Evening Express

I'icXrBKtTOKK. RAISVALI, DATS. Max. Ilin Menu. 9 a.m. 9 p.m. Total Saturday 25i 50 32 410 "00 "00 *00 Sunday 26i 53 40 46*5 "00 *00 *00 Moiidav 27 51 43 470 '00 "00 -00 Tuesday i28j 52 36 43*5 "10 '10 '20 W«dues«lay J29! 45 34 39*5 *21 31 -52 'Ihni-*day 30 50 42 46 0 *24 "34 -68 Friday '311 -00 Friday .13¡¡ -00

STERILIZATION OF GENUINE MILK A REVOLUTION. ftAIKY PitACIlCE WITH SCIENCE. Telegrams: 'Lactus, Cardiff." N. Telephone, 475. THE CARDIFF MILK SUPPLY CO CASTLE-ROAD AND PETER-STREET, CARDIFF. Of the BEST QUALITY, with all its CREAM, and from which nothing has been abstracted or added; previously cleansed by CENTBIFUGAL FORCE from all dirt and other suspended impurities. A BOON to INVALIDS and CHILDREN, and next to LIFE itself for INFANTS fed from the Bottle, and aU who wish to lessen the risks of life by using MILK FREED ttvxa disease germs. STERILIZED M I LK. 21d. AND 5d. PER BOTTLE. BOTTLES CHARGED. Approximated Pints and Quarts. SHIPPING SUPPLIED. I The Public are invited t* can sn^jritnegs tho Process at auv time. 56398 Telephone: National. 502; Post-offlCe, 95. Telegrams: Express," Cardiff.

NEW YEAR'S WISHES, A Happy New Year to all our readers. We acknowledge heartily the good wishes sent to the "Express" by a large number of friends, and return the compliment with interest. Would that every New Year's wish came true! Their fulfilment is more sure than many may imagine when they make them. Could a man fall asleep upon the dawn of 1898 with the world's wishes ringing in his ears, and wake a century hence, the opportunity would be afforded him of realising just how kind Old Time can be. His work is slow, but sure. The wildest New Year's wish a hundred years ago would have fallen far I below the standard of realisation which we see to-day. The great inventions and improvements which have blessed the world during this age might have formed the subject of an universal New Year's dream had the world, a hundred I years ago, possessed imagination vivid enough to build castles in the air in any way approaching the present day reality. So, in the ordinary course, must the world turn until our grandest New Year's wish to-day for all humanity shall be realised tenfold. Beginning our New Year's wishes in the highest sphere, we wish one sect, one creed, one great religion of brotherly love and peace to fill our pleasant land. That wish is coming, when humanity, tempered by the present war of creed, shall naturally turn to something higher. We wish that peace and plenty be the lot of every man in our comer of the globe, tl;at there may be no rich and poor, no dreadful contrast such as that of the man burdened with useless millions and the starved street arab un- able to find a penny. The siq-ns of the time (to become more marked, we hope, during the year just opened) tell us this desire is by no means so chimerical as it may at first thought appear. We may wish the nation such a blessing as the nationalisation of the land the abolition of the workhouse and the charity system in favour of a more advanced and civilised method which sbull spread content and independence through the country. We may express a hundred wishes tending towards the common good, and, granted that we could whilst in the act of wishing, imitate the seven sleepers and transport ourselves to Wales a hundred years hence, we should, almost beyond a doubt, discover that we had not made a single New Year's wish in vain. We can, so iar as this year goes, wish every happiness and pros- perity to Wales with an excellent chance of seeing it well fulfilled. A Happy New Year to our workers to our miners, and our tin-platers! The latter part of 1897 was not in the least degree what we could earnestly desire, but the signs are that the time of depression is drawing to its close, and that in 1898 we shall be further advanced towards the realisation of all our hopes for Wales than ever before. The "Express" has found so many new friends during the past year, amI old friends have stuck so heartily, that we can look back on the season past as the most prosperous one in our history. And whilst the "Express" looks for- ward towards a great year in 1898, with the brightest prospects possible of seeing every good wish of our friends fulfilled, we can joyously, sanguinoly, prophetically, return the wishes with "A glad New Year to all."

POWDEK AND SHOT. A number of agile folk out and about with sleigh-bells at the hour of twelve added a happy novelty to the welcome of the glad New Year. < < There are 53 Saturdays to this year in Cardiff. We don't know how many there may be else- where in 1898, and we don't care. This is an item of purely, local news. • » • • Canop Thompson was very solemn at the watchnight service last night. He begged the immense congregation to remember that when they left the building they would be leaving th.i House of God and to behave accordingly, and not as though they were leaving the music- hall or theatre. Regular church-goers were not concerned in this exhortation, but Canon Thomp- son knew his midnight friends. Tliece was a young man in Treorky Who still feels a little-bit porky. For a Christmasay dinner,, The greedy young sinner) A pig and a half was his jorky. • • • The New Year gale and floods were less severe than those which preceded Christmas. The wreckage with which^iev have strewed the columns of the daily papers barsly reached the high-water mark of three quarters of a column. A gale of the first class can inundate two columns easily. • • An interesting billiard match was played at the Hastings Hotel on Thursday evening be- tween two prominent gentlemen in business at Cardiff—one in the corn trade and the other in the wire-rope business. The corn gentleman was 30 ahead at one part of the game, but the wire-rope representative ultimately won the » match of 250, up by the small score of three. The audience seemed very excited and most inte- rested throughout the game, and great regret was expressed on all hands that the. game was not 1,000-up instead of only 250. We under- stand that the loser has to entertain some friends to a leg of mutton supper at an early date. One of the "Mail" staff who had been polish- ing our New Year's Scotch-and-potass off, strolled in this morning to ask us whether we knew that the Emperor William was the Anti- christ. "What makes you think of that P" we asked, recognising the effects of our Apollinaris in his morbid turn of mind. "Because the Antichrist must needs be made in Germany. Everything will be made there during the coming year." We were just about to pledge the toast of the New Year that moment, so we showed our seedy friend the door. <t This is not the first time the "Mail" has stolen our case of New Year's good old Scotch resolu- tions. The same thing happened last year, but our old friend, Fred Short, of Elliott's, sent us over a bale of beefsteak pies to lay the foundation for a cargo of our special brand with soda. Sweet memory! Mayest thou drive thy engine through a happy year, fiiend of '97. • • It is extraordinary how easily some people may bo converted—when the right means ari taken. A wealthy American Welshman who has recently died has left his money to various persons only on condition that they never smoke another cigarette. It is reported that his heirs arc now irdefatigable in their condemnation of cigarettes, The news has arrived in this country by tele- grain that, in consequence of the thaw, skating is ever for the present in Holland. The reason seems sufficient. Strangely enough, we have the same reason for not skating in Wales. There was a poor man at Llanefthy Who has nothing to put in his beltliy, But he thinks '98, Though it's come a bit late, Will save him from getting unhealthy. There's considerable feeling amongst the staff in the "Express" Offices this morning. We do not want to begin the New Year by quarrelling with our greedy, riotous, conceited, upstart morning brother, though we have good cause to. The Chief sent up a case or two of the divine juice of Bacchus at midnight that the staffs might pledge the toast of the New Year. When we hopped in this morning (an hour earlier thaiK usual, as per New Year resolutions) we observed a pile of debris on the tables. That was all that greeted us. The "Mail," which occupies this piace by night, had left us nothing but the soda and Apollinaris bottles, and even they were empty and squeezed dry. We don't want the Chief's blamed New Year drink; we have kicked the debris out into the lift, and another pile is growing, which we have stood ourselves, but we look at the principle of the tiling. Had we been first upon the spoil we should have pledged the New Year in the soda aufl left our mid-, ni^ht brethren all the rest.

SUNDAY SERVICES. To-morrow's Preachers. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVENING EXPRESS CHURCH OF ENGLAND. LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL. THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. —In residence, the Very Rev. the Dean and the Ven, the Archdeacon of Monmouth: Eight a.m.: Holy Communion. Eleven a.111 Chants; Litanv; hvmns, 173. 56, and 74; preacher, the Archdeacon. 3.30 p.m.: Chants; hymns, 165, 73, and 179: preacher. the Rev. Minor Canon Skrim- shire. Offertories for the Cathedral Expenses and Choir Fund. Chants and Hymns by the Holiday Choir throughout the week at the six p.m. service. Alt Souls', D wits —Services at 11 a.m, and 6.50 p.m. Preacher—Rev. J. Wordsworth. St. Dyfrier's.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers-Mùrninl, Rev. E. Leah; evening, Rev. H. A. Coe. St. James's.—Sersices at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. T. Reynolds; even- ing, Rev. D. W. Griffiths. St. John's.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, the Vicar. St. John's Mission.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. R. S. Plant. St. Michael's Mission Church, Hodge's-row.— Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher, Rev. F. J. Barber. St. Mary's—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. G, A. Jones; even- ing, Rev. G. Smallpeice. St. Monica's—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Rev. D. W. Griffiths; evening. Rev. T. Reynolds St. Stephen's. West Bute-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev A. G. Kussell. Christ Church. Wells-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher, Rev. C. W, Lamport. BAPTIST Ainon, Walker-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. W. Hughes. Bethany Ch.rcel, St. Mary street.—Services at 11 jvm. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher. Rev. W. K Winks. Grangetown.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Rev. John Williams. Hops Chapel, Canton.—Services at 11 a.11I. and 6 39 p.m Preacher. Rev. T. W. Medhurst. Lonjfi vf s* street Chapel.—Services at 11 a. N. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and even- ing, Rev. W. T. Lee Pembroke-read. —Services at 11 %.m. and 6.36 p.m. Preacben-Morning and evening, Rev. Z. H. Lewis. St. Catherine's.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30p.m. Preachi^—Morning, Rev. J. Haker; evening. Rev. J .Roberts. Salem (Welsh), Roa.th.— Services at 11 ".m. and 6 p.m. Preacher, Rev. T. T. Jones. Tabernacle, The Hayes (Welsh).—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morninf; and evening. Rev. Charles Davies. Tredegarville.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, ltev. James Baillie. Victoria Chapel. Eldon-road.— Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. T. Lodwig Evans. CONOrREG ATION ALIST. Ckarles-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6 31 p.m. Preacher-Rev. J. Williamson. Dalcross-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. Irvon Johns (Blaenavon). Ebenezer (Welsh).-8enice!! at 11 a.m and 6.31 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. James John Frederick-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. David Jones. Hannah-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. F. R. Skyrme. May-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. PI eacher-Morning and evening. Rev. H. L. Jones. Minny-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning and evening, Rev. Thomas Hughes. Mount-stuart.—Services at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. J. R. Davies. Neville-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. J. H. Walker. Severn-road (Welsh).—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Moriiing and evening, Student University College. Stacey-road.—Services' at 11 a.m. and 6.3Ou.m. Preachers—Morning and evening. Rev. E. N. Jones. Star-street—Services al 11 a.m. and 6.3GTJ. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. J. Morris. Wocd-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6 30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. W. Spurgeon (pastor). ~7f-~ WESLEY AN. Albany-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Mr. T. Banwell; even- ing, Rev. T. 8. Knowlson. Bridgend-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 n.m. Preachers—Mj>mipy. Mr. J. W. Hobbs; evening, Mr. J. Stevens. Broadway.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning. Rev. E. J. Ives; even- ing, Rev. W. H. Parr. Chs> rles-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 w.m. Preacher?—Morning, Rev. A. F. Barlay; evening, Rev. W". Wilkins- Rees. • Clare-gardens.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.,30 n.m. •Preachers—Morning, Rev. T. Branson; even- ing. Rev. A. Garland. Cc«m*ay-rorid.— Servi ;e<t at 11 a 111. nnd 6.30 n.m. Preacher?—Morning, Rev. T. Miller; even- ing, Rev. T. Branson. CrwvH-roo.d.—Services at H a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning; Rev. W. Rees; evening, Mr. J. Wood. Har«ld-street.—Services at 6.30.-Preacher, Mr. C. F. Bowden. Repth-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.31 w.m. Prearhers-Morning, Rev. J. Rhodes; even- ing, Rev. E. J. lyes. Splott-ro.id.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Mnrnin«r. Rev. W. H. Parr; even. ing, Rev. W. Wakihshaw. Union-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 n.ln.1 Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev, T. J. Pritchard. UNITED METHODIST FRF.K CNURCK. Cath*»8-t»rrace.—Services.at 11 P. and 6.34 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Mr. H. Vaughan; evening, Mr. J. W. Baker. Newuort'road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.39 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. C. H. Batcher. Penarth-mad Chanel.—Services at 11 a m. ,d 6.30 p.m. Preacher?—Morning, Mr. Firth. evening, Rev. G. C PercivaL CALVINISTIC METHODIST (ENGLISH). Plasnewydd. Castle-road.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher, Rev. J. l'nlford Williams. Clifton-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 1).m. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. R. T Rees. CALVINISTIC METHODIST (FORWARD MOVE- MENT CENTRE). GranlZ'etown-h:\ l1,-gervi-ce;l at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning. Evangelist Grif- fiths; evening. Rev. J. Pugh. East Moor*-haM.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. PreMber-Re7 H. G. Howells. Memcrial-hp". Cowbridge-road.—Services at 11 а.m. and 6.30' n.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. J. Williams. Saltmead-hall.—^ervires at 11 a.m. and 6,30 n.m. Pre"ch«rc—Morn'ng. TVn.ngelist Leaugue; evening. Evangelist Griffiths. OALVINIsrrC MKTHODIST (WELSH). Pembroke-terrace.—Services at 11 R,m. and 6.30 p.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. J. M. Jones. Salem. Canton —Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 ".1n. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. D. Lewis (Pontardulais). PRESBYTERIAN. Clive-road.—Service-? at 11 a m. and 6.30 n.m. Preacher-Morning and evening. Rev. W. W. Wi'liams. Windsor-nlace.—Cortices a* H a.m. and 6.3# n.m. Preacher—Morning and evening. Rev. J. D. Watters. Wellfield-ro^d,—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 n.m. Preacher—Vorn'pg and evening, Rev. W. J. B. Roome (London). PRIMITIVE METtTdDIST. Dalt.on-ftreet.—Services at tt a.m and 6.30 p m. Preachers —Morning, Mr. J. English; even- ing, Rev. W. L. Taylor. < Moira-terrace.—Services at 11 a..m. and 6.30 p.m. Prearberø-Morning, ReY, J, Harding; even- ing, Rev. R. Banham. Mount 7<on.—<(ervice« at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Pr?acberst—Morning, Mr. T. M. Cottle; evening, Mr. W. Daah. Seym-road. Canton.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morping, Rev. W. L. Taylor; evening, Mr. J[ Davies. Siloam.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.rn. Preacher—Morning and evening, Rev. D. E. Roberts. gplott Bridge.—Services at 11 a.m and 6.50 p JTl, Preachers—Morning, Itev, R, Banham; even- ing, Rev. J. Harding. UNITARIAN. I West-rrove Church.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.nl BIBLE CHRISTIAN. Diamend-street.—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning. Rev. J. H. Squire; even- ing, Rev. W. R. K. Baulkswill. ROMAN CATHOLIC. St. Peter's—Services at 11 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Preachers—Morning, Father Cormack; evening, Fath&r Havde.

Laws Against Flirting. TO KEEP THE GIRLS FROM MALE ADMIRERS. This is a Yankee Proposal Which Was Introduced by a Women's College. SPECIALLY SET Foa 'HE EVENING EXPRESS. According io the New Yoi-k papers, Senator M'Cune, of Shenandccli, is trying to do by legislation what all the vigilance of principals and teachers in Virginia has utterly failed to accomplish—that is, prevent college students from flirfmg with the girls in the female col- leges. An attempt was made by the principals of State female schools at the last session of the Legislature to have such a Bill passed, but none could be found biave enough to introduce the measure. The Women's College of Rich- mond, Va., of which Dr. Nelson is principal, is supposed to be the prime mover in the measured The college is flanked on either side by medical colleges, and, though the girls' grounds for exercise are surrounded by brick walls, it has been no bar to flirtation, and bold students constantly found ways and means of communicating with the girls. Even closely woven wire nets along the walls failed to stop the passing of notes. The students found it attractive to lounge and linger around the sacred precincts of the women's college until the police were appealed to, and several arrests were made. Then an ordinance was enacted, making it an offence to loiter anywhere in the vicinity of the women's college, and this has been strictly, enforced, rjifi latest arrest having been of two students "A bo stopped long enough in the middle of the load to catch a baseball thrown backward and for- ward in the presence of the school-girl audience. But these restrictions have not suppressed the evd of flirtation, and now Senator M'Citue conies forward with the bit! to cover every phase of this great trouble. Young men will no longer be able to remove the loose brick from the play- ground wall and place a missive 'therein, or approach the line of girls marching to cliutch, and address the teacher in order to speak to the girl next to her, or when a tennis ball flits over the wall to throw it back with a written strip of paper around it. The Bill provides, among other things, that it shall be unlawful to inter- fere with or in any way disturb or disquiet the pupils of any school or college or female insti- tute or the principals or teachers in charge of them while in any public road or street or the school premises, nor shall any communication be had for such purposes, either orally, by signs, or in writing. It also provides unit it FÏla'1 be unlawful for any person to enter tlis premises of such school or college, except ou business, without first "having obtained the psrmission of the principal. Every person convicted of such offence shall be fined not less than 5dols.. nor more than 50dois., and upon every subsequent offence shall pay a fine of not less than lOdols., nor more than 50dols., and be imprisoned not less than ten nor more than 30 days in the discretion of the court. The Bill also makes it an offence for any person to loiter about such institutions or the roads or streets near by for the purpose of annoying the pupils or teachers as they pass.

Queer Derelicts. UNDELIVERED CHRISTMAS GIFTS AT THE POST OFFICE SPECIALLY SET FOR 1HE EVENING EXPRESS To thoroughly appreciate the tragedy of the benighted sausage and to feel the simple pathos of the derelict dress improver it is necessary to pass an afte noon in the "dead" department of the Parcels Post Office and look round at the waifs and strays that represent a few tons of undelivered Christmas gifts. Armed with the necessary permits, which were courteously supplied by Mr. Badcock, Controller of the London Postal Service, a representative of the "Daily Mail" was piloted through the busy labyrinth which forms the parcels post branch of the service. The official under whose guidance the visitor phced himself was a gentle- man of exceeding amiability, and was at great pains to hunt up everything of interest. In one large room, which has naturally been called "the larder," is stored an extraordinary collection of Christmas gifts, which, in conse- quence of incorrect addresses or loss of labels, have been left on the hands of the department. In one corner is a dried ox tongue, that was destined for some hospitable board, but didn't get there, because it reached London with no indication of its destination. Upon "tlie table in the centre are raobics, plovers, geese, mutton chops, woodpeckers, and a pot of lovely cream that would have been eaten in St. John's Wood if the officials had known where to find the addressee. Pounds of choice butter that have gone hopelessly astray on Life's rough way ar# piled up in the, fixtures, and a parcel of plump partridges all the way from Germany were addressed to Johann Frank in the Meat Markets, who there not known is. The misfortune /that waits upon a man who quits his home without leaving his new address is pathetically exemplified by the label marked "gone away" on a box containing a pork pie, a pound of tobacco, and a mince pie. In the far corner (the location was happily chosen) ar*; a dozen brace of ptarmigan, which reached this country from Denmark some days ago. They were addressed in indecipherable characters to a person in a street that when spelled sounded like Kjmpfjhokjnpn. At present they are be- yond human aid, and their destination is the furnace. In the "U. A. or-unaddressed class, the most interesting consignment conies from Southamp- ton, and contains two pairs of stockings, two pairs of socks, one meat pudding, some sausages, and 2s. 4Jd. in coin. If no claim is made the soft goods and the sausages will be ruthlessly parted, the former for auction, and the latter for sale with the rest of the perishables at the meat market. Hard by the larder is a room for the storage of miscsllaneous derelicts that include every- thing from saucepans to powders. The un- claimed ones of these will be disposed of by auction, and already numbers of well-filled black sacks await despatch to the saleroom. Perhaps the most curious section of the great unclaimed is that which comprises small articles of jewellery such as studs, rings, brooches, coins, watches, and other gifts of value. Strange as it may seem, there is in one department of the returned letter branch a huge safe nearly full of lost trinkets. In nine cases out of ten the loss is the result of careless packing, and during the rush of this Christmas the sorters were con- tinually finding jewellery at the bottom of the mail bags. These articles are kept for two years, and if still unclaimed they are sold. This Christmas several loose sovereigns were discovered, and in one instance the owner of a mcket containing twenty-five sovereigns and JE10 in notes was traced, while in another case a bond for 1,OOOdols. was restored to the V>ar>py proprietor. To get interesting evidence of the eccentricity of some patrons of the parcels post a visit must be paid to Mr. Downes, the controller, in the museum of unclaimed curiosities. Here were to be seen scorpions, snakes, centipedes, and other fearful things in spirit; skulls of men and strange animals, a boy's uncanny collection of "troantutars and tyull-dog's eggs," knuckle- dusters, ventriloquists'. puppets, fine Benares work, boomerangs from the wilds of North Queensland, and dainty porcelain miniatures from Paris. Here, too, reposed in honourable age a wire dress improver, a pathetic relic of a bygone age of bustle. One of the oldest *j.nd toughest of the owner- less was a plum pudding which, years ago, set out 6ne bright morning to fiiid a Happy sailor lad on the Australian station. When the pudding reached Sydney. Jack had gone to China, and thither the pudding, nothing daunted, started in pursuit. But in Hong Kong it missed its man again, and after a weary journey round the woild it returned very tired and a little hard-hearted to London. Now it rests peacefully during its declining days in a corner of the cupboard, and when, for the enter- tainment of the visitor, it is occasionally dropped upon the floor, the resounding thump testifies to the good solid work put into it by kind, motherly hands. 9

♦YANKEE WORKMAN S FUTURE. SPECIALLY SET FOR THE EVEN I HQ EXPRESS. Considerable interest has been excited in Paris by the publication of an important book on the position of the American workmen. The author, Professor E. Levasseur, of the College of France, who had already lived for some time in the United States, stayed there for five months in 1393, under a commission by the French Aca- demy of Moral and Political Science, to investi- gate the condition of American wage-earners. Perhaps, his most striking conclusion (the "Man- chester Guardian" notes) is that there is quite as strong a probability of a fall in American wages during the next twenty or thirty years, result- ing from a superabundance of labour, as of a rise, as a consequence of inventions, greater in- dustrial efficiency, and a division of the profits of production more favourable for the workman. Among other branches of his inquiry, M. Levas- seur has not neglected the influence of high Pro- tectionism upon the interests of workmen.

The Dorothy. The Grosvenor, and 136, Queen- street. Cardiff, have a splendid Seleotion of Chocolate, Bon-Bons, Cakes for Christmas Pre- swats, no or for btue. New and novel. e6267

FOOTBALL. Welsh Athlete's General Gossip. SPECIALLY SE7 FOR IHE tV$NINQ EXPRESS. 4 Happy and Prosperous New Year to all. Elliot resumes his place in the Cardiff team to-day. Vigors, one of Neath's best forwards, is selected to represent the comity. Blaina now tops the list in the Monmouth- shire League. I don't fancy Newport's chance to-day at Bris- tol at more than about even money. Cheltenham, following the example of Glou- cester, have declined matches with Devonport Albion for next season. Llewellyn, the new recruit in the Blaina team, still keeps up his good form. He is very fast. I have received no advice that Gould turns out for Bristol to-day. The city team is op- posing Newport on the County Ground. Had the weather been fine on Monday last Morriston would have had, to mourn a much greater defeat than by nine points. The O'd Merchant Taylors left Paddington on Friday at 6.15 p.m. They play Swansea to- day, and Weston-supei'-Mare on Monday. Powell, of Llangennech, is spoken of as a rattling centre three-quarter. He will pro- bably play for Llanelly ere long. Two of Newport's best forwards are on the injured list. Boucher has a strained shoulder, and Boots still has a broken thumb in splints. The county match, Glamorgan v. Gloucester- shire, will be played at Gloucester on Thursday next Both sides are strongly represented. Will Edwards, the old Blaina half-back, is selected to take part in the trial match on Monday next, partnering Evans, of Absrtillery. Ebbw Vale is likely to lose the services of two of their best forwards—J. Walters and J. H. Pugu—who are likely to go on the retired list. Mr. E. Williams, Llandaff, a keen supporter of the Cardiff Club, is to be married at Swansea, to-day. I wish him and his bride long life and happiness. The Gloucester players were promised a turkey each by two weH-known local enthusiasts if they defeated Swansea, but a wretched techni- cality robbed them of their Christmas boxes. Both Percy and Frank Stout, after assisting .the Gloucester Club in defeating the Old Mer- chant Taylors, left fdr the North of England to take part in the Barbarians' tour. Mr. T. Evans, the chairman of the Ebbw Vale club, has been indisposed for some time, but followers of the game will be pleased to hear that hot is now convalescent. Cliff Bowen turns out to-day against Glou- cester, after an absence of several weeks. The Albion skipper has fully recovered from- the nasty handling he recaived in the Devon-Somai> set game. The arrangements in connection with the securing of the Gnoll Groiind are practoically settled. Next season Neath will have as good a ground a$ any club in the Principality. Jones, the Neath captain, is still playing on the wing. His sojourn among the forwaids seems to have done him good, for now he plays a better game than ever. To-day Blaina plays the Pill Harriers (New- port) on the Blaina Athletic Ground. Both teams have met five times, the result being four drawn games and one win for Blaina. Bancroft was not selected to play for Gla- morgan County owing to an accident-an acci- dent, by the way, that will prevent his assist- ing Swansea to-day. Smithson, the full back, who has been assist- ing Bristol for the laiit couple of seasons, asaista the Usksiders against the Cabbagemen to-day. In his place Oates will act as custodian for Bristol. Francis, one of the most prominent three- quarters playing for the Ebbw Vale Wednes- days, acted as custodian for the London Wesh v. Bath on Boxing Day. The partisans of the Treherbert and Abar- avon teams vowed vengeance upon the head of Mr. Harry Bowen, Llanelly, in not turning up as referee at last Monday's match. It I mistake not, Pontymoile. who play Penarth to-day, are the Monmouthshire team that defeated the "butcher boys" earlier on in the season. To-day the homesters will, no doubt, make a big effort to "get their own back." Mr. T. J. Job is the name of the referee In the Treorky v. Risca match to-day. Really Job is an excellent name for a. referee, who requires all the patience usually associated with the Biblical career of that cognomen. The Llanelly Tuesday team toured in Car- digan and Newcastle EOllyn during Cliristmas- tiue. This tout is an annual fixture, and' is very popular. The Cardis are simply great as hosts. Mr. D. H. Bowen, Llanelly. is not in the referees' list for to-day. Cardifftans fancy he is the best referee in South Wales, and would have liked to see him officiating in the match on the Cardiff Arms Park to-day. Miss Blackburne and Mdlle. Eclee, whc. rede on numerous occasions at the recent Cardiff Exhibition, occupy third aud fifth places respec- tively in the ladies' cycle race at the Royal AqUtitimn. Joe Gabb, the skipper of the Blaina Rugby team, who for many seasons played half-bick, is now on the three-quarter line, and is playing a brilliant game. Law, a half-back, is also playing a grand game. H. Jonas may be expected to appear shortly in the ranks of the Neath team. He has not played since he met with the unfortunate acci- dent at Cardiff at the commencement of the season. The Neath Club are determined to give Swansea a good game next Saturday. They are in hopes of defeating the all whites, whom they ran to a try on their own ground a few weeks ago. 11, 11 .1. .1 Ivor Lloyd w5H shortly be leaving—no, not for the Northern Union, but for the Cspe. Then Llanelly will have to look out for another custodian. Lloyd wil! be sorely missed, as he has played brilliantly this teason. Wat Hughes, who is playing such a fine game for the Cardiff Reserves this season, is an old captain of the Llanelly Club. "Wat" is very popular in Llanelly, and it is the sub- feet for general regret that his duties as elec- trical engineer have taken him out of the town. Gloucester's only checks in their wonderful career this season have been when they met Welsh clubs. Penarth they defeated, but Swansea, Llanelly, and Newport each drew with them. What will happen when they meet Car- diff, I wonder? It is not yet known when Gloucester's appeal re the disallowing of their goal in the Swansea match will be heard, but it will probably come off early in the new year, and but few Glou. cestrians anticipate a successful issue. The Blackheatb team published in Friday's "Sport&man" was quite comical. Who on earth they meant by "K. S. Jam" for full back, "B. Heath" and "A. S. Printer" for three-quarters, only Blackheath themselves could possibly say. One or two Cardiff forwards have been com- ing in for a. reckoning up at the hands of their committee. It is likely that, unless better form is shown, at least a couple of them will not don the blue and black jersey much longer. In his last few matches for Bristol the critics of the city team say Smithson went off terribly, and was not worth his place. It lias been a revelation to them to see how he has come on since joining the Newport brigade. Mat Hannan has double cause for remembering Llwynypia's first visit to Newport. He played wliat may almost be regarded as his champion game, and he was knocked out twice. Mat may be pardoned for not "taking any" at Bristol to-day. Although Ebbw Valians are proud of the fine display given by Waterfield at Newport during the holiday matches, yet they fear that strong efforts will be made to tempt him to perma- nently fill the position of custodian for the Usk- siders. My suggestion of a fortnight ago that Mon- mouthshire should form a county football club, though it I-ias not yet crystallised into any defi- nite action, is, I find, favourably received amongst many prominent rugger patrons in the Land of Giyent. The South Shields team were delighted with their reception at Llanelly, and spoke highly of the game with the scarlets. They also said some rather uncomplimentary things about the Cardiff forwards, charging them with 'brutal" tactics. One of the most promising of the junior teams in Llanelly is that which was recently formed in connection with the new steelworks. Mo ;ran Williams (Llanelly's vice-captain) is employed at this works, and he occasionally turns out for the team. A question wa; asked the other day as to what had become of the dispute between Lknelly and Swansea. Now, there was >10 dis- pute at all. The only question was about the number of matches to be arranged for next scsson.. It has now been decided to play four, as usual. A Neath forward tells of a funny incident that occurred at Bath. "In the second half," ha said, "I romped over with the third try. The previous two had been disallowed, and when the referee again gave a minor. I started arguing with him. But he shut me ap by saying, "Be quiet! Haven't you had enough already r'" If this be true that referee should have a medal. Mr. Harry Bowen, of Llanelly, is acknow- ledged to be one of the best referees .n the Principality or beyond. His duties as chair- man of the Llanelly Club, however, prevent him from accepting all the offers which he receives to hold the whistle in important matches. Mr.. C. J. Jones, the -secretary of the Ebbw Vale Football Club, sent in his resignation. But the committee did not accept the same, and Mr. Jones has been induced to continue his services. This is fortunate for the club, for there is always danger in changing horses in the middle of the stream. Up to the end of the old year Gloucester had played 15 matches, winning 12 and drawing 3, scoring 156 points against 6. Victories have been obtained o\er Clifton (twice), Cheltenham (twice). Coventry, Old Edwardians, Stroud, Bristol, Penarth, Cinderford. Bath, and Old Merchant Taylors, the drawn games having been with Swansea, Llanelly, and Newport. The Gloucester ftrst fifteen were in capital form on Boxing Day; and got the better of the Old Merchant Taylors by three goals and two tries to nil. This iø, I believe, the biggest score ever obtained by the 'Cestrians against the Taylors. That record is still "all a-growing and a-blowing." The Rev. F. Marshall advances some peculiar ideas in Friday's "Sportsman." He speaks of "We Southern amateurs," as if he had never resided in Huddersfield, or been strongly in favour of the broken time movement. Circum- stances, it has been said, alter cases. I may now also add, so does residence. The Barbarians' Northern tour was concluded at Newcastle, when, after winning their three nxtures against Liverpool, Hartlepool Rovers, and the Old Punelmians, they encountered Percy Park. The result was an easy win for the Barbarians by a goal and five tries (20 points) to three tries. The "Sporting Life" says: —"It appears that Bristol telegraphed their intention of playing Gould to the Rugby Union, but received no ieply."Tlie "Sportsman" says that, in answer to Bristol's wire, the EJnglish Rugby Union secre- tary stated that he could see nothing to prevent Gould from playing. One of these papers is telling the truth. During th, holidays the Wfst of England has been over-ran by Welsh clubs, who have not, by the way, met with anything like the success that attended the effort, of Welsh clubs in Devonshire three or four years ago. The I)e\ entire clubs have evidently been taught tt wrinkle or two in their matches with Welsh teams, and just now it requires a reaJly good Welsh fifteen to defeat the dumpling men. With the death of poor M'AUister, as good and true a. sportsippn as ever breathed, the Settle- ment of the international dispute seems further off than ever. We'know what we have to ex- pect from England and Scotland. Poor M'Alister was in no wiM prejudiced against Wales, and, indeed, on-several occasions, spoke strongly in their favour. The "Sporting Life" considers that Gould's re- appearance has done incalculable and irreparable harm to the prospects of reconciliation, to the pending negotiation* with the board, and to the chances of playing international games this season. A large amount of popular sympathy will, no doubt,. be forfeited, they say, whilst they consider* that 119 further reliance is to be placed on A. J. Gould's assurances of retirement. Mr. Llewellyn, secretary of the Llwynvpia Club, stated at Aberavon on Wednesday night that both Jones and Alexander were still mem- bers tof the Llwynypia Club, and would, as a matter of fact, play for Llwynypia against Aberavon this afterrioon. The statement was probably made so that neither Jones's nor Alexander's chances of inclusion in the Glamor- gan County team should be prejudiced. The Wolverhampton Wanderers have been hauling in some big gates during the Christmas holidays. Tlie sum of £761 7s. 6d. received on Boxing Day in the Aston Villa match was the higliest for a League match at the Molineaux grounds, although in the Association Cup tie between the sanie clubs in 1892 the receipts totalled £788 4s. Id. On Tuesday against the Albion the jre^ei exceeded £300. Their football record is highly satisfactory. A few days before the Watsonians-New- port match the Scotsmen wired to the effect that they wouid be unable to fulfil the fixture unless Newport gave an undertaking that Gould should not be in the team that opposed them. The Newport Committee wired back refusing to give any such undertaking, and st-tting that they would play any member of their club that they thought fit. The game was played, I notice- When Dicky Thomas was poached from New- port to Oldham there were pessimists in the Uskside ranks wjtp thought Newport might simply hang, out thf black flag at full-back this season. Instead of this the difficulty haS been to chose from the plethora of talent available. True, it has not been all native talent, but that is a mere detail nowadays. There was Coleman, of Crumlin; Smithson, from the Bristol team; Needs (an old Newport half), now playing m thqpUhtre for Bristol; and Waterfield, from tiybw Vale. Each of these men has olaved full- -■ back for Newport this season, and the difficulty is to tell which to make the permanent hand. Aberdare, by their guarantee to Llanidloes for a match on Boxing Day, netted over JB12 after defraying all expenses. D. Rees, the Aberdare left centre forward, in his questionable play with Porth a few weeks ago, is likely to be taken over the coals by the South Wales League Committee. The impression Llwynypia has left behind at Newport, I am told, is that they are something mere than a hot lot—tL^y are candidates for the championship of roughness. Cn several occasions after a. man liadi made his jpark (it Was noticeable, I hear, especially in the case of Waterfield, the full-back) he was needlessly and roughly charged. A man on one side or the other was laid out at Newport about every three or four minutes on Tuesday afternoon. Rough- ness in the players induces coarseness in the spectators, and Mr. Douglas, the referee, stopped the game once whilst he went to the "tanner" side and told an onlooker that he would not submit to be bullied and reviled in the most disgraceful and flagrant manner, and he would request the committee to see the offender ordered off the ground if his conduct was persisted in. The Rev. F. Marshall has advanced a scheme to settle the difference between the English Rugby Union and the loyalists of Lancashire and Yorkshire. He suggests that the su!commit- tee of the Rugby Union should rjcoir-mend that there should be a general amnesty for all clubs and players to date on May 1, ;>nd adds, "I put that date so that clubs may finish their season's engagements, but I would allow a ciub to come ill even sooner if it wished. Players I would definitely limit to May 1, and would lay dcwn a condition that any player would be re-instated, and that without any question, provided he had not played with a Northern Union club from a certain dnte—say, Februu'y 1. Sinners really repentant would have an opportunity of doing penance for their sins, others would have to show they had not received any payment for their services." And now, just to turn to English amateur football for a moment. From what I hear this morning from a Manchester correspondent this amateur football in England, must be in a parlous state. Lancashire County, it will be remembered, owe Glamorgan County a return match. This match should have been played last year, but for some reason or other Lan- cashire were unable to fulfil the fixture. As a matter of fact, they did write to Glamorganshire, offering to play the game—a retiyn game, be it remarked—if Glamorgan would guarantee them their expenses. Naturally enough, Gla- morgan didn't see the fun of this, and the match was put off until this season. Now Lancashire have intimated to Glamorganshire that they are unable after all to play the return game owing to a "lack of funds." Surely, as I said above, English, or, at any rate, Lancashire amatcy football is in a parlous state. The ill-considered action of the Georgia Legis- lature in making it a penal offence to play foot- ball because one lad was, unfortunately, killed when engaged in a game has met with a salutary check at the hands of Governor Atkinson. After due consideration he has vetoed" the Bill, and one of the most important influences that urged him to do so was the petition of the mother of the boy who was kiUed. She was. broad-minded enough not to desire that his fate should spoil the sport of all the young men in the State, and to recognise that it was all acci- dent which might happen to a lad engaged in any active outdoor sport. Governor Atkinson bases his veto on solid grounds, which we com- mend to some of our English would-be spoil sports." He says —" If the game of football seriously interferes with the welfare of society and inflicts injuries upon others of a character which public opinion will not obviate or correct, legis- lation should then go so far as may be necessary to remedy the wrong, but no farther. Tlie right of the parents to say what games his bov shall play should not be questioned or disturbed until demanded by imperative necessity. The humblest citizen of this State should be secure in his right to control his own child and say in what games he may be permitted to engage. Football causes less deaths than hunting, boat- ing, fishing, horseback riding, bathing, er bicycling. If we are to engage in legislation of this character now under discussion, the State should assume the position of parent, forbid all these sports to boys, make it a penal offence for a boy to engage in any of them and for any parent to permit his child to engage in them. The Government should not usurp all the authority of the parent. Yet this legislation is a long stride in that direction." Taking still broader ground, lie remarks —"There is no quality that a nation can less afford to lose than its aggressive manliness. It is a quality amal- gamate of courage, endurance, restraint, and the power to act surely and unfalteringly in an emergency. It is a quality which football tends to foster and keep alive. It is not, however, in the great match games, where the competi- tion is the fiercest, that we are to measure the real influence of football upon national manli- ness. More significant is the effect of the per- vasive spirit of the game among the whole body of the students in our schools and colleges. In this game a man learns to know his temper and his strength, and he learns the control which comes of knowledge. He learns to be cool- headed while he is impetuous, to think and act on the instant; and if he lias the making of the man in him, he attains that blending of courage and courtesy which distinguishes the strong man from the powerful brute." Dear "Welsh Athlete,"—With a visw to foster- ing the game of football, will you kindly per- mit me through the medium of vou$columns to make a few general remarks? It must be encouraging to all admirers of the Leek to see the rapid strides that have been made in club games in the Principality during the past two seasons. At least a dozen clubs can now be named (apart from the four premier clubs) that play a sufficiently class game to warrant their being acknowledged by Newport, Cardiff, Swan- sea, and Llanelly in their fixture lists for next season. This may, perhaps, appear to be a bold statement to make, but when we scan the fixture lists of the four leading clubs I think we must agree that fixtures are made with English clubs who are not one whit better that" several of our own local clubs. I presume that thei; principal object is to advance the interest in the game by attaining as high a state of efficiency as possible, and it is only by intro- ducing into their teams the sh'ning and promising lights of local clubs that they are really able to maintain their standard as class leans. The only object, on tlu; other hand, that local teams have to buoy up their spirits, and incite them to become class teams, is the hope of some day seeing their efforts rewarded by figuring in the fixture lists of the giants, and to have some player • r players who &re deemed sufficiently worthy to represent their country in international struggles. Without lors of dignity this aspiration could be fostered by liome-and-home fixtures being made between our principal clubs and the chief of our local teams. I feel certain that were such a desirable course adopted it would prove such an incentive that the standard of Welsh football would immediately and permanently be advanced. I daresay that the question of "gate" would be a big factor to be considered, but I do not hesitate to assert that the fear of any falling oft in gate receipts need be enter- tained for one moment. That the game also will not deteriorate may be evidenced by the exhi- bition, for instance, of the Llwynypia Club on the Newport ground on the 28th ult. As a spectator of the game I. was agreeably astonished to see the giallant fight that the visitors made, and for interest and good play (taking the climatic circumstances into con- sideration) I tlvink it was a game well worth witnessing, and demonstrated clearly the im- portant fact that there are local clubs capable of giving a good game and holding their own against our leading teams. In conclusion, it is to bo sincerely hoped that the hint thrown out to the leaders may receive their favourable and unprejudiced consideration, and that as an earnest of their goodwill for the advancement of the game they will include dome of the best local clubs in their next season's fixture". — I am, Ac., B.

Grand Football Match. Cardiff Arms Park.— Blackheath v. Cardiff. Saturday. 1st January. 1898. Kick-off 2 30. Gates open 1.30. Reserved Seats (Inside Ropes). 3g. each (not including admission to field).—Apply Secretary, 53, Qneen street. ÑI6't'