Evening Express

The Man in the Street The attempt of members of the Pro- perty and Markets Committee to rob the aldermen and councillors of Cardiff of their smokes has resulted in at least temporary failure. The choice cigar, the homely pipe, and the dainty ciga- rette that have helped the public repre- sentatives of the city to eke out long committee meetings are preserved to them for yet a little while, and it has to (be seen if the majority of a full gathering of the council will find courage enough to denounce the practice that to many has proved the bright oasis of pleasure in a desert of dry, weary routine work, only occasionally enlivened by what the descriptive reporter terms "a scene." Whether to smoke helps business along or assists to obstruct it is a lively matter of individual opinion, and adherents of either view are most emphatic in their declarations. It seems patent that the man who is fond of his smoke feels a natural reluctance to put down his pipe to harangue his fellow-councillors. The oigar of peace appears to produce good listeners, and those who puff out sailing clouds, to see them fantastically dissolve in the lofty chambers of the City-rhall, are apparently sometimes content to leave the talking to non-smokers. On the other hand, those who worship not at the shrine of my Lady Nicotine seem more content to- make speeches. It is apparently some consolation for the money they save by not visiting the tobacconists' emporium. The breath that others waste in rolling out billowy, whit-e masses of gracefully ascending vapour is used by the non-smoker to voice in round periods and glowing terms the needs of the long-suffering ratepayers. If those who attend the present long con-unittee meet- ings are thus content to divide the honours—inspiring, peaceful smoke to the smokers and never-endng words to the non-smokers—it would be interest- ing to know what would happen if there was a radical change, and if the pipe and cigars were abolished from these meetings. Would &mokers, bereft of their boon companions, be content to listen ? Would not they rather be con- strained to use their breath in the making of audible sentences in order that they might utilise the energy which seems native to lungs that have acquired the habit of such regular use? It seems too much to ask smokers to forego their pipes and remain good listeners, and if the non-smokers wish to retain their prized possession of the floor, would not it be wiser for them to leave well alone? But there is an eve-n more important question for the consideration cf Cardiff's City Fathers. Talking and smoking bring about a certain, peculiar dryness in the throat, and it has long been a sore point that in the neighbourhood of the City-hall there is no convenient restaurant to which thirsty aldermen and councillors may ressocffc to undergo the water cure. Of course, in talking of rater one does not necessarily mean the dement in its "neat" condition. The Cardiff Oity Fathers think of it in rela- tion to the cheering brown liquid which derives its inspiration from Hong Kong and Ceylon. 'The cup that cheers" is to be brought in to aid the deliberations of both smokers and non-smokers. Aldermen and councillors will shortly be telling their good wives, as they are helped into their overcoats on the front doorstep, "Don't expect me home to tea. my dear; I am going to a oommittee meeting." Of course, with tea smoking is absolutely essential. To moot men the only use for tea is the niÍoo fact that it flavours a cigarette. With non-smokers tea, should be consoling in another way, and with both sides indulging in the sipping habit the business of committee should be delightfully abbreviated. The chairman will merely have to pause in biting his toast or muffin to put the resolution, and the others will rest long enough between their sips to exclaim, "Aye." With tea and smokes the future has a delieiously rosy hue, and "scenes" and lengthy debates must become a memory and a dream of the past, when teas were not and smokers had patiently to sit and puff and listen to the non- Hinokers. At the same time that we hear com- plaints from all parts of the country of an increase in juve-iile crime comes the intelligence from Newport that a special court has been established for youthful offenders, several of whom were yester- day bound over under the new Probation Act. Of course, it is very desirable that young people should not be set full sail upon the sea of crime, and the new court and the new Act may work well together in the good work of diminishing crime generally. But it certainly seems that in many districts something should be done to show thoughtless hobbledehoys that thev oaumot become so many nuisances to whole neighbourhoods with impunity. Youths who regard the streets as their playground for the left-ting off of all kinds of practical jokes, to the distress of quiet and inoffensive citizens, often require very sharp lesson's, if not the .-birch, to help them mend their ways. it is to be hoped that at Newport and else- where there will be no hiding of crimes. by which ill-advised lads will be encour- aged to work their sweet will unchecked by public knowledge and consequent condemnation. The public-ly-known cor- rection of lads naturally acts as a deter- rent to those who would otherwise decline to "pull up" if left in ignorance of the punishment meted out to misbe- having companions. There is a somewhat curious history attached to the Necess-idades Palace, in which the new boy King of Portugal is zealously guarded by his soldiers. In 1598 a weaver flying from the plague brought there an image of the Virgin, for the reception of which, helped by the alms of the faithful, he built a small chapel. The image soon became famous for its miracle-working powers, and it became a habit with kings, nobles, and the people to resort to it in their times of necessity. This inspired the name for the Palace. When the health of Dom Joao V. was restored, that monarch fully believed he owed the blessing to the intercession of Our Lady. He at once had erected a magnificent chaiTch to house the image, and that he might reside near the shrine he built a palace in the neighbourhood. It occasionally falls to the lot of judges to solve some curious conundrums, some of which are of so perplexing a nature that when simple terms of everyday life come before the learned occupants of benches their lordships have perforce to resort to simulated ignorance that they may find some relief in the explanations provided by obliging counsel and wit- nesses. One of these problems was pro- vided by an action under the Work- men's Compensation Act. A joiner who had fallen from a ladder was refused compensation on the ground that' the building from which he had fallen was not 30ft. high from roof to ground. Counsel for the workman urged that the chimney against which the ladder rested should be included in measuring the height of the building. In the end the oourt agreed to this view of the case, and so the decision stands that a build- ing may be higher than its own roof. It was a London gentleman who sued the proprietor of a restaurant for the price of his silk hat, which had been ruined by the beer boy spilling a pint of ale into it as it reposed on a chair. There was no doubt that the hat had been destroyed by the carelessness of the defendant's servant. The restaurant proprietor, however, pleaded that it was the customer's own fault, and said chairs were not to be regarded as hat pegs- though he had probably heard at panto- mimes of a facetious gentleman hanging up other people's ha1:s on the floor. Pegs were provided, and if one of those had been used the accident would never have occurred. This view was adopted by the court, and it was decided that the plain- tiff could not recover damages because there was contributory negligence on the part of the customer.

FRENCH AUTHORS ON BLACK LIST Pornt for the Central Welsh Board At a meeting of the governors ot Bar- mouth County School the following resolu- tion was lJQSSed :The headmaster having drawn our attention to two of the books prescribed by the Central Welsh Board for the honours certificate (viz., those by Faguet aDd by Rousseau), and having- at our request read considerable extracts from the same, it was unanimously resolved:- (1.) That in our opinion these books are harmful in their tendency—the former because it deals with the Christian verities in such a manner as to prejudice the children's minde against thein, and the latter because its moral tone is such as to render it totally unfit to be placed in the hands of school children. "'2.) That an appeal be made to the Cen- tral Welsh Board to withdraw these books. "(3.) Failing this, that we appeal to the Merioneth Education Committee when award- ing county exhibitions to see that the omis- sion of these books on the part of candidates taking French will not prejudice their posi- tion on the list."

I ,i iimuaiuwiLg I NAZARETH HOUSE TREAT A little time ago a concert in aid of Nazairoth House, Cardiff, was organised by Messrs. Reg. Dovey and Clifford Morgan, and the proceeds amounted to nearly LM. On Wednesday this money was used to provide the whole of the inmates of Nazareth House with a sumptuous tea, with special deli- cacies for ten invalids. Each man received an ounce of tobacco, and each woman lialf- an-onnc.e cf snuff. During the afternoon all the childrem--o-ver 240 in numbers-were also entertained at the Panopticon, through the kindness of Mr. Oswald Stoll and Mr. Tetlow, the manager. In the evening the inmates of Nazareth House were entertained with a mueical progra.mme by the Juvenile Dramatic Oompany, organised by Miss Dolly Powell, of Cathedral-road.

MONMOUTH WATER SCHEME In formally moving that the Monmouth- shire County Council obtain power to con- struct the necessary waterworks for the county. Alderman Raffan said, at the meet- ing at Newport on Wednesday, that although many petitions against the Bill which it is proposed to introduce into Par- liament had been adapted by local authori- ties, they were not directed against the vital principle of the measure, but in the. expectation of getting amendments inserted. The Chairman seconded the motion to pro- ceed with the Bill, and said he was satisfied that the cost to the ratepayers would not exceed a halfpenny in the E. The Hon. J. Rolls, representing Monmouth, which would get no benefit from the scheme, feared that should adverse circumstance arise in the construction of the reservou the rate would be exceeded. Alderman S. N. Jones said there were man, water undertakings which paid good divi- dends, and if things turned out as expected, a srubstantial sum of profits might be avail- able towards the relief of the county rate. (Hear, hear.) Alderman Parry said the initial expenses were all that was at present asked for. The debate was continued amidst cries of Vote, Vote," and on being put, the decision to go in for Parliamentary powers was em- phasised by 42 votes to sixteen. THE DOCTOR IN SCHOOL. MEDICAL OFFICER, TO HAVE AiSSISTA^TTO. Dr. Redwood brought up the sanitary com- mittee's report, which recommended that a coimt.y medical officer of health, be appointed at £600 a year to undertake the duties of that office, and, with the aid of assistants, the medical inspection of the school children, of whom there were stated to be 44,067 in 258 departments. Alderman Mulligan thought the county medical officer should report on the best plitn to be pursued as to what kind of assistance he required; but AA-Acrmam Raffan hoped the council would BUTTort the committee's recommendation. The council ultimately adopted the ooon- mittee's recommeoLdations. MANY APPLICATIONS FOR BMAXJj j HOLDINGS. It was stat.ed that about 100 applications ba4 been made for land in different parte of the county. The Clerk (Mr Gustrrd), who made this announcement, suggested that the small holdings and allotments committee should prepare a scheme and submit it at the March meting,-The council resolved that the small holdings committee should draft a scheme and report to the next meeting as to the question of delegation of powers.

LINEN LASTS LONGEK, and will keep much longer clean when eoaked and wash.ed in a foaming lather of HUDSON'S SOAP. HIT X) SON'S will not fray Cliffs or jag collars. HUDSON'S always deals GENTLY with the linen, but FIRMLY with the dirt. A penny packet will prove this, e4821

I Cardiff College STAFF CHANGES; THE SCHOOL OF DOMESTIC ARTS At a m-eeting of the council of the Cardiff University College held on Wednesday, Dr. W T. Edwards, vice-president, in the chair, approval was given to the establishment of a class for teachers in practical mathematics on Saturday mornings. It was reported that by the will of the late Mrs. Annie Fulton the college had received bequests amounting to about £ 15,000. The council expressed its gratification that bequests amounting to such a large sum should have been made to the college at the present juncture in its financial position. The resignation of Professor Burrows, pro- fessor of Greek, was received, and the council expressed its appreciation of the services rendered by the professor to the college during his ten years of service. Principal Griffiths, Dr. Lynn Thomas, C.B., and Professor Hepburn were appointed dele- gates at the forthcoming congress of the Royal Sanitary Institute, to be held in Oar- diff on July 13 to 13, 1908. A bequest of £ 800 was announced from the late Miss Caroline Williams towards the mining school. The Registrar reported that arrangements had been made whereby the schools at Barry, In addition to the schools at Cardiff, might be utilised for practice in teaching by the men and women students of the day training department of the college. Plans were approved for the expenditure of over £ 1,500 on a laundry to be built in connection with the training school of cookery and the domestic arts. It was resolved to forward certain college exhibits to the Franco-British Exhibition to be held in London next summer. Arrangements were approved for the summer school of mining in 1908. It was reported that Professor Hepburn had been appointed principal's deputy and repre- sentative of the senate on the council for sesssion 1908-9; that Professors Boulton and Bruce had been appointed the representa- tives of the senate on the court of governors, and that Mr. F. W. Hubback, B.A., had been appointed assistant-lecturer in Greek. The resignation was received of Mr. P. N. Ure, assistant-lecturer in Greek. It was resolved to advertise for a professor of Grk. in place of Professor Burrows, at a salary of £ 3&D. PROFESSOR BUPuROWS' DEPARTURE. Professor Burrows has decided to remain in Cardiff for the remainder of the present session, and he will not go to Manchester to take up his new appointment until October.

NO DUST AND NO MUD I At a meeting of the Llandaff Rural District Council on Wednesday, with the Rev. Henry Williams in the chair, the Surveyor (Mr. J. Holden) reported on a new system of road- making which he had recommended. He stated that upon the surface of the old road was placed a layer of small Etone one-eighth of ar inch in size. and coated with a" special preparation of tar. On this layer Clee Hill road metal was spread, and slow rolling enticed rather than forced the under layer +ù penetrate upwards through the voids, doing away altogether with the old binding of gravel and water. For a trial of this system he selected a piece on Pencisely-road, Llan- daff, 860ft in length, with an average width of 20ft. It was selected for its damp aspect and general high rate of maintenance, and he now reported that it had been so satisfac- tory that since then not a penny had been spent in maintenance up to date (22 weeks). During the very dry weather at the end of August and the month of September there was absolutely no dust, and during the weeks of rain that followed there was posi- tively no mud. The cost of re-metalling this length of road exceeded the estimated cost under the old system by JE15 lis. 4d."tnt in future this could be reduced. Under the new system no scarifying and no water for binding were required, and thus the cost of rolling was reduced to practically one-half. The local representatives remarked that it was an excellent piece of road, and the system might be extended, while the Sur- veyor remarked that there was a saving in maintenance on this piece of 10s. a week. Mr. Franklin Thomas complained to the council that the Taff Vale Railway were filling up the approach to a bridge under their railway on the footpath between Radyr and Whitchurch. which the residenu- claimed to be public.—A small committee was appointed to report upon the matter.

QUEEN'S MINIATURES At Lambeth on Wednesday Leonard Phillips (24), a horsekeeper, Frederick Bxcrl (35), a painter, Joseph Hunter (25), Butpl (35), a ptai'n'tea., Joseph Hunter (25), Ojeierai<-»iigc.ir, were cnarg-ea on reiiLa-ii.a him. Doing concerned iusew«r witn bita. mg an4 entering t.he otudios of Messra. "ad iientscnei (Limited), p-uoto engrateic, a/c W'fc&t iNorwoo-a, and atciaAjng there- irom tiiree miniature portraits, the pro- perty of the Queen. In the alujraative tuev were charged with feaon,icusly receiving the proiperty. A licensed victualler, of Brixton, gave evi- dence that Burl. Spring, aad Hunter came into his house and had some drink. The latter produced a brown-paper parcel, and asked witness if he could do with the con- tents. He took the parcel inside, and on opening it found the three miniatures pro- duced. He did not then know they were stolen. On the Sunday Burl, Hunter, and Spring came in together. Witness gave the miniatures back to Hunter in the presence of the other men, and told Rnnter they had been stolen and that they bad better send them back to the persons they belonged to, or they would get into trouble. The men drank their beer and walked out. On Monday witness informed the police, and acted under their instruction for the recovery of the miniatures. The further hearing of the case was adjourned till next Tuesday.

SCHOOLMASTER SWINDLER I At the Old Bailey on Wednesday Roderick Logan Rennie pleaded guilty to forging and uttering a receipt for £ 1,000 and two bills of exchange; also to obtaining credit by false pretences. Prisoner had caused a paragraph to appear in a provincial journal to the effect that he had been left a legacy of £ 20,000. He then had cards printed bearing the name of Captain Rennie, 7th Dragoon Guards, and used these for obtaining credit. As a fact, there was a Captain Rennie in the Army, and his return from India brought the prisoner's frauds to light. Mr. Muir said the prisoner had been a school- master in the provinces, and had left owing debts to tradesmen and others.—The Recorder sentenced prisoner to three years' penal servitude.

GOLDEN EAGLE SHOT I Mr. Edwards, of Goilangoch, Eglwyewrw near Cardigan, has shot a large bird which he saw passing, flying at an altitude of 30 yards. The bird proved to be a splendid specimen of the golden eagle, scarcely ever seen in this part of the country, but occa- sionally met with in Scotland and Ireland. It was in magnificent plumage, and its extended wings measured over 7ft. from tip to tip. The bird is now in the hands of Messrs. Jefferies and Son, taxidermists, Car- mart h en, for p rese r v ation.

?- -zz= MOTOR-CAR ACCIDENT I Mr. W. Vaughan, wholesa,le fruiterer, of Merthyr, was driving on his way to Hirwain on Wednesday, when the motor-car of Mr. W. Manders, Aberdare, passed. The horse was frightened and bolted. Mr. Vaughan who had been sitting in front, on the shaft of the trap, fell down and sustained serious injuries to his head and arm by the trap running over him. Dr. leu an G. Thomas attended him.

MONEY THAT FLEW The cross-examination was concluded at London Bankruptcy-court on Wednesday of Robert Richard Atkinson, who had been a ward in the Irish Chancery. Debtor stated that on coming of age in 1903 he succeeded to £ 80,000 The first £ 1,000 he received from his trustees went in a week. Debtor also stated he settled 18,000 on his mother.

BI 00:1 OP'S REPORT ON RITUALlI At the Canterbury Convocation on Wednes- day the Bishop cf Salisbury submitted a report on the ornaments of t-he C'hureih and its ministers. The general con elusion was that they regarded the Prayer Book as a suffi- cient directory as to the ceremonies to be used, and, therefore, by implication, as, to the ornaments required for Divine service, and certain accessories and decorations were permissible without being prescribed. Vest- ments had never been abolished, and ought not to be a matter to excite very heated con- troversy

ROMANCE OF WELSH MINING LIfE Prominent Personalities of the Pit I BY THOMAS RICHARDS, M.P. (Secretary of the Welsh Miners' Federation.) 4.-MARDY, MODEL VILLAGE: "BRYN- AWEL'S" LIFE WORK: THE "BOSS" AND "JERRY. In any reference or thoughts of the Mardy Collieries it would be impossible to keep out of them tne remembrance of the late Mr. William Thomas, or, as lie was invariably known, Bryn&wel." \Vibh "JBrynawel" there at once appears the old order of people and methods responsible for the building up of the great South Wales coal trade, which evolves a system for the regula- tion not only of the wages of the work- men, but also of the sensible relationship between employer and workmen, which has done so much to enable both to bear many periods of acute depression and poverty wiuhout revolution, and epochs of prosperity and comparative plenty without undue excess, gradually learning the lesson taught by both con- ditions, and adjusting the machinery to secure an even smoother running when in their turn the visits of adversity and affluence are repeated. In these days of minimum wages, arbitration, independent chairman, and strong organisations of employers and workmen pledged to observe the arrangements entered into by the repre- sentatives in a joint board of employers and workmen, we are apt to forget the all-important fact that we have but built upon a foundation laid in the early seventies by Brynawel" and his colleagues, whom I refrain from naming now, hoping to have a word to say of them in connection with the properties with which they were immediately con- nected. Tthe right of the workmen to refer to even, much less discuss in their presence, the selling prices and profits of the owners was regarded prior to this period as nothing short of impertinence; while the idea of permitting the workmen to elect an auditor to examine the books of the owners was looked upon as being about as fanciful and revolutionary as the nation ali&ation of the means of pro- duction and distribution of wealth pro- posed by the full-fledged Socialist of to- day is considered by a large number of people. The Sliding Scale Begun In face of the fact that BryTi-! awel" and his contemporaries were able to evolve a sche-me-and; secure its successful operations for so many years—that was violently opposed to t,he general sentiment obtain- ing among the capitalists of their day in tms country, and that the leaders of the fragmentary organisations of the work- men were able to secure that the wages of the workmen should be adjusted to the prices secured for the coal by the owners, when we consider the perplexi- ties, the suspicions, the continual wrang- ling, the lack of education among the miners, the imperfect state of their organisations, some of the later accom- plishments we are sometimes inclined to boast of pale into insignificance. That in later years it was found to be imperfect was not due so much to the machinery itself as to the many changes that took place in the opera- tions of buying and selling and the great developments of the industry. That in many other industries in this country and in other countries permis- sion to examine the books of the owners. and an acceptance of the prices to govern wages, is now being agitated for by the workmen puts these old pioneers at least a quarter of a century in advance of the general march towards tihe goal of an equitable adjustment of the division of wealth between capital and labour if they are to continue to exist as sucfii. In addition to his services to the general community as a member of the Sliding Scale Committee, "Brynawel" was managing director of these great collieries, in which there are employed about 2,300 workmen. He was much respected both by workmen and officials, and was very intimate with the elders of botth, knowing their peculiarities and failings, which oft-times enabled him to indulge in his partiali-ty for practical jokes. Wonderful Telephone When the telephone was fixed between this house in Aberdare and the colliery, one of the first things "Brynawel" did was to ring up the colliery office and! ask them to send "Old J to the. receiver, as he wanted to speak to him. Now, poor "Old J-, wh o was an aged official employed at the colliery, had a strong partiality for onions (not the miners' agent) for breakfast. Tlhey had some difficulty in persuading him to put the receiver to his ear. When he did so and the" H ullo of Brynawel" came over the wires he could not be made to believe that he was speaking from Aber- dare, away the other aide of the moun- tain facing the colliery offices. But when Brynawel" shouted to him to go away from the instrument and send someone whose breath wAs free from the odour of onions, the old man's discomfiture was complete, and with astonishment he remarked to the work- men in the ooEiery, when going his rounds: What a wonderful thing the Tale- phone i5.. That the master could smell the onions he had partaken for breakfast all the way from Mardy to Aberdare." "Brynawel's" second in command for very many years was Mr. Griffith Thomas, the active manager of the oolhenel.5, always known as the Boss, not only, by t-ne workmen employed at the col- lieries but by the whole of the inhabi- tants of the village. Model Village Mardy was created by the collieries, and grew in size and importance as the collieries developed, and the "Boss," stern, rugged, and determined in his demeanour, took great pride and exer-j cised an almost unrestrained mfluence in the growth of the village. No street1 could be planned, no road made or house built that did not command the approval of the "Boss." When passing through some of our colliery villages grown up under similar conditions to those obtaining at iiardy, and comparing them with the excellent arrangements of the streets, houses, lighting, etc., no one could refrain from lamenting the absence of a B oss" strong enough to insist upon the jerry-, builder and ground-rent grabber devot- ing some attention to the future well- j being of those whose lives were to be' spent in their ill-built, badly-formed houses and streets. It is, undoubtedly, largely due to the forethought and ability displayed by the Boss" that it is no exaggeration to j describe Mardy as a model colliery vil-' ligae. The imprint of his life is left in indelible letters upon the whole of the: life of the village. No agitation or discussion, no decision likely to affect: the well-being of the residents of Mardy: was ever complete without the active interference of the "Boss," whether it was of a political, religious, or social nature. Actively supporting the "Boss" when in agreement with him in many social, religious, and otiher movements, and in I conflict with him sometimes in political I and industrial matters, and still occupy- ing the same relationship with "Tally" ¡ (Mr. Talie'sen Richards), the present manager, are two fine typical Welshmen, who are checkweighers at the colliery. Jeremiah Jones and Thomas Morgan are J of the charaoter necessary to see and understand when seeking expil,anation for the return of the collier representa- tive "inlabon" to Parliament over trwellty years ago. Tom and Jerry Tom and Jerry must sometimes indulge in quiet smiles at the form of advocacy adopted in these days for Labour representation in Parliament, as if this need was a recent discovery of some of the young political zealots of the present day, when they remember the altered conditions from tihe days of their advocacy of a Labour M.P. for the great Rhondda Valleys. Whatever the difficulty at Mardy which divided the employer and work- men, the quartette—'?Brynawel" and men, "Boss" on the one side, and Tom and Jerry on the obher-weru always the parties who met as the representatives of their respective interests; and peram- bulations from the colliery offices to the top of the pits, talking in loud tones with frequent violent gesticulations, was at once taken, even by the women and children in the street, to indicate some rupture of the pleafi-ant relationftaips at the colliery. But, happily, it was often found that after a release of the pent-up feelings that had possibly been awaiting the opening of the safety valve for some time, a quiet discussion would result in a satisfactory settlement of the matter in dispute. Tom and Jerry having caused more than the usual offence upon one occa- sion to "Brynawel," he punished them by discontinuing the practice of giving them a supply of house coal for domestic ,qe coal for domestic purposes at the reduced rates that the workmen in his employment were pay- ing. After many attempts to secure a r e-oo nsid e r a bio u of this decision, "Bryn- awoi" at last relented, and swe instructions that, pending his having another personal interview with them, they were to be again supplied at the reduced rates, the lamented death of "Brynawel" taking place soon after this decision. A Long Respite It may be a matter of doubt to some of the colliery people what effect the proposed interview would have had upon this matter if it had taken place, but they are still acting upon the presump- tion, which is a strong belief entertained by Tom and Jerry, that there was no intention to again increase the rate charged them for house coal. The decline in the use of the Welsh language in Wales is a matter that is much discussed and written of in these days. The Mardy workmen's leaders in Federation matters are not to be included amongst those of Welshmen Who from various causes have failed to do their duty in the preservation of the "Hen iaith." Until very recently the whole of the transactions at public meetings, com- mittee meetings, etc., were conducted in the Welsh language, even the minutes recorded of all Federation busi- ness could only be read by those familiar with the langauge of Eden, and at the present time a timorous Englishman prefers asking the workman sat next to him at a meeting to interpret the remarks of a speaker he may be inte- rested in than to brave the frowns of Tom and Jerry by requestin.g that the English, language should be used. Baptised by Sorrow In common with so many of the South Wales collieries, Mardy has had its explosion, which took place in 1885, causing the death of 81 workmen. It is repeating an often-told tale to refer to the heroic conduct of the officials and workmen when these catastrophes occur, and Mardy explo- sion records will be found to show that the Boss" and his men were not want- ing i!l the daring and courage common to Welshmen upon all such sad and heartrending occasions. And there still lives in their midst David Edwards, who, by his presence of mind and cool calculations amid the smoke and noxious fumes prevailing in the workings after tihe explosion had expended itself, safely guided a number of workmen through the return air-way to the shaft and to safety, when a single mistake, a moment's hesitation, or a wrong turning meant sure and certain deaih. Although the King's medal had not then been instituted, the watch pre- sented to him conveys the sa-me recog- nition of a brave and ohivalrous act. Time will not permit to deal with bwilham Curwen among the poets, and Eos Da,r unrivalled as a singer of t,he melodious penillion of Wales; or to deal in the reminiscences of old Philip I race, heckled and questioned by Jerry and others while preaching: Brigham Young, Salt Lake," and other features (1-r t-o t-he Latter Day saint, who, although he professed on his 84th birth- day to be ready to stairt upon the second 84 more hale and hearty than the firet, soon after "went the way of all flesh." [Mr. Riohards's next article will appear this day week. Sketches appeared on January 16, 23, and 30.1

Wllliam Morgan, labourer, was sent to I ga.ol for a month with hard labour at! Abetrgavemny for stealing a ham, value £1 Fis. 4d., from the Abergavenny Butter Market, the DroDerty of Lizzie Ctillimore.

MUST SPEAK WELSH I Additional Surveyor Wanted for I Carmarthenshire An important roads Management scheme came up for consideration at a special meet- ing of the Carmarthenshire Main Roads Committee held at Carmarthen on Wednes- day The scheme as recommended by the, Council held at Carmarthen on Wed- offices of surveyor and road inspectors (throe) tfuict tha creation of offices for two surveyors —one for the eastern division and the other fo- tho western division. Und.er the proposed scheme, instead of paying Mr. Mounsey a salary of L475 per annum. inoluding travel- ling expenses, it was recommended that each of the two surveyor& be paid at the rate of £ 200 per annum, together with a travel- ling allowance of £50 each per annum. The three road inspectors, who were formerly in receipt of £ 90 each per annum. are to be diKnissed and offered berths upon the roads as roadmen. Mr James (Llandovery) raised the question of the division of mileage areas, but it was resolved to make no change. Mr. H. Jones-Davies (Glyneiddan) proposed that the rooommendatiou of £200 per annum and £50 for travelling expenses for each sur- veyor be adopted. Dr. Rowland Thomas (Whitland) seconded. Mr. T. Brigstocke (Carmarthen) suggested that they should appoint Mr. Mounsey as their senior surveyor and pay him a salary of C350 a year. The resolution proposed was too drastic. He moved a.n amendment accordingly.—-Mr. Thomas Thomas (Llan-' gep ech) seconded. John Lloyd favoured the appointment of three surveyors instead of two, as they had 300 miles of road in the county. Upon a division the recommendation of the committee was carried by a large majority. —The re-commendation as to the dismissal of the three road inspectors and to offer them berths on the roads as roadmen was also carried. Colonel Morris (Ammanford) raised the old question of language qualification, and said it was important that the surveyors appointed should be able to understand and converse with the natives in their own language. He proposed that Welsh-speaking surveyors be appointed. The Rev. J. H. Rees (Burry Port): I should like to ask Colonel Morris what is the Welsh word for. "surveyor." ("Hear, hear," and loud laughter.) Colonel Morris looked nonplussed, but after a pause he remarked, "Hesurydd daearol." (Applause.) After further discussion, it was decided that a clause, "Welsh desirable," be inserted in the advertisements for the second surveyor. Mr W. B. Jones suggested that they give Mr. Mounsey the eastern division, and the suggestion was heartily approved.—Mr. Mounsey said he would not give a decision that day.

SHIPBUILDING CRISIS. 11 A further development in the shipbuilding dispute was announced at Newcastle on Wednesday, the Boilermakers' Society, which accepte-d the wages reduction, having taken umbrage at lock-out notices being posted, and refused to consider further the proposed agreement for avoiding disputes regulating wages, Ac., until those notices are withdrawn. A meeting snould have taken place at Edinburgh to-morrow (Friday), but it has now been abandoned.

I SOCIETY SUIT -a COUNTESS OF YARMOUTH I Obtains a Nullity of Marriage In the Divorce Division on Wednesday the President (Sir Gorell Barnes) had before him the petition of the Countess of Yarmouth, otherwise Thaw, for the nullity of marriage against her husband, the Earl of Yarmouth. The case was heard in camera and was practically undefended, lasting ozi,-Vl half an hour. A decree of nullity of marriage was granted. Mr. Rufus Isaacs, K.C., Mr. Barnard, K.C., a.nd Mr. J. Harvey Murphy appeared for the petitioner, and Mr. R. Newton Crac-e repre- sented the earl. The countess, fashionably attired in black, attended, but the earl was not present.

AERIAL WARSHIPS The Hon. C. S. Rolls took the chair on Wednesday night at the Society of Arts, Adel.phi, London, when Mr. Augnste E. Gaudron read a paper on war balloons. The Chairman said aeria.l navigation was commanding more attention as time went on among all sections of the people. The question of war balloons was one of con- isiderable importance in an international sense. Some years ago it was decided by an international convention that the die- charge of bombs or anything of the kind from balloons should be barred in civilised warfare. That, however, was a tentative measure, and was only for five years, the period expiring last year Though the British Government was in favour of leaving matters as they were, £ ranFe and Germany were against the pro- hibition, so that the Powers were now safe to aM this to their mea.ns of warfa-r?. In a European war they would see the war bal- loon adopted. France and Germany were now constructing these aerial warships, and it was necessary that England should not lose sight of that fact

THE LATE ALD. B. PHILLIPS At the meeting of the Monmouthshire County Council the Deputy-chairman (Mr. Thomas Dutfield, J.P.) referred in sym- pathetic terms to the recent death of Alder- man B. Phillips, the chairman of the coun- cil, and moved a vote of condolence, together with an expression of appreciation of his services to the county, he having been a member of the council from its commence- ment, in 1889. Viscount Tredegar, in seconding the vote said he felt the loss of their chairman in a personal sense, because he might call himself a Tredegar man and whenever lie went ther to do anything he always felt he could rely upon the late alderman's assistance and ready co-operation. He had intended bv asking a question of the chairman at tht present meeting to elicit his sympathy in a certain direction, and it was a great grief to him to know that his voice was hushed for ever. Aldermen Harris, Daniel, and Parry, and Councillors W. B. Harrison, A. Onions, and T. Price associated themselves with the vote which was adopted in the customary manner.

FREE TRADE SAUSAGES I The Duke of Portland, presiding at a meet- ing at Nottingham of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to .Animals, urged the necessity which existed in some mining districts for the more humane treatment of pit ponies. Although, from his position as lord-lieutenant, it might hardly be an example to be commended, he confessed that in regard to offenders he had often taken the law into his own hands and inflicted, with great pleasure, the same sort of punishment upon the culprit as he had cai-ight him deal ing out to the animal. His grace further urged that stepa should be taken foT putting a stop to the horrible trade in worn-out horses, which were, he observed, carried to the Continent for the purpose oftentimes of being converted into sausages and other articles of so-called food, to supply the wants of Free Trade England.

COAL CONTRACT DISPUTE I Before Mr. Justice Bigham in the Commer- cial Court on Wednesday the Isca Coal Com- pany, whose registered office is at Newport, brought an action against Mr. Thomas Dott, of London, in respect of an alleged failure on the part of the defendant to make good deliveries of coal. Mr. Bailhache was for plaintiffs and Mr. J. Matthews for the defen- dant. The question raised was whether the plaintiffs had sent sufficient trucks to receive the coal to which they were entitled under a contract with the defendant. Mr. Matthews said the whole question was as to who was to blame. Mr. Dott had written a letter which he claimed as a recis- sion of the contract. The hearing was adjourned.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE In the House of Lords -on Wednesday Earl CARRINGTON, replying to the Earl of Onslow, said a telegram had been received from Professor Dewar, of Edinburgh, report- ing suspected foot-and-mouth disease in a large herd of dairy cows at Georgie (Mid- lothian). An inspector had subsequently reported that 81 cows out of 111, the property of Mr. John Robertson, were infected with foot-and-mouth disease. The chief veterinary officer considered the existence of the disease must be regarded as established, but in view of the importance of the matter he had proceeded to Edinburgh, and would advise as to further proceedings. Every step was being taken to prevent the spread of this disease.

AGRICULTURAL SHOW LOSS I The annual meeting of the East Glamorgan Agricultural Society was held at the Park Hotel, Pontypridd, on Wednesday, Mr. Walter Davies, Cefn, presiding. The report of the executive showed that a loss of £50 odd was incurred on the Nelson Show Inst year. Councillor Ho wells (Caerphilly) thought the sulscriptions should be increased by about £100 before the society could become secure. 1 —The Secretary reported tha.t the society had a credit balance of £ 207 lis. gd.-It was resolved to hold the next show at Oac-philly Counoillor Joseph Howells was elected chairman of the committee.

A BARRY RELIEF FUND I The aippeal for subscriptions for the relief of the widows and families of the, two pilots, Hobbs and Holt, who were drowned bv a squall in Barry Roads in October, has resulted in £ 244 being raised. Grants have been made from this fund for the beneat of both fami- Ii?. a.nd a meeting of the local eommitt^ will be held an the 17th iMt„ to  how the remainder of the fund shall be a,pplied.

I THE REPORTED FIGHT IN MOROCCO. A rumour was current on the Paris Bourse and in the lobbies of the Chamber on Wed- nesday a.fternoon that another action had taken place in Morocco, a.nd that the French had had 163 killed and many wounded M. Pichon, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on hearing of the report denied it in the most positive manner. Latest telegrams received from General D'Amade refer exclusively to known details of the fight at Dar Ksibar.—Reuter.

I: I ? KILLED HIS WIFE. !? — j TWELVE YEARS FOR COLCHESTER I HORSEKEEPKR. At Chelmsford Assizes on Wednesdav Charles Garaham, a horseman, who was indicted for t,he murder of his wife t Lexden, near Colchester, was found g-uilty f manslaughter, and sentenced to twelve years' penal servitude

SANITARY INSTITUTE. I. The public meeting at Cardiff in connec- ion with the forthcoming congress of the Eloyal Sanitary Instit,ut-e will be held to-day Thursday) at the CTty-hall at 3.30 p.m.

CLARKE'S aleuse the blood I-om m tmpjf rtties from wb&tevor cause aria ing. A «a/e remedy for Eeiemv, nnn Bad Le?. Scrofu?. Bk? BLOOD Po?on. SOM6 of tU kia<i% BoHa Eruptions, Ulcori, aiaadulaj Swellinga, Ar, Of all itare*, ita, M I X T DRE. on" };W&.te

Blighted Affection GRANDMOTHER'S LOVE AFFAIR I Widower Seeks Damages In the King's Bench on Wednesday 3fr. Wal,ter Lazarus Phillips brought an action for a breach of promise of marriage against Mrs. Florrie Goodman, a widow lady of property. Counsel said the plaintiff was a widower, aged 60, of Kilburn, and the defendant had children and grandchildren. She resided at Maida Vale. Both parties were of the Hebrew race. The lady appeared to have made up her mind she would like to marry again, and she confided her wish to a gentlema.n friend, named Marks, who happened to be a friend also of plaintiff. Mr. Marks introduoed Mr. Phillips to the defenda.nt, and she said to the former, He'll do." Afterwards. Mrs. Goodman made inquiries as to the plaintiff's position, and when told he had children she said she would make him comfortable and settle her house upon him and £ 500 a year for life. Arrangements were made for the wedding, but there was great opposition to the marriage by the lnxly's friends and relatives, and at almost the last moment, when the preeents had been exchanged and all arrangements made, defendant broke off the engagement, and, continued counsel, added insult to injury by offering the plaintiff a cheque for .£2.5 as solatium. MARRYING FOR LOVE." Counsel for the defendant said the lady never absolutely refused to marry plaintiff, and that it was Phillips who refused to wait tii! the lady's health was restored. Plain- tiff, in cross-examination, denied this, and said the defendant refused to marry him. Asked if the engagement was the matter of money or love, the witness replied that it was love. In reply to further questions, the plaintiff said he instructed his solicitors to claim £ 5,000 damages in this action. Herman Marks, who introduced tparties t,o each oth.er, Sa4 to each other, said the lady told him her requirements, saying she did not care whether the main was rich or poor so long as he was respectable and religious. Counsel, in opening the defendant's case, said the action was a ridiculous one, and if tho jury gave plaintiff any damages at all the smallest coin of the realm—a, bronze farthing—was sufficient. Mrs. Goodman, who was attended by a nurse and walked feebly, then went into the witness-box. She had eight grandchildren. i t grau?dhildren. Witness denied ever promising to settle £ 500 a year on the plaintiff. She denied telling Marks that she wished to get married. What took place was this: Marks said, You are looking so nice. I wonder you don't get married again!" This wus about a year after her husband's death. She replied to Marks that she should not mind if she could get a nice, respect able, honourable ma.n. Witness denied refusing to marry plaintiff. Defendant was cross-examined, and the case was adiourmed

HOUSING PROBLEM Dr. Duncan, the medical officer, recom- mended to the health committee of the Merthyr Corporation on Wednesday that twenty houses at Merthyr and Dowlais be represented as unfit for human habitation. and recommended also that closing orders should be applied for in respect of 25 other houses previously condemned. The recommendations were adopted. Mr. F. T. James asked whether, when the council houses at Twynyrodin were ready for occupation, they could close Crystal Palace-court. Dr. Duncan said the people living in Crystal Palace-court could not afford to pay the rents for the houses at Twynyrodin. The rents they now paid were only 6e. to ôS. a month, and some of them were paupers. Mr. James: Do you suggest as a reason for not closing Crystal Palace-court that we cannot build houses cheap enough? Dr. Dunoan: I suggest that you should build smaller houses for people of this olass. Mr. James said the back houses at Twynyr- odin were about the smallest they could expect persons to live in, and he objected to any smaller being built. Central Isolation Hospital The committee decided to recommend the corporation to build but one additional pavilion at the central isolation hospital, although the county council had made it a. conditioQ that they would only pay half the e,F,ta.-blis,hmcnt charges of the institution sub- ject to two additional p-a\iIions L-emg put up within two years of the date of the hospital being opened.

RE-UNION OF THE 10th G.R,V. There is every prospect of the reunion and dinner of members of the old 10th Glamor- gan Rifle Volunteers (Cardiff), which is fixed for the 18th inet. at the Royal Hotel, proving a success. Up to date over 40 old membere have promised to attend, and others who have not. yet responded should lose no time in applying for tickets to Mr. Sam Hern, St. Mary-street, who is acting as secretary. The 10th. as its number implies, was one of the first corps formed in Glamorganshire in 1859. It consisted of two companies, and was always considered a "crack" corps. Those who joined had to pay in the early days a sub- stalntial subscription, in addition to pro- viding their own uniform. Some of the lead- ing young men of the town ranked no higher than full private," and the officers, from the late Lieutenant-colonel Martin down, were men of position. Many of those who joined in the early years of the corps are dead, but there must be many 10th men now living who would like to shake hands with their former comrades. Several years back the corps was amalgamated with the 16th. and both became the Cardiff detachment of the 3rd V.B. Welsh Regiment, by which the identity of the former was lost.

COMPETITIVE FESTIVAL I The annual competitive festival of the Car- diff and District Temperance and Band of Hope UnioB (Canton Auxiliary) took place on Wednesday evening in Hope Baptist Chapel. There was a far larger number of entries than ever before, and the work done was of a. much higher standard. The adjudications in the musical items were carried out by Miss Wakelin, E.A.M., in the recitations and essays by Mr. R. Edwards James, in the drilling by Mr. A. Ashton, and in the cookery by Messrs. Minifle and Barby. The Choir Shield was won by Cathedral-road Band of Hope for the second consecutive year, the Boys' Drill Shield by the Cowbridge-road United Method- ists, also for the second year, and the Girls' Drill Shield by the New Trinity Band of Hope. The prizes are to be distributed at Llandaff-road Baptist Church on Wednesday next. There was a la.rge and enthusiastic audience.

LATE COLONEL RODERICK The respect and esteem in which the late Lieutenant-colonel W. Buckley Roderick, V.D., was held were strikingly shown on Wednesday by the immense concourse that came together to pay a last tribute to nis memory The deceased s-entleman's interest had been aroused in so many different move- ments that he had come into close touch with every olass of the community, and all classes were represented at the funeral. As was :;e- fitting a Volunteer officer of euch distinc- tion. the late colonel was buried with full military honours. The grave was situate in a oorncr of the pretty churchyard of Felinfoel, quite close to where already lie the remains of his uncles, the late Mr. James Buckley, Bryncaerau, and the late Mr. W. J. Buckley. Penyfai.

A C.M, PRESIDENT The presidential chair of the National Federation of Free Churches for next year has been offered to the Rev. Evan Jones, Carnarvon, the well-known Calvinistic Methodist divine, and the rev. gentleman has accepted the office. Representatives of every important denomination of Nonconformity have already occupied the chair with the exception of the Corph. The rev. gentleman, who resigned the pastorate of Moriah. Car- narvon, recently, took part in the conference held at Cardiff in October last, when Mr. Lloyd George M.P., had to "face the music" of the Disestablishes.

PREMIER & SUFFRAGETTES The Coiuntess of Carlisle, president of the Women's Liberal Federation, has receivro am intimation from the Prime Minister that he is prepared to receive representatives of the executive ot that body, who desire to lay before him the resolutions dealing with the question of women's suffrage which were passed at the meeting of the federation on January 24.

SPARE WELL AND SPEND WELL." When you buy ENGLAND'S GLORY MATCHES you "spare" Time, Patience. and Money, and "spend" well bocause you get the Acme of Value. Every match Strikes, Light-s, and Burns perfectly. Made at "E/igLini'l Clary" Match Works, Gloucester. eC24ik4