South Wales Echo

South Wales Notes. A parliamentary paper on the subject of Sunday drinking in England and Wales has just been issued, which can hardly be said to afford much matter for congratulation to Cardiffians. The return is of the number of convictions of persons arrested for drunkenness on Sundays between September 29, 1883, and September 29, 1884. Taking the whole of Wales, the comparison with the English statistics is most favourable, the proportionate amount of drunkenness not being so much by one- half. The figures for the various county jpolice districts are as follows :— Anglesey 1, Brecon 6, Cardigan 3, Carmar- then 1, Carnarvon 57, Denbigh 21, Flint 2, Glamorgan 181, Merioneth 2, Montgomery 0, Pembroke 0, and Radnor 1. For the borough districts the figures are :—Brecon 4, Carmarthen 0, Cardiff 81, Neath 6, Swansea 28, Haverfordwest 3, Tenby 0. The total for Wales, with a population (based on the census of 1881) of 1,360,513, being 397, that for England, with a population of 24,613,926, being 15,545. The return for Newport is given, of course, under England, and shows that there were 25 convictions. THE position of the three towns, Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport, can be best illustrated by a comparison with some English towns of about the same estimated size. Let me take Cardiff first. The 1381 census puts the population at 82,761, and although these figures are got correct for the year ending September 29, 1883, yet they will do for the purposes of illustration. Birkenhead (with 84,006) has the same number of con- victions, 81 Derby (81,168), 68 Plymouth (73,794), 38 Blackburn (104,014), 111 Bolton (106,414), 58 Kesteven (83,764), 11 Norwich (87,842), 11 Southampton (60,051), 28 Halifax (73,630), 30; Hud- dersfield (81,841), 40. Swansea (in the district returned as containing 65,597) givos 28 conviction", and thus takes somewhere about a medium position, and shows to much better advantage than either Cardiff or Newport, although of course the licensing conditions of the latter make its case essentially different. The figures in Cardiff are discomforting, and it might almost be thought that the people were determined to get drunk out of spite so as to clearly assert their thorough inde- pendence and vindicate their glorious right to make sots of themselves, Act or no Act. ANOTHER small parliamentary paper has just been issued, which is of considerable interest to the shipping community, and which I may, therefore, well notice in this column. It is a return of the number of British ships of over 250 tons which were lost during the three years 1880-1-2. During that time there were, in- cluding both sailing vessels and steamships, 591 vessels stranded, involving a loss of 1,403 lives 225 vessels foundered, or were abandoned, with a sacrifice of 556 lives while 152 vessels were missing, 2,822 lives being so lost there were also 73 losses through collision, and 51 through fire, cost- ing respectively 170 and 52 lives. Some details are given as to the nature of cargoes; the chief losses were of those trading in grain, 104 vessels and 730 lives coal, 268 vessels and 1,130 lives timber, 146 vessels and 458 lives metals, 75 vessels and 193 lives; sugar, 35 vessels and 177 lives mixed cargoes, 95 vessels and 496 lives general, 152 vessels and 1,062 lives. As to the scenes of the disasters, there were 66 total losses in the Baltic, 102 in the Black Sea and Mediterranean, 132 on the east coast of British North America, 218 on the east coast and 34 on the west coast of the United States, 164 on Indian and other Asiatic coasts, 69 in the Antipodes, and 93 on the coasts of the United Kingdom. The total number of vessels lost being 1,167, and of lives 5,028. A somewhat portentous record indeed. Jmxsrara by what took place afc the Cardiff Town Council on Monday and the hitch which occurred subsequently, it began to look as if there would be some difficulty ia regard to the Judges' Lodgings. For sopne reason they were declared to be very much dissatisfied with Cardiff hotel accommoda- tion, and it was almost hinted that unless other arrangements were mad» they would not hold the assizes at Cardiff at all At a meeting of the Judges' Lodgings Committee yesterday, I believe the matter was defi- nitely settled, and the difficulty over- come. Their lordships will have a private house placed at their service. It would be interesting to know accurately with whom the difficulty originated. It is hard to believe that the judges themselves can have thought it consistent with their judicial dignity to attempt to coerce the cor- poration in the way in which, looking at the affair as it appears on the surface, they would seem to have done. Some further enquiry into the subject would have been advisable if only to show that the judges did not personally take the course imputed to them. I understand-that there is aast amount of discontent anions nipiiy sections of the Newportonians at the ineffectiveness of some portions of the bye-laws. Several cases have occurred recently in which the offences committed have not been punishable in any adequate manner, and which several of the principal townsmen consider would have been reached had the bye-laws been as stringent as they should have been. The murmurs of late have been increasing rather than otherwise, and I should not be surprised if the strong opinions were to take some practical shape before very long. I HAVE had the prospectus sent to me of a proposed Shorthand Writers' Association for Cardiff," a meeting in promotion of which is to be held this evening, at the Washing- ton Hotel. The objects are stated to be pretty much of the usual character— the spread of shorthand, the better acquaintance of shorthand writers, and the mutual improvement of the members. Such societies are often productive of much good, and I am always glad to hear of any project j for giving young men something in the way of healthy recreation for their evenings. Well conducted, the new association should make many friends, and gain good all-round support. There is no need to urge the ad- vantages of a knowledge of shorthand; .1 z;1 everybody will admit them readily.

WELSHMEN who cling lovingly to their lan- guage will open their eyes in astonishment this morning, for other prophets have taken up the parable and prophesied concerning its coming extinction. The Mayor of SWANSTJA, and no less an authority than Dr. KEES of that town, have to some extent followed in the lines of Mr H. J. EVANS, of Cardiff. The MAYOR, speaking at the quarterly meeting of the English Congregational AssociationatLan- dore last evening, said that through the education given to children the English language was being more and more gener- ally spoken. It was of no use to be blind to this fact. The people were rapidly adopt- ing the English language, and it was, there- fore absolutely necessary for the pulpits to do the same as commercial men had already been compelled to do in their business rela- tions. They must use English in giving religious instruction to the people. He was as great a lover of the Welsh language as anyone, but he must admit that English was superseding Welsh. Dr REES agreed with the MAYOR that the English lan- guage was making very rapid progress in the principality, and said whereas in his youth he could remember seeing no one from one year's end to the other but travel- ling gipsies who could speak English, by far the largest proportion of the people spoke it now with fluency and correctness. In Monmouthshire he could remember when there was no occasion for a preacher to speak English, whereas now English was spoken entirely. This state of things did not please him, and he was glad to know the vernacular would not die out in his lifetime. Dr E-EES, we admit, is an authority on this subject, but with all due respect to the venerable doctor, we are of opinion that it will take very many years before the vernacular dies out in Wales. There are still many parts of the country a dozen or r 1, more miles from the nearest railway station, where Welsh is the language of every day life, and English is only used at the village school. Even in such towns as Cardiff and Swansea, some of the largest tradesmen find it necessary to keep Welsh-speaking shopmen, and eating houses and coffee- taverns proclaim over their doors Cymreig yn sharad yma."

THE gas question in the Rhondda Valley does not seem to be much nearer a settle- ment than when we last called attention to the subject. The Rhondda Valley Chamber of Trade some time ago passed a resolution for the discontinuance of the use of gas by private consumers on and after the 15th instant, in consequence of the Ystrad Gas Company not having complied with the memorial for a reduction in the price of gas.- The Treherbert Chamber of Trade had been asked to co-operate, but not till the evening of the day on which the use of the gas was to be discontinued did the latter chamber meet to discuss the question. The chamber passed a resolution to the effect that a letter should be sent to the secretary of the company, asking if the directors of the company would receive a deputation from the chamber on the subject, and if so when it would be convenient for the deputation to wait on the directors. This course of action means that the Tre- herbert Chamber resents the action of the Rhondda Valley Chamber in fixing a date for the discontinuance of the use of gas in the district. Will the gas company's directors give any more heed to the Treherbert Chamber than they did to the Rhondda Valley Chamber. Not so long as they see the two bodies in antagonism. What will the Treherbert Chamber gain by any more delay? Nothing whatever. It is plain that the directors of the Gas Company will yield to nothing but firm pressure brought to bear upon them in the shape of largely diminished profits. The attitude of the Treherbert Chamber seems a very strange one, such as would almost warrant the sus- picion that some of its members are not without interest in the gas company.

THE SPANISH TARIFF. Letter from Lord E. Fitzmaurice. At the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, a letter was read from Lord Edmund ;tz F, maurice, who had been waited upon by a de- putation from the council of Associated Chambers of Commerce witb reference to the Spanish tariff. The deputation urged that the present moment was fivouraWe to renewal efforts to obtain from the Spanish Cortee a ratification of the protocol of December, 1883. Lord E. Fitzmaurice wrote :— The commercial negotiation! with Madrid have now resulted in the signature of a declaration which virtually reproduces the protocol. Her Majesty's Government engage to apply to Parlia- ment to raise the limit of Is duty on wine from 26 to 30 degreed and the Spanish Government engage to apply to the Cortes to grant the most favoured nation treatment to British trade." Pro- vision is also made for subsequent negotiations, which are expected to involve a further modifica- tion of the wine duties in the United Kingdom and the revision of the Spanish tariff, with a view to promote trade between the two countries. —The chamber, by the majority of one, rejected the proposal for memorialising the Government to invite a conference of representatives of British colonies and dependencies to consider the ex- pediency of establishing a customs' league, by which free trade might be established in all parts of the British Empire.

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THE WRECK OF THE CARDIFF I 8.8. DORDOGNE. Most of the crew of the 3crew steamer Dordogne, of Cardiff, with coal and general cargo for Burrleaux, which, on the 5th ilist., ounciered on the Chardronnifere Kesf, He d'Oleron, arrived in Cardiff on Wednesday. From the particulars gleaned it that when the steamer struck the shock forced out the foremast, parting the rigging and carrying away the top hamper. The crew, finding the water coming over the p ship, rushed for the boat?. They tried, though in the darkness, to make for the j-hore, but the surf was so strong and heavy that they gave up the attempt to land. Pulling back to the ship some of them went aboard. They foutd tho cargo washing out, the boiler lifted from its posi- tion, and the engine-room foil of water. They saved a few things, and regained the boats, and a course was shaped for the nearest port. About half-past ten o'clock they were picked up by a French fishing-boat (che name of which has been forgotten), and treated very kindly, and at half-past four o'clock in the after- noon tbey were landed at La Rocheile. At this port they were taken in charge by the English Consul, who sent them to one of the lowest lod- lng-houses in the place, where they were crowded into what appeared to have been use! as a stable loft. The place was filthy and reeking with evil odours, the food was of the coarsest, and the quantlty-two meals a day—was just sufficient to keep body and soul together. The result was that one of the men, William Parry, was takei^ ill. A doctor had to be called in, and ht^ pronounced the case to he one of typhoid fever. The doctor ordered the immediate re- moval of the sufferer, and he was taken by rail, about an hour's journey, to Charcnte, and lodged in the hospital. On the following Thurs- day, the 8th mst., twelve or the crew left, Y"1. Charente, by the steamship Merlin, bound to London. They were landed at Tower hilL Wharf on Wednesday morning, and., "'1 applying to the secretary of the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, London bridge, this gentleman very generonsiy supplied them with funds, and sent then on to Cardiff by the afternoon tram. Captain Kurry, the mate, und one of the seamen, were left u-t the scene of the \vr,nk.

SIR E. J. REED, M.P., ON THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. Sir Henry Bessemer was on Thursday evening entertained at a banquet by the Ancient Company of Armourers and Braziers of the City of London. Sir EDWAKD REED, in responding for the Houses of Parliament," which was proposed by the Upper Warden (Mr A. C. Rhodes), said that it was stated sometimes within the walls of Whitehall that it was the House of Commons that kept down and impaired the condition of the navy, a proposition which he entirely denied. It the House of Commons was in fault at all in this respect, it was in voting too readily and with too little criticism the sums of money asked for by the Government. As to obstruction in the House of Commons, h was of opinion that the changes about to take place would make it a much better place in which to transact the business of the country. (Hear, hear). Oostruction did exist, and it was disgraceful. It would be so to any man of business with sense and purpose to see his time and the time of the nation frittered away in the useless and provoking manner in which it was at present in the House of Commons. (Hear, hear.) That was, however, an evil which would repair itself, and he was satisfied that the changes about to take place in that assembly would do something to promote its efficiency as a place of business, and a place in which to administer the affairs of the nation. With regard to the constitution of the city companies, he believed it to be one of the greatest and most injurious mistakes, as far as concerned the well-being of the people at large, to be jealous of, and to declaim against, reasonable accumulations of wealth and of the influence which came of wealth. The worst thing that could happen to the working classes was the impoverishment of those who employed them. That was a fact much too frequently forgotten. He hoped that nothing would happen which would in any way weaken the great city companies in their power of doing good. Certainly they bad given in times past, and never more than recently, proofs of their great capability, coupled with their great desire to further educa- tion and many other forms of well-being amongst the people. (Cheers.) Other toasts followed.

RUDRY MERTHYR COLLIERY. I I'll 11 Extension of the Workings. I This colliery is situated in the parish of Rudry, on the eastern boundary of the county of Glamorgan, and is about two miles distant from Caerphilly- About 20 years ago Messrs icholas and Johnson, of Risca, commenced operations by establishing a brickyard and driving a level from Cwm yr Engine under Rudry Mountain, which abounds with coal and fire-clay. The success that has attended this enterprise is highly gratifying, and the regularity with which the works have been carried on during the whole period is unparalleled in the district. Throughout the great struggles in years gone by between capital and labour, the utmost harmony existed between the masters and men, so that the evils of the strike were not felt in this locality. In the early part of last year a drift was made on the mountain, in close proximity to the main road from Caerphilly to Newport, by which about 150 tons of coal and clay are daily brought to bank. This quantity will be greatly increased in a short time, as three more veins will be worked, in addition to the live already in working. To meet this increase in the output a new engine of 40-horse power is being fitted up. The coal is conveyed to the railway siding down an incline, which is worked by two cylinders on the balance principle. In addition to these operations, this company a short time ago undertook to re-open an old colliery near the Waterloo tinworks, and on Saturday the first load of coal was conveyed to the railway siding amidst the rejoicings of the workmen and their friends.

THE MEASLES EPIDEMIC AT ROATH. I The whole of tho school attendance officers, under the direction of the superintendent, are withdrawn from the other parts of the town to concentrate their energies in the Splotlands district, where the measles epidemic has appeared. A house-to-house visitation is being carried out, and all that the school board and managers of voluntary schools can do is being done. The power of closing the schools rests with the sanitary authority of the borough, on the recom- mendation of their medical officer, and, should the mortality from measles in Splotlands prove high during the week, it is probable that the medical officer, who considers the closing of the schools the most effectual check on the spread of the disease, will direct this course to be pursued. At present the mortality has not, so far as can be ascertained, been great, but it is considered necessary that every precaution should be taken, as the falling off in the death-rate is no indication that the disease is decreasing.

LOCAL PATENTS. I The following patent record for South Wales and Monmouthshire,for the week ending January 13, is supplied by N. Watts, A.M.I.O.E., office for Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Registra tion, 4, Crockherbtown, Cardiff Patents were applied for by David Ellis, Aberystwith, for elevated tramcar train and railway;" and by Robert Cooke Sayer, Maindee, for improve- ments in rope couplings for railway vehicles' (complete specification). Provisional protection for nine months was allowed to Samuel Williams, Newport, Mon., for "improvements in tele- phone exchange call indicators;" and to Richard Gough, Cardiff, for improvements for securing railway rails in their chairs." The complete specifications of Sydney Ferris Walker and Francis Gerrard Olliver, Cardiff, for Improvements in current regulating devices for use in the circuits of electric lamps or other appa- ratus;" John Lewis Thomas, Abergaveny, for An improvement in the tamping of blast holes, and other holes subject to internal pressure and of William Henry Rusden, Cardiff, for A new flexible spout for oil feeders," were accepted, and the grant of patents thereto may now be opposed on any of the grounds mentioned in the act. The patent of William Parsonage, Swansea, for "Improvements in wheels and axles of road carts," passed the opposition stage and was sealed.

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[ ENGLISH-SPEAKING WELSHMEN The Mayor of Swansea on the Extinction of the Language, The quarterly meeting of the English Congre- gational Association for South Wales was held at Old Shiloh Chapel, Landore, on Thursday evening. The Mayor (Councillor Williams) presided, and was supported by the Rev. Dr. Rees (president of the Congregational Union of England aud Wales), the Rsv. R. Thomas, the Rev. Mr Jones (Plasmarl), the Rev. Mr Jenkins (Waiter-road Chapel), and other ministers. In opening the proceedings, the Mayor, though a thorough Welshman, bore testimony to the value of the work done in the Principality by the English Congregationalists, aud predicted that in the next few years that denomination must make rapid strides, because through the education given to children the English language was being more and more generally spoken. It was of no use to be blind to this fact. The people were rapidly adopting the English language, and it W'" there- fore, absolutely necessary for the pulpits to do the same as commercial men bad already been compelled to do in their business relations. They must use English in giving religious instruc- tion to the people. He was as great a lover of the Welsh Janeuage as anyone, but he must ad- mit that English was superseding Welsh. There- fore he urged the promoters of religion to move with the times, and provide more English places of worship. The Rev. Mr Jenkins then gave an exceedingly able address on church govem- lent, showing the advantages of the congrega- tional system of church government, and the effect it had had on the spiritual life of the people. He said Congregationalisms had done much for the country politically. The Rev. _J)r Rees spoke of the pivgre-s of Con- gregationalism in the county, showing that in 52 years the number of chapels had .sprung from £ •?• to 235. The churches were in every way but one unproved—the congregations now lacked vvarmrh. He agreed with the Mayor that the Eng;ish language was making very rapid progress in the principality and said whereas in hit- youth he could remember seeing .no one irom one year's end to the other but travelling ST-sies who could speak English, by far the largest proportion of the p-opie spoke it now with fluency and correctness. In Mon- mouthshire he couid remember when there was no ooeasion for a preacher to .spenk English, whereas now English was .spoken entirely. This state of things did not please him, and he was glad to know the vernacular would not die out in his lifetime. Since English was coming like a spring tide they irmsi be prepared for it, aud not let it take away their ability to s;vve souls. The time would come when the Welsh must be content to worship in the small chapels and leave the larger ones for the English-speaking portion of the population. Soon the country would be covered with English places of worship. In fact, ^reir _very existence depended on their providing e-aeciive preachers for chose who did not under- stand Welsii. Oi.her ministers also spoke. s.t-4

GLAMORGAN COUNTY BALL. ius ai"iual evc»t was held at the Town-hail, bu'idgend, on Wednesday, and was largely attended, more than 160 persons being present, The duties oi hon. see. were carried out by Col. Warlow, and the general arrangements by Mr birt St. Albyn Jenner. Dancing commenced at ten, and was kept up until an early hour, the music being furnished by Messrs Huliey, of Swansea. Mr a.nd Mrs Hislop, of tne Wvndiiam Anns Hotel, provided .the supper, and gave general satisfaction. The following is a list of the company present:— •>Ir and Mrs Tudor Crawshay, Col. and Mrs Turber- vill and party, Airs >Jicholl, Merthyrmawr, and party, Mrs, Miss, and Mr Vaughan-Lee, Mrs Stacev, Mr Tymiail, Col. and Mrs Hill, Miss Hill, Mr Uiobon, Mr Charles Williams, jun. (Roach), Col. Chas. I' rankltn and party, Mr and Mrs W. T. Crawshay, Mrs Thurs- ton Jiassett, Miss Blanche Tyler, iVlias Brown, Mrs Pritcharil and party, Pwlly-vracn Alrjores, Beaierara Mr and Mrs Kagian, Corner et; -Mrs J. Blandy Jen- kins and party, Mv J. Blandy Jenkins, juti., Mr Olvn Homfray, Mr F. Homlray, Mr H. H. mfray, Mis G. W. G. llioinaa, Miss Thomas, Mr IJ. Jh"m;Ls, ¡\}r8 and Miss Kemys Tynia and party, Mi- and Air., R. K. Pritchard, Mr Striik, Mr aud Mrs Gwilyin Williams and party, Miskin; Mr B. David Mr Birt St. A. Jenner, Miss Came, Miss Bertha Carne, Mr Maiunl Carne, Mr and :.11's Felix Webber, Misses Webber, M~ and Mrs X. W. Buofcer and the Misses Booker (3), Mn Llmveliyn (Court Colnian), the Misses Lleweilyu, Mr R. W. Llewellyn, Miss Urwick, Mrs Byn-z Morris. Misses Morris, Mr R. T. Morris, Mr George Morris, Mrs C. R. Knight, Misses Knight, Mr R. liuight, Col. and Hon. Mrs Lindsay, l Mr Morgan Lindsay, Mr W. Prichard, Mr and Mrs C. A. Brereton, Lady Aberdare, the Hon. Misses Bruce, Mr and Slm Godfrey Cl&r), Miss Clarke, Miss Lewis, Col. and Mrs Warlow, Miss Wavlow, Miss Birch, Mr Herbert Prichavd. Ms and Mrs and Miss Bassett (Beaupre), Miss Blandy, Mr* and Miss J. T. D. Llewellyn, Mr and Miss Fletcher (Marram), Mr Aubrey Vivian, Mr and Mrs Evan Tbouias suui party, Miss X)eaco>n, Miss Steila Deacon, Miss ill. Deacon.

SCHOOL CHILDREN AND EMPLOYMENT. DEAR ME HEDITOK,—MR Da vies the grocer over the way do want to take mv boy Bob for a ARRAND boy—& been at me for a loog time. I did send him for a few weeks, & you should just have heard how the skoolmaster did give it me. I thought all the justice in this town would ha been here the next day to take me up, so I sent him back to skool—cos the sammations are coming afore long, and then Bob will pass his Fifth Standard. There's a many of my neighbors got boys just about the same age, over twelve, and passed their fourth standard—and a many shopkeepers and others who want arrand boys do say they are few to take places, but the skoolmaster do make such a noise about it. Will you be kind enough to put a line in the South Wales paper about it. I want Samul to write to you hisself, but hb is a ostler & be so tired of a night & he says I be a better skolard so J have writ this myself. Bob is a big boy & eats hearty so I should li4e to get him a place soon or send him underground if nothing else will do. I shall look in the paper every day for a week for a answer. So with kind respects to you Mr Heditor Aberaman near I am Aberdare. SARAH JONES.

TREHERBERT CHAMBER OF 3T )N TRADE & THE GAS QUESTION. On Wednesday evening a special meeting of this chamber was held for the purpose of con- sidering whether united action should be taken with the Rhondda Valley Chamber on the gas question. The last named chamber had passed a resolution for the discontinuance of the use of gas by private con- sumers, on and after the 15th instant, in conse- quence of the Ystrad Gas Company not having complied with the memorial for a reduction in the pric3 of gas. The Treherbert chamber had been asked to co-operate, and the meet- ing on Wednesday evening was to discuss what course should be pursued. A resolution was adopted to the effect that a letter should be sent to Mr James, secretary of the gas company, asking if the directors would receive a deputation from the Treherbart Cham- ber on the subject, and, If so, when it would be convenient for the deputation to wait on the directors.

THE CARDIFF CORPORATION AND THE JUDGES' LODGINGS. An Arrangement. A CQiivinittef of the counci1, formed for the pur- poseof deallngwithtbis matter, was held on Thurs- day, at the Town-hall, Mr Aid. Jones presiding. A letter, dated the 13th inst., was read from M-r James Howell, offering Mr Billups's house for «ie accommodation of the judges at the ensuing assizes, It was resolved that the same be accepted for the sum of JB225, subject to Mr Howell providing all the requisite accommodation.

I THE CARDIFF HIGHER-GRADE SCHOOLS. The examination of intending students of these schools have been conducted at the schools during schools have been conducted at the schools during the past two da.vs under the direction of the head master and mistress, Mr Waugh, M.A., and Miss Itwnsay, L.L.A. Up to Thursday evening 115 male and 110 females had presented themselves for examination. The results of tli" examination will not be known for a few day.

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I Advance on Khartoum. DETERMINED MANIFESTO BY THE M A H D 1. The Standard correspondent, telegraphing from Vienna on Wednesday night, says :—"TheMahdi has addressed letters to all the sheikhs of the tribes in the. Bayuda Desert, and in the Egyptian oases, proc:aiming as murads," or untrue to the faith, every man or woman who shall assist the English by showing routes, selling provisions, or in any other way. 8uch apostate, if caught, shall be stoned, and if they escaps, their relatives or friends will suffer for them." The manifesto closes with the following apostrophe It is better for you to slaughter your camels and cast them to the Nile crocodiles, or leave them to the birds of prey, than gain money from infidels by selling them to the English." I (CBNTRAT, NEWS TELEGRAM.) Up to Thursday evening the Government had received no information from Lord Wolseley or any other source as to the operations in the Soudan. It is believed, however, that Sir Her- bert Stawart has reached Metamneh by now, and that news to that effect has been delayed by the interruption of the Nile telegraphs. [BKUTER'S TELEGRAM, j HowEiYATrWELLh, January 11th, via Korti, Thursday.—General Stewart's force, after water- ing here, started for Gakdui on Saturday last. There had been no casualties up to the time of their departure. A detachment of the Essex Regiment remains here as garrison, under Captain C,trter and Lieutenant Young. A zareba has been constructed, and a hospital organised under Surgeon Lmgard. Colonel Burnahy arrived here to-uay, with a convoy of grain. He expects to join General Stewart's force at Gakdul on the 13th inst., and will accompany them to Metam- neh. The natives in this neighbourhood are ap- parently few in number and peaceably disposed. [" TIME3 TELEGRAM.] KORTI, Thursday.—The first news of General Stewart has been received from Howeiyat, which is now garrisoned by a detachment of the Essex Regiment. The convoy is still one clear day ahead of General Stewart, who reached Howeiyat on Saturday morning. The Black Watcli Royal Hirrhlanders, except two companies, has gone to Handab; the Royal Irish Regiment is making good progress up the river. The desert is quiet. [" DAILY NEWS" TELEGIlA:US.] I IIANDAB via, MERAWI, Thursday Evening.— Reinforcements from Berber have arrived at Wady Gamr. The enemy say they will resist at Birteh. CAIRO, Thursday.—The Camel Corps is expected to arrive at Metammeh to-day (Friday). Lord Charles Beresford and the blue jackets will push on to Khartoum immediately if a steamer be available. ALEXANDRIA, Tnursday. The Agamemnon is still m the Suez Canal. She requires five days to make the transit, owing to her defective steering qualities. ["STANDARD" TELEGRAM.] HOWEIYAT WELLS, Jan. 10th.—The small party left to guard these wells were tired upon one night, but were not otherwise molested. Small parties of Arabs are in movement over the desert. All wear the Mahdi's uniform, but some have come in to sell sheep to m, These assert that there is. only a small body of the Mahdi's troops at Metemineh, but these statements are untrust- worthy. To-day's Times, commenting on events in the Soudan, says If the counsels which dictated Lord Wolseley's original instructions should still prevail, what will happen when the British troops have retreated from Khartoum? If Egypt is compelled to retire from Khartoum, she can have no interest in holding the barren shores of the Red Sea for our benefit. The unqualified aban- donment of the Soudan must open a new and magnificent possibility of acquisition for those powers who have shown themselves keen to plunge into the scramble for Africa. When Germany finds it worth her while to take possession of Allgra Pequena when France is pursuing ambi- tious schemes on the Congo when Italy even is sending an expedition to Assab; when English influence is threatened by foreign rivalry at Zanzibar—it would surely be folly to invite ad- venturous powers, with red-hot policies of colonial expansion, to enter the heart of Africa by the gateway we now command. Should such a policy prevail popular indignation would be aroused when too late, and ministers would find that they could not escape the consequences on the plea urged with so much naivette, as m the case of Angra Pequena that they had no idea that any nation was dreaming of territorial acquisition in that part of the world," [" DAILY CHRONICLE" TELEGRAMS.] I HANDAB, Thursday Evening.—A number of camels belonging to the Egyptian battery arrived Ily here yesterday from Abudon with supplies. The stores, however, are not coming in so rapidly as could be wished, and 18 whalers have been sent back to Abudon, where they will load and return. We have seen nothing of the enemy, and the adjacent country seems deserted. EL HOWEIYAT, Thursday.—We found the water here, what little there was of it, foul and muddy, and had to abandon any idea of using it. It seems strange that no attempt was mads to utilize the portable well sinking apparatus. There were everywhere unmistakable signs of plenty of water within sinking distance, but no attempt was made to get at it. To-day's Daily New.- understands that should Lord Wolseley decide to use the Suakim road for the return of some of the refugees from the Soudan a small additional force will be despatched thither in order to aid in the withdrawal.

FRANCE AND CHINA. F" DAILY NEWS TEX^BAM\ PARIS, Thursday.—The THF Adnf»iral Peyron, Minister of Marine, womd certainly follow General Campenou ill relgnlDg is now con- firmed on all hands. A arsei correspondent says an order has arrived from Paris to send by the steamers now sailing for China about 4,000 oarbines for the native recruiting companies, and two millions of cartridges. About 1,000 troops have arrived since yesterday at Toulon. I jREUTEIi's TELEGITAM. 1 PARIS, Thursday.-The Paris states that a telegram has been received from Admiral Courbet announcing the capture of the Chinese coal mines at Kelung. -u.-

I THE AMERICAN IRON TRADE. I Heavy Failu-res at Pittsburg. I Liabilities, iHjOOOjOOO. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] NEW YORK, Thursday.-Great excitement and dismay has been caused in the iron trade through- out Pennsylvania. by the announcement of the failure of the well-known firms of Messrs Olive Brothers and Phillips, ironfounders, and Messrs Oliver and Roberts, Wire Company, Pittsburgh. Both worked oonjomtly, and their liabilities are stated to reach the enormous sum of five milion dollars, or about one million pounds, but whether this estimate of the firm's debt is cor- rect or not it is difficult to ascertain. One thing is certain, that their suspension must serious y effect the state of a market which was only just beginning to recover from a long stafce of depres. sion. The firm claim, however, that if granted time they will be able to eetfcle with their oreditors in fuU.

I THE EGYPTIAN QUESTION. I L" MORXIXG POST" TELEGRAM.] PtRIS, Thursday.—A continuous interchange of dispatches is still taking .place between Berlin and Paris on Egyptian affairs. The meeting of a con- ference on the Egyptian question is still con- sidered indispensable, and Germany is in favour of its being held in Paris. The French Government are anxious to hasten the meeting lest the success of Lord Wolseley's operations might influence the situation.

I OPENING OF THE PRUSSIAN DIET. I [CENTRAL NEW TELEGItAM.1 Berlin, Thursday.—The Emperor's Speech, in opening the Prussian Diet to-day, describes the country's financial condition as satisfactory. Last yeat's surplus, twenty miHion marks, was employed paying State Railways Loans. A similar surplus is expected this year. The creation of new sources of revenue is suggested. .9 Bills dealing with personal taxation and railways are promised.

I GENTILES V. JEWS. I Riots In Poland. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.! TANGIER, Thursday.-There is 110 truth in the report which has appeared in the European news- papers that the Jaws here have asked to be placed under the protection of France, or that they stated to the French Minister- that they lived in apprehension of mnssacreby the natives. The merely asked tbe Minister to use his good offices with the Sultan's Government ia their behalf. Active steps are being taken by the British and Italian Ministers and the United States Consul- General to procure the immediate dismissal of the Governor of Demnat. —

THE DEATH OF LORD AYLES. FORD. FKEUTER'S TELEGRAM.] GALVESTON," Thursday.—The Galveston News publishes intelligence from Bigsprings, stating that the death of Lord Aylesford was due to dropsy and hardening of the liver. His lordship had been in declining health for a year past, but nothing serious was feared until a few hours before his death. On the day of his decease he ate the largest meal that he had had for several weeks. He conversed Ireeiv, and ap- peared to be rapidly improving in health. In the evening, however, his condition became alarming, and he expired at half-past nine.

THE BECHUANALAND EXPEDITION. [" TIMES TELEGRAM.] DURBAN, Thursday.—President Kruger has left Pretoria, escorted by 50 mounted artillerymen, who will act as despatch bearers. Mr W. G. Bok, State Secretary of the Transvaal Government has addressed a letter to Lord Derby, dated the 16th ult., in reply to the latter's despatched October 18th. He denies the respon- sibility of Transvaal for the whole or any part of the cost of the Bechuanaland expedition, asserting that his Government has done all that was pos- sible to prevent encroachment on its south-west border by its subjects; and repudiates any in- tention on its part to violate the convention, and avowing its readiness to induce the Goschenites to submit to the conditions imposed by the Cape Ministry.

-=-'==-===- THE RECTOR OF HAWARDEN AND WORKING MEN. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone, addressing a 11 working men's meeting at Hawarden on Wednes- day evening, strongly advocafcd free apd open churches. The Church of England was much to blame in the past for negleotirm the labouring1 population.

GREAT JEWEL ROBBERY IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT. Mr Sydenham, a jeweller, of Frederick-street, Birmingham, who had besn staying at Kent Hotel, Kyde, Isle of Wight, went to bed late on Wednesday night, leaving his cases of jewellery in the stock-room. On Thursday morning when the boots was about to take the cases to the railway station.it was found they^had been broken open, and all the gold rings, chains, lockets, etc., to the value of JESOO, abstracted, only silver articles being left. The thieves are believed to have slept at the hotel, and probably left by the earliest boat for Portsmouth on Thursday mern- ing. 2100 reward is offered.

DIABOLICAL ATTEMPTS TO WRECK TRAINS. r, ♦ r Frank Hudson, farm labourer, was indicted at Maidstone Assizes on Thursday for attempting to wreck a train from Ramsgate to London on the Chatham and Dover line on December 7th, by placing a sleeper on the line. Prisoner denied malicious intent, but admitted putting the sleeper on the line. He was sentenced to twelve months" hard labour. The man Andrews, charged with atterapting to wreck a train on the South-Western R» ^y on Saturday, was again brought before the magistrates at Aldershot on Thursday, saw the prisoner place the weighted on ou the metals, but the driver in stated that he shut <>lf ate £ » ;^he saw Andrews intenrupted h.mbyexclanrng Thats a lie you didn't abutpff I know as much about it as you do „r, Tjns and similar stateioa^3 oris' d* glVe" pvidpnee ag«1?8 who was committed LS»^inchesterAs^e6.

A MURDERER'S CONFESSION. The following statement was completed by the nvict Jay on the night previous to bis execution, and he expressed a desire that it should be made public He said he had taken the opportunity of penning a few lines, as that was his last night on earh. He had just a few words to Say, which he hoped one and all would take advice iro,yi. He little thought on September 22nd, when he wenu to Farringdon, in Hampshire, that lie should be inside that prison afc that date awaiting such a terrible fate. They would see, therefore, that they never knew what a day migat bring lorth. He hoped that one and all would turn to the Lord at onoe, if they had not done so already, and have !:JIm always with them, so as to provide against such terrible ends. He was sorry to say that he did not find Him when he ought, but ne was happy to have found Him now, and He was a great comfort to him so close to hiS end in thii worid. He hoped that his friends would study their Bibles and endeavour tO find that Saviour who died for them all. ^ew that if they did find Him, and did.keaj? te J.im, that He would be their best friend »» e of trouble ar any etlier time. He^bopea that one and all would take warning by ,e occur- rence, and when they had a go°d situation, and were earning good u d not forget to have the Saviour as their !? to lead them in the ritrht way. H0 i?1 • 1 Mdls» the chaplain of St Thomas Hospital for his great kindness to "n ° £ the hospital. He ^0 tanked the governor, chaDlain and warders of the House of Detention for fche kmdaes3 he had experienced at their hands while waiting trial. H^ had felt very comfortable siloe his trial, nd he had told all who had seen him that he felt quite forgiven for all his sins. He hoped soon to be in heaven, where there would be no more pam or trouble, piurder or bloodshed, crvincr or tears. He trusted that one and all would- take a warning by that fearful crime, and get the Saviour as their guide, and then they neel not fear. He wished he had done so before, and then he should not want to write those lines as a warning. Everything had been done for his comfort in the prison, but only nature would sometimes trouble him when he thought of bygone days and how wicked he had been He would close those lines wicii every repentance and grief that he could" towards tho relatives of the deceased, whose mother haa visited him since he had been in the prison, and who had given him good advice and done wba; she could for him.