Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
36 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau
36 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
DOMESTIC TRAGEDY. .
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DOMESTIC TRAGEDY. Six Children Murdered. SUICIDE OF THE FATHER. ^VBaliifcury correspondent telegraphs that a "*3*39 waa discovered at Amesbury, a '"age od the borders of Salisbury Plain, in the J?* hoars ot Saturday morning, a father, it is J'ftRed, having murdered his six children and JjJ1 committed saicide. man's Dame is Peter Head, and he was a **«ired sergeant-major in the Royal Garrison rf|lery. He was in receipt of a pension, and °ded to his income by acting as insarance On Friday afternoon it is stated he suggested *? oi»wife he should take the baby, a nine months apparently in J8 good spirits. He called at the Bchool for "?• five other children, who were in attendance ^ere—three boys and two girls—whose ages ?nKed from tbree to 10, and they were all sesn 7 the villagers as they passed along the road, • father chatting playfully as they walked. Nothing more was beard of them, and as the fell and they did not return the police *ete communicated with. Soon after midnight Policeman made a gruesome diicovery. Passing an unfrequented road which skirts a deep °°aea gorge, the light of his bull's-eye fell upon dead bodies of the baby and the eldest girl, lo, lying in a pool of blood, with their j?'°*ts cut, and about 80 yards further on, by "ids of some ricks, he came across another -e girl, also with her throat cut. On the other Were the father and his three little sons, J;1 With their throats horribly hacked, and on Staas hard by was a blood-stained razor. *he man lay without coat, waistcoat, collar, J1 *'•, and these, vith another razor! which bore of having been employed in the crime, tre found piled up in a heap. is A letter was found upon tbe father in which it ? s'ated b& acknowledged the authorship of the but gave no motive for his terrible act. The Wieg were removed to the workhouse, and a examination showed that death took *2b some five or six hours before the unfortu- >ictima were found. U a family of nine only the mother and one *°ghter survive. Head had only lived I Amesbury some IS months, coming u001 Andover, HantB, though it is not i°°wn where his home is. The nsigh- ui??8 in the village say he was a very in- ,"IRent man, who led a most respectable life, «o (ar as is kn^wn, wqs not in difficulties. Widow is naturally prostrate with grief, and throw no light upon the occurrence. From ju# Position of the bodies as found it appears tae eldest child endeavoured to runaway v the baby, as tbeir corpses were considerably J'er the high road than the others. e«^n Andover corresnondent says:—The tragedy & painful sensation at Andover, where and his family were known. When he left T^'Und he invested his savings whilst in the ]t<ny in the purchase of about seven acres of Jod kt Picket twenty, on the outskirts of {^dover. and this he developed as a poultry fit?0' -^he venture, however, proved a financial |T -r" .md he is said to have lost all his j 'Oga. The neighbours say that Head was J^'ion&tely fond of hiscbildren, and waa of a disposition. He was known to have oon°iderably from sunstroke whilst in • »rmy jn India and when at Picket Twenty careful not to expose himself to the sun w1°l> Weather. He was in receipt of about £ 1 a 12ek. He resided at Picket Twenty for about 1 Months, and it was here Alfred, one of the children, was born, When he left Andover q w»s employed at the Institute at JBulford )hV*1", Dnrrington, and elsewhere before moving 0. to Amesbury. It is believed that the loss lip C'flltal on the Picket Twenty holding preyed mj? ">8 man's mind, and latterly he had an "itionaJ trouble in being called upon to sup- 1_" bis mother as well as his own family. The was let to a tenant, but Head himself not a»ain face the scene of hia fiuancial Mrs Head visiting the farm in February. tw"1 inquest into the circumstances of the w^dy on Salisbury Plain, in which six children 5?*" murdered by their father, who afterwards h0>tt8d smcide, was held at Amejbury Work- 8ft* on Mo.id«v evening by the coroner for Wilts, Mr Richard Wilson. >». Robert Head, was stated to be 47 oJ R"e» ani* tbe cames Bn<* aRa* U **n were given as follow :—Wildred Grace, ,i « Florence Ellen, seven; William Robert, (} Peter, four Alfred, two; and Froderick nine months. U» • Coroner having briefly referred to the J» r,tl9 nature of the tragedy and to the fact that wife was quite unable to the evidence of identification was given by Edward Kingsley, Portsmouth, Head s S^er-in-law. k?-S. Scott described the discovery of the ffiS and said that the youngest boy was blind- ed with a handkerchief. Head s body was $^ Tartly dressed and hia jacket and waiBtcoat apparently baen carefully placed on the uj0Q&d wite bis hat on top of them. Underneath bat was a pencil-written note, addressed to Coroner, which read All are dead and in GoS have mercy on my soul. I have 1\ a terrible sufferer." Qbr. Lockver, of Ameabury, who said that must have been practically instantaneous ?*ery case, stated that he knew deceased very fc*nv and he had lately said he was greatly rrUd over non-com pi sted proposals for insur- Evidence having been given by Charles schoolmaster at Amesbury. as to deceased 8t the aehool for bis daughter Grace on k?day afternoon and afterwards walking to- the downs with bis children, IJ^ttery-Sereeant Stamp, of the Royal Garri- Artillery, stationed «t BnUord, deposed to a letter from Uead, in which be said t1 »tti going to cioss the line with my poor With aU hope of successful work gone, I to take my life and the lives of my tfc11 boy*" well. I cannot leave them to Will you accept my medsls, as I have Ij °«e to leave them to." This letter was Ij one to leave them to." This letter was Tp'd, Yours, not a coward, P. R. Head." ^be Coroner re*d a letter which Head had to the vicar of Amesbury, in the course ^hich he snid, I have to thank you for your to me. I am sorry I have lost all .hope w ^etting on. I am completely worn out with and reverses. God forgive me for all, but » triei har J to be a good man and lead a life. Do not think too hard of me. 1 have been to your chuich and asked my God to Ijj 1116 and have mercy on mi. Bury us all Ijj me and have mercy on mi. Bury us all I w'dow, in her statement made to the u 0l>er at her bouse, said they bad lived happily Mother, and her husband's first thought was tk^Ss for her and the children, He had never oc suicide, and when he read of any such c0 fences he would say, He must be a fen 5 if anything happened I would face the Some years ago he had a fall from a iurp&rt, and she thought that had aSected his On Wednesday night he complained of »0 and said he feared be would lose bis rea- ls. 'f thev continued. Her husband had a psn- i>?, £ 1 a week. Hd0 ia-ty retarned vardictof" Wilful murder suicide whilst insane."
IORY OF A PLEDGED QUilT.
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IORY OF A PLEDGED QUilT. Cardiff Girl Wrongly Accused. I ila1 Cardiff on Monday (before Aid,David Jones, Alex. Duncan and J. B. Ferrier), a ser- if,' Kirl named Annie McGee, or Barrelt (22), W ?h»rged with the thbft of a quilt and certain »t- 'nK apparel from Mary Davies, Eldou- between the 16th and 18t September. The was very conflicting. Davies stated that the girl W6nt into her W; y on August 29tb, and left without giving Inn*56 0D September 18tb. She then found the 't o' ^ing, its value being 21s. She last saw i*1 the Friday nrevious. the prosecutrix and the prisoner are S'jan Jewd. s°ber's rapid cross-examination went to that the Monday previous to that on which quilt to g'aondry, and on September 18th she gave ber J? to Pay for its washing. it was taken to the laundry was evident story of Eliza Wheeler, widow, of 17. ht^'set-street. She stated that the qnilt was .Rbt to her house on the 12th September. She d 11 on the Thureday. Witness, aa 8he to money, then pawned the quilt ti110 Saturday for 2s 5d, and redeemed it Tuesday following, but she bad not seen to.*k'iS'Oner from the first time she called until fc»l and as she did not know to wbom the quilt ed, sha could not return it. I u 0Q>lKiBtrates discharged the prisoner, who Wf0b6en arrested at Batb. Calling Mrs Wheeler them, Alderman,David Jones told hsr she i^e Retting into trouble if she pawned other 8 property.
INdURED WHILE AT PLAY.
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INdURED WHILE AT PLAY. Swansea Schoolgirl's Death. Coroner's inquest at Swansea into the ft5#tances attending the death of Sarah Ellen M th^'0^* aged 9, who died from blood poisoning i^tt8 k?sPital, it was stated that the child was playing in St. Joseph's playground, n '9 a^e walk home. There wae a red spot cat, and as the pain increased medical aid the k *'ned, and eventually she was removed to Viciri Pital. The gane being played when the occurred was called Oock Warren," o h|8°6a,9etl feU with her le doubled under her. «« ;*•»e was attached to anyone, and a verdict *^eath fromnatural causes was returned.
^CKWITH FARMER'S SUDDEN DEATH.
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^CKWITH FARMER'S SUDDEN DEATH. b'l<tr E. Llewellyn Reeie,deputy district coroner, Hjit. inqueat on Monday into the circutn- of the dsatb of Mr Daniel Cosslett, of 84 y Dton Farm, Leckwith. Deceased, who was W6n1^ of "Se, and died on E'riday night, was eCa owa farmer throughout the district. it1 vsidow, who was greatly distressed, tlOl beer husbanrl bad been in good health.and had I¡à beQ attended bv a doctor. He was bright ?°'cl erf°l on Friday night, and went to bed at She went unstairs soon after, and lIba "Ind of rattling noise. She rushed to her room and found him unconscious), and Ca' Rbout ten mminutes later. Dr. Cownie, C^r °ton' 8a'd he viewed the body an hour 1 ftGd he attributed death to failure cf the Allowing pneumonia. Verdict ftcsorii-
---Innkeeper and Girl.
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Innkeeper and Girl. SERIOUS GABALFA CHARGE. Previous Case Reealled. At Llandaff Police Court on Monday the ad. I journed charge against William Roderick, landlord of the Three Horse Shoes Inn, Gaballa, of indecently assaulting Beatrice Hallett, for- merly in bis employ as a domestic servant, came of indecently assaulting Beatrice Hallett, for- merly in bis employ as a domestic servant, came on for bearing, Mr Harold Lloyd (instructed ) by the Director of Public Prosecutions) appeared to prosecute, and Mr F. H. Gaskell was for the defendant. At the previous hearing the complainant, who is 16 years of age. said that in Mrs Roderick's absence defendant came to her bedroom early one morning and assaulted her. He got into her bed whilst she was sleeping, and when she discovered his presence Bhe ordered him out of the room. He left, but returned later and made certain aaggestions to her. Gomplainant also alleged that the door of her room, which WC\8 bolted, was forced by defendant, he having previously loosened feedscrews of the bolt receiver. Mr Harold Lloyd stated that he had been instructed to appear for the prosecution since the case was part heard a week ago. He added that after the Rirl had made her complaint to the police she went to defendant's house for her clothes, whereupon the defendant tried to per- suade her not to go on with the case, in the presence of her sister and P.S. Phillips. Sergeant Phillips cautioned the defendant, and he replied, There is nothing in this. My motber-itvlaw has put her up to it. I shan't be there (meaning Llandaff) on Monday and she won't be there and nothing will be done Mithont the chief witness—the same as the other case." The complainant, recalled, stated that when she paid her visit to defendant's house to get her clothes defendant followed her to the bedroom put his band on her shoulder, and asked her bow she could do such a thing, knowing the trouble he was in and seeing his wife had left him. Just then her sister entered the room, and defen- dant said, Well, I am sorry for what I have done." Witness was asked to call another day, and did so. On that occasion she and her sister saw defendant in a downstairs room, and P.S. Phillips was there for a few minutes, having come to serve the summons upon the defendant. Defendant said to witness, Don't go to Llan. daff on Monday, because if you and I stay away they cannot do anything to us." Sergeant Phil- lips told defendant not to intimidate the girl. After the sergeant bad gone defendant asked wit- ness to forgive him, saying, I know I did not act a man. I ougbt to be thrashed. Don't let the case go on. Come up to-morrow and see me —you, your mother, and your sister." He then asked witness's sister to fetch him some cigars, and when she was out of the room defendant Offered Witness Money. It drooped on tho floor, but no one picked it np. Witness saw it was a (fold coin. When witness's siater returned to the room defendant said, As to the other girli she is on the carpet, and they I will never find her." He added that he would keep witness altogether if she would make the ar- rangements then, as his wife would never return to him. Cross examined by Mr Gaskell, complainant said that the bolt of her bedroom door was not a strong one. Anyone could buist it. She dill,not notice anything the watter with it whenBhe fastened tbo bolt that night. As soon as she knew that defendant had got into her bed she screamed to frighten him away. He left after she remonstrated with bim,but returned in about three hours. Why didn't you scream until he left the room? -liacauie I knew who it was. Bat you would be equally afraid of him as of auybody bIbb ?— No answer. Yon say he forced the door when be CIUbe into yotir room ?—He must have done else he could not have been there. I beard him fastening the screws of the bolts the following day. Do you mean to say you screamed loudly and that the barman, who only slept a. shott dis. tance away, did not bear you ?-The barman must have slept heavily. You asked him next morning if he had heard screams, and he laId" No ?—Yes. You spoke to Mrs Waldron, defendant's mother-in-law the following day T—Yes. Did she ask you how you got on the previous night ?-Ye. and I told her the same as I told the barman. Had yon discussed the case of the other girl with her or anyone 1-Well: it had been talked about. Was it in consequence of that you have made this complaint ?-No. Barman Treated as Hostile Witness. Gwilym Hnish (16), employed as a barman by defendant, was called by Mr Harold Lloyd on a subpoena. He said be saw Beatrice Hallett on the morning after the date of the alleged offence, and she asked him if he had heard her scream during tbe night. He replied in the negative. Shetfid not tell him anything, and he did not ask ber anything. Mr Lloyd at this point obtained permission to ireat the wtneeii as hostile, and the following dialogue easued. Now be carefnl. Do you mean to say that after she asked yon about the screams yon did not auk her why she put the question ?-No. And she did not tell you anything ?—No. Didn t you call her a mug when shti told you what hitd happened the previous night ?- No. You had heard about the charge which another girl had prBvionsly made aeainst the defendant ? -Yes- • When did Mr Roderick first speak to you about this case ?-He did not speak to me about it at all- Did you go to his solicitor, Mr Gaskell, last Tuesday and make a statement Yes. Who asked you to go ? -Wr Roderick. Then he must have spoken to yon abont the casc.-He asked me to go and say what Beatrice Hallett said to me. Did you read the report of the case in the papers last Monday evening ?-Yes, You saw what Beatrice Hallett said-thal she told you the following morning that Mr Roderick got into her bed the night before ?— Yea. In the face of that, did you tell Mr Roderick her statement was nntrue -No I did not see him that evening. Bnt you saw him the following morning, and he asked you to go to his solicitor ?-Yes. < Examined by Mr Gaskell, witness said that on the Saturday Beatrice Hallett told him that it was at Lllrs Waldron's ".(defundant'a mother-in. law) instigation she bad taken out the summons. yarah Hallett, sister of the complainant, cor- roborated her sister's story of defendant's efforts to prevent her from appearing in Court against him. P.S. Phillips, Whitchurch, stated that when he served defendant with the summons issued by complainant he saw Beatrice pnd Sarah Hallett with him in his house. Defendant said to com- plainant, You won't ?o to Llandaff on Mon- day, Beattie." Subsequently he said to witness, She won't be at Llandaff, and I shan t be there. They can't do anything without the chief witness-the same as the other case." Witness told him he mast not intimidate the witnesses. This closed the case for the prosecution. Mr Gaskell said that if the Bench had decided there was sufficient evidence to commit defendant for trial. -The Chairman Yes-be would simply Dut defendant in the box,so as to have his evidence on the depositions. Defendant's Denials. Defendant was then sworn, and gave an un- qualified denial to tbecomplainant'sstatements. rte admitted that be bad quarrelled with his wife, and that she left him on the 14th September. After ha went to bed that night be fell asleep, and was awakened by what he thought were foot- steps. Thinking that poasibiy bis wife had reo turned. he got up and went to tbe door of com- plaintant's room. He turned the handle. and the door opened. He then called out, Beattio, is my wife thete?" and she replied, No." Thereupon he closed the door and went to the barman's room for the kevs of the bar. Finding everything was all right be returned to bed, and did not get ap again until 8 o'clock in the morn- ing. On that day his mother-in-law came from Tontag and want to a Mrs Phillips's bouse, where his wife was staying. There was bad feel- ing between Mrs Phillips and witness on account of his wife staying there. It was not tros that he told complainant not to go to Llandaff on Monday, or that he offered her any money. He did not make any aUusions as to the whereabouts of any other girl. Complainant told him that his mother-in-law put it into her head to summon him. He told Sergt. Phillips that tbe S'rl 8 story was concocted He thought Sergt. Phillips did say something about intimidating the girl- He was referring to the case ia which a girl named'Byng had made a charge against him, when he told the sergeant that they could do nothing without the chief witness." Cross-Examined. Cross-examined by -Mr Lloyd: He suggested that this was a conspllacy between Mrs Wald- ron, his mother-in-law and the complainant to do him an injury. -Mr Lloyd You have been rather unfortunate with reference to conspiracies ?—Yes. Another girl has made a more serious charge than this against you, which is banging over yonr head 7-Yomi. Was I hat a conspiracy, too ?—Yes. This girl came to you with a good character f— Yes. And Mrs Waldron gave evidence in your favoar in the other case ?—Yes. Then why do you suggest they should now conspire to do you an injury ?-It was sup- posed that my wife and I bad parted, and on the impulse of the moment they would do anything. Do you suggest that Sergeant Phillips is in the conspiracy ?—No. Do you suggest that he has told untruths ?— Yes, in the way of saying I should not be at Llandaff. or the girl. Why did Sergeant (-Phillips tell yon not to intimidate the gitt ?-As a precaution I eupfiose, Committal to the Assizes. Mr Gaslrell asked that defendant shonld be committed to the Quarter Sessions in preference to the Assizes, but the Clerk said the Public Prosecutor had written bim. asking that prisoner should go to the Assizes, as be was already under bia recognisances to appear tber-j on another charge Mr Harold Lloyd said he had been instructed to oppose the granting of bail, or, if bail were granted, that it should be in a very substantial sum. Colonel Heniy Lewis (the chairman) said be felt that defendant might be admitted to bail, himself in iE200 aud two naxetlM of ieloo each.
FORMERLY OF CARDIFF.
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FORMERLY OF CARDIFF. CHARGES OF FORGERY & CONSPIRACY last 12 months ago a cheque for E819, purport- ing to be drawn by Mr Edwin Marshall Fox, was cashed at the London Joint Stock Bank, West- minster, and Lionel Rapton Holmes was arrested I and tried on a charge of uttering the cheque, which was aliened to have been forged. The jury, I however, disagreed, and he was released. Holmes was rearrested on Saturday along with two other men, owing to information given, it is said, by a convict at present under- going penal servitude. The three men were brought up on Saturday at Westminster Police Court on charges of forgery and conspiracy. Their names are Talbot Bridgewater (49), medical specialist, of 59, Oxford-street Lionel Peyton Holmes (53), doctor's assistant, and William Edward Shackell (49), surveyor, of Buckingha.m-atreat, Portland-place, W. Mr Muir, Mr Bodkin, and Mr Sims were coun- sel for the Public Prosecutor. Organised by Bridgwater." Mr Muir, in opening the case, said the charge had reference to a forged cheque for 1819, which was stolen, with other cheque forms, from a book belonging to Mr Edwin Marshall Fox, an Ameri- can gentleman well known in this country. This forged cheque was paid by a cashier on Sept. 22nd, 1904, at the London Joint Stock Bank Victoria-street, Westminster. The prisoner Holmes was alleged to be the person who presented the cheque, and he was tried at the Old Bailey, but the jury were unable to agree. The prisoners, who had long been associated, were now in the dock in consequence of information which had been recently given by a convict now undergoing a long term of penal servitude. This man was a party to the whole proceed- ing. He stole the cheque forms the one filled in for X819 was forged by Shackell and uttered by Holmes. The whole crime was organised by Bridgewater, who afterwards procured the chang- ing of the bank-notes, the proceeds of the for- gery and divided the money in proportions as he thonght fit. There were other matters which would no at present be detailed, but the coart would hear a great deal more about the prisoners before the case ended. The prisoner Shackell said he should like to know the name of the convict. Mr Muir There is no secret about it. His name is Fisher, otherwise Dean. Mr Edwin Marshall Fox, a director of public companies in this country and America, said his office in London was at 28, Victoria-street, S. W. Miss Toovey was his solo clerk, and she and he aione possessed the keys of the office and the safe. A cheque which was changed for £ 819 on Sept. 22nd last year drawn on his bankers, the London Joint Stock Bank, Westminster branch, was a forgery. Replying to all the prisoners in turn, Mr Fox said that they were unknown to him personally. He had never heard of Shackell before. Lady Clork's Evidence. Miss Mary Eleanor Toovey, residing at 48, Salford-road, Streatbam-hill, deposed that she had been in the employment of Mr Fox, the last witness, for about nine years. She had known the prisoner Bridgewater for two or three years, but was jinacquiinted with Holmes or Shackell. She never saw Holmes until the pre- vious Old Bailey proceedings, when he was charged with uttering the checiae, and the ipry disagreed. For some time prior to September, 1904, she had a lodger in her bouse in Salford- lotid. This man left about September 26th or 27th without notice. She knew her lodger by the name of Dean. She recognised the photogiapb produced of her- self showing her in her bedroom. Her brother, an amateur, took the photograph, and copies were kept loose in her sitting-room. Dean might have had access to these photographs. Whoever got possession of that photograDb stole it. She did not give it to Dean. Shackell asked whether Dean, otherwise tbe convict Fisher, had visitors. Witness replied in the negative, and added that he fSbackell) was certainly not a visitor. Decteotive-Chief-Inspector Charles Arrow Scotland Yarjl, aaid be went with Inspectors Fuller and Kane on Saturday afternoon to 59. Oxford-street. They there arrested Bridgewater and Holmes. To Bridgewater he said, "You know me I have a warrant for your arrest." When the warrant was read Bridgewater said. It is a conspiracy on the part of the polioe." A young lady was present who was described as Bridgwater s Housekeeper. To herBridgawater said, You remain here while the police search, for they are capable of any- thi jig they may pat something here and say they found it." Witness seized a quantity of docu- ments. At Rochester-row Police Station Bridge- water and Holmes were confronted with Shackell, who asked who was the informant. The charge was read over to the three prisoners, and neither made any remaik. Mr Bodkin Nothing bad been said or read about an informant when Shackell mad&Jiis observation ? Inspector Arrow Nothing whatever. Detective-inspector Robert Fuller give evidence as to the arrest of Holmes on Dr. Bridgewater'a premises. All Holmes said was, It ip rather rough to have to go through it again." Detective-inspector Kane, D Division, said he apprehended Shackell at -2. Buckingbam-street, Great Portland-street. Ho was told he was charged with Bridewlloter and Holmes. His answer was, 1 say nothing. It in a matter wbich requires grave consideration." Went From Cardiff. Detective-Inspector Kane, D Division, answer- ing Mr Muir, said he had known the prisoners as associates for ten ye?ls. Bridgewater came from Cardiff in 1895, and Holmes shortly afterwards went to him as assistant or dispenser. Mr Curtis Bennett remanded the prisoner. and refusea bail.
LADY DOCTOR ARRESTED.
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LADY DOCTOR ARRESTED. At Westminster on Monday Elizabeth Foster (67), said to be a doctor, with several diplomas of Ingleaide, Seaford, Sussex, was charged with being associttted with Talbot Bridge- water, medical specialist, of Oxford-street, Lionel Peyton Holmes, his assistant, and William Edward Shackell, surveyor, of Bucking- ham-street, Portland-place, in a case of alleged forgery and conspiracy. The three last named were brought no before the magistrate on Satur- day and remanded. Coansel asked tbat Foster should be remanded till Saturday, when the men would again appear. According to the evidence of the police Foster was arrested on a warrant on Saturday at her residence, a manaion facing the Ilea at Seaford. A forcible entry had to be made, and the bath room door broken open. Prisoner was inside the bath room when the warrant was read. Foster said she knew nothing of the matter or of the men. On the wav to Seaford Police Station the woman said be did know Dr. Bridgewater. He stayed at Seaford occasionally. Foster's home was afterwards searched, and a number of documents were seized. In London, when the warrant was read of association with the men, prisoner remarked, I only knew two of tham-Briclgewater and Sbackell." Prisoner was remanded till Satur- day, bail being refused, —
THE NEWTREDEGAR LANDSLIP.
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THE NEWTREDEGAR LANDSLIP. Further Movement. At a meeting of the BedweUty District Council at New Tredegar on Monday night. Mr J. V. Lewis, Blackwood, presiding, Alder- man N. ehillips, J.P., stated that since the last meeting of the Council there bad been a further perceptible landslip at New Tredegar. This confirmed the view,which he had expressed at a previous meeting, that the slide was still dangerous, and that it wonld be nonsense to construct a roadway. A letter was read from tbe Monmouthshire county sur-1 veyor suggesting that a joint conference be held between the Rhymney and Bedwellty District Councils with a view to laying down another road on a different line. The 3nggestion was agreed to.
WREXHAM WIFE'S DEATH.
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WREXHAM WIFE'S DEATH. Jury's Open Verdict. On Monday night af Wrexham the Easti Denbighshire coroner held an inquiry into the deatbi of the wife of a collier named Walter Jones. On Saturday deceased and her husband had jeveral quarrols, and it is alleged that he kicked her on the leg and struck her. She died directly afterwards. The medical evidence was that death was due to shock and hemorrhage, the result of an injury to the lower part of the bedy. The verdict was that death was due to violence, but how inflicted there was not suffi- cient evidence to show. Jones was bronght before the magistrates and stands remanded on the charge of manstanchter.
------."---__----BARRY FARMER…
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BARRY FARMER AND HIS FENCES. Arthur Brown, a yonng man living at Station- street, Barry Dock,was summoned on Monday for, assaulting Joseph Brown, Colcet Farm, on Satur- day, September 16tb, and also for damaging ft fence to the extent of 10s. Complainant said he saw his nnmesaks in his field with a stake in his hand. When requested to throw the stake down complainant hit him on the head. Defendant was accompanied by another yoong man. Defendant now said that he was stopped by complainant in the field, and when charged with breaking the fences he offered to take him and show him the gateway through which he entered. Complainant thereupon struck him. Complainant admitted that after being struck he returned the blow. A fine of 5s and costs was imposed for the aesaalt. the charge of damaging the fences being dis- missed.
MAGISTRATES AND BAD LANGUAGE
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MAGISTRATES AND BAD LANGUAGE Cases of using Improper language in the:stteets of Barry have of late been on the increase, but judging by a few sharp sentences the mag'stratas are in earnest when, according to Mr D. T. Alexander at the local Police Court, they aver their intention of really stopping this thing. Bridget Ferris, of Bassett-streot, who made her fourth appearance on a similar charge, was sent to prison for a month Catherine Dooley, a. eister of the last defendant, was fined 5s and costs and Margaret Mutei1, who had been alrsady convicted 21 times for various offences, was also seat to gaol f« £ a mouth with bard
IThe Horrors at Baku.
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I The Horrors at Baku. I NEWPORT MAN'S GRAVE PERIL. How He Did His Duty. Misi Ethel Willans, Newport, has received from ber brother, who is one of the five English- men who were besieged by the Armenians in connection with the riots in the Baku oil dis- trict, a letter in which hereferB tohis experience nnder sieee. You will have heard about the horrors here," he writes. Well, multiply it by twenty and then you will have a feeble Idea of what occurred. 11 I was shut ap in my place at Zabrat fiye daya without water, except Naisyan (a local mineral water), and all the people here were cry- ing and lainting. It was terrible I All around us were fires and rifle shots. People were killed in onr Own yard—ten Armenians, right on the plain in front of the house. You couldn't walk a yard without having aeveral shots fired at you. We tried to save a wounded man, but the Armenian rifle was too good, and we had to give it up. Baku is in a, state of siege, and the soldiers have bad to bombard part of the town. We have not started work yet, as the Armenians won't allow as, and threaten to kill anyone who works. The Tartars are all very wild and are waiting to have another go. I was glad you were at home, and don't you tbink of coming here again. Moat of the English people were on a steamer, but Urquhart rode out to see if 1 wail still alive. It was very brave of him, because everyone thought we were killed. Still I have the satisfaction of knowing that I saved Zabrat for the company- and it's something to know yon have done your duty." Mr Willans, as before reported in our columns, is the son of the late Ux Willans (Happerfield and Willans), Great Western Wharf, Newpora.
- ROATH PARK LAKE. --
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ROATH PARK LAKE. Suggested Electric Launch. At Monday's meeting of Cardiff Parks Com- mittee the Chairman (Councillor Chappell) strongly advocated the purchase of an electric launch, with accommodation for, say, 30 or 40 passengers, for use on Roath Park take. Cardiff, he said, shoald be as enterprising as some other municipalities in utilising their water spaces for the greatest good to the greatest number. Par- ticulars from several towns where launches are in use were presented by the parks superintendent, and these went to sbow that not only were they patronised, but that they provided a handsome return upon the capital invested. The Chairman estimated that a revenue would be secured which would enable the committee to provide far better music and more of it in tbe parks. and considered that the capital outlay would be returned in one season's working. Councillor Veall Opposed the proposal, saying that be regarded boating as a healthful exer- cise, and that the purchase of a launsb would prejudice the boat owners and dirainish the number of oarsmen. He had little donbt but that the scheme would pa;, bat bo would, say, tbe location of Studt e roundabouts in the recreation ground. Councillor Kidd pointed to the success of launches at Southport and other towns, where the Corporations let out lakes to private syndi- cates, who were eoining meney from the laanobet. He believed that £ 1,000 a year could be made out of the proposal. He preferred that the profits should go to the municipality. Councillor Ramsdale said be had last week visited Oldham, and there discovered that launches were proving acceptable to the people and yielding a big profit. The Chairman said that in Battersea Park the municipality had 70 boats Goad four canoes, and they received substantial benefit from managing the lot themselves. There thev had only 16 acres of water. while in Cardiff they had 30 acres of as fids a lake as any in the country for purposes of boating generally, and yet they as a Corporation received only £ 50 from the boat- owners. And there were other reasons that appealed to the working classes with children why a launch should be pat to ply on the Roath Lake, and one was that the charges made for the use of the boats at present were 6d per hour per person and is per hour for the boatmen. In Battersea Park the charges were 6d per boas per hoar, and the cbufle" for the proposed launch should be Id per child and 2d per adult nor hour. After farther discussion It was agreed to seek dcuilod particulars from towos nbora electrio launches were run on the nnhitc lalro. Th» Chairman emphasised the importance of setftling upon the proposal at an early date. so that the launch should be available by May next.
---TREDEGAR LADY'S SUICIDE.
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TREDEGAR LADY'S SUICIDE. Pathetic Story at the Inquest. Oa Monday, at Tredegar, Mr J. B. Walford, District Coroner, held an inqpest on the body of Miss Alice A. Holmes. Decreed was found in Park-row pond on Fri lay morning last. The evidence of Mr John Holmes, father of de- ceased, showed that bis daughter had never been of a robust constitution, but she exhibited no signs of depression. She was of a very religious tarn of mind, and continually read the Bible and frequently prayed. On Thursday morning she entered the bedroom where her invalid mother elept, after he had gone downstairs, and knelt by the bedside and prayed. She did not show frenzy in her religion, and he did not think she was intereated in the revival.—The Coroner Had she domestic duties to perform I-Vvituess Yes, her mother is an invalid, and there are five other members of the family.—The Coroner Then she had not much time to read the Bible, I should think.—A verdict of Suicide by drown- ing whilst temporarily of unsound mind was returned, and the Coroner and jury expressed deep sympathy with The family.
ENGLISH COAL BOARD. ---...-
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ENGLISH COAL BOARD. Proposed Reduction of Wages. The Coal Conciliation Board for the English federated mining districts will meet on Wednes day to further consider the coalownera' anplica tion for a 5 per cent. reduction in wages. This was considered by the Board at the beginning of August, and then adjourned with a view of seeing if there was any improvement in the volume of trade and selling prices. Wages in the federated districts now stand at 40 per cent. above the standard wage of 1888, and from the maximum attained during the boom period of four years ago have dropped 20 per cent. The fixed minimum under the present agreement which extends until December 31st, 1906, is 35 per cent. above the standard, so that the coal- ee nera' proposal is to bring wages down to the absolute minimum. The men's representatives contend that the application is not justified and ought not to be pressed. They state that with the signs of improvement in the trade which exist, and with the winter demand practically at hand, there is no reason for asking for any farther reduction, and the proposal if pressed will be strenuously opposed by the men's section of the Board.
GADLYS COLLIER'S DEATH.
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GADLYS COLLIER'S DEATH. On Monday an inquest was held by Mr R, J. Rhys, coroner for North Glamorgan, at the White Lion Inn, Gadlys, Aberdare, touching the death of Thomas John Davies, of Wayne-street, Gadlys, who on August 16th last received injuries at the Nantmelyu Colliery, which terminated in death on Saturday. Mr E. Pugb, manager of the colliery, watched the case on behalf of the owners of the Bwllfa and Merthyr Dare Col- lieries Co., while Mr C. B. Stanton, miners' agent, was present in. the intereatis of the deceased's family and the Federation. W. Davies, brother of deceased, said he was working with him on the day of the accident. While tilling no some small coal a fall occurred, abont 2cwt. of roof coming down on deceased. He was taken out, and had sincq been medically attended. Dr. Banks gave evidence that the fall ba.d caused injuries to deceased's spice, from hich death resulted. A verdict of Accidental loath was returned.
SCENE IN A BRECON CHURCH.
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SCENE IN A BRECON CHURCH. Catholic Service Interrupted. At the Guildhall, Brecon, on Monday, Ed- ward Clifford, mason, of Brecon, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on Sunday morning at Brecon. Defendant said he met a couple of chaps from Cray Water Works, who knew him, and gave him a litte drop of liquor. P.S. Joshua Evans said he was cailed to tbe Roman Catholic Church about 11 on Sunday morning, and saw defendant, who was drank, si I ting in the front part of the chapel. He was creating a disturbance,and had twice stopped the service. He was singing, crying, and patting his bands up alternately. He was requested by the officers of the church to leave, but as he did not do so he was finally ejected, and witness took him into custody. Defendant was fined 10s, in- cluding costs.
VIOAR INHIBITED.
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VIOAR INHIBITED. Admission of Immorality. An episcopal notice has been posted on tbe doors of Wickham Market Parish Church Suffolk, announcing the inhibition of the vicar, the Rev. Edward Henry Griffith, until sentence shall have been given in a cause now pending in Norwich Consistorial Court, wherein the vicar has admitted the truth of certain charges of immoral conduct and behaviour. It is said the conduct complained of took place in the church, end a reparative service has been held.
NAIL PENETRATED THE SKULL.
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NAIL PENETRATED THE SKULL. Trealaw Lad's Fate. An inquest was held on Monday at the Royal Hotel, Trealaw, by Mr H. J. Rbys, coroner, touching the death of the five-year-old son of John Thompson, colliery labourer, Trealaw, who met with an accident whilst at play. A neigh- bour said the child struck himself on the fore- head with a toy wheel, a nail in which pene- trated the skull. Dr. Wiohart said the wonnd caused an abscess in the brain, to which he attributed death. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence waa returned.
, Russian Demand for Cardiff…
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Russian Demand for Cardiff Coal. PRESSURE FOR SHIPMENT. I Rapid Rise in freight Rates. It transpired on the Cardiff Exchange on Monday, through an abnormal demand for ton- nage to Russian Baltic corts. that-as the-rmnit f the scarcity of oil, following on the destruc- ton of the Baku oil wells, Russia has just placed heavy orders for Cardiff steam coals. The total quantity purchased it is difficult to scertain, bat inquiries show that it amounts pproximately to at least 60,000 tons. Ship- ment is required by the 15th October, and the t fear of ice difficulties and of detentions, com- bined with the scarcity of prompt tonnage, has led to a jump of about 1s 61 per ton in the freight ratea since Saturday, and of about 2a 6d above the normal rate. So far the bulk of the vessels chartered have been for Cronstadt, for which on Friday vessels were fixed at 6s and to-day at 7s, with brokers firmly quoting up to 7a 63 at the close of the afternoon's market. From the fact that tenders in which local merchants quoted on tbe basis of a 5s 5J freight rate were refused, it is conjectured that those which were accepted reckoned on an even lower freight rate. If this conjecture prove correct, and the coals were sold c.i.f. on the basis of a 58 6d freight, the contractors who are supplying the coal are being hit badly by the phenomenal rise in freight values. The coal market is undisturbed by the demand, and prices, though harder, are unchanged.
THE STAINES TRAGEDY.
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THE STAINES TRAGEDY. Deceased An Ex-Merthyr Man. A large number of readers in the Merthyr and Aberdare districts have been distressed with tbedetails of the London tragedy connected with the name of Mr John Mills Seddon. Some years i ago, wriliea a corresnondent, he was one of the leading tailors and drapers at Merthyr. Origin- ally he had been a cutter in the eatablishment of Mr Robert Jones, but with the retirement of that gentleman he atarted business on his own account in Thomas Town, and Boon had an excellent trade. As a Freemason be was very popular, and in doe course gained the Dosition of Worshipful Master, and was a visiting and respected brother to the lodges at 3ardiff. Pontypridd, and Aber dare, and was held in great esteem. Eventually he retired with, it ia stated, a fortune of EII,000, aad going to London invested in house pro- perty, and always cordially welcomed the appsar- ance of old frienda from South Wales. His in- timate friend was Mr Wilson, at one time governor of Cardiff gaol. Of late years be appears to have left his old residence, and was last heard of in reduced cir- cumstances, keeping a confectioner's shop in Staines. His condition not long ago waa brought under the notice of his Merthyr friends, and a sabscription. which was handsome bnt only of temporary benefit, waa made. John Mills Seddon has had an nnhappy ending, but his memory will long be esteemed, and his fate regretted by bis old brethren. It will be recaMed that in the course of a dramatic statement at the inquest at Richmond on Thursday last, Mrs Seddon, the widow, said that owing to their desperate circumstances she and her husband determined to die together by taking bellatdonna. The Coroner's jary foand that the deceased committed suicide, but the police arreated the widow—whom the reporters dee or ibe as a grey- haired woman of refined speech—for tbe wilful murder of her husband by aiding and abetting him to take poison, and was remanded. At the Police Court the sister of Mrs Seddon said the prisoner was suffering from cancer.
NAVY VERSUS POLICE.
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NAVY VERSUS POLICE. The Whale Island Fatality. At the Royal Navy Hospital, Haslar, on Mon- day the inquest was resumed on Benjamin Jones, an atmourer's mate at Whale Ialand, who was killed by the explosion of a shell. The inquiry had been adjourned owintf to allegations by the police that tbe naval authorities had not ren- dered them the assistance which they should have done, that they had withheld the names of witneBaea, and that Commander Christian had expressed the opinion that an inquest was not necessary. Commander Christian now emphatically deaied the police statement. He declared that he did not express the opinion as to the inquest being unnecessary, and that he supplied the names of all witnesses, but the police sergeant omitted to take them down in writing. He charged the sergeant with want of tact and with neglect of duty, and declared that he had blamed the; naval authorities to save himself. This the sergeant denied, and insisted tbat the name of » witness in the room at the time of the explosion was not given. The further evidence showed that deceased was trying to take out a shell fuse which he had no right to do when the explosion occurred. A verdlc^ was returned of Deatb from mijiadven- taro."
STOREY ARMS RIOT-a'
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STOREY ARMS RIOT-a A Merthyr Echo. At Merthyr on Monday a charge of assault was preferred by a young Merthyr Vale collier named Harold Brewer against Sidney Bate3, another resident of the same village. Mr F. P. Charles explained that the complainant was one of the party of men who wont to the Storey Arms on Whit Monday. That day, it would be remem- bered, a row broke out and several of the party were dealt with at another court. Brewer was n t fined, but the defendant's brother, who WIloS also there, was, and this waa the origin of the trouble, for Brewer kept aloof from the Bates family after that. On Saturday night the defen- dant, after uøinlZ threats, Btruck him down, and he became unconscious. On the Sunday he re- peatedly threatened to "hammer" him again-, Several witnesses were called, and the defendant alleged that Brewer was diunk and challenged him to fight. He admitted having knocked him down, but said he did so in self-defence. Bates woio fined 45 or one month, and was bound over to keep the peace for six months.
--------MERTHYR GIRL'S PURSE.…
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MERTHYR GIRL'S PURSE. Stolen by Ex-Reformatory Boys. Before the Merthyr Stipendiary on Monday two lads, named William George Wheale and Thomaa Owen, were brought wo on remand on a charge of stealing E6. From the evidence it ap- peared that on September 6tb a young woman named MaryElizabeth Davies,wbo lodged at Ply- mouth-street, Merthyr, and who was going away by train engaged the prisoners to carry her lag- gage to the railway station. They told her she had ample time to catch the train, and taking up one box said they would return for the other. Dur- ing tbeir absence, however, she missed her purse, and finding they did not return she gave infor- mation to the police. When arrested at Dow. lais it transpired that they had divided' the money and purchased Buits-of clothes, boots, and a football and boxing gloves. It was stated that both had been in a reformatory school, Wheale was further charged with stealing an overcoat. The prisoners both pleaded guilty, and the Sti- pendiary, who characterised the theft as a very bad one, committed them for six months' im- prisonment with hard labour.
INFURIATED SPANIARD.
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INFURIATED SPANIARD. Strange Dowlais Assault. At Meithyr on Monday Jose Condio, a Spanish labourer employed at the Dowlais Steel Works, who did not appear, had a charge of serious assault preferred against him by a mason's labourer named John Jones. Mr F. P. Charles, who appeared to prosecute for Messrs Guest, Keen, and Co., said that on the 18th inst Jones, who was employed at the coke ovens, had occasion to pass the defendant with his barrow. The wheel touched him as be went by, and flar. ing up with temper he took out a shovelful of hot ashes from the ovens and threw them at Jones, He was severely burnt about the face and neck, Since then the Spaniard had disappeared, and had not yet been traced. He was sentenced to two months' imprisonment.
MILLION DOLLAR FIRE.
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MILLION DOLLAR FIRE. New York, Monday.—A great fire broke out yesterday at Buttemont. A number of buildings were destroyed. The loss is estimated at one million doll bro. -Central News.
YOUTH'S MURDER CONFESSION.
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YOUTH'S MURDER CONFESSION. Frank carpenter's apprentice (17), was charged on remand at Portsmouth yesterday with murdering his Ister Beatrice, aged 24, who was found dead with terrible wounds in the throat at their parents' house in Cardiff-road, North-end, Portsmouth. After evidence similar to that adduced at the inquest had been given, a written statement by prisoner was read. In this accused stated be was sitting smoking in the kitchen where his sister was reading. Be asked her to play the piano, but she complained of headache. On her refusing a second time be went npstairs and got a poker and a razor. Coming downstairs again be knocked her down with the poker, and cut her throat with the razor. She fell on the floor, and looking up at him, said, How could you beso cruel, Frank ? Then be came to his senses, and seeing she fvaa covered with blood, screamed and went out of the bouce shivering all over. Whitle the state- ment "tvas being read, prisoner sobbed bitterly. I g cte was committed for trial.
-,-_-_----_,-THOUIHT THERE…
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THOUIHT THERE WAS NO HARM. Observing Wm. Gower walking from the direc- tion of tbe Glamorgan Collieries, Llwynypia, with two large pieces of tin sheeting in bis pos- session on Friday last, P.C. Horrel questioned im, whereupon he admitted having picked them up in the colliery yard. Charged with stealing the eheeting at Ystrad Coart on Monday, Gower aaid he thcagbt be was doing no harm. He was fined JE2 and given time to pay.
TO BE BOUGHT BY BRITAIN.
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TO BE BOUGHT BY BRITAIN. Anglo-Japanese Scheme. The Sunday Observer says We are ia a position to announce a step of the utmost im- portance and significance which the British Government has decided to take as the result of recent events in the Far East. A naval base is to be established at Singapore, at tbe foot of the Malay Penm<ula, and within a few weeka' time Malay Peninsula, and within a few weeka' time the great commercial docks at Singapore will pass, by compnlsorypnrcbase underthe antbority of Parliament, into the hands of tbe British uovernment. We understand that this step forms only part of a new scheme of Imperial defence of the most far-reaching nature and consequence. The transcendent importance of,& British naval b&se at Singapore from the political and strategic point of view is obvieus. A glance at the map will convince the most sceptical of the significance of ths purchase, which redounds to the credit of the Admiralty, from whom the scbame emanates. I It will be remembered mat all tne larger vessels of Admiral Rojestvensky's ill-fated fleet passed through the Singapore Straits nor need it be pointed out that if Gibraltar is the door to the Mediterranean, most assuredly Sing- apore is the gateway of ocean traffio westward to the Pacific. (Though Singapore has for many years been a port of the greatest commercial importance, the Imperial Government baa had no official status there while from tbe moment the docks at Singapore become Government property an entirely new political situation. which cannot fail to exercise an important In- fluence on the naval position of Great Britain in the Far East, and on the Far Eastern problem generally, will have been created. The docks to be purchased are known as the Tanjong PagtLr Docks, covering many miles in area, and are, in fact, among the largeat in the world. At present they are owned by a private company, one of the largest shareholders of which is reported to be Lord Goachen. The price to be paid for the docks is to be determined by two arbitrators. chosen by the Government and the company in question respectively and, failing agreement, the price is to be fixed by an umpire appointed jointly by tbem. The ven- dors accordingly selected Sir Edward Boyle, K.C., as their arbitrator, while the Colonial Office, in whose jurisdiction tbe purchase of land at Singapore naturally lies, have appointed Mr J. C. Inglis, manager of the Great Western Railway. Sir Edward Boyle, K.C., and Mr Inglis agreed to appoint Sir Miehael Hicks- Beach, M.P., as umpire. Lord Robert Cecil K.C., will appear for tfye vendors. and Mr Balfour Browne, K.C., on behalf of the Govern- ment. All these gentlemen have already sailed, and are, in fact, now in Japan, where they are to be receiedin audience by the Japanese Emperor. The meeting of the arbitrators is to take place at Singapore on or about October 12, and will last not more than a fortnight. The large party connected with the arbitration will be back in England by the end of November. The progress of Singapore in recent years has been so rapid, and the docks in themselves are so valuable, that the vendors' claim is ex- pected to amount to several millions stealing. It should be stated that the scheme is being carried out with the cognisance and approval of the Japanese Government. It is, as before said, but a part of an entirely new plan of naval de- fence.of which the redistribution and reorganisa- tion of the British naval forces throughout the world, as announced by the Admiralty some time ago, was the first step. The dislocation in the balance of sea power in the Far East, con- sequent on the stupendous achievements of the Japanese navy, and the vast new responsibilities we have incurred in regard to Japan, rendered it imperative that Great Britain should possess a great naval base in the Far East and so, with praiseworthy political prescience, the Government has not hesitated to acquire the spot obviously most adapted by nature for the purpose, and to turn Singapore into a great naval station. A Political Bombshell. In its leading article the Observer says it believes the scheme will meet with the approval of the vast majority of Englishmen and colonists. Generally the scheme may be said to be part and parcel of a joint scheme of mutual celf-protection on the part of England and Japan, and to form part of the new Anglo- Japanese alliance treaty recently concluded by them. Wa aleo learn there is to be no delay in excouting the scheme, which politically is not likely to please all people. The German Emperor, for example, can hardly be expected to view with equanimity a proposal to fortify the gateway to the Pacific. Without doubt it wilt form one of the subjects of discussion between the German Emperor and the Czar at their ap- proaching meeting, and may tend further to strengthen the personal alliance now existing between the two remaining exemplars of auto- cratic military power.. On the other band, it may well give cause to reflect. The scheme will constitute another and most serious bar to any enewal of Russian plans of Asiatic expansion, and we cannot but think that in this respect it will tend to preserve the peace of the world. Once let Russia realise that further adventures in the Far East at the expense of Japan must end in failure and disaster, and an understand- ing with Great Britain sbould be comparatively easy to achieve. A Great Undertaking. The Press Association says it is understood that the property to be acquired is that belonging to the Tanjong Pagar Docks Company, Ltd. This company, which has an office in Fenohurch- street, was originally established in 1864. It was reconstructed with an enlarged capital id August, 1899. Jts authorised capital is 4,500,000 dollars in shares of 100 dollars each, of which 3,700,000 dollars have been subscribed and called up. There are debentures for 1,615,500 dollars, and loans for 163,000 dollars. The ac- counts ara made up ta June 30th ana 30th December, and are submitted at Singa- pore in November and March. A divdiend of 12 per cent. per annum waspaid for each of the nine bait-years to December, 1903, with a bonus of 1 psr cent. for each of the two half-years to Decem- ber, 1902. The shares are quoted at Singapore at a considerable premium. The docks are of aucb vast extent that they will doubtless be service- able whenever occasion may require for a fleet of the largest war vessels, but Singapore may already be described as in some degree a naval base, since it compiisee an Admiralty dock, with the advantage also of an extremely good bar- boar. The geographical position of Singapore at the southernmost extremity of the Malayan Penin- sula gives it considerable strategic value as a naval base, whence the routes to and from the Far Eust can be commanded, and it is theMinis- terial appreciation of this advantage which has led to the negotiation? now in hand. The island is very strongly fortified by guns and works of a modern type, upon which large sums have been expended by the Imperial Government. The town has long been the principal emporium of trade for Southern Asia,as the extent of the pros- perity of its docks testifies, and it is anticipated that the result of the arbitration now pending will still farther enhance thevalue from aninter- national point of view of this most important position of the Crown colony of the Straits Set- tlement. Russo-German Relations. Berlin, Saturday.—M. Witte's approaching arrival at Berlin has aroused considerable interest. No doubt is entertained that tbe object of M. Witte'a stay in Germany is to convey to the Emperor William the Czar's per. sonal gratitude for Germany's benevolent neutrality during the war, and also to give his Majesty Qrst-band details of the peace con- ference, in bringing about which the Emperor is said to have played no small part. In any case it is hardly to be supposed that his Majesty would let slip the opportunity afforded by M. Witte'a passage through Berlin en route to St. Petersburg to discuss with Russia's leading statesman the new situation created for Ger- many's nowerfal neighbour by the conclnsion of tbe peace negotiations. Germany's attitude towards a possible Anglo-Russian understanding which formed the topic of discussion in the Russian Press recently, may also, it is believed in some quarters, engage M- Witte's attention.- Renter. A Well-Kept Secret., The Preis Association adds that no informa- tion was eblainable in Government quarters last night as to the details of the scheme, but It is well known that the rearrangement of naval bases in various parts of the world has long been in contemplation. There was strong probability several years ago that attention in this regard would be turned to Singapore, but events arose which induced the Government of the day to look for the time being further East. Occurrences of more recent date have greatly reduced tbe importance of Wei-hai-Wei as a naval base, and attention has reverted to Singapore. It is understood that tha move in this matter origin- ated with Mr Balfour and the Committee of Imperial Defence, and although public interest in the matter will unquestionably be aronsed by the announcement of the Government's inten- tion the action is clearly of no recent date. The Imperial Defence Committee has not met for several weeks, and the entlemen who are con- cerned in ascertaining or fixing tbe terms upon which any transfer of pronerty might be effected received their instructions and departed on their mission some time ago.
GOOD NEWS FORSOUTHVALES
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GOOD NEWS FORSOUTHVALES Our Docks representative writes :-It is of course impossible yet to state to what extent the creation of a British naval depot at Singapore will increase the demand for Welsh steam coal, but th;it it will have an effect in this direction is certain. Since the recent withdrawal of the British Squadron from the Far East and the consequent abandonment for nearly all practical purposes of Hong Kong as a naval coaling deDot, the shipments to the Far Kast on Admiralty account from Cardiff have fallen off considerably. Cardiff coal, however, does not possess a monopoly at the Eastern stations. For many years past the Admiralty has been buying largely from New Zealand, and the question of immediate interest to South Wales is that of the extent to which the Admiralty will during times of peace give preference to the cheaper and slightly inferior New Zealand coals over Welsh coals. The latter io so remote a market are I naturally handicapped by the higher freight | rates, and it U reasonable to conclude that ap to a certain point the Government will continue its present -practice of taking the best clean New Zealand qualities, but relying also on the regular supply of a certain proportion of Welsh smoke- less steam coals. Last year tbe consumption of Cardiff coals on Admiralty account at home and foreign naval depots exceeded 2,000,000 tons. Under the present scheme the demand for Welsh coals will largely depend on the strength of the fleet which it is intended should use Singapore as its base, and at times of inter- national crises that demand Is likely to prove very considerable.
Swansea Licences. 1-
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Swansea Licences. REVISION BY THE JUSTICES. Programmefor Next Sessions. A meeting of the Swansea justices was held on Monday afternoon to consider the course to be adopted at the next annual general meeting and sessions. Mr Bowel Watkins presided, and there were also present Messrs J. R. Leaver, Thornton Andrews, W. Thomas, J. W. Jones. and W. Law. It was (reported that two further congested areae remain to be dealt with—the Hafod and Cwmbach districts and the Morris. ton and St. Thomas districts. It was decided to continne-the policy of revision, and at the next sessions to deal with Morriston and St. Thomas districts. Both Morriston and St. Thomas' Dosseas about 35 houses each, and with respect to these the police were instructed to serve notices of objection on all in order to bring the whole of tbe two districts under review, the special ground to be stated being that the houses are not required for the public need. Position of Theatres. With respect to the proposal to class theat- rical excise licences with those of public hosses for the purposes of the compensation fund, it seems that the Inland Revenue authorities, on looking into the matter,'find that excise licences for places of public amusement are exempted under the Act, and consequently the claim for EIOO made on the licensee of the Grand Theatre, Swansea, will be withdrawn.
CARDIFF NEWSMAN KILLED.
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CARDIFF NEWSMAN KILLED. DISTRESSING AFFAIR AT THE DOCKS. A fatal accident, the circumstances attending which are exceptionally sad, occurred at Cardiff Docks on Saturday morning, when John Thomas Bussell, of 54, Pentrebane-street, was knocked down and run over by a coal wagon, and died almost immediately. It appears that the unfortunate man, who was verv short-sighted, stnmbled across the capstan rope, which was attached to the track in order to pull the latter on to the oradle. The waggon came along before be could recover himself, and the wheels passed over him. Assistance was soon at hand, but be had received such injuries that he expiied before reaching the Seamen's Boa. pital, whither he was being conveyed. The accident occurred about a quarter past nine in the morning. Busull, it appears, was coming from the direction of the Commercial Dry Dock to the G.W.R. coal tip; bis foot caught in the rope and he fell to the ground. The truck caught him and crushed him against the turntable, with the result that be received severe internal injuries, and was conveyed to the Seamen's Hospital by Thomas Kennedy and Joseph Price, the gateman. On his arrival there Dr. Dewar pronounced life to be extinct. The deceased, who was about 28 years of age, was a most respectable, well-behaved man, and was the son of parents who some years ago car- ried on a news agency busi-neas in James-street. Docks. On their decease the shoo was given np, but be continued to sell newspapers, and worked up an extensive connection, succeeding in retain- ing many of his parents' customers. He was well- known in the Docks district, and daily disposed of a very considerable number of copies of the Echo." For some time past he had resided with a married brother. Mr g, 13. Recce beld an inqaeat on Monday touching the death of James Thomas Bassell (29). who lived with his brother at 54, Pentra- bane-street. Deceased was crushed between tbe wheels of a truck and the turn- table at the No. 3 tip at Roath Basin, belonging to the G. W.R. Co., at the docks on Saturday morning about 9 o'clock. Mr Lewis Morgan appeared for the relatives. The medical evidence showed that deceased's spine was broken. Norman Lester, the capstan man, said the wagon, which was the first that morniogf was hauled out at the usual speed. Deceased came from behind him and went as if to wait between the turntable and the wagon. They ali shouted to him to stop. Bassell then attempted to run, and caught his foot in the rope and fell across the rail. The leading wheel on the neat side struck him and squeezed bim against the edge of *he turntable. The wheel would have gone over him if the man at the wagon had not put the brake on. John Derritt, a Cipsaian, said he saw deceased attempt to cross the line in front of the wagon, and at once put the brake on. Deceased was removed to the Seamen's Hospital. William Hedges, weighmav, corroborated, an another witness said that half an hour or so before this accident deceased sustained a fall at the Commercial Dock, when he slightly injured his face. A verdict of Accidental death waa returned.
UNDER THE LIFEGUARD
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UNDER THE LIFEGUARD Swansea Tramway Fatality. At a Coroner's inquiry held on Monday into the circumstances attending the death of a child named Selina Phillips, who was knocked down by a tramcar and killed last Friday under circumstances already reported, William Hate Daviea said that as the car was slowing down to take him up, be saw deceased going at a little CEot" down Lion-street, and beard a lady say, Don't go across The child, however, attemp- tied to follow some other children who had safely crossed the line, and as she did not stop he called to her ana ran to try and catch her, bat before he could do so she got right in front of the car. The car straek her down, and he saw her on the lifeguard. He lan alongside and tried to get her by the foct, but she rolled off and under the lifeguard. His opinion was that the driver could not possibly have seen her ap- proach, as she was on the blind side of the car. It was a pure accident, and the driver did all he conld to avert it. P.C. Morgan said the child was dragged 17 yards. Ernest Robert Hodges, the driver of the car, said he saw some children coming from school, and slowed down. The speed was three miles an hour, Ile did not sea the deceased till his car was on ber, when he applied the emergency brake and sand. The car, however, akidded some distance, as the v water cart had been over the track. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental deatb," and added a dder that no blame wes attributable to anyone.
WELSH IRONMASTER'S WILL.
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WELSH IRONMASTER'S WILL. Mr David Evans,J.P.,of Cliffden, Saltbarn-by- tbe-Sea, Yorkshire, chairman of the Local Urban Council, general manager of Messrs Boickow, and Co.'s iron works at Eston, Middles- brough, and late of Barrow-in-Farness, formerly manager cf the Ebbw Vale Company and the Rhymney Company, who died on the 18th August last, aged 65 years, son oflhe late Mr Evan Evans, formerly furnace manager at Llwydcoed, left estate of tbe estimated gross value of £ 46,809, with net personalty £ 42,519. Probate of hia will, dated 12tb September, 1902, with a codicil of the 2nd September, 1904, haa been granted to hia sons, Mr Evan David Evans, and Mr John William Harvest Evans, engineers, both of Cliffden, Saltburn-by-tbe Sea, and Mr Frederick Reed, secretary, of Bolckow- road, Gran^etown, Yorks The testator left all presentation silver and other presents to his said two sons, Evan and John, in equal shares, to devolve in their families as heirlooms. He left his residence at Saitburn and his household and per- sonal effects there, to bis son, Mr John William Harvest Evans, absolutely His wife, Mrs Jane Evans, having pre-deceased him, the residue of his estate devolves to his children in equal shares, the shares of his daughters being retained upon trust for their benefit for life, with re- mainder to their issue as they may appoint.
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TRAGIC DOMESTIC SCENE. Attempted. Suicide near Usk. At Usk on Monday (before Messrs J. T. Davies and S. A. Hiley) George Harris, of the Hand, Llantrisant, near Usk, was brought an on re- manj charged with attempting to commit saicide by catting his throat with a knife on July 7th last. From the evidence of the wife, it appeared that on the night in question, after re- turning home from haymaking, be made a jealous rremark with regard to her, and then went to get his razor from the top of the clock, but she forestalled him, and ran out with it. On her return she found be had cat his throat with a pocket knife. She ae once went for defendant's uncle, who lived near, and sent to Usk for medical assistance. She tried to stop the bleeding with an apron until Dr. Jenkina and the police arrived. Dr. Jenkins said be stitcbed up the woand, and sent defendant to Newport Infirmary next morning. Dr. Hackett, prison surgeon, said defendant was still weak and somewhat de- pressed, but safe to be liberated, if taken proper care of. Defendant, who said he sboald never do sacb a thing again, was discharged with » solemn caution,
ROMANCE OF OLD AGE.
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ROMANCE OF OLD AGE. A man and woman whose united ages are ISO years were married on Satarday at Epping. The bride is Mary Newman, and her are is 78. Charles Ricketts, the groom, is 72. Both live at Epping Green, a hamlet three miles from Ep. pin, and on the borders of Epping Forest. The marriage cannot be called the resnlt of a sudden attachment, for it has taken 40 years to become un accomplished fact. Over 40 years ago the old woman parted from her husband, and thinking that he was dead, ebe went through a form of carriage with Ricketts. Subsequently Newman turned up again and lived in the neighbour- hood, but died in fact a short time alro. Wre Newman was then able to legally marry Ricketts. Great ioterest was taken In the event by the townsfolk of Epping, who crowded tbe church. The bridal party drove no in a donkey cart, having been three hours en route owing to the obstinacy of the animal. The house in which the wedding pair will live is the bride's own property.