The Cardiff Times

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BY MABON, M.P, MORE IMPERIALISM. Wonders never cease. It is indeed amusing to see the Tory Press advocating the claims of ¡he new Imperial Labour Federation and the Printed objects of that supposed federation, Sot a shadow of sympathy. It is enough that \bis Ticat Radical organisation has tor its first uid final object immediate fiscal reform printed in very big princ. This new Imperial Labom: Federation declares itself to be a. new political Party. It does not seem to have any conncil >r officials as yet, with the exception of a pro- •iaional secretary, who has been appointed by Someone that no one seems to know, and has laken a temporary office in the Adelphi district. The programme of the Federation is as follows:- Adult suffrage one man one vote automatic fegistration with a three months' qualification Second ballot, official expenses of the election tj be paid from the public funds canvassing tc be n'ade illegal payment of members triennial Parliaments proportional representation the tbohtion of the House of Lor-ds universal eight uOUfS and Trade Union wages old age tensions free education at school and at uni- versity ultimate extinction of child labour; Unnicipalisation of the drink traffic, hospitals iQd infirmaries abolition of indirect taxation •ud transference of public burdens to unearned incomes; nationalisation of lands, mines, and Always; free administration of justice and '•^mediate fiscal reform. Of all the programmes that one has ever seen !tlls is the loftiest and fullest of all the Socialistic Impossible Dreams :bat has over been placed on paper, with the 'lew of being put before the public for hopeless realisation at any one period in the history of he world. But being so comprehensive ope can only see 'be real purport of it by its omissions, Itnd its )arental source is evident on the face of it. it the present moment the Federation believou eeraingly in all that Mr Chamberlain ever Argued for, and doubtless it will follow his foot- Heps and continue to argaa the same as be does," however grossly inconsistent that may be. The bnmorons feature of the manifesto, for that after *'1 it must be, is that we are asked to support the abolition of indirect taxation, which is Free Trade pure and simpJe, and also to support Pro- lection against foreign competition. First lbey say Down with indirect taxes next, they lav Up with fiscal walls, which means tariffs ^adulterated. This the provisional secretary of lixis yet unpublished provisional committee Promiges as, appeals that are diametrically Opposed to one another. All Labour men that I know of are partial to. and will support the abolition of indirect taxation." But it is so "•iniBmg to have an Organisation crying out for free breakfast table and proceediogto advocate fiscal reforms. Such a programme does indeed require a new Political party. But as I have already aaid, it is the omissions from this manifesto that settles its -parmTm",e chiefly. ,-iothing, so far as I can 1186, is said concerning old age pensions, though It is in favour of that programme which Mi Chamberlain one thought would yield a fund for that purpose. But the fallacy of that fund being- raised by the propoaed tariff was so exposed that both the fund and old age pensions have disappeared together. Nothing seems to be "id by this Imperial Federation about The Employment of Blacks or Chinese 1b South Africa, or the immigration of skilled tiorkers into Australia. One of my friends is of She opinion that the adjective has swamped the ^bstantive, and that the new party must be ^ore friendly to Park-lane than to Poplar. No one is yet permitted to know the name of single official any more than he knows who is Providing the money for the whole Protection '•■ttspaign. Probably the temporary secre- tary is wise in this matter not to mention a&mes that would in all probability destroy all Ambiance of substantiality. It starts out with 41, assertion that the constitutionally expressed pinion of the Trade Union Congress is a gross *bel against the organised workmen of Great ^titain, but it is to be observed that in turn the Parliamentary committee of the Trade Union Congress, which follows up Mr Chamberlain's aHack on Trades Uunions with great tenacity, We again furnished a complete reply to his *uSgestion that the Anti-Protectionist resolutibn J>a.ased in the last Congress only represented the °Pinionsof the leaders ot the movement.and not of the rank and file. The Parliamentary committee bas shown that, on the contrary, every precan- tiOD was taken to see the real opinion of the Workers themselves recorded. Furthermore, eVeryone who cares to know knows that 70 per cent. of those that were present at the -Bicester Conference were non-officials and tinlple working members of the Trade Unions. This new Imperial Federation is in fact h°thing more or less than a Tory organisations. '*nt upon injuring all Labour candidates who J believe in high wages and cheap food.

SCOTCH MINERS AND FREE TRADE. lqot knowing the exact position at the moment .f the erstwhile Scotch miners' leader, Mr Chis- QOlm Robertson, of Glasgow, I have taken upon Myself to inquire of Mr Robert Stnillie.president the Scottish miners' Federation, to learn pre- j,'So'y the attitude of Scotland toward* Mr Cbam- plain's fiscal policy, since the miners' con- ^ence held so recently at Glasgow. One was ^omnted to do so because of tbe way tbe Pro- Zionist Press and the Tariff Leagne have been j^^king capital out of an anti-Free Trade repolu- 110n passed at a miners' meeting held a few days 4RO in Lanarkshire. Mr Smillie says 1 To claim the Scottish miners as Mr Cham- plain's converts is too preposterous for words. be Scottish Miners' Federation has emphatic- il,y declared against the proposed change in our ^Gal policy, The resolution yon speak of did emanate from tbe miners connected with Federation. It was passed at a small meet- at Bells Hill, in Lanarkshire, which was or- ^fciaed oy MrRobertson himself,a Protectionist, runs a small Miners' Federation of his own has no connection whatever with any other Relation in the world. The expression of *H»fon, however, which he obtained must in no be taken as representing the opinions of the ^Raaised miners of Scotland. It must not, more- a even be taken as representing the opinion *he miners in that particular district. In this tne district, in fact, in the very same hall, only j nights before another Mr Robertson—Mr ^?h» Robertson, the Labonr candidate for the t'v'9ion—condemned Mr Chamberlain's scheme v?1 and branch, and his crowded meeting of !'lots upheld him in every particular. Nobody with whom I have oome in contact ^eaia to know anything of the meeting or how ,ny men attended. The probability is that no thau forty 01 fifty people attended it at the The opinion here is that it was ajwuiised and addressed by Mr Robertson for the of passing such a resolution as it did and i n writ broadcast for the purposes of tbe it League, which has spared no effort to send tbr (Ast throughout the land. It was evident Chieholm Rcbsrtson's speech that he ^VaIreiac,y besn 'n c°mmunication with Mr 1, ?^atlain on the subject. f^My confident," says Mr Smillie, "that reck of Scottish mineis are Free Traders, fujj Object, as you may have known, has been by our Federation at a conference called for the purpose. The delegates ^j^ded came from all parts of the country instructions from local conferences, j overwhelming majority it was de- *>0ljCy'° °PP<»e any change in oor present fiscal V raUN"Ze all ,ta, kl*PAW to ttte gScottish Conference had unmisakable in strnctions to that effect. At no meeting attended by say of the Lanarkshire agents in any part of the county has tbe least opposition been ibdisatcd to the course taken by the deie- ates in opposing Mr Chamberlain's scheme. In fact, the attitude of the miners in Scotland on this question is precisely the same as that of the miners in England and Wales; and you will remember that when we met last in the confer- ence held at London the resolution was unani- mously passed protesting against any change in the fiscal system." So much then for Mr Chisholm Robertson, secretary of the supposed Scottish Central Miners' Association's (an association which is entirely unknown in Scotland) strictures on the attitude of workman's leaders. On any question appertaining to the interest of miners in any part of the United Kingdom the miners of Wales will exclaim, Mr Robert Smillie we all know, but Mr Chisholm Robertson who is he ? When did be last attend a miners' conference ?"

Illustrated Humour. I Fair Amateur: Yes, I painted this. What school of painting would you call it: Blunt Critic Board School. "Pa," said little Johnny McSwillinan, "here's a piece in the paper about Parasites.' What are they ?" Parasites, my boy, are people who live in Paris. I think you ought to know that and you in the third standard." "I fell off my tandem yesterday." Burt yourself ?" No. Fortunately my wife was under me." The Comfortable Way. Binka Fact is, old chap, I find that drink interferes with my work, so I've decided to knock off work. The Doctor Mrs Brown has sent for me to see her boy. and I must go at once. His Wtfe What is the mutter with the boy? The Doctor: I don't know; but Mrs Brown has a book on What to Do Before the Doctor Comes," and-I must hurry np before she does it, or the boy will be dead. Tom -5 asked old Goldman for bis daughter last nifflifc. C'ck What luck ? Tom Well, it was what yon may call a ran of luck. I got away! Heartrending. Percy: Wbatevah is the mattaii, Hawold ? Yon look positively bwoke op. Harold Yaas, Persay, I a.m. I m in such a beastly predicament. I've left my stick at tbe club. Henypeck (to his friends at the village inn) Gentlemen, I have been married fourteen years last Christmas, and during that time have not spoken a single cross word to my wife. I —— Mrs Henypeck (poking her head in at the door): Henry, why in the name of kings don't you bring that sugar borne ? I've been needing it these two hoars. Just wait until I get you borne, and „ Henypeck (flyioe out): Yes, my dear, I m coming. -i- Obvious Inference. Parson Do you take this woman for your lawful wedded wife? Lambeth 'Arry Strike me pink, boss, d'ye think I'd lose a day 8 P8* and come 'ere an' act the goat ? The Prospective Bride: I sometimes wish I had more experience in housekeeping and domes. tic life.. The Old Stager But, my dear, if yon had you would never get married. Mrs Quizzington Oh, tell me, Mr Trotter- inski, wnat occasion in life indnced yon to give Your mind to exploration and travel ? The Great Traveller (with emotion): I marry a peantiful v Oman -she leave me and my home! Mrs Quizzington How sad I I suppose vou could find no peace on your deserted homestead. The Great Traveller On the contraire. It vos ven I hear von day dat she vas coming back dat I became a famous draveller. Meagie Reciprocity. He.: T«ll you what; Let's fonnd a society I for rmitual admiration. I, instance, admire your bpRutifiil eyes, and*wbat do you admire in mo V She Your good taste. There was an old man in-Nautncket, Who kept all his caSb in a bucket; Bat his daughter, named Nan, Ran away with a man, And$s for the bucket-Nan tucket. She: It will be a pleasure for me to share your troubles and anxieties. He But I haven't any. She: Oh, yon will have when you are mar. ried. My wife and I agree perfectly about 80018 things," remarked Mr Meekton, with a gentle smile. Indeed ?" Yes. When anything goes wrong I take it for granted that it ia my faait. And £ UBrf»tta alto ibiaka 110, too."

MUSIC IN WALES. BY D. EMLYN EVANS. WINTER CONCERTS. With the advent of winter it ia satisfactory to note the activity again apparent in Welsh mu. sical circles, and particularly so in connection with the performance of complete vocal works, as well as those in the important field of instru- mental music, though naturally to a more limited extent in the tatter although the rendering of any large choral work now without the acccom- paniment of a more or less complete orchestra is becoming happily more the exception than the rule. The Cardiff Musical Society baa already given its first concert for the season, and before these liueu will appear in print the Cardiff Orchestral Society will also have given its initial perform- ance of its 1903-1904 series. The London Welsh Musical Society made its first public appearance a few days ago. and introduced a new Welsh work, Mr D. C. Williams's Psalms of Praise," to a London audience, another complete work in the programme being The Swan and the Skylark," by the late Goring Thomas, a highly talented musician, whose sad and untimely death a few years since caused universal regret. As a matter of historical accuracy, it may be here stated that Psalms of Praise was not a work that was awarded the composition prize at the eisteddfod held in Merthyr two[yeara ago," as has been stated in the programme. The author's male voice chorus, The Destiuction of Pom- peii," was tbe successful composition in that class at Merthyr but the cantata prize was won by Mr Haydn Morris, New York. London Welsh choral societies hitherto have not flourished for any great length of time, and if the present ven- ture is to be successful it must receive the un- divided support of our fellow countrymen and women in the Metropolis. The society would then beenconragedto put forth its best efforts, and would, we have no doubt, fully justify the confi- dence of its supporters. We are glad to learn that the subscription Chamber Concerts initiated last winter at Aherdne are again in evidence this year. The first concert was held on October 29th, and consisted of string quar- tettes by Mendelssohn, Schubert, and Schumann, pianoforte, violin, and two vocal solos; the second being announced for the 15th of tbe present month, with quartettes by Mendelssohn, Tschai- kowsky, and Schumann, duet for violins, a Beethoven sonata, and some of Mendelssohn's Songs without words on the piano.and violon- cello and vocal solos. Assuiealy, such wine needs no bush. In the same industrious musical centre Phillips's Orchestral Society gave a per- formance of vocal and instrumental music on tbe 19th of last month, the numbers contributed by the orchestra. including Weber's ever-welcome overture to "Oberon," Haydn's Synphony in D. and a new suite by Borcb. In the same neighbourhood,but amongst forth- coming events, is a performance of the "Creation at Cwmaman by a society which is doing good but unostentatious work under the leadership of Mr W. J. Evans, Absrdare, its record for the previous three years being highly creditable, ran- derings of Samson," Judas Maccabsus/' and Elijah," accompanied by a small but efficient baud-and our ambitious Welsh friends may rest assured that efficiency" spells best here as elsewhere, the effi- ciency of the capable few rather than the attempts, however well-intentioned, of the un- trained many. The Liverpool Welsh Choral Union, with a force of 300 performers, vocal and insornmental, announces The Messiah for the 19th instant, the which, under the baton of Mr Harry Evans, may be trusted to acquit itself satisfactorily once more. And the Noddfa Choral Society, Treorky, conducted by the veteran leader of the Royal Welsh Male Voice Choir, Mr William Thomas, has made arrangements for what may be termed a small musical festival on Christmas Day and following Boxing Day. the late Dr. Joseph Pajrry's Emmanuel" being selected for per- formance on the Friday evening, and Mendels- sohn's Elijah on Saturday afternoon. It is almost sad to read that Dr. Parry's chef d'ouvre has only been twice performed in the Princi- pality hitherto, and we trust tbe committeo's tribute to the memory of the departed musician, M well as the service to Welsh music it implies, will find a liberal response in the musical Rhondda. A Proscribed Work. It appears that the Dean of Gloucester objected ao strongly to the performance of Dr. Elgar's truly beautiful work, "The Dream of Geron- tins, in the Cathedral, as part of the programme of the next Three Choirs Festival that it has had to be omitted, the same composer's oratorio, The Apostles," being, however, included. The Dean, so we read, was good enough to acknow- ledge that Gerontins was a most beautiful and attractive work," but that" the Cathedral performances were sacred services, and not con. certs," and that it was simply impossible to allow the work to be sung therein without some expurgation." Deans have shown themselves capable of such peculiar actions in musical mat- ters before now—and to our present-day know- ledge in WaJes-tbat one is somewhat at a loss to know in what manner this sublime work has been unfortunate enough to incur the clerical interdict. If it be in respect of tbe chorus of Demons, we are not without plenty of prece- dents. Even the inspired Book itself, Old and New, affords specimens of the Satanic character dramatically introduced. Whether utilised as an individual or in chorus matters not; that is simply a matter of detail or of plot. Without reo ferring to more modern works, with possibly stronger analogous examples, we have never known of any objections being raised, for in- stance, to tho Witch of Endor in Handel's oratorio, "Saul," with her incantation addressed to the Infernal spirits, by whose power Departed ghosts in living forms appear, Add horror to the"midnight hour, And chill the boldest hearts with fear. A number of other instances may be cited from Handel's oratorios alone, discussing themes that are scarcely sacred in themselves, such as Bacchanalian choruses, love serenades, cfec., wbicb are simply episodes legitimately introduced, and wbich do not affect the character of the main subject, but wbich indeed thev serve to develop and to emphasise. These works have been per- formed times without number in sacred edifices, without our having heard any demur ecclesias- tical, or any talk of their expurgation being made. A plea was set out in these columns recently for purity and good taste in the matter of mnsical performances in sacred buildings. We have no reason for modifying that plea, but let us endeavour to have a sufficiently broadened vision. "Let knowledge grow from more to more," and, too, let more of reverence in ns dwell," bnt tbe reverence wbich prohibits Bueh an intensely devotional work as that of Cardinal Newman and Dr. Elgar seems to be based npon something other than knowledge-

Riches of Contentment. The Floridian knows when he is rich, and so he is happier in his wealth than a millionaire. King Edward is a poor slave beside him. A Florida paper says that there is much philosophic contentment in Florida, and tells a story to substantiate the statement. When the phosphate boom was young, a specu- lator paid one of these contented Florida folk 16,000 dollars for a tract of land the native had tried to sell for 500. The sum conveyed only a vague impression to the mind of the fortunate man. What he wanted was the cash in hand. If Ttoo't do that. Leave it in the bank, and tell me what you want." He wanted a farm of 60 acres with a bouse on it—the whole to cost a few hundred. What else ?" Can I have a horse and saddle and bridle ?" Certainly." And a rifle ?" Yes." II And some provisions ?" Yes." His eyes began to bulge. There was a panse. What else do you want ?" Oh, give me 50 dollars for the old woman to bay things for herself and the children." He started to walk away. II What else ?" Is there more yet ?" Yes." ■' Well, give me a plug 0' tobacco an' set me down where the fish mil to ftlt day »0' 10U eftH&ftYft tb« EMI.

THE HOUSEHOLD. Framed photographs are becoming more and more popular for the decoration of all rooms that are required to look cosy, and are surely taking the place of a large number of tbe ornamental knick-knacks of china, glass, and other expen- sive and breakable materials that have so long held away. Amateur photography is largely responsible for this revolution, and the Baviug in decoration effected is to my mind very fair in- demnification for the mess that has to be endured by the housewife when one of the family con- tracts the photosrrapbic fever. Apart from this, of course, the work of the professional aceamu lates so auickly that the album. as a means of retention, is out of the question, inasmuch as it is cumbersome and hardly sightly. So photo- graphs, which at one time threatened to become a nuisance, are being decreed the desirable orna- ment. To make pretty folding frMMB is much simpler than would appear at first sight, and I have no doubt you will easily put together the one I have sketched. You require four pieces of cardboard of moderate thickness, as the groundwork, some cretonne for covering, some cotton wool to place under the covering and so A Folding Phoio Frame. relieve the flatness which would relMt from attaching the cretonne to the bare catd, and a considerable qoantity of coloured beads to run round the edges. lrou also want two nieces of sheet glass any photographer will give you a couple of old negatives, which, when cleaned, will do admirably. The size of the frame is a matter of taste, but I suggest a circular opening if your photo will permit it. First cut out the four cards, all alike. Two of these make the back of the frame, and the other two must have the holes made in their centres and form the front. On the fronts, after cutting oat the centres. lightly glue the cotton wool in the form ot an even pad. Then hinge the two parts from the back by a piece of strong calico attached with glse. The front should now be covered with cretonne, care being taken to turn the material in neatly on the insidas, of the circles. The gisageo are next glued to the backs ot the fronts and the backs proper glued on afterwards Strips of card the thickness of the glass must be placed round all the sides except the top (which must be left free to admit the photo), or the slass will not permit the back to adhere to the front. The beads are then corded and tacked along the edges. A Novel Penwiper. Here is a novelty in penwipers. To maike it you Want some pieces of dark cloth, abont seven inches long and two and a half inches wide. Two pieces of thick cardboard* five inches by two and a half, must be got, to make the handle, and also some silk to cover the latter. Having cut both pieces into the shape of the handle of a white- wash brush, cover them on one side with the silk. Cut eight or nine pieces of cloth the same shape, but with the broad part twioe as long, to repre- sent the brush part as well as the handle this part must be notched deeply. Seam black ribbon, which should be about i-inch wide. round the sides-not the bioad end--of one piece of the handle: lay the pieces of cloth on to the other side, to which seam the .edge of the ribbon. Draw a piece of yellow ribbon tightly round the lower edge of the handle, sew another piece as a loop at the top.coveruig the tacking with the spangle The bracket shown is very easily made from cardboard atao. No directions are really neces- sary, except that it must be fastened together first with glue, and then stitched. There are three pieces a back, a shelf, and an upright. This bracket looks best covered with the palest sea- green velvet, and embroidered in shades of rose- pink silk. The centres of the large stars are pink jewels, and the small ones gold sequins fastened on with crystal beads. The edges are corded all round with a thick silk cord. Finish with a knot in the cectre and a loop to hang it up by. A word or two here about hanging pictures will be timely. Never hang a picture above the range of vision-that is, on a level with the eyes, about five and one-half feet from the floor. The general use of picture moulding has done away with the driving of nails for pictures, and this is decidedly an advantage, for the moulding is not only an addition to tbe ornamentation of tbe room, but it adds to the good effect of the pic. tures by hanging them all from an even line. The different heights are then given by different lengths of picture wire. When the wall is large and the pictures happen to to be small, take care that it doesn't look spotted: hang them far apart, and use only a few when this is the case. A good way to dipeso of a small pair of pictures A Pretty Bracket. is to hang them on each side of a cabinet or piano. The tilting forward of pictures, espe- cially oil-paintings, at the proper angle to catch the light is a question of importance. When placed very flat against the wall the light falls too full, and when tilted very far forward not full enongh, so either extreme will injure the artistic effect. As to frames, nothing but a gilt frame ever sbould be used for oil-paintings this may be as heavy as good taste demands, but gnard against calling attention away from the picture to the frame. Engravings and water-col- ours are framed with a broad margin and a narrow light frame. Nothing sets off a dainty water- colour better than a frame of white and gold and for the sombre colours of an engraving, a narrow rim* of black ebony goes well. After cooking onions, to prevent the saucepan smelling, fill np with water, and drop into it a live cinder. To clean and brighten a carpet, sprinkle over it a handful of moist salt. It settles the dust, kills moths, and renovates the colour beautifully. If rice that is to be boiled is soaked in water overnight, it is much lighter, and requires lAss time, as the grains separate more readily while boiling. A smoky lamp may be cared by soaking the wick in strong vinegar, and thoroughly drying before use. This will enBure a bright and clear light. To stop blood flowing from a cut on the bands, first barn a newspaper, then apply the black dust to the wound, when the skin will heal up instantly- ETHEL.

Quite Another Matter.—" Before I give you, my answer," said the duffy-haired summer girl," I would like to know if you are in a position to keep me in the style to which I have always been accustomed?" "If the styles don t change too often I am." replied the wise youth. "Other- wise the odds are in favour of my going broke." Hamlet Brutus But, madam, you are not heavy enough to play the part of Ophelia.— Miss Frizzle: Bot my father has plenty of money, and he would pay you a hundred dollars to put me on the stage in that part.—Hamlet Brutus: Have you the hundred dollars with you ? Miss Frizzle I have.-Hamlet Brutos That makes you heavy enough. No Judge.—Young Artist It's an outrage to have such an ignoramus as Puffers on a hanging committee.- Friend: No judge of art, eh ?— Young Artist: He is a half-idiflt. Wbjt f&h 4? tboogbt 037 cwa wen borate.

SCIENCE AND HEALTH By Br. ANDREW WILSON, F.R.S.E., So. Our Wet Season. The extreme rainfall which has marked the year 1903 forms naturally a very frequent subject of discussion at the present time. I have been struck on bearing such discussions with tbe wide- spread ignorance which exists regarding what rainfall means and implies. It is known, for example, that rainfall is calculated in inches, but comparatively few persons appear to under- stand how much water is represented by an inch of TAin spread over a certain area of ground, say an acre. An inch of rain spread over an acre represents 100 tons of water, in other words it would require 100 tons of water to flood an acre of ground to the depth of one inch. If, therefore, the average rainfall of London in the year be estimated at 24 inches, this statement implies that 2,400 tons of water bave fallen on each acre represented in the metropolitan area. The average rainfall of London is, of course, liable to be very much ex- ceeded by that in other places. For example, in the Weat of Cornwall it frequently exceeds 40 inches. It may interest readers to know thatl the wettest place in England is Seathwaite, in' Cumberland, the average rainfall here being 165 inches, this statement implying that 16.500 tons of water fall upon each acre represented in the area in question. About Seathwaite. My friend, Dr. H. R. Mill, one of our leading authorities on meteorology in this country, read a paper at the recent meeting of tho British Association on the rate of fat! of rain at Seath- waite. He tells us that in this extremely wet part of the ponntrv the late Mr Symons erected a recording rain gauge in 1899, records being obtained by means of this instrumsnt to the close of the year 1900. The records of the rain- fall at Seathwaite are, of course, available for many years, and it is stated as the result of 38 years' observation —from 1865 to 1902—the aver- age rate of fall is 614 inches per rainy day. A rainy day ia defined as being one on which more than 005 of an inch falls. 216 such days are dis- covered to occur in tbe year. and the total aver- age raiufall for the year of Seathwaite is given at 132 53 inches. The peculiarity of tbe Seath. waite rainfall, Dr. Mill says. appears to be its long daration and tbe comparatively small rate of fall. The longest and heaviest shower of the period considered from July, 1899, to December, 1902, was 19i hours, and during this period 3'59 inches of rain fell, the average rate being *186in. per hour. In Seathwaite it would therefore appear that the large amount of rainfall is not due so much to the violence of storms as to a long continued fall taking place at a relatively low rate. Dr. Mill tells us that the certainty is now established that 1903 is to prove the wettest year since Mr Symons established his first rain gauge in Camden Town, London, in 1858. Letters printed in Dr. Mill's magazine from correspondents all over the country seem to fully justify the papular notion that our present year has proved a.n extremely singular one in respect of the aouching which tbe earth has undergone. Some Figures About Coal. An interesting Blue Book recently issued en. ables ns to form some notion of the wealth repre- sented in tbe shape of the mines and quarries of Great Britain. The report deals with the year 1902. and therein we are informed that the total value of minerals produced in that year in tbe United Kingdom was £107,134.854. This repre- sents a decrease of some jE8,000,000 when com- pared with the preceding year, the deficit, it is stated, being due to tbe reduced price at whicb coal was sold. Aeainst this fact we have to con- sider that the total output of coal was the largest on record. It amonnted to over 227 millions of tons, and this exceeds by nearly two millions of tons thfl quantity brought to the surface in 1899. As compared with the coal output of 1901 there is a rise of over eight millions of tons. It is interesting to note the quantity of this coal which is sent out of the country. Leaving coke, patent fuel, end coal shipped for consumption on steamers engaged in tbe foreign trade out of the way, we find that our exports of coal. amounted to over 43 millions of tons, an increase of about It millions, compared with the preceding year, but showing a decrease of 930,000 when com- pared with 1900. In this latter year we bad the highest amount oi export recorded. Ourprincipal customer appears to be France, which takes over 7J millions of tons. Italy approaches France with nearly six millions, and Germany with 5,835,644 tens. Iron ore, which, we are told. commenced to dechne in the year 1899, showed a rise of more than a million tons, with a total value of over JE3,000,000 sterling, but Britain im- ported nearly 6t, millions of tons, four-fifths of this coming from Spain. Tbe total value of these imports is set down at £5,000,000. Coal Shortage. One may ask the question—How long onr sources of coal may bo'd out at the tremendous rate at which they are being excavated. This question is one that has for many years engaged the attention both of economists and of scientific men. I believe the general tendency on the part of both parties is that of looking with a cer- tain degree of alarm upon the enormous quanti- ties of fuel we export to other nations. From tbe public point of view we must recognise thut every ton of coal represents so much power or energy. If, therefore.we deplete our own national coal scuttle, it is quite obvious tbat sooner or later we shall be placed at a tremendous disad- vantage by having to deal with other nations for our necessary fuel. Those of us who have great faith in scientific advance, are inclined to pro- phesy that science, in the event of the failure of our coal supply,would present us with some other form of fnel or source of energy. Whilst this is possible, it is, at tbe same time, a somewhat revolutionary idea and, even if no oil fnelsup- planted coal, it is obvious that once again we should require to be dependent upon foreign countries for our supplies. It is, of course, always a serious matter for the Government to attempt to interfere with any large commercial industry. At the same time, the nation may have to reconsider at no distant period tbe great coal question. Fashion and Bird Life. From time to time strong protests an made against the indiscriminate slaughter of birds for the purpose of supplying the milli nera with objects for the decoration of ladies' bats. Everyone must regret tbat rare birds should be killed fot this purpose. But it strikes me very forcibly that those who supply milliners with bird skins for decorative purposes are not the only sinners who should be promptly dealt with. One rarely hears of a rare bird appearing in any vicinity or locality but one reads of its being ruthlessly shot. Little encouragement indeed is given in this way to rare bird visitors to continue to inhabit and breed in any special place. 1 observe that some time ago a certain millinery association in New York made a resolution to the effect that its members are to abstain from importing or purchasing gulls, terns, grebes, humming birds, aud song birds for decorative purposes, and it is further agreed that after the first day of 1904 tbe impor- tation or tbe sale of tbe plumage of egrets or herons of any species shall also ceass. These restrictions are made to apply to the birds irre- spective of the conntry in which tbey have been killed, it is added that this action is the result of efforts of certain natural history societies in the States, by way of endeavouring to break off tbe ruthless slangther of bird life. In my opinion women themselves would be the most powerful advocates of any reform in the direction which would prevent the needless slaughter of birds. In this, as in so many matters of life, the whole question resolves itself into one of supply and demand. If little or no demand existed on the part of women for millineryjin which birds formed the chief decorative features, tbe supply would soon cease. It is perhaps, however, too much to hope that such a reform will be one speedily effected. Sleeping Siokness. Under the name of sleeping sickness an ex- tremely cuTiou3 disease, chiefly affecting tropical regions, has been described. The enrious ailment ie continually present in West Africa, and also occurs in districts ranging from Senegal to Loanda. It appears also to be prevalent in the middle reaches of the Congo, and may oceur on the coast or on islands. A.t the present time it is very extensively met with in Uganda, which for- merly was free from it, whilst it will also be found occurring in neighbouring districts in the upper part of the basin of tbe Nile. It appears that in tbe early days of the slave trade this disease was found in the West Indies. It occurred, however, only in the case of negroes, who bad been directly imported from Africa. One feature of this disease appears to consist in tbe long period of incubation which its germ or microbe requires. A negro died in England of this disease a few yean ago, having enjoyed appar- ently three years of good health in this country, it being clear that infection could not possibly have taken place during his Englith residence. It appears that Europeans are not susceptible to attack. The diseaee is characterised by curions brain and nervous symptoms, as a result of which the patient sinks into a lethargic or comatose state which ends in death. Hence the origin of the term "sleeping sickness." The most recent information to hand regarding the cause of this curious disorder is that it appears to owe its origin to a certain parasite belonging to some low animal type. This parasite was found in the blood and also in the braiu fluid in each case. Flies are found to be capable of carrying this parasite,so that inall probability the disease, like malaria, is communicated to human beings through the bite of tbe 11,

The Doctor Silenced.—The Doctor: Youte- gard society as merely a machine, do you ? What part of the machine do you consider me, for instance f—1The Professor: You are one of the cranks. Hadiey Revised.—Son (just from Yale); President Hadiey says money should not be life's aim.—Father ExactlJ I X9$SOt *im At itMoafafretf get it.

Illustrated Fashions. There are many little details in connection with our garments which are apt to be over. looked by careless women which if accorded sufficient attention would. be found of gnat use and real importance. The girl who knows how to put away her dresses, &c., is not only always neat and smart in appearance but is at the same time economical, for her belongings wear much longer than they would if carelessly treated. Coats, to keep their shape, should always be hung up on a coat hanger in a wardrobe if not required again that day; or if shortly to be used again are neatly disposed over the back of a chair. In nocase ought a coat to be carelessly flung on a bed or a chair, especially if it be at all A Neat Blouse. damp, as in this way it loses its smartness of cut and fit. Skirts also deserve due attention if expected to keep their look and avoid that objectionable draggled appearance that many develop after a time. A tailor-made skirt sboald always be bung up on a skirt banger which is somewhat similar to that used for a coat, that with the ends more depressed, as the skirt keeps ih excellent shape and hangs in even folds. If a skirt hanger is not used, it is beat to hook the band of the skirt and then hang it up by the two loops under.the band. Bloases should also be hung up bv the two loops at the armholes, or if of a dressy description, be carefully staffed with tissue paper, and Yaid smoothly in a drawer. The neat blouse sketched is of a simole yet smart and up to date mode, with strapping fastened with small gilt buttons. A broad box pleat finishes the front, under which the bloose is fastened. One of the pretty fancy flannels with an ornamental border would make up into a smart blouse of this description, the border being used for the strappings and box pleat down the front. A cream flannel spotted with black and trimmed with black or cream lace, A Pretty Bodice. treated in the same fashion, as thetattapDiBKs, would look very chic, while a bright red flannel finished with strappings of silk piped with black and worn with a. white stock collar and a smart black and red silk cravat would look cosy and prove exceeaidgir serviceable for morning wear. Yak lace is one of the most fashionable varieties used for trimming flannel or cloth blouse. Cloth blouse to be correctly worn should be of the same colour or tone of colour as the skirt worn with it, so that the two together give the effect of a complete costume witbout any patchiness or contrast. A most nsefnt skirt for wear with all sorts and conditions of blouses is one of accor- dion pleated voile or cachemere, the latter being the most durable material. In my second sketch a pretty evening bodice is shown, worn in conjunction with a pleated and gauged skirt. The bodice is also of pleated material, simply arranged, and finished only by some sequiued embroidery. A very useful frock in this style for dinner or home wear is fashioned of black glace silk accordion pleated, trimmed with sparkling sequined embroidery, finished by a narrow edging or piping of geranium red velvet, the front of the corsage having a large bow of the. same brightly tinted velvet, while, if A Fashionable Toque. the wearer be possessed of a slender waist, the band might also be of the same colcar. Anyone, however, who is not possessed of a particularly slender waist should content themselves with a fitted waistband of the silk, sewn over with seqnins. The sleeves fall loosely from justabove the elbow, in a deep frill to the wrists. In white or cream silk a gown of this description would look charming trimmed with some pearl or silver sequined embroidery, and with turquoise blue as a note of contrasting colour, A lace collar or bertbe can always be easily added if desired, and it of good lace would look well. Toques this winter are worn projecting well over the face in front and fitting closely to the head at the back. A specimen of what 1 mean is depicted in my third sketch. It is made of a brown felt, which has snch a woolly rough sur- face that it can easily be mistaken for fur. The sole trimming is a smartly arranged aigrette, held in place by a cut steel backle. Some women are exploiting the somewhat quaint idea of selecting their headgear to match the colour of their hair as nearly as possible. Personally I confess that the mode, although it possesses novelty, does not find much favour in my eyes, as a eontraat- ing colour will often bring out unexpected light and shades of colour in the coiffnxe. The kind of felt that I have described has a great vogue 1 at present, and is more comfortable wear than a heavy far cap or toque, while the general effect is quite as good. Sometimes they are trimmed by a little bunch of Parma violets and leaves, or a dainty nosegay of geraniums, both of which flowers go excellently with any shade of brown or grey. Black and white felts are also much in demand. COQUETTE.

I Had No Gradge. -Walking about one day in the land of shadows, Charles Dickens unexpec- tedly encountered Mr Pecksniff. My dear fet- low," said Mr Dickens, 1 hope yoaentertain no ill-will toward me on accornt of the unenviable notoriety I seem to have given yoa." "Sir," loftily replied Mr Peokeniff." you owe me no apology. The name of Pecksniff will be re mem • bered.J99g ftfttfr tbe nfunftof Dictane ia forgot-

Welsh Tit-Bits. Neu Wreichion Oddiar yr Etogton BY CADRAWD. Welsh Ballads and Nursery Rhymes. The Rev. J. Myfenydd Morgan. in an inter- eating article in the "South Wales Daily News for the 6th inst.. has called dtteotion to a subject I have for tbe last thirty years paid great attention to, viz., Welsh Folk-lore, Bathde, ¡ Nursery Rhymes, <fec. ,dn The late Ceiriog made & special effort to collect the nursery rhymes of North Wales, and the fruit of hisendeavours may be seen in a collec- tive form in his sixth book, Oxiaa'c Haftbe total nnmber of rhymes in his collection being 104. As I have said, for the !a6t thirty years I have been trying to do the same for Sonth Wales, and have managed to bring together about 150 old Welsh nnrsery rhymes, collected in the six counties of Sonth Wales, and my collection includes some scores of old poees, or puzzles, colloquial expressions, adages, local proverbs, expressions. obsolete words, &c" in which are included the specimen quoted by Mr Morgan in his letter. Welsh poses were very popular in tbe time when the Rev. Myfenydd Morgan attended the elementary school at Esgairbir; bnt his version of the paxsle be quotes is a little different to bow I have heard it. This is bow I would ask the question, or pwnc Beth yw milaat ddu, fain, Ar ben v llwyn drain Hi ladd ac hi fling, Chyfarthiff hi ddim? The answer, as he says, wonld be a scythe (pladur). It was supposed by some veteran farmers I have known that placing a long scythe in a certain position on tbe top of a thick pole with the edge upwards in a field was an improve- ment on tbe bwbach to scare away the crows. This invention could only have its origin sntee- quedt to the introduction of gunpowder, for the scythe represented a gun, and the poet on the top of which it was placed tbe man holding it, depicting a man in the act of firing. The crone learnt very soon to dread the gun. and would keep at a t ery respectable distance from any- thing in the shape of a man carrying sueb a weapon, and even to hold up a walking-stick and point it towards a group of them wonld make them disappear for a time. The life of a crow at tbe time we are speaking of is described by the Welsh bard:— Hen waeddanes wir ddiddan,—- Ion ei gwedd, o fiaen gwn yn mhobman; A'r fwyaf du ei banan O'r adar fry ydyw'r fran. Fifty years ago, when the Welsh farmer foand it more profitable to grow corn than to sell milk, he had to use every ingenuity to scare away the crows at sowing time, and for weeks after the seed bad been cast in tbe ground it had to ba carefully watched. Modern appliances for aow- ing have improved matters in (bis respect, the drill-sowing making it almost impossible for thf birds to find the corn as it is placed in tb. ground. Tbe word Bwbach Brain" was very familial half a century ago, and was to be met witb here and there and everywhere in rural districts during sowing seasons. The Welsh word bw means an object of fear or dread, an awe-iaapif. ing object. Bwbach was a familiar word with Dafydd ap Gwilym, in tbe 14th century .—— Bwbaeb ar lun mynach moel. There is a dialectic section in connection with the Welsh University <' Gaild of Graduates," notable only for their masterly inactivity. To those who have had any experience of ratal life during the last fifty years, and have convened in the vernacular, it ia very manifest that a considerable quantity of valuable material it continually disappearing which can never bt recovered. My parents used scores of Welsh words and expressions which I have never had occasion to make use of, ofcing to the great changes in the social life of even this corner ot Glamorgan, thongb we continae to speak to eacb other in the same language, There wen hundreds of words, expressions, and observations in use when I was a boy which are not required to-day. And, again, my children can nevei inherit the store of Welsh lore which I have been by circumstances compelled to remember, which I often heard from the lips of the old inhab. itants of Llangynwyd of what they had seen and heard, for under our present mode of spending the evenings there is no call for as to kill time during tbe long winter nights in relating ghoat stories, exchanging poses and puzzles, and tbe like, for the children have their home lessons tc prepare, the girls their sewing, and quite half of every week evenings are spent in Church servicesv concerts, or other entertainments. So in thic advanced age the children cannot afford time even if tbe parents could offer tbe stories, if listen to what has been called "old women tales," old folk lore, ghost tales, and the like. In the future it will be the scientific scholar, the specialist, that will have to suffer and monrv tbe loss of this special class of literature. The Cardiff Times in years to come will be interesting, as it will contain many of tbe talet our fathers and mothers told, and the column of Welsh Tit-bits has been devoted chiefly ta the collecting of these characteristic traits of tht native Wetsh, and recording their habit. customs, and devotions. There is nothing in an;t language to surpass the following old nnrserj rhyme, which I copied many years ago from tht manuscripts of one of the Morrises in the library of the British Museum — Lode3 ei mam a lodes ei thad, A feotri di gyda fi allan o'r wlad Lie mae gwin yn troi melinau A chant punt am gysgn'r borau." It is of the utmost importance that every affor, be made to collect all Welsh nursery rbymes. Tbey are not derived from any other language 01 people, but are a home product. They have not been imported from another tongue or epeecht nor are they exported into any other language. We are told by tbe wisest of men that there is ti time for everything, and an occasion in which we may enjoy what may be properly termed nonsense and many things tbat are habitually said by grown-np people are only saved from that realm and age by mere assumption. Nursery rhymes are a law to themselves, subject to no court, nt pulpit, and no school, or even urfiversity. In tbe juvenile republic of letters, no child wants the Sparrow punished for murdering Cock Robin, of Sister Anne to be silenced, and the ;six Head* less Ladies abolished, or the deeds of Blue Beard undone. There has never been any dispate among English children as to who should own the House that Jack built.

Songs for the People. f Aidnw Fletcher of Baltoun. tn a letter te tb« Marqnis of Montrose, wrote" I know a very Wise man that believed tbat if a man were permitted te make all the ballads he need not care who show, make the laws of tbe nation." AN EMBER PICTURE. A chance had brought us together, Onr talk was of matters of coarse; We were nothing one to the other. But a short balf-hoflr's resource. e » e • Arrived at her door, we left het. With a drippingly harried ad lea: And our wheels went orunebing the gravel Of-tbe oak.darkened avenue. As we drove aaay through the shadow. The candle she held at the door From rain-varnished tree-trunk to tree-tXOMI Flashed fainter, and fiaehed no more. Flashed fainter, then wholly faded Before we had passed the wood But tbe light of the face behind it Went with me and stayed for good. Had she beauty ? Well, not what they call efT Yon may find thousands as fair; And yet there's her face in my memory With no special claim to be there. As I sit sometimes in the twilight, And call back to life in the coaU Old faces and hopes and fancies Long buried (good rest to their soaJi)- Her face shines out in the embers 1 nee her holding the light. And hear the crunch of the And the sweep of the rain that night. J. Russell Lowell.

A Practical Dramatist.—Friend Why do K kill off so many people in evaxy act ?—Dzamt tist: The company ia small, and that tl.*8It way I can sroritin >U tho-ctaa—Hn.