South Wales Echo

& liTsitttss Abbrtsses. npHIS is called an age of Philosophy, _1, because enlightened people everywhere demand reiAonahle grounds for whatever belief they are asked tc;, iiccept. The whole sense (,f this p?ragrapa is con- iained in the following lines l'he Alliance CLothing Company. of 33, St. Mary è ot, Cardiff, are Bona-ticie Manufacturers of Cloth- their Factorv being at 4-1, Commercial-street, "iidon, and their Branches at 77 and 78, High S* H.oorn 29, Ludgate-hiU 33, High-street, Islington 1 Shoreditch, and 29, Silver-street. Hull. here- ■ can afford to sell from 25 to 35 per cent. less u.in ordinary shopkeepers, however large way oi easiness they may be in." All our Clothing is labelled in plain figures with its proper description, trusting nothing to our Sales- man's knowledge of Fabrics. ° Unlike other Houses, -o tell the Customer all we know about our Cloth- ing, and give A LEGAL GUARANTEE with every s: le, 13 evidence ofour sincerity. This guarantee feature was but recently introduced into our business system. Our customers who have heretofore found our simple word about goods sufficient, may not care for the ^written guarantee, but we irive it all thesiiue, be. 'a.u.e we want to establish relations of perfect con- Ulence with new customers; besides, the register vittiber of the guarantee ticket is an index to the date and details of each transaction, and useful for reference. We anticipate a very severe winter, and c Illseauently a large trade in winter overcoats. We t-ave therefore devoted to that department an im. mense stock to itself, varying in prices from 14s lid to 50s. We need not remind our customers that we are the originators of the new system whereby the money is rerurnedto customers who are not satisfied with what they have purchased. This svstem was introduced by c? in 1864, and we firmly believe is one of the Secrets of our Great Success. THE ALLIANCE, MERCHANT TAILORS & JUVENILE OUTFITTERS, 105e .33, ST. MARY-STREET, CARDIFF. EXTENSION OF I Sj I T FOR ANOTHER WEEK. EMINENT PHYSICIANS HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE ")f AGNETAIRE" (Protected by Royal Letters Patent) FOR THE PREVENTION, RELIEF, AND CURE OF DISEASE. 31 R LON S D ALE, M.E., Iaventor and Patentee of the "'vIAGNETAIttE,' IS NOW RE-VISITING CARDIFF, AND MAY BE DAILY CONSULTED, FREE OF CHARGE, FOR ONE WEEK MORE, At his Private Consulting Rooms at MR J. LONG'S, PHOTOGRAPHER, 63, CROCKHERBTOWN, UNTIL SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1885, wb-;re he will give Advice as to the Application of urt-tive Electricity, and Explain the Principles of his Patent Magnetaire Appliances, of which he has a L&rqe Assortment, suitable for every part of the body. HOURS OF ATTENDANCE Ten to One, Two to Five, and Six to Eight. A 32-page Pamphlet, conta ning Testimonials, Price List, and full particulars. Free on application. Ihe following are selected from a mass of testimony in possession of the Patentee:- CARDIFF TESTIMONIALS. IMPORTANT TESTIMONY. BRONCHITIS AND HEART DISEASE. 28, Windsor-road, Cardiff, Dec. 17, 1884. Dear Sir,-For many years I have been suffering from r ronchitis and Heart disease, and although I have consulted with several physicians, and tried many remedies, I have received very little benefit from them. I few weeks ago I bought one of your Magnetaire appliances, and am glad to tell you that I have derived much benefit from it.—I am, yours respectfully, JOHN EVANS. Mr B. Lonsdale. INDIGESTION. 39, Croft-street, Roath, Cardiff. Dec. 18, 1884. Dear Sir,-A short time ago I purchased from you an appliance for Indigestion and rain in the back; 1 am very pleased to inform you that I have derived great benefit from it. Can now eat any- thing I fancy, and am quite free from the pain and inconvenience I felt before purchasing the Mag- netaire."—Yours truly, Mrs C. WARREN, Mr R. Lonsdale. BbTIMONIAL FROM THE REV. R. H. DIGNUM. Neville Cottage, Pearl-street, Roath, Cardiff, November 24, 1884. My Dear Sir,—For the third time I have great ple^ure in bearing testimony to the continued Delefit I receive from wearing your admirable Jlagnetaire" Belt. Tome its effects are simply comforting and delightful. I can eat and digest my tood with comfort. That terrible nervous a,-tion wjtn which I was troubled for years has been sub- dued. For months together I have been free from it. I also find the "Magnetaire" So:es a perfect uxur f. The appliances are a blessing indeed to ms to" the last two years. I wish you success in your efforts to benefit suffering humanity. I shall Oe g:ad to answer any questi ns which anyone may desire to ask me upon the matte: With gratitude for the good I have myself received, with very kind regards, I remain, Dear Mr Lonsdale, yours most faithfully, ROBT. HAYDON DIGNUM. To Mr Lons<l'Ue. WBAK LEGS, NUWR FEET. SWOLLEN ANKLE, 4ND WEAKENS OF THE VOICE. 214, Pearl-at,eeti Roath. Nov. 17th, 1884. Dea. Sir,—Some y^g ago I had an attack of cholera, which left a borough weakness in my legs, u'lmbness in feet, a.^ sw0]]en ankle, causing pain s,0-ci greatly inconveiruuc^n„ me getting abouf I am pleased to tea tjjat after wearing the and holes I p\jcchaset0e Vou during your lais vis"-t a few ho-4 I 0 feel an improve- ment. and after a week's trial the,vlan^e was won- derful my leg? were altogether str, the swell- ing of ;ukle nad gone down, feet fr^om numb- giwJ the circulation restored shron„h my roua bo.iv t found a great improvement a,1" mv f.n' j. which was very weak; can no* v "Aron^er, although it is ten years since m, v' broke dawn. I am highly satisfied with what .r Appliances have done, and shall always recomme«fi them witb confidence in any similar case.—Your- tcaiy JOHN TAYLOR Builder. Mr K. Lonsdale. CRAMP AND RHEUMATISM. 157, Bute-road. Cardiff, Nov. 1, 1884. v 8tr,~<n answer to your inquiry about the 4* Magnetaire that I purchased of you during your last vi ;iT to Cardiff. I am glad to say it ha" (le-enie grea., good, especially in removing Rhen: ,nrl CrL-jnc;, ind southing the several com; that v-r-n-i ,h age. lalso have known several ho hve worn the Marhtaire and in every cae it has reli^v^ r cured t>em.' If a rich person or two were t ) lub a few -tray sovereigns together and pur«;hd..?o iome of youtappiiances, and give them to the ;«.•••, and needy, w10 cannot bir* such earthly bltfsjiisgn. they coula s^y hereafter, "Tl; y were sick, and i :*«ed them. If J>. v person wi ties to know mora about the appliance. may call on me, and I can give them some pru eXperieiice. Respectiully youi GEORGE SA,LEKi Artist. Mr R. Lonsdale. "0;: SCIATICA AND RHEUMATISM Melbourne Villa, Plymouth-place North, Pe. th I' Near Cardiff, Oct. 6th rth, Dea- Sir,— I wish to express my great sate- tion akict to testify to the benefit I have derftc" from tha "Magnetaire" applianco I purchase ¡ from yen two years ago. After a very short trial 1 feit a glow throughout the whole system, and com. iiieiiced to lose the pain in my hip and knees from -which I had suffered acutely for three years, and bad tried all sorts of remedies without receiving the least good. But I can safely say, after wearing the Magnetaire," I have since been entirely free f'-om ps 'n. I shall spare no trouble in recommend- ing your appliances co anyone I know suffering. I rtwiin, yours very trulY, JIr K. Lonsdale. DAVID WILLIAMS, Pilot. I < MR LONSDALE HAS NO AGENTS. THE APPLIANCES CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS IN CARDIFF, AND ARE STAMPED "MAGNETAIRE." ——— 71996 LONSDALE AND CO., SOLE MANUFACTURERS, 11905 447, WEST STRAND, LONDON CJ W A N S E A OFFICE CF 1:1, T i' rd WALES DATLY NEWS," N. 2, COLLEGE ^v :}.;T AH order- from NEWSaQENI,; .a ^celvepioun.i >y.dba sxetuced uror. terms ks NEWS delivpred M Subscribers ear fiery mcraing -.a any part oi town S Up to Seven o'cio^ DAlf.VUNh vvf m wotl!IBS's issue of tu. OC-HOOL APVEFTISEilJSNTS.—The 'y .Htteution of PriiicipaJ-' of Private >nd 0th«.r -CHOOLt It directed to sho fol'ii wiiii. inodemi-o pnr PAID TARIFF for School A(iv^rciaemeu:s:- Oat Six Insertion, Insertions, insertiou ■•». U. h. >i s. d ¥«ttr iiines 1 0 2 ft 4 j 6 0 sH* Line? 1 j 3 0 6 0.. 9 0 JSgbt lines.. 2 0 c 06 a 12 0 T^lve Line^ 3 0 7 6 12 u 18 0 avsbt mortis may be ca'<later! to a line. Advertise can also appear i". the CARDIFF TIMES an.; WOL 1 WAlt ft'fcEKLlf N i-'WS in unction with aeriM'' Dailu Nem< so w to fnm part Of a sen us of liuwuoiu. SusinBss ^.bbresses. AT the present time Clothing so much de- notes the position of the wearer that to be ilJ clad or clothed in garments that are badly made and fitted at once conveys an im- pression unfavourable to the wearer. It is, therefore, of great importance that all who study appearance should be careful to make their purchases only from such houses as make Style, Fit, and Quality, combined with economy, their leading features. Winter especially requires that change in our attire which is so necessary for the due protection of our health and comfort. It is, therefore, of great importance that we should be supplied with overcoats and other warm clothing, not only at a moderate charge, but also fashion- able and well made, as well as being selected from materials of modern design and durable character. To these important requisites MASTERS and COMPANY have especially devoted their attention, and the reader may depend upon being supplied with all he re- quires at either of their establishments. Every person to whom economy is an object should certainly inspect their stock before purchasing elsewhere. The position occupied by this firm in the markets as the largest buyers of clothing in Wales or the West of England enables them fre- quently to secure goods at such prices as defy competition, it being an indisputable fact that the tradesman who can buy largest must buy on more favourable terms than the smaller buyer. There can be no surer indi- cation than an increased trade that the public duly appreciate fair dealing, and that the efforts of MASTERS and COMPANY to supply goods of sterling value at the lowest remunerative profit have been fully recognised is proved by the result. 102e LADIES who have learned Scientific Dresscutting, have no Dressmakers' bills this Christmas.— Scientific Dresscutting Association, 21, Angel-street, opposite Cardiff Castle. ojO

TOPICS OF THE DAY. A morning paper "doubts if the Princess Beatrice would listen to any suitor for her hand if, in surrendering it, she must neces- sarily abandon regular association with her mother. So far as Ifrince Henry of Batten- burg is concerned, there is happily no ob- stacle of the kind in existence. He can make his home where he pleases." In fact, to use a homely English phrase, he is of no fixed residence. The Prince of Wales got a good deal of credit a few weeks ago for declining to appeal to Parliament just yet for an allowance for his eldest son. It was not known then that Parliament will be asked next session to give Princess Beatrice an annuity of -£6,000 a year. Two applications of that sort in a single session might have led to some very plain speaking, and a division list that would not have been a pleasant study for royalty. In the January number of To-day there is a manifesto to the working classes, issued by the Social Democratic Federation, and signed by Edward Aveling, Eleanor AVeling, Robert Banner, E. Belfort Bax, John Burns, Herbert Burrows, H. H. Champion, R. P. B. Frost, Amie Hicks, H. M. Hyndman, J. Lane, J. L. Mahon, S. Mainwaring, William Morris, J. F. Murray, H. Quelch, and J. E. Williams. The policy of the Federa- tion is thus stated The business of such organisations as the Social Democratic Federation is not to create re- volution, for that is impossible, but to help to regulate and thereby hasten it and this has to be accomplished by a threefold method. First, by showing sympathy with all popular revolutionary movements, BY spreading and deepening the vague discon- tent which is now simmering all through civilised countries. Secondly, by turning that discontent into an assured hope by teaching the people what are the real causes of their misery. Thirdly, by organising the workers into bodies with the definite single aim of realising Socialism or the freedom of labour." In one of the phrases here used lies the whole explanation of the strength of the Socialist movement. The Federation advo- cates "spreading and deepening the vague discontent which is now simmering through civilised countries." The Socialist leaders, by the vastness and the vagueness of their hopes and promises, appeal to the misery of the world, and there is much misery. The quack who prescribes a universal specific for every disorder is certainly not a sound prac- titioner but he may gather around him crowd of patients by the comprehensiveness of hisjappeal. According to the Pall Mall Gazette, Lord Srby formally declared some time ago that, Niice annexed the New Hebrides, Eng- ^nd regard it as "an unfriendly act'. "t' as >. matter of fact, Lord Derby was a uduig tv^-dW Guinea, and to New Guinea only, when used these words. At present an agreement between the two countries rV-T 8 "^auce or England annexing the W Hebrides but this agreement can be cancelled by muta* COMWlt. Whether it would oe ™> to do ,o, kss France Wnds herself not to use these v, ds as convict settlements, is another ^eV jt is rumoured that the Samoan s00n become German territory. Weh, i. not ? There is already a considerable rjgnnan terinan settlement in these islands. England -ould have annexed them long ago if there ia(j been half as many Englishmen in them. The Church of England of late years has borrowed not a little from Rome on the one hand and from Dissenting bodies on the other; and Watch Night, which used to be a peculiarly Methodist institution, has now been introduced into not a few churches of the establishment. We have not a word to say against a custom which forcibly reminds men of the march of time and the brevity of human life, so long as those who wish to observe it do not force their ob- servances upon other people. I The death is announced of Mr W. H. Pottle, a veteran reformer, who took an I active part in the Reform movement of 1367. More recently he acted as lion. sec. of the association, which succeeded in throwing open to the public several acres of enclosed ground in Regent's-park, and for the part he took in this movement he was not very long ago presented with a testimonial. The Publishers' Circitlar gives an analytical table of books published in 1884, which shows that 4,832 new books were published last year, and 1,541 new editions. Theology stands at the head with 724 volumes, more than one-sixth juvenile works and tales stand second with 603, about one-eighth and educational, classical, and philological books take the third place with 543, or about one. ninth of the total number. Of novels, &c., 408 were published. There has been a new version of the "Corsican Brothers" in Paris. M. Georges Lefevre said something nasty about Corsi- cans. Several Corsicans waited upon him, but he gave satisfactory explanations. The Corsican Deputy, M. Arene, however, Lefevre said he would kick. Arfene with Bonparte, a friend, called upon Lefevre, and boxed his ears. Lefevre bit Arene, and gave him into custody. Bonparte dis- charged a revolver in his own pocket and was also arrested. Grand finale-Arbne fined 200f., and Bonparte lOOf. There is a great deal of quiet dignity in all this. "There is no need," says the Times yes- terday, in a really modest review of itself, that we should now attempt in any way to recall the nature of the long relations of the limes with the public and its persistent influence upon public affairs." Perhaps, however, at this present juncture there is a shrewd discretion in saying nothing about the influence of the Times upon public affairs." It is not a year since the Times, doubtful upon many matters, was at least cock-sure that Ireland would not be included in the Franchise Bill. In another matter the Times is distinctly too modest. We have always," it claims, acted upon the principle of keeping our- selves thoroughly independent of Govern- ment favour and party influence, and shall continue to maintain that principle to the last. The Times is more-it is independent of itself, independent of consistency, inde- pendent of its own words and policies and the only principle it has to maintain is the principle which regulates the turning of a weather-cock as the wind blows. The function of the Times to reflect the opinion of the hour may be a creditable one, but there should be no virtuous boasting about such a work.

TORY stump orators are prone to have a fling at any prominent Liberal who may have a connection with trade. Thus, for instance, Mr CHAMBERLAIN has been charged with ruin- ing the screw manufacture at Birmingham, and now this has been shown to be false, another great Liberal who has made himself particularl y obnoxious to the Tories is violently assailed. Mr JAMES SOMERVILLE, a tory candidate for Glasgow, in addressing the Bothwell Con- servative Association, alluded to the connection of Mr Bright with the Corn Law agitation, and said Mr BRIGHT was enabled to put a considerable quantity of size into his goods, but he did not reduce their price for all that, and those goods were sent to India and Africa, among the coloured races there, but who were unjustly talked about as belonging to the" Great Unwashed." They, however, objected to size, and washed their clothing until it al- most altogether disappeared. So much, added Mr SOMEKVILLE for Mr BRIGHT'S philan- thropy. He has done his best to ruin the British farmer, and he has also done his best to wheedle the very niggers who practised habits of cleanliness. Mr BRIGHT replied to the gentleman who had called his atten- tion to this speech, and severely castigated Mr SOMERVILLE, remarking that to indulge in such language was a proof of the low opinion he must have had of those who listened to him. Thereupon the irrepressible Tory candidate for Glasgow wrote to Mr BRIGHT complaining of this reply. He little knew Mr BRIGHT. The right hon. gentle- man is not easily cajoled into making apologies. In a final reply to Mr SOMER- VILLE he hits that indiscreet gentleman very hard indeed, and unless his object all through has been to bring himself before the public, and thus gain notoriety, which is quite probable, Mr SOMERVILLE will let Mr BRIGHT alone for the future.

THE Ystrad Gas and Water Company are apparently determined to set at defiance the agitation which has for some time been on foot in the Rhondda Valley for a reduction in the price of gas. When last we wrote upon this question, there seemed some probability of a compromise being arranged, but now a settlement seems as far off as ever. At the meeting of the Rhondda Valley Chamber of Trade last night —In consequence of a satisfactory reply not having been received from the directors of the gas company, numerous petitions were submitted to the meeting, containing the names of hundreds of consumers, all of whom, it was alleged, were determined to discontinue the use of gas unless a re duction were made. It was proposed that the chamber finally fix the 15th of January as the date for the dis- continuance of the use of gas. This was seconded and duly carried. One of the members proposed that should they come to a decision to discontinue the use of gas, the consumers, after turning it off, should act unanimously in declining to re- sume its use unless the company compensate tm for the expense incurred in buy.ng lamps. The Ystrad Gas Company will probably be wise in titne. When they find that the gas conlimuen in their district are fully determined to carry a reduction in the price of gas, they will probably concede it; but they may wait until the oil lamps are in general use. Then they will no doubt be glad not only to reduce the price of gas, I but also to compensate the consumers of the expense incurred in buying those lamps.

I COAGULINE.—Cement for Broken Articles, 6d, Is, 2s, postage 2d. Sold everywhere. Kay Bros, I Stockport. 213

OUR COAL TRADE. The Export of Coal and Increase of Steamers. [BY CHEVIOT.] The collapse which has taken place in 1884 in the production of steam vessels has been sudden, and heavily felt by both capitalists and their workmen. In the Clyde district, and on the Tyne and Wear—the three largest shipbuilding sites in the world—the distress has been disas- trous. A moral may be derived, and that is, put not your trust in (princes, I was going to say) single trades for towns and districts. The "cotton famine" years ago, in Lancashire, told a fearful tale. It cannot be said that the shipbuilding enterprise is the one interest on the Clyde and Tyne. There are, happily, many other branches of business on the banks of those clasbic streams. But the building of ships is extensive enough to make the breakdown sufficiently felt to a very large population. Unhappily, Sunderland feels it more than the others, for her staple manufacturing trade is that of shipbuilding. I have often trembled to think of the consequences that might ensue to Cardiff and the populations on the banks of the Taff, right and left, up to Merthyr, were a serious collapse in the coal trade to ensue. Hence the force of the sermon that has been so often preached by prominent public men to extend the boundaries of general trade as much as possible. As the coal trade—especially the steam-coal trade-is so intimately bound UD with the extent of our steam fleet, I thought it worth while ot inquire as to the proportion of development be. tween both. In doing so, I hope I shall not be led away into any doctrinaire ideas or empirical conclusions. I will endeavour to state a few facts plainly, and perhaps some practical men dealing with. both classes of property may be induced to think out" some solid lessons thereupon. Take first the total production of our coal mines. Ac- cording to that valuable publication, The Mine- ral Statistics of the United Kingdom," prepared for so many years by Mr Robert Hunt, F.R.S., and now by the Home Office, the amount was as follows in three decades :— Increase per cent. 1860 80,042,698 tons — 1870 110,431,19^ tons 38 1880 146.818,622 tons 32 Mr Hunt roughly distributes the consumption as under Shipped to foreign countries: Carried by railways and canals; Consumed in blast furnaces Consumed in other branches of iron manufacture; Used by foreign-goinf steamers. In the latter year there were Exported 18,719,971 tons. Carried coastwise 11,495,896 tons. Use in pig-iron manufacture 16,682,629 tons. Other purposes—railways, factories, home consump- tion, -ic 99,920,126 tons. Total as above 146,818,622 tons. Turn now to the export of coal since 1840. The figures are:— figures are Tnnc. Increase percent. 1840 1,606,313 — 1850 3,351,880 108 1860 7,321,832 ns 1870 11,495,092 56 1880 18,719,971 62 1883 22,775,634 21 The latter, of course, is for three years as against ten in the previous periods. The tonnage per register of British and foreign vessels cleared outwards from ports in the United Kingdom were:— British. Foreign. Total. increase per cent. 1840 341,397 66,881 408,278 1850 876,186 202,133 1,078,319 166 1860 2,041,884 376.678.. 2,418,562 124 1870 6,786,841 850,607. 7,637,448 216 1880 15,685,739 3,217,791 18,903,530 147 1383 19,920,580 4,447,007 24,367i587 28 The percentage for the last three years is singu- larly alike that of the coal export for that period, in contrast to the manifest disparity of the former periods. Turn now to the steamers registered in th United Kingdom during the same term of years. They were No. Tons. In. p. Cent 184° 77i #< 87928 F_ 1850 1,187 „ lb8,474 91 1860 2,000 454,327 170 1870 3,178 1,112964 143 1880 5,247 2,723,468 144 1883 6,260 3,728 268 35 This is one continued course of increase in all these figures. They vary and yet they agree. There are minor dissimilarities, and yet a broad family resemblance—like children, according to Darwin, who decline to be exactly like their parents, but follow more after their grand- parents, and even farther back in the perspec- tive of pedigree. But our family resemblance 11 hardly gets so far back as the arboreal period." In the first place, the production of coal does not proceed so fast in a percentage degree as the export of that article. This indi- cates, I should think, that our foreign customers are in ratio stepping out in front of us. Then, in the next place, the increase of steam vessels as carriers is ahead of the export of coal; but, al- though the aggregate increase is much more in the former, there is a coterminous resemblance in the consecutive years given. The year 1870 is an exception, but an exceptional exception which could hardly prove the rule." Going further, we find that the registered steamers have increased more in proportion to the carriers." The latter, however, have increased more rapidly. Why so? Because the modern steamer goes faster, and thus makes more voyages. But there is another exception to be noticed here, and that is-the registered steamers in- creased faster in 1860 and in 1883. I hardly re- member the whole of the circumstances of the former period. It comprised the disastrous Crimean War and Indian Mutiny. There was a financial crisis a few years before I860, and after the recoil, probably, a good deal of money was spent in steamers. About last year, however, there cannot be much doubt. It was the most unprecedented in the annals of shipbuilding for the production of steam vessels. Take the Clyde alone, and we find this view confirmed. The tonnage built there in five years amounted to In 1880. 242,774 tons. „ 1881 340,823 „ » 1882 395.149 „ » 188j 417,881 „ 1884 299,119 „ So that more than a million tons was built and launched in the three great years, 1881-3. Ot course, such productive power could only have one result. It outstripped the demand, and the per- centage of increase placed upon the register again exceeded the carrying capacity. In passing, it is hopeful to see that the tonnage built this year is more than that of 1.880, and proves that there is some vitality in the trade yet. But let us return. The popular delusion that Tenterden steeple was the cause of the Goodwin Sands is no longer believed in, especially by the enlightened citizens who dwell under the shadow of the University College of Cardiff. This pro- blem, however, remains: Can any of the learned professors solve it? Will our steam fleet in- crease again ? And what bearing will that increase have upon the coal trade ? That a demand for steamers will again arise is surely not only possibl but probable. Some people think that its halcxo" days are over and that the proper nauticalin" vestment is the big iron four-masted sailing craft. They certainly are increasing, as a visit ocCaslOT1" ally to our docks will show. Increasing ):6S, in number as well as size. They are "things of beauty' that walk the waters like "things of life," It makes a patriot's heart swell with pride to think that his nation can be represented in seas by such tokens of his country's resources. Like Tell, addressing the Swiss Alps, according to Sheridan Knowles, one migLt well apostrophise them thus How high you lift your heads int » the sky How huge you are how mighty and how free 1 Ye are the things that tower, that shine, whose smile makes slacl. But notwithstanding the utility of such ships to carry goods cheaply and safely on long voyages, it is unlikely that any serious inroad will be made upon the vocation of our steamers, either liner" or" ocean-tramp." They are more likely to sup- plant the old wooden sailing which is gradually being relegated to the limbo of the "dear departed." The revival ol the steam trade is dependent probably upon gesierni trade, The run down" of that main element commenced in Wall-street last spring. It did the same thing about ten years ago. In 1866 it began in London with the collapse of Overend and Gurney's. The Stock Exchange, for good or evil, has always the credit of beginning this general mischief; and, after capitalists have been well cautioned and prices reduced, the turn of the tide comes again. One of the features of general trade about twelve or thirteen years ago was an inordinate thirst on the part of speculators to invest in coal mines. The men of this district do not require to be reminded of the result. For a few years back another "feature" was to "invest in steam." Twenty per cent. dividends, vide circulars of managing owners, had a wonderful effect on the gudgeon-like public, who swallowed the bait- hook and all. Behold the result-an empty pocket and a lacerated mind and stomach. Well, if general trade should revive—and let us hope the revival will begin with this new year-there is plenty of coal in South Wales to supply any amount of "steam." According to the Royal Commission on the Coalfields of the United Kingdom (1866-71), we have 32,456 million and odd tons, which is something to dream about and dig for. But, I forget, the Bristol people are going to take the wind out of our sails." The new number of the Manufacturer has an article on the subject. Bristol has as good coal as South Wales It has only to erect tips and go ahead exporting. The Chamber of Com- merce there has petitioned the town council, and the town council bas-not yet consented to erect these said tips. This by the way. It shows, however, as every straw does, how the wind is blowing, and Cardiff men must be up and doing— must look after their general as well as their coal trade. Because, if a port exports and does not import, and vice versa, it makes a difference of Is 6d per ton to the trading ship shifting across this channel. Now, if steamers are still to increase, will they have an appreciable effect on the development of the coal trade-especially the steam-coal trade? To understand this question more clearly, let us ask-who are our foreign customers for coal ? In 1883 the exports of coal, etc., stood thus Tons Value. Coals 21,670,926 £ 9,970,711 Cinders 488,001 339,551 Patent fuel 616,707 335,657 Total 22,775,634 £10.b45,919 The principal customers were:— France 4,481,426 tons. Germany 2,424,573 „ Italy 2,212,111 „ Bussia 1,563,843 Sweden and Norway 1,57,484 Spain 1,229,924 Denmark — 1,102,133 14,571,494 Other countries (under a million each) 8,204,140 „ Total. 22,775,634 „ So that the main part of our coal goes but a short distance after all. What is done with it ? Ap- plied to a variety of purposes, no doubt. France gets a good deal of small coal, and makes patent fuel. A large quantity is consumed in bunker- ing" steamers. It is also used for house purposes and for factories. The bunkering question is well worth a little consideration. In the Return —above quoted (Parliamentary Return, No 138)- the coal shipped as bunkers" is not taken into ac- count. Sir Hussey Vivian moves for this important account-important especially to this district. Whydoeshe not include in his programme the "bunker" coal, both foreign-going and coasting ? No account at all is taken of the latter, but the former is, for a few years back, stated separately in Mineral Statistics." It is becoming an im- portant item of export, as for instance :— Year. Tons. 1880 4,926,076 1881 5,227,588 1882 5,575,160 1893 6,400,594 These figures, of course, refer to the whole United Kingdom. For Cardiff alone in 1883 the amount was 969,150 tons-nearly one million tons, worth about half a million sterling at ship- ment. It is a larre sum for one port, and repre- sents a good deal of capital and labour to produce. It is, however, a larger question for the whole kingdom; and it becomes an impor- tant consideration as to the quantities that our steam fleet uses when "bunkering" in foreign ports, to trade in foreign waters, or to carry them back to Old England" again. Also, how much of the coal we export goes to supply foreign steamers in their voyages abioad? Look, for instance, at the big lines" of boats, and judge what they may need. In those above 100,000 tons register, there are belonging to the 11 No. Tons. Peninsular and Oriental Line 53 175,339 BritishIndia.Line. 83 173,787 Messageries Maritinies Line 61 141,112 Comp. Transatlantique Line 66 133.S62 Anchor • ine ^5 129,871 Cunard Line 33 112,608 Allan Line 37 106,452 Austrian-Lloyd Line 81 104,263 Florio Itubattino Line 87 104,167 in the yearly account ot the nrst-mentioned line for the period ended 30th June last, the cost of coal (including its freight) was £ 488,822 15s 6d. This would at least represent half a million tons. If the others consumed the same ratio, about four million tons would be taken for those seven fleets only, to say nothing of the other more numerous, but smaller, fleets of the world, amounting to about six times the tonnage of those enumerated above. I have now done with this subject for the nonce. I hope this little "study of statistics" may be of some use to our local shipowners and coal-shippers, who are just now in tribulation about the stagnation of trade.

ALARMING FIRE AT MERTHYR. About a quarter to seven o clock on Thursday evening, a firo, which at one time promised to assume alarm'n^ proportions, was discovered to have broken out in the cellar of Messrs Lewis and Jones'? offices, m Victoria-street, Merthyr. There wa?.n.° one on the premises at the time, and the Origin of the outbreak is at present un- known.. Information of the fire was conveyed to the police-station near at hand, and not a mowent was lost in turning out with the hose, and vigorous efforts were made to prevent the conflagration from extending beyond the cellar, l>ut, notwithstanding, it reached the passage and stairs on the ground floor before it was finally subdued. Mr Lewis is the registrar of the Merthyr County-court, and clerk to the magistrates, and in conjunction with his partner, carries on an extensive private practice. It is obvious, therefore, that had the flames reached the offices, books and documents of a very valu- able character would have been placed in con- siderable jeopardy. At the time of the un- fortunate occurrence, Mr Lewis happened to be absent from home, but Mr Jones was soon on the scene, and rendered signal service in directing operations. The cellar contained coals and other fuel, and some old books, which were without any substantial value.

I THE GREAT FOOTBALL MATCH. I England v. Wales. Great interest is centred in this match which will be played at Swansea to-morrow at 2.30 p.m. Not a single important match will take place in any of the towns of South Wales on the same day, hence a large and enthusiastic number of specta- tors may be expected to visit the scene of the con- test. The ground at present is in good condition, although somewhat hard, but about ten minutes' play would suffice to render it soft enough to play on without the slightest danger. The game of football has greatly increased in popularity in Wales during the last three or four years, and it is now recognised as a national Dastime. A cricket cup match will only bring together 200 or 300 spectators, whilst a football cup match will bring together some thousands. There was a time when Wales could scarcely muster a fifteen good enough to play against an English team, but now fifteen Welshmen can nearly hold their own against the most skilled and subtle players of Engiand. As proof of this: In 1881 Wales played England at Blackheath, when England gained a most deci- sive victory by 8 goals and 5 tries. In 1882, at Swansea, England defeated Wales by 2 goals and 4 tries. In 1883, at Leeds, England only won by 1 goal and 2 tries to 1 goal scored by Wales. Thus it will be seen that the tries scored by England have, curiously enough, decreased each match by halves, viz., 12, 6, and 3. This speaks volumes for improvement of football in Wales. No doubt a great deal of the improvement noticeable in the Welsh teams Im "dated from the time England first visited Wales, as by witnessing skilled play of the best kind players and spectators were enabled to gain many a valuable hint. Passing began to be shown, men were not savagely thrown to the ground, but held, "tackled," or "collared" properly. Referring to the match which will be played to-morrow (Saturday), there is every pros- pect of a good game, and not a one- sided affair, which always proves of little interest. Most of the leading authorities in England do not consider the English team so strong as the two previous ones, whilst, on the other hand, the Welsh team is stronger than before. The English three-quarter-backs are about the best "dodgers who, perhaps, ever played. Stoddart and Haw- eridge have quite a number of tricks, and take a lot of finding." Wade, who obtained three tries in the previous match at Swansea, is a resolute, dodgy runner. Rotherham and Payne, at half-back, are very unselfish, and are masters of every trick that is Ikely to puzzle their opponents. Sample, at back, is a very powerful kick and a certain tackier. The English team being equally divided between north and south, the wonderful passing and com- bination displayed by the two previous English teams will naturally be somewhat missed. The northern contingent is light, but very quick, and excel in dribbling. If Wales should prove strong enough to force England to act on the defensive, the possible lack of kicking by the three-quarters will be noticeable, but this is about their only weakness. Nothing need be said about the Welsh team the players are nearly all well known men though many are dissatisfied with the selection. Devotees of the game in each town perhaps, minus Newport, would like to see more of their first fifteen take pait in the match, but in all possibility, if the team were selected again, dissatisfaction would again pre- vail to about the same extent. A tine day, the ground in good condition, a large good-tempered and impartial number of spectators are the requi- sites necessary to make this very important match a great success. Below are the names of the players, which will perhaps prove serviceable the day before the match. Following the names of the English team are the dates they have previously played for England: England —(Back) C. H. Sample (Cambridge University and Durham), E 84 three-quarter backs, J. Hawcridge (Bradford), G. C. Wade (Oxford University) E 83, 84, A. E. Stoddard (Blackheath); half-backs, A. Liotherham (Oxford University) E 83, 84-, J. H. Payne (Broughton), B. 82, 83 forwards, E. T. Gurdon, captain (Richmond), E. 79, 80, 81, 8, 83, and 84. G. Gurdon (Rich- mond), E. 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84 R. Kindersley (Oxford University and Exeter) E. 83, 84 E. D. Court (Blackheath), A. Teggin (Broughto.n Rangers), F. Moss (Broughton), H. J. Ryalls (Broughton), Kemble (Liverpool), G. Har- rison (Hull), E. 80, 81, and 82.- Wales-Back, A. J. Gould (Newport); three-quarter backs, F. E Hancock (Cardiff), 1. 84, C. J. Taylor (Rua- bon), E. S. 1. 84, H. M. Jordan (Newport and United Hospitals); half backs, C. H. Newman (Newport and Durham) (captain), E. 81, 83, and 84, S. 83 and 84, 1. 82, W. H. Gwynn (Swansea), E. S. and 1. 84 forwards. T. Clapp (Newport), E. 83 and 84, S. 83 and 84, R. Gould (Newport),Il. 82 and 84 T. B. Jones (Newport), E. 85 S. 83 and 84; R. Lyne (New- port), E. 83 and 84, S. 83 and 84 S. Golds- worthy (Swansea), 1. 84 E. S. Richards (Swan- sea), L. C. Thomas (Cardiff), E. Rowlands (Lampeter), J. S. Smith (Cardiff), E. 84, 1. 84. E. England, 1. Ireland, S. Scotland. It will be seen that seven are from Newport, three from Cardiff, three from Swansea, one from Lampeter, and one from Ruabon.

NEW YEAR'S DINNERS TO THE I CARDIFF POOR. At the St. Mary's National Schools, Mount Stuart-square, on Thursday, a substantial dinner was given to the unsectarian poor of Cardiff Docks and Grangetown. The bill of fare was a liberal one, comprising roast beef, mutton, pork, vegetables, and plum pudding. About 400 were thus entertained, who, after the repast, joined in a most cardial vote of thanks to the givers. The same evening, about 500 children from the above-named districts, includ- ing specially the very poor and little cared for, were supplied with a capital tea. This was followed by a magic lantern entertainment, pre- sided over by the Rev. J. R. Phillips, of the mission ship Thisbe, who had been kindly granted for use a large number of slides by Mr Thatcher and Mr Biggs, opticians. Finally, the children, who seemed by their demonstrations to have spent a most rapturous evening, were presented each with some little article from an imposing Christmas tree. They were also the recipients of four oranges each and a ticket for the pantomime at the Cardiff Theatre this afternoon, the latter the gift of Mr h letch ^-r. Addresses were delivered by the liev. A._G. Russell (St. Stephen's Church) and others. The ten and all the arrangements were got up by Dr. Laen, Mr J. J. Ames, and Mr W. Burrow. Several ladies also assisted, especially in decora- ting the Christmas tree.

I THE REVENUE RETURNS. The quarterly abstract of the revenue of the United Kingdom has iust been issued from the Treasury. The total receipts for the quarter are £ 21,118,471, as against £21,423,174 in the corresponding quarter of 1883, thus showing a net decrease of £304,703 in the present return. The items composing the total receipts ot the past quarter are as follows :—Customs, L5,570,000 excise, LS,100,000 stamps, £ 3,160,- 000 land tax, P,5,000 houde duty, £ 20,0J0 property and income tax, £ 845,000 post-office, £ 1,980,000 telegraphs, £ 430,000 Crown lands, £ 130,000 interest on advances, £ 282,582, and miscellaneous, £ 595.889. These figures, compared with the return for the quarter ended December 31st, 1883, show the following differences Increase in customs, £ 93,000 stamps, £ 230,000 property and income tax, £ 40,000 post-office, £ 100,000. The decreases in excise were £200,000; house dutv, L5,000 telegraphs, £ 5,000 interest on advances, £ 102,675; and miscellaneous, £ 455,028. For the nine months just completed, the revenue shows a net decrease of LI,695,301 on that of the corre- sponding period of 1883, the chief difference being decreases in the excise of 2425,000 income-tax, 2400,000 and miscellaneous, £ 1,121,216. The Customs, on the other hand, have increased £ 249,000, and the Post-office, £ 120,000. For the three completed quarters of the finan- cial year the revenue for the year ending 31st December, 1884. was £ 85,509,883 as compared with £90,035,522 in 1883, the net decrease being therefore L4,525,639 for the twelve months. This is accounted tor principally by the decrease in the income tax of j62,402,000, and in the excise ol A. £ 593,000. Miscellaneous is also £ 1,707,962 less. Against these there are increases in the post office i oi 2400,000, and customs £ 140,000.

FATAL FIRE AT EDINBURGH. A lire occurred early on Thursday morning, in a broker's shop in the West Port, iuiinburgh, and a man named Brown, aged 22, onzaged at the Forth Bridge Works, was suffocated by the smoke. Several persons were rescued by ladders, ordinary commuuication with their houses bftvinK been cut off. A fireman fell from the second storey, and dislocated his liiLJ. j)(-

UNFAILlNi' YILt flK.VPACHES KEJO-'ICj; VEGETABLE PJ 1,1113, 1'01: iNmuESTio* Sold by all Chcmsts, &c., in !i&, 15A,« I. and 2s 9<J boxes. 13EWARII, Of itffXAtys;

The Nile Expedition. ANOTHER REPULSE OF THE REBELS. Gordon on the Qui Vive. j Letter to Lord Woiseley from General Gordon. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM. 1 CAIRO, Thursday.—The Mudir of Dongoll telegraphs under yesterday's date tha an Arab from the Mahdi's camp, wb has reached Dongola, affirms that th Mahdi's followers are in force at Mizan El N e twelve miles south of Omderman, whence the, have made repeated attacks upon Omdermatf They were repulsed with heavy loss, and con) pelled to return to Mizan El Nek. General Gordon having learned that tti Bedouin Arabs came during the night to tbi wells, sent armed boats to stop the practice, th causing great suffering among the rebels, many o whom died of small-pox and dysentery. Th Mahdi in consequence withdrew with his army ti Jabbara, two days' journey from Omdermanf Several tribes afterwards deserted him. It is added that the Mahdi subsequently suitf moned his principal chiefs and declared his intefl tion of marching against the Mudir of Dongola The chiefs professed their readiness to follow thi Mahdi if instead of remaining behind the armi he placed himself in the front, and thus charmed off hostile bullets. On the following day thi Mahdi again summoned his chiefs, and told theO he had seen in a dream that the Mudir of Don gola was a saint against whom it was useless fr fight, a reply which caused great consternation The Mahdi's forces were still at Jabbara. CAIRO, Thursday. Lord Wolseley receivet yesterday a small piece of paper from Genera Gordon, containing the words, Khartoum at right.—C. G. Gordon. December 14th." N" doubt is entertained as to the genuineness of thit paper, as it bears General Gordon's seal on the back. ["TIMES" TELEGRAMS. ] KORTI, Thursday.—There is no doubt of th1 authenticity of the letter from General Gordon which is both signed and sealed. The messengei adds that General Gordon has occupied tw< palaces, placing a gun on the roof of each. lIt goes to the top of one every morning and lookl round the country with a telescope, and he spend! the day on one or the other of them. At night hi goes round the works. ALEXANDRIA, Thursday.—It is hardly possibU to consider seriously Mr Blunt's proposals. HiJ good-natured credulity has evidently been in* posed on, as it was by Arabi. But the conse- quences of his action have already been tod serious in Egypt to encourage us to repeat ev periments in the Soudan. [" DAILY NEWS" TELEGRAM.] KORTI, Thursday.-Though Barrow's Huasatfi through an error, yesterday only covered 010 flank of Sir H. Stewart's advance, the reconnaissance procures important information' Many miles of the desert were without traces of human beings, but they found one camp of nomad Arabs, from whom they learned that no hostilo force was within many days' march. Large nutftl bers of Arabs are said to be procurable from thif and other tribes if necessary. From the infantt1 advanced post near Barkel I learn that no attempt has been made to proceed towards Gerendid at present. [" STANDARD TELEGRAM.J KORTI, Thursday. No definite information has reached head-quarters with reference fctf the strength of the enemy at Metamneb. It is sup- posed that the plaoe is occupied by a detacb- ment of the Mahdi's Dervish army. [" DAILY TELEGRAPH TELEGRAM.] KORTI, Thursday. The desert march may now be regarded as settled, not merely for the camelry and mounted men, but also for the infantry. The Royal Sussex are already under orders to be prepared to start for the Gakdul Wells, and my belief is that the General will himself start for Shendy and Khartoum with three, it not more, infantry regiments, in addition to the whole mounted force, except a few detail. His column will probably number close on 6,000 men. Yesterday, a Bedouin stated that ha had heard there was a man who had upset the whole country still on the river Metem- neh with a large f:)rce, but it was not the Mahdi. He knew, he said, that the rebels were there a week ago, [" DAILY CHRONICLE" TELEGRAM.] KORTI, Thursday Night.—My informant with General Earle's division, wires me that the tele-* graph wires were cut by the enemy on the river: bank last night, but a party of Hussars repaired them. Large quantities of stores are being col- lected at Abudom, on the south side of the rivet facing Merawi. The present intention is to make a start to-morrow. Colonel Brackenbury with a squadron of Hussars has gone to choose a position. The messenger who brought Gordon's briel message of December 14th all right was instructed to inform Lord Wolseley that Khartoum can hold out, and that in the last en. gagement lie disabled one oi the enemy's guns Skirmishes with the Mahdi's followers are fre- quent. Gordon still keeps a gun on the roof of both palaces at Khartoum, making play on the enemy encamped on the west bank. At night ht makes a round of the city's earthworks, and by day he learns the enemy's movements. General Earle has ascertained thatthe Monassers, the tribe most deeply implicated in Col. Stewart's murder, ha ve assembled at a difficult pass on the river some miles beyond Gerendid. The tribesmen have however, not responded to the call to arms, and iv is not probable that our passage will be disputed, if at all, by more than a hundred or two of the enemy.

GERMAN AND FRENCH ANNEXA- TIONS. Probable British Cabinet Council. To-day's Daily Chronicle says: T*he new. oi Mr Gladstone's sudden return to London has caused some surprise and a considerable amount of speculation in political circles. It is known that no Cabinet Councils were to have taken place is the ordinary course of Government business unti the end of the present month. Reports were current last evening that Ministers have been called together at the request of Tjorrd Derby, who has received important informatiOI2 in connection with the Germal1 anj French annexations in the Western Pacific.

FAILURE IN LONDON. To-day's M°rninrJ POst says:—"A circulai lias been issued stating that Messrs Cosmettc. I Brothers d Co., merchants, 42, Mincing-lane< have found it necessary to convene a meeting af their creditors. The liabilities are believed to be moderate. The books are in the hands of MeBsri J. J. Saffery and Co.

DEATH OF LADY HASTINGS. The death is announced of Frances, Ladj Hastings, widow of the late Lord Hastings, and since married to Major Heane, of Surnwood- Gloucestershire.

THE EARL OF MALMESBURY. The Earl of Malmesbury has had A rtlapsQ, and is still unable to leave his room.

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH EXHIBITION, LONDON —The HighestAward (Gold Medal) has been awarded to the Wheeler and Wilson New .style Sewing Machines, for great superiority over all others. All experts pronounce the Wheeler and Wilson Nos. 8 and 10 .Machines the most wonderful pieces of mechanisii. in the world,suitable for everybody, and every class ot sewing, hea vy and light—Wheeitr and Wilson, 19 Duke-street, Cwliff and all chief centresin district.o9ol ELECTRIC LIFE-M:AGNETISM.-p),l'kes' Patent Compound Magnets are intensely powerful and readily relieve Neuralgia, Kheumatism, Nervousness, &c Their great efficacy is due to the discovery oi a New Princ'p'e (se,! explanatory circular). Made in three forms, for use as Armlets Is, Pad Is 6d, Band 2s 6d the Set, with testing Compass, 5s. Ask the Chemist or send Postal Order to the Proprietors, Meosrs Jevons King's Heath, Birmingham*