Evening Express

¡ STOP PRESS. "nIs SPACE IS RESERVED FOR NEWS Kiv CErVED AFTER WE HAVE GONE TO PRESS. Daily Racing Competition. See Page 4. 3,C-The ROrS PLATE. J R Devereux's Galopin Lassie, 9st 21b Houldsworth's Multrue, 8st 4ib P Torterolo's Urugayo, 9st 31b Savon rut. J^CrPoration Selling.—Also ran: Give Him a Chance, The Crust, Gay Peter, Kettleholder, v Last Hope, and J Moerder. to 4 ag?t Autocar. j^^iarncliffe Stakes-Also ran: Sea Fog, °*4nberr; Royal Flush, Kenwyn, Allegro °Jal Favour.e, Regal Record, Liverpool Lass, *l-Sht, and Lady Smith. eUing—J to 1 agst Forcett. 8M^Th6 CQEPCEAT10X SELLING HANDICAP r A Ecclss's Auto Car, oyrs, 8st 81b #if°r(* Barewoc.. 3 Crauesbill, 3yrs, est lib r Inghs's Fiona, 3yrs, 7st 111b Ten ran.

ARRESTED IN CUBA. ^eiltra" ^ews telegram from Madrid on unr«iay says: —The "Impartial" publishes a e2ram from Havannah stating that their avannah correspondent, who was sent out t Madrid in the early stages of the Cuban '°n' an' was ^las ac^ed for his paper ^ir°ughout the war with the United States, has is n arrested and thrown into prison, where he I* kept m solitary confinement awaiting trial ^btary tribunal. He is charged with 4a;Ving sent certain improper information to rhe "Impartial" by letter on July 30. The IIeWg has aroused great indignation in jour- spllSUc circks' for tlle work of this corre- t^ a^ent was well known, and was, perhaps, to»st trustworthy and unbiassed infor-

JlR. CHAMBERLAIN IN AMERICA. Central News telegram from New York on ^«rsday cays:—Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, who l)c>1VeC' lleF3 ye"terday incognito, s.ecn by a re- St +Cr and a'kecl whether viiSit to the United th^68 AaS connected with the settlement of ie6 ^'lippine Question, since it was currently q. orted that hs had come over to look after Britain's 'merest in the Philippines. Mr. th^,ni^er'a^n ^au=llt(i at the question, and said j. 'e Was n°t the slightest justification for the ^atu"1' S^llce ^IS v'3*1 was entirely of a private Th n Colonial Secretary on Current Topics. A. p <la '6uter s telegram from New York on Tliurs- j^. Sayi.:— On his arrival here Mr. Chamber- XVas interviewed by a representative of the ■ -'nd ls represented to have said 999 out ka^jVery 1,000 Englishmen approves by Birming- St^ ^*c''lration about waving together the lanjjS.'tlld Stripes and the Union Jack. Eng- tlia 'ea^y to meet the United States more if-way. It is for the Americans to Rre m'ne h°w close the relations shall be. We y0(x Wiiting for you to name the terms, and «0o ^ay rUre we will accept anything rea- a]i G" ^et us h'lve a. l>etter understanding a.t- rOUnd, and then we can snap our fingers i hostile intrigues. regaf(]Cllamberlain deciined to say whether he dii;, '3(1 the Czar's proposal for international mam«nt as feasible, but he believed it forward in good faith. There were no lrisb questions, he continued. The Irish ^e-eveti Mr. Healy—appeared to be satis- rea' The Cretan difficulty might have a far- Ed 'n? e^ec* uP°n European politics. ,,10^ articles in the morning papers ^Od^8 c^au5Lierlain- ^nd welcome him fc's friends to America.

C°VDITI0X OF PUERTO RICO 8ays tc'ntral News telegram from Washington ir,,ln ~~Seilal<r ^>orter' w^° was appointed to &jc Fe Hie state of commerce in Puerto ;li3 repomniends that, in order to cope with CiiSt ^tion of trade, a system of lower 0n'ii duties should be instituted.

RESULT OF THE POLL. ( '1' 8' he esllt of the poll in the Northern Divi- 101' f fcy ° £ County Down to fill the vacancy caused dec].. 6 deat/k °f Colonel Waring 'Unionist) was "d to-day, us follows: — CorKt0n 'U) 3.381 gro»tt (U.) 3,101 I Majority. 230

'IE fttiScrE FROM DROWNING. CITING SCENE ON THE BANKS OF THE SEVERN. pi ———— )tj- Glouce;,ter correspondent states that a aj, St. ^a'lant rescue from drowning took place Gloucester shortly after nine o'clock on bf6a^ ay niorning. It appears that a horse- named Bowles, and his son were Of ar,d breaking in a young horse in one e,r traps when the animal took fright ran right into the River Severn. Both men nf 1 course, thrown out of the trap, and, ^eot could swim, there seemed every pros- i iiioiy,0^ being drowned. Just at the right Can Cnt' however, Mr. Gilbert Maddy, son of Re|0°n ^a-ddy, and brother-in-law of Mr. F. C. famous explorer, happened to come i^eii ar|d, being informed that neither of the c^imi hastily divested himself of his then jnp^ed in the river, whick at this point is very deep. He first of all secured young Bowles, and flung him up on to the rivar bank, and then swam towards the elder man, who was entangled in the harness, and even. tually succeeded in rescuing him, amid the cheers of the excited onlookers. The horse, a valuable one, was drowned, and its body was eventually dragged out of the river, the vehicle to which the horse had been attached being also recovered. Mr. Maddy, who behaved so heroically, is well known in the corn trade, travelling for Messrs. Thomas Robinson and Co., corn merchants, of Gloucester.

POLICEMAN BROWNED. Alexander Fraser, a member of the X Division of flie London police, was drowned while bath- ing at Hove on Thursday.

TO SlVIJI THE CHANNEL. Mr. Holmes, of Birmingham, started from Dover at 9.40 on Thursday morning in his attempt to swim the Channel. The weather is magnificent, and the conditions could not be better for the attemp. The temperature is some degrees higher than when Captain Webb accom- plished the Channel swim. Holmes was accom- panied in a boat by his brother Howard, another gentleman, and three boatmen. C in a Cell

LISTENED TO AND TAKEN DOWN BY A CONSTABLE. At Reading Police-court on Wednesday the two men, Ward and Smith, who were originally apprehended in connection with the Black- heath murder, were brought up in custody charged on remand with the burglary at the residence of Mr. Haig, at Ascot. The first witness called was Police-constable Halfatre. He deposed that on the 20th of August he received instructions to go into a I police cell and listen. The cell in which he was divided the two in which the prisoners were confined Whilst he was there he heard a conversation between the prisoners. This con- vrsation had reference to the Ascot burglary. Mr. Sydney, for the defence: I object. This is not a Star Chamber inquiry, and I must say that in all my experience I never heard of such a thing. The Chairman: I think we can admit the conversation. Witness then continued his evidence. He said Ward began the conversation by saying, "I wish to —— I had fixed out. I have been picked out. there. She was looking for the other." Smith then said, "Ward, yotf had no swag there." Ward said, "No." Later he said, "I am sure to get ten years, and that will clear all the —— lot up." Smith then replied, "I have got out of a worse one," and Ward said, "Yes, you are all right." Later the same day witness heard a further conversation between the two prisoners. Smith said, "Ward, I am afraid you ara done for, old chap." After an interval of a few minutes Ward said, "They have booked that Newbury job to me, so they will make it a bit hot." Smith answered, "What jcb was that?" Ward replied, "Why, you know, that jeweller's shop." Smith said, "Did any of those coppers see ycu at I Ascot?" Ward replied, "No. I got my face covered all the time," and Smith said, "I don't think they know me because of my whiskers." I Ward then said, "You had better see Brewer and Harry. There are ten .01' twelve thousand quids' worth without any trouble, so if you get that I shall be all right." On the following day, the 26th, witness again placed himself in the cells. Smith began the conversation. He said, 'Be careful what you say to Sydney (his solicitor); he might be on for Gentle (the detec- tive). Ward said, "There is no one who could have seen us—only those people at the coffee- shop. We got right through Staines without sreing a soul," Smith replied, "Did you." Ward said, "You see Brewer, and get him and Harry connected. It is a, 'cert,' and there is plenty of money.' Smith answered, "All right. They have a good description of him and a dark fellow, haven't they?" Ward re- plied, "Yes, but that will drop through." Smith then said, "You spoke to her," and Ward re- plied, "I did; but she could not see the scar on my face. She must have been told of that "Was she in bed?" asked Smith, and after a pause he continued, "I wish I had been there L would have given her a domino. If ever I get there again, I would not be so easy I would smother 'em. I went to Winchester and worked round Salisbury. I was a fool I never thought." J1!0 1Tlaptrates committed the prisoners for trial at the assizes. Bail was refused.

In the Courts. NOTES AND NEWS OF THE SEAMY SIBK CARDIFF. VIOLENT GKANGETOWN WOMAN, inMthJnlVilHamS' Ah llas iataohert to her name' for f ° -e,C°r a 3tringr of offenc<». mostly for act, of violence, the most serious being a case of wounding, in which she was indicted at the assizes, and in which the man attacked was for some time in a critical condition. She Mirv 'pin"^rCd °n; £ char?e °f having assaulted Maij P at,en on the nead with a glass paraffin lemp at SO, Cornpton-street. on September 7 iiosecutr;^ appeared with her head bandiged sunei'ing from a serious wound inflicted by pmoner who picked up a lighted paraffin amp and threw it at her, setting fire to the Phice. The flames were put out bv a neigh- bour, and Police-constable Young arrested the prisoner in a water c-losetuclose by.—The Magis- trates (Messrs. e. J. Beavan and R Hooper) committed her for a couple of months. UNHAPPY MARRIED LIFE. Edmund John Thomas, 28, barman, was fhaiged on a warrant with assaulting his wife Lucy on September 3. Mrs. Thomas, who has t'.vo children by the prisoner, charged her hus- band with systematic ill-treatment. The specific acts now alleged were detailed by Mr Morgan Kees, prosecuting solicitor, and by the woman in evidence. On the night in question it was Stated prisoner came home the worse for drink and without provocation made a savage attack upon his wife, and struck her a violent blow on the face with his fist. He went out then and returning shortly afterwards, demanded a shilling. His wife had no money, and then prisoner, Mr. Rees explained, attempted to strangle her, and but for the assistance of the neighbours, one of whom (a woman) he struck on the shoulder with a poker, accused would probably be before them on a more serious charge. Later the same evening Mrs. Thomas was nursing her baby, when prisoner threw a quart of cold water over them. The baby became seriously ill, and was put into a warm bath, otherwise its life might have been sacri- ficed Prisoner was fined for a similar offence on the Jst of March, and his wife afterwards took other proceedings, but d:d not appear. —He was sentenced to one month's hard labour for the cowardly and aggravated assault. Afterwards proceedings will be instituted for judicial separation.

POSTMASTER-GENERAL REPORTS UPON MOTOR-CARS AND WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. The Postmaster-General, in his report for the year which ended March 31. 1898, says:—The growth of business both on the postal and the telegraph side has been such that I am able ( to report an increase of £273.441 in psstal revenue and .€104,369 in telegraph revenue. The expenditure of the year, however, has been exceptionally swelled by the recommendations of the Tweedmouth Committee, by Budget reforms, and by the rapid growth of the busi- ness of the Department, and has risen by as much as £712,808 over the previous year. But, setting the expenditure against the revenue, the accounts still show a profit of £3.421.125 on the year if nothing be allowed for interest on capital created or purchase of telegraphs. In another portion of the report it is stated that the experiments, so far as they have gone, in using motor-cars for the conveyance of mails. "how po thnt the cars were likely to prove ill ) the near future a mode of conveyance for letter and parcel mails which would be attended with advantages both as regarded speed and economy. With regard to the Marconi appa- ratus, a series of trial was undertaken with special reference to its adaptability for light- hcuse, light-ship, and other communications, but., although the signals were transmitted a certain distance, no practical results have yet been achieved.

GAVE HERSELF AWAY. On Wednesday, at Bethnal-green Coroner's Court, an inquest was being hold by Dr. Wynn Westcott, coroner for North-east London, on the body of a child, who had died suddenly, when one of the witnesses was put into the box to give evidence. The Coroner: The evidence you shall give Witness (in- terrupting): I'm not guilty. (Laughter.)—The Coroner: I did not say you were. I only want I you to speak the truth. The Witness: Oh, I can do that.—A Juror: I wonder where she's been. (Laughter.)

Gordon's Fate. HIS HEAD-EXPOSED THREE DAYS IN OMDURMAN. The Central News special correspondent at Omdurman on Monday (via Nasri) says:—I have to-day had an interview with a trustworthy Arab resident of this place, who was living here when Khartoum was stormed and sacked in January, 1885. He confirms Slatin Pasha's account of the manner in which the hero met his death descending the staircase at the Government House, Khartoum. My informant saw Gordon's head when it was brought from Khartoum amid the wild rejoicings of the Deivishes. Gordon's body, except the head, was thrown into the river. The head was ex- posed in the centre of Omdurman, high up on a pole, that all might see and have no doubt that the great white Pasha was really dead. There it remained for three days. What became of the head my informant is unable to say.

Immense Dervish Losses OYER ELEVEN THOUSAND KILLED, SIXTEEN THOUSAND MEN WOUNDED, According to a message from the Sinhr 10,800 Dervishes were killed in the battle at Omdurman, and 16,000 wounded. In addition to these, between 300 and 400 were killed in Omdurman when the town was taken. Two more deaths have occurred among the British troops—one from wounds and one from dysentery. Otherwise the wounded are doing well. Between 3,000 and 4,000 Dervish light- ing men have surrendered. The special correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" describes an incident which almost proved fatal to the Sirdar in his hour of victory. After the entry into Omdurman it was found necessary to shall the Khalifa's house, and the guns had opened on the building when, apparently, Sir Herbert and his stalf were in dan- gerous vicinity, the dispatch stating that they were nearly killed. EXTENT OF THE DERVISH LOSSES. 27,000 KILLED AND WOUNDED. Tl»« following telegram has been received at tiie War Office from the general officer com- manding the British troops in Egypt:—"Cairo, September 7, 5.50 p.m. (received at the War Office September 7. 5.22 p.m.)—The Sirdar telegraphs from Omdurman, September 5. The message begins: 'Over 500 Arabs mounted on camels were despatched after the Khalifa this morning. He is reported to be moving with such speed that some of his wives have been dropped on the road. Over 100 camels which he had arranged to mount him for his flight have fallen into our hands, 'Officers co inting bodies on the field report the total of dead at 10,800. From the numbers of wounded that have crawled down to the river and into the town, it has been estimated that about 16,000 were wounded. Besides the above, between 300 and 400 men were killed in Omdurman when the town was taken. 'I have between 3,000 and 4,000 prisoners from the fighting men. 'A gunboat has been despatched up the Blue Nile to tranquillise certain districts where the Dervishes are reported to be looting the inhabi- tants. 'Numbers of people are coming in from the surrounding country.' TWO MORE DEATHS IN THE BRITISH RANKS. CONDITION OF THE WOUNDED. The following telegrams were received on Wednesday at the War Office from the Soudan:— "From the general officer commanding in Egypt to the Secretary of State for War: — "CAIRO, Sept. 6, 1898, 6.15 a.m. "Principal medical officer at Abadia tele- graphs to-day that wounded arrived safely. "Lieutenant Nesham, 21st Lancers, has sevpre cabre cut on wrist; severed tendons being united by operation to-day. "Colonel Sloggett, Royal Army Medical Corps, doing well, and stronger. "All others doing well, but many will require operative treatment." "CAIRO, Sept. 6, 1898, 6.20 p.m. "5,266 Private H. Mullin, 1st Battalion Sea- forth Highlanders, died of wounds received in action. "3,746 Private G. Ravnor, 1st Battalion Lin- colnshire regiment, died September 2 from effects of wounds in action. Not previously reported. "3,758 Private G. Howling, 1st Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, died of dysen- tery at Atbara, September 6." STRDAR NEARLY KILLED In the coarse of a detailed description of Friday's battle the special correspondent of the ''Daily Telegraph" says:—By three p.m. it was known that communications had passed between the Sirdar and the chief natives, who were anxious to surrender, but that the Khalifa had entered his residence and was preparing to fight. The Sirdar and staff rode forward into the vast labyrinth of muçl. walls. lanes, and houses, attended only by Maxwell's Brigade ami a battery. It was found that the great, intnior brick and stone wall erected 3rouud Abdullah's Quarters hnd been insuffioient'y destroyed. Guided by HIatin Pasha, whom many of the natin's greeted, a detour was made to the Khalifa's house. Desultory firing from the Dervishes went on. but our troops pushed ahead, and the guns began knocking the house about, by accident nearly causing the death of the Sirdar and his staff. It was nightfall ere an entry was effected and Neufeid was released, and the main bedy of our soldiers bivouacked just outside the city, which the Soudanese held during the night whilst firing was still going on. One result of the great victory is that thousands of prisoners and vast quantities of stores were taken, including many gum and munitions. I estimate the enemy's actual killed at over 15.000. Our total casualties were 400. The friendlier, under Major Stuart- Wortley, also succeeded well during the fight. UN BOATS UP THE WHITE NILE. By far the most important item of intelli- gence received from the Soudan since the news of the final Dervish surrender is contained (says the "Times") in the brief intimation that five gunboats have proceeded up the White Nile. In a telegram dated Saturday evening the Sirdar explicitly stated that, owing to the ccndilio.i of the left bank of the White Nile, i4, was impossible to utilise the gunboats in the pursuit of the fugitive Khalifa. It may. therefore, be assumed that the flotilla has now proceeded up the river in execution of a design which has been in contemplation for a conside- rable period—that, namely, of joining hands with Major Macdonald on his way northwards from Uganda. It may usefully be re-called in this connec.ion that on June 27, in introducing the proposal to remit the Egyptian loan. Sir Michael Hicks-Bcach made a noteable statement foreshadowing this very operation. After deal- ing with the question of the Soudan garrison, the Chine?llor of the Exchequer declared that the Government did not contemplate the undertaking of any further military opera- tions on a large scale or involving any con- siderable expense for the recovery of the great provinces to the south of Khartoum. "What we do anticipate," he went on to say, "is that expeditions may be made by the gunboat flotilla wnich will be at the disposal of the Administration to free the waterway of the Nile from any interference with th'e perfect fresdom of commerce with the interior, so far as Íf, can be carried on by that waterw y." DERVISH BRAVERY. After describing the fight at Omdurman the special correspondent of the "Standard" says: —Then it was we witnessed an act of devoted courage, not easily matched in history or romance. Round the Khalifa's flag, the dark blue rays embroidered with pious sentences, there lay a heap of slain warriors, mowed down by our machine guns and rifles. Two alone re- mained. Khalifa Abdullah had fled. They stood there, each man with a hand on the Bag- staff, unarmed, facing the storm of lead and iron. Then one of the two fell, shot through the body. For a moment his grasp on the sacred flag was loosened. Gathering his strength and raising himself on his knees, he grasped it once more, and so held the colours aloft till death released him from duty. His comrade was left to guard the banner alone. The flag- staff clasped in his left hand, he stood there alone, not making a sign. It was like a figure of stone, with face turned towards the foe. After the din of conflict had ceased, I went over the greater part of the battlefield. I counterl no less than thirty corpses lying round the flag. The heroic warrior, who was the last to fall, lay piercerI by a score of bullets. THE SIRDAR IN TEARS. An interesting story, told by a war corre- spondent now at the f>">nt illustrates how Veenly the SirrJar felt that his future depends upon the result of the battle at Atbara. With two or three newspaper men, curiously enough. Sir Herbert stands on more cordial relations than with most men, but he does not conceal his distrust of the wisdom of letting corre- spondents describe everything they see. He was particularly friendly with the man who narrated this anecdote. The latter, when the fight at Atbara was over, rode over forty miles to get his messages off, and on his return made his way to the Sirdar's tent to offer him hn personal congratulations. By that hour Sir Herbert had completed all his dispatches, and the correspondent, when he entered, found the Sirdar enjoying the respite from the unceasing labours which he had experienced for weeks. This is what followed: "I offered him my con- gratulations," said the correspondent, "and Kitchener exclaimed fervently, 'Thank God, I've pulled it of! and, as he shook hands with me, I noticed his eyes were bedimmed with tears—about the fint sign of human feeling I have ever seen Kitchener indulge in." REWARD FOR THE HEROES Speculation is already busy as to the rewards that will be bestowed on the conquerors of IThartoum. In military circles it is assumed as a matter of course that Sir Herbert Kitchener will be presented with a substantial grant of money and the thanks of Parliament. He is also bound to be the recipient of some titular honour. A peerage is universally regarded as his due, but when his comparative juniority in the service is taken into account the presumption is that he will only be offered a baronetcy. That, it will be remembered, was the honour bestowed upon Lord Wolseiey after the 5uppl"e5sion of Arabi Pasha's rebellion. Another officer who is bound to come in for substantial recognition is General Hunter. By universal consent he is held to have been the brain of the Sirdar's army. FREEDOM OF EDINBURGH FOR THE SIRDAR. At a meeting of the Lord Provost's Com- mittee of Edinburgh Town Council held on Wednesday, the Lord Provost intimated that on receipt of the news of the Omdurman victory he had, on behalf of the citizens, sent con- gratulations to the Sirdar, along with a short telegr;,l11 to General Wauchope. It is under- stood that at a special meeting of the council to be held at an early date the Lord Provost will propose that the freedom of the city be conferred on Sir Herbert Kitchener and the Marquess of Dufferyn. AT THE GORDON HOME. At no place was the new, of the great victory received with more enthusiasm than at the Gordon Boys' Home at Chobham, Woking. The home, it will be remembered, was founded in 1885 as a national memorial to General Gordon, with the Queen as patron, the Princess of Wales as patroness, and the Prince of Wales as pre- sident. As soon as the intelligence of the Sirdar's success was made known, the informa- tion was conveved to the home, and was announced by the commandant, Lieutenant- colonel Walker, to the boys. The lads received the news with enthusiasm, especially when they were informed that several of their old comrades were amongst the first to enter the fallen city. When the newspapers arrived with the details of the fighting they were eagerly read, and several copies were distributed to the elder boys by the commandant. Lieutenant- colonel Pownall, secretary of the home, said to a press representative, "Of course, the news has been particularly gratifying to us, on account of the fact that six of our boys, in- cluding onw in the 21st Lancers, took part in the battle, and we are certain that they behaved as true Gordons." A MOTHER'S GRIEF. A pathetic sequel to the charge of the 21st Lancers before Omdurman is reported from Southampton, where the mother of Private Scattergood. one of the slain, resides. On receiving the news of her son's death she rushed through the streets, wringing her hands in grief, and exclaiming, "My pretty darling. They have slaughtered him, and he was only seventeen. My pretty boy is cut to pieces." Then she burst into tears. The shock has quite prostrated her. REJOICINGS AT SUAKIN. A Reuter's telegram Îrom Suakin on Wednes- day says:—According to recent advices tro-n Kassala, Ahmed Fedil is a;t Gedaref with a force estimated at 3,000 rifles. The inhabitants of Kassala are rejoicing in consequence of the recent heavy rains, and of the permission given them to cultivate their lands. Colonel Parsons arrived at Kassala. on the ?.8l:h of August. There is great rejoicing here over the fall of Omdurman. Public celebrations toon place last night, the natives participating. "GORDON CITY." "Anglo-Egyptian" writes to the "Chronicle": -"The Sirdar is of opinion that the ruined city of Khartoum is a better site than that of Omdurman. No doubt a new city will arise on one or other of the sites. Could th- memary of Gordon he better perpetuated than ay naming the city after him?" WHAT THE RE-CAPTURED PROVINCE MAY PRODUCE. Now that the Dervish host 's no more, end tin Khalifa has shown a clean pair of heels, the question presents itself, Is the Son.Iall gcing to pay its way, or become a charge on the Egyptian exchequer, which js cnlv just begin- ning to feel its feet, so to speak. According to Major Griffiths in the "Fort- nightly," the recovered territory is likely, at first, to prove a. costly acquisition. In the first place, a considerable force will have to be maintained on the spot to keep the Khedive's peace among the unruly tribes. Then, again, little can be expected from the recovered pro- vince its-elf. Before Fuzzy Wuzzy unfurled his banner there it was not exactly a source of wealth to the Khedive; its chief product was gum-arabic, and its total export trade did not exceed a million sterling. But since we eva- cuated Dongola and left the Soudan to the tender mercies of the Khalifa the province has been ravaged and depopulated. According to Major .Griffiths, however, 'there is some accu- mulation of gum-arabic, awaiting more peace- ful times, to come down the country, and the industry will no doubt revive and develop. Then, again, agricultural enterprise will pro- bably extend, especially in the lands longest re-sained—the fertile province of Dongala, e.g., which, according to all accounts, has made rapid progress under the active steps taken to re-colonise. Nine-tenths of the old popula- tion have returned, many from the lower pro- vince, and grants of land have been freely given to all. Higher up the river, too, the same good result may be seen, at Abu Hanied and Berber, for instance. Moreover, trade will be stimulated by the facilities offered by several routes as the new railway back to Wady Haifa and the now re-opened desert road to Suakim." What lies beyond Khartoum is very much of a mystery; many imagine grealt mineral wealth there; there have bs-;n dreams, too, of a great goldfield in the neighbourhood, and believed to be nothing less than the King Solomon's mine- of the Bible. Unfortunately, we are not in the running for this fabulous wealth; the truculent King of Abyssinia got there be- fore us, or, as the major puts it, "Menelik is the man in possession." CARDIFF MAN IN THE SOUDAN. The chief engineer of the gunboat Melik is Mr Sam Howell, son of Mr. George Howell, late of the engineering department of the Taff Vale Railway Company. Mr. Howell was engaged in Cairo in connection with the Egyptian State Railways, and volunteered for service as engineer on one of the Nile gun- boats. It so happened that Mr. Howell was the only csrtified marine engineer whose services could be obtained, and, being efficient in his profession, he was given the post of greater responsibility. It will be remembered that the Melik, with Major Gordon in command, led the river attack against the enemy's forts at Omdurman.

CREDITORS' MEETINGS. A meeting of the creditors of Benjamin Kyte, butcher, 44 Caroline-street, Cardiff, was held at the Official Receiver's Offices, Queen-street, Cardiff, on Thursday morning. The total lia- bilities amounted to £1,894 ISs. lid., of which £ 1,680 5s. id. will rank for dividend. The assets amount to JE177 6s. 5d., leaving a deficiency of £1,502 18s. 8d. The debtor attributed his failure to bad debts, nd paying an excessive compo- sition in 1895. He commenced business in 1871. and for nine years traded as a wholesale butcher and cittle dealer, m which he 10st heavily through bad debts, which caused him to com- pound with his creditors for 7s. 6d. in the .8. He then discontinued the wholesale trade.—No resolution was lassed. and the estate remains in the hands of the Official Receiver. A meeting of the crcditois of Ebenezer George Stiong, grocer, baker, watchmaker, jeweller, hay and corn merchant, saddler, and recently a builder, of Clive-buildings, Penarth- road. Cardiff, was alsotield. The gross liabili- ties amounted to £6,535 lis. 8d., of which £1.411 15s. Id. is estimated to rank for dividend. The assets are valued at £1,4:33 los. lid., less £21 18s. 5d.. for preferential creditors. The debtor states that lie was noL really insolvent, but he could not realise the property, to enable him to pay his debts, and the coal strike materially affected his takings. He filed his petition because he was unable to make a private arrangement with his creditors, and an execu- tion had been levied on his stock and effects. Hi; effected a private arrangement in 1894 and paid 5s. in the £ .—The estate will be adminis- tered by the Official Receiver.

Several more crates of carrier pigeons were received at Dover from Ostend on Tuesday night and forwarded to the Metropolis for flight. The last great cross Channel flight was from Dover, when it was stated that London would be the next point. The latest record of deaths from the heat in New York reaches the astonishing total of J69 for Monday ah.ne. But that day (sayg the ''Daily Telegraph's" representative) was a holi- day, when everyone tried to be out of doors, with deadly effect. There are signs of a. change in the weather.

Troops for Crete. o THE LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. AN UNSATISFACTORY DISPATCH. The Central News is requested to state that the l:e.'t of casualties in the recent fighting at Candia. h?.: been received at the War Office. Owin.s, III doubt, to the disturbed state of affairs in the town, and the confusion caused by the attack on the telegraph office, the names and numbers of the killed and wounded which havejbeen received do not correspond in many instances with the records at the War Office. A telegram has bsen despatched to Malta for a carefully-revised list to be sent on. and upon its arrival and verification the list of killed and wounded will be published. The Central News, upon inquiry this morn- ins, state that the force at Candia is quite sufficient to prevent any serious occurrence of iho recent outbreak, and it is felt that the trouble is at an end, but it is feared the Bri- tish loss in killed and wounded is severe. A Central News telegram from Malta on Thursday says:— In accordance with the arrangements hastiiy made yesterday, 250 men of the Dorset. Regiment sailed to-day for the scene of the disorders in Crete. The Mediter. ranean Fleet has arrived here. Refugees From Candia. A Reuter's telegram from Canea on Thurs- day says:—Several Mussulman families belong- ing to the Young Turkey Party sailed yester- day evening on the steamer Courgis, and landed at Retimo. The reason of this step is not known. A number of Christian families who fled from Candia have arrived at Suda Bay. Opinion in Athens. A Reuter's telegram from Athens on Thurs- day says:—The Athens newspapers express the hope that the occurrences in Crete wiU con- vince the most doubting that quiet is impos- sible, and that tranquility and the security of the Christian population are unattainable so long as the Turkish troops remain on the island, while dependence on Turkey encourages the Mussulmans to resist a settlement.

Driscoll Gone North. CARDIFF PLAYER LEAVES SOUTH WALES FOR HULL. A severe blow has been dealt to the prospects of the Cardiff Football Club this season by the secession of J. Driscoll to the ranks of the Northern Union. It will be remembered that the year before Savage, who played half-back on several occasions for Cardiff, left South Wales to join the Hull Football Club. At that time it was reported that Driscoll would follow him, but, although the Yorkshire Club were known to be negotiating with Driscoll, nothing definite was done, and he remained at Cardiff to play for the home club and gain his reserve international cap. This week it was known that Savage was in Cardiff acting as an emissary of the Hull Club to try and induce Driscoll to go North. His efforts in this direction have not proved futile, for, although Driscoll was playing on Wednesday in the tournament at the Sophia Gardens, we are informed that he left Cardiff this morning for Hull to sign an agreement, to play for the club of that town during the season. We understand that he will receive £75 down upon signing the agree- ment, and £2 10s. for every match played. The club thus protects itself from the possibility of their new recruit not answering expectations, or failing off in his play. There is not much fear, however, of either of the latter contin- gencies, for Driscoll has always proved himself a consistent player, and his place in the Cardiff three-quarter line will be difficult to fill. We understand that Driscoll will play for Hull against Batley on Saturday.

GREAT BRITAIN'S NEW DEALS, REPORTED HUGE TREATS WITH PORTUGAL, The Anglo-German treaty is now accepted as an accomplished fact, and the only difficultj which arises is to ascertain the exact term, which it comprises. The question of the future of Delagoa Bay has been brought intc the argument, and this must of necessity in- volve Portugal. We are informed from a cood source that at least weeks ago an arrange- ment was practically entered into by which in the first place Great Britain would advance 80 million sterling to Portugal, and in return receive the concession of Mosambique, a lease of Lorenzo Marques and Delagoa Bay, and a coaling station at Lisbon for our fleet, "Portugal at the same time undertaking to equip and have in perpetual readiness 20,000 troops at the disposal of the British Government for service when and where required. At the present time we have no naval base between Plymouth and Gibraltar, which our Govern- ment may consider are too far apart, and )n the event of war with France Lisbon would be a capital harbour of refuge, into which we could enter without any pilot, and, at the same time, be within twelve hours of Brest with an ordinary 15-knot boat. It is some confirmation of this statement that during the last few days Portuguese Stock has advanced four points, and that the paper dollar of 4s. 2d. is now worth 2s. 8d., instead of 2s. 5d. Although 80 million sterling may seem a large sum, one must consider what the country get? in return. The most important Colonies of Portugal in South Africa are Lorenzo Mar- ques and Mozambique, which, in fact, consti- tute the whole of the Portuguese possessions in South Africa. They extend from Tongaland (a British Colony) to the British Central Africa Protectorate in the north-west and to German East Africa in the north-east, and are bounded on the west by the South African Republic and Rhodesia, and on the east by the Mozam- bique Canal. It will be seen from the boun- daries we have given that Mozambique is of the utmost importance to this country. In the south are Lorenzo Marques (Delagoa Bay) and Beira. In 1896 the trade of Beira was £302,140 for imports and £17,000 for exports, that of Lorenzo Marques belIlg £ 12,543,011, mainly for. imports on the way to the Transvaal. It will, therefore, be seen that. if the report be correct, Oom Paul will at last be effectually check- mated because for the impositions which he puts upon Uitlanders the British Govern- ment can retaliate by extra duties on arma- ments or other "goods" which the Beers may possibly require. possibly require. Mozambique includes a territory of some- thing like 38,000 square miies, but at present its prbductive quaiities have not been pro. perly tested. This, with Lorenzo Marques, com- prises a district of 297.750 square miles, and a population of 1,500,000. The Portuguese, through lack of money and want of enterprise, have allowed the Colony to fall into a state of decay. What more likely, therefore, than that they should make the agreement with Great Britain which h3s been foreshadowed above? They say, in effect, "We want money; give it to us, and you shall have Mozambique." It is a fair bargain, because Portugal has enough to do to look after her home affairs. The financial position of the country is absolutely rotten, and unless some arrange- ment is made with a friendly Power there is a possibility of revolution. Paper currency is practically the only currency at present, and unttl~some hint of an arrangement with Great Britain leaked out the dollar (4s. 2d.\ was only worth 2s. 5d. Although we have always held that Germany has no right to interfere in regard to Delagoa Bay, it is certain that she would not without protest, at any rate, allow us to take possession of that strategic bit of sea coast in South Africa. On that point it is evident that bome arrangement has been arrived at, and Portugal must have been con- sulted.

The unfortunate Italian sailor named Ocus- tano Rocco Massa, 28 years of age, who on August 18 met with an accident on board the Italian ship Orielia, hailing from Genoa, by an explosion of coal gas, died on Monday at the Hamadryad Hospital, Docks, Cardiff. The ship at the time the explosion occurred was sailing about 40 miles belovV Lundy Island. The cap- tain then put back, and deceased was removed to the Hamadryad Hospital. An inquest was held at the Town-hall on Wednesday evening by the borough coroner (Mr. LI. B. Reece). As the ship had proceeded on her journey no evidence could be given as to how the accident occurred.—Dr. Hughes, of the Hamadryad Hos- pital. gave evidence as to the cause of death, which he attributed to injuries received by an explosion of coal gas. The deceased when he was brought to the hospital was severely burnt all over his body. His eyes were completely decoyed.—A verdict according to the medical ev "o was Jeturl1el.

Funeral of the Rev. J. D. Waiters. The funeral of the Rev. J. Douglas Watter?, late pastor of the Windsor-place Presbyterian Church. Cardiff, took place on Wednesday. The body of the rev. gentleman had been con- veyed from Yorkshire to Cardiff the previous evening, and on Wednesday morning was placed in the church, where, prior to the interment, a memorial service took place. There was an exceedingly large congregation, and the funeral obsequies throughout were of the most impres- sive character. The pulpit, gallery, pillars, and choir rails were draped in black, and the coffin, which was of polished oak with brass mount- ings, was covered with a silken pall embedded in wreaths and other floral emblems of love and esteem. Amongst those present at the service were Sir John Gunn. Messrs. C. Lundie. J. Hendry, T. M. Heywood, H. Reid, A. Speir, A. M'Kinnon, W. Pringle, J. Bell, R. Kinloch, A. Low, D. B. M'Callum, J. Bonnyman, J. Common. J. Rankin, and J. Waugh, elders of the Church; T. Dobson, A Gunn, E. Jordan, T. Campbell, W. McKenzie, R. Templeton, G. Grant, N. Macivor, W. Jones, R. Erskine, A. Pettigrew, W. M'Cul- loch, D. Th mpson, A. Lawrence, and Dr. T. Wallace, mi..lagers; the Revs. W. Smith (Glou- cester), A. Robertson (Aberdare), and J. Gavin (Swindon), representing the Bristol Presbytery; Mr. A. M'Gregor, and Mr. Geo. Corfield, represent- ing the Bristol Churches; Mr. Lewis Williams, Mr. John Duncan, Dr. Edwards, and the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, representing the council of the university college; the Revs. T. Hughes, J. Pugh. E N. Jones, Professor T. Evans, H. M. Hughes, W. Daniel, H. G. Howells, T. Davies, J. Williams, D. Jones, E. H. Griffiths, Canon Thompson, and A. Henderson, Mr. J. Strachan,| Mr. J. Manuel, and Professor Barbier; the Revs. T. W. Medhurst, J. Morgan Jones, W. Rees, J. Williamson, and T. Davies, representing the Thompson, and A. Henderson, Mr. J. Strachan. Mr. J. Manuel, and Professor Barbier; the Revs. T. W. Medhurst, J. Morgan Jones, W. Rees, J. Williamson, and T. Davies, representing the Cardiff Ministerial Union; Mr. Alfred Thomas, M.P.. the Rev. J. Williamson, Mr. L. Williams, Mr. S. Cooper, and Mr. D. Shepherd, represent- ing the Cardiff and District Free Church Council; the Rev. R. W. Rees, the Rev. W. T. Lee, the Rov. H. L. Jones (Emmanuel Church), Mr. R. Bird, Mr. I. Padfield, Mr. S. Stephens; Messrs. L. Page, A. A. Bryan, and Alderman Sanders, representing the Cardiff Band of Hope Union; Messrs. G. Shepherd, R. Proud, and the Rev. T. Davies, representing the Cardiff Temperance and Prohibition Association; Mr. J. T. Phillips, representing the United Kingdom Alliance; the Rev. — Walker, the Rev. J. Morris, the Rev. A. Tilly, Mr. J. G. Proger, Mr. W. W. Pettigrew, Mr. James Morgan, Dr. Smith. Mr. Marcus Gunn, Mr. Hubert Clarke, Dr. Paterson, Mr. V, Lester Jones, the Rev. W. Spurgeon, Mr. G. P. Thomas, Alderman D. Lewis, Mr. C. Morgan, the Rev. J. Baillie, Mr. James Allan, Mr. A. Brown, Mr. George Rutherford, and Mr. J. Corner (representing Dr. Barnado's. Institution). The service at the church was conducted by the Revs. W. E. Shaw (Roath Park), W. Smith (Glou- cester), J. Gavin (Swindon), J. Williamson (Charles-street), W. E. Winks (Bethany), and H. B. Taylor (Oxford). The Rev. W. Smith, in the course of a brief address, and that was not in any sense a common event which called them together that day. The intelligence of the death ot Mr. Watters came to him as a painful surprise, because ne had hoped that he would be "pared to his family and congregation for many years. However, he had lived out his time, although only in the prime of life. He made his mark in the world, and accomplished things winch placed him above most ordinary men..He was a hard worker, and ungrudgingly and vvuhout stint he served his Master. He considered 110! sacrifice too great, and he was inspired with a spirit of enthusiasm for the work TO which he had given his life. It was a sad disappoint- ment to him when he was compelled to rak? rest, hecause he was never ::0 happy as when doing good and helping forward the kingdom of Goù. lie was a man of great gifts, and they were all laid at the Master's feet for His service. It had been his (the speaker's) happi- ness to work side by side with Mr. Watters in Presbytery work for seventeen years. Mr. Watters was ordained on the 21st of October, 1881, and he preached the speaker's indnctlOIl sermon at Gloucester on the 17th of the fol- lowing month. Speaking as the oldest Pres- byter, he might say they all loved him, and greatly admired his personal character ana splendid gifts. A more brotherly and generous hearted man there could not be. He won for himself a unique piace in the hearts of all his brethren; he was a wise counsellor; his m- fluence always tarried weight, and his 'oss would be greatly felt. He was a student at their theological college in London, and he took a lively interest in all that pertained to its welfare. It might be in the remembrance of some of them how greatly he distinguished himself in 1895 by his opposition to the re- moval of the college from London to Cam- bridge. He was on the board of examiners, and they knew the undying interest he took iu the .welfare of young men. He lived long enough to see the fulfilment of one cherished object—the settlement of a minister at Roath Park. He might have been permitted to enjoy fellowship with a man after his own heart, but it had pleased God to remove him from the fellowship and service of earth to a better and closer fellowship with Himself. He had wrought well for nearly seventeen years, and ha had come to his grave without a stain upon hi" character or a spot upon his reputation, justly held in high esteem by everybody. They mourned the loss of a great and good man, a man of sturdy and massive character. They mourned with the widow and children, for whom their hearts bled in mourn- ful sympathy. After the address a portion of the hymn, "Now, the labourer's task is o'er," was sung, and the congregation remained standing whilst the coffin was borne to the hearse outside. A procession was then formed to the cemetery. The chief mourners were Mrs. Watters, the Misses Irene and Gladys Watters (daughters), Mrs. Harrison, and Miss Harrison, On arriving at the graveside the last funeral rites were performed by the Rev. W. E. Shaw, and the body was lowered into its last resting place. The Rev. Canon Thompson said he had been asked to take a humble part in this last tribute of respect to their departed friend and brother, and he had a mournful and most sin- cere pleasure in responding to that request. He thought he should best suit the circum- stances of the occasion and their feelings if the few remarks he made rather conveyed his impression of Mr. Watters during the seventeen years that they had been known to one another. He supposed he was asked to do that mainly because of his seniority of position in the town of Cardiff through passing of time. and because they worked together side by side in many a sphere of honoured usefulness, and in many a work for promoting the good of men, and. as they humbly believed, the glory of God. Their friend Douglas Watters was. first of all. what one might call a happy man. In going about the streets of this great town one was not struck pre-eminently from the faces of those they met that they were happy, but Mr. Watters was pre-eminently of a happy and sunny disposition. He was a man of many gifts, full of interest, and many sided. He was extremely happy in his work. and this arose from two things. First of all. he knew that his people loved him, and that they appreciated his work and his services What a strength and power that must be to every humble and honest worker for God! There was one other source of happiness which Mr. Watters possessed. He believed intensely in the work of so-called education. Not all of such was true education, because there was too much mechani- cal fuss, stress, and strain, side by side with that which was genuine and true. He was eminently a useful man, and, what was more. he was a religious man. If Christian men and Christian ministers failed in one respect, it was that they were not religious in the truest sense of the word, but this was not so with Mr. Watters. Wherever they met him they felt that he lived with God. He took a keen inte- rest in antiquity, history, science, philosophy, and, at the same time, he was a man of the highest honour and dignity, and lived a good, sober. blameless, and manful life. Such was Douglas Watters, and he (Canon Thompson) was there to add his humble testimony of what he was and the work which he did. The Rev. W. E. Shaw pronounced the benediction, and the mournful ceremony terminated. The coffin bore the following in- scription:— "James Douglass Watters, born December 17, 1851; died September 5. 1898." Among those who sent wreaths were Sir John and Lady Gunn, Mr. ^.nd Mrs. John Duncan. the members of the session, the Young Men's Guild, the Young Women's Guild, the Dorcas Society, Mr. and Mrs. William Jones and family, the Rev. N. Wallace (Torquay), the Roath Park Church. Mr. J. S. Bonnyman and family. Mr. Cory. Mr. and Mrs. W. McKenzie, the Rev. W. E. and Mrs. Shaw. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Wallace, the committee of Uie T'ark- hall Popular Services, the members of the Church Choir, and there was a floral anchor from the young people of the Church. The whole of the funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Stone Brothers, Work- ing-street, Cardiff. At a united gathering of the Weslevan Methodist Churches at the Roath-road Church on Wednesday evening, the following resolution was moved by Mr. T. R. Moxey, supported by the Rev. W. H. Parr and Mr. Sankey Bennet, the whole congregation standing in silent approval: That we desire to express on behalf of the Wesleyan Methodists of Cardiff our condolence with the widow and family of the Rev. J. D. Watters, M.A., our sympathy with the Presbyterian Church in Windsor-place in the loss they have sustained in the death of their beloved pastor, and to record our appre- ciation of the distinguished service he had rendered the cause of truth and humanity in our town.

The autumn assizes for the county of Glamor- gan will open at Swansea on November tô, before Mr. Justice Day.

Mobbing the Kensitites I THEIR BANNER TRAMPLED ON AT SPALDING. Extraordinary scenes were witnessed at Spal- ding between ten and eleven o'clock on Tues- day night in connection with the visit to the town of the Wycliffe Poor Preachers. Six mem- bers of the Protestant brigade, including Mr. John Kensit, jun., have been holding services in the town since last Thursday, and on Sun- day moriimg paid a visit to the St. John Bap- tist Church, Hawthorn-bank, Spalding, where Bituahstic services are regularly conducted. Since then the meetings of the Kensit, brigade have been very lively. On Tuesday night matters reached a climax, the churchwarden, organist, and several mem- bers of the choir at St. John Baptist Church attended the open-air meeting near the Foun- tain and challenged some of the statements made by Messrs. Myall and Upton, two of the speakers. A great uproar ensued, and through- out the meeting, which lasted from 7.45 until 10.15, the proceedings were very disorderly. When the meeting had been brought to a close th; Kensitites were mobbed, their banner snatched from them, torn, and trampled on by the crowd, but subsequently it was re- turned to Mr Myall by the inspector of police. A number of friends who were present, realising that the Wycliffe preachers were in danger of being hurt formed a bodyguard around them, and a start was made for their apartments. A large crowd followed, the opposition party howling and yelling, and singing comic songs. while the Protestant band sang well-known Gcspel hymns. The party marched xhrough the Maiket-place. along some of the principal streets, in the hope that the crowd would dis- perse. but this they refused to do, and Mr. Myall appealed to them to go home, saying, if a riot occurred, the responsibility would not rest wit hhim and his friends. Residents in the west-end of the town, where the preachers were staying, were quite alRrmed by the pro- cessioning 01" the streets and the hub-bub caused at so late a hour in the evening, and many who had retired to rest came out. It was eleven o clock before the crowd dispersed. On Wednesday the Wyckiiffe band left Spal- ding for Boston, where they are to hold a mis- sion.

THE QUEEN AT BALMORAL. The hot weather has, it is stated, had the most desirable effect upon the Queen. Her Majesty, indeed, so enjoys the open air that she has resumed in a measure those pleasant little cottar visitations which in more active years were one of the delights of her life. Only on two days did her Majesty interrupt her visi- tations. The first was the day upon which the Czar's rescript was issued, and ths second was Saturday, when her anxiety over the operations in the Soudan induced her to seriously curtail her drive.

PRIMATE AND THE BIBLE. A correspondent having written to ask the Archbishop of Canterbury whether it was true that he had said at Canterbury that "he had nù doubt there were inaccuracies in the Old Testament narratives, though the writers told the truth, as far as they knew it," the Primate's chaplain has replied :Hte Grace did make the statement to which you refer, and he thinks it; and for an instance he would refer you to 2 Samuel, xxiv., 13 and 1 Chronicles, XD., 12." In the first of the passages referred to the prophet Gad, on his mission to David, refers to "seven years of famine." and in the latter In speaks of "three years' famine."

T WE LYE JURYMEN FINED. At an inquest held by Mr. S. F. Langham at the City Mortuary on Wednesday great delay was experiennecl in consequence of a of jurymen not responding to their summonses, with the result that twelve were each fined 40s. Altogether 25 were summoned, six of whom appeared and five sent representatives. One of the latter explained that a Mr. leiler sum- nic-ned .vas the German Consul, who was at Southampton. He was also a member of a shipping firm in the City, and was thus on the jury list.—Mr. Langham: T will exempt him.— Another gentleman, c:)D3:àerably aùvanced in years, aaid he was so deaf that he would not be [I-Die tJ hear any of the evidence, and he was also excused. Other excuses made were that the gentlemen summoned were on the Continent or in the country taking a holiday. The depuVes were accepted, anù the total number of lurymen was then nine. Half an hour later Mr. Heslop, the «c»roner's clerk, went into the street and collected four men to serve. The Coroner expressed his annoyance at the vi'ay the City gentlemen had treated him. Of 22 there were only eleven who condescended to answer his summons. This treatment could not he tolerated, and those who had not appeared or sent excuses would each be fined 40s.

"NEARLY LYNCHED." The "Morning Post" has this strange story from Berlin :-A remarkable scene was wit- nesed in the Xeues Theatre a few nights since, on the first production of a dreary "patriotic" play. The hero was the Great Kurfurst, and the plot and dialogue are described as an iteration of the theme, "This is the duty of a Hohenzollern." The audience endured two acts with patience, but when the curtain fell at the end of the second a man in the stalls woke I up. He asked aloud hew much more there was to sit out, and an envious neighbour tried to spoil the good effects of his nap by assuring him that only one act had been played. Some people took the assurance in earnest, and vented their displeasure on the speaker. One account states that he was "nearly lynched." as a SUPl)osed friend of the author of the piece. He seems at any rCl.te t4 have beeu roughly treated, and the police Had to inter- fere.

MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR. FATAL SEQUEL TO A DRINKING BOUT. The Central News Aitrincham correspondent telegraphs that a mysterious affair occurred here the eady hours of this morning. It aprcars that on AVednesday eyening a man, accompanied by a woman named Clarke went to an hotel in Aitrincham and indulged in a quantity of drink. Returning then • to the street in which Clarke lived they had more drmk, Rnd were joined by another woman named Yexford. They appeared to have spent the night in Clarke's house an more or less in a state of intoxication, and in the morning the man was found dead, whilst the woman Yex- ford was suffering from a revolver wound, and was removed to the hospital. She is. however. in such a serious condition that she can give no account of the affair. The deceased man is named Irwin, or Unwin, and is a man of about 50 At present it is not known whether the affair was an accident.

AN ARTIST'S ASPIRATIONS. At Blackburn on Wednesday Wylam Gowdy, described as an artist, was summoned for PH- sistent cruelty to and neglect of his wife. It was stated that the defendant was a paint-?r of considerable ability, but had shamefully neglected his wife, who to support herself had to work as a barmaid. In a letter written in reply to her request for support, the defendant wrote:—"You can claim your pound of flesh; but I shall protect myself from being driven to despair by you. I shall make my name in the world of art when you are a miserable drudge and a mudlark." The wife's counsel read extracts from defendant's diary referring to his proceedings with another woman. One entry ran:—"To-day went out with Kate and came back in the moonlight." Defendant told the magistrates that it would be better If he could be separated from his wife. He had commissions that would bring him hun- dreds of pounds, but could not work because of the trouble his wife caused him. He was striving for a high position in the art world. and did not want to see her face again. He would willingly give her 10;. per week, and she could earn her own living.—The Bench made an order for the payment of 10s. per week.

r FOR WORTHLESS HEN. It is stated by the police that the many men in London—chiefly foreigner"-who live on the prostitution of women are keenly alive to the provisions of the recent Act to amend the Vagrancy Act, 1824. According to the new Act. every male person who knowingly lives, wholly or in part, on the earnings of such women, or in any public place persistently solicits for immoral purposes, shall be deemed a vagabond, and be subject to a term of hard labour. If it is made to appear in a Court of Summary Jurisdiction that there is any reason to suspect that any house or any part of a house is used for immoral purposes, and that any malp per- son residing in or frequenting the house is living wholly or in part on the proceeds, the man may be arrested and charged. Furthermore, where a male person is proved to live with or to be habitually in the company of a prosti- tute and has no visible means of subsistence, he shall, unless he can satisfy the court to the contrary, be deemed to be amenable. Imme- diately the Act comes into operation—at the end of next month—stringent measures will be taken to see that no man obtaining his living in the way indicated escapes punishment. •

Colliers' Contracts. MEETING OF"THE"JOINT SLIDIN GrSCALE COMMITTEE. s i1 A meeting of ihe joint slidmg-scale committee s was held at the Engineers' Institute on Thurs- I day for the purpose of considering the nature 11: of the contiacts to be signed by the men on returning to v ork. Contract-book No. 1 describes at length the agreement signed on the 1st of this month, and states that the terms s and conditions cf the sliding-scale agreement > known as the "old scale," which terminated < upon the 51si vf March last. shall, together 1 with Clause 3 of the agreement of the 17th of t February, 1893, be embodied in an agreement waich shall continue in force until the 1st day j| of January. 1903, and may be determined by six months' notice on either side, to be given on the 1st of .Tuly, 1902. the 1st of January, 1903, or any other following 1st of July or 1st of January. Should, however, after the 1st of September, 1899, tho employers, by virtue of this agreement reduce the wages of workmen below 121 ner cent. below the standard of 1879, th-j woikmen shall have the right to Lerminate the agreement on th-i 1st day of January or the 1st day 01 July next ensuing. Following this is set out the sliding-scale agreement of 1892. which is a somewhat lengthy" document, relating not only to the rise and fall of wages and the two-monthly audits, but to numerous other regulations with regard to cutting, screening, and weighing coal. Ihe joint committee agreed to this form of 1 contract on Thursday morning, and copies of -AY it will be distributed in pamphlet form among the men, so that they may know precisely what I the terms are. ——

Racing Competition. There was only one out of those who went in ( for our racing competition on Wednesday to give the winners of the three races selected, f and he, therefore, takes the whole of the 11 entrance fees. Li ls. 8d. His name is t Mr. J. EDMUNDS, 37. Coveny-street, Cardiff. I' The coupon and entries for to-mArrow's com- petition will be found on Page 4.

TO-DAY'S RACINGr DONCASTER SEPTEMBER MEETING. i Stewards: The Earl of Durham, the Earl of ] Crewe, and the Earl of Harewood. Stake- i holders: Messrs Weatherby and Sons. Judge: 1 Mr C -E Robinson. Handicapper: Major Eger- ton. Starter: Mr A Coventry. Clerk of the Scales: Mr W C Manning. Clerk of the Course: ( Miies I'Anson. O A The WHARNCLIFFE STAKES 1 mi« U (high-weight handicap) of 5 so .~s t each. with 100 added; winners extra. Three quarters of a mile. Foicett, 1; Kendal Queen. 2; Devil a Saint, 3. Thirteen ran.

OFFICIAL SCR ATCHINGS. The "Sportsman" has been officially informe i by Messrs. Weatherby of the following sera'eh- ings:— Prince of Wales's Nursery, Doncaster—Fairv- field. Ayrshire Handicap—Acmena. Don'caster Cup—Acniena. All engagements—Filly by Bonavista—Enid, filly by Kilwarlm—Nondia. and yearling colt by Hazelhatch, dam by Gold-Nondia.

Notes and. Anticipations From the Course. Our Correspondent, wiring from the course. says:—The following horses will go close for their engagements to-day: — 2.0—THE REEVE. 3 2.30-GA Y PETER. j 3.0—GALOPIN LASSIE. 3.30—EAGER. 1 4.0—ESMERALDA IL 4.30— GRODNO. 5.0—BONNEBOSQ. BEST THING OF THE DAY-GALOPIX j-ASSIE < DONCAS7 ER, Wednesday. My rejections for to-morrow's events are:- Wharncliffe Stakez-LOYAL FAVOURITE. Corporation Handicap—GAY PETER. Rous PIa te-BASTJTO. Portland Piate—LUCKNOW or HERMISTOX. t Juvenile PI a t e—SIDELIG HT. Alexandra Plate—BONNEBOSQ. Scarborough Stakes—PIE POWDER, VEXATOR.

OLD SAM'S FINALS. DONCASTER MEETING. 2.0-SEA FOG. 2.30—GAY PETER. 3.0—ST. VALENTINE II. 3.30-NORTHERX FARMER (good); best out- sider. FORTALICE. 4.0—MADAME DELICIEUSE. 4.30—GRODNO (nap). 5.0-BOXXEBOS.. DOUBLE EVEXT-GRODXO and BONNEBOSQ. I

PADDOCK FINALS. (LATEST FROM THE COURSE). J. MOERDER, SIDELIGHT, PHOEBUS APOLLO and EAGER. I ADDITIONAL ARRIVALS THIS MORNING. Morgante. Galopin Lassie, Othery, King of Thebes. Chiselhampton. Carlin, Tarolinta. Miss Stebbings. Variety gelding, More or Less, Strike a Light. Pinfold, Galashiels. Clubland, Landrail Bay Ronald, Sylvestris. Avidity, Brio. Champ de Mars, Queen Fairy, Fair Mile, Urugayo, and Grca.

HARDAWAY and TOPPING (B. TOPPING and W. R. SPIXDLERi. FLFSHTNG, HOLLAND ST. LEGER. CESAREWITCH. CAMBRIDGE SHIRE. &c.. Ac. Double and Treble Events on Above. S P. aU Races. The Continental Sportsman," pub- lished twice daily during the season, containing latest market movements on above and all important races, free on receipt of adarw-g. The Oldest-established and Most Extensive Tnrf Commission-Agency in-the- Worid. All leUerg to be addressed-Flushinc. Holland. lY-ptage 2id.

I GORDON S MONUMENT. During the last day or two General Gordon's monument in St. Paul's Cathedral has been decked with flowers, including a cooss, a wreath, and bouquets. One of these flcral tri- butes has a black-bordered card attached bear- ing this inscription:- Gordon avenged by God. Due honour to his comrades, Who were His instruments. May they with him rest in peace. L. L. R.

THE LATEST IN CATS. A strange freak of nature is reported from Leamington, where a cat belonging to Mr. E. Griffin, of 38, Shrubland-street. has given birth to four kittens, all of which, though fully developed, are joined together. One of the kittens has since been killed by the mother, but the other three are alive and doing well. While the heads of two of the kittens are close together, that of the third is in the opposite direction.

THE XISS OF PATRIOTISM. A train bearing fifteen dying Roughriaers, who were wounded at Santiago, to New York, stopped at the town of Quoque. a fashionable seaside resort, to get fresh water. The daughter of the mayor, acompanied by several other girls, boarded the train. The mayor's daughter kissed each of the men, and gave a bouquet of flowers as well.

In the St. Leger the following was the result of the draw for positions at the starting-post: Heckler No. 1 'inside berth). Pheon 2, Xinus 3. Dunlop 4, Schonberg 5, Bridegroom II. 6. Canopus 7. Greenan 8, Wildfowler 9, Disraeli 10, Neish 11, and Jeddah 12 (on the extreme right hand).

JEOO £ atf for Classification ANTED immediately, strong, Single-handed ▼ T Kitchenmaid; some experience; highly recommended. Apply. enclosing references, stating age, wages, Mrs. Bishop, Dolvgarrig Llandovery. 1969.15 WTANTED. Situation as Groom-Gardener; T V thoroughly understands his work: willing to be generally u-eful and milk; married- no encumbrance; aged 28: strong, actiie -Lane, Venwood Cottage. Marden, Hereford. 1967al5 YOv NG Married Couple Desire Management of Small Drapery and Outfitting or Fai.cy Business; good references.—Apply N 30, Western Mail, Cardiff. 1970al5 WANTED, Situation as Groom or Groom- Garaener; ride and drive well: good refe- rence.—G. Williams, Hill Farm, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire. 1968a12 I LARGE Double-licensed House in the centre i of Cardiff; takings about £ 3,000 a. year; each. £ 1,200.—Particulars Morgan and Duchesne, High-street, Cardiff. 1966al5 SMART Youth for Accountant's Office, know- ledge of shorthand and typewriting desi- rable.—Apply, by letter only, Morgan and Duchesne. High-street, Cardiff. 1965al5 WANTED, a General Servant; good~wages given: four in family.—Apply Dumfries House, 32. Caroline-street, Cardiff. 1972al2 LOST, between Clifton-street Turd Sophia Gardens Field. Gentleman's Gold Hunter Watch.— £ 5 Reward by returning same to Spiridion, Cardiff. 1973a9

To-Day's Cricket. SF-REEY AND SUSSEX V. REST OF ENGLAND Except, perhaps, for the absence of C. B. Fry, the combined counties were strongly represented at Hastings on Thursday, while the Rest of England had a powerful side, though it waa by no means certain at the outset whether Shrewsbury, who had an injured finger, would be able to play. Murdoch won the toss, and sent in the famous Surrey pair, Abel and Brock- well, at five minutes past twelve, to face Towns- end and Hearne. The weather was again bright and sunny, and the attendance up to the average. Brockwell was out to the second ball sent down. being caught at mid-off, and at, seventeen Holland was out leg before wicket. Score; SrRREY AXD SFSSEX—First innings. Abel. c and b Townsend 12 Brockwell, c Jessop. b Townsend 0 Holiand, 1 g w, b Townsend 6 G. Brann. not out 4 Total (for I hree wickets). 22

A Vanished Doctor.. STRANGE STORY OF AN EAST END LOCUM TENENS. The carious conduct of a Bethnal Green doctor's locum tenens came under discussion at ir inquest on a child in tlfcE- local coroner s court on Wednesday.—Matilda Crapnell, the niotlwr of the child, said she took it to the surgery of Dr. Campbell, Virginia-road, on Monday week. She saw a gentleman there, who said Dr. Campbell was away on his holidays, and that he was acting for him. He was the worse lor drink, so she asked him to look in the book and give her the same medicine that she had had before.—The Coroner: What was his name? -1 don't know.-The Coroner's Officer: His name is Casey, and he was actine as locum tenons while Dr. Campbell was at Margate.— Mrs. Crapnell: When I went on the Wednes- day night he was so drank he fell over the table. I said to him, "You're drunk, sir," and with that he got out of the aargei-y.-The Coroner: Did you go again?—Yes. I went on Monday, but the dispenser said, "He's done a guy." (Laughters-Done a what?—Done a guy; bunked, you know; gone off the with the book, money, and all. (Laughter. — The Coroner's Officer: It's quite true. sir. He disappeared on Sunday morning, taking the money with him, and he has not been seen since. There are a number of people whose children he attended who can- not get death certificates.The Coroner: Well, if he gets caught I hope he will be panished — Medical evidence showed that the death of the child was due to exhaustion follow ing diarrhcea and sickness, and the jury returned a iwtiiti of natural rteatit