Evening Express

Passing Pleasantries. I Nell: H(f"ad only known her a. week wnen be proposed to her. Belle: Yes, she's a lucky girl. If he had known hoÐr longer he probably wouldn't. "Kind lady," remarked the weary way- farer, "caji you oblige me with something to ea.t Go to the wood shed and take a few chops," replied the kind lady. Bill: Did you ever notice how ma.ny tali men you moot in a day? Tom: No; hut I've often noticed how man,- short men one meets when one wants a loan. "What can I do for you, little girl?" Why, I've got a farthing to spend for irweets, but I don't know what the beet kind to get. Couldn't I try some sampies first?" EACH PROVIDED FOR. A oeriain, poet made a good dea.1 of money but, being extravagant, he was always in debt. One summer, at the seaside, he wooed and wedded a young woman of great wealth. Thereafter times were better with him. At, hreakfiast, during the honeymoon, the bride said to the poet, tenderly: "Does the fact that I have money, dearest moike any difference to you ? "To be sure it does, my love," the poet amswered. She drooped a little, perplexed, alarmed. "What difference?" she a-Hked. "Why," said he, "it ia suoh a comfort to know tihat if I should die you'd be provided for. "And if I should die?" said the bride. "Then," he returned, "I'd be provided for,"

STRIKE LASTS 77 WEEKS j After lastiug for 77 weeks the strike of the miners at Messre. Ctoariesworth's collieries, KiiteihujBt, Mexborough, is assuming a. serious a&pmt. Aoooammodartiiott for 100 men has been pre- pared at the Pit Yard Collieries, and work befran yesterday under police protection. The strikers gathered in force near the B&. and hooted the imported miners, but mo scenes of violence occurred. They after- •wards bekl a mass meeting, at whicfti it was unanimously agreed to fight on. I

rinwi Creemery Batter OXK SHILLING a Found I st aU the Direct Trading Company's Branches. Com- Two Ctua with the siojipy and ill-fl&TOttrad rubbish 494 at asbat skazo igthc j456 i

STORY FOR TO-DAY I Gambling for a Wife. I I tell you. air. I will not give my srrnc-1 tion unless by the lat of next month you can show me a, balance at your banker's of £5.000, or securities in your own name to that value." "But, Seymour, where do you thank I am to get £5,000 from in less tha.n a month? NaUie and I are both young, and can afford to wait for beftter times. I am confidential oterk to one of the best firms of stockbrokers, and have every reason to believe I shall one day become- a partner. My salary from them is £250, a.nd my old uncle allows me £100 a year, and looks upon me as hia heir. What more can you want?" It ia of no use prolonging the discussion, Mr. Bart>ley. It is for your own eakes that I do this. When my daughter marries I shall eetitle £10,000 upon her, and I thank her husband ougQxt to haTe at £5,000. If, as I aaid before, you have that stun by the 1st of April next, I will sanction your engage- ment. If mot I aball use every maane in my power to bring atbout her marriage with. Oa.p- tain Tredegar, a.nd in the meantime I shall Bend her off to my sister in Scotland out of your way." With these words be touched the bell, thus intimating that the interview was at an end. Mr. Seymour was chief partner in the firm of Seymour, Giveless, and Co., stockbrokers, and was reported to be worth a million, but: there were city men who whispered that he was in rather a shaky state just now owing to heavy speculations on his own account, and that he would probably be in want.of a few thousand before the next settling day. When I left Mr. Seymour's office in Vic- toria-street, I wandered about for two hours, hardly knowing where I was going-I was unable to concentrate my thoughts upon any- thing definite. All I oould think about was £5,000; everything around me seemed to eay the same thing. The very sound of the wheels of the omnibuees and cabs seamed to suggest £5,GOO or Nellie is lotit." I felt that I must have the money if I committed a crime to obtain it. At last I called a cab and drove to my chambers. When I was seated in an easy chair by the side of a. bright fire with my pipe in full swing, I tried to think the matter over calmly. The only hope I could think of was my Uncle John, but it was like depend- ing on a. broken reed, indeed. He had always catctioned me against getting married at all, and pointed to himself with pride as one who had bad next to nothing to do with women all his life, but before I went to bed I had made up my mind to run down to 11 Eltbam on the morrow and see him. I wrote a. note to the office saying tha.t I felt rather indisposed that evening (which was true) a.nd should probably not be in the c.ity in the morning. Next morning, after a restless night, the chance of my uncle acoediing to my request: seemed smaller than ever, but there was no other hope, and I must fa-ce him and make the best cf it. At breakfast I took up the! paper, as was my worat, and glanced down the money article. Suddenly an idea flashed across my mind. Being on the Stock Exchange, I knew that fortunes were made! and lost every month. Why shouldn't I try and make .E5.0M by speculating in some stock? The more I thought of it the more I liked it. Of course, I knew it was riEky; I couldn't' do. it in my own name wilbout it coming to tihe knowledge of my arm, and they wouldn't tolerate that eort of thing for a. moment, and whatever plan. I adopted I knew if thingB didn't, go as I wished I should be ruined.. But Life without Nellie wasn't worth living,! and I must have her at any OOBt. The first thing to decide was the best stock in which, to Bpeoctete. The markets were very quiet just now, with the exception, of the South African Mining Market, in which there had been lately quite a "boom." One company in particular had caused a great s-ensatjon. This was the Great Onm- berland Diamond Mines, whose £10 shares were quoted at £25. The company was sup- posed to have a most valuable property ia Soutih Africa, and, although only started six months previously, had already paid a, divi- dend of 20 per cent., and the future davi- dends were expected to be as high as 30 peT cent. That they had paid the 20 per cent. dividend was quite true, as I had received that oin the few shares I held myself; hot whether it was paid out of profits or othor- wise I did uot know. What I did know was that if any adveTee report of the mine came over, the price of the shares would inevitably drop quicker tha.n it had risen. I, therefore, determined to confine my operations to Great Cumber- land. Of course, it would be sheer specula- tion, and there are people who say it is no better than robbery, and altihough I eay I quite agree with them, I don't in any degree uphold the practice. It is one of the greatest evils of the age, but in my case I felt the end would justify the means. But how was I, alone and unaided, to affect the market? What I wanted was wme et?rtlin? informa- tion, damaging to the prospects of the mine, to be oomonunicated to the London financial papers. Anyone who knows anything- about Stock Exchange business knows that in some stocks the most trivial telegram will imme- diately cause a rise or fall of several points, I had fixed upon the Great Cumberland 00.11- pany because I knew the shares were held principally by dealers a.nd speculators, and not by the outside public. My conscience thus was easier. After breakfast I settled to go off a.t once to Eltham and see my uncle, and if. as I expected, he would not give me the money I would write to my friend. George Why- mark, in Cape Town, tell him how I was situated, and ask for h;s help. I knew that Grorge wouJddo anything in his power tf) help mc. We had been schoolfellows and: always firm friends; and a year previously ho had gone out to South Africa, partly on account of his health and partly to make his fortune—if he could. We had no secrets. and had sworn alwayi; to help each other whenever the help was adked for, even at our own perscnial inconvenience and Ices. I went down to my uncle's place, put the whole mmft&r before him, and aslred him to lend me the £5,000. As I expected, he was very I angry at first, and tried to persuade ice to let. the wbote affair drop. He 3::d if I didn't get th:) money Seymour would withheld his consent. This wouldnr't be my fault, and I could thus withdraw honourably. Of course,, I scornfully rejected Iucll advice. "Well. Harold," he eaid, "I am very grieved to t,hi;¡¡,k that, after all my advice, you have mads a fool of yourself at twenty-six years of age. But vt ehali matfe no difference in the future, my boy. I you all my money. But at present, even if I would, I couldn't realise £5.000 without great loss, as all my capital h locked up in various specu- lative undertakings, and I must say that for your own sake I am glad that you can't get, the money." I thanked him for his kindnees, and went back to town. That evening I wrote a long letter to George Whymark and told him everything, and asked for his help. I told him I wanted a telegram despatched to some leading paper dn wndon, saying that things were decidedly wrong wiuh the Great Cumberland Diamond Mines", or something to tha.t efFect. This seemed very simple, but I diidn't disguise from George that it wasn't altogether in accordance witfh tihC ha w, although I believe •tthin^s like it are done very often in the world of speculation. I told George that I left the matter in his hounds, but asked him for the sake of our great friendship to help me if he consc-iewtioijftly could. It would take three weeks for the letter to reach George. It was now the 2nd of the month, and the last settling day waa on the 30tib, so if George did as I asked bimas soon ,a6 he got my letter it would leave about five da-re* For the operations. I lived in a, state of feverieih excitement for the next fortnight or so. I knew that if George was una.ble to help ek, or if the market did not go as I wiabed, I should he ruinM for life, and have to reflinquisli all hope for NaHit., I had not seen her since the evening of the inter- view with her father; but received a note from her three days after, raying she was that day starting for Scotland and would be away about six weeks. She told me to cheer up. as she knew all would come right in the end. I wished I could have felt as eangtiine. On the morning of the 17th the senior ner of my firm came to me with an open letter in his hands. "Here is a letter from Mr. Dnncan, of i ElKham, asking us to sell 1,000 shares in the Great Cumberland Mine for next a=cconnt..He! mentions your name as a reference. Do you know anything about I knew all about the letter, as it was one I had written myself and posted from Eltbam. "Oh! yes," I aaid, "that is all right. He is a friend of my uncie's. Be mentioned the other aveniue tixai h6. jrxnteid to deal I Great CmnberlMHis. and I advised him to do business through us." "Well, you had better see to it, as I ha.ve to attend two meetings this morning." During the day I managed to dispose of a. thousand shares at prices ranging from EZ4 10s. to £ 25 ICte. per share, and had the con- tract notes made out and posted to D. Duncan, Esq., Castle Hotel. Eltham, the pro- prietor of which I knew very well, and with whom I had arranged to have any letters eo addressed forwarded to myself. On Wednes- day, the 23rd, I received a telegram from George with the two words On Friday." Words cannot express how relieved I felt. I knew George would do nothing by halves, and I felt almost sure of success. That afternoon I left the office early and went down to Eltham, and dined at the Castle Hotel. After dinner I wrote a, letter, which I addressed to my firm, Messrs. Pritchard and Co., and arranged with the landlord to have it posted on the morrow, in order to be delivered in the city first poet on Friday morning. On Friday I seized the paper and glanced hurriedly down the money article. Yes! It was there sure enough. We received a, communication last evening to the effect that the Yaranga River Dis- trict in South Africa was flooded, and that great damage had been done to the Great Cumberland Diamond Companies property. The mine was flooded, and it was feared 100 workmen were drowned. The loss to the company was believed to be irretriev- able. This I kiiew was bound to make the shares fall. You may be sure I felt in if great staite of excitement, but I tried to look as uncon- oerned as possible when I arrived at the office. About 10.30 Mr. Pritchard came to me with letter. Here is another letter from Mr. Duncan asking us to buy in the 1,000 Great Cumber- lands for him. I suppose he is all right, but it looks very much like speculation. I see there is a bad report of the mine in the paper this morning, so he will get them cheap. One would think that he knew some- thing about the telegram. However, that is nothing to do with us. Don't be in too great a hurry to buy. The price is sure to drop." On my way to the Stock Exchange I called at the office of the Great Cumberland Oom- pany, and asked if they knew anything abcut the telegram published that morning. They said they had received the game iii- formation, but thought there was soine mistake. They were taking steps to have it confirmed. When I arrived at the Exchange I went straight to the Mining Market, and, as I expected, found it in a state of the wildest excitement. Everyone waf asking questions about Great Cumberlands. All the dealers were sellers. Great Ouniberlands! I sell ( 100 at 23, I sell 200 at 22J. Any buyers?" and such like. I waited and watched closely. The price went down every minute until presently I beard a man offer 300 for 21. I bought them. I noticed several dealers eye me suspiciously, a.nd one asked me if I knew anything. I I answered No, but we have an order from a client to buy." Presently a dealer offered a. pa.rcel of 500 at 10J. I took them at once. The other 200 I had no diffi- culty in obtaining in small lots at abauti £ 19 to tl9 10b. I went baock to the office, and reported to Mr. Pritcha.rd that Great Cumberland had dropped five or six points, and told Mm I had bought 1,000 aha-res for Mr. Duncan at am 3>v^mgc price of about 20. I had the oontraot not- poeted tihat day to Mr. Duncan. On going through thej account I found that after deduoting brokerage and ail expenses there was a clear profit of £ 5,350. I had thus ganned my end. On settli, ng day it would only be necessary to pass on the names from the firms I had eold to the firms I had bought from and post a cheque for the difference to Mr. Duncan, which, of course, was the same as peeling to myseilf. The next morning a telegram was publieihed by the company notifying that the informa- tion published the day before was exagge- rated. The Yaranga District was flooded, but tihcir property had not been touched. On the strength of this the shares in a few days regarined theftr former qnotaitaon. I wrote to George, told him of my success, "and thanked him for what he bra,d done. On the 1st of April I called on Mr. Sey- mour. He seemed rather surprised to see me, but was very polite. Mr. Seymour," I said, when I asked you for your daughter's hand a month ago you said vou would only give your sanction <m condition that by to-day I was worth, at least £5.000. I have called to inform you that the amount of my balance at my bnnker's is now £ 5,' 785. T. therefore, presume there will now be no objections to our engagement." "Well, Mr. Bartley," he said, "I am sur- prised, but also pleased, because, as I said lost month, I have no personal objection to you as a. son-in-law. I will write at once and fetch Nellie back. But how did you raanale to make £ 5,000 in a Month I" "Well you know, sir, on the Stock Exchange it is very easy to make or lose £ 5.039." He laughed, and aid- You have been lucky this time, but take my advice, and don't go in for plunging.' "I don't mean to, Mr. Seymour, but desperate oafae,,3 require desperate means." "I expeot you thought me very mercenary, Harold, but 1 must now tell you why I made tlhalt stipulation. People suppose I am very woaMlhy, but latefly I have lost heavily, amd am now in want of a. few thousands for a week or two, and haven't any available security to offer. Will yogi lend me your 15,ooo for a mouth? You shallhave it ba<ek with, interest, and wihen you marry I will keep my promise amd setftde £ 10,000 on Ne-llie." You are quite welcome to the money," I Said. "All I want is Nellie." We were engaged six months, and have now been married three montilis, but I haven t ypt regretted my ftrgt, and only speculation. I didn't tell Nellie all the facts of the case. She thinks it was owing to a, luoky rise in one of my small investments that I was ena,ble.d to satisfy her father, and I don't think it necessary to undeceive her.

A VICAR RECOMMENDS BILE BEANS SICK HEADACHES AND BILIOUSNESB CURED. STRIKING CASES IN HIS OWN PARISH. Writing from St. Cuthbert's Vicarage, 155, City-road, Birmingham, a few days ago, the Rev. H'. Minton-Seuhouso says:- I am constantly seeing so much evidence of the superior merits of Chas. Forde's Bile Beans as a. family medicine that I am g-Lad to let you know of the fact. Two sick cases in my parish to which I gave Bile Beans were soon cured in this way of severe head- aches. I have found Bile Beans invaluable for biliousness, and I am never without a box, which I keep for myself and others. I was myself for several years a. great sufferer from sick headaches and bilioutnese. I remember once being so ill that several people whom I was visiting commented upon my poor looks. It so happened that at two houses where I was calling I was told of what good Bile Beans had done, and tfrs cashes were very similar to my own. In one case the man had been unable to work for some time owing to this distressing sicknega., and, although he had tried many ordinary medicines without success, -he was ulti- mately cured by a course of Bile Beatss. I began to try a course for myself, and was feeling distinctly better in a. short time. After a course of Bile Beans I fouud myaelf quite cured. "I think it should be widely known what a superior medicine Bile Beans are. For the many distressing ills common to people In industrial parishes, Bile Beans can. scarcely be equalled." This is only one acknowledgment out of many which are reaching us daily of the distinguishing merit of Bile Beans for BiHousness. The Vicar of St. Cnthbert's is induced to send this account of Bile Beans' success simply in the hope that the unique merit popseesed by Bile Beans may be recog- nised, not only in his own parish, but univer- sally. Oould you ask for evidence from a more reliable quarter? Can you do better than accept the good Vicar's advice and keep this superior medicine always at band? But be careful to note that it was the gentrir.) Cihae. Forde's Bile Beams which alone cured the reverend gentleman and his parishioners. It was not a feeble imitation or cheap sub- stitute. Imitations more often do harm than good. With your own money you are Farely entitled to the genuine article. (OnJy prices, is. lid. per box, or 2s. 5d. for triple sise.) el064

A GREAT CANAL SCHEME Geneva, Thursday.—'The Znrich papers to- day discuiB at. lsngth a. great scheme pro- posed by a. Swiss engineer to unite Switzer- land with the North 8æ. and the Mediterranean by two groat canal systems. The first system would connect Lake Constance with Rotterdam, by means of the Rhi-ne, and the second would join Lake Ootk) an dthe Mediterranean, by means of the River Po. The cost of the two systems has been estimated at 324 million francs, but the engineer claims that he would be able to obtain a. large quantity of water power, wliidh could be sold to factories and other users, and so greatly reduce the cost. He estimates that 1,500,000 horse-power could be obtained from the system north of the Alps, and 220,000 horse-power from the southern traj Sew*. '1 ';¡J'A.

FIGHT WITH POVERTY THREE SHILLINGS A WEEK FOR FAMILY OF FIVE. Cbroner Troutbeck heard a distressing etory at Lambeth yesterday a.t an inquest relative to the death of a child named ArChur Skinner. The mother said her hus- band left her two years ago, and she had to support herself and four children. She earned 5s. 6d. as a charwoman, a.nd the rent of a. plaoo at Alfred-court, South Lambeth, was 5s. a week. Her eldest son paid half of that. Out- relief had been refused her, a.nd she pre- ferred to sell matches rath er than enter the workhouse. The Coroner: Why is that? Witness: It is nothing more than a starv- in.g life in there. Her child was taken ill three weeks ago with measles and bronchitis (continued wit- ness). He was nursed by his sister, who was twelve years old. She gave the child milk and broth from a sheep's head, which she bought twice a week. The Coroner: Why didn't you send the child to the infirmary? Witness replied that she did not like the idea of the child going to the infirmary, because she thought she could look after it better at home. The Coroner: On 3s. a week! The Relieving Officer said he asked the mother if she would like the deceased to go into the infirmary, but she declined to give permission. The rooms were in a dirty state. Dr. R. J. Oswald, who saw the child several times in a room without a fire, said he told the mother it required careful nursing, and ought to be in the infirmary. Mrs..Skinner was always sober, and capable of understanding what was said to her. He was of opinion that the child would have been alive to-day if it had been sent to the infir- mary. The Coroner said the case had assumed a serious aspect, and he adjourned the inquest for further inquiries.

SECOND GREAT ART DRAWING. Coupons must be forwarded on or before JANUARY 10th. 1st Prize.. value icl(>O 2nd Prize ? H L30 Srd Prize.. „ C20 AND 1,000 OR MORE OTHER PRIZES (Being one prize for every 50 Coupons.) The recent Art Drawing for Mr. Seymour I Luca,g' Picture Memories," and other Prises having Droved so popular, the Council of the National Art Union have determined to hold another Drawing, which will take place on January 24th, 1906. Persons wishing to participate in this Draw- ing must send in one or more of the C-oupone which appeared in eaoh issue of the Western Mail." Evening Express," and Weekly Mail," published up to and including December 30. together with two halfpenny Nba-mps in respect of each Coupon sent in. The sta.mpa must not be gummed to tke Coupon. Each reader may send in any number of Coupons, but every Coupon must be accom- panied by two halfpenny stamps, or by postal order where several coupons are sent in. The Coupons may be cut from any issue or issues of the three papers named. There is no occasion to send in a, complete set. The Coupons must be forwa.rded to tbli. National Art Union, Western MaU-ehamben, Cardiff, ow or before 10th JANUARY, 1906. Competitors who send in Six or more Coupons at one time may remit Postal Orders instead of stamps. Coupons may be sent in eingly or in a batch, as tke Competitors ADd most convenient.

I Mormons and Polygamyl I AMERICAN WOMEN'S PROTEST 1 Amarioall1 women will not toJerate plural wives at amy price. They have prepared an enorsnjous poutdod, with over a mallic n eigna- tures, imploring the Senate to eject Mr. Reed Smoot, of Utah, from its membership. Thousands of similar from va-rious have also boon reoeived through women's efforts, and are now bound in twenty-eught large volumes. Mr. Smoot, as was pointed out in the "Daily Telegraph" at the time of the recent State Inquiry, has only one wife. But evidence showed that, polygamy im Utah, though publicly condemned, is privately practised, and to some extent protected by the Mormon Ohursh. The younger Hormone have more eniigh'ucned ideae on, the subject of matri- mony, buit mrallY of the older ones refuse to abandon their plural wives. Mr. Smoot holds the poefition of a.m aipoefcle of the Mormon Church, and took the oath of allegiance to that body, the terms whereof he refused to reveal.

An Evangelist's Slang. Mr. and Mrs. William Asher, the American PTibHo-houpe Missionaries, have been con- ducting a campaign in New York, holding t'heir services in public bars. Both speak New York slang to perfection, and employ that medium to reach the ears of the people in the gin-palaces, which are fully as nume- rous proportionaitely to population in New York as London. Speaking in a public-house kept by a, man named Gallagher recemtly, Mr. Asher delivered the following charac- teristic addrees: "I won't keep you; long, and first I wanit to say Mr. Gallagher's standing for tfci-s. He's told me I could hand it out to you for half an how, and here goes. You see, we ain't butting in—we don't go where they don't want us. We are not crusading. I don't want you to turn the diBtriot upside I down. or downside up, and I ain't going to say a word about temperance or the liquor question. I'm just here with a little message to you—best little message ever & man heard, and before we S'tart it I'm going to ask Mrs. Aaher to sing a. hymn, 'On the King's Busi- ness,' and I warat you boys to loosen up and geft. busy on the chorus." Mrs. Aaher sang the verse, and a half. dozen shamefaced young men cleared their throats suspiciously when the chorus came j round. I "Aw, butt in there, you!" &add the evan- gelist dLy. "Get wise, bud, get wise. Sing her again, and here, you-thet big fellow down there—get busy; you didn't let out a. peep; come in!" The big man sang and ten more helped. "Won't do—not on your tintype. Here, you!" pointing to a white-aproned waiter, "your faoe is iroKC; get in, get in. And you, down there with the big coat, come along. StLy, Goliagher," picking one of the pro-, printers, "you can get away, nit-geil,, in there!" After the hymn Mr. ABhor resumed his eloquence with results which are reported to I be satisfactory. His knowledge of jargon is &aid to have aided him in his pmblie-house mission.

I THE BANANA TRADE Messrs. Elders and Pyffes (Limited) state that the total importation of bananas into this country during 1905 amounted to 4,722,796 bunches, ae compared with 2,973,108 butiches during 1904, being an increase of 1,749,688 bunches for the twelve months: 3,263,934 bunches were received from Jamaica wrid Costa Eica, and 1,458,E6Z bunches from the Canary 1 Islands.

WHAT A LADY SAYS. Mrs. A. Wilkicson, of Nelson, says: my Mster guttered from weak kidneys, took one box, and it has done her more good than pounds spent on Medical Men." Sufferers from C?r3lel, PaJna in the Back. IX>ropsy, DisfM?sM of the Kidneys, and God wUl 6md a positive Cure in Holdroyd's Grael Pills. 1& 16d., ?U ChejuieM. Poet tree, 12 stamps from HOLDBOYD'S MJtDIGAL f:*T.T- CtecUMaten. I Jjj-■ + v _———

THE VICAR'S WOOING 1 LIKE A KAILYARD ROMANCE Certain incidents in the life of the Rev. Thomas M. Freeman, a notable Derbyshire vicar, whoee death waa announced yesterday, read as though he were a Kailyard crea-t-ion- a minister of the Kirk in an out of the way manse. He was greatly interested in antiquarian and archaeological subjects, and he published several volumes of verse, but his moorland parishioners in the village of Mellor, on the Cheshire fringe of the Derbyshire hills, did not appreciate him for these attainments. They thought of him chiefly in connection with his eccentricities. He delighted in the company of children, to whom he would confide much of his personal history. One day he whispered in the ear of a tiny companion that he was going to marry a young lady. The people of the district disapproved of the match-the difference in age was too grea.t-and on the wedding day almost the whole countryside was in the church or the churchyard. People stood on pews, every window-sill waa occupied, and the elflsh faces of little boys were seen peeping from the rafters above. The service was constantly interrupted, but both the bride and the bridegroom took everything in good part. Mr. Freeman lived down the excitement, and continued his active work until Sunday week; but the vicar's wooing and wedding will be an important chapter in the history of the village for many years to come.

— A Tragic Coincidence I PONTLOTTYN LABOURER'S DEATH Afflicted Through an Accident Mr. R. J. Rhys conducted an inquiry at the General Pic ton Hotel, Pontlottyn, into the cause of death of Howel Owen, aged 31, farm labourer, of Duffryn Farm, Pontlottyn, who on Monday last was run over by a pas- senger train on the Rhymniey Railway at gelbaotopol, which is about midway between Tirphil and Pontlottyn. MJB. Margaret Owen said that her son had occasion to cross the line, as they had fields on both sides of the line. William Jones, the engine-driver, elated that he first saw Owen walking in the six-fc-ot way against the up line. He blew his whistle, but deceased took no notice. Polioe-sergeant Gammon stated that there was a bridge for the oonvenience of the farm people. A juryman observed that Owen was men- tally weak in consequence of an accident he had witnessed in a colliery, two of bis mates being killed before his eyes. He had given up working underground. The verdict was "Accidental death." Mr. W. Williams, locomotive inspector, and Mr. Boston Phillips, stationmaster, Pont- lottyn, represented the Rhymney Railway j Company.

Bad Half-Sovereigns. Spurious h-aK-sove reigns in considerable numbers appear to bo in circulation. Inquiry at eeveral banks has disclosed that these coins have been paid into the hands of the receiving caahiers by unsuspecting customers. The tellers have, however, detected the base coin. It is very difficult for a non-expert to avoid being deceived, the false half- sovereigns have every appearance of genuine- ness. In fact, the only shortcoming is lightness of weight, as revealed by the scales. The diecs of base metal are gilded 00 thickly that, even if scratched, they resist the acid test; the milling de good, and the ring is clear. The pnblio may be cautioned to examine all half-severeigns passing into their possession, bearing the head of the late Queen Victoria, with the small crown. There is a. little uncertainty about the date, the figures not being very legible, and it is read as either 1893 or 1898. The model taken is that of tihe die which proved unpopular, because the crown had tlie appearance of eliding off the head. At first bankers, whose clerks had unwittingly accepted these bad half-sovereigns, believed that they had been sweated," but at the Bank of England it was found, upon cutting the coins in two, that they were made of a white metal, gold- plated.

Attacked by a Lion An exciting scene was witnessed at Bostock and Wombwell's menagerie in Liverpool yesterday morning. A coloured animal tamer, known as Kyl, entered the cage of a lion and lioness, named Prince and Princess, that had recently been imported. Without more warning than a muttering growl Prince sprang upon the negro directly he entered and planted its forepaws upon his chest. An att-eridant thr-bst a sponge full of am- monia attached to a. pole under the lion's nostrils, and while the embarrassed animal paused the trainer disengaged himself from his terribly dangerous position and spring- ing to the iron gate passed out to safety.

GLAMORGAN IMPERIAL YEOMANRY BALL A military ball was held at the Maesteg Town-hall on Wednesday night under the immediate patronage of Colonel W. H. Wyndham-Quin, Major C. G. I. Edmonds, and tht- ofBcerg of the "B" Squadron of the Glamorgan Imperial Yeomanry; Ma.jor T. B. Boucher and the officers of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Welsh Regiment (Maesteg detaeh- ment). Sergeant-farrier George Hitchings acted as secretary, a.nd Sergeant-major T. T. King, Corporal J. Griffiths, and Trooper T. W. Jenkins were the M.C.'e. The hall was beauti- fully decorated with banners, ct-c. A very pleasant evening was spent. Music was supplied by the well-known Hutchins Band Neath.

To-days Markets. BUTTER. CORK. Thurs., J". 4.-Firsts 109s, seconds 1056, thirds 94s; Sup, l?e P- cwt. In market: 30 nrkins. SUGAR. GLASGOW, Thurs., Jan. 4.-The official report says: Moderate business done ac, steady prices. The Privilte report aays: Large business done at firm prices. FISH. GRIMSBY, Thu.rs., Jan. 4.—The market was almocrt empty. Thirty-fowr vessels landed oa.t,oii.fv.Demand exceptionally keen. Quo. iation- -Soles Is 5d, turbot 8d to is 4d, brilli ls. lobsters 2s per lb; plaice 7s 6d, lemon soles 12s, whitings 4e 6d, wbitches 6e Per rtone; no halibut nor ling; live cod 6s to 9s, dead 3s to 48 6d, live skate 5s 6d, dead 3s each; hake 38B live coal fish 28s, dead 206 Per score; kit had. docks gibbed 4648s, live codlings 50s, dead 248 per box. MEAT. LONDON, Thurs., Ja n. 4.—Beef slow—Scotch loag aides 59 lOd to 46, short sides 4s 2d to 4d; Eng-lieh sides, Js od to 3s 6d; United States sides-Liverpool killed 3s to 36 3d Deptford killed 3s 2cl to 3t3 4d; American hind- quarters (best) 3s to 3s 4d, forequarters 2s to 2s?d. Mutton slow—Scotch tegs 46 8d to 5s. wether 4B 6d to 46 8d, ewe 3s 4d to 3s 6d: Eng- lish wether 48 2d to 46 8d, ewe 3s 2d to 3s 4d. HAY AND STRAW, LONDON, Thurs., Jan. 4.—Heavier supplies which met with a fair demand at recent level of prices. Quot!¡.tlODS: clover 72s to 80s, inferior 60s to 70s; specially picked hay 72* 6d, good ditto 603 to 7Cs, inferior 458 to 57s 6d; mixture and sainfoin, 676 to 72s 6d; and straw, 25s to 33s per load. POTATOES- LONDON, Thurs., Jan. 4.-Li-ht4Dr supplies, but trade made slow progTess, Quotations • — Royal Kidneys, 55s to 6(.'s; British Queens 60s to 65s; Blacki uute, 56s to 60s; Up-t,o.:Date: 60s to 65s; Scottish Up-to-Dates to 658. a.nd Queens, 55s to 60s per ton.

BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES. ,55 Years Reputation. For Coughs and Colds. IFor Bronchitis and Asthma. For influenza and OitarrS. I Far soreness of the Ttoroat. pm speakera and Singers. Th.y Strengthon the Voice. la. per box. Sold everywhere. 815M Winter Season.—D?tes are now being looked for Whist Drives, P*Tt:M, Bec?ptioM, At Homes, Soc}? Bvemmsa, &c., &c.-CeUic Hote! 4nd Romption Boom< ttbe?eU's). Kewport-rt. <op,e). ai7n

FATAL MOTOR SMASH I LEVEL-CROSSING DANGERS. A frightful automobile smash, by which two ladies lost their lives, has happened at Ta-illar level-crossing, near Leboorne Station, in the Gironde. The driver of the car waited at the crossing for the Derg-erao train to pass, but did not notice that another train WAS due at about the same moment from the opposite direction, and when he attempted to cross the line his car was struck with such violence that it was driven a considerable distance along the metals. There were three ladies in the automobile, two of whom, Mada.me Garde and her daugh- ter, were instantly killed, their bodies being shockingly mangled. The other lady, Mdlle, Vigier, sustained serious injuries, her escape from instant death being little short of miraculous. The chauffeur jumped from the car just in time to avoid being struck by the tra;in and escaped unhurt, but when ho learnt what had happened to the ladies under his charge he became raving, mad.

The Church in Wales BISHOP OF LIVERPOOL'S LETTER The Bishop of Liverpool, in his monthly letter to the clergy and laity of the diocese, discusses the probability of an attack on the Church in Wales by the new Government, and urges all to participate in the discus- sions that will ensue, and to defend the great heritage t.hey had received from their fore- fathers, and hand it on unimpaired to their children. The Church in Wales was an integral part of the Church of England, a.nd whatever may have been its weakness and failure in the past it was slowly but surely recovering its ancient spirituality and vigour, and gathering its onoe alienated people into the fold.

WELSH TeAM AGAINST I ENGLAND. There is very little prospect of the Welsh team which is to meet England at Richmond on Saturday week undergoing any material chauge from that which represent ed the Principality against New Zealand. The only likely alterations are expected to take place with regard to the wmg three-quarters, it being stated that Morgan and Llewellyn have definitely decided to retire from active football. Their likely substitutes will ba selected from Maddoeks (London Welsh), Willie Thomas (Newport), and Trew (Swan- sea). New Zealand Try-Getters I Appended is a list of the New Zealand try- I getters in the 32 matches the Colonists played in this country:— I Scorer No. of tries. J. Hurt-er 36 W. J. Wal-I 21 G. W. Smith 19 R. G. 1)e.a.na. 18 D. M'G-regor 15 H. L. Aoboitt 13 H. illyn-ot 11 F. Roberts 10 J. W. Stead 9 C. 9 H. D. Thomson 8 F. CHasgow 8 G. W. m?olaoT! 6 E. E* 5 E. Harper 4 A M'Donald 3 W. Johnston ,.I 3 G. Tyloer 2 F. NewtiOn 1 ,T. O'Sullivan 1 D. Gallaher 1 G. Gillett 1 W. Ounningteam 1

WELSH ASSOCIATION CUP In the third round of the conifceet for the Welsh Aæooiation Cup Chester have scratched to Rhyl, Bangor to Brough- ton, Llandrindod Wells to Wellington, and Colwyn Bay to Chirk. The Welsh Amateur Cup draw for the third round was made on Wednesday as follows: Portmadoc v. Bangor, Flint v. Llandudno or Oolwyn Bay, Oak Alyn or Buckley v. Wrex- ham, Victoria Esclusham white Stars T. Brymbo, Victoria (Aberystwyth) v. Newton Singleton and Oolea, Shrewsbury v. Llandrin- dod Wells, Oswestry v. Bala, Llangollen v. Rhos Rangers. The first-named clubs have the choice of ground, and ties have to be played on January 13. RHYMNEY VALLEY LEAGUE In the absence of MT. W. James (Deri), Mr Powell (Dukeetown) presided at a. meeting of the Rhymney Valley Association League Hengoed on Wednesday.—New Tredegar put in a claim against Bargoed for non-lulfilmeut of fixture, but this was withdrawn.—The transfers of M. Braddon (Aberda.re to New- port) and F. G. Simmonds reh.Lrris to New port) were confirmed.—Ba.rgccd were orilced to re-play the unfinished game with Bedlinog on cup-tie principle.—Deri was ordered to pay a claim made by Lla-ntaredach.—Dowlais Thistles claimed two points from Aber- gavenny Reserves for playing two ineligible men, but the matter was deferred to ascer tain what division, form the players nad signed.—The qnestion of an -ntcr-leiwgue match with the Cardiff District will be con- sidered at the next meeting.—On a. Tote, the transfer of J. Yarr from Llanbradach to Barry was confirmed, and he will be eligible to play next Saturdav.-A protest lodged by Treharris against Llar.brad<ach that a matc.h between these clubs should be re-played was oat-voted, the points standing to Ha.ntr?- dach's credit. ign latter olub wa?, however, censured for their late start.—The Treharris representative intimated that his club would appeal to the Welsh Association against the decision.

I GRAND FOOTBALL MATCH, YNYSYNGHARAD GROUNDS, PONTYPRIDD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 6th, PONTYPRIDD v. ABERDARE (winners of Glana. League Cup). KICK-OFF, THREE P.M. SHA.RP. Admission 6d., Enclosure Is. el849 ) 't+.+++++++++++.+++; + THE + | I WELSH TEAM. t t WELSH TEAM. t i POST-CARDS. t 1 FROM A PHOTO TAKEN ON THE i X FIELD ON SATURDAY PREVIOUS T T TO THE MATCH. ? GIANT AND ORDINARY, | £ NOW ON SALE. X ♦ + ASK YOUR NEWSAGENT. t I A Souvenir for Your Friends. T + + + + + +-+++

I f THE FOREIGN MAJL8 OUTWARD. I To be despatched from London to-morrow, [ January 5— Mornins- Supplementary mails to Senegal, Rio de Jaaieiro, Uruguay, and Argentine Reptfblic, by French packet. I Evening— To Kgypt, Cyprus, Jaffa, and Beirut, via Brindisi, per B. Isis. To India, Ac., via Brindisi, per a. Egypt. To Ceylon, Australia, and New Zealand, Ac., via Naplea, per s. Ophir. To Straits Settlements, via. Bombay and Nogafatam. To Ceylon, Straits Settlements, China, and Japan, ..[JY French packet. To Grand Canary and West Coast of Africa, via Liverpool, per a. Zunberu. To Para and Manaos, by British packet. To United States, Bahamas, and Bermudas, pa-reel mails, via Liverpool, per s. Lucania. Ho Mexico, parcel mails, via Liverpool, per s. Floridi-an. To Newfoundland, parcel mails, via Liver-, pool. INWARD. Due To-morrow- From British East Africa, via Genoa.

STOCKING IN SHARK'S STOMACH A large shark. measuring nearly 20ft., has been captured in the North Sea by one of the Firth of F'Ür¡h fleet of trawlers. On being opened there waa found in its stomach a black stocking in a. very tattered condition, besides a l?rgc quantity of herring which had been swallowed whole.

11 WAISTE NOT, WANT NOT." If you take care to buy ENGLAND'S GIJOBY MATCHES you waste nothing. Every match Lights and Burns well to the end. You" want" no others after a trial. AU English made. Mads at England's Glory" Match WAAA. OlmnMiatT. aftm I

A FATAL CIGARETTE.1 I REVOLVER REPLIES TO KNIFE I A merry party of four-3, couple of young men and the same number of girls-bad met to disease a festive supper in honour of the New Year holidays at a modest restaurant situated in a populous quarter of Paris. Every table in the establishment was occupied by gay customers, and peals of laughter resounded without cessation in the hall. Ample justice having been done to the viands, the male members of the lively quartette proceeded to smoke. One of them had a packet of cigarettes, several of which he pre- sented to his friend, but when, in an unlucky moment, he handed the fag end of one to him in reply to an application for yet another, the harmony which had prevailed among the party sustained an abrupt shook. The young ma.n fired u.p, declared that he had been Abominably Insulted, and soon be and his comrade were on their legs, looking each other full in the face, with menacing gestures. The possessor of the cigarettes had put himself into a posture of self-defence, and the spectators of the scene were expecting a scientific sparring match, when suddenly the youth who had com- plained of having been grossly insulted stepped back, and pulling a, long, sharp knife out of a pocket, was about to plunge it into his adversary's body, when the latter, quick as lightning, replied by producing a revolver of heavy calibre and by firing two shots at him. With the cry "I am hard hit" the wounded man staggered to the door of the eating-house, and a moment later had fallen Lifeless on the Pavement In the scene of confusion and consternation that ensued the survivor and the two gir's, | one of whom had ha4 her forehead grazed by a bullet, managed to beat a retreat. Medical examination has shown that one of the shots had taken effect in the region of the heart. It a-ppears that the two youths had only become acquainted a. few days previously. and that the party had been extremely moderate in its attentions to the liquid department of the supper, nothing besides a bottle of light wine having been consumed among the whole lot. The polioe are still searching for the young man who has shot his friend, but no trace of him has as yet been I discovered.

I The Peace ot Europe j ANXIETY AND SUSPICION I Despite reassurances from various hig-h I diplomatic quarters on the Continent a, war cloud, according to yesterday's messages from all parts, still hovers over Europe, and there can be no doubt that Germany is the object of general suspicion. A significant dispatch, has been received from tlhe Berlin correspondent of the Echo de Paris," stating that the German Govern- ment deems it inadvisable to publish the speech delivered by the Emperor William to the generals at the arsenal in "Berlin, on New Year's Day. • Grave issues are. dependent upon the Moroccan Conference at Algeciras. Spain is evidently anxious, and a. message from Madrid says she regards the idea. of allotting influence on the ocean littoral to Germany with much distaste. Spain will insist on the entente cordiale with France and Great Britian. The attitude of Italy is represented by the Corriere Delia Sera." (Milan), which urges the necessity of her sending her most influential diplomats to the Oonferenoe to act as peacemakers between France and Germany."

CENTENARIAN'S HINT I "Do Not Magnify Troubles." Even on eo gloomy a day as yesterday, Mrs. Sarah French, of Paul-street, Finsbury, who toes entered her 103rd year, was spreading cheerfulness around. 'I was born with the new year in 1804, and I've enjoyed every new yeax-and the days in between—since," she said when wished "Many happy returns." "I've never had any illness In my life, and never a trouble that didn't turn out to be less than it first looked-tell your young readers that from an old woman who knows." "Call no woman an old maid until she is dead," she says, and relates how she was a spinster until she was 50, and then married "a bright young silversmith," and enjoyed 40 years of wedded bliss until he died "at the early age of 70 something."

I CONSTABLES' PARADE. t Seventeen in a Mnslaughter Case No less than seventeen constables were paraded in Worship-street Police-court, London, yesterday in connection with a. state- ment made by George I/ong, a. newspaper seller, of Princelet-street, Spitalfields, charged with killing John Arthur Williams, a Grena- dier Guardsman, in a Christmas Day free fight in Little Pearl-street. Long had stated two constables saw another man strike him with an iron woa-poca pro- duced. Prisoner picked out two constables, but they failed to substantiate his story, one of I them saying that be saw the prisoner striking a roan named Spencer with the weapon. Long was committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter.

I A SHIPPING CANARD. The Montreal cable stating that the Canadian Pacific Railway bad purchased the entire fleet of the Donaldson line, of Glas- gow, with a view to establishing a direct line between St. John, New Brunswick, and Glasgow, is officially contradicted. The Donaldson line at Glasgow declare to- day that they have heard absolutely nothing of the story. The Donaldson line own thir- teen steamers.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS FOXHOUNDS. Mr. SEYMOUR ALLEN'S. Friday, Jan. 5, Coedoanl.as 11. o a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, Lydstep Haven (breakfast) .11. 0 aan. Friday, Jan. 12, Tudor-square .11. 03A.ID. CARMARTHENSHIRE. Friday. Jan. 5, Gelly wen Cress Roads 11. 0 a..m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, Llanboidy .11. o a.m. Friday, Ja.n. 12. Penuel .11. o a.m. GLAMORGAN. Friday, Jan. 5, Wenvoe Village 11. o a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, Eweniny Village 11. 0 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, Ystradowen 11. o a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, Sycamore Tree .11. o 3A.rn. GELLYGAER. Friday, Jaai. 5, Bedwellty io. 0 a.m. LLANGIBBY. Friday, Jan. 5, The Slades n. o am. Tuesday, Jan. 9, The Greyhound, Llantrissent 11. 0 a.m. Friday, Ja-n. 12. The Sluvad n. o a.m. LLANGEINOR. Friday. Jan- 5, Ooytrehen Bridge. 10.30 am. MONMOUTHSHIRE. Saturday, Jan. 6, Tredilion Park 11.30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, Brynderwen .11. o a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Agincourt-square 11. 0 a.m. PANTGLAS. Monday, Jan. 8, Lotty. 10.45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12, Llandiloyrynis Bridge 10.45 a.m. PEMBROKESHIRE. Monday, Jan. 8, Tiers Cross 10.45 am. Thursday, Jan. 11, Triffleton Bridge 10.45 a.m. TIVYSIDE. Friday, Jan. 5, Troedyraur Upper Gate 10.45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, Penrhiewllan ;10.45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, Penbryn Bridell 10.45 a.m. YSTRAD AND I'ENTYRCH. Friday. Jan. 5. Walnut Tree Bridee.. 11. 0 a.m. HARRIERS. BREOONSHIRE. Saturday, Jan. 6, Pontybat Cross Roads 10.45 a..m. CRICKHOWELL. Saturday, Jan. 6, Bell Fountain 11. 0 a.m. Mrs. PRYSE-RICE'S. Monday, Jan. 8, Pentretygwyn .11. 0 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, Maestwynog Finger-post .11. 0 a.m.

CLARKE'S BLOOD MIXTURE. This !"IOU5 Medietas vM cleanso too blood from tJ1 impu. rities from whatever cause arising A safe remedy for Eczema, Bad Legs, Scrofula, Blood Poison, Some of all kinds, Boils, Erup- tions, Ulcers, Glandular Swel- lings, &c. Of all 8tores, fcc. Forty yeejt* success. Beware of J.ø¡üa.t   THINK .m THIS OVER j That's All. I You would be perfectly astonished if you were made 1 9 aware of the many thousands of pounds absolutely 9 thrown away from year to year upon so-called curatives that are foisted upon a public only too willing to believe 9 the specious arguments laid before them. S The replenishing of the system from tite wasting tissues 9 which is going on every day can only be accomplished by 9 proper assimilation of food. It CANNOT be done with medicine. It can, however, be accomplished with a perfect, flesh-forming, palatable, and agreeable Food Beverage. Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa is such a Food Beverage, possessing, as it does, wonderful nourishing, strengthening, and stimulative powers, un- I surpassed by any Food Beverage. Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa is NOT a medicine. It does simply what it is claimed 9 to 4°, and its strengthening powers are 9 being recognised to an extent hitherto 9 unknown in the history of any preparation. I Dr. Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa can be obtained < from all Grocers and Stores, or from 60, Bunhtll Bow, London, R.C. Dtiaxty j sample free. A post-card will do. I'll =..1/1  l i hwsaid BOVPTILI S said the student; ?j? !?-? ?j | |S1 I It?s best to be prudent^ Soo?/? N TO KINIC6 rces ELECT COCOA. A cocoa that pleasantly soothes weary brains and excited aerves.

RICH MINE BOUGHT BY CHANCE The story of the romantic discovery of a rich tin lode in West Cornwall ie told by the "Western Morning News." About the middle of last year Mr. W. Middlin, of Gwinear, bought at auction for the purpose of sport about eight acres of waste land on moors close to his residence. In October be started digging to obtain water for hie cattle, and oame across rich traces of tin only a. foot from the surface. Diggings in other parts of the moors were satisfactory, and, aftey acquiring the mineral rights of the property, he started operations. The course i8 expected to be 60ft. through, and produces from 2501b. to 5061b. of black tin per ton of stuff.

T Y P B W R I T I N G, Architect*' Work Accurately Copied by experienced Operatom ALL BRANCHES OF COPYING EXECUTED WESTERN MAIL OFFICE. CARDIFF Printed by the Proprietors, Western Mall Limited, and published by them at their offices, St. Marj'-street, la the City of Card Iff; Castle Bailey-street, Qwansea, GlebeUnd-street, Merthyr Tydfil; at the shop of Kr. Weeiey Williams, Bridgend-4al In the county of Gia. morgan; at their offices, 22, High-street, Newport; at the ahop of Mr. J. P. Wrey, Monmouth-both in tbg, county at Monmouth; at the TBOP of Air. Da-rid John, Uanelly. In the comity of Carmarthen; an4 «t their offices. The Bulwark, Brecon, In the eoaaty at Brecknock. THURSDAY. JANUARY 4. 190C