Weekly Mail

CARMARTHEN WILL CASE. SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A SOLICITOR. °^fe ^kich has been awaited with con- the \v- ^ntercst- at Carmarthen came before aesd rc&,ster bench of magistrates on Wed- Who-ay' when Edward Spurrcll, solicitor, Brnf6 address was given as 20, Albany-terrace, ftat i 'a"8tiU;ire' Worcester, was charged jqo -ule beiDS the trustee of £ 193 for the use hall neftt of Mrs. Margaret Jenkins, Uuild- jen,uare> Carmarthen, wife of Walter jeweller, arid other persons, he did, to j-^ent to defraud, appropriate the same 18 owQ use and ber.eiit on April IS, 1902. t0 *d*nt practised as a solicitor in that uati] about six year3 ago, when he came ]iv^orcester. Here he gave up practice and in with his mother at the address given VyOP charge. He is at present lodged in cester Gaol on an attachment order for •^mpt of court. $r r" W* W. A. Tree, AVorcester, appeared to ail(jSe^Jon behalf of the Public Prosecutor, -^eauchamp, Worcester, de- ilr rt, ^rUst e in opening said the defendant was °i m?6 of tlie marriage settlement executed 22, 1844, on the occasion of the rnar- ^i>Ur ^ickard Morgan Davies arid Elinor tru reil> defendant's aunt. The original were David Evan Lewis, 'William dea5re>1^' and George Spurrell, who were all Jf0 Defendant became sole trustee on 21, 1888. At that time the trust. l8g subject to settlement amounted to jje' c*,» which was invested in Consols. The <°ns entitled to the income from that fund ^r- Davies and, alter his death, Mrs. Tk les> his widow, who died on March 1, 1ö;!o. his C?-Pital after the death of Mr. Davie3 and in Wl^e ,a8 divisible amongst their children ^r8110!1 as the survivor should ^rs- Davies made a will by which t e dIrected that £1,000 should be divided be- ^6! ^ve sons' arl £ l the remaining £ 900 her two daughters, Mrs. Jenkins and death ?,01' Jones. Shortly after Mrs. Davies's bejj |' -^5 Jones's husband wrote on her tbe ° the defendant for information about J0n will. The defendant replied that Mrs. {t|j_ 68 aQd Mrs. Jenkins would get their share eXj)J* estate was realised and debts and inPellses discharged. The money was invested to aterwlJrks securities- On July 5 he wrote Elinor Jones:—"Your mother's affairs hope, be wound up at the end of f ix I89g after her death." On September 10, defp ^0re than six months after the death, acta ant wrote again that his solicitor tagp80^ ^.im that it would not be an advan- 0„ ?,Ua time of disposing of the trust futid3. afu ay '15, 1897, more than twelve months ell Cr the death, he wrote to Mrs. Jones and f closed an account which showed that the fyjj 8 were invested in 190 £lD ordinary shares 1>a JT PaÜI of the Uuernsey Waterworks Com- ^birh "^■^er a lapse of three years, during the tlle defendant did nothing to realise °f the matter came into the hands ll6 *• Walters, a solicitor, of Carmarthen. ^Vere r-°te comPla'inilie that the trust funds Hot ln-vcsU'd in certainly unauthorised, if sb0llj^0rtflless' securities. He added that he Batigfi take Proceedings unless he were ari(j that defendant could pay the amount damInterest in a reasonable time. Dcfen- clien, reP?ied on August 15, 1901:—"If your Jan" Wl11 a!low me until the first week in aC«7> 1903, I shall be able to pay !*e ter o ue ll"der Mrs. Davies's will, and 4 the =ent' interest." Mr- Walters replied that °!att SeCSti°n coulcl not bc entertained. The thai 1111(1 heeu Boing on for so many years i*ece" could not allow any delay. He gen)1Ved no reply from the defendant. On c°Uldni ^r" a'tors wrote saying he issue iIU>t delay proceedings, and a writ was the ♦ r>'tlu'r'nK the defendant to make good ruat estate. On September 15 defendant tyaite 8aying that as he did not wish Mr. Cost8eir clients to be mulcted in further thev 'TO should not defend proceedings if In commenced. "I am utterly unable At th rn oue ahiilin^ of what is their due. Uennv^> foment I write I am without a verv sa'd the matter would have a] it was v°US effcct on his mother's health, and He JL r he thought of more than himself, ^ihs *hat Mrs- Jones and Mrs..Ten- the Rt ,°u'd insure his life, "and regarding don't of health, I don't think, and I out t Wish, that they would be kept long ^ote +>, their money." Mr. Walters ador«tf>rt ei'Kgcstion could not be the tr V defendant replied that the whole of tor r^18 ^unds were, as his clients had known ^atov e yeara- invested in the Guernsey i WCn*ltS Compa.ny. These share3 were ^hat worthless, and it was quite clear ta-rtin ?rould not meet the claims of the 6eQupn entitled to the trust funds. In con- ce* .he had had to provide Mrs. Davies J £ ^0 tnan lncome> aQd had further paid her ^hi a debt incurred by one of her sons. GUernf crippled him, and he sold the *hat ,ey, shares a few months back to pay he vv-J t hlm8e!f owed. "That may be wrong," fa-t r °-n' °r merely a mistake, but the ti0n [ten^lns> however much you may ques- ? am at this moment without a j>T y and without occupation or immediate thp -0t of anything but a dose of poison or 6PH,mer- 1)0 you suPPose I should delay gpt ment if 1 had the means?" If only to 1 a pressing anxiety off his mind, he would B £ lad to do so if he had the means, he jnul. jn another letter he wrote that ^tructions had been given to proceed against q llll, and he could not say what the conse- 1tences on his mother would be if she had to tj03r fhe disgrace such as that of a prosecu- th:„' As for myself," he added—" I make- of". statement deliberately, with a full sense hold jt means—I shall commit suicide. I th* 00 f?lse .ideas of the varae of life where :tQ qUet1On iS death or ruin. Though you ^he k T. am 'r*sane, I was never saner." ifr in Chancery went on, said Tree, and on January 27, 1903. an order dam made by J.ufitice Buckley that defen- tll nt should loda-e in court within seven days do of £ l-980 18s. 9d. Defendant did not ing, and a further order was made attach- es for non-.com})liance with the first. He th0up"t in Prison, and had since. Mr. Tree Uor, 8,ht' applied for release, but his applica- f.ai'ed. The sum .of £ 1,900 had clearly dan). ^vested in Consols at the time the defen- trust'p fmm two deeds which art endant had executed, and for some years Id ioJ,lat the money was safe in the Consols. • or 1896 defendant sold out the Consols ad tVvested the money in what he himself tiev tted were worLhlcs^ cecurities, and had •Jivjrt" Pa'd, Mr. Tree believed, any 8ha find- Ho'v much defendant paid for these he did not know. The transfers ap- Consfr, to have been made for a very nominal )¡Qll'l1deration only. Tn the register of sharo- $o ;t0rs he apnearcd as vendor's nominee, and thPg WfU5 quite possible he might have got share.s f°r a smaller sum than £ 1,900. and haVe misappjicd the balance. But he t>je jjot^ charged with that now. The case of the was very clear. Defendant invested in these worthless shares, sold J)ajj .for £ 193. and spent the raon<\v. It was l,l0 'nto an account in defendant's name in tra:^ Bank. London, which was afterwards the Crred to Worcester. Defendant drew upon the ac5°nnt nntil it was exhausted. Therefore, M t of th £193 went into defendant's Jle J™' and was used for his own purposes, ♦■hat ^ee) had not all h is witnesses present- h»aj.. so he asked that the bench, after adi_ln^ all the evidence he could call, would Urn the case. ll-pa called Mrs. Elenor Anne -Tonps. wife of Bajfl ^°nes. Whit land. Carmarthenshire. She h»P s"e had received none of the £ 450 due to the n?der her mother's will. She produced Va^dl, and gave formal evidence regarding Us letters referred to by Mr. Tree. foP t ^eauchamp: AJay I take it that a claim Mth re-inveatment of the £ 1,900 was made ^ho0^ anv instructions of the legatees *es Were entitled to £ 1.000 of the money?— 8W -hthat fs°' ^rs- Jones added that she >}jr Solicitor ?nd instructed him to take sa{. steps he deemed neccssary. and also i>eaj- t!lat at the time the Consols were of lsed her mother was one of the trustees M er .ettleI;lent, -Beauchamp: You came here to prose- jjy" Jree: No. she did not. Beauchaxnt»: Well, she gave instructions. t>ay tv"lse couid she do but prosecute, except of be expenses? The country will do that, Perhaps that's the object. (To *lotgSSl: ^on found that the civil action did Jv>u ^Pceed in restoring your money, and now the criminal action at the public ir^s- suchamp: You have pot defendant tfyj pTlson on one claim, and now you are J'o ? Set him in on another charge. And ^\VH0ri care how lone he is kept in prison? 5fr n^8: Yes. I do care. t • K. K^y (the presiding magistrate): do 8ee why yon should. It's nothing to tttect you. AVhat yon want is the settle- of your claim. Don't go out of your other express sympathy one way or the ^ir tr — aheh Tnvey, manager of the Worcester defejjj °f Lloyds Bank, said that on April 6 account was overdrawn by re d. On April 19 the sum of £193 Os, 4d. a. st celved by a cheque from Mr. Preston, ^co^t^er, and paid to defendant's nt., defendant had drawn on that and ^hatig^1113 deposited until the account was e. fr. Preston was the man to the tr Wltnees had been instructed to make The ansfer of the shares. ase was adjourned until Friday.

T&Er>EGAR MAN'S HARD CASE. At m a.nd 5i^e^e^ar Police-court Henry Shaw (28) ^■ealinjj ac^e Shaw (27) were charged with redega ^eat from a butcher's shop at °n. 25th ult. The male prisoner ^a.!lty, and said his wife knew •tv^ati He was suffering greatly from th,e 111 18rn, and could not work, and he stole flcert rJL get food for his children.—He r^ing jD, or fourteen days, the Bench e ^6Qj,nj° consideration his plea of poverty. e Prisoner was discharged.

THE BURGLARY AT CARDIFF. PRISONERS SENT TO THE SESSIONS. Henry Moffatt, 25, and Robert Graham, 35, were charged at Cardiff Police-court on Wed- nesday with feloniously breaking and entering the shop of Hy. Byron Crouch, 48, Queen-street, Cardiff, between June 9 and 10, and stealing a number of gold watches, chains, rings, brace- lets, and other articles of jewellery, to the value of £800. Both prisoners were further charged with receiving the articles well knowing them to be stolen. Moffatt was also charged with breaking and entering the shop of Thomas Charles Palmer, 66, Queen-street, and steal- ing an overcoat and a suit of clothes, value JE4 14s. 6d., and he was also charged with receiving the clothes. The case came on before the stipendiary (Mr. T. W. Lewis) and Mr. T. H. Stephens. Mr. J. H. Jones appeared to prosecute, and Mr. D. J. Davies represented prisoners. Mr. Crouch said he was the lessee of the pre- mises, 43, Queen-street. On the morning of the 10th of June he arrived at the shop soon after nine o'clock. He found the place in disorder. Jewellery cases had been taken from the window and strewn about the floor, and their contents were gone. There was a hole in the ceiling large enough for a man to pass through. The room above was occupied by Mr. Granville Roberts. He found a brace and bit there. A portion of the flooring of Mr. Roberts's office had been cut away. He pro- duced pieces of the flooring board. On check- ing the stock, he found £900 worth missing. He believed it would exceed that amount. The property included watches and chains and other jewellery. He identified a pendant and a sovereign purse produced. William Henry Crouch, of 11, Teilo-street, said he managed his father's business at 48, Queen-street. On June 9 he left the premises at 9.10 in the evening. He went through the whole of the premises, upstairs and down- stairs, before leaving, and saw that the doors and windows were faster-- There was no access to the premises from the rear. He went to the shop at 8.50 on June 10, and found jewellery cases empty. Witness identified a diamond pendant, a gold cigarette case, a gold sovereign purse, gold watch, and a gold- filled chain (produced) as the property of his father. These articles were at the shop on the evening of the 9th, and he missed them on the morning of the 10th. Mr. Ashe, a pawnbroker, of Constellation- street, said that on Juno 9 Graham bought the brace and bit, produced, from him for 2s. He asked for a keyhole saw, and witness said he had not got one. Witness was sure the brace and bit was the one he sold. He had had it three or ■ our years. He identified it by a notch on the point, which was a peculiarity. Witness had identified the two men out of fourteen or fifteen others. William Davies, of 10, Thompson-street. Darry Dock, said that prisoners came to his restaurant at 10.30 p.m. on June 8. Moffatt asked if they could have a bedroom. They had no luggage. They prepaid for the room 2s. 6d., and said they would sleep to- gether. They then left and returned in half an hour. Moffatt wanted to get up at four o'clock in the morning. The next day Moffatt asked witness to go to the post-office for him to identify him as a lodger, as he wanted to telegraph for money to be sent him. He did this, and Moffatt drew £2. At four o'clock on the afternoon of the 9th they left altogether. He had never Rcen them before. Detective-sergeant P. Wensley. of the Metropolitan Police, said that on June 13 he was in High-street, Shoreditch, in company with Police-sergeant Lee and Inspector Divall, also of the Metropolitan force. They were watching the Ship and Blue Ball, a public- house. Witness saw Moffatt, whom he knew as Seymour, go into the saloon bar. Sergeant Lee went in. and Inspector Divftll and witness soon followed. They arrested Seymour on a different charge. He struggled, but was quickly overpowered and taken to Leman- street Police-station. Witness there told him he would be taken to Cardiff and charged with stealing a large quantity of jewellery on the 9th ult., also with breaking and enter- ing the tailor's shop on the same night, and stealing the suit of clothes he was then wear- ing. He said, "Thanks; that's right." On Sunday, the 14th ult., witness went with Inspector Rankin, Police-sergeant Lee, and other officers to 31, Compton-road, Islington, where Graham lived. They climbed over several gardens before they got to his address, and eventually got access to the house. They went into a bedroom and arrested Graham. He was taken to Islington Police-station. They found the portmanteau produced in the bedroom. The portmanteau was locked. At Islington Police-station he found upon Graham £36 10s. in gold, a watch, a sovereign purse, two parts of sleeve links, and a hook (produced), also three keys, with one of which he opened the portmanteau. On searching the portmanteau, he found a grey flannel suit, two shirts, three collars, a neck- tie, a chisel, a file. ten skeleton keys, a set of jeweller's scales, and a box of matches. At Islington Police-station Graham said "A good workman always carries his own tools." Graham (emphatically): It's a confounded lie. Mr. Jones: What did you find in the shirt? —The diamond pendant. Graham said, "I bought it on Friday and gave £20 for it." He handed the things to Inspector Rankin the following day at Leman-street Police-station. Inspector Thomas Divall, of the H Division, Metropolitan Police, deposed to arresting Moffatt and taking him to Leman-street Police-station. On him he found the gold watch and sovereign purse (produced). The purse contained five sovereigns. There was also a gold cigarette case and jE7 10s. in gold, 6s. in silver, and 5d. in coppers on prisoner. Prisoner said. "What are you going to charge me with?" Witness answered, "I suspect this gold watch to be the proceeds of a heavy jewellery robbery at Cardiff." Prisoner took no notice of this. (Here prisoners both smiled.) Witness (continuing) said he told Moffatt the gold watch had been identified by Mr. Crouch. He said, "Yes; you've got the things on." Witness handed tlie articles on prisoner to Detective Rankin. Prisoners here had a hurried consultation with their solicitor. Chiei'-detective-inspector Rankin was called, and formally attested the evidence he had previously sworn to. He went on to say that on June 10, in the morning, he went to Mr. Crouch's shop and made an examination of the premises, which he described. In the office above Mr. Crouch's shop and near the hole in the floor he found the screwdriver and three other tools (produced). The Stipendiary said he should send the case to the quarter sessions. Mr. Crouch (re-called by the stipendiary) said it was his practice to keep the electric light on all night, and the practice was followed on that particular night. There was a light in the passage and in the shop, and eight or ten peep-holes in the shutters. The Stipendiary: If the light was burning the constable on duty could have looked through and seen the whole of the shop?—He could, sir. Mr. Crouch, jun., was next called and examined by the stipendiary as follows:- Was the light burning when you left?—Yes. And in the morning?—Yes. The Stipendiary (to Detective Rankin): la this new to you?—I have not heard of it before. Were you aware of the peep holes?—Yes. And that it was the practice to keep the light burning all night?—I was aware of that. Of course, the fact that the light was burn- ing would be known to the consta.ble patrol- ling the street?—It would, sir, but after day- light nothing would be seen through the holes. Surely, it would be possible to see if the electric light was burning or not?—But not possible to see if anything was abstracted. It would be possible to see if the light was burning or not?—Yes. And if there was no light burning then it r would be something unusual?—Yes. And ought to have attracted notice?—Yes, and ought to have attracted notice. The Stipendiary: This matter should be further inquired into by the chief of police. The evidence having been read, prisoners reserved their defence, and they will take their trial at the sessions on Friday. ANOTHER CHARGE AGAINST MOFFATT. Moffatt was further charged with breaking and entering the shop of Thomas Charles Palmer, 66, Queen-street, and stealing an over- coat and suit of clothes, value £4108., between the 9th and 10th of June.—Detective Rankin spoke to finding open the window leading from the roof of the outhouse at the back, and he also said he saw marks on the centre of the sash. On Saturday, the 13th of June, at Leman-street Politje-station, he saw prisoner wearing the suit of clothes (produced). Prisoner, when charged, said, "I don't want to say anything just now." By the Stipendiary: The window would not be visible to any police-officer patrolling at the back. Prisoner reserved his defence. He was com- mitted on this charge also.

'h aNG TRAGEDY. TR: > JRDER AND SUICIDE < Ml MANCHESTER. -agedy took place during the night small manufacturing town of Hhod. "veil miles out of Manchester. Louis labourer, murdered his wife .■ • i(i Uildren, and then committed suicic '.1 r me is attributed to jealousy. A Is; r 111 statqf that Smethurst waa 32 yet and lived in a cottage with his children, a boy and a girl, aged six years respectively. The neighl ing had. their suspicions aroused. i-irsday entered the house, and f< "ntire family dead, and it is stat- t! mother and children were horrib.^ .r. utr vd about the head and neck.

UNIONIST FREE TRADERS. SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH i SPEAKS OUT. A meeting of Unionist members opposed to the protective taxation of food was held on Wednesday night in the largest committee- room .at the House of Commons. The attend- ance numbered 54, and included Viscount Goschen, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach, Sir C. R-enshaw, Sir John Gorst. Sir S. Hoare. Colonel Denny. Lord Hugh Cedi, Mr. Winston Churchill, Sir Edgar Vincent, SifB. Simeon, Sir J. Dixon-Poynter, Lord 11. Bentinck, Mr. Ivor Guest, and Mr. Hayes Fisher. Lord Goschen had been invited to attend as an ex- Chancellor of the Exchequer. Letters were read from several members expressing regret that they were unavoidably prevented from attending. The proceedings were conducted in private, and occupied nearly two hours. The following summary of the proceedings was communicated to the press;- Upon the motion of the Hon. W. F. D. Smith, seconded by Sir C. B. Rensbaw, Mr. Henry Hobhouse was called upon to preside. The Chairman stated that the object of the meet- ing was to assist, .and not to embarrass, the Government, and to ensure that the proposed fiscal inquiry should be a fair and frank one. Sir Samuel Hoare moved, and Mr. J. Hey- wood Johnstone seconded, the following reso- lution — That, in furtherance of the inquiry pro- posed by his Majesty's Ministers into our fiscal system, a Committee be appointed to examine the probable effect of the suggested changes on the unity of the Empire and the social and industrial welfare of the United Kingdom, both of which objects this meet- ing earnestly desires to promote, a.nd to take steps for placing before the country the objections entertained by this meeting to protective taxation on imports of food." Sir Michael Hicks-Beach was the next speaker, and dwelt upon the essential loyalty of the members present to the principles of the Unionist party. The right hon. gentleman declared he was not going to be drummed out of the party for adhering to principles which Conserva- tives had maintained for 50 years. He next pointed out that the meeting of Unionist members of Parliament held last Wednesday was evidently organised by Protectionists, and said it was the duty of those present to save their party from a crushing defeat by pre- venting it if possible from being committed to the imposition of protective duties upon food. Everyone in the room was anxious to promote unity of Empire, but Mr. Chamber- lain's scheme would be a fertile source of dis- agreement by provoking a struggle between Colon ial and homo interests. Sir Michael pro- ceeded to draw attention in detail to the im- practicability of making up to the consumer the increased cost of food which the scheme involved by any re-adjustment of the duties on tea, sugar, or tobacco. Those present, he said, were not the opponents, but the friends of the Government, and it was their duty to educate the electors to prevent them being misled. (Applause). Several of the other members having spoken in support of the resolution. Lord Goschen, who was then called upon, recommended members of Parliament opposed to the protective taxation of food to be per- fectly conciliatory, but at the same time per- fectly iirm. They were simply opposed to a policy upon which avowedly members of the Government were not agreed. The Prime Minister and Mr. Chamberlain both agreed that no imputation of disloyalty could be made against them. The noble lord went on to say that these most dangerous fiscal pro- posals must be resisted. Mr. Chamberlain had said it was a big fight. If that were so, veterans must take their place, and he would do what he could to help the cause of Free Trade. It was said that Mr. Chamberlain would sweep the country, but how could the Colonial Secretary sweep away the fifty mem- bers now present. Lord Goschen proceeded to ridicule the idea that such an attempt could be made, and incidentally, by way of illustration referred to the history of the Liberal Unionists who were threatened with extinction, but still survived. Home Rule was thought to be inevitable, but the inevit- able did not come to pass. His Lordship went on to express his dissatisfaction with the atti- tude of the Government with regard to in- quiry, and dwelt on the necessity of having statistical information with the Government stamp, as private compilations did not carry sufficient authority. He would strenuously press for further information. After further discussion, the resolution was unanimously adopted. A committee was appointed. MEETING OF LIBERAL FREE TRADERS. At a meeting of Liberal Free Trade mem- bers, held in the House of Commons on Wed- nesday, Sir J. Kitson moved, and Sir William Holland seconded the following resolution:- "That this meeting will resist with all the power at its disposal any attempt which may be made to impose tax;J on food ilInd raw material, or to disturb in any way the fiscal system under which the trade and commerce of this country has flourished." Mr. Russell Rea moved, and Mr. Kearley seconded, that a committee of Liberal mem- bers of Parliament, who are or have been personally engaged in commerce, be formed to secure the adequate presentation of their views in matters connected with the trade and commerce of the country. It was also decided to form a committee to carry out the object of the resolution. CONDEMNATION BY MR. ASQUITH Mr. Asquith, M.P., was the principal speaker at a special emergency meeting of the com- mittee of the National Liberal Federation, held on Wednesday at the Caxton Hall, West- minster, to consider Mr. Chamberlain's fiscal proposals. In proposing a resolution con- demning the proposal as likely to involve us in a war of tariffs, endanger our relations with our Colonies, and threaten the stability of the Empire, Mr. Asquith said, In the adoption of a system of preferential tariffs the first necessary step was the taxation of the food of the people. Whatever else might be said about it, that! at any rate, was a policy—(laughter)—a definite and intelligible policy. That was a challenge to all who thought as he did tha,t not only the welfare of the people at home, but the unity and the best interests of our Empire were bound up with the maintenance in its essential feature of that fiscal policy under which we had grown rich and strong pnd influential. (Cheers.) That challenge they, who represented in a large degree the active force of the militant Liberalism of the country, had come there to take up. (Re- newed cheers.) The more they heard of this ipcuiry the more nebulous and the more illusive it became. One of his main objections to this reckless and ill-considered scheme was that it was throwing the apple of discord into what was a united family. (Cheers.) It was not too much to say the plan was an impos- ture. (Cheers.) The resolution was afterwards adopted. SPEECH BY 1\1R. MARKHAM, M.P. On the invitation of the directors of the Tredegar Iron and Coal Company (Limited), the members of the South Wales Institute of Engineers visited Tredegar on Wednesday to inspect the recent electrical installation at the the Pochin and Tytrist Collieries. After completing the tour of inspection the visitors were entertained to a luncheon in a marquee in Bedwellty Park. Mr. A. B. Markham, M.P., one of the direc- tors of the company, and the Radical member for the Mansfield Division of Nottingham, pre- sided. Proposing the toast of the South Wales Institute of Engineers, Mr. Markham said they heard a great^edal at the present time concerning Free Trade. There were enormous importations of electrical equip- ment-s coming into this country because they were made a little cheaper abroad. At the same time the English manufacturers were asked to pay the Trades Union rate of wages. How were electrical manufacturers in this country able to carry out work at Trades Union prices when German and Swiss goods were allowed to be imported free? Being a Radical, he was supposed to be a Free Trader, but as a Radical manufacturer he was not bound down to any sacred fetishes in regard to the fiscal policy of this country fifty years ago, and unless it was to the general advan- tage of this country, he was not prepared to allow these industries to be swamped by the surplus products of other countries slumped into England. (Applause.) Mr. Riches responded to the toast. Mr. S. Tallis, Mr. L. D. Whitehead, Mr. Mountain, and Mr. Hughes also spoke.

BREACH OF PROMISE CASE. A MILLIONAIRE'S LOVE AFFAIRS. New York society experienced a flutter of excitement over the announcement that an action for breach of promise of marriage, in which the damages are fixed at £50,000. had been brought against Mr. W. Gould Brokaw, a young multi-millionaire, yachtsman, automo- bilist, and society man, by Mrs. Katherine Poillon, at present living in New York. In the suit Mrs. Poillon bases her claims for vindi- cation and damages on 250 love-letters pur- porting to bear the signature of Mr. Brokaw, who, she says, did not break the engagement until the trosseau had been purchased and the wedding day fixed. His only excuse, according to Mrs. Poillon's version of the case was that his father and sister objected to his union with a woman who was not ambi- tious to achieve a high position in society. Mr. Brokaw characterises Mrs. Poillon's suit in vigorous terms, and declares that, rather than submit, he will fight the case through all the courts, even though it should cost him his fortuna.

GORDON BENNETT CUP THE GREAT MOTOR-CAR RACE IN IRELAND. Thursday, the day for the great race for the Gordon-Bennett Cup broke fair and cool. A light south-easterly wind was blowing, but not enough to disturb the dust, which, unfortu- nately, lay thick and heavy along the course. From the starting-point at Ballysbannon for I JAMES GORDOX-BENNETT (Donor of the Gordon-Bennett Cup for International Automobile Racing). about three miles the course had been soaked in oil, but this was to some extent a disadvantage, as the officials' cars, which were flying about in every direction, com- pleting the arrangements, were slipping and swerving dangerously. By six o'clock all the arrangements for the contest were completed. The course was cleared. The competitors began to arrive, and were warmly cheered by their admirers. By half-past six, when Lieutenant Camming left in his pilot car to proceed round the THE GORDON-BENNETT CTTP. entire course, to see that it was entirely clear of all sorts of obstruction, all twelve com- petitors had arrived. England was repre- sented by Edge, Jarrott, and Stocks; France by De Knyff, Farman, and Gabriel; America by Winton, Owen, and Moers; Germany by De Caters, Fox-hall Keene, and Jenatzy. The English cars were coloured green, in honour of Ireland, the French blue, American red, and the German white. The course, which is nearly 104 miles long, was picketed by 7,000 officials, police, and military, and it was almost inconceivable that any of the spec- tators should incur accident. The total dis- tance of the race was 378 miles. Vast crowds of spectators assembled along LORD DUDLEY (Viccroy of Ireland). I the course at an early hour. The following I is a complete list of the weights of the cars: Baron Do Caters, Germany.—Mercedes, 60- horse power (capable of 70), 19cwt. lqr. 24lb. C. Jarrott, England.—Napier, 60-horse power (capable of 70), 18cwt. 3qr. loilb. H. Farman, France.-Panhard, 70-horse power, 19cwt. 3qr. 321b. E. P. Mores, Amer i can.-Peerlesa, 80-horse power, 19cwt. 2qr. 171b. Jenatzy, Germany.—Mercedes, 60-horse power (capable of 70), 19cwt. 2qr. 191b. Gabriel, France. Mol's, 70-horse power, 19cwt. 3yr. lb. Edge, Eiigland. -Napier, 60-horse power (capable of 70), 19cwt. lqr. lb. R. de Knyff, France.—Panhard, 70-horse power (capable of 80), 19cwt. 3qr. 71b. A. Winton, Anierica.-Il-inton, 70-horse power (capable of 120), 19cwt. 21JIb. SO-h.p. Panhard (France). I P. Owen, America.—Winton, 70 horse power (capable of 125). 17cwt. 21ilb. Foxhall Keene, Germany.-Mercedes. 60- horse power (capable of 70), 19cwt. 3qr. 31b. J. W. Stocks, England.-Napier, 60-horse power (capable of 70), 19cwt. lqr. ljlb. THE START. The cars, as arranged, were started at inter- vals of seven minutes each, to allow the dust of one car to settle before the following car started, and also to obviate as far as pos- sible the danger of the cars passing and re- passing each other. Edge, who won the cup last year, was the first to start. He brought his powerful Na.pier car up to the starting MR. J. W. STOCKS (Who is driving a 35-h.p. Napier car). point, and, enveloped in a light waterproof overall, took his seat. The timekeeper, Mr. Phillips, shook him warmly by the hand, and wished him good luck. Taking his stop chrono- meter, Mr. Phillips counted out the seconds- ten, five, four, three, two, one, Go," and Mr. Edge, drawing down his motor goggles, drew his lever, and that car darted forward, and in a moment was climbing the "hill towards Kilcullen at lightning speed. Edge was loudly cheered by the crowd, and threw up both his arms in acknowledgement. The Chevalier de Knyff was the next to leave; the same programme of timing was again gone through, and the Frenchman, on his blue 70-h.p. Panchard, made a grand start amidst the wild cheering of his compatriots, one of whom, in his excitement, got into a tree that was but a. few yards in front of the' starting place, and brought it down to the ground, but, fortunately, not on to the course. Owen, the American, started third, the order being changed throughout. Jenatzy went fourth, making a fine start, and went away with a smile and a wave of the hand. Jarrott came up to the post smoking a cigarette, but was thought by some to be rather nervous. How- ever, he made an excellent start, and went AWAY IN GREAT STYLE. Gabriel, the favourite, then followed spick and span in a white blouse, with a handker- chief knotted round his neck. He, too, made an excellent start, and disappeared up the hill like a flash. Moers waa nervous, and « made a poor start, but did better when he got under way. Caters got away excellently, his Mercedes car bounding off at top-speed. Stocks did well in his start, and made fine running until he disappeared over the hill. Farman made the worst start of the race, so far, losing at least a quarter of a mile by starting at full-speed, and then coming to a dead stop, but when Winton brought his American Peerless car up to the starting point it was seen to be labouring heavily, I and when he got the word "Go" the car refused to move along. With his meohanicien he struggled desperately to get it to move, but sand had got into his carburetter, and no efforts could get it forward. Meanwhile Mr. Foxhall Keene, who was driving a German MR. S. F. EDGE (Holder of the Gordon-Bennett Cup, who is driving a 110 h.p. Napiert. car, got into line, and made a good start. Winton, after half an hour's hard work, got his car off, but as all the time he wasted he was supposed to be running, his chances of winning the race were very remote. Scarcely had Winton got out of sight, when the warning whistle of the traction engine, stationed at the top of the hill to the right of the grand stand, gave notice of the approach of one of the competitors. English- men hoped it was Edge, and presently, as the car leapt into sight, it was seen to be Edge, and as he flew down the hill AT A TERRIFIC SPEED the car sometimes rising clear off the ground, the crowd, which had now greatly increased, cheered him frantically. It must be remem- 80-h.p. More Car (France). I be red, to understand the race, that the course has the shape of the figure 8, and Edge had now but accomplished the smaller loop. Ten minutes later another car came bounding into view. It was De Knyff, the French com- petitor. A quarter of an hour later there was a great wave of excitement, when two cars, one close behind the other, came thun- dering down the hill. Owen, the American, was in the first, but Jenatzy, who was only a. few yards behind, was bent over his wheel, his grim face set with strong purpose, waiting for the opportune moment to pass the man in front of him. After an interval of five minutes came Jarrott, and nearly a quarter of an hour behind came Gabriel, who was not making as good a show as was expected of him. Then there was a lull until the arrival of Farman, who was thought to have met with a breakdown on the way. Another long pause, and Foxhall Keene, who started Mr. C. JARROTT. (Who is driving: a 35-h.p. Napier car). second, came into view. He had made good progress, and when he passed Bally- shannon he was overhauling his competitors. At the moment of writing neither Moers, Stocks, nor Winton had covered the first loop. Quickly the attention of the spectators was devoted to another warning whistle. It was thought to be one of the laggards, but when the long, low car swept into view, it wa-s seen to be Edge, who had completed a round course in 3h. 26sec. He was enthusiastically cheered, as lying over his wheel, his eyes fixed on the road in front of him, his car hardly seemed to touch the ground. He swept out of sight, his mechanicien waving his hand to the STORM OF CHEERS that greeted him. Six minutes later the Chevalier de Knyff tore down the hill, having, 60-h.p. 8-cylinder Winton Car (America). I apparently, if the control times were main- tained as arranged, gained 56sec. on Edge. His time was 3h. 6min. l&sec. Everyone was now waiting to see if Jenatzy had accom- plished his intention of overtaking Owen. About twenty minutes past ten the approach of another car was heralded. It was Jenatzy, and his performance was rewarded with a hearty round of cheers, the Germans present dancing with delight on the sward.

SERIES OF ACCIDENTS. Owen was not, however, far behind, his time being 3h. 33min. 12sec. Two minutes later came Gabriel, his time being 3h. 35min. 29sec. It was known b ythis time in official circles that Jar- THE HON. C. S. ROLLS I (Holder of the flying kilometre record). rott had met with an accident of some sort, and a doctor was arranged for to go to Strad- bally, where the accident was said to have occurred. Presently a car was seen coming down the hill at a fair, but not racing, speed. It was De Cater, the German rider, and, when he got abreast of the official stand he stopped, and informed Mr. Order that Mr. Jarrott's car was smashed. A few minutes later it was announced that Stocks had retired from the race, his car having also met with an accident.

THE LEADING SCORES AT 226 MILES. The following were the leading scores at 226 miles:—Genatzy, 5hrs. 47miii. 54sec.; Knyff, 5Hrs. 55min. 31sec.; Jarman, 5hrs. 58min. 27&ec.; Gabriel, 6hrs. 5min. 28sec.; Edge, 6hrs. 51min. Msec.

RESULT. After an eciting race Jenatzy won.

TWO CHILDREN SHOT. At Yeovil on Wednesday two little children were at a friend's house, giving invitation to a birthday party, when one of them. a boy, picked up a gun, which exploded. The boy's sister was shot in the arm, which had to be amputated, and another little girl was shot in the chest. Both are In hospital.

GILDING. COINING. AND THEFT. REMARKABLE SERIES OF CHARGES. At Llanelly Police court on Monday (before Messrs. Joseph Maybery and Henry Wilkins), a rase was heard which te' attracted considerable interest, a woman named Mary Jane Lewis, 55. Pembrey-road, being brought up on nine different charges, which included uttering counterfeit coins, gilding coins, and thefts of half-sovereigns from a number of tradesmen. Mr. D. E. Edmunds appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Treasury, and Mr. T, R. Ludford represented the defendant. Mr. Edmunds briefly opened the case, and explained that the woman obtained a number of half-sovereigns by going to tradesmen, tendering a sovereign, and receiving half-a- sovereign in the change, when she would allege a bad half-sovereign had been given her, producing a gilded sixpence. Evidence bearing out this statement was given by Ivor Wilkins, ironmonger, Hall-street, who, however, was not certain that the prisoner was the woman. Witness was being cross- examined, when there occurred a scene. Mr. Richaelieu, a local jeweller, spoke to Mr- Ludford from the Feat behind. Mr. Edmunds: I object to that man hand- ling the gilded sixpence. Mr. Richaelieu: If you made that remark outside, I would knock you down. Mr. Ludford: Do not interfere with the man. You should not insult people in that way. Mr. Richaelieu: I never had the coin in my hand, and Mr. Ludford can bear me out. Mr. Ludford: That is so. Mr. Richaelieu merely handed me a gilded sixpence to show how they were done. Mr. Edmunds: This man is continually in- terfering when I have cases in the court. Mr. Richaelieu: I will horsewhip you for that, you darned skunk. Mr. Edmunds: Ee should not interfere in this way, and I must ask your worships to protect me. Mr. Richaelieu: I have no wish to insult the court. Mr. Maybery: You have no right to speak here. Sit down, if you please. Mary Lloyd and Mr. Henry Wilkins gave further evidence. Howell Rees Hopkins, assistant in the employ of Messrs. Colliver and Sons, said that on Wednesday, March 11, he remembered the woman coming into the shop about 4.30 in the afternoon. She wanted to see some boot socks and laces, which he supplied her to the value of 8Jd. After the purchase of socks the woman tendered a sovereign, and received the change, which he placed on the counter. The woman left it there. and asked him for a pair of laces, which he fetched from an adjoining room. On returning she picked up a penny from the change on the counter for the laces, and then remarked that she had been given a bad half-sovereign. He took the coin back to Mr. W. J. Colliver, but was certain that originally he gave her a real half- sovereign, and not a gilded sixpence. Mr. Gullirer said to the woman that the coin waa not the one he gave in change. The woman replied, Yes. it was." Mr. Colliver then gave her another half-sovereign. He was quite certain this was the woman. Similar evidence was given by Mr. Mansel, of the Golden Fleece, Stepney-street; Mark Bartlett, Pembrey-road; David Evans, Brad- ford House; Mrs. Williams, West End; and the manager of Messrs. Pegler's establish- ment. Police-sergeant Dunn gave evidence of the arrest of the defendant. She told him, I remember being at Mr. Wilkins's shop, when I received a bad half-sovereign. I had bought goods there many times, and went there to pay a little account." She also said that she received a bad half-sovereign at the shop of Mr. Colliver. She denied that she had ever gilded any coin. Upon searching the house he found a cardboard-box containing silverite, with directions for use. Another bottle contained a liquid that was labelled "Bronzing fluid." There was also a salt-cellar coa,ted with gilt and a blue paper containing gilt powder. In cross-examination, Sergeant Dunn said that lie did not take the woman into custody at the time because she was pregnant. The Bench committed the defendant for trial on nine charges (there were 35 altogether).

WOOLWICH EXPLOSION. AN IMPORTANT RIDER BY THE JURY. At the resumed inquest on the sixteen victims of the Woolwich Arsenal explosion on Tues- day the question of formers being wrenched out of lyddite shells by workmen was raised. A labourer, named Frederick Smith denied he saw a former wrenched out of a shell on the morning of the explosion, but he had seen men do so & week before the explosion. It was a common practice to wrench formers out of the shells. Major Barlow, superintendent of the labora- tory at the arsenal, said lyddite could be only exploded with difficulty. The shells, how- ever, were washed out with soda, and possibly the picric acid formed picrate of soda, which was highly explosive, and this might have ignited with the friction caused by the removal of a former. He did not think it necessary to look farther for the cause of the accident. It was stated that owing to the explosion there were fourteen widows and forty fatherless children. After the coroner had summed up the evi- dence in an address lasting an hour, the jury retired, and, after an absence of over an hour, returned with the following verdict:- "They found that death in each of the six- teen cases was doe to shock, following inju- ries caused by an explosion of lyddite, the cause of which there was not sufficient evi- dence to show." They added the following rider:—"The jury express their strong opinion that the evidence has revealed a negligent system of working and arrange- ments which have up to the time of the accident prevailed within the danger area, particularly in the following respects: (a) That the buildings are dangerously close together; (b) that the spaces between the buildings should be traversed by danger mounds; (c) that the least possible number of men should be employed in any one build- ing conducivc to the work engaged upon; (d) that there should be an independent form of inspection, under the Home Office; (e) that the fellowship system of piece work on danger work should be abolished, and that the rate of pay for such should be brought to the level of the amount now earned by the men; and (f) that. further, in the opinion of the jury, the foremen and assistant foremen and overlookers engaged upon explosive work should have a practical knowledge of the work they are engaged upon."

PRESIDENT LOUBET'S VISIT. REFERENCES IN THE FRENCH CHAMBER. In the French Chamber on Tuesday M. Delcasse introduced a Bill providing for a vote of 600,000 francs to cover the expenses of the visit of M. Loubet to London and the visit of the King of Italy to France. M. De Pressense in his report on the Bill said the Committee saw in these visits a fresh guarantee of universal peace—(cheers on the Left)-and a step towards arbitration. (Renewed cheers.) Referring to King Edward's visit to Paris, he expressed his pleasure at this token of good feeling, which was a pledge of the ever close relations between France and Great Britain. The report concluded with a request for urgency and an immediate vote. This having been agreed to, Baron d'Estournelle de Constant said he was happy to remark that these visits marked, not only a rapprochement between the people, but also a. change in the nolitical con- j dition of the world.-Reutep

THE STOP-DAY ACTION. HEARING OF THE COAL OWiNEPi,S' APPEAL. In the Court of Appeal on Thursday (before Lords Justices Vaughan Williams, Ropner, and Stirling) there came on for hearing the plaintiffs' appeal from the decision of Mr. Justice Bighani in the act,io.i brought oy the Cfiamorgan Coal Com pany and a large number of other colliery proprietors, known as the Aissociated Owners of collieries in South Wales and Monmouth- shire against the South Wales Miners' Federa- tion for damages, alleged to have been sus- tained by reason of the collieries stopping work. The men, consider-ng thai it I would be for the benefit of trade to restrict the output of coal, the Miners' Federation de- clared a stop-day. The action was heard by Mr. Justice Bigham, who held that the federa- tion and the men's leaders had not acted with intent to injure. The formal notice to the Court of Appeal was That the verdict of the judge made on the 7th of August, 1902, in favour of the defen- dants, with costs, might be reversed, ana set aside, and that, in lieu thereof, judgment might be entered for the plaintiffs for an in- junction in the terms of the statement of claim, and also for such damages as might be assessed with costs, including the costs of the shorthand notes, or such other order as the court might think fit, and that the defendants be ordered to pay the costs of the appeal. Sir E. Clarke, K.C., Mr. B. Francis-Williams, K.C., Mr. Montague Lush, K.C., and Mr. Trevor Lewis appeared for the appellants, who were the plaintiffs in the court below. Mr. Rufus Isaacs, K.C., Mr. H. Holman Gregory, and Mr. Clem Edwards were for the South Wales Miners' Federation; and Mr. S. T. Evans, K.C., M.P., and Mr. Bailhache for the trustees of the Miners' Federation. Sir Edward Clarke said the appeal was from a decision by Justice Bigham. It was an appeal by the plaintiffs-74 in number —against the judgment of his lordship. The action was brought against the South Wales Federation, who were a Trades Union, enrolling 130,000 men, and also against a number of officials. The treasurer, secretary, vice-president and the trustees were also joined. With the finding of fact he had no complaint to make. At a later period of the judgment, when his lordship came to deal with the facts, he inferred a condition of facts which was in opposition to the specific finding of his own judgment. One question of fact was whether the Federation were said to have done the acts as a federation, in respect of which complaint was made. and aa to that his lordship found that the Federation, as a federation, did the acts. He had no complaint, to make of the judgment in that respect. The only point to which he desired to call attention in the judgment was this, that Mr. Justice Bigham had said that the defendants were asked to advise the men to take part in the stop-day in respect of which the action was brought. As to that there was a question discussed, and he quite understood from what was said by the learned judge at the time that he agreed with him that it was not a question of advice but of order and command. He accepted the statements of fact, and he would now-proceed to read the judgment of the learned judge, which set out the facts. Sir Edward Clarke then read the judgment of Mr. Justice Bigham at length, which haa been fully reported. The reading of the judgment occupied a considerable time, and during the reading Sir Edward Clarke broke off to remind their lordships that the resolu- tion of the general conference authorising the council to declare a general holiday. which they thought necessary, was not, passed until the 12th of November, whereas on the 9th of November there had been a stop-day by direc- tion of the Federation. There wa-s a question as to the interpretation of the reso- lution of the 12th of November, 1903. That resolution Was set out in the early part of the judgment. If any request or advice was to be found anywhere, it was to be found in the resolution. Lord Justice Vaughan Williams: Does it make any difference whether there was a re- quest or not. Sir Edward Clarke: I do not think it does. Lord Justice Vaughan Williams: I do not think it makes the least difference. At the conclusion of the reading of the judg- ment, Sir Edward Clarke said he submitted on .the facts that the judgment of the learned judge was wrong in law, and had been ARRIVED AT BY A CONFUSION in the learned judge's mind between two classes of eases, the Queen v. Rowland and the Mogue case, which had nothing to do with this. There was the case of Lumley v. Giles, where it was laid down by Justice Crompton that when a person maliciously interrupts the relations between master and servant by pro- curing a servant to leave his employer he was guilty of a tort. The case was adjourned until Friday.

NEATH PATERNITY CASE. SOLICITOR'S MANAGING CLERK SUMMONED. Before the stipendiary (Mr. T. W. Lewis) and Mr. T. H. Stephens, at Cardiff on Wednes- day, Florence Kate Morrell, a well-dressed girl, summoned David Jones, Richmond House, Cadoxton, Neath, to show cause. 4c. Defendant, who did not appear, ia a solicitor's managing clerk at Neath. Mr. Joseph Henry Jones was for the com- plainant; Mr. W. H. David defended. The court was full, and some sensational elements were evidently anticipated. The proceedings, however, were cut short by defendant's admis- sion. through his solicitor, of the paternity. Complainant bad been in the employ of defen- dant's wife as head-dressmaker, and was also a member of the Church choir of which cle- fendant was conductor and leader. The girl appeared in a distressed and apparently faint- ing condition. She was in the act of falling when Police-sergeant Evans (court officer) sup- ported her and conducted her to a seat at the solicitors' table. Complainant, in answer to Mr. Jones, said she came to Cardiff for her confinement, and not for the purpose of taking proceedinga, She had lived at Cadoxton, Neath. Yon have been delivered of a child?—Yes. When?—On April 7 this year. Male or female?—Male. Who is the father?—David Jones. His wife is in business there?—Yes. You are a dressmaker?—Yes. And he is a managing clerk to a solicitorP Yes And also clerk to the parish council of Cadoxton-juxta-N eath ?-Yes. Did he tell you how much he earned?—No, sir; he didn't say how much, but he told me he had applied for a place which would bring him in between JM and 14 a week. Mr. David: You have not got the childP He has got the child?—Yes. Don't you know his salary is only 35s. a, week? Witness (emphatically); No, it is not that. Mr. Jones: He put you in lodgings in Car. diff to be confined there?—Yes. How much did he pay?—Six shillings a week. How much altogether?— £ #5. Has he stolen the child?-Yes, and he did his best to get rid of it before it came, and wanted me to undergo an operation. He has given you £ 45?—Yes; L5 at a time. The Stipendiary: What is your age?— Thirty. Have you ever had a child before?-— Did you know he was a married maup- Yes; I have been friendly with his wife. Defendant's solicitor (sworn) said his client admitted the paternity. Mr. Jones asked for the full order. The Stipendiary (to Mr. David): What do- you say is an appropriate amount? Mr. David: Four shillings a week. We have paid the amount mentioned. Mr. Jones again aeked for an order to t.e- full amount, saying that the girl was a very respectable woman. The Stipendiary: Four shillings a --eek, with three guineas costs. Mr. Jones: We were about to Las-titute habeas corpus proceedings. Mr. David: And we handed over the child at once. Defendant was ordered to contribute 4s. x, week and costs.

ALLEGED PICKPOCKETING, CARDIFF TAILOR ARRESTED AT PONTYPRIDD. At Pontypridd on Wednesday Charles Morrell, a tailar from Cardiff, was charged with picking a purse from a lady's pocket, at Pontypridd Taff Vale Railway Station, last Saturday evening.—David Hughes, collier, Trealaw, deposed to seeing the offence com- mitted. He was standing on the platform, he said, when an empty train came in. The lady in question was about to step into the train, when prisoner put his hand into her pocket and took out her purse. Witness and his friend immediately seized hold of him, and the woman cried out, "My purse has been stolen." Prisoner dropped the purse on the footboard of the train.-Inspector Salter. replying to a question put by the Stipendiary, explained that the police hoped to trace the lady with the assistance of the press. She left on the night in question by the train for Ynysybwl.—Prisoner was remanded in cue tody for a week.

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