Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
17 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
THE THIRD VOLUME.
THE THIRD VOLUME. BY FERSUS HUME, Author of The Mystery of a Hansom Cab," The Lone Inn," The Chinese Jar," lie. [ALL BIGHTS RESERVED. ] CHAPTER XXXVIIL A New Aspect of Things. Tait folded over the last sheet of thitf long «6lteer with a sigh. Although he was pleased for Claude's sake that George Larcher was still in the taod of the living, yet he was distinctly disap- pointed that no communication had been made bkely to elucidate the mystery. Yet the result of this confession was an entire displacement of iihe point whence it was necessary to survey the oase. The motives which had caused the sup- Posed death of Larcher would not suffice to explain the death of Jeringham. The case had assumed a new aspect, but nevertheless it was as oomplex and inexplicable as ever. Tait thought of all this with inconceivable rapidity, but did &ot give utterance to his opinion in the presence of his friend. "The letter is wonderful so far," was his sole femark, but it is a great pity that it ends so abruptly. I suppose your father will personally relate all other details, Claude, when you see him -fain." I The young man assumed a sitting position, and teliberately finished his wine before replying to ibis remark. He looked anxious and disturbed, '.nd, now that he had recovered from the over- whelming surprise at finding his father alive, denied less delighted than he should have been. miracle had been wrought in his behalf—the lead had been restored to life—but he was by no laeans gratified by the occurrence. "I don't know whether I shall see my father, V?aia," he said shortly. But, my dear friend-" a Oh, I know all you would say," interrupted Claude hastily, with a frown, "but I am not Prepared to admit your arguments. My mother ja alive, my father is in existence, yet for twenty- years I have looked on them as dead. Can ton then wonder that I feel awkward towards -hem both—that I am by no means disposed to ;ender them that filial affection which, you must ■*du»it, they but ill deserve?" "The question is so delicate that I can only told my peace," said Tait, after a pause. I Jdunit what you say. Still they are your own aeab and blood." I might answer yon as Hamlet did on a like occasion." replied Claude, with a bitter smile, quotation will not mend matters. What nave to consider is the advisability of seeing my father again." You must certainly see him again," said the promptly. ;;why?,r In the first place he is your father whatever fou may say, and in the second you had better tell him personally that you abandon further Investigation of the case. After all your object ™*one; for though you might want to avenge death of a parent, the murder of a scamp like "eringham can matter nothing to you Ob, that I abandon the case goes without .peaking," said Claude, quickly, "and you-" I act in the same way. The further we go the case the more perplexing does it become. «is beyond me. Only at the Lasb Day will the Inystery be solved. Still," added Tait, medita. **Tely, I must admit a curiosity yet exists on 1ny part to know who struck the blow. Of course, four father's story corroborates Dick Pental's, ,ut¡ the gardener mistook him for Jerningham by reaøon of the fancy drese." Does this letter suggest anything to,you t" "It narrows the field of inquiry, that is all. *our mother, your father, ana Denis Bantry *nust necessarily be innocent, as they were in the "OAjse when the murder took place in the garden." || If they are innocent, who is guilty ?" ?• We have a choice of two who were outside at •he time. You can choose between Hilliston and Mona Bantry." Mona Bantry kfll her lover How do yon bake that out ? You forgot your father's account of the scene ':n the sitting-room," said Tait, significantly, then Mrs Larcher asserted in the presence of Mona that she had come with Jeringbam; furthermore, that he was in the garden. Mona, al^o.jealous, acts, as any other woman would have done in such a position, she goes into the garden Jo demand an explanation there is a quarrel between her and Jeringham, and she kills him. then flies, not to hide her disgrace, but to evade the consequences of her act. That is a feasible theory, I think." Claude shook his head. "I don't agree with you, he said, emphabicaljy. "You forget that e have my mother's account of the matter to Plaoe against that of my father's. If you recol- also admitted finding my fatherand Mona >> the sitting-room she also admits fainting, but tere all resemblance between the accounts cease. j y mother distinctly says that she threatened husband with the dagger, that it fell on the «oor when she lost her senses. When she recovered Jhem the dagger was gone. Now," continued Claude, slowly, if you remember the crime was Committed by means of the dagger, for it was *ound red with blood in the grounds, and then Waa taken possession of by the police. If my mother's account is the true one, Mona Bantry certainly have picked up the dagger and have murdered Jeringham, as you suggest. But if my father's story is to be believed, Mona left the room before my motherfainted, and consequently could not have gained possession of the dagger. it follows as a natural consequence that she oollld not have committed the murder." Tait nodded several times during this explana- tion to show that be agreed with the points raixed but when Claude concluded be rubbed IS chin in some perplexity. "Here we come to a dead stop," said be, Jtapatiently. It was asserted by the police that the murder was committed with the dagger \\Porn by your mother as part of the fancy dress." "Yes If you remember it was on that evi- dence she was arrested." Wei), if she wore that dagger in the sitting- in foom, Jeringham could not have been killed with 't. because the murder must have taken place While your father was trying to pacify your Mother." Claude glanced at the letter again. "My father makes no mention of the dagger in this," he said, with a puzzled look. "No! I should like to hear what he has to lIay on the subject, the more so as I incline to his &tory rather than to your mother's." For what reason ?" "In her conversation with you, Mrs Bezel-or father your mother—said that she threatened Jour father with the dagger in the sitting-room of Tho Laurels. || Yes. Well ?" If you remember the evidence given by her to the police at the time of the arrest was that she "ad lost the dagger at the ball, and knew not into Whose hands it had f.illen." Claude looked nonplussed, and knew not what nnswer to make. That his mother had made two different statements he was compelled to admit. He further remembered that his father had made no statement whatsoever about the (lj,,g(,r. Yet on the possession of that dagger turned the whole of the case. Whoever picked It up, whether at the ball or in the sitting- ro,)nl, must have killed Jeringham. Assuming his father's account to be true, and Claude saw too reason to doubt its accuracy, Mona could not nave committed the murder, nor could Mr or Mrs Larcher be guilty. It therefore followed that his mother had spoken truly to the police, and for some inexplicable reason falsely to him. The dagger must have been lost at the ball, and Picked up by whom. I can make nothing of it," he said, after doe consideration the only way to get at the truth 113 to tell my father that his wife still lives, and bring them together. Out of their meeting good may come." You will then call and see your father," said Tait, encouragingly. Yex I must. I see no way out of it. He must be inform* that my mother lives. and I am the pro pei' person ;<> ten him so. Though it is strange, added Claud?, suddenly, that Hilliston never told him." Humph That gentleman seems to serve both sides," said Tait gruffly. Your mother speaks well of him, your father' thinks no end of him, and both trust him, -yet for what I can see be has deceived both." I How ?" Why, by keeping back the truth from each. He has let your father think your mother dead, I and vice versa. What do you make of that ?" I tell you I can make nothing of the whole confusion," said Clause, crossly. I will see my father and abandon the case, for I am sick of the affair. It is maddening. What a pity your lunatic did not wake up a few minutes earlier so as to see who struck the blow and thus have tettled the matter ? But it is not that which troubles me." No What else disturbs your mind ?" Jenny." Jenny echoed Tait, with feigned simplicity. I nn: afraid I am dull. I don't see." You must he blind then," retorted Claude, in Mi exasperated tore. You know I love Jenny." Well ?" Well, I can't love her. She is my half-sister." "Indeed," said Tait, in nowise astonished at this announcement. How do you make that i ont ?" Why, isn't Jenny the daughter of Paynton, J *nd isn't he, my father ?" I HA ia vour father certainly, but I mm you I Jenny is nob his daughter. She is no relation to him." Tait! What do you mean f Can't you guess 1" No. Out with it man. Don't keep me in suspense." Why," drawled Tait, enjoying the situation, Jenny is the niece of Denis—in other words, she is the child of Mona Bantry and Jeringham." CHAPTER XXXIX. The Garnet Searfpin. That same evening Claude called to see his father. He decided to go alone, but asked Tait to repair to Rose Cottage with- in the hour, so that the meeting with his newly-found parent having taken place, a consultation could be held by the three regarding the proceeding with or withdrawing of the case. Tait especially stipulated that this arrangement should be coixe to, as he was anxious of seeing Mr Larcher, senior, in order to disabuse his mind of the straightforwardness of Hilliston. Privately Tait believed that the lawyer would yet be found gnilty of the crime. On no other grounds could be explain the attitude taken up by Hilliston since the papers had been placed in Claude's hands. The evidence of Miss Pike and Dick Pental failed to alter his idea on this point. Tait himself was beginning to feel weary of the investigation. At every turn it took he was baffled by some fresh obstacle, and he was not ill pleased to find that the matter was at an end so far as Claud was concerned. That young man had sworn to avenge the death of his tather but now that his father proved to be still in existence, the oath was null and void. So that Ciaude married to Jenny, he would be quite willing to leave the solution of the mystery surrounding the death of Jeringham to Tait but Tait himself determined to have nothing further to do with so wearisome a problem. He waited considerably beyond the hour before leaving for the cottage, as he rightly considered the father and son would have much to say to one another. Moreover, it was necessary to give Larcher time to overcome his emotion on learning that his wife was still in existence. Tait was by no means sure that the old gentleman would be pleased with this revelation. According to his own showing his relations with his wife had been none of the best; and to renew those relations after twenty-five years could hardly fail to be most unpleasant. During this time Tait gave no thought to Jenny or Denis. As to the former, he was so satisfied that she was the daughter of Jeringham by Mona Bantry that he did not think it worth while to give the matter the benefit of the doubt. What he was curious to know was how Paynton, or rather Captain Larcher, came to stand in the position of an adopted father. Information on this point was conveyed to him before be reached the cottage by Denis himself. The old servant walked briskly along the road, looking quite rejuvenated. He had heard the good news, and it had transformed his life. In place of a crabbed expression, his face appeared wonder- fully cheerful, and he saluted Tait with a grin of pleasure. The other could not forbear comment- 109 on his changed appearance, so clearly apparent even in the waning light of evening. "Why, Kerry, you look ten years younger," be said, stopping short in his amazement, with an afterthought of Dick Pental's accusation. "Ah, and I do that same, sir," said Denis, saluting in military fashion, "and you know why, sir." Are they reconciled f asked Tait, guessing what was in the mind of the old servant. Begad they are. Chattering together like two love birds, and my old master looking on with pride." Why, Kerry, I spoke of Captain Larcher." Augh, did you now, sir ? I spoke of Master Claude, God bless him, and Miss Jenny, God bless her God bless them both," cried Kerry, taking off his hat with a burst of affection, and his honour along with them. Oh, glory be to the saints for this blessed day. But sure T am for- getting my service, sir. The master is waiting to see you this very minute." I was just on my way," said Tait, signing to Kerry to go on. We will walk there together. By the way, does Miss Jenny know she is not the daughter of your master ?" "She knew it all along, sir. Ah, and why should you look surprised at that, Mr Tait ? Is it because she is the niece ot an aid soldier like me?" "No! No Kerry But, as you are aware, Miss Jenny knows the case from those news- papers she found; and in that report Jering- ham I see what you mean, sir," said Kerry, touch- ing his hat in a deprecating manner; "bnt sure she doesn't know all. She believes herself to be the child of my sister, Mona-who is dead, rest her soul, and of a Mr Kennedy. We've invented a father for her, sir. T'would never do for her to know she was the daughter of the poor man who was killed." It is just as well, Kerry. Do you know who killed him 1" Tait asked this question with a keen glance at the man. No, sir. How should I know ? I ran out with the light when the captain called, but Idon't know who struck him the cruel blow. He was a bad man, sir, deceiving my sister, and disgracing the Bantry family, but he is dead, and she is dead, so we'll let them rest, and the heavens be their bed I" By this time they were at the garden door, and striking his hand over these sad memories Kerry led the visitor into the house, and showed him into the bookroom. Here were assembled Claude, j his father, and Jenny, till looking supremely happy, though the old gentleman appeared to be rather shaken. He rose when Tait entered, and held out his hand. I am glad to see you, Mr Tait," said he, in an unsteady voice, and I thank you for the way in which you have aided my son. I feel that an apology is due to you for my behaviour on your last visit." "Don' II mention it," replied Tait, cordially shak ing the extended hand. under the circumstances you could not act otherwise. Well, Miss Payn. ton, am I to—" Don't call me Miss Paynbon now, Mr Tait," she said, smiling there is no need for further concealment. I can take my own name, that of—" Miss Kennedy," said Tait, quickly, do not look so surprised. Kerry told me all about it as I came along. I am at once astonisned and de- lighted." I don't wonder at it," said Captain Larcher. patting Claude's hand. "You see I have found a son." And soon, sir, you will lose a daughter," observed Tait, significantly. Oh, no," observed Claude, with a laugh when I marry Jenny we will all live together as a happy fam ly." Marriage Has it come to that 2" Yon are astonished I see, Mr Tait," said the old geutleman, shaking his head. I am myself. It is too soon—too sudden. They have only known eaoh other a few weeks, and it is impossible that a union on so short an acquaintance can prove happy." We will have a long engagement," said Claude, in order to prove if we truly love one another. But I am not afraid of the result." Neither am I," remarked Jenny, slipping her arm within that of her lover. I am sure nothing will come between us. But come, Claude, and we will see my uncle, for I notice that Mr Tait is anxious to speak to your father about that horrid case." Captain Larcher nodded his approval of this, so Claude and J nny left the room to seek Kerry, and be wept over by the old servant. Left alone with his host, Tait took a chair by the table, and they looked at one another in silence. The Captain was the first to break it. "There is no need for me to recapitulate the events of the day," he said with a weary sigh, 808 Claude told me you read my letter, and are in possession of all the facts. You may believe, Mr Tait, that I feel considerable shaken. My interview with Claude has been rather trying. He has behaved in the most affectionate manner." Well, now your troubles are all at an end. Captain Larcher, and A.t an end, sir," he interrupted sharply. "No, they will continue. My innocence is not yet proved, and 1 must still remain here under a feigned name, unless you agree to help me." Certainly I agree. Is it your intention and Claude's to go on with the case ? We have come to rtbat decision, but I wanted to consult you before finally making up my mind. Do you think we ought to proceed." I certainly do," said Tait, promptly. It is true that the police think that you are the victim. Bub if you want to assume vour own name inquiries would certainly be made. One is never safe in these criminal matters, even after the lapse of years. If you did declare yourself to be Captain Laicher then it would come out that Jeringham is dead, and you would have to clear yourself. Besides, the evidence of Dicky Pental would implicate you, seeing that he mistook you in that fancy-dress tor Jeringham." True enough," replied Larober. nodding. "And there is another reason. I have just learned that my wife is still alive, and is protected by Hilliston ail Hampstead. I sent Claude out of the room so that I could ask you a plain ques- tion. Give me a plain answer and tell me what are the relations between them." I doriot care to answer that plainly," said Tait. with some hesitatron, '• but I think you can guess." Does Hilliston love my wrfe On the authority of IVtiss Belinda Pike, whom I saw at Horriston, I believe he does." And for her sake he has deceived me all these years ? i It seems so. In fact. Captain Larcher, Hil- liston has been playing a double game. He kept you and your wife apart by assuring each that the other was dead. That conduct alone stamps him as a villian. Then, again, he threw all kinds of obstacles in the way while we were investigafe- | ing this case." What for ? My own opinion is that Hilliston committed the murder." Captain Larcher clenched his hand, and thought for a few moments. It might be so," he muttered more to him- self than to Tait. Hilliston was in the garden. If he loved my wife—a fact which I never sus- pected—he might have killed Jeringham out of ¡jealousy. Bub the dagger 1 How did he obtain that f No doubt at the baIL I assure you, Mr Tait, that my wife had not the dagger when in tbe silltinr-room." She declares that she threatened you with it." Then she either forgets or speaks falsely. She wore it at the ball when I spoke to her there, but when she returned it was missing. Hilliston came with me, knowing Jeringham was with my wife. He might have picked up the dagger with the fullest intention of committing the crime. Now that I know he loved my wife I am not prepared to say how he acted in the garden while I was in the hoose." And the garnet scarf-pin mentioned in the novel ? That belonged to Hilliston," said Larcher, qnickly. "I gave it to him myself. Denis picked it up in the garden, but I thought nothing of that as I was aware Hilliston was in the grounds on that night. But now I believe—ob, I am afraid to say what I believe. I muy be wrong." There is one way of finding out the truth, Captain Larcher. Come up to town this week and see your wife. Then we may learn all." The old gentleman leaned bis head on his hand in deep thought for a few minutes. I will come," he said at length. At what- ever cosh I will force the guilty woman to own the|truth." ( To be continued, i
COLLISION WITH PENARTH PIER.
COLLISION WITH PENARTH PIER. About 11 a.m. on Monday the schooner Aurora, of Carnarvon, sailed from Cardiff Docks and anchored about one hundred yards to tbe north of Penarth Pier, but subsequently dragged from her moorings and collided with the northern end of the Pier, the impact being sufficient to strain and twist two or three ot the cross stay*. The schooner (which is 57 tons register) is still alongside the Pier, and will not float till the next txl".
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FOOLHARDY PLAY IN THE RHONDDA.
FOOLHARDY PLAY IN THE RHONDDA. At the Ystrad Police Court on Monday—before Mr Ignatius Williams and Alderman W. Morgan —Frederick Burrows, Ernest Greening, and Evan Price, employed on the surface as labourers at the Bodringallt Colliery, and residing at Ystrad Rhondda, were charsred with doing grievous bodily harm to John Rees, fireman, and David Williams, night haulier, employed in the colliery. Mr Simons, Merthyr, appeared for the prosecu- tion, and Mr J. Phillips, Pontypridd, defended. The case had been partly heard about a fortnight ago, when it was adjourned in order to have the evidence of Mr John Rees, who was then unable to attend in consequence of the serious injuries be had sustained. It seemed from the evidence of the prosecutors, who did not wish to press the charge, that on the 6th ult., about six o'clock in the morning, they and six workmen who had been engaged in the pit during the night shift went into the machine house. After they had been in there about two minutes a. quantity of oil was poured down the chimney into the fire, and instantly igniting the small cahln was filled wrth flames and choking fumes. The men immediately rushed to the door, which was closed, and failed to open it at onoe. Rees was in the act of putting his pipu into the fire in the grate to light it when the oil entered the fire and ignited, and consequently his face and hands were badly burnt. David Williams, the other prosecutor, also received serious injuries to his hands. Oue of the men. finding the door fastened, and being unable to get out, smashed the small window for the purpose of trying to make an exit and obtaining fresh air, as the interior was stifling. When they got out they found close by a crowd of workmen who, on hearing the report or the noise of the iguition, ran from the other cabin a few yards away to see what was the matter. The defendants were not there. Several witnesses gave evidence, but their state- ments were very incoherent. Dr. Thomas, medical practitioner of the Gelli and the Pentre and the Tynybedw Collieries deposed that Rees had been seriously burnt about the face and hands, but the injuries were not permanent. Rees was still unable to resume his usual occupation, Inspector Meuhennick, Pentre, stated that Bur- rows and Greening had expressed regret to him that they had committed the offence, and re- marked that Price had not "much to do with the affair." Price was discharged, but the other two defendants were committed for trial to the Quarter Sessions, and were admitted to bail.
THE NEW CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC…
THE NEW CATHOLIC BISHOPRIC ,OF WALES A Papal Brief has been placed in the hands of Cardinal Vaugban, constituting eleven of the Welsh counties an Apostolic Vicariate. Glam- organshire has been excluded (for reasons, it is stated, affeoting the religious interests of the county), and will be included in the diocese of Newport, together with Herefordshire and Mon- mouthshire Cheshire and Shropshire forming, henceforth, the Diocese of Shrewsbury. At the meeting of the bishops at the Provincial Synod of Westminster in "Low" week, three names will be submitted to the Sovereign Pontiff i for selection of a bishop for the Welsh see.—PaU Mall Gazette. I
CARDIFF OYM M RODORION SOCIETY.
CARDIFF OYM M RODORION SOCIETY. THEIR FtRST EtSTEODFOD. On Monday the first anuual eisteddfod under the auspices of the Cardiff Cymmrodorion Society was held in the Park Hall, Cardiff. The president was hie Honour Judge Gwilym Williams, the con- ductor of the eisteddfod being Councillor Edward Thomas (Cochfarf), Cardiff. The adjudicators were :—For .music, Messrs John Price (leader ot the Rhymney Choir) and W. Thomas (leader of the well-known Treorky Choir); for poetry and recitations, MrD. W.Jones (t)afydd Morgan wg); and for essays, Principal W. Edwards, D.D., Baptist College, Cardiff. The accom- panists were Miss Morfydd Williams, London, and Miss Kitty Davies, Cardiff. The secretaries, Messrs M. Cynon Davies and D. M. Evans, Cardiff, ably discharged their duties. This eisteddfod has been established by the Cymmrodorion Caerdydd for tbe purpose of aiding their funds in promoting Welsh music ana kindred subjects, and in this their first attempt they j produced a programme which was novel in several points as compared with the usual run of eisteddfod ic fare. For instance, in the essays, instead of having selected a subject of an abstraot character, ia regard to which the knowledge would be in the possession of comparatively few, they gave an open subject, suoh as the best prose composition descriptive of any incident or scene in the history of Wales, or an outline of the character of any prominent departed Welsh. man. There was also an essav for ladies on the subject "Welsh Women of To-day; tbeir prospects and their duties and a prize was offered for the best piece of original poetry that had not been published, or for which a prize had not been given before, on any subject which the author wished to select, so that he would have full opportunity and scope to produce something original. Monday being" Mabon's Day," a large number of people from the mining districts were ^present. Amongst those on the platform with the pre- sident, conductor, and adjudicators were Professor T. Powel, M.A. (President of the Cymmro- dorion Society), Mrs Powel, the Rev. Father Hayde, Mr Evan Owen, J.P., Mr Roberts- Jones, B.L., Dr. P. Rhys Griffiths, and Madame D Isaac Davies. ADJUDICATIONS. For playing on the piano "The Rising of the Lark" (Brinley Richards) there were three youthful competitors, the age being limited to 16. The first prize of 10s 6d was won by Master Algernon D. Llewellyu, Whitchurch; and the President gave a second of 5s to Miss Mabel Davies, daughter of the Rev. C. Davies, Tabernaole, Cardiff. The recitation, "The Ship on Fire," brought out four competitors, and the prize (5s) was awarded by Professor Powel and the Rev. Father Hayde, who adjudicated in the tem- porary absence of Dafydd Morgattwtr, to Master John Davies (son of the Rev. C. Davies, Cardiff). Prizes were also given by the President to Edith Brown and Mary Price. Amongst the violin solo players under 16 years of age of Farmer s "Home, sweet Home," Master Evan Richards, Whitchurch, a pupil of Miss Bertha Rowlands, was adjudged the best and received the prize of half-a-guinea. There were seven competitors in the essay describing any historic scene or incident in Welsh history, and Mr Llewellyn Williams, Portb, won the prize of agutnea. From amongst six competitors, Miss Mary Ann Griffiths, Ynyshir, carried off the guinea prize for the soprano solo Fy Mam (Dr. Parry). The prize for the essay by ladies already referred to (" Welsh women of to-day, their prospects iand their duties ") was divided between Miss M. J. Thomas, Cardiff, and Mrs Josiah Jenkins, Llandaff-road, Canton, Cardiff. Two juvenile choirs competed, the test piece being "Awn yn mlaeu" (Rhedynog Price) and the first prize of £4 was won by the Ainon Baptist Chapel Juvenile Choir, Cardiff, conduetediby Mr Thomas John, and the second (£2) by Whitchurch Juvenile Choir, conducted by Mr J. Day. The prize of 10s 6 i for recitation of the best selections from Islwyn's "Gymru," was gained by Mr T. Alexander Jones, Rhydfelen. There were no competitors in the event for fife bands, although prizes of £3 and £2 were offered. For the best piece of original poetry there were 12 entrants, and the prize of jg2 2-< was divided between Mr Benjamin Vaughan, Cwmdare, and "Garmon," who did not respond to his name. But in this competition several of the entrants did not send in their essays 10- time, and were disqualified. The prize for the tenor solo, "Hen Wlad fy Ngenedigaeth" Land of my birth (Dr. Parry) was well contested, and ultimately divided between "Gwynalaw," Fern. dale, and Mr Alfred Evans, Aberdare. So also was the bass solo, Y DymhestV 'tThe Storm (R. S. Hughes), and the victor there was Mr David Jones, Abercanaid. There were two sets of competitors for the guinea offered for the best rendering of the quartette "Cast thy burden on the Lord" ("Elijah "), and tbe prize was carried j off by Mr Towyn Thomas, Cardiff, and party. The prize for the duet "Y Morwyr," "The Sailors (Emlyn Evans), was won by Messrs J. Devonald, Aberdare, and Alfred Evans, Aber- nant. THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. The PBESIDKNT addressed the audience in Welsh and English before the choral competitions were commenced. In the course off- bis remarks he said he had frequently spofc$i|? at eisteddfodic gatherings, but the ground on which one might address such an audience had changed within recent years. Formerly it wae necessary almost to justify the existence of an restitution like that. That was no longer necessary. (Applause.) It was never necessary to justify the existence of the eisteddfod so far as the Welsh-nation were con- cerned, of course; but they wished to justify it in the minds and in the best judgment of the people constituting other nations. The eisteddfod had proved itself to be an institution which commended itself to people whose judgment was worth accepting. It was not necessary for them to speak of the Welsh language in terms of praise, for it was now reoog- nised as worthy of being kept alive and of the worship which Welshmen devoted to it. (Hear, hear.) Nor was it necessary to speak of their literature in terms of praise, because it was now known and men of all nationalities had turned to inquire into the beauties of the Welsh lan- guage and literature, and now the translations of the poems of Dafydd ap Gwilym were appreciated by whomsoever read, although of course Welsh- men could enjoy tbe originals more. It had been proved that they bad not only a litera- ture, but that the literati of many coun- tries had sought after it, anxious to delve into its glories and riches. (Applause.) Now what had the eisteddfodau to do! Had they accomplished their work ? Could those, the outsiders who were not musicians, literary people, or bards do anything ? In his opinion yes there was a great deal to do. Welshmen must go with the spirit of the times in Wales. Having achieved the victories of which he bad spoken, and broken down the antipathy which existed in tbe minds of other nations regarding Welsh institutions, language, and literature, they should look at home and ab themselves. They had been lauded until praise had become nauseous. They knew what they could do, and where they excelled but did they know their shortcomings 1 They must admit that their shortcomings were glaringly inconsistent with the national character. And one thing he would say with regard to that subject was that there was.a tendency in the nationalism of some people (he did not think it was so with the majority of the people} *o confine and make too parochial their nationality—a thing Lord Bute had referred to in that hall on the occasion of the visit of Lord Mayor Evans to Cardiff. There was the danger that they might confine their efforts into such a narrow limit that these would 1 not be acceptable to people of the other nations of the world. No patriotic Welshman ever advocated such narrow feeling. It had often been said that their cry was "Wales for the Welsh," and that they wished to keep other nations from them, which was tantamount to saying Hunds off.' But neither in lan- guage, nor in commerce, nor in respect to Welsh institutions had any patriotic Welshman ever had such a feehng in his heart, and no one would dare express such a sentimentin presence of the thoughtful men on the platform with him. (Hear, hear.) It might be that un- wise men might utter the sentiment to keep com- petition away in order that only Welshmen might get the loaves and fishes, both commercial and literary, which might happen to be about in the Principality; but he would assert that no thoughtful, patriotic man would give expression io the thought that Wates should be for the Welsh, for the person who did would be scouted from amongst the best thinkers of the population. (Applause.) It had been his experience, and he recognisodjit the more be saw of his countrymen, that they ought to look straight at their deficiencies and shortcomings and try to remove them. (Hear, hear.) It was the disposition of Welshmen to lean on other people too much, and not to work out their own salvation as it were. (Hear, hear.) They ought to read as much as possible, and, while listening to other people s opinions, analyse those opinions and oonsider whether they should be accepted. They should not allow other people to form opinions for them, and take these for granted or without inquiry. (Hear, hear.) He would, therefore, advise Welshmen, more particularly the younger tten, not to accept as Gospel-truth all that was said to them, but to use their own know- ledge and judgment 111 arriving at a decision. (Applause.) THK PARRY TESTIMONIAL. Councillor THOMAS mentioned that it had been I arranged to give a concert in Cardiff, on June 29l;h, in aid of tbe Dr. Joseph Parry testimonial fund, and ou that occasion the principal male-voice parties in South Wales, to the number of about 700 persons, would give their services. Mr Ban Davies was expected to be present also, and the chairmen for the day would be the Mayor of Cardiff and his Honour Judge Williams. (Ap- plause.) For the fund JB170 had been collected, but they wanted to raise J8500. So far they had been drawing only on their noher countrymen. (JHOKAL COMPETITION. The chief competition of the day, that for the J620 prize for tbe best choral rendering of 0 Father, whose Almighty power," from "Judas Maccabseus," was the last on the programme, and there were six entries, viz. :-1, the Cymmro- dorion Choral Society, Cardiff, conductor, Mr John Williams, Llew Ebbwy 2, Mardy Choir, Mr Morgan Lewis 3, Cwmdare Choir. Mr Wm. Williams 4, Aber Valley Choir, Mr E. Evans 5, Whitchuroh Choir, Mr Edward Thomas 6, Tabernacle United Choir, Pontypridd, Mr John Griffiths. After close competition the prizn was awarded to Cwmdare, amid touch cheering. At the close of the competitive programme Miss Kitty Davies, R.C.M., Cardiff, treated the audience to excellent performances on the violin of a romance by Jenseg and a tarantello by Cave. Votes of thanks to the president, the conduotor, the adjudicators, etc., conoluded the proceedings.
WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT.
WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT. Rev. Stephen Gladstone's Views. The Rev. Stephen Gladstone, rector ot Hnwarden, having been asked his views on the Welsh Disestablishment Bill, contributes an article headed A Grave Political Crisis in Wales," to the April number of the Hawarden Parish Magazine." He says he thinks this is wholly a question, not for Churchmen as such 110 decide, but for citizens, and for this reason he can have nothing to do with the so-called Church Defence Society, nor with t*ae Archbishop's new scheme for the same purpose. As citisens, and also as Churchmen, he thinks the case for Dis- establishment, at all eveuts in Wales, is amply made out. The majority, and probably the great majority of the Welsh people do not now belong to the Established Church. Of 34 members of Parliament elected by the Welsh voters (as Wales is now reckoned) 31 are in favour of Dis- estoblishment. The old Church Grammar Schools throughout Wales were disestablished 10 tlte sense of being made undenominational by the Weish Education Act of 1889, which was' passed with the approval and support of the last Con- servative Government. The rev. gentleman believes that the Church's claim to exist as a State Church cannot bev fairly sustained. That inconveniant consequences will be great in many ways.and will be seriously felt in Ha warden Parish also, affords no valid reason against the civil case for Disestablishment. The Church's con- tinuance as the State Church in Wales involves a political injustice which ought to be removed either by a complete measure of Disestablishment for the whole of England and Wales, orat the least by an Act for Wales and he considers that th. retention of a false position will be a source o( weakness to the Church's highest interests. But what of endowments ? This. too, is a question to be decided by citizens. The trustees of thit property are not the receivers of it as is often wrongfully supposed, but the whole nation, for whose spiritual provision alone they were in part given and m part exacted by legal processes. Diffeiencs of opiniou was sure to arise as to how much tht State, when the Church ceased to be she State Church, should claim for public purposes, and how much ought in equity to be left; but tbie might surely be a matter of arrangement, if the authorities of the Church would recognise, as they surely should, that the State had both the powei Rnd the responsibility of dealing with the matter. Of course the Disendowed Church became a poor Church for the time at all events, and had bard work to reorganise herself. Yet who oould doubt that In a country such as ours voluntary offering* would b«. forthcoming where work was to be done! A humbler arrangement and a more economical administration of the Church in Wales would not necessarily mean a crippled or even a weaker Church than at present. But, however that might be, a poor Church was much more likely to do God's work than a richer Church in possession of endowments, whioh so large a propurtion of fellow Christian citizens did not believe she had a moral title to retain. As to some of the details of the Bill, and especially ot the disendowing clauses, strong exception might probably be taken, but the only way to save un- necessary loss and suffering was for Church. men themselves, if not now too late to face the matter with something wiser or better than a mere position of resistance, and to endeavour to make the best terms for the emancipated Churoh that might be possible. It was to her past and present policy of active resistance, and nothing more—for not even reforms were seriously proposed—that the sufferings of tbe Church would be chiefly due. In a foot note the writer adds he alone is responsible for the article. He wishes to commit nooneeiseat all by tbe! views he expresses. There is a very great difference of opinion on this matter, and he does not wish to bring it into the pulpit. S JUDICIAL STATISTIC8
MEETINQ OF CREDITORS AT MERTHYR.
MEETINQ OF CREDITORS AT MERTHYR. On Monday, at th- office of Mr W. L. Daniel (official receiver), a meeting was held of th. creditors,if James Lock, Corn wafl-road, Williams- town, Penygmiv. and carrynvg on business at Brook-street. Williamstown, Peny^raig Tyla. celyn-road, Pandy-sqiuvre, Tonypaiuiy; American Market, Pentte; and the West. L!antwit-road» Ash Colliery. B»'ddau, near Llantrisant and lately carrying un business at Trealaw Brick, works, Trealaw, grocer and provision merchant and colliery proprietor, late'y brick manufaoterer. The statement of affairs showed that the amount of gross liabilities was £15,975 Us 5d. Ther* were however creditors for £10,371 10* lid fall secured, and it was expected that from $1 securities there wouid be a surpiusef £033 9s 1< After allowing for preferential claims, &c., thv balance of assets was £1.444 13s 9d, and tb« deficiency, explained, £3,362 Is 9d. Mr 11. T. Collins, Bristol, was appointed trustee, with 9 committee (If 111"p"nÕ'.
CARDIFF THEATRES.1
CARDIFF THEATRES. The Chieftain "at the Reyat. Light opera is always welcome in Cardiff, and no company meets with more cordial signs of approval and appreciation than that of Mr D'Oyly Carte. This holds good when the older and well-known operas of the Gilbert-Sullivan series are presented, for the playful fancy of the librettist and the fascinating music of the composer have an irresistible influence over all sections of the public. Bub an additional interest attaches to the appearance of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in this town when a absolutely new work is given, and one that has since its firsb production met with only the most favourable criticism. In The Chief- j tain," however, which was performed last evening at the Theatre Royal, Sir Arthur Sullivan has as his collaborator, not Mr W. S. Gilbert, but Mr F. C. Burnand. While it would be ungenerous to deny the fresh and genuinely-humorous character of all Mr Burnand's work of this class—and that contained in "The Chieftain" is quite up to the level of I anything that we have hitherto had from bis pen —to say that his genius in this direction is not of precisely the same fine order as Mr Gilbert's is to declare only a palpable fact. That curiously felicitous, extravagantly whimsical style of writing that stamps the better known Gilhen Sullivan operas as works separate and distinct from all others, is wanting in The Chieftain." This must not be understood as implying that it is wanting in one of the essentials of suocessful light opera. On the contrary, it is irresistibly fantastic, and more productive of hearty and unrestrained merriment than many compositions of a similar school that have made lasting reputations for themselves. But it has mainly to rely upon the happy twisting of a phrase or the working up of an awkward situation, or the remorseless travestying of a momentary phase of social life by a select trio or quartette of ciever comedians. That light, airy, deeply critical, keenly analytical, yet at the same time delightfully superficial spirit which Mr Gilbert infuses into his work is seldom to be found in it. Of the music it is impossible to speak but in terms of the most sincere appreciation. It evidenoes a fertility of imaginative power, and a facility of musical expression that demonstrates how seemingly inexhaustible is the power of Sir Arthur Sullivan in that domain of his art with which his name is for ever identified. The old sweetness of melody, the graceful, theatrical exprezsion, the amplitude of harmony in exact agreement with the theatrical conception, and, above all, the diversity of treatment, whereby piincipals, chorus, and orohestra contribute in perfect com- pleteness towards the reahsation of the dramatio unities, mark the score as equal in all the more conspicuous points to anything that has previously emanated from the same source. The more prominent airs may not strike upon the ear of the general public with the readiness and the enduring emphasis that so many of those from earlier works have done. But it cannot be doubted that they will grow in the popular estimate, and take their plaoe as among the best that Sir Arthur Sullivan has offered us. Inbo the plot of a comic opera it is rather a work of supererogation to enter. It need merely be stated that The Chieftain" has its scene laid in Spain, the least travelled, and therefore, possibly' the most quaint and picturesque of the countries of Europe. The brigands and their chieftaiuess and chief, with the English travellers whom they capture and whose ransom they await, make most attractive and elf active dramatis persona, and the occasional { imitation of Spanish rural dances, and the intro- duction under their disguises of one or two familiar airs, lend additional effect to the work. Of the performance we can speak with ease, for it was excellent at all points. Mr W. Summers as Peter Adolphus Grigg was irresistibly entertain- ing, his exuberant humour never being over- drawn or seemng to exhaust itself. Miss Louie Rene as Inez de Roxas, the Chieftainess, sang most agreeably and acted with undoubted skill, while Miss Kate Erskme as Rita and Miss Agnes Taylor as Dolly deserve the warmest praise. Messrs Frank Lynne and F. W. Pattrick as Sancho and Jose never failed to rouse the audience to hearty laughter, and Mr E. Blackmore, as the Count, filled the part most successfully. Mr Helier LeMaisllre as Ferdinand de Roxas displayed his rich and powerful voice to splendid advantage. The chorus was well trained, and not a few of the more effective selections falling to it were vigorously demanded afresh. "A Bunch Violets" attht Grand Sydnev Grundy's famous play, A Bunch of Violets,' was presented, on Monday night, at the Grand Theatre, Cardiff, in completely artistic fashion. To affirm that no stage piece has been produced lin South Wales with greater nnish and efficiency for a long time past, is to indulge in uot a particle of exaggeration and to say that no play has been seen in Cardiff possessing more thrilling interest is also to speak well within the mark. Grundy's dramatic works are pre-eminently human. His plots ara never of the impossible order, though deeply planned and skilfully developed. His characters are of the world, and not merely the chance oreations of the imaginative playwright, "ever met with off the stage. A Bunch of Violets," in many respects, is the best thing Mr <jrundy has done. The part played by the simple flower after which the drama is so prettily and appropriately named,ftis ab once poetic and in the highest degree artistic. It is re- sponsible for really fine situations and for pourtrayals of such exquisite pathos as has been h ?1 surPfcssed. The general construction of the play is unexceptionable. Its action is easy and natural, and as one thrilling scene succeeds another, until the genuinely powerful denouement is reached, the audience is held literally spell- bound. A man with a past is the central figure ot the play and such is the skill which has been displayed by the author that, though this man has wrought irreparable mischief in his day, the sympathies of the spectator are almost uncon- sciously evoked in his behalf ere the curtain talis. Of a company that has the advantage of the personal seleotion and supervision of Mr Beerbohm Tree, great things are expected; and in no wise is the company now at the Grand Theatre disappointing. Its strength in 8 individual excellence of the whole cast. some members of it come with better established reputations than others; nevertheless, admirably balanced company it would be tticult to conceive. As the bogus philanthropist aud commercial rogue, whose redeeming feature is intense love for his daughter, Mr C. W. bomerset acts with a nice appreciation of light and shade that stamps the experienced and intelligent actor all the world over. Resourceful in significant gesture and voice-tone, Mr Somerset's Sir Philip is a splendid impersona- *!rn'i 0f a very diffwont type is the part ot Mark Murgatroyd, which in Mr Stewart .Dawson's hands is a character that could not possibly be improved upon. He is the breezy .Dawson's hands is a character that could not possibly be improved upon. He is the breezy ^o'k^hireman to the life. with his broad dialect and his cordial detestation of everything shady and underhand. The Harker of Mr Stanislaus nn too, is a delightful bit of quiet comedy. To Miss Maggie Hunt, who is not un. known in Cardiff in the plays of Oscar Wildë and Haddon Chambers, falls the part of Mrs Murgatroyd, the unscrupulous adventuress and very cleverly does she emerge from the ordeal, because it is by no means a sympathetic r6U. Miss Hunt invests it with all the archness and bold audacity contemplated by the author, and displays a versatility which few persons would have credited her with who i ^rea(*y S6en ber in intensely emotional parts. As Lady Marchant Misa Muriel Wylford is dignified and oft-times powerful, while tbe sweet tenderness and womanly sympathy she pourtrays under terrible trials are admirable in their i natural simplicity. The, play is mounted in good style, the drawing-room scene, sumptuously fur- nished by Messrs Trapnell and Gane, Cardiff, being especially effective. A Bunch of Violets will undoubtedly draw good business this week to the Grand.
RATiNG por PONTYMISTER WORKS.
RATiNG por PONTYMISTER WORKS. This question was again before the Newport county magistrates at the weekly Polioe Court held at Newport on Saturday. The Risca District Council and overseers of Risca sum- moned Messrs P. S. Phil'ips and Co., Limited, the proprietors of the Pontymister Steel and Tinplate Works, to recover j6159 14s 7d for poor, general district, and highway rates, and the Maohen overseers similarly claimed j629 3s id from the company. Mr W. C. Pain, clerk to the Risca Council, said that prior to Februarv, 1892, the assessment on the works was JB2 650 this was reduced to £1,800, and subsequently on the 20th June, 1:1894, to £1,000. This lasb reduction was a matter of agree- ment and he submitted that the duty of the Bench was merely ministerial, and that the Assessment Committee or Quarter Ses, sions alone oould alter or reduce the rate. Mr Coulmaa, soloitor for the company, did not deny that a liberal reduction had been made, but said that the Bedwellty overseers, in respect of other works belonging to the company at Nantyglo and Abertillery, had agreed to reduce the rate accord- 109 to the amount of work done. This was an instance not of spasmodic strike, but of a long- oontinued one, followed by intermittent and par- tial work. Only two furnaces were going out of five, and five mills out of 11. In collieries where strikes ocourred the rates were reduced according to the work done.—MrE. Lewis (chairman): Tin- plate works are not rated on tbe same basis as collieries.—Ultimately the Bench decided that they could not interfere no doubt there was hardship, but the company must go before the Assessment Committee or to Quarter Sessions. TheRisoa rate was then confirmed; and the Machen rate, bound by the decision of the Risca «se, was also ordered to he p*id.
CARDIFF EXHIBITION.I
CARDIFF EXHIBITION. I A meeting of the executive council of., the Cardiff Exhibition promoters was held at Cardiff on Monday. The selection of Mi* Robert Forrest. J.P., by the Geneial Council as chair- man of the executive having been con- firmed, Councillor S. A. Brain was unani- mously chosen as his deputy. The bon. secretary (Mr Walter Cooke) reported that the amount of the new guarantee fund is £8,5&1, which repre- sents an increase of over £4.000 on the guarantees previously given. A sub-committee, consisting of the chairman, vice-chairman, Mr W. Riley, and Mr H. J. Simpson, was appointed with a view of obtaining financial assistance from dock merchants.—At the building oommittee held the same day there was a long discussion as to the form of tbe build- ings, and, it being considered undesirable to hold musical entertainments near the machinery exhibits room, it was decided to instruct Mr E. Seward, the architect, to amend his plans and to prepare designs showing three sectional buildings, one of which was to be the Rosebery Hall,, which it was resolved to purchase. On tbe recommen- datton of the Building Committee coming before the oouncil several members raised objection to the binding of the architect down, but on its being explained that the committee consisted in the main of practical builders, and that it had carried the proposition by a two-thirds majority, the objections were removed. The terms of purchase of the Rosebery Hall are that for £657 the holders guarantee to give up possession at once, to remove the building and re-erect it within a distance of five miles, and to hire the seating for twelve months. It was unanimously agreed to request the Corporation to remit or reduce the rental of the site now occupied by the hall, and to endeavour to let the haU at such terms and under such conditions as that body might determine until its removal.
FUNERAL OF MR D. DAVIES, OF…
FUNERAL OF MR D. DAVIES, OF CARMARTHEN. The private funeral of Mr David Davies, who died a few days ago at the age of 71 years, took place in tbe Carmarthen Cemetery on Monday afternoon, the officiating minister being the Rev. A. Fuller Mills, pastor of the English Baptist Church, Lammaa-street. The chief mourner— Mr Thomas Davies, J.P., brother of the deceased, was accompanied to the place of inter- ment by Principal Evans, Presbyterian College Mr J. F. Morris, solicitor Mr Jonah Davies, solicitor; Dr. Price, medical adviser and Mr W. R. Edwards, J.P, who decorously carried out the funeral arrangements. Although it had been requested that no floral tributes should bestrew the grave, nevertheless a lovely wreath," From an old and sincere friend," was laid upon the handsome oaken coffin which en- cased the mortal remains of one of the most valuable supporters of the Liberal party of his day. Mr Davies's loss cannot well be estimated. He was, beyond a doubt, the back- bone of the Radical cause in Carmarthenshire for a very long period. Not only did he gratuitously work the registration in that country, but in con- junction with his highly respected brother be spent considerable sums of money in than con- nection. The deceased was a gentleman of great moral principles. His irategnty of character was recognised early in life by the Controller of the General Post Office, London, where, after more than a quarter of a century's honourable service, he attained a high position of trust. On resigning his oivil post 28 years ago he was deservedly awarded an annuity of £200.
CARDIFF PARKS COMMITTEE.
CARDIFF PARKS COMMITTEE. On Monday a meeting of the Parks Com- mittee of the Cardiff Corporation was held at the Town Hall, Cardiff, under the presidency of the vice-chairman (Councillor J. Ramsdale). Some time since a representation was made to the Marquis of Bute to permit the opening of the Sophia Gardens on Sundays during the hours that the Roath Park is opened, and a letter was now read from Sir W 01. Thomas Lewis saying that the application should be placed before the Marquis at the first opportunity. Another letter was read from the Cardiff Pisca- torial Society stating that fishing grounds in the neighbourhood were very limited, aud asking per- mission to practise their pastime on. the Roath Park Lake. Mr Harpur said the lake was not yet sufficiently stocked with fish, and Mr Pettigrew (the head gardener) stated that depredations were made on the fish by an otter which they were endeavouring to trap. It was deoided to postpone the matter in order that tbe Borough Engineer might report thereon. —On the agenda of this meeting was the consi- deration of the New Park bye laws. Councillor White said that was another instance of the way they conducted their business. Those bye were the product of two years' work. They received them late on Saturday, and they I were asked to consider them that morning. There were about 50 important bye laws, and he pro- posed that the consideration should be deferred, and a specml meeting called to discuss them. I This was agreed to.— Councillor White also directed attention to the lack of seats around the Roatb Lake; but the matter was deferred.
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CHURCH IN WALES. .
CHURCH IN WALES. THE DISESTABLISHMENT giLL. SECOND READING CARRIED. A Decisive Majority. In the House of Commous on Monday the debate on the Welsh Disestablishment Bill was resumed by Sir J. GOUT, who continued bis speech inter- rupted by the adjournment on March 21st. He said the true principle upon which Parliament should proceed on the question of Church property was that embodied in the Act of 1844, which gave Nonconformist bodies the right to their own chapels. In all these questions of endowment prescription should, in the absence of all other evidence, give a title to the property. The property now proposed to be taken from the Church had been held for more than two centuries and effectively used for the purposes for which it was originally given. The Church was an Ecclesiastical Corporation holding on trust this property for the people, who were beneficially interested in the Church at large. These funds were granted for spiritual and charitable purposes, and he altogether denied the moral right of Parliament to devote these funds to quite other purposes. He regrebted that I Parliament should be occupied in this work of destruction directed against an institution which had done good service in tbe past and was full of I immense possibilities for the future well-being of the people. (Cheers.) ] Mr BRTCB referred to Mr Pluuket's speech, I and maintained from the report of the Com- missioners of 1876. that under the Irish Church Act the compensation awarded to curates led to many abuse;, comp8DsablOl1 being in many instances awarded twice over. The report of that Commission fully justified the Government in not entering again on the slippery compensation path. (Hear, bear.) The Disestablishment of the Welsh Church was justified on similar srrounds to those upon which the Irish legislation was justified. Equally the Church was the Church of the few regarded as a political institution, and Disestablishment was demanded by a proportionately larger amount of Welsh representation than demanded tbe Irish Act. In a constitutional Government the popular demand could not be refused. To no individual Church- man could h »ra come from the passing of the Bill. Tr doctrine and discipline of the Church would remain untouched, and the spiritual union with the Church of England would remain unimpatred. The Church of England would remain, and the Bill was no attack upon that Church No doubt many of tbe arguments in favour of the Bill had a general application against Church Establish- ments, but no demand had arisen in England. When a differenb set of oircumstances arose, then I would a practical proposal have to be made for England as far Ire. J and for Wales. Upon the question of end' ments be maintained the right of the State to with them, and he sup- ported his contention by quotations from Bishop Stubbs, that tithe was an obligation im- posed upon the laity so early as the eighth century, and in the eleventh and twelfth centuries the payment of tithe became a distinct legal obligation. The State was as free now as then to deal with such property. Individual gifts were made then for the benefit of the poorer members of the community, and they were handed over in trust to the organisation then existing for the promotion of religious or any other philanthropic public object. To argue from the intention of the foundel you must infer tbat be intended the property which he bequeathed to one Church ClUt of many because thatChurch retained some shred of legal privilege. They could not, however, infer that the pious founder intended that property left to a Church when the Church and State were one should continue in possession of that Church when a totally different state of circumstances had arisen. (Hear, hear.) He then came to the arcwnentithat an Established Church was a more powerful instrument than a voluntary Church to combat irreiigton and immorality. But there was in the Gospel an absolute disclaimer of any connection between the Church and the State, or of any right on the part of the former to secular authority. It was as an unendowed ana an unestablished Church that Christianity in the early centuries overspread and overcame the world. In the time of Constantine it be- came allied with the State. That alliance had secularised the Church. It had turned its ministers into worldly potentates, corrupted them by riches, taught the Church and itsmimsters tyianny and cruelty, and had prevented the free development of thought. On the other hand, the State had equally suffered from an alliance with the Church, which had been the fruitful source of bitterness and persecution. (Hear, hear.) The experience of the United States and our Colonies showed that the influenoe of religion and its ministers was quite as great when there was no Established Church as in the country where suoh an institution existed. And if this were a t>me when the influence of Christianity was especially needed to stem the tide of irreligious secularism, he believed that that influence was most likely to be exerted with effect if the Church did not rely upon her connection with the State, but upon her own interest and unfettered spiritual power. (Hear, hear.) Mr GOSCHEN said the speech of the right bon. gentleman had shown both the inadequacy of the motives for the Disestablishment and Disendow- meut of the Church of Wales, and the fact that the arguments in favour of the present measure would equally apply to the Disestablishment of the Church in England. This was in fact an avowed attack on the Church of England. Mr BRYCE said that he bad expressly dis- claimed anything of the kind, and Mr GOSCHBN said that nine-tenths of the right hon. gentleman's arguments were directed against Establishment in general, and were therefore as applicable to the Churoh of England as to the Church of Wales. They were arguments in favour of voluntaryism. (Hear, hear.) The right hon, member for Midlothian bad indeed told them on a former occasion tbat the connection between the Church in England and the Church in Wales was so close that one could not be attacked without attacking the other. (Hear, hear.) The arguments by which this Bill was supported were very different from those on which the Disestablishment of the Church in Ireland bad been advocated. The latter measure was required in the interest of eooialliooDd national peace, but it could not be said that social peace would be promoted by this Bill. He admitted that the sacrifice of the Church of Ireland had, in a great measure, been made in vain, but it had, at any rate, been made on adequate grounds, and not as part of a policy of filling up the cup of the House of Lords. (Hear, bear.) After dwelling upon the fact tbat the Church in Wales was, aocordmg to Mr Gladstone, an in- tegral part of the Church of England, and that it was impossible to separate them, the right hon' gentleman remarked that he did not think the purposes to which it was proposed to devote the property of the Church would command general approval but be that as it might the effect of the measure would be to disorgauise the Church of England. Should we consent to disorganise any other of our national organisations, say, for instance, our fiscal system, simply because 31 out of 34 members from a particular part of the country objected to it? (Hear, hear.) The Church in Wales was an active Churcb, and did not require relief from her fetters; bnt just as the Church was making progress the attack was made. No Churchmau asked for freedom. (Hear, hear, Oh etc.) Mr BRYN ROBERTO Y <>1. Clergymen in Bangor have proposed a scheme. (Hear.) Mr GOSCHEN said let it be tested by the general feeling of the Churoh. This sclieme was an alternative merely. Charges were brought against the Church that they were anxious for the loaves and fishes, but did they show more anxiety than did the Nonconformists? (Hear, hear.) The creed of the Church of England was more inclu- sive, wider, more liberal ill itscreed than any other rehgious association, and constituted a great force against iguorance and Agnosticism. Organised as an-Establishment the Church was a great power and founded on the deep conviction of the people. The right hon. gentleman spoke of the Church as a mere superstructure. Mr BRyolc explained. He said the theory of Establishment was a mere superstructure. Mr GOSCHEN said the House was dealing with material facts and with an institution stronger now in the affections of the people than ever, and despite the efforts of the Liberation Society for half a century. It would require more argument than had yet been used to justify such an attack on the Churoh, hallowed by the traditions of many centuries. (Cheers.) Mr BIRRKLL said that at the root of Churoh Establishment lay two questions, the character of the distinctive doctrines and devotion and formularies of the Church, and arising out of that, bow far tbese doctrines and formularies repre- sented the deep-rooted convictions of the people among whom the Churoh was established, and for whose benefit it was presumably maintained. The Welsh people bitterly opposed the growing Sacerdotalism, denied Church authority, and would strangle prrestly pretensions. The gulf between the Church and Welsh Noncon- formity was growing broader and deeper. His deliberate opinion Wöl8 that the Noncon- formists of Wales were discharging a solemn duty to themselves and their children in making every effort to sever the connection of the State with a Church wi«03e principles they could not admit, whose authority they were compelled to repu- diate, and at altars rhoy cotiM npvor bovr. (Hear.) I Sir JOHN MOWBRAY said that he regarded this Bill as part of an organised attack on the Church of England. The policy of overthrowing the Church was closely connected with that of disintegrating tbe Empire. It was impossible, as Mr Gladstone had clearly shown in his unre- generate days—(laughter)—to separate the Church in Wales from the Church of England, and be thought it an advantage tbat this debate had olearly brought wut the fact that this measure was directed against both institutions. When this was once understood he did not think the measure would command the approval of the "predominant partner. (Hear, hear.) Mr BRYNMOR JONES said that whether it was right or wrong to maintain an Established Church in England, the special circumstances of Wales rendered such an institution unsuitable I to that country. He denied that this measure was one of mbbMry and spoliation. All it proposed to do was to secure the devotion of I. national proporty to national purposes. He believed that if the BiU* were thrown out by the House of Lords the triumph of its opponents I would be short-lived. (Hear, hear.) Mr BILL opposed the second reading, objecting I especially to thespoulansation of property devoted I from time immemorial to religious uses. Mr S. SMITH argued on the general question against Establishment, that the intrusion of the State into sirred thinsrs was attended bv nothing but evil. He, as a. Nonconformist, hoped and believed that the Bill would be an unspeakable blessing to the Church, giving freedom from those political influences which had in the past so often changed the doctrines, rites, and ceremonies of the Church. Mr BUCKNKLL said that down to 1885 there was no national sentiment in Wales In favour of the Disestablishment and Disendowment of the Church in Wales. If this sentiment was only 10 years old surely they ought to pause before dis- establishing and disendowing a Church which had endured for oenturies. They could not doubt that both the Church and the State would suffer from the severance of the connection between them. MRE. J. C. MORTON dwelt upon the fact that 31 out of 34 Welsh members were in favour of the Disestablishment and Disendowment of the Churco, and contended that this circumstance afforded sufficient ground for a special treat- ment of the Church in Wales, and placed it upon a footing totally different from that of the Church of England. There could be no doubt that this question was fully before the Welsh electors at the last election, and that they returned their representatives with reference to it. The mediaeval Church was the only insti- tution for the charitable and educational work to which it was soon proposed to devote the endowments, so that, rightly looked at. the Bill wonld, instead of diverting their funds from their original purpose, in a great measure restore them to the purposes for which they were intended. MR BALFOUR. Mr BALFOUR, who was received with loud Opposition cheeis, said at the close of a debate, which has lasted five nights, and which has been amongst the greatest of recent years, not oniy by reason of the ability but by the fulness of the speeches which have been delivered, speeches which have ranged over questions not: only of great importance for the moment but questions of immense historical interest, what- ever may be the results of this particular controversy, it would be absurd that I or any other speaker should attempt to recapitulate or, as it were, sum up the arguments which have been used for or against the positions which we respectively hold. No such task at all events will be attempted by myself. I shall endeavour, but very briefly, to give the House the views that I have long held-views only confirmed by the tenour of our recent discussions—and to explain in a very simple way the great leading motives which induce me to give the vote that I shall give to-night. I am not going to follow the Home Secretary in discussing the exact value that he attaches to Sunday school attendance or the communion roll of various bodies, or any other amateur efforts that have been made to arrive at a true proportion between the Estab- lished Chorch on the one hand and the collective body of Nonconformists on the other or all these interminable calculations which have been brought together by irresponsible officials. It would be perfect folly to ask the House, either now or at any future time, to waste its strength until it shall please tbe Welsh Nonconformists to assist us iu arriving at a right conclusion. (Opposition cheers and laughter.) I shall not dwell upon the argument reiterated to very nausea thatgives31 out of 34 Welsh members as desiring Disestablishment, and that, therefore, by constitutional practice and by the laws of con- stitutional equity Disestablishment ought to be granted. It is not improbable that fraction may be materially altered in a comparatively small number of mouths. (Opposition cheers.) Under the present electoral system it caunot be said thatl either Scotch or Welsh representation follow either Scotch or Weish opinion. I shall not dwell upon one of the most interesting aspects of our discussion, namely, the historical debate as to THK ORIGIN OF THE WELSH CHUROH. The Home Secretary explained his reading of ecclesiastical history in a way that absolutely cut at the root of the whole argument which the Prime Minister had used in Wales upon this very question. That might have been thought sufficient, but the Under- Secretary only felt it due to his ohief to follow, and the Prime Minister was thrown over, not by one, but by two of his colleagues, to my view a very unnecessary proceeding. (Laughter.) The Under-Secretary for the Home Department having thrown over his leaders in the House of Lords and in the Commons then proceeded to attack the Church of which he is so proud to be a member, and having attacked the Church he proceeded to attack his own family. (Laughter.) If we put aside, as we ought to at this hour, the niceties of this historical debate, what are we ultimately reduced to ? What is the problem before ua ? I put this to the House. We are now concerned with the second reading of a Bill which will deprive that part of the English Church situated in Wales of the whole of the property which she has possessed of a certain arbitrary thousand years, and the first proposition to which I will ask the House to agree is that it requires a very strong case to be made out before we proceed in our legislative capacity to deprive any corporation of long standing of property of which it is possessed. The hon. member for Fife expressed full sympathy with that general proposition. I would ask whether the intention of the donor, even though that donor may have lived a thousand years Ago is to be neglected. I remember, indeed, that the Under Secretary tor the Home Department and the President of the Board of Trade told us that the donor, could he bave foreseen the course of ecclesiastical history since the Reformation period, would have certainty left the money to the village pump or to the museum to which this Bill is to give it. That is A GREAT EXRRCISB OF HISTORIC IMAGINATION. I think so far as we can put ourselves in the minds of those who lived in the middle ages, so far as we can reconstruct in imagination their point of view, I think if they had been told that on their verdict depended whether the money which they left for religious purposes should remain in charge of that same historic organisa- tion which they knew and revered, or whether it should be handed to some future county council or village council, to be given to some unknown looal purpose, they would have elected without hesitation to leave it to the Church. If the view of the hon. gentlemen opposite is that they would have preferred a museum, I have no conclusive proof that they are inaccurate. Granted that the middle-aged donors—(loud laugh- ter)—the donors of the middle ages—(renewed laughter) — would have preferred the strange provisions of this Bill, I ask whether the existing Church has not derived some right from the lone use of the property. (Hear. hear.) Why are 300 years to be too little for the Church of England when 25 years are enough for a Nonconformist body ? This House in its wisdom m 1884 passed an Act that any Nonconformist body which had been in the undisputed enjoyment of endowments for 25 years might hold them for ever without dispute. (Opposition cheers.) These are the men who now say that 300 years of undoubted possession are not sufficient to guarantee the Church of England in Wales against spoliation. (Opposition cheers.) We say that every man who is going to vote for the Bill ought to hesitate until he has conclusive proof in favour of the gigantic and cruel revolu- tion which is proposed. (Opposition cheers.) The hon. member for Fife is the only member of the House who says he wants to PLUNDER THE CHURCH because he disagrees with it. He told us he was going to say something not before said in the debate, and that was somethmg. (Opposition lauffhter.) The President of the Board of Trsde quoted primitive Christianity. He told us that in the time of St. Paul there were no endow- ments, and St. Paul supported him- self by his own labour. (Hear, hear.) I do not know whether the rigrht hon. gentleman means that ministers ot religion are to support themselves otherwise than by preaching the Gospel, but if not I am surprised at the argument. He told us that primitive Christianity is opposed to the views we take, and he told us, with all that wealth of historical knowledge, and with information which is alihis com. mand probably more than at the command of any other man of the House that the whole progress of the Church had b6f'\n one in which wealth has acted as a corrupt influenoe, and that the Church after it became established consisted of proud and bloated prelates. (Laughter.) That may be or maynot be the true account of what happened in the twelfth or fourteenth century, but ara we now to describe the cleigy as corrupted with wealth whoarelivingupon thepeitv stipend which is all the Welsh clergy now have ? Are they becoming wrapt in luxury on j3100 or JB130 a year ? Are they clothed in purple upon the wretched salaries which they at present receive when the debts are paid? (Hear, hear, and laughter.) All these appeals to prejudioe, based on history, prove to me how little historical studies have to do with sane and sober political appreciation of fact. The right hon. gentleman, with his head full of the Borgias and Leos, pretended to give us an argument as to the present position of the Church in Wales which to everybody who knows the facts is obviously ludicrous and absurd. The truth is that whatever may be the faults and shortcomings of the Church in Wales at the present moment, it is certainly not an excess of money, and they will not be remedied by depriving them ot the relatively small amounts of money which the existing endowments give them. (Hear, hear.) We are told by some lion, gentlemen that the example of the Irish Church is conclusive in favour of Disestablishment. One would almost gather that nothing could be so good for the financial position of the Church as taking away all its money. (Laughter and cheers.) I do not deny that persecuted churches have almost always been pure churches and churches which did great work for the cause in which they believed. (Cheers.) If that argument is worth anything you will not stop at spoliation. YOU WILL TRY A LITTLB BURNING. (Cheers.) Then here is another argument that the Church itself is now so bound by legal claims that in her own interests it is absolutely necessary that Disestablishment, if not Disendowment, should come about. We are told that the Churoh of England is bound with goldeu fetters. If we saw somebody entangled in golden fetters being relieved of those fetters, we might fitst be inchned to think that the liberator was per- forming a kindly act. But if the liberator pro- oeeded afterwards to put the golden chains into his pocket, and, not content with that to tear off every ornament, even the most charitable person might be led to suppose (hat ptunder, not liberty, was the object of his action. (Opposition cheers.) When we consider the particular provisions of this Bill which the Government have thought fit to introduce, that idea is impressed more firmly upon our minds. (Cheers.) It is olearly the obvious intention of the Bill not merely to free the Churcb, but to I destroy it. Tbe Government are determined that the Welsh Church shall not provide for herself aa the Irish Church has done with so much success. They have doomed her beforehand to a death by a kind of creeping paralysis, with which parish after parish by the accident of death is to be deprived of its endowment. Each unit is to be Blowly destroyed until the whole organisation is paralysed even to death. (Hear, hear.) W<th every desire to be charitable to my political opponents, it is difficult indeed to exercise that charity when I look at the particular provisions by which the Government have endeavoured to carry out what thay describe as a. work of public liberation. (Cheers.) At the present moment the Church in Wales is one of a large number of organisations all engaged in the great work of Christianity. Certain facts have been brought to my notice which I should lik^ bridly to give to the House. About half the whole population of Wales is compressed in Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire, and out of 1,000,000 you cannot put the whole Nonconformist population as more than 400,000. Therefore, that leaves 600.000 souls who are either members of the Church of England or who belong to no religious denomina- tion at all, and with regard to whom no Christian work is being carried on. 1<: not that A GRKAT RELIGIOUS PROBLEM for all the religious bodies in Wales ? We find with regard to the Church of England in those districts that there has been progress by leaps and bounds—progress in the construction of churches, progress in the ordainment of clergy, and progress in the number of persons confirmed, which shows that a greater work is being carried out at this moment by the Church than by any other of the collaborating sects. (Cheers.) The question I wish to put to every man who has come into the House to-mght with a view of voting in favour of the Bill is this:—Does he think he will further the great cause of religion among the masses of Wales or does he not ? (Hear, hear.) I suppose 99 in a 100 believes that in every civilized country the element of religion is absolutely necessary, and 1 suppose nine-tenths, though perhaps the figure is too high, but a large majority do not differ from the tenets of the Church of England sufficiently to say that great Christian work ought not to be performed by her well. If that be true is it not a tremendous reeponsibility to take upon yoursAlves to vote that the Church which has got this work before it, which is doing this work and doing it well-is it not a great responsibility to. say that that Church is to be deprived of its means of usefulness. (Cheers.) 1 make that appeal to the House at large, but perhaps I ought not to make it to those who have hithcito regarded the Church question as a political ques- tion, or to those who insist, most unhappily, as I think, upon looking at all ecclesiastical con- troversies through the minds of prejudice born of unhappy conflicts which once raged, but surely will all work for harmony for the common good. But to those Nonconformists who take my view of the situation, who think with me. we may forget wrongs, if you like, inflicted in past times and under a different state of things by the English Church upon those who differed from her—to those who think this and who think with me that all denominations of Christians are called upon, in these times of changing population, of great movement and great growth—they are called upon now to use their best efforts to promote convictions that all share. Surely they will feel and think as I think that the Church in Wales deserves something more than generous treatment at their hands, and, at all events, 1 am certain that if misled by the memory of an unhappy past, or by the prejudioe born of conflict of party and of State, if men earnestly desirous of furthering religion should yet vote in favour of this Bill, they will find that through it they have inflicted a great—I will not say an irreparable, but still a great—injury upun the Church against whom this Bill is directed, they will bave done nothing to benefit those denomina- tions of Christianity to which they belong, and they will have done very much indeed to destroy the work In which they as well as we might join, and which might be for the permanent benefit of that part of the country whose interests they profess specially to have at heart. (Opposition cheers.) SIR WILLIAM HARCOURT. Sir W. HAKCOURT, who was received with loud Ministerial cheers, said I should have thought that the consideration which would have presHnted itself to the mind of the right bon. gentleman in his eloquent peroration, when he called upon all sections of the religious com- munity to co-operate in a common work, would have been to fee! that the first step in the direc- tion of that co-operation would be to place all these communities with invidious distinction upon a common footing. (Ministerial cheers.) Is that opinion not shared even by Churchmen in Wales ? I have had put into my hands to-day a letter from a gentleman who signs himself Edmund Jones, warden of the Diocesan School of Divinity in Wales," and the conclusion of that letter is this:—"Sir,—It is a reform that we want. It is quite hopeless to defend the present state of things as immaculate, and I do not shrink from saying in your columns there are large numbers of Welshmen, both Churchmen and Nonconformists, who are longing to have some reasonable settlement of this vexed question, which has poisoned the social, religious, aud political life of the Welsh nation for nearly half a century." Well, then, we have all evil in Wales to be dealt with. I agree with the right hon. gentleman that thIS long debate haø been in many respects interesting; has been characterised by many brilliant speeches, some of them I also venture to agree, absolutely irrelevant to the vote we have had many historical disquisitions, some of which have surprised and amused us. But in these descriptions of the relations of Church and State some chapters of history have been entirely omitted. There is one event which in former days WAS considered of some import ance, which has entirely disappeared, viz., that of the Protestant Reformation. To read the publications of the Church Defence Society we would imagine that Henry VIII. never existed that Edward VI. was a myth; that "Mary Tudor of blessed memory "—(laughter)—had never lived and that Elizabeth had never reigned. It is suggested that everything is just as it was before, and that the Church to-day is exectly the Church of the period BKFORE THE REFORMATION, both in doctrine and discipline, and in the relations between Churcb and State I confess I am too old myself to adopt this view of the relations of Church and State but all this is beside the question. What we have to decide to-night is the question of the Church in Wales, and nothing else. What we have to determine is whether Establishment and endowment under the present condition of things are advantageously apphed to society as it now exists in Wales. But there are arguments of a character which, if well founded, would debar us altogether from making any change. It is true they have not been advanced by the right hon. gentleman. I think his mam argument was a reliance upon the Statute of Limitations. (Laughter.) But what has become of the high line of the right hon. gentleman the member for Bristol (Sir M. Hicks-Beach) ? What has become of the high line of the right; hon. gentleman the member for Plymouth (Sir E. Clarke) ? What has become of the ''national sin?" (Laughter.) What has become of the doctrine of Sir M. Hicks-Beach that it is absolutely essential to the State and to the Church that they should be connected that without the State the Church has no strength and that without the Churcb the State has no religion ? The hon. and learned member for Plymouth described Disestablishment and Dis"lIdowm"nt as a national sin beexuse the State should have a State religion. When the Nonconformists went to Nf-w England they were not less religious because they had no Established Church. The Church they left behind them was the Church of the Stuarts. When Penu went to Pennsylvania there was no Church estaoiished, and threr.- fourths if not two-thirds of our COLONIES RAVJi: NO ESTABLISHED CHURCHES. Are the people of these Colunles less religious I, than we are ? (Hear, hear.) I know that you are depending upon the House of Lords todfat with this question, but that House assisted in dises- tablishing the Irish Church. Lord Salisbury, who was the leader of the Tory party, and the late Lord Carnarvon, who was a religious Churchman, both supported the Disestablishment of that Church, and those who have any doubts on the matter should read the speech of the late Duke of Devonshire when the Irish Bill was under discussion. The Leader of the Opposition said he was not going to take a high line on that point as to the expediency of Disestablishment, but I do not pretend to argue the question of his choice. Mr BALFOUR I said I was not going to argue the question from what bad happened in regard to the Irish Church. Sir WM. HAROOUBT Yes; but my point is tbat the Disestablishmeut in Wales ili approved by the majority of the community. We have been told that Disestablishment and Disendow- ment are inter-dependent and inseparable. In I fact, the bon. and learned member for the Epsom Diviston said that the endowments were the I breath and the life of the Church. (Hear, bear, and laughter.) I quite understand why he should have said so. There are Church- men who would adhere to the Church I on aocount of its connection with the State, associated as it is with the Crown, which gives titles of honour and a distinctive costume— ("Oh," and hear, hear)—and a seat in the) other House. The late Home Secrecary spoke of the Q ieen as the head of the Church, and I | wonder, when he was in office, whether he took his orders from the Vatican or the Qnirinal, and I whether he acted in a vicarious character \vhfjll he invested bishops with their temporalities. It is not a question of doctrine with the defenders of I the Church, but a question of money. (Minis- i terial cheers.) Sir Michael Hicks-Beach said that the State had no right to deal with the property of the Church, and that the State had no more RIGHT TO TAKE AWAY THE PROPERTY OF THE CROBCR than it had to take away the property of a corpo- ration or a trade society but that was not the opinion of Lord Salisbury when he voted for the Disestablishment of the Irish Church. fhe Duke of Argyll, now a Unionist advocate, «nd thp Duke of Devonshire thought so, and. "I mistake nut, the hon. and gallant member forrsorth Armagh thought so too.. Col. SAUNDERSON I voted against the Irish Disestablishment Bill. Sir WILLIAM HARCOUBT I beg the hon. and gallant gentleman's pardon but I thought he voted for the Disestablishment of the Irish Chui eU. Bnt the right lion, gentleman explained his position to-night, and I don't know what the gentlemen, holding doctrine of sacrilege aud "natieuat StD," thought of that explanation, i They heard that the right hon. gentlemau was guilty of a national sin," and committed II sacrilege M a peace offering, he said, to a discontented people. (Laughter and cheers.) He said it was not a national sin." He would not accept that phrssp, hut it was national I sacrilege" not in the way he explained his position. He made a national sacrilege" Deaause Irelaud was in such a state of disorder nnd discontent. He used this other phrase, H.. disestablished aud disendowed the Irish Church in order to buy peao^ Was that the iessonhe »as going to read the Welsh people? (Ministerial cheers.) Was he going to say, if they were only discontented enough, if they were only in a con- dition wh< re it was necessary to buy peaoe, that he would be prepared to make a national sacrilege of the property of the Welsh people. (Ministerial cheers.) Again, I must agrFle witll the right hon. gentleman, the late Home Secretary, who said he did not think that any advantage was to be gained by entering into THE LEGAL OR MOBAL RIGHT OF PARLIAMENT to entertain such a question as this. It WAI perfectly idle art this time of day to question the right of Parliament to deal with the property of the Church. (Opposition crios of Oh and Ministertaleheers.) Another doctrine which has been promulgated, and one which filled me with astonishment, WM that the tithe was a voluntary gift of the landowners to the Church. If that were so, I think they must have been very different to the landowners of the present d&y. (Opposition cries of Oh !") If tithe was a private grant by individuals, how came it to be a universal obligation? You don't find that iu the case ot private gifts. Where you find an obh. gation placed upon the land which is universal and obligatory it is perfectly idle to pretend that that is a grant of private origin. As to the right of the State to deal with these endowments, I should like to know how these endowments came into the hands where they are found at present. If the State had not a right to deal with thelQ, what about the collegiate institutions ? The right hon. gentleman, the member for East Bristol (Sir M. Hicks-Beach) was a distinguished alumnus of Christ Church College. Christ Church was endowed by Welsh tithes. How did Christ Church get hold of the Welsh tithe, and why did they get it He feared part of it had been devoted to ttieeducation of the right hon. gentleman. (Laughter.) A very good purpose but he was afraid a national sin.' (Renewed I ang-hler, ) Sir M. HICKS-BEACH Two wrongs don't makearight." Sir WM. HARCOURT Two wrongs do not make a right, but the present question is as to the power. Sir EDWARD CLARKE There is no question as to power. Sir WM. HARCOURT: I quite admit the only question upon which we tire here to pronounoe judgment to-night is whether it is right and politic aud wise to deal in this manner with the Church in Wales. I venture to affirm that a National Church ought not to exist in a com- munity like that of Wales, unless it represents the convictions and the sentiment of the majority of the people. (Ministerial chews.) Supposing that in England you had the same proportion of members for and against the Church of England, do you think it would exist t (Loud Ministerial cheers.) The right hon. gentleman knows that it would not exist for » day. The Church of Ireland has not suffered either in its wealth or religious influenoe by Disestablishment, and, believing as we do that the case of the Church in Wales stands very much upon the same footing, that it is not the Chnroh which represents the sentiments or the affections of the majority of thepuople, and that that is a condition upun vhich alone a National Church can stand; t it that is the only condition which can justify E-UNishment or endowment; being firmly of that >. »iyiction, we have taken the responsibility of \ing the House of Com- mons to-night to del nnine that m Wales Establishment and end. ~vment shall oease to exist. (Loud Ministerial i^eers.) THE DIVL rON. The House divided, when here were— For the second reading 304 Against 260 Majority 44 The result was received with loud and eo8e tinued cheers from the Liberals. The Bill was then read a second titL". 1 The Press Association states that i: day's division upon the second reading of the Welsh Disestablishment Bill all the Liberal representa- tives of constituencies in Wales and Monmouth- shire were present and voted for the Bill, with the exception of Mr T. P. Lewis and Sir Edv. ».ed Reed, absent invalided, but both these gentleu.jn were paired in favour of the Bill. Baron Ferdinand Rothschild abstained from voting. The Parnellite members, seven of whom "flJl"e present, voted in the majority for the Bill, as did also the Irish Parliamentary party. Mr Cham- berlain voted with the Government.
WANSEA JUDICIAL STATISTIC8
A return just issued by Mr S. Home, LL.B., in the capacuy of District Registrar of the High Court of Justice, informs us that during the past year there was a very noticeable increase in the business of the High Court at Swansea. As many as 554 writs were issued in the district registry. Of the total stated 440 were issued by Swansea solicitors (or private suitors). 105 by Neath and Llauelly solicitors (the numbers being 46 and 58 respectively), and nine by solicitors at a distance, including Cardiff and Newport. The total amount sued for (leaving out 60 cases removed to London) was £54-,987, being an average of jBUN per case. Tw-lve oases wen- Ior over £500, six for over £1,000. two over £3,000, and one over £ 6.000. In 202 cases judgnx-ni was given iu the Registry, either for default of appearance upon the dist-i ict registrar's reiusing leave X defend, and 17 cases usid> r £ 100 were remitted by him for tnai in Coutuy Couri.s(16 to Swansea and one to Llandilo). Mr H;>i.i< states that a com< parlson of the High Court figures for 1894 with those of the C ninly Court (of which he is alsc registrar) show that the amount sued for in ths superior court was £23,449 in excess of them. fenor.