Evening Express

IMONS & THE 'BOKSI 'I HARRY BOWEN LIKES THE I HOME TEAM. We've got 'em again. As Boxing Day creeps nearer a second dose of South African fever quickens the blood. A few more days to roll, and young spur Monmouthshire will be seen facing the big sporting giant from the South—and facing him with good heart, too. Look- ing over the home team (writes Harry Bowen). I must confess to liking it a lot. There is much cleverness in it, undoubted whole-heartedness, and heaps more vigour than can be entirely used up during the game. If this likely lot be beaten it will not be for want of head work, nor of honest trial, nor of form. For cleverness the team has, full value in strenuousness can be voted a certainty, and, as for form, the Monmouthshire man who holds an ounce too much won't sport the Monmouth County colours on Boxing Day morning. If beaten, then, the difference will be obtained from that which marks fifteen class men from fifteen all of whom may not be able to claim that clear title. Mind, I say 4 4 may not." Boxing Day may be the means of giving the men not yet proven the right to be considered bang up in front. Now, the individual who goes about dreaming dreams of Springbok goals and tries without any consideration of what the Monmouthshire side will be doing in the meantime is likely to have a rude awakening on Wednesday next—the best day of next week, bar Saturday. I want expressly to observe that the game is not all over-not by a long, long way. I seem to remember somehow that the Monmouthshire men, club and county, have come on a lot lately, and are in the state of mind that longs for more comiivg on and seem to expect it. Were this match played at Pontypool or Abertillery I I'd back my trousers buttons on the Monmouthshire merry men and take my chance of wearing a strap. Being at I Newport, however, one has to consider it as there, and here I beg leave to knock oil considering at all. The Monmouthshire three-quarter line is, in my opinion, a nicelv-balanced quartette. In Jones and Evans it holds two men not likely to give anything away. More than that, these centres are quite likely to pick up a few of the good things that kind Providence, per their opponents, may unexpectedly offer. Evans is a vastly-improved player. He has gained in his paces, gets quicker off the mark, is a nicer calculator, and all this without losing his original sound- ness in defence. He will have the advantage of having his clubmate along- side and the usual halves in front-an advantage which may turn out to mean I a lot. Again, Beynon at half is really good value. I had been told by one who ought to have known better that there were no class inside halves in Mon- mouthshire. Saturday last knocked that little talo quite out of time. Beynon is good value. I am not so certain that Tuan Jones could not have been bettered. If he fail to realise expectations, then once again the whole back system will fall to pieces, and we may have to sigh away the time in sorrow. Forwards Travers, Webb, Blackmore, Rees Thomas, Foley, Williams, and J. C. Jenkins will take a heap of a lot of shifting. J. Jones, of Cwmbran, I don't know. This pack contains at least a couple of clever heelers—one 'an artist at the practice. The pack is composed of pushers and bustlers. Whether its pushing has strength equal to its will power I some- what doubt. But, if lacking here, its bounding tearaways will give much com- pensation. The Llanelly team to meet the Springboks is not likely to be chosen until the evening of Boxing Day. But the scarlets hope to place a formidable lot in the held. R. T. Gabe, home for his holidays, has promised to help his early love. Rhys Thomas on his native heath is truly a terror to opponents The steam from the Sospan agrees with him, and makes him twice the Cardiff man lie just now is. Bailey Davies, of Oxford fame, will operate at full-back, and lie is expected to show that his form in the Llanelly v. Swansea match of a couple of seasons back was but the out- come of over-study. There is some rumour of Alby Davies, and, again, of E. T. Morris, being home from school, but whether or not they will be asked to play is undecided. Lloyd and D, M. Davies are improving each week, and, with Harry Watkins to strengthen the pack and with Lieutenant Dobbs re- covering form, the Boks might find the Sospan sound at the finish. I understood that- there was some pos- sibility of Cardiff playing seven forwards and eight backs, using Gibbs as a rover, against the South Afrikanders, but, look- ing at the list of the team chosen against Llanelly, it seems that that idea has been abandoned. But, even so, it were worth discussing. I note that it has been pointed out that the Midlanders tried it against the 'Boks, and found it un- available. Such a statement is only half a fact. The Boks had to take a. man out to counteract this move, and it happened that the man they took out was a better artist than the man the Midlanders had in the position. But in this present instance I fancy that Gibbs would prove a better rover than any of the 'Boks. Cardiff would have the advantage there, and not the dis- advantage. But it has to be considered that Gibbs would be unable, as the rover on the South African side would if neces- sity arose, to go into the scrum. For my own part, I believe in the eight- back game. But I want it played as such continuously. Eleventh hour changes of this radical character are only admissible when the strength of opponents lies in line with the changes made.

Football Players should lose no time in insuring against accidents whilst playing. THE MULTUM IN PARVO DIARY, published by the Evening Express, enables this to be done at a nominal cost. This Diary covers for 12 months all accidents of travel, and for a more limited time provides £ 3 per week in the event of being incapacitated by accident of any kind or by certain forms of sickness. For further parti- culars see coupon (Page 1). Of all newsagents, Is.

MAGISTRATE MATCHMAKER Nathaniel Booth, Philip-street, was sum- moned to show cause, Ac., at Newport on Friday by Sarah Rees, Canal-parade. Complainant was a.cike>d by the magistrate if she was wilting to marry the defendant now. "Ye?, sir," was tbe reply. Magistrate (Mr. C. H. Bailey) to defendant: Will yen marry complainant? It is a good chance for you. "No, sir," promptly added tie defendant. "I don't see why I should. She is nothing to me. The Magistrate: Can you afford to marry her?—No, sir. "Will you marry her if I pay the expenses?" "No, sir." said defendant, hesitatingly. Complainant said her child was blind. The defendant admitted going for a walk on a Saturday night, but nothing more. A paternity order for payment of 2s. 6d. a week, with costs, was made.

-———.——————. TRAM DISTURBS TfMBER An inquest was held at Nantyffyllon Police-station on Friday touching the death of William Williams, a haulier, who was killed on Wednesday at Coegnant Colliery, Maesteg. Mr. Pritchard, his Majesty's inspector of mines, was present. Richard Millward, 11, Alfred-street, Maes- teg, said he was standing near the deceased when a fall took place. Evan David Rees, another haulier, was bringing a tram of coal from the next stall, and in his (Millward's) opinion the tail of the tram knocked out a pair of timbers, which caused the fall. Wil- liams was under the fall twenty minutes, and when released was quite dead. Dr. M Cute boon said ho found that deceased's spine was fractured. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

GRAVE CHARGE FA I LS AT CAERPHILLY Henry Samuel Evans, a married man, was charged at Caerphilly on Friday with an attempted criminal assault upon Mrs. Catherine Jane Thomas, of Bajgoed. Prisoner, who is a sinker and a native of Moun- tain Ash, was apprehended on Thursday at tha3 town and taken to Caerphilly by Police- constable W. H. Williams.-The evidence of the prosecutrix was to the effect that after her husband had left for work prisoner, who lodged with them, attempt.ed to enter her bed with his clothes off, but she screamed, and he went away. The Bench did not think there was sufficient evidence to send the case to a jury, and the man was discharged.

MASONIC FUNCTION AT CARDIFF 1 The principal officers in Freemasonry in Cardiff assembled a,t the Temple 011 Friday, the occasion being the consecration of a now grand organ. The ceremony was per- formed by Lord Hangattock, under the banner of the Glamorgan Lodge, No. 56, of the Grand Lodge of England. This is tbel oldest lodge in Wales, having been founded and consecrated in 1753, and the present, Worshipful Master is Wor. Bro. T. Far-ranee. On this occasion ladies were invited, and most of the brethren were accompanied by their wives. This was the first Masonic function in Cardiff to which ladies had been invited.

GAOL GOVERNOR ATTACKED I A oonvict at Parkhurst savagely attacked I the governor, Captain Conor, on Friday by heaving a brickbat which struck him on the chest. He then rushed at the governor and kicked him before the warders could free him from his violent assailant. I

A HUNDRED NEW MAGISTRATES I The Lord Chancellor has added to t.he I commiesMc of the Pea?ce for the West Pidiug I of Yorkshire over a hundred new magis- trales.

CLARKE'S BLOOD MIXTURE, 1 Tlois famous Msdioiue will cleanse the blood from all impu- rities from whatever cause arising. A safe remedy for Eczema, Bad Legs, Scrofula, Blood Poisoc, Sores a! ail kinds, Bcil3, Erup- tions, Ulcers, Glandular Swel- lings, &c. Of aU stmes, &0. Forty yeaw mccm. BcWare of Imitation.

He /Arrived Too Late I 7,000-MILE RACE FOR A BRIDE Miss Annie Persen, the pretty young Swede who was the heroine of the dramatic race with a, liner, arrived at Liverpool yesterday on board the Celtic. Miss Person left Liverpool three weeks ago .by the same ship to marry Mr. Paul B. Jordland, a wealthy timber menohaint at Portland, Oregon, but, although she had lived in Portland for fifteen years, and had j only been absent from America. for a. visit to her friends in Sweden before her mar- riage, she was not allowed to land at New York, a3 she was declared to be suffering from trachoma. Mr. Jordland raced across the American Continent from Portland to New York in an effort to catch the Celtic, and, failing to tra,vel by the liner, he is following Miss Persen across the Atlantic, a total journey of about 7,000 miles. Miss Persen told her story to a press representative at Liverpool yesterday. It has been A Very Great Disappointment to me," she said. I have always enjoyed the best of health, and was never told when leaving America or on returning from Eng- land that there was anything the matter with me, but on my arrival at New York the immigration officers, after examining my eyes, declared that I was suffering from trachoma. Although I told them that I had been so long in America and was about to marry a citizen, they declined to allow me to land. I thereupon sent a, telegram to my future husband, and he wired that he would endeavonr to join me on the Celtic and return with me to Sweden to be married, "Then it became a race of 3,000 miles from Portland to New York to reach the Celtic before she sailed again. I was naturaillv extremely anxious. On the morning we sailed I received a wire from my sweet-heart stating that he would join the ship at noon; but his train was delayed. As the time for the Celtic's depar- turc drew near I looked out for every new arrival at the ehip's side, but he did not come. At length, just when the Celtio was being towed away from the wharf, I caught sight of him. I waved my handkerchief, and he saw me. Then he disappeared, and as we began to sail away I felt as though My Heart Would Break en minutes later a tug-boat came after us and hailed the ship, and there I espied my future husband; but all his pains had been taken for nothing, because the regula- tions would not allow him to be taken on the ship. He shouted to me to cheer up, and he would join me at Gothenburg. Unfoi-t-unately, I had spent almost all my money, and I was brought back in the steerage, but I was glad to find that all the passengers were fellow country men and women of mine, and they have all been extremely kind to me. Somehow many of the young men got an idea that I had been jilted, and lreoceived quite a number of offers of marriage on the voyage." Miss Persen, whose eyes had been filling with tears, broke into a merry laugh at this admission. She added that she had received a. cablegram from her sweetheart st, tti., that he would follow her to Europe by the next ship. It is noteworthy that, while the United States authorities regard trachoma. as a dis- qualification to immigrants, the BritiEh and Continental authorities do not.

Children Suffocated CORONER DEPLORES A WIDESPREAD! EVIL Mr. W. Buckley Roderick conducted an inquest at Llanelly on Friday respecting the death of Herbert Stephenson, the two months' old child of Frederick Stephenson, of 6, New Dock-road, Llanelly, who died in bed on Thursday morning.—The evidence of the mother went to show that the deceased slept with her husband and herself on the night of his death. Between four and five o'clock in the morning she fed the child, and she did not notice that he was dead until eight o'clock. She had another child who sleltt in a cot. The Coroner: What is your reason for' taking the child to bed to sleep with you? Witness: I did not like him to sleep by himself because it was cold. Dr. Edgar Davies said that when he saw the deceased there were no marks of violence and he attributed death to suffocation caused by either overlying or the bedclothes being put over the mouth and nose. The Coroner said that according to the law of the land it was not wrong for parents to take their children to bed with them, but it was a very dangerous practice. In 1903 there were 1,619 deaths of children caused by suffocation whilst in bed with their parents. In 1904 there were 1,660 similar deaths. He had not got a record of the! deaths caused through suffocation in 1905, i but during two years 3,200 children died from suffocation whilst in bed with their parents. These figures should be sufficient to induce parents to provide cots for their children. It was a small expense Tho National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children were taking this matter up, and they proposed—if they could get the Bill to pass through both Houses—to make it a penal offence if parents took their children to bed with them. In that way they should save a large number of children. In reply to a juror, the Coroner stated that children under three years of age would not be allowed to go to bed with their parents under the Bill proposed by tho National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death, caused by suffocation." I — ——

THE ENTOMBED MINER Hicks Released After thirteen days' entombment, Hicks, the miner, has been rescued from a mine at Bakersfield, California. The greatest care, says a special telegram to the New York "Evening Journal," is being ta-ken to prevent the man, who. has not seen the light for so long, collapsing, and immediately Hicks was discovered pinned under a truck, and surrounded by the dead bodies of five other miners, doctors placed a bandage over his eyes. He must not see daylight too quickly, or breathe freely in the open air, without pre- paration.

CARUSO BUYS A FARM. Signer Caruso has purchased for £ 2,000 a, large farm in Putna.m County, New York State.—Central News.

HANGED & RIDDLED WITH BULLETS A mob of sixty men broke into the gaol at Annapolis on Friday with sledge-hammers, and took out a negro accused of assaulting a respeoted white woman, who had identified him. The mob kicked anu beat the negro, who confessed. He was then strung up to a tree, and his body was riddled with bullets. It is stated that the lynchers asr-eanbled in the campus of St. John's College and made their preparations for descent on the gaol in the senior hall of the college.

AN ANXIOUS TIME for mothers of young children is Christmas time. Parties, later hours, and a plenteous store of sweet thing3 are apt to uipaot the little ones. However, a dose of California Syrup of Figs, gentlest and plteasantest of laxatives, is usually an all-sufficient remedy when children suffer from biliousness, indigestion, and other ail- ments arising from disordered stoxodeh and bowels. They will always take it for its nice flavour. ..wJ8

I "Checked His Work." I BAPTIST MINISTER'S NEW VENTURE II One of our representatives oalled upon the Rev. T. T. Hughes, of Rhcs Chapel, Moun- tain Ash, on Friday, with a view to ascer- taining the exact position between himself and his Church. At the close of the evening service la.?t Sunday Mr. Hughes informed the members that he would no longer officiate there. Last Monday evening the rev. gentleman initiated mission services at the Salvation Army-hall, Mountain Ash, where he has delivered addresses throughout the week. On being invited to make a statement of the relationship between him and Rhcks Chapel Mr. Hughes replied:—"My connec- tion with Ehos Chapel is completely broken. I have left the deacons and some of their REV. T. T. HUGHES. [Photo T. Jenkins, Mountain Ash. I —» friends and relatives in possession. I am I still the minister of Rhos Church. I have. only done what St. Paul did in Ephesus. When the worldly people checked his work he took the disciples to a school of one man called Tyrannus; and he shepherded them there." "Perhaps you will be good enough, Mr. Hughes, to tell me what your future inten- tions are?" Well, my ambition has been for some time to institute an ideal Church, accordi'ng to t.he Lord's teaching. I think it is the great need of the times. The Churches as they are to- day are far from being anything like the Church of the New Testament: the first should be last, and the last first. This issue is being quickly approached. There are men in the flesh who understand nothing of the needs of the spirit. They do not value converts; they do not respect a, man's feelings; they are ignorant—without any education most of them. I hope very soon to have a ball, not a chapel. My experience now is that people come to listen to me in the hall whom I failed to get into the chapel. I am at present used to preaching to hundreds to whom I had no access before. Let it be known that my Church will be a Baptist Church, where all the children of God will be welcomed and loved, irrespective of creed." "16 it your intention, Mr. Hughes, to con- fine your labours to Mountain Ash?" Oh, no. I have a mission—North and South—which is, Ezekiel xxxviii., 7: Be thou prepared, and prepare for thyself, thou, and all thy company that are assembled untb thee, and be thou a guard unto them.' Through the leading of my Master I mean to carry out my mission, as time will allow. The message I have and mean to preach is Jesus Christ, Lord of All, or no Lord at all." "Could you give me any idea as to your future movements?" "Yes, I can. They arc as followsNext Sunday I shall be at Llwynypia, at the Church of the Rev. W. S. Jones; on Monday and Christmas Day Mr. Jones and I will be at Newcastle Emlyn, on Wednesday at Cil- gerran; on the following Sunday I shall be at Trefach, and on the first day of the New Year I shall be at Llandebie. I shall then return to Mountain "h11, and gather my flock together to the Dyffryn Schools, provided the education committee will grant me their use. I shall always be at the disposal of the Salvation Army to help them in carrying on their work"

Changes in the Cabinet PROMOTION FOR MR. BURNS j Mr. Bryce has now definitely accepted the position of British Ambassador at Washing- ton, and his appointment has been received with great satisfaction in the United States. On the position of Irish Secretary, which is now left vacant, Mr. Winston Churchill has certain claims. Nothing appears as yet to have been finally settled, and meantime there is another candidate in the field, in the shape of Mr. John Burns. Mr. Barns'.s administration of the Local Government Board has been, by the general consent of all his critics, whether Liberal or Unionist, remarkably successful, and has been distinguished by no Silllall display of mora.l courage on his part. Whatever the appointment made to the Irish Secretaryship, it is quite possible that other offices will be vacated as the result of further changes in the Cabimet, and that promotion will be bestowed upon Mr. Burns. In such an event, no surprise will be felt should Mr. Lloyd-George succeed Mr. Burns as President of the Local Government Board. Mr. Lloyd-George is keenly interested iu looal government., and has a practical acquaintance with its questions and adminis- tration. The names of Mr. Birrell and Mr. Thomas Shaw are also mentioned as likely successors to Mr. Bryce. Should Mr. Birrell be appointed Dr. Macnamara is suggested as the ideal man to deal with the heavy administrative work that falls upon the President of the Board of Education.

BARRISTER'S TRAGIC DEATH Mr. Jameis Archibald Gordon Hamilton, a barrister who. travelled the western circuit and resided in London, died suddenly at the Great Western Railway Station a.t Taunton yesterday. M.r. Hamilton and his wife were travelling I from London to Dulverton to spend the Christmas holidays with Captain St. John Mildmay, and they had to change at Taunton. While waiting for their train Mr. Hamilton was seized with a fit of coughing, and, feeling very ill, he took a. seat in the through oarriaige in which ho had travelled from London. A medical man was summcned, but Mr. Hamilton, expired before his arrival. He was fifty-one years of age, and it wio3 stated that. he had been treated in London for heart disease.

FOOTBALLER'S FATAL INJURY An inquest on Harry Myers, the captain 04: the Keighley football team, who died follow- ing an injury to the spinal cord, sustained in a football match on the 3rd of November, was held at Keighley Oil Friday, when a ver- dict of "Death by misadventure" was The deceased, who was 31, played onoe for England against Ireland, and for Yorkshire County under Rugby Union auspices a great matny times.

DEATH FROM PIOMAINE POISONINGi DEATH FROM P10MAINE POISONING Nathaniel Israel, aged 16, a native of Lon- don, assistant to Mr. H. Raskin, draper, 3, Victoria-terrace, Newbridge, liaa died from ptomaine poiisoning and exhaustion. He was taken ill on Friday, December 7, and had been attended by four doctors.

SIR G. NEWNES AND EISTEDDFOD Dr. Gomer Lewis, Swansea, whose per- sistence in the cause of the National Eis- teddfod to be held at Swansea is well known, has just obtained a promise from Sir George Newnes, M.P., the borough member, to con- tribute P,50 towards the event.

"PUT MONEY IN THY PUBSE," saye ShaXespeare, and you do this, and more, by using ENGLAND'S GLOBY MATCHES. They are the Best, most Relt- able, and Economical matches made, and you" put I money In the purse" of British artisans, too; and j Ul". surely, should 'co=t. Made ai England!a QhM'y" M?oh Wlk-, QIOUD"tOt. &2249-6

I Parliament Prorogued THE REJECTED EDUCATION BILL Parliament was prorogued yesterday with the customary ceremonial until February 12. At three o'clock in the afternoon the Commons, having heard a few feeble cries against the House of Lords, were summoned by Black Rod to the Upper Chamber, where the Royal Assent was given to various Bills. Th.is formality over the King's Speech, which had been approved by his Majesty in Council in the (morning, was read in both Houses, and the sessions came to a close. Referring to the rejected Education Bill his Majesty said— I i^bgret that, notwithstanding the pro- tracted consideration which you have given to the improvement of primary and secondary education, no settlement of the difficulties which surround this question has been arrived at."

He Made Love to Her TAILOR SUES FOR SLANDER An alien case occupied the attention of Mr. Justice Bucknill and a common jury. The alien plaintiff accused an alien defen- dant of making uncomplimentary references in alien Yiddish to the alien plaintiff's wife in a workroom full of alien tailors and alien tailoresses. Alien Defendant, cross-examining alien plaintiff: Did I throw you out or did you throw me out? (Laughter.) Alien Plaintiff (proudly): I threw you out. Alien Defendant: Who was the boss, I or you? Alien Plaintiff: I don't understand. Alien Defendant: Who did the premises belong to? Alien Plaintiff: The landlord. (Laughter.) Coiunsel to Mrs. Alien Plaintiff: Did the defendant pay attention to you?—I don't understand. Did he try to make love to yauP-Yes. (Laughter.) An alien witness was examined by an alien interpreter. He was understood to say that his name was Abraham Smiler. The Judge (to the aliens at the back): This is no laughing matter. When the defendant gave evidence his Lor&abip said: Stop, stop. You are like an express train. (Laughter.) The defendant said he had dissolved partnership with the plaintiff by turning him out. Counsel: How did you turn him out? Defendant: I throwed his things out. That was quite enough. (Laughter.) Had you ever paid attention to plaintiff's wife ?—No. Did you ever propose to elope with her?- No, no, sir. How could a family father of four children make a suggestion like that? (Loud laughter.) The jury awarded the plaintiff and hds wife X10 damages for slander.

Cage Falls Down a Shaft MINERS' TERRIBLE DEATHS I The Quarter Collieries, Hamilton, Lanark- shire, belonging to the United Collieries (Limited), was the scene of a serious acci- dent on Friday afternoon. About two o'clock the engineman in No. 8 Pit noticed that something was wrong in the shaft by the grip on the tow rope of the cage. Three men—Robert Gardiner (manager), Andrew Maxwell (overman), and James M'Ginty—proceeded from the pit bottom to see what was wrong. They proceeded care- fully up the shaft, examining the walls, and had gone a considerable distance, when a huge mass of material came away from above and fell on them. The tow rope gave way, and the cage and men were precipitated to the bottom. The cage was crushed almost flat. The men were buried in the debris, death being in&tantaneous. The bodies were recovered ten hours later.

JURYMAN'S DELUSION. An extraordinary scene took place yester- day at a, iSmethwick inquest on a man who had hanged himself. One of the jurors declared that the man was alive. The coroner pointed out that two doctors had seen the body and were satisfied that death had taken place. As the juror persisted that the man was not dead the coroner threatened to have him arrested. At the conclusion of the inquest the juror refused to sign the coroner's sheet, but the I coroner accepted the verdict of twelve jury- men.

RACE ACROSS ATLANTIC. The Paris Matin," in a telegram from New York, says the North German Lloyd steamer Kaiser Wilhelm de Grosse and the French Transatlantio "iuer La Provence, which left Cherbourg and Havre respectively on Saturday last, arrived at Sandy Hook yes- terday practically ne.;k-and-nock—the Kaiser Wilbeim crossing the bar at 1.30 p.m. and La Provence three minutes later. The telegram adds that, Havre being about 50 miles further from New York than Cher- bourg, the French boat appears to have gained the victory.

PRiVATE MOTOR ROAD. I A number of capitalists have agreed to build a private automobile highway from Boston to New York, upon which there will bo no speed limit. The road is expected to cost some £ 3,000,000, and the scheme is not a fad, but a business proposition which is expected to return solid profits.

HORSE RUNS INTO A TRAIN I A runaway hotse, drawing a cart, got on the railway line at St. Helens, Isle of Wight. Whilst diitthi^j madly along the animal was killed by a train and the trap was smashed. I The occupants of the cart esea-ped just before the collision.

ELECTRICIAN ELECTROCUTED An electrician named Harold Weston, SO years of age, and unmarried, was acciden- tally electrocuted yesterday in the Burn- banI. switch-house of the Clyde Valley Elec- trical Supply Company, Glasgow. It is supposed he lifted a live wire, and, his head coming into contact with a copper switch, the current passed through his body and killed him instantaneously.

PECK OF COiNS FOR A BRIDE At a, marriage in Kentucky yesterday the father of the bridegroom gave the bride a peck of assorted United States coins, which he had saved from the date of his son's birth on purpose to give to his future daughter-in-law. The coins weighed over 751bs.

THE QUEEN OF SPAIN I Queen Victoria's name-day was celebrated by a, gala banquet at Madrid yesterday. The occasion was taken to make the .interesting announcement that an heir to the throne may be expected in April.

THE SHAH RECOVERING The Paris "Figaro" says that reassuring news as to the health of the Shall has been received at the Persian Legation in Paris. His Majesty is stated to be well on the iroad to recovery.

1 BRITISH TORPEDO GOES ASTRAY I Telegrams received at Paris state that a British, torpedo has been picked up near Tre- port and handed over to the Entish Consul.

I "Archduke" Swindlers i I AMAZING SERIES OF FRAUDS -1 j Three brothers named Will were yesterday I sentenced at Berlin to long terms of imprison- ment in Bava-ria, for impersonating the Arch- duke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of I Austria-Hungary, his deceased brother the Crown Prince Rudolf. and a. fictitious Austrian nobleman named Count von BaTunm. In much the same mann-er as the "captain" at Koepenick demonstrated the power erf a uniform, so this trio invo-ked the magic of titles in Germany with such brilliant success that they swindled various persons out of sums iaggregating thousands of pounds. Their •greatest coup, however (says the "Daily Mail"), followed their arrest. One of the (brothers, whom the police failed to capture, set to work to convince the chief wlardcr of the gaol that the prisoners were not named Will, but were really the Austrian. Crown Prince and his (brother, the Arch duke Franz Ferdinand. If he would release the two Archdukes," the gaol-er was promised a. reward of £17,500 on the third day after they were at liberty, -pioolooo a year later, and a permanent resi- dence in one of the Crown Prince's Austrian castles. The gullible goaler assented to the proposal and released the prisoners. He has been given two years' imprisonment for the acceptance of bribes.

WELSH CHURCH COMMISSION i A Grave Disagreement." It is reported that there is a grave disagree- ment amongst the Welsh Church Commis- sioners as to what the terms of reference really permit tibem to inquirp, into. The view of Lord Justice Vaughan Williams tfuat the Commission is not to inquire into the Disestablishment of the Welsh Church is being hotly contested by a few of his beiw hot-ly conteet--d by a few of his

TWO BIG BURGLARIES Two burglaries were committed in London on Thursday night, one in the West End and the other in the East. The total booty is estimated at over L4,000, and in each case the burglars, who must have been very expert, got clear a,way. The Oxford-street premises of the London Goldsmiths' Company are situated near Wells-street, and an examination shows that the thieves obtained an entrance through some mews in Wells-street, afterwards climbing up a. 30ft. pipe and dropping through a skylight into a passage near the manager's room. The men then cut all burglar alarms a.nd telephone wires, and, entering the shop, got to work. Their booty included 500 gold bracelets, 300 gold watches, 500 gold brooches, and other articles in like proportion, the total value of which is calculated at nearly £3,000. The great safe, containing 120,000 worth of diamonds was left untouched. The other burglary took place at the hpuse of Mi*. Isaac Levy, a well-known fruit merchant living in Brushfield-street, Sp-ital- fields. During his absence the house was entered, and nearly zCl,400 in gold and silver was stolen from a cash-box.

RUNAWAY MATCH. I Details have just leaked out respecting a runaway love matcii. under romantic cir- cumstances which has occurred in the mining and manufacturing township of WoTsley, near Manchester. A few days ago a young man connected with an insurance organisation, and a. young lady employed in a Manchester office dis- appeared from their homes, causing much anxiety to their relatives. Their friends had no ideoa that they contemplated eloping. Letters have eittee been receired. to the effect that the couple had proceeded to America in a Cima-Tdeir, and it is further understood that they were ma-rried in Liver- pool prioir to sailing. The young lady was well-known in Worslej* and district ( musical circles, and was expected to sing in "The Mesisiah" at a local place of worship next Sunday.

SILVER CHARM FOR GOATS. I What the Tower Bridge (London) magis- trate described as a really astonishing case was yesterday preferred agaiinet a youth named Frederick Martin. It was alleged that he waylaid boys and obtained their wages from them under the pretence that the money (in sit ver) was required to entice young goats from their mother, he promising to give the boys the goats. Various ingenious embellishments were in- troduced by the prisoner, who in each of Ave cases mentioned was said to have obtained the money and gone intto a stable yard, presumably to fetch the goats, but he did not return. He was remanded for inquiries.

MYSTERY OF MURDERED BABY An inquest was held at Pits.e.a. yesterday on the body.of a newly-born child, which appar- ently was thrown from an express train near Pitsea, on the London, Tilbnry, and Southend Railway, on Tuesday. On the body, which was found wrapped in a very fine cashmere shawl, Over 6ft. long, were three stab wounas, two on the throat and one over the heart. Medical evidence was given to the effect that tho wounds had been inflicted while the child was alive, and that it had been alive only about 24 hoars. A verdict of "Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown was returned.

DENTND BURGLAR I When Mr. INewbery, dentist, Eastbourne, h-eaiing a noise at half-past three in tiio 1-iornirig, entered his sitting-room and found George Wilson with a hatchet in his hand, he merely asked if Wilson had come to see him professionally. i Wilson explained that he was hungry, and had had fowhere to sleep for three nights. Mrs. Newbery came down, and the man was given bread, cheese, and al, and let out at the front door—only to be arrested by a constable, who had, discovered a bur-1 glary at the house of a Mr. Booth. At Eastbourne Police-court yesterday Wilson, a young man from Edmonton, was committed for trial on the charge of bur- glary. The hatchet was said to be one of the stolen articles.

LEGACY FOR A PAUPER Scarborough Board of Guardians yesterday discussed the fortune of 14,800 said to have been left to Charles Brownlow, aged 90, run inmate of the workhouse, by a relative in Africa. The Chairman said inquiries showed there was money, but the difficulty was in getting it. Two ladies with whom Brownlow had lodged six years desired him to go back to them, but it was stalted that it was his wish at, present to remain in the workhouse. Mr. Haley, a guardian, suggested the board should keep Brownlow until he got his money, and then deduct the cost of main- tenance.

MISSING CHRISTMAS FUNDS A Sheffield correspondent telegraphs: — Consternation was created in two of the largest industrial eiitabliskmenta in Shef- field on Friday owing to the dis- appearance of the responsible officials con- nected with the Christmas dividing clubs oonducted by workmen. In one case close upon £ 1,000 is alleged to be missing, while in the other case several hundred pounds, the savings of artisans for Christmastide, are not forth coming.

PRESENTATION TO DOWLAIS PASTOR The Rev. Edward Jones, M.A.. B.D., pastor of Gwemllwyn Welsh Congregational Church, Dowlais, received from the church and con- gregation a. roll-top desk, study chair, and a purse of gold on the occasion of his recent marriage. Mrs. Jones was presented with a silver salver and a. tea. and coffee service. ICr. Jobs Morgan oocupieu the chair.

Pointed a Revolver VALETS ALLEGED ASSAULT ON & SOLICITOR'S WIFE At West London Police-court on Friday Mrs. Shadforth, wife of a solicitor, of St* Albans House, Gkraeestei-road, Kensington, gave a graphic description of an encounteS with Giuseppe Zola, a valet, who was accused of assaulting her. Zola and his wife were in the eomiplainammta service, but he behaved so badly, she said, that he was discharged. She shut the dooi* on him, but he returned, jumped from the: front door step on to the window-sill, anA climbed over the top of the window. He then advanced to her threateningly, seized her by both arms, pushed her against the wall, pressed his fists against her face, ami exclaimed, I'll smash you—I'll mur-r-der you." He was white with passion and hoarse withs rage, Mrs. Shadforth continued, and she was terrified of him. Several t/mes hoe threatened to murder her, and when the. polioo came he left, but said he would; return and murder her. The prosecution said that when Mrs. Shad- forth went to her bedroom to get her pursa the accused followed her. She was so alarmed, tha.t she got a. rusty revolver a.nd pointed it at him, whereupon he rushed to tbø. window and shouted, "Mnrder! Police!" The Magistrate adjourned the case sioo dipk to see if the accused kept his promise to go near the house again.

Archives Rifled VATICAN'S NOTE TO THE POWERS A circular Note signed by Cardinal Merrf del Val, Pontifical Secretary of State, haa been sent to all the foreign diplomatic Tepre* sent-ativea at the Holy See for comm.unica»» tion to their respective Governments, pretest- ing against the search, of M. kfontagaini's, residence in Paris, his violent exclusion, tho seizure of a cypher enabling the French Government to know the secrets of other Powers, and the violation of the Pope's, rights to correspond with Catholics. The Note outlines the attitude and motived of the Holy See regarding the apilication of the French Separation Law of 1905. The protest sets forth the enormity or such acts, which are without a modern, parallel among civilised nations, as erveix when diplomatic relations cease it is. customary to respect the residence, and especially the archives, of a foreign repre- sentative.—Renter.

WENT OVERBOARD. Disappearance from a Liner, When the North German Lloyd liner Kronprinz Wilhelm arrived at Plymouth on Friday from New YoTk it transpired that on the first day of the voyage one of the first- class passengers, Mr. Jacques Schoenberger, disappeared mysteriously. His absence was noticed at dinner, and during the evening a search was made for him, but all in vain, and it is surmised that he threw himself overboard. Three friends boarded the steamer at Plymouth to meet him, only ta hear the distressing news.

ANOTHER CARMARTHEN FIRE Another fire broke out in Carmarthen on Friday, this time in the front oftice of ths St. Mary's Auction Mart, the property of Messrs. Howell Thomas and Son. The outo break, which was afterwards found to be due to a defective flue, was discovered by the chief clerk, Mr. John Thomae, an octo- genarian, who, by ringing the fire-bell ins the Guildhall, quickly brought upon thesceco the lo Ji b.re- wit.h t and other fire appliances. While, however, the brigade were getting into action Mr.. Isaac, shoeing smith, Cambrian-place, took prompt action in extinguishing the flames. being materially assisted by Mr. Thomasi ironmonger, and Mr. H. W. Thomas, solicitor. The damage, which is comparatively small, ia covered by insurance.

DIVISION OF MERTHYR UNION The proposed division of the Mertliyr Union, as sought for by the Aberdare, Rhigos, and Penderyn section, was the sub- ject of discussion at a meeting of tho Dow- lais Chamber of Trade, under the chairman- ship of Mr. J. G. Rees. The Rev. Llewelyn M. Williams, E.D. (rector of Dowlais), said, that the alleged grievanoes had no real exist- ence. He had no hesitation in declaring that many of the statements made wer& aSisolutely untrue, and appeared to have been drawn up deliberately with a view to, throwing dust in the eyes of Mr. D. A. Thomas, Mr. Iv0ir Hardie, and Mr. John Burns. as to thy contention that Aberdare paid more than its fair share towards tho maintenance of the paupers on the Merthyr side, it was utterly fallacious, and at the, Local Government inquiry to be held on February 12, 1907, the clerk to the guardians would submit figures dealing directly with that point. A resolution of protest against the pro- posed division was carried.

RELICS FOR CARDIFF MUSEUM A meeting of the Cardiff Museum Com- mittee was held on Friday, Alderman Illtyd Thomas in the chair. The gifts and loans- included:—Indian palaeolithic implements,, by Mr. Seton-Kerr; four'ancient Egyptian figures in pottery, by Mr. Page (Cardiff); collection of Cornish minerals, &-c-, by lrs. Clement Waldron (Llandaff), and skull of African hippopotamus, by Mr. Garwood (New- port). The most interesting purchase was that of the paintings by Roos of tne Revs. John Eiias and Christmas Evan6--the originals of the engravings that meet the eye everywhere in the Principality. There was also reported the acquisition of a unique collection of Welsh bygones, these com- prising one of the old tum, used for roasting purposes. The relic comes from Breconshire.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY AT NEWPORT A lengthy hearing was given at Newport on Friday to a charge of misconduct against a. respectable young man, named Charles James Traviss. Mr. Lyndon Moore defended.—Two girls, fifteen years of age, stated what they saw a young man (whom they did not know at tho time) do at 7.50 on Monday night. They afterwards described the young man, and the father of one of them took them to watch the defendant leave the office where he was employed. They then said he was the guilty person. Defendant gave the charge a complete denial, and set up an alibi, to which more than one witness spoke. In the result the Chairman said that the bench were unanimous in dismissing the case.

THE ST. LOUIS PICTURES. The St. Louis Pictures are to pay a return visit to the Park-hall, Cardiff, during t.he Christmas week, opening oil Monday next, and giving two performances on Christmas Day and two on Boxing Day at 3 and 3. The special feature of tho Christmas Day per- formances will bo the selection of suitable subjects for that day only. There will bo in addition to the series of appropriate pictures some ihistrated songs of a character in keep. ing with the day. Some of the very best looal vocalists have been engaged, and the whole of the pictures toO bo exhibited this time are quite new. Full details may be found in our advertisement columns.

ACCIDENT NEAR COWBRIDGE A serious accident befell Miss Alice Lewis, of St. Mary Hill Couxt,ati she was driving through Cowbridge. The borse slipped and fell on the road, the shafts of the trap snapped, -and she was thrown out, sustaining serious injuries to her head. face, and wrists, She was conveyed to Dr. Meller's surgery, and the doctor ren"ed all possible aid, so that she was able to be removed home come hours later. This is one of many accidents that have occurred in. The district of late, owing, h is said, to the special tarring pro- cess that has been aipplied to the road with the object of allaying dust. 1

BRUM A LINE BREAD— And make yourself some comfort Out of oui beet advice." rru. cAat l, Be«u & 1 CIII"IW."? Aot-]. gkmm 7- 1