR HOME At a. Shoreditch inquest yesterday concern- ing the death of Henry Ralph, an aged pot- ma.n, it transpired that his widowed daughter managed to support him and his wife, and herself amd two little girle, although at the most ehe had bean a.ble only to earn ten shillings a week by charing, out of which she had paid four shillings and sixpence a week for rent. An inquest was held on the deceased's wife six weeks ago. The old man himself had been out of work for twelve months. Dr. Wynne Westcott, the coroner, gave the devote! daughter a soTerei?n out of the poor- 'I box. Inquiries made by a press representative show that Mrs. Griffin, the daughter, who is now only just over 30 years of age, lost her husband five years a.go in an accident. For the last five months she had lived on the top floor of a house in Custance-etreet, Hoxtoa, slaving literally from morn till night to earn sufficient to keep those dear to her. "She's a real sober, industrious body," said the landlady, "and I should think has seen better days. At any rate, she has never been known to aek anyone for a shil- ling—Although I know that many times she must have returned home to an empty cup- boa,rd-and her rent has been always paid punctually."

VULGAR, BUT NOT INDEOENT. I, Pictures Under Judicial Scrutiny I The indecency or otherwise of certain pic- tures formed an important portion of the defence in the case of Guthrie v. Wolff, heard before Judge Woodfall, at Westminster County-court. Mr. Scarlett, for the plaintiff, explained that Mr. Guthrie, a seller of prints and pio- tares, sold to defendant, who traded as the Works of Art Supply Association, in wn- don and Manchester, a number of pictures, which evidently appealed to a certain class of taste. Eventually, Mr. Curtis Bennett decided that one picture was indecent, on account of the suggestiveness of the' words as applied to the drawing. After this Mr. Wolff received a complaint as to the pictures from the Manchester police, and ceased selling them, ajid now wanted to be allowed for the goods thus unsold, saying that a-e they were indecent he was not bound to i pay for them. After evidence had been given, Judge Woodfall, in delivering judgment, sa.id tho task of deciding on the alleged indecency of pictures after their sale had been prohibited by a Metropolitan police magis- trate was a. somewhat invidious one. First, it must be remembered that at the time of the sale, and for a long time alter wards, these pictures were exposed in many shop windows in London. Although they were no doubt vulgar, it would be straining one's ordinary knowledge of life to say that they were! obscene. It might very well be that in the interests of the public they ought not to be exposed in chop windows, and that that was in the mind of the magistrate when he made his crdor. Though vulgar, he was not pre- pared to say that. they were indecent, and that b^ing so the plaintiff must recover the amount he sought, with cost".

At Llanhilleth on Tnesday Thomas Ilulme,, a local youth, was fined 4Qe. for refusing to quit the Royal Oak Hotel, Llanhilleth, on the 10th ultimo, and striking the land-1 lord, William Andrews, in the face after being forcibly ejected from tho premises. OKE SHILLING will buy ONE poeXD cf the BE"T BUTTEB at any of the rnrect Tradine Co.'s Branches, THIS DUTCH CAn 18 now open for the raoepUon of Visitors at Stevens', iXHtectioaer, aw T.V. SUtKra. |

RELIEVED FROM DUTYI Municipal Sensation at Cardiff. HEALTH COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS. A meeting of the sub-committee appointed by the Cardiff Health Committee on Satur- day to interview Mr. Farr Jones, contractor for saddlery supplied to the corporation, was held at the Town-hall on Tuesday, when a letter was received from Mr. Jones's solici- tors in connection with the matter. After a long discussion, it was decided to call a special meeting of the full committee for 4.15, when the chair was occupied by Alderman T. Windsor Jacobs. The Chairman explained what took place on Thursday and Saturday in last week. A small committee was appointed to see Mr. Farr Jones and ask him to produce his books. That morning a letter was received from Mr. Jones's solicitors, which was practically a refusal of the application. A letter was also placed before him that morning which contained a certain compromising statement so far as Mr. Wocsey was concerned. Mr. Woosey was asked questions, which further complicated affairs—so much so that there were statements made which sug- gested criminal acts in connection with other business transactions. Unless some- thing was done he (the chairman) would be unable to occupy that chair a day longer, having regard to the revelations that had been made, because go where they would, though there was no proof of absolute criminal acts, there was evidence of a very loose system. He was sorry to have to use that language in regard to a servant of 24 years' standing. Up to a short period ago he had sufficient confidence in Mr. Woosey. He was sorry to say his confidence had been shaken, and he felt that, in order that thia matter might be discussed freely, they should resolve themselves into a sub-committee. They would then be at liberty to discuss the matter without running the risk of having their speeches reported in the press. He merely put this forward as a suggestion, and would like to have the opinion of the other members. He would leave the matter now in the hands of the committee. Mr. John Chappell wished the preea to pro- tect the members of the committee by pub- lishing only the decision of the committee. There wero people with whom they had to do business outside the corporation, and they were not so privileged as they might be in expressing their opinions. Mr. Renwick thought the statement of the chairman was the most important. The Chairman: Personally, I have no strong feeling in the matter. I have no objection for the world to know what I have said, but we shall have to touch other: people, such as Mr. Farr Jones. Then we have four or five men in the employ of Mr. Woosey. These men have not oreated a favourable impression in the minds of most of the committee, and the steps we shall have to take will be of a drastic character, and may involve us in legal proceedings. If there is a shadow of truth in these things the corporation will not be doing their duty unless they take Stringent Steps. Mr. Ramsdale wanted to know the ground of the complaints. Mr. Lewis Morgan said that, as a Bab-corn. mittee, they were entitled to discuss this matter in private, but certain developments had taken place which would necessitate the whole committee being taken into confidence. What they had to guard against was not to deal at a public meeting such as a committee would be with the names of those not in their employ. Mr. Lewis Morgan added that, so far as he was concerned, he thought the press ought to know all about the men in the committee's employ, but they were tread- ing on delicate ground in bringing in the names of men from outside. They had what amounted to a confession by one of their own employes which implicated one who was not an official of the corpora, tion. After the statement made by the chairman, and after reading the letter from the official (Mr. Woosey), they ought to resolve themselves into a sob-committee, eo that they might express themselves freely with regard to their officials, and also those others with whom they had to deal. They must take certain preliminary steps, and after those had gone out to the public they would resolve themselves into a bub.committee. The Chairman read the following letter addressed to himself by Mr. Woosey- Dear Sir,—In reference to the stores, I very much regret that I have obtained several articles of harness for pony I drive, and, as there ware no corresponding items in contract, they were charged as for contract articles not really obtained, but, in adopting this practice, per- mit me to assure you that the corporation has received full value for every penny, and remains corporation property, though the method may have been irregular. I regret exceedingly after 24 years' servioe that I should have been so indiscreet, but I trust I may receive your favourable oonsidera- tion.—Faithfully yours, J. WOOSEY. Suspension of Officials I Mr. Eenwick moved the following resolu-1 tion:- In view of the admission of irregularities in connection with the accounts of his department made by Mr. Woosey at the committee meeting of Saturday last ajid at the sub-committee meeting of this morn. ing, that he be forthwith suspended from his duties pending farther investigation. The resolution was formally seconded by Mr. F. J. NicholLs, and carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. Chappell, it was also decided to suspend the following, wllo are also engaged in the health d,-partuient;- The head horse-keeper, Newton; The night foreman. Hill; Ex-foreman, Davey; Leabright, of Tradecreet; The two clerks in Mr. Woosey's office, Sum- mers and David, and the saddler; The foreman of the shop; The foreman carpenter; The foreman blacksmith, and all who ordered stores, and the man or men who took the stores to the depot. Mr. Eenwick: How do you propose carry- ing on the department. Mr. Chairman? IIlIr Harpur to take Charge. I The Chairman: I buggest that Mr. Harpur should be asked to do it. Mr. Ramsdale: I should very much like, if we are going to put the reeponsibility on our department for the time being, that an inven- tory of every detail on the premises should tte taken. The Chairman agreed, and said that Mr. Harpur could do whatever he thought was necessary to be done. Mr. Chappell said it was necessary that' the stock should be carefully taken all; round, because the outcome of the inquiry would be the establishment of a stores department. He then moved that Mr. Harpur take temporary charge of the department, and that he should employ someone to take stock. This was unanimously agreed to. Mr. W. S. Crossman said the hoxee-drivers and stablemen in the employ of the com- mittee had approached him to say on their behalf before that committee that they would like to be seen by the committee to make a statement. The statement vas that., after having read in the Prees the amount of stores that they were supposed to have used, they wished to say that they had not received anything approaching the quantities of brushes and other articles as published in the press. They wished to make this state- ment because they feared that the public would think that they had been stealing these goods. Mr. Ramsdale: That is a matter for the sub-committee to investigate. I On the suggestion of Mr. Bamodale, the I Chairman was asked to communicate the resolution to Mr. Woosey, and he left for tha.t purpose Mr. Bamsdalo being voted to the chair pro tem. The Chairman: I want to know what further steps we can take this afternoon. Mr. Renwick stated that stock should be takan of the stores that night. I -? Admission of tile Press. I A question of the admission of the press was then raised, and the Chairman stated that the press claimed to be present under a resolution passed by the council. In fact, it was a special resolution passed in connec- tion with that inquiry. Mr. Cornish (committee clerk) stated that according to that resolution representatives of thl press had a right to be present. Mr. Chappell stated that a sub-committee had been appointed for the purpose of going into the question of stores books; he did not think that should cease. Mr. Harpur was then called in, and the situation was explained to him. He was asked whether he could take over the depart- ment temporarily with his own staff or by getting further assistance. Mr. Harpur said it was a, rather serious position, but he thought he might manage. At any rate, he would do what he possibly could. It was difficult to say off-hand whether he had staff enough for the work. If he found it necessary to ask for further assist- ance he would do so. Alderman Jacobs then returned to the chair, and it was resolved that the com- mittee adjourn untrl next Tuesday, the sub- committee to continue their investigations in the meantime.

STOP PRESS I Latest Telegrams. "EXPRESS" OFFICE, 4.20pm, ¿ Bi-ttftisr—4 to i Pride',U. 7 to 2 i; M; ■ 100 t7 a1' K::11' L'!U:.1F'. Lady Ctuuirelior <x'h \Hl{'l' h1111 r ■ filiy. ("r£2"i f<¡.. r:E:- :;Y. n.r-.T'. -0 SO J-'j-iy C"<ianr.e:;r-r •<. C'; 1'. '1'1 1 ') 1 "m Tl\,un. I ( J.;o, "L\ K1: RF,'Hl.T;- Orat"Y .It'i" Luvwui

LIKED WORKHOUSE FARE. I A littlo boy named James Cottrell, aged twelve, yesterday applied for admission to the Mailing Workhouse. He had once been an inmate, but recently has been living at Dartford. He walked 20 miles to make his application, and appeared before the guardians footsore, but insistent. The Master: I think he likes our beef puddings. (Loud laughter.) The Chairman Have yau not sufficient food at home, my boy?—Yes, but I like the work- house food better. Please, sir, let me come back. The Chairman: My dear little fellow, you are not destitute, and it is against the law of the land to admit you. Now go home and try to be a good boy, as I am sure you are. He was sent home in charge of a workhouse official. I

PRISONER IN AN ENGINE, I Last night Joseph Oilier, an engine-fitter, employed by the London and North Western Railway Company at Crewe, had a remark- able adventure. Repairing a locomotive, he had occasion to get inside the water tank, the inlet of which is exceedingly small. He got in with little difficulty, but was horrified to find that he could not get out. And other workmen could not pull him out. Oilier became exhausted, and lay in the tank unconscious, while a number of mechanics took the engine to pieces and released him. He now lies in the railway hospital.

GINGER HAIR GIBE. I Did yon see my clerk there?" asked a soli- citor of a defendant at Southwark County- court. "What, him there with the ginger hair?" said the defendant, pointing to a young man in court. The Solicitor: You need not insult my clerk. Defendant's Counsel: There is no insult in ginger hair. The Solicitor: Oh, yes, there is; if you I taunt a person with it.

SHOT BY A SENTRY I Acting for the first time as sentinel near the gunpowder stores at Metz, a musketeer named Boehle, hearing footsteps-, challenged thrice. There was no response, and he fired. It was a wealthy resident named Baugenez, who fell dead. He had to pass that way to reach his home, and knew no German, so could not understand the sentry. The soldier has been eentenoed by a court- martial to eight months' im.prisonment for "making an improper use of his firearms."

FATAL ACCIDENT AT GELLI I By a fall which took place at the Eastern Collieries, Gelli, an assistant repairer, named William Davies, residing a.t Union-stroot, Gelli, m-et his death. apparently through suffocation. }

THE DUTCH CAFE 13 now open for the reception 0: \1 Visitors at Stevens', Confectioner, near T.V Station. •Life's true enjoyment is but half realised when CCBXS are alloled to fret the feet.-Bot?Lrt Lsne, Chiropodist, 3, Duke-s"t, CardKf. el? CABPET6 BEATEN.—70 per cent. moM dust removed than by vacuum process, at ball the co6L-1. 1finny- I ttteot, Cathay*. eao4

NEATH OUTRAGE. MARRIED WOMAN ATTACKED BY TWO MEN. A serious outrage on Mrs. Ball, wife of y.1 Samuel Ball, a brickworker at the Wernddu Brickworks, Bryncoch, a village about three miles i'rom Xeatb, is reported. I.ate on Tuesday night Mrs. Ball was returning to her home from Neath, and when near the Bryncoch Colliery, was accosted by two men-a, tall one and a short one. "I am waiting for you," exclaimed the former, and the next minute Mrs. Ball was seized by the coat and thrown down. She resisted violently, and in the struggle her coat, hat and skirt were torn off. Eventually, she succeeded in re-gaining her feet, but was thrown down again, and the struggle was renewed with even more determination on either side. Mrs. Ball was rapidly becoming exhausted, but at this point the tall man's companion (who so far had been an impassive spectator of the struggle) blew a whistle- evidently someone was approaching-and the two men ran off and disappeared in the darkness. With considerable difficulty Mrs. Ball made her way home, and her husband afterwards reported the outrage to the Neath police. Mrs. Ball says she could identify the taller of the two men.

Singer's Romance STAGE TRIUMPH OF AN OUT- OF-WORK CLERK. There is a hidden story of romance con- nected with the first appearance at the Alhambra, this week of Ellis Barrieton, a new and hitlierto unknown vocalist, who possesses a compass which embraces not only the ordinary notes of a baritone, but, what is really remarkable, those of a high soprano. The unexpected change of key and the deli- cate skill with which two widely different songs were rendered gained for him a torrent of applause at the conclusion of his opening performance. Ellis Barrieton, so far as his stage appear- ance is concerned, is the discovery of Mr. George Scott, the manager of the Alhambra, and Mr. Scott tells an interesting story of his "find." Mr. Scott recently received, at the Alham- bra. a pitiful letter from an out-of-work clerk, who pleaded earnestly for employment of any sort at the theatre. He was willing, but his only apparent claim to dramatic recognition was that once he had appeared in pantomime—under what circumstances does not matter. Mr. Scott was touched by the appeal, and wrote to the unknown corre- spondent making an appointment. In response Ellis Barrieton, a young man of about 24 years of age, appeared. He was questioned as to his capabilitiee, and erentu- ally, hesitatingly, he offered to sing. When he did sing Mr. Scott immediately recognised that there was a gold mine in his possession of a remarkable and unusual vocal capacity, Mr. Barrieton, while being quite unable to explain his wonderful power, sang pure soprano songs with the ease of a prinut donna. He wa3 at once engaged, and when he appeared on the Alhambra. stage in the even- ing dress of a regular artist he created a. furore with his surprising voice. The romantic story of his early struggles and eventual success should gain for him an addi- tional welcome at the halls.

PLAYING WITH A LOADED GUN Baby Shot Near Evesham, Baby Shot Near Evesham. Mr. G. H. T. Foster conducted an inquiry at Offenham, yesterday evening, as to the death of Beatrice Elisabeth Gazey, aged eighteen mot- daughter of Silas Gazey, who occupies Field Farm, Offenham, near Evesham, and is in the employ of Mr. T. F. Hopkins. The child was accidentally shot by her brother on Saturday afternoon, and died soon afterwards. Mrs. Elizabeth Gazey, the mother, said she was behind the barn when the heard the report of a gun, and her little boy Joseph, aged eleven, came running up, and said, "Oh, mother, Beaty's dead." She saw the child on the floor of the barn, and carried j her into the house. The boy, Joseph Gazey, said ho did not look at the trigger of the gun. They were going to have a game at horses, and meant to use the gun as the horse, and the sacks as the cart. He tied some string to the trigger to represent the reins, and then his younger brother came to the door and told him to pull the string off. He was doing so when the gun exploded. Silas Gazey said the gun belonged to his employer, and he was going to use it for scaring birds. He loaded one barrel, but the cartridge jammed. He could not get the car- tridge out or close the gun to explode it, and he put it on the sacks and left it, and forgot it. The gun must have been closed before it was discharged. He had never left a loaded gun lying about before. Mr. R. S. Drew, surgeon, Evesham, gave evidence as to the wounds in the head, which resulted in death in less than half an hour, and a verdict of Accidental death" was returned. The Coroner commented upon the careless- ness of Gazey and the danger of leaving loaded guns lying about. ——————————-

DOOR-KNOB CAME OFF. I A Singular Fata! Accident. I In closing the door of the village chapel at Westhorpe, Suffolk, a woman named Mary Ann Sparrow pulled at the brass knob. It came off, aud Sparrow broke her thigh in falling. This injury had a fatal result.. At yesterday's inquest it was said that the screw had fallen out of the door-knob.

MOTHER'S PATHETIC STORY I "I did not run away from them," said a widow na.med Sarah Ilarling, charged at the Thames Policc-oourt, London, with leaving her two children chargeable to the Poplar Union. I gave a little girl 3d. and a letter to take them to the workhouse. I stood at the top of the street, and saw them go in. I went before the guardians and they said I must go into the workhouse, too. I said I would not, as I could work and get a home together for them." The woman, who bore a very good char- acter, was remanded on her own recog- nisances.

DUKE AS CLERK. I The Duke of Manchester, it is stated, will join the, staff of the Pere Marquet/te Railway, Amerioa. Mr. Zimmerman, his father-in-law, says the duke will be trained to undertake the manage- ment of a large railway. No favours will be shown him, ajirl he will have to begin at the bottom of the ladder. His position will depend upon his commer- cial aptitude.

STOLE 298 HYMN-BOOKS. I Charles Duncan applied for a chance of retrieving his character at the Torrey-Alex- ander mission. He Watl entrusted with 298 hymn-books to sell outside the Albert-hall, and decamped with the proceeds. He was yes. terday committed for trial at Westminster.

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A FAMILY DISPUTE M.P. SUED BY HIS STEP DAUGHTERS. I Borrowing from the Butl er and Cook. In the Chancery Division yesterday a peculiar action was heard against Mr. Fletcher Moulton, X.C., M.P., the plaintiffs being his step-daughters, Mrs. Elspeth Grahame, wife of Mr. Kenneth Grahame, secretary to the Bank of England, and Miss Winn if red Thompson, the case being heard by Mr. Justice Joyce, and adjourned. Mr. Hughes, K.C., stated that the case was brought by the plaintiffs as being bene- ficiaries under their mother's will for an account of the estate under the will, of which Mr. Fletcher Moulton was sole trustee. The Lady's Private Income Counsel added that the will was made by defendant's former wife, Mrs. Clara Moulton, who died in 18S8. The lady had been mar- ried before to a Mr. Thompson, by whom she had four children, Harold, Elspeth, Wini- fred, and Courtald, all of whom were quite young when she married Mr. Fletcher Moul- ton in 1874. The lady's private income amounted to £ 2,500 a year, and by her will she provided separately for her eldest child, Harold, dividing the residue of her estate in four equal parts between her son Courtauld, her two daughters, and Mr. Moulton, with, in his case, remainder to the youngest child, Hugh. In 1899 one daughter married, becoming Mrs. Grahame, and left her stepfather's house. Miss Winifred Thompson left in 1901, when Mr. Moulton married again. Mr. Neville, stating the defendant's case, said during Mrs. Clara Moulton's married life her income was pooled with her hus- band's and had gone to defray household expenses. At the time of her death the family were living in Onslow-square, at a house rated at X500 or £ 600 a year. Mr. Moulton, said counsel, explained the pooling arrangement to the young ladies and Mr. Courtauld Thompson, and told them they could draw for their personal expenditure within reaeon, the balance to go to the maintenance of the household, which cost about. £ 4,000 a year. Irregular, Though Convenient One rather irregula.r though convenient method," counsel added, waa employed by the ladies to supply themselves with petty cash. They had accounts with the butler, their maid, and the cook, who advanced sums "when in funds," which mounted up very high. In this way Mr". Grahame would draw as much as C3 lfe. a week. Counsel further stated that Miss Winifred Thompson was an artist, and all her expenses in Paris, and the costs of her London studio were paid out of the general fund, though she retained as her own her earnings from her pictures. For the past two years and five months that she was at home her personal expendi- ture reached E2,100 as against an incomo of £ 1,490. There were insuperable difficulties in the way of rendering an account, for it was impossible to distinguish between the expen- diture of the two ladies. Mr. f iotcher Moulton bore out in evidence counsel's statement. The arrangement he suggested to his step-children after their mother's death was at once aocepted by them. In cross-examination, he said he ceftaduly told them what they were entitled to under the will. "I made it perfectly clear to the young ladies," he added, that their oontribution to the household and for personal expendi- ture wae their share of this income." Without their having any power to imvest-that they would have no capital?" They would have no savings, that's all, and the capital would not be distributable," was the answer.

Corpse Revives. WHILE THE HEARSE AND MOURNERS WAIT. A funeral near Nottingham has been stopped by the corpse coming to light." No little stir has thus been caused in the neighbourhood—the mining district of South Normanton—and the story of the extflaor- dinary incident is as follows: A boy named Wallis Allsopp "died." His age was nine, and he was the only eon of a mine carpenter. The boy was supposed to have died on Thursday last, and all arrangements had been made for the funeral. I The hearse was at the door, the minister and mourners were waiting at the church- yard. Suddenly the parents noticed signs of life. The ears and lips of the body became rosy. There was no discolouration, and moisture appeared on a mirror held to the boy's mouth. Three doctors were summoned, the funeral horses meanwhile being taken out of the coaches, which remained in front of the house. The medical men ordered the funeral to be postponed, and the body was taken from the coffin. Placed in front of a fire, it wae made the object of careful watch. But no further signs of tifo were observed, and the doctors vow believe that the boy is dead, but that a spark of life lingered for several days following his sup- posed death.

THE ORIGINAL "JACK THE RIPPER I Dr. Forhes Winslow believes in the genuine- ness of the confession of the man who has told the New York authorities that he com- mitted the Whiteohapel murders fifteen years. The doctor thinks he is the original Jack the Ripper," and that he is Dot suffering from hallucinations. A statement has been made that the original Jack the Ripper" was captured and ooniined in a lunatic asylum in England, but Dr. Winslow is of opinion that the perpe- trator of the crimes was never captured. The doctor's theory is that the man was a homicidal religious monomaniac, who suffered at the time from paroxysmal insanity, which led him to commit the murders.

SHAKSPEARE'S MULBERRY TREE I Yesterday afternoon at Sotheby's auction rooms, the valuable collection of coins and medals formed by the late Mr. Reuben Cull was sold. An interesting relic was a circular I snuffbox stated to have been made from the famous mulberry tree which Shakspeare planted in his garden at Stratford-on-Avon. Inlaid in the lid was a medal of Shakspeare. The relic realised only £ 1 12s.

CHILD DROWNED AT ABERDYLAIS A child, named John Marney, the eon of Henry Marney, of the Square, Aberdylais, yestarday fell iuto the feeder of the Afccrdy- la-is Tinworks. He was taken out by his father, but died shortly after.

THE TAX ON TEA I The House of Commons in Committee yes- terday further considered the Budget resolu- tions. The resolution that the duty on tea should be from July 1. 1905, to July 1, 1906, at the rate of 6d. instead of 8d. per pound was carried by 247 votes to 168-a Government majority of 79.

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EARL AND HIS FLAT. I GOODS IMPROPERLY SEIZED FOR LADY'S DEBTS. The Earl of Cork appeared at Marylebone County-court yesterday in a case heard by the deputy-judge and a jury, and having reference to the alleged unlawful seizure by the sheriff of goods at a flat in Clarence- gate-gardens. Counsel for the earl said the point was whether his lordship was the real owner of the goods seized under an execution. Messrs. Beer and Company, a firm of dressmakers, in 1901 supplied dresses to the value of £ 530 to a Mrs. Price. Lord Cork, counsel proceeded, was at that time in South Africa, remaining there until 1902, and he had never anything to do with this lady's affairs. But Messrs. Beer, being apparently unable to obtain their money, sued Mrs. Price, and in 1903 got judgment. The earl now complained that the creditors tried to make him pay for the dresses, and despite full notice to the sheriff that the goods were his, seized his furniture. In 1903, counsel explained, the earl decided to take a flat, and arranged with a furnisa ing company to find him one and furnish it. ¡ Furnishing the Flat The Clarence-gate-gardens flat was taken for three years- at 1120 a year, and Lord Cork had paid the rent. The furniture was on the hire purchase system, costing £ 612, of which E462 had been paid. „ Mrs. Price was keeping house for the earl, and Messrs. Beer thought ho would not care to have the case brought into court. But he had determined to thrash the matter out. The manager of the furnishing company, being called, deposed that Lord Cork, when he was Lord Dungarvan, gave him directions as to the taking and furnishing of the flat, Mr. Barry Cohen contended on behalf of the creditors that though the furniture was bought by Lord Cork, t had been given to Mrs. Price. The manager, in cross-examination, denied that the earl took Mrs. Price to select the goods. The witness also indignantly denied that; he understood that the furniture was for Mrs. Price. In re-examination he declared that he did not know at the time that Mrs. Price was going to live in the fiat. The Earl's Evidence The Earl of Cork on being called denied that tho goods had ever been given to Mrs. Price. Answering a question by the judge, his lordship said he had frequently lived at the flat. In cross-examination the earl, when shown tho London Directory, admitted that the name of Mrs. Price appeared opposite the address at Clarence-gate-gardens, but he stated that he had stayed there at times when Mrs. Price was not there. "You have been there perhaps twice a week?" "I cannot mantion how many times I have been there." "You have your flat in Rider-street?" "I have a flat." "And you lived there some time?" "For two or three years." Mr. Cohen quoted from the notice given the sheriff: "Mrs. Price was only an occa- sional visitor and had no effects whatever." Lord Cork replied that she had only some pictures there. In the end the jury found that tho goods were the property of Lord Cork, and judg- ment was entered in his favour with costs.

"PULLING" A RACEHORSE. I A Judge's Conundrum. Dixon, the jockey who sought to have his indentures of apprenticeship to Lawrence Rooney, a. racehorse trainer, laid aside, won his case in Mr. Justice Darling's court yester- day. He is now entitled to ride for himself, and will ba paid the fees that the Jockey Club has retained pending a. settlement of the dispute. Booney, in his evidence, said that his licence was refused by the Na/tional Hunt Club Stewards because he could not win a certain race. Was not the cha.rge made of pulling" this mare?—I was never aeked the question. The Judge: You mean that, do you?—I do. Mr. Dieturaail If you did pull the horse in a race that would be a fraudulent practice?—I don't know how to answer that question. The Judge: Supposing you are the jockey and don't want to win, and another jockey pulls his horse, what arc you to do? (Laughter.) Mr. Disturnal: I have no doubt there are difficulties about it. t.

PASSIVE RESISTER'S PLUCK. Physical Torture or Fast. The Rev. John Johnston, Raleigh Memorial Church, Stoke Newington, was honoured on Sunday last with the attendance of the mayor and council at the morning service, on the thirty-fifth anniversary of his pastorate. Yesterday the clerk to the council applied to the magistrates for a warrant to commit him and his daughter for non-payment of the education rate. Mr. Johnston said he had re-considered his position in the matter. He was no longer young, and could not speak of the prospect, of imprisonment as many had done. In fat. he was now under medical treatment, and confined strictly to invalid's diet. Imprison- ment would mean to him physical torture or an absolute fast. But, seeing how much more extensively than at first was feared these Acts were proving an endowment of Popery, his convictions were stronger than ever. Suffer as he might, he could never pay a farthing for that purpose. "Five days," said Dr. Daly, who presided. His daughter said she could not conscien- tiously pay for priests' schools. The same sentence was passed.

DAMAGES FOR CATCHING A COLD I Before Judge Addison, K.C., at South- wark County-court, Arthur Lett, a water- man and lighterman, of Eastlane, Bermond- eey, claimed from Benjamin Smith and Sons, Wheatsheaf Wharf, Upper Thames- street, L7 damages for being drenched on Christmas Eve. Mr. A. C. Kent, for plaintiff, said that whilst Lett was on his barge on the Thames on Christmas Eve one of the defendants' workmen emptied a bucket out of a loop- hole at a height of 50ft. The water descended upon Lett, and drenched him; he caught cold, and was laid up, losing a week's wages. It is really," a-dded counsel, "a claim for catchilug cold." Judge Addison It is very seldom I have an original action, and this is one. The plaintiff said that after the drenching one of the meu ou the wharf told him not to make a row about it, but to "go up and give the fellow a walloping." (Laughter). Judge Addison remarked that the Thames was as much a highway as Oxforrl-street, and people must be careful in throwing things out on a highway. Judgment for the I plaintiff for £ 3 10s. and costs.

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BLINDED BY TEARS. WOMAN'S FIGHT FOR HER CHILDREN. Astonishes the Lawyers in the High Court. A sad scene was witnessed and & sad story told in Mr. Justice Bray's court yesterday. Mrs. Lenora Margaret Pearson sued her hus- band, William Edward Pearson, for arrears of maintenance. This was the lady who so bitterly oem- plained of her separation from her children and appealed so pathetically for a postpone- ment of the trial on the previous day. Yesterday she opened her own case. She presented it in a way that must have asto- nished many a lawyer. Never at a loss for a word, she argued upon French divorce law and marriage settlements, she explained for the benefit of the jury that the phrase "declare vouloir faire" was not so condi- tional as they might think, and told them the uses of that well-known French institu- tion, "IJa Caisse des Depots et Consigna.- tions." A Terribly Sad Story. Interwoven in her able exposition of her case was a terribly sad story of domestic unhappiness. Mrs. Pearson was a Miss Dexter, an American born in Cincinnati. Mr. Pearson was a British subject born iu Valparaiso. His father was English, his mother German, and he himself was engaged in business first in Hamburg and afterwards in Paris. The parties were married in Paris in 1692. After litigation in the English and French courts the union was dissolved in France on the grounds, Mrs. Pearson said, of mutual incompatibility. The French court awarded her custody of the two children and L40 a month alimony until her rights under the marriage settlement had been ascertained. Some time afterwards Mr. Pearson sug- gested that the elder child should be handed over to him, and in order to benefit its educa* tion she consented. He then. declared the plaintiff, took it upon himself to reduce the zE40 to £ 20. Afterwards she consented to hand over the second child. and her husband signed a promise to alloly her X20 a month. It was on this that she v.lS &uing, and she complained that she had not received one half-penny upon it, except f.\J ordered by -Air. Justice Jelf. Mr. Bayford, appealed to by the judge, hero intervened to say the point the defence raised was whether there was any consideration, for the agreement. Will you allow me to put the defendant in the box," inquired Mrs. Pearson excitedly. Why don't you go into the box yourself? replied the judge. Subject to your not molesting me and my children," muttered the lady abstractkcily turning over the documents as she prepai-i to take her place in, the witness-box. "I think it only fair that I should be righted. Helped by His Lordship, Let me help you tell your story," said the judge sympathetically, when Mrs. Pearson-'ll tall, stylish woman—hud been sworn. SlJØ then, in words broken with emotion, told th" judge that when she consented to hand over the elder girl for the benefit of her education she needed money, as her husband had delayed the payment of alimony, and she had been obliged to remove the girl from tvo schools. That was the cause of the first child going, my lord, and Mr. Pearson, instead of paying the X40 a month, took it upon him- self to pay but LZO." Afterwards the two children, Dorothy and Gladys, met. "They seemed so happy." faltered the lady, breaking into tears, "and Dorothy was so affectionate towards WC. She hadn't been turned against me. I was so impressed by that that I wrote to lilY husbaj*d: It is not eaey to write this letter, but I have thought deepiy for the last six wocJis and acknowledging that I did wrong in separating the children. It would ceclu most strange to you that I should remclllt bcr their dear love for each other. DoruthJ was such a sweet little thing. Now Gladys is so big I can't lift her. and I see that I am not enough for her. For reasons not easy to write, I feel that I ought to leave this house. Gladys mat have her home, and iu the homes of other people her littlo laughter and fun is not welcome. I would wish a home for both of the children in the home of one or other of the pajrents. Mr. Pearson's reply was a very "decent letter, continued the witness, who eobbtd violently while reading this letter. "It vla4 not such a letter as would lead me to sup pose that he would behave as he has done. Not Friendly, but Not Enemies. The result of this correspondence was that husband and wife met. Their iutcrvievr. Mrs. Pearson said sadly, was "that of two people who will never live together agaiu> and are not enemies for that," and the pro- mise of LZO alimony, with access to the children during their vacations, and ft11 undertaking not to molest him or them, was signed. I think the consideration for that agree' ment is plain," said Mrs. Pearson, "I having no money, and being able to get some, 50 long as I have the child with me, but givinS it up to benefit both, I must have money fvi my support. I agreed to give up my legttl rights against him as far as alimony ",as concerned. It was theu he wrote the agree- ment." "Did you give up the child? No, IllY lord; the next day when he came I said I couldn't possibly do it. Then he said he would put the money in the Caisse des Depots et Consignations. I told him I had no other source of income. He replied 'Go and get another man to feed you.' "I can seo the only reason was to force me into misconduct, as he felt that the En?" lish courts might not recognise the Freuctf divorce, and hold that I was still his wife Again the lady's voice was choked witk tears when she described how a little later the two children met again, and for tile sako of their being together she parted Viitb the elder. The hearing was adjourned.

BARRY ROWING CLUB. The annual meeting of the Barry Amatettf Rowing Club was held yesterday evenin»> Mr. F. P. Jones Lloyd, solicitor, in the chair. A very satisfactory balance sheet and report was presented, the former showing wa.t there was a bLLlance in hand, after meetiIl; all liabilities, of £26, and already ten new members had been enrolled this year. :Mr. S. H. RomiUy ia the president of the club; Mr. T. E. Cullum, R.N.R., was appoillte" captain in place of Mr. A. D. Mein (reeigucd)< vioe-oaptain, Messrs. A. D. Mein, D. Brovvnc, R. F. Illingworth, and R. A. Lewis; treaSure:, Mr. J. S. Jones; and hon. sec., Mr. friiest E. Green (re-elected). A hearty vote 0 thanks was passed to Mr. Mein, the lioto captain, and Mr. Green, the hon. sec., fa" their valuable services to the club. *■ boathouse opens on the 21st. inst.

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