The Cardiff Times

CARDIFF. Cymmrodorion Banquet. In celebration of the patron saint of Wales, the members of the Cardiff Cymmrodorion Society partook of a banquet which was laid with no little elegance by Mrs Barry in the Imperial Hotel. Tn the absence through illness of Judgo Gwilym Williams, the Mayor of Cardiff (Coun- cillor W. E. Vaughan) presided, and amongst the very J!lTg-e company which sat down were Mr Evan Owen. Dr P. Rhys Griffith, Councillor Murni, Councillor John, Messrs J. T. Saunders, John Morgan,Henry Radcliffe. Richard Davies, and Tom Roberts; Rev Thomas Hughes, Congregational minister; Rev Charles Davies, Baptist minister; Rev D. M. Pryse, Baptist; Rev Z. H. Lewis, Baptist; Messrs J. Heggon, builder W. Jones Thomas, Fred. Williams, D. D. Davies. Cardiff; Dr J. L. Thomas, Penyian Mr Geo. T. Coleman, the Infirmary thp, Rev J. Morgan Jones, Messrs T. ?Ea wards, D. Morgen, "Dyfed"; the Rev T. T. Jones. Mr M. Roberts Jones, B.L., the Rev J. P. Richards, Caeiphilly Messrs John Benjamin, Castle-road, Cardiff William Davies, Queen-street, J. Martin Jone?, Dr Pritehard, Mr D. Alfred Williams, Councillor F. J. Beavau, Messrs Dd. Edwards, London Gwilym Wiliiams, Canton Tom Price, M. Cynou Davies, Caradog, PonLypridrl; Dr Mull in, Messrs Thos. Wil- liams, East Moors, F. J. Harris, Cowbridge- road, John Williams, Longcross-street, Dd. Evans, Tresiliian-terrace, Dd. Howells, Adam-street Post Office, D. J. Jones, Emporium, Barry D. Ladd Davies, J. Cecil Williams, Talbot-streci; Edward Roberts, Bute-road Thos Williams, Canton; Councillor F. L. Short Wm. Morgan, Loudoun-square S. Davies, Hannah-street J. R. Thomas, D. M. Evans, J. Vaughan Williams, John B. Davies, T. E. Parry, Ab Caledfryn, Pontypridd Idriswyn, J. W. Evans, Tegfryn Pryce, E. D. Richards, Moses Jones, Harry Jones, H. Gething Lewis, D. W. Rees, E. T. Lucock, — Mgskell, D. Morgan, Thomas Rees, Caerphilly H. E. Greatrex, J. P. Saunders, James Edwards, Llew Ebbw, T. H. Thomas, R.C. A., Cynonfardd, Walter E. Howard, and Rev T. Jones Davies, &c. The company also included a large number of ladies. During the progress of the banquet telegrams of a congratulatory nature were received from the Barry Dock Society, Newport, the Bristol Cam- brian banquet, and Mr Benah Gwynfe Evans, Carnarvon. At the conclusion of the report, the toast of "The Queen was pledged from the Chair. Dr Pritehard proposed the Welsh pulpit," to which the Rev T. T. Jones responded, he re- ferring to the great influence which the pulpit had had in forming the character of the Welsh people, and in promoting the progress of the Welsh nation. Dr P. RHYS GRIFFITHS then submitted the toast of the evening, The Immortal Memory of St David." He said that Welshmen that day were gathered in every quarter of the globe to celebrate with widespread and extreme enthusiasm. The charm in the name was almost magic. Most of the history of the Welsh nation was built upon legend and romance, and to support the greater part of it they had to exercise great discrimination. and discretion; but, stIll, they could take it for granted that St David was a Welshman. (Applause.) He was born in the early part of the sixth century. Of the first years of his life there was no record, but of his later years and his labours in the Welsh Church they had ample evidence. He was a true lover of his country, and in his work of a teacher, a minister, and a counsellor of the people, he sought to instil into them the higher attributes of true patriotism. The great reverence which was paid to his name was evidenced in the great number of churches which were—not only in Wales but throughout the kingdom—dedicated to his name. The name of St. David was, indeed, sweet to every Welsh- man. Centuries had passed by since he flourished, change upon change had come upon their country they had been deprived of their inde- pendence, and become part and parcel of a more powerful nation but through all these changes and vicissitudes of human affairs St. David still stood an inspiring standard, around which they could all gather irrespective of creed, of religion, of social and of political distinction to fight one common bastle for the welfare and the progress of the people and the country. (Applause.) The toast was enthusiastically honoured. Mr EVAN OWEN (one of the joint secretaries) read letters expressing inability to be present from Judge Gwilym Williams (who was suffering from a bronchial attack), Sir Win, Thos. Lewis, Principal Viriamu Jones, Archdeacon Griffiths, Neath; the Rev Dd. Davies, Newcastle, Bridgend; and Mr Williams, Pontypridd. Mr M. ROBKRTS JONES, barrister-at-law, then gave" The Corporation and Commerce of Cardiff," remarking that its ships sailed every sea and were known upon every ocean. Councillor F. J/'BKAVAN and Councillor JOHN both acknowledged the toast. c. Our Society "was proposed by Mr D. Mor fan, Canton, and responded to by the Rev T. C. Idwards, D.D. (Cynonfardd). Mr T. H. Thomas, R.C.A., gave the toast of the "Visitors," which Councillor James Munn and Dr Mullm acknowledged, the proceeding shortly afterwR.rds terminating.—During the evening musical selections were given by Mr Cynon Davies, A.C., Miss Maggie Jones, Miss Morfydd Williams, Llew Ebbwy, Ab Caled- fryn (Pontypridd), Mr Thos. Price, Caradog, Master E. I). Richards, and Miss Annie Jones, R.A.M. The arrangements for the celebration, which was of a most successful nature, devolved upon Mr Evan Owen and Mr J. Lovell, who acted as joint-secretaries. Banquet at the Royal Hotel. A goodly number of patriotic Welshmen assembled at a banquet at the Royal Hotel, Car- diff, to do honour to the patron samt of Wales, when Mr Alfred Thomas,M.P., presided. Among the company were Alderman David Jones, Mr C. T. Whitmel), H.M.I.S., Mr H. P. Linton, Mr Joseph Henry Jones, Mr Samuel Hall, Mr D. Tudor Evans, Mr Geo. Thomas (Ely). Councillor William Lewis, Councillor Morgan Morgan, Mr James Allan, Mr James Hurman, ex-Councillor Richards, Mr James Waugh, Mr Bruce Lovie, Mr John Hopkins, Mr Thomas Thomas, Mr Beynon Harris, Mr F. S. Lock. Mr David Davies. Mr Cornish, Mr S. D. Churchill, Mr Johns (Clifton Hotel), Mr W. H. Griffiths, Mr J. Shaw, Mr W. H. Daviss, &c. An excellent menu was submitted by the manager, Mr B. Harman, who, of course, did not omit the cawl cenin, real Welsh mutton, and other national dishes. Councillor MORGAN, hon. sec., stated that letters and telegrams had been received from the undermentioned gentlemen regretting their inability to be present :—Mr D. T. Alexander, Mr H. F. Lynch-Blosse, Mr James Howell, Mr Lasce'.les Carr, Mr John Duncan, Mr David Duncan, Mr John James, Mr W. P. Will'ams, Mr W. P. James, Dr Treharne, Rev T. C. Phillips, and Mr R. T. Jones, Newport. The loyal toasts having been honoured with great cordiality, Mr John Hopkins sang" God bless the Prince of Wales to the harp accom- paniment. Mr H. P. LINTON proposed The Ministers of Religion." Mr JosRPH HENRY .TONES followed with the toast of the" Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," the proposer of the sentime.it appropriately alluding to the noble part which the Welsh regi- ments had always played in the great military contests in which the British soldiery had engaged. Mr BEYNON HARRIS responded, and spoke eloquently of the growth of Welsh national sentiment. Speaking with reference to the occasion of the gathering, the CHAIRMAN said he well remem- bered, when quite a boy, reading the reports of St. David's Day celebrations by Welshmen who had left their native country, and he used to think not too kindly of those gentlemen. He wondered how they could manifest such patriotic zeal for their country and yet tear themselves from it and from all their home associations. But he must confess that he changed his opinion in after years, when he had opportunities of meeting his countrymen in many parts of the world. Formerly they heard little of St. David or St. David's Day at home, but a change had come over the Rcene, and for the last ten years, a least, the people of Wales had been vieing with their kinsmen abroad in celebrating St. David's Day. (Applause.) He had asked himself the question— to what he attributed this revival of nationalism, as he would call it ? Why was it that the people of Wales at the present day thought so much more of their old institutions than they did some thirty years ago ? He believed it arose from the fact that the people of Wales had a greater hope of the future—(applause)—and, thinking of the past, they felt proud of it. Some twenty or thirty years since the people of England looked upon Wales as an out-of-the-way corner of Eng- land, upon its inhabitants as people who spoke a sort of barbarous jargon—(laughter)—who had no history, and nothing of which they need be proud. But some of the great patriots of the immediate past had corrected this view. (Hear, hear.) He referred to Tnomas^Rees Stephen and many of the other bards. Especially was this due to one whom he esteemed it the greatest honour to have known as a colleague—aman who, by his speeches in Parliament and his writings in the Morning Star, tausrht the people, not only of England, but the world that the Welsh people were a nation, a people who had a. language, and a beautiful hnguage-one of the oldest languages in Europe—and one who had a history of which any nation could be proud. (Applause.) That man was that jgreat Welshman, Mr Henry Richard. (Applause.) He (the chairman) was very proud, indeed, to day, to see so many eminent young Welshmen, occu- pying distinguished positions m theology, politics, and jurisprudence, W hen they remembered the disadvantages under which the people of Wales had laboured in the past, what splendid hope must they have when they looked forward to the days of developed intermediate and higher educa- tion! (Applause.) The commercial prosperity of Wales had gone up with leaps and bounds, and, notwithstanding the present gloom, was very encouraging. It was the same with regard to the spread of religion throughout Wales. Amongst Churchmen there were splendid Nationalists, who would be still better National- ists in a few years to come. (Hear, hear.) To-day they had as good preachers as they had ever had, men as self-denying and as determined to make sacrifices as any of their great predecessors. (Applause.) He was proud to be present to-night —(hear, hear)—and proud to think that wherever Welshmen sojourned the wide world over, their thoughts turned to the beloved land in which remained their beloved friends and relatives, and where rested the ashes of their revered dead. (Applause.) Mr TUDOR EVAKS proposed the toast, in memory of St. David, the patron saint of Walea, Mr GEORGE THOMAS (Eiy), who was delightfully reminiscent, submitted the toast of Other Nationalities and Mr BRUCE LoVIE responded. The Educational Institutions of Wales" was the next toast, proposed, appropriately enough, by Mr C. T. WHITMKLL, who said the elementary schools in Cardiff occupied a position in the I front rank—the result of the far-sighted and- generous policy of the School Board. He looked forward to the speedy establishment of a Welsh University, to crown not only Welsh educational interests, but to co-ordinate and harmonise the whole scheme of education into a grand budding, fitly framed together, a complete symmetrical temple of learning. (Applause.) Mr WAUGH (head master of the Higher Grade School) responded. He observed that if he had been a little successful in his work at Cardiff, it was because he had had the sympathy of the peo pie of Cardiff, of the School Board, and of the children who had been entrusted to his care. He incidentally urged the establishment of a gymnasium at the Higher Grade School, dwelling on the importance of the physical development of the young. Mr T. C. THOMAS (Bedlinog) also spoke in acknowledgment of the toast. He advocated the introduction of bi-hnguat books into the elementary schools in Wales, so that the children might understand what they read, and not be taught parrot-like. Councillor Wit. LEWIS proposed "The Town and Trade of Cardiff," and Aid. DAVID JONES, in replying, referred to the suggested gymnasium at the Higher Grade School. He fully agreed with Mr W augi) in the neceesity'of physical as well as mental training; but whether the School Board authorities were the proper body to carry out such a project he would not say. It should not be for- gotten that the School Board was incurring greater and greater expense, and that there were such peopie in the world as ratepayers—(laughter)— and if a gymnasium was established at the Higher Grade School, immediately would bang go saxpence." (Renewed laughter.) Touching on the subject of new municipal build- ings and law courts, the alderman said whether they were built in St. Mary-street or at the corner of the Cardiff Arms Park, they must be worthy of the town. A harbour trust scheme, involving as it did not thousands but millions of pounds, must take a long time to develop in order that all the interests concerned might come to a mutual understanding. The agitation, however, for a harbour trust was a good indica- tion of the progress of the port of Cardiff. Referring to the waterworks, he called attention to The Great Forest of Brecon Bill," which sought to trespass upon the watershed which the Cardiff Corporation had paid so much money to secure intact. The Bill, he added, would be fought tooth and nail by the Corporation to pre- serve the interests of Cardiff. (Applause.) Mr SAMUEl, HALL also responded to the toast. "The Press" having been proposed by Councillor MORGAN MORGAN, and duly respected, the proceedings closed with the health of the Chairman, submitted by Mr JAMES HURMAN. Some excellently rendered songs and duets were given by Miss M. Davies and her sister, Miss Annie Davies, during the evening, and Mr A. H. Perkins contributed baritone songs in his usual admirable style. Conversazione at the University College. In celebration of St. David's Day a con- versazione was held at the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Cardiff, in the evening. Principal and Mrs Viriamu Jones, Miss Hurlbatt, Miss Hughes, and Miss Foxall received a large company of ladies and gentlemen in the library from seven till half-past. Professor Vaughan then delivered a brief address appro- priate to the occasion, and the representatives from Aberystwyth and Bangor were cordially welcomed, after which came a humorous topical song by Three Welsh historians." Then fol- lowed vocal and instrumental music, and, at intervals, a series of dramatic sketches—well performed and highly appreciated. From 8.30 till 10 the physical laboratory was the scene of soap-bubbles and strange sights and sounds," which proved very interesting to many of the visitors. The students' common room was utilised as a refreshment-room, where, according to the bill of fare, tea, coffee, and Swamtsoc dainties were served, the word quoted being synonymous with South Wales and Monmouthshire Training School of Cookery." The reverse side of tho programme bore several grotesque sketches and humorous allusions tc college and local town matters, among the former being a drawing of the proposed medical school, on the ridge of which was posed the announcement Medical School—gratuitous treatment of indisposed students for nothing." Altogether the con- versazione was a most successful and enjoyable one.

SWANSEA. St. David's Day was observed at Swansea in the customary manner, though the wearing of the national embfem was less conspicuous than usual. In the evening the Cymmrodorion Society held their annual dinner at tho Royal Hotel. Dr John Evans, J.P., made a most genial chairman, and he was supported on the cross-table by Arch- deacon Griffiths, Dr Emrys Jones, of Man- chester, Councillors James Jones, J. Aeron Thomas, and Llewellyn Davis. Dr Gabe, Messrs Thomas Jones, Alaw Llwynfell (secretary), J. Rees (sub-Inspector of Schools), andW. Llewellyn Williams, while in the body of the room were about 70 gueSfcq. An excellently served dinner over, the CHAIR- MAN gave the loyal toasts, observing that the Royal Family knew nothing of Wales, and that if they did the Welsh would be more loyal than even they are at present. Mr J. REES gave the toast of "The Ministers of all Denominations," and attributed theenlight- enment of the people of Wales to the work of their ministers of religion. The Rev R. JACKETT, curate of Port Tennant, responded, and elicited much applause by express- ing a wish that the day would come when every minister would study the interests of his own country as well as of his own congregation. The Rev W. GIBBON (Capel Seion) also responded. Archdeacon GRIFFITHS then gave the toast of the evening, The Memory of St. David." After some amusing reminiscences, which elicited rounds of laughter, the venerable gentleman referred to St. David and his work, saying he was the hero of his day, was devoid of any narrow- ness of mind, and did his best for his kind while he lived. Coming to the present day, the Arch- deacon referred to the question of education, and alluded to the reception a deputation recently met with from Mr Acland, when it waited on him as Minister of Education with respect to the teaching of Welsh in elemen- with respect to the teaching of Welsh in elemen- tary schools. He said his reply would have been worthy of the most warm-hearted Welshman, and they should thank him for his desire to aid in keeping alive the old language, and at the same time enabling young Welshmen to acquire foreign languages so that they could keep pace with other people. (Cheers.) The toast having been duly honoured, Mr Thomas sang Gwlad yr hen Gemnen Werdd," the words of which were composed by the late Athan Fardd. Counto Councillor DAVIS gave the toast of the Mayor, Corporation, and School Board of Swan- sea, and referring to the trade of the district ex- pressed pleasure at seeing some Welshmen masters of Welsh industry instead of the whole being controlled by Englishmen, Scotchmen, and Irishmen, as in former days. County Councillor AERON THOMAS replied tor the Corporation, and Dr Rhys Davies for the School Board, the latter saying Wales had been asleep for centuries, but now he was pleased to know she was fully roused to a due sense of her duties. The CHAIRMAN then read greetings from 50 Welshmen at Edinburgh and the Birmingham Union of Britons. Dr EMRYS JONES, who was cordially received, then gave the toast of "The Cymroddorion Society. Referring t. Welsh nationality, he said that wherever Welshmen were gathered that night there was some sort of gathering in celebra- tion of Welsh nationality. Distance knew no barriers to the bringing of one Welsh soul towards another by the establishment of societies like theirs. They claimed that the Cymric nation knew no political and no sectarian differences. (Hear, hear.) Those differences had been great drawbacks in the course of national progress. Some people had pushed them to an extreme, drawbacks in the course of national progress. Some people had pushed them to an extreme, which had made it almost impossible for proper spirits and proper thoughts to be brought in contact, but he believed this would be of the past. He, however, did regret that either side of politics, for the sake of party triumph, should accentuate these differ- ences. It was a most regrettable thing for a politician to make a statement before English audiences which brought ridicule on the Welsh cause, whether made by ardent Radicals or by an unfortunate bishop. It was regrettable for the common cause that a bishop could refer to the question of Welsh nationality as a charming sentiment. Such an expression was too trifling for a bishop to make use of in reference to a language which had maintained its own through all the years in spite of all the English Govern- ment could do to stifle it. (Cheers.) The CHAIRMAN and Councillor JONES reo sponded. Mr LLEWELLYN WILLIAMS then gave the toast of "The Poetry, Literature, and Music of Wales," and the Rev. D. GRIFFITHS and Mr T. SAMUEL responded. Other toasts followed.

ABERGAVENNY. St. David's Day was celebrated here on Wed-. nesday by a banquet at St. Michael's Hall, which was tastefully decorated for the occasion by Mr Evan Jones, of the Imperial Coffee Palace, who catered to the entire satisfaction of the numerous guests. The Rev W. S. Jones (Presbyterian) presided, and the Rev Thomas Bowen (Congre- gational) and the Rev John Davies (Presbyterian, Pandy), acted as vice-presidents. The Rev D. Felix (curate of St. Mary's) and the Rev — Hughes (Congregational), Llangattock, Crick- howell, were also present, and over a hundred others, representing the leading townsmen and agriculturists of the neighbourhood, many of whom were accompanied by their wives and daughters. The following is a copy of the toast list :—" Y Frenhines a'r Teulu Brehinol" (" The Queen and Royal Family"); "Gweiuidogion yr Efengyl" ("Ministers of the Gospel"); "Y Fyddin ar Llynges" ("The Army and Navy") Y Seneddai" ("The Houses of Parliament "); Coffadwriaeth Dewi, Sant (" Memory of St. David "): Cym- deithas y Cymmrodorion" (Cymmrodorion Society "); Addysg yn Nghymru (" Edu- cation in Wales"); "Masnach Cymmydog- aethol" (" Neighbouring Trade "); Ein Gwlad, em Ialth, ein Cenedl" (" Our Country, our Language, our Nation ") Y Cymry ar Wasgar yn Ngwladydd Estronol (" The Welsh people in foreign ports "); Ymwelwyr (" Visitors "). The toast of the evening, The Memory of St. David," was proposed in eloquent < terma by the Rev John Davies, whose speech was warmly applaude.i.

NEWPORT. Banquat at the Westgate Hotel. There was a capital gathering of Welsh- men at the Westgate Hotel, when Mr Arthur Evans, J.P., the high sheriff-elect, pre- sided, and was supported by Principal Edwards, Dr Morgan. Mr Thomas Parry, Rev T. A. Davies, Dr Garrod Thomas, Mr Louis Hornby, Councillor Roger Evans, Mr Morgan Phillips, etc.—The Chairman read a letter from Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., saying that bis doctor absolutely forbade him attending the banquet owing to an attack of influenza, but saying be felt sure there would be no more happy gathering of patriotic Welshmen than that at the Westgate Hotel. Letters apologising for unavoidable absence were also received from Mr A. Spicer, M.P., Mr T. P. Price, M.P., the Hon. Col. Morgau, M.P., the Mayor of Newport, and others. There were the usual concessions in the menu to Welsh senti- ment, better still, a sonnet from the pen of Mrs Dudley Evans, of Somerton Honse, told the stirr- ing historical incident which has made the leek St. David's emblem. Instead of royal standards, A leek for ensign wear, In mockery of their banners, Their plumes and pennons fair." Miss Hettie Phillips, of the Royal Academy of Music, sang Toriad y dydd," and The vision of years," Mr Walter Jones gave the solo part of Hen WIad fy Nhadau," and the company joined heartily in the chorus. Mr T. H. Davies gave Mona," and others also contributed to the harmony. The speeches were quite up to the average. The Chairman gave the loyal and patriotic toasts: Staff-Surgeon Dr J. T. Thomas, of the 1st Mon. Artillery, replied to the "Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces." Mr Richard Davies proposed the Pulpit of Wales and Ministers of Religion," and said he re- membered as a lad hearing Christmas Evans preach in the churchyard of a Baptist church in Cardiganshire. Such was the power and effect of his preaching that if he had kept on for four or five hours people would not have moved. —Principal Edwards and the Rev T. A. Davies responded. Principal Edwards admitted that there were giants in bygone days, such as Christmas Evans, John Elias, and Williams of Wern; but after all they were more suitable, perhaps some of them, for those times than they would be for the present day. The pulpit, he asserted, had not lost its power, and was still the great sun around which all the other forces turned. Men of character were needed in the pulpit. Character was the mightiest weapon to tight the enemies of man. It was more than that —it was not only a weapon, but an armoury ot all the weapons; to-day character was a greater necessity than ever, and it was necessary for the pulpit not only to preach the Gospel, but to live the Gospel. (Hear, hear.)—"The Memory of St. David and Welsh Nationality," "The Higher Education of Wales," "Kindred Nations," and The Literature and Press of Wales followed. Cymmrodorion Society's Conversazione. The Newport Cymmrodorion Society held its second annual conversazione to keep green the memory of St. David, the Patron Saint of Wales, at the Phillip's Memorial Hall, Newport, on Wednesday evening. The hall had been tastefully decorated for the occasion by Messrs Trapnell and Gane, Lord Tredegar lent the escutcheons of the Tredegar family, which, together with some bannerettes, also Jent by his lordship, were hung in front of the platform. The mayor (Councillor T. Jones) presided over a full attendance. Messrs D. A. Thomas, M.P., and Mr Abraham (Mabon), M.P., had been announced to attend, but Mr Thomas was detained through a slight attack of influenza, and Mabon wired to say that he was detained in London, being engaged in a law case. The Chairman, in opening the pro- ceedings, congi jtulated the assembly on the position which Welsh education had attained, and said that the outlook was a favourable one. Welsh national feeling was never higher than it was to day. A choice programme of selections was given. Amongst the artistes were Mrs Gruffydd-Richards (Llanover), Mrs Edwards (Pontyijool), Miss C. Griffiths, Miss G. M. Jones, and Messrs R. Richards. A. J. Phillips, J. Bryant, D. Evans, Eos Dar, and Fred Jones. Dr Garrod Thomas, president of the Society, in an address part in Welsh and part in Eng- lish, said those present had come together because they loved their country. Since their last gathering a Government had been placed in power which had a very kindly feeling towards Wales and Welsh nationality. (Applause.) Mr Acland, the Vice-President of the Education Depart- ment, was willing to do all he could to establish a University for Wales. He (Dr Thomas) believed that such university would cause superior education to become general throughout Wales. — Dr Edwards, Pontypool College, also addressed the meeting.—During the evening a telegram was received from Lord Llangattock conveying the greetings of the Loyal Society of Ancient Britons assembled in London.

ABERDARE. The annual St. David's Day dinner was held at tha liiherol Abepdare, on Wednesday oght. The chair was occupied by Mr G. poorge, vice-president of the olub, who was supported at the cross table by Mr Alfred Davies, Hamp- fitead, Mr Allen Upward, Mr W. Hodges, Mr C. Kenshole, and Mr Henry Davies. The attendance included the leading citizens, and several ladies graced the assembly with their presence. After the loyal toasts had beeu honoured Mr Alfred Davies, of Hampstead, in an admirable speech, proposed Our hero, the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone." After a brief re- ference to the crisis through which the workmen of South Wales had just passed, he said the toast he had the pleasure of proposing was that of The Health of the Grand Old Man," who was enthroned in the heart of every loyal Liberal, and who was in truth the Uncrowned King of England. (Cheers.) Mr Gladstone had done much for the people of this country his services had indeed been priceless. Mr Davies, in suit- able terms, spoke of the noble services to Wales rendered by the venerable Prime Minister during the past few days. (Hear, hear.) The pledges given at the general election were being fulfilled, and Bills were introduced to remedy the grievances of the working men. (Hear, hear.) Mr ALLEN UPWARD then proposed "The Welsh Members of Parliament." I Mr C. KENSHOLE briefly responded, and a formal vote of confidence in the Welsh party in the House was carried with acclamation.

ABERYSTWYTH. St. David's Day was celebrated a.t Aberyst- wyth by a football match between Cardiff Uni- versity College and Aberystwyth University College teams by a dinner provided by sub- scription for the poor and children of the town by a re-union of past and present students at the Uniyersifcy College of Wates and by a banquet held at the Talbot Hotel. The football match was drawn, the Aber- ystwyth team scoring two minors to Cardiff's nil. The dinner to the poor was organised by Mr H. Bon sail, of Cwm, and was carried out by repre- sentatives of all the religious denominations in the town. At the college the entertainment con- sisted of a conversazione, followed by a theatrical representation, tableaux vivants, and music. Mr R. Geddes Smith, Brynmor, presided over the banqutt at the Talbot Hotel, the vice. chair being occupied by Mr J. M. Davies, New- street. A large company was present, in- cluding some of the local landlords and the prin. cipal inhabitants of the town. The proceedings were mainly of a carnival character.—The chief toast of the evening, that To the Immortal I Memory of St. (David," was proposed by Mr J. R. Rees, who hoped that Welshmen would draw inspiration from the past, take stock of the present, and utilise the future not in preventing SVelsh water being used by Birmingham, er in stopping Welsh clouds from going beyond Plynllymon, but .in developing the best features of the Welsh national character, and so taking part worthily in the prosperity of the great British nation. The Health of Mr Bowen Rowlands, the Member for the County," was proposed by Mr Hugh Hughes, a Conserva- tive, who said the hon. crentleman was well deserving the honourable position he hald.

CHESTER. The Welshmen of Chester, for the first time since 1837, celebrated the festival of St. David's Day by a dinner at the Town-hall, Councillor Dr Roberts, J.P., in the chair. The Ven. Arch- deacon Howell, president of the Welsh Society in Chester, was unable to be present owing to a pr'or engagement, and the same, reason prevented Dr Jayne from attending. Telegraphic con- gratulations were exchanged with London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, Bangor, Aberystwytb.

ABERAMAN. A crowded meeting was held at the long room, King's Head Inn, Aberaman, in honour of the Patron Saint of Wales, all sporting the national emblem. Mr J. H. Powell, London House, occupied the chair, supported by Mr William Davies and other gentlemen (under the auspices of the lodges of Ancient Britons, Oddfellows, and Ivorites).

FERN DALE. On Wednesday evening the Rhondda., Fach Valley Chamber of Trade helds its annual meet- ing at the Assembly-room of the Commercial Hotel, Fomdale, in commemoration of St. David's Day. There were present a large number of members and other patriotic Welshmen. The toast of Saint David" was received most enthusiastically, and a number of Welsh speeches appropriate to the occasion were delivered.

PONTYPRIDD. The leek was pretty generally worn here. In the evening the Ivorites held a St. David's gathering at the Workmen's Hall, Hopkinstown, when addresses were delivered, and a. programme of Welsh music rendered. Mr David Leyshon, chairman of the Local Board, presided.

MERTHYR. A special service was held a.t St. David's Church, and in the evening the annual supper of the non-commissioned officers of the Merthyr, Troedyrhiw, and Merthyr Vale detachments of the 3rd V.B.. Welsh Regiment was held at the: Aberfan HoteL I

1 LONDON. II, There w<ts <t numerous jrotheruurat the Welsh National Banquet, held on Tuesday night, at the .First Avenue Hotel, in celebration of St. David's Day. The chair was occupied by Mr Thomas Ellis, M.P. (one of the Lords of her Majesty's Treasury), and among those present were Sir Wm. Roberts, Mr Stuart Rende!, M.P., and Mrs Rendel, Mr J. Herbert Lewis, M.P., and Mrs Lewis, Mr Frank Edwards, ALP., and Mrs. Edwards. Mr D. JLiloyd George, M r., sad Mrs George, General R. Owen Jones, C.B., Dr John Williams, Alderman Szlumper, the Revs John Parry, T. Lloyd Shillings, Judge Ellis, the Rev J. T. Lloyd (Cape Colony), Messrs J. E. Bankes, A. C. Humphreys Owen, H. Owen, Dr F. T. Roberts, Dr Isambard Owen, ,Dr Robert Jones, Messrs Edwin Jones, T. Howell Idris, R. Roberts, J. T. Harries, J. Pritehard Jones, E. Vincent Evans, and J. Burrell. Letters of apology were announced from Mr Arthur Acland, M.P., Sir Wm. Hart-Dyke, M.P., the Hon. George Kenyon, M.P., Sir Edward Reed, M.P., Sir George Osborne Morgan, M.P., and Mr W. H. Preece. There were many ladies present. Four young ladies of the choir of the Welsh Chapel near Regent's circus attended in national costume and sang selections during the evening. The toast of The Queen" having been given in Welsh and English, and duly honoured, and the toast of The Prince and Princess of Wales" also, telegrams were announced from kindred gatherings in Liverpool, Chester. Cambridge, lthyl, Carnarvon, Bristol, Swansea, Barry Dock, Cardiff, and Newport. Sir WILLIAM ROBERTS then gave the toast of "The Memory of St. David." He claimed superiority for the Welsh saint over the other saints of the United Kingdom. The Scotch had, without any right, annexed St. Andrew- (laughter)—and the Irish had St. Patrick. As for St. George, he was a most disreput- able person. (Laughter.) He commenced life as a robber chief in Cappadocia, and obtained his archbishopric of Alexandria by violence, and when his name came up for canonisation there was the greatest possible difficulty felt, and it was only by wire-pulling and intriguing by hook and by crook that he was eventually made a snint. (Great laughter.) St George was the patron saint of fighters, and not only dId John Bull fight well, but he got Irishmen, Scotchmen, and Welshmen to fight with him to buiid up this magnificent empire. The Welsh, however, had saint all their own. (Laughter and cheers.) There was no doubt he (St David) was a Welshman born. He spent his life in Wales, he died in Wales, and was buripd in the vaults of St David in Pembrokeshire. The memory of St David was a symbol of national unity, and he asked them to drink the toast in solemn silence. (Cheers.) The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the toast, Gwlad ein Tadau (Land of our Fathers), said he was reminded of what a clergyman once said in reference to the formation of the great road from Shrewsbury to Holyhead—that it would be a great and magnificent piece of work, as it would soon mean the practical extinction of the Welsh language throughout the greater part of North Wales. But such had not been the effect. The child's joy and the man's sorrow were still expressed in that language; it was still the language of the altar and the hearth. The language of Wales had been the midday well-spring of its life. Through it had come their national literature. Through it had come a revival of their religion. Through its instrumentality the people had had a national education and even its living politics, for good or for bad, had had their inspiration and expression in the native language. (Cheers.) The English and Welsh languages had swayed back- wards and forwards like two seas, and as they travelled along the old Offa's Dyke they would find here and there, it was true, English had broken over westward, but at the same time Welsh-speaking peasants from Montgomeryshire and Cardiganshire were settled comfortably in the rich valleys of the Severn and the Wye. (Cheers.) And, although the language, perhaps, only covered a part of Wales itself, yet they must feel that it had on the Anglicised part of the Principality an influence which was strong and irresistible. Thou- sands and hundreds of thousands of Englishmen, Scotchmen, and Irishmen were settled in Wales, and many of their sons and daughters acquired a knowledge of the Welsh language, and there were many who spoke it as fluently as it could be spoken. But their feeling with regard to Wales was not confined to the language. The most striking feature of the Wales of the last 10 or 15 years was the new spirit of identity and unity, and common and associated effort which had been exhibited by all on the borders of Wales and Monmouthshire. (Cheers.) They had witnessed with pride the victories of Wales on the football field-(cheers)- first over England, then over Scotland, and by implication, over Ireland. (Laughter and cheers.) In many ways, especially in the field of education, Wales was realising a new, and strong, and more enduring unity than it had ever realised before. (Cheers.) the spirit of Welsh nationality was a living force, which was making for unity, for kinship, and for brotherhood among Welshmen all the world over. In this toast he asked them to drink to the language of Wales, soft as music, strong as the waves, to the fair land of Wales, to its fair and lovely country, and he asked them to drink to the resurgent and undyingspirit of Welsh nationality. (Cheers.) The Rev. J. G. LLOYD replied. Mr STUART RENPEL then «i#v» Welsh Litera- fenrei and Education." Ho said that education in Wales had-fused the whole people. It was not for the sake of self-advancement that Wales was devoted to education, but Jove of education for learning's sake was the dominant keynote of the movement. He claimed for Wales that they had the most complete system in the three kingdoms. (Cheers.) Ms ERNEST REES replied for literature, and Mr HUMPHREYS OWEN for education. The latter speaker referred to the question of intermediary education, and said that they bad now got schools of that character independent of a certain number of elementary schools. He hoped that before many years were gone by they would crown their system of education by the establish- ment of a University for Wales. (Cheers.) It was to the formation of a University for Wales that he looked for the creating of that unity of which the chairman had spoken. (Cheers.) Other toasts followed. Banquets were also held at Liverpool, Man- chester, Oxford, and Bristol

CELEBRATION AT LAMPETER COLLEGE Nowhere yesterday was St. David more enthusiastically and more patriotically com- memorated than in the flourishing institution at Lampeter called after bis name. The proceedings commenced with Holy Communion at eight o'clock in the College Chapel, which was followed three hours later by a Welsh service. The hand- some chapel was filled with students, old graduates, and visitors. The service was intoned by the Welsh professor (the Rev R. Wil- liams, M.A., Merton College, Oxford), tho lessons were read by the Welsh exhibi- tioner, Mr Robert Jones, Festiniog, and the sermon was delivered by the Rev W. Rees, B.D., vicar of Llangadock, who, preaching on the words, The memory of the just is blessed," dwelt with great eloquence and hwyl on the his- tory of St. David. Special hymns were sung by the choir, under the direction of Mr Lewis J. Roberts, B.A., music lecturer in the college, whilst Mr C. Roberts, organ exhibitioner, pre- sided at the organ. At the College-hall, at half- past twelve, B.A. degrees were conferred upon Mr J. C. Beynon and Mr Edward A. Weale, by Principal Owen, who was assisted by Professor Scott, M.A,, and Professor R. Williams, M.A. At one o'clock a sumptuous luncheon was laid at the college school hall, where a large and representative assembly had gathered. After the excellent viands had been partaken of, the usual loyal toasts were honoured. In proposing the toast of The Bishops and Clergy of Wales," in the absence of the vice- principal through indisposition, Principal Owen referred to what he described as the present attempt to induce the House of Commons to take away a small slice, for taste, of the ancient endowments of the Church in Wales. (Laughter.) He held that the Church had as good a title to its ancient endowments as any man, whomsoever he might be, to his property. (Hear, hear.) Because the bishops and the clergy of Wales had thought it their duty to stand up for what they believed to be true, there was hardly anythiug too low or too abusive to be said of them. He stood before them a Welsh Churchman in a Welsh College, and be knew that the more the Bishop and the clergy were attacked for their conscientious con- sistency the more they, as Church people, would, at any rate, honour and support them as far as possible. (Hear, hear.) He did not intend, for many reasons, to refer to the merits of the Welsh Suspensory Bill, but his main reason for not going into detail about it was because it had no merits of any sort. (Laughter.) He had listened in the House of Commons to an inaccurate and he must say, in his own humble opinion, highly irrelevant lecture on Welsh history by an English gentleman who spoke in the name of the Welsh nation, and who buttressed up this petty money measure by a caricature from beginuing to end of the glorious history of their country. Among other things, that gentleman observed that it could never be said that the Church in Wales had ever been in any sense a national Church. From the first it had been a Church of conquest. That was the creed of Mr Stuart Rendel in the character of professor of Welsh Church history. (Laughter.) He would not go into any elaborate argument on the subject, but he would refer them to a statement made by the hon. member's great Liberal leader, who said We know that towards the close of the Slxt., century of the Christian era, St Augustine was met by bodies of Welsh Christians, who repre. sented the Christian Church existing in the country from a very early time, and which church has continued from that day to this." It might have been quite as true and quite as wise if that gentleman (Mr Stuart Rendel) had said It could never be said that Wales had ever been a nation in any sense. From the first it had been a nation of conquests. (Laughter.) He would not recom- < mend Mr Stuart Rendel to propound the patriotic proposition to his younger Welsh followers in the House of Commons, ignorant as most of them Were of the rudiments of the mean current of our Welsh national history. (Laughter.) Wales per- haps, once or twice, had beenmoreor less conquered —he only made a gingerly admission—by Eng- land. If conquered, the very reason was that Welshmen then, the same as now, were given to miserable quarrels amongst themselves. When- ever the oppressor came, the brunt of the battle Was made to fall first on the Welsh Church 'because the Church was the palladium of Welsh patriotism. (Applause.) dissension had, he regretted to say, been a national infirmity in Wales for 18 Centuries, and therefore some people said that Dissent) was national in Wales. (Laughter.) Dissent and dissension were, how- -ever. different things. (Cheers.) For 16V4 out I of 18 centuries there was dissension amongst Welshmen in everything except one thing, and that was their religion. (Applause.) They were a nation of Churchmen for 16% out of 18 cen- turies, and that was his reply to the primary article of the historical creed of this amateur English Parliamentary professor of Welsh history. He should like, further, to mention one or two comical blunders that this historical amateur com- mitted about Wales. (Loud laughter.) He said, for instance, that the clergy of the Welsh Church had been ignorant of the language of the country, which they had done their best to root out. That sounded very queer. How could anyone possibly square this with the fact strongly emphasised by Mr Gladstone, who at the Wrexham Eisteddfod in 1888, stated that about three or four centuries ago the Welsh language was in great danger of becoming extinct and its survival was mamly due to—what ? To the arrangements of the Church," not, he supposed, in the very teeth of the We:sh clergy. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr Stuart Rendel had said further that the Welsh clergy down to recent times had taken such actions as had the effect of spiritually starving the people. (Laughter.) It was really too bad of this English leader of the so-called Welsh National Party to say that their ancestors were spiritually starved. (Cheers and laughter.) They were nothing of the sort but what would his grand and generous leader say of the old Wales ? He said that the Welsh people had bsen a religious people, and for how long did they think? For a century and a half? Nonsense! No, but ever since they had been a people. (Ap- plause.) Now, was it common sense to say that the people who had been spiritually starved down to recent time,; could possibly have been a reli- gious people ever since they had been a people ? (Laughter and cheers.) He had said enough to show that this amateur professor of Welsh history was as unfortunate—he would not accuse him for one moment of wilfully mis- representing things—in his ignorance of old Wales as he was about matters nowadays of which he professed to speak as being within his own experience." In conclusion the Principa' said if English Churchmen proved mean enough to piss the Suspensory Bill and Disendowment let them. He did not believe for one moment they would do so, but they protested against the true facts of contemporary Welsh life, and still more the inspiring and noble though chequered story of the Church in Old Wales being twisted about in this miserable, ignorant manner by gentlemen whose only claim to speak for Wales was merely an irony on politics. (Applause). The toast was briefly responded to by the Rev W. Rees, B.A., Llangadock. The other toasts were "Prospeiitv to the College, proposed by Col. H. Davies Evans, the Lord-Lieutenant, responded to in Welsh by Mr Ebenezer Lloyd, senior scholar; Past Members of St. David's College," proposed by Professor the Rev W. Griffiths,Llanidloes The Visitors," proposed and seconded respectively by Professor Walker and Sir James Hills Johnes; "The Memory of St. David," proposed by Mr T. M. Evans, headmaster of the College School. The. proceedings were brought to a close by singing the "National Anthem." PRESENTATION TO THE LATE PRINCIPAL. During the proceedings Principal Owen referred in touching expressions to the absence, owing to indisposition, of the Ven. Archdeacon Edmondes, the late Principal of St. David's. It was intended to make him a presentation at the meeting, but the pleasant ceremony could not, unfortunately, be aCOCOlllplisheo. The day's celebration terminated with a very successful concert in the evening at the College Hall School.

GATESHEAD. Polling took place at Gateshead on Friday for the election of a member of Parliament in the place of the Hon. W. II. James (Liberal), who recently succeeded to the peerage. The candi- dates were Mr W. Allan (Liberal) and Mr Pandelli Ralli (Unionist). The present register shows an increase upon that of last year of 509 voters, and as each party had canvassed with extraordinary energy, a heavy poll was expected, especially in view of the tine weatbor which prevailed. Theutmostgoodfeelingprevailed. Mr Ralli will be remembered as the gentleman who unsuccessfully contested Newcastle against Mr Morley when the Chief Secretary sought re- election. Mr Allan, the Liberal candidate, is known for his practical adoption of an eight hours' day in his engmeerinc establishment. He .e' was himself formerly a seagoing engineer. He fought the election on the Home Rule and Labour platform. A poet of some ability, Mr Allan composed several spirited election odes during the progress of the contest. The result of the poll was declared at 11.30 p.m.. the figures being Allan L 6^434 Ralli U 5,566 Liberal majority 868 PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. 1885. 3892. James T. 5,756 James ,.1i 5,336 Bottoniley C 3,024 Italli U 5,043 Liberal majority.. 2,732 1 Liberal majority.. 293 In 1886 the Hon. W. H. James (L) was un- opposed. There was great excitement when the poll closed at eight o'clock. A voter, named Curragb, after recording bis vote, was suddenly taken ill. He recovered sufficiently to walk home with some friends, but died shortly afterwards. The cause of death is supposed to have been heart disease.

CIRENCESTER. On Friday, at Cirencester, the result was an- nounced of the polling which took place on Thurs- day for the representation of the Cirencester divi- sion. The candidates were Mr Harry Lawson (Liberal) and Colonel Chester Masters (Conserva- tive. At the bye-election in October, 1893, con- sequent upon Mr Winterbotham's death, Mr Lawson was defeated by a majority of three but on petition the election judges decided that it was a tie. The present contest was fought with great vigour, and the announcement of the result yesterday afternoon was awaited by a large assemblage. Thefigures were Lawson (L) 4,687 Masters (C) 4,445 Majority. 242 1892 (July), PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. 1892 (October). Mr Winterbothani(L) 4,207 Col. Chest.erMaster(C) 4.277 Col.ChesterMastei<C) 4,054 Mr Harry Lawson (L) 4,274 Majority 1531 Majority 3 Tho result of the poll was received with great enthusiasm by Mr Lawson's supporters. The new member spoke from the King's Head Hotel, and said the result would gladden the heart of the Liberal party. He hoped no ill-feeling would be left from the result of the election, and be would endeavour to do his duty to1 the constituency.— Col. Chester Master spoke from the windcws of his committee-room. Tho Unionists, he said, were not discouraged. They would take their defeat manfully, and would look forward to cer- tain success m the future. Mr Lawson was drawn in triumph through the town, while Col. Chester Master's supporters drew him in a carriage to his residence. Good humour prevailed in the town throughout the proceedings.

HORSHAM. The result of the election in the Horsham Division of Sussex, where a. vacancy arose through the death of Sir Walter Barttelot (CotL; torvtttive) was made known on Saturday after- noon. The candidates were Mr Reginald Wilberforce (Liberal) and Mr J. H. Johnstone (Conservative.) The result of the poll was as follows :— Johnstone (C) 4,150 Wilberforce (L) 2,666 Majority 1,484 1885. PREVIOUS ELECTIONS. 1892. Barttelot C 1,483 Barttelot C 4,303 Barrow L 2,468 Wilberforce. L 2,263 Majority 2,015 Majority 2,035 In 1885 Sir >V. Barttelot (C) was not opposed.

THE BANQUETING HALL AT HATFIELD HOUSE. One of the most interesting contributions from England to the Chicago Exhibition is to be a reproduction of what ,is, perhaps, the finest example in this country of sixteenth century decorative wood carving. This is the famous banqueting hall at Hatfield House, the Hertford- shire seat of the Marquis of Salisbury. A facsimile, exact in everything but size, has been reproduced by Messrs Hampton and Sons, uf Pall Mall East, London. The reproduction, permis- sion to execute which was given by Lord Salis- bury, is 40 feot loiig-the original being 60— 20 feet broad, and 23 high, the whole of the internal surface being constructed of beautifully-carved oak, cut from the solid block, and shaded to the deep, rich tint of the antique work by the process known as "fuming." One of the most striking features of the repro- duction is the Cecil coat-of-arms, which has also been cut from a solid block, and the floor, like tho original, will be composed of white and black marble, Messrs Hampton and Sons wi 1 complete the ensemble by furnishing the hal ) with chairs, tables, and arraour of the Eliza- bethan period, and, had tinfc allowed, replicas of the tapestry at Hatfield House would have been supplied. As it is, tapestry will be used as near as possible like the original. Tho fine minstrel gallery which occupies one end of the hall, and the celebrated screen which stands at the other end, have been reproduced with re- markable fidelity, and especial care has been taken with the softly-fnded heraldic colouring* which adorn the walls. The hall is to be encased in a building of wood painted to look like stone, and visitors to Chicago will certainly be able to form from this reproduction a very accurate idea of one of the principal rooms in the stately palace at Hatfield. The work is not only interesting in itself, but is a genuine triumph of British artistic and mechanical skill.—The Standard.

EPPS'S COOOA.—GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of dicre^tiou and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well- selected CO'COA, Mr Epps has providou our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save as many heavy doctors''bUls. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually'touilt up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating arouud ns ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. VVe escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure bipod and a properly nourished frame."—Civil Service Gazette.— I Made si"V.ply with boiling water or milk. Sold only m packets, by Grocers, labelled—" .IAMBS EPPS & Co. Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Also Makers o Enos's Cocoaine or Nib-Kxtract: Tea-like. 4570 14910

SOUTH WALES NEWS. CARDIFF. FIRE AT THE DOCKS.—Shortly before mid- night on Monday, Police-constable Hurford, of the Bute Docks Police Force, discovered that a fire had broken out on the steamship Labarroure, lying in the Roath Dock. The officer immediately gave the alarm, and Superintendent O'G-crman with a posse of police proceeded to the scene of the outbreak with the fire appliances. I On their arrival, however, it was found that the fire was not of a serious nature, only the wood- work around the engine-room having become I ignited. The fire was soon extinguished with a few buckets of water, little damage having been done. SWANSEA. THE CLOSING OF THE UNEMPLOYED FOND.—It is announced that the fund will close in about 10 days. It nas beun in existence for several months, I and has boen f/rodueti ve of much good, for which I special thanks are due to Mr Wignall, its originator, the Mayor, the Revs. Oscar Snelliusr, A. A. Matthews, Gomer Lewis, T. Cory, D. Phillips, and Messrs J. Morris, Warmington, Mortituciv, and the Mayoress, with her If-and of lady workers. A TEAMP FOUND DYING IN A STOKEHOLE.—On I Sunday morning, P.O. Ashbm-y, of the deck pcliw, had his attention called to the s.s. Amiral Cocile, when he found a man lying unconscious in the stokehole. The man, whose name is unknown, had some severe cuts, and j it was evident he had fallen into the hole. He was removed to the hospital in a state of un- consciousness and expired on Monday. It is said I the deceased had been wandering about the docks for some days in a state of semi-starvation. FIRE AT HIGH STREET.—Early on Tuesday morning Messrs A. Davies and Honeyhourne observed flames issuing from Mr Mnsgrave's shop in High-street, and they immediately gave the alarm. The tire brigade was quickly on the spot, and these, with the assistance of the Mayor, speedily extinguished the fire, but not before much damage had been done, the contents of the shop being either damaged or destroyed. The house adjoins the Cameron Hotel, and some alarm was felt by the large number of inmates during the earlier stages of the fire. SALVATION ARMY WEDDING. — On Monday evening the local headquarters were filled with a congregation which had assembled to witness the marriage of Adjutant" Elundeil and "Captain" Christiana Franklin. "Colonel" Boon, the chief secretary of the Army, opened the service, and "Major" Hodder, provincial secretary, conducted the service. Short addresses were afterwards delivered by the newly-married couple. SWANSEA WATCH COMMITTEE.—The monthly meeting of the Watch Committee was held on Tuesday, the Mayor (Alderman Chapman) pre- siding.—The Head Constable applied for authority to increase the police force by two men for the better protection of St, Helen's.—The application was acceded to.—The Town Clerk submitted a copy of the provisional order for the enforcement of the regulations of the RabiesOrder. Itprovided that all dogs should either bear a collar giving the name of its owner, or be muzzled any omissiou to be punishable by a penalty not exceeding £5.- The Mayor said the number of stray dogs was becoming really appalling, and numerous com- plaints about the destruction of lambs had been made. Sir Jo'tinLlewelyn had told himthaton many farms in the district the dogs had raided just as if they were wild, and did a great deal (If damage. In one place they broke into a shed where there was a great deal of freshly slaughtered meat, and absolutely destroyed it. — The report was adopted, and the order will come in force on the 22nd of March.— Mr Rhys Edwards drew attention to the presence of the police at the recent glove Cght, and asked why they were there and by whose orders?—The Mayor replied that they were there by the in- structions of the Head-constable, to prevent a breach of the peace. He wished to point out that he thought all contests of that kind for money should be made illegal.—Mr Edwards also com- plained of the sale of papers on Sundays, but the Mayor said the prosecution would not be wise because of the ill-success which had attended attempts to suppress Sunday trading in the past, while Mr Leeder characterised any attempt to do so as sentimental nonsense, and Mr J.}}n asked how they c;uld proceed against newsagents while works owners were allowed to offend with im- punity;—No action was taken in the matter. NEWPORT. INQUESTS.—Mr Lyndon Moore, borough coroner, held two inquiries at the Town-hall on Tuesday, touching the death of two infants. The- first case was cf Charles Henry Hurst, the seven I months old son of a compositor, resident at I Alteryn. The child was suffering from a cold, and was put to bed Ðn Monday. Some time afterwards the father went into tho room and discovered that the child was dead. Verdict, Death from brouchitis."—Iu the second case the inquiry was concerning the death of John Bmfth, nine months old, son of John Booth, labourer, 4, Ebenezer-terrace. The child was suffering from the effects of teething, and was found dead in bed by tho side of its mother on Sunday morning, apparently from convulsions. A verdict of Death from natural causes" was returned. CHOLKRA PRECAUTIONS.—At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee of the Newport Corporation, held on Tuesday, the Mayor (Mr T. Jones) pre- siding, the chiof subject discussed was as to the position to be taken up by the authorities with regard to cholera precautions. Last year the cost of precautionary measures had to be borne by the local authorities, but as the check of the disease is an Imperial question, it was decided to recom- mend that the Corporation join with the other port sanitary authorities in bringing under the notice of the Government that the extra cost en- tailed should be borne not from local bu from Imperial sources. BRIDGEND. GAS COMPANY.—The annual general meeting .of the Bridgend Gas and Water Company was held at the offices en Monday, Mr T. G. Smith presiding, when a dividend ef fivo per c6nt. was declared upon the pre- ference shares, and of three per cent. upon the ordinary shares. Mr T. T. Lewis was re-elected a. director, and Mr Dd. Jenkins as auditor. RENT AUDIT.—The half-yearly rent audit of Colonel Turbervill was held at the Wyndbam Arms Hotel on Tuesday, when a substantial dinner was served to the tenantry, who mustered in good force. The remissions, including tithe and rate abatements, was equal to 15 per cent. PENTRE. FIRE.—Shortly after ten o'clock on Monday night a fir broke out in the fitting-room attached to the shop cf Mr Henry Jones, boot dealer, Bristol House, Pentre, but with tbo assistance of Inspector Jonxs and tin fire brigade the con- flagration was soon got under. Considerable damage was dene to the stock, which is insured. TALYWAIN. RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—On Monday morning one of the porters at the joint station, named Fred. Humby, was knocked down by a L. and N.W. engine whilst he was crossing the line. The poor felIcw was picked up immediately by the station officials, and conveyed on a stretcher to his home. Dr Mulligan was on the spot in a very shcrt time, and found his injuries to be serious. MISHAP AT CWMRYCHAN PIT.-On Monday afternoon, just as the men w?re about to be wound up, the pit's rope broke. Great excitement was the result, many people flocking to the pit's mouth. Mr Llewelyn, the proprietor, and Mr Bain, the Assistant Mines Inspector, were in the mine at the time. It was about eight o'clock before the men were got out through an old pit. TYLORSTOWN. SUDDEN DEATH OF A GIPSY.—Early on Tues- day morning a gipsy named Lloyd and his wife were found lying in a donkey-cart at Tylorstown, near the Lamb public-house, having journeyed thither overnight from Porth. Tho old woman was dead. It is stated that she was in her usual health a few hours previously. The cause of death is unknown. LLANELLY. THE UNEMPLOYED RELIKK FOND.—A meeting of the general committee was held at the Town: hall on Monday, presided over by Dr J. A. Jones The financial statement showed that JE515 16s lOd had been received in subscriptions. The amount distributed in relief was as follows :—No. 1 Ward, JB109 0s 6d; No. 2 Ward, J6215 10s No. 3 Ward, J3140 19s; total, B465 td. The sum of £40 had a!so betn distributed in Llangennech. The expenses incurred in connection with the fund for printing amounted to JB10 7s 4d. On the motion of the Rev D. Davies (Silcah), seconded by Major Bythway, a very cordial vote of thanks was accorded the secretary (Mr F. N. Powell, solicitor). LLANDOVERY. GIRLS' INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL.—At a meeting held in the Tcwn-h&ll, on Saturday, under the presidency cf Mr C. Vaughan Pryse Rice, of Llwynybrain, the Charity Commissioners' scheme was fully discussed, and several amendments pro- posed. The movement is being pushed forward vigorously, a sum of about JB900 having been promised in subscriptions. HAVERFORDWEST. THIS QUARTER SESSIONS.—At M adjourned quarter sessions for the town of Haverfordwest, held on Monday, before the Mayor (Mr John James), W. P. Ormond, James Thomas, and Lewis Roberts, a letter from Judge Owen was read stating, in reply to a communication from the Clerk of tho Peace, that Thurs- day would be a mora convenient day for him tc attend the sessions as chairman than any other day of the week. It was subsequently resolved that in future the sessions be held on Thursday, and not Monday as heretofore. MERTHYR. WEDDING AT THE OLD PARISH CHURCH.—On Monday morning the marriage of Mr George Robert Hughes, son of Mr Thomas Hughes, Oswestry, with Miss Celia Phillips, daughter of Mrs Phillips, agent for the South Wales Daily News, was solemnised at the old parish church. The service was conducted by the Rev Daniel Lewis, recter, and the wadding was witnessed by a large number of persons. The bride was attended by two bridesmaids — Miss Annie Jenkins and Miss Pugh. She was given away by Mr Hughes, sen., and the best man was Mr J. Hughes, brother of the bridegroom. The wedding breakfast was admirably served by Mr miii at the Pell ►. Vue Restaurant. The nnwtv-, wedded pau- left by the half-past 12 o'clock train for London, on their honeymoon, amid the warm congratulations of their friends. Tho presents wore numerous and costly. wore numerous and costly. I MOUNTAIN ASH.' LOCAL BOARD.—This Board met 'on Monday, Mr W. Little Drasidinsr. AtajDmiana.mMiine. Mr Thomas, Brynawel, was instructed to advise ] the Board if any danger would arise if Messrs Nixon worked the 6ft. seam lying under Darran- las reservoir.—Mr Thomas reported that no danger whatever would result should the com- pany work the coal. Indeed, there would be more danger if it wtre allowed to remain, pro- vided the company worked round it. He, there- fore, advised the Board not to compensate Messrs Nixon for the value of the coal under the reservoir. -Mr Thomas's suggestion was adopted. -The Clerk stated that tho Rhondda Joint Board were prepared to take away the sewage of the Mountain Ash District for 6d per head cf the inhabitants.—These terms were accepted, but those of the Pontypridd were refused, the Board being of opinion that it would be cheaper for them to continue their main carrier to join the Rhondda main earlier at Pontypridd themselves. ABERTILLERY. INTERESTING PRESENTATION. — On Saturday evening a dinner and presentation meeting was held at the Roval Oak Hotel, upon the occasion of Mr Thomas H. Jones leaving hero for the University College, Cardiff. Alter dinner, Mr Mark Ash by (overman) was voted to the chair. Mr Edwin Barnes, on behalf of the workmen and numerous friends of the recipient at Abertilljry. presented Mr Jones with a magnificat case of mining instruments. Mr J. Handy also pre- sented him with a purse of JC10 10s.—Mr Jones, in responding, thanked the company and sub- scribers for'heir presents ancl good words.—A silver-plated safety lamp, which was to have been presented to Mr Jones, did not arrive in time, but will be giwu again. Mr Jones has also been presented with a handsome drossing-case and morocco-bound Teachers' Bible by the Biaenau Gwent Chapel Denomination and Sunday-school.

ALARMING PIT ACCIDENT NEAR MERTHYR. One Man Killed; Six injured. On Saturday night many and various were the rumours which were passed from mouth to mouth in the Merthyr district with re- gard to an explosion which had taken place in the No. 2 south pit of the Messrs Hill's Plymouth Colliery Company. It was freely stated that lives bad been lost, and much anxiety was feit in the matter. Upon mak- ing inquiries on the spot—the colliery lies near Troedyrhiw, and is about 2% miles from Merthyr -our reporter ascertained that although the cir- cumstances of the explosion were of an alarming character, the immediate results were not so grave as had generally been rumoured. It appeared, however, there had been two distinct accidents in the same colliery that day. THE FIRST ACCIDENT. The first accident on Saturday took place in the old level in the 4ft. 6in. seam at an early hour of the morning. In the words of an informant, a collier named Henry Dowlmg, who resided at Twynyrodin, Merthyr, was working a bit of coal," and the place was being "cleansed up," when a mass of coat fell without any warning upon him. When the poor fellow was allowed to proceed with his work in this level everything was deemed to be perfectly safe. His body was-con- veyed to Twynyrodin. THE EXPLOSION. The explosion occurred on the top of the four- feet drift of the No. 2 South Pit. The pit is sunk to the 9-feet seam, and is 200 yards deep. A cross-measures heading is driven to the 4-feet, and it was just where the "cross-measures" heading meets the 4-feet seam the accident happened. The ordinary work of coal raising had been suspended here on account of a fall of roof which had taken place several days previously. This fall was a very extensive one, and had gone right up to the 2 feet 9 inches seam. The damage thus caused had been temporarily attended to, and it was decided that on Saturday the neces- sary timbering should be done in order to render the workings safe. Accordingly, several repairers and others descended at two o'clock in the afternoon, and began the work of what was intended to be a permanent remedy- ing of the mishap. All seemed to have gone well until about half-past four o'clock—the men working with naked lights—and then the explo- sion occurred, and six men and a horse inthe im- mediate neighbourhood were enveloped in the fiery flash of the ignited gas. Evan Roberts, the fireman, was injured the worst of all, the burns he received about the head, face, and body rendering his case very precarious. One or two others who were mora terrffied than badly burnt immediately sought a means of escape, and made their way to the bottom of the shaft, about 600 yards distant. One man, irtfact, reached the surface in the usual way, aixf igave aboveground the first intimation of the accident. Meanwhile help came from several men who were at work in other parts of the pit, and the whole of the sufferers were raised to the surface within the space of half au hour. Evan Roberts was carried to his home in Troedyrhiw, and. the others—all burnt, more or less-walked, or were assisted, to their respective abodes. That the force of the explosion was of a limited character is inferred from the fact that only those in the immediate vicinity were affected by it, and other workmen in distant workings were, unscathed. It must have been a "local" explosion. because the effect was felt neither in the other parts of the workings nor at the fan. In the course of a short time after the accident several leading officials entered the pit. Amongst them were Mr Ernest Bailey (who has lately been acting as general manager, in the temporary absence of his brother, Mr T. H. Eailey), Mr Johnstone, manager of the South Pit; Mr Green, Abercanaid Mr Joseph Bates, under manager and Mr Saftmel Davies, overman; and these gentlemen found, upon making examination, that no damage whatever had been occasioned by the explosion to the pit itself. CAUSE OF THE EXPLOSION. The theory as to the cause of the explosion is that whilst the repairs were being effected some gas had accumulated and come down in a pocket upon the men, and was fired by their lights. Their position was right on the main intake, and they w.re accustomed to work there with naked 5 lights. LIST OF THE INJURED MEN. The injured men (who were attended to by Dr C. M. Jones, Troedyrhiw Dr M'Guire, Merthyr, assistant to Dr Ward; and Dr Owen, were as follows:— (1) Evan Roberts, 7, Church-street, Troedyrhiw. (2) Edward Ashton, 8, Church-street, Troedy- rhiw. (3) John Davies, Troedyrhiw. (4) Wm. Thcmas, 23, Elm-street, Troedyrhiw. (5) Evan Richards, 17, Elm-street, Troeciyrhiw. (6) James Harman, 2, Triangle, Pentrebacii.

MABON AND MR BRACE. ALLEGED SLANDEROUS ACCUSATION.. Legal Preceedings Instituted. At the monthly delegate meeting of the Cam- brian Association of Miners, held on Monday. at the Windsor Castle Hotel, Ton Ystrad, Mr Herbert presiding, Mr A. Galloway, representa- tive of the Lady Margaret Colliery, Treherbert, condemned in severe terms what he termed the unfounded accusation made by Mr W. Brace, that Mabon" had been compelled to sign the new agreement because he was not in a position to refuse it — that he was not in a position to offend the employers. (Shame.) Mr W. Evans, the sub-agent, read copious extracts from the speech delivered at Cardiff by Mr Brace, in which the gentleman repeatedly asserted that "Mabon"and Mr David Morgan "stood in a position which did not allow them to be inde- pendent in advising the men to do what was right. (Shame.) Week after week Mr Abraham depended upon the goodwill of the employer of the keeping back of his wages at the colliery office." Mr Evans then read the following letter from "Mabon":— Pentre, February 25th. 1893. Fellow-workmen,—I have requested my colleague, Mr W. Evans, to call your attention to the slanderous language used by Mr William Brace with regard to myself at the recent Federation Conference held in Cardiff, and to inform you that I have already placed the (natter unreservedly in the hands of Messrs Morgan and Rhys, solicitors, Pontypridd.—Yours truly, WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Mabon). Mr GALLOWAY proposed :That this meetiug endorses the action of Mr Abraham with respect to the slanderous accusation made by Mr W. Brace at the Cardiff Federation meeting." This was immediately seconded, and carried unanimously.

GAS EXPLOSION AT BLAINA. A Workman Seriously Injured. On Monday evening, whilst a gastitter named W. H. Moarse, employed by the Brynmawr, Blaina, and Abertillery Gas Company, was engaged at the New Reading Institute, Blaina, which is to be opened on Monday next, removing a small meter to erect a larger one, the gill by some means exploded, blowing the meter to atoms. Moarse was at once conveyed to the Lo-ver Lion Hotel, opposite the Institute, whero he was examined by Dr J. H. Soper, and it was found that be had received a fractured skull and that one of his eyes had been blown out. He now lies in a very precarious condition. He is a. married man, and has a wife and two children. Much sympathy is felt for his family.

iTRIKE AT COEDCAE COLLIERY, RHONDDA. ——— I On Tuesday cventng about 80 men working in the four-foot s«am at the Ooedcae Colliery, Hafod, near Pontypridd, brought out their tools in censequence^of the introduction of the Barry .system" of working into the seam. The Hafod, near Pontypridd, brought out their tools in censequence^of the introduction of the Barry system" of working into the seam. The men allege that theroof it dangerous and that the conditions of th- colliery do not permit of the Barry system being worked there with safety, while the manager, on the other hand, is understood to be convinced that the Barry system is safe, and much to be preferred. Therlt is alse a dispute as to the price to be paid for certain items of work under the new system. The men have received the sanction of the Cambrian Association of Miners for the j course they have adopted, and will receive the { support of the district so long as the dispute continues.

The Treasury has sanctioned the addition of 14 clerks to the staff of the Education Ltepartment, to meet the heavy increase of work which has arisen from the operation of the Education Act of 1891. The Treasury reserves -vhe right to review this' addition in case the "work should fall off in a few years. The sanction to appoint ■two additwwri- examiners is suspended until the Treasury is assured that the duties in question can wit be narfoEnoad hvthe clerk. i. Treasury is assured that the duties in question can wit be narfoEnoad hvthe clerkIL i.

THE POLICE COURTS. --°- A Gipsy" Hegllnent" on the March. At Newport county police-court, on Satur- day, Magnus Lee, Ellen Lee, Urania Button, and Duncan Muir, gipsies, were sincmoiu'd for encainpina on the hignwayat Bassa^eg. An officer described how on tlio afternoon of Sunday last he found the defendants, who arv the head men and women of a community of 30 souls, with four vans and six horsos, encamping in a narrow part of the road t.) Risca, They had been ther. 2V2 hours, and had been moved on by Sergeant Porter earlier in tin day. W hen he served tho summons "n them at Ebbw Bridge, they were again camping, and declared that th<-y had a right to stop there for 24 hours. —The Magistrates' Clerk: There is ::1. vuigar error to that effect, but it is not law.—Supt. Bosanquet said that ho moved th°m on himSt-llf, and that one of the horses died on Captain Wilkinson's land, and they left the captain to perform the in- terment of the l'emains,-P.S. Porter said there was a regular regimwnt of them, men, women, boys, and p-irls, and they begged through Kisca, —The Magistrates' Clerk Any of the child ten p" to school ?—Mr Lewis Not unless there is a school in one of the vans.—The Magistrates' Cierk enquired what the gipsies did, and the officer sa: _l they mad-^ pegs. Tn>-y were drying t.hf>ir things over their heads when he served the summons. (Laughter.)—^The Magistrates' Clerk: Over their heads !—Supt. Bosunquet (to the officer): Stand down.—The defendants did not appear, and the Bench ordered a tine of 10s each. A Young Thief at Maindy. Before the Llandaff justices on Monday—Mr R. G. Dornford and Coioncl Woods being on the Bench—a boy named Benjamin Jones was placed in the dock charged with stealing four blocks of patent fuel, the property of Messrs Gueret, at Maindy, ell the 24th lust.—P.C. John Jones said that shortly before eight o'clock on Friday Hening last he was patrolling the canal bank at Maindy. When near Mynachty Lock witness saw the prisoner carrying a bundle on his back. Prisoner was about to place the bundle on a wall to take a rest, when he observed witness and decamped, leaving the bundle, which he found afterwards to contain four blocks of patent fuel, on the ground. Wit- ness subsequently arrested prisoner and took him to Llandaff police-station, where, after the usual caution, witness charged him with stealing the fuel, prisoner then admitting that he took it from a boat lying ill the canal.— A sister of prisoner now stated that she knew her brother was going to get the fuel, and lent him her apron for that purpose. She thought how- ever, it was merely the pieces lying at the bottom of the boat he was going to bring home. Her mother was an invalid and unable to attend, but- witness's step-father was employed at Messrs Gueret's fuel works Maindp, to whom the fuel stolen belonged. Mr Durnford, in ordering the prisoner to receive six strokes with the birch rod, administered a severe rebuke to the- stepfather and sister of the prisoner, saying that it was very apparent that the boy had been sent to take the fuel from the boats. The sister was really more to blame than the prisoner him- self, and he was sorry they could not punish her also. Illegally Boarding Vessels at Barry Dock At Penarth, on Monday, Ed. Fredburg, dock runner, attended to answer a breach of the Merchant Seamen's Payment of Wages Act of 1880 which he had committed.—Mr Vachell, Cardiff, prosecuted for the Board of Trade, and said the charge against defendant was that be boarded the German vessel Altaire, which arrived at Barry Dock on the 19th inst., and boarded her without the consent of the captain and before the seamen had been paid off.—To prove this W. J. Dimond, Board of Trade officer, was called.— Defendant denied that he went on board on busi- ness bent, but went with a friend. —The Bench fined him £ 1, or 14 days' durauce.-A warrant was issued in a similar case, in which Walter Hayden was charged, but did not appear. Alleged H Wrecking" at Penarth. At Cardiff borough police-court on Mondays before Dr Paine, Alderman T. Rees, and Mr C H. Evans>—two admittedly respectable men named Thomas Tucker (39) and George Binding were charged with stealing two ship's anchors, 45 fathoms of mixed chains, and two buoys, valued £10, the property of George Gunn and others, from the Cardiff Roads, on the 15th February. Mr George David appeared for the prosecution, and Mr P. H. Belcher defended tho prisoners. In opening the case, Mr David stated that the prosecutor was engaged by the Trinity House to remove a wreck lying a short distance from the Flat Holms. The anchor did not belong to the wreckage, but was used by Gunn for the purpose of mooring his vessel when explosions were being carried on at the wreck. The prisoner Binding had been employed on the wreck, and shortly before the 15th inst. he was noticed in company with Tncker cruising about in a boat named the Swift. Soon afterwards the anchor and cable were found on board this boat. On the advice of their clerk, the magistrates dis- missed the case, observing that the prosecutor could recover his property in the civil court. Disturbance at the Cardiff Empire. A powerful-looking seaman, named John Fitz- patrick (25), was charged at the Cardiff Townhall on Monday—before Dr Paine, Mr Aldwman Rees, and Air C. H. Evans—with assaulting Mr John Macnicoll, the manager of the Empire Music Hall, and Constable CoiweILof the borough police force, on Saturday evening. According to the evidence of Mr Macnicoll, it appeared that '■ the defendant, in company with four or five other men, all more or less under the influence of drink, endeavoured to gain admittance to the second performance at the Empire, on Saturday evening. When near the pay-box they became disorderly, and the language they used being of such an obnoxious nature, "1\lr Oswald Stoll, the proprietor, refused to allow them in. He endeavoured to eject them, but the defendant, who seemed more rowdy than the rest, refused to leave the premises. He was just about to strike Mr Stoll when Mr Macnicoll came up and received two severe blows on the chest. P.C. Colwell then came to their assist- ance, and with'considerableamount-of trouble they were enabled to turn the unruly seaman outside. In the course of the disturbance both the police officer and Mr Macnicoll were frequently kicked and struck by the defendant.—The Bench im- posed a fine of 10s and costs for each offence, or in default sentenced him to two consecutive terms of 14 days' imprisonment. Dr Pain" observed that these places of amusement must be conducted with proper decorum, as it appeared the Empire was. Dissatisfied with a Month. A young man named Geo. Smith was, at Car- diff borough police-court on Monday committed to gaol for a month with bard labour for stealing an overcoat belonging to Frederick Rimmell, from the passage of No. 6, Sanqua- har-street. The evidence of a youth who saw the. theft committed brought the offenca clearly home to the prisoner, but throughout the proceedings he seemed to treat the affair with considerable in difference. On receiving his sentence he tripped gaily down the steps leading to durance vice," and exclaimed, "I wish it was six months." A Dealer in Trouble. Edward Merchant, a Newport dealer, on Saturday went to the shop of Mr Alfred Duckham, High-street, Newport, to purchase the usual Sunday joint, and whilst the shopman turned round to get change, Merchant put down the joint he had purchased upon another joint which was lying on the slab in front of him, and took up both pieces, and having received his change marched out. At th. door he was met by Officer Christopher Thomas, who had witnessed the whole, incident. In consequence of tha vigilance Merchant appeared to answer a charge of theft, at Newport Town-hall, on Monday. Mr Lyndon Moore, solicitor, sought to show thai there was no felonious intent, the defendant. being in drink at the time. Mr Duckham alsc. wrote intimating that he had no desire to presa the charge. The bench were of opinion that it was a clear case of deliberate theft, and as there were previous convictions against defendant he was sentenced to a month's hard labour. A Jehu and His Fare. E. Wheeler, a Newport cabman, re appeared be- fore the Bench after the lapse of a period of four years. It was his old offence, which, prior to 1889, he had often repeated—namely, being drunk in charge of his horse and cab. On one of tho even>- ings in the latter part of last week Wheeled drove the captain of a steamer to the docks, andf on board the cabby was permitted to drink the health of his fare. The captain was over* hospitable, and the glasses were agaif, filled, the result being that Wheeler, whop he left the ship, was hardly capable of steering a straight course. The police, noticing hts condition, desired him to go home, and GO", another cabman to undertake to drive hun to hit abode. The cabby, howtver. was seif-reliantL declined the good offices.f his colleague, and some time afterwards was discovered in Chepstow* road, whither he had driven another fare; he was then more drunk than £ ver, and in ootlsequenoo was taken into custody. Wheeler now renewed his vows as to his lutatre good conduct. The Bench, however, were sceptical, and imposed a 20s fine. Assaulting the Police at Pe larth. Richard Muilroy is a seaman, a').d living at Penarth. On Monday be appeared m the police- court to answer a ctompiaint to. gad against him by Jane Hunt, 87, i>lassfj--atree'J. Mrs Hunt said he came to her house on We Tuesday, and threw a stone at the wisndow and broke a pane of glass. She had the pane put bau; by a glamier, •; but defendant came aroend agiui on Friday > night and smashed the window. -P.C. Michael, Martin then chafed the defendant with;, being drunk &d disorderly on the same night. He requested hiru to go into thw house, but be refused. He trxn took him in cus- tody, and in doing so prisorer hit him on thll chest. On thi way to the police-station he kicked him several times on tiie let-, aud once in the. abdo- men. H.. could not take litm along himself, but with the assistance of an -ther constable and a number of civilians they took him safely in a frog-march fashion.—Officer Parsons corroborated, and said he was kicked on the leg, and he had a bite on the hand.—The accused was fined 2s 6d, the damage of the window, and 5" tine for being drunk and disorderly jSl. In default, 21 days.

The Qaeen has rranged to open the Imperial Institute in full sl ate on May llt-h. A CURTAIN CURE FOR CORNS ANDTIUNIONS. —Beethajn's Corn Piaster immediately relieves pain, soon cures the most obstinate Corns -ind .BlUlionl!, re- duces enlarged great toe joints, and softens hard swellings, so that the sufferer can soon walk with ease and comfort. Thousands hlwe heen cured, some of whom had suffered for 50 years. Boxes, Is l%d. of 3,1; Chemists.— Freed?or 14 stamps byM. Beetham, Chemist* Cheltenham. 1S0S6

I THE FRENCH SENATE. PARIS, Monday. — M. Jules Ferry to-day Assumed the Presidential chair in the Senate, and in doing so delivered the customary address. He began by thanking the Senate for having put an end to the ostracism of which he had been the subject, for having chosen him co fill a high office for which he felt himself I. scarcely fitted, viz., that of arbiter of its debates. Leaving personal matters, the 1'resident went on to say that the Parliamentary Republic had not shown an incapacity to per- form the great task of government. Order had been maintained without effort. The national finances had been rehabilitated. The army had been reconstructed and greatly strengthened; and the Republic had gained for itself, by its sagacious policy, alliances of great worth in Europe. These were the sure signs of a living and lasting Government.—Renter.

SERIONS FLOODS IN HUNGARY. I BODAPSST, Tuesday.—The rapid rise of the Dan- ube is eausingseriousfloodsat manypointsalongits Course. At Gengeby, a village of some 1,600 in- Habitants, near Pates, and about 60 miles I South of Budapest, the rush of water was so A sodden that the whole place was flooded y in a few minutes. The inhabitants, who mostly live in unsubstantial straw thatched cottages, Bed for refuge to the church and the School, the only two stone buildings in the village, but these were soon inundated. Before long every house in the place was >, under water. Many of the inhabitants were j drowned, amongst those who lost their lives being I mother and her five children. Another woman i *ras prematurely confined, and died shortly afterwards, together with the child. The Danube 2s more than 25ft. above its usual level. Six Ihondred people are still in imminent danger. — Jleuter.

TEN PERSONS CRUSHED TO DEATH. CHICAGO, Tuesday.—A serious accident oc- curred in this city last night. A wall which had j been left standing after a tire was blown down by heavy gale and fell upon an adjoining dwelling, ^completely wrecking it. Ten persons who were Within were crushed to death.—Renter.

PILGRIMS TO ROME. > ROME, Tuesday.—The main body of English and Scotch pilgrims, numbering in all 520, left here shortly after eight this morning by special train for Turin. A few members of the English and Scotch pilgrimage still remain here, owing to indisposition.—Renter.

THE HAWAIIAN QUESTION. J NEW YOKK, Wednesday.—The Herald's Wash- w ington correspondent telegraphs as follows :— I"be last hope entertained by the Hawaiian JN Commission for the annexation of Hawaii by M the United States, for the time at least, died to- tj day, when the Senate, by a narrow majority, tefused to go into executive session, all the democrats recording negative votes. The Demo- trats have further decicted to prevent the holding f Of any more executive s"ssions during the remam. »rug days of the present Session. This means the t defeat of the treaty for the annexation of Hawaii ( "It present.—Reuter.

A BISHOP KIDNAPPED. TLRNOVA, Tuesday.—Ontheoccasion of the anni- versary of Prince Ferdinand's birthday on Sunday last, Mgr. Clement, the Metropolitan, delivered an address at the Cathedral here, in which he recommended the people to oppose the Govern- ment, as far as lay in their power. This advice, however, met with a very unfavourable deception from tie congregation as well as from the rest of the population, and a deputation Was sent to request Mgr. Clement to refrain in future from inciting the people Against the existing regime. The Metropolitan thereupon addressed the crowds which had mean- while collected in front of the episcopal residence, and declared that he should contmne in the same course. He was then forcibly seized and con- veyed in a carriage to the Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul in the Balkans. The keys of his residence weie handed to the Prefect, and a tele- gram. was despatched to M. Stambulotf, signed by several members of the Sobranje, and by the L Mayors of Tirnova and other towns, the inhabi- :• «ants of which hp-d taken part in the removal of iK'VlJe metropolitan, requesting the Government to > U regard his removal as an accomplished fact, since I jhe people declined to submit to a bishop who had I always ignored the true interests of Bulgaria.— I lieu t sr.

] CANADA AND FREE TRADE. NEW YORK, Wednesday. — Despatches from Ottawa state that the Canadian Parliament to. ] day rejected a resolution calling upon the Do- j minion Government to forthwith revise the ex- I is ting tariff, with a view to the ultimate abolition of all import duties, and the establishment of per- feet free trade. — Central News.

DEATH OF MADAME JULES GREW. PARIS, Wednesday.—Madame Jules Grevy, ^rife of the late President Grevy, who had been M ill for some time past, died at eight o'clock this y evening.—Reuter.

LORD JERSEY HOMEWARD BOUND. SYDNEY, Wednesday.—The retiring Governor, the Earl of Jersey, accompanied by the Countess of Jersey, left here to-day for England, travelling by way of Japan. A large crowd assembled to Witness their departure and bid their Excellencies a.cordial farewell.—Renter.

I REVOLUTION IN BRAZIL. » Defeat of the Government Troops. ,[' NEW YORK, Monday.—According to telegrams received trom the Herald's correspondent at Valparaiso, intelligence has been received there from Brazil showing that in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, which has been in a very dis- j turbed condition ever since the revolutionary out- break of last summer, tranquillity is still far from having been restored. The Federalist party still maintains a vigorous opposition to the i Government established by the followers of L General Castilho last July, when General Pelotas I. as removed from office, and lately there have [J. oeen several slight encounters between parties of I Federalists and small detachments of the State troops. From the correspondent's telegrams it would now appear that a regular Federalist rising has been organised, and that a battle has been fought Bear Bage, which was the centre of the opposi- tion to the Castilhista party last year. In this engagement the Government force were l defeated, a large number of the State troops Koing over to the enemy with their guns and ammunition. Santa Anna, 70 miles north-east of Bage, is besieged by a large force of Federalists under General Tavares, and is y expected to fall to-morrow, but 2,000 Government I ifoops are hastening to reinforce the garrison, and "'Iill arrive to-day. Senhor Silveira Martins, the ..federalist leader, declares that his party does not 1 desire the intervention of the Central Govern- ment at Rio de Janeiro, but only aims at remov- ing the Governor and the other Castilhista autho- rities from power. The correspondent further states that atrocities I are of almost daily occurrence, and that the im- pressing of Argentine subjects for military ser- vice, and the outrages committed by the Castil- histas on Argentine citizens in the vicinity of the frontier, may possibly lead to trouble between Argentina and Brazil. The Argentine Government haa already made formal demands at Rio de Janeiro for proper reparation.

i TERRIBLE DOMfcSTIC TRAGEDY. <i ■ NEW YORK, Saturday.—A tragedy which has moveù the community to its depths has occurred to-day at Atalanta, Georgia. Miss Julia Force, a sister of one of the leading merchants, and belonging to a family moving in the best circles in the town, had a violent quarrel with her two # sisters. At length she seized a revolver and shot both of them dead. Miss Force has been arrested. It appears that Miss Julia Force has been suffering from mental disease for some time, i and had but recently recovered from an attack of V mania when she committed the crime of which she is accused. Her mother, it seems, was absent yesterday, and Miss Force, having sent the ser- vants out on errands, went to the room in which her sister Florence was lying ill in bed and shot her in the temple, killing her immediately. She then proceeded to the kitchen, where her youngest sister Minnie was at work, and fired at her with equally fatal effect. None of the neighbours heard the reports of the shots, and the first intima- tion of the tragedy came from Miss Julia Force herself, who, after calmly locking the doors of the bouse, went to the police-station and gave herself tip. There is no doubt she is insane and com- mitted the murders in an access of frenzy. She a aged about 38, while her sisters Florence and ,tinnie were 30 and 25 respectively. Her brothers Kr..re prominent shoe manufacturers in the town.— t^^eUteTt