South Wales Echo

HESTER'S DIARY. Shrove Sunday. Ah, indeed and next Sunday Is the beginning of the Lenten season. Thengood- by to all parites and balis; they are dead for a while. Peace to their ashes Still, what does it matter to me? Tom says I am engaged, any way, and I needn't cry because the pay festivities are over. Tom is my brother. He is twenty-one, I am seventeen lie thinks himself a whole encyclopedia, and he is for ever teasing me about tins horrid old engagement. I heartily wish there never had been such an or- ganization invented. I am in the slough of des- pond 1 Seems to me, on refaction, I would as soon be a Hindoo widow, and be hurried away on a luttee as to be disposed of in this way. The cause of my annoyance is simpiy this. I am engaged to be married to one Gien Sneldon, a horrid man, I have no doubt. I only suppose this. I never saw my affianced. U icle James did all the business for me. I am taken in and done for all without. iny consent. Uncle James is Tom's guardian and mine. I wish there never bad been a guardian invented There J've written invented twice on this page. Well, I am so miserable, I can't find any other word that fills the bill. I'm going to stop, and bid the old diary adieu. First Sunday in Lent. The dull season has commenced. How shall I be able to live through the long, lonely days? Now, were I a young man, I could find plenty to divert myself; but unfor- tunately I am a girl, and in order to be very nice and ladylike, I ought to sit demurely in my room and try my sight over flaming embroidery, or daub satin and velvet with hideous designs. But I'm a regular idler, and cannot endure such restraint. Aunt Marguerite is a paragon of decorum, and holds a very tialit rein over me. It's dragging on towards April, and with April ccme warm days and patches of new grass, and, best of all, the wee, shy wild flowers. Then I Bhall just meander around in the woods and gather the lovely blooms. I always had an intense desire to be a gypsy, and not be tied down to a bouse. I went to church to-day; would have been happy had it not been for that hateful entangle- ment into which uncle has led me. He assures me I am formally engaged, aud I may get n.yself ready to enter the matrimonial state ere long. Tom says I am a fool to be sad over it; if he were in my place, and didn't want Sheldon, he would just cut and run but, alas he is not like me. A raw, miserable wind and a a wild March rain. The gloomiest Sunday I've ever made the acquaintance of. Uncle and aunt took turns in torturing me all day, dinning in my ears the praises of Glen Sheldon. I wish he had never been born or, if iate designed him for me, why didn t he come a Wooing like a Christian, and not bave me tied up and handed over, all labelled for the event, like a pagan? They say he is rich, and money is their god, it seems; I did not think they were so mercenary. Tom tells me that uncle is no doubt acting wisely, but I fail to see the wisdom. I wish Tom bad such an elephant on his lianas, and then he could sympathize with mo I'm awiuliy miserable. All fcols' day. Yesterday, we had a young man come to see us. He's out now with Tom, some- where. Hs is tall and nice looking his eyes are the deepest and daikest I ever beheld. His nam? is Wood Waldo. Such a strange name I gasped when he was introduced. He is an old friend of uncle's, yet not an old man. I think be must be twenty-three, or twenty-four; any way, he is a regular spic and span young fellow, and I mean to cultivate his acquaintance. If they remonstrate, then I shall rebel Easter Sunday, Three weeks and over since I wrote last. Who would have thought it? When I commenced this diary, I meant to write every week. I needed some outlet for my feelings, and longed for some way to empty the vials of wrath. Wood Waldo knows all about this" engage- ment of fatehe is a ready sympathizer. He walked to church with me this morning. I had a lovely new hat, and he was very complimenta-j. He compared my face to the white and blush roses in the basket near the altar, and my eyes to the purple pansys I wore in my bosom. I would have been supremely content if that old gold dust" had not (lared me to be happy. Wood told me ho intended to take my part and "see to Sheldon." After this I felt more resigned. I am certain be will see me through ;he is my friend. Saturday evening. I can never forget this day. I have marked it with a white stone. It has been a red letter day for mf. Mr Waldo and I went to a picnic. We strolled off alone, after dinner, and gathered May flowers. We sat and talked a long time. I told him that old money bugs was coming down on the 29 ;h to remain over Decoration Day, and declared that if he urged his suit, I would do something desperate. Then my new friend said)- "Now, Hetty, you are building mountains out of molehills. It may be he won't come, and if he does, will break off the engagement when he finds what a rebeliious subject he has," Then he laughed long and merrily. But I did not even smile. It was all very well for him to make light of it, but had our positions been reversed, he would not consider it a laugh- ing matter. I went on at a headlong gait, holding my handkerchief to my eyes. He thought I was crying. Soon I felt his arm stealing round me. I did not rebel, for was be not my friend ? Then he said some words very low I don't believe the birds in the branches above us could have heard, but I never missed a single one. The crisis bad come. He loved me-I loved him, Bitter mixed with the sweet. I am engaged to another. Heavenpreserve me What shall I do when the old proxy puts in an appearance? Two weeks and a day since I have held com- munion with you, my diary. Much has happened in that brief span of time. We know not what a day may bring forth. Only five days before my intended comes. Uncle says I must be civil to him, or he won't answer for the consequences. He told me the other day that I would thank him, when I came to know Gien Sheldon. I retorted that I didn't want to know anything about him. Then he smiled, and said no doubt I would rather go spooning" with young Waldo but I'd best cure my sentim, ntal thoughts and cast my eye on the practical side there was the bread and butter question to be considered. He knew I was all poetry and romantic notions, so be selected a husband who possessed a great share of the filthy lucre. I was wrought up, and went to bed with the conviction stamped upon my heart that heathen- ism stalks abroad in the land. Wood has gone away, after assuring me that he will stand between me and Sheldon, if, after I'vo seen the latter, I break with him. We took a long walk last evening, and much happiness was compressed into one little hour. I promised to be his wife, and told him that when be was gonis all light and pleasure would go with him. Then he smiled and kissed me, saying that time would bring ail things right. Uncle said this morning that now, as I bad had my play spell, I might get ready to wed Mr Sheldon next Wednesday. The suddeness of the thing frightened me. I pleaded for a little time, but he was firm. He remarked that we had all our lives to do our courting in. The law was laid down, and I must toe the mark. But there is a way of e.cal a.. All is peace and tranquility. Silence stalks abroad in the house. Old geld dust did not arrive when expected. I have not heard from Wood since he went away, but uncle had a letter from Mr Shel- don this morning, and he states that he will be on hand with his best man Wednesday, leady for the twelve o'clock ceremony, So it appears that I am stranded by fate. Can Wood have deserted me ? The fatal day has dawned, bright aud lovely. I awoke iu time to see the sun dance on the wall, but my heart did not respond to the measure. I am awfully miserable. I fefJllikea lamb about to be offered up cn the altar of sacrifice. I am too disconsolate to write much. All hope is gone. I had believed implicitly in Wood Waldo, and he has failed me Aunt found me weepmer, and 1 murmured some- thing about the way I was being reated. She smiled kindly, and said that after I had seen Mr Sheldon I would not regret my bargain, and that I ought to trust my uncle. I had resolved over and over not to marry old gold dust. I felt strong while Wood upheld me bn t coercion has pushed me to the wall, I am waiting uumbly to be tied for life. Unc e tells me that the groom and his best man will meet us at the church. He says thatGlen wrote him that as all was so well arranged, it was useless for him tocome down until time for the ceremony. He comments upon the enormous fortune that Sheldon possesses. I do not care. I am docile- passive all spirit has fled. I never thought to thus tamely submit, with only a slight struggle, but Wood has deserted me, and what matters the rest ? Men are all inconstant. No one could have made me believe that Wood Waldo was a mean, despicable flirt I hope he will not blacken his soul by any more such falsehoods. I hear them calling. God help me J Two hours later. What a strange and wonder- ful thing has happened! The bridal cortege moved up the long aisle to the melody of a wedding warch. I was so benumbed that I moved mechanically. I never raided my eyelids as we approached the altar. As I took my place the organ's tonel; ceased. The clergyman came forward. We stood beneath a floral bell, and a fine, variegated nimbus shone over our heads like a benison. I saw a form beside me, but never glanced up at bis face. I meant to show my indifference from the start. The church was very quiet. I heard the words, Wilt thou, Glenwood, take this woman to be thy wedded wife," &c., then his response, "I will." An electric shock, it seems to me, passed through my every nerve and fibre. I looked up for the first time, and there, smiling down upon me, was the face of Wood Waldo. I did not faint or scream I trembled a bit with joy. that was all. So I learned that Glenwood Waldo Sheldon was Wood Waldo and gold dust" combined. Uncle said it was the nicest and most cleverly executed surprise he ever saw. He was always considered eccentric, and this WAS a fair sample of bis tricks. Gien adds to the fun by telling how I confided all my grievances to him, and was certain old moneybags" stuttered. He says I was just as indifferent to his gold dust as he could have wished. He read my diary, the provoking man, and remarked :— Well, Hester, you have written quite a journal of romance and trouble, but you must discontinue it. If you have any fresh grievances, you need not tell them to insensible paper, but take your revenge on me."

UNFAILING REMEDY FOR HEADACH15S EEttNICR'S YEGKTABLJQ PiLMfS, FOit INDIGESTION. Hold by all Chemists, Ac., in ?sd, Is Hd, and 21 bd boxe. WAll OF IMITATIONS

A.- .I. I YANKEE YARNS, QUALITY SUPERIOR TO QUANTITY. My dear," said a New York man to his wife, after perusing the evening paper, are you aware of the fact that a man's brain weighs three and a half pounds?" You've just read that, haven't you ? Yes." Well, doesn't th-lit article say that a woman's is somewhat lighter?' "JIt certainly does." And it also informs you that a woman's,brain is of much finer quality ?" "Yes." Well, then, just concentrate your three-and-a. balf-pound inteiiect on that scuttle, and figure out how much it will weigh after you bring it up full of coal from the cellar." The man with the great head departed for the lower regions in search of information. THE PHRENOLOGIST'S VICTIM. One day last week, when the down-town Third avenue train halted at Forty-second-street Station, a venerable man with a carpet bag entered the car, and took a seat opposite a sad looking passenger, who, after staring at the new arrival, finally said It seems to mo I've seen you somewheres before." 1 dare say you have. I observe that your perspective faculties ar? very largely developed," replied the oid man. Now I know where I saw you. Didn't you use to burn around the country delivering lectures and feeling the bumps on people's heads ?" "In my earlier days I deli vered lectures on phrenology." Just what i thought. Didn't you deliver a lecture in Carthage, Miasouri, just before the war ?" It is very possible, sir, very possible." You felt the boys' heads at five dollars a bead and predicted how they were going to turn out." "I dare say I did," "I know you did. You told my father that my brother was very reverential and he ought to make a preacher of him, and he sent him to a theological college," Is your brother still in the ministry?" "No he made a plumb failure of it. He is running a newspaper. Do you remember Jim Sykes ?" "I can't say that I do." Well, you felt his bumps and predicted that lie would be in Congress." Did my predictions come true ?' "He' serving the State, but it's in the Peniten- tiary making shoes." I m sorry to hear that.' Hilt you made a wore bit than that when you told Jiin Wilson's father to make an artist of him. You said he had a brilliant career before him. He is serving out a term for counterfeiting." "Probably his bump imitation predominated over his consciousness." "I wouldn't be surprised if it did. By the way, you served me a meaner trick than you did any of them." I I'm truly sorry." "Soaml. In those days I was a believer in phrenology. I was paying attentions to Miss Susan Perdegast, but I wasn't quite sure that she had a quiet disposition, so I persuaded her to let you examine her hearl." I trust that in her case I made no mistake." "You made out a chart.of her head from which I inferred that she was of a mild disposition that she was domestic in her habits and all sorts of things. You examined my head at the same time, and you made out that I had more deter- mination than the great Napoleon. I remember you said that I could quell a Bengal tiger. On the strength of your infernal charts I married Susan. Was your marriage a happy one?" "Not much Susan was the worst virago in four counties, and in spite of my Napoleonic firmness she scared me half to death. Iustead of being of a domestic disposition she tramped the streets all day, going from one store to another squandering my money. When she was at home she made lite a perfect sheol tome, and fiually she covered me with disgrace by eloping with the clown cf a circus. That's what you did for me." "I don t remember the circumstance, but possibly her domestic bumps were dormant while conviviality, cordiality, and combativeness were rampant. We phrenologists have met with a few sue'n cases." • Chatham Square Change for City Hall called out the gateman as he opened the door. I'm sorry, but I get out here." You had better be glad that you get out here, you old fraud, for I've a notion to slam you down on the floor and raise some bumps on your person with my boots shouted the phrenologist's victim, as the old man hobbled off the car on to the platform,—Texas Siftings.

EBBW VALE COLLIERS AND TbEIR HOLIDAYS. Proceedings in the Police-court. At the Tredegar police-court on Tuesday— before Dr J. D. James and the Rev Rees Jones— the hearing of the summonses against the 10 men charged with absenting themselves from their work at the collieries of the Ebbw Vale Company work at the collieries of the Ebbw Vale Company was resumed. Damages were laid at 25. The case arose out of the men ceasing work upon the first Monday in each month. The court was crowded by colliers from all parts of tho district. For the Ebbw Vale Company there were present Mr R. Jordan, colliery manager, Mr E. W. Grove, Mr B. Owen, Mr R. Jordan, jun. Mr Wm. Simons (Merthyr) and Mr T. Colborne appeared for the prosecution, and Mr D. Evans, of Brecon, defended.—Mr Simons, in opening the case, said the case arose out of the practice adopted by the colliers of taking a holiday once in each month. A silly notion obtained among the miners that a diminished output would 2lead to an increased price of coal. This was very absurd, as anyone acquainted with political economy was well aware. In this particular case Mr Jordan, the manager of the colliery, informed the men that they must not absent themselves from work, as the docks were theu full of vessels waiting for coal. He also promised that if they went to work no pro- ceedings would be taken against them for staying away on a previous occasion.—Mr R. Jordan, chief miniug engineer to the compauy, gave evi- dence, and said that owing to the men staying away the loss t" the company in ontput on that day was 5,000 tons.—One case was first taken, that against Rcliards.-The bench considered a technical breach had been committed. They would only impose a fine of Is damages. A similar fine was imposed in the other cases.

I THE DELIGHT OF OLD AGE. I From The Manchester Sunday Chronicle. The Oldham Evening Express says, at 192, Man- chester-street, are the well known chemists, Messrs Thompson and Co., who, being inter- viewed, say that Mr John Tetlow, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Oldham, limped into their shop hardly able tu walk. His joints were badly swollen, and he was bent with agony. He was ad vised to use the medical dis- covery of which so much is heard. He did o. In two days the change was marvellous. His cure was entirely due to St. Jacobs Oil, of which he used one bottle. Although sixty years of age. he now walks as well as ever. The case of a young woman was mentioned. She was in a helpless condition for three years. A few days ago she was out walking. The same wonderful remedy worked the grateful change. The case of Mr ThomasBagshaw, 34, Caroline-street, was investi- gated. He was confined to the house for twenty- one weeks with rheumatism. The day after using this magical cure he was able to resume work. Mr Joseph Johns, of 16, Beacon-lane, Evertou, Liverpool, writes :—"Here I am as free from rheumatic pain as any man in England, while for years, until two weeks ago, I had been almost a constant sufferer from the most severe rheumatic pains in my back and hips. None of the different remedies which I applied seemed to reach the spot. While I was in this most deplorable con- dition, a friend gave me a bottle of your St Jacobs Oil, and urged me to lose no time, but to apply it directly, saying that he 'knew of a case even worse than my own. which had been cured j by the timely use of the Oil.' I began at once to rub the afflicted parts. Judge of my surprise, after suffering all these years, to feel the pains gradually but surely going away. By the time one bottle was used up, I wes a well man." A most remarkable case is given in the Bristol Times and Mirror, and vr rified by the publishers, Henry Ricketts, residing at Trym Cottages, Westbury, Gloucestershire, suffered two years with savere rheumatism. Recently he was so severely attacked that he was sent to Bath Hospital for treatment and the use of the waters. In five weeks he was discharged worse than when he entered. He was pronounced incurable. Taken home, he was persuaded to try St. Jacobs Oil. He did so. Wonderful as it may appear, a single application freed him from all pain. Dozens of other cases are cite! by the Times proving the, marvellous effects of the remedy. Mrs Fanny May, of Caledonian-road, London, N., says Ha ving for a long time been severely afflicted with rheumatism in my limbs, :,nd having baau treated by some of the leading physicians Without benefit, I induced to try Sf. Jacobs Oii, with the most marvellous results, less than two bottles effecting a permanent cure. I make this unsolicited statement for the benefit of those u suffering as I was." The Lincolnshire Echo, after careful invesiiga- < tion into tiie maivellous efficacy of a recent remedial discovery, says:—"Rev G, Duncan states that the remedy acts like magic on all affected parts, and gives instant relief. He recnm- mends St. Jacob- Oil referred to, for rheumatism and neuralgia, as the most effectual cure he has ever known." Mr Jos. Young, of Golden Lion Hotel, High- street, Sunderland, writes:—" I have suffered for many years with rheumatism brought on by exposure and hard work at my trade, which was exposure and hard work at my trade, which was that of a shipbuilder. Mv suffeiing was very great, and much of the time I was unable to wock at all. I was never able to obtain any permanent relief until I used St. Jacobs Oil, and am proud to say that with using the Oil I am never troubled with the least pain. But more remarkable yet was the case of my wife, who had nearly lost the use of her arm from rheumatism, but thank God and St. Jacobs Oil she has got all right again." The mass of testimony in favour of this remedy is in fact simply overwhelming, and nothing except the most absolute and incontestable merit coald call it forto. I

I FACTS AND FANCIES. -0 There iseems to be nothing which a woman enjoys better than to stir up the dust in a room and let it settle again. Judge: Prisoner, why don't you work ? Take hold of anything." Tramp Yer honour, it won't do I took hold of a chicken, and here I am." What is the most religious portion of the body ?" asked Maudie the other day. And no one guessing the answer she told it: "The head because it is between two temples." It may interest you to know that every patent device for saving gas is always backed up by some gas company. The more the saving the more the meter is sure to resrister for the company. I "LET ME KISS HIM FOR HIS MOTHER. It is proper to kiss a man u for his mother," If you only will stick to the plan But it oftener happens, that somehow or other, The mother gets kissed for She man. „ M.F. An old bachelor was on the look-out for a wife. His friend asked him what qualifications he required. I' ,i cli, handsome, and stupid," was the r-,pl:v. But why ? Because if she's not rich and handsome, I shan't have her and if she's not stupid, she won't have me." ——— THK COAL QUESTION.—Smith: "I wonder who that follow wa,, that wrote, 'Coal im Kiiiz?" Jone? Why do you want to know ?"—Smith I'd like to take him into the cellar and have him look at the last ton of coal we got. It is no more king than I am. It's dust; that's what it is." It is spiteful, but spitefulness cannot be legis- lated out of human nature. "Did you hear that Mrs Smith is having her picture p: II tp.d ?" "Y ot1 don't, say. That old thing!" "Yes indeed; painted in oil." Woll, I uever! In oil? If she ever wants a good likeness she'll have to be painted in vinegar." What garment is this, Maria ?" asks a young husband. It is n. sliirt, Arthur. I made it all myself ii a surprise for you." "How good you are, darling said the husband, tenderly. Can you think 1'11 ever soil that beautiful shirt by wearing it? Never I shall keep it and cherish it forever. I wouldn't wear that shirt down town, dear, for a whole year's salary." So you manage to put up with your tartar of a wife?" 11 ob, yet- we have lots of fun together." "How is that? Well, you see, when my wife gets into a passion, she is in the habit of throwing at me anything that comes in her way. Every time she hits me, she is pleased, and e'very time she misses, I am pleased and thus weare never short of amusement." DEGENKEATB LITKRATURE. Uncle Bethuel (who has got hold of the Herman edition of "Hair's Almanac"): 'T ain't nc use talkin', mother! Aunt Mehitabel: What on airth f-li' matter now, husban' ? Uncle Bethuel: I '10 blinder an' blinder ev'y day. This las' pair 'r specs makes these letters look hke they was on a reg'lar ole apple-jack drunk A PECULIAR MISTAKE.—W. G. Baily, of Dallas, hired a coloured cook. After she had brought home the wrong change frcm market four succes- sive days, he said, You are coming it just a little too strong. There is a mistake in the change Dar's a mistake in de change, did yer say ?"—"Yes, and as usual, the mistake is in your favour."—"Look lieah, v/hite man, you doau' s'pect a poo' culled pusson ter make a mistake in de change agin herse'f, does yer?" Phillips says that bad Goold, tbe barrister, been contented with the world's estimate of him as he really was, all would have admitted him to be an eminent man. But he sharpened censure, and excited ridicule, by aspiring to be what no man ever was-in every art, trade, science, profession, accomplishment, and pursuit under the sun, a ne plus ultra. The pitch to which he carried this foible was incredible. Expatiating one day on the risk he ran from a sudden rise of the tide when riding on the North Strand, near Dublin, he assured his hearer, had he not been the very best horseman in existence, he must inevitably have been drowned in short, never was human being in such danger." My dear Tom," his friend replied, there was one uudoubtedly in still greater, for a poor man was actually drowned there on that morning." By heaven sir," bellowed Goold, I might bave been drowned if I chcse." BKTWEEN THE LINES. I Dear Mrs Brown, how sweet of yritr, (0 what a dreadful bore !) It is an age since you were here, (She stayed six weFks before.) And you have brought dear little Dick, (The horrid little brat !) How is my husband? 0 he's welH (The artful, brazen cat!) Do make yourself at home, my dear I (No danger but she will 1) So glad you left that great hotel? (Saved running up a bill.) Yes, 'twould be silly to stop there. (And she is not a fool.) You can put up with anything ? (Well, that's uncommon cool !) We'll have a good long visit, now, (She's planted here 'till spring.) Your trunks will soon be sent arouna, (How many did she bring ?) So glad to see me once again ? ('Tis handy, 1 suppose, To live at my expense awhile. Heaven help iiia till she goes !) -Boston Globe.

I ¡THE SEAMEN'S INSTITUTE AT I PENARfH. The committee of the Mission? to Seamen's Institute at P.-nartii Dock have issued their annual report. In doing so they point out that the receipts >1. the pust year fail to cover the necessary disbursements. The number of those who support the mission is this year only 85 as compared with 119 The total amount of money ceiveu was 230 18 6,J, con- sistingmainlv ot JE21 5s contributed by 31 masters of steamers, 39 of^ailing vessels, and 15 private individuals. The disbursements were 240 18' 4d. HI «troll £ 116- 9 i was for iiewspapers, books, &c., P,13 0.4 3 1 was due to the honorary secretary, ana £ 6 15* lid was for advertisements, printing, and petty c»sh. The halancc to the bad is consequently £ 9 19s lOd. The committee con- elude the report by an earnest appeal for more assistance. j

ALARMING INOIDEN r AT PORTH. About three o'clock on Tuesday morning the inhabitants of Porth were greatly alarmed by terrific reports following each other at intervals of about fifteen minutes each. Such was the con- sternation caused that people rushed from their dwellings in a half-dressed condition, under the impression that an explosion had occurred. Happily, however, this was not the case, for it appeared that nothing worse had happened than the firing of some dynamite in an old casting in Xynewydd Colliery yard.

DINNER AT THE LIBERAL CLUB. Aid. Jones & his Old Constituents. I On Tuesday evening there was a very pleasant and enjoyable gatheringwu the Cardiff Liberal Club, for on that occasion Alderman D. Edgar Jones gave a complimentary dinner to the Liberal Committee of the South Waid, with whom he has in the past had such a strong associa- tion. His popularity in the ward was manifested by the large and representative company which sat down to dinner. Dr Jones occupied the chair, the vice-chair being tilled by Dr Alfred Rees, and among others present were Mr Wm. Marychurch, Mr P. Callaghan, Mr R. N. Hall, Mr Sam Evans, Mr Gwrge Crowe, Mr John Ings, and Messrs J. T. Powditch, J. Jenkins, T. Howell, W. B. Davies, B. John, J. O. Jones, B. T. Evans, T. L. Whitt, W. B. Tope, Meyrick, Atkins, Colley, Stenner, C. Clarke, Dr Treasure, Rey J. R. Davies, Mr Arthur O'Neill, and Mr Louis Tracy. Nearly 100 gentlemen iu all attended. An excellent menu warprovided by Mr Burden in his customary skilful manner. After the usual loyal and complimentary toasts bad been duly honoured, Mr SAM EVANS rose to propose the toast of the evening, namely, "The Host," its announcement being received with loud applause. He said that it was satisfactory to find that the efforts of the workers in the South Ward were so appreciated by their leaders, though the Liberals of Cardiff were bound by principles and not by social ties. Dr. Jones bad come to the town 22 years ago, and he had determined upon two things, namely, to 1^ prosperous and useful, and he had achieved both these objects. During his career in Cardiff he had been twelve years in the corporation, and had won the esteem and respect of every right-minded and honourable man in the town. (Loúd applause.) Mr JOHN INGS also spoke to the toast. The toast was then honoured with enthusiasm and musical accompaniment. Dr JONES, in rising to reply, was greeted with hearty applause. He thanked them most sinceroly for the manner in which they had received the toast. He came to Cardiff on July 1st, 1867, the last day on which he could claim his vole for the subsequent year, and in 1868 he gave it for Col, Stuart, who was carried. (Applause.) From that time onward he bad striven to do what little he could in both municipal and parliamentary struggles to further the Liberal caivsn and the Liberal candi- dates. (Applause.) The year that he was invested with the honourable chief magistracy of Cardiff was one of the most turbulent ever seen in the town, (Hear.) His actions had b:en criticised severely and unjustly, but they should remember that he had bettor in- formation at his command than anyone else during that year. Ho simply endeavoured to steer straight and vote aright, and he did so regardless of how his conduct was regarded externally. (Ch?ers.) Mr J. T. POWDITCH, in a well chosen speech, gave "The Vi ctory in the South Ward,' ami Mr J. JKNKINS and Mr CALLAGHAN spoke in support. The toast was he-ariiiy received, and Councilior ALFRED REES, who responded, reviewed the conduct of the last elections and the prospects of sustained sn::ces5 in the future, which lie described a IIlPt satisfactory. Mr WILLIAM MARTOHDUOH, who was heartily applauded, to give "The Liberal Party,"and took occasion to refer to the ",I111a\)lo services rendered to the party by Mr R. N. Hali,who since I he had come into their midst, had played the part of Joshua to the Israelites. (Loud applause.) Mr R. N. HALL, in response, said he hardly I de-erveu the compliments which had been paid him, and lie hoped Mr Marychurch would show his repentance for his statements by coming forward for the South Ward when they n^xfc re- quired a candidate. (Loud and prolonged applause.) Mr GEOKGK CROWE, in proposing the toast of The the s- rvices rendered to Liberal ut by the South IVates Daily News and tha South Wales Echo. MrL.mr; Tracy and Mr Arthur O'Nei¡¡ re-tided respectively for titaso journals. The company then devoted themselves to a social and musical eveninsr.

ACCIDENT TO MR WIGHTWICK, OF LLANDAFF. We hear • that while out with the Glamorgan Ive.irtds on Monday, Mr Walter Wightwick, of LJandaff, one of the best known gentlemen riders in this district, met with an accident, whereby he received injuries of a severe character. Mr Wightwick, it appears, was riding a horse belonging to Mr Cubitt,which,losing its footing on apiece of drif* snow, fell, aud rolled over o its rider. With all possible speed the injured gentle- man was conveyed home, where he was attended ) by Dr Vachell. of Cardiff. At present he is progressing favourably towards recovery, but from the nature of his injuries some time must elapse ere he will be able to leave the house. At all events, he is not likely to ride in the hunt steeplechases at Cowbridge on Thursday, as he had previously intended doing. .J.<

Every man or wo;n,in suffering from any form I ot nervous derangement, loss of power, debility, or functional disorder, atould send at once for Klectro- patby; or Harlless s Guide to Health" (copiously illustrated). It will cost you nothing, and if, after perusal of the astounding facts it will bring to your notice, you should be revsuaded to stop physicking and try rational treatment, you will assuredly be numbered among the ever-increasing multitude who daily express their gratitude for the nriceless benefits derived from mild continuous currents of electricity generated by wearing Harness's Eiectropathic Belt. Don't hesitate a moment, but sit down at, once, lest you forget it, and write for the treatise, which will be sent you free by post.—Address, Mr G. B. Harness, Consulting Electrician, the Medical Battery Company, Limited, 52, Oxford-street, London, W. (corner of Eathbone* place)

I The World's Big Ports. I A RACE FOR SUPREMACT. I [BY CHEVIOT.] We are ever anxiously looking out for the thundercloud of war which may break at any time on the Continent of Europe, and deluge it with blood. The millions of men in arms are a standing menace to peace. But, happily, there is another force at work, and it is a counteractant to the war fever. Professor Seeley, in his clever book, The Expansion of England," says that a silent power has modernly been developed in the rapid intercourse of nations with each other by means of the steamship, which brings them closer together in all the interests and relations of life. Burke laughed at the idea of the colonies send- ing representatives to a federated Parliament in London. He said nature forbade it. But our learned professor insists that the screw propeller has rendered such a contingency quite practicable and possible. It is enough to make the inventor, poor, unrequited Witnsliurst-" screw Wimshurst" as he was often called—turn in his grave. Buckle affirmed that Adam Smith did more for humanity through the operation of his book than all the statesmen who ever lived. If Seeley be right, then Wimshurst deserves a similar compliment. The development of ports and shipping has an ever-surging interest to the old and young who live by the "sad sea wave." The Greeks reckoned that the maritime populations had more "nous" than those who dwelt in the inland districts. The same remark is, to a large extent, true at the present day. Moreover, the modern "schipmen" appear to surpass the ancient mariner in spryness as much as the amphibious homo did the bucolic men of those olden times. The mariners of Tyre and Carthage were bravo and skilful, no doubt and we read with interest of the first" double- decker" being built at the former port. It is a far cry back to the time—some three thousand odd years ago--when Danaus launched the first ship to visit Greece. But the glory of those men has long departed. Equally so, in more recent times, has waned the dominion of the Venetians over the Adriatic, or that of the Hansa Town Leaguers over the North Sea. The Bardi of Fiorence, and the Boricini of Ltieca-thoge great merchant princes-where is their power? It is merely a question of historic interest—nothing more! Even the sovereignty of the seas," claimed in a martial sense by Arthur for Old England, has only a misty significance now. All these things have changed, as all things mundane r will and must change. There is, however, another kind of sea sovereignty spreading about and ruling over the waves. That is the cosmopolitan influ- ence of the modern navigator, with his great civi- lizer-the steamboat. ContemporaneouRly there are springing up immense ports all over the globe, having enormous power given to them in the shape of wealth—wealth surpassing the dreams of Croesus or Solomon. This change has been evolved within the memory of middle-aged men. It does not seem that any one or two favoured nations are developing this power to themselves only but that the greater number of the leading nations of the eaxth are striving together in the race." Doubtless, Britannia, who, proverbially and musically, rules the waves, still holds the premier post j but she is being challenged, so far as the extent, wealth, and power of her ports are concerned. No doubt she is far ahead in quantity and quality of her shipping. A few figures given below will prove that assertion. But let us see how she stands with reference to the advance of her leading ports as compared with those of other countries. The following statistics have been carefully culled from the consular reports and from other authorities. They may not be exact to a fraction, but are, comparatively and relatively, safe and reliable. The ten ports are selected as being those which have more than five millions of regis- tered tonnage entered inwards and cleared out- wards in one yearf. This tonnage comprises, as far as can be ascertained, all vessels employed in the foreign-going and colonial trades, carry- ing both cargo and ballast. The coasting trade is excluded, because it merely indicates the business which any particular nation has with itself. Besides, some countries keep no complete records of this branch of commerce at all. On these lines, then, the following table has been constructed :— Increase p.c. in Year. Status. Port. Tonnage. 15 years. 1887 1st. London 12,165,326.. about 46 1886-7.. 2nd New York 11,886,801.. 91 1887 3rd Liverpool. 9,944,918.. „ 16 1886 4th Marseilles 8,376,871.. 102 5th Hamburg. 7,578.837.. 86 1887 6th.. Cardiff 7,250,376. 152 1816 7th Tyne 6,995,.501, 46 „ 8th.. Antwerp 6,801,893.. 75 9th Genoa 5,406,769.. 170 10th Bilbao 5,274,452.. 427 Average increase per cent. 79 With the exception of Cardiff, the British ports do not seem to have kept pace, in a percentage point of view, with any of the others. The American city of New York bids fair to be the leading port of the world very soon. Of course, when values are considered the two big English emporia are far ahead. In 1886 the value of the imports and exports was fit London, L208,589,692 at Liverpool, £ 184-,974,608 and at New York,. £ 153,592,350. All other ports are considerably below the cental limits. The only exception, perhaps, is Hamburg, which for all goods, in and out, was far above a hundred millions sterling but for those seaborne only the sum was about ninety million pounds sterling. The increase of tonnage at Bilbao is phenomenal. It consists almost solely of iron ore, coal, and ballast. The ports of the Tyne and Cardiff prin- cipally export coal, and they have small values attached to their trades. It is difficult to get at the exact deadweight of cargo carried into or out of foreign ports but it may be taken as pretty near the truth that, for cargo imported, London is first, and New York second; whereas in the export of mere weight of cargo New York is first and Cardiff second. The race is not always to the swift, for in the instances the heavy weights stand to win. What will the position bo ten years hence? Evidently our merchants must look to their laurels, for the foreigner is pressing severely on their skirts in this port race for supremacy." There is another class of port which deserves notice as well in this connection. They do not import cargoes for home consumption and manu- factures, nor export their own country's produce to any extent. They are, however, represented by surprisingly large tonnage. Of such are the following Tonnage entered Increase Year. Port. and cleared in per cent, in the foreign trade. 15 ears. 1886,-Hon Kong. 9,080,390 143 Do.-Malta. 8,884,059 109 Do.-Gibraltar 8,609,730 p20 Do, -Port Said 5,767,656 396 Do.—Constantinople. 5,195,242 Nil. These ports are above the five million ton limit. The trade of Hong Kong is merely a tranship- ment one. The others are mostly" ports of call for orders or for bunkering." Port Said, of course, is simply the index of business done in the Suez Canal. The increase there is also of enormous extent. Fortunately for us, the bulk of the business is done by British vessels. Revert- ing, however, to the fact that our home ports are not increasing (with a Welsh exception) at the same ratio as those of certain foreign countries, it is of importance to sift out the cause or causes. McCulloch says the reasons for the decrease ot the Dutch ports early in the last century were I.-Tiie growth of commerce in other countries. 2.—The weight of taxation at home. The subject is one for grave consideration, both by statesmen and the men of commerce. In the meantime tho Dest information should be sought out, in order to cast light upon the subject. A step in advance was token last year by getting the new series of reports from consols. With re- gard to two points they might be very materially improved. These are—First, the returns regard- ing shipping should be uniform for all countries, containing divisions of trade, tints: foreign and coasting separately, sub-divided into cargo and ballast vessels, British and other national, steam and sailing, entered and cleared second, the values of imports and exports in detail, and power to certain countries. All consular accounts thus on ona basis, tho home merchant eonJd mako out comparative tables himself, and .'■-certain more clearly where the competition w j t!¡ his business abroad Jie*. A more cheerful aspect relative to the qu,ti,,n nuiier notice is exhibited in tiie advance of the British mercantile steam flee!. Tiie tig-or(,5 aie obtained from the latest parliamentary return, viz.: "The Progress of British Merchant Ship- ping," which also gives tables of foreign couotiy fhips. The table of foreign ships is only brought; down to 1885, and those of liussia and Greece are not inserted for that year at all. Adding, how- ever, the tonnage of the previous year to 1885, and assessing those omitted for 1870, by estimate tha approximate result (for steamers onlv) is as follows • Class. In 1870. In 1385. Inc. per tons. T?egd. tons. ent. Foreign 7b0,000 2,000,000 166 Lake ana Kiver ) steamers 111U. i- S82,r)51 1,308,511 48 States ) Combined 1,632,551 3,308511 102 British. 1,202,134 4,293,115 2j7 Total 2,834,685 7,601,626 168 The increase in British steamers is more than double that of the foreigner. Curiously enough, the increase at the ten "big" ports, given above, is, on the average, just under half of that shown by the registered "Rteam tonnage. Of course, we know sailing ships have decreased, but then it must be remembered ti)at a steamer docs three to four tiineu the work of a sailer. The fact of the increase of trade in a recent similar period being hardly equal to half of the steam tonnage advance on the register should make shipowners pause and count the cost and risk of building more boats at the present juncture. Plainly, two inferences are pending to these facts :—That the "big" ports are becoming bigger still; and that the screw propeller is projecting us on a career of cosmopolitanism, which may save the nations from many a bitter feud. The dictum I of the Regius Professor of Cambridge may yet prove true, and the British Empire federated politically through the peaceful agencies of com- morce; .J

I The Late Mr Yeo, M.P. Letters of sympathy from all quarters are being received by Mrs Yeo, and so great is the desire of Mr Yeo's many public and private friends to pay a last tribute of respect to him, that it is probable the funeral will be one of the largest ever seen in the borough. On Tuesday evening the members of the Swan- sea Liberal Club met for the purpose of passing a vote of condolence with the bereaved family. Mr T. Phillips, junr., J.P,, chairman of the club, presided, and there was a large attendance. —The Chairman said We have met on this sad and solemn occasion to express our sympathy with the widow the family of Swansea's greatest citizen. This club is deeply indebted to Mr Yeo, for he was one of tha first who came forward to offer us substantial aid at the foundation of the institution. We all deplore his loss because he was one of the most honest and conscientious Liberals it has been our lot to come in contact with. He was taken away in the prime of life, and we are tempted to ask why ?" But we pause, and feel that we have no right to do that. We are here to express our deep regret and to mingle our tears with ttioe who weep for him to- night. The icy hand of death has snatched him away, but his example and his life stand forth more beautifully than carved and polished marble, and more lastingly than brass. Nor will his influence cease. His life and example will b3 felt as he sleeps his long last sleep in the silent tomb. I move— That this meeting of the members of the Swansea Lit,cral Club exp; esses ics deoo regret and heartfelt sorrow at the death o: Mr Frank Ash Yeo, M.P., and desires to place on recoul its sincere appreciation of the lo.ig and valuable services he has rendered to this town and district, and to this d, b and the ) iberal cause generally. It also desires to express its sincere condolence with Mrs Yeo and the other members of the family in their sad bereavement. Councillor MORGAN TUTTON seconded in a suit- able address, and the motion having b2en supported by Messrs H. Delabeche Diliwyn, W. Howell, H. Malinhant, W, Morgan, W. Taylor, Rbys Edwards, J. Fox, and J. Skidmore, it was carried unanimously. Speaking at the annual missionary =crviceo in connection with the Oxford-street Bible Christian Chapel, Swansea, Councillor Burnie said: We have lost one of our best lIlen-an able, energetic, and most generous one—a gentleman who has worked among<t us for 25 years. He was a co- worker ot mine for the last 111- or 15 years. I have had opportunities of witnessing his many talents when at work with him in official capacities at meetings of the corporation, the harbour trust, and other official bodies, and even at meetings of this kind. I say to-night that I feel a cloud hangs over the whole town, and over public men generally.

DOUBLE MURDER BY A MOTHER A young woman, who gave the name of Tilley, WilS arrested in London on Tuesday night on a charge of murdering her two illegitimate children at Brighton last Friday. Tho bodies of the children were found in a, b; ;4:ot, in a railway carriage at New Cross Stat.on on Saturday nigh! The police have .-ince ascertained that Tilley gave birth to twins in Brighton workhouse four or five weeks ago, and that she left Brighton on Saturday with the wicker basket that was discovered at New Cross.

WITH A FACIC THAT WAS BEAMING, one who had suffered for40 years with Corns said, "I n .ver got any benefit until I used Vir dine. Now mv corns are all gone, and I feel as if I could dance about agilin with anyone." Hundreds of equally satisfactory testimonials can be given, and "Munday's Viridioe," of which so many imitations :ire made, is THE remedy which suf- ferers should use. Sold in Is Bottles, by post Is 9d. by the Sole Proprietor, J. Muuday, Chemist, 1, High- ftreet, Cardiff f

The Fighting Champion* ship. FURTHER OFFERS FHOM JEM SMITH, Tuesday's "r.ivtinqL* •- tti -t further lettet from JI s i'(CCMno. t it Jem Smith, in which1 q" If," all the teill tajl -h's deposit of £ remains un* c iues) another h ~3ins to object sult. he can be which will prove, at I have not lost niy -d, for I ain now auth 01,000 (which sum lia,g %it: v my friends) for Srriitil te tor under the orthodox ui ir, the contest to take place 'ho Lrs This plainly shows that "e ar, ng a match with Sullivafl. On the co-> .r-.rv. i would like the question of to the test. If Sullivan wiil IH initkc a match with Smith for £ 1,000 or £ 3 0C0 a-side, nor agree to compete for a prlz.) of EI,000, it is plain he does not want a jreuuine match, and that all his talk is niere !i!ikmn,"

STUA'-GE DEATH IN DEAN fOHEST, Some sensation wa •• cause in the neighbourhood o Lydn^y Oil Monday by a report that a woman had diel at the village of Ayiburton from injuries said te have been inflicted by her husband. Tha death took place on Saturday, and the deceased is the wife of a labourer named William Price. 16 was freely rumoured that a quarrel took place between Price and his wile a week ago, that in the heat of passion he struck her violently with dead rabbit that he held in his hands, anil tliat sha died a day or two later from the injuries received. What ground there was for this circumstantial story is not, however, clear, but the inquiries instituted by the police show that it is altogether a distortion of the facts. Dr Scott, assistant to Dr Currie, states that the death of Mrs Price was due altogether to natural ctuses, in fact, a certificate of death has been executed by the medical man named. The deceased had been under medical treatment some days, ;nv; h:;d recantly given birth to a child preui"! v<ly.

FREEMASONRY. A large meeting of Freemasons took pbics on Monday evening at the Masonic Hail, Swansea, the occasion being the installation of Bro. N^il Leifcch as W.M. of the Caradoc Lodge, No. 1,575. Amongst those present were Bro. M. Tenna:it, D.P.G.M.; Bro. G. Ilorrfrty, D.P.G.M., Bro, Sladeu, P.M.; Bro. Jackson, P.M.; Bi". D. Morgan, P.M., 237; Bro. Buckley Wilson, W.M., 1223 Bro. Rogers, P.M" Dr Walters, chaplain.; Bio. Perrin, P.M.; Bro. Hughes, P.M.; Bro. Sandbrook, P.M.; Bro. Parry, W.M., 1,573, &c., &c. The installation ceremony was ably per- formed by Bro. Parry, the retiring W.M. The following brethren were inve-ten. with offices for tbe ensuing voar :— K. Parry, P.G.J.D., J.P.M. W. Terrel,' S.W. J. H. Taylor, J.W. Dr Waiters, chaplain; D. C. Joue?, P.M., treasurer F. Lewis, secretary M. Williams, S.D.; S. P. Martin, J.D. J. R. Davies, P.M., D.U H. M. Grose, A.D.O. T. T. Pascoe, J.G. W. B. Broad, P.M., organist; E. R. Brown and A. Paton, stewards; G. Bullerwell, tyler. The banquet took place at the Royal Hotel, and was serveu in Bro. Row's usu-d excellent style. The customary toasts were duly honoured. Hulley's county band attended, and the following brethren contributed songs during the evening:—Bros. J. H. Taylor, J. Jones Hewson, M. Willington, F. Watkins, Dr Morgan, and W. Terrill.

t NEW CHUHCH AT GRIFFITHS- TOWN. The new church winch has just b^n erected at Gnflitiistown, near Newport, provides accomo- dation for 500 persons, and is a well and carefully designed sample of early English woik. It has cost £ 3,000 was designed by Mr E. M. Bruce- Vaughan, A.R.I.B.A., of Cardiff, and rapidly and substantially built by Messrs E. C. Howell and Son, of Moor-street, Bristol. It is divided into nave and aisles by a well-proportioned arcade of arches, supported on Corsham stone columns with moulded caps and bases, above which there are small circular cusped clerestory windows. The chancel and west-end of nave are lighted with three well-proportioned lancet windows. The vestry and organ chamber are placed on the south side of the chancel, and a small cbap-1 is built at the end of the north aisle. The main elevations are faced externally with grey Maesy- cwmmer stone, with grey Forest of Dean stone dressings to the doors, windows, and copings. The roof is covered with green slates, and is broken over the chancel arch with a lofty bell flftche. Internally the roofs are open to the apex, and are constructed of pitch pine unvarnished. The seating is made out of yellow pine stained walnut and varnished, and the passnges, chancel, and sanctuary are paved with tiles supplied by Messrs Ward and Co. Mr S itnuel Evans, of Birmingham, supplied the leaded lights to the new and well- designed and executed stained-erlass east window, representing: the Crucifixion. The pulpit is executed in Bath stone from the architect's design by Mr William Clarke, sculptor, Llandaff. The. site was kindly given by Mr J. C. Hanbury, of Pont.ypooi Park. On Tuesday the church was consecrated by the Bishop of Llandaff. Services were held in the morning and evening and tho congregation at each was vary large. Amongst the clergy who officiated were the Revs C. J. Thompson, Cardiff, and J. R. Buckley, Cardiff.

WHAT WELSHMEN THINK, A Summary of the Opinions of the Welsh Pres-, LBY ADOLYGYI)I,.l Next to Bishop Hughes s cfxu, ,• i.uary uttack on the Welsh Nonconformists, v/b'oii its tr,,iislaz. d elsewhere, probably the sni-jp^t of most interest in the Welsh press this week :s ;hat of THE WELSH MKMBKB-J. Ifti the present temper of tiie country it is evident the Welsh members in Parliament will find that their seats are no sinecures. Out-spoken condemnation of anythiog like mglect of the interests of their constituents, or silence and inactivity when Welsh matters are to the front, is the least they can expect. The day to be thankful for small favours is past, and the time for demand- ing earnest and zealous service has arrived. Referring to the recent. protest in tho House of Commons Oil behalf or Welsh farmers, iiy Mr T. E. Ellis and Mr Osborne Morgan, Yr Herald Cymraeg {" The Weish Herald," Liberal) t,.ay,: Wales should speak plainly and clearly on thill subject, to back up the efforts of those who are sacrificing their talents and iri^ney to make Wales free. Bane? ac Anserau Cyr,iru (" The Banner and Tuni s of Wales," Independent Liberal) says ;— The Wales of today is not the Wales of half a century ago. Neither has she awakened in the midst of sleep to relapse iuto slumber again. No, she has awakened to work, and this work she will accomplish as true as that there is a hea,vea above us Tiieie is a general election approaching—and that will be a day to call our representatives to account. If then they be not: full weight in words, or in deeds, or in both, it is certain they wiil have to look elsewhere for constituencies to repreellt- constituencies where Liberalism is neither so strong nor so full of life as it is iu Wales." It winds ni) by blaming the other Welsh members tor not sup- porting Messrs Morgan and Ellis, and reflects upon Mr Satnuei Sini4'" ■ ■• rlpred off todi,cns Indian affairs to t!>.oJ^r'10 8° interests of iiis constituents, wh;v acheavily from tho presence of the px.0'- m;.MV Y. Semi Cymvu ( "v (J9 Sui' <)C Wales," Baptist) deals exhaustively w;Mi the dispute between Mr Spurgeon and the English B ptist Union, and believes that the recent action of the union m;tkes it impossible for Mr Spurgeon consistently to secede from that booy. Tarian y Gweithiwr (1, Tiie W itkmm's Shield") and Y Gweithiwr Cymraeg ("Th* Welsh Work* man "), both labour organs published at Aberdare, deal with the Merthyr election, and are strongly in favour of Mr D. A. Thomas. Y Gwyliedydd ("The Watchman," Wesleyan Methodua) devotes its leader to the temperance iii,,v,tn(,nt, wliieh has its heartiest support. Y Goleuad ("The Light," Calvimstic Metho* (list) deals with Mr Mundella's Welsh Education Bit!, which it considers to be the bess yet offered to W.i'es. Y Geredt Gynreig (" The Welsh Nation," Nationalist) has a tiery article on the duty of Welshmen to foster national sentiments. It welcomes the numerous tokens of the revival of this national feeiing in so tutriy direction. and auET'ir* woll for the future therefrom. Y ¡lst) gives an interesting biography of Mr K A. Jones, of Liverpool, auihor of the work on The I Land Question, and a Land bill" recently issued by tho iSorth Wales Liberal Federation,

1. HORRIBLE DOUBLE FATALITY. A horrible death befel two boys, Ralph Cum- mings and Samuel White, at Darlington on Tuesday. They were playing on a refuse heap from a steelworks, under which fire is still burning, and were precipitated into the fire 18 feet below the surface.

I INQUESTS AT CARDIFF The Suicide of a Woman. At Roath police-station on Tuesday evening, Mr E. B. Reece, borough coroner, held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Hannah Power, aged 41, of 4, Augusta-street, Splotlands. The husband of the deceased, Frederick Power, carriage trimmer, said his- wife had been ill for a long time, and was attended by Dr Wallace. About two months ago her mind became affected, and she was very low spirited. Witness took her away from Cardiff for a change, and she had only returned a week when her death occurred. Laet Sunday morning witness heard his daughter calling" Mother," He immediately ran to the room occupied by her and her mother. There he saw the deceased hanging by the neck from the rail at the foot of the bed. A piece of calico was twisted round be neck. Deceased, on being released, showed no signs of life. Dr Wallace was sent for, and be, on arriving, pro- nounced life extinct. She had frequently tried to make away with herseif during the last two months. One night she had tied her stockings round her throat, and she was continually trying to choke hermlf.-Fanny Power, daughter of the last witness, corroborated, adding that waking suddenly, she found deceased gone, and called out "Mother." She then saw deceased through the bedrails in the position described by her father.—Dr Wallaoesaidhehad strongly urged the husband to see the relieving officer, and get an order for Dr Milward to examine tbecteceased. —The jury found That deceased committed strangulation while in a sta-te of unsound mind." Death from Exposure. At Roath police-station, on Tuesday evening, Mr E. B. Reece held an inqivry touching the death of Thomas Atkins, aged 77, lately residing at 22. Arthur-street, who was found lying dead in a field at the back of Roath Court on Sunday morning. After hearing evidence of the discovery of the body and that of Dr. Wallace, who examined it subsequently, the jury found that I death was due to exposure. Sudden Death. Mr E. B, Rec<J held .n inquest at Roath police-station, on Tuesday evnning, un the body of Walter Jones, aged 74, of 56, Richards-street, who died suddenly at his residence on Monday afternoon. Deceased was sitting in a chair when he wat se'zed with a fit of coughing, and choked. Dr Morris, who was called iu and arrived too laie, t'ow attributed death to syncope caused by paitt'il choking, and the jury found accordingly. I Another Drowning Fatality at the Docks. I At Town-Kail, Cardiff, on Tuesday even- I insr, Mr E. B. Reece, coroner, held an inquest on the body of a nn;>u named George Ayle'r, employed as ;> dO!1keymnn on board the steam- ship Earl of Hastings. it, temporarily left the vessel to go achoro and get a cup of tea, and while walking in the direction of -erve •the town he was observer by a dojk gate man to fall into the lock. The latter ran to toe spot and threw a life buoy to the unfortunate man, who, however, failed to reach it, and sank. A verdict of "Accidentally drowned" was returned.

More Work for the I Dockyards. O I PEMBROKE TO HAVE ITS SHARE i Probable Construction there of Six Vessels. I In the important memorandum of which an abstract was published in these columns on Tuesday, the First Lord of the Ad- miralty points out that, of the 25 ships with an aggregate displacement of upwards of 90,000 tons which, it was anticipated, would be completed during the financial year 1887-8, 10 were armoured, 2 protected, and 13 unprotected. This programme had cot been fully realised, the completion of three of the armoured vessels having been postponed for a few months. Dealing with the decision of the Admiralty to discontinue the building of torpedo-boats for seagoing pur- poses, and to substitute vessels of a larger dis- placement, Lord George Hamilton states that the Sharpshooter, provided for in the estimates of 1887-8, has been commenced at Devonport; and arrangements have been made for building six other vessels of that type at Devonport and Chatham in 1833. These vesgels have a dis- placement of 735 tons, and provision is made for a speed of 21 knots per hour. In the financhl year 1888-9, it is proposed to lay down 31 vessels, comprising an aggregate displacement of 60,000 tons. These include the special squadron for service in Australasian waters, which is to consist of five protected cruisers and two torpedo gunboats. It is, however, proposed to construct these seven vessels by contract. All the remaining vessels, numbering 24, will be built at tho Government dockyards with the exception of one first-class, one third-class cruiser, and two composite gun- boats. The ccustruction of these 20 vessels will no doubt lead to greatly increased activity at those establishments. We understand on reliable authority that a fair proportion of the number will be allocated to the Pembroke Yard, and, consequently, we may soon hope to see matters at that place assume a much more roseate hue. Coming at such a time as the present, and whilst rumours of further discharges are still in the air, the state- ment of the First Lord will bo nowhere more welcome than at Pembroke Dock. Lord George Hamil, on describes at great length the designs of the vessels referred to, and then passes on to the subject of dockyard administration. He remarks that the various alterations and improvements made during the past year for the purpose of obtaining a firmer and more reliable hold over dockyard expenditure have begun to realise satis- factory results. The rapidity of construction in the case of the Trafalgar has rivalled, if not beaten, the beat record in private shipbuilding yards, and other ships are being pushed on with almost equal celerity. A great reduction has been effected in the cost of building and repairs, and the incidental expenditure—that is, the annual outlay which hitherto has not been charged direct to any special service-has not only been cur- tailed, but will continue to decrease. During 1887 8, large reductions, about 2,000 in all, through discharges, death, superannuation, &c., were made in the dockyards, and these reductions have caused such hardships in the dockyard towns that it was not thought advisable to discharge in ad- dition the full numberii that migli t have been spared. As all the Government repairing, fitting, and finishing is executed at the other dockyards, while the labours at Pembroke are all directed towards entirely new work, there is reason to believe that at least six of the new ships will be constructed in the South Wales yard. While it would be un- advisedly optimistic to hope for any increase in the number of hands em- ployed at Pembroke, it is not unreasonable to suppose that the discharges which were talked of a few days ago will not take place. We believe we are correct in stating that although the authorities at Pembroke Dock have held them- selves in readiness to make any reductions in the establishment that the Admiralty might find necessary or desirable, no instructions have yet arrived of the nature indicated, and they are not now expected. On the other hand, it is quite possible that Pembroke may have a larger share of the work than that named, and in that event, of course, there would be increased employment.

RHONDDA LABOUR & LIBERAL association. The monthly meting of the nbr.vp association was held at Porth on Monday, Mr T. P. Jenkins, J.P., in the chau1. r! hetwas a large number present. The sum of £ 36 4-» was received towards the Parliamentary funo. Messrs Jrffreys, Evans, and Richards were appointed auditors. It was decided to unke a further appeal—that all collect- ing books should be returned by the 25 ft of March. Nn action will be t:iken at the forthcoming local Do.' rd olection. The triennial election of guardians will t ike pi.-ice this year, and the association will take t he question into consideration at its next meeting. An important letter was received from the L. Prober! on Cyznrii Pydd," which will be discussed at the n"xt meeting. It was arranged that the hon. sec. should deliver a lecture at Traorky, upon the disestablishment and disendown.ent of the Chnrah of England in Wales."

The Llanelly Murder. ICHARAOTEROFHISSTATMENT CARMARTHEN, Tnesday Night, The details of David Rees's statement wads this day week are still preserved a close secret. I learn, however, from sources of information upon which I can rely, that the statement will, when it is published, satisfactorily satisfy any lingering doubt which may possibly exist as to the correct- ness of the verdict and the justice of tha. sentence. But Rees has not disclosed his acconr plice or accomplices, aud denies all knowledge of the money. Up to the present he has given no indication of an intention to amplify this state- ment, and meantime maintains hit usua demeanour.

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