Weekly Mail

TUIIKEV. VARN*A,FFB. 7.—The Suitan's attitude of hostility towards England and everything English remains unchanged, and the suspicion with which he con- tinues tb regard the entire Eastern policy of the British Government has, amongst other results, so far prevented the Porte from giving instructions to Musurus Pasha to attend the conference upon the Danubian question, which was to have been held n London this week, and the postponement of which, by the way, h is given rise to considerable speculation here. The Porte itself is fully alive I-, the importance of being represented at the conference, and has repeatedly urged upon his Majesty and the Palace party the necessity of such participation. Said Pasha appears to have tided :>ver,his difficulties, and his Ministry may now be said to be fairly well consolidated. Edhem Pasha. who did not reach Constantinople from Vienna until the 1st inst., has been once more disappointed, and his prospects of the Grand Vizierate, which but a short time since were very hopeful indeed, have now completely vanished.

THE CRISIS IX FHAXCT. [" CFNTRAt# NEWS TELEGRAM.^ PARTS, FEB. 7 (MOUNTXO).— Some sweeping changes in the Ministry, making virtually new Cabinet, are expected to be gazetted next SUIlchy. General Thibaudin, Minister of War, will he the only member of the present Ministry remaining. M. Segrund, formerly Minister of Marine, is men- tioned for Foreign Affairs. The Gaulois says that M. Ferry is relying on the rejection of the Expulsion Bill by the Senate to enable him to enter office immediately, backed by the 350 deputies who voted for the measure in the Chamber. He would then expel by decree, in the same manner as he didtheunauthorised rehgiousfraternities, Prince Napoleon, Comte de Paris, the Dues de Nemours, d'Aumale, and De Charters, the Prince de Joinville, &c. The female members of the former reigning families might remain if they choose, being tole- rated as inoffensive, and treated in this respect, like the female congregations. The opposition in the Chamber would at, most number 280 members, composed of the Bight, the Extreme Left, the La- forge Group, the remains of the Left Centre, and the Independents. The Gaulois adds that M. Ferry is emboldened by the conviction that M. Grevy wiil side with him. as being anxious to settle the question and end his term of office quietly. The Gaulois describes the Republic undei Thiers and MacMahon as an ugly painted and bedizened jade, coquetting with princes and dukes. Ln- veiled by Floquet she appears in the apparel of 1'lirvne before the Areopagus. The J)ixXenvieme Siede thinks France would be finely governed it' her destinies were confided to the present Chamber, which is most unstated to the task. The disturbed condition of the country is due to irre- flective instinct, and inveterate indiscipline. The Senate appears inclined to err in the opposite direction to the Chamber. The Figaro savs Count Du Chatel's resignation is likely to be followed by that, of the Due de Noailies, in the event of the Senate passing any exceptional law dealing with Pretender-

THE DAX nil AN CONFERENCE. Notices were issued late on Sunday night to the Ambassadors of the European Powers in London that owing to the illness of Count Miinster the ■neeting of the Danubian Conference summoned 'or Monday is postponed. Count Miinster is con- imd to his room by an attack of bronchitis. LFfunr OCR CORKESPOXDENT. I L V IESNA, FEB. 5 (EVENING).—It is reported that M. de Bolislawski, the actual representative of Austria on the Danubian Commission, has sud- denly been ordered to proceed to London. This will make three representatives of Austria in London who are charged with watching the Danu- bian Conference, namely, Count Karolvi, the Austrian Ambassador, M. Plasseu, of the Austrian Foreign Office, and now M. de Bolislawski. [KKOM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] ROME, FEB. 3 IN-u).-The Le Diritto believes .hat the true reason of the postponement of the Danubian Conference lies in the absence of a com- plete understanding between the Powers.

RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN TRANCE. [•'CENTRAL NEV.-S" TELEGRAM. PARIS, I'KB. 5 AFTERNOON).—An alarming acci- dent occurred this mcrning to the mail train from Calais to Paris. At about 4..30 a.m., as it was passing Creil, it dashed into some trucks which had been left standing on the line and ran off the metals. The passengers were thrown violently against the floors of the carriages and much shaken. No serious injuries, however, are re- ported. A thick fog prevailed, rendering the driver unable to see the obstacle in his way. It appears that the couplings of some wagons on a goods train preceding the express had given way unobserved by the driver, who had proceed on his journey without being aware that part of his train remained behind. The mail train was running at 35 miles an hour at the lime of the collision. Another train was made, and the passengers brought on to Paris, arriving four hours late.

INFERNAL MACHINES IN GERMANY. I" PFUTF.R'.S" TELEGRAM.1 BERLIN, FEB. 5.—Herr Keysneer to-day received threatening letter for his severity as examiner in the First Law Examination; also a packet con- taining an infernal machine. A slight explosion occurred, but did no damage. <>

RIOTING IX INDIA. SKVENTY-ONE 1>BUSONS KILLED. EROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] BOMBAY, FEB. 5.—The Rajah of Junaghur, in Kattywar, has created considerable discontent among the ryots of his State by raising the land revenue. Til:iyonnfused t0 p',y iK and on their goods being seized 300 men, badly armed, assembled on a hill claiming redress of their grievances. The Kajah first tried persuasion, and, this failing sent 700 police, who attacked i hum, killed 70 and wounded others. The police sustained a loss of seven wounded. The collision occurred so long ago as Sunday week, but has only been heard of now. This account is the version of the affray given by the Rajah s people, but the liotnoay Gazette believes that when the facts are realiy known thev will prove to be worse. [THROUGH Rp:u,rF.R Is" AGRNCY.] 1.0M8AV, I1 KB. 5.—A serious disturbance, at- tended by considerable ioss of life, iias occurred at Junaghur, in the province of Guzerat. About 250 m.ijconient ryots, who refused to pay rent, were attacked by a body of 700 of the Nawab's police Seventy-one of the ryots were killed, and seven wounded. The police suffered no loss. The affair has excited great indignation against the Xawab.

G nEArp EIRE IN SPAIN. I" TELEGRAM. MADRID, F KB. 6.—A despatch from Havannah f ports that a great tire broke out yesterday at a •imber war-house in Ilul town. Tile building was .leatroved and 100 people were injured. The loss of property is estimated at upwards of 1,000,000 pesetas. The cause of the fire is unknown. A further series of earthquake shocks, lasting nvrr a period of five minutes, occurred yesterday at, Arohena. No damage was done.

K BALLOON SALADIN. ;FK[TTKIi S TKFCKOIUM.J .'a.* o" i >, I'i'.B. 2. 1 he Governor of the Province ( .ceres having, in pursuance of orders from the <j,ani<.h Government, instituted a strict inquiry v.ppcting thesupposed finding of the balloon Sala- din in the Sierra del Pedroso, reports that the statement is wholly devoid of foundation, no rem- "an;s whatever having been discovered.

i IA1 >1 >1 NfiTONSHlRlTELECTION. >XSi:i:VATIVU VICTORY. I lie polling for the vacancy in Haddingtonshire, caused by the succession of Lord Elcho to the peerage, opened on Monday morning. The candi- lutes were Lord Etcho (Conservative) and Mr •una y (lateral). Great interest was taken in the lection, and both parties exerted themselves to omg forward their supporters early. The result of the poll was declared at seven •'clock, as follows ;— Lord Elcho (C.) 492 Mr. Fin lay (L.) 400 Conservative majority 92 1 be number of ejectors on the poll in 1880 was i 040. The countv since the passing of the Keform Hill in 1832 has, except in 1835, been always represented by a Conservative or Liberal- \>nsf»rvative f and since 1847, without intermis- sion, by members of Lord Elcho's family.

'JIOCESE OF LLANDAFF ORDINA- TION. Toe Bishop Designate of Llandaff begs to give notice that he is making arrangements for an ordination, to be held at an early date. Candidates may apply for further information to Mr. S. Dun- ning, 27, Parliament-street, Westminster, London, S W.

The sale of a tenant right of a bankrupt's farm of twenty Irish acres at Kathfriland, held yearly at roc iCo. realised, in the Dublin Bankruptcy Court ♦nTuesda* £ 1,100, or »er acre.

I THE PHOENIX PARK TRAGEDY. ♦ IDE N TIFICATTON OF THE MURDERERS. A TOWN COUNCILLOR IMPLI- CATED. From an early hour on Saturday morning the approaches to the County Court House at-Kilmain- ham, Dublin, were thronged with a surging crowd struggling, and almost fighting, their way through the cordon of policemen who jealously guarded the doorways of the court, and only allowed re- porters, members of the Bar, and the holders of tickets signed by the Chief Commissioner of Police to enter. At a quarter past twelve several police- men entered the court, bringing with them eight of the men who had on previous occasions been charged with conspiracy to murder, some of the eight having been charged with an attempt to assassinate Mr. Field. The names of the prisoners are:—Joseph Brady, Edward O'Brien, Edward M'Caffery, James Carey, Timothy Kelly, Laurence Hanlon, Peter Carey, and Peter Doyle. The Crown was again represented by Mr. Murphy, Q.C., and Air. O'Brien, Q.C. The prisoners were defended by Dr. Webb. Q.C., Mr. J. O'Byrne, and Mr. R. Adams. Mr. Murphy stated that the prisoners were charged with the murder of Lord Cavendish and Mr. Burke on Iho 6th of May last. This statement, made by the leading Crown Pro- secutor in grave, sonorous tones, created intense excitement in court, as it was not supposed that the direct charge of murder would be made at this stage of the inquiry. Some of the prisoners on hearing the charge laughed, but their jocularity sttemed forced, strained, and almost pre-arranged. lWCêLffery and Peter Carey, against whom prior to Saturday there was but little evidence, seemed greatly altered in their appearance and bearing, and did not join in the strained merriment. The first witness examined was an elderly man named John Fitzsimons, who was examined by Mr. Murphy. Q.C. He deposed that he rented a room in South Cumberland-street from James Carey, the prisoner. He first occupied No. 12, and subsequently No. 13A, top back room. facing the east, into which he went about Easter last. On Monday, May 8, Carey called upon him for the rent. Between his room and the ceiling was a loft entered by a trap door, During the time he occu- pied this room he saw Carey go to this loft fre- quently. He used to bring a ladder with him, by which he entered, and when leaving he would take the ladder with him. He remembered hearing of Carey's arrest. After his arrest, witness went into this loft, which he reached by placing a chair upun tlw tabh, He found there a ritle and two large knives, lying under some rubbish near the chimney. About a fortnight afterwards he removed them and communicated with the police. He knew Inspector Smyth, to whom he showed the rifles and the knives. So far as he knew they were in the same state as when he found them. He subsequently removed them from the rubbish. The witness, who said his sight was not very good, identified the prisoner Peter Carey, whom he had seen only once before. He knew James Carey's wife, as well as his two little boys. He sometimes 1 paid fhe rent, to Mrs. Carey. He remembered Peter Carey coming into his room on a Saturday evening, subsequent to the removal of the ride and knives; with him were Mrs. J'tmes Carey, her little son. and a man whom wit- ness did not know. They brought a ladder with them, by mean* of which they enured the loft. This would be about half-past eight in the evening. Peter Carey, the little boy, and the strange man went up the ladder, while Mrs. Carey remained at its foot. They remained there for an hour or more. Inspector Smyth came into the house in about an hour after they had accompanied by a con- stable. They took away the knives with them. He recognised the knives produced. Inspector Smyth, detective department, pro- duced the Winchester rifle and two surgical trans- fixion knives, one with a blade eleven inches long, and the other with a blade ten inches and three- quarters long, and each three-quarters of an inch wide. The makers' names were Weiss and Son, 62, Strand. The handles are three or four inches long, and are scored, for the purpose of giving a secure grip to an operator. A feeling of terror pervaded the court as the weapons were exhibited. James Carey looked at his fellow-prisoners and smiled. The knives were then handed over to Dr. Webb, Q.C., who, with Mr. Byrne and Mr. Walsh, examined them closely for a few minutes, and handed them back again to the Crown counsel. Dr. Webb did not cross-examine the witness. Inspector Smyth said he last witness gave in- formation of finding the weapons. In July last he searched the loft, from what he told him, and found the weapons concealed in the roof under the slates. The rifle was a Winchester repeating one. Surgeon Porter said he made a post-mortem ex- amination of the bodies of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Mr. Burke, and believed the wounds inflicted upon them were done by such weapons as those produced. He described" the wounds at length, and said they must have been inflicted by very sharp instruments. The knives produced were used for surgical operations, particularly of the hip joint. Dr. Thomas Myles, who also examined the bodies, said the knives corresponded exactly with some of the wounds. Stephen Hans, of the Strawberry Beds, examined by Mr. Murphy, Q.C., said: On the 6th of May I and my wife left home at the Strawberry Beds to come to town about twenty minutes to six in the evening. It would take me 40 minutes to walk from my house to the Phoenix Monument, and I walked without delay through the Park and down by the Phoenix, my wife and I keeping on the right hand side of the pathway. I know the road which turns off towards the Hibernian School. Having crossed that I continued niv course along the pathway, and recollect ob- serving four men soon after I passed that point. They were lying on their faces on the grass. They were nearly on the gravel walk on the right hand side of the pathway. My wife was nearest to them. Their faces were turned nearlv on the gravel. My wife was close to them, and as we passed we both stepped aside. I saw the face of one. That was Edward O'Brien, the third from the end in the dock. (Sensation.) There was a car just below the men on the same side of the road as my wife and I were on. The horse's head was turned in the direction of the monu- ment. There was nobody on the car, but there was a man near the horse's head. That was Joseph Brady. (Sensation.) There was also a cab there that day, and four men lying near it on the grass. There w.is a man standing near the shaft of the cab, but I did not take particular notice of him. The men on the grass were 145 paces from the Chapelizod-road. The Lord-Lieutenant and his \1 servant passed me. He went up the main road and turned off. I believe there was a number on the back of the car. It was an oak- coloured car, and I saw something like a coat or a rug upon the well. I arrived at the post-office in Parkgate-street about seven o'clock. George Gorden, who resided in the deerkeeper's lodge in the Park, said he met a car driving rapidly out of Chapelizod gate on the evening of the mur- ders. There were four men and the driver on it. He recognised the prisoner Joseph Bradv as one of the men, Plofcssor Cameron deposed that he found stains of the blood of a mammalian animal on one of the knives. Francis Joseph Powell, a young man, can-vino- on the business of a market gardener, said that on May 6 he left his own place at the Strawberry Beds about six o'clock to come into town. Coming down the Park-road, after passing the Phoenix, lie observed four men in a clump of trees, a few yards I from the pathway. They were doing nothing, not even talking. He observed them closely, and he now identified two of them in the dock named Brady and M'Caffery. Ten yards away he ob- served a car with the horse's head towards Dublin. There was a man standing alongside the car, but he could not identify him. He went on, and passing the Gough Statue the Under-Secretary drove up in a hack car, and passed witness. At this stage the inquiry was adjourned. The enquiry was resumed onMouday. The first witness produced was a little girl, named Mary Brophy, about fourteen years old, and who had been standing in the court for some timu. Mr. Murphy, Q.C., proceeded to examine her on behalf of the CrowD. when she said she was in service in November last with Mrs. Cosgrove, who kept a lodging-house at 48, Hardwic-k-street, and witness used to go messages tor her mistress. She recollected hearing one evening of Mr. Field being attacked, and ou that evening she went out about six o'clock to buy some butter at M'Dori- nell's, in Dorset-street. On coming back she saw a car opposite the door facing towards George's Church. There was no one sitting on the car. There was a man standing opposite the railings before the front parlour. She spoke to him, and asked him who he was waiting for. She saw him again in the evening, and now identified him as the third man in the dock with the white muffler (Michael Kavanagh). When she asked him who lie was waiting for he said For a young man down street." She went inside the house and came out again in about five minutes when she went to Sheridan's. the chandler. The car was there still, and the same man was there standing at the raiiings. He had moved away, but not far away. She went to Sheridan's, which was at the corner of Frederick-street and Hardwick-street. When she retifrned the man was still there, as well as the car, which was in the same spot. She came out again shortly afterwards to get some oil. and the car was still in the same place, as was also the man. There was no one on the car at the time. When she got inside the house again she had only taken her hat off when she heard cries of Murder." She was in the kitchen, and she ran up to the hall-door and opened it. The car was there with two men on it and the driver on the scat. The driver was the caiman she had spoken to. A young man afterwards came round the corner, and got upon the car. The first two men were on the side opposite to her on the car. The third man got up on the side next to witness. They then drove up towards George's Church and Hard- wick-street, and she followed the car past Baker's. She would not know any of the three she saw on the car. She ran on her mistress was at the hall door. There was a whole crowd following the car as well as herself. When she came back she went into the house, and then went round Frederick-street to see what was the matter, and she heard of the attack on Mr, Field. Five of the other prisoners, Peter Barry, James Carey, James Mullett, Joseph Mullett, and Patrick Whlan. were placed in the dock with the other Ioj'isoners. The eight men were then charged that they "did on the 6th of May last wilfully and feloniously kill and murder Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas H. Burke." At the read- ing of the charge the prisoner James Mullett laughed and turned with an amused expression to his fellow-prisoners. Mr. Bernard H. Derlen, of No. 12, Peter-street, was examined by Mr. Murphy, and said he was the owner of :\0, 10, eter-street, next door to where he lived. He knew James Carey, and in March, 1877, he let the portion of the house called "The Dancing Academy" to him. It was in the rearof,the house, and entry was obtained by passing through the hall and out through the yard. It was a room 40ft. long by 20ft. wide. Carey said he required it for a reading-room or lecture-room. Witness entered it in his book as a lecture-room. The rent was 5s. per week. Mr. Carey generally paid the rent, and sometimes his boy did. Some- times he paid for a month, sometimes longer, but not. for more than two months at a time. The entrance by the hall was the only way into the room. Witness had only entered the room during the tenancy when repairs were required to be done. When anything was required to he done the key was left for him over night, and he only saw in it a few tables and chairs, with some newspapers and lamps. He was never there at any meetings. The last time Carey paid witness rent was in August, 1879, when the tenancy terminated. By Dr. Webb: His own house was partially a tenement house, and the house he lot was whoJIya tenement house. The cottage he let to Carey was adjoining the tenement house, No. 10, Peter-street, and had been let to three previous tenants in succession. Mr. John Plinton, examined by Mr. Murphy, said he was living at 10, Peter-street, from January, 1876. to August, 1881, and occupied the front parlour and the room behind. He knew the Dancing School when a man named Lyons kept it. Afterwards an auctioneer named O'Gorman had it. He remembered subsequently that some society took it, and the meetings took place at night in the week days and in the day time on Sundays. The members used to come about eight o'clock, sometimes 50 or 60, some nights more or less. On Sunday they came generally about eleven o'clock, and remained until two. Sometimes they came on Sunday evening, and there were not more than eight or ten came on Sunday. There were two or three steps from the door of the hall into the yard, and the cottage in which was situated the room was right opposite the door across the yard. When witness went into the yard there was always a man at the door of the room when a meeting was being held, and this man, upon seeing witness, used to tap the door with his hand or his heel. Witness had seen James Carey go there sometimes on Sunday. Witness was asked if he had heard any talking in the room or in the yard. Dr. Webb objected to this form of question. Mr. Murphy (10 wil nes): Did you ever hear them talking as to what they were waiting for or as to whether they were waiting for anybody ? Wm. E. Winter deposed that he lived at 21, Prussia-street, and was owner of the Temperance- hall in Cuffe-lane. He bought it about seven years ago. He knew the man named Patrick Whelan, but as it was five years ago he could not now identify him among the men in the dock. Witness let the rooms to Patrick Whelan, who with another man jointly paid witness money for tiie rooms on two occasions. He got a quarter's rent, in advance on each occasion, which was paid by a Mr. Cullen and Pat Whelan each time. The money wa.s left on the table by Whelan or Cullen, he could not say which. Ib could distinguished Cullen from Whelan, as it was in the daytime. The premises were given up a year and ten months ago, and he had not seen Whelan since. Witness was only in the room once when he went by invitation to a ball about four years ago, and saw it from the gallery. Cullen gave him the invitation. The room was 84ft. lung by 20ft. wide. The rent was paid quarterly, and witness did not know what the room was used for. He was once called to repair a leak in the roof, and when he went he saw Cullen there. Wit- ness knew Cullen lived in Bride-street, but did not know "where Whelan lived. Witness knew Detec- tive-Sergeant Down, and had seen him outside the court, and had seen him writing. Acting-Inspector Marshall, examined by Mr. Murphy, said he recollected going with Inspector Fogarty to the house, Xo. 8, Brabazon-street, on the 17th of December. 1881, and saw a man named Bailey there. Witness knew the prisoner Whelan in the dock, and saw him at Brabazon-street, and Fogarty was speaking to him in witness's presence. Witness went upstairs, and Whelan was there. He was about to enter a room when Whelan got between the inspector and the door, and refused to let him in, asking for his authority. When wit- ness was searching the room Whelan said, Why not search Bailey's room?" Witness afterwards entered another room with Inspector Fogarty, and found there 22 rifles in a sack under the bed, one carbine, and 100 rounds of rifle ball cartridge. There was a small pike found in a corner or the room, as well as three flasks of powder, and a canister of shot. In the next, room, which was opened by prisoner's brother, a little boy about thirteen years of age, witness found two revolvers, some revolver cart- ridges, three bayonets, and 1,200 grenades. He found also an envelope, addressed Mr. Patrick Whelan, 5, Cross Kevin-street." Witness after- wards proceeded to that address, and forced the side entrance. There were two detective officers, Grandy and Honan, with him. They entered an office, and found under the desk in the office, in a sack, seventeen sword bayonets. In the desk he found 1,500 revolver ball cartridges in cases of 50 each. He also found there 90 rifle ball cartridges. There were two packages marked" Explosive." He did not find any pistils in the desk, but found four or five photographs. He found a revolver in a case, with seven pounds of ammunition. At the bottom of a trunk packed with books he found two packagosof gunpowder, weighing 281bs. or 301bs., in a box, and at the bottom of the box he found a large number of cartridge cases and leaden bullets. There was a small loft about 6ft. from the floor in the office, where witness found a ritle and a sword. He got the book (produced) in the box with the ball and powder. The writing in it was there when he found it. The two small books (also produced) he found one in the desk and one in the box. Mr. Murphy I shall now read from an entry in one of these books, which is called No. 3 :— 26:]¡ Feb., 1881.—Sent 100 cards and £10 to London for B, Woodward, and received one easc, containing twenty Suider rities a lid SOIllC bayonets, and oue Benson's electric battery. 17th M:lrch.ppointetl geueml treasurer by the executive of the I.K.U. 9th March.- Introduced by G Meagher to D. Borne, of Ball's Bridge, to whom I gave lL position of A.B. in the organisation, with power to work among his friends in the district. 1st May.- Executive meeting held at Harbourn-street to consider the linancial standing of the organisation and to take SOUle action with reference to the resolution read amidst great noise at the Land League meeting in the Kotunila on the 10th of April, by a faction ca:1ing themselves Nationalists, and aiso to consider the advisability of sending our leader, Mr. G. Meagher, to America, to consult our chief, James Stephens. The other entry is in pencil in another book that was found there. Examination continued: Witness knew James Bailey, the man who was shot in Skippers'-alley. He was shot on the 25th of February last year. By Mr. Richard Adams: The seizure last detailed was the same as that which Inspector Fogarty had given evidence about. By Mr. Tinder: Whelan was arrested for pos- session of the arms at the time, but he was not sent for trial. Sergeant John Dempsey said he recollected seeing the dead body of the man Bailey whom he knew in Skippers'-alley on the 25th of February, 1882. There was a woundonhisnose,butwitnessdid not think he was then dead, and took him to Jervis- street Hospital, where the doctors pronounced him dead. Bailey was not then living at Chancery- lane. He had left that residence for a short time, about ten days before he was murdered. Inspector Warmington proved arresting the prisoner Joseph Mullett on the 12th of January last at 6, Temple-cottages. Witness went upstairs, where he found a small table with a drawer. In the drawer was a revolver (produced), fully loaded in six chambers. The prisoner's mother was in the room at the time. (The revolver is a large one of the Colt pattern.) The dagger (pro- duced) was found in thesmalldrawer, together with a box of cartridges and a number of small articles. Witness called up the prisoner from downstairs, showed him the articles, and told him he might give an account of them if he liked. Mullett re- plied, I know nothing of them. They must have been left by some other persons." Witness asked him who, and he replied, I do not know." The revolver was now in the same condition as when he found it, with the exception that it was not now loaded. It was encased in an old stocking (pro- duced). He found the clothes (produced) in the same room. Mr. Murphy then asked that the case might be adjourned until Saturday next. This was granted. The remainder of the prisoners were then placed in the dock, thirteen in number, and formally remanded.

MEETING OF THE CABINET. THE RECENT MINISTERIAL CHANGES. A Cabinet Council was held in Downing-street at 2.30 on Tuesday afternoon, all the Ministers being present except Mr. Gladstone, who is still at Cannes. Earl Derby took his seat for the first time in Mr. Gladstone's Cabinet, as also did Sir Charles Dilke. Earl Spencer also attended for the first time since his appointment as Lord-Lieu- tenant of Ireland. Among the other Ministers who took their seats as representing offices they had not held previous to the recent changes in the Cabinet were Earl Kimberley, Lord Hartington, Mr. Childers, and Mr. Dodson. Earl Granville presided. Previous to the Cabinet meeting the Home Secretary had an informal consultation with several Ministers at his own residence on the sub- ject of his forthcoming Bill for the reform of the municipal government of London. It is understood that Earl Spencer, at Tuesday's Cabinet, gave an account of the condition of affairs in Ireland, especially in reference to the prospec- tive distress in certain districts. The arrangements for the International Conference, to be opened in London towards the end of this week, upon the question of the navigation of the Danube, and especially the course to be taken bv the English representative, are also believed to have been under consideration, but no. arrangements for the Parliamentary session were completed, nor was any draft of the Queen's Speech submitted, these matters being deferred until a Cabinet meeting to be held, probably, on Monday, or soon after"the Premier's return to England. Within the last fortnight, since Mr. Jenkinson's flving visit to London, Lord Hartington, brother of the late Lord Frederick Cavendish, has had a detective from Scotland-yard accompanying him in his movements. This officer, who even entered the Premier's official residence with the Marquess when he attended the Cabinet Council, is the same that so zealously guarded Mr. Gladstone previous to his departure for Cannes. Sir Wm. Harcourt has now a detective sleeping in his house in Grafton-street.

GREAT DISASTERS TO SHIPPING. SERIOUS LOSS OF LIFE. ANOTHER WRECK NEAR SWANSEA. THE LOSS OF THE JAMES GRAY. Captain John E. Tilley, of the brigantine Nellie S., of Faversham, which has put back to Penarth Roads from the Longships, with loss of boats, sails, bulwarks, &c., reports that about four o'clock on Friday afternoon last he observed a steamer off Cape Cornwall about three miles, wind N.N.W., blowing very heavily, with high sea running. The steamer was going head on to the sea, and the Nellie S. came round under the stern about half a mile off. The stern of the steamer was right on the top of the sea, and in a few minutes afterwards, when Captam Tilley looked agall1, the steamer had disappeared. Captain Tilley's attention was engrossed with his own ship, which was only three miles off shore, and it was only the sudden change of wind to the westward which enabled him to get his vessel oft'. The crew reported to the captain that the steamer had a black funnel with red bands round it. The steamer was apparently of aoout 1,500 tons burthen. An Exchange Telegraphic Company's dispatch states:—The American Pacific Mail steamer Jacomo has been totally wrecked at Umplizua, and only part of her crew were saved. A Lloyd's telegram says :—The Hilda, South Western Company's steamer, from Southampton to the Channel Islands with the mails, collided during Friday night in Yarmouth Roads, Isle of Wight, with a French chassetnaree, name un- known, which sunk. The Hilda immediately lowered a boat with two mates and three seamen to seek the crew, but without success. The Hilda's boat arrived at Yarmouth. The Hilda returned to outhampton. Three or four bodies from the French lugger, wrecked by collision with the South Western Company's steamer Hilda near the Isle of Wight, were washed ashore at Sea View, near Ryde, on t;aturc1ar morning. The Taunton Packet, of Bridgwater, from New- port, for New Ross, foundered off the Bishops at four p.m. on Saturday. The crew, four in number, were landed at Fishguard one died in the boat. The barque Lord Dufferin, of Liverpool, left Newport on Wednesday last with a cargo of coal for Rio de Janeiro, and had reached a few miles to the northward of Lundy when a serious accident occurred on board, the ship having to run back to Penarth Roads, Itappearsthatsoveralof the crew were out on the foreyard taking in sail when the truss gave way, and three of the men were thrown down 011 the deck and two of them overboard. No help could be given to the men in the water owing to the high sea then running, and the strong gale. The captain decided to bear up for Penarth Roads for medical assistance, and men to replace those lost and disabled. The Cardiff sUJam tug Royal Norman, met the vessel below Breaksea on Saturday afternoon, and towed her up to Penarth Roads, and landed two of the men at the Pier-head, when they were taken in a cab to the Hamadryad Hospital Ship. The brigantine Nellie S., of Faversham, outward bound from Cardiff (coals) for one of the English Channel ports, had arrived near the Longships, when a tremendous sea broke aboard, sweeping her decks filling the cabin, galley, &c" and carry- ing away rails, bulwarks, &c. She bore up for Penarth Roads, and anchored there on Saturday afternoon.

WRECK OF FOUR TROWS NEAH CLEVEDON. A Clevedon correspondent writes:—Seldom has a storm of such violence, and rising with such sud. denness, raged in the Bristol Channel as that of Friday afternoon. About five o'clock four trows were wrecked—two at Walton Bay and two on the sands off Clevedon. The Avon, loaded with liquid ammonia, ran on the rocks in Walton Bay, and the crew were saved. The Maiden Oak, trow, with a similar cargo, was seen to go down off the Pier, and the crew were drowned. The body of the master, Mr. Elijah Phillips, of 16, Guinea-street, Bristol, was afterwards picked up at Walton Bay. The trow, of which he was part owner, was apparently on the way from Cardiff to Bristol, and was chartered by Messrs. Ring and Co., Bute Docks, Cardiff. The Unity, trow, was wrecked on the sands. The Maid of the Mill ran ashore near Walton Bay, but the cargo (coal) having been thrown out she floated off and was taken to Bristol. The body of a young man was picked up near Portishead. Besides the above there are several vessels known to be missing. LOSS OF A SMACK AT BARRY ISLAND. Captain Marley, of the smack Fanny, of Porlock, near Bridgwater, arrived in Cardiff "on Saturday from Barry, accompanied by two men who formed his crew, Mr. Perkins, mate, and Mr. llidler, sea- man. He reported that during a heavy squall on Thursday night last at about eight o'clock his boat was driven on the rocks on Barry Island, and went to pieces in about ten minutes -f1"O"'1 the time she struck. He and his companions succeeded with great difficulty in scrambling up the rocks, but they were cut and bruised, and they did not save any of their effects. They were hospitably treated by the inhabitants, and on the following day they commenced the journey to Cardiff on foot. The Panny was at the time of the casualty bound to Newport in ballast. She was not insured, and the loss to Captain Marley, who is the owner, is, there- fore considerable. THE SERIOUS LANDSLIPS ON THE ROSS AND MONMOUTH RAILWAY. Serious landslips occurred on Thursday evening, about seven o'clock, at Coppett Wood Tunnel, near Lydbrook Station, on the Ross and Monmouth branch of the Great Western Railway. The tunnel was under a wooded hill, and a mass of earth fell from the hill over the end of the tunnel which is nearest Monmouth, completely veiling the tunnel from view and blocking the line and telegraphic communication between Kerne Bridge and Lydbrook Stations. A tele- gram was immediately sent to Monmouth, from whence a strong breakdown gan,J;? was immediately despatched to the spot. The 7.10 down train was fortunately stopped at Kerne Btidge, thus averting a serious calamity, which must have endangered many lives, as soon after another mass of earth fell on the line on the Ross side of the tunnel. Coaches were, with great promptitude, obtained from Ross, by means of which passengers were conveyed from Kerne Bridge Station to Lydbrook Station, where a train was in readiness to bring them on to Monmouth, where they arrived at 11.5 p.m. instead of 7.50. More earth has since fallen, and still continues to do, and about a thousand tons will have to be removed before traffic can be resumed, which will not be for some days. The officials received a telegram on Friday night ordering booking through to be resumed, and on Saturday morning several passengers were so booked from Monmonth, it being stated that coaches had been chartered to convey passengers between Lydbrook and Kerne Bridge, but on reaching Lydbro'.k they found they could go no further, a second telegram having been received, stopping the coach supply, and giving orders not to book passengers from Monmouth further than Lydbrook, or further than Kerne Bridge from Ross. THE MUMBLES LIFEBOAT DISASTER. Mr. J. W. Islay Young, the Swansea secretary of the National Lifeboat Institution, has received the following letter from Mr. Samuel Hand, of the Wolverhampton Branch of the institution :— Dear Sir,—I am desired by the committee of this branch to convey their congratulations to you OIl the success already athtined uy your branch towards provi- ding for the widows filld orphans of the bnn-e lifeboat men who perished while on their errand of mercy at the Mumbles 011 Saturday last. A few days aO [ communi- cated to R. Lewis, Esq., at the parent institution in I.owloll, that the public ill this town were about endea- vouring to raise funds for the purchase of a new lifeboaf to replce the damaged one. By this morning's post, he inf-u-ms me Uiat his committee ordertJCL 011 T .ursday last. a Hew Jifehoat awl eqnipmeats to be forwarded t;) Swansea at once. and that, lJeillg llowaccomplished, I have no doubt this committee wiil be pleased to render your branch ,¡j] the assistance they are able. I forward you paper contailling particulars of our preliminary meelillg held in this town last niill., The new lifeboat is expected to arrive on Friday or Saturday next. A CARDIFF SHIP IN A GALE. On Monday night the Argosy, from Cardiff. arrived in New York. During the voyage she encountered severe storms. Her captain thus de- scribes the gale :—" I have seen Chinese typhoons, south-west monsoons in the Indian Ocean, and cyclones all over the world, but never anything like the gale on the 25th of January. The wind picked up the waves, rolled them upon us, forming gigantic wheels which ran from stem to stern and then rolled overboard. It was a kind of water- spout picked up by a whirlwind. The waves oven struck the topsailyards with tremendous force, and tons of water seemed trying to burst through." The Argosy was badly battered and had a narrow escape. It was owing to her strong construction, and to the fact of her being in ballast only, that she survived the terrible storm. It is estimated that over £100,000 damage has been done by the floods in Swaiedale, Yorkshire. The dales are a perfect wreck. Five hundred sheep, besides cattle and horses, have been washed away. Thousands of acres have been rendered a perfect, waste, and all the bridges in Upper Swale- dale have, been wholly or partially destroyed. On Sunday a telegram was received in Hull from the master of tho steamer Joseph Somers, from Huelva to Cardiff, with iron ore, stating that in the late gale his decks were completely swept and boats carried away. He had put into Corunna for repairs. He himself had sustained a fracture of his collar-bone besides other injuries, and his crew were all more or less injured. The British steamer Roxburgh, from Cardiff to Colombo, is at Lisbon badly damaged. The barque Evangeline, of Swansea, bound to Madeira from Swansea with coal, has put into Miiford Haven with long boat and hatches smashed and bulwarks carried away. The barque Southern Queen, of Liverpool, with coals from Cardiff to Singapore, put back to Miiford Haven on Monday, having been knocked about greatly by heavy seas off Trevose Head. The watchmen at the Wolf Lighthouse were re- lieved on Monday, after having been detained through stormy weather ever since November 15. Their supplies had run very short. A Falmouth telegram says :—The ship Ireland, of Liverpool, Captain Griffiths, arrived at Falmouth on Monday afternoon and landed the master and crew of the Norwegian barque Mandal, from Moul- mein for Dublin with deals, which vessel was abandoned off the Western Islands in a water- logged condition after a terrific gale on January 27. For nine days the vessel was water-logged before the crew were rescued. ■ An inauest was held at Rvde on Tuesday evening on the bodies of five men who had been washed ashore at Sea View, near Ryde, and who have been identified as the crew of the schooner Snowdrop, of Powey, wrecked during the fearful gale of Friday night. The Coastguard stated thev did not see the signals which were sent up from the Snow- drop. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased were accidentallv drowned, and requesting the coroner to call the attention of the chief officer of the Coastguard to the circum- stances. During a gale on Wednesday morning the Prench barquentine Surprise, laden with pitwood, was barquentine Surprise, laden with pitwood, was driven on the rocks on the Gower Coast, a few hundred yards west of Port Eynon Point, and be- came a total wreck. The vessel was first seen off Creaton Cliff,about half amilc below the soot where the Agnes Jack was lost. It appears the vessel was of 97 tons register. Captain Le Hacon. She was built at Grenville in 1864, and belonged to Von L. Birhot Lannay, of Paimpol, which port she left on January 27 with a cargo of between 90 and 100 tons of pit- wood, consigned to Messrs. Poingdestre and Mesnier, Swansea. Nothing could be seen of her crew, which consisted of five or six hands, and there can be little doubt that they were all drowned. The vessel must have struck on the Elwick Sands. The remains of the hull are still visible, with part of her boat attached. A quan- tity of timber, sails, rafts, and some clothes have been washed ashore. The only living creature saved at the wreck is a Newfoundland dog, which swam ashore uninjured. The Surprise often traded to Swansea, and the captain is well-known there. Lloyd's state:—A telegram, purporting to {be from Mr. J. Holmes, second officer of the Kenmure Castle, steamer, received from Boulogne, dated Tuesday, reports the Kenmure Castle lost; second officer, seven of the crew, and all passengers saved. Effects all lost. Those saved were in their night- dresses only, and all very weak. The Kenmure Castle (s) was bound from London to Shanghai, and passed Prawle Point on January 29. She was an iron brig-rigged screw steamer of 1,951 gross tons, was built at South Shields by Messrs. J. Softley and Co. in 1873, and was owned by Messrs. T. Skinner and Co., of ivist India-avenue, London. Messrs. Skinner and Co., owners of the Kenmure Castle, have received a further telegram from Boulogne, confirming in every particular the news received at Lloyd's early in the day respecting the disaster to that vessel on Sunday night. There is no doubt, therefore, as to the safety of the passen- gers, of whom the vessel carried eight, and it is also evident that the major portion of the Euro- peau section of the crew have escaped. When the Kenmure Castle left London she had on board, besides the eight passengers, a crew of 40 men, ten of whom were Europeans, the remainder being principally Chinese. No details have yet been received as to the identity of the crew saved beyond the information that the survivors are Europeans. All telegrams received were sent in the name of Mr. Holmes, the second mate, and no mention has been made of the captain. Mr. J. D. Barrett, and the first mate, Mr. James Forbes. It mav be that, these officers were too ill from the effect of the exposure to communicate the un- fortunate tidings, but the coincidence that only eight out of the ten English speak- ing mariners are reported to be saved has led to the belief that both the captain and first mate perished. That the Chinese seamen were all drowned there seems little doubt. The steamer sank in a very few minutes, and it is distinctly stated that one boat only could be made available. The following is a list of the crew as furnished by the owners:—J. D. Barratt, master; James Forbes, first mate; James Holmes, second mate Thomas Higgins, third mate; Thomas B. Glap- brook, carpenter; H. Mannings, steward; W. V. Ley. first enginer Hugh Morris, second engineer D. M'Aliiter, third engineer; and W. Dunstone, fourth engineer. The passengers were Mrs. Mann, A. L. Mann, H. E. Mann, V. Mann (all of Bedford), T. W. Horrocks, Mrs. Horrocks, A. D. Henry, and Mrs. A. D. Henry. During a severe gale on Tuesday night the schooner Clara, coal laden, from Maryport to Bel- fast, struck at Portagovie, county Down, and be- came a total wreck. Five out of her crew of six were drowned. The schooner Euphemia Fullerton, of London- deny, coal laden, from Maryport, went ashore at Ballywalter, and is expected to become a total wreck. No mention is made of the crew. The steamer Strathure, of Glasgow, from Bowling to Dublin, with coal, is ashore at Kearney Point, county Down, and lies in a dangerous position. The crew were saved. The schooner Beagle, from Maryport to Londonderry, with coal, struck on the rocks at Ballywalter, and will be- come a total wreck. The crew, with the exception of the master, were saved. At two o'clock on Wednesday morning, as the steamer Siiksworth was about to enter Sunderland vHarbour, she struck against the North Pier and was driven up Jhannel by the heavy sea. She then grounded near the jetty of the North Dock entrance, where, it is reported, she has broken in two. The vessel, which was commanded by Capt. Johnston, was owned by the Marquess of London- derry. In answer to signals of distress the Harwich lifeboat left the harbour at noon,and returned live hours afterwards with a crew of twelve hands of the German barque Lorely, of Memel, Capt. Yogt. from Memel to London, with timber, which had been wrecked on the Shipwash Sands. The rescued crew were provided with shelter by the German consul. The Scarborough smack Young Alice ran ashore at Scarborough on Wednesday night, having mistaken the light. The lifeboat went out and rescued the crew of five men. The Thames between Oxford and Staines has risen three inches, and is still rising. The water overflows the banks, and nearly all the cellars in High-street, Eton, are full of water. Romney Island is partly flooded, and near Chalvey and Barnspool the meadows are under water and navigation stopped. During a south-easterly gale on Wednesday in the P'irth of P'orth and the Tay the schooner Savant, of Beaumaris. with iron, was dashed on the rocks east of Crail Harbour, Fifeahire, and became a total wreck. Captain John Thomas and one seaman were drowned. The remaining three of the crew were saved. The schooner which was wrecked on Wednesday morning at Deerness, Orkney, with the loss of all hands, turns out to be the Lena, of Mandel. The shore is covered with wreckage, but the bodies have not vet been recovered. Captain Flick, of the brigantine Carmenta, of Faversham, with a cargo of coal, from Cardiff for Gravesend, docked at Cardiff on Tuesday niglll for repairs, reports that he got dowu to the Land's End on Friday afternoon, and when about a mile and a half off the Longships, blowing a fearful gale from the N.N.E. to W.N.W., the ship being then on the port tack, shipped a heavy sea. washing two of the men overboard, and the next sea washed them on board again; broke skylight, companion, wheel, filled the cabin with water, injured two of the crew, and had mainsail, main staysail, and upper topsail blown away, and all compasses washed overboard About haif-an-hour after the vessel was struck Captain II hck observed flare-up and blue lights from some vessel in dis- tress, but could not possibly render any assis- ance.

THE LOSS OF THE JAMES GRAY. On Wednesdav the bodv of a woman, supposed to be that of Mrs. M'Leod", wife of the captain of the steamer James Gray, which was lost on the 27th ult. on the Tuscar Rocks off Porthcawl, was found on the beach near Llantwit Major. The burgee flag of the James tirav, with tho name upon it, WilS found near the mouth of the Oginore on the same day, and a portion of a seaman's trunk, with the name J. F. Murray,"one of the crew of the steamer, has also been picked up. The adjourned inquest on the body of Captain M'Leod was held at the Greyhound Inn, St. Bride's Major, on Wednesday, before Mr. T. Stockwood, coroner. Mr. James Strick represented Lloyd's, and Captain La Primandaye, R.N., attended on behalf of the Roval Lifeboat Institution. John Ralph, of Cardiff, said he was chief mate of the James Gray, and left her on Wednesday evening, the 24th ult. He saw Captain M'Leod on Friday, the 26rh. His vessel was then in the Car- diff Roads. The James Gray was about five years oid, and was classed 100 Al at Lloyd's. The captain intended to go from Cardiff to Cape de Verds, and took his wife and child with him. He identified the cabin cloth produced and some bags as belong- ing to the James Gray. She was in good trim when she left Cardiff, and he believed her machinery broke down in the Channel. Charles Alfred Young, of Campville, Cardiff, was called, and said he was in the employ of Messrs. C. ü. Young and Christies, shipowners, Cardiff. They were the brokers for the James Gray, of that port. She arrived at Cardiff from Liverpool on the 22rid of January. Tie knew nothing about her state then. Her cargo was 1,555 tons of coal, and she had 295 tons in her bunkers. Wm. Marshall, Southemdown. said he saw the steamer about 2.30 p.m. on Saturday, the 27th on the west side of the Tuskur. By using a glass he could see that the engine was not wonting. Later on he could see that the anchor had been cast. The steamer was clear of the rocks until witness lost sight of her in the darkness. Between half- past four and five o'clock he heard those on board calling for help. He saw them rising and lowering flags as if they were signalling. Just as it was getting dusk he saw two rockets fired. The second one skitted over the water, and did not go up into the air as the first did. When he heard the cries the steamer was broadside to the waves, and the sea was washing over her. He believed some of the crew had been washed overboard when he heard the cries. William Henry Martin said he lived at Porthcawl, and was principal coast officer of Customs. About twenty minutes to two on Saturday, the 27th, he saw a steamer coming across the Bristol Channel. Ho examined her with his glass, and saw that ap- parently she was disabled. She was then from four to five miles off Porthcawl. When she got inside the sands she let go her port anchor. Shortly afterwards she let go her starboard anchor, and was brought up head to the wind. She had two penants flying at the time. There was a gale of wind blowing from the W.S.W., and there was a. very high sea. The tide was at the ebb. Just after- wards two signals were hoisted on board the steamer. One represented the letter but he could not make out the other. There was a boat floating on the port quarter with some one in it. Afterwards there was a boat made fast under the stern, and re- mained there until dark. The lifeboat, put off about half-past two, and was fully manned, partly by volunteers and partly by her own crew. The crew of the lifeboat tried to pull out of the broken water, so as to get at the vessel, but they were per- fectly helpless, because of the high sea and the wind. They drove up towards Newton, where they appeared to ride at anchor. Robert Jago, chief boatman of the Coastguard Station at Porthcawl, said that about 1.30 p.m. on the 27th of January he observed a vessel close to Nash Sands, with her head towards Porthcawl. The coxswain of the lifeboat (J. Pearce) considered the vessel to be in danger immediately had the bell rung, and the lifeboat was at once got down, and sufficient men to man three or four lifeboats had no charge until afloat. As it ap- peared the vessel was driving he summoned the rocket brigade again, and proceeded eastward, but saw nothing more of the vessel until the following day. when he observed wreckage on the Tuskar. By the Jury: I telegraphed to Imy divisional officer at Swansea about four o'clock. By Mr Strick: I received a telegram, and sent off two ugboats about five o'clock. They arrived off forti awl after dark. but could see nothing of the steamer, and returned. They got as near the Tuskar as they could, but saw no lights. By Captain La Primandaye: There is no regular lifeboat crew, but there was no difficulty in getting men. Joseph James Thomas, Porthcawl, said he was master of the tugboat Thames. At four p.m. on the 27th ult. he saw a steamer, which he has since found out was the James Gray, at anchor about a mile from Porthcawl. About five p.m. she ap- peared to be dragging in the direction of the Tuskar. The tug was taken out as soon as possible —eight o'clock, and was run up in the direction of the Tuckar Rock, until he found the sea breaking so bad that it was dangerous to go nearer. He saw nothing of the steamer. He towed the lifeboat into Porthcawl, where he arrived about twenty minutes past nine. He had never seen a worse sea than that on the 27th ult. Mr. Strick: What was the use of your going out if you would not go to windward where you last saw the steamer V—I knew the lifeboat was out somewhere, and I went to render assistance. Mr. Strick: I do not understand, unless it was to avoid danger, why you went to leeward instead of to windward.—Witness: Had it been daylight 1 might have got nearer to the Tuskar. Mr. Strick: You made no attempt, when you went out to see whether the steamer was then in the same pos;tion as when you had seen her last ? —When I saw the blue light on my port bow I made for that. Before that ?—I went up as near as I could to the Tuskar. The sea was breaking so badly that it was dangerous to go closer. Alexander Hurley, of the schooner Peregrine, of Penzance, said he was at Porthcawl on the 27th ult. He went to the shore and saw a large steamer flying signals of distress. From three o'clock until six the steamer was flying signals of distress. There was no one to superintend the lifeboat. She could have been brought back from Newton Bay to Porthcawl and launched again. The wind had shifted between three and four o'clock from W.S.W. to W.N.W. She might then have reached the steamer. James Pearce, coxswain of the Porthcawl life- boat, said the boat, was launched with all possible speed. In rounding the end of the breakwater a gitle and heavy se, drove her to the leeward, and the crew could make no headway towards the steamer. By Captain La Primandaye: If the lifeboat had been taken back to Porthcawl she would not have I reached there until five o'clock. He believed that if the lifeboat had not been launched until four o'clock she would have reached the steamer. James Wessendorf said he had been harbour- master at Portlicsvwl for nearly sixteen years. He gave evidence as to the position of the steamer, and believed every effort was made by the lifeboat crew to get the boat to the vessel. The jury returned a. verdict to the effect that Captain M'Leod was accidentally drowned, and expressed an opinion that everything that was possible had been elond at Porthcawl to save life.

REVIEWS. Blackwood's Magazine (Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh) continues the tale Ladies Lindores," in which the interest is excellently sustained. "The New Legal Position of Married Women" is a well- timed articles, in which the writer, while criti- cising the weak points of the recent Act, admits it to be an immense improvement on the old law. J. S. B.'s Song of a Good Eclectic" sails so near the serious that many people may not be able to see the banter of it, just as was the case with Defoe's Short Way with the Dissenters." The Puerto de Medina" is an exciting tale of adventure founded on fact. A very attractive picture of Haifa in Palestine as "A New Winter Resort is followed by an essay entitled Jocoseria," which, before reading it, we took to refer to Mr. Brown- ing's new volume. Instead of that, however, we found the essay dealing with an old parchment octavo of Otho Melander's, a favourite book of jest and anecdote in the first part of the seven- teenth century. Icthyologists and sporLsmen will find a good deal to interest them in the paper on "The Secrets of Salmon Growth." The everlasting Wilberforce volumes having been made the subject of appreciative notice, Anthony Trollope's merits as a novel writer come under review, and we must say that we do not think the writer has erred in his estimate of the deceased novelist. Lijiujumn's ¡}[aga;.i¡¡e(Longman and Co.) contains, in addition to Mr. Justin McCarthy's very interest- ing paper on The Irish Peasantry," which we have already noticed editorially, the continuation of Mr. James Payn's story Thicker than Water," which we feel bound to say we do not like so well in the last two chapters as in those that have pre- ceded. A Mountain Tulip is a capital descrip- tion by Mr. Grant Allen of an odd bit of Welsh flora. Austin Dobson's little poem, My Books," appeals directly to a weak place in the heart of every true bibliophile. Mr. Proctor's Photo- graphic Eyes of Science is a paper well worth reading. Anstey's Farewell Appearance," although containing one or two of the author's own peculiar touches, is not nearly so good a tale as his Black Poodle." The Atlantic Momhly (Ward, Lock, and Co., Salisbury-square, KC,) is a splendid shilling's worth. The February part completes Longfellow's blank verse drama, Michael Angelo, in which there are some really beautiful lines. Take the following as a specimen from one of the great artist's soliloquies:— No one born ill Rome Can live elsewhere but he must. pine for Rome And must return to it, I. who am born Anù bred a Tuscan and a Florentine, Fel the attraction, and I linger here As if I were a pebble in the pavement Trodden by priestly feet. This I endure, Because I breathe in Rome an a.t77Wsphere lire! icith odours Ijftlt.e laurel leaas That crou-ned great heroes of the sicord and pen hi ays past. Titan the thought embodied in, or the simile con- veyed by, the words we have italicised we do not remember ever reading anything much finer. Hawthorne's outline romance of The An- cestral Footstep" is finished in this number. G. E. Woodberry's article on Savage Landor is well worth the reading, although for our own part we would like to draw a less rigid line in deal- ing with him than either the essayist, or Mr. Leslie Stephen. We think also that Marie Louise Henry has been a little too hard on, or rather inapprecia- tive of, George Eliot. But that may be because both are women. Richard Grant White's Stage Rosalinds v is a remarkably good paper. "Among the many bad Rosalinds that I have seen," says the writer, "the last was indisputably the worst." Who can he be referring to we wonder ? The Squire (Franklyn and Co., 92 and 93, Fleet- street) has a number of exceedingly good papers, among; which we may mention" "A Famous Whipper-in," by Francis Compton; "The Liver Fluke," by Professor Fream, who believes it im- possible for any human agency to exterminate the snails which produce the fluke, on which account he advocates that sheep should be kept on the drier uplands through the wet autumn and winter months, and that they should be only allowed to go on land which might commu- nicate fluke at the beginning of spring, li About Geese," by Harrison Weir, and After Wild Fowl," vby W. D. L'Estrange, are the best of the remaining articles. The Homiletic Magazine (Nisbet and Co., 21, Uerners-street, W.) has a paper by that able divine, Professor Morris, D.D., on The Scripture Doctrine of the Atonement," in answer to Professor Abrahams' assertion that vicariousness is a con- ception utterly foreign to the Pentateuch. Very few of the arguments on such a subject can, how- ever, be new, originality in Scriptural criticism having apparently been given over entirely to the French and German school of critics. The Nineleetitli Ceutur// (Kegan Paul, Trench, and Co.) will be read principally for his Grace the Duke of Argyll's admirably-reasoned article on The Economic Condition of the Highlands of Scotland," Lord Norton's Middle-class Educa- tion," Dr. Jessop's Village Life in Norfolk 600 I Years Ago," Mr. Charles Lewis's "Election Prospects of the Conservatives," Mr. Rathbone's Local Government in England and Wales," and M. Reinaeh's Unmounted Bucephalus," among the more solid matter; and among the lighter for Mr. Frederick Wedmore's "Theatrical Revival," and Mr. Thomas Wright's "Concerning the Un- known Public," which latter is one of the most sensible things we have seen in a magazine for a long time past. According to the "Journeyman Enaineer writing is the very aeme of the penny serial style. Although Ouida herself may not feel flattered by this remark we believe it to be per- fectly true. The novelists'of the penny prints toil after her in wain, but they do toil after her," Mr. Wright continues. They aim at the same gorgeousness of effect with her, though they lack her powers to produce it, to impress it vividly upon readers. The difference between the serials and Ouida's work though great is one of degree only, not of kind. The transition from the one to the other is easily made, and the writings of the author of 'Moths' do the State (why the State?) some service, in that they materially help to bridge the gulf between the generally inane fictions of the penny serials and the better classes of fiction." The Journal of Forestry (Rider and Son, Bartho- lomew-close) prints an interesting paper from Dr. Lyons, M.P., on the Re-afforesting of Ireland," a question which the writer thinks is of pressing, of great, indeed of Imperial, importance. There is hardly anything of interest to the special class which this journal appeals to that is not noted in its pages, and, where necessary, carefully treated by competent authorities. In the t'ebruary number of beach's Practical Family Dressmaker (Cartwright, 8, Johnson's-court, Fleet-street, London) will be found illustrations of bodices suitable for balls and parties. Grenadine dresses are most useful to fall back upon, and these are now tastefully made up over coloured linings, so that the effect is very pretty. flowers, our lady readers may like to know, were never more lavishly used than this season. They form com- plete borderings to the drapery of the skirts, and berthas to the low bodices. With V or square bodices, long sprays extend from the shouldel. down the left side. Small bouquets are placed on the fan girdle, or in the centre of the shoulder bow. Very pretty little muffs, composed entirely of flowers, are a tasteful addition to the costume, but, of course, only necessary with a handsome full- dress toilette. To vary the plainness of the "Newmarket" coats, they are now bordered with a deep fur, and have cuffs and collars to match. Jackets are still worn quite tight- fitting; for early spring wear a thinner make of cloth is used. In the way of. trimmings, they have either the collar and cuffs outlined with narrow bands of fur, or the whole jacket is plainly stitched, and the front ornamented with handsome gimp brandebourgs. Young girls wear the deep fur cape and deep cuffs or gauntlets to match. These are much preferred to paletots, when the weather is warm enough to admit of their wear, and they show off the pretty walking dresses to perfection. For useful mid-winter costumes, plaids, combined with plain woollens or velveteens, continue the favourite mixtures the large plaids are made up into box-pleated skirts, and worn with velvet or plush coats, such as we have before mentioned. The smaller checks make up into stylish polonaises, over velveteen skirts. Quite young girls wear the dress made entirely of plaid, a plaid waist ribbon confining the gathered bodice or blouse, the draperies on the skirt caught up at the side under a bow composed of a number of loops of the plaid ribbon.

RHONDDA STEAM COAL MONTHLY MEETING. COUNSEL'S OPINION TO BE TAKEN RE THE DINAS CASE, DECISION TO SEND A DELEGATE TO THE MANCHESTER CONFERENCE. The monthly meeting of the delegates represent- ing the Rhondda Steam Coal District was held on Monday at the Windsor Hotel, Ton, Ystrad, when the following collieries, constituting a constituency of 12,780 men, were represented :—Great Western, Hafod, Coedcae, Cymtner, Ynyshir, National, Tvlorstown, Mardy, Dinas, Penygraig, Llwynpia, Gelii, Pentre, Tynybedw, Lady Margaret, Rhondda Merthyr, Biaencwin, Biaenrhondda, Wyndham (Oginore Valles), and Pfaidau (Cwnigarw). The Penygraig Colliery was received into the district, subject to certain negotiations as to prices. Pentre Colliery workmen were also received into the district. The delegates from Bwllfa and the Ocean Gpneral Committee were permitted to take part in the proceedings, as they had attended to discuss some of the principal matters to come before the meeting. Mr. Abraham (Mabon) was instructed to visit the Ogmore and Garw Valleys as soon as convenient to the work- men requesting his counsel. MABON stated that Colonel Duncan, of the St. John's Ambulance Association, London, intended to lecture at Porth on Tuesday fortnight, and at Treherbert on the following (Wednesday) evening. It would be remembered that the Colonel spoke upon the Rocking Stone, Pontypridd, at the time of the visit of the Lord Mayor of London, and his eloquence at that time would commend him now to everybody. Independent of the fact that he was to speak upon a subject in which colliers were all interested, Colonel Duncan deserved a large audience upon any subject. Mr. Abraham referred' to the letters he had received from Mr. William Thomas, Brynawel, offering to meet the Pentre workmen with a view of deciding what ambulance to obtain, and the arrangement for getting at least twenty men to qualify themselves for ambulance operations. THE DIXAS CHECKWKIGHER'S CASE. The CHAIRMAN said the next, matter would be that of the dismissal of the Dinas checkweigher. MABON stated that he had sent to the various representatives of the Sliding Scale Committee, asking their opinion whether this case should be carried to a higher court or not, and whether it was to be done by the colliers generally, or by this district. All except Mr, D. Morgan, Mountain Ash, had replied that they were in favour of its being taken up generally. The facts of the case of Medad Lewis were these:— Mr. Medad Lewis for the last eight or nine years harl been engaged as it eheekweigher at the Dinas Steam Coal Colliery. He, as usual, acted as the secretary of a meeting of the lIle held at their usual place of meeting for the purpose of discussing certain grievances. That, meeting was not as popular as was thought desirable, Imving regard to the importance of the subjects for COIl- sideration the reaSOIl for that, being that 110 work was done at the colliery for the greatet part of the day, so that, only tliose who had cume back in the afternoon tD raise t,heir pay tiekets, and had seen the encroachments thereon, had had the opportunity of knowing and of attending the meeting. Hence the necessity of postponing the same until the morrow. To do this the meeting passed the following resolution, which is placed in the minute- book December 15, 1882.—General Meetinf.—' That the several lines inflicted for filling small coal and brass, and the system introduced with re- spect to standing roadpost and the different standards paid to the colliers working in the six-feet seam, he ob- jected to; and that, notice be forwarded to Mr. Havard, manager, to the effect that work be suspended over to- morrow (Saturday). And that papers be posted at the colliery to the effect that another general meeting take place to-morrow (Saturday), the 16t,h. at nine o'clock. The checkweigher,at the direction of the meeting, wrote the notice, and posted it on the framing at the top of the pit,, the usual place for posting such notice. He also wrote the letter informing the manager "that work would be suspended over Saturday." This, then, con- stitutes the offence he was found guilty of, and tor which the magistrate ordered his removal. The stipendiary also is of opinion that, cheekweighers have no right to take part in any agitation among the colliers, nor to interfere with their business in any way outside their own duties at the weighing machine." Mabon reminded the meeting that this was the fourth case of its kind they had had in this dis- trict, the last before it being that of Rhys T. Williams, Treherbert, when Lord Aberdare wrote to Mabon to say that tho stipendiary would never decide against them. Now, they, as work- men, had been accustomed to look upon their checkweigher as one, to a great extent, independent of the master, so that. he might act as secretary, and do work which others could not well do. If the stipendiary's decision was right, really the checkweigher was of very little use, if any; and he questioned very much whether they could long get men to undertake the unenviable position. The CHAIRMAN remarked that Mr. D. Morgan's principle seemed to be that they here should la- bour, and he would enter into it afterwards. MABON, continuing, said they would not enter into that, matter now. He went on to say that Mr. Nixon, Northumberland, wrote to say that the National Union had a similar case in hand which it was intended to take up for Yorkshire. That was a case in which the checkweigher had revealed the fact—at a colliery where the men had gone in as a body for restriction—that certain men had not gone in for it. Now he suggested that they should ask the opinion of Mr. R. S, Wright, barris- ter, upon this case, and as they were so strong here to-day he did not think they would go a-begging in respect to the costs to be incurred. (Hear, hear.) After some conversation, in the course of which it was unanimously shown that the delegates were in favour of taking counsel's opinion, and after- wards waiting for the result, of the National Union case, if that comes off soon, the meeting de- cided to ask every member to give Id. towards assisting Medad Lewis, the money to be sent to the district treasurer, Mr. T. Davies, Windsor Castle Hotel, Ton, Ystrad. THE RESTRICTION OF THE OUTPUT QUESTION.— DECISION TO SEND A DELEGATE TO THE MANCHES- TER CONFERENCE. MABON stated that he had received from the secretary of the Leeds Conference, Mr. Thomas Ashton, a circular calling another national confe- rence of miners from all parts of the United King- dom, to consider the question of restriction in the output of coal, to be held in the Old Town-hall, King-street, Manchester, commencing on Tues- day, February 27, 1883. The programme of business comprised further discussion on the general question of restriction. Mabon went on to say that this question had re- ceived a great deal of attention recently, and much had been said about it, but he stÙl held firmly to the opinion that they should limit the production reasonably-that is, to such an extent as not to endanger the consumption of the article they were producing. He quoted some statistics recently given in the Western Mail showing the great increase in production and the great decrease in value of the coal trade of Belgium. He also quoted the figures given by Mr. Chamberlain at Swansea in reference to the coal trade of South Wales, and went on to contend that they ought not to stand still with folded hands allowing the weakest to go to the wall. All that was endeavoured to be done by the promoters of these conferences was to remedy the state of things brought about by overproduction. They did not set themselves up as infallible doctors, they did not want to fight, they did not want strikes, and they did not want to do away with the Sliding Scales. (Ap- plauso.) All they wanted was to try to arrange some scheme by which, under those scales, better prices could be obtained for coal and better wages could be obtained for the men. (Hear, hear.) After a brief conversation, it was unanimously resolved to send a delegate to the forthcoming Manchester Conference, and that that delegate be Mr. W. Abraham (Mabon). In the course of the discussion special mention was made of the unfairness of men going in to work nights at some of the Rhondda colheries. Their action was unanimously condemned. The meeting soon afterwards terminated. COLLIERS- MEETING AT ABERDARE. The monthly meeting of the Aberdare District, of Col- liers was held at the Crown Inn, Cwmbacti, on Monday. Tliere was a large attendance oî delegates. Mr. I). Mor- gan, agent,, was present. The following were the reso- lutions the matter in connection with the settlement ot the disputes at Cwmdare Col- lieries be postponed for another month, in order that the agent, may make efforts to settle, the matter amicably." 2. "That this meeting justifies the action t,ken by tùe Executive Committee in order 1,0 attain thdr object, and return theIr two representatives on the Aberdare School Board at the next election." 3. That we, as a district, ghall pay j-he expenses ot the SUmmOllg against fsaac Jenkins, collier, ÓÏ Mountain Ash." 4. That we authorise Mr. David Morgan to write a letter asking Mr. Gladstone to bdJJg" a measure forward so as to enable Mr. Bradlaugh to sit in the Honse of COHi- mons, awl have a voicu awl vote 011 all matters tlw same as other members."

THE MILFORD DOCKS COMPANY. THE ALLEGED FRAUDS BY THE SECRETARY. At the Mansion House on Tuesday morning; Captain Charles Clifton Hood, secretary of the Milford Docks and Railway Company, appeared before Alderman Sir H. Garden upon the charge of having over-issued to the public bonds of tho above company to tho amount of £44,000, with intent to defraud. lIe was also charged with having fraudulently neglected in his capacity of secretary to make entries in the books of the company relating to the same stock. It appears that by the original Act of Parliament under which the company in question was consti- tuted they were empowered to raise £133,080 capital, and by subsequent Acts of Parlia- ment they were permitted to have borrowing powers, and to raise additional capital to the amount altogether of £250,000. There seemed to have subsequently been a good deal of litigation in the shape of Chancery and other proceedings in relation to the company, and the allegation on the part of the prosecution was that there had, by some means or other, been a fraudulent over-issue of Debenture Stock to the amount of nearly £100,000, the excess being, of course, of net value, and the parties who had purchased the bonds so issued being defrauded of the amount they had paid for them. Mr. Samuel Lake, contractor, Victoria-street, said the first contract for the docks was based upon an estimated cost of £80,000. In July last he made a fresh contract for extensions for £192,000. He had received £40,000 in cash, and the remainder in preference shares, Lloyd's Bonds, and Debenture Stock. Hehad also drawn bills on creditors of the company, and had taken a lease of the land upon which the dock stood. Recently proceedings were taken against him, and the affairs of the Dock Company were in Chancery. He had examined the books, and could not, find the entrv of certain certificates.—Mr. Lewis, on behalf of the defendant, said he had a complete answer to the charge, and denied, in the most emphatic manner, that there had been anv fraud on his (Captain Hood's) part. Ultimately the case was adjourned, defendant being admitted to bail in one surety of £1,000,

lender this head questions on lei/al subjects art answered by an experienced professional gentleman, Lorrespoiidenls wishing for information or advice, are reov.ested to observe the fol-lowinq rules :— 1. The facts must, he stated, j ally and, clearly; and the questions, if more than one, should, be nnm- 1 bered consecutively. j 2. A full copy must he sent of any document on which adviccis wished for. 3. The real name and- address of the writer must accompany the questions, but 'will not. be pub- lished if a "pseudonym or initials be also sent for reference. 4, All communications must lie addressed, to The Ednor, Legal JJeparlmeni, H'eekiu Mail Office, VardiJ

ALLEGED MISCONDUCT BY A SOLICITOR.—AS Inquirer" (Cardiff) has not. informed us the facts, v.'e cannot advise whether his application would be likelv to be successful; but this is of little importance, as he could not catry it through himself, but, must employ a solicitor. The application would be 1 eard by the Queen s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice in London. PKO, osKD BILL OF SALE. A p.,or Man" (Tredeaar) is beginning at the wroltK end. If the claim is unjust, he saouid defend the aeLiun, and apply .or costs when the decision is given in his favour, ill" any event the concoction of a fraudulent, bill of sale would nor, pro- tect his iurniture, though it might, endanger his per- SOIIKI htvrt.v. INSPECTION OF WILL.—" Inquirer (Penarth) foro-ot to say where the will was proved, or where the testator resided. He may write ag iin. MISTAKHC IN REGISTER.—y Cymro" (Aberdare) is in- formed that in case of need the midwife iniadit, be called to give evidence in explanation of tlnTerror. But it the circumstances are properly explained to the clerk of the School Board no proceedings need be feared. R, B. JOSK" (Cardiff).—Haverfordwest is a county o ltielf. It was iirst settled in th" time of Henry 1 by the. Plernings, under Harl Gilbert de Clare. County meant originally an earldom, the district, or territory oi a count or e irl. Since the reign of Henry VIII Haverfordwest with certain contributory boroughs has regularly returned a member to Parliament.. A charter was granted the town under an act, of James 1. The .mayor, aldermen; and councillors are styled as of the county of tiie town of Haverfordwest. f Al.t BY'NTORTGA'GEE.-M. (Bridgend) made two mis- J takes. She ought, not to have let til" interest "et so 1 tar overdue: and she ought to have paid i1 to the mortgagee, that, is to say, the trustee. Probably the mortgagee acted within his powers but we could not advice her, :13 we never interfere between solicitors and clients. The solicitor whom she has consulted will doubtless do the best, that can he done on her behalf. Aft. ici LTI KA.L KAP0LTRH]R.— X. X. X." (Brecon is in- lorniid tl1,lt an agricultural labourer hired for six months eerLtil1 must serve the whole time. The custom as to domestic servants giving a month's notice at any time does not appiy to such a ease. INCOME TAX,,—Before advising "St. Clears," we should like to have more detailed information as to the nature a\1(l objects of the corporate body to which IÜ inquiry reftTJ. INCOME TAX.—" D. N." may write to Mr. W. H. Meivill, solicitor to the Cnmmissiollers of Intand llevenue, Somerset House, London, W.O., stating the facts, and inquirillg if the Commissioners will rake th" matter up. But why do not the tenants deduct the tax and payt.lw net amount,'i LANDLORD ASU TKNANT.—A. E." (Tydu) is informed th. t a market gardener is not within the Agricultural Holdings Act. Before the notice expires he may re- move his glass houses erected for the purpose of carty- lng on his business, and also all stock which he has raised for sale: unless the incoming tenant or the landlord will to take them at a valuation. we can understand the account sent, by "A. E." (Tydll) it appears to be too doubt- fll, tojUbtitj tue strong course which he proposes to take. He may be right, but, it is by no means clear. He ought, to have sent us a copy of the document to which his letter refers, and the precise date of the payment made. THOS. DAVIES (Liverpool).—You will see that the matter has been taken up. (Brynmawr).—Your arguments have been already used by us. DUTIES or OVKIISKEKS OF THE POOR.—" A. T." (LJan- canan) is informed that the valuation lists are made by the overseers without the assistance of a vestrv meeting. In parishes the churchwardens are ex-q/Jici'i) overseers of the poor, but this does not apply t(I a towllohip separately maintaining its own poor. The valuation list of a parish should be signed by a ma- jority ot the churchwardens and overseers: but that of a township should be signed hy the overseers when there are only two, or by a majority of the overseers when there are more than two. The same rule anolies to notices of vestry meetings, except.Xt a n«Sw.v is not. absolutely necessary if there be a cimrcii- warden of the township or chapelry he should sign; and the rector, vicar, or curate of any parish may call a vest,ly meeting, ^.n assistant overseer cannot do so of hi.* own autnonty. HUSBAND AND WIFE.—" Pro Bono Pllblien" (Swansea) is informed that the case he mentions is not on-tor the Public Prosecutor. The aggrieved party should consult a solicitor. The court has power to make the order desired. PURCHASE OF Cow.—Why did Taffy (Milford) return the cow? He does not say that anything was amiss with it. If he wishes for our advice he must take the trouble of informing ua the facts. He has not assigned any reason for what, he has dOlle, SALE OF COTTAGES. Bryn" (Swansea) is informed t hat this arrangement cannot be carried i lito complete effect until after the YOlliJgest ehild attains the age of 21 years, Neither can his't,it1c be made safe withont thè assistance of a solicitor. PROTECTION AGAINST EXKCL'TIOX.— E. H." (Hereford) is advised that the memorandum which has not. been registered under the Bills of Sale Act. would be no pro- teetionagainst an execution issued by a creditor. H, only effect is to hind the parties to it flS hetween theni- • selves. is advised that the acknowledgment will do; but it. would have been better not to endorse the notes as if the. interest, had been actually paid. However, tiie facts can be ex- plained, if necessary.

THE BISHOP DESIGNATE. SIR,—Morion quotes many things of the Bishop- Designate. Let us hope that the name Gwynffirdd be revived in him. Archdeacon Lewis had a saintly ancestor whoso memory may enlist the 8vmpltthies of some Nonconformists for Ins descn- dant, and whose story is recorded in the" History of the Baptists in Wales." Intended for Oxford and holy orders in the then sleeping Church of England, he changed his views after intimacy with one of the ejected 2,000," for whom he built and endowed the second chapel erected in Carmar- thenshire. A few years ago the congregatioll placed a new tomb over his dust and that of his equally saintly daughter—Joan Griffith, of Glan- rhyd, ancestress of the Archdeacon.—I iLm, &c., A NOBODY.

BLUNDERS IN THE TIMES. STK.—It has been much the custom of late years for various journals and individuals to attack the Tinies and expose the slips it occasionally makes; but it appears to me that some of the worst of those slips are overlooked. I myself noticed three of thesc in the course of last month. On, I think, the 6th of January the memoir of General Clmnzy told us that he never declined to give battle when the odds were anything like equal! On or about, the 10th ult., in a memoir of Judge Martin, we were told that when he joined the Court of Exchequer Haron Parke was the Lord Ciiief Baron "—a strange expression and wrong in fact. Sir F. Pollock waS t Iwn the Lord Chief Baron. Again, in a leading article about the 17th ult., we were told that when Napoleon III. said," L'Empire, c'e,% la paix," he spoke in flagrant contradiction of facts. He Imd built (or some such word) his throne upon two great wars," &c. Now, when Napoleon used these words he was speaking at Bordeaux, just when lie had become, or was about to become, Emperor—a year 01', two before the Russian War and six or seven before the Austrian, which must be the two wars the sage in the Times was thinking of.—I am,&c., H, P S.—In regard to this last point I depend on my own memory, and feel pretty sure.

THE MENKLAUS PICTURES AT CARDIFF. Sin,—As an occasional visitor in Cardiff and a lover of the tine arts, may I venture to occupy a little space upon a subject of some Importance In 1881 1. with many others, derived great pleasure bv visiting the Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition, where there were gathered many beautiful and curious objects to give pleasure and instruction to numerous people. This exhibition must have left a lasting impression for good in Cardiff and the district, which it is perhaps difficult fully to estimate. For instance, I believe I am not, wrong in attributing, as an outcome of that exhibition the gift by Sir E. J. Reed, M.P., of the magnificent painting by Yicat Cole, which was followed by the late Mr. Menelaus offering a beautiful and costiv collection of pictures, together making a giand nucleus of a collection of such art, value that Cardiff might, were its inhabitants in full enjoy- ment of them, justly boast of the art treasures owned by the town. A few days since, havin" occasion again to visit Cardiff," I inquired for the art gallery as 1 particularly wished to see the pictures given by the Jate Mr. Menelaus. I was directed to the Town-hall. After waiting there some time, a very attentive person brought the keys of the Council-room, where the pictures are hung, though it can scarcely be said that they are on view. The attendant doorkeeper, according to her instructions, waited tiie whole of the time, so as to see that no picturc was removed or injured. Being a stranger," I mas- be thought presumptuous in criticising the bad housing of the town collection, but. I may venture to say that the present arrangement of the collec- lIOn IS most unfortunate and inconvenient, and is one that precludes anything like an unem- barrassed viewing of the pictures. They are practically not open to the public at all. but my chief disappointment arose from my inability to sea the pictures in consequence— tiBstly, of the .great deficiency of light; and, secondly, the impossibility of examining them from the proper distance owing to the arrange- ment of fixed furniture, fee., in the room. For purposes of study and fair estimation, as at present placed the collection is virtually useless, and might just as well have remained with the donors. I had with me a carefully prepared and appreciative catalogue and guide cUllljJiiud by t.wo local gentle- men, but the beauties tilt) commentators describe, as. for instance, "the exquisite silvery qualit y of colour, &c., of the picture by °: Breling, &c., were quite invisiblo on the occasion III question. This inhospitable and dismal housing is, I hope, a very temporary habitation for these art treasures, and I trust that an effort will soon be made to build an art gallery worthy of the collection and of the town. Under the present arrangement, no further art donations or bequests can be expected or de- served. A thing of beauty is a joy for ever," the poet says. Yes. so it is, if the beauty can be seen, and is not hidden away in sombre quarters, ad- mirably adapted, no doubt, for the purposes of the local Parliament, but never intended to serve as a picture gallery, and, moreover, to all intents and purposes, inaccessible to the general public.—1 am, &c„ R. II.

THE LATE BISHOP OLLIYANT AND THE WELSH LANGUAGE. SIB,—Much has been said from time to time re- specting the acquirement of the Welsh language by the late learned and estimable bishop. Monen," a few weeks ago, stated that the bishop acquired his Welsh in Merionethshire, and in Friday's Western. Mail I find that Moden," in the" Spirit of the Welsh Press," quotes the Goleuad. That paper informs its readers that the bishop acquired some degree of book Welsh at Lampeter. But the fact is (and it ought to be better known) that the bishop was taught Welsh by the late Rev. Benjamin Mor- gan, J.P., Aberystwith. Mr. Morgan was a student at Lampeter about, the time Dr. Ollivant was ap- pointed vice-principal, and he being the most pro- ficient Welsh scholar was selected by the future bishop to teach him Welsh. During the vacations, IMr. Morgan was detained at Lampeter until aweek u- ;0 of the re-assembling of the students for th9 purpose indicated, and when the time had arrived for him to have a few days' relax<1tion, the vic principal's groom woulù drive Mr, Morgan to the house of his father, the late Mr. David Morga.n, Merdy, Tallyharris, Llandilo, and at the end of the journey a letter. containing a £ 5 note, and on one occasion a £ 10 note, wra9 invariably deposited in Mr. Morgan's hand. On one occasioIJ Dr. Ollivant, listolling to a number of people talking whilst at work in a tirld, felt rather annoyed because he could not. tind certain words of th8 patois in the Welsh dictionary. The Welsh peopla frequently say dewch waff colloquially, and tha future bishop could not find waff in the dictionary. Properly written, it would be dewch chwaf; i.e.. come instantly, or quickly. When the Rev. llenjamll1 Morgan died, some three or four yearg ago, his relations with the bishop were published in a local paper. Dr. Ollivant, in his" Analysis of the Text of the History of Joseph," frequently com« pares the Hebrew and Welsh languages, bot 11 etymologically and idiomatically, showingaccurata knowieùge of both, I may add that the Rev. Benjamin Morg:1n, thp future bishop's Welsh tutor" was maternal uncle to Mr, Benjamin Morgaq Davies, Welltipld Villa, Aberavon.—1 alll, &C.. Aberavon. BENJAMIN GRIF,HTHS.

F0011BAL L. SOUTH WALES CHALLENGE CuP. CARDIFF > CARDIFF \VAXMKRKRS.—These clubs met in the Cardiff Arm" Park, Cardiff, on Saturday, in the lirst tie for the Soutl1 Wales Challenge Cup. 1'here was a good attendance of spectators, and considerable in- terest was evineed in the match, The Wanderers won the toss. and elected to play with the wind in their favour. W. D. Phillips kicked off for Cardiff; and Hyù<trt, in endeavouring to return, was collared, and tha ball was sent in touch at the 25 flag. On the throw out Smith driùbled in, and the Wanderers touched dowu in seli-defence. III some open play in the centre of the field- Norton took the leather from the hands of an opponent, who was trying GO escape, and by a c1enr ruse, for which he rœt"Ín,d tlw reward of a round of applause, carried it well into the Wanderers' 25. A struggle ensued ill dangerous proximity to tlw goal line, and at length thE" ball was punted in, Clare essayed to nm with it, but W, Williams cut short his career, and be touched down in self-defence. For a while after thi matters were more even, but the Carditfians eventually chove their üponents back 011 their position, and obliged them to re30rt, again to their former tactic. They did this a fourth time, when W. Williams made a very near shot for goal; and before enels were changed the number of tenches down in self-defence recorded against tlwm was six. 111 the second half the ball had no s joner bet'1I started than A, J, Evans made a neat attempt to drop a goal, wbieh compelled the Wanderers to have re- course agaill to the ordinary mode of defence. Two" more minor points were scored in favour of ardiff, and theu ,1. liIaull,¡"j; place on the Wanderer's e;oalllne as the result of a free kick. ny mutual agreement tile ball was taken nut five yards, antI a 5erimmage formed, from which ,he Wanderers g,1.illpd some ground. The ball was, however, dribbled by Herbert Jones, who was successful in scoring the first try, from which Barlow kicked a goal. rihortly afterwards the Wan- derers scored a try. to tile great satisfaction of th9ir lIumerous admirers. but the place kick by Clare fell short, anù Smith and Phillips dribbled out to neutral te1"l"itory. Here W, Williams caught the hall and claimed a free kick. The Wanderers dislHtted the point; and. although It was allowed bv the referee (Mr. p, K. Heard;, they persistputly refused to concede it. Their own umpire advised them that they could not resist the decision of the referee but they Were stubwrn even to stupidity, and they threatened to retire from tlw field. Cardiff proceeded to take thö free kick, and the ball was fol:owed lip by Herbert Jones, who succeeded ill spite of the resistance of ou" of the Wanderers in obtaining a try. The ( c-aptain of the Wanderers tben called his men off the fipld, belt .ILrlnw took the kick for goal, which was a faill1re. The match thus Lerlllinated ill favour of Cardiff ùy a goal, a try, and nine touches down in self defenee to one try. or nineteen points, to four points. It is part, of the etiquette of foot- hall t!1II.t the decision of a referee shall not be disputed, alld tlw conduct of the Wanderers in this contest reflects very much to thcir discredit. The following are the names of the teams Cardiff: Barlow, back X orton. W. D, Phillips and W, Williams, three-quarter backs; T. Williams and .1, J. Evans, half-backs; Smith, Lay- bourne, Hinton, Simpson, ll'Connochie, H. Jones, E." Evans, W. P. Phillips, and W. H. Treatt. Wanderers Powell and Hybart, backs; Clare and Evans, three" quarter ùacks; Thomas, hn1f,back; Matthews and: tUg-gins, quarter-backs; 8heard, Roderick, George, Stephens, Tuylor, Morse, Stephens, and Adye. >' KWPOUT r. NKWPOKT match was played at Newport ou Saturday, aud was witnessed ahtut 2,000 persons. The weather was caid and rainy at time5, When "time" waH called, the score stood Newport, five goals, six tries, nine touches down,; or 83 points, to Crusaders' nit. Some of those who ob- tained tries for Newport were C. Newman, L. O. Jones. 1'1. C. JOIWS, and A, J. Gould, and G, Harding and fl. Gould also did capiral service for their team; while, \Yilli>tms, Capel, Peperall, and Carr showed up well for, Ii lie Crusaders. The teams were as follow :-lÇeu-poTt Back, A, J. GonId; three-quarter backs, G. F. Harding.: c. H. Newman (captain); half-backs, L. O. Jones, B. Newman, T, Harding forwards, H, M'Daniel, R. Gould. Bennett, G, Lloyd ,Jones, F. C, Jones, T. B. Jones, Mapson, Williams, Jenkins, and Briggs umpire, Yr. G. Hos,;er. Newport, Crusadors Back. Pryce; three- quarterbafl{, H, Ppperall half-bdcks. H,Capel (captain), C, Carr quarter baeks, A. Golledge, H, Williams for- wards, J, Hall, J. Dix, N. Boddington, J. James, T. Morgan, H, Lewis, Ware, E, Roberts, and Davies. LLANKLLY v. N EATH.—!The secretary of the Llanelly Club attended at Neath un Saturday for the purpose of armnglllg the place where the tie should be played.. V.le"y having lost the toss, the match will be played, at JNeath on Saturday next. hCOND ROUND.—The clubs which were defeated in; i he tirst runnd for the challenge cup on Saturday and, during last, week now stand OUL of the competition, and, the winners will playas follows in the second round., which will take place in the course of the ensuing week.t viz, Cardiff r. Abergavenny, which dub had a bye ill the first round Newport v, Pontypridd Bridgend, bye; Neath r. Llanelly. Winner in Swansea v, Lam-' peter College, a bye. ( J ENGLAND V. WALES. r A large..number of spectators was present on Saturdaf at Kennington Oval, London, to witness the annual couteat between Enuland and Wales under Associatioll Rules. Great care had been taken in selecting the two elevens, I.hough at the last moment two changes had to be made in the Welsh team, W. Hoberts and BIlrk6 taking the places of Bowen and Briilen. The English team could hardly avebeell improved. The weather, fortunately, was bright and fine. but the ground was in,. a soft. an greasy COl1:htlOU owing to the Tbeavy raJo or the prevlOlls day, There was livrle 01' no WiUd olOW1l1g. so rhat, ir was nut very much advantage for Wales to will the toss. The visitors haVing chosen the Har1e-- ford-road end, Bailey kicked off for England at SJX minutes past three, At starting the play was very even and neither side gained any material advantage. In the tirst ten minutes the most noticeable features were two runs bv H,A,Curshamand E, C. Bambridge for England, and one by W. H, Roberts for Wales. After a time the Englishmen pressed their opponents closely, and two corner kicks ensued, although nothing came of them. Goodhart made a capital run and passed the ball to E. Ct". llambridgc; he, in his tur., sent it to Mitchell, whe" kicked the first, goal for England, amidst great applause Oa the ball being re-started the Englishmen made another charge, but the goal was cleverly saved b, Adams, For a time the Welshmen had rather the best IIf the game. and tlw ball was tv/ice sent behind the English goal line, Adams again caused loud applust by stopping a line run by A, W. Cursliam. A good plec or play by Davies, W. H. Roberts, and Owen took the ball down to tht, England side, but Owen. in making the shot at goal, sent the ball over the bar, England now mde a most spirited attack but a finely directed 5110t by Mitchell unluckily lilt the cross bar awl went away harmless. The game now became highly interesting, lirst one side having the. advantage and then the other. Swepstone, the English oal keeper, was greatly chered for stolJpmg two most dangerous attacks bv "the Welshmen. Un the second OCCaSIOn he had really to knock the ball over the bar, aTd thus saved what would otherwise have been a certain goal for Wales. The visitors continuing tllPir attack worked the ball almost Oil the English goal line, and a bully occurred in front of the posts. Again Swepstone came to the rescue, and after a smart, struggle, he and Russell ucceeded in getting the ball away. A little time hter, Mitchell ran the hall 3eross the ground and pased it to E, C, Bamhridl{e. who was enatled to kick the second goal for England a few minutes befoT" half time. When the ends had been changed the Englishmen maintained their advantage, and it was only some good play by Adams that prevented them from scoring. Alter several unsuccessful attempts the Englishmen'at length managed to secure a third goal. This was owing to a magnificent run down the centre by E, C. Bambridge and Å, W, Cur3ham, the latter send- in" the hall throngh the posts, From this point the Welshmen began to tire, and they had but, very little chalwe of saving the game, Several strong attacks were stopped, alld it seemed as though there would be no further score maùe. However, within the last five minutes of play the Englishmen gained two goals. both of which were kicked by Mitchell. At the call of time. therefore.Engfand were-Icft victorious by five goals to love. The sides were composed as follow :-h.:ngland: P. J. de Paravicini (Old Etonians), and B. B, Russell (Hoyal E,lgilllers), backs N. C. Bailey (Clapliain Rovers), and rf. McRae (NoUs County), half-bucks E, C. Bambridge (Swifts), alld H, A, Cursham (otts County), leit wing A, L, Uamb. idge (Swiftsj, and A. W. Cursham (Netts County), riht wirag; H, C. Gooùhart (Old Etonians), and 0, Mitchell (Upton Park),centres andH, A, Swep- ston", (lJdgiims), goal. Wales: J. Powell (Druids), and J. H. Morgan (Swansea), lmcks; G. W. Hughe3 (North- wick Victoria), all,1 l), Burke (Wrexham), half-backs J. Roberts (Corwen" and J. Vaughan (Druids), left wing; \V. H. Roberts (Ruthin), and W. P. Owen (Ru!,jl\Il), right wing; J. P. Davies (Corwtn), and W, Roberts (Rhyl), centres and H, Adams (Druids), goal. The umpires Were Messrs. €. H, R. Woollaston (Wanderers), and J. Kenrick (1Jrnids), while Mr. J. Don Hamlitou (Scotch Football AS30ciatioll), acted as referee. « ENGLAND CO, IRELAND. The foot1:1:1.11 match. England r. Ireland, was played at Whalley Range, Manchester, 011 Monday afternoon, and after an exciting game the English beat the visitors by- two tries and a goal, as against one try and minor points.

CHOOSiNG A ]--E1\DER. A Swansea correspondent, signing himself J. (J. contributes thl) following verses to the S't. Gazette, on Mr. Chambedain's speech at the Liberal banquet on Thursday night:- There iõ a tribe in Africa-I ,10 not know its name- Which carries on a barbarous and sanguinary galne Whenever any party is unable to agree Upon a. proper ¡,erson at the head of It to be. When three or four competitors are seekin for the .plape, And prospecTs of a deadlock stare the party in the bce. They seize UpOIl those gentlemen unable to agree And hang them by their fIngers to t branches of a tree. And hanging there hour aHer hour. in agony they live Until at last tlwir wrists aud finger-joints begin to give: And one by one they wriggle off wit J.¡ piteous moan and cry, Or tumble handless on the ground and miserably die. When all but one have fanen off, that one is taken down. And his followers endue him with the partv-leader'9 • crown; Anù no on doubts the proof t,1) be unanswerably clear That he can leRlll1is party on a glorious career. i; Now thi. is what. I recommend Conservatives to do- To Sir Stafford, and Lord Salisbury, Lord Randolph Churchill too; Likewise to Viscount Cranbrook, Mr. Smith, Sir Richard Cross, And any other Tory who may want 1.,0 be the boss. very quickly settle all their difficulties then. By clean elimination of the weaker-jointed men. 1 don't know who'd survive, but he would be in any case In undisturbed possession of his hardly-conqllered place. Perh",ps you think it odd that I suggest this savage phn For settling in a party who should be the leading man. When I mysf1f helong to one that hasn't always been The least, divided host that modern Englishmen havfl; seen. But that is just the fact that gives it merit in my eyes Though yonng and active 1 am not above the midúJØ Slze- And if we'd tried that method half a dozen years ago The leader's name, 1 fancy, miht have happened to b8 Joe! The Grand Old Man's a tough old man, but then he" really old I fear lIe-mij1;ht pre long have oœn compelled to loese hiS: hold 8ir William's somewhat hpavy, Forster can't be over strong, And Harri ngton-l don't think he'd have liked to 10llg, But. I'm so YOlln¡!; and slender, I'm convinced I cou1 have hung I Securely, white the other leaders desperately swung. J And when there's very much to gain as mach can *• endure. j I said that tribe was really not so sure I J