Evening Express

MOTHER BLAMES NOVELS I A domestic servant, named Elizabeth Lewis, was charged before the Llandaff justices) on Monday wita attempting to commit suicide at her place of service, the Household dtoTes, M-erthyr-road, Whitchurch. Mrs. Norah Day, mistrees of the -defendant, said that on Monday, December 9, she heard an unusual noise upstairs. and on proceed- ing thither fou-nd Lizzie Lewis very ill. She asked defendant what she had taken, and she said, The tremble is between my step- Sather and myself." Dr. Wayne Morgan stated that be knew that she had taken iodine by the odour yf her breath. To comnteract the collapse he gave her an injection of strychnine, and also some oil and the white of an egg. The mother of defendant was asked by Colonel Wood if she had any suggestion to offer as to the cause of her daughter's foolish attempt on her life. The Mother: Beading of novels, air. I believe that ia the cause. The defendant, who was stricken with grief in court, consented to return to her mother, and was bound orar in her own recogni- sances.

A GAMING MACHINE I I winiame 00anom 1-dqord <? the General j Pict-on Inn, Caedraw, was sanrmcmed at Merthyr on Monday for aJ?w?n? g-ng to ta?e pi&ce m his 1ieensed premlØŒ. Mr. F. P. 0'hrls defended.—Poiice-iasFsctoT Thomas stated that he saw a man playing with an automatic maciiine. A marble "was picked up by a spring, and in a certain event the per- son working tne machine would got a ticked, entitling him to a cagaT. Tie defendant told him (the inspector) that the agent had given him a printed notice declaring that the machine was a legal -i nstrmaent, and that it had been so decided by the Lord Chief Justice. Mr. Charles admitted that a techmcal offence had been committed, and with refer- ence to the notice, said that so far from the machine having been held to be legal, the Lord Chief Justice had decided in express t-ernirs that it was illegal. The Bench, believing that the d-efemdant had acted under an honest misconception, daeaxiifised the oase upon paymeiQt of casts.

MARRIED WOMEN TEACHERS I At the meeting cf the managers of the Ehymney VaJley Group of Schools held at I Ebynmey on Monday, presidoo over by Mr. John Edwards, C.C., the county elementary education committee notified that at their last meeting a reeokrtion was paw-ed that the gTOJp managers be informed thai the committee would not sanction any future appointment of married women as teachers in the schools in the grotrpu Sepl.-ing to a manager, the Clerk (Mr. Baancey) stat-ed that there were upwards of tweniy married female teachers in that group, some of whom occupied headships. }fr. D. W. Price pointed out that aa managers they should place a certain amount of appreciation upon the services which some of theee tciaahe,s had given for snob. a long period. The Chairman said th-at the county authority luad taken up the subject in earnest, and they could not heip them- selves.

FLOATING COFFINS I The lack of burial-ground mmodatiót1, 1 to tvhicii attention was recenftly called in our columns, formed the subject of a. discussion at (4,&-L- gaer Parish Ocwmcri meeting on Mon- day, heid at Ilengoed, Mr. Sydney Joaiee in the chair. It was decided that t.he burial committee should inspect sites at Nant wen, Xantyfedw, and Lower Graig1-Fargoed. Mr. T. J. Wiiliams (Bedliinog) held that Graig-Parg-oed was not only costly (1150 an acre), but that coffins literally Seated on the wa-ter there. It was decided to secure evidence to test an alleged right-of-way btooked by the Rhymney I Baiiway Company. As to the petition to Par- lia.ment by the same company to extend the time of the purchase of land, the oooiacai I decided to hold a ueotrai position. I An ap?riioation for a pernxaoent jtasiBtatit by the clerk was deferred to the next meeting.

ENGINE IN THE RIVER I The small locomotive engine Progress, utilised at the Prinoe of Wales Colliery, Aoercarn, for the hauling of trucks, ran wild for a. distance of a quarter of a mile on Monday. and overturned into the Biver iJbbw, near the Spiteful. The driver, James Turner, failed to get the regulator to act. and, finding he could not stop her, he jumped off. Turner, who is suffering from tho shock, stays that there must hare been something wrong with the regulator valve.

A SORRY CALF I The maoieter had been giving the eiaes a leeeoo on the Prodigal Som. At the finish, to teet wilat attention had been pead to hits teaching, he aafaorf: -Who was aocry that the Prodigal SIoo had retornad?" Tbe most f#wmui yoiuisater m the clea9 h^eatisieBElfiy-aBBweirwi. 'Tlue fattiodi qbX.

the Man in the Street c-onie  ? I h. ave h, ad a suspicion for some nme tb?t report errs are partly responsible for the scenes that occur in council chambers. The -keen knight of the pencil never inksei one, if possible, and there must be a big run of sensations if his paper cannot find rcom for a paragraph like 'thi-, The Mayor, having seized the senior akierman's best, top-hat and crammed it over the head and ears of its owner, Councillor RatDer charged at his worship from behind, and a serious calamity was averted by Councillor Mug- wump collaring his colleague low down. Meanwhile, confusion was QOnfounded by the hot-headed enterprise of Alderman Collywobbles, who insisted upon dancing a breakdown double shuffle on the flowered silk vest of Councillor T'batisail- boah, with the said councillor in the gar- ment referred to. Above the din was heard the stentorian voice of Councillor Bunkum shouting that, in the interests of the ratepayers he must insist on describing his colleagues as a reokless, extravagant, good-for-nothing set of ruiffans. The police were then sent for, and, when the macebearer had collected the pieces, it was found that Alderman Capiuhand had nothing but his braces and the article of attiTe which clung to them left from the fray. He went home in an attendant's uniform. Our snap- ahotter caught him leaving the Pig and Whistle, and the photograph will be pub-I lished in our next issu6. This pTctLtre may be a trifle overdrawn. But it is apparent to tlhe dullest that when a dignified representative of the free and independent electors wants to remind his constituents of his existence a.nd to obtain a form of cheap glory he has merely to create a eoene in the council chamber, and there he is: the hero of headlines and the talk of babblers at street corner-s. There appears to be an outbreak of "councillors' measles" going through the country, and it seems to be worked at its height by a remairk- able, and sometimes eloquent, flow of rough- and-ready adjectives, sometimes poisoned with sarcasm, but more often blunted with the questionable effect of choice wctda not always found in Webster or Johnson. The epidemic began at Aberystwyth, and it has appa- rantly spread southwards, until sober, dignified Cardiff has been caught in the avalanche of rushing, roaring, almost ungovernable fury of this wordy warfare. In this contest noise takes, but honours go with the most descriptive and original, not to say vulgar, adjectives. Not thatfc the city fathers aiways wait for full-dress debate under the dome of council chamber inspiration. The com- mittee room is often good enough for the purpose. The other day a councillor asked, "What are we, are we rats?" and across the table came the picturesque I reply, MugwumpsA hurried exit during debate, with scenic effects, has! become somewhat a favourite move of! late, and added lustre is obtained by a judicious flow of language, sometimes heightened by taking some other coun- cillor's hat and slamming the door noisily. With pressmen in the stalls the strategy is successful, and the public looks on— and does not always admire. Yesterday's meeting of the Cardiff Parliamentary Committee was oompara/tively mild, and the only theatrical term used was a revival of "mugwumps." So it is possible the fever has passed its worth. Anyhow, it is to be hoped that it will not prevent Cardiff having its deveiopmeut com- mittee. for the city has a long,'way to go before it oeases to grow in commercial fame and as a centre of learning and beauty. "Give me pigs and manure" might have been good enough as the farmers^ motto in "the good old days," as Principal Griffiths remarked yesterday at Cardiff's meeting. But since then a few things have happened. Mr. Robert Forrest, the I chainnan of the County Agricultural Committee, reminded the same gathering thaJt the nature of competition has widened, and the old limitation to the British Isles has been changed to embrace the entire world. The borne farmer has to meet with his few acres of heavily- rented and rated land the stretching miles of virgin soil in the new world, and the shiploads of grain that are brought from over the sea make it imperative that- British corn must at least uphold its quality if it is beaten in quantity by the invaders. The Glamorgan County Council is doing its best to encourage scientific farming. Nowadays one cannot know too much not even of agriculture. The farmer loses nothing by tbo-fact that he has learned to separate weeds from grasses, and to test his purchased chemical m-anure, which may be worth its weight in gold to him, or nothing. On the principle that union is strength, it is not at all a bad idea that Mon- mouthshire should join hands with Gla- morgan in this important work. It has been done with regard to the mining classes, and I believe the suggestion has only to be properly put in the right quarter to be executed. Farming is not the played-out industry some would have us believe, and I trust the two counties will oventually see the wisdom of uniting forces in the furtherance of agricultural j pursuits. There is no longer any necessity for young men and women to sail for Canada, New Zealand, and other parts of the world. They are wanted more badly in I Cardiganshire, where the county expert attributes the low birth-rate to a deficiency of marriageable persons. The birth-rate is only 19.6, compared with 27 per thousand of the population for the rest of England and Wales. It appears that there are very few women in Cardi- ganshire between fifteen and forty-five, which. Dr. Evan Evans looks upon as the marriageable age. If this inform ait-ion is spread broadcast throughout the land the deficiency should soon be made good. Girls are everywhere bemoaning their matrimonial chances by reason of the numerical preponderance of their sex, and m their desperation are becoming booking-cleTks 001 the railways, and annexing men's positions in almost every walk of life. Here, it would seem, is an exceptional chanoa to bring about a change for the benefit of their race. By migrating to Cardiganshire they should have a more than ordinary opportunity of naetAmorpboeing from the wallflowers of bceineas life into proud mothers of future generations. A stumbiing-block is the comparative deficiency of marriageable males, but this is not so serious as the want of women, and maidens in search of husbands might go further And fare wat»e-44wa.. jaaxsngratg to Csj^eanehire.

THE DRUCE GRAVE -0 I MAY BE OPENED. Case for the Defence.. COUNSELS SCATHING SPEECH The customary fashionable crowd of ladies was present <m Monday at Clerkenwcll Police- court, when Mr. Plowden resumed the hear- ing of the ease in which Herbert Druoe wae ¡ charged with perjury, at the ineUmce of his nephew, George Hollmby Druce. The case for the prosecution was finished on Friday. Upon Mr. Piowden taking his scat, he said: Before this case is proceeded with I wish Mr. Atheriey Jones (counsel for the prosecu- tion) to draw your attention to a very important statemcut whioh fell from you on Friday evening when you intimated that after full consideration you had decided not to rely upon the evidence of the witness Cald- well. I do not, of' course, wish to question for a moment your discretion to call or discard any evidence that you think proper, but I have been thinking over what you said, and I am anxious that no possible miscon- ception should exist as to the full meaning and significance of the step which you decided to take. What I wish to gather from you now is this. Am I to take it that you wipe oat, so to speak, from the deposi- tions everythmg that the witne% Caldwell has 8Worn, or that you sMil wieh to retain certain portions of that evidence? Mr. Atherley Jones, K.C.: What I desire to say is that in my opinion it would h«tv.i been utterly improper on my part to make any reservation as to the evidenoe. As 1 said before, it is not realiy for me to say whether Mr. Caldwell may be able to estab- lish himself, but, in my judgment, he is dis- credited, and being discredited in a portion of his evidence, he is discredited in the whole of it. It i6, therefore, without any reservation. For the purposes of your deci- sion, if I may respectfully say so, I desire to state that this evidence should be oolite- rated. Glorious Stories Shattered Mr. Plowden: Having given me that frank and unmistakable answer, I should like to indicate what is in my mind. You see the evidenoe of CaAdweil travelled over a wide field. Questions were put to him as to his life in Boglaad, in New Zealand, and in the United States. What I want to know from you ia whether, when a. witness is detected in a lie in one portion of his story, he is to be disbelieved in all the other parts. All the evidence of Caldwell that is strictly relevant to this case may be said to be confided within the year 1864 and two monthe in 1865—thai ia to say, when he got into contact with the Duke of l-ortland, and when he arranged the mock funeral. The comment I have to make is this, that so far as the mock funeral is ooncerned, with the brilliant embellish- ments given, am I to take it that the story of the mcok funeral is false? Mr. Atheriey Jones: My answer is that you cannot separate his evidence. His story of the mock funeral cannot be accepted. Of t coarse, in saying that any part of Mr. Cald- well's st-ory is false. What I wish to say is that his evidence about being one and the same person as his brother, and the birth and death of his child at Londonderry were matters upon which explanation should have been given. That story, in the absence of explanation, taints Caldwell's evidence. I cannot make reservations and exceptions and i say that he was untrue upon thoee matters and yet was truthful as to the rest. That being so, I abandon his evidenoe altogether. V ery well. Mr. Plowden: Very well. Dilemma for Mr Jones Mr. Atherley Jooee: These suggestions as to what happened in Ireland were put in cross-examination. No evidence had been. given upon them, but the ouggegtiow them- selves were pregnant. I came to the conclusion that Caldwell ought to have brought forward evidence, in order to establish what he stated had occurred in Ireland as to the burial of his child and so forth. His having tailed to do so, perhaps owing to drcumatanoes over whioh he had no control, utterly preoluded, me from treating him as a witness of truth. I That was the point I took up. though, of course, it would be highly improper for me to say that Mr. Caldwell hae committed per- jury. That is a question which obviously must remain to be dealt with elsewhere. All I say is I consider that so much suspicion hat; been thrown upon his evidence that I abandon it as conned for the prosecution, and I ask you to treat it as if it never existed. Mr. Plowden: Of course, either I must believe Caldwell's story of the mocli: funeral or I must not. Mr. Atheriey Jones: If the mock funeraJ rested upon his evidence I would agree. I do not aek you to believe it so far as Caldwell is concerned. Mr. Plowden: TTien if I am not to believe his story of the mock funeral, why am I to believe Mrs. Hamilton's vivid description of such a funeral? Mrs. Hamilton, you see, cor- roborated Caldwell, and if Caldwell is not to be believed what is the good of t.ion? Mr. Atherley Jones: I would ask you to treat it entirely separately. Mr. Plowden: But she deposes to Caldwell curing the duke's nose. What becomes of the credibility of Mrs. Hamilton if that state- ment is not true? Mr. At.herley Jones: It is perfectly true that the evidence of Mrs. Hamilton in that respect does in a sense corroborate the evide of CaJdwell. All I <?° say, h?- J °?"? rely upon his evide?e. Of ZZf n*. the *««*«» of Marks aJao goes so mediate '? was a ? funemi at some date.  t PI°^ 1 am doing is pointing oiu^StovrvtoX 1ss* -? prw,,nt evS^S Sf Jon€8: 1 vo* what-  (  ?'?? I do not think   t  Po?on may be, th ?t it is riaht S! ff°: ? ? '??? ? evidence ?e a veracious WI tneæ. Caldwell is a Perjurer 0^ ^0^- K C then opened the oaee for the defenœ. H said: We have at length to the end of a ma^ of contra dSictaoonnss and H inconsistencies, which has been euphem?cajiy described as the ? f?r ?° prosecution, and having regard particnlarlv to the events of the last few days, I S tod it difficult to "*™* my indignati<m ,,t the S the prosecution in this case It is difflowt at any time to t?emy leaned iriena (Mr. Atherley Jonce) aeriouslv (Laughter.) I doubt if he takes himself -riously. (More laughter.) If he did l^n- not beheve th?t t? prœecution w, Id ever   beyond ? termal naU,tion of   ? ?- Robert Caldwell.   tt  ? ? &r £ sj  for the Proaecoti?B. my I -ed  threw Robert OaJd?II over-  ?'.witastMding th.at be has thj?wn -erb-d this wit?, he atUI persists in this prosecution, and in ?ki? your??hS seriously to?t??in lbJa ch?r? °< perjury SS 7^' th Her^rt Druce. Eobert I UaJdweu is the chief w-ttn?s in this i case, the man who was put forward in the information upon which the summons was granted and the proceedings instituted. You sir, alone can tell, but I cannot believe that the summons would ever have been granted but for the evidence which was prominently put forward of Robert Caldwell. At any rate, the evidence of Mr. Caldwell was one of the crucial facts of the case which had made it neoessary for Mr. Herbert Druce to a.nswer a charge of perjury. The crucial fact was that he himself had carried out under the Druce directors this mook funeral, that he with his own hands put into the coffin the lead which was to aimulate a hn TTiAn body and, consequently, that it could not have been true what. Mr. Herbert Druce had sworn as to the funeral. Aa a matter of fact, now my learned friend has to admit, as every fair-minded man must see, that Caldwell is a perjurer him- self, and that all the story told by him about the mock funeral and the lead in the coffin is a wicked invention. Yet in face cf that admission, my learned friend still a,sm you seriously to entertain a prosecution for perjury against Herbert Druce, when tie chief witness, who was to prove the case against him, is thus discredited. Bad for Druce Company Shareholders I This wanton prosecution of Mr. Druce is nothing but a desperate move in I the gazoo which those who are respon- sible for this Aroaeoution are play- in? in bringing forward the ridiculous claim to the title and estates of the Duke of Portland. If I did not appreciate that I should have been content to have "a b- mitted that it would be an insult to the jury to suppose for a moment that they would convict Mr. Herbert Druce of perjury upon such evidence, but, having regard to the surrounding circumstances of this case, we intend, unless you indicate at the close of my observations, that you have heard enough to take a different course, to taice the opportunity 0 f demo net-rat- ing once and. for all the utter falsehood of this fiction. a fiction put forward in the year 1898 by the woman named Aorta Maria Druce, who has gooe where she ought probably long ago to have been. namely, to a kmatic asylum, a fiction which from that time has been fostered by a oor- tain section, of the press, who wanted sensa- tional copy; a fiction which has now, I do I not hesitate to say, developed into a ¡ fraudulent conspiracy to swindle the public, or. rather, that foolish section Of the mtdic wUio mad? to believe anything they sea in print, especially when it is illustrated by pictures—(laughter) —which are falsely and libellously described as authentic portraits of the late Duke of Portland. (More laaigliter.) We hope in taking this step we shall once and for all expose these fictions in regard to the Druce companies which have been formed. Every ooe of the promoters, and, in my opinion. everyone of the subscribers to these com- panies is at this moment liable to be put into a criminal dock and charged with the offence. of "champerty and maintenance." It may be that the promoters of these companies and the promoters of this prosecution may even- tually find themselves charged with the canepdracy which undoubtedly underlies the proceedings in this caae—a conspiracy of preferring a false claim to these estates, a. conspiracy to prefer a faJse charge against Mr. Herbert Druce, a.nd a conspiracy to swindle the public which has subscribed to the sharee of these companies. The descrip- tion which I would give of Caldwell ia that he is the most noxious perjurer that ever, polluted the foundations of justice. A Load Off His Chest Llr. Piowdan: That must relieve your mind, ilr. Avory. (Laughter.) Mr. Avory said the object of the prosecu- tion was mafely to t call some evidence to justify in soile way this ridiculous claim to the estates, and the witnesses seemed to be utterly regardless and reckless of what that evidence was. Did anyone, for instance, j believe the ridiculous story about the revered Charles Dickens that he made him- self a party to some miserable intrigue? The eiory bore the impress of untruthfulness on its face. Learned counsel then went on to des- cribe Miss Robinson as a dishonest wit- new, and, in regard to her diary, asked whether anybody believed now that a genuine document had existed. The insult- ing suggestion had been made by the soli- citors on the other side that the agents of Lord Howard de WaJden were responsible for the theft of the diary. He believed that the Whole story about the diary was that it was a. foul conspiracy to P-,t forward a concocted document which would not bear inspection, under the belief, arising from an imperfect knowledge of the law, that a copy would be admissible in evi- dence, so that they micht have the benefit of this story about the diary being stolen, and at the same time be able to get the benefit of its contents by producing a copy. The Plot about the diary fortunately failed. Commenting on the evidenoe of Mrs. Hamil- ton. counsel said that since she ga-ve evidence in the High Court she had. either of her cwn initiative or under the guidance of others, touched up, altered, and embellished her en dance in order to suit the altered circum- stances of the case. If she had done it of her own motive she was a crafty, cunning, and deceitful old woman. If she had done it at tho instigation of other people, then they ought to bo ashamed of themselves for taking advantage of her old age. He believed that ahe had invented the story about the dulse's bulbous nose. It was a wicked invention by a wicked old woman. Counsel Have a Spat Mr. Avory was going into detail criticising other parts of the ('a.;e, when he was inter- rupted by Mr. Atheriey Jones, who stated that Mr. Avory was making reflections upon his conduct of the case. Mr. Plowden remarked that he did not think they need indulge in recriminations. Mr. Atheriey Jones: Mr. Avory knows that his observations are a gross imperti- nance, worthy only of the worst traditions of the Old Bailey. (Laughter and some applause.) Mr. Plowden: I think this has gone far enough. Mr. Avory: It is a grea;t pity that my friend should seek to get this cheap applause from the back of the court, where, no doubt, are some of the shareholders in the Druce companies. Mr. Atherley Jones: What I particularly refer to is the remark of my learned friend in saying that he could not treat me seriously either in this case or in any other way. That is not the way in which members of the Bar are accustomed to speak of one another. Mr. Plowden: Well, Mr. Jones, that in itself does not seem to me to go beyond the amenities of courts of juEWee, such ae I recol- lect them. (Laughter.) The incident then clOOK &nd Mr. Avory proceeded to continue his address for the I defence. Will Open the Druce Grave Mr. Avory said an aspect of the case which appealed to the lay mind was the opening of the grave at High gate. Mr. Herbert Druce had taken the attitude that he would not bi a party to any desecration of his father's grave, but had been advised that if it became necessary in the interests of justice that the grave should be opened he must sub- ordinate his personal scruples, and he had willingly agreed to that course. Continuing, he said it was a matter of public knowledge that Robert Caldwell had fled from the coun- try to avoid, if possible, the fate which he knew he so riohly deserved. But, as he had said before, if the interests of justice required to demonstrate the falsehoods which Robert Oaldwell had told the court, Mr. Herbert Druce was perfectly willing to have the grave opened and once and for all get rid of the story for which apparently alone Robert Caldwell was responsible. Counsel went on to submit that on consideration of the evi- dence which was before his worship there was no fit case here for a jury. If the magis- trate thought it required prima facie evidence on their side, they were prepared to go on with such evidence as, fortunately, was still alive. He would also ask that the evidence given by those who were dead should be read. Another Legal Bickering Mr. Atherley Jones, having submitted tha.t there was abundant evidence on which to send the case to a jury, said: I was sur- prised to hear Mr. Avory prejudge as he did in dasca-ibing Mr. Caldwell as a fugitive from justice, as I understand that he may fall into other hands when he arrives in New York. Mr. Avory (interposing): Is that where he is going? (A laugh.) Mr. Jones: .Really, this is another instance of Mr. Avory's attitude to me during this case. Proceeding, Mr Jones denied that anything which had been said during the case in any way reflected unpleasantly on the conduct of the late Mr. Charles Dickerus. He did not impute motives to Mr. Herbert Druce. If the grave were opened the case might be solved—at any rate, partially solved. Grave Ought to be Opened Mr. Plowden: Are you prepared to abide by the result if the grave be opened? Mr. Jones replied that he was there as representing the Orown, and he did not think it would be proper upon his part to eay that the ends of justice should not be pursued independently of the fact of whether Mr. Druce consented to have the grave opened or not. If the grave were opened, however, perhaps the magistrate would have no difficulty in coming to a conclusion. Mr. Flowden: I do not hesitate to say that I think it would be a very desirable step to j atake in the interests of justice if the grave were opened, and I do not think any reason- able person would think of imputing deseera- tion to Mr. Herbert Drtic-e in ha,ving the gra.ve opened under the circumstances. Mr. Jones, continuing, said the story which had been told to the court was either down- right perjury or hallucination, from which no less than a dozen persons suffered. It oould not be got rid of by saying it was a mistake. The Defence At the conclusion of Mr- Jones's address Mr. Plowden said: "I am prepared to hear your witnesses, Mr. Avory-" Catherine Baley, lodging at St. John's Wood, who gave her age as nearly 77, was then examined by Mr. Avory. She said she was a nurss at the residence of the late Mr. T. C. Druce. Witness was there a good many years. Whilst she was there Mr. Druce had a serious amd painful illness, and was in bed for something' like three weeks. He was attended by a, Dr. Shaw. He was ope.rated upon by SiT William Ferguson ten dtuys before his death, and witness was holding hie band at the moment he died. The demise took place on December 28, 1864. She remenib-er-ed that one of the nurses con- tracted blood poisoning by attending Mr. Druoe, and died as the result. She believed Mr. Druce wias "seventy something" when he died. Witness described the symptoms of the deceased, and stated that she saw the body put into a shell, then into a leaden coffin, and fastened up, and the whole enclosed in an oak ooffin. She saw the coffin taken out of the drawing-room a.nd placed i'n the hearse Per burial. The funeral took place at High gate. Subsequently Walter Druce, a son, died, and was buried in the same grave. Witness then saw the ooffin of Mr. T. C. Druce, with an inscription on the plate. Some years later Mrs. Druce, the wife, died, and the body was placed in the same grave at Higihgate- She had known Mr. Druce for ten years or more. He always wore a beard. Witness gave evidence six years ago in connection with the case. She then stated what she had now said, adding Of course, I could Ray nothing else, as there is nothing but the truth to tell." The testimony of dead persons who had given evidence at previous triale was read over, and the inqniry was adjourned until Friday.

THE CHRISTIAN I In view of the discussion in the press i recently with regard to the character of "Glory Quayle," the heroine of that extremely popular play, "The Christian," the "Grand Maga-zine" has arranged to poibiaEjh. the play, connsoeoeiBff with the January iesue.

I "Enticing Him Off" WHITCHURCH WTFUS ALLEGATIONS Before the Lland-aff magistrates on Monday Mary Oldfiold, a married woman, of Tyn-y. Pwll-road, Whitchurch, was summoned for wounding Louisa Williams, a Cardiff cook, on Sunday night. Complainant stated that Oldfield met her at Whitchurch last night, and struck her a violent blow in the face from behind with something hard. Witness went to Dr. Way-no Morgan's surgery, where she was attended by his assistant. On Monday morning her head w-w very giddy and she felt ill. Mrs. Oldfield asked the complainant what she was doing in Tyn-y-pwll-road on Sunday nigtht, and Miss Williams replied that she was going to defendant's house for a picture that belonged to her. Defendant: Why did you loiter in Tyn-y- pwll-road? Why didn't you come straight to the house? Miss Williams: Because you bave sent me letters threatening to murder me. Why did you send a letter to my husband to meet you a fortnight ago? The Clerk (to complainant): Did you write to her husband? Miss Williams: Yes, sir, I did, just because I wanted to explain what his wife had written to me. and that I was walking about in fear of her, and that I wsanted to get this picture from her. Defendant: Gentlemen, this woman has ruined my home. Defendant admitted thrashing Miss. Wil- liams with her umbrella. She did this because she had caused a lot of unpleasant- ness between her and her husband. She had kept the complainant for nine months, and witness subsequently learnt that she had been walking about with her husband and "enticing him off," as the bench could see by the letter she wrote him a fortnight ago. The Magistrates said they could not go into that matter They reduced the charge to common assault, and fined the defendant 20s. and costs, or fourteen days.

CATTLE-DRIVING, I MARTYRS' ORJOWNS FOR EIGHT I ATHLON E FARMERS. At Athlone on Monday eight farmers were charged with driving by violence 26 cattle and 51 sheep. Defendants drove the cattle two miles, did them no injury, and handed them over to the owners, who put them baok later in the day. Defendants sa-id they would sooner go to penal servitude than give bail, and were sent to prison for two months.

RECENT WILLS. I 1. MR. T. W. JOTHAM, BATHEASTON. I Mr. Thomas William Jctham, of Denewood I Grange, Batih eastern, Somerset, director of Messrs. Jothain and Sons (Limited), Cardiff,' wfco died on September 22, atged 64 years left estate of the gross value of £ 11,068, with net personally £ 7,125, and probate of his will, dated October 28, 1903. has been granted i to Miss Elizabeth Frances Davis, of Dene- wood Grange, and Mr. William Jones, of Cardiff, solicitor. The testator Wt 50 shares in Messrs. Jotham and Sons (Limited) to his nephew Henry Bstabolo-, and he left the residue of his estate to his nieces, Elizabeth Frances Davis and Alice Margaret Saamders, in equal shares. MR. DAVID THOMAS, YNTSHTE. I The late Mr. David Thomas, mining engi- neer, of 9, Glen-terrace, Ynyshir, who dded on November 7. left an estate the gross vajue I of whibh was proved on December 12 to be £1,045 14s. 9d., with net personalty JB753 15s. 9d. Testaitor apipointed his eon-in-law, Thomas Davies, with tis wife, Mary Amp Davi-eE—daughter of deceased—as his execu- tors, but Thomas Davies having renounced probate, the Rev. Methuselah Jones was, by a codicil, appointed in his place. Tie testa- tor gives £300 to hiB daughter, Mary Ann Davies, with his household furniture, Ac., and to the widow of his deceased son David he leaves 1150. Then follows a number of email legacies to members of his family, &c The I residue of the estate goes to iias daughter, Mary Aim Davies.

ANOTHER PINNACE SINKS. I ALSO IN SHEEIRNBSS HARBOUR, I BUT NOBODY DROWNS. The steam pinnace of the battleship Mag- nificent sank in Sheerness Harbour on Mon- day, after sustaining damage in a collision with the steam pinnace of the cruiser Box- burgh. Happily, no lives were lost, the Rox- burgh's boat taking off the men from the Magnificent's pinnace before she foundered. A dense fog prevailed at the time of the accident, and the boats were not visible to each other until too late. It will be remembered that eight men were lost by the swamping of the pinnace of the destroyer Speedwell at Sheerness on Satur- day.

REINDEER FOR LABRADOR Center's Agency is informed that the steamer which left Tromsoe, Norway, on Saturday with 300 reindeer, which are being introduced into Labrador, is the Anita. The herd was aocompaned by four lAi;vland families, who have been specially engaged by the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen to teach settlers how to train ajid raise reindeer. The experiment of importing reindeer into Labrador is being made m connection with Dr. Gremfell's mission work, and is regaided as a very important one, as, if successful, it will be the means of very gtoatlyiniproving the conditions of life im that region.

CYLLA VALLEY SINKING S Mr. W. B. Lloyd. who formerly carried out sinking operations for the Rhymney Iron Company jut Pauigam, at the "twin" pits near Bargoed, and also for the Tredegar Iron Company, on Monday took over the sinking contract at the Cylla Valley Pits. The famous Brithdir House Goal Seam has been struck. The retiring contractors are still engaged a.t the Oakdale sinkings. No. 1 Pit has already been sunk to a depth of 360 yards, and No. 2 shaft to 145 yards, this being accomplished in about sixteen months.

OBITUARY. I MR. STEPHEN THOMAS, SWANSEA. 1 The death took place very suddeifly at I Westcroes-road, Swansea, of Mr. Stephen | Thomas, at the age of 71. Mr. Thomas was formerly manager of Messrs. Lambert's Works at Swansea, and had taken am impor- tant, part in the work of the board of gusr- I dians and assessment committee for many ) yeare. MR. DAVID ILLIAMfi, BTJERY PORT I The death of Mr. David Williams, Achddu Villa, Burry Port, has takon place at the age of 80. The deceased gentleman was one of the first members of the Pembrey School Board, and was a member for sixteen years. He was the vice-chairman, for three years. He took great interest in public affairs, and was a prominent member of various local committees. He was the oldest deacon of Zion Welsh Congregational Chapel, Barry Port. =====

FORTUNE FROM BLACKING I Three northern hospitals and dispensaries share L3,000 under the will of Mr. Thomas Berry, of Dunham Maesey, a Macting manu- i facturer, who has left an estate val-ued at £ 350,737. His brother, who died some ten years ago, left nearly a quarter of a million.

NOTHING LEFT I Lady (at railway station, to porter): Now, porter, are you sure I have all my luggage in the carriage? Porter: Yes, -ma'am. Lady: Nothing left behind? Porter: Nothin', not even a copper, ma'am.

CONCERT AT DEWI SANT SCHOOL. With the object of raising funds for the church, a well-ixatronteed concert was held in the school-room of Dewi Bant Church, Howard-gardens, Cardiff, on Monday even- ing The event of the evening was a oomedy- drama, in four acts, entitled, Worth a Struggle," performed by the members of the Church Dramatic Society. Each of the five ger-tlomen and four ladies in the caat dis- played much ability, and the piece wag a decided success. Musical items were given by Mias Eilir Evans, Miss Gladys Naish. Mios Louie Marks, and Messrs. Sid Evans and Fred Biverg.

CLARKE'S BLOOD I MIXTURE. TM8 ffcAooa aacaiclM wfll domes the blood from ail Impa- rities from whatever ejuw arw- lag. A sale mcedy Jot Bad L-g-, Scrofula, Blood Poison, Sores of aJ.1 kinds. Bolis, Eruptions, Ulcora, Qliodalai Sw«Un«», &o. ot au oorm- ai B?w«r«

(Woman's Strange Story I I OHtOSDFORMED AND BOUND AT POWTNEWYDD I Some sensation vras caosed in the village of Pontmewydd on Monday by a report which gained currency that a woman had been moleeted whilst in bed, and that her house lhad been ransacked. Prom inquiries it appears that allegations are made by Mrs. Ambrose Jordasi, the wife of am employe at the Cwmbran Colliery, that after her hus- band had gone to work she was awakened by hearing someone in the bouse, and imme- diately afterwards saw a flash of light in her room. Someone then entered, seized her by the throat, and chloroformed her, throw- ing the bed-clothes over her head. She lost consciousness, and afterwards found that one of her hands had been tied to the bed-post with her stocking, Having freed her band, she found that her feet were also tied. Her screams then attracted her mother-in-law, from the next house. Upon searching the place they found that £9 2s. had bean taken from a chest of drawers in another room. Nothing has been heard of the intruder, and no arrest hae yet been made.

LEGISLATORS FIGHT A scandalous scene oocurred in the I Austrian Beichstag ou Monday. During the course of an uproar, which was caused by the delivery of a violent obstructionist speech by a member of the Buthenian party, a Buthenian deputy named Barczynski wrenched the lid from his writing I desk and threw it with great force at the President. The lid missed its ma.rk, but struck a deputy named Benkovic so violently on the side of the head that he was knocked down, a.nd had to be carried out of the House in an unconscious state. A free fight between Baczyneki and several members of the Christian Socialist party ensued, and ultimately the sitting broke up in the wildest disorder. Heir Benkovic did not recover conscious- ness until some time afterwards. It is stated that as a result of the incident Herr Baczyn- ski will resign his seat.—Central News.

JACK'S CHRISTMAS AT HOME I Nearly 100,000 Navy Men Ashore I A Portland corrcgpond?mt stekw that some 60,000 or 00,000 men of the Navy will be able to spend their Christmas leave at home this year—an umprecedented number. Accord- ingly, all the naval ports will be eo crowded by all the fleets being a.t home that it will be impossible to accommodate the ships of the Channel Fleet, which, therefore, will remain at Portland, their heanquarters. and from which they get their usual leave. This is the first time for some years that the Channel Fleet has been at .ùme at Christ- mas.

JAPANESE IN MANCHURIA I On accooint of the indefinite protraction of negotiations between China and Japan for the regulation of telegraphs in South Manchuria, where the Japanese have estab- lished and are working a large number of telegraph stations without reference to the rights of China, the Russian Government has informed the Chinese Government that it, must abrogate its own agreement with the latter relative to telegraphs in North Manchuna unless the Japanese negotiations are concluded in reasonable time. The conduct of the Japanese in Southern Manchuria is the subject of much adverse criticism m Pe-king.-ReutAw.

BURGLARY IN PALL MALL I A daring burglary is reported from the West End, the premises of Messrs B. II. Halford and Sons, jewellers, of Pall Mall, having been entered. When the shop was opened on Monday it was discovered that an entrance had been effected by drilling a hole in one of the door panels. A large quantity of valuable goods have been carried off. The stock is being sub- jected to a careful examination, but it is believed that the value of the massing goods amounts to considerably over LZIOOO. The polioe were at once informed, but up to the present no arrest has been made.

I HOOTED AND STONED Stoneii were thrown at the police at 0..1- cutta on Monday night at the conclusion of a political meeting. When the polloe were returning to quarters they were again pelted, and the mob followed them, taunting them with cowardice. It is feared that unless severe means of dispersing disorderly crowds pre employed it will be difficult for the European police- officers to maintain order.—Reuter.

FOUR NEW CARDINALS, The Pope on Monday held a secret Consis- tory in (J.e Vatican, and created four new caniinals, viz., Mgr. Pietro Gasparri, Secre- tary of the Congregation of Extraordinary Eocleeiastica>l Affairs; Mgr. De Lai, Secre- ta.ry of the Congregation of the Council; Mgr. Ludovic Henry Luoon, Archbishop of Rheims; and Mgr. Paul Pierre Andrieu, Arch- bishop of Marseilles. ======

SUICIDE IN A CELL. J William Robert Step, 43, a painter, who had been charged with stabbing his wife with a knife at Fen lam-road, Peck ham, was reported to the Lambeth magistrate on Mon day to have strangled himself in a cell on Sunday morning. The woman's injuries were not serious. v

BAD LANGUAGE. I LORD TREDEGAR TELLS A STORY OF CRIMEAN DAYS. I Lord Tredegar, on the occasion of distribut- ing the prises to the scholars of the St. Paul's Sunday School at Newport, told a story of the abhorence which bad language had excited on his way out to the Crimean War. He was, he said., on board a ship m the Mediterranean in charge of about eighty men and fifty horses In those days the horses w«re badly fixed up on board ship. A gale sud ?l.-ly spramg up, amd so great WM the rolling and tossing of the vessel that they experienced oonsidera-blc difficulty in keeping the horses securely fastened. Among the crew of the ship was a big American sailor, who was addicted to the use of very bad language, but who could do the work of three men. and as one of the horses got very badly injured, and had to be heaved over- board, his services were called on to assist in hauliug the animal up from below. In the process of hauling up the horse the American saalor swore terribly, a/nd his language was so bad that even the troopers could not stand it, and at last one of his (Viscount Tredegar's) corporals said, Here, stop that, or else I will throw you over into the water wit.h the horse." The corporal looked as if he meant what he said, and the sailor did not swear again. In those days troopers were not so well educated as they are now, and it was a grand thing to think tha.t, when a storm was raging all around them, and when only a few planks separated them from eternity, they would not permit bad language to be used in their hearing, adopting stern measures to put a stop to it. He had since discovered that the corporal who threatened to throw the American saalor in the water had been taught in a Sunday school. Every day they heard bad language used in their streets, and he would ask the young boys of Sunday schools to aooept the statement from him that there was nothing grand or great in swearing or in making use of bad language, and that they should lose no opportunity to put an end to such a practice.

PRIDE WHICH HAD A FALL I Magistrate: Pat Murphy, tihe constable says you were fighting. What have you to say for yourself? Pat Murphy: Well, your worship, Oi had a clean white shirt OtIl, an' Oi was eo moaghty proud av it that C'i got up a bit av a row wid a. roan so aeOioudtakeme coat and weacot off and efihow it.

MR. BRYCE NOT TO RETIRE, I There is no truth in the statement of the "New York Sun" that SiT Henry Howard. British Minister at The Hague, is to succeed Mr. Bryce at Washington. The renewed rumour that Mr. Bryce » retiring is declared to be abeohitely untrue.

Cardiff Canal Tragedy. BARRY MAN'S FATAL MIDNIGHT WANDERINGS The Cardiff coroner (Mr. W. L. Yorath) held am inquest on Monday night on the body of James Exall (31), a boilermakers' helper, who lodged at Barry. The body was found in the Glamorganshire Canal, near the West Wharf, under peculiar circumstances. A married sister from Birmingham said her brother was of a cheerful disposition, and was an expert swimmer. Dr. Thomas Wallace attributed death to drowning, and expressed the view that deceased had not been more than a day or two in the water. Polioe-sergeant Dempsey (Cardiff Railway Company) said deceased had divested him- self of his coat, otherwise he was fully dreeecd. William Panter, 69, Princcs-street, Barry, boileimaker, said he saw the deoeased man on. Thursday^ ty"o 5th inst., when he said he was going to Cardiff to see a. young lady, with whom he had been acquainted for a fortnight, and he stateil it was his intention to return to work on the following Friday morning. Christopher George Day, licensee of the York Hotel, West Wharf, deposed tha,t at a- quarter-past twelve on Thursday night, December '5, he saw deceased and a woman otti the door-step. Witness called out, "What's up bare; clear away." The woman said, Oh, mister, this man is strangling me." Witness took deceased by his arms from behind, and lifted him on to his feet. He was very excited, and shouted, "Let me go; I'll kill the —— Witness said, Hold on, be quiet, be steady," and seDlt for a police-officer. The man had neither coat nor hat, and he heid him until the officers came. In reply to the latter deoeased said nothing was the matter, and he had not been robbed. He went away in the direction of Custom House-st r eet. The woman went in the opposite direction. Police-constable Powell described the woman in whose company deceased was as a very low class woman. They searched the timber floats and everywhere elae they could think of that night, but failed to find the body. It was a rough night, and they followed deceased because, knowing him to be a stranger, they feared be might fall into the canal. Police-conetaible Edward Hudson produced the deceased's coat and bowler, which he picked up the sa.me night on the footway near the bridge. The police and other witnesses agreed that the spot was inadequately lighted. The Ooroner commented that this was not by any means the first case in which unfor- tunate people had fallen into the canal, and this matter of deficient lighting, he thought, should be taken up by the authorities. The jury returned a verdict of Found drowned," and expressed the view that there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water. They agreed that a repre- sentation should be made to the authorities to improve the lighting. Another Canal Victim Mr. W. L. Yorath, the city coroner, held an inquest at the Law Courts, Cardiff, on Monday afternoon on the body of the unknown man found in the canal at West Wharf on Friday afternoon. Dr. Tom Wallaloe said the body had been two weeks in the water, and drowning was the cause of death. Verdict accordingly. Commeroial's Sudden End The Cardiff city coroner on Monday after- noon held an inquest on the body of Henri Preece Elliott (42), commercial traveller, who was found dead in bed at 29, Ferndale-street. As the deceased did not answer a call, a policeman, at the request of his landlady, forced in the bedroom door, and Elliott was found to be dead. Dr. Pittard attributed death to kidney disease, and a verdict accordingly was returned. Little Girl Dies from Burns The little daughter (aged about seven) of Mr. Bidd, butcher, of Rolls-street, Canton, Cardiff, who was admitted into the infirmary suffering from burns accidentally received, died in that institution at a late hour on Monday night.

ENTERIC IN BEDWELLTY I At a meeting of the Bedwellty District Council, held at New Tredegar on Monday (Dr. R. T. E. Davies presiding), Dr. H. T. Evans, medical officer 01 health, reported that he had inspected several houses at Lower-road, Owmeyfiog, wht-m enteric fever frequently occurs. Most of the cases of disease within their district occurred within this small area, and also the most severe cases, attended by a large number of fatalities. It was difficult to sugg-est any improvement that could be regarded as satisfactory. He considered that the majority of these houses were unfit for habitation, and the suggestion ho could make could only be carried out at great expense, as the earth in the. rear of the houses is fre- quently as high ae the roof. The question, therefore, arose whether it was not preferable to allow them to fall into decay or to be* pulled down and entirely built. The dootor a 1 so pointed out that some of the houses were back to back and lean-to houses, and made suggestions for the thorough improvement of tho property in order t-hait it might bo made tenable in future. The Chairman said the tenants ought to be allowed time to remove from the cottages. This would be difficult owing to the ecaroity of houses in New Tredegar. Mr. J. V. Lewis said that difficulty couM be got over, as there were plenty of vacant houses iri other parts of the district. The matter was deferred for a month.

LIBRARY FOR DINAS POWIS J Mr. T. S. Oram presided on Monday over a meeting of the St. Andrew's Major Parish Council (Dinas Powis), the first to be held in the new Parish-ball. It was decided to write ï to the Barry Bailway Company, asking them to push on the better lighting to the sub- way approach at Dinas Powis Station, and to. the Dinas Powis Brickworks Oompany, ask- ing them to repair the bridge and footpath fi,,)..n their works to the March Land.—The cler): (Mr. W. D. Williams) was instructed to write a further letter of complaint to the Llandaff and Dinas Powis District Council, reminding them that though the council had Pa-ifi its share towards the repair'of Elm Grove-road, it had not yet been repaired.—It was decided to send a letter of appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Davies, Spring Cot- tage, Dinas Powis, for the handsome gift to the village of a library of 400 books, a houcel, with a year's rent paid in advance for use as a library, and a sum of money banked sufficient to pay all expenses for one year. The Chairman stated that the library was already very popular. On the second day there were 60 borrowers.

SUNDAY WORK & DOUBLE PAY The quart-erly meeting of the Eastern Val- leys Free Churches Council was held at Aber- sychan, on Monday, the Bev. E. Phillips, Pontnewynydd, presiding. Mr. S. Tucker, Garndiffaith, raised the question whether the council could take any action to lessen Sun- day work in the district, pointing out that men were at present engaged at the crushers at Taly wain oa Sundays, and they did work which he thought could well be allowed to stand over until week days. A general discussion followed, and a com- mitte-e was appointed with the object of waiting upon the owner with a view to having Sunday labour reduced. Several members of the council pointed out that much of the Sunday work was of the men's own choosing, as they reoeived double pay l for it.

THE LAEOUR MARKET. I Too memorandum prepared by the Board of Trade an the state of the labour market im November says that'employment showed, on the whole, some decline, both as compared with the prOTious month and as compared with a yeare ago. In the coal mining and in the textile trades general employment remained good, and there was a seasonal innp-mvemfiPt in the printing and book- binding trade. In the building' and ship- building industries it was bad as compared with a year ago. There was an improve- ment in canpioymient in coal mining and in most of the textile aaid clothing trades, and A decline in the metal, engineering, build- ing, and woodworking trades.

MOTOR CYCU8T ON FIRE I Residents of Couledon were startled on Monday morning to see a motor bicyclist suddenly blaze up in a mass of flames. A passing cabman went to the rescue and extiaguiished" the unlucky man, who was found to be Mr. Humphrey liadi-wood, a. surveyor, of Haw ley. Afr. Hackwood was badly burned about the legs, back, and arms, and his overcoat was completely burnt. The petrol in his bicycle bad caught five, and thus enveloped him in afumea.

Serious Fire at Cardiff. I Serioufir: at Cardiff. WOMAN SEVERELY BURNED: CHILD RESCUED I A fire occurred on Monday eventing at 10, Havelock-street, Cardiff, in the densely popu- lated Tempera noetown district. The out- break, as such, was of little account, and the damage inconsiderable, but a toll of human suffering was exacted. The occupant is Mr. Thomas Joseph Darke. A reel was promptly turned oat from the Central Station in charge of Second-engineer Moger, followed by Superintendent (ken. On arrival it was found that the fire had been extinguished with little difficulty. Origi- nating in the passage, the banisters and woodwork had been scorched, but kindly neighbours had subdued the flames by throwin.g ashes upon them. The Causa is easy of explanation. Mrs. Ann Darke, 'wife of the occupier, was coming downstairs, carrying a paraffin lamp. She fell, and it exploded, and the woman, terribly injured, ran into the kitchen. Then Walter Cooke, a neighbour, rushed in, and with assistance arrested the outbreak, as stated, and carried Mrs. Darke to a ueighbour's house, where every cam was taken of her. Meanwhile Engineer Moger went upstairs, and in a room which was full of smoke fetched out ()f bed Mr. Darke's little boy, who was taken by Police-oocstablo Clarke to a place of safety. Medical aid was requisitioned for Mrs. Darke, who was badly burnt about the legv, arms, face, and neck, and temporary remedies having been applied, she was removed in a cab to Cardiff Infirmary, where she now lies in a critical state.

HANGING UP THE SUMMONS. William Jaxifes Uphill, a middle-aged coach- Duiider, carrying on business in Constance- street, Newport, was summoned at Newport on Monday for using abusive language in Clarence-place on the 14th inst. Mr. Abbott (from the town-clerk's offioe), who appeared to prosecute, remarked, in opening, that the case had many charac- teristics of the Druce case. The prisoner, when the offence occurred, was wearing a beard, which he had siiioc sbaved off. Police-constable Wright having given evi- dence, the prisoner was fined 10s. 6d. A second charge was preferred against prisoner of assaulting Poli<oons tables Joseph Griffin and Henry Wright in a yard at 49, Constance-street Police-constable Griffin said he went to prisoner's premises on Saturday, the 7t,h inst., for the purpose of serving him with a summons for the previous cnarge. When he got to the top of the stairs leading to a. workshop prisoner came out with a large steel fife (produced) in his hand. Ho struck out twice at the officer, but witness evaded the bfcrwB. Witness had to take his staff out and retreat from the yard, a^ter hanging the summons on the door. UphiH was pulled off by Police- constables Wright and Browning and taken into custody. On gett-ing to the gate of his yard, prisoner clung on to one of the posts and kicked out. His hold had to be prieed off by putting the file under his hands. Witness, concluding, said Uphill behaved like a raving maniac, and foamed at the mouth. Prisoner denied threateming Griffin with a file, and said he only came to the door of the workshop with a saw in his hand. As to hia oonduct on the second visit, he said he would have gone quietly "if they had first allowed him to lock the place up." In the result, the Bench, after a, lengthy, hearing, imposed a fine of 40s.

BOGUS COLLECTOR Henry Bridgeman, described as a fitter, of 78, King Edward-road, Swansea, was brought up on remand at Llanelly on Monday charged with stealing a quantity of brass bearings from the Western Tin-plate Works, the Castle Tin-plate Works, and Nevill's Foundry. He admitted the charges. He was further charged with obtaining money under faJse pretences from three persons. Dr. J. L. Davies deposed tfcat the defendant called at his surgery and produced a collect- ing book, stating that he was collecting sub- scriptions on behalf of the Blind Institution, Swansea. He begged so earnestly that wit- ness was tempted to ask him why he took such a personal interest in the institution. Defendant replied that the public of Llan- elly had been so backward in subscribing to thia institution that the authorities had decided ndt to aooept any more candidates from the district, and added, That would be a great pity, because, you know, the training there is so much better than in other institutions." On being further ques- tioned defendant said that he had a brother at the institution, and that he had been told that unless the subscriptions from Llanelly district amounted to £ 25 per annum he would have to pay a certain amount towards the maintenance of his brother or otherwise he would have to leave. Therefore, he and another brother had applied themselves to the task of collecting the JB25. Witness then gave him 2s. Mr. Joseph Hall, J.P., hon. secretary to the Swansea and South Wales Institution for the Blind for the last 40 years, said that the representation of the defendant to Dr. J. L. Davies was entirely false. The defoudant had received no authority to collect sub. scriptions. When charged defendant said, "I am guilty of it all." The other charges were not gone into, the Bench committing him for trial at the quarter sessions.

CARDIFF DEFECTIVE BOYS At a meeting of the South Wales and Mon- niouthshire Branch of the National Associa- tion of Manual Training Teachers, held at the Mxinicipal Secondary School, Mr. Ivor John read an account of the system adopted with defective boys at the Virgil-street Manual Schools, Cardiff, where a special department is set aside for them. Mr. John explained tha-t the utilitarian, and not the educational, value of the work was given the first plac. The work is taken up enthusiastically by the boys, and much ultimate benefit is anti- cipated. Cardiff is taking a strong lead in the education of boys who are handicapped in life's struggle.

A "WANTED" SPANIARD The Cardiff police h&ve made an arrest which is regarded as important by Scotland Yard. A description was circulated of liarii Antonio Deramos. a well-dressed Spaniard. of superior education, and presumably of good birth. He was wanted by the Swiss police, who had applied for his extradition. Deramos arrived in Cardiff laet week, and 0:1 Saturday, walking in St. Mary-street, ho was arrested by Detective-inspector Davey and Detective-sergeant Dicks. His appear- ance corresponding with tho description, Scotland Yard authorities were at once com- munioated with, and sent down Dftctth-e- sergeante Saunders and Wagner. Those officers took charge of Deramos, who was charged at Bow-street on Monday.

CARDS AT CAMBRIDGE Vernon Cecil Ellingham Musgrave, with two aliases and no fixed abode or occupa- ti-cn, was at Cambridge on Monday remanded for a week charged with obtaining £ 8 15s. by false pretences from undergraduates whilst plaoring at cards. It was stated that Musgrave failed to appear for trial at Cambridge Assizes in May, and left the country. He was arrested in Berne on a similar charge in September, and handed ove-r to the French police, who extradited him to England.

SWANSEA .LADY'S AFFAIRS A receiving order has been made against Miss Kate St. Leger Grenfell, of Maesteg House, Swans. a member of one of the most respected families in Swansea. The liabilities are, it is stated, between £ 4,000 and £ 5,000, of which zEZ,000 is said to be borrowed money. It is understood in Swansea that the lady's financial embarrassment commenced with the establishment by her of a high-class ladies' school at St. Thomas, upon which she expended a large amount of money, and which did not make an adequate return.

SEQUEL TO A FATAL FALL John Hofnry Mansell, oatodrivor, Thames Ditton, who was committed on a cononer's warrant an Saturday for the manslaughter of George Page, an ostler, ati Esher Station, came before the Kingetxm Oounty Bendh on Monday. After hearing the evidence of several witnesses and Dr. Armstrong, who sarid death was not due to the blow received, but to a fall, the Bench decided that Mansell had acted exceedingly well under trying circum- stacces of provocation, and discharged him.