The Cambrian

Humiliating Terms to Llanelly, The text of the draft agreement submitted by the Bink of England to the Llaneilv Har- bour Commissioners, and already quoted by us, shows that the whole of the loan of JB55,000 applied for shall be a first charge on lin- general district rate. rpon default of pay- ment of interest when due, the whole of the amount is to immediately become due. For the convenience the Commissioners are to assign the harbour undertaking, and the in- come to the Bank until the money and in- terest is fully paid. A consultative commit- tee is to be formed, composed of three mem- bers, two appointed by the Bank, one to be chairman for the time being of the Commis- sioners. The first appointed by the Bank are Messrs. Jno. Roberts and Jno. Macaulay. In cases of differences of opinion the decision of the Bank is to be final. All costs of actions, litigation, etc., to be borne by the Commis- sioners.

Salvationist's Self-Denial Week. The Salvation Army Self-Denial Week is over, but the accounts will not bt: finallv made up until Friday. Little dcubt is en- tertained that the "target" of JE76 10s. which is aimed at by No. 1 Swansea Corps will be realised. Under Adjutant R. Tomkins the usual "df<?rts" have been put forth, most of the soldiers giving up some article of luxury or necessity and devoting the proceeds to the fund. One man lived'a week on bread and water; several abandoned their pipes and cigarettes, for although no officer must smoke, this rule is not binding on ordinary soldiers. The brass band has played at street cor- ners, and the "Swansea No. 1 Songsters," led by Mr. Bailey, staff-captain, and wife of divisional officer, gave samples of their powers at West's Picture Show, by the kind pormis- sion of the management, and then took up a collection, which amounted to 22s. They also sang at St. Thomas. The Army in Swansea now number about 250 adults and nearly 300 juveniles, and the juveniles of No. 1 Corps are collecting JE24 out of the JC76 10s. The amount collected last year by No. 1 Corps was JB72.

MEDICAL OPINION ON SEAWEED, AS A MEDICINE FOR THE STOMACH, LIVER, KIDNEYS, AND BLOOD. Dr. KiriJloff in a paper communicated to the Eastern Siberian Medical Association dealt with the virtues of Seaweed in blood diseases. He said: Seaweed is widely used as food in Japan, and as it contains com- bined Iodine, blood diseases, which ass jni.? such alarming characteristics in other coun- tries, run a comparatively mild course in Japan. Other medical authorities have from time to t:mc called attention to the remark- able curative and strengthening power of Seaweed, but it remained for Mr. Yeno to bring it more forcibly before the notice of the public. Yeno's Seawesd Tonic is regarded as the standard preparation of Seaweed, and for that reascn is prescribed by doctors fIld used in many hospitals. It contains a deep water specics obtained in the Pacific Ocean, and possesses a. wonderful strengthening, liealincf, .)nci purifying power, especially ap- plicable to young and old in spring and au- tumn. Its most brilliant effect is produced m stomach, liver, kidney, and blood diseases, the extraordinary euree it accomplishes even in the worst cases is undeniable proof of its superior value as a general Mlengthening and curative medicine. It putine. the blood, ernes indigestion, wind on the stomach. ?ivor comp.aint kicmey troubles, teni ilo weakness, weak and painful back, headachte, and is x enectual in "Habitual Constipation." the proprietors, knowing the great value of tints medicine are prepared to guarantee it cure or refund the money. This is a very strong Hand to take, but it is quite justified by the great success < f the remedv. Ask for Yeno's Seaweed Tonic. Price Is. l £ d. and 2s. 9d. per bottle at Chemists and Drue Stores. °

T1K> widening of Piccadilly worried the Sw;»!?*iea Rural District Council on Tuesday. It was not the insignificant thoroughfare ot that name in London, 'but tihe architecturally- beautiful street in Loughoi. ■"

MORRISTON MEMS, 1 Bath Excels should have played a friendly match with a Swansea team, Parochial, which stands at the head of the Swansea District Junior League. The club sent word pro- mising to come up on the Friday, but on Saturday they did not turn up, nor did' they wire their being unable to play. It's ratlier peculiar that whereas in choral competitions the competitors are in full view of the adjudicators-, the judge of brass band or drum and fife band conte-ts is alwavs screened up in some corner. The president of the eisteddfod last Saturday made an amusing mistake when the fife "band event came on. Before the first band played, lie in speaking of it, gave it its right name. And the great purpose of the screen went to the ground then. Mr. Horace Samuel is a rising young local pian st. Last Saturday he was honoured bv being engaged to accompany the Port Talbot 9 m Male Voice Partv in their concert at tL^ Queen's Hall, London. There lias been a recurrence of the wage hitch at the Copper Pit. but temporarily the difference has been bridged. Mrs. H. D. Williams has sustained her promise to fight for a seat on the Guardians and a contest is thus precipitated in our Wa,rds. Stormy water ahead I The Morriston Sunday School Drum and Fife Band achieved « remarkable success in their eisteddfod last Saturday. Eisteddfodaa of course can always demand success at Mor- riston, but the ambitious programme for its first annual was hardly expected to secure such great patronage and such keen ccaipeti- tion as was attended it. The hall was quite filled, and the singing all through was very creditable. The officials were fortunate in the date they selected, as there was no counter-attraction, and competitors had not had opportunity of trying for gome time. Per- haps the reciting was the best part of the event—for no less than forty adults compet- ing-it. beting, according to 'the adjudicator quite up to the National standard. Xhe children's clioir, duett and fife band competi- tions were also very good. Credit is due to Mr. 117. J. Da vies, secretary, with his assist- ant, Mr. W Isaac, and Mr. David Jeremiah treasurer, for the result, as they were the chief workers, the committee being a smaH one for so btg an enterprise. Morriston took an enthusiastic part in the celebration of the British and Foreign Bible Society's centenary. On Sunday most of the sermons from the*several pulpits dealt with the history and stupendous working of tli? Society, the quaint history of Mary Jones and Charles, of Bala, being much quoted. On Monday, at the Forward Movement Hall a united meeting was held. There was a very large attendance present, the Rev. W. Emlyn Jones presiding in the absence of Mr. Williams, Maesygwerren, who had to conform to medical orders and remain indoors, though he sent the handsome donation of P,5 to the fund, Tht jneeting wa^ flighted b, two Viery fine addresses upon the Society oy the Rev. R. T. Williams, Argyle Chapel, Swan- sea, and the Rev. E. Penar Griffiths, pentre Estyll. The former gave a particularly en- lightening address indeed. The devotional part of the service was performed by the Hevs. Dyfodwg Davies, and D. I let on fivans, while the Revs. J. Uimblett a.nd D. J. Grif- fiths spoke briefly in moving a vote of thanks to the speakers. During the past there -has been a flagrant abuse of music licenses by the local landlords, but now the police are on the warpa,th. and action is promised if further offences are of- fered. Landlords apply for a music license at the Sessions, but the refusal of the same has not necessarily meant that no nirsio will he allowed in his house. Bye and bve the presentation meeting comes 'round, and the customary programme his its fling. j\a,st. Saturday evening the police interfered in "smokers" at the Prince Albert and tho Powell's* Arms which have ro music licenses and the singing and irstruuientalism had to be abandoned. Libanus Guild, on Thursday evening)Under the regime of MT. Charles 'T. Boweii, en- joyed a miscellaneous programme, arranged by Misses Annie Evans and Beatie Smith. Songs were the principal coanpenes of the items, Miss Edith Jones singing veiy cleverlv for her age, Mr. W. J. Bowes giving a couple of Welsh songs with much .sweetne.-s of voice Miss A. E. John singing nice'lv "Alice Where Art Thou?", Mr. W. Thomas contributing bass solos, and Mr. Tlios. John (ieligiliting with humorous s?lect'ons with banjo accom- paniment. Miss L. Davies told of Wolser's Lamentation with considerable dramatic feel- ing. Mr. John Butler give a nov-l musical sketch, Mr. Philip Francis, on .-the violin, played a fantasia on "Home Swe:t HOlne" excellently, and Mr. Morgan Thomas offered a pianoforte solo. Miss Annie Evans accom- panied ably. =--

PATTI'S TOUR THROWN UP. The "Standard's" New York correspondent says that Madame Patti has abandoned her farewell tour in the United State?. New York, Wednesday.—Madame Patti is returning to England almost immeclatelv. The assertion is reaffirmed that the tour has been financially successful, Madame Patti leaving with haMhome profits. "We ar. ranged," said an official of the Grau Syndi- cate, "sixty concerts, but experience shows that there are only forty places in Amer:c,a- Ut. where a Patti concert, with the tremerJdous expenses involved, is warranted. There .§ no complaint of her singing. The atdienrus everywhere <have teen enthusiastic.—("Dai'v Telegraph.")

SWANSEA STREETS ESTIMATES Increase of £ 1,000 Committee Cuts them Down. Swansea Streets Committee met on Tues- day, Mr. Gwilym Morgan presiding. It was decided to pave, kE'"I'b, and channel C-olbourne-tcrrace in front of occupied houses at m-rTiers' expense. The road in front of tJu> vacant land will be gravelled. Estimates for the year ending March, 1905, amounted to £ 29.811, as against £ 27.604* Repairs occupied £12,260 3s. 10d. haulage, £ 1,330; wages, JB2,822 2s. Od.; gulhes, £ 178: scavenging, £8,435; street wat'jrh:g. £ 1,033; lighting, £ 7,320: contingencies, £500; special items JS585. There wa considerable diseussjon regard- ing the "starvation of the streets' which ■several members described as disgraceful, Mr. Dommett instancing cases where certain streets had not been touched for 20 years. The Chairman said there had been a muddle somewhere, and Mr. Dommctt must know there had not been a potund of stone in the yard for two months. Economy, however, was effected in syenite and in repairs to plant. A provision of £ 10 made for tipping charges at Trewyddfa was also struck out. Altogether £1,000 was struck off thus re- 'hieing the estimates to £ 28,811. Mr. Corker moved, amI Mr. D:, Davi s seconded a resolution asking the Electrical Engineer to submit another report relative to tlliO electric lighting of the Strand on a nine- lamp basis. There wrro several applications for in- creases of salary, and after they had been re- ferred to t.he Duties and Salaries Committee, Mr. Harris called attention to the existence of personal canvassing for support in che-se applications and others, and asked that in future such canvassing be made a disquali- fication.—This was agreed to.

I This Famous Medicine will cleanFP tbe Blood from a]7 rn\ APTTCT'Q! impurities from whateve tAlX&ttJVEj O cau S(ariging A pafe remecj for Eczema. Bad Lepp BLOOD Scrofula, Blood Poison, Sores of all kinds, Boils, "M"T Y TTTT? XT Eruptions Ulcers,Glandular xl J!i. Swellings, &c. Of all Stores &c Forty years' success Beware of imitations. &c Forty years' success Beware of imitations.

CORPERATION ESTATE AGENT. Mr. W. J. Rees' Manager Appointed At Wednesdays meeting of Swansea Cor- poration Property Committee, Mr. Tutton presiding, A sub-committee reported that they had selected the names of six gentlemen as can- didates for the post of estate agent and valuer. The names were Mr. C. Arnett (40), Ciity Valuer's Depart- ment, Bristol, where he has been 5.2 1 years, prior to which he was chief assistant in a private firm for 13 years. The salarv he asked was L,300, rising to JB350 by two in- creases of £25. Mr. Charles Barker (36), London, who has had (Several years experience of estate agents work in Oldham and Bromley. Salary asked £450. Mr. A. D. Jenkins (33), Bryn-road. Swan- sea, who for several years has managed h:s father's estate (Mr. D. Jenkins), salary asked £ 350. Mr. D. Salmon (46), Cardiff, who has had experience in Belfast and 15 years' experience in Cardiff as an arcltltect and surveyor. Sal- ary asked JE300, first year: JB400 second year JB500 third year; and then subject to tsiuch increase AS the Corporation might consider his services worth. Mr. C. J. Howell Thomas (30), Swansea, "w'ho wrote staging that he had had an exceptionally varied experience in the man- agement of real properties in London and provinces. Mr. Thomas has been manager for Mr. W. J. Rees, Swansea, since 1900, and has assisted him in his practice as land agent for Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Mr. Wm. Wriiliams, General Grove, and others. Pre- viouslv Mr. Thomas was with a well-known firm of land agents in London for 7 years. Mr. Thomas stated he was an expert valuer, and had a thorough practical knowledge of managing estates, besides extensive experi- ence in arbitration proceedings, he having been personally appointed ar- bitrator in a case where the claim xeceeded £ 11,000, and having taken tpart in practically every important recent arbitration in South Wales- and other places. The salary Mr. Thomas, who is a gold medal- list, asked for. was £400. Mr. Jno. Thomas (45), Swansea, formerly assistant at Pontypridd, and for some years surveyor to the Swansea Rural District- Sani- se. tary Authority, which post lie resigned in 1889 to undertake private practise. Mr. Thomas said lie had a thorough experience of valuation and estate work. Salary asked for £ 400- j The committee proceeded to reduce the six caindidates to three, and the ballot TesnMed as follows :—€. J. H. Thomas, 27 voles; Jen- kins, 21; John Thomas, 19; Arnett, 18; Barker, 6, and Saimond, 2. The first three were selected, and instead of interviewing the candidates personally, as some members pre- ferred, the committee resolved to make the final appointment. The ballot resulted thus:- Howell Thomas 19 Jenkins 8 John Thomas 5 Mr. Howell Thomas, having a clear ma- jority, was recommended for the appoint- meet". The Chairman! Upon w&at te<rms? Mr. Mettells (who submitted the motion): Mr. Mettells (who submitted the motion): At the terms of the advertisement and the salary mentioned in the application. Mr. Morgan Hopkin asked if Mr. Thomas would be entitled to take any pupils. If so, would the fees come into the funds of the Corporation ? Mr. D. Harris said there was a resolution passed some time ago that pupils in the elec- trical engineer's offices, etc., should oome from the Technical School through scholar- ships. Upon the proposition of Mr. T. Corker, the Sub-Property Committee were empowered to deal with the question of any clerical assist- ance that may be requited. Mr. David Davies asked to be allowed to make a personal statement. He had, he said, not voted that day, but he thought they ought to know the circumstances, and the chairman would endorse the statement when lie said that a casual remark he (Mr. Davies) lot drop in sub-committee affecting 'Mr. Howell Thomas was simply a casual state- ment and nothing more. At the time he had never spoken to Mr. Thomas about the appointment. He did not know he was a camdudate, and, in fact, did not think lie would be a candidate, i He wanted to say in the most explicit terms that Mr. Thomas case never came before him eifcuer directly or indirectly, that he had never been canvassed by him o.r by anyone for him, and fihat he had not voted that day nor take.i any action in his election. He wanted to make it perfectly clear that, When he recom- mended the creation of the office, it was simply in order to get t.he b st possible mail ap- pointed. He was sorry that lie should un.d.er the circumstances have b^en debarred from voting for Mr. Howell Thomas, but- he was i perfectly certaiin, so far as tho credentials were concerned, that the successful candi- date was just the kind of man he had in his mind, and that he was likely to justify his appointment. -i +-L At a subsequent meeting of the Council, the provisioned appointment was accepted and con- firmed unanimously.

PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY, Gigantic Figures A Record Report. In our present issare will be found the re- port and annual accounts of the above office, and these are, in the usual form, reading progress in every line. The wording is simi- lar to former years, and only the figures have changed; but it is in the figures that the interest- and importance of the statement lie. In the Ordinary Branch the new business completed last year alone realised a new pre- mium income of £ 396,780 cn 74,358 policies, totals which no British institution ever ap- proached, as they are a "Prudential" record. The premiums actuallv received came to £3,814,856 in this branch alone, and claims paid amounted to JB1,525,686, the deaths numbering 6,611, and endowment assurances matured 5,685. In the Industrial Branch there was an in- crease over last year in premium receipts alone of £155,647, and the total premiums received amounted to the marvellous total of £ 5,846,554. In the latter department tho claims amounted to £ 2.100,824 on 210,839 deaths and 3,246 endowments. At present the Company has; in force 15,912.487 policies, and in the Industrial Branch their aveiago duration exceeds ten and a quarter years. When the huge total of policies in force is considered, the long duration of the Indus- trial policies is another record, and there is nothing like it that can be said of any other similar concern in the world. Y" 'I Years ago there was a cry far commensu- rate funds; the Prudential has long ago .an- swered that demand, for now it has invested no less a total than £ 51,217,577, being an increase over the year 1902 of £ 4,062,176. Surely that is a (stupendous sum, and all safely invented in gilt-edged securities, as any man may see for himself if he will Out ask the Company's representatives for a book showing where the money is, which may be had for the asking. For many years past this concern has occu- pied a towering position in the insurance world. Its colossal business, constantly growing its enormous assets, well distribut- ed and profit-yielding; and its enlightened methods have been and are still the wonder and admiration both of experts and the gen- eral community. The new offices at Holborn Bars, London,*are mighty, and the space oc- cupied by this one office is eclipsed only by the Bank of England, and that by only a little. In Swansea and district, controlled by the two superintendents, J. W. Jones, J.P., of 66, Wind-street, Swansea., and P. J. Phil- lips, Banwell House, Moarietcn, the income collected by a staff approaching 100 in num- ber is quite an assurance company in itself, and considerably exceeds that of some com- panies spread over tho whole land. In spite of bad weather and the general depression in industrial circles, last year these districts succeeded in adding miost substantially to the general progress, and there are prospects that 1904 will result in still greater tilings. Floreat Prudential!

Swansea Tramways Position. Mr. M. Fisher. No. 13, Hairow-road. Lon- don.. writes:—In last week's "Cumbrian" you nistke some comments on whA come think might have been, but when you > iv the Swan- s.a Tramway Company only pay *2j per cent, on it, capital, I beg to in form you that, al- though that dividend is dec's wed on the shares f i* the past years;, it is only on one half the share capitali Some year s, ago. about 15, the shaie capital was divided, one half to the tran; milld or j; half to tlie property, £87,700 each, but I must inform you we have never received any dividend on that half, :'1) that -lizice I took the shares, about 20 years ago. we have received a bout 1 per cent, on our capital, and yet bus not Mr. Councillor A during the past few months cast longing ejes on the trams and thought to take a prej So that the. recent- declaration by the Court is satisfactory to tins very few remaining fihare- holders, of whom 1 am cne, and thought. he would be able to take possession at 21 yeais expiring lease. Why, sir, what an absurd' thing to suppose the framers of the Act of Parliament (the late Mr. Clias. Bath, and 'others) would propose to lay out £100.000 in widening and improving roaùsl, etc.. for a 21 years' ka."k"? No -it was never intended to be so. and so I always understood when Mr. Lambert was chairman.

SWANSEA SCIENTIFIC SOCmJIY ADDRESS. Dr. G. Arthur Stephens gaive an instruc- tive lecture before the Swjunsea Scientific Society, on "Gesture language" -at the Deaf and Dumb Institution. Swiansea, on Tuesday evening. Air, E, L. Pontiftx presided. Ibe leturer pointed out that dta.f and dumb chil- dren were not freaks of nature, though a large number of people seemed to. think MO. In teaching deaf children they should under- stand that°English was a. foreign language to them, and that it. had to be learnt through the sign language. Dr. Stephens i jKike of the gent lire language as practised by the North American Indians, and also referred to some expressive* sign" in common uge.— Prin- cipal Payne and pupil* belonging to the In- stitution afterwards gave on interesting de- monstration, which was much appreciated, and thE'! proceedings closed with votes of thanks to the lecturer and to Principal Payne and his pupils.

Bath and West and Southern Counties Society.—-We understand that there has been a considerable demand) for space in the vari- ous departments of the above Society's forth- coming exhibition at Swansea, and that it is likely to be a very large meeting. It will be seen from our advertisement columns that tenders are invited fo;* the right of supplying Chairs, Cloak Roomsi and Parcel Offices. Coal and Coke, Cycle Rests. Tobacco and Cigars, and jidso far purchase of Show Yard Manure. The action Bevan v. "Llanelly Mercury," in which £1,000 damages for libel arc claimed. Ins been entered for and willbctried at the forthcoming Cardiff Assizes, which commence on Monday. «

SWANSEA LINE FATALITY. Inquest on the Cleaner; Jur'ys Rider. An inquest was held at the Boar's Head, Swansea, on Tuesday afternoon before the Borough Coroner (Mr. J. Yiner Leader) con- cerning the death of Herbert Barratt (18), 5, Belle Yue-street, a carriage cleaner indev the G.W.R., w ho died after meeting with an acci- dent at. the G.W.R. Station, S wars "a. on Monday. Mr. J. Rowlands represented the relatives. Edward John Barratt, carriage clcaiur on the G.W.R,. and brother of the deceased, said his brother had been engaged on the work for seven weeks previously at Pontardulais. Mathew Bailey, 5, Orchard-street, foreman carriage cleaner, said on Monday mornu-g de- ceased wa.s engaged on No. 3 platform, Swan- sea, oiling carnages for the 8.30 a.'n. train out. Witness and the deceased hid finished, and were returning to the cabin l-o the left of the platform, when deceased was caught on the rails by a poultry truck, which went over his body. Witness thought deceased must have tried to have got round the engine an rl truck quickly. By Mr. Rowlands: Witness could no1 say if deceased hId been crushed first by the foot- board of one of the poultry t rucks. Henry Bowen, inspector, under the G.W.R. Co., produced a plan and said lie did iiot know wdj .-tlier there was room for anyone to stand bet-ween one of the rails (near where Lhe acci- dent happened) and the palings. The de- ceased should not have gone the way he did hi his endeavour to get to the calbin. Bv Mr. Rowlands: Witness could not tell the "exact distance between the footboard of a truck ani the palings where the accident happened. The deceased went into danger bv going in front of the engine. Thos. Hind, Brynhyfryd, engine-driver, said a.t 8.5 a.m. on Monday he coupled on to the two trucks and received the signal to start. After going 20 yards he received the signal to stop, when he saw some of the cleaners coming from the rear. Geo. Price, shunter, deposed to seeing the line clear prior to giving the engine-driver orders to move He would not fwear, how- ever, one wav or the other whether prior to skirting t.h3' engine-driver whistled. De- ceased was known to wdtness by sight. He lad been working there a few weeks. Alfred Davies, Derwent House, Siloh-road, LanlAore, fireman, said he believed the driver whistled before he started. Witness noticed the van jerk, but he did not see deceased till after the accident. Dr. O'Sulliva.n spoke to being called to the deceased in the porters' room at 8.15. I pon examination, he found the young man had been crushed, wliich caused instantaneous death. A wheel had gone over him. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death," and recommended the railway com- pany to enlarge the space between the rails and palings, and also provide a door in the vicinity. ii

BROKERS v MERCHANTS. Comic Opera Football at Swansea. The long-anticipated and anxiously-await- ed football match, Merchants v. brokers, took place on Thursday afternoon at St. Helen's, Swansea. The weather was beauti- fully fine and the ground dry, and little birds sang twitteriiigly of love and freights, «.nd other beautiful things. Everything was spring-like and vernal, and some of the cigars smoked on the stand were appropriately green. The thirty bony athletæ-some of whom were trained to the second—some a bit over—represented the flower of the Swansea Chamber of Commerce football and in order to benefit the funds tof the Swansea Hospital, and incidentally give the few thousands of enthusiasts pleasure, had undergone the ordeal of six self-denial weeks with surprising physical results. A good deal was at stake on the result—reputationally and financially, both teams being anxious to live up to their conversational powers. The two sets of gladiators who entered the arena, prepared to do or die under the Queensbury rules, were as follows: — MERCHANTS.—Bacls, L. David; thireeqtuax- tera, E. Stroud, Syid. Jones, Oliver Evans (captain) and H. Jones; half-backs, Monty Williams and G. Barbier; forwards, E. S. Andrews, B. Ferkina. T. L. Mort. D. J. Lod- wig, A. Roderick, E. Norton, E. L. Davies, and J. Pockett. BROKERS..—Back, W. S. Rogrera; threequar- tersi, J. W. Rutlhterford (captain), R. Eva/nst, J. Hulto-n. F. H. Hopton; half-batcks, Trevor Bowen and E. A. Evane; forwards, A.. An- drewe. Taytlor, J. Luff. D. H. Baylisa, C. Bur- gess, A. E. Blunidell, J. Thompson and J. Elleray. Referee: Mr. W. J. Bancroft. Linesmen Lieut. L. P. Coward, with large cigar, and Mr. W. T. Farr. The Post Office and Telegraph Band dis- coursed musical Dutch courage, and there was a large and fashionable attendance, in- cluding many local doctors. After the teams had been photographed by four different cameras, the players being done up at the finish in their efforts to look pleasant, they entered the field to tihe tunes of the "Bay of Biscay" and "Those in peril on the Sea." The Merchants played in white, and the Brokers in cherry and white. The Mayor kicked off. It was a good kic-k, and was lojuidily cheerefdi. The Brokers, who were one short, foroedf matters, their forwards playing a confident game as of men whose lives were substantially underwritten. Hop- ton tried a flyinig kick to touch, but the at- Biosphere was the only thirug that suffered, and then Rogers made a very fair kick, Sid Jones being tipped with the oval in his clutches. Oliver Evars made a good dod:.ry run, and from a free kick Hopkin Jones very nearly put the quotation of his aide three points IUp. Hutton maide a buret, which -be baJl didn't like, and before the crowd had time to laugh again Rogers was collared o-n his own line, the ball going out of hound?. Ernie Stroud was here heard shouting to his men to "Play up' in the mcst approved Swan- sea Seconds style. The Cherries were con- tinually knockinig on, although they held a great advantage forward. Hopton then s?ot going, but he ran in off the red into Pockett, who was doing a cake watk on the touch line. It was all over. The Whites got a penalty, which Evans declined jto accept, sitting down unexpectedly. Ellery then got a nasty chrut on the ear, but the 'ball went clean across the ground, with no onie near to take At up, five' or six plavers joining in a sort of chase. Hopkin. and Morgan Jones were playing a good game hereabouts, and Oliver Evans saved his side once or twice. Hopkin Jones went off smartly (he can Hop-can Jones!—like a. chartered steamer, 'but there was a cert an amount cf demurrage on the part of the brokers. Some of the latter's charges w->re heavier than the Merchants cared about. Then Arthur Roderick scored, and Hopkin Jones converted. It was very exhilarating, and 'Mir. L. P. Cowa.rd was obs.Tvda! to smile hugely. David did what very few Merchants can do, saved a charge, and' then the were nearlv in, but Bancroft's whistle went and the field was dotted with temporary cripples. Half-time Score: Merchants-—-1 goal. Brokers—NJI. No sooner had the game restarted than Luff came out as the man in possession, anct put the Brokers in. Andrews did not seize the opportunity. The. Merchants strove hard to get the Brokers out, but had difficulty in put- ting "paid" to their account. During the ejectment proceedings Pockett was hurt, and play thereafter became very ladylike, An- drews dribbling daintily in the Llandilo walk style. St.roud had hard hick, and then the Meroliants were repulsed by Hulton. The two Brokers' halves made an ingenious whole, but could not make a hole in the defence. At this stage the ball never got more than a yard from the scrum. But once Bowen made a clever mark, and the Brokers had ainotil.er "free," from which Andrews kicked a really ( beautiful goal. The Whites got off and Slioud was a veritable demon, i Excitement w as intense up to the last minute when Roderick raced over with another fine try, which Jones did not convert. Ran-. croft's whistle and a huge sigh of relief from the players then ended a sensational match. FINAL SCORE MERCHANTS.—1 converted goal 1 try. BROKERS—1 penalty goal 1 try.

RAILWAY RETURNS. Great Western Railway An increase of £ 4,800 aggregate increase (10 weeks), £30,100. London and North Western Railway-An in. crease of £7,000; aggregate decrease (10 weeks), £ 19,000, Barry Railway — An increase of £1,963 (mcluding receipts of the Yale of Glamorgan Taff Vale Railway-An increase of £ 573; aggregate increase (10 weeks) £9,918. Brecon and Merthyr Railway-An increase of £ 147; aggregate (10 weeks), XI072. WILLIAM M. DAVIES- STOCK AND SHARE BROKER, 56, WIND-STREET, SW ANSEA. v Telegram*. "Discretion" Telephone No. 11 Special biwinesa at close prices in SoutK-/ and West African Gold and Land Shares. BUYER—Weaves OrUi. and Prefs. Swansea. Harbour 4 per cciit. Ben Kvans Ord. and Prefs. London and Provinicial Banks, Imperial Tobacco Prefs. North's Ordinary, etc.. etc. SELLER—'Ben Evans Debenture. Capital and Co-unties Bajiks. Swansea. Kas Stock. i Swansea Corporation Stocks. Lloyds Banks, etc., etc. = As appeals from a notice in our advertise- ment columns, Messrs. John Wright and Co. (now John Wright and Eacrle ° Ranrre, Ltd.), London and Birmingham, will, °on Tuesday, March 15th, at the Shaftesbu-y (Lesser) Hall, Swansea, open an exhibition of their gas cooking and heating stoves and other labour-saving appliances. There will bei cooking demonstrations each day at 3 p.rn., r and 7.30 by Misa H. E. Silvester, M.C.A. (principal of the Leamington School of Cook- ery). This is an opportunity for our readers to see without charge the latest improves inents in cooking apparatus with the addi- tion of highly interesting lectures, that should on no account be missed. The exhibit tion will remain open until March 25th.. CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS are warranted to cure in either sex, all acquired or eonsiitui tional dischaTgee from the Urinary Organs^ Cmvel, and Pains in the Back. Frae from. Mercury. Established upwards of 30 ears. In Boxes, 4s. 6d. each, of aU Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the World; or sent for eixty stamps by the Ma-kere, THE LINCOLN AND MJDLAi\i> COUNTIES DRUG COMPANY, LINCOLN. I ^aouT PILLS The only remedy in the world for GOUTand RHEUMATISM that relieves and cures these complaints. Sure, safe and effectual. The composition is purely vegetable No restraint >> o f diet during use. Printed and Published for the Proprietors by DAVID DAVIES, at the Offices, Alexan- dra Arcade, High-gtreet, Swansea

Vicar on Temperance Also on l Marriage. I Most- of the harmony of National Schools temperance meeting, Swansea, on 'Monday night was brought by Messrs. R. G. Davieb and J. T. Gard, who sang duets. Mrs. J. I*. Davies played the piano, and Mr, H. A. Stephens rejited. T The oration of Mr. Fredk. Rocke J.P., on temperance, from the patriotic side, .asted j exactly six and a-lvilf minutes. It was in manuscript. Mr. Rocke said he looked on the drink as a national curse, the evils of which c mldn't be exaggerated. r | Rw. Talbot Rice, who presided, thaiKed Mr. Rocke, and hoped that, as far as their influence went, it would be used to prevent any curtailment of magisterial discretion in the matter of licensing. The country, he thought, was feeling strongly about it. lhey wanted to get hold of the simple fact that li- censes were granted for one year only; and if publicans got their licenses because they were wanted bv the public, he saw no reason whv they should comploin of their non-re- newal when not wanted. He believed if they made their voices heard the temperance peo- pie. would be able to have their way in that matter. Then the Vicar proceeded to give advice to those aibcut to ma-ry,

Swansea Rural Council. Swansea Rural District Council met on Tuesdav, Aid. J. W. Johnston presiding. TWO REPORTS. Dr. Mitchell reported 46 births and 24 deaths in February in Llandriio-Talybont dis- trict two cases of scarlet fever in Gowerton and one each in Pontardulais and Gorseino-i. Dr. Morgan reported 29 births and 10 deaths for Clase two cases of erysipelas and one of scarlet fever at Llansamlet; and one of diphthenia in Cliase. ESTIMATES. A special meeting to consider the half-year's estimates was fixed for Thursday fortnight. LLANGYFELAOH POST OFFICE. The amount which the Council, as guaran- tors of Llangyfclach Post Office, will be '.a1 led upon to pay is J315. and will be divided te- tween Penderry and Clase. A PLOT. Mr. James, chemist, Sketty, wants jE80 for a strip of land at Kimberley-road, Sketty.- Rev. Teifion Richards, and the Inspector, to- gether with Mr. Samuel Jones, recommended £ 75.—A deputation will see the owners of frontages.

Ediward Richard Davies (18), son of the proprietor. of the Maiiiselton Hotel, Swansea, has met with a serious accident at the Inter- mediate and Technical School. Davies, who is an apprentice at the Swan- sea cleetri- lighting station-, was a student at the evening classes, and was conducting an experiment when, noting thtat 'here was going to be aa- explosion, he placed his hand to shield liis face. After tho crash blood poured 5 •oin hi3 faoe and eye. His mother, intevv.f wW, sarc; she was informed that her son would niobably lose the sight of one of the eywl.. I

DECIDED ? The Court of Appeal was on Tuesday asked to fix an early date for hearing an appeal in the case or the Century Shipping Co., Ltd., v. G. T. Svmons and Co., In which a declara- tion was claimed that plaintiffs were entitled to treat as at an end a charter party under which their steamship, Swanley, was char- tered to carry a cargo of coal to Japan. Owing to coal hiving been declared contra- band of war, and there being a Russian fleet in the Red Sea, the Swanley had been de- tained at Suez. Plaintiffs said it was a condition precedent to their entering into the contract that the iefendants should obtain from the Japanese Government a written undertaking to pay plaintiffs the value of the vessel. £ 65,000 in the event of her being seized, but the in- demnity had not yet been signed. Justice Bigham on Friday held that plain- tiffs had waived their right to the indemnity, and the matter had resolvvd itself into one of damages, and he gave judgment for defen- dants with costs. From that decision the plaintiffs are appeal- ing. Their Lordships said that. in view of the urgency of the matter they would hear the appeal on Tuesday next.

SWANSEA METAL EXCHANGE. Swansea, Tuesday, March 8tli, 1904. There was a large attendance 'Change to-day. Pig Iron.-This market has shewn a little weakness during the week, with a. slight fall in the market quotations, but a fair business is reported to have been made for local consumption. The stocks shew a slight decrease all round, and there is a reduction in the number of furnaces blowing with a diminished make. Finished Iron and Steel.—There has been a regular business done in tin bars upon short period contracts, and neither buyers or sellers are inclined to commit themselves beyond covering the sales made of the finished article. The price of melting scrap seems to be advancing somewhat out of proportion to that of pig iron, which may be attributed, lo the short supply on the market. Tinplates. The shipments have been in excess of the receipts from the works with a further reduction in the stocks while there are a- considerable number of vessels on stem that will take a very large quantity of plates away this week The quotations given below are still adhered to by the makers- but it is stated that orders have been taken at a shade lower. With the extra cost of raw materials in pig iron and scraps which are advancing, the cost of manufacture is becoming higher with- out any corresponding advance in the price of the finished plate, so that it leaves no margin-on the contrary, it leaves rather a loss, so that the trade is in a very unsatisfactory condition, i:iPl5!JlEON,6lMffow Warrants, 5l« Od. cash, ols. 0d. month. MIDDLKBBORO'.—NO. 3. 42S 4id, cash; 42a 6!cJ' month. HVMATVTB. —Warrants. MixM numbers, f.o.b. Cumberland, 53a 3d cash, 53a 3d month. WELSH HEMATITE. 57it 6d. to 59a ad. WELSH BARS.- £ 6 to £6 28 6d., Angle., Ac., c?80 extra8, f.o.t at works. SHBBT IRON— £ 8 0« 0d to £ 8 5« 01, f.o.t. u works. M.—Heavy section*. £ 4 10s Od to* £ 4 15s; light do. £ 5 10s Od to £ 5 15s Od f.o.t. i sleepers, angles channels, etc.. according to section and specification. STEEL SHEETS.— £ 7 10. Od to X7 15S Od. BESSEMER STEED.-Implate bars, t4 53 Od' SIEMENS TINPLATK BARS —Best X4 7a. 6d. all delivered in the district, nett oaah. TiN PLATJtS—Makera' qnotationa for Bemmtr steel coke lis 61 to He 9d Siemens (cok* finish) 118 9d to 12a Od Ternes, per doublebox. 28 by 20 C, 23;i Od, to 25s Od. Beit Charcoal, according to quality, 133 Od to 14s Od. All delivered in Prince of Wales Dock, Swansea, cash, less 3 and 1 per cent. Big sheets for galvanising 3ft. x 30 gauge, per ton, f.o.t.. XS 17a 6d to 99 015 Od Finished blackplatt, £8178 6d to E9 Os Od. The Swansea Harbour Trustees' official return of tinplates recaiveri, shipped, and in stook Week ending Last week. Corresponding March 5th, 1904. week last year. „ Boxes. Boxes. Boxes. Received. 86,274 67.257 86,312 Shipped 91,722 73,189 112143 la stook 135,022 140,470 174 840 17 oE< ~?uiU Bar8' £ 56 1788d- «uh £ i5 17a 6d, 3 months. BLOCK TIN.— £ 123 17a 6d, cash; £124 2s 64 3 months. SPELTER, £ 22 2i 6d. cash. LIAD. English, JE12 5a Od cash Spanishik JE12 Os Od cash per telegram received OD. Change. ANTHRACITE COAL. — Finest hand-picked" malting, 18a to 198: second quality band-picked malting, 16s Od to 17a 6d best large, according to quality and selection, lis. Od. to lis M red vein or similar large. 9a 6d to 9a 9d rubblv culm, per ton, 5s 9d to 6s Od. All delivered f.o.fc, bwansea, cash 30 days, less 2 £ per cent. STEAM COAL.—13s 6d to 14s 6d; second quality do., lis 6d. to 12s. Od. bankers acoording to quality 9s. Od. to gs 6d. email, 6s. Od. to 6s. 6d. per ton, delivered f.o.b. Swansea, cash 30 days, less 2J per cent. BITUMINOUS COALS.—Large (No, 3 RhonddaJ 14s Od to 14s 6d; Thro', lis 6d to 12a Od; Small, 9a 3d to 10s Od Large (No. 2 Rhondda), lis Od to lis 3d per ton, delivered f.o.b Swansea, cash 30 days, less 21 per cent. CoxB-Best foundry, 21S Od; furnace, 19s Od f.o.b. Swansea, cash 30 days, lees 21 per cent. PATENT FUEL.-14s 6d BUBIO — 13s 9d to 14s Od. per ton, ex ship cash 30 days. PiTwooD.-ISs 01 to 18s 6d per ton into trucks, nettoash30 days.

'r- YLADIVOSTOCK SQUADRON Reported Battle with the Japs. AlexeiefTs Account of the Bombardment. All Russian Battleships Raady Except One. Tokio, Tuesday.—It is believed here that there lias been a decisive naval engagement in the vicinity of Vladivostock, tidings cf which are anxiously awaited. The Japanese sqrudron went to Vladivo-i- took in order to locate and attack the Russian fleet stationed there. It is believed the Japanese would not have withdrawn tn-eir entire squadron unless the location of the. enemy had been discovered. T. T1k're is strong possibility that the Japa-n ese found the Russian ships in the vicinity of Possiet Rn-. and gave battle there. IS IT A RUSSIAN DISASTER? The Yladivostoek squadron is at sea, wires the Tokio correspondent of the "Daily Teie- graph," and it is reported was engaged yester- day by the Japanese fleet. The result is not vet announced, but it is believed that the enemy's ships have been destroyed or cap- tured. ALEXEIKFF'S REPORT TO THE CZAR. (Press Association Special War Telegram.) St. Petersuburg, Tuesday.—The following telegram has been addressed to the Czar by Admiral Alexeieff:— Mukden, Tuesday.—I have the honour to communicate to your Majesty the following details of the events of the 6th inst — The enemy's squadron apDroached Vladi- vostock towards 11 o'clock in the morniing, having passed near Askold Island. After several manoeuvres, involving change in its order of battle, two cruisers were left to the north of the island. The remaining vessels of the squadron steamed along the coast of Ussuni Ray, parallel to the shore, and keeping about 15 versts (10 miles) from it. Arriving off Mount St. Joseph and Ussu- risky Battery, the squadron, preserving the eame order, made towards the battery. The «hips then opened fire from both sides, evi- dently using blank cartridge first in order to warm the guns. 0 At 1.35 p.m., when at a distance of eight versts (three and one-third miles) from the thore, the Leading ship opened fire with her forward guns. Then the entire squadron eteamed along the shore, firing their port guns as they went. While fuming the enemy cid not fire. After the third turn the squadron at 2.30 p.m. ceased firing, and steamed off towards the south, about ten miles to the right of Askold Island, finally disappearing at 5.30 p.m. In all the enemy fired about 200 shells, with 00 effect. No damage was done to the fort- ress and entrenchments, and in the town and other parts of the fortificatrions the dam- age was insignificant. The spirits of the garrison are excellent. The operation of putting the batteries an reading for action was carried out in per- fect order. ^According to reports of events of the 7th, the enemy's squadron reappeared at 8 o'clock in the morning near Vladrivostock, entered Usstrri Ray, and proceeded along the coast, but without opening fire. The squadron then returned and headed for Cape Gonsova, Possiet Bay, which it reached at 3-40 p.m. The enemy finally turned off when opposite Pallas Bay, and departed in a southerly dd- rection HARBOUR TO BE BLOCKED AT ALL COSTS. (Press Association War Special). Paris. Wednesday.—The "Petit Parisien." publishes the following telegram from Tokio: "According to rumours circulating in high, places, the Jajanese fleet is preparing for freati attack cta. Port Arthur. "It is said to have received orders to block the harbour at all costs by sinking gunboats and coast defence ships if necessary. "The Government is said to be very appre- hensive lest the transports should be inter- cepted by the Russian fleet. "The attack on Yladivostoek seems an in- dication of this sentiment. "Japanese mobilization has not been carried out so far as expected. 'Tour armies are to be formed, having the first Chemulpo, the second Gensan, the third Bay of Korea or of Liao-tung as their ibasis of operations, wlule the fourth constitute a re- serve farce." QUESTION OF AN AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN LOAN. (Press Association War Special.) New York, Tuesday.—A speccal corres- pondent of the Associated Press, telegraph- 109 from Tokio to-day says — "It was stated that Japan cs considering the advisability of immediately seeking a loan in America and Europe. "It is l-elieved (indeed that bonds can be B>1d at home producing sufficient to prose- cute warfare for eighteen months, and manv statesman aind financiers hold that Japan as capable of carrying the war to a conclu- sion without borrowing and have given their counsels to the effect that a. foreign loan .,b&uld not be sought yet. "It has been felt, nevertheless, that in a. year or two there may arise a. contingency when money willl be seriously needed, and it is thought better to place a "loan, now rif pos- sible, rather than make the attempt in a future crisis when money is badly needed." (Note.—Those who heard Mr. Arthur D^vsy at Swansea last week will recall his ngyeftement that the serious element din the ^•nation so far as Japan is concerned would prove the financial one.) TO THOPOUGHLY BLOCKADE PORT ARTHUR. (&chan~e OompanyV Special War Telegram). .1. vfi8' TU ay'T*^ TePort has reached here liart the Japanese Lave made another attempt to block the entrance to Port Arthur bv sink tag coasting skips. Details of the attempt are wanting. INDIGN ANT DENIAL FROM ADMIRAL STARK'S WIFE, (Press Associan War Special.) St. Petersburg, Wednesday.—The St. Pe- teflrcftdmg'fc "Kja Yredomosti" to-day pub- lished a letter from the wife of Admirai Stark dating the reports current in St. Petersburg jwcaety" that she gave a grand ball to the «Bfcers of the Russian squadron on the oc- casion cf her name day th'us taking them away from their duty on board their ships at the time of the first Japanese torpedo at- tack at Port Arthur. Mauame Stark states 4titey did no more than offer her their con- gratulations dn the course of the day and that they were at their posts in the evencng includ.ng Admiral Stark himself. CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS MADE WITH REPAIRS. (Central News War Special.) Port Arthur. Wednesday.—Admiral MnJt- "feawoff arrived hers yesterday morning. The Municipal Council presented the t.d- antral with an Icone. Subsequently the ad- miral held a reception on board tho; ruiser Astold, all the principal officers, including the flag commander, attending. The aperture in the hull of the battleship ¡ Ret visa n. caused in the first Japanese tor- pedo i> ttack, has now been successfully re- paired, and the ironclad is now afloat and •anchored in the inner roadstead alongside I'-Cr consort the battleship C'esarevitch. The other repairs still necessary to her will, it is stated officially, be completed with- 88 a very short time. JAPANESE WILL HA YE FOrn ARMIES. Paris, Tuesday.—The following telegram Las been received here from Shanghai: — The mobilisation of the Japanese troops is feeing C 'r; ;ed out with regularity, but iiiu.vh more ISlowly ihar. was expected." Once landed in Korea and Man-jhutii, tita Japan.se trj'ps will be divided into four armies. Up to the present the points of concentra- tion selected by the Japanese stiff ia not known TRANSIENT "SUCCESS" OF SOME COSSACKS. (Central News War Special.) Paris, Wednesday Morning. — The St. Petersburg correspondent of the Echo do Paris" telegraphs that a despatch has been received from General Pflug stating that a body of Cossacks has surrounded some Ja- panese convoys. The Japanese, however, succeeded in es- caping. General Pflug adds that the Yalu is still frozen, and is being crossed on foot. Severe snowstorms a,'a being experienced along the Manchurian line, but convoys are not being interrupted. The correspondeut adds that the rumour is current at St. Petersburg that a sotnia of C'ossaccks has captured a.t Ling Yung a Ja- panese convoy with 100 horses and wagons, loaded with munitions for the Japanese army. COCKSURE STATEMENT BY A RUS- SIAN GENERAL. NO FEAR AS TO HOW THE END WILL BE. (Press Association War Special.) Par s, Wednesday.—The "Matin" contains the following from Harbin, dated March 8th, 1.30 p.m. „ "Incessant hurricanes are raging at Port Arthur, and there is a heavy sea. "Persons wishing to enter the town have now to be provided with a military authori- sation and can only move about at their own risk and peril. "Tho attitude or the Chinese inhabitants continues strange a aid they have to be watched by the Russians. Sometimes the authorities prevent the sale of food and fod- der to the Russians under the pretext of preserving neutrality. "A rumour is current at Chan-Haik-Wan that 200 Japanese, dressed as Chinese sol- diers, have managed to enter the town." An acicount of an interview with General Sakharoff. chief of the Russian General Staff, appears in the "Fågaro" to-day. The general is reported to have spoken to the following effect :— "The Russian concentration is being car- ried out under normal and foreseen condi- tions. "Russiia will send as many troops to the Far East as are necessary, 400.000 men at least, perhaps more if need be, but certainV n0"I do not think the Japanese can land and place in line of battle more than 200,000 men. but that does not matter. The Russians will leave nothing to chance, they want to be cer- tain of winning and crashing the Japanese. Whatever happens they will be more numer- ous than the enemy. "Nothing serious will occur in Manchuria for two months, perhaps six weeks. War will last the needful tdme until the logical and jneoessarv oonclusion, for I do not think the Russians are in the mood to stop before having quite finished. The Government is not anxious about the question of provisions. "I know nothing of any plan of withdraw- ing troops to positions behind Port Arthur leaving that place to defend itself." 1 The General added "I do not think the Japanese have landed more than a. hundred thousand men in Korea." I REMARKABLE DEMONSTRATION IN THE STATES. I Remarkable scenes were enacted at the Wisconsin Society of New York banquet en Tuesday night- according to the "Timw" cor- respondent. The Japanese naval successes were greeted with much cheering, and M. Uchira, the Ja- panese Consul-General, invited to speak, said that his country asked fair play and straight dealing as between man and man. Japan was engaged in a. struggle for national existence. The war was not for territory, but for the independence of China and Japan alike. Hi6 reception was great. Mr. Pradt, Assistant- Attorney-General, who followed, remarked that officially he had nothing to say, but as an American citi- zen lie hoped Japan would keep on as she had begun. Others speaking were members of Con- gress, and the prevalent- cry was, "We are for Japan everywhere," MARQUIS ITO'S MOMENTOUS ERRAND. An item of intelligence from Tokio is con- siderably more important than might ap- pear at first sight (remarks the "Daily Tele- graph.') The organisation of Korea is about to be supervised in the first instance by the greatest cf the Mikado's statesmen, Mcrquis Ito himself will leave for Seoul, which means, for all practical purposes, that the Japanese Egypt is going to have tits Cromer. PORT ARTHUR WELCOMES THE NEW ADMIRAL. (Press Association War Special.) St. Petersburg, Wednesday.—A telegram from Port Arthur announces the arrival there of Adimiral Makkaroff, who is to command the Russian sea forces. The Admiral was accorded an enthusiastic reception, a.nd his presence has had a very inspiriting effect on the garrison, the men of the fleet, and the inhabitants. He has hoisted his flag on the cruise Askold.

LAND CAMPAIGN. Japs Advance into Manchuria. 35.000 Russians Entrenched. Serious Fighting1 Imminent Tientsin, Wednesday (10.50 a.m.).—'lhe Japanese forces have advanced from the Yalu River. They have captured Feng-Huan-Cheng and driven out the Russians in the vicinity io Ta-Kung-Ling Eastern Pass, and are dn force seventy mites to the east of Newchwang. The Russians, with 35,000 men, are strongly entrenched at Liao-yang and Hai-cheng, where a battle is imminent. Some small engagements have been fought, tho Russians falling back with loss. All the women and children are leaving Newchwang. The Japanese are using the same tactics and are advancing on the same route as they employed during their war with China.— "Daely Telegraph." Washington, Wednesday.—The commander of the gunboat Helena at Yin-liow states that an engageiruent is reported at Furtg-wang- chang, in Southern Manchuria, and also that the Japanese have landed at Tashan.—(Ex- change). Washington, Wednesday.—The State De- partment has received information from Obi-fù to the effect that Japanese troops have ar- rived at 1 ung-wang-chang and Taku-sha>n, 1.11us getting to the rear of the Russians and threatening Russia's railwav communications. —(Laffan). Washington. Wednesday.—The State De- partment to-day received" an official cable- gram from Chi-fu stating that the Japanese are at the present moment at- Fung-wan<r- chang and Tashan. This news is regarrded as of the utmost importance, because it shows that the Japanese are now in rear of the Rus- sian advance in South-Eastern Manchuria.— (Central News). Kobe, Wednesday.—I learn that the Japan- ese fleet vesterday evening appeared off Balmy and bombarded the town. Subsequently the vessels proceeded to Port Arthur, which was also bombarded.—("Daily Exprfss.") (Note.—In our late edition on Wednesday night, we published Press Association and Reuter wires to similar effect). 1 RECENT BOMBARDMENT OF YLADIVOSTOCK. (Central News War Special. Tok;o, Thursday (9.45 a.m.).— Adimral Kamlnura has furnished his report on the re- cent bombardment of Yladivostoek. He says the Japanese squadron made an indirect bombardment of the place on the 6th. The attack commenced at ten minutes to two I,n the afternoon, noLd the nring was kept up for about titty minutes. ° ■I he. Aldmira1 believes that the bombardment was effective and demoralising to the er.emv. The Russian forts made no reply to the fire of the Japanese'fleet. The Japanese cruisers subsequently recon- noitred several adjacent places on the coast, but, the Admiral udds, fjuod no trace of the- mcroy. r. "J ■ WAS THE SQUADRON "AT HOME'?' The Press Association's version of the frame message includes mention of the fact that no Russian vessels were seen either in Yladi- vostoek or in the vicinity, but that later black smoke was observed in the Eastern Harbour, which was thought to proceed from the enemy's fcliips, RUSSIAN TRANSPORT RECORDS THE DISASTER. (Press Association War Special.) Canea, Thursday.—A Russian tra-nsportt has arrived in Suda Bay from Port Said. The crew state that they have on board the men of the Russian torpedo boat number 221, which was losit on the vovage.

Heavy Loss of the Mullah. Beribera (Feb. 27th. via Aden), Tl.ursdar.— As the result of a raid made by General Man- ning, 150 of the Mullah's adherents have been killed and a large number of camels captured.—(Reuter).

Judge Bishop's Illness. Owing to ttiie indisposition of his Honour Judge Bishop, all the important cases a.t Neath County Court on Tuesday were ad- journed. His Honour came into court at a quarter- past two, evidently in great pain, and the solicitors and barristers engaged in, the various cases agreed to an adjournment for a month. The judge tie suffering from a severe attack of gout.

Lord Grenfell's Popularity. I Lord GrenfeU, the Duke of Connaught's reported successor in the Irish military com- mand, was very popular in many ways, but socially in partficular, during the late Gover- norship of Malta. His position there (says "Truth") was partly Yiceregal and he did the hondurs of Ms vari- ous palaces with much hospitality and ami- ability. From a sociial point of view. to say noth- ing of any other, he would be popuDar in Dublin, where hospitality in high places is a virtue highly esteemed.

General Purposes Committee's Estimates. The annual estimates of the Swansea and General Purptoses Committee came 'up 'at Wednesday's meeting. The total required is £4,854 12s 5d., as agaiirst £4,537 3s. 7d. last year. The principal items are: Market £2,371. Guildhall £834, judges' lodgings £300, miscellaneous £960, and Strand weigh- bridge jB85 4s. The JB960 required for "mis- cellaneous" compares with JB514 last year, JB545 in 1903-4, and JB688 in 1902-3. The increase is made up in salaries, wbioh are es- timated at JB600, as compared with JB500 iVi past years, and JB150 for the purposes of bhe Bath and West of England Show. The es- timates were approved. ] ft" —■

I Realism Overdone. In the King's Bench on Wednesday, Mr. James Miller brought an action against Mr. Charles Booth, the well-known writer on social matters in respect of a statement con- tained in "Life and Labour of the People of London, in which defendant had described Miller's-a.venue, in Hackney, belcmgiing to plaintiff, as one of the worst spots in Lon- don, and as being inhabited by criminals of the lowest class. Justice Grantham said he thought plladntiff shciuld be satisfied with the JB100 and apology and undertaking by defendant to withdraw the offensive paragraph from the book. There would be no costs on either side.