Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
22 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau
22 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
- COMPLETE STORY. I
Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu
COMPLETE STORY. I The Half-Open Door. By C. N. AND A. M. WILLIAMSON (Authors of The Princess Passes," etc ). As the market carts began to rumble into ov tf COvent GadeD, Jack Talbot turned np Welling- 3a a j ten-street from the Strand. He had been walk- ilag the Btreetn of London all night, since at eight o'clock the evening before he had gens of Knightsbridge Barracks u broken man. did not know where he had been his whole Consciousness was shadowed by the one crush- ,0R. horrible fact that be was for ever mined, that all was over for him on earth. He could HO now, pictured on the broken Bky of (be raw Jondon dawn, the icy face of his colonel, who Bid stung with cruel words that bit like a steel- 'tshed whip the incredulous lifting of tbo Eyebrows that followed his attempt to explain, to justify himself. If his colonel would not believe him. what chance was there with anyone ? Last nijjht in Piccadilly (it came to him 1'ke a forgotten dream) he had met two men he •Dew well, and they bad cut him dead. In bis Socket he carried a letter from the secretary of club, calling upon him forthwith to send in fcji resignation. The poison of a lying denuncia- tion had run through the veins of London 'ociety like the virus of a snake bite. A desperate man, crushed by a bludgeon blow fate, is like one hypnotised his mind is Djled with & single idea. Therefore Jack Talkot did not know tbas be bad walked far and faat through the great desert of London out to leafy Dulwich, and back again in a great cm ve through unknown sontbern suburbs of whose *ery existence be had barely heard, to Waterloo Bridge and the Strand. In Wellington-street, the crnsbing pressare on his brain relaxed a little, and he came to a consciousness of his sur- l'Ouridings. Flaring gas jots illuminated the flosrer market. He wandered la, inhaling with al} almost childish sense of pleasuro the scent of tha fresh blossoms. Many eyes followed his tall Jjgure as he passed in and out among the banks of flowers market porters winked aft-one another to indicate a 41 gent. out for the ^ight flower girls, bargaining for their day's IltOck, stopped to throw a. glanca of admiration at the swell," with his pale, set face, his per- fectly titling coat and gloves, his muddy boots, ,&od splashed trousers, a strange contrast in the 'mltless costume. Jack Talbot passed by unheeding. He walked OUt ]nto the street, and saw a public house Open, ablaze with lipht, the swing-doors open- IDK and shutting ceaselessly, like valves in an enRine. He had never in his life been insnch a Place. He went in almost without thinking, 4tld walked down a long passage. A man behind the bar pulled back a private bolt, and he entered a thronged room where a crowd of men *ore ealipg, drinking, smoking, and talking, He ordered coffee, and took a seat in a corner, Cloae to him two journalists were discussing threadbaie politics turee noisy young barristers 10 evening dress had come in for rum and hailk on their way home to the Temple from <i dabce; the rest were Jew frnit-brokers, a dn- teapectabte assemblage of night birds. Talbot •jpped bis coffee, looked on. and wondered at a fight so new to him. The heavy mill-stonos of his brain began anew to revolve, putting to him the same questions that he bad been unable to anawer during the endlnss night: 1& What will Jon do ? How can you stay in London and face It out ? Did you ever know a man to live down 4tich a charge ? Would it net be better to end it In the river ? What will yoa do ? What can Jon do ?" Stung almost to ma3nelll. be jumped up, and went out again into the streets. A clock strack *jine. Qe bad sat three taonris in the public 5°use, Aimlessly he wandered again about the market, then np to Oxford-street, then back ''ain to Covent Garden. These terrible questions "ere beating in his brain, and be bad no *hswer. Suddenly bis roving 6yes rested on a •'Rn-board that projected from above an office a°3r •' (Jriah lieseltine :—Privata inquiry *gent. Information obtained for divorce, etc. Secrecy guaranteed." He stopped. A maniac ^ggestion flashed in his mind, the outcome frenzy. Society had turned upon him, and •hrown him from his place he would retaliato ')11 society. Ho would be a private inquiry •Rent; he would make a living, and eara a blebe in the world by prying into the rotten- nesses of our aocisl life. He rolled the bitter 'Ingestion on his tongue, and in his diseased Condition, with all his wholesome blood turned to Rail, it seemed sweet to him. tie crossed the t01ad, and mounted a dark, creaking staIr, to an :aBice on the first floor. Mr Heseitine," he demanded of a clerk, who adjusting pieces of paper over his cuffs. 1<1 Have you an appointment ? No ? What h»tne V' Some intelligence that seemed for the moment have usurped the Beat of his own, seized J»Jbot's tongne, and promptly answered for him: Jrlr Terence Osmond." aext moment he was facing a ferret-eyed man, a head tbat bulged above bis ears like a ■hor. 'and the clerk was discreetly closing the Oor l>o yon want a spy ?" the words came rasp- tagly, as Talbot stood bis full six feet twp, JOoking down defiantly at the other, whose *erret eyes played over bim like summer light- ning. 1'he private detective jumped from his chair, "bd shook a dirty forefinger in tbe air. "My eJerk brought in your name, and said you. were gentleman, Mr Terence Osmond. If you have business with me, out with it.: but if Yon'r8 only a swell trying to take a rise, out of me after a night out, you've come to the wrong Ibop. l'm busy." I have business. 1 offer you my service as 'py, upon your staff. Surely you must have *h opening for a man like me—good manners, dressed, gentlemanly apifearance ?" Talboc IDoke in a tone of perfect commonplace, *?d the detective, perhaps for the first time in his sordid life, was completely puzzled. He opened bis mouth to speak, alapped bis lips to- gether again, took a qoicifc turn up and down the room, glanced out of the dingy windows to *he crowds in Wellington-street, then faced his Visitor. What's vour game ?" he demanded." Speak You're an officer, of course ;si>ut what in the name of thunder brings yoa here ? Are yon cashiered ? la it cards, women, or tacing ? Who're yonr references ?" Ob, references," said Talbot, with a depre- cating gesture. I had not thought of them— surely unnecessary in my case. Terence Osmond, my name lineage of the most ancient i4 Ireland." He changed his tone, and leanefl jtaross the leather-topped, ink-stained table, hxing the other's shifty eyes with his own blue that bum?d now with a glint of red, like a hall-dog's in tbe dark. I'm broke, rained desperate ready for anything even to take Jour ugly body and drop yon through the Window into the street." CuriahHelseltinefell back a barried step, and Plamped into bis chair. None of that, he Cried sharply. Sit down and talk sense." I have sai3 Talbot, grimly, as be took a c*ied sharply. Sit down and talk sense." I have sai3 Talbot, grimly, as be took a *hair. "Look here." broke out the inquiry agent, *fter a full minute's pause," there's a matter— piece of business—just put into my bands— What folly, Hon do I know that I can trust vou ? Yet you are the kind of man I "ant." You are a judge of character you must be thia business it's part of your stock-in- ttltde. Look me in the face. Criticise me. Take too feature by feature. Ask your own intelligence it,am a man to betray his employer." The inqnity agent smoothed with an uncer- tain band his pomatumea hair, and making Ritniet points of bis eyes, focussed them on Tal' hot's face. Then he paffed np his cheeks, and fitted a long, sibilant blast of air. Blow me, it I know what to make of yon," Jie said at length. Regard me," said Talbot, as a tool that j^fovidence has placed unexpectedly in your hands. I gather tbat you have some nnsualfy delicate matter of business which you are half rnclined to commission me to undertake some- thing too delicate for the clamsy fingers of the ordinary members of your staff ? Am I not tiaht 'I Tben trust me, and out with it." 10 Well, I will. • Mind you, I'm a cautioas man, <" I ahou!do't have built up the best business of this kind in London and this is the first time I've ever taken on a stranger. But there's some- thing about you, and your devil-may-care way, that tells me your the man for the job. and t m Koine to trust my instinct." "Excellent!" marmered Talbot." tieseltine looked down, and played with an ink-spotted paper-knife on his desk. Then he coughed, and suddenly raised his eyes. It a out of my usual line altogether," he said apolo- Retically that's why I'm the more willing to ^Qtruat it to a new man, not on my regular staff. *t's a—removal." A removal ? Isn't that an affair for Pick- lord?" Go on Yon know what I mean." There incredible cunning ia the eyes that looked into Talbot's. "Ah, I see! I didn't quite understand. !l'aJbot paused a moment. The desperate mood Of despair and revonge that had blacKened all his nature and led him into this strange ventnrc while his better part slept was on him still II.nd be wouldn't stay to think or reason. At least he might hear what this scoundrel bad to say. tie need not act unless he liked, Give me the Particulars," be said, quietly. Now. this is plain hard business," answered the detective, drumming bis Angara on the table to emphasis- Listen aud take it in. There's client of mine, for whom I've done a lot in different ways, who is troubled by a certain Person. It is a question of one thonsand aover- •Igns." "Paid in specie when the trouble's at an end ?" Precisely. My client, of conrie, must bavo Pioof with his own eyes." A reasonable stipulation. I don't ask what :1iarb you get; but 1 understand the thousand for me without decoction ?" 11 That's so." And 1 look to you for payment. In the Mature of the case there can't be a stamped "greament ?" Not much i" chuckled the detective. I 'han't pay be will. The business is too rielsy for me to appear in. I've dont) my part when *'ve brought you and him together." Well, give me the r-artic Talbot *"as experiencing a strange f«8f*o kf)n 'n t!"adly enterptise on which I: stumbled. After all, whispersd the woiiwaiart ot him, ^hich had him in its grasp, b<y should lie hesitate to torn assassin r At a word he would ulle his sword, if his country called, against any "nor Fuzzy Wuzzy, with whom be had not a trace of pencnal qnarrel why not wage private war as rothlesaly ? Tha inquiry agent leaned forward across his table, with lowered voice; I needn't go into reasons. There's a woman in it, you may be sure. The obnoxious person is an officer. He's broke, like you but that's not enough. He's still dangerous." I Well, well out with it all. I mast know everything before I can work." Talbot's voice was hURkv. ¡ He's broke right enough. That was managed very cleverly. My client put it about that he'd cheated at card;,and had him fairly on toast." The man's face fell into dry wrinkles, which was his nearest approach to a smile. I see," said Talbot, quietly. A conspiracy to rniu him?" Not exactly a conspiracy, for my client was the only one in it. It worked well quite wett enough to do forCaptain Talbot." "Talbot I Then that's the name of the— subject ?" Only a slight narrowing of the eyes, and a. hardemng of the lips betrayed the speaker's porsonat interest in what be had beard. "That's the name, John Tlllbot -12th Life Guards. The thing happened two days ago yesterday it was all over the town and he had to send in his papers to-day it's in the press. Where he'll go, what he'll do, we don't know that's for you to find ont. You see, if anything happens to him, there'll be no suspicion, all people will be sure to think that it was felo do Ie." » Naturally. That reduces the risk on my part. But where am I to begin ? What's his addres. ? How am I to know the man when £ see him ? Have you his portrait 7" All that is your business. I have no photo- graph. All I can suggest to give you a start is that you go up to Knightsbridge Barracks, where he had bis quarters, and start from there. Get his servant to describe him. You're certain to pick up a clue." "Thaokafor your hint. I think I see my way. I'll go now apd set to work at once. Later in the day, you'll see me again, to report progiess I shall nJt lose an instant." Taloot walked dazedly into the dingy Welling- ton-street, like a man who shakes off a terrify- fying nightmare. The horror of the last few hours still possessed bis mind, but in memory only not as a controlling emotion oftbe moment. The better part of him had leaped sndienly into activity, chasing away the baser, which had held him in chains, as a ghost vanishes before the sunlight. Thought he had not known it, he realised now that Providence had walked with him, hand in hand, all through the night, Justice, then, did live in the world after all Man was not merely the plaything of malicious devils I With the though, his eyes lost their glare, and softened into a mellow light. Hia lips moved in snch earnest thankfulness as he bad scarcely known since he was a. little boy. He went to Charing Cross Station, washed, made his toilet with clean linen, which he bought near by, and had the mud brushed from his boots and trousers. Then he sent off a tele- gram, and walked slowly to the Hotel Cecil for breakfast. He lingered long over the meal, looking out to the trees of the Embankment Gardens, and the wonderful view of the curving Thames. An hour bad scarcely passed before there came a quick, boyish step, and his hand was warmly clasping that of a young man. Jack Jack, old fellow I" It was all the boy could say at first, as he wrang the other's fingers. His eyes were suspiciously bright his breath choked a little in bis throat. I gave the cabbie half-a-sovereign to bring me here, and we just flew. I thought the bobbies would have stopped as-yet it seemed hours since I bad your wire." Talbot covered him with a look of affection. I knew at least I could depend on you, Charlie 1" I Rather I'Vf\ been through an ayrfal time these last two days, Jack. I'll never touch a card again that I've sworn. You've cured me and saved me. 1 trolly believe, from going utter- ly to the dogs. You've been my good angel 1 Ani only to think what you've got in return. That snake Porziano I'd like to have my fingers round his yellow throat I" Talbot did not speak for a moment or two he was looking out over the trees with a stern, Bet look in his clear-cut, determined profile, which contrasted with the irresolute month and uncertain chin of his companion. What does Lesley say ?" be asked at length, with a quiver of the voice. '• Lesley I" cried the youth, She's as true as steel. She never doubted yon for an instant, of course how could she ? She told me only three days ago how sad she was to see me so fond of play, leading an ignoble life mining myself with companions who only cared to bleed me and Jack—she said, that it wonld make our mother unhappy in Heaven." The young man gulped, and blew his nose. She talked like an angel to me and I gave her my promise that I'd never touch another card after that night but that I mast give their revecge to some fellows at the club. After the row, after that blackguard Porziano had got the others to watch yon, and denounced'you as a cheat, Lesley was waiting up for me when I got home at four in the morning. I could scarcely bear to tell her what bad happened and when at last I did, she tottered, Jack, as if I had struck her and then aha critii out the whole thing to me—how abe had put you up to cheat me with those Ameican tricks, jalSt to show how easy it was, and tbat Porziano was in the secret, too. We bad &n awful scene tthen she heard how the devil had turned against you, and when she realised what the consequences would be to you. In the midst of it all the Governor came down in bis dressing-gown and kicked np a row as finding me just come home. He saw Lesley crying, and had the whole story out of me Would you believe it, Jack—I'm ashamed to tell it of my own father, yet you must know-he said he believed you did cheat. tie said Porziano was an honourable man, and he'd take hia word before yours. You should have seen Lesley then. I didn't know she bad it in her. She faced the Governor like a young empress. It was splendid. But you know the Governor's not to be trifled with. TIe told her there and then that she was to consider her en- gagement to you at an end, that she wasn't to think of you, or write to you again, for even if yon were innocent, nobody'd believe it and yesterday he hurried her off to Kome, afraid Bbe'd try and atand np for you in public. She conldn t write, bat she begged me to tell you that she should never change, and would love you to the end." Tne two men were alone now m the long gal- lery of the hotel. Talbot rose and stood for a whila looking out over the river with his back to Cbarlia Seatoo. The boy respected bis emo- tion and presently Jack turned, and sat down again, with eyes that shone. I haidly like to say it, Jack," Charlie went on, but I believe the G3vernor owes money to Porziano. Yon know he's stinkingly rich, and the Governor's in several of his confounded companies. I belisvo bs's & swindler myself, and that one day he'll go bust for millions meanwhile, aa yoa know, be's one of the rulers of the City. Of course, the Governor's title is much to him on the boards of his companies— these fellows always run after a viscount; but anyone can see thst he's after Lesley, too. Oh, you needn't fear, Jack, she loathes the yellow brnte." I know, I know, Charlie. The thing is quite clear to me. I mistook Porziano for a gentleman, though I never liked him; and knowing that be was intimate at your bouse, I told him of the scheme arranged between Lesley and me to open your eyes to the simple ways in which you might be robbed. He promised to aland by me, the devil. You saw what be did. Well, it wasn't to talk of tbis that I asked /you to come and see me. I've something else to say, something to tell you, in which I shall have to rely on your ne!p." Captain Talbot spoke in a low, impressive voice, and as he went on, Charlie Seaton's fuca expressed at first surprise, then unbounded pleasure. Do you quite understand ? At eleven o'clock I shall expect you without fail. This is the address. You know your part ?*' Seaton nodded. It's grand, Jack simply grand. Yoa may coant on me positively, and with a warm shake of the hand the youth was gone. Talbot paid his bill, and went out of the hotel by the Embankment entrance, walking to the Temple. There be entered an old- fashioned suite of offices, and was shut up for half an hour with Stephen Armytage, a very old school friend as well as bis solicitor. When he left, he strolled along the Strand, and into Dane's Inn, where he paid a brief visit to the porter's lodge, afterwards visiting a shop in Covent-garden, noted for theatrical costumes and make-np boxes. It was now nearly one but having breakfasted so late, he bad no need of luncheon. He turned into the National Gallery, spent a long time io examining me pictures, and towards five o'clock appeared again at the office of the inquiry agent in Wet- lington-atreet. He was at once admitted to the inner room. Well ?" queried Heseitine sharply, screwing np his eyes. 1 have jaat looked in to Bay that the" whole thing is arxangad," said Talbot, quietly. Arranged ? What the deuce do you insan ? I mean that the commission with which you entrusted me will be carried out to-night. Attend to what I sa^. Yonr client uauat call at midnight at this address. You see it is close by. The rooma are on the Bseopd floor. lie need not knock or ring. The outer door will be left open, the gas barnmg. He has only to walk straight throngh she pasage into the large front room, and there be will find what he wants. He can aatisfy himself with touch and aight. He must bring the thousand in gold. I shall be there to receive him The detective tilted his chair till it balanced on its back legs, and whistled low and long. His shrewd eyes had not left TaIba". face since he came into the room. Well, Mr Terence Osmonde (if that's your real name) I don't mind saying that you're the coolest hand I ever came across in this busi- ness." I take a pride," said Talbot,bowing slightly, in executing with punctuality and despatch any commission entrusted to-ins." How am I to know that it's not a plant, and that you aren't playing some game at my 81penae lan't it a little late to doubt me, whan you've told me so much ? Yoar scruples might have been in place this morning; they are ridiculous now that you have taken me no deeply into your confidence." "I doubt if my client will consent to the conditions. To go to rooms in Douala Inn 1Çltl1 a thousand pounds in his rocket. flow s he to know that be won't be knocked on the head, and robbed ?" I piesuaie he has confidence in you there- fore he will do as you tell him. He must go somewhere to be satisfied; he can't expect his enemy's body to be brought to this oilice in a cab, can ho ? You entrusted me with the task I am prepared to carry it out under the con- ditions I have named, which ait the best I conld arrange. It mnat be clear to you that it j is I who am taking by far the greatest riBk vour client must take. some. Am I to under- stand that yon want to go buck on the bargain?" N-o-o," replied the detective, doubtfully. No, I don't. But 1 can t think There's no need to think act. Go Imme- diatclv to your client, and tell him what he has to etc. shall expect bim without fail at mid- night." Well, I suppose I may Bay that he'll be there And with that assurance Talbot hurried i oat. The air of the inquiry agent s sordid omee seemed to him heavy with guilt even thesmoke- JadeD atmosphere of the Strand was pure by comparison. ..»••• It was nearly midnight in Dane's Inn. From the Strand rose a confused rumble of traffic in the Inn itself an occasional footfall resounded on the flag-stones. fouddenly the clock of the Law Courts boomed twelve, and with the dying vibrations of the laet stroke came a footstep, down in the allent well of the stone staircase. It mounted slowly, without hesitation. A watcher, peering from the crack of a door on the first landing, would have oeeo a tall, spare man, scrupulously, even elaborately dreBBed, a dark portfolio under his left arm, the right hand buried in the pocket of his overcoat. He was of an olive-tinted complexion, with tufted eyebrows, black eyes that glittered from yellow balls, and a busby imperial care- fully trained nnaer the red lower lip. A lithe, quick, foreign-looking man, whose long head, like a hawk's, was ridgect with a rapacious nose the whole face and figure denoting eagerness, promptitude; a feline alacrity and untinst- worthiness. He advanced now like a man scouting in an enemy's country every nerve alert, each mascle on the stretch. Without a pause, he passed up the steps, lightly, springing, until he reached the closed door on the second landing. For an instant be stood, with nostrils that contracted and dilated, like those of a horse after a race. Then, still clasping the portfolio to his side, by tbe pressure of tbe muscles of tba arm, he used the left band to turn the handle of the door, and push it from him. As it swang open he took a swift step backwards, as though he feared an ambush. The right hand had not left the pocket of his overcoat. Within the small square ball that was dis- closed by the opening of the outer door, there burned a lowered gas-jet, and to right and left were the half shut doors of dark rooms. In front a subdued light shone from a door that stood ajar. For a long minute the olive com- plexioned man stood rigid and still, the head slightly on one side in the act of listening, the eyes incessantly moving from the Jighted door. way to the dark ones. Not a whisper; not the creaking onboard, or the flicker of a gas-jet came to his eaz3. There was an intense ominous, stillness. With foar noiseless strides he moved suddenly forward, crossed the hall, and stood in the lighted doorway. One swift look over the right shoulder, another over the left, showed him tbat nothing had moved in the dark rooma on either side of him. Next instant he pushed open the door, and stared into the lighted room. It wps in a state of wild confusion. The table was overturneJ, the cloth dragged across the floor, which was encumbered with a dis- ordered litter of playing-cards. Not a single chair stood in its place. Some were upside dowa, two had broken legs. From a sideboard in a recess, plaates and glasBeB had been swept to the floor, where they lay in fragments the flowers in au overturnei vase filled the air with an odonr sickly sweet. All this the stranger's eyes took in at a comprehensive. sweeping glance; then they darted back, and focussed themselves on the sofa and an object that it bore. There lay his enemy, the man whose death he desired beyond anything on earth, save one other thing which he believed that this man's death would bring him. The young Guards- man was on his back. one leg supported by the eofa, the other trailing limply on the floor. Iiis coat was off, and on the white surface of his shirt there was a crimson gash above the heart, whence a ruddy stream had flowed down to the carpet. His hands were clenched, his white face turned upwards to the ceiling. On the floor near by lay a revolver. The stranger's eyes dilated a cruel smile carved the red lips, lifting the tuft of imperial. With the same quick, noiseless step, be crossed the room, and stood looking down on the body of his enemy-the man who had dared to love the girl on whom bel Gabriel Porziano had net his heart. Ab. my friend," he murmured, Mise Laizlai would not care to look upon you now. You are not pretty witfi your teeth clenched like that, that disagreeable greenish complexion, and that ugly hole in your cbeet." He stooped a little, and dipped a yellow forefinger in the 'blood that had flowed from the wound. Yes your blood is very red. Yon lived strongly, Captain Talbot but yon have not escaped me Money can do most things even bring a man like you to this! He wiped his finger on the table cloth, and let his glance hover roond the room, There bas been a straggle— about cards. My unknown agent has been clever, but ha is wise to keep out of the way. No doubt he will come back when I am gone. It is better that we should not look into each other's faces. I will leave him his reward." He opened tbe portfolio, and shook its contents in a jingling, glittering pile on to the floor. Goodbye, John Talbot 1 Ab I I will make quite sore of yon before I go I" The right hand that bad bsen hidden in the overcoat pocket was suddenly withdrawn it whirled upwards, holding a flashing blade; but before it could descend the corpse of John Talbot leaped into strencous life. It bounded from the sofa, gripped the dagger-wrist of his opponent with a terrible grasp, twisted the knife from bis hand, and sent him staggering backwards across the room. At the same instant a screen was flung noisily to the floor, disclosing tbo excited face of Charlie Seaton and the tall figure of a grave, bearded man stood in the doorway. Porziano's lips drew back like a wolf's, dis- closing long, yellow, teech. His thin, moist hands clenched and unclenched themselves spasmodically. With a sudden sound, like the breaking of a fiddle-string. He spat towards Talbot. So. I am trapDed f" he snarled. "Completely," was Talbot's quiet, answer. Mr Seaton you know; this is Mr Armytage, my solicitor. He has drafted a document for you to sign, which be will witness. It is a confession on your part that yan falsely and maliciously, for purposes of your own, and knowing it to be a lie, spread the atorythat I bad cheated at cards wheieaa you knew quite well that I was simply playing tricks on Mr Seaton to show him bow easily aharpu could cheat him. You unreservedly withdraw this chatge, declare it to be baseless, and hambly apologise for having made it." "I refage to sign aoything of the kind," snapped Porziano. H Then I shall immediately telephone to Scotland Yard, telling the police that yoa and your agent have conspired to murder me, and ask them to send here at once to arrest you." Porziano passed a trembling hand across his forehead. "Either way I'm r.ained I" be cried. Exactly And a jolly good thing too 1" put in Charlie Seaton, but Talbot checked him with a gesture. Armytage handed him an open paper. He took it, but did not look at it "I don't understand," he said thickly. "Has Heseitine given me away ?" Heseitine has nothing to do with this. You can best i-ay whether he'll stand by you or whether he'll turn Queen's evidence when I have you arrested." Porziano rubbed his eyes and read the papsr. But if S sign this, it's tbe end for me," he Eaid. Talbot 3hrugged his shoulders. Nemesis baSi overtaken you," he answered. You either aign at once or go to Portland. Sign, and pick np your goid and go then yoa have nothing to fear from me." Armytage turned the table right aide up, and banded him a pen. Porzanio took it, and dashed his signature upon the document. Then in silence he stooped,picked up all the sovereigns and put them back in his portfolio. He staggered when he had finished, as if be were giddy, and fell back towards the sideboard. In an instant, be seized a heavy glass carafe and sent it crashing at Talbot's bead. Charlie Seaton shouted Talbot ducked the carafe flew over him, and smashed into little pieces a large mirror over the fireplace. There was a great noise of jangling glass. J You cowardly brute I" ejaculated Talbot, his knuckles white with the tight clenching of I his fists, "Give it him hot, Jack." called Charlie Seaton. No, no I should disgrace myself to tonch him," said Talbot. Out yon scoundrel I He pointed to the door which Armytage had set open, and Porziapo can like a hare. They beard him leap down the stairs, and patter with speed down the echoing Inn. Thus London saw the last of the adventurer, whose hollow schemes came crashing to tbe ground, involving thousands in their rain. Society opened its arms again to Jack Talhot; fiis regiment gate him a welcoming dinner"; and Armytage wtis beat ma.n at the marriage witb Lesley Seaton, which took place a month later. If Uriah Heseitine carries on business in Lton- don, it is under unother name, and in another quarter, for his office. in WellingtorratrMt was suddenly closed.
CYCLIST UNDER COW-CATCHER
Newyddion
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CYCLIST UNDER COW-CATCHER A cyclist named George Woodcock bad a. mar- vellous escape from death at Burton Constable rail way statioo, near tIolI, on Friday. On the platform be vaulted to the neat of hia bicycle, intending to ride out at the gateway. But be lost control of the machine, and fell on the line with the bieycle on top of him. Much excite- merit prevailed among the people JQ tht» plat- form as they saw a train come dashing into tbe station, while Woodcock struggled to fiee him- self from the machine and get out of the way. But the engine was upon bim before be could get clear of the tails, and everybody thought he in out inevitably bekilied. Bicyeleani man, how- ever, were caught by the projection on the eaRIne which is intended to temove obstacles from the rail, and were pushed forward until the train could be stopped. Woodcock escaped with only a compound fraetttrt) of the ankle, and was taken to the Hull Infirmary.
[No title]
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r There is a story of a Scotch minister who, see ling one of bis congregation asleep, brought him I' uu with a pause, and then, holding out a finger, said solemnly, There'll be no sleeping in hell, John i" to which the offender retorted, Aye, parson, bps it'll no be for the; lack of winiocorn."
Welsh Woman Tramp. .---
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Welsh Woman Tramp. ALLEGATIONS AGAINST POLICE. Was She Convicted at Cardiff ? At Chelmsford on Saturday Police-Sergeant Waller Peters, of the Essex constabulary, stationed at Wiaford, was charged before the local jastices with violently assaulting Jane Carpenter (75), a tramp, with intend to do her grievous bodily harm. The woman was found injured shortly after midnight, at a corner near the Workhouse at Chelmsford, for which she bad obtained an order at 8.30. She asserted that the injuries were caused by the po!ice sergeant kicking bar. He denies all knowledge of the assault, however, and says he simply poked her with his stick, finding her lying there, and wondered whether she was dead or alive. Fred Taylor eaid hie beard screams, which gave him the impression the woman was kicked. Twice be found defendant walking down the road. Defendant said. There is an old woman up there, whom I cannot keep quiet." f Jane Carpenter, the prosecutrix, gave evidence, and said she thought she had been asleep on the seat when the sergeant came alatg. She told him she was too late for the workhouse, and the officer then asked for her ticket. Witness told him lie had no right to demand it, and the officer then, she said. caught hold of her by the left arm, and pulled her down. Witness screamed and the seigeant kicked her. In the cross-examination by Mr C. E. Jones (for the defence), she said she had not come there to tell her career but to prosecute the policeman. olic' Mr Jones Were you at Cardiff, in 1873, con- victed and centenced to six months' hard labour for stealing wearing apparel.-Witness No. The Mayor Mrs Carpenter, the Bench thinks that while you may refuse to answer any ques- tions. you are liable to prosecution for perjury if you answer them untralv. Witness also denied tbat she bad been sen- tenced to 12 months'hard labour at Cardiff in 18(5 for stealmg a blanket, a rug, and a coat, and refused to say whether two years later sbe received seven years' penal servitude for Btealing two jackets. She farther denied that in 1883 at Swansea she bad been sentenced to seven years' penal aervitade for stealing groceries, or that she had ever been under sentence of penal servitude at Folham. Witness did not admit that at Abingdon she bad turned round on two policemen and accused tbem of assaulting ber. Dr. Waller, who had examined the woman, stated that he saw no evidence of blows. He did not think it possible for the injuries to have been caused while the womau was standing facing her assailant. The magistrates dismissed the case.
-----MINIATURE QIFLE CLUBS.
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MINIATURE QIFLE CLUBS. The Caerteon Competitions The arrangements for the meeting of minia- ture rifle clubs at Caerleon on Saturday next are now practically complete. Entries for five com- petitions closed on September 16, and Mr H. Marks, the secretary of the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, who visited Caerleon on Saturday, was more than satisfied with the large number of entries received, nearly 500. Entries for the re- maining competitions will be made on the ground. The competitions for the Gamage Shield and the Welsh championship will take place at Caerleon Drill Hall, and the other competitions at the ranges in a field kindly lent by Mr J. Green, Shooting will commence at 8 a.m. The International match, England v. Wales, will commence at I p.m. Each man will fire 10 sbota at stationary targets, 25 and 50 yards. One sighting shot at each range will be allowed. It is not expected that eitherteam will be definitely selected until the morning of the match Captain Thornton and Mr H. Marks will act as umpires, Iood Colonel Sir A. W. Mackworth as referee. The match between Sergeant Coomber p"zem.aD an? Private Berry, Merthyr (Welsh champion), will greij ft t two 8tageSi 25 yards andI 50 yards, 20 shots at each range. The target at 25 yards range will be six inches square, the central being half an inch in dia- meter. At 50 yards the target will be 12 inches square, the ceiitral being lie. in diameter. Lieutenant General p. Lance, Major Generals Luan and Biscoe, and Colonel Prescott Decie, and other members of the council of the society will attend the meeting. Lord Tredegar will also visit the meet- ing as Lord Lieutenant of the county, and will probably distribute the prizes. The Caerleon District. Council will officially receive his Lord. ship, and a guard of honour will be formed bv the Caerieon detachment of the 2nd V.B.S.W.B. To commemorate the event Lord Tredegar will plant a tree on the Golncrcf8 Common. After the meeting the Engljst, and Welsh teams aud officials will dine together, aud probably a Welsh branch of the S M.R.C. will be formed. Thod.M.R.C.baveoaeredtopMaeata cup for aanual competition if sulib a branch be formed. Only four Volunteer teamyjrtjm the Principally have entered. 'V!.
'J.'.(. " WHAT A DETECTIVE…
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J. (. WHAT A DETECTIVE FOUND. An Extraordinary Story. Theodore Muller and Freda Fischer were charged on remand before Mr Fenwick in London on Friday with keeping a disorderly house. Mr L. Bicketts prosecuted for the St. Pancraa Borough Council, and Me Arthur Newton au. fended. The prisoners occupied adjoining rooms in a house in Francis-street, and it was admitted that the female prisoner waii in the habit of taking men home with her. A door divided the two rooms. The lock was kept well greased, and a bole in the door, stopped by a cork on the male prisoner's hide, enabled him to see what was going on in the woman's apartment, where a foreign gentleman recently lost some banknotes. Mr Nowton said that, although the woman was an unfortunate, she had never been accused of dishonesty, and it was admitted by the police that that was so. Detective-Sergeant King, however, had a great deal to say about the male prisoner. He stated tbat he first made his acqoaintance two years ago. He then occupied a rojm in Wells-street, separated from another room by a door in which a hole had been drilled. There were complaints of robberies from the room atijoining his. The male prisoner their lemoved to a room in Titcb- field-street, where there was another door with a hole in it, another welf-greased lock, and mote robberies. He next went to live in Tot- tenham-street. Soon afterwards a man who was taken to a" room adjoining his sleeping apartment was robbed of AL65, which was taken from clothing he bad hung near a door with a hole in it. Then the male prisoner made another move. Soon afterwards the witness was called to a room in Whitfield-street, where there had been a robbery. He there found another door between two rooms, another hole, and 'another well-greased lack. He found also that the male prisoner occupied one of the rooms. The female prisoner was fined £5 or one month. The man, who bad previously been convicted, was sentenced to four months' hard laboar.
SOUTH WALES PRINTING WORKS
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SOUTH WALES PRINTING WORKS Sick and Provident Fund. The 44th half-yearly general meeting was held in the South Wales Daily News Office on Saturday evening, when there was a good attendance oj membexs. In the unavoidable «?CeT°Lthe president (Mr J. Duncan, J.P.), Mr E. J, Wheeler was voted to the chair. The committee presented the statement of acouots for the half-year ended June 30th, 1905, from which it appeamd that the capital of the fund amounted to £2,950 12s 2d, an increase of JEI53 5s 3d for h*alf'V6Rr- The cost of sickness had been £ 36 8s 4d, divided among nine members who wruIeC' on the funds during the half-year. Withdrawals from the piovident fund during the half-year amounted to JE341 15a Id. and E16 los Jld was withdrawn from the sick fund by members leaving the society. During the half- year £230 had been added to the invested capital, which amounted to £ 2.845 17s 9d, aod' £ I04 14s5d remained in the treasurer's bands. Messrs XMQU'b donation for the half-year amounted to ±49 4a 2d. Ici terest at the rate of 5 percent. per annum had been added to provident fund accounts, which was' less than the amount actually earned, the surplus being held over for division next half-year. The report and accounts were adopted, and a further investment decided upon. The officers and committee for the-en. suing year were elected, and a discussion on a proposed amendment of the rules ended in an a,ddition being made toTthem giving rather more liberal terms to sick members. The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to Mcaars Doncan for their assistance to the society and liberal donation, and ft similar compliment to Mr Wheeler for presiding.
^ _._\— ABERAVON COUNCIL AND…
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— ABERAVON COUNCIL AND THE CHURCH CEMETERY. At a special meeting of the Aberavon, Port Talbot, and District Free Charch Council on Friday evening, it wfl" unanimously resolved :— "That this meeting learns with great surprise and deep pain that the Finance Committee recommends the Town Council of Aberavon to increase the Mayor's salary for the express pur- pose of devoting JEM from the rates towards the debt incurred by the Established Charch in re- pairing the chnrch tower and cemetery wall that this meeting enters emphatic protest against such a proposal for devoting public money to sectarian purposes, and a high-handed revival of the old Church rate, and expresses its firm de- termination to oppose it." [t was decided to ask all tbe Free Churches to pass a strong resolut tion against the proposal, and a deputation was appointed to wait on the Town Council at its next meeting.
FIGHTING-AND A CRASH.
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FIGHTING-AND A CRASH. Early on Saturday two men named William McMullen and William McGowau; wbo occupied the B&me room in a lodging-bouse in Uopery- lane, V\est Hartlepool, were found on the pave- ment below tbe bedroom window, tbe frume of which was smashed. McMullen died in hospi- tal from a fractured skull. and the other man suffers from an injury to his hip. Late on Satur- day night tbe neighbours heaidifgbtiDg, fallowed by a craIb.
- ! Temperance Unity. 1 ~-"I
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Temperance Unity. DEMONSTRATION AT ABERAVON Speech by the Bishop of Llandaff. JUVENILE SMOKING CONDEMNED. All the temoerance organisations in the Aber- avon and Port Talbot district joined on Satur- day in a huge demonstration. The arrangements were admirably devised by a united committee, with Mi H. W. Jumes and Mr Wm. Evan Jones as joint honorary iecretaries. An imposing pro- cession was marshalled, and headed by the Salvation Army brass band a march was made to the Port Talbot Public Park,where a platform had been erected. When the various societies had taken up their positions the sight was a moat impressive one. The Rev. D. J. Jones, M.A., Vicar of Port Talbot, was the chairman, and with him on the platform were the Lord Bishop of Llandaff, the Revs. Z. P. Williamson (Vicar of Margam), the A. J. Edwards, T. H. Thomas (ind.). E. Owen (C.M.), T. Richards (Baptist), James Evans, B.A. (Ind.), R. C. Lewis, B.A. (C.M.). J. E. Rees (C.M.), N. W. Hopkins (Baptist), W. Jones (Baptist), W. B. Badd (Bible Christian), and J. Catton (Wes- leyan). There were also present Lieat.-Colonel David, Captain Jones (Port Talbot Harbour Master), Mr Morgan Thomas (Postmaster), and Councillor John Phillips. The Chairman dwelt upon the ravages of the drink curse, and quoted with hearty approval some recent utterances of Mr John Barns. The Rev. Morris Morgan, secre- tary of the South Wales and Monmoathshire Temperance .Association, delivered an address to young people on the importance of total abstinence. The Bishop of Llandaff, who was warmly gieete3, recalled a conversation be had on one occasion with Canon Basil Wilberforce in a London drawing-room. They were attracted to each other by a bit of blue ribbon which each wore. Canon Wilberforci said that there was nothing like temperanca and temperance work to break down the barriers between man and man. Tbey had, proceeded the Bishop, an illustration of that in those who were on the platform that afternoon, The bishop farther illustrated the I need of unity in temperance work by relating the story of the group of sailors who were dis- puting where a button should be sewn, when there was a cry that a ship was on the Goodnin Sands. The disputation ceased instantly, and all joined to save lives in danger. He know that strong opinions were held. and they were not ) always absolutely unanimous—(laughter)—but when they united for temperance work they kept their attention npon the common danger they I concentrated their energies upon their implacable and deadly foe. Proceeding, tbe bishop said that the consumption of strong drintc, if it was ¡ a luxury, was a luxury which was at once expen- sive, unnecessary, and dangerous. There was no influence like that of the drink that so hindered religious work. The gracious revival had to fight the drink, and, thank God, the dri ok bad to yield. In conclusion the speaker qaoted the testimony of Sir Frederick Treves in favour of total abstinence. Evening Meeting. At night the Public Hall, Aberavon, was crowded. The Rev. B. Rees, B.A., Carmel. presided, and in his opening speech deplored the fact that there were so many public-houses in Aberavon. The Rev. Morria Morgan delivered a rousing speech. The Bishop of Llandaff spoke in Welsh and English in turn. He said there were some temperance reformers who clamoured greatly for legislation, and no doubt it was well to keep their eyes open and look after their representa- tives in Parliament. But it was no ase to have legislation in advance of the country, to have legislation ahead of that great power called public opinion. Tbey mast educate so as to have a better public opinion. The speaker pro- ceeded to contend that drink and javenile amok- ing were destroying the manhood of the country. The Japanese when they found that tobacco smoking was injuring the physique of their youth made it a law that no youth under 20 years of age should smoke at all. And that applied to the youths of all nationalities while they were in Japan. Japan had set a good example in tbis particular, and be did not think sash a law would be thought too drastic' for adoption in this country. Passing on, the speaker said he thought much good lay in institutions and clubs without drink, and he would be glad if some such were started in that large and populous district in the next winter. The Rev. H. J. Harris, pastor of Orchard- place Baptist Church, Neath, also delivered a telliog speech.
LABOURERS' UNION OFFICIALS.
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LABOURERS' UNION OFFICIALS. Reply to Boilermakers' Criticisms < i¿1r G. H. Cartia (president and Mr W. Johnston (secretary), of the Cardiff branches of the Amalgamated Labourers' Union, waited ( upon one of our representatives ou Saturday i evening in reference to the critcisma paaaed upon the actions of the Union offioials in connec- tion with the dry docks dispute, extracted from the Boilermakers and Iron and Steel Ship- ] builders' monthly report, and published in the "Sontb Wales Dally News and South Wales Bcho a few days ago. They made the following statement in reply thereto:—" During the period of the enforced idleness of their mem- bers referred to in the report, the men who were woxking were doing so with disorganised laboar, such as Frenchmen, who formed the crews of vessels, and warmetB who had been warming rivets previous to the strike, and had taken the places of the platers' helpers. Tbey had been working up to now with these men. At a joint conference of our representatives and the delegates of the Boilermakers' and Engineers' and Associated Shipwrights' Society, we raised this question, and were given to understand that they had not come to criticise what bad hap- pened, but to try to make a settlement between I the men's Onion and the Employers' Association. We were told that it was our pla.ce either to write or telephone the employeru' representatives I the same night on tbo subject of a joint confer- i ence. The letter was written which appeared in the South Wales Daily NewlI yesterday, Ii suggesting a meeting for Thursday, August 31st. We were afterwards told by one of our repre- I sentatives, that Mr Munro. the secretary of the Employers' Association, had spoken over the telephone stating his committee were qaite willing to meet ns on Wednesday, the 30tli. There waa no meeting arranged for the Wednes- day, bat w s wrote on the Tuesday stating we were prepared to meet them on the Thorsday. We did 'I' everything possible to get a. discussion on the points at issue, but owing to tbe absence of some of our officials on the Wednesday the tele- gram received by Mr Johnston at 12 noon, suggesting a meeting tbat day, could not be agreed to. Mr Johnston was engaged on business that detained him until 10,15 at night, and on going home found a telegram waiting which had been delivered after 8 o'clock. He at once left the bouse and replied to that telegram, stating it was impossible to meet the employers at 11 o'clock the next morning, aa suggested, but that we could meet them at 3 15 on tbe 31st, as pre- viously suggested."
——] TRAMP QUESTION AT NEWPORT…
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—— TRAMP QUESTION AT NEWPORT At Saturday's meeting of Newport Board of Guardians, Mr Thomas Datfield presiding, the tramp aaestion was again considered, and the Workhouse Visiting Committee recommended that the assistant relieving officer for vagrants be authorised to issue tickets for model lodging- I houses to destitute' vagrants after accommoda- tion in the casual wards. The Estimates, i The Finance Committee reported having examined the estimate of the contributions to be paid by the overseers of the several parishes for the half-year ending Ladv Day, 1906. and they recommended vaiious calls on tbe parishes, the first call to be paid on November lltb, 1905, and the second on January 13th, i906. The total amounted to JE30,729, being an increase of E250 over last year. This increase was due, said Mr R- J- Searles, to the fact. that the ratable value of the parishes had increased. The Guar- dians were not extravagant, and were actually asking for less money than they had last year.
'-------FAINTING IN THE WATER.…
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FAINTING IN THE WATER. ¡ Doctor's Queer Experience. A, queer bathing experience is told by Dr. Hugh Lawrie in the" British Medical Journal." After a bicycle ride, and before lancheon, he planged into the ice-oold waters of a reservoir. Giddiness and headache supervened, and when be turned from his back to the breast attoke for relief be says I became very drowsy, mus- cular effort was feeble and sluggish, just like the slow movement of one half asleep, and, worst of all, » pronounced indifference to everything t-eemed stealing over me." He attributes these symptoms to a numbing of the brain circula- tion throngh the cold water, assisted by a re- tarded action of the heart throagh the exhaustion of the oycle ride, and suggests tbis" fainting may be often the cause of drowning.
BOOTS THROUGH WINDOWS.
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BOOTS THROUGH WINDOWS. Llanarthney Passenger's Freak. At Llandilo on Saturday George West, Llan- arthney, was charaed with wilful damage to Great Western Railway property. Defendant was travelling to Llandilo by the ex 6.15 p.m. Llanelly on Thursday, the 14th inst., and between Derwyid-road and Ffairfach he took off bis boots and threw them through the windows on the Bide of one of the doors, and atao slit a blind right throagh. Two men who were travel- ling in the same compartment with him were so alarmed at his condact that thay got oat at Ffairfacb. He was sent for a month's hard laboar. —-Bmm—mmmmmmmmmm-mmmmrn
POLES AS " BLACKLEGS."
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POLES AS BLACKLEGS." FiERCE FIGHT ATTSCOTCH COLLIERY A serious fight took place on Saturday at Carfin, near Motherwell, N. B., between Polish mineis and the police. A diNpnte has been in progress at one of the United Collieries Company's pits for some weeks. On Saturdav about a score of the Poles, who wanted to go to work, were met by a large picket. Up.on tho police interfering the pickelers tamp 'hem, and a tierce fight onenecf. IWQ I '0 policemen were injaied.
Conciliation Board. ......
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Conciliation Board. DISPUTES IN THE COAL TRADE. A meeting of the Board of Conciliation for the coal tiada of Monmouthshire and South Wales was held on Saturday at Cardiff, In tbe absence of MrF. L. Davis, the chair on the owners'side was occupied by Mr William Jenkins, while on the workmen's side Mr W. Brace presided. There was a very long agenda of disputes, and the Board aat for some hours. Plymouth Collieries Dispute.—In this matter Messrs H. E. Gray and E. Morrell reportei that they had failed to settle the question in regard to tbe company having issued summonses against the workmen for absenting themselves from work on the 13th July, the occasion of the incorpora- tion demonstration of Merthyr. The workmen's representatives to-day strongly protested against the action of the owners in taking out those summonses. Tirpentwys Colliery.—With reference to tbe strike in the big vein seam at Tirpentwys Col- Jiery it was reported tbat the workmen bad not yet resumed work, and that the manager and Mr James Winstone were to meet at once to further consider the matter. Bwllfa Colliery.—The owners' representatives raised the question of the ditfpate at Messrs The Bwllfa and Merthyr Dare Co.'a No. 2 Colliery in consequence of the men declining to work the proper hours to equal nine hours per day for the days worked in the previous week. Inasmuch, however, as summonses have already been issoed in the matter, the question was left in abeyance. Wage deductions.—The dispute at Messrs Hoskins and Dewelyn's Colliery respecting deductions from workmen's wages was referred, for investigation and settlement, to Mr James Manning and Mr W. H. Roatledge. The question of the refusal of the Powell Duffryn Co., at Aberaman Colliery, to dedoct the money from the wages for the payment of certain doctor?' salary, appointed by the workmen, led to a long discussion, but no resolation was passed. Pow611 Duffryn Co.—A complaint was made of the action of tbe Powell Duffryn Co., it being alleged tbat they had jismiased two workmen without any cause of offence. The matter was referred to Mr Hann and Mr C. B. Stanton for investigation. Cheekweighers' Status.—Tho Board considered a complaint from the workmen's representatives that tbe manager of tbe Bargoed Coli i ery (powell Duffryn Co.) had refused tc receive tbe check- weigber as a member of a deputation. Mr E. M. Hann agreed in future to receive the check- weigber as a member of deputations. The Whitworth Colliery.—Mr Alfred Onions raised a question on the report of Messrs E. M. Hann and W. Vyce that they had failed to settle the dispute at Messrs The Tredegar Icon and Coai CO.'8 Whitw:>rth No.1 Oolliery. The company, it was alleged, had given notices to terminate contracts to the workmen in the Rbae Las Seam at tbis colliery in violation of Clause 5 of the Conciliation Board agreement, a question in dispute being in the hands of two members of the Board. The workmen's representatives farther com- plained that the arbitrators appointed by the Board had not come to a decision in accordance with the evidence tendered, and requested that the whole matter should be brought before the board at a future meeting. To this the ownera declned tc agree. There are reasons to fear that unless an agreement is come to in this matter before the end of the month, the workmen will commence an action for damages. Anthracite District.An application was read from the workmen at the International An- thracite Colliery that certain matters to com- plete a price list in tbe Peacock Vein shall be referred to Messrs n. T. Wales and D. Benyon, who have been appointed by the board to deal with other questions in dispute at this colliery. The application was agreed to, two other matters raised by the owners beiogreferred to the same gentlemen. Bryncoch Collieries—With reference to the alleged alteration of Arbitrators' award repay- ment to be'made for certain headiDgB and Btalla in the Victoria Seam at Messrs The Main Co.'s Court Herbert and No. 1 Bryncoch Collieries, the Board decided to reter tbe matter to tbe arbitrators, namely, Messrs C. H. Eden, T. Griffiths Morrell, and Evan Thomas, with the request that they should put their own interpretaj tion on their own award. The New Agreement. At the close of the proceedings, Mr W. Brace, we understand, raised the question of fixing a late for the opening of negotiations with reference to the new Conciliation Board agree- ment. The coalowners representatives inti- mated that they would be prepared to go into the matter fully duting the last week in October. OFFICIAL REPOHN. The following is the official report supplied :— &. meeting of the Board of Conciliation for the :oat trade of South Wales and Monmouthshire was held at Cardiff. Mr William Jenkins presided over the owners' representative?, and Mr William Brace over the workmen's repre- sentatives. This was the usual monthly meet- ing for the purpose of dealing with disputes at several collieries. Arrangements were made in several cases for referring the matters in dis- pute to tvyo representatives for inveatigatipi^ and ffettltfalent. ■f
WELSH PARLIAMENTARY 1PARTY
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WELSH PARLIAMENTARY 1PARTY Views of Mr Hugh Edwards. PLEA FOR AN INDEPENDENT NATIONAL PARTY. This is the subject of an interesting, vigorous, bat concise article in Ysbryd yr Oes for September, a spirited Welsh mid-monthly magazine published by Mr Hugh Edwards, of Liverpool. Mr Edwards says the questions are often asked. Is there a Welsh Parliamentary party ? Should Wales have a Welsh Parlia- mentary parly ? Would it be advantageous for Welsh politics to possess such a party ? Thus showing that there a diversity of opinion as to the real existence of a Welsh party. It was in October 1885, that the question was first mooted at a Welsh Disestablishment con- ference in Liverpool, wben a resolution was moved in favour of forming a Welsh party in Parliament by Mr Edwards, but which was not carried, however. Wales took up the qaestion to be widely discussed in the Press a.nd on the platform. Soon after Mr T. E. Ellis came oat as Parliamentary candidate for Merionethshire. Meandhiacandidataegave a stimulus to the movement, and bver since the country and tbe public are familiar with the phrase Welsh Parliamentary party." But. after all, Mr tidwarda says, it ocust be confessed that a party in name only exists, and that there is no party, Mrong. united and (knowing its own mind, to lead the Welsh nation topotiticalandeocia) triumph. Mr Edwards quotes Mr H. W. Lucy [Toby, M.P.) on the point l" Later Peeps of Parliament ") There was a time when the Welsh members showed a disposition to organise a Parliamentary guerilla force. They had the malting of excellent leaders in Mr Lloyd George and Mr S. Evans. As long as their own friends were in power they showed themselves industrious and vigorous. Tbey had a good deal to do with making Lord Rose- bery's Government so uncomfortable tbat its members rather welcomed than resented dis misaal on a aide issue. The incentive of opposing his titular leader, dear to the heart of a good Liberal, being withdrawn, the Welsh party fell to pieces, and has not been reconstituted." Mr Edwards says the existence of an independent Welsh party does not, however, impiy of neces- sity opposition or antagonism to tbe Liberal party. Its object wonld be vigilance for the political rights of Wales, that they are not neg- lected, and in order to do this a party mast possess n back-bone," and be Btrong and heroic. Such a party, owing to its incorporate and representative capacity, wonld command attention and respect in the House of Commons and in the country. Mr Edwards points to the Irish members and their achievements for Ire- land 1 notwithstanding their unfOltuDate domestic divisions for some years past. To illnstrate tbe inefficiency of the so-callsd Welsh party, be refers to the question of the Welsh barrister M.P.'s and the trade briefs, in which he has taken so keen an interest. He says, tbe Welsh members have been repeatelly and urgently re- quested by individuals and representative organisations to settle this dispute amicably among themselves, and to adopt a resolution that would govern and guide every barrister M.P. or candidate for a Welsh constitnency in the matter, bat on tbe authority of one of the Welsh M.P. s nothing was done-the subject was never brought before the members at a meeting. Mr Edwards suggests that tbe chairmanship of the Welsh party in future shoald not be permanent, that it woald be better for every member to have the privilege to pass tte chair, and hints that it would ba woll for Mr Lloyd George to preside and lead, for a time at any rate. In conclnsion be atronglv arges the need for tht formation of an independent Welah national party in the House of Commons, recommends tbe electors to take the matter np, and to approach the different candidates during now and tbe General Election, pleading for a party foll ""of life, unity, and strength, which would be an inspiration to the nationhood of Wales a party throagh its stren- uous application and leH-sacrifice woald carve its name in the annals of the country, and about which it could ultimately be said—What it coald it accomplished.
. BURGLARTN^THE LARDER.I
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BURGLARTN^THE LARDER. I The police at Brecon are investigating a case of burglary in Camden-road, Brecon, but 80 far DO clue has been obtained. The bcuse of Miss Bowen was entered daring the night, wben the occupants were asleep, and the lowbr rooms ran- sacked. The burglar, after liberally helping himself to the provisions in the larder, decamped with propetty valued at about £3, including silver spoons, etc. In one of the drawers of a chest to which he had apparently been paying attention, there was money, bat as the drawer was locked this escaped his notice. An entrance to the house .as effected by climbing a water pipe at tbe back and getting ia through an open window.
,11 1.-1 HAND BLOWN OFF.
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11 1. HAND BLOWN OFF. Collier's Shocking Injury. On Saturday a shocking accident happened to Thomas Francis (31), a collier, residing at Pont- srdnlais. He was working for the Morlais Col- liery Company, and was engaged in shot-tiring operations underground when a charge of dyna- mite went off prematurely. Francis bad his right hand blown completely off. He was conveyed to the Swansea, BQOPUrI for treatment.
Big Emigration Scheme. I.,.I...,.';;':"
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Big Emigration Scheme. I I Gen, Booth's Enterprise. -1 Great Settlements irr Australia. The Aastraliap authorities have not yet sealed the complete list of districts available for the 500 families whj are to leave England ia some seven weeks' time to settle in Aus. tralia .nnder General Booth's remarkable scheme of emigration. The General baa I already selected 2.000,000 acres in Western Australia, and the Government of that colony is prepared to offer him, if necssaary, at least 20,000,000 acres. All tbis land will be well served by railways. The Govern- ment will take IIteps to ensure that no new "settler, shall be further than 15 miles f torn a. rail- way, and each settler will receive-160 acres free and an aseisted-passage'. = New Zealand's offer has not yet been communi- cated, but it is understood that at least 2,000 men will settle there under the Generals scheme during the next two years. Nevertheless, the other Colonies will receive a fair proportion of r the emigrants. The chief difficulty- so far has been with tbe I Australian Labour party, who have, been afraid that unless a special undertaking-was given that the laboar immigration Jawswoold not be affected, the 5,000 to beseot from England &0, Austratiawoutd disturb the balance of the laboat market, and so begin an anemplayed problem in I the Commonwealth itself. When the settlers arrive in Australia it will be found that they will be settled on good lands, which need only systematic labour to become prosperous. There ia considerable jealousy III Australian official circles of the manner in which Canada obtains (he flower of tbe thongande of emigrants who leave England every year. At present it is settled by tbe Salvation Army authorities tbat tbe bulk of; the great army of emigrants and their families who will Jeave England under General Booth's aaspices will settle either in Canada or Australia, provided special facilities are offered them. The General guarantees that each emigrant will be a skilled labourer of good character, who will he a valuable asset in the development of the Colonies. In return he will exact special treatment for tbem, which will enabJethemJo secure a good position for themselves. Failing this, the world will be surprised to hear that mdre than half the body of emiezants will be Bent either to Mexico, Brazil, or tbe Argentine Republic, most probably the latter. A very large portion oftheSatvation Army fonds is invested iu tbe latter country, which makes it highly probable that the Argentine will be en- riched by the arrival of a body of British settlers, who will add a steadying element tl;) tbe changing political system of the Republic. Once tbe full scheme of emigration has set in, then tbe Salvation Army will take in hand the problem of the tramps and loafers who will not work. At present negotiations are being curried on with the yiewof raising the foods necessary for carrying out the scheme. Although no arbitary sum has been fixed, the initial cost of the emigration scheme will ran into some hundreds of thousands of pounds, a large portion of which will -be recoverable by being a first charge on the labour of the aetclers. The Government of Great Britain will be aaked for a special contribution towards the cost of this -1 scheme, which will, when in full working order, relieve the poor rates of the couqSjrj fij, at least half a million per year. At one time.Sonth Africa ynp mentioned ae one of the lands-to which emigrants would be sent. We are in a position to state that General Booth will not send one emigrant, to Soath Africa for many years to come. In every case where the emigrants are selected the local authorities will be invited to co-operate with the Army officers in ensuring tha.t only the best, type of English artisans will be Bent oat to the Colonies. Melboaroe, Satazday.<The Victorian and Queensland Governments desire further infor- mation regarding the means and working capacity of the immigrants General Booth proposes send- ing to Australia. The soheme is being earnestly considered by the Premier of Western Australia. The Hon, Walter James, K.O Agent-General for We&tern Australia, to-day informed the Prase Association that General Booth had already taken on 20,000 acres in Western Australia for emigration purposes on a valuation of only 8a per acre. But he had lW, doubt that if the General was prepared to take np another 20,000 acres, or 10 times that quantity for emigrant. of a suitable claas, the Government would be pte- pared to meet him. Order for Distress Committees. The secretary of the West Ham Unemployed Committee bas received the following communi- cation from Mr Eoraham. assistant secretary to the Local Government Bourd :—" I am directed by the Local Government Board to state that they will, aa required by section 2, clause 1, of the Unemployed Workmen's Act iSstfe. au,order establishing a Distress Committee for each municipal borough and urban district with a population of not less than 50.000. The necess?* orders and regulations tinder the Act Ate id pre- paration, and the Board hope to issae thim at an early date."
CARDIFF MAYOR'S SALARY.
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CARDIFF MAYOR'S SALARY. I.L.P. Protest. In view of the large number of underfed chil- dren in attendance at the pnblic schools in the town, and the present distress due to the want of employment which it is anticipated will be largely increased in the immediate fatare, and considering his present salary amply sufficient to expend in civic functions from which tbe majority of tha inhabitant!! derive no benefit. this meeting protests against the proposed addition to the Mayor's salary." This was the resolution submitted by Mr P. Ridgway to a well-attended meeting nnder the aaspices of tb3 Independent Laboar Party held on Sunday evening in the Premier Buildings, St. John's-square, Cardiff. The I.L.P., he said, objected to tbe waste of money on pablic fane- tions that were of no benefit to the people, Jaeh as welcoming dnkss, earls, and other social parasites. The ^Corporation bad no power to grant money out of tbe rates for feeding school children, bat in other directions the Corporation was breaking the spirit, if not the letter, of the law by grant- ing money to such voluntary institutions at In- firmaries. They did this by raising the Mayor's salary and telling him be was expected to give a certain amount to the Infirmary. They did Dot object to that, nor toald they object if tt was proposed to raise his salary by JEt.,000 to be given to feeding tbe children, bat it was not for that purpose it was to spend on functions that were wasteful. The motion was seconded by Mr S. Hall, and sapported by several speakers and carried unani- mously. The meeting was presided over by Mr J. Graham, chairman of the Trades and Liaboar Council, and during the eyeoing Mr J. T. Brownlie, Amalgamated Society of Engineers, delivered an address on Kuakic," whom he dealt with as a social reformer. Buskin, be said, laid it down that it was the duty of tbe State to see that every child was properly housed, fed. and educated till it arrived at years of dia- cretion. The speaker wonidered wbat; Raskin would have said had he lived to read the report. recently given to tbe world on the physical de- generation of the children of Great Britain. The reason technical instruction had been introduced waa to enable this country to compete commer- cially with other nations. Hnskin's idea of education was that a child should be edncated how to live and how to prodnoe the beat work in the highest and most artistic sense. Raskin's teaching was influencing mankind to-day they had on the part of the workers to-day a desire for a living wage. Ruskin asserted that no one had a right to an acre of land 8) long as a man remained in the country who had no land. He claimed that the land belonged- to God and its users. "There is no wealth but life," he wrote; "Hfe,iDclnding all its powers of love, joy and admiration. That country is" richest which nourishes the greatest nnmber" of noble and happy hamau beings."
TITTLE-TATTLE AND ASSAU LT.…
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TITTLE-TATTLE AND ASSAU LT. A Maesteg Hause;lnvasion. At Bridgend Police Court on Saturday Thomot Evans, of Bethania-etreet, Maeateg, repairer, was summoned for assaulting Mrja carding. wife of William Fardiag, a next door neighbour, an3 damaging furniture to the valafe &T £ 3 7s. There was A cfoss-snmmons against William Harding. Mr T. 3. Hughes appeared for the Hardinge, and Mr Evan E. Daviea for the defence. Mrs Harding said that last Saturday evening he hear4 a noise outside her hoasej and on going to the door saw defendant, who appeared in a bad temper, Mid threatened to kill her if she came out. She went into the hoase and ahut the abor, when Evans jumCed the fence and burst into the house. Going into the kitchen be assaulted her, taking her head ondec his arm. Witness screamed, and hertusbaind, who was in bed, came running downstairs. Evans then attacked him, and she went oat for 'assistance. The defendant also palled over a chest of drafters, and destroyed articles to the va!uaofJE57a. William Harding gave corroborative evidence, and two witnesses were called to seeing Evana go into tbe bocse. Acting-Sergeant Dagg eaid he had received complaints from both parties previous to the quarrel with regard to the nse of threats. On tbe day of the disturbance he was called to the house, and he afterwards saw Evans, who did not deny having committed the assault. Evans showed him a number of braiees. which he aileged the Hardings had eeased. For the defence Mr Evan Davies said Mrl Harding came to that court in the garb of an angel, and asked the Bench toJt>elisvs that Evant went into tbe house without any reason, and de- liberately beat her and her husband. Thomas Evans stated that Mcs Hardipg had continually alleged immorality between him anct bis landlady, and he went iuto the bouaa to ask her what she bad to sav. He was met at tbe door by Mrs Harding with a brush and her bas- and jvitb a poker. They dragged him into the hoaaeaadaaaanttecthim. The chest o! drawer* was pulled over in the struggle. I Tbe Bench fined Evans £2 for the aasanlt and JBldamsge, and on the application of Mr Hughes the witnesses' costs were paid out of the fine. Tbf I ohargQ against; Willing S&ijlior WM (IUni|pp«d.