The Cardiff Times

TURKEY'S APOLOGY. "Igaria Trying to Force a War. Saturday (via Frontier),—It baa tran- IP .e" that the Porto made a very complete *!ol to k*36 Government here for the recent t0 °f the Bulgarian frontier. This is taken ^ithTj0 Turkey really does not wish for war Vq Bulgaria. She has certainly been given pro- dtJon for a dozen wars without any apparent 'Te to take advantage of them. To judge from j} j 'Bents made by members of thia Government l^'Kada is resolved to go to war if lhat should ^ecessary to obtain autonomy for Macedonia, 'Or ft6 '^ea 13 to *orce Turkey to be the aggres- Hj Bulgaria's arrangements for war are prac- complete, bat it is thought advisable to ^jn.flate at least another month's stores of and ammunition. Therefore Bulgaria Hiding her time.—Central News. Demobilisation. Monday.—The demobilisation of 10,000 ^'kish troops corresponding with the Bulgarian v ttwbilisation of 5,000 men announced yesterday taken place. The troops for disbandment however, been selected from those called •^■s,a Minor. This fact, coupled with othei- 3f»perit3' 's re^'arded by the Cabinet as ominous .Turkey's real intentions in the matter of the ^obil i sat i on agree ment. —Renter. Protest Meeting at Newport. inhere was a large audience at the Temperance Newport, on Monday evening to protest ^?a'nst the Macedonian atrocities. The Rev, W. lhVlTn presided, and speeches were delivered by J- H. Blackwell; Rev. Elwyn Thomas, j a Mr F.J. Heybonrne. A resolution protest- ta*-aSa'nst the atrocities was passed, and adepu- « «on was appointed to wait on the Mayor ask- 8 him to open a local i«lier fund. Continued Fighting Mutinous Albanians. .lonika,, Monday.—A band bus been dispersed J •Felestin, near Seres, losing 11 killed. The » «rks had three killed. Pascal Uimitris' band been defeated in the Tchiri Balkan, near ^hricla with a loss of seven killed. Many small ^^nishes are reported. The Albanian battalion. Kama.novo is reported to have mutinied and y'UJdered the bazaar. Several Tarkish officers tried to restore order were killed. Salonika, Wednesday.—Thirty-seven batta- of recruits have been called out in the '•^yets of Salonika, Monastir, and Kossovo. In 2jjdition to those 23 battalions have been called g* in Anatolia, and are under orders for J™°nika. Two battalions, numbering 1,750 men, ^ivei here from Smyrna to-day.—Reuter.

THE ALASKA BOUNDARY, Decision of the Tribunal. > ?^ew York, Saturday.—The Associated Press j?'eRraphs from London that the members of the ^j'aska Boundary Tribunal this afternoon verb- j'V agreed to grant all the American conten- •°Os with the exception of those relating to the Ortland Canal, where Canada obtains an *Gditional waterway to the coast. The formal ^ision is expected to be rendered on Monday, a, Washington, Saturday.—The telegram sent by th •Gfc'oc]ate<1 Press from London summarising decision of the Alaska Boundary Cotnmis- Jon is the first intimation received by the J't&te Department on the subject. Although message is brief, the officials of the Depart- SeDt say it indicates a distinct victory fcr the Vn|ted States. In tbeir opinion the effect of the ision regarding the Portland C'tnal merely IVeB Canada the possession of Pearee Island, a Jaall island at the mouth of the Portland Canal no special importance. It divides the southern ?**t of the canal into two channels. Janada ^hierly had the undisputed use of the eastern hannel, and the present decision gives Canada he use of the western channel also. This detail the contros'ersy, the Department officials kRS been open to argument on both sides, ^fveuter.

THE DREYFUS AFFAIRE. Important Discoveries.—Case to be Reopened. j. Paris, Monday.—The "Matin" to-day pub- 'shes a statement according to which the inquiry 1413lertaalsten by the Ministry of War in conse- 6uence of the vote on the Dreyfus case passed by the Chamber last June has led to the dis- covery of new facts which will lead to the affair f^'ng reopened. It has been discovered, the ^Matin says, that the famous Camille ~e D document in reality contained the initial t not D," although Major Cnignet had affirmed in the original the letter was "D," and that it boresuspicious tracesof erasure. The process J:ba.l signed by Major Cuignet and other officers rs out this statement. The affidavit is said to have been found among the archives of the Plue St. Dominiqae, On the other hand, it has been ascertained, says the Matin," that the Cpy of the Artillery handbook found among the topers of Dreyfus does not Correspond at all in zogard to the number of the edition with the document given to Colonel Schwartz Koppen.— neuter.

THE ALLEGED PLOT AT PEKING. Mere Thieving Episode. Peking, Sunday.—Tuesday's episode at tbe ■British Legation, which l?ad bean described as an attempt to blow up the Legation, resolves itself On inquiry into a more robbery of ordnance stores, the work it is supposed of Chinese ser- vants. The thieves stole the fittings of the gun ?hd other portable articles but left the detonat- apparatus outside the magszine, apparently hading difficulty in carrying it away. All the stolen property has been recovered from the Junk dealers, to whom it was ftold by the thiisac -Pres Association Special Telegram. .g.

COAL IN AFGHANISTAN. Pesbawur, Sept. 24.—According to advices frotn Kabul, dated September 19. the Ameer is how staving at Kabul with his wives, and is ?hjoying excellent health. A coal deposit has *5en discovered at Koorokh in the Jugdalah fountains by employes of the Ameer, who have to Kabul many camel loads of coal, which, J'-ter being subjected to various tests, was found Bent to Kabul many camel loads of coal, which, after being subjected to various tests, was found to be particularly useful for fuel in workshops and machine sheds. A number of expert miners four companies of sappers and miners, under Jhe command of a colonel, with 400 camels, have sent to the scene of the discovery, and if there is a sufficient output from the mine an enormous saving will be effected in machinery penses. Coal of au inferior quality has already found in the Pagiimau and Jalalabad ■°*0tmtain3.—Renter.

THE SLEEPING SICKNESS. Expected to Reach Egypt and India. The, mail which has just reached London frorn East Africa brings further news of the ra.va.ges which are Leing wrought in Uganda by th terrible scourge known as sleeping sickness, which has recently been the subject of investi- gation at the hands of a Royal Commission con- sisting of representatives of the Foreign Office ahd the Royal Society. There is. it appears, too much reason to fear that the deadly disease will follow the course of the Nile and find its way jnto Egypt, or, through the east coast, to India. the advice of Colonel Bruce, the head of the Commission of Inquiry, the local Industrial Mis. Fiiorl has been removed from Mutungo, in Uganda, owing to the increase in the number of cases. hrougb the generosity of a local chief, however, "Ilother site has been secured in close proximity to the capital, where new buildings will be Greeted. Despite the highly technical investiga- t'ons which have been set on foot, little is known at present of the manner in which sleeping sick- ia disseminated, although Dr. Louis Sam- *?n> lecturer to the London School of Tropical blediciiie, has just expresseci the view that the carrier of the disease is a fly known by the name "t Glossma Palpalis."

■Hi, TRAIN ROBBERY IN RUSSIA, Passengers' Luggage Stolen. St. Petersburg, Saturday.—A daring and sue. cessfuj attack was made last night on the Pa-ssouger train running between Wirballen and Petersburg. When the train was travelling -■etwesu Duenaburg and Pleskau, ten men Jumped on the luggage van and overpowered both guards, whom they bound and left iu an 'njuted conditiou. They tUen proceeded to rifle the lugga-e ttn-I rob the srfe. After securing their booty the robbers escaped into the forest.— euter.

NO FOOD FOR FOUR DAYS. Rescued from a Derelict. New York, Monday.—The lumber schooner £ and Bessie, which left Georgetown, Prince ^dward Island, for Patchegue. New York, over a ^°Qth ago, was picked up derelict by the steamer ~*»ve*ford in the Atlantic yesterday. The Ruby and DesHie was disabled in a storm a month ago, °d has been drifting at the mercy of the eatber ever since without being able to make her condition known. There were thirteen People on board the schooner, some of them Ji'dreij. W'ri picked up bv the Havrford hey had beeii %it.it, t food for four days.and were a terrible condiUoii tlotll want and exposure. have been lana'eu. ttt Philadelphia.— efltra,i News. 14

r British Warships Collide. MANCEUVRING WITH LIGHTS OUT. Ferrol, Sunday.—A collision uccurred early this morning between H.M. battleships Prince George and Hannibal during the manoeuvres with lights out. The operations were suspended, and both vessels proceeded to Ferrol with the assistance of other ships of the sqnadxon.—Reuter. Ferrol, Sunday.—The cruiser Hogue arrived here this afternoon. She reports that the battle- ship Prince George suffered some damage last night and will require to be docked. The Channel fleet will arrive here to-day.—Central News. A telegram from Lloyd's agent at Ferrol, "tl'n dated last evening,says :—" The British men-of- war Prince George and Hannibal have been in collision, and have put in here. The former vessel is badly damaged the latter slightly damaged. All the fleet have put in. On inquiry at the Admiralty last night with reference to the collision a Pieas representative was informed that the Department had no com- munication to make. The Prince George is a first-class battleship of 14,900 tons, launched at Portsmouth in 1895. She belongs to the Majestic class of battleship, and has been in the Channel Fleet since 1896. Ferrol, Sunday Evening.—The Channel Fleet arrived here this evening. The battleship Prince George arrived in a damaged condition. She collided with the Hannibal at sea yesterday. It was found that some damage had been done below the water line. The dry dock here is rather too small to take the Prince George, and it is hoped the injury can be repaired afloat,- Central iTews. The Secretary of the Admiralty has issued for publication the following telegram, which has been received from the vice admiral commanding the Channel Fleet at Ferrol, dated the'18th inst —" I have put into Ferrol with the Channel Fleet on account of the Hannibal having collided with the Prince George during a turning movement on the night of Oct. 17th. Considered it advisable to proceed to Ferrol to ascertain the full extent of the damage, as the after submerged torpedo flat of the Prince George filled with water. No damage was done to the Hannibal. I will report further when the damage has been ascertained, and I will take the necessary steps for repairs and inquiry into the cause of the accident. No one was hurt." Ferrol, Monday.—The Prince George was I seriously damaged in the tollision with the battleship Hannibal. The Bannibal struck the u»i ,h» side. The Hannibal's ram enshed through the side of the ship and the water rushed through in great quantities. The crew did their utmost to temporarily patch up tht breach, and were successful in making the ship seaworthy enough for the short voyage to Feriol. The dock at Ferrol being too small to take the Prince George the battleship has been grounded. Further re pairs will be carried out here, bat the battleship will have to be towed to England and docked for the damage to be made good.—Central News. SENSATIONAL ESCAPE. Ferrol, Tuesday Afternoon.—The British Channel Fleet will, it is announced, remain hero until the repairs to the Prince George have been completed and she is in a position to proceed under convoy to Portsmouth. The collision, which v-roved so serious for the Prince George, occurred at 2 o'clock in the morning in darkness which was almost pitch black. The ships of the squadron ware engaged in manoeuvres, designed to demonstrate the work in which, in time of war, t fortified land position should be attacked. Con- sequently none of the vessels carried lights. Everything went well until the time named, when the Prince George suddenly sighted close on her port aide the battleship H»,nnibal. She sounded her steam horns, but too late to enable the Hannibal to get out of the way, the col- lision taking place almost immediately. The Ha-nnibal was only slightly damaged, but the Prince George had a hole torn in her side 15 feet below the water mark. Night signals conveyed to the rest of the fleet the news of the collision, and all were aoon moving towards the Prince George with all lights showing. Collision mats had been got out and placed over the damaged side of the battleship by her own crew. With the assist- ance of men from the other ships all weight on the Prince George was removed to the star- board side, thus equalising to some extent the extra weight of water which had poured into her through the bole, and so keeping bsr upright. Most fortunately there was a smooth aea, and to this circumstance, coupled with the modern con- struction of the Prince George, is undoubtedly due the fact that she did not founder. When the Prince George arrived here it was found that the largest dock was just 20 feat too small to accommodate her. The work of repait is going on steadily, and the Spanish FtuthatitieF3 are giving all possible ass i stance. -Central Newa. Ferrol, Tuesday.—The repairs to H.X. battle- ship Prince George will be completed in live days. -Reuter.

THE DUKE'S SUCCESSOR. At last Mr Balfour has finally completed his Ministry, and one of the most notable of the latest appointments is that of the Marquis of Londonderry to be Lord President of tb Conn- cil in succession to the Duke of Devoashire. This post, which, though an important one carry- ing great prestige, does not entail aryvery onerous duties, Lord Londonderry will combine with his present post of Minister for Education, The latter office, which was instituted for the first time by Mr Balfour, was given to him iJ) con- sequence of the good work he did as PreFident of the London School Board. For many years The Marquis of Londonderry, new Lord President of the Council. Lord Londonderry bad been prominent in politics, thongli holding no official position in the Cabinet,, but it was not till 1900 that he wa; asked to join the Administration, when the Duke of Norfolk resigned the office of Postmaster. General in consequence of going out to the front with the Yeomanry. Since then his promotion has been very rapid—first, Postmaster-General in 1900. then Minister for Education in 1902, and now Lord President of the Council. The Marquis of Londonderry ip a very wealthy and influential Peer, who is a great Bocial force and a personal friend of the King. Indeed, this very week his Majesty has been his guest at his splendid country seat, Wynyard Park. His new office gives him considerable advancement in precedence, and now after the blood royal he ranges fifth.

SENSATIONAL SUICIDE. Birmingham J.P.'s Desperate Act- Thp Central News says Mr James F. Howard Cartland, head of the well-known Birmingham brassfounders* firm, James Cartland and Son, committed suicide at noon on Sunday by shoot- ing himself with a revolver in a Seld near his residence at Edgbaston. He had been in indifferent health for some tinle, under tieat- ment by Dr. Ballance, and had complained of severe pains in his heal. The deceased gentle- man was a prominent figure iu public and com- mercial life in Birmingham, and the family of Cartland is one of the most honoured in'the Midlands. He was a magistrate for the city of Birmingham.

THE COMPLETE CABINET. Remaining Vacancies Filled. Mr Balfour has now completed the reconstruc- tion of his Ministry, and we are authorised to announce that the King has been pleased to approve the following appointments — > Mr C. S. Dickson, K.C., to be Lord Advocate and Mr Eftvid Dundas, K.C., to be Solicitor- General for Scotland. Mr Charles Scott Dickson bas been Solicitor- Mr Cbarle, General for Scotland since 1896, and a member of Parliament for the Bridgeton division of Glas- gow- since 1900. Mr Dundas i3 associated pro- minently with the Edinburgh University, being Govetnor of Fettes College, a member of the University Court, and Lord Rector.

FLOODS AT BEDLINOG. Nantwen Pit Stopped. In consequence of the heavy rains of last week at Bedlinog, a large culveri that runs through the village was choked with boulders and burst. A deep trench was torn in the road, and the water ian into shops and dwelling-houses, causing much damage and inconvenience. No work was carried on at Nantwen Pit (Messrs Guest, Keen. and Nettlcfolds, Ltd.) at the latter end of the week in consequence of water overpowering the pumps and debris choking then?. It is said that the water is about 4ft. deep in scme pJaces. There is always much trouble with water in this pit.

GLASGOW RAILWAY SMASH. Engine-Driver Acquitted. The Glasgow High Court was all yesterday engaged with the trial of Henry Norlhcote. the engine-driver of the excursion train "hich ran into the buffers at the Glasgow and South- Western Station at Glasgow on July 27th, whereby 16 people were killed and 22 injured. The passengers were returning from the Isle of Man. The jury returned a verdict of Not guilty," and recommended railway companies to adopt means whereby drivers would learn at the home signals the length of the platform they «»»ere about to sntox, Northcote was discharged.

WORK OF OLD HANDS. I The London police are very hopeful that their efforts to trace the authors of the daring and 'successful robbery of some £ 10,000 worth of jewels from the Auction Galleries of Messrs Knight, Frank, and Rutley, in Conduit-street, will be successful. The detectives engaged on the case recognise the work of old hands in the well-conRidered plan, and the cool skill with which the robbery was effected. The safe in which the jewels .were securely locked on Thursday night was not forced. It | was possible, of course, for the thieves to have secured impressions of the keys before they began their operations. ) It is believed that the stolen jewels are still in the country, and certain suspects belonging to a well-known group of burglars, who make a speciality oi this sort of crime, are under care- ful observation. The ports are being watched, and it is thought that the criminals have not been able to escapy with their booty. From inquiries made by a Press representa- tive, it seems that the discovery of the thieves will lay bare a very surprising story. The police have "something up their sleeves," but naturally cannot disclose its nature. The suggestion that a man was concealed in the galleries on Thurs- day night receives additional support from some minor clues which have been obtained, and there is much hope both of laying hands on the thieves and the stolen property.

A WOMAN CONCERNED. The detectives engaged in tracing the burglars who stole ten thousand pounds worth of jewellery from the premises of Messrs Knight, Frank, and I Rutley, Conduit-street., are proceeding on lines suggestive of the methods of Mr Sherlock Holmes. The stumD of a candle used by the thieves has been found. Upon the molteu wax which had guttered over the sides of the candle the clear impress of a finger and thumb had been I made by the person who carried it. 0,1 Monday this impression was photographed, and an en- larged print from the negative will be compared with a number of similar fiuger-prints of crimi- nals catalogued at Scotland Yard. In addition. the distinct trace of a band has been discovered II upon a pane of glass cut away by the burglats to aid them in gaining admission to the room, and this, together with tba mark of a hand on the wall near the staircase, was on Monday photo- graphed by the police, The discovery of a hair- pin in the room lends colour to the suggestion that a woman was concerned in the burglary. I

TERRIBLE LONDON FIRE. Three Lives Lost. A fire broke out early on Monday in a boot- maker's shop, 386, Jtackney-road. London, occu- pied by a, man named Zan.smer, with his wife, six daughters, and a son. The young women were awakened shortly after 2 o'clock by dense volumes of smoke. They went from the second to the first floor, where they found the house in flames. They instantly rushed to the window, and the children, six in number, sprang ihto the street. All were more or less severely injured They were quickly removed to the Hospital. Meantime nothing was seen of the man and his wife and the remaining daughter, Nellie. The crowd became intensely excited, but by the time the lire engines arrived the flames had spread with sich rapidity that the entire building was one mass of flames, and it was obvious that the re- maining inmates must have perishad. The powerful engines were set to work, and in 20 minutes the fire was subdued and the remains of Zansmer and his wife and daughter were found. Death was caused by suffocation.

n_ A RAILWAY SMASH. THIRTY-SIX KILLED AND INJURED. New York, Satuxday.A disastrous railway collision occurred to-day on the Pennsylvania traclt eight miles from Trenton. A train in which 180 railway workmen were packed into two cars was rammed by a gravel train. Both cars were completely telescoped, and 16 of the workmen ¡ were killed and over a score injured. The work- men for the most part were Italians, and the sur- vivors attempted to mob the crew of the gravel train. It was only with much difficulty that the frantic Italians were quietened iown.-Contral News.

OFFICER'S LOVE TRAGEDY. Sensational Murder and Suicide. Brussels, Monday Night.To-night a young Mexican officer, Carlos Jose by name, who had been sent here by his Government for the pur- pose of studying the manufacture of gunpowder, stabbed to death his young and beautiful mis- tress, Flora Vanderrnenten. Immediately after- wards the young officer blew out his own brains. It is believed that the man was actuated by jealousy. The Brussels police, on being informed of the terrible occurrence, at once sent informa- tion to the Mexican Legatiou.-Central News.

CODING OF RACE TELEGRAMS. Ingenious Fraud Alleged at Bristol. At Bristol Police Court on Tuesday a case of alleg betting frauds of quite a remarkable nature was investigated. The accused, Geo. Phillips, of Lewisham, Kent, and William Sales, of London, were charged with conspiring to defraud. It was alleged that by rieans of ti trick they induced the Post Office to for- ward betting telegrams bearing a time prior to that at which they were actually handed in. Their method, as described by the prosecuting solicitor, was simple and ingenious. One man entered the Post Office, purchased a postal order and despatched a large number of telegrams. Later a second man visited the Post Office, and on the ground discovered a postal order and two undespatched telegrams. The owner of these, who in the meanwhile, so it was alleged, bad obtained the result of a race by telephone call to London, returned for his lost postal order, and then ascertained that two of his telegrams had not been sent off. Having inserted the name of the winning horse. he induced the post official officiai to back-code the telograiiis and despatch them. Frauds of this nature were alleged to have been perpetrated in Bristol and Bath. Evidence was given bear- ing ont these facts, and the case was adjourned so that another man apprehended in London might also be charged.

LUNATIC ASYLUM TRAGEDY. Mr Bate, the West Cheshire coroner, held an inquest on Monday on the body of James Peacock, an elderly inmate Df the Cheshire County Lunatic Asylum. The evidence showed that deceased, who was suffering from paralysis. had occupied a single room near one of the dormitories on the 9th. An attendant, hearing the door shut, entered and found another inmate, named Prettyman, undressing and about to occupy Peacock's bed. Peacoct himself was not there. On the floor near ifae bed were blood' staius. Prettyman, when asked where Peacock was, said, "I have done foi him." Peacock, who could not have walked himself, was dis- covered in the lavatory, face downwards, with bruises on his forehead and noas, and he died on the 14th inst. from pneumonit. Dr. Lawrence, medical superintendent, said tho pneumonia might have been slightly accelerated by the in- juries, and it might have occmred without them. Prettyman had also since died from natural causes. The jury found that death was acce- 16rated by the injuries, and that there was not sufficient evidence to show how they were caused. They also unanimously found that there had been no negligence on the part ol the attendants of the Asylum.

MAYORESS DROWNED. Mrs Fothergill, the mayoress of Assetfc, near Dewabury, was found drowned on Tuesday morn- ing in a mill dam, which adjoins her husband's house. It is stated that the deceased, who was 70 years of age, had been rathe; depressed of late. She partook of breakfast on Tuesday morning with Mr Fothergill, a mungo merchant, and later, it is said, climbed a fence and jumped into the water.

DEAF MUTE'S SAD END. ■; :*3S*KS» On Monday Eunice Hail (29), a single woman residing with her father a haulier, at Gnns Mills, near Newnham. Dean Forest, was found drowned in a mill pond. Sb:) was geen making her way hurriedly towards tht water, but help arrived too late to be of any -ivail. Deceased, whose appearance suggested trouble, had had t'vo illegitimate children. She was deaf and dumb, and in poor circumstances.

p- A MAD HERBALIST. On Tuesday the body of a. man named Hall, a herbalist, of Bury, Lancashire, was found,deaii in his bedroom, with his bead nearly severed from his body. while Hall's vosug son was also discoveted dead, with bis throat cut. A lazor covered with blood was lying jn a bed, and it is tupposed Hall first cut his ¡¡on's throat and hen his own.

SHOT HIMSELF DEAD, Marine Insurance Broker's Suioide. TVIR Arthur S. Dempsey, a well-known marine insurance broker, of Liverpool, shot himself ( dead with a revolver in his oflice on Tuesday. Deceased, who was about 50 carried on a large business, and it is supposed tbs state of affairs at present in the shipping trade bad worried him.

FRANCO-CHINESE AGREEMENT. Paris, Tuesday.- At a Callinet meeting to-day M. Delcaase announced tie signature of an agreement with China extending for a further period of four years the management of the arsenal at FueL.cn by the Fiench mission, whose contract had expired. The agreement also stipn- lates for the engagement of a French professor for schools connected with the arsenal and the organisation of a sanitary service, which will be placed under the direction of a French dgo;oz. Beater.

LOCAL TRADER SUNK. Narrow Escape of the Crew. NARRATIVE BY THE RESCUED. i On Saturday evening the s.s. Carnsew, belong- ing to Messrs Harvey and Co., of Hayle, a regular trader between South Wales and Hayle, in Cornwall, was run into and sunk in the Bristol Channel between Bull Point and llfracombe. The colliding e learner was the Everest, a vessel of 1.646 tons register, and owned by Mr Peter Rowe, of Cardiff The Carnsew it an iron screw steamer of 340 tons, and was built by Harvey and Co. at Hayle. The Carnsew had left Newport on Tuesday with a cargo of coal, but was weather-bound and re- mained in Penarth Roads until Saturday after- noon, when she proceeded down Channel. The Everest, also coal-laden, left Cardiff the same day, and it is a curious feature of the affair that both steamers weie proceeding down Channel in the same direction when the disaster occuired. The Carnaew carried a crew of nine men, in- P cluding Captain Seymour, the master. It appears —from information gleaned from the rescued men--that the collision occurred about 8 o'clock on Saturday night. The Cam «w was struck amidships on the port side, and from the force of the impact it at once became apparent to the men on tho watch. including the captain, that the craft could not float for any length of time. It was fortunate that at the time of the collision the watch was about being changed, and :he majority of the crew were consequently on deck and in a better position to save themselves than they otherwise would have been. Three of the crew of the Carnaew, including Captain Seymour, scrambled on to the bows of the Everest as she was locked in the Carnsew, while the remainder had con- siderable difficulty in launching the lifeboat to save themselves. The Everest sustained severe stem damage, and subsequently re- turned to Barry Roads, where she is now anchored. The shipwrecked men were landed at Barry on Sunday, and were Kindly cared for by Captain Sharpies, at the Sea- men's Mission Rooms. The captain and two men remained there during Sunday night, while the chief engineer went to his son's house at Penarth, the remainder leaving for Hayle late on Sunday night. They had been provided with clothing and sufficient money to carry- them to their destination by Mr R. T. Duncan. the local agent for the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society. Tho crew of the Carnsew, all of whom were rescued, is as l'ollows CaptL%i n Seymour, master; Thomas Markham, mate; Richard Gilbert, chief engineer Charles Jose. second engineer Rich. Pearce, A.B. Paul Goldsworthy, A.B. John Richards, fireman R. Matthews, fireman I brank Sutchard, fireman. All, oi nearly all, belong the Hayle. Interviews with Rescued Men. In the course of au interview, Richard Pearce, one of thA crew, seen at Barry on Sunday evening, said that it was one of the most for- tunate things connected with the affair that the watch was about being changed. Had you any warning o." was the reply, the vessels collided at a time when they appeared to be trying to got out of each other's way. The Everest came straight on the Carnsew and struck U3 amidships. After the first imDact our steamer receded about nine or ten yards, but the Everest came on again a second time and then a third time. Our steamer was cut down to the water's edge and there was no hope for her from the first. Captain Seymour was in charge of the watch, and my stepson, Paul Goldsworthy was at the wheel. We were given very little timo to get out our boat, and we had. considerable difficu' y iu doing so. She bad to be cut adrift from the davits, and it was then a scramble to get into her. When we got in we found that ibe was more than half full of water, and it was only by continuous baling and hard pulling that we were able to reach the Everest in time to be picked up from one perilous position. In the scramble to get the boat loose my son got I his arm severely crushed, and after coming to Barrv his wound had to 1M rlrAss«d bv Dr. Brav. iWe were fortunate indeed to escape with our lives. Subsequently the second engineer and two other members of the crew were seen by our reporter at Cardiff. They corroborated in the main the facts set forth alove, and further stated that they had practically no warning of the collision, but tbat the night was clear and the sea was fairly smooth.

SCHOONER TURNS TURTLE, CARDIFF TRADER TO THE RESCUE. Thrilling Experience. The steamer Atbara, which docked at Roath on Friday, reported having picked up four out of seven of the crew of the Portuguese schooner Tatacho Christina, which was seen to founder. Interviewed on Saturday by one of our representatives, Captain Dew, of the Atbara, stated that on August 1st the 'Atbara was approaching Cape Trafalgar when the chief officer saw a topsail schooner in distress. She proved to be the Tatacho Christina. She sud- denly capsized, and before any assistance could be rendered bv the Atbara the little schooner had completely disappeared. All bands on the Atba,ra were called on deck, and the starboard lifeboat was launched with a volunteer crew under the second officer, Mr H. Browning. A strong south-easterly gale was blowing at the time, accompanied by terrific squalls and very heavy seas. Some of the crew of the capsized schooner were seen drifting about in the sea, some ,clink- ing to wreckage, and one, who was buoyed up by two lifebelts, was swimming towards the Atbaia. Notwithstanding the tempestuous character of the sea, the Atbara's lifeboat was launched and succeeded in rescuing four of the Portuguese crew of seven all told. This included the cap tain, his son, and two others. The Atbara craised around about the wreckage for some hours when the hope of saving more lives was aban- doned, and with difficulty they succeeded in getting the rescued and rescuers on board. The lifeboat had been damaged, and at one time it was feared it would bo impossible to get her back on board. It seems that just before the captain of the schooner was saved he had given up his life belt to his son, and was on the point of sink, ing when rescued. Great credit is due to Mr Browning and the others who volunteered with him to proceed to the scene of the disaster. The survivors were landed at Malaga on August 2nd. BRIGANTINE SUNK. I One of the Crew Missing. In an interview with a Trover correspondent, Mr Fred Brown, the mate of the brigantine Ring- leader Q84 tons), which foundered after collid- in with a vessel, which has subiecjueutly proved to be the barque Hawthornbauk, said the collision took place between Folkestone and Dover, about six miles from the shore. The weatuer was thick and overcast. A large iron sailing vessel sud- denly loomed out of the haze and struck the Ringleader near the forecastle. The brigantine commenced to settle down immediately, and sank within five minutes. The crew had a very narrow escape as they had to lift their an,all boat from the deck over the side of the vessel. Five of the men clambered into her, one, a Greek, being injured by a blow from some gear as he left the deck. Two others of the crew were missing. It was possible that they may have clambered up to the cplliding vessel, but the survivors believed they had perished. The five men were landed at Dover on Saturday mowing, and conveyed to the Sailors' Home, where they have been suitably provided for. The Ringleader belonged to Faversham and was commanded by Captain Baker, of Whitscable. She was bound from Shields to Folkestoue with coal. WATCHET SHIPPING CASUALTIES. During the heavy weather of last week, says our Watcliet correspondent, several vessels be- longing to local owners, which were at sea. met with casualties. The schooner Dantzic (belong- ing to Captain W. Escott) has put into Milford Haven, where she reported having lost her main- sail, boom jib, and foreyard, in the course of a voyage down the Bristol Channel. The Trio, another schooner belonging to the same owner, also put into the same haveu, having lost her topgallant sail, and also a chain plate, etc. As far as is known the other craft escaped without much damage. Ship Lost; Crew Destitute, The captain of the British barque Invermore telegraphing from Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, report* that vessel totally lost all on board saved crew destitute nothing saved: waiting relief. Steamer Sunk off Dover. Lloyd's Dover agent telegraphed on Sunday that the ship Buccleuch, of Liverpool, Rangoon for Amsterdam, with rice, has anchored in Dover Roads with iibboom carried away, bowsdainaged, and the fore compartment full of water, having been in collision during the inght off Varne been in collision during the inght off Varne Lightship with the steamer Kyanite, of Glas- gow. The latter sank, The ctew were saved, and landed at Dover from the Rncdcncb. The Kyanite was a small steamer ot 235 net tonnage.

SPINSTER'S TERRIBLE STORY. Alleged Brutal Outrage at Haverfordwest John Edward Phillips, of the Boot and Shoe near Haverfordwest, wa,? committed by the Haverfordwest county magistrates on Saturday to take his trial on Tuesday at the Quarter Ses. sions on a charge of breaking into the house. of Martha. Warlow, of Uothy Bridge, and committing a criminal assault. The pro- secutrix, who is a spinster, aged 47, told a terrible story of the brutal manner in which she alleged prisoner assaulted her. BeRi'fciJ the criminal assault stated in the charge she said be held her on the ground and beat her about the face to snch an extent that she lost four teeth and there were pools of blood on the floor. Prisoner admitted having been in the house, but denied the assault.

A WIFE SLAYER SENTENCED- At the Central Criminal Court on Tuesday Den- nis McCarthy, labourer. was indicted for the mur- der of Rose McCarthy by stabbing her in Cable- strest. Prisoner stabbed deceased in the street, because he saw her drinking with other women, and then surrendered to the police. The jury found him guilty of manslaughter. The Ju3ge l said the jury had ta-keu x. merciful view of pri- soner's act, He sentenced him to 15 yearii, penal eervitutls.

Passive Resistors Indignant. PROTESTS AT CARMARTHEN. The passi resistance movement is gaining strength at Carmarthen, and on Monday 20 I additional summonses for non-payment of rates which had been issued by the rate collector (Mr A. Llewelyu Davies) were heard, the presiding justices being Mr W. Morgan Griffiths (in the chair), Mr Hy. Howell and Mr James Davies. The conscientious objectors and the amounts due were :i, follov:-J. W. and D. D. Jones, Quay- street, for 98 btd George Phillips, Quay, 2d Owen Evans, Blue-street, 5d .Tames Bright, Spring Gardens, 10s 5Jd Edwin Job, Anchoi House. £ 6 15s lid. Griffiths, 52, Lammas-street, £ 1 5s 9d Harriet JelTreys, Water-street, 4d D.N.Jones, Water-street, £ 2 5s 3d Rev. A. Fuller Mills (B), £ 4 14s 6d D. R. Tank. St. Peier's-atreet, 3d Rev. Edward Davies (M), £3 6s 6d Thos. Daniel, Priory-street,Xl Os 3d Dd. Morgan, Pennel-street, 3d B. F. Richards, Franci3-terrace, 2d John Jones, Richmond- terrace, 12s 2d George flowells, Waterloo- terrace, 17s 8d Wm. Williams, Waterloo- terrace, £176; Rev. E. Ungoed Thomas (B), n Os 6d Hav. W. W. Lewis (P), zEl 7s, and John Morgan, Waterloo-terrace, zEi Os 3d. The last- mentioned case was settled out of court. In the cases where tho sums amounted to only a few pence the defendants had paid the rate minus the small balance calculated to be the amount to be devoted to purposes under the Education Act, whilst in some of the remaining instances the whole rate had been refused with the object of preventing the money being again paid anonymously to the rate collector. The sympathisers of the movement held a prayer meeting at Zion Presbyterian Chapel before pro- ceeding to the police court, where the accommo dation was much too limited, and at the request of the Rev. A. Fuller Mills the Bench adjourned to the commodious Crown Court in the Guildhall, which was immediately packed with townspeople, who cheered the more prominent of the defend- ants as th&y appeared on the platform. The Chairman asked if it was worth while having a speech from each defendant. Could they not appoint cue gentleman to express the views of tho whole ? The Rev. A. Fuller Mills said the defendants had not come to any common agreement, .nd he thought each case must be taken sepalately. They were, however, all agreed that an objection should be made to the presence of Mr Jam "s I Davies on the Bench, on the ground that he was a foundation manager. (Applause.) Mr James Da-vies I am advised that there is no valid legal objection to my sitting, and I shall therefore sit. The Rev. A. Fuller Mills It is a matter of taste. Mr James Davies.: It is not a matter of taste. I am here as a justice to do my dnty, and I am only sorry that other justices have not pluck to do their duty. This is not a conscience court it is a court of justice, and I sit. (Hear, bear.) The cases were then dealt with in th3 above order, an], subject to the remarks reported in the cases referred to below, the usual order for the fuP. amount and costs was made in each case, distress warrants to be issued in the ordinary course. George Phillips, Quay, said he had a spiritual reason against paying the rate. The Chairman said it was rather outside the bounds of that court to listen to spiritual reasons. The Bench had to deal with the law as it stood. The Clerk (Mr R. M. Thomas) said it was within the discretion of the Bench to say whether they would listen to spiritual reasons," but, in his opinion, there would be no good purpose served in doing so. The defendant I will never pay, sir. (Applause.) James Bright, after the order had been made upon him, said This is an instance of the tyranny of the Church of England. iLoud applause.) The Chairman I don't want to clear tha court, but I shall do so if these deinonstratiojis continue. Voice from weil of the court It is public, sir. The Chairman You have no right to inter- iero in a court ot justice, and if you attempt anything of the kind again I shall order your immediate removal. David Griffiths said he saw at the root of the Education Act the same principle that brought Ridley and Dr. Fenar to the stake, and if they did not object to it now they would find them- selves in the same place as those martyrs. (Applause.) Harriet Jeffreys I am a Nonconformist, and I therefore object to this rate. (Applause.) The Rev. A. Fuller Mil] s, on rising to answer his summons, was greeted with loud cheering, and the Chairman asked the public, in the in- terests of Mr Mills, to give him fair play. If they kept such a noise be was afraid they would not be able to hear him. (Laughter.) Mr Mills produced correspondence which bad passed between him and the rate collector (Mr A. LI. Davies), in which he (Mr Mills) pointed out that the acceptance of anonymous payments in settlement of the amounts due had aggia- vated the feelings of the people, aud that he agitation would continue as long as that was done, Mr Davies had replied that he had been advised that he could not safely refuse anony- mous sums, and be could not therefore give aD undertaking not to accept them. Mr Mills also pointed out that if such an undertaking were given he would pay the major part of the rate. The rev. gentleman, addressing the Court, said he objected to the Act because it was not a constitutional Act, as the Government never hrid the express will of the country to pass it. No- body bad a right to levy the rate until the opinions of the people were ascertained. He would not refer to his conscientious objections, a.3 he would have plenty of other opportunities of doing so during the course of the week. Thomas Daniel wished to know who had paid the balance of his rate on the last occasion. The Rate Collector said he bad received the money in a lump sum from the town clerk, and the Clerli added that the money had been sent to his office anonymously, and he could not satisfy Mr Daniel. Mr Daniel If yon receive them again, Mr Davies, send them back, if you please. (Laughter.) George Howells said somebody had paid his balance and costs on the last occasion, and he considered that a great insult. (Hear, hear.) Therefore he withheld the whole of the rate this time, as a protest against anyone doing the same thing again. Wm. Williams said his conscience had not sleDt a wiuk since he wa3 there before. (Loud laughter.) In the name of God he would never pay, for ho would rather trust himself iu Daniel's Den than to the lions of Rome. (Hear, hear, and laughter). The Rev. E. Ungoed Thomas followed on the same lines as Mr George Howells, adding that he bad found Mr A LI. Davies most courteous in all his dealings with him personally. He would not like to be the means of bringing bitterness into the fi&.ht, but quarter by quarter, year by year, uatil matters changed, he would appear I before the court, and decline to pay a penny of the rate as a protest against the -gentleman who I had paid the 7d instead of him on the last occ!v3ion. The' Rev. W. W. Lewis objected because the Act made religious persecution legal. He pro- tested against everything which had a tendency to destroy spiritual religion in the ian-I At the close of the sitting the Rev. A. Fuller Mills said that in come places one distress war- rant had been issued for the whole of the amounts due, and be asked if this would be done at Carmarthen. The Clerk Yes, if it can be done. (Hear hear.) The Chairman said that, in order to minimise the expenses, he, for one, would certainly accede to the application. The Rov. A. Fuller Mills thanked the Bench for the courtesy shown to the passive resisters, and the assembly dispersed.

PROFESSOR LEWIS SUMMONED. The Nonconformist Position. i On the Rev. T. Lewis, M.A. (professor Brecon Congregational Memorial College) appearing as a passive resister at the Guild Hall, Brecon, on Monday, the court was crowded. Among those present were :—Principal Rowlands, Congregational Memorial College Rev. Pro- fessor T. tlees, Congregational Memorial Col- lege Rev. Garro Jones, Llandrindod Wells 4tr Plilis Given, editor Brecon and Radnor Express Rev. J. Young Evans, M.A., pro- fessor, Trevecca College Rev. A. Matthews, Kensington Baptist Church Rev. J. E. Harries, Watton Presbyterian Church Mr Evan Morgan, Usk House, Brecon Mr John Bod. man, Watton Mr W. A. Wright. Mr J. D. Williams, Mr W. R. Price, Llanfaes and several Jadies, members of Nonconformist churches. The presiding justices were :—Alder- man E. A. W right, Mr David Powell (ex-Mayor), and Alderman Lewis Williams. Professor T. Lewis was summoned bv the assistant overseer for the parish of St. Mary's (Mr Richard Hargest) for non-payment of the portion of the poor rate, 2s Ud, to be devoted I towards the administration of elementary education under the new Education Act, 1902. Defendant entered the box when the case was I called amid loud applause, and one of the justices (Alderman Lewis Williams) called, Order, order." The assistant overseer (Mr Richard Hargest) gave evidence to the effect that rlefendan till respect of the poor rate made the 18th May, was assessed at £2 2s 6d. The rate had been duly demanded and defendant had paid' £ l 19a 7d. He refused to pay the balance -2s lid—and witness therefore asked for the usual order. Aid. Wright (to defendant) Is there any legal objection to your paying the rate ? Prefebsor Lewis leplied that there was one slight criticism he should like to pass in respect to the statement do by Mr Harcest. ille Har. gBst said he had reiuaed to pay the sum of 2s lid, but in his letter to Mr Hargest Mr Hargest Do you want the letter handed in ? Professor Lewis In my letter to Mr Hargest I stated that I was going to deduct 2s Id." Mr Hargest That is what you say. Prefessor Lewis I refused to pay 2s ld; and not 2s lid. Defendant explained that he bad done this owing to mislaying the demand note, and making a mistake as to the amount at which his bonse was assessed in calcnlating tile amount he was going to deduct. He had b;tsed his calculation on the house being assessed at £25 whernas he .afterwards learnt from Principal Rowlands that it wae assessed at Æ.25 JOs. Had the bouse been assessed at XP5, a.9 be thought, the I rate at Is 8d in the C would have amonnte3 to S,2 Is 8a, and as he sent the assistant overseer a cheque for £1 19s 7d tbero would bave been a i balance of 2s Ld. But as the bouse was assessed at £ 25 10s, and not £ 25, the additional 10a repre- eented an addition of lOd to tbe rate. It was therefore incorrect to say he refused to pay 2s lid. He simply made a mistake in the amonnt at which the house was assessed, and in making out the full rate thereon. The Chairman You acknowledge there is 2s lid due ? Defendant Yos. I have not refused to pay 2s lid. Mr Hargest When Professor Lewis met me this day week he thought my demand note was wrong. Aid. Wright It comes to this Professor Lewis is willing to pay lOd more. Mr Hargest I cannot take tenpence, your worships. The Chairman We have no alternative. I am afraid the law says it must be paid, and we are bound to make the usual order for payment in 14 days. Mr Hargest You have no authority to do that It is tantamount to dismissing the cas.. and making no order. The Chairman It is done everywhere else. Mr Hargest I don't see that it is done any- where except at Brecon. The Chairman We must make the order exactly the same as in other rate cases. Mr Hargest I beg your pardon. Defendant May I be allowed to make a brief statement ? The Chairman Yes. Be very short. The Cinrk (Mr D. W. E. Thomas) The case is finished with now. (Dissent from the general public.) The Chairman (to defennrnt) We have no objection to your making a brief statement. Professor Lewis said he did not hope to justify his conduct to them as magistrates. He had no legal objection in the strict sense of the term, but he had an objection which he believed was of greater validity- a religious one. He was there simply for a religious, and not a political reason. The attitude they (the passive resisters) took up was an old attitude in this country. As gentlemen familiar with English history, they (the justices) would know that Nonconformists had time after time refused to submit to Acts passed by the Government of this country and there were Nonconformists in this country to-day w^.o refused to acknowledge) the right of the State to interfere in matters of religion, simply because there had been men and womej in th past wha had refused to do so. bo this was no new attitude by any means. It was simply a phase of the same great struggle which had been taking piace in this country for centuries. As Nonconformists, tuey maintained that the State had no right to interfere in matters affecting religion. In this particular Act (the Education Act, i902) they maintained that the State b1.1 invaded territory which it had no right to in- vade, and this was their authority for objecting against the injustice of the Act. (Applautie.) The Coleford Cases. Coleford was one of the districts of Dean Forest in which the assistant overseer was directed to accept a portion of the rate, and the idea was not to take proceedings forthe re-,iiaiiider--the educa- tion portion—this time, but to let it run on until the neit year's rate, and then sue for the both deducted portions together. There are some 21 passive resisters in the district. and it was at Coleford where the Forest of Dean Passive Resistance League originated. Tho total amount deducted by the conscientious objectors of Cole- ford was £ 2 Is, but we learn that this sum has now been. ptid by some enemy or friend, it having been found by Mr Hullett in his letter box at his office.

THE NEW GAIETY. The outside of the new Gaiety in the Strand is already becoming a familiar landmark to Londoners. It is a splendid house, far more commodious and convenient than its predecessor, and it promises to carry on the old traditions attached to the n litre. It stands next door to the old Gaiety, which is in the hands of the honse- breakcrc, at the corner of Aldwycb, tbe new avenue of London. It is a handsome building ot greystone, and the inside is beautifully de- corated on a scheme of rose pink and apple green, with plenty of gilt. It has* great seating capacity, and the seats are far more comfortable than in the old house. The piece with which Mr George Edwardes opens.is "The Orchid Hunt," a nuiaical comedy on the old lines, which The New Theatre, as it will Appear in Front when Finished. w. piomises to be as great a success as he always achieves w'th this class of production. It is written bv his usual svndicate of writers, Messrs James Tanner, Harry Greenbank, Adrian Ross, Ivan Caryll, Lionel Brough, and Paul Rnebens. The scene is first laid at the Countess of Bar- wick's Horticultural College, and the plot tarns on the search for a rare and wonderful orchid. The cant, too, is the old Gaiety cast, which is so familiar to the public, and all the old names appear in the list. Miss Ethel Sydnev, Miss Gertie Miller. and Miss Connie Ediss play the principal ladies' parts, and Mr Edmund Payne is the leading comedian. The opening of the new Gaiety is quite an event in the theatrical world.

-+-- BOARDING-MASTER WOUNDED. SAVAGE ATTACK BY A SPANIARD AT PENARTH. An Angry Crowd. Oil Monday, whilst Nicholas Machiavello, a boarding-house keeper and outfitter of Dock-road Peuarth, wns coming downstairs he was savagely attacked by a man named Ferdiipanclo Bnndenezia, a Spaniard, who backed at him with a razor, endeavouring to cut his throat. Machiavello struck the man's hand, and the razor cut his face and throat. A crowd gatharefl an:] set upon the Spaniard, who attempted to run away, but was caught by a man named Kennure. Tho crowd renewed its hostility, and two men picked him up and "frog-marched" him down Docks Hill, declaring that they intended to throw him into the dock. The police, however, arrived, and took the man into custoJy. Dr. Hacquoil attended to Machiavcilo, and states that he had a very narrow escape of his life, as if the cut had been an inch lower it would haie severed the wind- pipe. The man remains in custody.

f' r PINNED BETWEEN TROLLEY AND WAGGON. Distressing Fatality at Newport. Mr Lyndon Moore, borough coroner; resumed the inquest at Ihe Town Hall, Newport, on Tues- day, on the body of Walter Henry Stroed (39), bar-cutter, who resided at 45, Morris-street, New- port. Stroed died from shock as the result of injnries received at Messrs Lysagnl's works on Thursday last. Deceased, with several other men, was removing a load of bars along one of the work's sirlingg. When at the junction with the main-siding the trolley became fR,t, and the men were trying to move it when some waggons were shunted upon them. Deceased and Arthur Lawler were knocked down. Stroed fell upon Lawler's legs., but the latter managed to extricate himself. Stroed was pinned between the trolley and the waggon and could not be extricated for ten minutes. He was then removed to the Newport Hospital, where he died a few minutes after ad- mission, Deceased sustained a fracture of the skull and other injuries. Walter Davies, one of the men who was assisting, escaped by clinging to the front of one of the waggons. The train of trucks was being collected by William G&rge London, who was in charge of the engine, and Joseph Darweat, shunter. There were 21 trucks, with four spaces between them. The shunter waited until some ot the tracks were collected, and then gave the signal to move on. Darwent could not get to the end of the train because he had to watch the other space;). He did not see the men with the trolley of bars. Lawler and Davies (lid not hear the whistle of the engine, or reéeive any warning as to the shunting. The siding was said to be a busy one, and in answer to Mr Augustus Lewis, chief factories' inspector, the shunter Derwentsa,id that the accident would have been prevented if a second shunter bad been assisting in the work. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and recommended that on long trains a second shunter should be engaged, and that the path alongside the sidings should be kept clear of bars. Stroed leaves a widow and six younv. children.

LOOTED LUGGAGE IN TRANSIT. William Thomas Wilkins (21), and George Charles Webb (30) porters, in the employment of the London nd South-Western Railway Com pany at their Nine Elms goods station, were on remand at Westminster on Friday charged with extensive robberies fro n passengers' lug- gage in transit. Mr Trevor Lloyd, counsel for the prosecution, said that the prisoners were not the only persons concerned in very systematic thefts from luggage in advance. Mr W. H. Armatrong,t for the prisoners, urged that they hud given every information to assist the com- pany in recovering the property. \Vebb had 14 years' service in the Army, and lIe had obtained the South African medals.—Mr Shiel It is a very bad Fort of case. It is to be hoped that this Italian system of robbing passengers luggige will be effectively stamped out. These men have been going on for a long time ransack- ing people's trunks, opened with false, keys, and T will sentence them on the different charges to nine months' hard labour each, hoping that this will operate as a warning to other dishonest rail- way servants.

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I LETTER FROM THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE. The Duke of Devonshire has addressed the following letter to Sir J. E. Backhouse, of Dar- lington, bon. secretary of the Durham and Northumberland Libeial Unionist Association Devonshire House, Piccadilly, 5V. October 18tb, 1303. Dear Sir Jonathan Backhouse.-I have re- ceived your letter of the 16th inst. The differ- euces of opinion which exist in the Unionist party on the fiscal question have no doubt made the position of the leader 3f the Liberal Unionist organisation, whether central or local, extremely difficult but these difficulties are not confined to Liberal Unionists, and exist to an equal extent in the Conservative section of the party. Mr Balfour said in June that it would be perfect follv on the part of the Conservative party or the Unionist party to make particular 1opiriotis on economic subjects a teat of party loyalty. Matters have no doubt progressed since that time, but I do not think that this declara- tion has ever been explicitly withdrawn. So long as it remains in force it appears to me that it would be unwise to attempt prematurely to define the position of the party organisations. In regard to fiscal policy a public announcement of neutrality on the question was made by the com- mittee of the Central Association in July last, and has, so far as I know, been fairly observed. It may before long become necessary for the Liberal Unionist Association to take steps to consider its position iu regard to the fiscal con- troversv, but inasmuch as nothing has occurred which in any way affects our opinions on the question of the legislative union between Great Britain and Ireland our sense of the necessity of taking every precaution possible against the re- vival of the Home Rule proposals in Parliament is not diminished. It is. in my opinion, most desirable that the Liberal Unionist organisation. which has done so mnch for the cause of the Union, should not be lightly or prematurely dis- solved or weakened.—I remain, your sincerely, DEVONSHIRE." Letter from Mr Ritchie. Mr Ritchie has sent the following reply to a correspondent who asked him whether he was of opinion that the adoption of Mr Chamberlain's fiscal proposals would in any way benefit the British working men and whether he thought thete was any considerable following of Mr Chamberlain's policy amougsc the Unionists of Croydon Dear Sir,—In answer to your question I beff to say that I believe Mr Chamberlain's policy would be detrimental to'the working classes. What effect is likely to be produced in Croydon I am unable to sav,-Yours truly, C. T. Ritchie.

TIN PLATES AND TARIFF. A Criticism of Mr Chamberlain. Mr Harry Jones, editor of the" Weefem Daily Mercury." and formerly of Llanelly and Cardiff, writes to the Spectator a strong criticism of Mr Chamberlain's remarks upon the tinpl&te trade. He states — Mr Chamberlain, in common with other Protectionists, regards the table dealing with the tinplate trade in the Board of Trade Return as proof positive of the injurious effect of hostile tariffs on a British industry. A more careful examination of the table would show him that it is in truth a vindication of the wisdom of Cirep- Trade principles. The tin- plate trade reeled for a time under the influ- ence of the McKinley Tariff, but thanks to the advantages we derive from our Free Trade policy, it speedily recovered itself. As our ships sail on every sea to every land, we were able to open up new markets, with the result that the exports to all destinations in 1902 exceeded £ 4.330 000, compared with X5,600,000 per annum in the period of high prices which obtained before the McKinley Tariff was im- posed. Nor is this all. There are more tinplate mills working in the United Kingdom at the present time than at any previous period in the history of the trade. Moreover, every mill has increased its productive capacity owing to improved processes of manufacture. More tinplates are being manufactured in this coun- try than ten years ago, although our exports are not yet quite equal to what they wece before the McKinley Tariff. What, then, is the explanation ? Simply this, that the home consumption cf tinplates has largely increased twing to the expansion of demand by the biscuit-making, jam, and confectionery trades. In Protectionist reasoning the home trade it always left ont of accouat, yet we have here an illustration of its importance. It will doubt- less interest Mr Chamberlain to learn that the secondary industries, which he regardc with so much contempt and scorn, act as j feeders to the primary industry of iron and steel, of which, of course, the tinplate trade is an offshoot. Apart altogether from the McKinley Tariff, the time was bound to come when the United States would have manufactured its own tin- plate. It was probably an advantage to this J country that the industry in America was J built up by means of Protection, for the effect of the Protective policy has been to make it I impossible for the Americans to manufacture tinplates for export. In other words, notwith- standing their unique opportunities, the Ameri- cans do not compete with us in the markets of tbe world as sellers of tinplates. The present duty on tinplate imported into the United States is nearly 17 per ton. Of this duty, 99 per cent. is returned in the form of drawback on the exportation of articles manufactured from imported tinplate. TOdnks to this draw- back, the Welsh makers still supply America I with tinplate. Our exports of tinplate to the States are confined now to this drawback trade. Last year we sold to America tinplate to the I value of nearly £900000 for this purpose. The most strenuous efforts have been made by American manufacturers to capture this trade, but so far without success. The over-capitali- I sation of the Tinplate Trust and the high price of steel in America—two circumstances due solely to Protection-make it impossible for America to manufacture tinplates for export. ,As a consequence the Welsh makers hold what might be regarded as the normal tinplate ex. port trade of the United States, and further- more, are secure from American competition I in all neutral markets. Having regard to these facts, it will be seen that the McKinley Tariff, pernicious as it was at the outset, has cer I tainly not been an unmixed evil to the Britist tinplate industry.

I COLLIERco" FOOLISH JOKE. I THREE MEN BURNT. Two hauliers, employed at the Tynybedf. I Colliery, Pentre, were arrested late on Sunday night by Inspector Williams on a charge of doing grievous bodily barm to three other workmen. If is alleged that the prisoners poured some tram oil down the chimney of a small building at the I colliery into the fire near which the three men were sitting. The oil on coming into contact 1 with the glowing embers flashed off and the men, whose names are David Thomas, James Willey, and David Morgan, were burnt about face and bands. Tbe alleged action of the prisoners is said to have been prompced by a spirit of mis- chief, and there is no question of snimus towards the injured men. At Ystrad Court on Monday John Lloyd Jones aud Benjamin Thomas were charged with doing grievous bodily harm to three other workmen, James Willey, David Morgan, and David Thomas, by pouring oil into a fire. The evidence of Thomas Evans, night overman at Tynybedw Colliery, was to the effect that I about 4.30 a.m. on the 16th inst. he saw a huge flame issuing from the chimney of the banks. man's lodge. Upon going into the lodge he found Willey had been badly burnt about the face, and Thomas and Morgan had also received barns- When he accused the defendants of pouring- tram oil through the chimney of the lodge into the fire they admitted their guilt, and said they did not mean to do any barm. Dr. Reardon explained that the three injured men were unable to attend the court that day— I and two of them, Willey and Thomas, would not be able to le'ive the bouse for a fortnight. Inspector Willlatm spoke to charging the defendants. Jones replied that he did not empty the oil into the chimney. He accused his partner of wanting a bit of fun," and suggesting the throwing of tar down the chimney. He (Jones) helped to get the oil, and handed it to his partner, who got on the roof, and emptied the contents of the bucket into the fire. When the flames dashed out through the chimney they ran away. Benjamin Thomas admitted emptying the oil into the fire, but said be only did it for a "lark," and was sorry that the men were B( badly injured. Superintendent Cole applied for an adjourn- ment, and tbo Bench remanded defendants 101 three weeke. Bail was allowed.

Further Meeting of Justices. It has been arranged that a meeting of Swansea justices shall be held next month to consider the procedure to be adopted at the next Brewster Sessions. A congested area has already been mapped out for special consideration, and it ia expected the procedure will bo much the same an last year, especittlly as it was upheld on appeal to Quarter Sessions, and as the threatened appeals to the llig-h Court have been withdrawn. A ciecisiou may be come to as to the course to be adopted with regard to Suuday licenccs. It will be remembered that earlier in the year the I justices reduced a number of .ci ii-d;iy licences to six-day licences, but Quarter Sessions held that the justices had no power to arbitrarily d< this, and the justices then gave notion of appeal. I This-was at Ea=)ter, and since then nothing has been heard of the matter.

BRIDGEND BENCH FiRM. At the last Brewster Session* the Bridgeaf niagistrates intimated that they would re- quire the surrender of a considerable num- ber of licences at the next sessions, and invited the owners to lay a surrender scheme before them by the 1st September, Nothing having been beard from tho licenciv holders, the magistrates on Saturday requested the Press to announce tbat they are still of the same nind.