Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

FOOTBALL. I DENBIGH CHURCH GUILD v. ABEBGELB.—The Guild won easily by 6 to 2. LIVERPOOL RECREATION V. ROSSETT WAHDBBSBS.— Liverpool won by 4 to 1. CORWEN V. LLANGOLLEN.—Corwen disposed of their opponents to the extent of 5 goals to 1. PBESTON NORTH END V. BOLTON WANDERERS.—At Bolton the Noith End won by 4 goals to 2. THE SCOTCH CUP.-In the final tie at Glasgow on Saturday, Queen's Park beat Vale of Leven by 2 goals to 1. CHATHAM v. WEST BROMWICH ALBION. At Chatham the West Bromwich team won by 7 goals to 1. THE ALLIANCE MATCHES.—Crewe beat Small Heath at Crewe by 6 goals to 2. and Bootle beat Grimsby at Bootle by 2 goals to 1. BOLTON WANDEBBBS V. WOLYERHAMPTON WAN- DERERS.—This League match, played on Monday at Bolton. was won by the home team by 4 to 1. WREXHAM EXCELSIOR V. GWERSYLLT HILL BBSERVB. -Plaveci at Gwersyllt Hill on Satnrdar. a fnat and exciting game resulting in a draw, one goal each. SALTNEY v. CHEsTEB.-Played at Siltney, both being short of three of their prominent players. The teams crossed over with Saltney leading, but the Cestrians subsequently equalised, the game ending in a draw, one goal eacb. LEAGUE MATCHES.—The Everton team were beaten by Accrington on Saturday by 5 goals to 3. At Burnley the Blackburn Rovers defeated the home club by 2 goals to 1. The Rovers got the winning point in the second period. THE ENGLISH CUP.-Sittird&Y was appointed for the decision of the matches ordered to be replayed in the third round. Notti County reversed the Sheffield result of the previous week, winning by 3 goals to 2. Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Stoke by 8 to 0. ENGLAND v. WALE".—The following team was selected on Wednesday night to represent England in this match at Wrexham, on March 15: W. R. Moon (Old Westminsters), goal; A. M. Walters and P. M. Walters (captain) (Old Carthusians), backs Fletcher (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Holt (Evprton), and A. Shelton (Notts Conr.ty), half-backs; Bassett (West Bromwich Albion) and G. H. Cotterill (Cambridge Universitv). riht wirg; T. Lindley (Corinthians), centre; H. B. Daft (Notts County) and H. Wood (Wolverhampton Wanderers), left wing, forwards. Umpire, Mr S. W. Widdowson, Notts Forest.

BHOSTTLLEN V. BHOS. I These teams met on Saturday at Johnstown. Much interest was taken in the encour ter, as the teams are drawn together in Chester Charity Cup competition. Robeits losing the tOII, Jones kicked off at 4.0. Some give and take play followed, Rhos preesing a little, although playing up hill. and with a blazing sun in their eyes. Ellis Owen put in a fine shot, which Furmttone cleverly saved. Neither teams showed very good form, very few shots being tried at goal. The field seemed to be hardly large enongh, for the ball was frequently in the adjoining fields, both teams sinning in tnis respect. Nothing of any interest occurred until close upon half-time, when Bhostyllen players picked np the ball under the im- pression that it was over the touch line, which it was not, and Rhos claimed hands, which tho referee allowed. P. Kyffin taking the kick, dropped the ball nicely along the touch line to Dodd, who shot it acrops the mouth of goal, and Roberts promptly headed through, the goalkeeper having no chance. This was a smart piece of work, not one of the visitors touching the ball from the free kick. This proved to be the only goal scored, Rhos having Bliglitly the best of the game in the second h&lf, having several t'ies at goal, but without effect, the whistle blowing with the result llhos one goal, Rhoetyllen none. The decilionsof the referee gave great dissat:sfaction to the spectators.— Rhos Goal, W. Furmatone backs, E. Pritchard, P. Kyffin; half-backp, J. Kyffin. R. Jones, J. Phillips right wing, T. Dodd, T. Lloyd left wing, R. Roberts. Joseph Phillips; centre, T. Jones; umpire, Mr M. Kvffin. RhostyMen: Goal, W. Evans; backs, E. Owenp, R. Lloyd; half-backs, GriSiths, Mantle, Roberti; forwards, J. Phoenix, W. Griffiths IMantle. Williams, J. Davies, James Little- Pattison, T. C. hales; umpire, Mr J. RobertB. Referee, MrE. Jones, Rhoetyllen.

DRUIDS V. IEONBRIDGE. I On Saturday, on the ground of the former. Both had strengthened their teams, Peter Griffiths, of Chirk, being seen at full back with the Druids, while the visitors had the assistance of Percy Oakes, of Ludlow. and G. Scarratt, of Wellington. The ground was in excellent condition, and the Druids settled down to really hard work immediately after the kick off, and when half-time arrived they held a lead of one goal (kicked by R. E. Jones), to nil. Resuming, the visitors endeavoured hard to equalise, but the defence of the Diuids could not be broken, and all the back division played a splendid game. Towards the finish the Druids tried hard to increase the score, the left wing being particularly bright in this respect, but the defence could in no way be over. come, and the verdict remained as before-Druids 1 goal, Ironbridgenil. The back division on both sides played well, Williams, the Diuids goal-keeper, doing really clever work at times, and Lister was occasion- ally tried hard. Bethel and Smith on the visitors' side, and the two Vaughans were, for good play, in advance amongst the forwards, Jack," who has not played for a considerable time prior to the match, showing excellent form. The half-backs on both sides worked with a wil', and Peter" and Postle" were there when wanted. The verdict gene- rally was that it had been the best match, both for play and equal Btrength, teen on the ground for a con. siderable time. Iron bridge-Goal, J. Lister backs, A. Weston and G. Meredith half-backs, Whittaker, Percy Oakes, and Albert Jones; left wing, W. Btthell and G. Scarratt; right wing, J. Smith and T. Wale; centre, J. Lowe. Umpire, Smithouse.- Druids-Goal, J. H. Williams backp, G. O. Postle and Peter Griffiths half-back", J. Jonef, J. Valen- tine, and R. E. Jones right wing, John and James Vaughan left wing, W. Hayward and W. Jones centre, W. Roberta. Umpire, Mr MoBsforth. Referee, Mr Morrison.

THE WEEK'S FOOTBALL. I WREXHAM V. BANGOB.—THE WELSH CUP SEMI FINAL. I This match was brought off at Chester on Saturday before about 3,000 spectators, about 500 following the Wrexham team by special train. The weather was all that could be wished from a spectator's point of view, being perhaps a little too warm for the playerp, especially as the ground was rather heavy going. The time for the kick-off had come and gone, both teams were on the field in full force, and yet the game had not commenced. It seems that neither umpires or referee had arrived, but eventually they came, and both teams were faced up and a start made. Wrex- ham lost the toes, and kicked off with a strong sun if i. » L • *L • r -n ana a ugni, Dietze in ineir iaces. j) torn a nice bit of combination they were almost immediately at the Bangor goal, and after sending in two or three good hot shots, Oswald Davies, running in, sent in a beauty, the goalkeeper having no chance of even seeing it go through, so great was the force put behind it. Wrex- ham thus scored their first goal two minutes from the start. Bangor kicked off and made a deterimned rush and before the game was ten minutes' old the score was made equal with a very well-played shot by Roberts, the Bangor left wing. From this point to half-time play ruled very even, but npither side showed anything like foiul-in fact, all were far too excited for anything like good play. Still each side very nearly scored at times, and there was very little to choose between them, for while both appeared to have the goal at their mercy on several occasions, neither added to the score of the first ten minutf- a, and so crossed over at one goal each. From the restart Wtexham rushed away and immediately placed the Bangor goal in danger, shoot- inic in twice, the second shot being saved at the expense of a corner, which Wrexham faikd to turn t J any account. At this time Wrexham were playing a nice combined game, making several runs almost into the goal mouth, but always failing at the finish, either kicking wide or putting no force, and thus allowing the goalkeeper to get the ball away. They had, how. ever, now got the Bangorians quite out of the running In tact, they were doing just as they liked with them on the field, but were seldom dangerous at goal. their forwards not pushing up enough. They now gained two other corner kicks in quick succession, but failed at both. Keeping up the pressure, from a long cross shot W. Turner ran in, and before the goalkeeper could clear he and the ball were through the posts, thus putting Wrexham one goal ahead amidst tremendous enthusiasm. The play of Bangor now fell awav considerably. They seemed to lose all heart and the Wrexham roys simply ran round them. playing harder every miiiut-, and it was only their very bad finishing kicks that kept them from scoring several goals in the last half hour. A few minutes before the call of time, Wrexham, by the aid of Heves (centre half) notched their third point, when the game was practically all over, as far as the Bangor team were concerned-indeed they cut a very poor figure all through this half. They never once shot into goal. Their extreme right and left wing men made two or three attempts, but they were always pulled up before looking dangeroup, and so a not very interesting game resulted in a win for Wrex. ham by three goalis to one. The defeated team will soon have to take a last farewell look at the magnifi. cent Welsh cup, they being the present holders, having beaten Wrexham at this stage on the same ground last year, and finished up by beating Northwich Victoiia in the final. The following were the teavas :-Wrexbam-Goal R. E. Turner backs, F. T. Evans and J. Ollerhead half-backs, E. Davies. A. Heyes, and W. J. Hughes; right wing, O. Davies and R. Davies; left wing, W. Turner and A. Lea (captain); centre, J. Wilding. Bar,gor-Goal, A. Hughes backs, S. Willman and J. S. Jones; half-backs, D. C. Davies, E. P. W. Hughes, and W. Morgan; right wing. D. Jones and J. O. Jones; left wing, 8. Arridge and R. 0. Roberts; centre, D. Lewis. Umpires, Mr Hall, Crewe, and MrGouh, Odwestry. Referee, Mr Heath, Hanley. Wrexham all through the first half sadly dis. appointed their followers. They staited well, but got excited over scoring so quickly, and before they could get OKSr it Bangor had Ecored. Both teams then com- pletely lost their heads, and from this to half time our second team could have beaten either of them. The forwards never once put in any combination, and the halves did not seem up to form. while both backs kicked wildly. The goalkeeper had very little to do, but could not have stopped the ball that did go brough. -Quite a change came over the scene in the second half. Every man seemed fairly settled down to business, and the forwards went in f Jr the com- bination game they have played eo well in their last few matches, and worked the ball through the Bangorians beautifully, the countenances of their followers brightening up accordingly. The only thing wanting was a little more judgment round goaL Lea and Turner were the pick of the forwardp. O. Davies baing too well watched to do very much, though he stuck to it pluckilr. Wilding and R. Davies, I thick, played too far bs.clz'. W. J. Hughes did not play With his usual judgment, Heyes and E. Davies play- ing a splendid game. The backs did not at any time show very good form, but improved on the first half. GBOVE PARK SCHOOL V. GRESFORD. Played at Gresford on Saturday, the visitors being without O. Davies and Scctt. The game was very evenly contested, the weight of the home team making up for the superior combination of the school. Although each side made good attempts at goal neither bad succeeded in scoring before crossing uver. From the restart Greaford looked dangerous, Roberts ) finishing up with a very nasty shot, but Ediebury saved splendidly. From a bit of nice play the school now bad a look in. Davies finishing up by kicking wide. From the goal kick Gresford made a good run, and Roberts getting through the hncks beat Edisbury and scored for the home team. The game now became very fast, the School trying hard to get on a level with their opponents, and a few minutes before time they were rewarded with a goal and a good game resulted in a draw of one goal each. Roberta and Randles were the pick of the home team, while Birch, Bevan, Snapp, and H. Davies each played a good game for 11 the School. SHREWSBURY TOWN V. WELLINGTON TOWF. I Played on the ground of the former on Saturday, I The home team were in tremendous form, putting on I Beven goals in the first half, and fcoring eleven moio in the last hliJf, without, giving the visitois a chance, I finally winning by ei^hc^en g< al to nil. How is that for high ? _h OSWESTRY V. BUILTH. The match came off. t Oswpttry< n Saturday. and the I game was considered tiieheitt ever played on I hiji ground. This speaks extrpmely well fnr the vi.;torp, who had bad a long journey, 1-ut it t hows what I have thought for a long time that tlierp must lie eome players about South Wales who would do credit to our international team-, if there were some tnears of finding them out. II It is to be hoped that onr sot thern friends will tee their way clear to arrange other matches in this locality. WELSH FOOTBALL LEAGUE. I In reference to trie meeting or the club representa- tives in the Nrrth Wales Division to consider the advisability of funning a Welt-h lesgue, it would, of course, do much towards bringing out the game of football if it could he managed. I see, unfortunately, many obstacles in the way, and not the leai-t is the ¡ widely scattered dift-ict that would have t'be in- I cluded. This in itself almoet makes the whola busi- ness impracticaMp. However, a discussion on the matter would do 1:0 harm. Wrexham have arranged an extra fixture with Oswestry, which is to take plaze on the Racecourse on Saturday. They have hlready met twice this seaeon. having won one game each. so we may expect a good hard game. The home team will be the same as defeated Bangor on Saturday. ENTHUSIAST. I

U_- SPORTING. I BANGOR STEEPLECHASES. I The following are the acceptances for the Bangor Great Open Bui.t-rs' Steep ed aee of 575 BOVB, tlf which the winner receivfB 5CO M VP., the second 50 I soys.. and the thiid 25 sovf., by subrcrii tions of 15 I sovs. each, 10ft., and 5 only if declared :— Mr H. T. Barclay's Bohemian. 5 jrs b g Roberts, by Bertram out of F.tima. 4 ra Major Banbury's bl b Cruiser. 5 yrs Lord Cbolmondelej's Father O'Flynn, 5 yrs Mr T. S. Coppingtr's ch g Leprechaun, aged Mr R. Dick's b g Cranberry, 5 yrs Mr R. W. Ette)stojis Sweet Ethel (lkte Carrie Rot). 5 yrs Sister Ethel, 6 yrs Mr H. T. Fenwick's Dardanelles. 5 )18 Bertha, 6 yrs Cant. J. H. Jonss's Etonian, 5 yrs Mr 0 H. Jones's Oxton (late Of car) by Osslan, 4 yrs Count C. Kinsley's b h St. Galmier, agtd Mr J. Legh's b g Lord of the Glen, 5 )rs Mr R. K. Mainwaringai br g Merry George, by Prince G.orge, dam by Merrj man, gmndtm by The Steamer, (b-b), 6 yrs -br m Venetia, by Bersker-Britannia (b-b), by Kettle- drum—Veive, by Sir lierculea-Volocity, by Velocipede, 4 yrs Mr J. Gardiner's Champion, 6 yrs -Dal Butsu, 4 yrs -Hyber, 6 yrs C..spt. J. Orr-Ewiiig'a Golden Dream, 4 yrs Mr Archibald PeeiV b m Candytuft, aged Capt. Peel's b m Flying Column, 5 yrs Mr Schwabe's b g Privernus, by Prirateer—Reparation, 4 yrs -,rip Top, by Strathern-The Nun, by Vtdette, 6 yrs Mr M. Slammer's b m by Valour-Giintess, by Childeric, 4 yrs Mr Wiltshire's Sir Benedict, 4 yrs FATALITIES IN THE HUNTING FIELD. Some remarkable e\ idence was given before Dr. Churton, coroner, at Little Bud worth, Cheshire, during the inquiry into the circumstances attending the death in the hunting field oi Msjor Morris, 7th Hussars, and adjutant of the Shropshire Yeomany Cavalry. James Noden. farmer, said that the hounds were passing his bouie in full cry, when a hunter, unknown, rode up and said, There is a gentleman seriously hurt down there," and galloped away after the hounds. Witness found the deceased dead. Someone had tied Major Morris* horae to the fence. The Coroner remarked that it was carious that a gentlemen should have tied up the horse and not eeen the deceased. A Juryman But he had seen the deceased, for the body had bren turned over, and the gentleman had requected Mr Noden to see to Major Morris. The Coroner said he dared say the gentleman was led away by the excite- ment of the chase, or he might have supposed Major Morris was only stunned, and left him to call it the farmhouse. A verdict was returned of Accidental death." Major Morris was the third son of Mr John Grant Morris, of Allerton Priory, Liverpool.—Whilst hunting with the Quorn hounds, near Melton, on Friday, Captain Barclay, of Scraptoft Hall, near Leicester, in taking a high fence, was thrown fr(.m his horse into the hard road and broke his neck. The body was removed to Scraj tuft, and the sport was immediately suspended. The deceased was the brt ther of Mr Barclay, of London, the owner of Bendigo, a winner of the Derby, and well known in sporting circles.

LOCAL BILLS IN PARLIAMENT. WIRRAL RAILWAY (No. 2). This Bill came on Monday before Mr Campion, one of the examiners of the House of Loids, for proof of compliance with the further standing orders as to the Wharncliffe meetings. The object of the measure is to amend the Transfer Act of 1869. as it has preju- dicially affected the companies' arrangements for raising capital and conducting railways, by provid- ing that if the Manchester Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, and the Wrexham Mold and Connah's Quay Railway Companies do not raise the purchase money, buy the necessary land, and complete the railway within the time limited by the Act of 1870, the purchase shall be cancelled and the powers of the Wirral Railway Company revived. There was no supposition at that stage, and formal evidence having been given, the examiner decided that the pro- moters had duly complied with the standing orders. The Bill will in due courte be reported to the House.

THE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION ACT, 1889.-The National Education Association have issued a careful report on the provisions of this Act. in which the numerous obscurities in which it is involved are pointed out, and attantion is called to the difficulties that may beset the "local authorities" who determine to adopt it. The report, which is too long for in- Sertlon in our co mnL-, discusses the limitation as to scholars in schools aided under the Act, the conditions under which a school or class may receive aid, the QHMtloni of building grants and combination of local authorities, the posiiion of the local authority which establishes its own technical school, and the audit of the expenditure of the local authority. The øeerehries (Outer Temple, Strand, W.C.) will be happy to forward a copy of the report on receipt of a atamp. To POLICEMEN and those obliged to be out in the damp night air, CADBURY'S COCOA affords an exhilarating beverage, warming—comforting and sustaining. It is absolutely pure. 1977 PUBLIC NOTICE.—Every kind of PATENT MiwErnDICINE advertised in this paper can be had at C. K BENSON & Cn.'s SUPPLY STORES, 14, High-street, and 35 Hope-street, Wrexham, at Wholesale Prices. 92c QUININE BITTERS WITH IRON, IS 6d and 2s 6d per bottle per post 3d extra. For increasing the appe- nte, strengthening the stomach, purifying the blood, Ate. The exceUent qualities of the QUININE BITTERS are considerably increased by the valuable addition of a preparation of iron which has the remarkable effect of purifying and restoring the blood, and assisting the Tonic and strengthening Properties of the QUININE BITTERS.—Sold by J, F, EDJSBUBT, 3, High-street, Wrexham. 808

PROPOSED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT FOR WALES. In the House of Commons on Monday, upon the debate on the address in reply to the Queen's speech being resumed, Mr A. Thomas moved as an amendment, "And we humbly represent to your Majesty that more satis- factory arrangements for the administration of the affairs of Wales are imperatively required, and that a separate and independent Department of State should be created for the conduct of distinctly Welsh affairs, presided over by a Minister acquainted with the national characteristics of Wales." The Welsh people, he said, were dissatisfied, and had good reason to be Be, with the present administration of their country. Considerations both of sentiment and practical utility demandtd that they should have an administration more in harmony with their characteristics. :Ful:, tialf ut them weit ii-cvpable of underftanding a con- veisation in Englisl, »nd yet judicial proceedings were carried on in that language. This was the fact that impelled him most ttrcnt: y to ask for a separate Department of State for Wales. It continually re- sulted in grave inconveuier.ce, of which he gave sevcial examples. Mr Pritchard Morgan seconded the motion, remark- ing that it was high time the individually of Wales received some recognition. Looking on the special legihlation for Wales which had already taken place, and to the special- needs of the country, they were certainly entitled to a separate Minister. If that moderate request were tut granted it might lead to a demand for Home Rule. 'I he Hen. George Kenyon thought Lis hen. friends had embarked on a eort of fishing inquiry, to see how far their colleagues on the opposite benches and their coiatilutnti in Wales would go in the direction of what was called Home Rule. If hon. members had expanded their speechtB a little, and reserved them until the ei-d of ttle week, they would have been singularly appropriate to the festival of St. David's Day. '1 hey lould then have enlightened their con- stituents in their own conk tii ueri cies, and they would have ascertained quite as much film those meetings as they wt uld aseer tain from the House of Commons. He wascuritUB to ac-e how their colleagues on the opposite bei.clies would treat the amendment. His impression was they were very likely to deal with it in the sense of Sheridan's bribe, We will smell the cheete, but we will not put our noses into the trap He admired the courage of his hon. fiiend rather tht his discretion, because lIe did not think there was an) t. necessity tor mm to come to tne tto"¡,e to ascertain the feeling oi the Welth people Ul on this subject. He might have ascertained that if he had taken the trouble to be prebtnt at a meeting of the North and South Wales Federation which was held lot Carnarvon this year. There were gr est sealchings of heart on that occasion. He had nit got a ieport of the meet- ing with him, but he remembered the threats that were hurled t.t the great Denbigh leader, and the tears that were poured forth imploring the dele- gates fr. m different parts of Wales to show their differences to the outside world. At that meeting his hon. friend might have ascertained that whatever the opinions of some might be, the opinions of Welshmen in the aggregate were not made up on this tubject. People talked as if the difficulty as to language existed throughout the Itngth and breadth of Wales, but as a matter of fact it did nothing of the kind. There were many parts of Wales which were quite as English as the adjoining counties of England. They might, for instance, travel through the length and breadth of Radnorshire without finding a man who would be able to say dim Sassenach." In the greater part of Denbighshire, Flintshire, Pembroke- Shire, Brecon, and Montgomery the peop!e also spoke Englieb. As to the question of land tenure, there was hardly any distinction between Welbh and Engli!h counties, aud there were very bad farms and very bad land in Wales, just as there were very bad farms and very bad land in England. He had recently visited Derbyshire, and the highlands of Scotland, and he would rather farm in any county in Wales than in the bleak and arid districts of Chatsworth. It was further said that out of the thirty Welsh representatives in that house, twenty-four were homogenous and of one that housteh,i^ nking. He challenged his hon. friend to put this question to the test, and to ?ee whether bis hon. friends would follow him into the !cbby. That would be a fair way of testing the public sentiment on this question if the hon. member thought this was a distinctly national question, Mr P. Morgan I did not say that with reference to this motion, but I urged that in some way Wales should have a recognition of l er individuality. Mr Kenyon said thut was a mitfo tune which could be easily remedied at the next election. It was next said that if there was one reason which er.titled the Welsh peop e to have different treatment from any other portion of Her Majesty's subjects, it was tbe fact that the larger proportion of them were Noncon- formists. The little cOJsideration given t, their feel- ings in matters connected with their religious opinions might, in some respect, have made Welshmen think that tbeir intsrests were not duly considered at West- minster, and when the tithe riots first began there was a great amount of ignorance prevailing in the House as to the position of that question, but owing a great deal to the trouble taken by the Home Secretary that was got over, therefore, though he acknowledged there Was something in that complaint, he hardly thought the amendment of the hon. gentleman was one which would give satisfaction even to the Non- conformists. or, at any rate, to the main part of the Principality, It seemed to him that the hon. gentle- man's ambition soared somewhat too high. He sympathised with the sentiment of nationality. It was a noble sentiment, but the hon. gentleman's pro- position seemed t") be neither fish, flesh, nor good red herring. daughter.) The hon. gentleman might do much in another way for Wales. With his great knowledge of commerce he could ascer- tain the real wants and wisheB of the Principality, and could apply the necessary remedies. He could also encourage the influx of English capital and English intellect to assist the hard-beaded, sound commonsense of Welshmen. If, instead of launching out into these vagaries, the hon. member would adopt this principle, and work by these means. then he would do much to improve the prosperity of their common country. He was quite sure that the hon. member would find not only Welshmen, but English- men. who would be very glad to help him in his efforts. (Cheers.) He would therefore ask his hon. friend, as an earnest of his repentance, and as a commencement of a new and better life-(Iaughter)- at once to withdraw his amendment. (Cheers.) Mr Osborne Morgan said he had hoped before rising to speak on the amendment to have had some expression of opinion from the Treasury bench on the subject; but no member of the Government had risen to reply. He admitted that there were many circum. stances which entitled Wales to distinct treatment from a legislative point of view; but he was not prepared to accept the remedy proposed in the amendment before the House, although he could not at all find fault with the hon. gentleman for bringing the subject forward. It was, for instance, notorious that ignorance of the Welsh language led to great difficultiep, and even injustice, in the Supreme Courts. The people of Wales not received the recognition fiom Patliamenfc which they thought they deserved, and if his hon. friend's amendment could be cut in two—if he would allow the House to deal with his premises and not the remedy he proposed, he (Mr Morgan) would be only t 10 happy t > vote for it. He did not think it would be denied that Wales had a grievance as regards the treatment of her demands and aspirations by the House of Ccmmonp. With the exception of the Intermediate Education Bill. which, on the whole, was likely to prove a beneficial measure, he did not think that much had been done in the way of useful legislation for Wales. And let them, for instance, take one of the subjects upon which Welshmen were practically unanimous— the question of Disestablishment. If they looked at the division list they would find that, on the motion of the member for Swansea last year, outofthiity Welsh members twenty-five voted for Disestablish- ment and only three against it. That was proof of the unanimi'y that existed on the subject in Wales. and if further proof were needed, it might have been' obtained from the constituency at Glamorganshire. When a vacancy occurred there quite recently, the Tories, after scouring the Cf.ur.try, were unable to find a candidate. One gentleman, Mr Mortimer, consented to stand; but when he got down to the place he showed his wisdom by running away. Dis- establishment had become a burning question in Wales, and yet the Government would aff"rd no facilities for the discussion of the motion standing in the name of the member for Swansea. Not only did they refuse facilities, but they had t iken away the day which the hon. member got by means of the ballot. The Government met the Welsh demand for a discussion on Di«e^ t d 11 limei t bv ( ffer- ing them a Tithes RH. It was a of asking for breid and Kdtirg a store. The motion before the House not. a motion for Home Rule. All regards the piinciple If Rule, the proposal was indeed a rttiogade ore. It was not a proposal for decentralisation, sac1 as Home Rule it was for centralisation, (litfl', hear.) Iliey lind been told that there was a inert de it for up the separate department that Soo* and had hf:11 for the patttt ix years H Scotch Secietin, and that for ninety years i liNt Ireland had had t liief Secretary. It was sai l v. i ll peifec*iiuth t!ut the Welsh nationality was at least as distinctive as that of Scot- land or Ireland. (Hear, hear.) In one respect it was far more distinctive than that of Scotland, for Wales hal a language of its own, and Scotland only an accent. (t.augiiHr.) But he would ask them what benefit did IM-ind receive by bavin? a Secretary of State? He thought the exp rbnee of the Irih mem- bers on that subject would I ot be such as could CIUI mer d a similar appo'i.tm< nt being ma.1e in the of Wales. Supposing his hon. friend's motion were to be carried, the one man that the Government must aelpct for the post of Secretary of S'ate for Wales would be the present Postma.ter.General. He had the highest retpect for the administrative abirtiell of the right hon. gentleman, but he did not think that the Bame opinions that recommended him to the Uni- versity of Cambridge would be likely to recommend him to the people of Wa'ell, It was no offence to the right hon. gentleman to say that he was one of the strongest party men in the Hou r, and if he were Secietary of State for Wales his whoie efforts would be directed to putting the Church of England on ita legs and suppressing and discouraging Dissent. (Hear, hear) He would very much prefer the pro- posal of his hon. friend (Mr Rutlibone), that all Welsh measures and questions should he referred to a Grand or Standing Committee mainly composed of Welsh members. (Hear, hear.) Another proposal was that the different county councils of Wales, which were thoroughly patriotic, representative, and popu- lar bodies, be formed into a sort of grand council for Walep, with quasi-legislative as well administrative power for dealing with exclusively Welsh questions. Those were matters which would open up far too wide a field, and he would not go further into them. He hoped his hon. friend would not press his motion to a division. They had had an interesting discussion, but he should be sorry to see Welsh Liberal mem- bers, who on most questions were entirely united, showing themselves on this question as divided. (Hear, hear.) Mr Matthews pointed out that if the hon. members opposite wanted the disestablishment of the church in Wales and various other legislative changes, which were matters of policy, it was obvious that the remedy was Dot a separate administrative department for Wales, but a change in the majority of that House. While the volume of business with regard to Scotch affairs justified the administrative division which had been made, in the case of Wales it would be idle and superfluous. In anticipation of this amendment he had inquired what was the amount of correspondence relating to Welsh affairs during the past year, which was one of exceptional activity by reason of the tithe disturbances, and the House would be amused to hear that the totaJ number of letters received at the Home Office from officials in the counties and boroughs of Wales was only 209. He contended that there was no ground !or separating the administration of Wales j from that of England. He was just as much Minister, in all matters that related to his department, for Wales ae for Sussex or Hampshire. To set up a separate administrative machinery for Wales would be a reactionary ffteps which would do no good to any single interest, and was not called for, as far as he knew, by any real want in Walep. The amendment was withdrawn.

HOME RULE FOR WALES AND SCOTLAND. 1 A conference of the Notth and S uth Wales Liberal Federations, the Cymru Fydd Society, and the Scottish Home Rule Association took place on Tuesday at the National Liberal Club, under the presidency of Dr. G. B. Clark, M.P. There was a considerable number of delegates present.—The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said that they had met to- other to cor.sider the desirability of united action for the purpose of securing for the Welsh and Scotch peoples the management of their own special domestic affairs. In Scotland, he thought, the Home Rule movement was making as satisfactory progress as any friend of it could desire, and it also seemed to him that the question was awakening such it.tereat in Wales that it might become the most imi ortant one at the next general election. One thing to consider was whether the demand for Home Rule in Wales would hinder the demand for it in Ireland. For his own part he thought it would aid it; he looked upon Home Rule as a question of fifty years hence when English-speaking people would dominate the world. If they were in unity this would do a great deal of good, but if they were broken up it would be a bad thing for humanity. Heme Rule all round would, he thought, get the support of many Toriu and Unionists who would not he prepared to vote for Home Rule in Ireland only. He thought that the difficulties and dangers ef separation attending this question might be olved upon linea of federalism, which would lead to .1Iy closer union.-At the close of the chairman's L. ress Mr Tilston (Wrexham). read the following declaration which bad been adopted that morning by a joint meeting of the Welsh representatives, i.e., The Welsh Federation and the Cymru Fydd Society declare that they enter upon this Conference upon the clear understanding that nothing shall be done to prejudice the position of the Itish Home Rule and Welsh Disestablitlhment in the programme of the Liberal party. "-The Rev. Aaron Davies, Pontllotyn, South Wales, then moved "That this Conference is of opinion that the time has now arrived when the people of Scotland and Wales should be entrusted with the manage- ment of their now national affairs, still pre- serving the supremacy of the Imperial Parliament."— Mr McLardy (Glasgow), in seconding the motion, said he thought there was a grand principle underlying the question that nations should manage their own affairs. Federation was the grand principle by which unity might be maintained, and in Scotland they thought that the more they discussed the question from points of view of national economy the more likely they wcu!d be to arrive at a just conclusion aa to Irish Home Rule.-Mr John Leng, M.P., who described himself as an advocate of Home Rule all round, sup- ported the motion.—After some words from Mr Waddie (Edinburgh), who regretted that England was not included in the resolution, Mr H. Lewis (Bangor) moved that England and Ireland should be added to it.—Mr O'Connor Power, speaking to the resolution, said that fifteen or sixteen years ago, in discussing the matter in the pages of the Fortnightly Review at the request of Mr John Morley, he laid it down that the principle of Federal Home Rule was the only rational method in which it could be carried out, and he still maintained that opinion, believing it to be more con- stitutional and in accordance with the precedents of the Kingdom than any dual system.—Mr Angus (Glasgow) seconded the amendment.-The Chairman appealtd to Mr Lewis not to press his amendment at t hat stage, as that Conference would probably lead to a much larger one to which English and Irish delegates might be invited.—Mr Lewis preferred to take a vote on the subject in order to get it before the country in a definite torm, but, understanding that the question would be raised again, comented to withdtaw his suggestion.—Another amendment, by Mr Griffiths, expressing the expediency of statutory local Parlia- ments for Scotland and Wales did not meet with a seconder, and the original motion was then carried.— Mr H. Lewis moved the following: That this Conference is of opinion, and strongly recommends, that by united action inside and outside Parliament practical steps be taken to secure the object mentioned in the first resolution. ''—Mr Oliver (Edin- burgh) seconded the resolution, which was agreed to. -Mr Mitchell (Edinburgh) then moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting the true solution of the Home Rule question is to be found in a Union on Federal lines, and for that purpose a committee should be appointed to make arrangements for the formation of a Federal Union League of the United Kingdom." —Mr Wm. Jones (Oxford) seconded the motion.—Mr Seymour Keay, M.P., whilst agreeing with the spirit of t'ae resolution, thought it might be considered somew hat presumptuous for the Conference representative as it was of Scotland and Wales only, to atart a league with such an all-embracing title, especially as they could not hope that Englishmen would join them for the present in any large numbere.-Mr Morton, M.P., expressed his sympathy with the Home Rule move. ment, but said it could only be carried out on Federal lines.—Mr Griffiths, secretary of the Cymru Fydd. moved that apt ovisional committee should be formed to draw up a constitution for a Home Rule Associa- tion for Scotland and Wales. After some discussion it was resolved to fuse the two resolutions by appointing twelve gentlemen from Wales and twelve from Scotland to see how the resolutions arrived at could best be carried out, and to report to another conference, including, if desirable, English and Irish Home Rulers. A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings.

ARMY, MILITIA, AND VOLUNTEERS. There is every likelihood that the Chester Rifle Volunteers will go under canvass at Conway Marsh from the 24th to the 31st May, and that the battalion will have the benefit of brigade drill in conjunction with the Mersey Brigade. The Council of the Royal Military Exhibition to be held this year have decided to exhibit a collection of military musical instruments of all dates, so as to show the gradual development of the modern military band. An extract from the regimental orders of the Den- bighshire Hussars informs us that the Major-General commanding the Northwestern district has approved of the assembling, on May 15th, of the Hussars for ten days' permanent duty. The report of the committe3, appointed to inquire into certain questions with respect to the Mihti", suggests the spending of an additional £3,000 in increased bounty and pay to induce old line non-com. missioned officers to take non-commissioned officers' rank in the Militia. Additional musketry training for the Militia is also strongly recommended. Further important increases in the cost of the Militia are involved in the recommendations as to clothing, and as to the improved instruction of Militia officers. Sergt. F. E. Corrison, from the band of the 2nd Battalion, has been posted to the permanent staff of the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, to take up the duties of Sergeant-drummer. The abolition of the office of commander-in-chief of the army, will, it is stated, be one of the effects of the recommendations of the Army and Navy Royal Com. laieaion. The official returns just issued relating to the Volunteers, show that last year, 1889, the total num. ber enrolled was 224.621 as compared with 226.449 in 1888. The efficients numbered 216.999 as against 220.124. The number of all ranks at inspection was 191,007, while in the previous year it was 196,707. The authorised establishment for 1889 was 259,583, and for 1888 257.743. I

SHAMFIGHT AT MARFORD. I On Wednesday morning a sham fight took place at Marford Hill, the troops engaged being the Depot Cheshire Regiment and the Depot Royal Weleii Fusiliers. An a) my was supposed ta have landed at Liverpoo', captured that city, and afterwards siezed Chester, causing the garrison of the latter city to retreat in the direction of Wrexham. The officer commanding at Wrexham b ordered to march with as strong a foice as possible in support of the retiring troops and tl4k.. up a defensive position, covering the main road from Ciienter, and thus prevei.t the invaders silvai cing further sout". The force from Wrexh.ro, about 130 stronr, took up a strong poairi m li Marford Hill, under the command of Colonel U i,i, 11, with M jor Stringer, Captain and Adjutant the itA n. R. 11. Beitie, Captain and Ailjutiiit Fciiwiek. %V,,I)her, Cap'. J.iileii and Lieut. Mirtin, 1st V. B. R. W.F., and SIt. t MaJor Vernor. Until. James was in c/mtnacd of a retach- ment fiom Gre.,f,-i d, and Lieut. Mai tin had charge of i the signallers, regulars and volunteers, who rendered I valuable aesisuiice to the defending fo-ce in transmitting information as to the movements of t'te enemy. The area of the operations was bounded by the Shrewsbury and Chester Rulway on the west and the by-roads via Lavister, Trevalyn, and Cook's Bridge on the east. A detached party of about 30 men, under Lteut Webber, was posted in the village of Rossett. to defend the bridge over the river Alyn and the mill stream. The by-roads from the direction I of Cook's Bridge, on the right fl..dr, were watched by troops posted under cover in the plantation adjacent to and on the right of the m dn road. An advanced po?t was a!ao established on the left of the main position, overlooking the Shrewsbury and Cheetar Railway and the bridges and fords across the river Alyn. This almost impregnable position was attacked about 10.30 by a force of about 100, represent- ing the invading army, under Colonel Brownlow, with MajorDaman, Captain iind Adjutant Armstrong, and Sergt.-Major M Ktty. The tight was carried on with great vigor until about 12.15, when" cealle ¡ firing" was sounded. The defending party main- tained their position, and the attacking party were quite unable to force it. On the conclusion of the fight, General Goodenough, C.B., commanding the nOl tb.we8tr!l d¡':tric', assembled the defending trcops at jMarfoiu, and addressed them, compliment- ing them on the way the tight had been conducted. He said both sides had carried out the work appointed in a most satisfactory manner. The General highly commended Color-Sergt. McGregor (who was in command of the cyclist corps last week) for his report, and Sergt. Ramsden for his freehand sketch and road report.

To KIGHT WATCHMEN and all expos :d to the j inclemency of the weather, a Cup of CAJDBUBY'S COCOA will be found very acceptable—warming— BUEtMoing—comforting. It is atBOlutely pare. 1917 1977

NOTES ON THINGS IN GENERAL. There are some frantic efforts being made just now to "educate" the public in the matter of tithes an J Clmich history. The Right Hon. H. C. Kaikes the other night stated his views on the last question, quoting authorities which are cot authorities, and of course carefully avoiding tvery expression which plight appear to be in conflict with his views. There is a good deal of entertaiiimenk to be had in such paperp, but no instiuction, and they are mainly illustrative of a man's war.t 01 information rather than of his knowledge. I wonder whether Mr Kaikes has ever read tbe late lJr. Hatch's (professor of ecclesias- tical hibtory at Oxford) book on the Growth of Church Inmtution8 r" Perhaps, however, it would not be much to Mr Raikes' taste, teeing that it is historic and not legendary in character. Mr Pennant too bae been raising his voice in the wilderness, and he would have had to raise it yet higher did he want anybody to hear him. A study of the same book would benefit him also, but aa only a limited few care to listen tj Mr Penuant, perhaps it would nut he woith his while. In fact, people have made up their minds on this quet3tioii long ago. The time for argument is past, and that for action ha* begun. The wisest man that ever lived said that there is nothing new under the sun, or, if he said it not, someone said it for him but, had he lived Benedict- like until these dayp, he would havo found out his mistake. There is something new under the sur. It occurs daily in the infinite variety of experience which we all see around us, and among the newest is the attempt which is being made to prove that an alien church is not an alien church. Tiiey tell u* that instead of the Church of England being the Church of Walef, the Chuich of Wales is the Church of Eug. land This is an entirely new discovery. Ceitiinly the thougLt never stiuck anyone until the advocates of disestablishment had pointed oLt thut the Church of England in Wales is an alien one. Since then we have the new discovery tro. td out to amuse the public. It belongs to the same order ot discoveries aa another and a kindred one, by which it is established that what is eternally true in England would be otherwise in Italy. Tiuth is only true locally Beautitui You will see by this, air. that we are not in want of competent teachers in Wales. We are told thlt a scene occurrt d at a meeting of a sub-comumtte of the County Council the other day, when an official found himself betwixt the devil and the deep eea. On one hand be was hounded because he did nit apend enougb, while on the other he waa flayed because he tpent too much. The result was J »_ C « i I mat ue buapvea nis nugere at tne ID, telling them in effect that he would no longer be bamboozled by them, and that he was independei t of them. For my part 1 am soiry the scrimmage took place, and more sorry that the overbearing language of some of the members should drive subordinates to desperation. We have had more ttian enough of hounding of officials lately, and if the county—and, indeed, other at.d more local dittrilti-are to be well served, it must cease. Not that I would have the officials to be masters. That will never do. But they are to be treated as men, and as men having a sense of self-respect, having the interest of the public just as much at heart as those who superintend them. NOW. if the Council and its committees act towsrds the public servants as if they were cnly a set of under strappers, they will get only under toirapperli to serve them, men who are understrappers and nothing more, ranking with grooms, keepers, and emergency men, a set of beings utterly lost to any sense of self-respect. There are gentlemen (?) who delight to surround themselves with such beingp, and who, unfortunately for themselves, bear themselves towards the public servants as they do towards their grooms or their gamekeepers. Now that is a fatal mistake, if the public business is to be conducted with any degree of efficiency. A little patient courtesy is not thrown away, even on an official, and I feel very convinced that if the duties are to be well done, a gcod deal more courtesy will be rt quired than has yet been shown. When a man feels himself disposed to kick, let him kick those who can afford to kick in return, without running the risk of endangering their daily bread. At the same time, it is right that the officials should recognise the position of the councillors as those who are placed in authority over them, and that by the highest tlibunaI-tbe voice of the people. It may be that in some cases the unkindness ia not deeper than that of manner, and that after all nothing very dreadful is meant. This bhould always be kept in remembrance, and I have never seen much protit of showing one's contempt too plainly. The official's experience, extending over perhaps a large number of years, must needs give him a more particular know- ledge than the councillor can lay claim to. But the latter is in nearer touch of the people, and has, as a rule, a clearer notion of their wants. Therefore both parties must bear and forbear. It is part of the servant to bear, the master to forbear. The master must learn to be courteous, the servant to be deferential, and if this is always borne in mind, the scenes of last week will never be repeated. The public business will then be conducted to the credit both of the Councillors and officials, as well as to the satisfaction of the people. I very sincerely trust that nothing more will be heard of the dispute. Many things were said during the election campaigo of the County Council last year which had better have been left unsaid, though many men are blaming them. selves needlessly in this respect. Yet some wild statements were made, and responsibility undertaken, wl.ich, in the light of experience, are hardly likely to be again undertaken, and it seems to me that the right course to be taken is to act not according to ignorant promise, but according to the requirements of each case, Been from the point of view of en- lightened experience. When a man is convinced that something should be done, his duty clearly is to do it, in preference to be bound to a declaration made to keep down the rates below a certain point. The former would be the action of a true representative looking the facts in the face as he apprehends them the latter, the act of a mere delegate, having no mind of his own, and whose great ambition is only to play the part of the dog in the manger. The roads ma-t not be starved, and true economy is not served by eternal cheeseparing. At the same time, I do not advocate any sort of reckless expenditure, but the adoption of the most scientific method which experi- ence has clearly pointed out, and in all cases, the use of the very best material. Things were said at the same committee which rendered this paragraph a word in season." Our friends of the Hawarden Highway Board seem to me to be hard to please. Only last year they complained because the County Council did not take over the maintenance of the main roads in their dis- trict, this year they are in despair, because the Council doe8 take the maintenance. According to the resolution, of which notice has been given, the highest considerable function of a Highway Buard is to contract with the Council for the maintenance of the main roads Why, all the main roada were not disturnpiked when the Board was called into exist- ence, and if it was worth while to call it into being for the sake of looking altztr the highways and byway, is it not worth while to keep it in being for the same purpose ? Heaven knows, the highways in that dis. trict need looking after, for they are about the worst in the county. But some of the wardens ci mposing the Board are so enamoured with the contract system that they think nothing else is worth living for. Had it been on their own preference, even their salvation would be on contract, and yet, all that it has effected in the district is to keep the highways in as bad if not a worse state than they were eleven years ago. Would it not be worth the while of the wardens to ktep to. gether for a while, and take the management of these roads into their own hands for a couple of years so as to put them into repair. If that wlJu!d prove too venturesome a night for their timid spirits, what would it be tJ take the repair of a few townships just to try their wings? Depend on it, it is worth the trial. and I heartily recommend it to them. RAMBLER.

LLANFERi ES. YALE PLOUGHING MATCH. The sixth annual Yale ploughing match took DIncs on Friday, on land in the oceuplltioll of C >1. Cocke, Colomendy. The Society's district comprises the parishes of Llandegla, Llanarmon, and Lianfcrrep. The competitive team", eighteen in numb r. appeared on the ground at 8 30, and commenced work at 0. The day was very fine, and every team looked clean and bright. The prizes were distributed by Miss G. Cooke, Colomendy. CLASS I.-Open to all comers. —1, Thomas Roberts, Plus Llidnarmon, j £ 3-maker of plough, Corfleld, Birlchgwyu 2, Thomas J. Hughes, lihes, jEZ-Robert Williams, Llan- degla; 3, Evan Evans, Accre, LJandeglo, .t;1-W)nne Edwards. CLASS II.—Open to farmerp, their HOBS, or servants, who are solely engaged in agriculture in the Society's district, and who have never won a first prize in this class.—I, Thomas Jones, Bryn liowlio, Llanferres, £ 3—Wynne Edwards 2, David Evans, Qrieuz, Llanarmon, k2- Corfi-ld 3 John Ellis. Colomendy, Llanft rr«!3, £ 1— Edwards, Llanferres; 4. Thomas illis. Aberdtnik, llin- ferres, l'Js—Edwaid-, Llanferres. CLASS III.-Open to youths under twenty-one ymrs of age arid in the Society's district, and who have never won a first prize in this cl"q.-I, William Jones, Ddaullo, Lianftrres. £ Z 5s— Hughes, Cilcen 2, Henry l'd.rr)'. Bryn- rodyn, Llanferres, £ 1 IDs—Edwards, Llanfer-ea 3, Juhn Jones, Plas Newydd, Llandegla, £ 1—It. Williams, Llan- degla CLASS IV.-To the maker of the plough t!Lt cuts tho best furrow.—R. Williams, Llan legla, 53. CLASS V.—For the neatest and cleanest turn-out. open to farmers, their sons, or setvant- in the (society's district, who have not taken a tirst prize. No borrowed harness allowed.-I, John Elli", Colomendy, Llanferres. ldi Cd 2, Thomas Roberts. Plas Llanarmon, Ss 3. TL-omait Aberduna. Llanferres, wagonei's whip 4, lto!>ert Parry, Tyddyn Hodion, L'andegia. curry comb and bru-h. A special prizp, 10s, giv,n by Col. Cooke, to tha plough- man that ploughs the best butt in the field, was aw irdtd to ih rcai Jones, Bryn Bowlio, Llanferres. After the prize distribution, the Secretary I Doaed a cordial vote of thanks to Miss G. Cooke and < 'uionel Cooke, for their great kindness in being presen I-, and the vote was carried with acclamation. Addresses were delivered by Colonel Cooke, Mr Parry, and Mr Williamp. The judges believed it was the moat finely c tnie&ted mat-jh they had ever had the honor of judg- ing, and great credit was due to every ploughman for the excellei.t work nccompliBhed. The judgeB of the ploughing were-Mr Parry, Hendv, Mold; Mr Williams, Broytangor, Bryneglwys. Turnoutø-Mr Simon, Bryn, Mold, and Mr Williams, Bryntangor. We noticed on the field of the match, the President, Colonel B. G. D. Cooke, Mrs Cooke, Miaeea Cooke D,fr H. L. Horafall, Mr and Mrs Swift. Mr Radcliffe. Mr and Mrs Goodwin, Druid, provided the refresh- ments. In the evening, the managing members, judges, and others were entertained to the annual dinner at the Loggerheads Inn. Speeches were delivered by the Vice-Pre ident, Mr EdwarJs. Mr Fairy, Mr Jones, Mr Langfotd, and the Secretary. A vote of thanks to Mr -Gossaf,e. Gelligynan Hall, Llanarmon, for his annual and generous tubecription of t5 towards the funds of the Society, WM proposed by the Secretary, and unanimously carried with acclamation. A vote of thanks, proposei by Mr Price to the Honorary Members, President, and Officersofthe current year, and for their able service". to Mr Edwards, vice-president, Mr Jones, Bryu Bowlia, as treasurer, and Mr H. Edwards, Bryncelyn, as hon. secretary of the Society, was also passed. The managing members and the hon. secretary are to be congratulated on the success which atteedtd their arrangements.

l M BREAKFAST IS READY. I WILL TAKE A COP 0 MAZAWATTEB. 195

MR S. SMITH, M P., ON THE EIGHT I HOURS QUESTION. In the House of Commons on Monday, in the course of a debi-te on Mr Cunninghame Graham's amend. ment, relative to the restriction of the hours of labor, Mr Samuel Smith desired to diFcues this motion in reference to the great cotton industries of Lanca. shire, with which he had been connected all his lite. There was one fact which bad a vital bearing on the question, and that was the growing competition they had to sustain with Asiatic production. The Lan- cashire trade had been suffeiing immensely during the last ten years from that competition, and much t. ade had been wrested by India from Lancashire, causing very great depression both to employers and employed. The workers in the Indian mills had worked eighty hours a week, while the Lancashire mills were limited by law to 56! hours. The result was that the Indian trade had grown by leaps and boundf. In the last twenty years the consumption of cotton in the Indian factories had increased 1.000 per cent., the English consumption had increased only 25 per cent., the Continental increase was 120 per cent., and the Unitsd States consumption had inereased 130 per cent, in that time. Not only were the hours in the Indian mills so much longer, but the rate of pay was only one-fourth of what it was in England. The Indian companies had been earning dividends of 30 and 40 per cent., while the average rate of dividend in the Lancashire mills for the last few years wag not more than three per cent.—that was the average of the ninety co-operative concerns of Oldham which were largely owned by ths working classes themselves. He there. fore asked the House whether it would be possible to put an additional burden upon a trade that was already so heavily handicapped, and that not only in India, for the hoursof labor in Germany, France. Switzerland, and the United StiteB were longer. Two years ago when on the Continent, he found that the factory people worked 15 or 30 per cent. longer than ours, and the rate of wages was 20 or 30 per cent. lower. Shortening of hours, therefore, might have a most crippling effect upon the foreign trate of the country, and they mnat remember that half of our food was imported. We, therefore, could not afford to jeopardise our trade now carried on under the very hottest and closest competition, and no country coimpet-d with us more closely than Germany. He confessed he had very little faith that an international agreement for shortening the hours of labor would be carried out. international jealousies had prevented any reduction In the armies, and was it likely that France and Germany would honestly observe any agreement for shortening the hours of labor ? He believed that the .cheme was a delusion and impracticable. At the same time he rejoiced that the spread of opinion and the hijlher Uioral sense of the community was gradu- ally effecting a reduction in the hours of labor. toheers.) 1 hough they could not agree with the views of the bon. mover, the House would agree that he had acted from motives of the highest humanity and honesty. (Cheers.)