Evening Express

AMBULANCE WORK I Mr. Lyndon Moore held an inquest at New- I port on Monday concerning the death of James Kilty (29). married, who was drowned in the North Alexandra Dook at Newport on Saturday while following his employment as a labourer for Messrs. C. S. Wilson, engineers. Regent-street, Liverpool. It appeared that deceased, who lived at 15, Ridington-street, Liverpool, was crossing a ladder from a Greek steamer to the steamer Lady Carring- ton when he slipped and fell into the water. The weather was rough and both steamers wer3 rocking. The body was recovered with grappling irons, and for nearly two hours members of the docks ambulance staff attempted artificial respiration. The Coroner complimented Mr. Abbott and Police-const a-bdee Green amd Croft, first-aid men, on their fine efforts. A verdict of Accidental death" wae returned.

THE MEETING I Charles Higgs, 27, a labourer, who was released from prison on Tuesday after serving four months' hard labour for assault- ing Edith Saunders, his sweetheart, met her on Saturday night in Barking, and began to quarrel. Fearing violence, Saunders ran to a Mrs. Newton's, who lives cloee by. He followed, burst open the door, and tried to get the girl oat. Mrs. Newton prevented him, and he then struck her severe blows in the face. When Poiioe-oonetai>k> Jackson arrived Higgs struck him on the bead with a stick. Charged at Stratford yesterday with the assaults, Higgs wae sent to goal for two months' ha.rd labour.

THE MODERN SCROOGE I It Is (fexftrtfui whetbor evw- Christmas will muoh longer withstand the insidious attacks of twentieth-century cynicism. The Scrooge of to-ciay is not the wizen, meagre, shabby person of the familiar illasfcratioos to Dickens's immortal story. He is often well- tailored, well-groomed, well-tared, but the spirit is the same, intensified by the callosity bred of a eynicaJ scepticism which betieves in wthing-oeitber joy nor hope, neither peace nor goodwill, as features & the CShrist- mastiide of this progressive 8ltt pessimistic Journal"

The Man in the Street i ? The Man ———— « ———— The long-suffering mere man who looks upon the suffragist with, alarm; should really be thankful for small mercies. He should know that only across the Herring Pond there is a! malignant type of woman compared with! which our own particular brand of feminine agitator is as sweetest honey and loveliest of blushing roses. Th dhival- rous, kind-hearted American is the choice product of his enlightened, refined, blue-stocking women, and he toas the enviable and soft reputation among his female relations of being the most amiable, most lovable thing in trousers on earth. He is a glowing and speaking picture of what happens when the relative positions of and women in the Old Country are changed to make way for the new order of things. He scrubs the floors with zeal, washes out the pots and pans with great intelli- gence, and is a duck of a nurse for chil- dren, and generally behaves in the con- veniently useful and honourable capa- city of mother's help. Incidentally, in his spare time he earns the money to keep his wife in pocket money and to provide his mother-in-law with theatre tickets and other little healtful treats which modern women find necessary to make life a.t man's expense worth living. The other day a fairly representative type of the Yankee amiable husband had the good fortune to slip away from the leading strings of his womenfolk. He had made up his manly mind to strike against undignified window and boot cleaning, going on childlike errands for bread and groceries, dutifully minding the baby, artistically peeling the pota- toes, nicely ironing clothes', carefully hanging out the washing, making beds with exemplary care, seeing that the cakes did not burn, and properly sweep- ing out the crooks and crannies of three flights of stairs. In the police-court he glibly ran off the touching string of his woes without a mistake, only making the important reservation that not half—the worse half-had been told. What, he plaintively asked, would the magistrate do in his case? He assured the court that he had not married an heiress, and that he had never seen the colour of his I mother-in-law's money-oo alone was the general family provider. The magis- trate, a single man, and therefore ignorant of the guile and strength of a mother-in-law, gave hi:n most useful advice. He told the amiable man not to treat his wife's ma as he would a Sevres vase. to go home and smash a few plates, curse a little for a beginning, and, if his mother-in-law was not properly im- pressed, to throw her down the entire treble flight of stairs. The amiable man turned towards "h, sweet home," fully inspired to act for onoe like a man. He would assort him- self, and in future his wife and mother- in-law might do the washing, sweeping, and cleaning. He put out his manly, amiable ohest, and proceeded with firm steps under the glorious inspiration that at last he was about to be "boss." What a joyous surprise he had for his wife and mother! But as he got nearer home his I oourage, like that of Bob Acres, began tc ooze out of his fingers. There was no magistrate with inspiration as to manly acts, the smashing of dishes, and summary ejection of hateful women down three flights of stairs. hen he reached his door, the last drop of his great resolve disappeared at the sound of a voice which came floating down the stairs: "Will-Yam!" He abjectly returned to his pots and pans, and became onoe more the amiable man of which our fair lankee cousins are so proud. Here is a tonic for those who would put our suffragist sisters on a pedestal and hand over to them the garment which has been worn by man since the earliest invention of rational clothes. We may still live and sing, "Britons never will be slaves." The Zancigs, who give the star turn at the Cardiff Empire this week, are known, to the world as it is given few men and women to be. Their private performance yesterday afternoon to a select audience showed that they had lost none of the marvellous skill in mind- reading which marked their previous visit to South Wales. Mr. Lewis Morgan is .reckoned a cute man as aldermen go, but at the conclusion he had to admit that he was still ignorant as to how it was done, and naively con- fessed that he had thought of going into the same line of business if only to ascer- tain how much money there was in his wife's pufte. It would also serve him a.s chairman of the Education Committee and in the avoidance of aquaMs which overtake people who are not gifted with the extra- ordinary sixth sense that enables one to read what is passing in the mind of another. There are many situations in which it is easily conceivable that the art would come in very useful. But if II this kind of skill became general and all could read what was passing in the minds of others life would become un- bearable, and if only for peace of mind the world would perforce have to turn I llonest. Such contingencies are too horrible to contemplate, and we must be content to leave tnese psychological arts to the experts who are drawing big houses to the Empire. The Christmassy atmosphere extended even to Cardiff's dignified council- chamber yesterday, when Councillor Chappell obliged the genial company gathered together by putting questions which could not be answered. It was a sort of clown and pantaloon performance at the end of the pantomime, and served as a pleasant way to finish a year of serious and important work. Councillor Chappell may be jubilant in the knowledge that the member for the city Is not to be burned, that the ener- getic corporation rat-catcher will do his duty—so far as the four-footed rodents are concerned, at any rate—and that the new Mental Infirmary in rural suburban Whitchurch will be ready for the reception of patients on or about April the first. Councillor Chappell did not inquire about the palatial piggeries, and it may be taken for granted that this matter does not disturb his mental outlook. The development of the city scheme was rightly postponed to the more serious New Year, which should prove a record-making one for the Coal City. And now we are right bang up to the eve of the great day of the year. The mistletoe and holly are topping the door- ways, in the centre of ceilings, and over mirrors and picture. The turkey and the goose are stuffed, the plum puddings are awaiting their final boiling, the mince pies (it is hoped) are safely cupboarded, and Santa Claus is covering himself with grease for his wonderful descent down thousands of apparently impossible chimneys. To-night the hard-working business people will be putting up their shutters for two or three days at least, and the general public, having emptied their purses, will prepare with light heart and glad minds to celebrate Christmas Day with the joy which oomes only once a year. It is now my pleasant duty to wish 8011 my reiaders a very happy and merry Christmas, with the hope that the celebration of the season will leave them brighter and more amiable than its eve found them, and that they will live loflg. with good heatth to enjoy many of them,

Slate Club Trouble ANGRY MEMBERS AND THEIR LOW DIVIDENDS There was a scene of exasperation, as well as disappointment, at the headquarters of a Newport slate club on Monday night, when the members, numbering something over 100, found that they were unable to get the amount divided amongst them which the funds appeared to justify. The South Wales Annual Dividing Society, which has its headquarters at the South Wales Railway Inn, Albert-terraoe, has been in existence about three years. Mr. E. Chivers, of 18, Rudry-streot, is the secretary, and Mr. W. Diamond, the landlord of the house, the treasurer. The members flocked to the headquarters on Monday night to draw their yearly divi- dend for Christmas purposes. It was under- stood that the yield would be 15s. 6d. per member, but as circumstances showed a divi- sion of only 6s. 9d. could take place there were angry epithets and quite a variety of threatenings. Both as an act of protection, for the officials and also to satisfy clamourings, the police wtte communicated with.

THE CITY POOR To the Editor of the "Evening Express." Sir,-E-very year you are good enough to allow me to ask your kind readers for means to provide the neediest and most miserable people in this great parish with a Christmas dinner. Beef and plum-pudding for hungry hundreds cost a good deal. Just let me add that we give this Christmas dinner without drawing a line at even the character of the people.—I am, &,c., ALICK HENDERSON. I The Vicarage, Cardiff, Dec. 23. I

CHRISTMAS CHARITY Nearly 200 old and deserving people assembled at Wesley School, Charles-street, Cardiff, to receive their Christmas parcels. Previous to the distribution they were enter- tained to a concert and coffee supper, pre- sided over by the Rev. E. Lightwood Smith. On retiring each was given a paroel contain- ing tea, sugar, butter, bacon, cheese, oranges, and sweets. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Gravil superintended the arrangements, assisted by Miss Ethel Thomas and other ladies. The poor and aged at Llantwit Major have been made the recipients of beef and plum pudding from the hands of Colonel J. Gaskell, J.P. Captain Hughes-Morgan-s Generosity The, inhabitants of Talgarth are very grateful to Captain D. Hughes-Morgan for his kindness in giving two heifers for the poor of the district. On Monday afternoon the beef was distributed in the Market-hall, over 1,2001b. being out up for the parishioner's. The ministers and clergy were entrusted with the work of allotting the beef to the various families, and there was enough for every one. The bell-ringers of St. Gwendoline's Church (Talgarth Parish Church) will ring a peal on Christmas Day in oompliment to Captain Morgan. Christmas Dinner to Merthyr Poor Merthyr, as in past years, is again mindful bf the needs of its numerous poor. The rector's committee, consisting of the four churchwardens and thirty-two sidesmen, are making preparations for giving a Christmas dinner to about 3,000 of the poorest inhabi- tants, irrespective of creed or nationality. The cost of the dinner is raised by collec- tions among the townsfolk generally. Tickets are distribyted by those in touch with the very poor, and the dinner is given in St. I David's Schools immediately after the third service in the church. Ladies and gentlemen in the town render help.

LATEST SCHOOLBOY HOWLERS I The following examples of the mistakes schoolboys make in examinations are given in "The University Correspondent" The Complete Angler' is another name for Euclid, because he wrote all about angles." "Sir Arthur Wellesley, son of Pitt, founded the Wellesleyam chapel people." "The masculine of heroine is kipper." "A problem is a figure which you do things with which are absurd, and then you prove it." "Opus est maturato--a middle-aged man wanted." ".Equo atque parato animo moriar-I shall die in prepared spirits and water." "Un chef d'eeuvre—a clerk of the works." "Leos hors d'oeuvres—the unemployed." "Oaerulea pnppis-a Sky terrier." "Amatory verses are those composed by amateurs." "Income is a yearly tax." "The dodo is a bird that is nearly decent now."

A HUSBAND'S POSTCARDS I "I had far better been eaten by cannibals than have come to this country to marry you." Thus Mr. Harry Glibbery, a brewers' traveller, of Kensington, to his wife, who at Bromley Petty Sessions yesterday asked the magistrate to grant her a separation order. Mr. L. W. Gregory, for Mrs. Glibbery, stated that the parties were married in October, 1901, and lived together until some seven or I eight weeks ago, when the husband went into lodgings. While away, he wrote her three postcards. One ran :— Your vast experience of matrimony was far too much in advance for me, because I was only a beginner. Dut I was willing to learn. The Bench decided that there was not enf- ficient evidence to justify an order for sepa- ration.

ALLEGED WOMAN ROBBER I Daisy Simeon, aged nineteen, a well- dressed woman, giving an address at Kingsland, was at the London Guildhall yes- terday charged with being concerned with others not in custody in breaking into City warehouses and stealing large quantities of cloth, silk, and other materials. She was apprehended by Detective Chandler, when, it was alleged, two rolls of the stolen property were found in her possession. She gave an explanation which the police had not yet ha-d time to verify. A remand was applied for. Mr. Bnraie, for the defence, said that the woman was hignly respectable, and applied for bail. The Alderman, in remanding her, admitted her to bail.

BROKE." I A young ma,n named Harry Lewis was charged at Windsor yesterday with breaking a shop window, value L40, with a stone. The chief-constable said that the prisoner had stolen from his parents' residence at Bath his mother's gold watch and his father's gold albert, and these he had since pawned. He came to the police station before smia&hing the window and said he was "broke," and the witness gave him a free ticket for lodgings and breakfast. When a constable asked him if a revolver which was found upon him was loaded, he said, "No. I wish it was; I should hare put an end to it before now." Lewis was committed for trial.

THIEVES RAID TRAINS I A gang of thieves early yesterday morning raided the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway Company's siding near Streatham Station, where a number of passenger trains were standing ready for running. The men took a number of tihe cushions from the first class coaches, removed them to some waste land close by, and cut them open to obtain the horsehair inside. A large number of daring thefts and burglaries have taken place in the district recently.

INCOME-TAX COLLECTION I Mr. Watt, M.P., having called the attention of Mr. Asquith to the ill-feeling created by the collection of Income-tax on trade bonuses as far back as ten years, the Chancellor of the Exchequer replies that, while it is clearly necessary to punish actual fraud, he agrees it is desirable not to press the taxpayer for arrears where the short paymt has been due to bona-fide misapprehension. He has given directions to remove any legitimate grievance.

U.S. PACIFIC FLEET I A telegram from Port of Spain, Trinidad, to the "New York Herald" announces that the United States Pacific fleet arrived off the town on Monday, at six o'clock in the evening. "All well" was reported, and salu- tations were exchanged between Rear- Admiral Evans and the British, authorities. Throughout the voyage a speed of ten knots ,was maintained.

The Bride's Adventure I HER RIDE ON A COW'S BACK Further details have come from Haute Savoie of the marvellous story of a bride's adventure (already briefly related in the "Evening Express"), for the exact veracity of which it is obviously impossible to vouch at this distance, but which are certainly worth repeating. It was, as the tale has it (according to the Paris correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph"), in the village of Novercy, that on Saturday Mdlle. Doche, the young woman in question, was married to M. Granger, a landowner dwelling at Novercy. After the nuptial ceremony the bridal party assembled for the utrual feast at a friend's house, the table being spread in a large room, situated just over a stable. There were as many as forty guests, and what with their united weight and that of the substantial viands, the floor of the big chamber was put to a more severe strain than it could endure. The merriment was at its height, when suddenly an ominous sound, as of cracking, was heard, and a moment later the floor had given way, and the whole party was struggling in the stable, into which the victuals and drink had also fallen. Many of the guests were badly bruised, and as they rose to their feet they naturally looked round to see what had become of the newly- married couple. The bridegroom was there in a very fumbled state, but otherwise little the worse for wear. But, as for the buxom bride, she was flying out of the stable at a rapid rate, bestriding a cow, of all animals! Right away the cow bolted as fast as ita legs would carry it, and the bride stuck on in truly sporting style, as to the manner born. Across the fields ran the cOw, hotly pursued by the nimbler members of the; party, and then it entered a little copse, still with the brifle on its baok. How long was this to last, and what would be the end of it all? the pursuers asked anxiously. They had not much, longer to wait for a reply. They had scarcely got into the copse, when they beheld the young woman suspended by her raven tresses to the branch of a tree, like another Absalom. It took them some time to rescne her from her uncomfortable and dangerous position, but as soon as she was free she laughed gaily over the whole adventure, for which, as is carefully added, she was little the worse. As for the cow, it may be running still, for all that is said I to the contrary.

MOCK DIVORCE COURTS I The newest idea is that the cultivation of a good Divorce Court manner is an asset in a girl's education. There is (a press representative is in- formed) a lady who has recently opened a "finishing school" in the South of England for lessons in this particular subject. The principal has instituted mock "courts," which are held three times a week for the trial of "cases." The pupils respectively int- personate the parts of petitioner, respon- dent, co-respondent, and witness. There are a-loo, of course, judge and jury. The principal trouble the instructress has experienced is a tendency on the part of the pupils to be over-lenient with the defending parties. The classes, or "mock trials," are attended regularly, and the "lessons" are much relished by the pupils.

XMAS BOXES AT CARDIFF 1 The following notice has been posted up at various points on the Cardiff Bate Docks property on behalf oi the Cardiff Railway Company It having been intimated that persons either directly or indirectly employed by this company are in the habit of asking freighters or their agents for gratuities as Christmas-boxes, I am instructed to remind you that the directors of this company are most decidedly opposed to gratuities being solicited by any of the officers or servants or by any person employed by a contractor in the service of the compafay, not only at the present time, but also on other occa- sions. JAMES HURMAN, Superintendent. I

DANISH BANK ROBBERY I A robbery of a particularly daring character was effected yesterday at the Grundejer Bank, Copenhagen. The hall of the bank was crowded with people, and a cashier was about to hand over a large sum of money to a young lady, when the mOlDey was seized by a man dressed as a labourer, who immediately rushed out of the buildm?. He was followed by some of the ba.nk c1erka, and after an exciting cha?e was captuj?d- In the struggle which emsued several persons were injured. Two policemen who tried to arrest the robber were wounded by revolver shots.

COMPOSITOR'S CRI M E I A Leeds coroner's jury to-day returned a verdict of "Suicide during tempomry insanity" in the case of George Lawrence, a compositor, who on Saturday shot himselfi dead, after attempting to murder his wife, Elizabeth, with a revolver. Mrs. Lawrence is apparently recovering from her injuries. There had been some difficulty between the parties, who were living apart, and deceased had been depressed for six months. He wao described as always. having been a bit passionate, and drink had unsettled him. Lawrence bad threatened "to give them all a Christmas box which they would not forget." I

A GENERAL'S CHALLENGE I General Fock has challenged M. Mensihi- koff, of the "Novoye Vremya," 8t. Peters- burg, on the ground that he has called him: a traitor and insulted him and his family by I declaring that he belonged to the Semitio; race, to which he attributed what he called General Fock's traitorous proclivities. M. Mensbikoff in this morning's "Novoye Vremya," ridicules the challenge He remarks that all he said was that General Fook was of Jewish type. This. he main- tains, is no more of an insult than to describe him as resembling a nigger or Englishman.

I DIED WHILE DRIVING Mr. Roberts Jones held an inquest at Christchurch, near Newport, on Monday con- cerning the death of James Allen, aged 72, farmer, of Whitehall Farm, Caldioot. Deceased was driving to Newport along Chepstow-road, when, near the Royal Oak, he was seen to stagger in the trap. He would have fallen out but for the timely assist- ance of Mr. Uzzell, who was near. On being taken to the Royal Oak he died almost imme- diately. Dr. Thomas attributed death to apoplexy, due to senile decay.—A verdict accordingly was returned. j

PROWLING ABOUT I Patrick Connor, 32, was charged to-day at Cardiff as a suspect. Two constables gave > evidence against him for loitering in Queen-I street, Park-place, and Newport-road, with' intent to oomrait a felony. Prisoner told the police-constables he was! "out of a ahip," which nobody could deny. There was nothing against him, and Mr. F. J. Beavan, in directing the man's dis- charge, reminded him there was no need to go prowling about. There was accommoda- tion for casuals within the precincts of the workhouse. j

CHILD SCALDED TO DEATH I Francis Porter, a labourer, aged 63. was I charged at Hull on Monday with the man- slaughter of his daughter Emily, fourteen years of age. Late on Saturday night tihe prisoner quarrelled with his wife, and it is alleged threw a kettle of boiling water at her. She evaded the kettle, but the daughter was terribly scalded by the water, and died I in great agony on Monday.

PORTUGAL HOUSE OF LORDSI Lisbon papers state that a decree for the reform of the House of Peers will be issued this year. The present composition of the House will be unaltered, but it will be made possible to create an unlimited number of peers. Part of the judicial powers of the House will be transferred to the Soipreme Court of Justice. It is added that the new Patriarch of Lisbon will be appointed Presi- dent of the House of Peers.—Renter.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS I W. Davies (Brithdir).-Yee, Joe White has I fought with Jack Palmer, of Newcastle. I

It was at the pageant. The spectacled visi-1 tor, with catalogue in hand, approached one of the characters, who was wearing a toga and smoking a short clay, and said to h= "My good sir, are you Appius Claudins?" 'Appy as who, gov'nor?" was the reply. "No, I'm notl; I'm as miserable as Mary Queen of Scots after her head waa off."

The Lady Match Seller PROMISES NOT TO MOLEST HER HUSBAND AGAIN ) The lady match-seller—Mrs. Flora. Bella Barbara Baker-a,ppea.red before the Bristol magistrates again on Monday. the case having been adjourned from Thursday. She was then summoned for wilfully damaging six panes of glass and using threats against her husband. Her daughter Nora was sum- moned for aiding and abetting her. Both defendants pl-eaded guilty. The Magistrates dismissed the summonses against both defendants with regard to the alleged wilful damage, without costs. They expressed their willingness to state a case. In regard to the other case—that of using threats-Mr. Wethered contended that Mrs. Baker had threatened her husband with an umbrella. The defendant promised not to call at the house again, and the summons was with- drawn. I accomplished what I wanted in serving the papem," added the defendant.

I GAMEKEEPER THREATENED Tom Bielby, bricklayer, and Toon Long- hom, labourer, were brought up in oustody at Scarborough yesterday charged with night-poaching on land belonging to Lord Derwent and in the occupation of Mrs. Ooulson at Silpho, near Scarborough. Prisoner pleaded guilty, each, stating t-hat he had been fairly oaught." It was ^proved that four gamekeepers and i watchers came acros the men on the previous midnight. They ran away, but were overtaken. Longhorn, who was abased by Watcher William Ward, shouted to that employe as he approached, with an oath. If you do not stop I'll shoot you." The Magistrates' Olerk (Mr. H. E. Donner): Did he present the gunat you ?-I could not see; there was a hedge between us. In the course of the hearing it further transpired that the gun was loaded, and that, although Bielby had with him no fire- arm, he was carrying six pheasants. Four previous convictions for offences under the game laws were proved against -both prisoners. The Magistrates sent each bo prison for three months with hard labour, and ordered them to find sureties to be of good behaviour for twelve months, or to be incarcerated for a fullther term of six months. They also ordered the gun and the pheasants to be forfeited.

A CHRISTMAS OUTCAST I A grey-haired, poorly-dressed woman, named Ellen Whitteker, 59 years of age, once the wife of a well-to-do City architect, now described as "having no fixed abode," was charged at Feltham yesterday with drunken- ness. A police-constable said he found her in an incapable state at Staines and took her to the xk) lice-station, where she said she was the divorced -wife of a 6ity architect. She talked in a superior manner, and was evi- dently a person who had seen better days. Mr. Billington, the Court missionary, said he had had a conversation with the prisoner, and there was no doubt that she once had been in very good circumstances. She was utterly destitute, and he thought she was willing to go into the workhouse. "I don't care wlwre I go, I feel so miser- able," exclaimed Mrs. Whittaker. "I don't mind where you send me to." Mr. Billington said she had been wandering about the country, and sleeping in all sorts of places. "I was divorced in 1887," said the woman, "when we lived in Bayswater, and paid rates and taxes. Now I go about selling anything I can for a living." On promising to go into the workhouse she was discharged.

HOPELESS CRIMINAL I Walter Edward Lord, aged 40, was charged at Marylebone yesterday with being a suspected person found loitering in Maida- vale, supposed for the purpose of committing a felony. Police-constable Page saw the prisoner secreted in some bushes. Asked what he was doing there, prisoner sadd, "I was going to break in and get some money. I can't get work, and I am just out of prison from doing a 'd-r-ag You take things coolly," observed Page, to which the prisoner replied, Use iB second nature." Lord was further charged, under the Prevention of Crimes Act. Detective-sergeant Bowden produced a reoord of fourteen convictions against the prisoner: Six months and the cat, one month, seven days, one mc-.th, six months, twelve months, five years, twelve months, eighteen months, six years, five years, twelve months, tbree and a half years, and six months. Mr. Paul Taylor: I see you commenced your criminal career 34 years ago. You are hopeless. Prisoner: That is what they all say. But I don't have a chance when liberated, because no work is found for me. He was sentenced to six months' imprison- ment.

MOTOR-CAR AND BULL I Wild adventures of a motor-car brought its owner, Mr. Henry Gilman, residing at Nubhwitt Grange, Hockley Heath, before the Sparkhill Bench yesterday. He was charged with being drunk in charge of a motor-car and driving at a dangerous speed. Three men were conveying a bull in a float along the highway at Hall Green, when a motor- car suddenly swept down upon them at a speed, it was said, of forty miles an hour. Both car and float were overturned, the occupants being thrown into the road. The bull made a maddened rush across country, being recaptured some distanoe away. Two men were injured. The magistrates fined def-endamt the maxiffnum amount, £20, for reckless driving, and disqualified him from holding a licence during the next year. For drunkenness they fined him L2 and costs.

THEIR FIRST LAPSE I At Cardiff to-day Richard Wettber (48) was I charged with keeping a disorderly bouse at S, Fitfth a.m oil-embankment, and his wife, EUen. was charged with assisting in the management. Mr Harold Lloyd, for the defence, made an effective atppeal for defendants, whoee first lapse this was, and he said it would bo folly to endeavour to prove his clients were not guilty. The woman had been a good wife, and he mentioned to her credit that she had brought up a family. I Mr. F. J. Beavan (to defendants): It is a mercy the police caught you at the begin- ning of a bad career. The defendants, who bore themselves as I recipients of a merciful dispensation, were each fined C6 aad costs, or one month.

AN EARLY START I At Sedgley yesterday afternoon four respectable boys, named Hale, Clavell, Cox, amd Hall, were shown to have taken for a lark five bottles of wiine and spirits from a brewer's dray at Gornal Wood while Christ- mas orders were being delivered. Defen- dants were drunk, Cox being in a helpless and dangerous condition, restoratives having to be administered. The stipendiary severely admonished the prisoners, fining them each 10s. The prisoners had previously been teeto- I talers.

WEIRD WANTS I Some bona-fide "wants" from various con- temporary columns (according to the "Liver- pool Post") :— wanted, a tioree to do the work of i' country minister. Wanted, a young Man to take charge of three horeee of a religious turn of mind. To be Let, good Bakery; large oven; lived in it nearly six years; satisfactory reasons for leaving. Just Published.-Poems written by an invalid who has suffered many years for his own amusement. Lost, a white-haired Terrier by an old gemtleman answering to the name of Tim, with a black spot on his noea.

COLLAPSE OF A CAISSON I An accident on the Metropolitan Railway Line, No. 4, took plaoe at the Rue Lutsce, Paris, to-day. A partition of a large caisson which was being sunk gave way, and the rush of compressed air which resulted hurled the workmen in a cavity under the wall of another caisson, where all five men were drowned. So far, however, the bodies of only three have been recovered.

JEWELLER'S SHOP BURGLEDI During laert, might the shop of Mr. A. Lindley, jeweller, Midland-road, Bedford, was entered by burglars, and the whole I' contents of a window stolen. Tiie less is øá.; P-1 000.

I Poison in the TeaP STARTLING CHARGE AGAINST A LABOURER I A remarkable case was investigated yester- day at Lifton, Devonshire, when William Down, a young farm labourer, was charged with placing footrot lotion in some cups of tea with intent to murder. Prisoner was in the employ of Mr. John Yelland, of Oobhamweek Farm. Bridestowe. About 6.30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, after the servant girl at the farm had made some tea to take upstairs to Mr. and Mrs. Yelland and their daughters, Down, in the momentary absenoe of the girl, is alleged to have placed some footrot lotion in each of the oups. On her return the girl, it was stated, thought there was a peculiar smell about the tea, and threw it all away. Down was arrested on Saturday, and when the warrant was read over to him he denied the charge. He was yesterday remanded in order to enable the poiMo to obtain an ..= of certain spots found in one of the saucers.

I MUTINY HERO IN TROUBLE "I am one of the old 24th Regiment, and I am proud of it," said Charles Highfleld, a fine-looking old man, to the Kingston justices yesterday when charged with intoxioaition. Hia breast was adorned with medal ribbons gained for service in the Indian Mutiny, the Chitral campaign, and Zululaad, accused being one of the survivors of Rorke's Drift. In well-chosen sentences the old fellow told the Bench that his appearance in court was the first charge that had ever been preferred against him, and that his condition on Satur- day evening was due to his having met an old comrade who had given him a drop of rum, and that had overcome him. The old man, who implored the Bench to let him off, was ordered to pay 2s. 6d.. and was allowed until January 1. when he draws his pension, to pay the fine.

LOTTERY ADVERTISEMENTS I W. Pugh and J. P. Itowlandp, proprietors of the "Aberdare Leader," and W. R. Protheroe and David Landeg, proprietors of "Tarian y Gweithiwr," both of which papers are pub- lished in tie district, were summoned at Aberda-re to-day for inserting in their respective papers an advertisement relating to a foreign lottery. Colonel Thomas Phillips, who defended both parties, remarked that the Acts under which the prosecution was taken were really so old that even the majority of the members of the legal fraternity were little aware of their existence, much less, of course, the pro- prietors of newspapers. A nominal fine of 2s 6d. and costs was I imposed in each case.

GOLD THROWN TO ACTOR A curious incident occurred during the perfonmamce of Brewster's Millions at the Theatre Royal, Sydney, recently. In the last act the hero finds himself without sufficient cash to post a letter. Turning out h.is pockets. he remarks: "I haven't a penny!" Mr. Thomas Kingston, who plays the prin- cipal part, was considerably taken aback by having a florin thrown on the stage by some emotional sympathiser. Then came from others of the audience first a half-sovereign and a sovereign. The thirty-two shillings were handed to the management, and by it given to the Hospi- tal for Sick Children.

I THE BORROWED SCALE I Tradesmen must be busy at Hirwain, for David Jortm Powell, of that village, told the Aberdare bench to-day that the false and unstamped scale which Inspector Wilson, of the weights and measures department, had seen in his cart had bean borrowed "owing to his own being at the bakehouse, because they were so busy with Christmas things." Mr. William Thomas, solicitor, who defended, stated that Powell had been in business for seventeen years without any complaint against hini, and submitted that the payment of the costs might meet the case. However, a small fine of 5s. and costs was imposed in respect of both the charges.

DROWNED BEFORE SON'S EYES A sad fatality was reported to the Llan- gollen police yesterday. Before dawn yester- day morning Evan Jones, aged 50, of Peny- graig, Yroneysyllte, who is subject to fits, was proceeding along the towing path of the Shropshire Union Oanal, with his fifteen- year-old son The latter heard a splash in the water, and mdesed his father from his side. The lad, by his frantio cries, attracted the attention of passers-by, but, although they could hear the drowning man in the water, which in places is very deep, it was impos- sible to render assistance. The dead body was recovered at daybreak.

GOLF ON THE SABBATH I The works committee of the Portihcawl District Council reported last night that they had carefully considered the letter from Mr. Thomas Hargest, secretary of the Porth- cawl, Pyle, and Kenfig Hill Free Churches Council, on the subject of the desecration of the Sabbath by the playing of golf on the Locks Common. The committee recommended the oouncil to reply that, inasmuch as they had not yet made regulations for the control of the oommon, they could not make an order which, they would have no power to enforce. The recommendation was adopted.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AS MODEL I M. Hennion, chief of the Paris Secret Ser- vice, who witnessed "Sherlock Holmes" at the Theatre Antodne, says that he was struck with the accuracy and ingenuousness of Sher- lock Holmes's observations. He is to send a number of his cleverest subordinates to see the play, as he is convinced that the repre- sentation of the amateur detective can not fail to give them some valuable hints. It might be. he said. to their advantage to adopt Sherlook Hohnes as a model.

SHIPBUILDING ,,SLUMP' I I The ncfrth-east coast shipbuilding returns show a falling off, compared with last year, of twenty-two vessels amd 191,000 tons. This year 325 vessels of 898,000 tons have been built, compared with 347 vessels of 1,090,000 tons last year. The tonnage of the respective ports was as follows: Vessels. Tonnage. Tyne 154 345,000 W ea.r 91 298,000 Teea 44 158,000 Hartlepools 29 110,000 Blyth 7 7,000

ENGINE-DRIVER KILLED John Evans (29), an engine-driver a.t the I Ynysfeio Old Pit, Treherbert, wa-s killed early to-day. It appears that he left his engine at 1.45 a.m., to speak to a shackler, and having dorne so was, by some means, as yet not ascertained, overtaken by a journey of trams and run over. The body was removed to his home, 95, Baglan-street, Treherbert.

ESCAPE OF A LUNATIC A lunatic, named Tnrpey, yesterday escaped from the Staffordshire County Asylum at Oheddleton, near Leek Turpey broke through a window an(f managed to get clear a.wa.y. A thick fog hung over the district yesterday, considerably hampering the search. It is supposed the man will TnaJra for Hanley, where he has relatives.

HANDCUFF KING'S RIVAL I Among the prisoners charged at Marl- borongfh-street yesterday with oa-Tiying an obstruction in the publio highway was a ma.n who bad his legs tied up, and was try- ing to release himself without undoing the knots, at the same time defying the crowd round him to so tie him that he ootild noi esmve.

[Charged with Shooting A FATHER'S ORDEAL: ACQUITTED1 BY TENBY BENCH John Davies, labourer, residing in Jones- terrace, was charged on remand at Tenby on Monday with having inflicted grievous bodily harm upon his son John. a crippled lad eight years old, by shooting him in the leg. The boy was now brought to the court by Sister Lloyd. matron of the Tenby Cottage Hospital, where he bas been since the night of the affair. He was sworn, but was not able to give any material evidenceT all be could say being that he was in bed and asleep, and that after he had been shot his father went out somewhere.. Davies pleaded not guilty to the charge, amd was discharged, owing to insufficient evidence. Mr. G. Lort Stokes, solicitor, appeared for Davies.

I HOOLIGAN'S BADGE A young fellow, named John Abraham Swell, a bottle-washer, was charged at Marylebone yesterday with disorderly Conduct. A constable explained that Swelt was with about twenty other fellows on Saturday night, all of whom were pushing people off the footway. "This man," he added, "belongs to a dangerous gang of hooligans, and this is the belt he was wearing," producing an Army belt studded all over with large brass buttons. "Is that the badge of their order?" asked the magistrate. A constable thought it was, and proceeded to point out that the members of the gang did no work, but patrolled the High-street, Camden Town, molesting respectable men and women and terrorising the whole district. Several constables had been injured by them, he added, during the last four months. The Magistrate remarked that the belt might prove a very dangerous weapon, and he suggested that a very good place for it would be the museum at Scotland Yard. He ftned the prisoner 10s., or seven days. The belt was retained by the polioe.

CHRISTMAS WEATHER I What will the weatiher be at Christmas? On the eve of the great festival the question repeats itself with perennial freshness. There are many, doubtless, who turn a wist- ful eye to the" old-fashioned" Christmas- tide of the past, with its snow-laden roofls and trees, its robins and its holly. It may almost certainly be affirmed that Noel this year will present no such typical picture, and that, though the temperature has at length begun to rise, we shall see neither ice nor snow. We may expect a fairly fine holiday, but the breeze blows but lightly, and some fog or mist is almost sure to mark the improved conditions.

CRICKET HYMNS I In 1869 the great W. G. Grace captained an eleven against the boys at Marlborough College, and was bowled for a few runs. That night the hymn in the college chapel, which had been chosen a long time before, contained the line, "The scanty triumphs Grace hatai won." On another occasion, in their annual match with the 3iarlboxough boys, the visiting team from Cheltenham College were, on the first day's play, quite at the mercy of the two Marlborough bowlers, named Wood and Stone. By a curious chance the evening hymn again happened to hit off the situation, foT it told how The heathen in their blindness Bow down to wood and stone. —"Little Folks."

PUBLIC SPIRIT I The story of the Scotsman who, seeing a compatriot struggling in the water, made application for the drowning man's situation, to be informed that it had already been given to the man who had pushed the I other into the water, has its echo in many a public man's experience. And it is not peculiar to this country. President Roosevelt, who receives a vast number of applications for appointments, ha-d one from a man saying;- I hear that the American Consul has perished at Martinique. In presenting- my application for tho vacancy thus caugSd" r 'am 'atJtliartfed by a desire to get in ahead of those loathsome creatures, the office- seekers.

RECIPE POR A HAPPY XMAS A heart full of thankfulness, A thimbleful of care, A soul of simple hopefulness, An early morning prayer, A smile to greet the morning with, A kind word as a key To ope the door and greet the day, Wha.te'er it bring to thee. A patient trust in Providence To sweeten all the way— All these, combined with though tfulness, Will ma.ke a. happy day.

WORCESTER BYE-ELECTION I The bye-election to Oil the vacancy caused by tho unseating on petition of the Unionist member for Worcester, Mr. Williamson, is expected to take place in February. Mr. Harold Elvemrton, a member of the Man- chester City Oouncil, was yesterday evening recommended for adoption as Liberal candi- date by the executive committee of tlfre Wor- cester Liberal Association. Mr. Goulding, of Wargruve HaJl, Berks. is the Unionist oandi- da.te.

DEATH DUTIES I i The largest payment made this year to the Treasury on account of death and succession duties comes from Lord Clinton, the amount being about £ 380,000. This is in respect to the great Rolle estates in North and East Devon, which he inherited on the death of his uncle, Mr. Mark Rolle, under a settle- ment made by John Lord Rolle. who died in 1842. The Rolle estate is the largest terri- torial possession in the West of England.— "Truth."

VENTRILOQUIST IN COURT I When John Clements was charged at Lam- beth yesterday with begging from foot pas- sengers he warmly disputed a suggestion that hb was accustomed to beg, and said he earned money as a tailor and as a ventrilo- quist. Leaning over the dock, he proceeded to give a display of his ventriloquial powers by holding a conversation with an imagi- nary person. He was remanded.

THE SEASONABLE BURGLAR I The Christmas burglar has begun opera- tions in earnest. Always at the festive season of the year the number of burglaries is large, owing, perhaps, to the fact that houses are left vacant by families spending the holidays away from home. Thirteen bur- glaries in the London district have been reported during the past week-end.

FIRE ON A LINER I A dispatch received in London to-day states that the American Pacific liner Minnesota oaught fire while in Kobe Harbour. Before the outbreak was got under the vessel and cargo were damaged. The Minnesota is the sister ship of the 20,000 ton liner Dakota, lost off Japan recently.

A THREE MONTHS' HOLIDAY I Rees Thomas Jones, a young fellow, hailing from Merthyr, was sent to prison for three months at Aberdare to-day for exhibiting improper prints. Superintendent Gill told the bench that the prisoner was one who did little work, but "who went about the place."

GOLD MINE DIVIDENDS I The total dividends declaired last year by the Rand Gold Companies amount to £ 6,962,500, and total dividends for Whode of Transvaal Gold Mines to £ 7,131,600.

A young lady. who was submitting a story to a magazine, grew impatient at the delay in receiving a reply, so she wrote to the editor asking for an immediate decision, beoause, as she said. ? have other irons in because, The editor replied by return of post, "Dear Madam, I have read your story, and I advise you to put it with the other irons I"

I Death in Cheap Teapot. HANDLE COMES OFF AND CHILD SCALDED TO DEATH At Paddington on Monday Dr. Danford Thomas held an inquest concerning the death of a child named Florence Tickner, whose parents live at Wlieatstone-road, North Kensington. A few days ago the mother was making tea, when the handle of the teapot collapsed and the boiling con- tents were poured over the child, causing fatal scalds. The Coroner, after examining the teapot. said it was cheaply made, and he was sur- prised there had been any strength in the handle at all.—The father of the deceased said the pot was disgracefully made.—A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

HOPEFUL MONEYLENDERS A young clerk who was sued at CIerken well County-court yesterday by a money-lender and claimed relief under the Moneylenders' Act, said he had been charged interest at the rate of 319 per cent. per annum. The Solicitor for the moneylender remarked to the judge that the young man "knew the ropes" as well as his honour did. Judge Edge (laughing): I know the ropes? Why, I have never borrowed a shilling from moneylenders in my life and hope I never shall. (Laughter.) The Solicitor: I mean the knowledge gained by your honour through the oases that come before you. His Honour: I get circulars from money- lenders couched in most polite terms. It shows the hopefulness as well as the enter- prise of the profession in sending circulars to judges. They promise that everything shall be done most secretly, but I am not likely to walk into the web. (Laughter.) The Judge held that 319 per oent. was an exorbitant rate of interest, and reduoed it to 60 per cent.

GRETNA GREEN WEDDING A runaway marriage has just been "solemnised" at the old blacksmith's shop at Gretna Green. When the ooupJe told the "priest," John Dixon, who is a shoemaker, and lives next door, that they wanted to be married, he was not slow to comply with the request. He took them into the old shop, which bears the name of Headless Cross," and over the old anvil and register book the runaways joined hands and plighted their eternal faith in the usual way, and after. wards gigned the register. Refreshments were brought from a public- house, and there being by this time a large number of villagers present, the health of the happy pair" was duly pledged. Tin lovers then drome off to their home at Canon bie.

SHOCKING STABBING CHARGE Jeremiah Murphy, a young man, of Merlin's Hill, Haverfordwest, was brought up in custody at Haverfordwest on Monday charged with stabbing an-other man, named Thomas G. W. Bowen, with a knife. Boweu was unable to appear.—Dr. Mills said that he found upon him a wound in the side which had bared two ribs and severed the inter. vening muscles. He was not out of danger. Prisoner was remanded in custody for a week.

NO MORE THEATRE QUEUES An interesting experiment has been ini. tia.ted at t-he Theatre RoyaJ, Bournemouth, by Mr. Frederick Mouillot, the lessee. A grand hall has been built on to the theatre, in which people can wait before thê- theatre doors open for the performance, and to which the audience are requested to retire between the acts to permit of the theatre being thoroughly ventilated. Tea will be served in this hall, and the orchestra will play there during the intervals.

MRS.HARDIE'S GIFTFROM INDIA Mrs. Keir Hardie has just received at her residence at Cummook. Ayrshire, a beautiful souvenir of her husband's visit to the Indian Empire. This is a silver tea service of Indian workmanship, which was presented to the Labour leader, at a garden party at Cal- cutta, by the Maharaja of Mymensingh or. behalf of the Indian residents of that city. The articles, comprising the Soervioo are artistically chased with figures representing scenes from rural Bengal.

TINY VICTIM OF EXPLOSION. The work of searching the ruins of tihe buildings at Palerano destroyed by explosion last Thursday proceeded steadily on Sunday night and Monday. Three more bodies were recovered on Monday morning. A pathetic incident was tthe discovery of a little girl, only four years of age, still alive, but uncon- scious. She was taken to the Spasimo Hospital.—Renter.

RIFLE ASSOCIATION TROPHY It is officially notified that the challenge trophy of the Rifle Association for team shooting for 1907 has been won by the 3rd Suffolk Regiment, with 748 points, average 93.5 per man. The 3rd Seaforth Highlanders, with 697, were second, and the 4th Durham Light Infantry, with 678, were third.

GUNS TURNED ON STRIKERS. The State Department at Washington is informed by its representative at Iquique that there has been a collision between troops and nitra-te strikers; ih which machine guns were used against the strikers, 200 of whom. it is reported, were killed.-Rcutoer.

GUARDIAN FOR 47 YEARS Mr. William Bravington, of Woburn-hil^ Addlestone, one of the best-known agricul- turists in Surrey, died yesterday. He held the record for Poor Law services, having been a member of the Chertsey Union Board ol Guardians for 47 years. He had the Volun- teer long-service medal, and was in the "Queen's sixty" at Wimbledon many years ago.

COW AT A MOTHERS' MEETING At a mothers' meeting held recently in -connection with Christ Church, Ure, the women assembled were calmly sewing when a cow entered the room, giving a swing oi its tail which closed the door. The motheri shrieked while the cow strolled round the room, scattering parochial garments righf and left. It was eventually ejected without serious results.

LLOYD GEORGE CASKET The sub-committee entrusted with the arrangements for the presentation of the freedom of Cardiff to Mr. Lloyd George, M.P., President of the Board of Trade, met yester- day, and accepted t.he design of Messrs, Spdridion and Sons. Cardiff, for too golo casket. The price is P,85

FOG STOPS SHIPPING One of the worst fogs for several years envelopes Grimsby to-day. The entire sbip. ping traffic has been stopped, and this in th. case of Continental steamers creates enor mous inconvenience. The railway service t< Hull via the Huanber is also suspended.

HOTEL IN FLAMES The Hove Lawns Hotel, at Hove, Brighton, was destroyed by fire early this morning. The only occupants were the landlord, hia wife and children and servants, all of whom escaped.

LOCK-OUT OF 11,000 MEN According to a telegram from Crefeld, ovet 11,000 weavers have been thrown out of worl by a look-out which has been agreed to bj, the employers.

"KNOWLEDGE BUMP" "I have a. knowledge bump here," said ? man at Acton yesterday, pointing to th. bad: of his head, and explaining the effect of a faU on the pavement while drunk.

COLLAPSE OF A WORKS A perfumery manufactory in oourse of construction at Cannes suddenly collapsed yesterday, burying all the workmen engaged OIL it.. Nine men ww» ttlle* n»

BEDROOM HORROR I A shocking discovery was made last even- ing by a young' woman living at Gillingham- road, Gillingham, Kent. Passing through a bedroom in the twilight she stumbled over something, and upon obtaining a light found that it was the body of her brother, James Fowler, a fitter, employed in Chatham Dock- yard. His throat was terribly cut, and a razor was by his side. He expired soon after- wards. The deceased was a single man, aged 33.