Evening Express

MAN OF BUSINESS. A Young Docksman I A GOLF STORY. I BY LLOYD MEYRICK I I am a poor hand at playing the heavy father. I will crack a joke and spoil the effect. However, there are some occa- sions on which you are in duty bound to point the moral and adorn the tale. A young friend of mine is starting the New Year at the Cardiff Docks with the hope of becoming a great man of busi- ness. His final decision was arrived at not without regret and misgivings. He had more than a share of the heresy that lurks in the phrase a mere man of business." I set myself the task of rooting out this prejudice. There has been always a sort of warfare between the man of literary tastes and the man of affairs. The one is viewed as unprac- tical and the other as prosaic and matter-of-fact. The great essayist, I Hazlitt, said that the great requisite for  the prosperous management of onLnary business is the want of imagination, or of any ideas but those of custom and interest on the narrowest scale. Is this view a sound one, and does it detract from the wisdom of Solomon, "Beest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings P The great merchant is almost in- variably a man of large grasp—the most receptive of new ideas and often -n admirer and patron of art and letters. There are narrow-minded men of all classes with small souls, and whose favourite implement is the muckrake. As Burke said in his speech on the Indian Bill, he knew statesmen who were pedlers and merchants who acted in the spirit of statesmen. I told my young friend to write this advice of Thackeray in his note-book and frequently refer to it Might I give counsel to any young man I would say to him: Try to frequent the company of your betters. In books and in life tihat is tlho most w'holeaom-e society. t/eam to admire rightly—the great plea-1 sure of life is that. Note what great men admired; they ad,mired great things. Narrow spirits admire baBely and wcz-ihip meanly. This advice is peculiarly needed by any- one entering upon a business career, as, no doubt, the pursuit of wealth for its own sake is a corrupting influence. I take very little credit to myself for any- I thing, but I am glad to reflect that never, once, even in the glowing dreams of my youth, did I wish for wealth or the pomp and consideration it brings. I have knelt at many a warrton shrine, but my knee has always stiffened before the Golden Calf. However, to my text. Mr. Helps puts the matter with no exaggeration when he says that consum- mate men of business are as rare almost as great poets—rarer, perhaps, than veritable saints and martyrs. The roll of men who have combined the parts of men of genius and men of affairs is a long one. The greatest have not dis- dained to labour honestly and usefully for a living, though at .the same time aiming after higher things. Thales, the first of the seven sages; Solon, the second founder of Athens; and Hyperates, the mathematician, were all traders. Plato, called the Divine by reason of the excel- lence of his wisdom, defrayed his travel. ling expenses in Egypt by the profits derived from the oil which he sold during his journey. Spinoza maintained him- self by polishing glasses while he pursued his philosophical investigations; and Linnaeus, the great botanist, prosecuted his studies while hammering leather and making shoes. The man who really tries can ennoble any calling. The unhappy youth who committed suicide a few years since because he had been "born to be a 'man and condemned to be a grocer" proved by the act that his soul was not equal to the dignity of grocery. Grote, the great historian of Greece, was a London banker, and John Stuart Mill was one of the most trusted officials of the East India Company. There is still plenty of room for men of grit and character in all callings. Lord Melbourne used to say that the young should never hear any language but this: "You have your own way to make, and it depends upon your own exertions whether you starve or not." There is much truth in this view, but we cannot over-estimate the value of a "leg up" to the young man of the right sort. The precious word "influence" js, undoubtedly, of great weight in the world, and always will be. No condition of society will ever make the opportu- nities of men anything like equal. We must all admire the sturdiness of Dr. Johnson, who came up to London with a single guinea in his pocket, and who once accurately described himself as Dinnerless, when he said: "All the complaints which are made of the world are unjust. I never knew a man of merit neglected it was generally by his own fault that he failed of success." At this point, my I YOLng friend evidently thought I had unpacked my bundle of platitudes long enough, and he interjected the observa- tion, "Do vou really believe that?" I forgot all about the role of heavy father, and replied, Of course not. Does any- body?" But one of the most sacred uses of Dr. Johnson is to- bo thrown at the head of the young. With all, his robust sense he has done more to dignify the copy-book than any other author alive or dead. Still, the view is a sound one for the young. You believe and uj> .tg.35^ a £ dj;oii-may realise it by the time you are 50. Here's a present of the letters from a self-made merchant to his son by Lorimer. Study it, and go in and win. One last word. Remember the saying of Bulwer Lytton: Never treat money affairs with levity—money is character." My golf is at present undergoing a period of the most hopeless degeneracy. Like the Springboks, I cannot play on heavy ground. Great sportsmen have always something in common. Give me hard soil and no bad lies, and I am a regular Marsburg! On New Year's Eve my cup of humiliation simply overflowed I and made deep furrows in the snow. There was delivered in great form at my house a little package, and visions rose of some kindly gift from an unknown hand. With the moist eyes of expecta- tion I turned and twisted the little packet, and with eager hands undid the string. It was a pill box made most artistically into a little drum, with a neat little drum stick attached. A half-sheet of notepaper contained the words: "The only thing you really can beat" This was from my friend the enemy on the golf links, and although my golf is, of course, far superior, he had vanquished me con- sistently and persistently during tiie last dozen games. As ill-luck would have it, just at the moment another golfing friend was announced before I had time to hide the horrid gift. Of course, he promptly spotted it, and wanted to know what it was. Truth, I love thee, but not at that moment. "Rather neat, is it not? I have just finished it, and I am going to send it round to So-and-So (mentioning the name of the man who had sent it to me) as a New Year's gift. It is the only thing he can beat. Ha! Ha! Good joke, isn't it ?" Nry story got the start of the club, and I have won quite a reputa- tion as a playful sadirist! Well, I cannot help being a little frivolous. The explanar- tion for my beamish looks yesterday was quite explained by the fact that I was born in Cardiff. The Cardiff team have covered themselves with an imperishable glory. There was not a weak link in the chain, and Captain Percy Bush had a pack worthv of an incomparable leader. The ungenerous critics of Gwyn Nicholls I have had an overwhelming answer. A great reputation has been vastly enhanced, and it is early yet to talk about the past of Nicholls! The unselfish way in which he obeyed the call of duty in the field is beyond all praise. O. good old m-in I how well in thee appears The constant service of the antique world, When service sw-Ba-t for duty, not for mood • Thou are not for the fashion of these times, Where none will sweat but for promotion.

A DREAMY DRIVE. I Incident on Xmas Eve I Mr. Plowden. again had before him a.t Marylebone yesterday the case of Ernest Albert Rogers, a, young man, who was charged with stealing on Christmas Eve a hamsom cab, home, and harness from a oab rank in Elgin-avenue, Maida Vale. Asked what he had to say in his defence, the prisoner said: "I can assure you I know as much about it as the man in the moon." Mr. Fiowden: Ah! are you going to call him? (Laughter.) Prisoner: Well, sir, it was an absoluite dream to me. I took a little too much dritk, tlhanks to the publican. Mr. Plow den: Very well; let him have his thanks. Prisoner: Having been driven about in cags ail day I must have thought I was etill on duty in the postal service. That is how I sum it up. I had no idea of stealing the cab whatever. Mr. Plowden: I don't suppose you htui. I do wot think &ny jury would convict you, and you will therefore be discharged.

I BANKRUPT AND A LADY I James Knight Jones, who had been trading as J. K. Jones and Son at the Mercantile Sawmills, Boncath, Pembrokeshire, was examined at Carmarthen Bankruptcy-court on Wednesday. His gross liabilities amounted to £899 98. 9d., his deficiency being £ 680 12s. 6d. Sundry things he let a certain Lewis, of Swansea, have for some £ 10; and on being pressed for a description of this person, he said she was a woman who had left her husband. He was friendly with her. She lent him the money to file his petition, so that he had had £20 from her. He declared that there was no relationship between him and this woman, but admitted that he had been giving her money and assisting her in her maintenance. The Official Receiver: What other ladies have you been assisting to maintain?—None at alL How much of your deficiency has been used on women?—None of it. Not L20. You know there has been a great deal of talk at Cardigan and Carmarthen about you and a. certain lady?—Yea. The Depuby-regi--trax: The suggestion is, Mr Jones, that you have been living with some of those women. Is that suggestion true?—Not exactly. The Official Receiver: You admit that you have been living with some of these women? -Yes. More than two?—One. At, Cardigan?—No; at Swansea. Have not you also been living at Carmar- then with a woman ?-It was the same one. The debtor then undertook to arrange with I this lady friend to hand over certain things to the official receiver. He also stated that he bad. lost through the illness of his wife. I The examination wa& adjourned for a month.

I W0ULIXN0T RETURN TO RUSSIA I I A Russian subject, named David Zamberg,, was besfoire ( Mr. Plorwden at Marylebone yes- tej-diay charged under the Aliens Act with ,belu,- found in this country after an order of expuilsdon had been made against him. He tfaiied to Leave the country, and was re- aravp_sited on the 24t.h of December at the goodB yard at Padding'ton Station, on a charge of being a suspected persoai. What are you doing liere?" asked Mr. Plowden. Do you prefer prison in England to freedom in Eussia? Beca-use that is what it looks like." Zamberg looked perplexed. Mr. Plowde-n: A nioe podnt, apparently. CLaugbter.) Zamberg: I want to be here. Mr. Plowden: Well, yoa slhail be here—three months in prison. Mr. Plowden refused to say anything about his being deported.

I NEW YEAR DELINQUENTS I A Scotchman, charged before Mr. Plowden fit Marylebone yesterday with being drunk on Tuesday, pleaded in extenuation that it was New Year's Day. If, he said, he was discharged he would never appear there again. I Mr. FLowdcn: You mean you will not appear until next New Yea/r's Day. Pay 5s. A man of gen-tlemanly appearance then entered the dook to answer a similar charge. He feit his position acutely, he said. He had some champagne in the morning, and some whisky afterwards, and it got over him. Mr. PLowdcn Undoubtedly. Prisoner: Anyhow, I loet^my legs. Mr. Plowden: I hope you found them again. (Laughter.) Prisoner: Ob, yes, thank yon. Mr. Plowden: Two shillings. r

IBElUIIAL Th'"E nEAD- i "For yon Me boM E I Xe?tt?.?*? 'wm tJIat-iAdl&wL" I •*30nr St esmft.7.

Died Under Chloroform I CASE PUZZLES BRECON DOCTORS I An inquest was held at Brecon on Wedne& day touching the death of Mr. William Morgan, a well-known inhabitant of the town, who had been in the employ of Mr. J. A. Jebb, J.P., for a. number of years, and who died at the infirmary on Tuesday. Dr. Valentine Rees, hon. surgeon to the infirmary, stated that deceased was admitted to the institution on Thursday, the 27th ult., suffering from a tumour in the chest. It was determined to perform an operation on Tues- day morning. Before deceased was removed to the operating theatre he was examined and found to be in a fit state for the administration of an anaesthetic, his heart and lungs being in a. normal condition. Chloroform was administered by Dr. F. W. Cooper in the usua.1 manner, and Morgan went under the anassthetic without any trouble. Witness had not completed the incision of the skin when Dr. Cooper sud- denly cried out, He has stopped breathing." Witness at once suspended the operation, and carried out restorative measures for at least an hour, every known remedy being resorted to, but to no purpose. On making a post- mortem examination witness found abso- lutely nothing to indicate the inability of the deceased to take the anaethetic. The heart and the other organs were normal. In reply to the coroner, Dr. Bees said that death was due to sudden failure of the heart, tihe cause of which he could not explain. Corroborative evidence was given by Dr. F. W. Cooper, Dr. W. P. Jones, and Miss Atkins (matron of the infirmary), who were all j present at the operation. The jury returned the following verdict:- That deceased died from misadventure whilst under an anaesthetic." Dr. E-ees, on behalf of the officials and 1 staff of the infirmary, expressed their sym- pathy with the widow and family of the deceased. No one, he said, more deplored I the death than tliode who were connected with the infirmary. Deceased leaves a widow and six children. I

VETERANS PASS AWAY, I The small list of Crimean veterans is diminished owing to the death at Sunderland on Wednesday of Major Henry Stadden in his eighty-first year. Stadden fought through- out the Crimean canrpaign as sergeant of the 58th Durham Light Infantry, and was several times noticed for bravery. His chief exploit was on May 11. 1855. Fifty or sixty Russians had forced their way into No. 7 Battery. The officer in charge had been shot through I the neck, and the position was most critical. Stadden got together a party of men. but could find no officer to authorise a charge. At last he saw a captain, and shouted to him,, "Will you lead these men to clear the enemy out of that battery." The captain said he would, and Stadden and his men, who num- bered about 20, then dashed at the Russians, who were about three times their number, and drove tbem out. The board of officers selected the captain from the list of those submitted for the Victori-a, Cross, and rejected the case of Stadden as not coming within the terms of the Royal Warrant. 8tadden, however, was awarded a silver I medal and X15 for distinguished conduct in the field and the Cross of the Legion of Honour (fifth class). Two Heroes Die at Bury St. Edmunds Two Crimean veterans have died at Bury St. Edmunds within a week. On New Year's Day George Ford, late armourer-sergeant 1st Battalion Royal Irish Begiment, died, aged 73. He had seen 23 years' service, having served in the Burmah War in 1852, and, with a brother, still living, having gone through the Crimea campaign and the Indian Mutiny. He succeeded his father as armourer-sergeant in 1854. John James Cousins, who also went through the two latter wars, died on Boxing Day at the same age. A Veteran Buried at Pembroke Dock The funeral took place on weanesuay at Pembroke Dock of Patrick Noon, a Crimean veteran, who died a. few days at the age of 74, Noon served 21 years in the 10th Brigade of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was present at Alma, Inkerman, Balaclava, and Sebastopol. He also went through the Indian Mutiny. In these campaigns he received no wounds. After being discharged from the Army he was for some years employed in the Pembroke Dockyard. The officiating minister at the funeral was the Rev. Fat-her Paul, of Cardigan

IN TERROR OF THEIR FATHER "Such creatures as you ought not to be allowed to live on a, civilised earth; you are a brute!" So said the Barnsley coroner to a. DaTfleld man named Ford, at am imquest held yesterday on the body of his fifteen- year-old daughter Laura. Ford is a widower, and the deceased girl was the eldest of his four children. The man, according to witnesgeg, was of violent tem- per. On the night of December 9 he was hea/rd shouting at his children, a.nd directly afterwards a neighbour saw one of the ohil- dren dressed in his nightshirt osn a bedroom window-sill. The boy dropped into the street, and then the deceased girl, also in her night attire, appeared at the window. "Save -me, save me," she shrieked, and then jumped into the street. The boy stated thait his father had threateaiied him with a carving-knife, saying he would cut the children's heads off. When he escaped through the window his father was pursuing him with a knife. The medical evidence was that the girl died from acute rheumatism, setting up heart disease and heart failure, but two doctors agreed that it was posisible the fright and shock might have accelerated her death. The jury returned a verdict accordingly, and censured Ford, who, the coroner said, was no doubt morally responsible for his daughter's death.

VATICAN HOLDS ITS HAND.- The Borne correspondent of the Echo de Paris" telegraphs that the Vatican has not taken, and does not at present intend to take, a.ny step regarding moans to combat the suppression of the Estimates for public worship in France. The Vatican allows full latitudie in thas matter to the bishops and to Catholics generally. A high ecclesiastical authority declares that the Bill dealing with the exercise of the right of worship will not be submitted for examination, by the Congre- gation for Ecclesiastical Affairs at the Vaticaji. The vexatious and oppressive dis- positions of this Bill, it is said at the Vatican, are so evident that it cannot possibly be accepted. Condemnation of the Bill will be proclaimed in the forthcoming Papal docu- ment, which will be very strongly worded.- Beuter.

LABOURER BURNT TO DEATH I A labourer, named William Henry Winter (47), who lived at Caerwent Brook Cottage, Oaldioot, near Newport, has died at the New- port and County Hospital from burns. His wife, Mrs. Annie Winter, states that she went downstairs and found her husband enveloped in flames. Some neighbours came to his assistance, and subsequently the local doctor. How his clothing became ignited is unknown.

ENGINE-ROOM FLOODED I The steamship Frank Dale towed into i Queenstown on Wednesday the disabled steamer Linohidcn, 2,700 tons, from Savannah to Liverpool. The Lincluden shipped a quan- tity of water, which got into the engine-room and stopped the engines. She was drifting T ?-lie waq d-rifting helplessly when the Frank Dale fell in with her four days ago and towed her safely to port. Wheu mooring her anchor and chain -were lost.

CARDIFF VIS ITING JUSTICES The Lord Mayor of Cardiff presided on Wednesday at a meeting of Cardiff magis- trates held for the purpose of the periodical election of two prison-visiting justices. NI r. Bichard Cory and Mr. Lewis Williiuns were appointed. The other visiting justices are the Lord Mayor and Mr. J. Howard. j

DEATH OF SIR R. S. RIDDALL I The death took place on Wednesday at ¡ ?Ba*h, whither he had gone for the benefit of "his health. of ftjir Brwin^v ifonart Ri-HHaJij I JBart,

The Kidnapped Boy. I MOTHER'S DREAM 'CONFIRMED I Samuel Atchison, the Belfast schoolboy who was kidnapped on Christmas Eve and dis- covered starving and almost dead locked in the garret of an Aipty house on Monday, is slowly making progress towards recovery. He recovered consciousness yesterday, and spoke to his parents, but his memory is so affected that up to the present he has been unable to enter upon a sustained conversa- tion or give any connected details of his ill- treatment. Although the lad was unbound when found, there are marks on his face which suggest that he must have been gagged pre- vious to being locked up in the garret. The mother of the boy, interviewed last evening, told an extraordinary story. She said she had prayed to God to reveal to her who it was that subjected her son to such a hideous experience. She dreamed three times in succession the previous night that a par- ticular person was responsible, and it is a remarkable fact that last evening the boy m,ade a statement incriminating the very person his mother had dreamed about. This statement has been communicated to the police, and it is hoped that the boy will be able to supplement it with further parti- culars too-d-ay. "I

TO EJECT THE MAYOR. I The mayor (Mr. R. Doughton) presided at a meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council. A letter was read from the gas company agreeing to reduce the price of gas supplied to public lamps from 3s. 2d. to 3s. per thousand feet from January 1, which would make the charge per lamp per annum 46s. 8d. instead of 48s. The council decided, on the recommenda- tion of the general purposes committee, to invite representatives of the Great Western and Cambrian Railways Company to a meeting to discuss the question of advertis- ing the town as a health and pleasure resort. —Mr. Denniss, t'he general manager, having intimated that the Cambrian Bailways Company was prol)ared to expend £ 25 on winter advertisements if the council would contribute a like amount, it was decided to accept the arrangement. The draft of the proposed new standing orders was again submitted for considera- tion.—Mr. J. Gibson proposed that a clause be inserted giving power to eject the mayor or chairman in case of a partial ruling being given. What he wanted was a mutual throwing-out. Several other amendments having been suggested, the standing orders were referred back once more to the com- mittee.

EX-MAJOR AS JEWEL THIEF I A tall, powerfully-built man, named William Collins, 64, was found guilty at Clerkenwell Session? of having stolen two gold and diamond ringg, value £ 30, belonging to Mrs. Carmelia Miinee, while living at a. private hotel at Lancaster-gate, W. Detective-sergeant Chatt said that the prisoner wa,9 formerly in the Boyal Horse Artillery. lie rose from the ranks nnt,i1 he attained the position of major. He retired in 1895 on a pecsiou. of £ 250 a year, and he then joined a Volunteer staff at Liverpool. In 1903 he was found guilty of forgery at the Old Bailey, and was sentenced to fifteen months' imprisonment, and forfeited his pension. In 1904, for a similar charge to the present, he was again committed to gaol for six months. The prisoner was ordered twenty-three months' hard labour.

COUNTESS AS WITNESS. I The hearing of charges of ill-treating children against Mary Lake, matron of a home at Exmouth, was resumed at Devon Quarter Sessions ou Wednesday. The cases of ten. children were concerned, and allega- tions were made of neglect prejudicial to health and of insufficient and bad feeding. The diet, it was stated, was praotioally vege- tarian, and since it had been changed children who were- previously below the average weight had improved. For the defence a complete denial wa-s offered, and a number of wit- nesses, including the Countess of Iddesieigh and a Prevention of Cruelty inspector and doctor, testified that the children were well cared for and contented. The jury returned a verdict of "Not guilty."

FILIAL LOVE VERSUS DUTY. I At Birmingham Police-court yesterday, when Private A. K Arkell, of the let Bat- talion Boyal Welsh Fusiliers, was charged with being a deserter, it was stated that his regiment was to sail for India on January 9, and Arkell's Christmas furlough erpired on December 28. The prisoner, in a, voice broken with emotion, said that his father had had a paralytic stroke, which had been followed by complete blindness. He had applied for five days' further leave of absence owing io his father's critical condition, but it uad been refused. The stipendiary remanded him. 4

KEPT QUIET WITH POISON I I Two tales of inhumanity on the part of ) children's nurses in Russia are reported in I the press. The Beval newspapers announce that two young maternity nurses in the infants' ward of the Keiserling Hospital in. i that town, in order to escape the cries of the children whom they were attending, ad- ministered poppy extract to nine of them. A doctor, hearing of the matter, was able by prompt "Treasures to save the lives of eight of the infants, but the ninth died. They all belonged to poor parents. The other case occurred at Irkutsk, where a young nurse, tired of her work, poured acetic acid into the month of the child in her care. It died in fearful agony.

BETRAYED BY JEALOUS WOMAN I A large plant for the manufacture of counterfeit coins has been discovered at Madrid by the police at the house of Jose Ciecah. Large quantities of peseta (7d.) and two-peseta pieces were found, as well as dies and other tools for their manufacture. The astonishing discovery was made that the coiner rented no fewer than five different flats, which were inhabited by seven women, who helped to distribute the counterfeit money. The coiner was betrayed through the jealousy of one of these women.

WOMEN RESPONSIBLE I At Cl-erkejiwell Sessions on Wednesday Wm. Collins, 64, was convicted of stealing rings to the value of JE30 whilst staying at a private hotel, and was sentenced to 25 months' hard labour. It was stated that the accused had served in the Horse Artillery, rising from the ranks to the post of major, and retiring on a penstion of £ 250 yearly, afterwards joining the Volunteer- 6taff at Liverpool. The pension was forfeited through oooiviotions for forgery. It was stated that women were responsible for his downfall.

I COFFIN WAS READY William Perry, an elderly man, was sitting with some friends in a, public-house at Burton-on-Trent on Saturday night, and he jokingly gave the order for his coffin, whenever it might be required, to one of the party, who was an undertaker. As he left tho place he slipped on the snow and feU, receiving injuries from which he died yes- terday.

ALL THAT WERE LEFT, I A thousand Turkish soldiers, the remnant of a force of about four thousand which was sent to Nejd two years ago to suppress risings there, have returned to Basra in a deplorable condition. It is reported that over two thousand died of disease and starvation in the interior, and about one thousand deserted.-Renter.

STRANGE SUFFOCATION I A verdict of Accidental death" was returned at Marylebone yesterd-ajy in the case of Susan Cox, 52, lately living in Rich- mond-street, Lisson-grove, who on Sunday night fell downstairs and struck her head against the wall, so that her head became bent down on her chest, and she died of suffocation.

SERMONS TOO LONG 1 The choir at St. Paul's Church, Southend, has gone out on strike, declaring that the rector (the Rev. Alfred Waller) preaches too lengthy sermons. The ohoir has been joined in its strike by the choirmaster, the organist, one of the churchwardens, and a trus.too of the church.

ADULTS AS WELL AS CHILDREN are 'benefited 'by a dose 01 California. Syrup of Figs at this season of the year, when trIli- versal hospitality and loaded tables are rife. When the stomach is over-heated and the bowels are out of order, biliousness, feverish- ness, indigestion, amd other symptoms of oonad-pation ensue. CaJifomia Syrup of Figs will at once dispell theoL and restore mPrtyn Wirttff- lf,TW^-vnWort,. ^3073:

Torn to Pieces, Tor" t Pieces. I CLERGYMAN KILLED BY WOLVESI The intense cold has caused the re-appear- ance in Hungary and Austrian Poland of packs of starving wolves, which have torn to pieces several persons during the last weeks in the districts bordering on Russia, and Boumania. While driving home in the neighbourhood of Dimbrowitza on the B/Oumanian frontier the other might, the sledge of a clergyman named Cuvel was attacked by a. large num- ber of the animals. The horses reared and plunged, the sledge was suddenly upset, and the clergyman and his servant were thrown among the wolves and instantly torn to pieces. The horses bolted, and did not stop until they reached the vicarage.

NEW COMPENSATION ACT I Mr. S. F. Butcher, Bolton district coroner, and ex-president of the Coroners' Society of England and Wales, spoke at the close of an inquest at Bury on the effect of the latest amendment of the Workmen's Compensation Act. He expressed regret as a coroner that Parliament had not thought fit to adopt the proposal made by the House of Lords, under which men of advanced age and indifferent health might be permitted to contract out of the Act. All coroners knew that there was a growing disinclirt-ation to employ men of advanced age and indifferent health. Con- sequently, the difficulty such men had in finding employment became greater every day. While the principle of compelling com- pensation, which Parliament since the passing of the first Workmen's Compensation Act had striven to get, might be broken by contracting out, it really would have been to the advantage of all old and delicate men to have allowed it. However, it had not been done, and coroners had to face a difficult task. It was not known defi. nitely how far the ramifications of the Act would extend, but seeing that diseases of various kinds, possibly produced in employ- ment, would now be deemed accidents within the meaning of the Act, he feared it would mea-na considerable amount of very difficult work to be performed by coroners and juries, and, so far as jurors were concerned, without remuneration. In these Circumstances, he thought tha number of jurymen might be diminished, and that reasonable remunera- tion might be granted according to the class of case dealt with.

AMEER'S VISIT TO INDIA, I The King has addressed the following tele- gram to the Ameer of Afghanistan to greet him on his arrival in India:- The news of your Majesty's visit to my Viceroy and Governor-General affords me great gratification as indi- cating the friendly relations between your Majesty and my Government. I hope very cordially that your tour will be a pleasant relief from your cares of State. The Aiheer of Afghanistan arrived at Landi Khan a, on the border, on Wednesday morning, and was met there by his British escort and by Sir Henry M'Mahon and Major Boos Xeplwl.-P.euter.

ABERYSTWYTH LICENCES. I At the licensing sessions for the borough of Aberystwyth, held on Wednesday, a letter was read from the chief-constable desiring to know whether the magistrates wanted him to present a special report with a view to giving effect to the Compensation Act, 1904, as tq decreasing the number of public-houses in the borough. Mr. R. J. Jones thought the chance of a scheme under the Act being adopted was very remote. Captain Doughton suggested that the matter should be deferred, so that it could be considered by a full bench. Mr. Jones: All have had notice for to-day, and if they took a keen interest in it they would be hero like ourselves. The Mayor said he would also like to have a full bench of magistrates to consider the question. It was then agreed to defer the matter for a week.

SHIP-REPAIRING AT CARDIFF. I Although ship repairing facilities at Cardiff and Barry are ample to meet requirements for a long while to come, it has long been recognised that at the Penart,h Dock a very different state of things prevails, and the Penarth Shipbuilding and Ship Bepairing Company (Limited), the owners of the exist- ing slipway and gridiron, have prepared plans for a pontoon. This structure, which it is intended to pLaoe at the top end of the dock, is to aecommoda-te steamers 400ft. in length, which will, it is anticipated, meet the needs of vessels frequenting the dock. This is parlicularly gratifying to shipowners trad- ing to Penarth, who have been hitherto obliged to send vessels of considerable size to Cardiff for repairs.

SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION. I The appeal of the EIJlbw Vale Industrial and Provident Society against the rating of a lease at Ebbw Vale by the Bedwellty Assessment Committee was mentioned at the Monmouthshire Sessions on Wednesday by Mr. Corner, who said that terms had been arranged since the appeal was first adjourned, and he asked that tnis should be allowed. The assessment committee had rated the lease at L2730 gross and Cl89 net, but it was now agreed that it should be fixed at tll7 gross and XIOOnet. Mr. "M ieklethwaite, for the committee, assented, and the arramgement was con- firmed.

TO REST IN VALHALLA I The space in which the remains of the late Baroness Burdett-Coutts will be buried in Westminster Abbey on Saturday has not yet been opened, but the sipot is marked out, and was visited by a large number of persons on Wednesday. It is situate quite close to the great west door of the Abbey, and is immediately in front of the Shaftas- bury Memorial and near the bust of General Gordon. On the occasion of the funeral the north transept will be open to the public without tickets, but for all other parts of the Abbey tickets will be issued, not by the Abbey authorities, but from Stra,tton-gtreet, the residence of the deceased lady.

COAL-TRIMMING TARIFF. The revised tariff for trimming just signed at Cardiff, Penarth, and Barry has given rise to the feeling that some change is likely to follow at Swansea. At Swansea the tariff is different, but, although shippers desire a reduction, the coal-trimmers state that the r,at,es at Cardiff, Penarth, and Barry are still in excess of those paid at Swansea. It is stated that if the Cardiff tariff were adopted at Swansea local trimmers would stand to gain in respect of double and treble deck cargoes, screening, and bulkheads, and in the trimming of boats of over 1.000 tons.

TRAMWAYMEN STRIKE. I All the men employed on the tramway service at Copenhagen struck work on Wed- nesday morning in consequence of a wages dispute. The tramway traffic is entirely suspended.—Beuter.

AMBITIOUS MERIHYR I At a. special meeting of the Merthyr Borough Council on Wednesday evening the Town-clerk was instructed to retain Mr. S. T. Evans. K.C., to appear on behalf of the council at the local inquiry to be held by the Local Government Board to consider the memorial of the council praying to be con- stituted a county borough.

BROWN'S BRONCHIAL TROCHES. 56 Years' Beputation. For Coughs and Colds. for Broiloiiititi and Asthma. For Influenza aild Oatarrli. For Soreness of the Throat. For Speakers and Singers. They strengthen the Voice. 1/1 i per box. Sold everywhere. First Burglar: Did Bill get much out of ] that last burglary ?-Second Burglar: No. I He got, so little that his lawyer advised him. to^iead .goilt?*

Babies on the Fire I SON'S EVIDENCE -AGAINST MOTHER I At Edmonton on Wednesday Mrs. Jessie Byers, 40, of 17, Holm Villas, Victoria-road, Edmonton, was again charged with burning the dead body of an infant, contrary to the Cremation Act. Accused was further charged with cremating the dead bodies of Gladys Smyth and Winnie Davis, and with burning the bodies to prevent the holding of inquests. Counsel for the prosecution said it wa's clear that aocused had been in the habit of taking nurse children, the offspring mostly of domestic servants, charging a lump sum of £ 15 or accepting payment by instalments. The business was carried on for fifteen or eighteen months. It elppeared that six chil- dren taken by the prisoner during the last year had died, without their deaths being registered, and without being buried. A son of the prisoner and a servant would speak to eeein g the woman burn some of the bodies in the kitchen grate. Jennie Atkins, a servant, said that on Sun- day, November 25, when looking through a keyhole, she saw prieoner put something on the kitchen fire, and noticed a, horrible smell. Arthur Byers, aged ten, deposed to seeing his mother put the bodies of Gladys Smyth and Winnie Davis on the kitchen fire. His mother pushed the body of the latter child down into the fire with a poker. Prisoner was further remanded.

SUICIDE WHILE ON BAIL. I The Kensington coroner held an inquest yesterday on the body of William Cunning- ham, 55, formerly a, wine merchant, who died from the effects of poison self-administered. A week rince the deceased was committed for trial on bail from the Guildhall Oourt on a serious charge. On Sunday he was found seriously ill in his room, and expired within a short time. The doctor said deceased regained con- eciousness just before his death, but returned no answer to a question as to why tie had taken the poison He had apparently taken a'bout 5oz. of crude carbolic aMd. Witness thought deceased must have been ibesidc himself to have been able to take such a large quantity of acid, which would cause intense pain. The jury found that Cunningham com- mitt,ed suicide, but considered that there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of his mind.

SMALLER RAILWAY TIPS Bail way porters and guaa-ds have had a bad time this Christmas and New Year, and this is not due to the Secret Commissions Aot that came into force on Tuesday. "Our workers scarcely come under that Act," aadd arl official to a press representa- tive yesterday. "At any rate, we have not warned them that tips may be regarded as secret commissions. "Many passengers do not know that outside I porters, who are not always easily distin- guished from regular employes, can charge for any assistance they render. "But people are growing poorer—or meaner. On New Year's Eve, for example, a Frenchman, who had thirty packages with him, offered the porter a penny. Passengers who once gave sixpence now give threepence, or even less."

TOO POPULAR A PRIEST I The mystery which surrounded the sudden disappearance a few months ago of one of the most popular pri,ests in Rome, Father Virgin io OaTcmlles, has been solved by the publication of a, document which he left behind. From this document it appears that Father Virginio excited great jealousy among the priests by his exceeding popularity. On several occasions he had been requested by the Queen-Mother to conduct special services, ,and he became the favourite confessor of some of the most beautiful and celebrated ladies in Rome. He relates that, in consequence, he became the centre of intrigues, which had for their object his expulsion, and decided to emigrate to New York. It is stated that Father Vir- ginio is engaged at work in the Italian section of the New York emigration office.

"USELESS KNOWLEDGE" The Earl of Dairnley made a remarkable speech at a gathering of science and arts pupils ait Gravesend kiet night. I place myself before you as an example of deficiency in education," he said. I went through the ordinary public school course and received a university edu- cation. I found myself at 22 a B.A. of Cam- bridge, with a certain knowledge of Latin and Greek which I have never found of any particular use, but without any knowledge of French, German, or science. From my example I hope you will glean some benefit by securing that knowledge which it is now too late for me to acquire."

DROWNING MYSTERY While a strong freshet was running in the Hirer Cleddau at Haverfordwest on Tuesday evening and the tide at the full a man dis- appeared. and it is believed he fell into the river at the new quay, Haverfordwest, and was drowned. A cry was heard from the vicinity of the river, but so far no body has been recovered. stranger had come to some lodging-houses in search of work, and he left saying he would be back in ten minutes. Soon afterwards the cry was heard, and, as the man never returned, it is feared that he got into the river.

WELL-CONNECTED YOUTH CHARGED I At Clerkenwell Sessions on Wednesday Frederick Andrew Phillips (18), a well-con- nected youth, of Liverpool, was sentenced to fifteen months' hard labour for stealing jewellery. Prisoner pleaded guilty at the last sessions to an hotel theft at Llandudno, and was put back to see if he would give information regarding the stolen property He had been engaged with another man for two years in a series of hotel thefts in Lea- mington, Brighton, Eastbourne, London, and elsewhere.

IN HIS SECOND CENTURY I Although 106 years old, George Kent, who is spending his last days in Eltha-m Work- house, is hale and hearty. Wish everyone a happy New Year for me," he said to a, press representative yesterday. He has been interested in agriculture all his life, and still spends a great deal of his time in the open-air. Kent takes much pleasure in feeding the hiids. which seem to know the old man's figure.

DUEL LASTS TWO HOURS Count dal Corso and a local lawyer named Schiavi fought a duel of forty-two bouts of three minutes each with swords at Udine yes- teord:a:y.. They were then so overcome with fatigue that the fight had to be abandoned from tiheer inability to carry it further. Both men were expert feficers, but neither received a scratch. They had to be car:ried from the ground.

THE LATE SIR JOHN LENG I The cremated remains of Sir John Leng, who died in California while on a tour round the world, arrived at Liverpool on Wednesday by the Majestic, and were imme- diately taken to Scotland, to be interred at Newport. Lady Leng and Miss Leng were passengers on the Majestic, and left for Seot- I land.

DINNER TO 1,600 CARDIFF WAIFS I To-day (Thursday) and to-morrow (Friday) about 1,600 waifs and strays will be given a dinner at Andrews'-hall, Cardiff. The boys, numbering 800, are invited for to-day, while a. similar number of girls wiU receive their dlnafiES to-moErow.

Four Cardiff Fires. CANDLE CAUSES A BLAZE Outbreak at Roath Park, Two fires broke out almost simultaneously in Cardiff on Wednesday evening, and another occurred late at night at the Docks, while early this (Thursday) morning a fourth out- break was reported at Roath Park. At 6.25 information was received at the fire station of an outbreak at a carpenter's shop in Wyndham-road, and the brigade turned out under Head-oonstable AfcKeuzie aud Superintendent Geen. The fire was extin- guished by the steamer and the Canton hose and reel in about twenty minute.s. about IA worth of damage having been done, chiefly to the front portion of the top floor. The fire v is supposed to have been caused by heat from a stove. The premises were locked by the occupier (Mr. Pendlebury) at six o'clock, when he left everything apparently safe. The con- tents of the shop were insured. While this fire was being extinguished infor- mation was received of an outbreak at 172, Newport-road, a dwelling-house occupied by Mrs. Nioholls. The motor-eugiue proceeded to the soene in charge of Second Engineer Moger, but when it arrived there the fire had been put out by buckets of water. The con- tents of one room were badly damaged, the loss being estimated at 140 or £ 50. The fire is believed to have been caused by a curtain being blown against a lighted candle, which had been left on the piano by a child. This was the second occasion on which the motor- engine has been called out to a fire. A cor-rugated iron building at Cardiff Docks, belonging to Mr. U. T. Flo ye, of PlajKtagenet-street, and used for storing ship-repairing gear, was burnt down between ten and eleven o'clock. The fire was put OUL by the Bute Dock police. A gale was blow- ing at the time, and a building owned by the Taff Vale Railway Company was also endangered, but by playing on it with the hose the dock police prevented it from taking fire. News of the Boath Park fire was sent by a Taff Vale Railway employe named Henry Caswell, and the brigade, under Superin- te,n,den;t Geen, on arriving at the corporation hothouses, found the roof of the building where the heating apparatus is fixed and a. tlhed adjoining well alight. The damage, however, is not great. The fire, it is thought, originated owing to the heat from the chim- ney igniting the rafters.

N.U.T.-ITES. The conference of head-teachers was con- tinued at Leamington on Wednesday. A resolution was parsed in favour of super- atinuation allowances being proportionate to salaries. The council were requested to con. sider the whole question of the training of teachers. The half-time system was discussed, and it was stated there were now 80,000 half-timers. The conference adopted resolutions affirming that the half-time system should be abolished, and the age of school exemption raised to fourteen years. Dr. J. C. O'Connor, of London, lectured on Esperanto," and announced that King Edward had sent him a message wishing him success.

DELAYS AT GENOA. At Wednesday's meeting of the Newcastle and Gateghead Chamber of Commerce a. letter was read from Sir Edward Grey stating that steps had been taken by the Foreign Office in the matter of delays at the port of Genoa. It appears that the Italian Government were fully alive to the gravity of the situation caused by the delays, and were endeavouring to ameliorate them. They were constructing along the line from Genoa to Milan numerous sidings, the absence of which had contributed to the delays com- plained of.

TALGARTH LOVES LIGHT Talgarth'e street lighting is pa4d for by the voluntary contributions of the inhabitants. The usual house-to-house collection has been considerably augmented this year by the proceeds of a New Year's Day "social" at the Town-hall, which wtas lavishly decorated. Drs. Hubert Williame and Grant were among the big gathering, which was entertained by Professor Johnson's living mechanical wonders and an excellent array of local talent.

BREECH-BLOCK BLOWN OUT. A testing party of the Boyal Garrison Artillery was engaged at Plumstead on Wednesday afternoon in testing a 9.2 naval gun, when the breech-block was blown out, crashed through a small magazine, gnd finally came to earth on a roadway about six hundred yards away. The members of the testing party had extremely narrow escapes, but none of them suffered injury. A man named Atkinson, who was near the scene in charge of a contractor's cart, was struck by some splinters of woodwork, but his injuries were trivial.

SWANSEA AND THE TELEPHONES The Postmaster-General has this week replied to the oommtmication of the. deputa- tion from the Swansea Corporation, who desired him to increase the price he had offered for the municipal telephone system, but the letter has not yet been publicly laid before the committee. It is understood that the Government will not require the building used as exchanges, which will remain on the hands of the corporation, and that the figure he offers is £ 22,000, which will in any case mean a considerable loss on the capital expended. The offer is regardoed as somewhat better than the pre- vious one, but the committee have all along declared that they will not accept lefts than the return of all capital expended.

MR LLOYD-GEORGE IN A BLIZZARD Mr Lloyd-George, who had looked forward to golfing at Biarritz, will probably leave without one round, the links being thickly covered with snow. The party motored from Paris to Biarritz, and, owing to now. had to put up at a wayside inn for two days. Resuming, they had to face a blizzard for over a hundred miles. -Air, Lloyd-George, who usually attends the treat at the little Bap- tist Church at Criccieth on New Year's Day, where four of his children performed this year, sent a Welsh cablegram, which, trans- lated, reads: "May you enjoy yourselves, and may the inhabitants of Criccieth have a happy year."

MRS W. J. TATEM'S GENEROSITY A tea given by Mrs. W. J. Tatem and others took place at the Seamen's Institute, Cardiff, on Wednesday, some 130 sailors being pre&ent. Afterwards the Tredega,r Orchestra, con- ducted by Mr. W. S. Dobbe, provided the gathering with a programme of music, and songs were rendered by Mr. J. V. Phillpott-, Mr. G. Thomas, and Miss Hansen. On Mon- day evening a supper was given at the insti- tute by Mrs. Tatem, who also sent a largo number of gifto for distribution among the sailors.

ILLNESS OF LORD HALIFAX JJÛrd Halifax, president of the English (jiiurch Union, is confined to Hiokleton Hall, his Yorkshire residence, with influenza. His lordship was on Wednesday to have opened a bazaar at Swinton. In his absence Lady Halite* officiated, and said her husband had fallen a. victim to influenza, foUowiag on his hard work for the preservation of Church schools throughout the country. Several Yorkshire gentlemen spoke in highly appreoio,tive terms of his lordship's strenuous endeavours for the retention of much-prized Church principles.

NEWPORT-LADEN VESSEL MISSING The following vessel, previously referred in summary as overdue, was posted at Lloyds oil Wednesday, January 2nd, missing, viz., Why Not, of Liverpool, official number 35,600, D, Ondiron. master, which sailed from New- port, Mon., for Water ford, with a cargo of ooal on 13th October, 1906, not since hearJ. of.

POLICING OF SWANSEA SANDS liae Swansea Parks Committee h-v-a adopted a suggestion by Mr. Bliss, park* superintendent, to place a man in imifcru; in control of the sands during the suminei months.

TALYBONT POSTWOMEN Talybont-on-TTsk has no women suffragists, but boasts of two poetwomen, who carry out the duties of letter-carriers to perfection.

CLARKE S BLOOD [MIXTURE I This famous MediciDe will cleanse the blood from all impu- rities from whatever caii.se arising. A dafe remedy for Eczema, Bad Legs, Scrofula, Blood Poison, Soree of all kinds. Boils, Erup- tions, Ulcere, Glandular Swel- lings, &c. Of all staree, &c.. Forty ymra> tmaottt. ol imifttng.