South Wales Echo

ODDFELLOWSHiP AT SWANSEA. The annual banquet of the members of the Loyal James Lodge of Oddfellows was held on Thursday evening in the new lodge-room of the Working-men's Club, Swansea. The Mayor (Alderman James Jones) presided, and there was a large attendance. Alter the loyal toasts had been honoured, Mr MONGER proposed "The Town and Trade of Swansea." He alluded to the work which was being done by the corporation for the improvement of the town, and bore hearty testim to the excelleut work the mayor had done, especially since he had occupied the civic chair. His worship was now busily engaged in promoting the successful passage through fariiament of a bill wbich should prove of much advantage to the inhabitants and that evening his worship had come specially from London to preside at that banquet. (Cheers.) He pointed out the importance of every possible step being taken to secure the adoption of every clause of the bill, and expressed assurance that the mayor would devote all the time and energy necessary for the accomplishment of this purpose. (Cheers.) Mr PASCOE (secretary of the district) res-ponded, and spoke most hopatully of the trade prospects of the district, and of tho great future which lay before the port. The MAYOR also responded, and in alluding to his absence in London on corporation business, expressed his deep regret at finding that a gentleman who represented in Parliament a portion of the borough—on a whom they had always admired and looked up to was an opponent of the bill tho town was promoting. He always had, and continued to have, the highest respect for Sir Hussey Vivian, but he could not help saying that his attitude oil this question was entirely against the wishas of the ratepayers vt the district he represented. (Cheers.) The extension of the boundaries of the borough was of the greatest importance to them and to their children, and to see the gentleman they IIlIgh have expected to tight through Chick and thin for them go against them on such a question was a circumstance he very much regretted. (Cheers.) He then gave tho toast of the evening. Mr JAMES HOLMES (district; master) and tho CHAIRMAN responded. Both bore testimony to the strength and value of Oddfellowship. The toast of Kindred Societies was proposed by the Mayor, and responded to by Messrs E. Smith and Chalk.-The "Press" was honoured on the proposal of Mr E. Smith; and "The health of (he (.Ni C,)Ilci)) was drunk, on th j proposal of Mr Thomas. Songs were sung, and a most 6ujnyauld enHlill was spent.

SERGES, DGNGAKEES, PILOTS, &C., and all kinds of Indigo-dyed Garments. Eoyal Nary Serges, as i supplied to her Majesty's Government.—Jotham and Sons 26 & 27, St Mary-street, Cardiff. 375 WHAT ROYALTY THINK OF GOLDIE BROS. PHOTOGRAPHJ.—His hoyal Highness the Duke of Teck writes follows I arii very much obliged to youforyoui-lziti attention in selHling \b the charmin photos made at Clyn Park. Both H.R.H. and I I offer you our best thanks.—Believa me, your obedient servant, TfiCK."—GOLDIE £ &0S„ 66, Qu«en-atreet, Cardiff. 3

FUNERAL OF THE LATE^REVJl SAMUEL PRICE. The remains of the late Rev Samuel Price were interred at the chapcl-of.eit.;e burying ground, in the parish of Margam, on Thursday afternoon, The following ministers officiated at the residence of the deceased and at the grave :—Revs Thomas Richards, Llausamlet; Moses Thomas, Resolveu; Rf-es Phillips, Aberavon Ebenezer Jones, Neath David Phillips, Swansea Wm. Williams, Swansea; and D. M. Davies, Penclawdd. Among those present at the funeral were: —Revs Evan Williams, Moses Williams D. Thorne Evans, Thomas E; Edwards, Jenkin Jenkins, Thomas Davies, Hugh Harris, Wiliiam Morgan, Lodwig Lewis, Evan H. Evans, H. T. Stephens, D. M. Thomas, Evan Rowlands, Richard Burgas, T. H. Thomas (I.), Taibach; Messrs Thomas Beddoe, Daniel Davies, David Jones, Thomas Thomas, William Williams. Thomas Lewis, John Merchant, E, Davies, D. Singleton, E. LIeweHyn, Rees Rees, Richard Thomas, Howell Griffith, Thomas David, Wm. Joseph, John Davies, Edward Howe, and Wm. 3fe>i>%afe

NEWPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The monthly meeting of the Newport Chamber of Commerce was hel'l yesterday at the Town- hall, Mr W. E. H"ard, the president, in the chair. There was a goo'd attendance, which included Sir George Eliiott, Bart, M.P. Tne principal business was the reception of tbe long-deferred report, prepared by a sub-committee, as to the causes of the decrease of tha trade of the port. Mr G. R. MARTYN asked how the report had got into the local papers. Was the committee or the secretary the divnlger ? The CHAIRMAN replied that neither had done so, but that the press had ways and means, wonderful, he confessed, of getting information, and it would take a very clever man to suppress it. (Hear, hear, arid Sir GEORGE ELLIOT understood from the secretary that certain statements in the report were inimical to the trade ot the town, and on that ground he thought car^shouldba taken in exposing to other competing places information which might hereafter prove damaging to the reputation of the town and port. (Hear, hear.) He was not suggesting that the report should be sup- pressed. He was only giving expression to hie views as representing the town. The Alexandra Dock Company could take care of itself. The CHAIRMAN said that in the compilation of I the report geat care had been taken to verify facts and figures, and to understate rather than overstate results. There were many things in the report which Sir George Elliot ought to know, as I there were people surrounding him who kept things purposely from his knowledge. Unless Sir George knew how the town and port were suffering he could not take measures to cure them. He proposed that the secretary read the report. ?-I r T. COLBORNE seconded tire niotion. Mr C. H. LONSDALK moved an amendment that the report be considered in committee, and 1\11' Wilkinson seconded this, Sir GEORGE said his interest in the welfare of the town alone prompted him to suggest that the chairman should first consider the report on committee. The CHAIRMAN could not imagine what had alarmed the gentlemen on his right, but something had frightened them very much. (Mr Lonsdale No, no.) Personally he had no desire to force the question. There was a serious falling off in the trade of the port, and he was one of the sufferers. This falling of occasioned the greatest possible anxiety amongst the shipping community. He was glad to see Sir George Elliot there-(hear, hear]—and if he would take steps in conjunction with the dock authorities and the Harbour Commissioners a great number of these troubles would be cured but, if the Alexandra Dock Company stood aloof, the Harbour Commissioner s did not do their duty—(Mr Lonsdale Really 1)- and the corporation of Newport did not take up these matters, there would be no redress at all.- The ameudment to consider the report in com- mittee was then carried by 20 to 3. The meeting in committee lasted three hours.

The Westphalian Mines. I A GREAT STRIKE. I SERIOUS STATE OF AFFAIRS. I Sanguinary Street Conflict. I [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAMS.] I BERLIN, Friday AfternooB.-The strikes iif Wustphalia are assuming alarming and gigantic proportions. The number of men on strike amounts to nearly 100,000, and conflicts more or less serious are of daily occurrence. Princa Bismarck is watching the course of events with the closest attention, aud it is quite probable that at the proper moment the word will go forth that the reasonable, demands or the men for shorter hours and better wages must be granted. For the moment, however, the authorities are determined to restore and maintain order. Last evening and this morning further additional reinforcemsnts were s. nt into the disturbed district. From D three squadrons of the Second Westphalian Hussars and three .-•quadrons of the First Westphalian Uhlans have been sent, and infantry regiments are to follow. From Wesel have been sent two battalions, from Lipstadt one battalion, and three squadrons of cuirassiers. Tiie strikers, however, have not been overawed. At Bochuin yesterday evening they assembled in the interior streets of the town, and behaved in such a riotous manner that the troops were called out. The ricters retreated slowly before the military as far as the railway-station, and there halted and faced the troops, but made no attack. Just at this critical mortlent a train arrived in the station, and the passengers, not knowing what was going on, walked as usual into the street toward the troops. The officer in command, believing that these offensive persons were strikers about to attack his men, ordered tho troops to lire. The volley killed two innocent persons, viz., a platelayer and a gentleman, who had just arrived by the train. Two other men, one woman, and a boy were seriousiy woundsd. Blood has also beeu shed at Brackel, where the troops fired on a riotous concourse, killing three nnd wounding several others. In the working-class quarters here great agitation pravails, and steps are being taken to show sympathy for, and send money tn, the strikers. It is significant that the whole of the German press, with the exception of the ultra-Conser- vativo or high Tory newspapers, think the demands of the meu ou strike should be gruuted iu whole or in part. BERLIN, Thursday Night. The man say that their wages are not in proportion to the profits gained by their employers. In the year 1283 a workman' yearly earnings amounted on an average to gaS uiarks (£45 bs), while m 1837 they bad sunk to 833 marks, a decrease of 72 marks, or nearly 8 1-1"" cent. At the same time, the production has ri.-en consider- ably. According to the latest telegram from Gelsenkirchen, the centre of tbe strike, a meeting was summoued by the strikers of the Hibernia" mine, which decided to adhere to the or ginal demand for an increase of 15 per cent. in wages and a reduction of the hours ot wcik to seven. The statement was made to the effect that the strikers bad arrived at an understanding with the minets of England, Belgium, and Silesia, and the inter- national character of the disturbance is evident from the distribution among the workmen of sums of money which had been sent from abroad. Military reinforcements have again been sent to the spot, although no serious disturbances have occurred. But there is considerable danger of encounters between the strikers and the workmen from the iron and steel works, which have been stopped by the want of coal. The managers of mines in the Dortmund district have held a meeting, at which it was resolved to meet the demands of the strikers half way if the latter would first resume work. It is possible that the Govei-titti, nt will mediate between the strikers and their employers. BERLIN, Friday Night.-Later particulars from Bracknel state that the disturbance there this morning originated by two miners attacking two colliery officials. The soidiers thereupon inter- fered, and in the struggle between the strikers and the military which ensued three miners and a woman were kdied. At. Dortmund this atternoon, Herr Herrfurth, Minister of the Interior, pre- sided at a meeting of high Government officials and prominent employers of labour, held to consider the strike. To-morrow Prince von Bismarck will preside at a similar meeting in Berlin. It is probable that a state of siege will be proclaimed throughout the disaffected district. A Newcastle telegram states :-In consequence of the strike at German collieries, a large demand for coal and coke has suddenly sprung up at Newcastle. A large quantity of coke has been sold at an advance of trom 2s to 2s 3 1. Freight rates have increased in sympathy.

A CLAIM FOR BOARD AND LODGINGS. At thecounty-courtyestordty-be fore hisHonont Judge Owen—an action was heard at the suit of hit landlady against Mr Collingwood. late deputy town clerk cf Cardiff, for jE28 919 had been paid into court. Mr Collingwood it seemed, lodged at the house of the plaintiff for a consider- able period, and had some friends with him stopping occasionally. It was said on behalf of the plaintiff that Mr Collingwood bad agreed to become responsible for the expenditure incurred for the ac-ommodation of his friends. On the other hand that was denied, and it was alleged that some of the items for butcher's meat, etc., were charged twice over.—Mr Arthur Lawig4 instructed by Mr A. H. Heard, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr Belcher for the defence. —After the production of sundry bills and the examination of the plaintiff, Mr Collingwood, and one of his friends, his Honour gave a verdict for the amount claimed.

ETHEI'S LIFE-WORK. The last word" of the fair 8peaker were followed by a burst of applause. She was a sweet girl hid rfaiivprpd f(!n earnest, touching manner 8 valedictory. Valedictories are had dwelt nai-c'6 '^e world over, but she tn have soma cular,y on the idea that we ought »Drewed TJ'S 'a M* wi^ion," she enmnaninn t finished by beseeching her intended them to da™* £ heir .Jreat*r that and 11 work assiduously for we«hbe"ng loS8wUh 6re °Ver' T*rad?at,l8 mat-nKocf— *"ea with congratulation?, a school- and whispered- °f the fa'r valedictorian Ethel *aDt 'ntr°duce my brother to you, »2ij°diSS^3S?? to the spot where st°0'1 "TVi-u V18061'looking young man. My briber, Miss Ethel Wright." nnrnrom loan bowed, and Miss Merrill the viI^ ,Riy withdrew to chat with some of ,k. u d av'og Ethel annoyed at finding that broth«r» °J ID* to say t0 ^-bis stranger. But my brother at once broke the ice. von a-of^Un?e>0u have been congratulated until borev(n'r^u 9a'(^ be pleasantly,so I will not rln ti,'i Wl a repetition of compliments. But Were i °W Wbat 1 was wondering while you » DR' Mi88 Wright ? •Rnorance °^a'rvoyanl:> must confess my Work ^°Ddered wb»t y°u ^ad cb°gen for a life- tircidiy ra^er embarrassed as she answered, ti not yet found it, Mr Merrill." u_ Uf ^°u e*Pect to, 1 suppose. Don't you vonr thiug in which you excel ? Do MT ^nations tend toward any one point?" tion ITT that they do. I am fond of elocu- J„ _J, "ke music and painting just as well. I 10 all, Jrts of fancy work—indeed, I'm afraid that an' ack of all trades and master of none.' — f ,y> 'he earnestness with which you advised f J6 graduates assured me that you had n your life-work some time ago." earnest in the desire to find it/' she awered simply, and I regret that I have not Yet suce-ede,,i in ioinz alt ? naonaBn'; some one else claimed Ethel's ention, and with a very courteous I sincerely _9Pe to meet you again, Miss Wright," Mr Merrill pa83ed ew days later Kate Merrill suddenly appeared at Ethel's home in the city, 0, Ethei il, she cried. We're to have company this evening, and I've come to take you 1,18 to stay all night. Will you let me?" ^a'?ly» mother is willing/' Air-! Wright made no objection to the proposed arrongement. and Etbe! gladly accompanied her old schoolmate. I am so delighted to have you," said impulsive Katie, "and I know Paul will be. He has spoken abcut you a number of time since commencement day. Did he call me a little goose for seriously y vising others to have an aim in life when I really ave none myself ?" No he called you a sensible girl, and he said something else, too, which I will not repeat for fear of making you vain." 'Don't do it. Just tell me what you think my forte is." Can't tell you. Dear me I haven't found toy Own. Paul was asking about it yesterday. I told him I supposed I would, in a general sort of Way, you know, do all the good I could, and enjoy IIlIelf as much as possible, until I settled down to married life." "But, Katie, you ought to have some particular aim. Now, don't you think you could devote yourself to usic You have such an excellent ear for that," No, I couldn't; I can drum away for my "lands' amusement, but if I attempted anything in the devoting line, I should learn to hate music." This conversation bad taken place in the car, and as the girls had now reached their journey's end, it cam» to a sudden termination. Ethel had to undergo the ordeal of meeting for the first time Mr and Mrs Merrill, but thi? was; soon over, and she felt perfectly at home. Yet she longed for evening, when Katie's brother would be there. Somehow she had an idea that he would help her to find her niche in life. he bad seemed so interested in the subject. When he arrived she waited only for the exchange of tho usual greet- Ing, anci then asked, earnestly,— ,r Merrill, what do you tbink my life-work might be ?" You are still in quest of it he asked, with a smile. j Please do not laugh at me I am very serious, and I don't know what to do." Well, let no see we'll talk it over together." ,f Ethel," came from another part of the room, 'want yon to play a song for us." That spoils our talk for the present," said Mr lrr'"» a8 '^bel arose to comply. Once seated at the piano, the young girl found it difficult to get away her friends kept her playing or singing for almost an hour. When they at last released her, Mr Merrill was nowhere to be seen, nor did he again appear that evening. It seemed strange to Ethel that he should loave his sister's friends without one word of explanation. The following morning, when Katie and Ethel went downstairs, they found Paul Merrill, hat and coat in band, preparing to leave the house. Good morning, ladies," he said "I was sorry to be compelled to leave you so abruptly last evening. A patient required my immediate attention." A patient repeated Ethel, looking very much surprised. Why, y»s—Paul is a physician didn't you know that ?" exclaimed the sister. "Is it possible that you failed to notice his shingle by the door?' You see I have found my life-work, Miss Wrigtit." I wish I could say the same, Mr Merrill." Dear me said Katie if you two al;p going to talk about life wo:k, I'm going away. And do Say Pnul aud Ethel, and drop ceremony." Such a command as that I dare not disobey," said the young doctor, wben'his sister had carried ber threat into execution. "Now, Ethel, I am again denied the pleasure of your society by being called to a patient. Shall I see you here again, and may I call at your house some evening, to continue our taik about that life-work?" Of course Ethel replied that she would be glad to lep hj, any time, the while wondering if she ought to recent his familiarity or take no notice of it. Her name sounded very agreeable as uttered by him. One evening, wiien Katie rode down to see her fr I'gn'l' she found Brotnêr Paul calmly sitting with Ethel in the Wright's parlour. "'Well, I declare, Paul! What brought you here?" i cam to talk about your mission," answered Paul, mischievously. "Mission fgain I'm going home. I'm a girl Without a motion, and I abhor them." "Oh, stay pieaded Ethel. I promise that the subject shall not be mentioneil while you are Present. But the subject was such a broad one that young Doctor Merrill was compelled frequently to talk it over with Ethel. First they decided on elocution, and she took lessons in that branch, but finally tired of it. Then she thought she was intended for a writer, but ;if;er having six .'<rtic!as "declIned with thanks," she changed her mind. Por a i ujje 8he tried music, bUI much of that proved wearisome. Y t with commendable zeai Ethel continued to took for her life-work, always finding it easier to think ana talk about it when Doctor Merrill was there to think and talk with her. At last he appeared with a very glad countenance. "Ethel," he said in a low tone, I hope I have found a mission for you:" The rest he whispered softly in her ear. "Oh, no she exclaimed, very much startled. "That c,nlt be it I" Then I must go home and never come here iny more "Why? "she asked, her lips trembling, and the slightest suspicion of tears in her blue eyes. It was cuutemptibie in Doctor Merrill, but he whispered "in, and only Ethel heard what he sairi. However, we may know that if two bodies cannot occupy the same space at the same time, two bodies came very opar performing the feat in Mrs Wright's parlour that evening. We may know ab() that ere many months had flold Paul and E hsi were lining liappily in adeir little home of their own. That wa then years age, and to-day they seem as contented as they were then. Ethel chanced to be particularly busy the other day when I dropped into see her. She was writing something for her husband, and at the same time helping her lit le boy witii his lessons, .Those duties finished, three-y^ar-old May wanted her doll dressed. In the midst of that operation nurse walked in with baby, who knew that her time to play with mkmrria had airived. All these things Ethel attended to without the least sign of Suny or annoyance. Some women seem Peet), v adapted for home life. The doctor watched his little wife as she lovingly waited upon everybody, and then, throwing down some work on which he had been engaged, he drew her to his side and said— We keep you busy, don't we, dear. I have Just been wondering if you ever doubted that you had chosen the life-work which God meant for yon." "Never for one instant," she returned with a happy smile, and I believe it to be the sweetest God ever gave to woman."

ALLEGED FABRICATING A VOTING PAPEB. Prosecution at Pontardawe. At the Pontardawe petty sessions on Friday before Messrs G. B. Strick and H. Llnyú-a. beer retailer named Robert Stewart, of Pontardawe, -all summoned for fabricating in whole or in part a certain voting paper at the last election of Wardians at Pontardawe, with intent to affect the result of the election." Mr T. G. Richards appeared for the complainant (Mr Birchall Rses, lile Unsuccessful Cindidate), and Mr J. Plews was for said the election took place on the 8th and 9dl ult. Siuce the summons has been issued he saw defendant, who admitted that he jad signed the voting paper of Alatthew Lewis, but said he thought no harm would come of it, and asked him not to press the charge. He said Lewis was absent at the time. In cross-examination complainant stated that th«5B u e Lewis's house the wife told him „ue ^be paper was filled up by defendant before look round, and sha did not authorise he bad* v. 't- husband told him dunrivart away» al°d w»s indignant at being ■aid he w^ at this stage, Mrs Lew" unable to complete the case because to attend'IIL.TJ10 witness, was too unwell a month 9 Case Was therefore adjourned for

Vecetabb FUlwuS Ijiver Pill—Kernick's vegetaDie «ll3-7id, I3id, an<J 2a 9d boxes. 262 1 £

I THE BRIDEGROOM'S COAT. "I never was in such a hideous fix in all my II' life," said Ransom Palmer, one of the risin young men of Austin. The young man was certainly in a bad fix. He was to be married at a quarter past twelve o'clcck that day. At twelve o'clock he was expected at the house of the fair bride. It was now half-past eleven. The carriage that was to convey him to the house of the bride's parents had been standing at his door for an hour, the horses impatiently champing the hit, He was waiting for the tailor to bring his wedding coat. He was otherwise compietely dressed for the occasion. He even had his bair curled and his boots sbined. "Pat on your old coat," said Thompson Hyde, who was to nrnci,1te as his best man. "Never," said Palmer; "it is shabby, it is out of fashion and the elbows are shiny. People would think I was a reporter, I tell you, Thompson, if Louisa were to see m" in that coat she would refuse to marry me. 0, if I could only lay my hands on that tailor for about ten minutes And the despairing bridegroom gritted hi. tp.,th It is a quarter of twelve," remarked his best .nan. Tt)e affair is becoming really serious. When did that cursed tailor say he would have the coat here ?" "He promised by all that was good and holy to have that coat here at half-past ten o'clock, and now he has gone back on m. I wonder if some rival is not trying to prevent the marriage?" Suppose you send for the coat." It is too late," exclaimed Palmer, with a gesture of hopelessness and he stuck his head I' out of the window and looked up and down the street in a frenzied manner, notwithstanding the fact that three old maids, cencealed behind the curtain of a window opposite, were watching him. He was also aware that :\1r8 Randolph Paterson, I a fat woman who lived one house further on, wall flattening her nose against the pane of glass. She was a picket guard to inform the rest of the I household of the appearance of the bridegroom. There was also a group of small boys, living in the neighbourhood, gathered around the door, waiting impatiently to see the bridegroom enter the carriage. It is very stupid of you to put off everything until the last minute," -aid Hyde impatiently; it just serves you right." I know it does," replied the despairing man, but it is too late to argue the question now. A coat A coat A kingdom for a coat I" I would have had my toggery ready for a I week," said Hyde, looking down at his immacu- late toilet. A man should never take such An idea seemed to have struck Ransom Palmer. risk3." He cast a look upon his friend very much like that which a cannibal casts upon his victim. Thompson, my boy, you are just about my size and build." 11 Just about," was the response. j Seizing his friend by the arm, the would-be husband exclaimed, Lend me your coat Don't talk foolishness," responded Hyde, recoiling a step at the very idea. Prove that you are really a friend and lend me your swallow-tailed coat. Nobody will notice that, you are not dressed in the height of fashion, ¡ or that your elbows shine." O, yes they will," said Hyde with a sickly smile; "but if you are in a swapping humour I will swap places with you, and be the bridegroom, Don't joke about serious things," said Palmer, almost with tears in his eyes if you have got any real friendship for me don't leave me in this horrible scrape. I never afterwards could have any confidence in you if you did. The first boy shall be named after you. Come, now, that's a goodlfellow." There was so much misery depicted in the face of Palmer that his friend surrendered. Perhaps it was the other inducement that caused him to yield. A moment later the exchange was made and the carriage roiled off amid the shouts of the delighted street arabs. There were the usual congratulations and ceremonies everything went off smoothly. The bride's mother shed tears. Everybody seemed full of happiness except Thompson Hyde, who was of happiness except Thompson Hyde, who was satisfied that the eyes of the company were riveted on his bad fitting coat and shitiv eib-jws. The br¡rhl couple took the train for Houston. Young Mrs Palmer managed to get rid of seme of her superfluous modesty when the happy couple were seated in the palace car. She leaned her head on the breast of her husband's coat, or rather on the breast of Thompson Hyde's coat. Ransom, do you ever smoke ?" she asked 31dcJen]y, No. darling, never-that if. not often. Have you ever seen me with a cigar?" What is that bard thing in the breast pocket of your coat. That is my memorandum book, honey." It looks very much as if you were trying to deceive me," she replied and, before he could object, she bad reached in his pocket and drawn out a cigar case, on one side of which was embroidered, in red letters, To my Darling." lVIrs Palmer looked reproachfully at her bus. band. "So you do smoke after all? But—er—who did the embroidering on this cigar ca-te ? "That is rot my cigar case," said Palmerf trying to look indifferent, it belongs to a friend of mine." I don't believe you," said young Mrs Palmer as she closed her fingers tightly on a letter which, together with a fiue white p^ckethan kerchief, she had taken from his pocket unseen by him. Five minutes later the train stopped at a railroad I station, and Palmer got out of the car to get his I wife soino r,. She utilized the oppor- tunity to open the letter. It wa-; written in a small female hand and signed Your ever loving Amelia." To say that Mrs Palmer was exasperated was to use ridiculously inadequate language. She was in a perfect rage. The bsband wilen he returned I with the lemonade, was somewhat astonished at the ferocity of her expres-uoa. Here is some nice lemonade. We will not arrive at our destination for several whole hours yet." "I am very much obliged to you," said the wife, with great dignity, "I am going to get off r g i.1 t here." You are going to get off The train is going (Off HI romute. What Ulo You InQarl ? We will be left." "You will be left, for I am going right back to my mother, where I spent the happy days of my childhood," and she burst into tears, Louisa," exclaimed the husband, disagreeably surprised. You are (ievil, a sreak, t dece7,ver. I will never have anything more to do with you. Oh, you vile, vile wretch "Calm yourself, my dear," said the young husband. I' "You can go to your Amelia, if you want to," she replied with withering sarcasm. Who the devil, is she Whs t (IOe-, this mean, villaic 2" said Mrs Palmrr, producing the ominous document from her pocket, and shaking it under her nose. Mr Palmer looked at the letter, and seemed to be very much surprised. he I should have II told about it before, but it is not too late now." 011. I know what It H. I always f-uspee'ed it. You have got another wife. Why didn't I die before I became the victim of a heartless Not quite," answered Mr Palmer, but you see the tailor didn't have my coat ready for the wedding, so I had to borrow Mr Hyde's coat in a hurry, and all these letters and this c-'gar case behng to hilll," "Oii Ransom Oij, L,)uisr!" J

I SUSPICIOUS DEATH OF A GENTLEMAN. Considerable excitement his prsvailad during the p:tst week at Meopham, a villngo about five miles from in connection with a I discovery made several weeks ago in [I, wood about a mile and 3. half from the village. Details I of the affair have not hitherto obtained publicity, bnt the facts shortly are these. On March 30 11 the body of a man sitting upright on a tree stump was found by a keeper. Part of the fle-ii oo the hands and lace had been eaten by rats. An inquest was held in due course by the county coroner, and a verdict returned in accordance with the medical evidence that death resulted from apoplexy. One of the witnesses, named Dig-by Dnmoni, employed at Horn's Oak House, the residence of a gentleman named Epps in the locality, identified the body as that of Mr Alfred T. Bolton, of London, ag-od 35, whom he had met at a res- taurant in London some months ago, and had invited to Horn's Oak House. Bolton accordingly visited the witness two or three times, the last date being February 14th. On leaving he intimated that he should come again cn February 25th, but nothing more was seen of him. He was attended by a local surgeon for some iliness on his last visit. The police have circulated a description of the deceased, and in consequence of a memorial having been forwarded to the Treasury, re- investigation has been initiated by the Chief Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, in conjunction with Captain Ruston, of the Kent County Constabulary.

TWO CHILDREN KILLED AT BRISTOL. At Bristol yesterday a horse attached t') a carriage took fright and galloped down a steep hill. Two children on their way home from school were knocked down, one being killed on the spot, and the other surviving ouiy a few hours. The runaway anmial continued its mad career, and was stopped by the driver of a rail- way V..II, who drew his vehicle across the road. The animal was seriously injured, and the driver badly bruised.

THE BIRCHGROVE DISASTER. Recovery of Another Body. Early yesterday morning the searchers at tho Birchgrove Colliery discovered the body of the fourth victim of tn- flooding of the mine, viz., John Hoskms. New the scene of the disaster is a po )1, and the men on Thursday decided to drain it oy means of pipes. This having been done, men were let down by ropes, and one brought up the body,

YANKEE YARNS. WHAT IT IS COMING TO, Mr Creme: Delia, my dear, shall we go to the opera to night ? Mrs Delia Creme (reproachfully) You forget that; i¡; i Norah' night out? Mr C. Thursday night, then? .Ilrs C. Norah's cousin visits her on Thursday nights, and so she has no tune to attend to the children. Mr C. (desperately): Friday night. Mrs C. Why, Paul, you know that is Den- nis's night out, and Patricio will not drive-he is the footman. I Mr C. (meekly): What (io you say if we slip out Saturday morning and listen to a sidewalk ban'i ? Do you think the butler would object?— Drake's Magazine. A THRIFTY OLD PARSON. Old Parson Bi-mk, who lives less than one hun- dred miles from here (says the Atlanta Constitu- tion) will never go to tho poorhouse it there is any virtue in economy. Some time ago he invited a friend to visit his fish pond and try his luck. The friend 'accepted, and spent an afternoon fishing with the parson. When they started home the parson pressed the other to take his string of fish, but the iruest replied that he had caught enough, and was satisfied with the result of his sport. All right," said toe parscn. "Let us see— that big fish is worth a quarter, and these five are 20 cents apiece, and this little one is 10 cents -a dollar and 35 cents for the lot." The visiting fisherman looked at the pareen a moment. He read business in the flinty face, and without a word forked over the casn. Great Scott I" he said, when he told his wife about it, "if I had accepted the old man's string, too, it would have left me flat broke." HE OWNED THE BOT. A boy is a strange macnine, isn't he? queried the Colonel, as be looked out of the office window. I d(in't see anything so very strange about that particular boy," replied one of the other loungers, as he sauntered up and saw a boy of ten on tho opposite side of the street. But he's got a jug," persisted the Colonel. Well, what of it ? Can't a boy curry a jug?" "But he is swinging it around his head Lot him swing. You never saw a boy who wouldn't," I'JI bet he breaks it before he gets to the corner," exclaimed the colonel. Nonsense "Bet you 20dols." Done Half a dozen rushed up to watch further pro- ceedings. The boy continued to swing the jug, i apparently bent upon performing some particular feat, and just before he reached the corner bis hand slipped and the jng was dashed to pieces. "I knew it! I knew it chuckled the colonel as he danced around. Dr <t him—here's yur money growled the other. An hour later, after spending the interval in soJemn thought, the loser mildly inquired— Colonel, did you think you had a sure thing on me ? "Certainly. I bought that jug for the boy, and gave him 50 cents to cr.rry out the programme HE DID.4 T PLAT, Here is a good one on Passenger Agent Jewett, "It was a month or so ago," says the gentleman who gav, it away, that the genial passenger agent was aiming from St Louis to Kansas City on Conductor Fitzgerald's train. Fits seemed worried. Every time be made his trip through the train, he would go in, sit down by Jewett and have a R,),)(i "What's worrying you, Fitz?" suys Jewett. Worry ? Why, worry doesn't name it. There's a fellow in the smoker who has been eating limburger cheese that he brought over with him from Switzerland and it stopped on the way through Germany and Norway to get strength. He's got the smoker ail to himself and I can't get to him unless I cut -iiy way through the sinell. "'Well,' says Jewett, laughing. 'There's nothing I Lke so much as limburger and I can Ive m" stand anything. Give me your punch and I'll get his tickpt.' "Thanks, Jewett, you're a dandy. Here you are.' So Jewett wandered in. He passed nonchalantly through the train whistling an air from The B uhemian Girl and occasionally thinking up a plan to do up John Sebas- tian. Finally he got to the smoker. He saw the lonely pa-senger and laughed at Fitzgerald's face. He opened the car door; the smell was strong, but perfectly familiar to the gonial passeuger agent. He walked up to the smoking car hermit, evi- dently enjoying the thing. He tapped bim on the shoulder; it was-an easy, every-day tap. The passenger turned and faced him. Tickets said Jewett. Ha said the passenger. Wheu Jewett caught the man's Ha he made for the door. It was too much even for the Kansas City passenger agent who liked limburger, and as a result there was one man on the train who hil a car ail to himself from St Louis to Kansas C'ty, *nd it didn't cost him a cent. Kansas City Globt. GRACEFUL WALKRRS. A woraiu with t!iircy-s;x inch bust and a twenty.inch wijist can never become a graceful walker, says a writer in the Kansas City Times Instead of turning her jright toot one-haif to the right aud her left foot straight out in front, giving the lmfressiou that one of her legs is shorter than the other, causing her to have a half-rotary motion A- every step, I would teach her to turn her toes out evenly, about a quarter say, and step straight out from the hip, touching on the bail of the foot first. But to do this she would be obhghfjd to take off her 31 C, with its French heel, and don a broad-soied, low-heeled sensible /lumber 4. Graceful walkers tvho wear French heels exist only in imagination. The length of the step should be regulated by the! height and adipose of the lady for the one in question the stride should be twenty inches the present stride is about fiiteen- for the lady just crossing the track there, the step houId he eighteen inches, though with her height if she were twenty-five pounds lighter two inehes miht be added. By the way," iie said criticahy, that lady moves with a graceful composure that i* really attractive, particularly to olle AI) heaviiy buiit, She has a pretty loot, toe, I'll warrant, though is is too small for the weight, it carries. I knew it," he added, trium- phantly, as the lady in question, who is forewoman in one of the large dry-goods establishments in the city, lifted her skirts in c'-ossing a pool of water, displaying a pair of trim No. 3 hoots as support, for her 130 pounds of avoirdupois. Did you ever notice the manner in which some Women cross a muddy piace ? Look at that one nlwl," he said, laughingly. A handsomely- dressed lady was undertaking to cross Ninth- street. Her right hand holding her muff, she wildly brandished it in the noses of four or five snoring horses, while in her left she nervously gcaspod the folds of her dress toward the bottom. A pair of trim ankles, black calves and-wdl, sr>mo dainty lace frills were in full view on the left side, while on the right her pretty silk gown was trailing in the mud as sli-, balancing on her heels with toes in the chair, was desperately working her way through the mud. —

BREWERS AND THE BEEH DUTY A general meeting of the Country Brewers 1 Society was held yesterday afternoon at the Westminster Palace Hotel, Major I-dierwood presiding. The following resolutions were unanimously cai-ried proposed by Major Isher- wnorJ, seconded by Mr Junes Wigan — That this meeting expresses its surprise and deep disappointment at Mr Gowhen's attack on the brewing trade and his nnconciliatory refu-al to limit the in- crease in the beer duty to the current year and it llesirts further te record us extreme disappointment at seeing at attempt made to inflict perpetual and per- manent injury on the brewing trade. Proposed by Mr H. A. Simonds, and seconded by Mr T. O. Wethered :— That this meeting protests against any increase in the beer duty being made in a manner which is not understood by the general public, ijaii,eiy, by altering the stan.lard uf gravity on winch the duty is charged and, whilst repudiating Mr Goscheo's statements on this subject, regrets that he h is shrunk from submitting the points of difference to a. committee of experts nominated by himself, as suggested to him by the brewers' deputation, and by whose decision they offered to abide. It was further resolved ;— That inasmuch as the proposed increase in the beer duty must sail further depress the price of barley as pointed out by Sir Michael Hicks-Beach in 1885, and as it is equivalent to a retiuction of one-haif percent, on the dividends of brewtries, and must consequently lower the price of brewery shares, it is tlesirctb e to seek the assist mce of the agricultural interest and the holders of shares in brewery companies in defeating the budget proposals.

-7- NEWPORT SCHOOL BOARD." I The Amalgamation of Maindee. I The monthly meeting of the Newport School Board Was held on Friday, the Chairman (Mr R T. Martin) presiding. Letters were read from Sir George Elliot, Bart., M.P., stating that he had had an interview with the Local Govern- ment Board in the matter of the appeai of the board's treasurer against the decision of the auditor surcharging him with the amount of the defalcations. Tue board, he said, had com- municated with the auditor, and the matter would be decided in a few days. Mr W. H. Brown enquired if that was the whole of the correspondence, and the Clerk replied in the affirmative. Mr Brown ai-ked how the newspapers received their informa- tion to the effect that a decision had been arrived at, and the award of the auditor reversed.—The Chairman said that he knew nothing of the matter.-A letter was read from the Education Department, with reference to the proposed amalgamation of the Christchurch and Newport Boards. The communication stated that the department were of opinion that it was expedient that the amalgamation of the two districts should take place. Should the boards fail to agree as to the composition of the new board, to consist of IS members, the deparrment would nominate tha whole of the members of the present boards with the exception of Dr A. G. Thomas.—A communi- cation had been addressed to the department pointing out that the representation of Maindee exceeds the number to which its population entitled it, and requesting the department to taka a member from the Maindee Board. The depart- ment now acceded to the request of tha board, and reduced the quota of members to be allotted to Maindee to four.—Mr Barnett objected to the members being nominated by tha Department, and pointed out that the present members of the Maindee board were elected nearly three years ago. He thought that an election should take place for the Maindee district, and moved a resolution to that effect. The motion was seconded by Mr J. Hutchins and Rev Father Bailey, in supporting the proposal. expressed himself as strongly opposed to the amalgamation, Oil the ground that the district would be very difficult to work and that as there were no voluntary schools, the cost of education in Maindee would always be higher than in Newport.—Mr Brown thought that as the Department had granted all that the Newport board had asked for, they should be satisfied. The question of the representation of Maindee was one for the Maindee rstepayers to settle, and he moved an arnendmeut to th^it effect. This was seconded by Mr Llewellin, but by a division the motion was carried by five votes to four.—Mr Brown requested the clerk to forward a copy of the amendment to the Education Department. The chairman replied that it was not usual to adopt such a course, and Mr Brown intimated that be should himself forwara it.—Miss Matthews was ap- pointed assistant mistress at Barnardtown schools, and Miss Howell to a similar post in the Marshss-road schools.

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FACTS AND FANCIES. -> It is not always the actress who bas nervous prostration-it is frequently the manager. Kill the man who writes, "The reason is because." Or rather don't—that would depopulate the journalistic world. Hannah Moore was never kissed in her life so that doubtless she was happer when, having died, she was no Moore. He who loves most generously, asking for nothing again, will receive most plenteously the affection which can come only as a spontaneous offering of the heart. An Irishman was planting shade trees when a passing lady said, "You're digging out the holes, are you, Mr Haggerty ?" "No, mum. Oi'm diggin' out the dirt an' lavin' the holes." The trouble that took Mary Anderson to Europe was home-sickness, or in other words sickness of home but, wherever she goes, may the dear girl keep her head level and heart light, and finally come back and get naturalized. You cannot keeD a dead level lonp, if you burn everything down flat to make it. Why, bless your soul, if all the cities in the world were reduced to ashes, you'd have a new set of millionaires in a couple of years or so, out of the trade in potash. A lady writes that with a cigarette in her mouth she flies '\where fancy wills." It is remarkable what things the cigarette can do. A number of persons have been so transported by it that they have returned merely as the clay for their own funerals. Beneficence is a running stream. If money flows out of a Christian man's pocket, it will almost miraculously now in again, just as water flows into a channel whose waters have to gush out. Many a good man's purse is like a syphon, the very emptying of which insures its refilling. A BRILLIANT CONCEPTION.—Mr Hugh Ebbonie: Ain't yo' agoin' to Mrs Yallei by's ball ober on Sebenth abenue to-night, 'Gustus?—Mr Augustus Whitewash 'Fraid I kain't, Hugh, It am a full-dress affair, an' I hab no gloves.—Mr Hugh Ebbonie Sho, chile! jus' dip yo' hands in dat pail o' whitewash ober dar, an' you'll hab a skin- tight pair ob white kids in no time, ALL RIGHT AS A "SENTIMENT."—Sunday school teacher (to new pupil): Wa are taught by the Bible that when some one smites us on one cheek, we should turn the other to him. In't thot a beautiful sentiment? "Yes ma'am." Now, if an enemy were to smite you on one cheek, what would you do ?" I'd pound the top of his bead off." There are few things more productive of evil in society than a suspicious disposition. He who is always on the watch for wrong-doing actually fosters it. He may fancy that he is a fee to evil, but in truth, by letting it dwell in his mind, he becomes its promoter. The gross injustice he does to the innocent is but part of the injury. He stirs up resentful feelings, is the cause of quarrels, destroys friendship, embitters intercourse, sows seeds of distrust everywhere, poisons both his own happiness and that of many others. GETTING HIS HAND IN.—" I say, Jinks," said Blinks, "what in thunder is the matter with Winks? From being one of the most steady and economic fellows in the world, he has suddenly become a veritable spendthrift; goes to parties, balls, banquets, the opera, evervthiug. Never saw such a change in my life." "You let Winks alone, old fellow," was the quiet reply, "he knows what he's about. He's only getting ready for his marriage with Miss Bullion in June. You know she has a million a year to spend. A TRUTHFUL WITNESS.—"Now, sir," said the attorney for the defence, knitting his brows and looking severely at the witness, "you say you can remember the exact time during the afternoon at which these events took place because you had been fishing in the creek for more than three hours. Is that correct?" It is. I'll ask you now if you can remember how many fish you had caughl- and what was the size of them," "I hadn't caught a fish." "Not one?" "Hadn't had a blamed nibble." "We'll have to change our tactic," whispered the lawyer to his client. "We nevr can impeach this man's testimony." THE USUAL WAY. -Auvnstug and Clara became engaged after the usual manner of young people who haven't anything else to do, and after some time Clara manifested a disposition to dissolve the tie. Augustus, let's not he engaged any longer," she said one evening. "What is that for?" he inquired with some surprise. Oh, I'm tired, aud beside, it was only a sham engagement on my part, anyhow. Here is your diamond ring." Oh, don't, trouble yourself about the ring, Clafa. It is only a sham diamond, anyway. I bought half a dozen for three dollars, just to use in little engagements like this. Good-bye. Don't tell the other girls about the ring, please," he said as tie went out." HIDDEN i'ounCES. -It is curious to notice how differently men reason when they deaf with material things. If machinery is out of order, if crops fail, if business languishes, they naturally and rightly seek for the cause, and, if possible, remove it: If bodily health declines, no pains are spared to discover what is at fault; the food, the rest, the domicile, the habits are carefully examined, and all the conditions and circum- stances so controlled as to afford the best possible chance of recovery. But, when men and women go astray and commit wrong and foolish actions, neither they themselves nor others look very deeply or carefully for the hidden sources. Society is content to blame the offender, and the offender who blames himself for the act itself is supposed to have gone to the root of the matter. MT LITTLE WIFE. My little wife my little wife When first I saw her face, I wish the minstrel's art were mine To fell its peerless grace. Had fancy touched the sweetest harp By fairy fingers strong. Oh, who could twine a lay for her, Whose charm could not be sung .N,l.v little wife rry little wife I gaze into h»r eyos, And as I watch the love-light there What tender memories rise Ah. sorre are glad, but most are sad, For oft from day to day Grief hid his cruel thoughts amid The roses by the way. Mv little wife my little wife I know she's growing old- But what care I if silver gleams Have kissed l.er locks of gold ? Her beauty foils the h.ind of time And shine" despite his art, The vine that wreathes my fireside, The blossom of mv heart! IN -PAl-Wiien it rains, women pedestrians endure tortures. The skirts religiously cling. The real stylish girl can only gather up a paltry inch or two at any given point of her well.hung gown. All the rest of it clings to her dripping boots, which takes on patters of mud.frescoing fearful to behold. She bears it like a lamb, because she believes thEre is no better way. The next comer does not. If you look under her um brella you will find her raging as do the heathen. She does not like damp, sloppy things, and she detests muddy boots, and she threatens the rebellion against senseless conventions. Long gowns," she says savagely to herself, belong on the stage-where a woman is set up to be looked at. And gowns not so l .ng belong out in the plodding procession where everybody has his own business in mind. Where is our vaunted inven- tion if in this yeir of grace a woman can have no more comfortable regal a than these abominable toggeries ?•' Aud yet if mankind puts his wits to work, and fixes her np something and sensible, do you think she wili wear it? When she ceases to be a daughter of Eve How A MINE WAS DISCOVERED.—The discovery of the Amulet mine, on Lynx Creek rrvids more like fiction than reality. In July, 1386. F. E. Dogget, with pick mid shove: on his shoulders) was climbing the Lynx Creek mountains on his way to examine a quartz mine. Becoming weary in the ascent, he stopped beneath the friendly boughs of a iuuiper tree to rest. After recuperating for some time, he took up his pick, and in throwing it on his shoulder it slipped from his hands, and, in falling behind bim, its sharp point struck him in the leg, causing great pain. Picking it up with a vehement imprecation from the pain it caused him, he stuck it in the ground, saying it could remain there, and started to walk away. He had gone but a short distance when he relented, and, returning, pulled it from the ground, bringing wtih it some bright and shining metal. In 1m anger he had unknowingly struck into a blind ledge, which he located -As the Amulet mine, and from which there has been over fifty thousand dollars' worth of high grade ore shipped. From a careful examination made of tho second-class ore, which has been allowed to remain on the dumps, it is estimated that it contains fully two thousand tons. I THE BEST OF HEASONS WHT I Love, my love, I love you, Not that you are sweet, Though in you all graces, All perfpctiou meet. Love, my love, I love you, N,)t that you are fair, Though in you is beauty, Rarest of the rare. Love, my love, I love you, Not that you are wise, Though in you ail knowledge, Joined with prudence, lies. Love, my love, I love you, Not that you have gold, Though in large abundance Wealth to you has rolled. Love, my love, I love you, Not that you are great, Though in you concentre Rauk and high estate. Love, my love, I love you, But for reasons two— just, because I love you, Am beloved of you

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Sir Charles Dilke in Dean Forest. CONDITION OF THE LABOURING CLASSES: A largely ittended meeting of Liberals of Lydbrook, Dsan Forest, was held on Friday evening at the Baptist Chapel, Lydbrook. Mr R. Beaumont Thomas, vice-p;e<ideut of the Forest Liberal Association, pre-dded, and there were present Sir Charles aud Lady Dilke, the Rev and Mrs Tuckwell, Miss Monck, and Mr Vincent Calliard. In brietiy opening the pro- ceeding9, The CHAIRMAN said he took it that the presence of so large a company was a proof that the electors approved of the action of the Liberal Hundred in electing Sir Charles Dilke as honorary president. (Hear, hear.) Sir CHARLES DILKE said be proposed that evening to deal principally with the condition of the labouring classes, and remarked thnt it was difficult to be certain whether there was deterio- ration of physical strength among the working poor of England. While the navvy clas3 possessed enormous strength, those living in populated places were sickly and stunted. Agricultural labourers were not so strong as they If) ight be, and in many trades people generally died young. On the other hand, the upper and middle-classes were under more favourable conditions, and increased in size, weight, and strength. He thought the difficulty in getting supplies of irilk had something to do with the deterioration of the agricultural classes, because milk was taken from the country to supply London dairies. Touching upon the labour question, Sir Charles said that while Forest miners were on the e;g-ht hours system, the Welsh, their near neighbours, worked nine hours. By working shorter hours people were less brutalized by toil, anil it would be oae more step toward the general improvement in their condi- tion. (Cheers.) He looked forward to the not distant day, he hoped, when the country over short hours would, by the adoption of Radical principles, bo as prevalent as in Dean Forest. (Cheers.) He looked to free schools as a means of relieving tho present pressure upon the poor. He referred to the evils of the game laws, which were as obnoxious as ever, pointing out how from an innocent beginning labourers' offspring became criminals. He did not believe that mitigation of penalties wculfi destroy sport, (Cheers.) In conclusion, Sir Charles thanked the electors of Dean Forest for the cordial reception accorded himself, Lady Dilke, and party. He took occasion to thank them because that was the last occasion during the present visit that he should have the oppor- tunity of addressing them. (Cheees.) He had set some matters before them which were not included iu the authoritative programme, but they were reforms nono the less required and if he could have succeeded in setting the people thinking, he should be amply rewarded and be satisfied his visit had nor, been in vain. (Cheers.) A vote of thanks to Sir Charles having been adopted, the meetin dispersed,

MABON AND THE SUGAR BOUNTIES. I- Mr W. Abraham writes as fellows to the South Wales Dally News Atiowmet" f-aythat there is not the slightest foundation for the rumour that is going about that I am going to vote tor B irou de. Worm- bill, and, more than that, it is well known that, as a Trades Unionist, I am, and have always been, a strong advocate for abolishing tiie sugar bounties. The Baron's bill is not yet printed, and no man would pledge himself to vote for a bill which has not been seen, and further, unless the Baron's bill in some essential points improves upon the Convention, I, for one, cannot vote for it. Nevertheless, I am still one of those persons who venture to think that there are two sides to the question. To talk there are two sides to the question. To talk about abolishing bounties as a species of protection is. in my opinion, to talk nonssn ie and rubbish, and I venture to think that no one who has studied and followed the question would do so. Those who have done so know periectiy well that the abolition of bounties is not protection, and does not create a protecting market, but, on the contrary, it is tho abolition of a most flagrant form of protection which could possibly exist, namely, the protection of foreign producers on British markets. It happens to be the sulrar industry to-day, but it might be the engineering, the mining, tho textile, the clothing, or wood- work trades to-morrow. Not by one nation giving all tho subsidies, but by a combination of various countries to deprive us of our manufac- tures by an artificial and unjust system, instead of competing against us honestly an j equally upon genuine free trade principles, which is all the British workman demands.

THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERSHIP OF SWANSEA. OF SWANSEA. In reply to tbe resolution passed on Wedim- day by the Swansea Chamber of Commerce I respecting the lillins of the vacant official receivership, Mr E. P. Jones (the secretary) has received letters from the three local members, Mr DiUwyn writes:— Sir H. Vivian, Mr Randell, and I have just seen ^ir M. Beach respecting tho official rereiversLip, and read the resolution of the Chamber of Commerce to him. strongly urgins: upon him the desirability of com- pliance with its request. He seeinod quite disposed to meet us fairly, and promised to give the matter his serious consideration. Sir Hussey Vivian, in the course of his letter, says, "I thillk I may RO th.) length of sayill that j Sir M. Hicks-Beach took a very favourable view of the case, and promised to look into it, at once. He fully recognised the great importance of the Swansea district, and wished it to be understood that the other districts were annexed to Swansea, and not Swansea to them. I have no doubt that he will express an opinion that the receiver should reside at Swansea, and that lie will accordingly do so."—Mr D. Randcli wrote:— I am inclined to think that our interview will result in the newly-appointed official receiver taking up his resilience at Swansea.s to the status of the Swansea bankruptcy district, your chamber are under a slight misapprehension, as the Swansea and Carmarthen districts are not amalgamated, but kept distinct as heretofore. If the bankruptcy department of the B ,ard of Trade do not think fit to direct that the official receiver sliall have his principal office and immediately go into residence at Swansea. I will be pleased, in conjunction with my Parliamentary cf>lieagues, to take such further steps as may be necess iry to impress upon the authorities the import- ance of the matter.

I LOOAL BILLS lti PARLIAMENT. I HOUSE OF LORDS, Friday.—The Great Western R dlvvay and Lianeily Railway and Dock Companies' Bill, which provides for the amalga- mation of the said companies, cam before Mr Iiobinscu, one of the < xaminers of the House of Lords, to-day, and proved compliance to the standing orders. Tho bill, which has already passed through the House of Commons, was accordingly ordered to be reported for second j reading.

I Disaster at Sea. I SIXTY-SIX LIVES LOST. [CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAM.] MADRID, Fridty,-iNews has been received from the Philippine Islands of a wreck somewhat resembling that of the Remno. The vessel now lost is the Maridanao, one of the passenger steamers plying from one island to another. She came into collision with a vessel belonging to the same company, and sank immediately. Sixtv-six people were drowned. Curiously enough, among the passengers saved from the Maridanao were several who bad been rescued from the wreck of the Remno.

Brecon County Council. A special meeting of the Brecon County Council was held on Friday, under the presidency of Mr Charles Evan Thomas, at the County Hall, Brecon. There was a large attendance of members. APPLICANTS FOR COMPKNSATION. An application for conipensatiou was received from Mr J. H. Farqubar, late auditor to the committee of visiting justices of the Joint Counties Lunatic Asylum at Abergavenny^ The matter was deferred till after the Monmouth- sbire Council, who were also largely concerned, had met to consider it. An application was also received from Mr J. R. Cobb for compensation, as his office as clerk to tiie Brecon County Roads Board had been abolished. The subject was referred to the finance and general purposes committee. APPOINTMKNT OF C'ORO.Vji.ii. The CHAIHMAN stated that he had received a writ for the electiou of a new coroner for the county of Brecon, in the place of Mr James Williams, who had resigned. After discussion, it was understood that the clerk would communicate with the Local Government Board as to the legality of Captain Penry Lloyd's proposal t.o defer the appointment till August next. Should it be necessary to appoint the coroner at an earlier date, the chairman would, it was arranged, call a .special meet dig. THK COCXTY BOUNDARIES. A discussion followed on the report of the Boundary Commissioners of England and Wales. —The Chairman said that if the commissioners' recommendations were acted on, Ebbw Vale, Rhymney, and Tredegar would be transferred from Breconshire to Monmouthshire. These three districts were, however, included .in the County of Brecon for tithe and ecciesiasticil purposes. —Sir Joseph Bailey Inoved- That the boundary of the t(i minis* rative county of Brecon as at present constituted, so far as concerned the localities referred to, be in no way changed, The loss of these districts would not be a loss to Breconshire, as the expenses equalled the revenue. Councillor Jones (Llangynidei) seconded the motion.—Councillor Hicks (Bryn- rnawr) moved as an arnendmeut— That the council disapproves the recommendation of the boundary commissioners to alter the bound iries of the county so as to transfer those portions of tho Local Government districts of Ebbw Vale. Khyinney, and Tredegar which are n -w in the county d Brecon, to the county of Monmouth, ana from the union of CriekheweJl to the union of Bdwdlty, and recom- mends that they should be formed tor I (-;ove: ii. inent purposes into a new urban district, aud for poor law purposes should remain in the union of Crick- howell. -Alderman Col. C. LlnyLi seconded the amend- ment, which was supported bv Councillor Penry Lloyd.—Councillor Williams-Vaughau contended that if the people of a district desired to remain in tho county, they ought to be allowed to do so. They must not be excluded because they were poor.—Sir Joseph Bailey said that the places particularised beiong-ed "naturally" to the urban districts of Monmouthshire. — Upon a division, 28 votes were given for the amendment and 17 for the motion.—The amendment was then submitted as a substantivo motion.—Sir Joseph Bailey moved That after the words "urban district" there should be inserted the words" and into one or more separate poor law parishes." -Col1ocilJol' Liddou seconded thi amendment, which was adopted hy a vote of 25 to 21.—The motion, as thus altered, was then carried as a substantive motion. Another recommendation by the commissioners was considered. This was that a small section of Brynmawr should be transferred from the county of Monmouth and the union of Bedwellty to Breconshire and the union of Crick tio well. -It was agreed that the proposal be ratified, provided the Monmouthshire County Council do not object. -Sir Joseph Bailoy moved That the council approves so much of the Local Government Boundary Commissioners' report as is con- tained in sub-section 3, page 476, which is as follows —(The commissioners recommen. I) The amalgamation of such parts of the parisiies of Alierystritt li, Lianeily, and Liangattock as are in the l.oeal Gove, nnient dis- trict ot Brynmawr into one parish to be called Bryn- mawr," and that the county council make an order accordingly, subject to such previous inquiries to be made and notices to be given as they think fit, anft as may be prescribed by the Local Government Board, or any Act of Parliament. -CLipt,aiii Davies, Crickhowell, seconded the motion, was carried by 21 to 16 votes. The Chairman, quoting from the Boundary Commissioners' report, said it was recommended that the parisiies of Penderyn and Vayuor I should ba transferred from Brecon-hiro to Glamorganshire, so that the Union of Merfchyr could be wholly in the county of Glamorgan,- Colonel Conway Lloyd moved a direct negative to this recimm"ndafion.—This was seconded by Alderman W. M. North, the Merthyr stipendiary, and carried unanimously. Court- j cdior Roche moved, and Alderman North seconded, that Ystradfellte and Cautreff bo not transferred to Glamorganshire, as in effect lecommended by the commissioners. Mr Councillor Vanghan having suggested that a. contributory union should bo formed of Ystradfellte and Cantreff (those parishes to be retalUHl in Breconshire), the resolution was passed. — It was further resolved to oppose the Buuudary Commissioners' recommendations as to the transference of y,t.rad!!ynLt¡s. POLICE AURANGEMENTS. Ihe standing joint committee reported that they had received the petition of some of the ratepayers of the borough of Brecon relating to the disposition of the borough police force. Whilst regretting that the arrangements made on the 12th of March did not meet with the approval of the petitioners, the committee could not undertake to reconsider them. The committee recommended that Superintendent Clay be paid a salary of £ 100 a year—the amount he received whilst head-constable of the borough. A pension, amounting to half-pay, had been granted to P.C. W. Millard on his retirement, through ili-health, after a service of nearly 27 years.—The report was adopted. THE MAIV ROADS. The main roads committee recommended that a sum not exceeding £ 204 4s bo laid out to repair the various approaches to bridges now under trie charge of the county surveyor. The report was adopted. MISCKLLANEOCS. Tiie public buildings committee recommended that the tender of Mr Jone, cabinet maker, Brecon, for furnishing the grand jury room (where the council assembles), at a cost of £70. be accppted.-T¡lis was passed, as was the report of the finance and general pnrpIIses commit;ee, recommending the provision of L420 for purposes of police p;y (to be advanced as required by the coulity treasurer).—Alderman Col. T. Conway Lloyd moved :— That this council be called the Council of the County of Brecknock. N Joseph Joseph seconded the motion. —For the motion 16 voted, and for Breconshire County Council" 21. The latter designation would, it was explained, bo inscribed now upon the seal. THE LICENSING OF STAGR: PLAYS. Councillor R iche (in the absence of Councillor E. Gratrex Davies) moved That this council delegates to the justic-s assembled in petty sessions the powers of the council as to licensing the performance of stae piays and the powers under the Kxplosives Act, -Alderman Colonel Thomas seconded,—Council- lor R. G. Evans moved, Councillor Prothero seconded, and Mr Hicks supported an amend- ment referring the duties to the aldermen and councillors of each petty sessional division.—The arnendmeut was carried by a vote of 25. Tllil ended the business.

THE SCOTCH IRON TRADE, GLASGOW, Friday.—In the Scotch irou trade buM-.ie.s was quiet in tho early part of the week, but within tho last day or two uu> tone has much but within tho last day or two uu> tone has much improved. Warrants were fl it and considerably lower, but tiiev have recovered all the decline, and at the clo.>o Scotch warrants aie Id, Cleve- land 3 £ d, and Cumberland á i per ton better tliali a,. the end of last week The great Btrike of miners in Germany exercises a strengthening influence on our market, aud au improved demand for Scotch pig irou is anticipated from the continent. There are six furnaces out of blast at Govan Ironworks, but they are expected to be re-lighted in the course of a few day. The stock of pig iron in Counnl and Co.'s Glasgow stores has been reduced by 520 tons this week, and now aggregates 1,029,613 tons. The home consumption of both ordinary and hematite pig iron is very hrge at the moment, and the demand for the latter class of iron at present by the steel- makers is believed to be the greatest on record. The pressure for delivery of manufactured steel is very great, and the works are running to their Utmost capacity. Prices of steel aro firm. Boiler plates, J38 10s ship plates, £ 7 12s 61. The finished iron trade is fully employed.

IThe Sugar Convention. In the House of Comrrons yesterday, Sir M. HICKS-BEACH, answering Sir William Harcourt, said it rested rather with the Foreign Office than with the Board of Trade to give an authoritative interpretation of our treaty engage- ments, but as the right hon. gentleman wished bis opinion on the sugar bounties question, he was happy to give it to him. The right ■'iou. gentleman's question, though apparently general, was really limited to the case of our treaty with the United States, for all other nations which were at all likely to send us sugar were either III some way parties to the Convention or did not possess the clause which he quoted in their treaty with us. As to the Uniteii States, lie referred the right hon. gentleman to the correspondence which took place in 1884 between Lord Granvule and the United States, He would there find that Lord Granville then complained that treaties made, or about to be made, by the United States with the Sandwich Islands aud some South American States, placed the latter countries in a inoi-e favourable positioii it, the United States market than our West Indian colonies and Lord Gran- ville asked that this might be remedied by extending the most favoured nation clause of our treaty with the United States to our West Indian colonies. The United States Government declined to do this, otÏering to consider a recipro-al treaty to secure special favours to our West Indian colonies; but saying—and this was the important point—that the "mostfavourednation clause of the treaty of 1815 has not authorisfJd, and could not authorise, Great Britain to ask for the products or shipping of the United Kingdom (or of West Indian Colonies if extended to them), favours identical with or equivalent to those which the Spanish-American or West Indiau Colonial products an shipping may receive in the ports of the Unites States by special reciprocal treaties." In his opinion the United States wouid be absolutely barred by the interpretation they had thus themselves placed on the most favoured nation clause," and by the arrangements they had made with other countries iq pursuance of this interpretation from pleading the most favoured nation clause" in bar of the Sugar Convention as ag-ajnst them- selves. (Ministerial cheers.) He was rather surprised that the right hon. gentleman should apparently be ignorant of the correspondence referred to, and which took place on a very important subject at a time when the right hon. gentleman was himself Homo Secretary. Perhaps the right hon. gentleman had forgotten, as from his speech the other night he appeared also to have forgotten the fact that the Government, of which he was a member, attempted by negotiation to abolish these very sugar bounties which he now declared to be beneficial to this country. (Ministerial cheers.) Sir W. HARCOURT said he could not answer now the rather irregular speech of the right hon. gentleman, but he would take another oppor- tunity of doing so. Ho was not aw ire that any Government ever proposed clauses of the character contained 111 tha present sugar conven- tion. He weuld not, however, follow the right hon. gentleman into that, but ask him whether the Board of Trade had satisfied themselves that the Government of the United States acquiesced in the interpretation he had placed on the most favoured nation clause" in respect to the sugar bounty convention. He would also ask whether the right hon. gentleman had satisfied himself that tho French Govern- ment, although not acting under treaty, but acting practically under tho" most favoured nation treatment, also acquiesced in the interpretation he had placed on the most favoured nation" clause ? Sir M. HICKS-BEACH reminded the right hon. gentleman that the represonfcalive of the United States, though not taking part in the conference, was present at its deliberations, and that the United States had in no way at all signified that they had coauged tiie opiuiou which he had already read to the House, and which, as he had said, wouid absolutely debar them from pleading the most favoured nation clause" in bar of the operation of the sugar convention as against themselves. With regard to France, the repre- sentatives of Franco signed the first sugar convention. She took part in the proceedings, and the French representatives themselves proposed a clause barring the operation cf the "most favoured nation clause" with regard to the SI1ar convention.

THE CHURCH IN WALES. Mr Diliwyn's Motion for Disestablishment. A most urgent whip has been sent out by Mr Parnell to the Irish members at present absent from London to be in their places to vote for Mr Dilhvyn's motion for the disestablishment of 1 he Welsh Church on Tuesday evening next. No whip will be sent out by the Radical com- mittee with referece to Mr Dillwyn's motion, it being understood thot an official circular will be issued by Mr Arnold Morley, in addition to that drafted by the coinmittt-e of the Welsh members. The Freeman's Journal London correspondent says Great interest is being displayed on the motion on Tuesday next. for the Disestablishment of the Church in Wales. Both sides are whipping up their men with the greatest energy, as tho division will be the test one upon the question of Disestabli.-bment in the present Parliament. The voting of the Liberal Unionists is as usual a mysteiy which will probably be solved only when the division takes place. Mr Chamberlain and a few of the more "advanced" section of the party will, it ia said, vote for the motion, while Lord Hartington will either vote against it or abstain, more possibly the latter. The whips of the Irish party have, at the request of Mr Parnell, addressed an urgent circular to the members absent from London, requesting their attendance at the division on Tuesday night on Mr Dillwyn's motion.

ABEHCARN COLLIERY EXPLOSION FUND. Meeting of Governors. The tiustees of this fund met on Thursday at the Mansion House, Mr T. Cordes in the chair. This explosion occurred in September, 1878, when 268 lives were lost, leaving 132 widows, 373 orphans, and 90 dependent relatives. During the ten years and a half that have eiapsed no less a sum than £ 45,007 has been paid away in relief, to according to the sc d« settled by the trustees. At the present moment there are maintained by the fund 48 widows, 127 orphans, and 47 dependent relatives, or a total number of 222, the weekly payments amountin g to £4115" During the past year two deaths of trustees had occurred, namely, Sir T. S. Owden, who was Lord Mayor at the time of the explosion, and through whose Mansion House list so larce a proportion of the funds were raised and Mr C. S. Grundy, Mayor of Manchester in 1873. In the place of these gentlemen Lord Tredegar and Mr Edward Coward, of Heaton Mersey, Manchester, were elected trustees. lr Edwin Grove is the secretary of the trust.

FATALITY iTO A DOCTOR. Dr Fold, of North Petherton, Somerset, was killed last night by being thrown from his gig iFh«»5 d«-iviz?° j