South Wales Echo

ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT AT ABERDARE. AtMerthyr poliee-cnort pn Satnrday-before Mr J. Bishop and Mr T. Williama-James Owens was charged on remand with indecently assaulting Ann Jones (16), » 8OTVan| at the FoJ and Hounds Inn. Llydcoed. on Atunifit 12t.h. The allegation was that defendant Interfered with the e'.r whdst on her way to a farmhouse to deliver milk.—Mr Phillips called Dr. Evan Jones, who said be bad found no marks of violence on the girl. In answer to Mr Kenshole who appeared for defendant, the doctor said he should have expected to find some marks on the complainant if she had had a struggle of twenty minutes' duration.—P.C. PhiJlips proved the :ipprehensiou of the prisoner.—It was agreed that the case should be adjourned until the first Tues- day in October, Mr Phillips desiring to call further evidence.

r INDECENT ASSAULT AT MOUNTAIN ASH. At the Merthyr police-court on Saturday-before Mr Bishop and Mr T. Williams-Evan Thomas, painter, was charged with indecently assaulting Hannah Maria John, a young woman, on the 19th inst, at Mountain Ash. Complainant said she was washing on the day named for William Moore, painter, 39, Commeraial-street. Prisoner came into the kitchen where she was at work to "wash paint brushes. She went out in the back to look after the clothes. Prisoner followed her, and said something to her in Welsh. She replied that she did not understand Welsh. Prisoner then pushed her down on a bed of leeks, and acted in- decently. This was in sight of the house. She "scrammed his face and he let her go. Prisoner, who said he haa no indecent intensions, was com- mitted for trial at the quarter sessions.

UNFAILING REMEDY FOR HEADACHES. KBRNICK'S VEGETABLE PILLS. FGR INDIGESTION Md by all Chemists, in 7d, 13id, and 2s 9d boxes BEWARE OF IMITATIONS

ITHE OLD PATRIARCH. I CHAPTER 1. I Cuff Hatterson, an old pensioner, lived on the top of a hill. His odd looking house with its low roof and broad "stack" chimney attracted the attention of passers-by. The place was not unin- viting, for the large shady trees and noisy spring whose water held delicious ooolness drew many a tired traveller from the dusty road. No one knew Hatterson's age. Boys at a time of early obser- vation wondered if he had not lived always, and attaining manhood, still seeing no change in the lH man, they naturally felt a curiosity in his age. When I was just large enough to go into the woods to gather hickory nuts, Hatterson, whom I often met, impressed me with the belief that he was one of the patriarchs of whom I had heard my parents read, and I sometimes wondered what had become of all his camels and wives. He was very kind to children. Once I went to his house. With the observant eyes of a child I noticed that the floor was clean, and that hanging on the walls were many smoke stained pictures. Are you one of the patriarchs?" I asked as I sat down on a stool, which, with his foot, he shoved toward me. Yea, little fellow, I suppose I am." Where are your wives?" He laughed and replied that he had never been married. An you haven't got any camels, either ?' No camels." I thought that he was a very strange sort of a patriarch and I didn't know but that he had run away from the Lord. This belief was strengthened when I discovered a withered gourd vine in his yard. CHAPTER II. I was sent off to school. The war came on and I, just old enough, joined the army. The first man I met when I returned home was old man Hatterson. He was at first unable to recognize me, but when I made myself known, he grasped my hand and told me that he was still a pariarch, but that he was still wifeless. During my absence a very peculiar man, Dr. Sledge, had taken up his residence in our neigh- bourhood. I met him at my father's house and received a cordial invitation to call upon him. I called. He lived in a gloomy brick house which, when a boy, I had thought was haunted. He lived alone, cared but little for the active work of his profession, but spent the most of his time in a dingy laboratory. "These," he said, pointing to a collection of skulls, "belonged to men that were murdered, and these," waving his hand in the direction of a high shelf, were once the property cf men that were hanged." The contemplation of the grim array amused him, and, throwing back his head, he laughed. How did you get them ?" 1 asked. You must never ask a doctor how he gets a skull. There is a smooth relic of a polished man. That skull was once worn with dignity by my uncle. I was always much interested in his head, and I made him promise that when he died I might take it. Well, he died shortly after that and I got his head. I have spent a great deal of time on it." I shuddered and looked toward the door. You: ve got a pretty fair specimen of a head," he remarked as he took down his uncle's skull and blew the dust from it. I don't suppose, however, that you are ready to give it up? Don't be in a hurry. You must not pay any attention to the rambling remarks of a practical joker." When I went home I asked my father what he thought of Dr. Sledgo. 1 like him very much. He is a fine physician." "Have you ever noticed anything peculiar about him ?" No." I related my experience with him. My father laughingly replied He was merely joking you. He is full of dry humour." Yes, his humour is rather toe dry for me, and I think that a little moisture would improve it." Several days afterwards I met the doctor at the house of the old patriarach. The two men "were warmly discussing some scientific subject when I arrived, but they immediately left off and brought their conversation down within my reach. I would like to know your age," said tne doctor. Ob, well, I can only give you an old maid s answer I am older than I am good." During the next hour we talked of many different things. The doctor showed no evidences of the peculiarities which I had only a few day previously discovered in him, but he talked in a common sense way. Several days later I again visited old man Hatterson. Dr Sledge was present. Indeed, he seemed to spend with the old patriarch, the most of his spare time. One morning Dr. Sledge came over to our house and asked me to accompany him to old man Hat- terson's houce. I had," said he, a strange dream last night concerning him. I thought that some one asked him to tell his age. The patriarch politely refused and was promptly killed." I went with the doctor. The houe was closed. We knocked on the door. No reply. We shoved the door open and entered. The old man was not there, but on the floor there was a pool of blood. The doctor was greatly excited. "I shall be afraid to dream again," he said. The old man has been murdered. Come, let us look for the body." We made an extended search but cculd discover no trace of the old patriarch. We soon aroused the neighbourhood, and hundreds of people joined in the search. At night as I lay in bed I could not keep an awful thought out of my mind. That thought was the belief that Dr. Sledge had murdered the old man. The next morning I told my father and was severely reprimanded. 1. You ought to be ashamed of yourself," he said. What object could the doctor have? I have discovered tbe fact that he is a gentleman and I don t want to hear any of your insinuations." I promised him that I would say no more about it, but I could not keep still. I whispered my suspicions to an officer of the law. The next dav the doctor was arrested. I was horrified when I received a summons to testify, and my father was deeply grieved. After all, I had no testimony to 1 related the doctor's conversation with re- gard to the skulls and was laughed at, I thought, in a merciless manner. The doctor was released Calling me, he said: You put me to some little inconvenience, but I forgive you. Hereafter, young man, you should be more carefal. Many a man has been unjustly suspected, and I dare say, many an innocent man has been hanged. If my disposition were vindio tive I would hold this against you, but I am not of a revengeful temperament. I could give you many words of useful advice, with regard to such matters, but I will simply say this: Don't be officious. A suspicion, formulated in a youthful mind, is rarely susceptible of the mist of demon- stration. You may doubt the truth cf the Chris- tian religion, and within yourself may feel that your idea has many points in its favour, but, called upon to illustrate, you stammer out a flat apology." His words stung me. I blundered out an apo- logy. I admit, doctor, that I was wrong. Now, that I think of it, I see that I was foolish. I am sure that I do not regard you as an evil-minded man, and to tell you the trot», I don't know why 1 suspected you.' CHAPTER III. Two years passed. The doctor and I often good humouredly referred to his arrest. The old patri- arch was almost forgotten. Long since every attempt to discover his murderer was abandoned. One morning I was startled by tli3 following com- munication from Dr. Sledge: Let me tell you something that cannot fau to astonish you. Years ago I began the study of murders. 4 Murder will out,' was an assertion tnat greatly interested me and, with the deepest con- cern, I read of the detection of the most skiliuily planned assassinations. I believed that a murder could be succesfully committed. I was a devoted student of science, and this one experiment was ever uppermost in my mind. I collected many tre»ting of murder and I studied them as- everything pointed to exposure. I mult? nnf b-M? i°- Patriarch and I wondered if I I was eneacpr}11"11 avert 8U9P'ci°n- P°r weeks SSRJI'DFRS SR then, no one coming after me would have' the least encouragement. One day, just after a storm I was passing through the woods near the oM patriarch's house, when I discovered a We oak tree that had been blown down. The roots of the tree had, in coming up, made a considerable excavation. This, I knew, would soon be filled with water. I stopped and spent some time in minute examination. 4 Now, I said. 4 a body could be buried in this hole and would never be discovered. Shortly after burial the place will be filled with water, and no one would ever think of suspecting it a^ the repository of a murdered man.' The conclusion thus reached gave me much pleasure. I hummed a tune. The light of encouragement was falling on my proposed ex- periment. I went to the house of the patriarch. He cordially greeted me and begged me to git down and smoke a pipe, to which I agreed. I had a long keen knife which I kept eoncealed under my coat. Do you believe,1 I asked, 4 that all mur- derers are discovered ?' 144 Well, I don't know. Mostly, though, I believe.' II 4 Yesl I agree that murderers are nearly always discovered, bpt I don't see why some different plan cannot be devised.' He looked at me and moved uneasily in his seat. 44 4 It is a terrible death to be murdered,' said 1. Yei,' he replied, 'I would rather die a hundred natural deaths than be murdered once.' 44 4 So would I.' He arose from his seat and stood in the doorway. He seemed to be afraid of me and I changed the subject. Soon afterwards he sat down, apparently dismissing all fear. The sun went down. I was waiting for night. 4 4 4 Well, it's about my supper time,' said the old patriarch. 'I will stay and eat with you.' All right, you are welcome.' Twilight was fading. Night was coming on. A glimmer of lightning showed :in the east. 44 The old man took down a skillet and placed several pieces of meat in it. I looked out. The gate posts were hardly discemable. He put the skillet on the fire and took down a loaf of bread. The gate posts had faded. Quickly springing to my feet, I plunged my keen knite into the old man's heart. He died without uttering a groan. I dragged him to the place where the tree had blown down and buried him. That night there came a heavy rain. The next morning the excavation was full of water. Then I went S you and told you that I had had an awful dream, I don't know why, but you suspected me and had me arrested. Then the truth of my plan was illustrated. You could not find one atom of evidence against me. How I gloated over my success. 1 knew that I was a scientist and that future murderers would revere my name. I am not insane, young man, and I request you with a farty of men to come to my house and arrest nie. 'irst, however, go to the tree and find the body." It is unnecessary to attempt a description of my astonishment and terror. In company with several men I set out to find the tree. We ex- perienced no difficulty in finding it. After bailing out the water we dug down and found the body of the old patriarch. Then we hurried to the house of Dr. Sledge. One man declared that we ought to hang the cold-blooded scoundrel. Another man, a considerate citizen, advised us to simply arrest him and deliver him to the proper authorities. The door of the doctor's house was closed. We forced it. There on the floor we witnessed a horrible sight. The doctor, with his throat cut from ear to ear, lay dead. On a piece of paper near him were these words: 441 was successful. Ha, ha

THE DYNAMITE CONSPIRACY. I Letter from O'DonGvan Rossa. I A correspondent states that the following letter has been received by O'Donovan Rossa's Euro- pean agents, one of whom is now stationed at Havre and another at Antwerp United Irishmen Office, 12, Chambers-street, New York, July, 1885. Dear Sir aud Brother,—I must in duty remind you of a resolution passed at a certain meeting of our representatives on the continent over four months ag-o according to which you bound your- selves to redouble your efforts in beating England to her knees, and spreading the holy war in the middle of the enemy's camp. Since then nothing has been done. What, I ask you in all earnestness, is tall talk worth if it is not backed up by action? Your inactivity is highly displeasing to our friends on this side and as for the delegate you sent me the other day, I do not think his explanation at aU satisfactory. You have plenty of oatmeal on hand, and yon won't use it. Now, I summon you, in the name of our Brotherhood, and by the solemn oa.th you have taken, to recommence field operations forthwith. Strike the enemy at > and at if possible simultaneously. Please convey to our iriends that Red Jim M Dermott is still in the land of the living, and that the story of his death was an invention of I Jenkinsons to cover the traitor's hiding place. M Dermott, however, cannot much bnger hide himself from the vengeance of our missionaries, each or any of whom will be paid 10,000 dollars for his execution. Trusting to see shortly by' the caote that the fight is being fought anew, I am, yours fraternally, JER. O'DONOVAN' ROSSA." The word oatmeal in the above letter (the correspondent says) means dynamite in the con- spirators' vernacular. The names of the places where Rossa orders outrages are written in cypher, the key to which is changed periodically. As an explanation of the dynamite chief's reasons for issuing this circular, it is said that the apathy referred to was caused;by internal wrangling among the dynamiters. Several of the leading Conti- nental conspirators, in league with their brethren in iAmdcn, have of late persistently opposed every effort made for organising explosions in Eng- land, and more particularly since the advent of the Conservatives to power. Some of the more intelligent and reflecting minds in the dynamite camp are reported to be eager to give Lord Salisbury a fair trlal in his administration of Irish affairs.

THE LOAD-LINE COMMITTEE. The Duke of Richmond and Gordon, before leaving the Board of Trade, addressed to Sir Edward Reed, the chairman of the above com- mittee, a letter, of which the following is a copy Board of Trade, 14th August,1885.-Dear Sir,- I have duly received and presented to Parliament the report of the load-line committee, together with the tables accompanying It, and I shall give the report careful and immediate considera- tion. I cannot, however, allow any time to elapse, after receiving the first complete record of your valuable inquiry, without begging you to accept on your own account as chairman of the committee, and to convey to your colleagues, the best thanks of her Majesty s Government for the manner in which this most difficult and compli- cated investigation has been conducted, and for the great amount of ability and labour which has been ungrudgingly bestowed upon it by every one of its members during the last eighteen months. I am well aware that when my predecessor, Mr Chamberlain, invited the committee to undertake this important task, their time and attention were already largely engaged by business, and that it was asking them to make no inconsiderable sacrifice of their privaie con- venience for the general good. But it was felt with confidence that the consideration of the serious interest of this matter to the great shipping interest of this country would be a sufficient inducement to them to give the subject such an amount of care and attention as was necessary to bring their labours to a satisfactory conclusion. That care and attention have been ungrudgingly bestowed, and the unanimous con- clusion at which you have arrived on a subject which has caused so much difficulty to the shipping interest, and to the department over which I have the honour to preside, atffcisfies me that the expectations thus entertained are fully justified. I have now the pleasure of congratulat- ing the committee upon the concluaiou of their labours, and to beg that you and your colleagues will accept my personal thanks, in addition to those of the Government, for the invaluable aid which they will have afforded to me, as President of the Board of Trade, in my responsible duties with respect to this difficult subject.—I am, dear sir, your obedient servant. (SIGNET^ RICHMOND AND GORDON. To Sir Edward Reed, K.C.B., M.P."

f ANOTHER TORY FIASCO AT LLANWRTYD WELLS. On Thursday evening last a Mr Hemmings delivered a lecture in the Conservative interests at Gelynos Chapel, Llanwrtyd Welis All shades of political opinion were invited to attend and they most heartily responded. At 7.30 the building was crowded with anything but a Tory audience. The lecturer had not arrived, and the audience proceeded to elect a chairman. M Hemmings, however, arrived, and he proposed Captain liioyd as chairman, but the proposition was lost by an overwhelming majority, the audience crying out for the first elected. Capt. Lloyd declined to preside, and the lecturer proceeded without a chairman to deliver his address. Each point touched by him was sharply and severely questioned. Rarely is it the lot of a Conservative stump orator to meet with such an audience of thorough Radicals. A vote of thanks tn him, passed purely out of c<'urtesy, brought the proceedings to a close. Conservatism is evidently not at home at Llan- wrtyd.

BrosKR\vf^wm-<ke!in'' is guaranteed by Tainsh all who ile«ir»,r atches, and they are invaluable to twm ^rectn,!?s a,ld Punctuality in their 'V atches £ 5 'to Wa?^83' £ 2 *> £ l0; Gold atcnes, £ 5 to £ a0.—lamsh Bros.. &, Hlgh-stteet, Car ]

YANKEE YARNS. 11 BATHER EQUIVOCAL. Gus De Smith was quite late in arriving at a., soiree given recently by a prominent Auatin lady. When lie arrived he immediately sought her. pre- sence, and having found her. said:— 4'I beg a thousand pardons for coming so.late." 4 My dear sir, replied the lady, 44 you can .never 4 My dear sir, replied the lady, "you canneve" come too late." Gus thinks this is a hint to stay away together. SUNDAY SIFTING. A tramp rather got the better of a f Dallas gentleman bst Sunday morning. The geaitleman had his gun on his shoulder, and was just going out to shoot a. few quail, when the tramp begged for a voluntary contribution. 41 Ain't you ashamed to be beging on Sun- day?" 4 Excuse me, Colonel," replied the tramp, glancing at the gun, "but I'll not detain you, you might be late in getting to church." TREATMENT OF INFANTS. "You should have a thermometer to ascertain the proper temperature of the water," sa.id a fond: mother to the coloured nurse who was giving the) baby a bath. "Whaffor?" 44 To tell wheu the water is too cold or too, hot." 44 Don't need no such dookerment. Ef de chile turns blue de water am too cold, an" ef hit turu red den hit am too hot. < And now the coloured lady is open to an offer. "i A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. 'Do you see that fine looking geutleman^ over, there on the opposite side of the Broadway?" Yes. I see him." 44\Veli, he enjoys the respect and the admira-j tion of everybody." 44 Who is he ?" 44 He is an alderman." f 44 What! enjoys the respect of everybody, and is a New York alderman What a nice gentle-j man; what a perfect saint he must have been be-j fore lie ran for office. I can't believe he is in l alderman. It must be a case of mistaken j identity." i AN INSINUATION. j Colonel Yerger made arrangements with Uncle Mose that the latter should come to the house of the Colonel and remove a. desk to his office while, that gentlemen was at home at dinner. Colonel, Ycrgor waited and waited but no Uncle Mose; put in an appearance. Finally, however, he turned up an hour behind time. "Look, here, Uucle Mose, yau are an hour late. I finished my dinner an hour ago." Yer doesn't s'pose, does ver, dat my mule kin eat his dinner in do same time hit takes you and your family ter eat yer dinner." COURTSHIP AMONG THE MORMONS. Well, good night dearest George. I hope you will reach home safely. Cannot you call to-mor- row eve ?" iNo, dearest. To-morrow night I go to see Ethlinda." 44 Well, the evening after?" "Sorry, but that's Angelina's night. It 18 n, fact, dearest Aurora. Every night this week is occupied now, and I have three matinees to do, besides. But cheer up, dearest, we'li have a, grand wedding some of these days, when I will be able to clasp you all to my heart nevermore to separate." Then pressing a fond kiss on his darling's lips, the lover takes his departure.

THE PROPOSED WEIR ACROSS THE TAFF RIVER. It is stated that the ieport of the borough engineer, as to the practicability of constructing a. weir across the Taff, to the south of the Penartb- road bridge, will be in accord with the reports of Mr Williams and the plans of Mr Brewer. The holes bored, to test the percolation from the river, show that no damage will be done to the adjoin- ing houses. It is now proposed, or suggested, that the weir should be constructed 250 or 300 yards further south, and include the bend of the river, j This will throw open a wide area of waste liytid for building purposes, and improve the value of hcftise property on the Penarfh-road very materi- ally. Lord and Lady Bute are expected shortjy at Cardiff Castle, where they will make a stay for some time, and the plans will then be submitted to his lordship. f r

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS A Guardian's View of Moral I Obligations. The weekly meeting of this board was held on Saturday, Dr Paine in the chair, Mr T. W. H. Plain, vice-chairman, being also present. Mr Bircham, poor law inspector for the dis- trict, has written stating that he would hold an inquiry at the Workhouse, on Monday, into the alleged neglect on the part of a medical officer of the union. The Chairman expressed a hope that many of the guardians would attend. Mr RAMSDALE, at the relief committee, men- tioned that a letter had been sent to him com- plaining that the parents of the wife of one of the guardians for Penarth were, and had been, in receipt of parochial relief for some time, while they lived with the guardian in question, who was a man of means and well able to maintain them. This statement gave rise to a good deal of dis- cussion, and it transpired that the wife's father and mother of Mr C. E. Roberts, Penarth, were living with him at Penarth. They formerly re- ceived 6s a week, but for some time they bad received 8s per week from the parish. As they were old and enfeebled, the money was paid to Mr Roberts, who, it was contended, was in a position fully able to maintain them. On the motion of Mr Ramsdale, seconded by Mr Coun- cillor Jacobs, the out-door relief was ordered to be discontinued. Mr ROBERTS now moved that the former order of the board he adhered to, and that the 8s per week be continued. He mentioned that the paupers were over 80 years of age, and as they were the parents of his wife, he was under no legal responsibility to maintain them. The parish were really indebted to him for assisting to tain them as they cost £ 1 a week, ana he K* them the shelter of his house in order that tn y might be more comfortable than if they away. The man was paralysed, and quite ^an even to move in his bed, and if removed re workhouse they would cost the union much doe than they did now. He asked the boa rescind the order of the committee, and a relief to continue as before. The CHAIRMAN said as the paupers father and mother of the wife of Mr Roberts, the board had no legal claim upon him to support them but there was a moral one, and it was tor Mr Roberts to consider whether he repudiated the moral claim. The maTter ca.ne very properly before the relief comSttM.„Ths*fe"'1e"S' ,h# paupers were living in the h°usf ,^h,.nd 0f tu -e guardians, and that he was husband of their daughter, and he was also able to suPP^rfc ^m. Mr PLAJH said that the subject came^ before the relief committee, and on into the matter, the relieving-officer told them that,the; paupers were living with Mr_ Rooerts. Ramsdale then proposed, and Mr J scobs seconded, that the outdoor relief be discontinued, and then." was not a single dissentient to the imposition when the whole of the circumstances were fJX- plained to them. The CHAIRMAN said it was for Mr Roberta to decide whether he repudiated the moral claim these persons bad on him. He offered no objec- tion to the motion of Mr Roberts, but advised him to consider his position before pressing the matter further. The chairman asked if any person seconded the motion, but uo one replied. Mr CORY said that the circumstances of Mr. Roberts influenced the guardians. J f Mr Robrts could not afford to support the parents of his wife, then the circumstances would be altered; but if he could, although there was no legal obligation, there was certainly a very strong moral one. The CHAIRMAN repeated that the board had no legal claim on Mr Roberts. It was a matter for him entirely. Mr ROBERTS again urged that he was not re- sponsible for their support, and their living with him was a saving to the ratepayers. He con- sidered it unjust that their relief should be dis- continued. Mr PLAIN said that Mr Roberts was in good circumstances. They were living with him and "e "^Kbt to maintain them, The CHAIRMAN If ycu refuss the moral obliga- tion of supporting your wife's parents, the board has no power to compel you. If you decline, they will be treated precisely as other paupers. Mr LEWIS In the event of their removal to the workhouse they will have a room to them- selves. As no one Mr Roberts's proposition, the chairman _»iuu it fell to the ground, although Mr Hobsi is iciused to withdraw it.

THE NEW TOWN-HALL AT NEWPORT. I „ It m a matter of congratulation indeed that the new i;own hall for Newport is at last completed. The former buildings were quite inadequate to meec the wants cf the town, while everybody is wep,ry of the inconveniences arising from the pre- sent temporary arrangements. The many debates on the subject of the new town hall which have occupied tho council have brought out some phases of apposition to it and criticisms some- times rather severe in their character have been passed upon it. Something of this feeling it was that led to the refusal of the council to vote a sum of money for the opening ceremony, the opinion being that whatever the advantages of the new building may be they have been purchased at a very considerable sum. But there is no question that with or without any opening ceremony, there will be a general feeling of satisfaction that the buildings are at least reajy for use. It is indeed quite, time that they were. It is now about three years since advertisements were issued for designs for a new town-hall to he erected upon the site of the old building, which had become too small for the increasing business of the corporation. This resulted in 33 designs being sent in by competi- tors from all parts of England, the estimated cost varying from £6,000 to 230,000. After con- siderable deliberation two plans were accepted, thevfirst prize being given to Mr E. A. Lans- ^ewPort» and the second to a stranger, Mr Thomas M. Lockwood, of Chester, whose arrangement appeared to comprehend most fully the requirements of the council, and these gentlemen were ultimately appointed joint architects for the new building. The original plan has been substantially carried out, the only change being in the elevation to Com- meicial-street, the detail of which was made more ornamental. The irregularity of the site ,and the difference of level presented some diffi- culties, but an inspection of the new buildings will show that these have been utilised and over- come, and an excellent arrangement secured, with abundance of light and air throughout. The work was entrusted to Mr John Linton, of Newport, whose tender, being the lowest, was accepted by the corporation, Mr George Jones, of Newport, being appointed clerk of works. The GKSEBAL AKBANGEMENTS OF THE BUILDINU may be briefly described as follows e malU public entrance is from ^.encTis'a main the centraof the t? £ sfcairs> leading to ^"lowor level; this corridor is broken up by the tne lower» din„ to the assembly-room, fecToa the upper floor. On the right of tbe main cntrance is placed the commercial reading- room, with furniture, reading stands, &c. The opposide side is occupied by the town clerk's offices, consisting of public office, with desk and enaniry counter, and two private offices behind An excellent muniment, or strong room, is Dro" vided in the basement. Provision is made bv means of a lift for conveying books and papers to ♦ho committee-room on first-floor. 0 .w THE POLICE COURT- SSESW MXR1 business *n the court. Th« uv ha,vin" their entrance from DooWf P.hc ha,ve staircase '■ through a ,na et> np tha dock is «arranged with £ i co!?ldor- T'10 basement in connection lea?lnS t0 tha and a speaking tube M ? Prisoners cells, police superintendnnf Pr°vided to enable the officers b«low withl l communicate with the magistrates'clerfcoffi3^ C°Urt- the court* th« kr 0,faces ln close proximity to with DoCk-,Ji^U° _°ffic9 bei"? connection mouses L stairs; applicants for sum- from Dock provided for them vided f ?treet- Convenient rooms are also pro- £ jon or witnesses in waiting and for consulta- i. THR COUNCIL CHAMBER on tne main floor, and is 42ft. by 30ft. it situated at the corner of Dock-street and Austin Friars, having access for officials and Councillors from Commercial-street as well as from the staircase leading to Dcck-street. Be- sides this, there is an entrance for the public -from Austin Friars, and a public gallery is provided at this end of the council chamber. This room is lighted on two sides facing Austin Friars and Dock-street, and is 26ft. from floor to ceiling. It is very handsome, beinfif panelled aud finished in oak, The wood ceil- ng is decorated, and there is stained gla" in the windows. The tables for councillors have two circular ends, and are so arranged that they can be disengaged, and form eight distinct tables. The chairs are of special design, and with the Mayor's seat form a very handsome smteot furnitu'. 6. Tables are also provided for the town Clerk and Surveyor, and special provision is made fùr reporters. THK MAYOR'S PARLOUR » close to the Council unamoer, anu somely furnished in walnut, with chairs finished m tapestry work. The upper portions of the windows have good stained glass. Adjoining this room is a small committee room, whilst in the anteroom from the Mayor's Parlour a window and balcony is provided from which public àn- nouncements might be made, and a similar arrangement is provided over the public entrance in Commercial-street. Provision is made on this floor for the hall keeper. THI ASSEMBLY ROUM is placed on the first floor over the police-court and its adjoining offices. It is 65ft. by 35ft. and 28ft. in height, having its main entrances on either side, one from the grand staircase on the Commercial-street entrance, and a second up the stairs from Dock-street. Besides these there is a third entrance to the platform, in connection with retiriuR-iooms, lavatories w.c. s, &c. The public hall is lighted on both sides by eight large double windows, the upper portions of which are filled in by stained glass with figure subjects and various mottoes appropriate to its public and municipal uses. From the doorway of the room nearest Commercial-street access is gained to a wide and ample corridor leading to a large com- mittee-room on the left, 35 feet by 23 feet, fyipg the street, in which the larger committees will sit. The town surveyor's suite of offices are on the opposite side of this corridor. RATE OFFICES, ETC. The offices for rate collector, clerk to cemetery, nuisance inspector, weights and measures, and gas testing otfice are approached by an entrance from Austin Friars, from which access is also gained for the public to the council chamber. Provision is also made for the school board, with board-room 20 feet by 15 feet, clerk's office 20 feet by 12| feet, and enquiry office 21 feet by 8 feot. These are approached by an entrancfe in Dock- street, leading to a corridor of 9 feet in width. THK rOLICE OFFICES are accessible from Dock-street, and comprise public office, superintendent's office, parade room, and sergeant's room. Adjoining this is a cor- ridor leading to the cells, those for drunkards I being 12 feet square, placed close to the parade room, 8C as to admit of constant inspection. The remainder of the cells—eleven in number-seven for males and four for females, with special means of separatioii-aro so arranged that each has its light and air from tho open courts. The arrangements of these cells are in strict accord- ance with the Government instructions, the prescribed capacity of 800 cubic feet being ex- ceeded in every instance. Arrangements have been made so that prisoners may be removed by the prison van through the yard communicating with Merchant-street. The fire engine house is also near the police office, with doors opening to Dock-street. W ARMING, VENTILATING, AND LIGHTING. The warming and ventilating is most carefully provided for, and has been carried out by 3$§ssrs Haden and Son, of Trowbridge and Manchester.* The system of heatin, In by means of hot water pipes, while that of ventilation is by means of an extraction shaft, 95 feet in height from base- ment, in which is placed a, cast-iron smoke flue from the heating apparatus. The artificial light- in of the council chamber, police-court, and assembly-room, is effected by means of sun- lights, the latter room being lighted by four of Messrs Sugg and Sons' patent sunlights; the remainder 'of the rooms, corridors, £ means of pendants and brackets of design, the whole Deing executed by Mr Careen wnv. of Newport. TTRK-PROOF FLOOBS. The whole of the floors throughout T,"e ouucang nra of wrought iron fire-proof construction, by Messrs Dennett and Ingle, of London, this arrangement being not only for protection against fire, but preventing transmission of sound f.lirmieh the floors. uuu I V." -u THE ELZVATIONQ throughout a*fe of the style known e treatment of classic, the exterior T\ i t and Austin Friars bein? fa„ El_1I)ock-street wall stone and GrinshniS J? "e Penn^?fc Commercial-street fronf dressings.^ The: stone throughout ;1S executed in Grinshill which rises to n k ,nc^uchng the central tower, cial-stre^t t-n t-u keight of 140 feet from Commer- cial street to the top of finial. I T„ XL THE CLOOK "lIe Upper portion of the tower are four cit- Ii Lmnr openings, about eight feet diameter, filled 111 with clock dials, which may be seen from all parts of the town. This clock has been manu^ factured by Messrs Lund and Blockley, of Pafl", Mall, London, and is constructed of gun metal, and so placed that easy access may be gained to any part; the pendulum is 16 feet long, com- pensated for changes of temperature the bell weighs nearly a ton, and may be heard at a. considerable distance the dial-i are of cast iron, filled in with best opal glass, admitting of clear illuminating with least expenditure of gas. The clock is under the charge of Mr R. Manns, of Newport. THE CONTRACTORS. The general contract has been carried out by Mr John Linton, and the special work by the following firms :—Constructional ironwork and fireproof floors, by Messrs Dennett and Ingle, of Whitehall, London warming and ventilat- ing, by Messrs Haden and Son, of Trow- bridge grates, ornamental wrought-iron gates and railings, by Messrs W. H. Baker and Co., of Newport gasfittings, including pendants and sunburners, also the speaking tubes, by Mr G. Greenway, of Newport locks and internal: ironmongery, by Messrs Charles Smith and Sons, of Birmingham stained glass and ceiling decora. tions, by Messrs Shrigley and Hunt, of Lancaster; mosaic pavements bv Mr Ludwig. Oppenheitner, of Manchester lifts by Messrs Thomas, of Cardiff; town clock and bell by Messrs Lund and Blockley, of Pall Mall, London; carving, both external and internally, by Mr Tudor Da vies, of Newport and internal fit- tings and counters by Mr John Linton. The whole of the furniture has been d 8igned by the architects, and the work carried out by Messrs Trapnell and Gane, of Bristol and Cardiff, whose tender being the lowest amongst 24, was accepted. The town surveyor, Mr Conyers Kirby, has naturally taken much interest in the progress of the work. and the architects desire to express their appreciation of his many valuable and practical suggestions. Mr George Jones, of Newport, was the clerk of the works, and to his active and intelligent superintendence, combined with that of -^tr Linton's painstaking foremen, Iu MJ? a- J Fry, much of the success of the building is due.

THE RECTORSHIP OF MERTHYR Rev. D. Lewis to be Instituted. On Sunday morning at St. David's Church, Merthyr, the Rev. Charles Griffith gave notice that on Sunday next at 11 o'clock in the forenoon the Rev. D. Lewis, vicar of Brynmawr, will Publicly instituted to the cure of souls in t is parish by the Lord-Bishop of the 1>ioce3e, ted which institution the parishioners are to to be present that they may join in Pr* Almighty God to bless his them. A written notice in th Jfc also posted on the doors of tb rumoured that the ^v- C at Blaenavoll. accept the position of logumte

7TTF~VEBV_ BEST ..T V the Pills known as KERNICK'3 v„, „aJre^Pu ii? I certify their composition to be: V EGETABLE PILLS. have alg0 triecl their effecti aU(1 co^&em one of the best Aperient Pills for consti- pated habits th»t B^LBIRNIE( M A M D 166 Sold by oil Chemists, la 7i<- 132d. and 2a 9d boxes.

ATHLETIC NOTES. I By An Old Stager. I With the close of the cricket season rapidly approaching, one's thoughts n:\L!lr;11 turn towards the sister game, which will "Doll lJd I once atrain in full swing. Clubs everywhero already holding their annual meetings aO" generally preparing for the coming campaign* which, so far at least as South Wales is concerned. is certain to be a pretty tough one. Llaneily, believe, have already arranged several important contests at a distance from home, and at tlld annual meeting of the Cardiff Club, held at tllc Angel Hotel on Wednesday last, some equally important engagements were announced as having been entered into by that:cltib. Among the iteiv fixtures are matches with Runcorn, Cheshire Club, London Welsh, Huddersfleld, and Castle- ford. The Cheltenham College fixture will, 1 hear, this year be dropped, one with Lami'tttet College being substituted. Of the new matches, that with Huddersfield ought to furnish a first-rate struggle, as they are a strong lot, all the principal combinations in Yorkshire meeting them last season. Tiioir full back, H. B. Wilson, is in the habit of bringing > off a large number of those flukes" we heard of last season he is also thought by many tit to play for his county. The Tykes have also & poweriul set of forwards. At the meeting referred to the following were elected officers for the ensuing year :—O^ptain 1st XV. F. E. Hancock vice-captain A. F. Hill. Captain 2nd XV. C. James; vice-do. W. Douglas. Captain 3rd XV.: F. Wilson. Committee 1st team G. Young, H. J. Simpson, W. D. Phillips, and A. Duncan committee, 2nd team: J. Sant, J. D. Evans, Daniel Jones, and A. Hybart; hon. sec.: W. H. Treatt. All round the above are a strong combination, and it wsll be indeed surprising if under their management the club does not attain even a higher position than it occupied last season. The selection of F. E. Hancock as captain is one which is safe to be extremely well received. Not only is he one of the finest players Cardiff ever had, but he has also the advantage of a thorough knowledge of the game, in addition to possessing those administrative qualities so necessary in leader. Among: the football public at Cardiff Mr Hancock has earned a very large measure of popu- larity, and I feel confident the general verdict will be that lie is the right man in the right place. As intimated in these Notes some months back, the "unsightly shed" will this year give place to a properly constructed grand stand, on the erection of which it is proposed to expend JE275. Towards this amount about JE70 were subscribed at the meeting. Practice games will in all probability commence on the 19th of next month, and the first match, against 15 of the district, is fixed for October 3rd. For the following Pastime is responsible:— "The winner of the 100 yards handicap at the Tottenham House Sports, "R. T. James, Dow- lais C.C., is, we understand, on good authority, none other than Morgan, the Cardiff professional. He had for the last few weeks previous been located near Lillio Bridge Grounds, where he had been training." The Llwynypia Cricket Club, wbicb isfasteoming to the front, achieved a notable triumph in their t match with Cardiff on Saturday. The latter, it I is true, was not represented by its full strength, 'I but still the eleven placed in the field was by no means a weak one, and might reasonably have been expected to give a good account of itself. That Llwynypia should have won by five wickets I shows what a really formidable array of talent I the little town possesses.

THE CASE OF ELIZA I 1, ARMSTRONG. I Extraordinary Admission by Mr Stead. Some injustice appears to have been done to the Booths in connection with the Eliza Armstrong I case, injustice due to their own equivocal state- ments and unreserved support of the wrong-doer. At the so-called National Conference at St. 'I James's Hall, the editor of tha Ball Mali Gkuettt made this noteworthy declaration :— We took that child from place that Was steeped in vice, from » ™otiLeriw Emitted that she was going to »br°th6l> as she thought; and instead o? tak.ng her to » brotheJ, we placed her in good and Christian guardianship. I ought to make one explanation: we did take hoar. g'si,e did Jout h»lf-»n no%SuSfo„kn„nh H" W,S wrong crowd ^,a(*ow of a thought of anything therp x girl's mind. We took her t,in ,nt* We took her away from there. We j. 5* *?er lr> the hands of the Salvation Army, no had absolutely nothing whatever to do with taking her from her mother's house, and nothing whatever to do with taking her to the brothel ? afterwards." Here we have it admitted (1.) That the agents of the Pall Mali Gazette persuaded the woman Armstrong to part with her child for the purposes (as she thought) of prostitution and (2.) That the > girl was taken to a brothel for half-an-hour. What happened during that half-hour? As to this ME Stead is sdent, but it is known that she was sub- mitted to an examination from which even the most abandoned women shrink. Why? That the authors of the obscenity that is flooding the town might be able to say that they spoke from per- sonal knowledge when they affirmed that lust can buy innocence. Mr Stead claims to have rescued the girl from a life of sin. Was the visit to tha L brothel necessary to her resoue ? And if nothing was done that will not bear the light of day, why was she sent to France? Plain men will not hava much difficulty in answering these questions.— LQndon Echo.

1" PROTECTION OF GIRLS. t, Demonstration in Hyde Park. A great demonstration took place in Hyde Park on Saturday afternoon in support of the movement for the protection of girls, from 40,000 to 50,000 persons being estimated to be present. Several contingents, each with bands and banners, marched from various districts of London, these including the Church Army in full regalia, the Women's Trade Union, the National Repeal Association, Women's Suffrage Association, Young Men's Christian Association, and London Trades Associations. Deputations from Edinburgh, Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, ,and other towns joined in the central procession which started from the Thames Embankment, and ban- ncrs draped with black were carried. Eleven platforms were erected in the park by the promoters of the movement, but in addition to these there were independent platforms for the friends of the Socialist League and the Social Democratic Federation. There was all Immense gathering of spectators in addition to thoset who took an active part in the P 1?ceedingSf and although there were sever* £ y rushes, comparatively good order Sir William McArthur, M.P-. fJ" °»e of the principal speakers, ur^e ,.ntil crim enforoe- ment of the new such as those who had Broarik ? country were extirpated. ^fc th^^hurst M.pJ expressed the °Pll^r0 driven into tha f6 fact tb»t tarf,dT" fronl healthy „s„lt being W™-l"1 habitations, Mj. Mi*h 7 ™aSes, vicef an<^ 1 greeted with loud cheeriug evil to the present state of ^.lnb?te4 Iws which, he said, were vi the la?d extreme, and must be reformed TJ, m were sufifenng from an idle and |he aristocracy, and they must b9 Sv /T lu* hereditary plunderer. — An idPA e T- calling upon the public to asskt 1C trLesol^lon. the vigorous enforcement of fi authorities m amid cheers at the various was carried crowd dispersed quietly. Platforms, and the On Saturday eveninc-~tiT dance at the weekly Was a lar*0 atten" Wood-street Chapel CarH flllbbon meeting in sang several popuK- ^lff* •rhe choir, as usual, sang severa, Popular g lees and pieces. Mr White (Lloyd's aun^ x ses were £ 'ven Mc Matthews (LndSPS0?, ,the c^v- W. work in our seaport, at r va!ue femperance on the Criminal AmBNFR LEW.LS WLLHAMS SP°1KE resolution of symPathv me"fc fuct« *«d moved a Hyde P?rk meeting resolution was muuLtlt Timer and ec^ Beavan and Mr Raper, and carried without a dissentient. j ^DAVID t!le Pr°Priefc°r«» v Wnrk« 7S SONS, ac their Steam Printing iT JL I? St.Mary-streat and Westgate-streeS |n the town of Cardiff, in the county of QiamQrgaa