South Wales Echo

The Man About Town. When Parliament is up" and the London season is over, when everybody who is somebody has gone to the Rhine, Norway and Sweden, Paris, Switzerland, or to an English or Welsh sea- side holiday resort, and everywhere is crowded, the season in Cardiff and Newport will be in full swing. The visit of the Iron and Steel Institute to Cardiff and the Bute Festivities are the great features of the "season," whilst the National Eisteddfod, held at Newport, will be running concurrently. Casnewydd-ar-Wyse-that is Newport- has made a good effort to beat all records in the way of the National Eisteddfod gatherings^ and IahaJl be, sadly disappointed if the Committee and the town do not accomplish their cherished object. Everyone has worked with a will and put enthusiasm into the work of preparation for the national event, and I am glad to observe that on the eve of realisation the promise is fair-nay, very bright. There have been record entries for the Newport meetings, the Committee hae produced a record Programme in size, and all that is needed to complete the success is a record attendance, for something like 26,000 has been spent on the pavilion and preliminaries. Newport can boast a model pavilion, which has been specially constructed, and a popular Presi- dent of the National Eisteddfod for the present year in Lord Tredegar. I notice that a preliminary Note" in the Programme makes a good deal of the town's claims on the Welshman's attention for its geographical position and historic associations. Cardiff is accused of being a Cosmopolitan town; Newport always strikes me as being an English town, but such a suggestion in the Eisteddfod year will be scouted! Yet the fact remains that Newport is in the centre of much rustic beauty and adjacent to country full of the romance of other times and ages, and its name is mixed up in history with many stirring events. The writer of the introduction dealing with the charms and the claims to interest which Newport possesses has made the best of his story." He brings in Caerleon and a view (from a church tower) of Portishead, Clevedon, Weston, and the Lorna Doone county as attractions for the visitor to the National Eisteddfod I That reminds me of a letter which Lord Tennyson, just before his death, wrote to a friend on the story of his visits to Caerleon. The Poet Laureate simply re- marked that a good deal of romance had grown up about his visit to the little Roman town on the banks of the Usk. A little bit of romance tinged the writer's fancy when he set down, for outside consumption, the attractions of Newport. Not that I would deprive Casnewydd of one atom of glory in its historic associations with ancient Wales, or its beautiful setting in natural scenery that requires a good deal of beat- ing. Newport with its tidal river, its Little Switzerland, its Chartist memories and trophies, its association with Caerleon and Arthurian legends, and the visits of Tennyson-Newport for these and many other reasons is very dear to one who has learned to admire it for its many charms. Thousands of visitors are likely to see New- port during the Eisteddfod week, and many I doubt not who have the opportunity of learning something of its charms of scenery and incident will be converted into warm admirers. The first week in August will be a royal time indeed for Newport. Of the Gorsedd, the competitions, the entries, and the Art Section, let others speak. A word about the musical arrangements. Music of a non-competitive character gives most satisfaction and real enjoyment to the listener. Music thrills and exhilarates gently, leaving with the listener pleasant thoughts and satisfactory sensations. Too often the competition produces excite- ment, disagreement, and animosity. I like to keep Music clear of all jarring elements. In the evening Concerts of the Eisteddfod week there are provided enormous attractions, opening with the Military Band of the Royal Marines. Mendelssohn's Elijah," performed by a full orchestra and chorus, with Madame Medora Henson, Miss Clara Butt, Mr Ben Dayies, and Mr Ffraugoon Daviee* should leave nothing to desire. The third concert of Welsh and orchestral music introduces a new choral ballad by a Welsh composer, and such artistes as Miss Maggie Davies, Miss Ceinwen Jones, Miss Olive Grey, Mr Gwilym Richards, Mr David Hughes, and Pencerdd Gwalia, the Queen's Harpist. A fourth Concert has a programme, including Mackenzie's The Dream of Jubal," and miscellaneous, with (amongst others) Miss Clara. Butt and Mr Ben Davies as vocalists. These Concerts have been arranged on Musieal Festival lines, and I ave no doubt that music lovers throughout South Wales will show their practical approval of the efforts made by Mr E. Bernard Newman, the Conductor of the Choir, and the Musical Committee in producing what is practi- cally a Musical Festival during the Eis. teddfod week. .„ At one of the sectional meetings of the Cymmrodorion during the week the ques- tion of The place of Welsh in Education will be discussed. As it will bear on the topic of the hour, the teaching of Welsh in the Board Schools, I call attention to it in passing on to other topics than those of the Eisteddfod week, and the first that comes to hand is the teaching of Welsh. The letters, mostly from Welsh. men, which are being showered upon me,run in two grooves. First,.those from Welshmen who deprecate teaching Welsh in a public elementary school; and secondly from I writers who accuse the objectors of being ( no Welshmen." Richard Lewis, East Moors, writes I Dear Man About Town,—I find, when read. ing the Echo, that a certain clerk from the Docks objects greatly to Welsh being taught in our Elementary schools, and would advocate French or German. Well, I think I may at once conclude that he is no Welshman, and! to exter- minate a language that preceded his own I think shameful. If he wants to learn French or Ger- man let him do so. He shall not exterminate the Welsh language." On the other side of the question the writer of the following letter enjoys the patronymic of Thomas," and is, I need not say, a Welshman :— Dear Man About Town,—What stupid idea is this again about teaching Welsh in the Board Schools—wasting the children's time and the ratepayers' money ? What earthly use will the ratepayers' money ? What earthly use will the knowledge ever be, if ever acquired—which is very doubtful—So ninety-nine-hundredths of the children in after life ? None whatever. The majority of the parents who voted in favour of it's being taught did so, no doubt, to please their Welsh neighbours. The Welsh language, like the Irish and Gaelic, is bound to die out. It will endure only as a written one, like many other old tongues—a subject of interest to the student and antiquarian only. But although their language may cease to be spoken, the Welsh will always remain a distinctive race, like the Scotch and Irish. They will have their capital, museum, colleges, &e. their national peculiarities, customs and talents, interesting and attractive as their own romantic land. But why strive to pre- vent the inevitable and sacrifice our childrens' time and future to a chimera or fad ?—Yours, COMMON SENSE. So far as the correspondence has gone the writers have been sharply and evenly divided, so that the result of the poll is rendered all the more remarkable. The following letter, which reaches me from Porthcawl, needs no introduction :— Dear Man About Town,'—You say in to- day's issue of the Echo you should like to see a Board School pupil the proud possessor of a University degree. If you will step up to the Cardiff University College and ask to see Robert Seaton Forrester you can have that pleasure. He received the whole of his education as far as schooling is concerned at the Graig Board School, Pontypridd, and he never had any private tuition. Last year he received his degree as B.A. and this Jiyeai his degree as M.A. at London Univertlllty, and he has just passed with honours at the University of Wales. —I am proud to sign myself, HIS FATHER. I am delighted to learn it, and if I may, I wish to congratulate father and son upon so signal a success.

I A BOY'S FOLLY. I I Prosecution at Cardiff. I. Cypus Gilen (19) was charged on a warrant at the Cardiff Police Court to-day (before Mr F. H. Jotham and Councillor H. White) with stealing the sum of X4 the property of Hannah Gill on the 19th inst. Detective Gretton said he arrested prisoner in Newport yesterday, where he was I dressed in a new suit of clothes. Everything he had on him was new, and he wore a watch and chain. When charged at the police station prisoner said, I took the money, and am very sorry I did it now. I bought the watch and chain in Bristol and the suit in Gloucester. I gave my mother 6s." On being searched 6s Hiíd and a quantity of cigarettes were found upon him. Mrs Hannah Gill, living at Harris- court, deposed that prisoner lodged with her. He came home to dinner about 4.30 on the 19th inst., and while he was having his meal Mrs C '1 went out to a neighbour's house. She had some M in the house at the time in a drawer in the kitchen. On her return he borrowed a penny from her, and shortly afterwards decamped. She examined the drawer soon after his departure and missed JE4 in gold and 6s 6d in silver. She at once communi- cated with the police. Wm. Charles Chick, of the Angel Mews, said that prisoner was in his employ- ment. He was working with him until 4 o'clock on the 19th inst., when he left. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

I HIGHLY CONNECTED. That fashionable burglar (says a. Paris corres pondent) who operated in evening dress, has been followed by a still more aristocratic person, who recently ordered a diamond ring worth zElOO from a jeweller in the Rue de Is Paix. The purchaser gave a cheque on the London branch of the Credit Lyonnais, but the paper was returned marked No account." The jeweller in the meantime heard that the diamond ring had been sold to one of his colleagues in trade by the aristocratic person, who was staying in the Grand Hotel. Thither repaired the possessor of the worthless cheque, only to find that the man whom he so badly wanted had gone off, bag and baggage, to the Northern Railway Station. The jeweller went to that terminus, and with the aid of a police official found him whom he sought. The patrician swindler was arrested, and his real name, which is a foreign one, is known. He has high connections, but has been going the pace in Paris for some time. It is believed that he has wheedled about zE4,000 out of unsuspecting persons by his worthless cheques.

LAWN TENNIS. I -AENNI8.- t Taff Park v. Ynysyngharad. Flayed at Taff Park on Thursday, the first-named representing TaH" Park. Results SINGLES. R. Roberts lost to W. Walters, 5-6, 6-8. H. Crockett lost to T. Walters, 6-3, 4-6,1-8. D. McGregor beat H. Barker, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. G. Lewis lost to S. Williams. 4-6, 6-1,3-6. W. H. Todd beat R. Jones, 3-6, 6-3,8-6. J. McGregor beat M. John, 6-8, 6-3, 6-3. DOUBLES. D. McGregor and G. Lewis lost to W. Walters and T. Walters, 4-6, 3-6. R. Roberts and J. McGregor beat H. Barker and S. Williams, 6-0, 6-3. H. Crockett and W. H. Toad beat R. Jones and M. John, 6-3, 6-4. Taff Park won by 5 events to 4.

I TO-DAY'S WEATHER,4.30P.M nn- TO-BAVS FORECAST Pfit ENGL ANB, S.W., AND SOWTB WJ.LJS& Southerly breezes, moderate; showery. General — V ery fine and warm weather is probable in England to-day, but showery in Ireland and Scotland.

FOB To DBFBNOK." Ferffua Home's Thrilling Story, For The Defence," commences in the Cardif Times mil South Wdik4 Weekly Wewt on I Saturday next.

Polar Balloon. I EYE-WITNE88ES OF THE ASCENT. I OFflCERS INTERVIEWED. GOTHENBURG, Friday Night.—The officers of the gunboat Svenskscmd have just returned lfrom Spitzbergen, having taken there Andrew's expedition and assisted in the start. They state that the ascension took place with most favour- able winds and circumstances. The statement about the loss of the drag lines, and the narrow escape of the balloon from collision with the cliffs of Smeerenburg, are not correct. Only the lowest parts of the lines were ost, end the damage was easily repaired by Herr Andres. There was no danger in the ascension. The b&Uoon made 25 or 30 knots, and went about 500 metres high. Andree and his two companions were in the best of spirits. They were prepared for anything, but were very hopeful. Twenty-five carrier pigeons were taken in the balloon. The pigeon found on the coast of Nor- way is not from Andree. The explorer's pigeons were marked Andree expedition, A.D. 1897." It is doubtful if the pigeons from the balloon will reach the Continent. They would probably tlyba.ck to Spitzbergen if they left the balloon. The density of the balloon is very satisfactory It carries 2,500 kilograms, with an escape of gas of 55 kilograms a day. It is believed that Herr Andree will descend on the Siberian cosat.-Daily Chronicle. I Andree's Going Off. A Daily Telegraph correspondent who visited Herr Andree the day before he started on his adventurous expedition writes to a French paper that at that time the safety-valve was not fitted to the balloon, sa that the last preparation must have been made very hastily in order to allow of a start being made the following day. Either on the third or fourth day after the attempt there was a heavy storm, accompanied by a strong wind, and this was followed by 'B dense fog. Herr Andree stated that he counted on reaching the Pole in 50 or 60 hours, and that the wind would then carry him to Alaska, where he hoped to effect the descent. Should this prove impossible, he reckoned that both the baJloon and provisions would hold out long enough for him either to reach Europe again or Asia—probably the latter. Contrary to what has been stated, Herr Andree took no dogs or sledges with him, but only a few snow-shoes and a small boat in case of accidents. Just before starting he hung several wooden buoys-shaped like tops and hollowed out inside—around the car. From time to time he will throw one of these buoys, contain. ing a record of his position and a few details of the journey, either on the ice-field or into the water, in the hope of their eventually being picked up. He also relied on his four carrier picked up. He also relied on his four carrier pigeons to iaks messages to the outside v. orld. I

Babies' Bodies. I fiie Case of the Three Deptfofd Mummies. The inquest on the three mummified children whose bodies were found in an old box at 48 Blackhorse-street, Deptford, on Monday, was held yesterday in the Lecture Hall 'of the Congrega- tional Church, Deptford. Mrs Amos, the woman who lived in the house, and in whose possession the box was alleged to have been seen, was not present. She is undergoing a month's imprison- ment for neglecting another child. The Coroner pointed out the difficulty, from the decomposed state of the bodies, in deciding whether they were born alive or not. Unless the jury were satisfied that they were born alive, it would be hardly possible to return any verdict but that of Found dead." Out of Charity. -I- John Blanchard, the occupier of 48, Blackhorse- street, said that he and his wife took the woman Amos into his house about three months ago out of charity. He had known her before. She had a little girl with her, but he saw nothing of a box i at that time. He was told of the discovery by his daughter. I A Girl's Find. I Susan Blanchard, the girl referred to, said she noticed the box a fortnight ago. There had been some dispute about Mrs Amos, who was then living with them, and she was going to throw the box out. Mrs Amos said, Thftt's 'mine v give it' to me." She took the box into the washhouse, but the threat of turning out the woman's things, dropped through, and it was not till more than a week later that, on going to the old cupboard under the stairs, another daughter, Mary Blanchard, saw that the box was still there. She pulled it out and found the three bodies behind. They had fallen out of the box when she lifted it up. They were wrapped in pieces of dress stuff. f Dead for Years. Dr. Taylor could throw no light on the cause of death, or say whether the children had ever had a separate existence. One body was that of a female child, which had been in a mummified condition perhaps for 18 months; one that of a child, whose sex could not be discovered, who had perhaps been dead for two or three years and the third was the body of a. male child in the same dried-up condition, but which had been dead perhaps for only a few months. The skull bones of two of the children were cracked and flattened by pressure, but it was impossible to trace any further injuries. The jury returned a verdict of Found dead," and left further inquiries in the hands of the police.

I THE ORNAMENTAL RASHER. The Committee of the House of Commons which is inquiring as to the practicability of marking meat, cheese, and other agricultural produce imported into this country met again yesterday, under the presidency of Sir Elliott Lees. Mr John Kellett, a member of the Liverpool City Council, and president of the Federation of Grocers' Associations, with a mem- bership of 10,000, complained that the retail provision trade, which would be largely affected, had never hitherto had an opportunity of ex- pressing its views on the subject of marking. By the leave of the Committee and to the By the leave of the Committee and to the evident amusement of the members, witness pro- duced hams of different kinds, and having laid them on the table, proceeded to descant upon the merits and characteristic features of each article. Brands were used as advertisements for the curer and not for the information of the I wholesale dealer or retailer, whose practical knowledge ought to enable them to tell at once the place of origin. If every piece of bacon and I ham sold were branded it would advertise more effectually than by other means the cut, cure, and quality of the meat, and at the same time would prove most objectionable to the consumer. How would any member of the Committee like his morning rasher marked with a rubber stamp or his grilled ham with American produce pricked on it by an electric needle ? "(Laughter.) The Committee adjourned until next Tuesday.

A MAN PAINTED. j An apparent negro was led swearing into a Paris police station yesterday by two detectives, who had found him creating a violent disturbance on a boulevard, and wanting to fight people who were laughing at him. The man was slightly intoxicated, and it appears that his naturally white or rosy face and hands had been lamp- blacked while he was sleeping the sleep of the wine or absinthe bibber on a bench in the open air. He was brought to his senses and his natural colour at the station, and was then discharged with a. caution. On regaining his freedom he went in search of his painters, one of whom was arrested, and will have to answer for the practical joke of which he and his companions were guilty."

I SUFFOCATED IN DOUGH. On Thursday a baker named Charles Engle- man, employed at 549, Harrow-road, met with his death in an extraordinary manner. His mas- ter found him head downwards in the kneading- trough, surrounded by the fermenting dough he had evidently been working, and which had risen up all around his head. How the deceased came to be in the position in which he was found is a mystery but it is surmised that the unfortunate fellow had a fit, and, falling headforemost into the dough, was thus suffocated while in an un- conscious state.

I RATING OF DOWLAIS WORKS. t Important Qualification. To-day, at the meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians, Mr D. P. Davies, J.P., presiding, Mr Dan Thomas withdrew the statement which he had made that the Dowlais Company's cottages were included in the Dowlais Works assessment at £ 13,950. It appears Mr Thomas had been misled by some-xetwoa he had obtained.

l A Cast of the Net. INTERESTING HAUL. THE SEAMY SIDE 07 BL DOBADO. If the adventurous prospectors who are hurry- ing to the Yukon Goldfields should come to grief, it will not be for want of warning. The peculiar perils of this neighbourhood, where a mellow autumn is transformed in the twinkling of an eye into an arctic winter, have been graphically described in fiction by Mr Morley Roberts, who, < almost alone among English novelists, has a. first-hand knowledge of British Columbia, and some dreadful dots have been put on his I$ i's by Mr Harry de Windt. The journey, it seems, is long; the traveller must carry a season's provisions with him or starve if he stays too late in the season his case will be very much like that of Wansen in Franz Josef Land. That the know- ledge of these facts will deter the whole of the Anglo-Saxon race from pursuing the preoious metal under difficulties is not, indeed, to be expected. But it is a good sign that, for once, the saoiny side of El Dorado should be shown up early in the day.Daily Graphic. -0- -0- THE BLUE ORCHID. It will be remembered that about & month ago the horticultural world was fluttered by the announcement of the discovery in the Philippines of a blue orchid, which was named Dendrobium Victorias Reginaa in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Yesterday one of the imported specimens, in bloom, was exhibited at Messrs Protheroe and Morris's salerooms, "London, and found a ready purchaser. -0- A. DEAF AND DUMB WEDDING. A singular ceremony has just been witnessed by a large congregation at All Souls' Church, Ha.rlesden, when the Rev. F. H. Voigt united Mr Ralph Clegg, & Manchester engineer, and Miøs Martha Ann Topping, a Harlesden lady, in marriage, both being deaf and dumb. The clergyman carried out the service in an Ingenious way, holding the Prayer Book upedde down and pointing to the words of the service as he went through it. Knowing the service by heart, he was thus enabled to perform the ceremony, the bride and bridegroom nodding their heads at appro- priate parts of the service. -0 LATE MR BABNATO. How much will the estate of the late Mr Bar. nato pay to the Exchequer ? Mr Labouchere, on the South Africa Committee, enunciated the proposition that if a man has, say, 100,000 xi shares, which are quoted at 4209 he is worth S.2,000,000 in hard cash. That, of course (says the Daily Chronicle) was only one of Mr Labou- chere's little jokes. The question what the late Mr Barnato was worth is probably difficult to answer. It is said that the Inland Revenue would be prepared to compound at £ 4,000,000. Whether the executors are of the same miucl remains to be seen. -n- FOR THE HOUSEWIPE. I Salmon is again rather dearer, an'3 soles have returned to their normal price. Halibut is now cheaper than turbot, which, with brills, sells at 9d per,lb., and upwards. Whitings and mac. kerel are cheap. There is no change to record in the matter of poultry' since last week, except that capons are cheaper and goslings a little dearer. There is scarcely any demand for the excellent supplies in the Metropolitan markets. Peas now sell at 6d to lOd per peck, French beans at 3d per lb., cabbages at 2d each, marrows and cucumbers at 2d and upwards There were plenty of strawberries at 6d a lb. in the fruit markets on Thursday, and fresh sup- plies of the second crop are expected to-day. Plums and greengages sell at 4d per lb., all kinds of currents at 5d, peaches at 3s to 6a 6d per dozen. Cherries and raspberries appear to be abundant. Melons art now in. Apricots are cheap, and some Dutch pears find ready sale. The first green apples are in the market, but are only suitable for cooking. _n- STUNG TO DEATH BY BEES. I An occurrence of an unusual nature took place at Whitstable-on-Sea, Kent, yesterday. A number of hives of bees had been placed in a field of clover for the purpose of increasing the yield of honey, and in an adjoining field some "horses. "One Sf these, a. valtttble n.nima.1, fell into the ditch separating the fields and close to the pfipqt,occupied by the hives. The bms. were infuriated by the disturbance caused by the horse's struggles, and they settled on the animal's body in thousands. The poor beast was stung in such a frightful manner that its owner as a last resort shot it, and put it out of its misery. -0- A WVAL'S w DING. A reporter on a paper wrote the following account of his hated rival's marriage The bride was radiant in a beautiful lavender silk dress, with orange wreath, and six-button number nine kid gloves slightly burst in the thumb. The groom was as straight as a black cloth suit con- structed by the beat tailor could make him, and as red in the face as was consistent with a pair of boots two sizes too small, and a number thirteen collar encircling his manly sixteen-and-a-half inch neck. Fortunately before the ceremony was over the restraining button flew off and saved him from strangulation." -0-- A FORTUNE FOR A NEWSPAPER :BOY, An Exchange Telegraph Company's Newcastle- on-Tyne correspondent last night states that a boy named Thompson, who earned his livelihood by selling newspapers in the streets, and who recently obtained a. situation at Elswick Steel Works, has come into a. fortune of tl5,000 through the death of a rich uncle near Hexha.m. --0- Venetian Proverbs. Dr. Balladoro, of Verona, has published about 100 Venetian proverbs, containing suggestions as to the character, inclinations, and passions of the people. These proverbs show that tall persons are considered to have little intelligence short persona are malicious tall women are vicious and short women are contemptuous. Men ought to choose small wives, because little women are more graceful, and keep young for a longer time fat men are considered to be peaceful and good- humoured. Sicilian traditions held a large head to be a sign of wisdom, but the Venetian proverb considers it a sign of ignorance. A crooked neck is a sign of bed temper. A pallid complexion is ab- horred. Beardless men are stupid; bearded women are wry clever and wicked. A red beard is a sign of maliciousness, as is also red hair in a woman. Long hair in a woman is a sign of silliness. Bald people are intelligent, but inclined to evil ways. People with small eyes, and especially people who sqnint, must be avoided. A large nose is a sign of a resolute, imperative character; a turned- up nose is a sign of criminal tendencies, and equally so a very pointed nose. Thin lips indi- cate irascibility, thick lips sensuality. A child teething late is likely to have a long life. Intel- ligent people have small hands. Large hands are a sign of coldness of heart. People who have a voice not suited to their sex must be regarded with diffidence. Ugly bad parents generally have good and handsome children, and vice verm. A final proverb asserts that all people are somewhat mad, and another that inherited lunacy is incur- able.

AN IRISH ADVERTISEMENT. rinHE FRIENDS of the late Mr PATRICK NOLAN JL are respectfully informed that his funeral took place YESTERDAY (Wednesday), and NOT TO-DAY, as previously advertised. -Soutil, Australian Advertiser,

LOCAL LAW CASE. Action against Cardiff Brewers. Mr Justice Lawrance gave judgment this morn- ing in London in the case of Robert Bryant v. Hancock and Co., brewers. The plaintiff sought to recover damages for loss of licence in respect of the Princess Royal Inn, Grangetown, Cardiff. ,^he> oase was tried at the Glamorgan Assizes held at Cardiff some months ago, when the learned Judge reserved his decision for the hearing of counsel's arguments. By his Lordship's judgment plaintiff was awarded £ 5,300 as compensation. A stay of execution was granted. The solicitors engaged in the ca se were Messrs Stephens, David, and Co., for the plaintiff, and Mr J. H. Jones for defendants.

NEGRO LYNCHING. WASHINGTON, Friday.—A horrible epidemic of lynchings is sweeping over the country. During the past 24 hours eight attempts have been made to lynch in various Southern cities, three of them being successful. The victims of the mob were all,, negroes. The Atlanta Commercial, one of the leading papers of the South, editoriaJly commends lynching, and urges Georgians to continue to do their duty by the home.-Laily Chronicle.

CARDIFF AND COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOOIWY. —The Ninth Annual Show of Flowers, Fruit, Vege- tables, and Honey will be held on August llth and 12th. An Industrial Exhibition will be held at the same time, open to all children under 16 years. Entries close August 5tb. For schedules, anply J Secretary, 66, Woodyille-road, Cardiff. 9713

The Murder of a Singer. TRIAL CONTINUED. VIENNA, Friday Night.—Before Boitscheff's examination ended, he declared loudly that Eugenie, the child of the deceased, was certainly not his child, and that he had no idea who it's father might be. Boitscheff's counsel proposed that Boitscheff's young wife should be examined, but the Court refused to grant this request, arguing that she had attended the trial two days as a spectator, and therefore could not act as a witness. The witnesses were then called, and marched past before the Court and the accused. One of the first to be called was the Police Prefect's young wife, I A Harp Player from a Cafe, who is only 17 years old. The public was much interested in another witness, Szimon, the father of the murdered girl, who came from Budapest with a Hungarian lawyer. Boitscheff fixed his eyes upon him without betraying the least emotion. Plazolto, the son of a Vienna cheese- monger, who is to give evidence regard- ing the telegrams, is also among the witnesses, and so is the Palace official Auradoli, who witnessed the scenes. Counsel for the accused demanded that the cafe chantant singers who appear as witnesses should not be allowed to take the oath because their business is such as to deprive them of the rights of an honest subject, but the Court made all the witnesses take the oath, except the murdered girl's father. Novelics' young wife refused to be examined. Some of the witnesses first heard confirmed that Boitscheff was on intimate terms with Anna, and without any doubt the father of her child, and that he sometimes gave her small sums of money. Boitscheff denies this, as he denies everything. Other witnesses depose to the effect that Boitscheff's relations with Anna, continued after his marriage, that he often treated her brutally, and that he had more debts than he can ever hope to pay. In yesterday's proceedings several witnesses declared under their oath they knew Boitscheff to have been in Budapest, but he obstinately denied ever having been near the Hungarian capital. He also denied having spent The Night After His Wedding I in Anna. Szimon's room, although the murdered girl's landlady in Sofia. swears he did. Counsel for the defence objected to the examination of Anna's father as a witness, and this is the reason why the Court did not let him take the oath to-day. Three gendarmes often on I guard before the Palace said that Anna. Szimon often came to the Palace, and once spent a whole night outside crying. At daybreak a Palace functionary came out to her and promised to speak to Boitscheff in her behalf. Another gendarme declared he had often seen Boitscheff in civilian's clothes. A Vienna cafe chantant girl said that Anna Szimon was usually poverty stricken, but that she was always decent and respectable, and for this reason found it very difficult to get employment in Bulgaria. The midwife Lewtzka, who assisted at the con- nnement of Anna Szimon, said that all her friends collected money to pay for the girl's most urgent expenses, because her lover did not provide for her. This woman spoke fluently for over an hour, con- firmed many important points of the indictment, and made out a very bad case for Boitscheff. Her daughter Hermine, also a singing girl, was one of Anna Szimon's best friends, and speaks highly of the murdered girl's moral qualities. Mother and daughter recognised the clothes taken off the body of the murdered girl, her little trinkets, and her poltraits.-Daizy News.

Explosive Hair-wash. I HUMAN ELECTRICITY. I Views of an Expert. I A singular and interesting development has arisen out of the sad case in which Mrs Samuel- son lately lost her life. Few schoolboys attend- ing classes on electricity have failed to follow the advice of their teacher to experiment with the domestic cat in a dark room. As everybody knows, when the hair of the animal is violently rubbed the wrong way, and the cat permits the operation to proceed for a sufficient length of time, electric sparks are emitted in the most lively fashion. Similarly, human beings are a.dmittédly. possessed ,of electricity, and the point arises whether, given the presence on the human head of a spirit throwing off highly inflammable ftpour, violent friction of the hair, such as may occur in the course of shampooing, may not develop that electricity to such an extent as to cause ignition. 1 Interview with a Chemist. An inquiry of this descrip tion is by no means to be put aside, for yesterday it was brought to the notice of a very distinguished analytical chemist, who affirmed that the matter deserved the closest investigation. I would not say that it is at all impossible for the West End accident to have been caused in the way you suggest. If a cat gives off electric sparks, I don't see why human hair, when violently rubbed, should not produce the same result. You must under- stand that no ordinary spark would cause the ignition of vapour. A spark from a flint or from a fire of coal or wood would not do it. But the smallest electric spark would set aflame this highly volatile benzoline, which, I have no doubt, is the substance that was used." Then it is possible, as the coiffeurs suggest, that there was no gas-jet in the saloon in which this lady was being shampooed, and that, never- theless, the accident happened ? Quite possible, because, as I say, the smallest spark of electricity given off from the lady's hair might have caused the mischief. I confess I should like to make some experiments in regard to this matter of human electricity. I know a lady who was one evening making her toilet when, looking inside her bodice, she noticed a spark, and proceeded to douche herself with water, imagin- ing that she was on fire. The spark was I Undoubtedly the Result of Electricity. The amount of electricity in individuals vanes considerably, and certain conditions of the atmosphere tend to assist its development. In Canada, for instance, where they heat their rooms with stoves, and the air gets very dry, the slightest friction will produce electricity. Two people walking across the carpet will generate so much friction that when they shake hands there will be a mild electric shock. Indoors in winter it is hardly safe to kiss in Canada, lest an electric spark should be produced." In this case the atmosphere was presumably hot and dry, for the midday sun was pouring down upon the skylight of the saloon." Yes, but at best this theory of an electric spark is what I call a puzzled explanation. I can well imagine that if this lady's hair bad been exposed to the sun, and was quite dry, the appli- cation of friction by the hairdresser might produce a spark. But if, as you say, the coiffeur was at the time of the accident twisting the hair in coils in order to rinse it of the benzoline wash, it is difficult to say whether there could in those circumstances be sufficient friction to cause a spark. I can only tell you of a case which I Happened a Few Years Ago, when some people were extracting grease from sheepskins with a petroleum product, and an explosion occurred. It was then supposed that an electric spark, produced by the application of friction to the skins, was the cause of the mischief. I only say that in the present case the matter is sufficiently doubtful to justify experiment." You contend, then, that in addition to the liability of this hair-wash to ignite as a result of contact with flame, there is a possible risk of its ignition by a spark of human electricity, which makes ita use still more dangerous ? I do, and that the sooner the stuff goes out of use the better. Thete are plenty of less dan- gerous compounds. With ammonia, for example, whioh is used for what is called a dry shampoo, there is no danger." "WhILt would be the effect of this benzoline when applied to the hair ?" It would take up all the grease, and cleanse the hair perfectly. It is said it promotes the growth, but as to that I won't offer an opinion. I can quite understand that by removing al greasy matter the benzoline would make the hair I so brittle that it might break. Apart from that I don't think it would be injurious, but, as I ¡ have said already, wise people will avoid its use."

I DISASTROUS FIRE. An explosion occurred this morning at the electrical storage accumulator works at Woking. The fire brigade was speedily in attendance, but the highly inflammable oharacter of the building rendered it absolutely impossible to save any portion, though the fire was kept from spreading. A large quantity of celluloid wa,8 destroyed, together with the machinery. A number of workpeople will be thrown out of employment. The origin of the fire is unknown. The estimate damage is Zio,ooo.

Crime in France. I Crime in France. 1 A VILLAGE TRAGEDY. i j While Paris continues to show an absence of serious crime, and while business in the courts is consequently slack, provincial Judges and juries have their hands pretty full. At Sadnt-Omer, in the Pas de Calais, a horrible village tragedy has come before the Assize tribunal. LievaJ and Bachelet, blacksmiths Rohant, a small farmer; and Madame Bachelet, a widow, were brought up for the murder of a couple named Brazier, at Maizierea. The crime was planned by Bohant and Madame Bacbelet, whose son, Onesimus, aided by his cousin, Lieval, perpetrated the deed. They strangled the old man as he was coming out of the house, and hid the body under some stones and timber. Madame Brazier was Choked in Her Bedroom I as she was hobbling towards the door, in order to see what was the matter, for she heard her husband's cries. The two murderers then plun- dered the house, and found £20, which they shared with their accomplices. Lieval and the woman were condemned to the guillotine, but it is probable that Madame Bachelet will be able to avoid the hands of M.Diebley. She had long been noted as a terror in her district, and her crimes were numerous. She kept an inn, which had as bad a reputation as those in old stories, where beds descended through the floor, carrying doomed travellers with them. It rarely occurs, however, that a woman is decapitated in France; and her sentence will most likely be commuted to one of penal servitude for life. Her by no means promising son, Onesimus, who was duly walking in the maternal footsteps, received a life term, while Bohant, the small farmer, will be imprisoned for ten years with hard labour. In the meantime Another Murder Case f is occupying the court at Rouen, where the I Soulard, or circus-master's tragedy was recently concluded. A prosperous pedlar named Mill, a poacher called Allard, a man known as Severin, and his wife are the accused persons. Mill was separated from his wife, who went to live with her mother, and as she was sitting at the maternal hearth one evening somebody fired at her from outside the house and shot her dead. The murder was attributed to the poacher, who, it is said, was hired by Mill to shoot the woman, the pedlar wanting to make his servant, Madama Severin, head of his household and caretaker of the goods which he carted around the markets and fairs. The servant's husband looked forward with satisfaction to this arrangement, as Mill promised to elevate him from the position of a road-mender to that of a peasant proprietor, with three acres and a cow. The road-mender's evidence was the most damning, as he said that Poacher Allard met him one day, and said, I'm not after rabbits now I'm going to take a pot shot at Mill's wife, and that will be a good thing for you." The other accused persons stoutly maintained that the murder could not be attri- buted to them.

THE FEAR OF MADNESS. I A Pathetic Letter. I Dr. Danford Thomas held an inquest last evening at Paddington Coroner's Court on the body of Isabella Barbara Greig, aged 39, spinster, who resided with her widowed mother, a lady of independent means, at 42, Walterton road, Paddington. Mrs Greig, the mother, said that her daughter was an invalid, and had under- gone a surgical operation. She was de- pressed, and expressed a wish not to live long lest she should prove an increasing trouble and burden to the witness. A doctor skilled in mental diseases,whom witness consulted, thought the deceased had no suicidal tendency. On Wednesday morning, however, she was found lying in bed unconscious and suffering from the affects of a narcotic poison. Dr. Fairfield, a neighbouring practitioner, was called in, but the deceased was then at the point of death, and expired immediately afterwards. Mrs Jane Hugo the landlady of the house, deposed to finding in a drawer in Miss Greig's bedroom the phial pro- duced, which had contained laudanum. She also discovered there a note pencilled by the deceased, and addressed to witness. Near the bed wa&a tumbler that had held laudanum. Miss Greig had frequently expressed a fear to witness that she should go mad."—The Coroner The note addressed to the landlady, which is undated, runs as follows Dear Mrs Hugo,—I beg your fowtfvetness for com- mitting this terrible deed In your house. I»lfe to me is, and has been for many, many months, one con- tinued torture. I cannot refrain from taking lauda- num, in the hope that it will end my wretched existence. My brain is fast going, and I am sparing my dear mother from seeing a far sadder fate befall me than that of death. I fear I should be afflicted with a living death. Try and comfort my dear mother with this idea. It is much better for me to be out of the world. I would fain write to my mother, but cannot do so. Good bye God bless you. Goa have mercy upon my soul, and guard my dearest, good mother. I have put this under your door, so that you may break the news gently to mother.—Your lov- ing friend, ISABELLA BARBARA GREIG. Mrs Hugo said the deceased had not carried out her intention of putting the note under her bedroom door, but she found the letter, as she had stated, in a drawer in Miss Greig's room, together with the laudanum bottle. Dr. T. Fairfield, 2, Walterton-road, certified that death was clearly due to laudanum poisoning. The jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst of unsound mind."

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, CARDIFF I I Report of the Senate. u I A special meeting of the Counoil of the University College of South Wales and Mon. mouthshire was hold at the College, Newport. road, Cardiff, on Friday afternoon. Dr. W. T. Edwards presided, and then were also present Piincipal Viriamu Jones, the Rev. J. D. Waiters, Dr. Treharne, Dr. Sheen, Mr J. Gunn, Mr H. M. Thompson, and Mr Evan Owen. The Council debenmned to appoint a demonstrator in the department of biology. The report of the Senate was presented, and the following awards were made on the work of the past session and the result of the annual examination Exhibitions to students of more than two years' standing-Mitis G. W. Horsnaill, Mr A. E. Williams, Miss A. W. Fisher, Mr Ivor B. John, Miss Edith H. Jones, Messrs J. G. Phillips, H. G-reenacomba, T. W. Cbanoe, and Wm. Rees Williams, and the Misses T. E. M. Williams and Ethel Lowden. Exhibitions to second year istudeDta-Migs M, E. Howell, Mr Thomas Matthews (normal student), Mr W. Thomas, Mr George Davies, Miss lA, L. Embleton, Mr Thomas G.iffitlis, Mr W. E. Williams (normal student), Miss Edith Howells (normal student), and Messrs C. T. England and D. E. Walters. Exhibitions to the following normal students, provided they are permitted by the Education Department to return for a third year :—The Misses H. Coates and Esther Morgan. Exhibitions to first year student#—Miss A. Baker, Messrs R A. Lewis, John Morgan, J. Llew. Thomas. A. Stephenson, Joseph Jones, G. H. Duttoo, Edgar R. Jones, and W. Philip Jones, the Misses M. G. Edwards and C. E. Browne, and Mr E. Price Joues. Exhibitions to the following first year normal students :-The Misses E. A. Davies and E. A. Thomas, Messrs E. H. Selwood, W. J. Jones,and D. M. Jenkins. Craddock Wells Exhibition to tho following students -For a sixth year, Messrs D. E. James and A. H. Thomas for a fifth year, Miss fcl. L. Trimnall; for a fourth year, Miss M. L. Ward, and Messrs Joseph Isaao. Cann, and C, T. Preeoe for a third year, the Misses E. M. Jenkins and Ellen Robers, and Mr John Brown for a Becond year, Messrs W. G. Birt, T. B, Davis, and Edward Morgan. The Dan Isaac Davies Welsh Exhibition- Messrs Daniel Mark and D. E. Walters (equal). It was decided to continue the scholarships oj the following students :—Miss E. E. Evans, Mr F. J, Rahtz, Miss G. E. Holding, Mr John Brown. Miss Isabel M. Schofield, Mr W. G- Birt, Miss Alice W. Smith, and Miss Hilda Davies. It was further deoided to recommend the 1 Drapers' Company to renew the scholarship of Mr T. B. Davies, the David Davies Memorial I Scholarship Committee the scholarship of Mr E. < H. A. Jones, and the Brecknock County Scholar- ship Committee that of Me W. R. Murray. I

SHOCKING DEATH OF A TRAMP. Last Sunday night a man was brought in a carriage from Llanfairfechau to the Ban«or Police Station, to all appearances dead. His pulsi, however, beat strongly. It appears he was d:s- covered early on Sunday morning lying unconscious in the strong sun on the roadside, bit the police were not informed till about three hours afterwards. Police oonstable Pugh then took the man to a coach. house close by, and sent for Dr. Clinton Hughes, who found the man suffering from the effects of drink, and treated him accordingly. Several hours later he was removed to Bangor and attended to, still unoonsoious, by Dr. Richard J ones, and under his efforts the tramp began to show signs of animation. He was evidently in frightful pain, and Dr. Jones expressed the opinion that he was suffering from alcoholic poisoning. There was found on the man a jacket belonging to a local hotel-keeper, in the pookets of which were a bottle of stout and a bottle of beer. It was suspected than the tramp had broken into an hotel on Saturday uight aud filled himself with overproof spirits. He was seen by the magistrates on Monday, and remanded to the Workhouse, where be has since died.

Ardeshir, though engaged in many valuable races this season, has not been out since the Middle Park Plate.

i r Control of Output, j — I^I THE ABANDONMENT STILL i DISCUSSED. MR EVAN THOMAS'S VIEWS. In reply to one of our reporters, Mr Evaf Thomas, referring to the collapse of the owners' output control scheme, said"Surely some mystery snrrounds the affair. It appears t4 me that some6 if not considerable, u consistency exists between the present action of the owners and their former resolutions. In the committee's opinion 90 per ceniu, excIu- sive of the anthracite district, were to have been sufficient. Great efforts were made to indues the anthracite owners to join when the committee thought it unnecessary to include that coal And now the scheme was to be flung away because "all" would not join. It struck ont, as being rattier strange, also that the Coalowner4 Association should arrive at a final decision before referring the matter for consideration ta the Joint Sliding Scale Committee, in accordance with the recommendation of the committee who drafted the amended scheme. Before abandoning the whole business an attempt, at all events, should be made to bring something about by joint < effort. The Sliding Scale itself would be jeopardised by the failure of the underselling scheme. It would be impossible for the men to continue to repose confidence in the Scale when it would be patent to all that the Scale simply afforded facilities for unscrupulous persons to sell the coal under its value and keep wages down to starvation point. It would be nor. asonablfi to expect continuance of confidence under such circumstances. The deficiency was only something about 20 per oent., and to allow an insignificant minority to control the vast majority of the owners and the whole of the workmen upon the present important occasion would be an undying shame and sad reflection upon the colliery community of South Wales. Nevertheless, it was to be hoped that this failure would not, after all, prove to be evil undiluted, but that some geod would come out of io. It should have the salutary effect of arousing and wakening the workmen of South Wales to asons of their duty in the direction of organisation. "j —■ 1

THE ETERNAL CLAUSE 23. A Suggestion. When nexb Barr) and Taff Companies dispute, the question, of Clause 23—that hardy perennial which settles tbe rate per ton per mile whioh one is to charge tbe obhor-bbey might do worse than follow the example of the Mansion House Association. This organisation has just ap. proached the Railway Commissioners with a request that that body would interpret its own judgment in a particular case. The idea would not.be altogether novel,so far asfregards the South Wales controversy, for was not the draftsman j of the famous or is it infamous I --clause put forward to declare exactly what i he meant when he put in order the words that have formed the subject of so much litigation and attempted legislation ? 1 What is further required is that the Committee which sanctioned the clause should also be called upon to declare their meaning. In the case of 1 the Railway Commissioners referred to, those gentlemen made a declaration which was directly opposed to the practice that bad followed upon their judgment, thus showing that their deliver- | ance must have been faulty. In the case of '] Clause 23 the wording has not been faulty, but terms used could hardly have been folly considered, or a loophole for contrary interpreta tion would not have been left. Of course, if praotice be instituted of calling upon tribuna to say what they meat), it is more than probable j that the spectacle of the Bute Bill pronouncement will be repeated, and that the utterance of one day may prove very different from that of another; and so confusion be, in certain circumstances, made worse confounded. On the J whole, probably a carefully drawn judgment which needs no explanation is to be preferred. It would be common place still, it would also J be common sense. But then, common sense is so I uncommon. J uncommon.

PAST EVENTS IN OUR ISLAND j RECALLED. | JULY 24TH. I 1712—-{Anne)—Marsha) Villara attacked' the Earl 1 of Albemarle, who was encamped with 13 i battalions and 30 squadrons at Denatn i the Earl was taken prisoner, 3,000 killed, | as many taken prisoners, and a vast j quantity of ammunition and provision, and 12 pieoea of oannon, 37 colours, and -< three standards, taken by the French. 1797-(George III.)—Nelson's unsuccessful attack J on Santa Cruz; the Admiral lost bis right J arm. 1 1801—(George III.)—Madeira was taken by OoL Clinton. 1813—(George HI.)—Pampeluna was besieged by Wellington. 9 1815—(George III.)—Napoleon arrived at TorbaJ J on board the Belierophon. 1825—(George IV.)—The Provisional Government of Greece applied to England for aid aguinat Turkey. i JULY 25TH. 3 on board the Betterophoa. 1825—(George IV. )-The Provisional Government of Greece applied to England for aid aguinat Turkey. i JULY 25TH. 3 1715—(George I.)—Commissions were issued for "j raising thirteen regiments of Dragoons and eight of Foot. 4 1724-(George L) -The South Sea Company fitted out twelve ships of 310 tons each in order J to revive the English whale fishery in ;| Greenland. A 1757—(George II.)—The Dakeof Cumberland was i defeated by Marshal D'Estrees at Harten- | beck. I 1800-(Goorge III.)—Capture of a Danish frigate j and convoy by a British squadron. 1814-(George III.)—Battle of Chippawa, North America. General Rial], supported by j General Drummond, defeated the Amen- cans. 1834—(William IV.)—Lord Albborpe announced a further murplus of revenue and reduced more taxes. J

:1 PRIZE DAY AT PORTHCAWL COLLEGE. The prizes were distributed all this school of Thursday by the Rev. W. Jones, rector on Newton. The Prinoipal, the Rsv. E. J. Newell, M.A., read the report of the school examiner, the Rev, W. J. Clarke, M.A., of Lincoln College, Oxford, who stated that the work of the exami- nation had been done very well indeed. The Rev. W. Jones delivered an interesting speech before distributjng the prizes, in which he reviewed the growth of educational advantages. The prize list was as followa:- Divinity D Griffiths. A H Deer, R Gibson. P Warburton; T Jones, L Lewis, Latin—E W Pegler, W B Evans, G Priestley, P Warburton. French—W B Evans, R Gibson, D Griffiths, G Priestley, A H Deer. English studies D Griffiths, E W Pegler, G Pnestley, P Warburton, R Gibson, J S Jones, E H Jones, T Jones. Mathematics D Griffiths, B Gibson, W R Evans, E H Jones, G Jotham. N Tinniswood. Cbemistry-G PriesUey. Bookkeeping a.nd shorchand-D Griffiths. Writing—G Joth&m. Music-A H Deer, E W Pegler. E Tomkins. Conduct G Jones. Cricket—J Jacob. Drawing-R Gibson, J • S Jones, JB McDonald, C O Marsh, G Dyke. Extnft conduct—A H Deer, G B Gunson, S Gunson,

-= SOUTH AFRICA. Rhodesian Rebels Defeated. j CApz TowN, Friday. 10.20 am.(Delayed is é r,%norb insion). -The Cape Mounted Polioe, undet Captain Marsh, have had a most successful eu. counter with the rebels at Koraoaberg. The enemy were completely routed, losing five killcji and ten wounded. A number of hones were captured, inoludmg one ridden by Obief Galishwet A fresb patrol is following the rebels. A further outbreak of rinderpest is reported from Natal. Farmers in the Eastern Provinoe of Cape Colony have been thrown into a state of panic owing to an outbreak of the disease in their midst.—Renter. BcLtrwAYO, Friday.-Dr. Jameson has arrived here. -Reuter.

MR H. M. STANLEY ON SOUTH AFRICA. Speaking at Oswestry last night. Mr H. M. Stanley criticised the report of the Sooth Africa Committee. He agreed, he said, with the majority of the Committee's conolusious. Mr Rhodes had undoubtedly abused his position in promoting the insurrection at Johan- nesburg, but the Committee had, in his judg- ment, erred in not sufficiently taking into consideration the causes which provoked the i.regular policy of Mr Rhodes. He condemned the disposition to houud this man to death, or at any rate to reader him useless to that splendid territory.

STRIKE OF DRAYMEN. A Derby correspondent telegraphs :—Owing "t# a strike of draymen the Aberdeen, North British, and Caledonian Railway Companies have notified the southern companies to advise senders of gas that they cannot be held reeponsi- ble for delay in delivery.

WOMAN AND INFANT DROWNED Last evening a young woman named Mary Baldwin,of Phcenix-street, Inchicore,Dublin,while nursing a neighbour's three months old child on the bank of the Liffey accidentally fell into the water, carrying the infant with her. Both werf drowned. i