The Cardiff Times

P. E. GANE, 38-41, QUEEN-STREET, CARDIFF. 161 & 162, COMMERCIAL STREET. NEWPORT, INVITES YOU TO TEST THE GREAT SAVING ATTENDING THE PURCHASE OF FURNITURE FROM LOCAL MANUFACTURERS. GUIDE TO FURNISHING FREE ON APPLICATION

WORKMEN'S TOPICS. BY MABON, M.P, RAILWAY LABOUR DISPUTES ACT: CANADA. It is matter of satisfaction that some of our Monies are making great strides in the direc- tion of the peaceful settlement of labour dis- When in Canada some two years ago I the pleasure of witnessing the "rowing •^ling among several classes of workmen in of such a course being generally adopted, ^withstanding the strong opinion of a section the Trade Unonists of the country against intervention of the State in such matters). I now find that the peaceful party ba^ failed, and that the Legislature of the\ opinion of Canada has passed an Act, and Jhich received the assent of the Governor on 10th of this year, which makes provision for the settlement of differences between railway trnPJoyees and their employers. The Act applies any disputes, disagreement, or dissension bet een any company or Government owning or operating a railway whether under the juris. J'ction of the Parliament of C. Ha or of the of any province which in the opinion Of the Minister of Labour may have caused or lbay cause a lock-oat or strike on a railway, or Which has interfered or may interfere with )toper and efficient transportation of mails, ^■seneers, or freight or the safety of persons '•Oployed upon any car or train. And for the purpose of settling such disputes Act provides for the establishment of (a) torainittees of conciliation, mediation, and in. stigation, and of (b) boards of arbitration to ^constituted of parties affected. In case of 14Y dispute or threatened dispute the Labour "'bister may, on his own initiative or by appli- tation of any party to the difference, or by any lotporation or municipality directly affected by difference, cause inquiry to be made into same and the cause thereof, and for that Ptlrpose may, under his hand and seal of office,* ^ablish a committee of conciliation, media- tion, and investigation, to be composed of three ^tBons, one each by the railway employers and 'bail' workmen, and the third to be appointed by j^e two so named or by the parties to the dif- e*ence in the case of the first two failing so to lo, the Duty of the Conciliation Committee !till be to endeavour to assist in bringing about '11 amicable settlement of the difference to the Refaction of both parties if such is possible, J?d to report its proceedings to the Laboar 'bister and in case of failure the Minister In",y again refer tba "difference to arbitration 40det the same Act, and if acceptable to both Cities the same committee Ray act as a board of ttbitrators. In case of objection a new board 6411 be appointed in the same way as the original fibbers of the conciliation committee were *&Pointed. In case of arbitration the finding tI111 be binding on all parties. !I'be chairman of the board shall, as soon as ^Pointed, forthwith call the board together such manner as he thinks advisable, make ~°*oogh, careful, and expedient inquiry into all facts and circumstances connected with the Terence and the cause thereof, and the best V>d p £ oper way to putting an end and prevent- 1'39 the recurrence of the difference full par- tlcltlars of all the proceedings to be sent to the Roister as soon as possible, such report to be ^ed in the office of the Department and pnb- l8hed in the Labour Gazette," and to all or 'M.y of the newspapers published in Canada who "ill make application therefor. To do away with all unnecessary delay in the settlement of any difference or dispute may engage the attention of this board arbitrators, and on the other hand to give it possible facilities to bring its work to a toOtdY conclusion, the board is to have power to V^ujon witnesses and take sworn evidence, and to compel production of documents, such wit- to have a free railway passage from their J^hes to the place of meeting. Each member of committee of conciliation or a board of arbi • *tors is to receive his travelling expenses and of ten dollars— £ 2 Is 8d—per day. The Qvernment will also provide all the clerical distance required. .&Uch is the short and effective way that the* °*uinjon Government seeks to have all its !^Way disputes peacefully and amicably settled. f Do baa no doubt that this is one of the noble '^ita of having a Labour Minister for the Otninion. The World's Coal Output. He Board of Trade issued the annual returus 31 the world's production of coal on the 22nd %It and seeing that the Royal Commission on is sitting at present the figures published P the Board of Trade have a special interest our district. The total production of coal throughout the world is now about 700 millions annum, of which the United Kingdom pro- .^ces rather less than a third and the United '^te? rather more than a third. Less was pro• "ced in 1902 in Germany and France than in titber of the preceding years. The anantitiea j lItoduced in the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium were greater than in 1902, and in .be two first countries exceeded those produced III any previous year. As compared with the ^Pulation the production of coal in the United ^'fcgdom still surpasses that in the United 'es. • It amounted to 54 tons per head of the relation in 1901 and 5 £ tons per head in 1902, J'ilet in the United States it is only just over 7* tons per bead. In Belgium it also amounts j *bout 3 £ tons per head, in Germany to rather than 2 tons per head, and in France to three qqnarters of a ton per head. But b account of the average value of coal in J^nce being 12s 7Jd per ton, against 9s 4td in & '5 United Kingdom or 5s 6§d in the United the revenne per head of the population France is considerably greater than appears first sight. In both the United Kingdom and 1 hi ^Qm the pricefof coal has suffered a decline, this country of 13 6d per ton and in Belgium (j ^d, whereas in France, Germany, and the t klited States there has been a general rise in Price. I1 the excess of exports over imports the g^ited Kingdom heads the list by exporting w'^00,000 tons, or 36 per cent, of the total out- In the United States 6,127,000 tons were tted, which represents pbout 2*3 of the total ^Put. ^e total consumption of coal in the United amounting as it does to 265,105,000 tons, ^Passes that of any other country. The United q ^Tdom last year used only 166,698,000 tons, ftLthe other hand tha United KinSdom has the consumption of coal per bead, viz., J,, tODig, in comparison with 3'36 in America, 'n Belgium, and 1-65 in Germany. Ðt be difference in the amount per bead of coal u^Oced and the value thereof in the different H^tries i'b most valuable information just Fiscalocity. minets, notwithstanding that the Northern are outside the Federation, have great for and faith in our amiable friend and «, Mr T. Burt, M.P., ^nd when he says all are reaching ont their ears to hear "*at good man has to say on all questions Gaining to the interests of working men, ^^c'ally that of the mining community. °r« nnfortunately was not with ns in the rit fiscal policy conference at London, and OjU f ftre most anxious to know what are his '°0s on this important matter. Reading 0l!thly circular we find that be has made Si his nsual weighty pronouncements on Periods as the present. He has made the to^^tatito statement that, taking all things and taking the whole world as his the workers of Great Britain are in the ^^J^ition of all. It is most significant that Vages, taking the purchasing power of other factors into account, are p»id ■'V the best dividends to shareholders, give em ployment to more workmen in a comparative sense, than any other country in the world. It is unquestionably the case that we are in a better position now than any other industrial and mari- time nation in the universe. True, railway traffic for the moment is declining, freights in the oversea trade are profitless, the wages of artisans and labourers are lower than they were this time a year ago the present Protectionist movement moreover has disturbed trade, weakened confidence, and driven investors from the field of enterprise. On the other hand an examination of the market reports in industrial securities proves that the iron and steel trade, shipbuilding and engineering, the coal trade, and other interests are maintaining good prices con- sequent upon having paid satisfactory dividends. Our foreign critics direct attention to this, and are reviving against us the charge of insincerity. They look upon us in our true colours as the wealthiest and most prosperous nation, and say uncomplimentary things about our leading statesmen going through the country painting a picture of depression, with worse to come. Still with all our prosperity what we stand in need of is steady trade, conducted under natural con- ditions and undisturbed by party and political considerations. ————W|

Illustrated Fashions. Sleeves form an ever-varying part of the dress scheme which cannot at the present time be overlooked, for they form one of the most pro- noonced features of the very smartest toilettes. It is very easy for most of us-and particularly to those whose dress allowance is but a small one -to smarten up an old dre3s or costume by the introduction of new and ornamental sleeves, which, in order to meet the requirements of the prevailing modes, should be quaint and pictur esque. fashioned very much after the style of an inverted gigot, and caught in at the wrists by A Smart Cost. I deep gauntlet cufTs. The new s leeves do not by any manner follow the lines of the natural arm after the elbow is reached, bnt on the under- side swell downwards to the wrist, where the ful- ness is caught into a band. Variety, however, is apparently everything in the realms of dress, hence this introduction of many varieties of sleeve, which at least can claim novelty as their own, if there is something a little lacking in beanty. It seems that to be fashionable one's sleeves should be (below the elbow) as enormous as possible. One of perhaps the newest varieties which is often employed on elegant tea-gowns has a. series of kiltej frills starting from the cloae-fitting upper arm-piece mounted on the usual full nndersleeve, which in turn is caught into a pointed tight-ntting caff. The smart coat depicted displays a new style of sleeve which is particularly well suited for any garment for outdoor wear. There is nothing perhaps so very remarkable about the sleeve proper, which is only loose and easy-fitting but the coff is certainly out of the common and very -chic. In this ccM it is made of black cloth A Picture Hat. I cJecoupe on to bright red velvet, the collar and revers being en suite. Nearly every coat sleeve boasts a gauntlet cuff in one form lor another, while & very favourite device for blouses shows, in place of the stiff cuff, a wide plisse frill of muslin or lace, which falls right over the hand. The becoming hat sketched is of the picture order, and boasts a couple of handsome ostrich featbers which curl over the brim at the back. There is plenty of variety this season as regards millinery, and there is certainly a marked ten- dency towards a revival of higher crowns. A pretty style of hat which I saw recently was expressed in red straw, with one brim rolled up very high at the side, rather narrow and long in shape, projecting over the face in front, and An Evening Bcdice. I fitting closely to the head at the back. The crown in this instance was rather high, and the hat was trimmed with magpie-coloured feathers. For wear with plain tailor-made costumes there are some very dainty toques, which are smaller and neater than those of a few months ago, and so more suitable for the comfortable adjustment of < a veil. The correct veils, by the way, are worn loosely disposed from the brim of the hat—and,it must be confessed, are not very easy to adjust nor comfortable to wear on a wintry day. The loose floating veil has already been accepted by the Parisiennes and Americans, and are often of lace with a deep embroidered border. Others, > again, are of gauze, with large coloured or black chenille spots. The evening bodice illustrated is of pale pink chiffon drawn and finished with some handsome chenille fringe. It is in quite the latest mode. Evening toilettes are once again clamouring for notice, and there are already many pretty styles to be seen. The bodice, however, no longer offers a contrast to the skirt, but must harmonise with it in even the smallest details. Silks and mousselines are lavishly trimmed with ribbons and lace, and are much rucbed and frilled. Many bodices are draped across the figure -and round the waist in the cross- over style, or are long and sharply pointed in a correct imitation of the modes of 1830. Shot taffetas are also much employed for evening dresses, and when made in a picturesque fashion with numerous frills of embroidery, muslin, or fine lace, look very charming. The rich bro- cades and velvets and pompadour silks trimmed* witk ]*ce ace auit;g$for dinner or theatre wear. COQUETTE. '*<■' T <'■ 1-••a. -•••! 1 • sU!' .y

MUSIC IN WALES. BY D. EMLYN EVANS. THE DECADENCE OF THE VOCAL ART. At the laat annual meeting of the Liverpool branch of the Trinity College of Music, London, Mr H. E. Bensberg, vice-president of the college, delivered an important address dealing with the above question alld although his remarks in the main were directed towards the larger musical world, and the professional element, it will be found as we think that they are more or less applicable to the condition of things prevailing in Wales, and to the increasing number amongst us who enter more or less into the study of sing* ing with the object of either adopting it as their profession or to follow it in a semi-professional manner, as many Welsh vocahsts do, In his opening remarks Mr Rensberg com- mented on the large number of students (vocal) who passed through the great music schools all over the world, few of whom became celebrated artistes; not, he said, because musical talent was diminishing, as the state of instrumental music proved, for the virtuosi of the present day had kept pace with the progess of musical creation, whilst orchestral develonmen y ad reached a degree of excellence which was cause for just pride." But." unfortunately, a different state of things existed nowadays with regard to vocal art, and it would be no exaggeration to express a fear that the good old race of singers not only in England, but all the world over, was gradually dying out. Nor was such deplorable fact to be wondered at when one considered its cause. No conscientious judge attending com- petitive examinations for scholarships and the like where capabilities were tested could fail to observe how natural gifts had been spoiled by injudicious training. Probably there were as many beautiful voices brought out into the world nowadays as there had ever been before, but the art of vocal training was fast deteriorating. The reason for this was the all-pervading anxiety to make money—the race for wealth, which was rapidly destroying art. In the golden age, when Cherubini was director of the Paris Conserva- toire, it was the rule that, for the first three years of training, no pupil should sing a song with words. Nowadays the moment a voice was detected, the pupil was trained with a view to producing effect, and tbey found at competitions for scholarships that candidates, having perhaps learned for one or two years, brought grand arias from oratorio or opera as test pieces—arias which no pupil of the golden age would have been per- mitted to look at for four years at least. Such candidates were altogether deficient in the elementary studies nccessaary for the formation of the voice. The latter was uneven, and its register broken up in abnormally strong andïr. redeemably weak parts, with its compass forced one way or the other." In the opinion of the speaker, the higher musical academies were not altogether blameless, for a similar haste to bring out unripe singers appeared to have got hold of such establishments. They were shown off at the earliest possible moment, and the students, intoxicated by the applause of an indiscriminatingr audience of relatives and triends, conceived an undue appreciation of their own capabilities, and were thereby spoiled for further patient study. In saying that the good old race of singers was dying out, it really meant that the good old race of teachers was dying out. Some of them still en. joyed the recollections of Jenny Lind, Titiens, Griai, Giuglini, Lablanche, and Mario; but in this age of shams and vanities they were likely to look in vain for their equals amongst the rising generation of singers." It reauires no very keen observer to know and fesl that the references to Raw Candidates at Competitions essaying grand arias from oratorio or opera, and the intoxicating applause of indiscriminating relatives and friends, are only too applicable unfortunately to much that takes place amidst ourselves. Toung girls in their teens—and the evil is most marked amongst female vocalists— come forward in public with the greatest assur- ance in the world to sing such solos as Hear, ye Israel," I will extol Thee." &c., to which none but a.Titiens or an Albani could or can do adequate justice works of this class and nature are not only beyond the mental or spiritual grasp of all but the exceptionally endowed and fully matured artistes, but these striplings are not physically capable of the exertion which they demand a very material point which never seems to occur to some singers as well as teachers. The parable of the talents shows us that they differed in degree a voice may be capable of meeting the demands of a not too exacting solo in a build- ing of moderate dimensions, but under different conditions the result may be disastrous not at the time perhaps, but sooner or later with fateful certainty. We have in our mind now more than one instance of bright young vocalists who have been wrecked in this way. In male voices we have done more satisfactorily for some years, not only in regard to the two artistes which occupy front rank position in their respective I voices on the conceit platforms of the Metropolis, bat also a goodly number of others,some resident in London and some in the Principality, whose services are appreciated and in good demand in England. But the marked paucity of female vocalists who come into any prominence, not- withstanding the promises held out by Eisteddfod ic Successes, the praises of adjudicators, and the prophecies of friends, is in a sense as extraordinary as it is disappointing. The remedy, as we are convinced and have more than once tried to point out, lies in the direction indicated in the quotations made above and when parents, teachers, and pupils wake up to their duties and responsibilities, we < may pretty safely count upon improvement. We are not sure, however, that Mr Rensberg has pointed out all the causes which make for this vocal decadence- considered in its wider applica- tion believing as we do that amongst other reasons which may be cited, much of it must be laid at the door of our present day musical com- posers. When a voice part is made utterly un- vocal, and when the singer has to shout and get over ugly and awkward intervals—certainly without form," if not void," -against the thunderings of a modern orchestra, as best he or she may, proper singing—the true bel canto is scarcely to be expected And apropos of this, we find a leaderette in one of this month's musical journals on the Decadence of Music in Italy," giving the opinion of an Italian musician (Signor Luceshi, we believe) who has been re. visiting his native country after 32 years' absence. There are good voices and good teachers," we read, but there is a lack of serious application. The composer of) to-day, moreover, reduces the song to a modora. tive recitative, trusting to dramatic action and making the singer a secondary orchestral device. When Italian composers give once more to the voice its pristine supremacy, when they realise that the voice better than any manufactured instrument can express sentiment, emotion, passion, then Italian singers of the old stamp will again churm the world, and coax the sonl into the mysterious realm of melodic soitnd." Those observations are also worthy of our attention, for althoagh Wales cannot boast of any Jenny Linds and Marios on the one hand, nor of eminent composers and musical teachers of the past on the other, and therefore has her history to make in these directions, we yet think that she willaccomplisb the task in the years to come and if that is to bo, then there can be no two opinions that it can be attained only by means of the well-tested methods of that golden age" which has been previously referred to. There is no Royal road to geometry says Euclid. Neither is there any Royal road to., musical excellence.

Uncle Rastns, I am sorry to hear that you have lost your wife." Neber mind, boss, neber mind I'se had de speriance." Chinese humorous literature abounds in re- ference to henpecked husbands, and Professor Giles told one of these stories in a recent lec- ture. Ten henpecked husbands resolved to form a society to resist the imposition of their wives. The ten wives heard of the plan, and while the meeting for organisation was in progress entered the room in a body. Nine of the rebellious hus- bands Bed, but the tenth one retained hia place, apparently unmoved by the unexpected visita- tion. The ten wives, after smiling contemp- tuously on the one man who remained, went back to their homes well content with the sue- cess of their raid. The nine hnsba.nds thereupon returned to their meeting, resolved to make the heroic tenth man the president of the society. When they entered the room however to inform him of the lionour, it was fQ^ that he-was deadl Eehad died of fright. J M- _t:"

THE HOUSEHOLD. We are all at a loss at times what to evolve for sale at a bazaar. Naturally one desires to make something that will have the merit of pos- sessing some slight originality, and the diffi. culty of finding new ideas is known to all who have looked about in quest. So every little novelty is welcome, and I am sure you will appre- ciate the unique article I am describing to-day. It is a pin-cushion-in the shape of an elfin, and to my mind it is one of the prettiest pin- cushions ever designed. It will certainly, from its grotesqueness, command attention on the stall, and meet with a purchaser where one of the good old pattern cushions would be passed over. It is very easily made. I made mine in pale green silk, and the head of the little elfin is a ping-pong ball. First get a quarter of a yard of satin, half a yard of inch wide ribbon, and half a yard of half-inch wide of the same colour as the satin, a small piece of buckram for the hat, some lining to cut out the elfin's legsand 'An Elfin Pin-Cashion. I body, and some bran or shavings to stuff it. Now cut two pieces of lining the shafce of the body, measuring 10 inches from the neck to the toes and four across to the elbows. hew these two pieces together, leaving an opening at the neck. Fill this case with bran, shake it down until quite firm, then seam the opening up. Cover this body with the satin and aew the ping-pong ball on for the head. The ball should be painted with an elfin-looking face this can be done with black Indian ink. dot two pieces of the inch-wide ribbon measuring three and a half inches in length and sew to the body for arms cut two pieces an inch long, points the ends and sew under to form the feet take a piece of the satin and out it out iu points; this sew round the neck to where the ball is sewn to the body. The hat is cut in the buckram, two pieces mea- suring foar and a quarter inches in diameter,each covered with the satin and sewn together round the edges. Take a piece of buckram, roll it to a point and cover with satin. This forms the crown of the hat, which is glued or sewn to the head. Tie a narrow ribbon round the neck with a loop at the back to hang the cushion up by, and the thing is complete. From the numbers of letters I get from my readers on crocheting, I am snre this is one of the most widely patronised arts that woman adorns. So the design I give to-day of a very pretty edging will be welcomed by the majority of those who read these lines, I am sure. The stars have seven points. • Thus—8 ch. join and work 14 d.c. into the circle make the points with 12 ch. (including the 2 ch. for turning), into which work ]0 trebles, tha.t is one into each chaiij. Then join each star by the last point to its neighbour. I need hardly say that each stax should, be worked separately. When sufficient length has been worked, make a chain across the top of the edging, allowing y) ch. between the two points ot the star. Yon will notice, that the stars are joined so that two points are left at the A Crochet Border. I too and three at the edge. Then make 8 ch. and a. long bar of 12 ch. attach to the place where the stars join 12 ch. back, join to the 8 ch. across the top, and make another 8 ch, Re- peat all along then turn ani work 1 ch., 1 treble into every other chain to the end. For the border first row mqke 13 ch. from point to point, joining the 15 ch. in the centre of thejunc- tion between the stars. For the second row- Turn and come back with 9 c h 1 d.c. into the centre of each 13 ch. and into the d.c. at the points, passing from the last point of the star to the first of the next. For the third row make three picots (consisting of 7 ch., 8ch. 7 ch. in the centre of each 9 ch., with 5 ch. between each set of pirots-there will be four sets to each star, with'one between, Lastly, put a beading of picots across the band at top. This is done separately hold the work double as if sewing a seam, and work a d.c. in each space, allowing 2 d.c. where you make the picot of 6 ch. Here is yet another pretty effect which depends upon the ever-popular crepe paper, to which we owe so much for innumerable little treasures. This is a bonbon holder and now that it is fashionable for sweets to be held in such recep- tacles and hung about the room so that callers may help themselves whenever they feet inclined I have no hesitation in describing it here. It is of very simple construction and half-a-dozen can Hb made in'qaite a'short time. This is a great merit as when the holders are dirty they can be thrown away without compunction and new ones made with much less trouble than cleaning old ones made of cleanable materials. The bonbon holder is made up over a foundation of moder- ately thick cardboard. This is cut into the form of a V, and is curved round so that the two sides meet. They should be caught together with stitebfiB of ooarse thread and the uppetedge of A Pretty Bonbon Holder. I the funnel can then be made into a. circular ahape with a pair of sharp scissors. The inside of the foundation may be lined with some tinfoil, such as used to wrap up sticks of chocolate. The merest touch of gum will be enough to keep it in place. It must be thoroughly pushed down into the point of the horn, and the upper edge turned well down over the rim to the right side. Next. the outer covering must be prepared. A long and narrow strip of fancy paper will be wanted. It should be gathered along the upper edges and the fulness arranged quite evenly all round. It should be secured round the outer edge with paste that is speciallv prepared for use with crepe paper. This dries quickly, so it will not be nec- essary to leave the work longer than is required for making the rouche round the top. This may be of plain paper if it is liked better than the patterned make, and it is mada- in just the way that such a trimming would be managed in some other material. Before putting the rouche on, the loop bv which the holder can be hung up should be attached to the upper edge of the horn. It is safer to fasten this with a few stitches than to trust to the cement. At the bottom of the hol- der the paper should be drawn down to the tip of the point. It must not be allowed to set too formally and should beseenred with a tieof rather coarse thread, over which can be arranged a band of narrow satin ribbon. The superfluous paper should be cat even and stretched to make it look frilly, and the satin ribbpn should be finished off with a full rosette to hide the joining of the tie. Try Dutcb pudding. Pour a pint and a half of boiling milk over six ounces of bread crumbs. When it has soaked two hours, add six ounces of heated butter, six ounces of sugar, six well- beaten eggs, and flavour with lemon peel,nutmeg, and cinnamon. Line a dish with good puff paste, pour in the mixture, and bake in a mod- erate oven. ETHEL.

V It is pathetic," he said, in a sentimental tone, "to see the way in which people cling to ideals in spite of disappointment." Yes, Charley, dear," answered young Mrs Torkins, especially when the ideaj ia » racehorse. .) r,"

SCIENCE AND HEALTH By Dr, ANDREW WILSON, F.R.S.E., So. A Magnificent Gift. In the course of the discharge of certain of my professional duties, I had occasion the other day to take notice of the magnificent gift by Mr Andrew Carnegie to his native town of Dunferm- line of a quarter of a million of money. This money, placed in the hands of responsible trustees, is to be devoted to improving the social condition and amenity largely of the whole town. The trustees have extremely wide powers in administering this'gift. They may, I understand. apply it not merely to the providing of amusements of a rational and high class char- acter for the inhabitants, bat to the sanitary and social improvement of the town itself. Mr Carnegie's trustees at Dunfermline have, there- fore, as I remarked, a unique opportunity of showing what may be done by the judicious ex- penditure of money to elevate the population. Doubtless this task will be a somewhat harder one than many persons might imagine. The power of money is, undoubtedly, very great; but in addition of providing the means for enabling people to enjoy life and to appreciate beautiful surroundings more thoroughly, there must take place a certain amount of preliminary education. The case here is on all fours with that of my late friend Sir Benjamin W. Richardson s model city of Hygeia. Supposing that to-morrow a perfect city were constituted, possessed of en- vironments of the most healthy and most beauti- ful character, it strikes me we should have to provide a special population for it by way of ensuring that not meiely its advantages would be appreciated, but that the city itself should be continued as a model abode. It is a difficult matter to aroue the masses to a sense of what they owe to themselves, both in the matter of sanitation and oftnaking their lives more cleanly in every respect. Where we attempt to bring the influence of art and music and other agencies into play, we should not forget that we require to educate people towards a due appreciation of the benefits they are receiving. The whole matier is, undoubtedly, one of education; but it is of all tasks most difficult to educate an adult popula- tion into new ways of life. Still, the experiment is worth trying.and one may heartily wish it every success. An Outlet for Philanthropy. Mr Carnegie, out of his abundant wealth, has \ery generously spent large sums of money in the institution of free librariesall over the land, and in gifts of organs to churches. The diffusion of knowledge by means of books is, of coarse, one of the most important means of education of the people. At the same time, the free library is an institution which is clearly apt to be abased, inasmuch as a large proportion of readers use the library as a practically free means of supplying them with literature largely belonging to the department of fiction. Still, in justice to the people who patronise free libraries, we must note that a certain proportion whose tastes lead them in another direction most fully appreciate the benefits conferred upon them by enabling them to read standard works on historical, social, and other subjects. It is in this direction, in so far as my opinion is concerned, that the work of cul- ture intended to be promoted by the institution of free libraries can alone proceed. In the course of my professional duties I made a public appeal in Dunfermline to Mr Carnegie to take into account another phase of humanity which richly deserves bis attention. In this column I alluded a year or two ago to the case of the masses in relation to the prevalence of consumption. It is an admitted fact that the open-air treatment of consumption duly supervised by medical men along with good feeding pnd attention to the habits of the consumptive patient in appropriate cases, taken at a certain early stage of the dis- ease, is capable of effecting a complete cure. It is, however, obvious, that such a cure cannot be carried out in the homes of patients. The surroundings of the patients, their feeding, the ventilation of their sleeping room and the super- vision of theiropsn-air lives are all matters which can only be perfectly represented in the life of an hospital or sanatorium devoted to the treat- ment of consumption. It would be, for example, amattei of impossibility that a poor consumptive patient could be cured in his own small dwel- ling. There he would neither have the super- vision necessary to enable him to carry out the details of the treatment, nor would he have the environment which is an absolute necessity for suc- cess in the cure. The sanatorum is. therefore, our only refuge in this case. It will be remembered that Sir E. Cassel placed in the bands of the King a large sum of money which is to be expended in the erection of a sanatorium for consumptives of the poorer class near London. Brt each sana- torium is necessarily limited in extent, whilst, practically considered, the number of cases of consumution is unlimited. AccommodQtion for 200 patients represents only a very small amount of that actually needed by the nation. Hence my appeal to Mr Carnegie took the form of ask- ing him to consider whether or not it would be a matter of national importance that be should institute sanatoria for the treatment of consump- tives, and, what is equally to the point, endow them. What is Wanted. I can strengthen my appeal by a reference to a. typical case only too frequently represented in our midst. A working man who suffers from consumption in its earlier stages can only grow worse if he continues to work. The servant girl, the shop girl, the factory girl, and all persona of that class are in a similar position. When the time comes when work is impossible, and at that period the disease will probably have made, in many cases, a rapid advance, tha individual in question is practically thrown on the mercy ot the world. It must be comparatively rare that funds exist for the support, say, of a consumptive man. his wife, and children whilst the servant girl seized with the disease may be fairly assumed to represent a similar case of destitution. What provision, may I aak, is at present made for the treatment of such cases ? That certain pro- vision is already made is obvious, but my con- tention is that sanatoria would require to be multiplied if we are to finally place our heels upon this modarn white plague. The institution and endowment of sanatoria on a large scale would effectively combat the disease, and if the masses knew that they could be so treated, and that provision was made for the exigencies of their position, they would only too readily seek relief. Nor does the case end with the hard- ship that many consumptives have literally no place to lay their head in the matter of treat- ment. I well remember the words of the secre- tary of the London Hospital tor Consumptives, spoken at the congress on tuberculosis held in London two ye..rs ago. He said that many patients who came for open-air treatment to bis hospital, say working men. left before their cure was completed. He told pathetically of anxieties of patients over the starving wive3 and chil- dren left at home. Naturally mental disturb- ance of this kind militates very strongly against the prospects of a cure, and it was stated that many patients, tortured by the idea that their families were in want, left the hospital to attempt to return to work before the cure was completed. The end of such cases is not, of course, difficult to predict. They are bound to grow worse, and a fatal issue results in the near distance. Hence, if a rich man like Mr Carnegie not merely built sanatoria and en- dowed 'them, but also out of his copious means provided a fund for the support of the wives and children or other dependents of the working class whilst they were undergoing a cure, I have no hesitation in saying that such a work would represent the highest exercise of philanthropic effort which probably the world has seen. I can only hope for tha sake of suffering humanity that my words will not fall on deaf ears. It is true that municipalities may be expected to charge themselves with the erection of sanatoria for the treatment of consumptives, but beyond that lies the grave question of the rescuing from abject poverty and misery of those who are deprived for a time of the great services of the bread winner. Another Suggestion. Recently I observed an announcement to the effect that in certain quarters abroad physicians were inclining to the opinion that instead of spending a large amount of money in the con- struction of permanent sanatoria it would be more advisable to construct buildings of a light description, comfortable, and adapted to the treatment of consumption. Such buildings would be more or less of a temporary description, and it was added that at the end of a certain period of years they might be destroyed or thoroughly renovated. I suppose the idea involved in this suggestion is that which includes the supposition than sooner or later a sanatorium used for the cure of consumption may be apt in itself to become a focus of the disease, and this, despite the greatest care used in the disinfection of the matter which is brought up from the consumptive lungs. If this suggestion be adopted, the work of the benefactor would be much simplified, for instead of spending large sums of money on per- manent buildings a much less amount would suffice to erect hospitals of the kind alluded to in various parts of the kingdom. Such an idea may very well commend itself to those who feel interested in sanatoria at large. It would be per- fectly possible to erect buildings of a more or less temporary character, like a temporary fever hospital, for all the wants of consumptives. A considerable saving of money would undoubtedly be represented if this suggestion were carried into practical effect. The Teaching of Abstinence. In America a far greater amount of attention is paid to the teaching of total abstinence from alcoholic liquors than in this country. In most of the cities arrangements are made whereby children are taught in schools the evils which attend alcoholism and text-books specially deal- ing with this subject are provided as a means of education. Unhappily, as in the case of so many other good'causes, an excess of zeal is apt to destroy and frustrate the attempts of worthy persons to better the condition of their neigh- bours. Many of the American text-books have been condemned by the best authorities on the ground that their statements are inconsistent with truth and with fact. It is obvious that & there can be nothing whatever gained by either exaggerating the evils of intemperance, or by mis- stating the character of alcohol. Whilst it is eminently desirable that all children should be taught lessons on temperance it is extremely undesirable that these lessons should contain elements which the farther experience of life shows to be contradictory, false, and absurd. I note that a committee of investigation has recently been labouring in the direction of ascer- taining the exact influence which such temperance instruction in schools, as I have described, is calculated to effect. The committee finds that whilst the idea of inculcating habits of temper- ance in the young was excellent the methods adopted were highly defective. The instruction is described as of a misleading character, and it is further noted that the educational scheme regarding the inculcation of temperance, to use the words of a report before me, is not scientific, temperate, or instructive. It is also a question whether very young children are calculated to fully appreciate the value of sound instruction given on this subject. They do not understand the temptations which later life may throw in their way. Apart, however, from this contention that it is the senior children who should be tn- structed in the evils of intemperance the more growing demand is that the instruction should be of a sound character. I have long entertained the opinion that the most successful mode of discussing alcohol and its effects is that of in- cluding it in common instruction regarding foods and drinks. In this way the teaching of tem- perance would assume a truly scientific phase, and errors and exaggerations be avoided. Meteorites. The fall of masses of meteoric iron on the earth has always possessed an extreme fascination for astronomers, geologists, and chemists. Recently. I read a paper in which a mass of iron of this description, representing literally a stone from the sky, was examined in Mexico. It is over 13 feet long, 6 feet wide, and about 5i feet thick. It is supposed to weigh 50 tons. A similar mass was brought from Greenland by Lieut. Peary^.nd another meteorite,removed to the city of Mexico. weighs over 15 tons. These immense meteors which have descended on our earth simply repre- sent masses that have not been burned out by their rapid passage through the air. Examination of their chemical constitution aids in supporting the interesting fact that a community of com- position characterises our own earth and the heavenly bodies most near and in relation with it.

Illustrated Humour. Cabbie (politely): Beg pardon, air please don't smoke in the keb, sir. Ladies do complain of the 'bacca uncommon. Better Jet me smoke it for you outside, sir. "I presnme you carry a memento of some sort in that locket of yours?" "Precisely it is a lock of my husband's hair." But your husband is still living?" But his hair is all gone. The Reason Suggested. I Mrs Short (to new servant) I am pleased to say I have always been fortunate enough to get honest girls, and have never had any clothing stolen. Bridget Shure, an' it's not very big you are -is it, mum ? -2. Atgy Well, old boy I ha.ve just tonebed Reggy Jar another tenner. Chappie: What-and got it ? How on earth do you do it? Algy Oh, it is very easy. I just casually mention his resemblance to the Prince of Wales. Tom My father is so tall he can look over the garden wall. Jack So can my father, with his hat on. Bloom I am glad I met your wife. She seemed to take a fancy to me. Fecque: Did she? I wish you'd"met-her sooner. > Exceptional Experience. Scottish Magistrate Now, my boy, I bopeyou fully realise the nature of an oath. Do you ? Small Boy Witness Well, I should say so, seeing the times I've caddied for ye. Is Bunkins as good as his word ?" asked one business man. I think he is," replied the other. His wora isn't good for anything." Ma Willie, what's Tommy crying for ? Willie Just because he don't want to learn anything. 1 just took his sweets and showed him how to eat thejrc. If it wasn't for my wife," grumbled the first man at the reception, "I wouldn't be here." I, Neither would I," replied the other one. "The hostess is a great friend of my wife's. Is she a friend of yours ?" No she's my wife," Mickie's Preference. Mrs 'O'FlanaJ.?;ø.n: They tell me you are fond of drawing. Mickie. Mickie Well, I suppose so. Mrs What may it be that yen like to draw best, Mickie ? Mickie: Well, mam, 1 prefer & cork to a wheelbarrow, any day. What Flatt Thought. Miss Gash (to Mr Flatt, who has jast returned from Rome) I have heard it said that when one sets foot in Rome for the first time one expe- riences a profound feeling of awe. The chaos of rains, the grandeur and magnificent associations seem too much for one to grasp. Tell me—oh, do tell me, Mr Flatt, what did you think of it all." Mr Flatt (after tbiokuig for a short time): Very Diet.

4 Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreichion Oddiar yr Eingion, BY CADRA WD. The Bassett Family. Edward Baasett. eldest son and heir of Richard, who as it was mentioned in our last issne boilt the porch at Beaupre, married Catherine, » daughter and co-heiress of John Carne, Esq., of Nash. This Edward had issue-William, his eldest son and heir Richard, who was vicar of Llantrisant; and other children, who died young. The above William was succeeded by his son Richard Bassett; born 1602, who appears to have been a most active Royalist in the time of the Civil Wars of Cromwell. He was knighted for his services at Edgehill, his name being mentioned in many an adventurous affray with other distinguished Glamorganshire men during the disturbances in the neighbourhood of Cardiff, and especially at the battle of St. Fagan's. William Bassett,\ son of the above, married Martha Mansel, relict of Edward Came, Esq., of Ewenny. He is eaid to have been knighted at the Restoration, in 1660, and was Chamberlain to King Charles n. He died without isaue, and was succeeded by his half-brother— Sir Richaid Bassett, born 1638, under whose auspices and presidency the bards of the Prin- cipality held their last Gorsedd, or Eisteddfod, for Glamorgan. The first wife of Sir Richard was a niece of the Duke of Argyll. From this marriage there was no issue. His second wife was Priscilla, daughter of Pbilip Jones, Esq., of Fonmon, by whom he had issue—Philip of Beaupre, living 1709 Richard Jane, married Charles Gibbs Elizabeth, married Thos. Powell, of Llandow, co. Glamorgan Anne Prieoilla, married Thomas Cross. The younger son, Major Richard Bassett, -Jo Sir John Bruit's regiment, was baptised, 12th November, 1690; married, first, Elizabeth Ap. Price, and secondly, Barbara, daughter of Wm. Bainbrigge, of Lockington, co. Leicester, and by the latter bad issue an only son— Lieub.-Colonel Henry Bassett, born 1730, who married Katherine, daughter of Tbos. Bainbrigge, of Woodseat, co. Derby, and had issue—James, Captain in the Army Richard (Sir). Brigadier. General and Lieut.-Colonel 6th West India Regi* ment, died unmarried 1806; Thomas Catherine, married Wm. King, and had three sons; William, Major in the Army; Richard, Major-General Royal Artillery and Henry. The third son, Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Bassett, some time Governor of the Military Enights of Windsor, married, 1st March, 1790, Elizabeth, daughter of the late Alexander Cruik- shank, of co. Aberdeen, and died 7th January, ,1842, having had issue—Richard of Beaupre; William Alexander, born: 1st June, 1810. d.s.p.; Catherine, married Capt. Brooks, of Appledore, Devon Hannah Augusta; Isabella, married Lieut.-Col. William Bruce, K.H., by whom (wfac died 28th Nov., 1868) he had a son and daagh. ter—William West James, afterwards Bassett ot Beaupre Isabella Elizabeth Bassett, married Francis Irving, <lf the f oreign Office Georging Anne Mansel, died unmarried 22nd Nov., 1871. His only surviving son, Capt. Richard Bassett, R.A., born 6th December, 1797, married Frances, second daughter of the Rev. Stephen Dowel], ot Braywick Grove, co. Berks, who died at Nice, 2nd May, 1865. He d.s.p. 8th Nov., 1849, and his estates devolved on his nephew, Major William West James Brace, afterward; Bassett, J.P. co. Glamorgan, 74th Highlander! and 94th Regiment, born 7th November. 183(t He assumed by Royal licence (1865) the surname and arms of Bassett; married, in 1862, Elizabeth^ daughter of Richard Weeks, barriater-at-Iaw^ and died 16th October, 1871, having had issue— William Richard Bassett, now of Beaupre t James Bassett, born 23rd July. 1865: Philiy Thurstane Bruce, born 17th August, 1868 f Eliza Maude Isabella Bruce Ella Jane Mansel Bruce, died young. Anecdotes Concerning the Bassetts. The following is partly from Bnrke's Landed Gentry," and partly from" Researebes," con, cerning the families of Bassetts. &c. :— Whatever was the origin of the Bassetts it ii; evident that they were Welsh in spirit andiv, p truth for centuries before the wars of Charles the First. There is one very good tale of one ot the esquires of Beaupre, in the beginning of the eighteenth century. A big, burly young fellow from Cardiganshire one day called at Beaupre Dask for work, and the first one he happenedt. meet was the esqnire himself. The gentleman liked his appearance, and after he was givaif some food, he was sent to the barn to thresh cornj and was told that another man would join hiur presently. The esquireputon an old working soiiJ aud went to the barn, and took bis ftail to wort with tbe new comer, and after threshing for ( while thl master happened to touch the stranger with his fail on the head, when be was told not to do that again or he would hav'3 to settle witft him. In a little while he received another smack, upon receiving which he dropped hit instrument and went for his fellow-thresher, ani. a fine scrimmage ensued, which resulted in thf master of Beaupre coming off second bast, and ha left the scene satisfied th&f he was not the best man in the barn. H happened that he had found the man hf wanted, for he had been conquered before in London by another, with whom be wished tf become straight, so he challenged the Cockoe] to fight, pitting the Cardy against him, for a eanv of money. The fight commenced at the ap< pointed time, &ad after a few rounds the Welsh, man told his master, who acted as his second- that he feared the result, that his antagonist wat a trained fighter, and that he was not. ftfc Bassett then asked him did how he manage to coa quer that fellow in the barn at Beaupre, wfag. could he not do the same in London ? Ob," said he, I went for that one right and left, ant hit him any way I could." "Welt," said hit backer, do the same here." He did, and gal Ihe victory, which pleased his master very moot and he was his best friend ever after.

Songs for the People. Andrew Fletcher of Saltoon, in a letter to UK Marquis of Montrose, wrote :—" I know a very WI. man than believed that if a man were permitted 11, make all the ballads he need net care whe ahont mak« the laws of the nation."

OCTOBER. Stripped of all its golden yield, Waiting lies the bare brown field For the plough-share, tearing deep, For the seed which it shall keep Safely underneath the snow While the cold winds rage and blow, Deep within the mother's breast Sow the seed and let it rest; None have trusted her in vain— Storm and sunshine, snow and raitt Eaehjier wondrous work assists— They are Nature's alchemists.

KING BABY. King baby on his throne Sits reigning 0, sits reiffoiBR 01 I King baby on his throne x Sits reigning all alone. His throne is mother's knee, So tender 0, so tender 01: His throne is mother's knee,' Where none may sit but he. His crown it is of gold, So curly O. so curly 01 His crown it is of gold, In shining tendrils rolled. His kingdom is my heart, So loyal 0, so loyal 01 His kingdom is my heart, His own in every part. Divine are all his lam, So simple 0, so simple 01 Divine are all his laws. With love for end and cause. King baby on his throne Sits reigning 0, sits reigning Ot King baby on his throne Sits reigning all alone, —Laureno* Atma-Tadean.

Afraid of Mr Morgan's Lock.—Mr Pierpodt Morgan once did a poor man a good torn by ba^( ing his share in a lottery. The share won tilt prize, and Mr Morgan was so delighted Willi tb<; result of his charity that he told the man he would give him ten thousand dollars a year fof life. Instead of showing gratitude the am sail? he would prefer twenty thousand dollars dowie, Bat why ?" asked the astonished millionaixr Because," said the man, with your oottc founded luck, Mr Morgan, I ahpuld be deMHP eix momtof."