South Wales Echo

THE SAD CASE OF DISTRES8 AT TREHERBERT. On Wednesday the sister of Mr Hamlin, Tre herbert, whose great domestic indigence was recently made public, was removed by Relieving- officer Jones to Pontypridd Union Workhouse. This course was taken with the sanction of Mr Hamlin, as the lady was mentally weak. She was in a terrible condition of uncleanliness, having evidently neglected herself.

I THE UXBRIDGE MURDER. In reply to a memorial praying for further eu quiry into the case of Elizabeth Gibbons, con- victed of the murder of her husband, whosa sentenca was commuted to penal e the Home Secretary states that be adberl to the decision already announced.

ISusinass bbtt5St5. JgJXTENSION OF V I SIT FOR ANOTHER WEEK EMINENT PHYSICIANS HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE "I A G ETA IRE" (Protected by Roval Letters Patsnt) FOR THE PREVENTION, RELIEF, AND CURE OF DISEASE. -fyj R O NTD ALE, M. E., Inventor and Patentee of the MAGNETAIKE,' 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 10. 1885, Where he will give Advice as to the Application of Curative Electricity, and Explain the Principles of his Patent Magnetaire Appliances, of v. liicti he has a Large Assortment, suitable for every part of the body. HOURS OF ATTENDANCE:- Ten to One, Two to Five, and Six to Eight. A 32-pase Pamphlet, containing Testimonials, Price List, and full particulars, Free on application. The following are selected from a mass of testimony in possession oi the Patentee CARDIFF TESTIMONIALS. IMPORTANT TESTIMONY ■ BRONCHITIS AND HEART DISEASE. 2.8, Winllsor-road, Cardiff, Dec. 17, 1884. Dear Sir,—For many years I have been suffering from rronchitis 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 a",o I bought one of your "Magnetaire" appliances, and am glad to tell you that i have derived much benefit from it.-I aui, yours respecttully, JOHN EVANS. Mr R. 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 pain in the back I am very pleased to inform you that I have derived great benetit from it. Can now eat any- thing I fancy, and am quice free from the pain and inconvenience I felt before purchasing the Mag- netaire."—Yours truly, Mrs C. WARREN. Mr R. Lonsdale. TESTIMONIAL 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 pleasure in bearing testimony to the continued benefit I receive from wearing your admirable "Magnetaire" Belt. To me its effects are simply comforting and delightful. I can eat aud digest my food with comfort. That terrible nervous action with which I was troubled for years has been sub- dued. For months together I have been free from it. I also find the Magnetaire" Soles a perfect luxury. The appliances are a blessing indeed to me for the last two years. I wish you success in your efforts to benefit suffering humanity. I shall be glad to answer any questills which anyone may desire to ask me upon the matter. With gratitude for the good I have myself received, with very kind regards, I remain, Dear Mr Lonsdale, vours most faithfully, ROBT. HAYDON DIGN I'M. p To Mr Lonsdale. WEAK LEGS. NUMB FEET. SWOLLEN ANKLE, AND WEAKNESS OF THE VOICE. 214, Pearl-street, Roath, Nov. 17th, 1884. Dear Sir,—Some years ago I had an attack of cholera, which left a thorough weakness in my legs, numbness in feet, and swollen ankle, causing pain and greatly inconveniencing me in getting about. I am pleased to teil you that after wearing the Belt and Soles I purchased of you during your last viit:1 few hours I began to feel an improve- ment, and after a week's trial the change was won- derftil my legs were altogether stronger, the swell- ing of ankle had gone down, feet free from numb- nes, and the circulation restored through my body. I found a great improvement also in my voice, which was very weak; can now speak stronger, although it is tell years since my voice broke down. I am highly satisfied with what your Appliances have done, and shall always recommend them with confidence in any similar case.—Yours truly JOHN TAYLOR Builder. Mr R Lonsdale. RAMP AND RHEUMATISM. 157. Bute-road. Cardiff, Nov. 1 1884. Sir,—In answer to your inquiry about, the Magnetaire that I purchased of you during your last visit to Cardiff. I am glad to say it has done me great good, especially in removing Rheumatism and Cramp, and soothing the several complaints that come with age. I also have known several who have worn the Magnetaire," and in every case it has relieved or cured them. If a rich person or two were to ciub a few stray sovereigns together and purchase some of your appliances, and give them to the poor- and needy, who cannot buy such earthly blessings, they could say hereafter, "They weresick. and I visited them." If any person wishes to know more above tne appliances they may call on me, and I can give them some practical experience. Respectiuliy vours, GEORGE SADLER, Artist. Mr R, Lonsdale. SCIATICA AND RHEUMATISM. Melbourne Villa, Plymouth-place North, Penarth, Near Cardiff, Oct. 6th, 1884. Dear ir,-I wish to express my great satisfac- tion and to testify to the benefit I have derived from the "Magnetaire" appliance I purchased from you two years ago. After a very short trial I felt a glow throughout the whole system, and com- menced to lose the pain in my hip and knees from which I had suffered acutelv for three years, and had tried all sorts of remedies without receiving the least xood. But I can safely say. after wearing the h Magnetaire," I have since been entirely free from pain. I shall Spare no trouble in recommend- ing your appliances co anyone I know suffering.— I remain, vours very truly. Mr R. Lonsdale. DAVID WILLIAMS, Pilot. 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 AT the present time Clothing so much de- notes the position of the wearer that to be ill 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 »nly at a moderate charge, but also fashion- able and well made, as well as being selected from materials of modern design and durable haracter.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 is the largest buyers of clothing in Wales or che 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 (^LERK (a respectable young man) Wanted one j with a knowledge of works in the district pre. fsrred.—Apply, stating salary required, &c., by letter, te C- Arthur Cox and Co., 34, Castle-st., Swansea. 722 -=- LADIES who have learned Scientific Dresscutting, have no Dressmakers' bills this Christmas.— Scientific Dresscutting Association, 21, Angel-street, ■ippo.iite Cardiff Castle. 540 KAY'S COMPOUND, a demulcent anoydne, ex j'fcsorant, for Coughs and Colds. Sold by all Chemists ir-d. is, is lid, 23 9d. 212 COAGCLINB.—Cement for Broken Articles, 6d, Is. 2s, postage 2d. Sold everywhere. Kay Bros, Stockport. 213

TOPICS OF THE DAY. General Campenon's revelations confirm the impression that M. Ferry intends to keep Formosa under any circumstances, and to occupy Pekin if China refuses to come to terms. If General Campenon has estimated the situation rightly that is a policy which will cost France a good many millions, whilst playing the Chancellor's game by weakening her at home. Mr Healy was presented on Tuesday by his Monaghan constituents with a thousand pounds. The amount is a substantial one, considering the poverty of the subscribers, and the presentation is interesting as an ex- tension of the system of payment of Mem- bers. Probably no member of the House of Commons has better claini for payment by his constituents than the Member for Monaghan. The presentation recalls two remarkable incidents in Mr Healy's life. On the day on which he took his seat in Parliament he made his maiden speeoh, and on the day on which he was called to the Bar he appeared in court with a brief. Pro- bably this never happened before to any Member of Parliament and barrister. The convention at Thurles to-day respect- ing the Nationalist candidate for Tipperary is exciting extraordinary interest in Ireland. The event is regarded as a supreme test of Mr Parnell's power. The Irish leader has against him a strong local candidate and apparently the influence of the priesthood but there have been no indications of decay in Mr Parnell's power in Ireland, and pro- bably he will carry his nominee. The Cape Argus has "the best grounds for believing that the real reason why General Joubert resigned his offices in and under the Government of the Transvaal- and to this moment it has never been sug- gested-was that when the ultimatum of the Imperial Government as to Bechuanaland was presented through the High Commis- sioner, it was resolved by the Transvaal Government to make a communication to Berlin, invoking the protection of Germany." Our Colonial contemporary goes on to denounce Lord Derby's refusal to annex the Kalahari Desert, a tract of country some six or seven hundred miles long. It is a cruel thing," says the Argus, "that we and our lives and fortunes should be used as counters in a European game with Germany," and much more to the same effect. But if the Kala- hari desert is of such vast importance to the Cape, why do the colonists refuse to annex it ? Lord Derby would raise no objection he has, indeed, suggested it. If they de- cline, it is but fair to assume that they are not serious when they say that this desert is necessary to the safety of the Cape Colony. The Vicar of Leamington must be a very fastidious person; he has declined to parti- cipate in the week of united prayer because the meetings are held in an unconsecratoJ building. The Church of England uses hundreds of unconsecrated buildings all the year round. We suspect that the vicar's real reason was that he objected to take part in such meetings with Nonconformists, only he did not like to say so. Of course, had the meetings being held in a consecrated building, none but clergymen of the Estab- lished Church could have taken part in them. In commenting upon the decision of the Conference with respect to slavery on the West Coast of Africa, Mr Allen says that the Anti-Slavery Society "hails with satis- faction and thankfulness this first step to- wards the deliverance of Africa from the greatest scourge of humanity. Surely not the first step We note that the Times endeavours to minimise the importance of the reports on the tenure of dwelling-houses on the Con- tinent by saying that in few of the states from which the reports come are there many large towns. But the reports in question come from every country in Europe, and they show that the terminable leasehold system is hardly known on the Continent, except in a few of the great towns of France, and in a very modified form in a few places in Norway and Sweden. Are there no large towns in Belgium, Holland, Prussia, Aus- tria, Italy ? Yet these countries know no- thing of terminable building leases. The Boundary Commissioners have evidently made a mistake in their division of the Glasgow districts. The Govan dis- trict, mapped out according to the spirit of the Redistribution Sill and the instructions to the commissioners, was accounted a safe Radical seat; but the commissioners propose to graft on to it one of the most Conserva- tive districts of Glasgow, thus infallibly handing the seat over to the Whigs. The lions in Trafalgar-square are, as a rule, not very striking ornaments to the statuary of London. But in the early morning, when the frost rime tiovers thickly the ground, these particular British lions are in circumstances which will gratify the niost ardent Jingo. We note that at the trial of the Kirtail petlamb case the counsel for Mr Winans spoke strongly of Mr Mackenzie of Kintail posing a-S! a patriarchal superior of these people, representing Mr Winans as a tyrant, but at the same time pocketing Mr Winans' rents, while he (of Kintail) refuaed to fulfil his part of the contract. Mr Winans' counsel, however, forgot to add that when Mr Mackenzie discovered that Mr Winans wished to clear the estate of its inhabitants, he desired to cansel the lease, and is anxious to do so still. Thus there is really no circum- stance to extenuate Mr Winans' behaviour. It was recently stated by the World that the Lotinga case had been settled by com- promise. This, we believe is not so. An application has been made on behalf of the plaintiff to one of the Masters to change the venue to Durham. The application was p refused; and an appeal was then made to a judge, who dismissed the appeal. Plaintiff has since given notice of her intention to apply to the divisional court. According to the Italian Times, American millionairesses appear to be particularly partial to Italian noble- men. The recent engagement of Missf E va Mackay to Prince Ferdinand Colonna directs attention to a long list of similar alliances, the leading names of which are- Miss Field, Princess Brancaccio; Miss Lorillard Spencer, Princess Vicarara Cenci; Miss Broadwood, Princess Ruspoli Miss Conrad, Marchesa Teodoli Miss Kinney, Countess Giannotti; Miss Fisher, Countess Gherardesca; Miss Roberts, Countess Galli Miss Fry, Marchesa Torreggiani Miss Lewis, Countess Barbolini Amadei; Miss Gillinder, Marchesa di San Marzano.

IT is plain that the spirit of semi-barbarism which prevailed in the mining districts of the country thirty or forty years is not yet extinct in some parts of the Rhondda Valley. Two cases which were brought before the Pontypridd stipendiary yesterday are only a sample of the horrible brutality shown from time to time by the more depraved among the Rhondda colliers. In one case an Irishman was again brought up on remand charged with putting a lad of 14 on the fire, and afterwards dropping him in scalding water, so far back as the 9th of last month. The doctor attending the injured lad said he would not be able to attend for another fortnight. This means that the victim of the Irishman's brutality will have suffered five or six weeks' pain from the burns and scalds he received, and it remains to be seen what punishment the administrators of the law will think sufficient for such wanton cruely iuflicted, is is said, for no other reason than because the boy refused to give up a pipe which the accused man SULLIVAN said belonged to him. In the other case, heard yesterday, a young Welshman was changed with biting a piece from the chin of anotner man, with whom he persisted 111 quarrelling. The piece of skin and flesh bit out was the size of a shilling. Yet the stipendiary magistrate thought the infliction of a tine of 25, or in default a month's imprisonment, was sufficient punishment for such a horrible case of cannibalism. Sueh leniency is not, we fear, very much calculated to decrease caeas of the nature we are now referring to, among the Rhondda miners.

THE danger of throwing lighted matches down in the public streets has often been exemplified. Sometimes the result is that a lady's dress catches fire, and in other cases the lighted match falls into the cellar and sets the contents ablaze. This is supposed to have been the case in High-street, Cardiff, last night. A fire broke but in a cellar underneath an auctioneer's store-room, and had it not been discovered in time the premises, which are very old, and therefore of a highly combustible nature, would probably have been destroyed. The premises were left apparently safe at half-past nine, and the fire was not perceived until a quarter past eleven. As it originated in the cellar, to which there is an open-barred grating facing the street, it is supposed that a lighted match thrown away by some smoker had fallen through the grating into the cellar and ignited the loose straw, a large quantity of which was in the cellar at the time. It is to be hoped that all smokers who light their pipes, cigars, or cigarettes out of doors will take care to blow out their matches ere throwing them down.

WILD BEASTS IN THE RHONDDA At the Pontypridd police court, on Wednesday, Michael Sullivan was brought up for the third time, charged with putting a lad of 14 on the fire wl at his lodgings, and afterwards dropping him on scalding water, on Dec. 9th. Dr. Parry, Fern- dale, said that the prosecutor was stilt unable to attend, and would not be able to g.ve evidence for another fortnight. Prisoner, however, could not be remanded, it transpired, for mure than a week, hence the case was adjourned for that period. William Jones, a young fellow of 25 years, was^ charged with wounding Thomas Hiers, at lerndale, on the 24-th December. Prosecutor said that he was a banksman on the top of No. 2 I, ernda¡e p:t. ^ynr)iydynog public-house at 9 p.m. on the date specified. 1 risoner was in the bar, and accused him of not paying for his lodgings to his (pr soiier's) mother. Prosecutor admitted the debt, but prisoner nevertneless struck him oa the face. Prosecutor fell down over a tip, and was awhile insensible.— oupt. Mathews told the bench that prosecutor did not wish to press the charge.—Patrick Hennessy, a. collier, testified that he saw prisoner hit prosecutor three ot four tmns at the public- house bar. The servant expelled prisoner, who l'jter on rejoined prosecutor outside, ana kicked hirti six or seven times about his head and chest. Witness remarked to prisoner that he ought to be asbmM of himself, slid attempted to raise prosecutor from the ground. Prosecutor was quite insensible. Dr. Parry said that prose- cutor had a scalp WOUÙQ. about an inch long) penetrating to the bone. Prosecutor had been disabled seven or eight days. Prisoner was fined £ 3 and costs. Lewis Lewis, 20 years old, was charged with biting- off p-rt of the chih of Thomas Collins, at Ferndale. Prosecutor lived at 199, Maerdy-road. Mr D. ftosser prosecuted. Prosecutor said that on Monday niglit he was at the Mardy Hotel at about eight o clock. Prisoner was also there, but was in his company. Witness had drunk two glasses or whiskey and two pints of beer, but wag not drunk. Prisoner asked him to fight Several times, and was drunk, hoisy, and violent. Wit- ness refused, and prisoner jumped over the table and spat on his back. Witness thought he was playing, but prisoner got him on the ground between his knees, caught hold of him witti both hands by the chin, and grasped him with his teeth. Witness called ont that the prisoner was biting him, and Daniel Howell separated them. Witness then discovered that prisoner had bitten a piece of his chm out, and his face bled profusely. He had not sesn the missing piece uf chin since. Witness did not give prisoner the least provocation, nor had there been a previous quarrel Between them. Witness did not know prisoner.—Daniel Howell gave corro- borative evidence. He described prisoner as having acted like a "wild beast." There were the marks of the prisoner's teeth on the bottom part of prosecutor's lower lip caused by a second bite of prisoner.—Dr. Parry said that the missing chin piece was the size of a shilling. The bite was clean to the boiie.-Prisoner was fined fb including costs. He could not pay this money, and be was sentenced to a month's hard labour.

I CARDIF*. EXPERIENCED VETERINARY SMITH (Joseph Peare) shoes every class of horse at the Cardiff Horse Exchange, near tho Custom House. A trial solicited. 232E FIRST CHRISTMAS SHOW.—The Model Clothing Company are now showing, at 13, Bute-street, a GRAND DISPLAY of CLOTHING, HOSIERY, HATS, &e. Christmas Cards of all the latest designs for Christmas. AT 79, ST. MARY'S-STREET, CARDIFF, for the next few days, good woollen or merino socks may be had at is 2d per pair, three pairs for 3s. Sewing and knitting machines as usual. 211

PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR'S 21st BIRTHDAY. SASDRINGHAM (WEST FRONT). On March 10, the first anniversary of the mar- riage of the Prince and Princess of Wales, their infant son was baptized. The ceremony, at which her Majesty was present, was performed ip the private chapel of Buckingham Palace. A it bore but little resemblance to the royal baptisms of former days, some account of the ceremony may be interesting. Besides her Majesty, who was dressed in black silk and crape, there were present the King of the Belgians, Lord Palmerston, the Duke of Cambridge, Sir George Grey, many of the chief officers of State, and nearly all the foreign Ministers. Among the clergy who officiated at the function were the Archbishop of Canterbury. Dean Stanley, the Bishop of London, and the Bishop of Oxford. The King of the B elgians and the Princes Helena acd as sponsors. The scene in the chapel was most imposing. The altar was lined with criiiison velvet, panelled with gold lace the 'ifrTfach plate was displayed, and seats of crimson and gold were ranged within the rails for the officiating clergy. The font was a tazza of silver gilt, the rim representing the leaves and flowers of the water lily,- he base being grouped with cherubs playing the lyre in front were the Royal arms. The font was placed on a fluted plinth of white. and gold. Over the altar was a fine piece of tapestry, representing the baptism of our Saviour. The infant Prince was carried into the clapel by the head nurse, Mrs Clark, being dressed in a robe of Honiton lace, the same that was worn by the Prince of Wales at his christen- ing, with a cap of Honiton lace, a cloak of ve Ive, crimson "velvet lined with ermine, and a mantle of white satin edged with Honiton lace. When the Archbishop commenced the prayer, ",A'' mighty, ever living God," the Counters of Mac- clesfield We the infant prince to the Queen, who handed him to the Archbishop. On reaching the portiop ac the service for. the naming of the child the Archbishop demanded of the sponsors how it should be named, and the Quean answered, Albert Victor Christian Edward." And so ended the ceremony. His early education was received at home, and it was not until March, 1877, that it was resolved that the two sons of the Prince should recaiva a portion of their education on board the Britannia training-ship, when they were entered as naval cadets. In May they were examined at the Royal Navy College at Greenwich in the same manner as ordinary naval cadets. Both Princes pas sed a very satisfactory examination, and in some of the subjects exhibited a more than usual degree of proficiency. Hera they re- mained for some time, until on September 18th, 1879, th two princes embarked on the corvette Bacchante for the Mediterranean. On May 2nd, 1880, the Bacchante returned from her voyage, in th 3 course of wftich she had visited tlis Meiiter- ranea-n, the \V¡;;t Indies, and Bermuda. In their voyage round the world in 1881 and 1882 as midshipmen in the B&cKantJ, commanded by Captain Lord Charles Scott, they 'visited m any countries, but a detailed account of the trip has yat to be written. Xt is rumoured that some such book may come -4> I from the Princes themselves, but of this we say nothing. Wherever the Bacchante touched the greatest loyalty and enthusiasm were shown and the Princes were entertained at balls, routs, I dinners, picnics, in every quarter of the globe. On September 4, 1881, they arrived at the Fiji I Island, where they had an opportunity of wit- nessing some of the most curious and striking native ceremonies. On the arrival of the I squadron a. Levuka, thousands of natives came in from all the neighbouring islands, and testified their loyalty by giving presents and by per- forming various festive acts of homage. At I-evuka the Princes were the guests of Mr Des Vceux at Government House. At a meeting, the Vuni Valu, in the names of the assembled chiefs and people, heartily welcomed the Princes to Fiji, at the same time presenting a magnificent tabua," which was received and acknowledged with an appropriate expression of thanks by his Royal Highness Prince Albert Victor. The snuadron left Fiji on Sep- tember 10th. One of the finest exhibitions was a grand war dance of the natives, in full martial ijrray, illuminated by the clectic light from her Majesty's ship Inconstant. The squadron passed through the inland sea of Japan, between Kobe and Yokohama, a route chosen in preference to the direct way to Shanghai, in order to give their Royal Highnesses an opportunity of seeing the scenery. On December 15th the squadron arrived at Amoy. The squadron after a stay of a day or two proceeded to Hong Kong, visiting Ceylon on their way home. In 1883 Prince Edward's name was entered on the books of Trinity College, Cambridge, whither he was conducted on the 18th of September, 1883, yy the Prince, of Wales and the Rev. J. N. Dalton, his tutor. Soon after this the Illustrated Louden News published a page of illustrations representing the Prince going to his rooms, in Seville^ Court, with Mr Dalton and the college tutor; his first dining in the college hall, and his attending Divina worship in the College Chapel, when the sermon was preached by the Right Rev. the Bishop of Durham; with a view of the entrance to his rooms under the arcade of Neville's Court; and a portrait of his Royal Highness attired in the nobleman student's cap and gown. Prince Edward also re- sided for a time with Professor Ihne, at Heidel- berg, for the purpose of studying the German language. He has seldom appeared on the public platform. Some two or three weeks ago he dis- tributed the prizes to the Cambridge Town volun- teers, in the Guild-hall, and spoke of the advan- tages of the system to the individual and the nation. The value of military training, he considered, was exemplified in the most striking way in the case of Germany, and he did not believe the military system of that country weighed nearly so heavily upon her peaceable and mercantile subjects as some would persuade themselves. The steady expansiomof the German trade and population within the last twenty years was the best proof that the military discipline so far from hindering, on the contrary, aided both individual and national achievement. We are indebted for the above to the Pall Mall i Gazette, __nn- __h

FOREST OF DEAN COLLIERS I AND THE CROWN. On Wednesday, at noon, a meeting of delegate* of the Fofest of Dean Freeminers' Protection Society was held at the Speech House, Mr Sydney Elsome, chairman of the committee, presiding. An amount of routine business was transacted, including, the reading of rep rts from the 15 lodges which Inve been formed for the purple of a joint representation of miners and their rightsj at the hearing of the question, which will come on Lefore a royal commission recently promised by the Crown. It was elicited that there are a total of about 900 miners registered aH free iWllers, and these with others not yet qualified have established a protection society. It was unanimously agreed to pay 3d each par month to a fund, which will be used in obtaining evidence to lay before the commissioners, urging that it is through no fault of themselves that the present trade depression exists, as is alleged by the galees who possess seams of coal either in work, worked out, or not yet won. With regard to the presentation of the com- mission, a resolution, moved by Mr Amos Williams, seconded by William Aston, and carried, "That a letter be forwarded to the Prune Minister urging the claims of the foresters to a fair proportion of the number composing the commission, and also that one of them should be working free miner," was carried unanimously. It was also decided to proceed forthwith in the col- lection of evidence for the defence, to be mitted when the commissioners are appointed. The meeting also expressed their opinion upon the Seats Bill, and determined to support no candi- date) of whatever politics, who would not pledge himself to defend in Parliament the existing rights and privileges of the Foresters ot Dean.

INDUSTRIAL DEPRESSION AND I ITS CAUSES. tinder this heading, Mr George Potter has addressed a letter to the Times, in the course of which lie -ays:- The letter which you formerly inserted for me upon the above subject has brought me many letters from all parts of the country, nearly all 0: them confirming the fact that the present depres- sion of tr.ide is of an alarming and serious I character, and ia ciusing great uneasiness and apprehension. In the shipping trade things grow worse. In the port ot Liverpool there are now laid up 44 steam vesteek, representing a toii- nage of 69,000 tons, against ten, representing a tonnage of 18,000 tOllS, at the eotfos- pondihg period oflast year, thus sl:o^vn^ an iricreasS of 34 steamers and 51»000 tonnage laid up in these docks. The distress among the Liverpool seamen and dock labourers is very acute. The Trades Council of Livetpooi, which consists of delegates from nearly every in- dustry in the town, lately held a special meeting to consider tha cause of the depression, and after full deliberation passed the following resolution, expressing the opinion that the causes were First, the impetus given to production by the inven- tion of machinery; secondly, the enormous amount of wealth in the hands of capicalists, who, in the eno sa- Tour to enrich themselves, stimulate production to Its I utmost extent, thereby glutting the ifiark-et thirdly, the anomalous state of the land laws, which prevent the production of the nefessaries of life, and necessi- tate the payment of 150 millions per annum t0 foreigners. Other towns have passed resolutions of a character. foreigners. Other towns have passed resolutions of a character.

BAD FOR THE Coo."—A poor crofter who had scant pasture for his pet cow one day tethered her on the summit of a barren hillock on his bit of land, where sand and stones were far more plenti- ful than vegetation, and, looking around him, exclaimed, "Well, Rosie, if you haven't muckle to eat, you have at any rate a splendid view

f FIRE IN A CARDIFF AUCTION ROOM. A Are, which might have proved of a most disastrous character, broke out last night on the premises of Messrs Lawrence and Gill, auctioneers, No. 13, High-street, Cardiff. P.O. Friend, who was on duty on that beat, Was passing the place at a quarter past 11, when he noticed smoke issuing from the shop. He immediately sent a man, named Peter, to the fire station to give the alarm. The brigade was promptly summoned, and under the command of Engineer aeen, quickly arrived upon the scene with a hose reel. The shop was full of dense smoke, which came from the cellar beneath, where a large quantity of loose straw was stored. As the entrance to the cellar could not be found, and as the descent would in any case have been impos- sible, a portion of the flooring was ripped up and water was poured down through it upon the burning mess. The tire was extinguished without very much trouble, and before it had time to spread-a fortunate circumstance, for the premises, which are old, would have burnt rapidly. There was in the shop a stock of furni- ture, which was more or less injured by thel smoke and the Water, but it is said that the ful. extent of the damage is covered by insurance. The origin of the fire has not been ascertained The premises, which are locked up at night, were left apparently safe at half-past nine, and it is stated that no light was taken into the cellar dllring the evenig. The most feasible theory is that some careless smoker passing along the street, in casting away a lighted match or fusee, threw it through the grating into the cellar, and thus ignited the straw. The early discovery of the fire by the police-officer and the prompt and energetic action of the firemen averted what might quickly have become a very serious cou- flagration.

THE RECENT ELOPEMENT FROM DUBLIN. Strange Disclosures. Some further particulars have transpired re- garding the elopement last week of a Dublin reporter with an heiress. It appears that one of the two wives whom he has left behind him to mount his loss was not really married to himeat all, but Went through a bogus form of marriage. His accomplices in the sham weddihg state they simply regarded the affair as a joke, and had no idea that the lady, who Was a most respectable girl, was deceived by it. She, however, vehetflently asserts that she was, and the matter, fts already stated, is in the hands of the police. The runaway svvaine has several children by his real wife, to whom he ,yas married at a very early age, Although keeping two houses in the city, one for each of the wlvéS, he always passed amongst his confreres as single, and bora tne reputation of being an exceptionally steady and sober young man.

BURSTING OF A WATER MAIN AT MANCHESTER. The Streets Flooded. Considerable damnge to domestic property has been Caused in the Gorton district of Manchester by the bursting of a 24in. water main just about midnightonTuesday.Thestreets were flooded to the depthof a foot for nearlyarrtile. Many houses were flooded, and an immense quantity of water wasted. The road WM torn up for some distance, and over an hour elapsed before the escape of the volume of water coufd be stopped. Great Excite- ment prevailed. ——

NICE FOR THE NON-COM.—While the Black Watch was lying in Edinburgh Castle in 1868, it happened one night that a man named Donald M'Phee, a native of Skye, was on sentry at the quartermaster's store. Part of Donald's duty was to allow no civilian to pass on the rampart", unless accompanied by a non-commissioned officer, and to allow no bundles to be thrown over the walls. On being asked to give over his orders, when visited by the officer on guard, Donald puzzled him by stating that he was to let nopody down to the ramparts, and to allow no bundles to be thrown over the walls, unless accompanied by a non-commissioned officer."

j THE POLITICAL SITUATION. I Another Cabinet Council. I Ministers Remain in Town. I Accident t- Lord- Hartington. A Cabinet Council was held on Wednesday in Downing-street, at one' o'clock, the proceedings lasting for three hours. Neither Mr Gladstone nor Earl Spencer was present. The first minister to arrive was Sir William Harcourt, who drove from his residence attended, as usual, by a detec- tive. He was almost immediately followed by Sir Charles Dilke, who walked over from the offices of the Local Government Board, and by Lord Carlingford, who likewise came on foot. Earl Granville, who walked across St. James's Park from Carlton House-terrace, entered by the garden-gate at Horse Guards Parade. Amongst later arrivals were the Lord Chancellor, Earl Kimberley, Lord Notthbrook, Mr Chamberlain, and the Matqais of Hartington. Shortly before the deliberations of the Cabinet commen- ced, Lord Edmond Fitzmaurice, Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, called at Downing-street, and had a brief interview with Lord Granville. At five minutes to four, Sir Charles Dilke, Mr Chamberlain, the Lord Chancellor, Sir William Harcourt, and Lord Kimberley, in the order named, left the council, and walked immediately to their respective offices. Lord Hartington left ten minutes later by the garden entrance, and walked to the War Office. Earl Gran ville and Lord Derby remained together for another ten minutes, when they likewise left and entered the Foreign and Colonial Offices respectively, wheri they spent a considerable time in transacting business. i Earl Granville was invited to dine with her Majesty on Wednesday evening at Osborne, and had arranged to leave by the 3.40 train from Waterloo for the Isle of Wwht; but owing to the protracted sitting of the Cabinet^ his lordship was prevented from carrying out his intention. Lord Derby has made arrangements to remain in town. Lord Northbtook also remains the night at the Admiralty, and will not return to. the country until Friday. Several other ministers remain in town until to-day (Thursday). The Central Newa says ■— An unconfirmed rumour was current on Wednesday evening that circumstances arose at the council which will necessitate consultation with the Premier, and that Lord Granville will therefore proceed to Hawarden to-day (Thursday). Early on Wednesday morning, as Lord Hartingion was being driven in a private hansom from Hardwick Hall' to Chesterfield Railway Station, the horse fell heavily in Corporation- street, Chesterfield, owing to the slippery state of the road, caused by the heavy frost. His lord- ship was somewhat shaken, but was able to walk forward to the station, a few hundred yards distant, and proceeded by the 7.48 train to Lon- don for the purpose of attending the Cabinet Council.

THE CLERICAL SCANDAL IN RADNORSHIRE. The Serious Charge against the Presteign Curate. Continuation of the Commission of Inquiry. The inquiry held at Presteign into the charges of drunkenness preferred by the Clerk of the Peace for Radnorshire against his son-in-law, the Rev. John Davies, curate of Presteign, was con- tinued at the Radnorshire Arms in that borough, on Wednesday, Dr. Tristram, chancellor of the diocese, presiding. F. Humphreys, organist of the parish church, deposed to having been playing cards with the Rev. John Davies at his lodgings on two separate nights. They remained till a late hour. Mr Davies made free use of the whiskey bottle, and was drunk. He also made use of profane language. In cross-examination, however, the witnessed admitted having fallen out with the accused, who had insulted his wife. Hilkich Bingley and his wife, with whom Mr Davies lodged, were called on behalf of the complainant, but denied that Mr Davies was ever drunk in their house, and he had always lodged with them. They also denied ever having seen him delirious, or that he ever behaved in any other way but as a gentleman in their house. Mr Stephens was re-called, and swore that both Mr and Mrs Bingley had complained very sadly to him of Mr Davies's drunken nabits. In defence, T. R. Lewis, formerly station- master at Presteign, said he was one of the party at; Mr Daviies's lodgings on the two occasions referred to by Humphreys, and he swore that Mr Davies was not drunk. The enquiry was further adjourned. The public feeling in the town is intense.

THE PENISTONE RAILWAY > DISASTER. Strange Disclosures. The inquest on the bodies of three of the per- sons killed in the Penistone railway accident was resumed on Wednesday. Mr Charles Sacre, chief engineer of the company, described his examination of the line. He concluded from what he saw that the spring of the waggon found must have been thrown out by the breaking of the axle. As for the metal of the axle, he had seen better and he had seen worse. There was an insignifi- cant flaw, which was the cause of the breakage, which could not have been detected. After a long deliberation a verdict of Accidental death was returned. The Board of Trade inquiry will be resumed at Manchester to-day. Mr William Harrison, who was killed in the collision, was buried at Sheffield on Wednesday. It is now evident that all the in- jured will recover. Messrs Harrison and Camm, of Rotherbam, write with reference to a report which has appeared as to their having been the makers of the axle of the goods van, the breaking of which led to the accident. They state that they did not commence the manufacture of axles until 1870, three years after the date on the wheels of the goods van in question.

CARDIFF GUARDIANS. Salary of the Medical Officer. At a meeting of the special committee appointed to consider the application of the medical officer, Dr. Sheen, for an increase of salary. the circular of Dr. Paine (the chairman), sent to all the members of the board, a copy of which appeared in our edition of Wednesday_ morning, was discussed, and the points raised m it care- fully considered. At a previous meeting of the committee they had recommended that the salary should be increased to £ l<5 a year. At a subse- quent meeting they increased thia Amount to £ 200 a year, and also that an additional officer be appointed for the Ely Schools. The board at their following meeting declined to adopt the report, whioh was referred back to the committee. We understand that the committee will recom- mend the board on Saturday to increase the salary of Dr. Sheen to £ 185 a year, a separate medical officer to be appointed for the Ely Schools.

I RHYMNEY LOCAL BOARD. I Cemetery Consecration Decided upon. An extraordinary meeting of the Rhymney Local Board was held on Tuesday evening, under the presidency of Mr D. Evans. The cemetery question waS again under consideration. Mr Thomas Thomas mo ved, and Mr Griffiths seconded, "That no part ot the public cemetery be consecrated."—Mr William Pritchard moved as an amendment that the portion for the Church of England be egnsecratsd. -This was seconded by Mr Trench, and on being put to the vote, the amendment was carried by six votes to two, the mover and seconder only voting for tha original motion. All the other members voted for the amendment except Mr William Griffith, who did not vote.

THE OPENING OF THE CARDIFF HIGHER GRADE SCHOOL. In reference to the visit of Mr Henry R'c)2* A M,P., at the opening of the Cardiff Higher School, which was doubtful owing to the 8 the hon. gentleman's health, we learn written to say he will have much Ple being present.

MEDICINES, ELASTIC STOCKING?;, CHEMICALS, DRUGS, <fcc., by parcel post, under lib, 3d, Kay Bros., btKArsC0MP0UND, for Colds and Coughs. Sold « roughout the World ,1s 1»d 8d «fcc. Kay Bros., Stockport. 213

The Nile Expedition. 1 FROM GENERAL LORD WOLSELEY TO THE SECRE. TARY OF STATE FOR WAR (received on the 7th January):— KORTI, 7th January, 1885, 4.10 p.m.—A strong convoy is now leaving the camp for Yokdal. General Stewart starts with another to-morrow for Metemneh. I expect him to occupy it on the 15th inst. If there is a steamer there, I will com- municate with Gordon without delay. CAIRO, Wednesday.—In compliance with the request of Lord Wolseley, the Mudir of Dongola, has proceeded to Merawi. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] OAIRO, Wednesday Evening.—Lord Wolseley's t plans and movements are being followed here. with the greatest interest, and form practically the one topic of conversation in military circles. Several eminent officers here have expressed to me the confident belief that Lord Wolseley having now ascertained and estimated at their proper worth the difficulties of the desert route to Shendy, will himself proceed without delay to i Gakduk with the bulk of the troops now at Korti. His stay at Gakduk, will, I am assured, be as brief as possible. He will leave there a garrison of about 150 infantry, and then press on to Shendy with the main body. Telegrams received here to-day from Suakim. state that Osman Digna has already heard of Lord Wolseley's energetic movements, and is much perturbed thereby. Rumour, it appears, j has already magnified the preliminary movements alone into a general advance of the whole of the expeditionary force, and the rebel chief is becoming anxious for his own safety. He shows, however, no signs of retreating, but is moving heaven and earth to strengthen his forces. i [REUTER'S TELEGRAM/! SUAKIM, Wednesday.—The Beniainer and Ras- chida tribes have decided not to join Osman Digna. The general outlook of affairs is very encouraging. ["TIBIES" TELEGRAM.] ALEXANDRIA, Wednesday.—According to news received from Suakim to-day, Osman Digna is uneasy at the English advance. The Beniamer and the Ilasheda tribes are said to be uniting with the object of attacking him.

THE "TIMES" ON MR W. H. GLADSTONE'S SPEECH. To-day,,s Zrlimes, commenting on Mr W. H. Gladstone's speech at Hawarden yesterday, says: —" Mr Gladstone's title to repose was long ago amply made out, but his is a temperament which rather leads a man to seek a title to continued exertion. He is not likely to think seriously of retirement so long as that title is clear to himself, nor would the country wish him to do so while he retains the strength of body and of will indispensable for the conduct of public affairs. It is quite possible for a man to retain any valuable aptitudes and striking natural gifts, and yet to be sticken by age in the power of grasping and combining facts, of form- ing momentous decisions, of facing great emsr- gencies, or of dealing with the phenomena of a new time. All must hope that this has not hap- pened to Mr Gladstone, because no other can at present hold the reins of power with such autho- rity as his, or with such acceptance as he can command. But it cannot be denied that the recent policy of the Government has been such as would naturally follow a partial failure of the innermost springs of action. If that failure arises from no mere functional de] rangement, but from organic change, then the question is no longer one of a title to repose, but of the right to postpone it. In deciding that question aright, Mr Gladstone will discharge a heavier responsibility and will perform a more eminent service to his country than any that have marked even his long and Lrilliant career." I

NEW RAILWAY IN THE I I TRANSVAAL. To-dayl,g Morning Post understands that the Portuguese Railway Company, which has under. taken to build the railway from the Transvaal to Delagoa Bay, has paid into the Portuguese Trea. sury the sum of 375,000 francs, caution money required by the terms of its contract. This step. J the Post adds, seems to promise the early con- summation of an object which has long been the darling object of Boer ambition, and which will place them in immediate communication with the coast without English supervision. Has the in. fluence of Germany been employed to assist an enterprise which ever since 1870 has been equally desired and unattainable by President Kruger and the aggresive Boers faction? Germany can certainly be very useful to Portugal on the Congo

ZULULAND AND THE BOERS. I [" STANDARD TELWRAM.L DURBAN, Wednesday.— A party of Boers from Northern Zululand rode down to the coast four days ago, and marked off a strip of territory to be divided into farms. The territory selected borders immediately on the reserve. The Boers appear to regard all Zululand beyond the reserve as their own property. I t" TIMES" TEIiK3RAH.J DURBAN, Wednesday.—I hear on good authority that a few days again some twenty Boers marked out a double row of farms abutting on the Zulu reserve up to the sea. They were reputedly acting in consort with Germany, whose emissaries have been operating in Zululand for some time past.

f THE FRENCH IN CHINA. I f Sickness Among the Troops. 1 I L" TBIES" rrEGAI. J HAIPHONG, December <-><5.—I have visited the keep, or acivanced post, on the Langsong-road. The sickness among the French is great, owing to exposure and bad water, chiefly the latter but it is impossible to learn any particulars. The chief difficulties before the French are the absence of transport, the bad water, and the heavy mists and fogs of February. T-he scene of operations is now a region of jungle-covered, broken-hill I country.

THE REVENUE FRAUDS IN CYPRUS. F" DAILY CHRONICLE ] LARNACA, CYPRUS, Docarobol ^th.—TIK; de- puty inspector of revenue h33 een charged barore the Famagusta bench of maglstrates with com- plicity in the revenue frauds. Seven responsible officials have beøØ arrested, but two of the defaulters are still at large, one of whom burnt the whole of his account books and papers befate absconding.