Weekly Mail

"NO BETTER FOOD. Dr. Andrew Wilton, F.R.8-JS. PRY'S PURE CONCENTRATED f COCOA TRY ALSO "FIVE BOYS" MILK CHOCOLATE. BY THE MEDICAL PRO FESSION AND PRESS.

CHILDREN HAVE A NARROW ESCAPE Cardiff City Fire Brigade, in the early °ors of Sunday, did strenuous work, and ad an experience that has happened only arely before. They were called out to cope *rth one fire, and had two others in succes- ~°n to deal with. It was at 3.16 that infor- ™3-tion was received at the central office hat a gre had broken out at Messrs. and Son's corn stores in Cowbridge- A steamer at once turned out, in harge of Superintendent Geen, but before arrival, fortunately, the outbreak had extinguished by buckets of water by JJ^ice-cons table Rowlands and two civilians a ^re originated in the chaff-cutting room, the wooden chute used to convey chaff p the bottom, floor was badly damaged. ice-constable Rowlands gave the alarm, »scaled the yard doors, and thus gained w^ftittancc. The damage is inconsiderable, •he premises wero locked up safely by •~r. Emerson when he put out the lights at WL3o on Saturday night. The brigade had just returned to the I" station when news was brought in ol second outbreak a.t 15, Adam-street, a boot- ^Pairing shop in the occupation of Mr. John "aylor. Again the men were at the scene Expeditiously. The back part of the premises Jpey found to be well alight, with fierce jjja.nie8 darting through the windows. Two ■hydrants were got to work, and the fire was in about an hour, though not 'before the rooms and their contents were "ompletely destroyed, and a portion of the froof burnt through. The fire was, with diffi- culty, confined to the upper part of the Premises, where it started. It was a lock-up and everything had been left safe over- sight. The damage is covered by insurance. Whilst the men were fighting the flames at thc Adam-street fire they were, at 4.20, sum- BiOined to a third, and still more serious, con- "a.arratLon at 36, Wood-street, which, is occu- pied by Mr Julius Dutch as an incandescent light shop. The reel was promptly despatched Ln charge of Second-engineer Moger. The Premises were found to be full of smoke, and Anxiety was felt for the inmates, who were asleep in the back bedrooms. The door was forced open, when the lodger, a man named .Robin Patz, was seen running downstairs, having in. his arms a glri aged nine, one of 1111.1". Dutch's daughters, and he was followed by a Mr. and Mrs. Harris (visitors), and Minnie Jones, the servant, the latter of whom Parrying another child, aged about ten, also Go daughter of the occupier. These people toere unhurt, and were safely rescued. They ■were greasy alarmed—the children were in a State of collapse, having been well-nigh overcome by smoke. They were brought round with some difficulty. The fire originated in the froint room, which ie osed as a shop, said it was soon put out, though not before txraah damage had been. done. The occupier t and his wife wore at Manchester, -where Mrs. Dutch n.as gone to consult a doctor. The lodger (Mr. Patz) Bays everything was safe when he and the others retired to rest, and he was quite unable to trace the origin of the outbreak. Mrs. Winifred Gray, 35, Wood-street, and other neighbours assisted Che firemen to force open the door.

OUTBREAK AT TREDEGAR AERATED WATER MANUFACTORY GUTTED. A serious fire broke out at three o'clock on Sunday morning art an aerated water manu- factory in High-street, Tredegar, belonging I to Messrs. Cohen and SonvS. The outbreak was discovered by Mrs. Phillips, living on the other side of the street, and Police-constable Davies was soon on the scene. He summoned the fire brigade (under Captain Judd), but, in spite of the vigorous efforts of the brigade and the police (under Superintendent Sounders), the building was soon gutted. Two or three loud explosions occurred owing to the presence of some cylinders of gas Used for aerating purposes. The interior was greatiy damaged by the explosions, and the windows of the adjoining dwellings were smashed. Some horses in the stable connected with the factory were rescued with difficulty, but they escaped serious injury. The whole of the premises, oonsisting of the factory and the stable, together with the machinery, were completely destroyed, the damage being estimated at several hundred pounds. The Property was insured. The oause of the outbreak is unknown, but Mr. Cohen and his son were engaged on the premises late on Saturday night, and all appeared safe when they left.

EXCITING FIRE INCIDENT AT PONTYPRIDD A Are was discovered on Saturday evening Lt the ladies' Outfitting shop of Mrs. Davies, the Arcade, Pontypridd. There was a large Christmas stock of fancy goods of an inflam- trable nature. The alarm was given at the police-station, and Inspector Salter, with a number of constables, hurried to the spot and extinguished the flames before the arrival of the fire brigade, although Cap- tain Brooks and his men arrived in a. very few minutes. Although the outbreak con- tinued for only about fifteen minutes, between zM and JS400 worth of damage was done. The origin of the fire is not known. Two assistants, who were working on the second floor, were so frightened when the fire broke out that they rushed to the upper Btorey and clung to the window-sill, from which position they were rescued by Inspec- tor Salter.

FIRE AT PONTARDAWE TIMELY DISCOVERY OF AN OUT- BREAK IN A SHOP. Between six and seven o'clock on Christmas evening High-street, Pontardawo, was the scene of much excitoment, a fire having broken out in the b^ct shop of Mr. W. Gronow. Mr. John Bevan, son of Mr. D. Bevan, who was going his milk rounds, 6aw smoke coming from the door and the win- dows of the shop, and he at once called the attention of passers-by, who forced open the door and found themselves enveloped in dense smoke. The fire was found in a room above the shop, and water was carr ed in buckets from a stream close by. Inspector Gibbon and Police-oonstable Hill were soon on the spot, and the fire was put out before much damage was done. Mr. Gronow and the family were out at the time. It is not tnown how the outbreak originated. CWMCARN RICK FIRE. A rick oontaining about ten tons of hay, Valued at £30, was discovered to be on fire on Sunday morning at Mill Farm, Cwmcarn, the property of Mr. Edwin Roberts. Inspector Groves and the members of the Aberoarn Fire Brigade, in command of Lieutenant Pullen, were soon on the spot, but the fire had too much of a hold to enable them to save the rick, which was totally destroyed. It is sup- posed that the rick was ignited by someone massing that way. The damage is not tovered by insurance. FIRE AT ABERYSTWYTH. At an early hour on Tuesday morning a.n outbreak of fire was discovered on the pre- mises of Mr. Pemberton, tobacconist, Great Darkgate-street, Aberystwyth. The fire bri- gade was soon on the scene, and found flames issuing from the cellar. Mr. Pember- ton and his family had escaped from the Duilding by a doorway at the back. The fire bad done considerable damage before the trrival of the brigade, several timber beams tn the shop floor having been burnt through. The flre was extinguished in about an hour after the hoses were brought to play upon it. A quantity of stock and fixtures was testroxed.

Over 15,000 Killed and Wounded at Moscow.—See Page 7.

CHINESE ON THE RAND. EFFECTS OF GOVERNMENT'S DECISION. The decision of the Imperial Government to stop the further recruitment of Chinese coolies, and the speech of Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman announcing tha.t decision, have fairly staggered the Rand, Sir George Farrar, of the East Rand Group; Mr. Lionel Phillips, of Messrs. Wernher, Beit, and Co.; and Mr. George Albu, chairman of the General Mining and Finanoe Corporation, are amongst the mining magnates who have been interviewed on that all-absorbing topic. All three pointed ooit what they considered dis- crepancies in the statement made by tne Prime Minister and the dispatch of the Sec- retary of StaJte to Lord Selborne, particularly with respect to the treatment of contracts for coolies which were signed some time ago, before there was any hint as to the Government's intentions. These contracts affect no fewer than 10,000 Chinese coolies and the question is—are these to be considered as coming witliiLn the terms of the prohibition? If these contracts have to be cancelled, a heavy blow will, in the opinion of the gentle- men mentioned, be inflicted on the gold mining industry. If, however, the 10.000 coolies referred to are allowed to be brought to the Rand, the effect of the Governments action in regard to future recruiting will be negligible. The Rand newspapers, and the people connected with the industry, are angry, and predict disaster to, and general discontent on, the Band. It must be reported that arra-ngements are already being made at Boksburg for the holding of an indigna- tion meeting, at which it is proposed to make formal protests against what is desmbed aa the using of the Transvaal as a catspaw by British politicans. The Leader" declares tha* Sir Henry Cam pbell-Ba nnerman is falsifying the promises of his predecessors, tramping upon the resolutions of a. free people, raising far-reaching constitutional questions, and creating animosity and strife, and, perhaps, disloyalty, in order to win votes at home. The Mail" denies that the Liberals have the right to dictate in a matter which concerns the internal affairs of the Trans- vaal. and which affects even the very exis- tence of the Colony, in order to satisfy the itching paJm of political ambition. The temper of the Colonists is hostile to the action of the Government, and a crisis has been created which may easily become grave. —Central News. "Onsland," the organ of the Bond, as grati- fied at the decision of the Imperial Govern- ment to stop the further importation of Chinese coolies for the Rand, and regards it as the forerunner of the repatriation of all the Chinese already imported.—Renter. REVIVAL OF BITTER ANTAGONISM PREDICTED. The latest phase of the Chinese question has not tended towards promoting peace and goodwill. The Dutch and British papers continue dis- cussing the prohibition of Chinese recruiting with a great deal of acrimony, and in some quarters a revival of bitter racial antago- nism is predicted. The Cape Town "Argue'; says the clock in South Africa has been set back many years, and re-calls that in! past years Ghristmasiide has often been synonymous with internal trouble and strife. Though the Imperialists view the relnin of the Liberals to power with some dismay, the opposing section assert that South Africa I will lose nothing by the change of parties in Downing-street. One Dutch paper boldly asserts that some of the best of the Rand magnates are tired of the Chinese and their ways.—Central News.

ROYAL HONOURS. NEW TITLES AND APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED. The London Gazette contains the official notification of Lord Ha/wkesbury's elevation to an earldom on acceptance of the office of Lord Steward of his Majesty's Household. His lordship takes the titles of Viscount Hawkes- bury of Kirkham, in the county of York, and of Mansfield, in the county of Notting- ham, and Earl of Liverpool. -I The Hon. C. R. Spencer's new title-Viscount Althorp—on appointment to the office of Lord Chamberlain, is also gazetted. The London Gazette" further states that the King has been graciously pleased to confer on the Marquess of Lansdowne the Royal Victorian Chain. The following appointments to the Royal Victorian Order are also announced:— To be Knight Grand Crces-Earl of Clarendon, on relinquishing the office of Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order To be Qomnianders-Lozrd Alington and the Right Hon. John Sutterfield Sandar. The King has granted to the Right Hon. John Atkinson, new Lord of Appeal in' Ordi- nary the dignity of a baron for life, by the style and title of Baron Atkinson of Glen- wUliam. in the county of Limerick The "London Gazette" also contains the following War Office Memo. His Maiesty the King has been graciously tileased to approve of the Norfolk (Kings £ 5, imperial Yeomanry terns m future Y™ + Jj "The King's Own Royal Regiment, ha* ^inuslv pleased to confer upon the King's Own Royal Regiment, NorfoU* Imperial .tie honour ol beoomiw >» VII. o! Nor-OT from Hon. Licutenant-colonel in that regi- ment to be Honorary Colonel.

POLITICAL SITUATION THE KING TO HOLD A COUNCIL ON JANUARY 8. It is officially stated that the King will v,„,j oouncil on Monday, January 8. A? a meeting of the Chesterfield Division Hasiam, J-P-. secretary of the Derbys.mre MtoS? Association, and a mernbCT of the Parliamentary Committee of the Trades Union Rayley, JW.-tv, Hyde Division of a D- Liberal and Frree Trader. =

IRISH POLITICAL SPLIT. MR. WILLIAM O'BRIEN AND THE NEW CONCORDAT. vr William O'Brien, M.P., has sent a com- munication to a Dublin press representative, in which he states that the gentleman who waited on Mr. Redmond and Mr. Dillon, on the one side, ajid upon himself, on the other side, with a view to a friendly settlement of existing differences, did not act on his behalf or upon any hint or suggestion from him or anv of his friends. In the interest of peace, Mr O'Brien refrains from making any other observation. He will do all in his power, he sa va to secure a suspension of hostilities with a. view to united action in future.

MOTOR-CAR RACE TO DEATH. TERRIBLE DISASTER: ARREST OF THE eHA UFFEUR Mr James Martin, ens, brother of the well- known Bradley Martin, was killed at Flush- ing Long Island, whilst a-utomobile reusing. It appears that Martin's chauffeur attempted to pass the car in which deceased's son was riding. In carrying out this manoeuvre he dashed into the wayside trench. The car was utterly wrecked. Mr. James Martin's skull was crushed, death being instantaneous. Five otheifs Of his party were badly hurt. The chauffeur has boon arrested.—Central News.

STRANGE AFFAIR AT BRISTOL. CURIOUS CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY. At Bristol Police-court on Tuesday a. well- dressed young woman was charged on a, war- rant with leaving her infant child charge- able to the common fund of the Bristol Union. By her side in the dock was the warrant-officer of the Bristol Board of Guar- dThe Clerk (addressing the defendant): I understand that you dispute that you are I ixiith Jones? Defendant: I do most certainly. My name is Edith Haselhoof and not Jones, and I have never had a child. „ The Clerk: I understand that the nurse from the lying-in ward of the Bristol Work- house is in court, and she says that the young woman in the dock is not Edith Jones, the mother of the deserted child. Padfield, the warrant-officer of the Bristol Guardians, said that was so, but, unfortu- nately, the settlement-clerk, who had made the usual inquiries, was not at the office that The Clerk remarked that if he were he would not be able to go against the evidence of the nurse and the woman's statement. I suppose," he added, that the girl is desirous of returning to Swansea as soon as pos- sible?" Haselhoof said that she should like to go back to her situation at the earliest possible moment. She informed the magistrates that when she first went to her place at Swansea. there was a girl there named Edith Jones, and her name being also Biith, to avoid confusion she wAs called Fanny. After Edith Jones left, for some reason or other she was gene- I rally called by that name, and in that way she supposed that the mistake had arisen. Her mistress told her that the Swansea detec- tives had been to the house saying that there was a warrant against her at Bristol. She thought it would be better to come to Bristol than be arrested, and with her young man she came on. At the polioe-station she was detained, but on telling the facts to the inspector on duty that officer permitted her to wait in the charge-room by the fire. When the deputy-chief-oonstable arrived and heard her story and the statement of her young man that he had been engaged to her for eighteen months, and that she was not Edith Jones, she was liberated on her own I recognisances. I The Clerk said the magistrates would pay her fare back to Swansea either by steamer or rail. Miss Haselhoof preferred to return by rail, and on stepping out of the dock the first to shake hands with her was her lover.

EVAN ROBERTS AT WORK INVITED TO CONDUCT A MISSION IN PALESTINE. A great crowd thronged the Carnarvon 1 Pavilion on Tuesday at the opening session of Evan Roberts's special mission in th.3 town, the meeting having been preceded by a great united thanksgiving meeting for the revival at which remiltrkable scenes were witnessed and some very original prayers were offered. One said, "We thank Thee for thb Christmas holiday, but we thank Thee moire that Thou dotrt, never take holiday Thy- self. Thou art always at homo when we I kzraok at -SEbjr Aw." Among those present are an American deputation, which the Rev. Gwynro Davies (Barmouth) has brought, asking Evan Roberts to visit Palestine shortly and lead the Christian mission at Jerusalem and else- where. Some rich Americans undertake to bear all the oost. The missianer has promised to visit Merioneth at the close of Lia present mistaon if his health then per- mits. A feature of Tuesday night's meeting was the prominent part taken by a. number of well-known converts of last summer's mission. Responding to the missioner's appeal at the close, several made short public confessions, one declaring he had been for 26 years a notorious drunkard, but was now saved. "Believers," said one, "have changed their Master. The old master put them in prison; the new Master released them." "I have changed masters, too," cried another; "if you don't believe me, ask my wife," at which the crowd laughed. A number of converts were enrolled. Mr. Uoyd-George, who is spending Christ- mastide at Criccieth, called, in company with number of converts were enrolled. Mr. Uoyd-George, who is spending Christ- mastide at Criccieth, called, in company with his brother, Mr. William George, on Evan Roberts at Portmadoc, and they spent several hours together. A DRUNKARDS' REVIVAL GATHERING. Evan Roberts's gathering at Carnarvon on Wednesday may be fittingly described as a drunkards' revival meeting, the references to the past condition of several new converts being the feature of the meeting. A sensa- tion was created by an impressive and eloquent prayer offered by one who had loag been a notorious character in Carnar- von 1 0 Lord," he cried, I thank Thee for my reclamation—I, an old gambler, Sabbath- breaker, and notorious drunkard. Would to God I had never seen these things. My earn- ings, formerly spent in drink in hell's branch establishments, now bring comfort to a long cheerless home, and for this I thank Thee. Lord, Thou bast saved me, the greatest drunkard in the town. Save every drunkard, Lord." Prayers by women followed freely, emphasing the lessons of the remarkable prayer referred to. HYMN-SINGING AT AN ABERDARE THEATRE. A remarkable incident occurred at the Aberdare Theatre on Tuesday night. During a. performance of Saints and Sinners" by Mr. Harding Thomas's company the vestry scene was enacted with such impressiveness that the audience became thrilled with emotion and sang a hymn to the tune "Aberystwyth." For the moment tiho scene resembled a revival meeting.

A GRUESOME STOCKING REMAINS OF A SAILOR FOUND IN THE NORTH OF SCOTLAND. The remains of a human leg. encased in a fisherman's stocking which was found on the Great North of Scotland Railway at Buckpool was identified as having belonged to the unfortunate Buckie lad, James Thomron, who was drowned at sea off the nshing-bo-at Zenith last January. How the relic oajne to be on the railway is not known, but the railway runs near the seashore at the point where it was discovered, and it might well have been washed up on to the line.

ATTEMPT ON A CARDINAL ALLEGED CULPRIT COMMITS SUICIDE. The man Jose Salas Comas, who made an pttetmpt on the life of Cardinal Casanas on Sunday, committed suicide in his cell at Barcelona on Monday c evening by taking poison, which, it is believed, he had concealed on his person. During his laat moments Comas declared himself to be an Anarchist, aJid stated that his object in attacking the cardinal was to avenge those oppressed by clericalism.—Renter.

FATHER GAPON IN ITALY Farther Gapon arrived from Monte Carlo at a country house in the neighbour- hood of Bordighera, where he remained several hours, leaving in the afternoon. He travelled in a. private motor-car. In the same town there had gathered severaJ distinguished Russians, who had arrived from various places. It is impossible to ascertain the object of this meeting, which, however is said to be the prelude to the arrival of a high political personage.

THE HILDA DISASTER. The French Chamber of Commerce-in Lon- don has remitted to the chamber of oom- merce at Morlaix 20,000 francs ( £ 800) for the families of th of the Hilda disaster

DISAPPEARANCE OF MR. H. J. SIMPSON. 8' PROCESS IN BANKRUPTCY STARTED. Nothing transpired on Friday to explain the disappearance of Mr. H. J. Simpson, one of the m'oet promineBt coal merchants at the Cardiff Docks, and a. gentleman who is well known in trade and sport far outside the confines of South Wales, beyond the fact that he had incurred certain financial responsibilities, which in the opinion of his friends and associates might easily have been discharged. There was, however, & new development of a. somewhat startling character last wieek. On Saturday laat Mr. G. F. Fors- dike, solicitor, acting on behalf of Mr. H. A. Redford, a London stockbroker (brother, by the way, to Mr. Redford, lessee of the Theatre Royal, Cardiff), presented a petition to Mr. Harry Cousins, registrar of 1m. H. j. SIMPSON. Photo Long, Cardiff. the Cardiff Bankruptcy Court, asking for permission to issue » writ of substituted service in proceedings against Mr. Simpson. Consequent upon th&t petition on behalf of Mr. Redford, who i claims to be a creditor for £ 2,400, a notice appeared in the local pr«sg to the effect that the court has ordered 4Î!e sending of a sealed copy of the petition to Mr. Simpson's resi- dence at Porthcawl and his place of busi- ness at Cardiff Docks and the publication of the notice in the London Gazette and local newspapers shall be deemed good and sufficient servioe. It is,farther ordered that the hearing of thelpetition shall be fixed at the County-court offices, Weetgate-street, Cardiff, ool Januaii £ ^1906, and if the debtor does not appear court may make a receiving order in ju* jtbeenoe.

A CH^STPTAS FROLIC MAN AND WOMAN MASQUERADE IN EACH OTHER'S CLOTHES. A good deal of diversion was occasioned' on Tuesday at Bristol Polioe-court by a little Christmas frolic. A married woman, named Knight, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. It appeared that Knight and her husband had been keeping up Christmas at a friend's house, and during the frolic agreed to change their clothes. Attired in each other's garments, the jovial couple wended their way home- wards, but got separated in the crowded streets. Mrs. Knight, forgetting the charac- ter she was impersonating, began to bewail the loss of her partner, and shouted out that she had lost her husband. The crowd began to devote, if anything, too close an attention. The woman managed to escape to the passage leading to her house, but, unfortunately, ehe again forgot her role: Her husband usually carried the latchkey, and, thinking he must have got home first, she called on him to drop the key out of the window. By this time a constable arrived, and took the masquerader into custody. At the police-station the latchkey for which defendant had been calling was found In the pocket of the trousers. If she had remem. bered this she would have gained the refuge of her house, but as it was she was fined 10B. and costs LIEUT. GENERAL SIR W. C. NICHOLSON, K.O.B. (Who has just been appointed Quarter- master-General to the Forces. This office carries with it a on the Army Council as Third Military Member).

DROUGHT IN WINTER. REMARKABLE STATE OF AFFAIRS AT LEICESTER. With a, continuation of dry weather, the water famine at Leioester daily becomes more critical, and it is feared that the supplies will have to be further curtailed, although they are now cut off ten hours out of the twenty-four. One of the three reser- voirs is down to the dregs, and the other two have only a quarter of their normal quan- tities. About 300,000 gallons per day are obtained from a colliery shaft, and so great i3 the emergency that 200,000 gallons per day are being pumped from a well which has been sunk in a field adjoining the cemetery, at Belgrave, the waiter being pumped direct into the main3- When analysed it was found to be wholesome, but the people in the district supplied do not feel at all comfortable in drinking water obtained from a forty-foot deep well within sixty yards of a cemetery. The health of the town so far continues good, but the risks to many people appear very great. The population supplied is 267,000, so that in the event of contamination a serious disaster might easily happen. It is hoped in a couple of months to get some auxiliary supplies from the Corporation of Loughborough after tbeir wants have been met. The Derwent Valley scheme, involving an outlay of about eight millions sterling, is being pushed for- ward, but it cannot be completed for six years. The great deficiency in the year's rainfall has upset all calculations.

DEATH-BED VISIONS. Advance copies have just been received from the publishers of a new work entitled Counsels and Ideals, from the Writings of William Osier." Among other subjects dealt with by the well-known originator of the "too old at forty" theory is that of death- bed visions. These supposed visions, says Dr. Osier, are all nonsense. TIle has himself records of no fewer than 500 death-bed cases, where various emotions were shown, but never a, thought of the hereafter. As a rule, man dies as he lived, uninfluenoed practi- cally by the thought of a future life. Dr.* Osier edvises physicians to seek young com- pajuons to help them in their work.

MACHEN MOUNTAIN MELEE. REMARKABLE EVIDENCE AT NEWPORT. The story of a strange melee on Machen Mountain was told to the county magis- trates at Newport on Saturday. William Parnioott, William Bridge, and Edgar James Lewis, tin-workers, of Ponty- mister, were charged with assaulting Gomer Jones, of Bedwas. Mr. Goodfellow, of Caerphilly, appeared in support of the charge; Mr. Lyndon Oooper, of Newport, defended. Mr. Goodfellow told the magistrates that on the previous Saturday there was a minia- ture rifle shootin,g competition at Ponty- mister between the Bedwas and Pontymister clubs. It finished at about 8.45, and at nine o'clock the Bedwas team proceeded to walk over the mountain to Cthurdh Road to catch the last train home. They were accom- panied to the top of the hill by a friend from Pontymister to show them the way. After this man had left them they heard voices ahead, and, to make sure they were going the right way, the Bed was party shouted. A reply from the distance said "Yes." At this time three of the party were carrying rifles, and suddenly two men came out of the darkness and made a, grab at the weapons, but were elbowed off. The matter was looked upon as a joke, and, nothing being said, both parties proceeded on their way. However, one of the Bedwas party, named Rees, was some 200 yards behind the others, and his rifle was seized. He shouted for help, and his companions went back. Rees was found on the ground, and the three defendants on top of him. Garner Jones seized Bridge and pulled him off, and then the three men went for him. There was a scuffle, and blows were exchanged. The melee came to an end, and all the parties again went on their way. However, one of the rifles was lost, and was after- wards found broken. This had all taken place near Paruteg Farm. After the Bedwas men had gone about three-quarters of a r mHe they saw three men alongside the hedge, apparently waiting for them. One of them rush at them and seized Jones's rifle. He was felled to the ground, and was then struck on the head with the butt end of the rifle. Afterwards all of them took refuge in a cottage, where they remained till the morning, being afraid to go outside. The Magistrates here suggested that it might be well to see if some arrangement oould be come to. Mr. Lyndon Cooper said that his clients were as badly damaged as the complainant. The Clerk: Honours were easy. (Laughter.) Jones was in court with the top of his head completely enveloped in bandages, and Bridge appeared with the top of his head covered with plaster. After a consultation in private, Mr. Good- fellow said they had come to an amicable arrangement, and if the case were adjourned for a fortnight their worships would pro- bably hear no more of it. This oou.rse was adopted.

SPEECH LOST AND REGAINED REMARKABLE GLOUCESTER STORY. A remarkable instance of recovery of speech has just occurred in Gloucester (according to the "Gloucester Citizen"). About seven weeks ago Mr. Arthur Speck, of Percy's Passage, Hare-lstne, GtoucestetT. reoedvcd a. great shock by the sudden death of his father, who one Sunday afternoon walked from the dinner table end almost immediately expired. The son. was naturally terribly upset, and on the morning following the sad occurrence he found that he had lost his customary powers of speech-his vocal organs had been so affected as to only render it possible for him to attempt to articulate in whispers, and even then his effortB to make himself understood were attended with very small measure of success. By watching the movemen.te of her husband's lips Mrs. Speck was able to under- stand wha.t he wished to say, but, so far as other people were oonoerned, Mr. Speck was dentied the ordinary powens of conversation. This most regrettable and alarming state of affairs continued for fully seven weeks, during which period Mr. Speck was greatly distressed. His wife, thinking that a severe chill might be the cause of the low of voice, did all in her power to' drive any traces of coLd out of her husband's system, but all to no purpose. An enthusiastic footballer, Mr. Speck, accompanied by a friend, went to the KLngsholm ground on Saturday to see the match between Gloucester and Cheltenham. When Gloucester scored the first try, Mr. Speck, forgetting in his enthusiasm the fact that he had for all those weeks been deprived of his powers of speech, attempted to cheer with the rest of the crowd. His friend was astonished at the result,' for, despite the general noise, it was evident that Mr. Speck's voice had returned. Conversation speedily proved this to be correct, and. without wait- ing for his return home, Mr. Speck despatched a messenger to his wife with the glad intelligence. Mr. Speck is now able to converse as well as ever he could.

A DEATH-BED CONFESSION On his death-bed a respected farmer, aged 60. near Lyons, asked to make a confession, not to a priest, but unconditionally to his own relatives. Ten yeaa-s before a. neighbour, an agriculturist, like himself, had been found dead in the Loire. The body bore a. f. w suspicious bruises, but the police oonclud d, nevertheless, ,that death had bt. m accidental, and no inquiries were instituted. "The man was the murdered," said the dying farmer, and I was the murderer." He proceeded to relate his crime circum- stantially to his aghast relatives. When he had told his story he added that that was not all, and began to describe a second murder committed by him. This had been a case of mysterious disappearance, in which foul play had been suspected, but no evi- dence had oome to iight. He now related every circumstance of the deed. The story being done, ihe again said that more was to come, and charged himself with a. third and finally with a. fourth murder. He had told all this time, and having made a clean breast of it died two days later. The third and fourth murders, like the second, had remained unravelled mysteries for about ten years. Evidence pointed to crime, but not a. shadow of suspicion had ever fallen on the farmer, who, all his life, had been an honoured worthy of his village. His confession has been communicated to the police.

TELL-TALE FINGER PRINTS An extraordinary story was told at New- castle Police-court on Wednesday, when Geo. Nesbit, a lad of sixteen, was charged with breaking into the iromnongery shop of his employers, Messrs. Turnbull and Co. and Stealing X90 in gold. The police found finger-prints on a broken window and on a cash-book. These were photographed and enlarged, and after comparing them with impressions taken from the fingers of the 44 employes of the firm Nesbdt was arrested. The youth then showed a police-sergeant where a bag with JS85 of the money was buried. He said he took the key of the safe, concoaJed himself in the cellar after shop hours, opened the safe with the key, and forced the cash-box with a. crowbar. Nesbit's father said the boy had a good character at school. Reading sensational romances, he thought, had put this idea. into the boy's bead. The case was remanded.

A CARDIFF SHEBEEN. Before the Cardiff Stipendiary on- Thursday Thomas Miller pleaded guilty to selling beer without a. lioence at 6, Garth-street, Cardiff. Police-constable Pugsley spoke to visiting the house, and finding there a. 4Hraillon cask of beer. When spoken to defendant said, "I have to do something for a living." Prisoner stated that he had been idle for four weeks and had a wife and five children to keep. A fine of SZ and costs, or one month, was imposed. Masry Webb, Nora Collins, Elizabeth Day, and Sarah Williams were charged with illegrally deal ing in bear aA the same time and place. A fine of 5s., including ooeta. or seven days' imprisonment in default^ was imposed.

MAN SURRENDERS AT NEATH. THE ALLEGED ATTEMPTED HUKDEK'AT MACHEN. In October laat the Glamorgan county Police authorities issued notices to the various police forces throughout the country to the effect tha.t one David Evans was wanted on a charge of attempted murder, it being alleged that he attempted to kill Evan Bowen and Sarah Jane Evans, said to be his sister, by cutting them with a razor. The sequel was provided at Neath on Tues- day afternoon, when a man, representing himself to be the wanted" person, gave himself up to Polioe-constable Morgan, of the Neath Borough Police Force. Prisoner was taken to the station, where, after being cautioned by Inspector Jones, he said:— I am the man that absconded from Machen. I am wanted there on a serious charge, and also for absconding from the Welsh Regiment. I saw in the paper that I was wanted, and I know I am the man myself. I have been working at a brick- works. He was detained in custody and the Mon- mouthshire police communicated with. The alleged offence, it is stated, was com- mitted at Maindee Cottage, Maohen. STORY OF THE AFFRAY. The affair took place on October 4. In Upper Maindee House, situated on the eastern hillside of Lower Machen, there lived an elderly man named Evan Bowen, a sort of handy man in hedge trimming and general farm work, employed by the head woodman, of Lord Tredegar's estate, Mr. John Morgan. With him in the house lived Miss Sajiah Evans and her brother, David Evans, a. quarry man of about 25. On October 4 David Evans returned from work about six o'clock in the afternoon. In the house at the time were Bowen and Miss Evans, and a 1DJaJl raamed John EdmundB, who is nearly 70 yeajrs of age. It is said that Mies Evans asked her brother for his frail, and for answer he waJked towards a draiwer, snatched up a. razor, and rushed at her. She threw her hands up to her face for protection., and Bowon at the same time went to her help, bu<t was in turn savagely attacked- The tough old man, however, warded off a lunge at has throat, and actually forced his oppo- nent to the ground, being pluckily assisted by Edmunds and Miss Evans. The assailant disappeared, and all efforts to trace him were unavailing. DAVID EVANS BEFORE THE COUNTY BENCH. David Joshua Evams was reamoved to New- port on Wednesday, and in the afternoon, was brought up at an occasional court (before Mr. Titus Phillips) charged with feloniously and unlawfully wounding Sarah Jane Evans, his sister, with intent to kill and murder her. at Machen Lower, on October 4, 1905, and a. similar charge was preferred against him with respect to an outrage on Evan Bowen. an old man, living at Maindee Cottage, who was in the employ of Lord Tredegar, on the same daAe. Miss Evans was Mr. Bow en's housekeeper, and the prisoner lodged at the cottage for some time after he had left the Army. Police-sergeant Ta.ylor received the pri- soner from the Neath police. The officer said he read the warrants over to the prisoner, who made no reply to the charge. The accused was remanded in oustody .tuatil Saturday.

RAILWAY COLLISION. PASSENGER TRAIN RUNS INTO A STATIONARY ENGINE. A collision occurred on the Caledonian Railway at Milnwood Junction, near Bells- hill, nine miles from Glasgow, on Wednesday. The 7.50 a.m. train from Lanark was entering the junction when it ran into a. light engine standing there. Fortunately the train was not travelling at a high rate of speed, but the impact was such as to cause the derail- ment of many of the carriages. The guard, a man named Richardson, residing in St. Andrew's-plaoe, Lanark, was removed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary suffering from, severe cuts on the head and face, due to fall- ing glass, while eleven passengers were injured, only very slightly however. Several windows of carriages were shattered, and a passenger, who was suffering from an abra- sion on the forehead, 6aid this was a type of injury which several others had received. Another account says that nearly a score of passengers have reported themselves hurt, but none of the cases are serious. The pas- senger train was carrying between 300 and 400 people when the oollision occurred, and was going at a speed of about twenty miles an hour. After the first shock the train did not stop, but ran on for about 50 yards, I heaving in an alarming manner. Passengers were thrown across the compartments, amd many received severe cuts and bruises, whale a large number suffered from fright and shock. Ambulance assistance was obtained from a neighbouring ironworks, and the injured were taken by special train to Glasgow.

RESCUED BY LIFEBOAT. TWO DISTRESSED CREWS LANDED AT TENBY. During a. strong south-easterly gale on Wed- nesday the Tenby lifeboat was launched in answer to signals of distress shown by two schooners lying in Caldy Roadstead. The lifeboat went alongside the vessels and took off the men, landing them at the Royal Vic- toria. Pier soon after twelve o'clock. The vessels were the Mary and Gertrude, of Arklow, bound from Swansea to Castletown, in the Isle of Man, with coal (Riohard Kearns, skipper, and a crew of three men), and the Dennis Oarthy, of Wexford, also laden with cool, and bound from Newport to Wexford, having on board the master (Thomas Welsh) and a crew of three. Distress signals were flown because it was thought the cables would part, in which oase the vessels would have been driven ashore.

TRANSPORT UNDERTAKING THE TARDY REPATRIATION OF RUSSIAN PRISONERS. Arrangements have now been completed for the repatriation of the 70,800 Russian prisoners in Japan. The Japanese Govern. ment has consented to the men being shipped in the first instance to Vladivostok, whence they will be sent to Odessa. The Russian Volunteer Fleet and the East Asiatio Steam- ship Company a.re to carry out the work of transport. The East Asiaftio Company have bought several steamers which are to be used as troopships, while the Volunteer Fleet Asso- ciation are cha.rtering others. Many British owners have tendered to participate in the work, although so far the only British steamer fixed is the Monmouthshire. Alto- gether some fifty stea.mers will be required, the rate indicated being about JE:12 per head for the troops, and LM per head far the officers.

KAISER OPPOSED TO WAR GERMANY AND THE MOROCCAN TROUBLES. The Paris "Temps" professes to be in a. position to give the folio wing verba-tim report of the remarks on the Moroccan, question which were recently made by the German Emperor at a certain, private meeting:—"It is wrong," said his Majesty, that I have a. party of war around me. There is no suclv thing in Germany as a wax party. Even if suoh a. party did exist, the fact would not be of any importance, far to me alone belongB the power to make decisions. I do not desire war. I would urasider war as contrary to my duty in the sight of God and of my people. I was certainly annoyed by the pro- vocative behaviour of Delcaese, but I fully reoognise the tact amd firmness shown by M. Ronvier. I will do nothing to raise difficul- ties, and I ha.ve already given Tatten-boeh most oooc^wtorx iJlst.ruot.iO\118.<Jeu,t.nJ Ncv*.

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GRAVE IRRITATION IN CHINA. WIDESPREAD ANTI-FOREIGN MOVEMENT. For several months past a constantly- growing irritation has been observable in the attitude of the Chinese people toward* foreigners. This feeling of irritation haa become more widespread, although less intense, than the Boxer excitement. Foreign residents who are well acquainted with the Chinese character agree that the present time is one of unusual strain, and declare that the tendencies of Chinese poli- tics justify apprehension of future troubles. "China for the Chinese" sums up the objecla of the movement, among the chief promoters of which are many students of foreign learn- ing and newspapers conducted by Chinese educated abroad. These organs are begin- ning to gain great influence. The American boycott agitation has expanded into a discussion of China's wrongs at the hands of foreigners generally, and a determination to redress them. All foreigners are beginning to shax- in the hostility -which has been displayed towards Americans. Japan's victory over Russia. has encouraged the Chinese to believe that they could soo- ceed equally. The aggressive spirit has been decidedly increased by the war, and the suo- cessiful exhibition of the Northern Army aA the October manoeuvres has given. it an impetus. The Chinese are pleased with the result of the boycott in producing concilia- tory orders from President Roosevelt. The boycott is in no wise ended, but continues seriously to affect American trade with Can- ton and the Yangtsze regions. The Chinese are talking of a boycott as a permanent weapon in the national armoury, and the newspapers have advocated a boycott of Indian opium on account of the action off British officers of the Shanghai Court. One result of the present movement is to discourage concession-hunting. The Government has adopted a policy of Chinese control of railroads, mines, and similar enterprises. It refuses to grant new concessions, a.nd is trying to re-gain or annul several which had been previously granted. The objects of the agitation have the sym- pathy of many foreigners, but the danger is that inflammatory speeches or prints may lead to mob upraising like that at Shang- hai and that which resulted in the murder of American, missionaries at Lien-chau. In both oases it is declared foreigners inter- fered with Chinese rights, and the Ministers practically decided that the Shanghai muni- cipality exceeded its authority under treaties, and will direct it to recede from its position. The Government's attitude in punishing attacks on foreigners has been all that could be desired, although it hae winked at the boyoott. Foreigners living in cities where the Government is strong are assured of proteo- tion. although the Shanghai riots have caused opposition to the proposals for the with- dna/wol of troops in the spring. The danger of the present situation is that if friction between foreigners and Chinese occurs at places where officials are weak or indifferent more outbreaks may result.—Press Asso(a- tion Foreign Special. SHANGHAI, Wednesday. Mr. Twyman resumed his seat as British assessor of the Mixed Court to-day. Police were on duty as usual, but there was no guard. The proceedings were of a normal cha.rooter .-Reuter.

PEMBROKE DOCKYARD NEWS A HUNDRED WORKMEN TO GO TO GIBRALTAR. An Admiralty order has been received at Pembroke Dockyard directing the local authorities to get the cruiser Duke of EdíDo burgh (which is being prepared for commis- sioning) read to receive a nucleus crew by the 20th prox. The Admiralty have accepted for temporary service at Gibraltar, to repair the repair-ship Assistance, sixty shipwrights, two ship fitters, thirteen smiths, one founder, fifteen iroe caulkers, seven rivetters, four drillers, and four machine labourers who recently volnn. teered for that duty at Pembroke Dockyard and have directed that the men are to pro ceed to Gibraltar in two batches, leaving oa the 12th and 25th prox. respectively. A rumour which has been current at broke Dock for several days past, and accord ing to which orders bad been received at the dockyard to build a ship of the scout class. lacks confirmation. Vessels of that type have been heretofore designed by the builders, an4 it is. therefore, only on the assumption of a change of policy in that respect that the pro* bability of the rumour can be assumed. The fact that Lord Cawdor on the eve of retirement from the office of First Lord ot the Admiralty wrote to Lord Kensington stating that the Admiralty had no ship which they could allot to Pembroke Dockyard may be accepted as definitive, it being improbable that the new political heads of the Admiralty will reverse the policy of their predecessors— against the opinion of the naval members of the board and the civilian officers of the department, who remain the same, and must, presumably, have concurred in Lord Cawdor's views—before the general election takes place and it is known whether the new Government will continue in office.

TIBET AND BHUTAN. TASHI LAMA AND TONGSA PENLOP VISIT CALCUTTA. At Calcutta on Wednesday morning the Earl of Minto received a State visit from the Taehi Lama of Tibet and the Tongsa Penlop of Bhutan. The Lama's retinue rode through Calcutta mounted on shaggy ponies and blowing trumpets, the monks wearing quaint hats of various shapes, some resembling Roman helmets, some church steeples, and others cart wheels, with eilkem tassels attached. The Lama. himself was borne in a sedan chair, gorgeously lacquered. The tail of his pony, which was led behind the chair, was repeatedly kissed by reverent Buddhists. The Tongsa Penlop'a retinue was bare- legged and clad in garments of the richest silks. The Viceroy's visitors attended a race on Tuesday, and were profoundly impressed by the spectacle. They say they hau never oonceived there were such numbers of people in the world. Both the Lama and the Tongsa Penlop are evidently well supplied with money, for they have driven to numerous shops and made many purchases of toys. pictures, a.nd photographs.—Reuter.

THE FATE OF THE AQUA ANOTHER LIFEBUOY PICKED UP OFF TEIGNMOUTH. A Lloyd's telegram from Torquay on Wed- nesday stated that a lifebuoy was picked up at Teignmouth on Tuesday marked S-S, Aqua, London." The Aqua left Barry on November 25 for Buenos Ayres. A boat and a lifebuoy belong- ing to the vessel have already been picked up off the coast of Cornwall, and fears for th* safety of the ship have naturally been expressed. The vessel is not, however, yei overdue.

A LEEDS EXECUTION. At Leeds on Thursday George Smith, m bricklayer, was executed for the murder of his wife, at Ilkley, on September 12. The culpr.' passed a restless night, and ate a poor break- fast. He expressed penitence for his crime to the prison chaplain (the Rev. H. Maneell) just before the execution, which was oarried out satisfactorily. A drop of 6ft. Sin. was allowed. Pierpont was the exeflffitfiooaE. I aarifrted b*