Weekly Mail

CALVINISTIC METHO- DISM. ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ENGLISH CHURCHES. The thirteenth annual conference of the Presbyterian Church of Wales opened at I.lanelly on Tuesday afternoon, when the dele- gates were formally received at the Presby- terian Schoolroom by Mr. W. Wilkins, J.P., chairman of the Llanelly Urban Council. A capital repast had been provided, and over 150 gentlemen enjoyed the generous hospi- tality of the chairman. In introducing Mr. Wilkins to the president of the conference (the Rev. Principal Prys, M.A., Trevecca), the Rev. Maurice Griffiths, M.A., chairman of the local committee, said that they were glad that in the year of the visit of the conference to Llanelly the chair- man of the council should be a member of their own denomination. Not only that, but Rev. D. LLOYD JONES, M.A., Llandinam. Mr. Wilkins was aleo an ardent Church worker, and a zealous temperance worker. No doubt the delegates who had just arrived in the town had noticed those slowly creeping things that proceeded from the rail- way station. (Laughter.) He need hardly remind them of the ships that passed Llanelly in the night and would be glad to enter the port if they could-but they could not. (Renewed laughter.) However, he trusted that the conference would be successful, and that great good would follow. (Cheers.) Mr. Wilkins responded in an appropriate speech. Mr. Evan Evans, on behalf of the Llanelly Presbyterian Church, also added a word of welcome to the delegates. On behalf of the Free Churches of Llanelly and district, the Rev. Iona Williams read an address of welcome to the delegates. On rising to respond Principal Prys was received with loud cheers. He said that the conference had come to Llanelly for the second time, it being the only town of which that could be said. The statistics prepared for the General Assembly proved that the English Church were in advance of the Welsh Churches, and that the members made greater sacrifices for the cause. Into the English Churches all that was best in the Welsh Churches had been transferred. The English Churches in Wales were vigorous and strong and filled with religious zeal and enthusiasm. In the evening the executive committee met, and following was the public service at Green- field Baptist Chapel, the conference sermon being preached by the Rev. James Baillie. Car- diff. PRINCIPAL PRYS ON CHRISTIAN UNITY. The annual conference of the English Pres- byterian Churches of Wales was resumed at Llanelly on Wednesday morning, when Prin- cipal Prys delivered his valedictory address from the chair. In his introductory remarks he said that there were prophets of evil who predicted the downfall of the Church before the attacks from without. He held, howeverl that these prophets had less reason for their hope or fear to-day than they ever had. He believed that not only on account of the Divine character of the Church, but also because of the position it actually occupied in relation to the thought of the age and to the power it wielded over the lives of men in Christian lands and to its marvellous pro- gress in heathen lands. Christianity was never in a better position than to-day in relation to the thought of the age. He believed that human thought at its best and in its most advanced position, whether in philosophy or science, was never, since it had been emancipated, so consistent with the Christian view of the world as it was to-day. I BeT. OWEN PBYS (President). There were indications of increasing approval to the Christian view of the world, or, at any rate, of deoreasing antagonism to the Christian position. The, old theoretic materialism was dead, and atheistic natura- lism and agnosticism dying. Idealism, or spiritualism in some form or other, was the prevailing type of thought which had the promise of life in it in England, America., and the Continent. He believed that the trend of the best thought of the age was towards a. view which neither destroyed the reality and absoluteness of God, on the one hand, nor the reality and freedom of human personality on the other. A view, therefore, which was consistent both with religion and morality. But what of the movement of thought within the Church? What would it profit to be at peace with philosophy and science outside the sphere of Christian thought if Christianity itself underwent a process of dissolution through the disinteg- rating influence of rationalistic thought from within. An unbelieving rationalism, whether within or without the Christian pale, seems ever fated to be urged by an increasing aberration of thought to a point at which it loses balance, and thus all influence upon the real progress of thought. Any particular branch of Christ's Church will live and be a power in the world in the measure in which it gives prominence in its teaching to the great cardinal truths and manifest their saving, quickening effects in its life, and pro- claim them most clearly, and with least foreign admixture, as its message to the world. There are sufficient indications that, in spite of the seeming growth of sacerdota- lism in some sections, and the marvellous tenacity with which superstition and pagan elements cling so closely as almost to strangle the life of the gospel in other sections, yet that the trend of things in the world to-day is against theee things, and the spiritual forces at work in human life slowly but surely are giving the victory to evangeli- cal truth, which, we believe, the history of the Church proves to be the truth as it is in Jesus. Furthermore, the spirit of the age is, happily, opposed to any emphasising of differences on this oomnlon platform of the evangelical churches. These differences have rarely ever appeared in our prayers; they are fast disappearing in our preaching. The practical upshot of all this is that the differ- ences between the churches holding the evangelical faith being of minor significance, it is the bounden duty of all these sections to draw nearer together, so as more efficiently to proclaim the common truth and accom- plish the common task. He did not at present plead for union of these churches. The time for that was not yet, though it is coming. But he would urge three things. First, a more general recognition of the fact that the fadth. which unites is infinitely more im- portant than the opinions or forms which separate. Should the Calyinistic, therefore, cease to be a Calviniat in order to unite with his Armenian brother? Should the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spotap It was not a question of might, but of can. Why should these things sepa- rate them? These. and others like them, are essentially questions of opinion, of interpre- tation, of philosophical bent of thought, and admit of differences within the unite, not only of the faith, but of the Church. The second point was that in the age we were about entering the great controversy would be with rationalism in the bad sense, whether within or without the Church. It was not their Calvinism tlat would be called in ques- tion. It would be their Christianity. It was not the sovereignty of God; it was the very existence of a living personal God that would have to be defended. When one thinks of the battle with unbelieving rationalism without the Church and a no lew deetruotible rationalism within the Church which seek to undermine the very femndatioo of oar faith, and when, again MMerdotttmm. And priest- craft, threaten, if not to undermine, yet most seriously to weaken the power of their faith, was it not sad to note the suicidal policy which has too much prevailed among the evangelical churches of emphasising their insignificant differences instead of, concen- trating their energy in defending and propa- gating their common truth. He would urge a better understanding and a greater unity, not only for the purpose of defending the common faith, hut also of accomplishing the common task. He rejoiced at the very earnest beginning already made by the formation of Free Church Councils. May the religious character of that movement be supreme. Was it too much to hope that these counoils will in the near future so influence public opinion as to make it a matter of honour and of conscience not to multiply churches beyond the needs of the community and thus almost fatally to weaken their power for good. How inexpressibly sad it was to see three or four weak, inefficient churches of so many denominations all evangelical where one strong church would not only suffice but would alone be efficient. Principal Prys went on to refer to the need of making the ministry one, and it should be properly maintained. He was convinced that some form of susten- tation fund was a necessity of the future if the work was to be done efficiently. We ought to be thankful that there are so many good men willing to sacrifice worldly position and emolument for the sake of the gospel. But was it honourable on the part of the Church to allow them to sacrifice to the extent many did under present conditons. What should they say of the great Church which was by law established? Should they not include her in their charity? With all heartiness, for, in spite of the section which weakens its power by socerdotal admixture, that great Church was still, as a whole, faith- ful to the evangelical faith. Let them never forget, too, that in this controversy they were dealing with a branch of Christ's Church. If they could not in their denunciation make clear to the people the distinction between the Church and its State relation, let the Church, as a religious body, in any case be sacred in their eyes. However much he disagreed with that Church and deplored its present attitude, he hoped he should never forget to treat it as one Christian ought to treat another, and that in the face of a com- mon enemy. In the din and turmoil of the present conflict, they would be traitors to the Master if through fulness of zeal even for principle, but through want of charity or Christian forbearance which should never be divorced from zeal, they should confound establishment and Church and assault the one without having sufficient regard to the true welfare of the other. They owed too much to the saints and the thinkers of that Church not to deplore the present controversy and the occasion of it. and their anxious prayer should be that this occasion of stumbling should be soon removed, and that in such a way as to enhance the glory and the service for the Church, although it must be at the cost of the establishment. The controversy was the cause of real pain to all who are truly concerned for the interests of Christ's Church in all its various branches. In conclusion, Principal Prys said: "We desire to unite our spiritual forces with those of that Church, and we grieve that it takes up an attitude both in theory and in practice which makes it difficult, if not impossible, for it to recipro- cate our desires. Its State connection and all that results from it is a grave political injustice, but to me that it as nothing as compared to the injury done to the cause of true religion and to the weakening of the spiritual forces of this country. Let us pray for the dawning of the day when all the sections of Christ's true Church shall recog- nise each other, and in close spiritual fellow- ship and concord, if not in union, work together for the extension of the Kingdom of God. That will be a day of consternation among the powers of evil, but of rejoicing among all that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Following the presidential address came a discussion on the subject, "Justification by Faith," papers being read by the Rev. R. R. Williams, M.A., Towyn, and the Rev .John Owen, Mold. In the afternoon a public service was held at the Presbyterian Church, a striking sermon being preached by the Rev. R. R. Roberts, B.A., Cardiff. A pleasant part of the day's proceedings was the reception given to the delegates at Westfa by Mr. Gwilym Evans, D.L. The weather was brilliantly fine, and the beautiful grounds of the mansion looked their best. Over 200 ladies and gentlemen were present to enjoy the hospitality of Mr. Evans. The election of the president-elect resulted in favour of Mr. Augnstus Lewis, his Majesty's Inspector of Factories. Swansea.

GIRL AND SAILOR. MIDNIGHT SCENE IN A CARDIFF STREET. Florence Edwards (21) was placed in the dock at Cardiff Police-court on Thursday, charged with cutting and wounding Edward Crosby on the face with a pair of scissors at Mill-lane, with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, on the 15th of September. The case was adjourned from the previous day, when it was mentioned by Police-constable Arthur Smith that Crosby had made certain statements, but was not present to support them. His allegation was that Edwards had cut him with a pair of scissors. Prisoner denied that allegation, and said she only used a door key. Crosby now appeared with his left eye plastered. He described him- self as a seaman, living now at the Great Western Coffee Tavern, in St. Mary-street. At half-past eleven on the night in question he met the young lady" in Mill-lane. She caught hold of his hands, and asked him where he was going. He replied that that was his business. She thereupon drew a pair of scissors out of her pocket, and stabbed him just below the left eye, without saying anything. By the glare of the electric light he could see the scissors quite plainly. Taking hold of prisoner by the wrists, he held her five or six minutes, until some of her gentle- men friends came up. and started to ill-use witness and his friend. Then it was that he called the constable-Police-constable Arthur Smith, and together they overtook prisoner and the young men on Wood-street Bridge. Then witness went to Dr. Buist, who dressed the wound. Isaac Sherman, 41, Eldon-road, also a seaman, who was in Crosby's company, corroborated as to what transpired. Prisoner, witness said, put her hand into her pocket suddenly, and made a. slash at prosecutor's eye, which bled profusely. Witness tried to get the in- strument out of her hand—it was something bright, he could not exactly say-but it was oertainly not the itey produced. While the struggle was in progress one of prisoner's friends came up and dealt him a heavy blow in the face, which knocked him senseless. On coming round he picked up his broken hat, and found only two or three young men around him. Dr. J. J. Bnlst, who attended to Crosby just after midnight, said it was a, clean cut wound, curved in shape, and Ain. long and iin. deep. There was no bruising, and the cut. in his opinion, was caused by a sharp instrument. There was, however, a stain on the key, which might be blood, though he could not say for certain without making a microscopic examination. Prisoner, who had nothing to say in defence, was committed for trial to the quarter ses- sions to be held in October. The magistrates intimated their wilingness to accept bail if accused could find it, herself in 410, and one surety in a similar amount, or two in JE5 each.

SENSATIONAL ARREST. CUSTOM HOUSE OFFICER IN CUSTODY AT ILFRACOMBE. A sensational arrest was made at Ilfra- ur, combe on Thursday Police-sergeant Jeffreys, acting on a telegram received from Scotland Yard, London, took into custody Thomas William Banks, Custom-house officer at Sligo, Ireland. A few years ago Banks was Custom- house officer at Ilfracombe, he being also the leader of St. Philip's and James's School Choir, and superintendent of the Sunday School, also taking a prominent part in Church work by giving magic lantern enter- tainments for charitable purposes. A few weeks ago he arrived at Ilfracombe, with his wife and two daughters, at Mrs. T. Williams's, 6, Regent-place, on his holidays. At mid- night Sergeant Jeffreys visited the house, and arrested him in bed, on a charge of defraud- ing his Majesty's Customs of a very large turn of money. During the years he was at Ilfracombe Mr. Banks wa* very popular with all classes, and whilst in Ireland he has been the prime mover of entertainments for Church purposes. Another telegram says that the alleged defalcations against the Customs amount to £ 2,000. Mr. Banks was brought before a resident magistrate, and then handed over to London detectives.

SEQUEL TO A ^HOLIDAY TRIP. The Rev. David Ruesell, for nearly forty years pastor of Lower Edmonton Baptist Chapel, has met with a serious accident. He was returniug in the liner Lake Simooe after a three months' holiday in Canada, when on nearing Liverpool the vessel lurohed, and Mr. Russell, an old and heavy man, was thrown head foremost down the hatchway, a distance of 20ft., and sustained a broken thigh and serious injuries to the head, face, and arms The limb was set by the ship's surgeon, but on reaching Liverpool Mr. Russell was con- veyed to the Northern Hospital, where the thigh was re-set. Mr. Russell will have to remoin at the hospital for several weeks, and meanwhile home-oomimeetings and a pre- sentation ceremony which had been arranged must be postponed.

IMPORTANT EVIDENCE AND GRAVE ACCUSATIONS. The adjourned inquiry into the Worle break accident was opened on Friday at the New Inn, Worle, Weston-super-Mare, before the Coroner (Dr. S. Craddock). There was also present Mr. Hart (Messrs. Osmond, Hart, Vassal, and Co., Bristol;, solicitor to the rail- way company, Mi". Rogers Ford representing Smart, the break driver, and Mr. Guppy, the proprietors, and Mr. G. Robertson, Cardiff, in the interests of the husbands of the deceased women. Joseph Sperring, signalman at the crossing, said:—I have been signalman at the level- crossing of the Weston, Clevedon, and Portis- head Light Railway for four years. I heard the driver of the train blow his whistle. He began whistling some 100 yards before the station was reached. I signalled to the driver of the light railway train that it was all right for h.m to come over. I did signal to the man that was approaching with the wagonette with the red nag, which I had in my left hand. I should think the driver took no notice, but followed on, whipping the horse, and forcing it with all his might. I am 71 years of age, and my sight is L,od, but my hearing is not so good as it has been, I suppose. There were two gates across the line, and these were closed when no train was expected, but when a train was approach- ing, these gates did not shut across the road. The highway was pretty straight at the point of the accident, and a man could see ,e line 150 yards before he came to it, and could see the train coming from Worle for more than 200 yards before. Francis John Say Yeoman, Plantation House, Banwell, was the next witness called. Superintendent Stokes told the coroner that the witness had been interfered with by persons outside the court. The Coroner: In what way? Witness: They said that I did not see the accident, inasmuch as I was on the wrong side of the line. The Coroner: What else did they say? Witness: They quite annoyed me. They said they would see me in Weston, and thai I should hear further of-ut. The Coroner: Who were these people, and what did you understand by it? Witness: I think they tried to get me out of it. The Coroner: They tried to get you not to give evidence ? Witness: They annoyed me so. I went to the superintendent of police, and asked him to send a sergeant to ask them to go away. The Coroner: Why did you do it?—The inaendo is that they challenged you because you made certain statements. Witness: That's it, sir. The Coroner: Who were these people? Witness: Well, I believe they were brothers at Smart. Mr. Ford: This is a serious question and you should be Bure. Witness: They told me that's who it was. Witness then gave his evidence and cor- roborated the story told by the previous witness, but gave it as his opinion that the engine etruck the wagonette, and not the horse. The animal appeared to be perfectly under control of the driver and was not bolt- ing. The driver was urging the horse on and witness thought he was trying to get over the crossing before the train. The train wall not travelling at more than eight miles an hour. Sperring shou c'd to the driver, but be drove on and made no attempt to stop. Cross-examined by Mr. Ford: Do you say that this driver deliberately drove into the train P Witness: I believe so. It was his own fault that he did so. We tried to stop him. The Coroner: For God's sake be careful. Do you suggest that the driver deliberately drove into the train?—I do. The Coroner: What! Deliberately drove into the train! Think what you are going to say. You are giving your evidence in a most extraordinary way. Witness: I think that he thought the train was going to stop, but he tried to pass it when it was going. Charles William Giles, carter, Weston-super- Mare, said he saw Sperring hold up his red flag, and afterwards heard him shout to t.ie driver to stop, Smart, who at this time was about twenty yards from the crossing, did not stop, but drove on and tried to cross the line. In doing so he drove right into the engine. Witness helped to carry the bodies to his residence. Witness heard the driver of the engine blow the whistle twice-once some 150 yards before the crossing- was reached and again some twenty yards from it. Ihe horse did not appear to be running away. By Mr. G. Robertson: Did you see Sperring make any signal to the train on the occasion in question?—No, sir. Did you see him make any signal at all?- No. sir. John Richard Jones, the driver of the train said he first blew a long whistle when about 2X yards from the Bristol-road crossing. On his left hand side the wagonette was continu- ing its journey, so he blew the whistle again. The engine was pretty well across the roact when the wagonette collided with the side of the engine. He was running at the rate of eight miles an hour. The horse was running free with open mouth, and the reins were loose. The horse did not bolt. The Coroner: Did the hores appear to you to be beyond the control of the driver?-No. Henry Davey, guard on the train in ques- tion, corroborated the evidence of the pre- vious witness. He added, however, that on nearing the Bristol-road platform the whistle blew for the brakes to be put on, and witness in response immediately put on the brakes of ine carriages. Superintendent Stokes informed the coroner that the injured at the Weston-super-Mare Hospital were unable tc describe how the acci- dent oocurred. Mr. Ford said he had material evidence to produce on behalf of his client-the drivers of the two vehicles immediately behind Smart. In face of Mr. Hart's opposition he would say this: That one of these men have been inter- viewed by Mr. Hart. The Coroner: What? Repeat that, pleaae. Mr. Ford having repeated the statement, Mr. Hart admitted that he had seen one of the men. The Coroner (to Mr. Ford): Do you impute Mr. Hart of a wrong professional act? Mr. Ford: No, sir. But Mr. Hart has eeen one of these men, and, knowing what he is going to say, he is against me calling him. I The hearing was then adjourned until < Wednesday next at twelve noon.

EXTRAORDINARY CONFLICT OF EVIDENCE. The inquiry was resumed on Wednesday, and The Coroner at the outset stated that since the last hearing he had written to Superinten- dent Stoker asking him to bring before this inquiry the drivers of the other vehicles which were &aid to be standing at the left crossing at the time of the accident, and he had replied that Mr. Ford, who watched the case in the interests of Smart, intended doing 60. Mr. Ford: That is so.. The Coroner then said that at the previous inquiry he allowed the legal gentlemen a little liberty. He did not allow any witnesses to be cross-examined upon their evidence-in- chief. They were not trying any persons there, but only trying to listen to the truth, and that was the object of his court. The first witness now called was Gordon Curry, aged ten, who said that on the date in question he was out for a walk in the direction of Worle, when he ran behind a break, and asked the occupants to throw him out a penny. They took no notice of him, however, and a few seconds later, hearing the whistle of a train, he jumped off the break. When the whistle of the train was blown they were about 50 yards from the crossing. The Coroner: Did you see anything else?- Yes, sir. I heard Sperring shout, "Stop! stop! the train is coming!" He had a red flag in one hand and a green one in the other. The Coroner: Whgt else did you see?-I saw the train run into the wagonette, and two people were dragged along by the train. The witness Curry, in reply to further ques- tions, said the signalman was standing in the road on the Worle side of the line. Samuel M. J. Bailey, jobmaster, Colston Mews, Penywell-road, Bristol, said that on the date of the accident he was driving from Bris- tol to Weston with a pony gig. He had to go through Worle. and when within four yards of the Brietol-road level crossing he was about to pa3s the wagonette which collided with the train. He had only followed it for about a couple of minutes. At the time of the collision, witness pulled up, and he sub- sequently saw a serious accident happen. Did you aee the Bigna,lmanP-I saw the signalman with two flags, one in each hand. Did you see him wave the flags?—No, eir. Not one of them was waved. They were rolled round the sticks. The Coroner: What! Do be careful, please. I don't wish von to make a. statement which is not correct. I want you to be very careful. It is a very serious case. Witness: I am fully convinced, eir. that both flags were rolled round the stick. Did you hear the signalman call out?—I heard shouts, but would not say it was the signalman who shouted. What did you hear?—Nothing mere than a noise. I could not recognise what the shouts were. Were there one or more shouts?—Two. The shouts happened when the horse's head was about three yards from the engine. The driver of the wagonette turned the horse's head to the off-side and the side of the wagonette collided with the engine. The train pulled up in about one length from the gateway. The Coroner: Have you been Interviewed by anybody since the accident? Witness: Yes, sir; by Mr. Ford. Mr. Ford: You voluntarily offered your evi- I dence, and it was not solicited by me? Witness: Oh, no. I had previously received a wire from someone. I did not know the driver's name until I got here on the Tuesday. The wire said: — "Inquest this afternoon at three; please come." I Frederick James King, pianoforte remover, the Royal Oak Inn; Weldon-etreet, Bristol, said that on the date in question he was driving into Weston with a one-horse wagonette, and when near the level crossing at Worle he witnessed the acciaent. Be was driving behind a sgig, driven by the previous witness, and when witness was within fifteen yards of the crossing he heard ehouts of stop!" He heard a whistle, but did not think it to be that of a train. He looked at his watch, and, seeing that it was nearly two o'clock, he thought it to be a whistle at some works. When he first saw the train it was near the platform, which is close to the cross- ing. Witness was about twenty yards from the crossing, when he saw Sperring, who had two fia-gs, both of which were furled. Sperring and another man, however, both held up their hands, and shouted Stop! Stop!" and simultaneously the collision occurred. Mr. Hart: Did Smart's horse bolt?—Yes, it spurted across the road. By Mr. Ford: The horse was going about six or seven miles an hour. There was no time for Smart to pull up after the signalman shouted. Witness was on the left side of the road, and had a clear view of the signalman. Police-superintendent Brown stated that this was all the evidence he had to call, r hereupon Mr. Ford said he could call another witness, named Emery, who passed over the crossing immediately before the train arrived. The Coroner: He cannot say that he did not signal to these people? Mr. Ford: No, sir. I don't know if you have had any report from any of the injured persons ? The Coroner: Yes, I have. I have also had a certificate sent me by the house surgeon of the hospital to the effect that the persons injured in this accident are not in a fit state to attend the inquest to-day. Continuing, the coroner said that they would remember that at the last hearing it was posi- tively stated that the police had endeavoured to obtain evidence from the injured, but they appeared to know nothing about it. Since then, however, they had been interviewed, and had made certain statements, which they had each signed and which had been properly attested. 'After they had heard these state- ments he felt sure that they would consider it absolutely necessary to adjourn. Superintendent Brown then read the state- ments. William Biddicombe stated that he remem- bered stopping at an inn at Worle. Some had lemonade, and he paid for one glass of beer for the driver. Just after they left the inn, and some distance on, some of the women said there was a toll-gate ahead. We shall have to beg them to let us go free this time, as we have no money," he said. He (Biddescombe) did not see a train or anyone on the road with a flag, nor did he hear anyone shout. All I remember." he continued, was being hurled into the air and bumped. Mary Elizabeth Morgan said she did not see the train until it was almost upon them, neither did she qee a man in the road with a flag. She did not see the driver use his whip at all, or that the horse bolted. Frederick Poole said nothing happened until just at the moment of the smash, when he fancied he heard someone shout, "Stop!" But then they must have been close to the metals. They had been going along comfort- ably all the way until the accident. They were sitting right behind in the vehicle. Jnnie Paton said she thought the driver was perfectly sober. They left the inn and went on. She did not see the train until it dashed into the break, she did not see the flag until the last moment, and she did not think it was altogether unfurled. There were two men on the left-hand side of the road, and the man with the flag was nearest the occu- pants of the break. The Coroner: I must say again that I have not held an inquest for many years where the evidence has been so oonflicting as on the present occasion Mr. Ford: Personally, I strongly hope the jury will hear the injured. The Coroner: The extraordinary thing is that up till Friday they knew nothing, and since then their memory has recovered. The Coroner then conferred with the jury in camera.. and, upon resuming, he informed those present that the inquest would be adjourned until that day fortnight.

SIR W. HARCOURT. LABOUR PARTY AND WEST MON- MOUTH. A meeting of colliery workmen was held at Tredegar on Wednesday in connection with the question of Labour representation. Mr. D. Hughes, C.C., presided. Mr. V. Hartshorn, a member of the federa- tion executive, gave an explanation of the scheme for increasing the number of Labour representatives in the House of Commons. With reference to West Monmouth there ap- peared to be an idea abroad that the object was to oppose Sir William Harcourt. But he wished them to distinctly understand that they were not asked if they were in favour of running a Labour candidate in West Mon- month at the next election, but to give the federation council power to use their discre- tion as to which constituencies should be con- tested. More Labour representation was necessary, for Mr. Frank Edwards, a Welsh Nationalist and a Liberal member, voted against the Eight Hours Bill, and the Bill was defeated by one vote, and that of a Welsh Liberal member. They could safely leave this matter to the executive, for if Sir William Har- court had friends among the working men of the constituency, he (Sir William) also had friends among the members of the executive. (Applause.) Mr. A. Onions, C.C., miners' agent, also spoke, and said he wished to disabuse the men's mind of the idea that voting in favour of run- ning a Labour candidate meant opposition to the sitting member in any constituency. They were simply asked if they were in favour of nominating a Labour candidate ready to con- test that Parliamentary division when thought desirable by the federation council. It did not necessarily mean opposition to Sir Wil- liam Harcourt. In his opinion, he did not believe Sir William Harcourt would be op- posed. (Applause.) The fact that the right hon. member had subscribed to the Labour programme and rendered such long and valuable services to the country would make it very indiscreet on the part of the Labour party to oppose him so long as his services were available. (Applause.) But Sir William, at his age, must be looking forward to retire- ment from public life in the near future, and IT the Labour party were inactive they would find themselves unprepared at the critical moment. Was it not advisable, seeing that the Labour vote predominated in that consti- tuency, that when an opportune time pre- sented itself, the seat should be secured for Labour? (Applause.) He (Mr. Onions) was anxious that the result of this ballot should not belie the ballot taken relative to the establishment of the Labour representation fund. (Applause.)

GLAMORGAN COUNCIL. QUARTERLY MEETING AT PONTY- PRIDD. The quarterly meeting of the Glamorgan County Council was held on Thurs- day at the Town-hall, Pontypridd, under the presidency of Mr. J. Blandy Jenkins. There was a large attendance of members.—Mr. T. Thomas (Merthyr) called attention to what he described as the well-known grievance regard- ing Cefn Bridge, Merthyr. He said it was a disgrace to the county that the matter should have been left unsettled during the past eight years. He moved that the roads and bridges committee be requested to put the bridge into a proper state.—Mr. D. W. Jones seconded, and remarked that the question of financial adjustment raised by the county council was the only thing which prevented the construction of the bridge.—The Chair- man ruled that notice of motion must be given.—Mr. D. W. Jones then moved that the matter be referred to the committee as a matter of urgency.—The Chairman accepted this as an instruction, and said the com- mittee would do what it could. A further discussion on the financial re- lationship of Merthyr to the county arose on the sanitary committee's report. The sub- committee, in recommending that an applica- tion be made for a loan of £18,000 for the proposed isolation hospital, laid down a con- dition that if Merthyr be incorporated the amount be repaid. Objection to the condition was taken by Mr. D. W. Jones, but the clause was confirmed. Alderman T. J. Hughes asked whether a motor-car could be supplied the county sur- veyor, who, he said, now spent half his time at junctions waiting for trains. (Laughter). If he had a car he would be able to do hie work in going from place to place. The Chairman hoped they would have two cars. (Laughter.) He added that the com- mittee would take the matter into- con- sideration, and take the suggestion of Alder- man Hughes a-a an instruction to do so.

WHITE SLAVE TRAFFIC. At the Old Bailey. London, on Wednesday Philip Cohen and Judith Goldstein were sen- tenced to two years' hard labour for taking a Polish girl from the custody of her guardian for an improper purpose. Cohen when arrested said he was not frightened at the prospect of imprisonment, as the prison in Sngland wae for ladies and gentlemen.—At the same sessions two men were sentenced to twelve months' hard labour for offences in respect to a Roumanian cirl.

LONDON AND GLOBE PROSECUTION. TRANSFER OF LIABILITIES: NEW EVIDENCE. The hearing of the charges against Mr. Whitaker Wright was resumed at. the Gttila- hall, London, on Tuesday. There was but a sparse attendance of the public at the com- mencement of the proceedings, but it 'increased as the day wore on. Mr. Wright entered the old council-chamber, Where the case was heard, at half-past ten, and until the arrival of the magistrate chatted affably with his counsel. Mr. Horace Avory, K.C., and Mr. Gny Stephenson (instructed by Messrs. Michael Abrahams. Sons and Co.), appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. R. D. Muir (instructed by Messrs. Lewis and Lewie) was counsel for the defendant. The first witness was Mr. George Alexander Witcombe, manager for Mr. J. W. Vickers, advertising agents, Nicholas-lane, who stated that the report of the meeting of the Globe shareholders held in October, 1899, was through his agency published in the London news- papers. The expenses in connection with this were paid by a cheque signed by Mr. Wright. The report of the shareholders' meeting in December, 1900, wai also advertised in the London newspapers, and the firm received JB426 from the London and Globe Company in payment. Mr. Harry E. Dorman, formerly clerk to Messrs. Phillips, stockbrokers, Cornhill, saidr that in September, 1899, the London and Globe was indebted to Messrs. Phillips to the amount of £34,75\J on loan account against securities. In November, 1900, Messrs. Phillips had an account open with the London and Globe in Lake View and other shares. Subsequently to the 10th of December some of the shares which had been included in the share account wera carried over for the Globe Company. On the 5th of December his firm made An advance of £25.000 in cash to the London and Globe. Mr. Avory: At whose request was that done? Witness: I don't remember, but I think it was the accountants. On what terms?—That it was to be re-paid in two days with a. procuration fee of 2 per cent. Is that a new name for interest? (Laaghter.) —Call it what you like. If you call it interest, it was at the rate of 565 per cent. per annum?—I believe so. Mr. Frank Denton, partner in the stock- taking firm of Julius Meyer and Co. gave some details of transactions in Lake View shares at the end of November, 1900. Eis firm nad an account opened with the London and Globe in respect of a number of Lake View shares, but never consented, nor were they asked, to transfer these liabilities to the Stan- dard Exploration Company. Mr. Charles H. Hale, of Messrs. Haggard. Hale, and Co., stockbrokers, stated that in December, 1900, the London and Globe was indebted to his firm in the sum of £30,00G on loan account against securities. Mr. John Charles Millard, living at an address in Kent, said in the beginning of December, 1900, he held 70 shares in the London and Globe Company. When he received and read the balance-sheet of the company for the year, he went off and bought 53 more shares. Mr. David John Stewart, deputy official assignee, of the Stock Exchange, pro- duced a list showing the market value of certain shares of the London and Globe in December, 1900. The total value of the shares in list was £934,843. Some of the shares had no market value so far as the Stock Exchange was concerned, and against these on the list witness had written "No value." Following on the default of the London and Globe Company, a number of the members of the Stock Exchange were declared defaulter*. In consequence of tha.t the books of those members came into witness's hands, and they had been examined by his clerks. After two hours had been occupied in the recital of financial details, which were fol- lowed with only languid interest by the crowd at the back of the court, Mr. Frank F. Hol- lampv, a clerk in the General Post OfiBce, was called by Mr. Avory to produce certain tele- grams. The first was the original of a, tele- gram sent from Wormley, in Surrey, on the 5th of March this year. addressed to "Wright, Binder Hotel, Paris," and when it was handed down to the counsel, Mr. Muir entered ft formal objection to its being put In evidence. Mr. Avory said he was entitled to have it on record that a telegram was sent from this Post-office in Surrey to a Mr. Whitaker Wright in Paris. The Alderman upheld Mr. Muir 8 objection, and the evidence of the witness was restricted merely to the production of the telegram and the time it was handed in at the Wormley Post-office, namely, 8.37 a.m. When witness was asked by the counsel for the prosecution for the production of the reply to this wire, Mr. Muir obiected, and the Magistrate arrain upheld the objection. Mr. W. J. Hiam. formerly assistant secre- tary to the London and Globe, spoke as to the reports of the meetings of the London and Globe and the British America Corpora- tion. No meeting of the shareholders of the Standard Exploration was ever held. Before being sent out the reports in the proof were submitted to Mr. Wright fof approval. Did Mr. Wright make any alteration in the reports?—Yes; he was very particular about the punctuation. (Laughter.) Do you say that was all he did to the reports?—Weil, he might have put in an occa- sional "Hear, hear." Which did not take place?—Oh, possibly it did. Look at that "proof" of one of the meeting (handing witness a paper). In whose writing are the corrections?—Mr. Wright's. Mr. Avory next put some questions regard- ing the report and balance-sheet of the Standard Company. Witness was handed a. proof of the report, and asked if there were not alterations in it after the signatures of the directors had been printed. Witness admitted there were alterations. Are the initials of the auditors against the alterations?—No. there are no such initia.18 on this document. Was there a board meeting of the Standard Company held on November 29, 1900?—Yes. Tell me abont it?—It was held in the lun- cheon-room of the office late in the afternoon. ( Mr. Wright and another director were present. Was that a o no ram ?—Yes. That is what you call a board meeting?— Yes. Was notice of that meeting sent to the other directors?—The directors always got notice of the meetings. Who gave you the resolution to enter in the minute-book confirming the purchase of 105,102 Lake View Shares from the London and Globe?—I don't remember whether Mr. Wright dictated it to me or if it was ready written out when I went into the board room, bat I entered it up in the minute-book. Waa it passed unanimously?—Yes, I suppose 50. "Passed because there was no opposition," remarked Mr. Avory. dryly. On the 29th November, 1900, and the 13th December, the balance at the bank to the credit of the Standard Company was. roughly, £2,0:10, and yet by the resolutions recorded on the 29th November the company was under- taking a liability of at least £ 1,000,000.—That may be so. In fact, over one anfl. a. half millions?—I know the figures are big, but I can't say the definite sum. A million or two does not ma.ke any difference, does it?—It would to me. (Laugh- ter.) Mr. Henry Alexander Malcolm, formerly an accountant in the employment of the London and Globe Corporation said that in 1899 he was also a clerk to the defendant, at his house, Lee Park, near Godalming. In October, 1900," a Mr. Wonters left the London and Globe, and witness did his work, but it made no difference to his (witness's) salary. (Laughter.) Mr. Avory: Oh, that's the rub, is it? (Laughter.) Were you in the office while the balance-sheet of 1899 was being got out?—No; I was at Godalming, staying in my own house and attending to private affairs with the defendant. But did you know in the autumn of 1899 that the London and Globe was dealing in Lake View shares?—Yes. And there was a lOMP-Yes; three-quarter)) of a million in the case of the London and Globe, and nearly a quarter-of-a-million in the case of the Standard Company. Witness denied that he was in communica- tion with Mr. Wright in Paris. "I never knew," he said, "he was in Paris till I heard he was in New York." (Much laughter.) The case was adjourned until Thursday. ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. The magisterial hearing was resumed on Thursday, and after further evidence being given the accused was formally charged, in reply to which he said: I have nothing to say at the present time, except that I am absolutely innocent of the charge made here. I reserve my entire defence with regard to the same, until the trial of the case. The Alderman then formally committed him to take his trial a.t the next sessions of the Central Criminal Court, allowing the same bail. Mr. Avory made the request that the bail should be justified in open court. Mr. Muir (with some warmth): Sir, this attempt made by a. body called the prosecu- tion committee The Magistrate (interrupting) said he had decided to take the same bail. The matter was not carried farther, and the defendant then left the court in the company of some friends.

SWINE FEVER IN MAESTEG. There is an outbreak of swine fever in Ma est eg. About twenty pigs have been destroyed. Most of the pigs belong to the inhabitants of Park-street. The agricultural officials have been very busy this week and ordered all the pig-etys to be burnt.

EDUCATION ACT IN WALES. It' VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS IN CARMARTHENSHIRE. At the meeting of the Carmarthenshire *4aeation Committee, Mr. Charles H. ™°un8ey> the county surveyor, pre- his report on the condition of the *°limtary echools, which the county council ad ordered him to inspect, with the object reqUiring, the managers to put them in • Proper state of repair before discussing the of taking them over under the Act. The importance of the docu- was shown by the Cose attention paid y the members during its recitaJ, and one Member referred to it as an historical report oich would be 'ong remembered. Colonel Lewes (Llysnewydd) suggested that to COpy of each detailed report should be sent the managers of the school it had reference order that they might report upon it. John Lloyd (Penybank) said they had wait and see what the county council ^tended doing with regard to the voluntary IlehoOls-whether they were going to contribute J-Qything towards them or take them over. f1* moved that all the documents be referred the county council to decide what to do **th them, and that the remaining five ^hools not visited be reported upon in the ?eantime. He also moved tliat the reports ^Printed. Chairman pointed out that the com- r^ttee had been told by the county council they were not to spend a penny in con- ation with the voluntary schoolB, and if the °QHnittee decided to print the reports the o&imittee must pay for the work themselves. ^Ughter.) It would be better to refer the v~°le matter to the county council, and that could decide to print them for circula- tion. H. J. Thomas (Llanfynydd): By printing and circulating them the county council „ If* justify itself in not taking over the schools was decided to refer the whole matter to county council. Or. Howell Eees (Glangarnant) spoke highly j/ the report, and said they were much puebted to Mr. Mounsey for such an interest- and instructive document. (Hear, hear.) e "Was particularly pleased that the surveyor ad gone so thoroughly into the sanitary Strrangements. (Hear, hear). The next thing be for Mr. Mounssy to visit all the- pro- v school* and report upon them. It would very in teresting-. Mrs. Gwynne Hughes (Tregib): And neoes- «ary. Dr Rees: Yes. and neoessary. The Rev. T. Johns (Llanelly): If Dr. Rees will *Pose that I will second it. «i\ jj. joneig (Tirydail): The surveyor will nant two motor-cars if we go on like this. ^Ughter). A Chairman ruled that the motion could be voted upon that day, as it involved *Pense, whereupon Dr. Rees gave notice that 'Would bring it forward at the next meet- Several other members also spoke highly of e reports presented. REMARKABLE STATE OF AFFAIRS IN CARMARTHENSHIRE. r/ special meeting of the Carmarthenshire w^nty Council was held at Carmarthen on r afternoon to deal with matters to the council by the education com- r^ttee. Mr. J. W. Gwynne Hughes, Tregib, first item on the ag-enda wm the j *PPointment of representative managers for -T e non-provided schools. Mr. H. J. Thomas tnlanfynYddJ moved that the council do not a«e any such appointments, seeingithat it a,0ttld not be consistent with the resolution passed that no rate-aid should be J^fnted to those schools.—Mr. William Davies ^ansawdde1 seconded, and the motion was carried. estimate of expenditure on elementary cation for the half-year ending March 31, fK ^as presented, by which it was shown £ at a 4d. rate would have to be levied for if half-ypar for the maintenance of the pro- schools. This would bring in a sum of '135 3s. lOd. •^r. John Johns (Parcethyn) moved that th« be only levied on those parishes where rOVided schools were situated, but the Clerk J. W. Nicholas) said that the rate must levied over the entire county and could w confined to particular parishes. "r. w. N. Jones (Tirydail) asked what would the position of the ratepayers in a parish there was no provided school when the **• rate was claimed from them, and if they enteed to pay it, could they be legally com- •led by the overseers to pay it, seeing that 6re was no school in the parish which would ^•efit by the payment? jj'he Clerk said he could not answer that -haft d the motion of Mr. W. N. Jones, it was t £ en decided that a 4d. rate be levied over whole county for the half-year. i_ t was decided to transfer L9,606 14s. Id. the education committee for the mainte- nance of the provided schools during the Quarter ending December 31, and to borrow ^5 000 for the same schools, under the Pro- vision of Working Balances Act, 1903. It Was also determined not to borrow any sum. tlnder the same Act, for the non-provided I schools, and that no sum be transferred to the education committee for the administra- tion of these schools during the ensuing Quarter except what was actually received in Grants ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT. A long discussion took place upon the ques- tion of the employment and payment of fttendance officers in those districts where here were no provided schools,—The Clerk aid that the guardians had paid £ 250 each to attendance officers in the districts £ ierr*d to, and, aa an operation of the Act, **°ae officers had now become servants of the Council, by whom their salaries must be paid, r. in the event of the offices being abolished, p<jhsions would have to be granted to them. "r. John Johns thought that, under the cir- .^stances which had arisen, it would be to allow the offices to lapse and to pay Pensions, if it came to that. The council ould otherwise be stultifying itself. r. John Lloyd said it might be inconsis- IfQt, but the best way out of the difficulty °uld be to take the officers over for the lir. Thomas Jones (Penronw) seconded. Dr. Thomas objected to the motion, as he edined to be made to look ridiculous in the of the world, and he was determined to 'here to the old no-rate resolution, whether "as right or not, and whatever the effect of t would be. He moved, as an amendment, at the council adhere to the no-rate resolu- They were making fools of themselves the eyes of the world. llr. William Davies seconded. On a division the amendment was carried y fourteen votes to ten. Ile Clerk asked for guidance as to how he to deal with the officials in question. long argument ensued, and eventually it understood that the clerk was to do °thing, but wait events." APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF OFFICIAL IN GLAMORGAN. tub-committee of the provisional edncar committee met privately at the County ^ces, Cardiff, on Tuesday afternoon, to oon- r the appointment for the county of a education official, whose duties are to a c^ude the presentation of periodical reports an annual report to the education com- e0 tee, to assist the clerk of the council in tt*respondence that may be necessary, to «o meetings of the bodies of managers of *JOcil elementary schools, to prepare returns th a*red by the Board of Education, to assist » e committee with materials and advice as c, the appointment of teachers, &c., to certify a.iju8 jn tha education account for the o oothly expenditure, and undertake the tJ^nisation. inspection, and control of hitv'cal ciaS8e' schools, and other work » £ erto performed by the agent of the ij^nical instruction committee, itc. The ^-committee went carefully through the j^^uiunicationB of the 68 applicant* for the and reduced them to 23, and finally the feting was adjourned until Tuesday, the inst., until half-past two, Mr. W. Frank- (clerk) meanwhile to supply' all the testi- dlale and the number of candi- at the meeting to be held ^"Uced to six. A business meeting followed llo provisional education committee, Dr. » °*Tiis presiding. The principal business was consider a resolution of the finance com- ttee to the following effect, That claims gp the county education fund should be veri- tint an<^ cheques (which should be on paper fttnn differeiltly to cheques on the county •iS> Prepared by the county accountant, by the county treasurer, and counter- *ll the chief education officer, by whom claims are primarily to be certified as Pro0*1'" ^ter discussion, an amendment, by Cotmcillor Hopkin Morgan (Neath) adopted, to the effect that cheques on the Jor eums certified as correct by the the ati°n director should be prepared by cotrtity accountant, signed by the county &rw^Urer, and countersigned by the county Mutant. ^OLTJKTARY SCHOOLS AT SWANSEA X CONDEMNED. April last the sub-committee of the Swan- I CIO scv Corporation appointed to prepare a *or the putting into force the new Jw^tion Act, was empowered to take the the vary 8teps to ascertain the condition of v°lnntary schools, to engage the aseist- the requisite to that end, and to confer with s^a-Uagers of such schools in regard to any %,J.ect. and to present its report at the ctll.eet possible date. That earliest possible the n°t yet arrive^, but at a meeting of ^^•^h-committee on TViday afternoon a was received from Mr. Lawrence, the vrlio bad been emxiloyed bjj the education committee to inquire into the con- dition of the schools in question. The report is of a somewhat sweeping character, and in it Mr. Lawrence condemns as unsuitable York- place and National Higher Grade Schools, also St. Joseph's (R.C.) Girls' and Infante' Schools, and declares that considerable structural and other alterations are required in St. Thomas (Infants'), St. Illtid (R.C.), and St. Joseph's (R.C.) Boys' Schools. St. David's School (R.C.), Edward-street, will require additional land to satiBfy requirements. BRECON COUNTY COUNCIL. CHALLENGED. At the weekly meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians on Saturday, the clerk reported upon the precept received from the Brecon- shire County Council for X199 Is. 9d., being an education rate for the parishes of Penderyn and Vaynor of 3d. in the £ Mr. James said this amount was not foreseen in his estimate, and it would be dealt with in the next, for the March half-year. The Rev. J. H. Davies: This rate has been collected in almost every part of the county. except in Penderyn and Vaynor, with the current rate. The money is collected in our current rate. Mr. David Evans said he would like to know if provided and non-provided schools would receive a yottion of the money. He moved that the board be supplied with intelligible information before the precept was paid. The Rev. J. H. Davies seconded the motion. Mr. U. A. Wills (R.C.) moved that the money be paid. The Rev. Llewelyn Jenkins, rector of Pen- deryn, seconded. The Clerk said he did not see any harm in getting further information, and it was agreed that he should report again at the next meeting. THE PEMBROKESHIRE SCHEME. The clerk to the Pembrokeshire County Council (Mr. W. Davies-George) on Saturday received a communication from tlffe Board of Education intimating that they were pre- pared to make an order postponing the appointed day for bringing the Education Act into operation in the county of Pem- broke until the 1st of January, 1904. THE RHONDDA SCHEME. The Chairman announced at the meeting of the Rhondda Council on Friday that before the next meeting the council would be the education authority for the district, and he proposed tha ta special meeting be held so as to appoint their education committee before the 30th of September.—This was agreed to. MONMOUTHSHIRE VOLUNTARY SCHOOLS. It is stated that the report of the archi- tects appointed by the Monmouthshire County Council to examipe the voluntary schools in the oounty preparatory to their being taken over, show that the general structural con- dition of many schools is unsatisfactory." Thousands of pounds will have to be spent upon the schools before they comply with the department's requirements. SWANSEA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. In his report on the Roman Catholic school of St. Joseph's, Swansea, Mr. G. E. T. Law- rence, the architect employed by the Swansea School Board, says"The building does not comply with the rules in many important respects, and the defects as to light, Ac., are so inherent that it is practically impossible to adapt the premises so as to make them sa,tisfactory." Considerable structural altera- tions are declared necessary at St. David's Roman Catholic School.

WELSH TIN-PLATE TRADE. SETTLEMENT OF A DIFFICULTY AT MORRISTON. The dispute at the Dyffryn Works, Morris- ton, has been settled. Mr. George Lewis, organiser for the.C-teel Smelters, met Mr. W. H. Edwards, and an arrangement was come to whereby the rollerman who tad been dis- missed previous to the stoppage owing to a holl breaking with him is to be re-instated, and will begin work with the other millmen to- day (Monday). All other grievances com- plained of by the men are to be dealt with between Mr. Edwards and Mr. Lewis on Thurs- day next. Thus ends the dispute at Morris. ton. ACCIDENT AT MORRISTON TIN-WORKS. Owing to the breaking of the engine shift- ing, two mills were brought to a standstill on Wednesday at the Worcester Works, Morris-! ton. It is estimated that the fracture will take three weeks to set right again. MORFA COPPER WORKS DISPUTE. On Tuesday at the Hotel Metropole, Swan- sea, Sir Wm. MgLrkby, amointod by the Board of Trade, sat as arbitrator between the M-rfa Copper Company (Limited) and a øeo- tion of their men, who demand inoreaeed pay, as has been already specified in our columns. The company was represented by their manager and others, and the men by Meeers. Ben Tillett, James Wignall, and J. Chariot. In the afternoon the arbitrator visited the works. The inquiry was ad- iourBed,