The Cardiff Times

Monmouthshire Trains. I WESTERN VALLEY GRIEVANCES Deputation to G.W.R. Company. Alderman G. R. Harris, Nantylo, presided at a. meeting of the Western Valleys Railway Council at the County Council offices, New- port, on Wednesday. A letter was read from the Great Western Railway Company agreeing to meet a deputation on Monday next to con- sider better railway facilities in the Valleys. Alderman Rattan urged that the Crumlin cross- ing question should he included in the council's programme. Councillor Gorman, Llanhilleth, said the crossing war, the biggest nuisance in the Valleys. Councillor Manning said there nhould be a workmen's train from Nantyglo to Brvnmawr. Between 6QO and 100 colliers at the Lancaster Pits resided at, Brvnmawr they were carried from the pit as far as Nantyglo, but had to walk the other mile and a half to Brynmawr. After further discussion it was resolved, on the motion of Councillor Allen, Blaina, that the items of urgency to be sub- mitted t-o the Great Western Railway Company management should be the Crumlin level cross- ing, stations at Six Bells and CvVmcarn, and workmen's trains. The following were elected as the deputation :-Messrs Mills and Williams, Ebbw Vale Alderman Raff an, Abercarn Councillor Harris, Abertillery; Councillor,, Allen, BIaina Councillor Pritchard, Risca Alderman William Thomas and Councillor Manning, Monmouthshire County Council. Newport Company's Enterprise. Mr W. H. Edwards, representing Mr John Macaulav, Alexandra Docks and Railway Co.. waited on tho Council and gave a lucid explanation of the Alexandra Dock Co. Bill in Parliament, showing how it would benefit the Western and Eastern Valleys. The direc- tors of the dock, he added, were spending some- thing like £ 2,000,000 in milwuy und dock exten- siony. On their Pontypridd and Caerphilly Railway they had established a uerviee of motors, and now, instead of having four trains each way per day, there were 18 or 20 journeys per day between Pontypridd and Caerphilly. Their aim was to establish a similar motor ser- vice between Risca and Newport. This, he thought, would be of advantage to the district. They also proposed to priv« increased fw«iiitieti for conveying and shipping Monmouthshire coal. The betterthe facilities the better would be the output. He was glad to know that Mon- mouthshire coal was growing in popularity, and he thought he could ciaim that the directors of the Alexandra Docks had done a good deal to make its good properties known throughout the world. Alderman Harris said that although they had decided not to pass anv resolution on this ques- tion, they were in hearty sympathy with the remarks of Mr Edwards. Some of them knew what Mr Macaulay had done, and realised that he had been a godsend to Monmouthshire. They were also proud of the directors of the Dock Co. Alderman William Thomas having expressed his sympathy with the remarks of Mr Edwards, the latter responded.

NEW WELSH DEPARTMENT. Views of the Welsh Press. The creation of a Welsh Education Depart- ment meets with tho heartiest approval of all the leading Welsh newspapers. The Govern- ment has remembered Wales." remarks the Goleuad (Calvinistic Methodist), and has done all that is possible to make up for the treachery of the Lords with reference to the Weish National Council." As for the new de partment there are scarcely two opinions on the subject among patriotic Welshmen or the friends of Wales. It is expected to prove one of the most important steps in our history, and there is no doubt it will prove to be so. It is one of the milestones of the natonnl renais- sance, and it, awakes fresh hopes in every Welsh Nationalist for a system of education as near perfection as any in the world. It will take a lang time to throw away the trammels of tho past and to turn the dreams of our educa- tionists into realities, but this is a certain step in the direction of realising our highest aspira- tions." Discussing the new offices of Mr O. M. Edwards aud Mr A. T. Davies, the "Herald Cymraeg" (Welsh Nationalist), remarks :— The two appointments are undoubtedly a. clear and decisive triumph for the national pro- gressive party in Welsh education. Although the Welsh Department is not all we would desire it to be, yet the establishing and the placing of it under the care of these two gentlemen is the beginning of a new era in the history of Welsh education. Henceforth the influence from above will be a healthy in- fluence."

NOT AT ALL SATISFIED." Stipendiary and a Witness. The Pontypridd Stipendiary made a strong comment regarding ;i witness in a case at Wed- nesday's court, in which J. Roberts, a haulier, was charged with stealing two sacks of corii from his employers. Messrs XV. Lewis a,nd Son, and P. Howe lis, y, haulier, was charged with receiving te stolen goods. Mr D. Rees (Messrs W. R. Davres and Co.) defended Howells. In- spector Salter, who arrested the defendants, spoke to conflicting statements made by them, Roberts first of all said he knew nothing about the sacks, and subsequently corrected himself by saying that Howells had given him an order, and he had taken the corn before the office was open. Howells when taxed with the offence, said his father had ordered the sacks from a Cardiff firm, and then altered this statement to coincide with his co- defendant's assertion that he had ordered them on Sunday. E. Bush, who is employed at the corn, stores, after continuing his story to the police, volunteered the information that he himself had accceped orders and had taken. the goods before the office was open. He had not entered the order because the books were not available. When Roberts denied knowledge" of the corn to the inspector, he was not pre- perlv awake, having been called out of bed. Mr Rees, on behalf of Howells, pleaded guilty; and asked for leniency, as ho had hitherto borne an excellent character. Robert's em- ployer also gave him a good character, and the Stipendiary, in fining them £ 2 each, said he did not think all the parties in this case were in their proper places. He was nstat all satisfied that. Bush had not something to do fith the case, and his position ought to be different from what it was. and his (Bush's) expenses would be disallowed for attending that day.

HELP A BRITISHER." Queer Behaviour at Cardiff. A respectably-dressed man named G. Stewart was charged at Cardiff Police Court on Wednes. day with begging. P.C.Giles stated that at half-past 8 the previous evening he saw the prisoner stop several gentlemen in Queen-street and speak to them. Afterwards ho Btopped a gentleman outside the Empire, andsaid, Will you help a Britisher with a copper 7* Witness saw one man give him something. Prisoner I don't know anything about it. You have a betwr memory than I have, but I plead guilty all the same Court-Sergeant Price said there were 19 con- victions against prisoner in various parts of the country. Last October he was sent to prison for four months for breaking a plate-glass win- i dow in a jeweller's shop in St. Mary-street, and he only completed that sentence on Tuesday morning. The magistrates sent prisoner back to gaol

I A Tredegar Scandal. THE COMMON LODGING-HOUSES Disgraceful and Disgusting Conditions." At a meeting of the Tredegar District Council on Tuesday evening a startling report was sub mitted by the sanitary inspector (Mr L. Hoivells) on the condition of the common lodging-houses in'the town. Surprise visits were paid by that officer accompanied by two police officers on the nights of the 13th and 14th. In one of the liouges registered to accommodate 120 lodgers 108 beds were occupied and 12 vacant, but in the day room 40 men in a more or less drunken condition were found sleeping on the floor, benches, and tables. Another lodging-house was unregistered, and had been extended into the adjoining house. There were 28 persons lodging at one of the houses, a family of four occupying a foul cellar as a living room and sleeping room. In the adjoining house there were 11 persons, in addition to the owner and his wife. Two couples occupied the cellar as a bedroom. In another unregistered lodging- house men, women, and children all occupied the same roomswithout any attempt to partition off the beds. This place was occupied by 28 persons with a drunken woman in charge. Another house belonging to the same pro- prietor was occupied by 31 persons or twice the number allowed. The officeis had consider- able difficulty in obtaining an entr-ance into one of the lodging-houses, as the proprietor did not reside there, but left it in charge of a most in- competent man, who, on the occasion of the surprise visit, was incapably drunk, and one of the lodgers had to open the door. In the event of fire breaking out auch a state of affairs might result disastrously. in the case of a house with accommodation for 30 about 100 persons were found, 40-of whom were not pro- vided with any kind of bed, and lay about the tioor and benches. The proprietor of that house had the contract- from the Bedwellty Board of Guardians to accommodate vagrants, and there were upwards of 60 of that class on the premises at the time of the otiicer's visit. The whole of the lodging houses inspected provided accommodation for 280 persons, but no fewer than 447 persons were found huddled together in them, and other's were coming in while ttke:-officer was present Dr. G. A. Brown also referred to this serious question and said, The conditions in which many of these people were found to be sleep- ing were not only insanitary in the extreme, but; almost beyond belief, difegiisting and dis- graceful, and conducive to. immorality in its grossest and most shocking form." Discussion ensued, and Mr North remarked that unquestionably this state of things had been goipg on for a considerable time. The sanitary, inspector said Tredegar was infested with the tramp class because the workhouse was located there. It was decided to institute legal proceedings against the whole of the lodging house keepers for breach of the bye- laws relating to overcrowding, and also against those keeping unregistered lodging houses. At a meeting cf Bedwellty Board of Guardians on Wednesday it was reported that during the last fortnight k47 18s 4d had been paid in the relief of tramps at the lodging house and in the la,bour yards. It was decided to revert to the old system of issuing relief tickets to tramps through the police authorities. 118M: ØI

LOCK YOUR MILK CANS. CARDIFF MILK-SELLER'S DEFENCE. J. Cridland, Brook-street, was summoned at Cardiff on \VedneMlay lor selling, on January 11th, milk adulterated by the addition of 6 per cent. of added water and 0,015 per cent of boric acid. Mr O. T. Morgan, from the town clerk's office,, appeared to prosecute, and Mr George David defended. Mr Georgc David, at the outset, observed that on the facts thero must be a conviction. He pointsd out that Cridland obtained his milk from a Somersetshire farmer, and thus it came by rail. Inspector Vaughan was then asked a few questions, and admitted that churns camo to the station with the tops loose, Cridland com- plained to him, when summoned, that his cans had been tampered -I. ■Me David (to, witness) As a matter of fact, c you have received information that If you go at a certain time von can get milk which has been adulterated ? Mr Morgan objected to the question, and the Stipendiary remarked that Mr David was tread- ing on somewhat dangerous ground in asking witness as to pi irate information. Mr David said his object was to show that the milk must, have been tampered with. The suggestion he made was that the person who informed the inspector must have known some- thing of the adulteration. Subsequently defendant went into the box, and stated that he bad never used boric acid in his milk, which he qo"d just as it was-received. The other person who had milk with him from c the Somersetshire farmer held the warranty. Onor" occasion he found that a churn had bew .impered.with. The top of the can had ■ a unfastened, and his miik was cleficient. Lticehehad been summoned he had had his churns looked. Defendant was fined J65 and costs, and the summons against Ada Cridland, wife of defen- dant, was withdrawn. 60 Years in the Trade. At Penarth on Wednesday (before Col.Thorn- ley and Mr C. A. Heywood) a charge of supply- ing milk 13 per cent. deficient In butter fat was preferred against Edward Morgan, milk vendor, Cogan. Defendant stated that he and his family had been in the milk trade 60 years and had Dever had such a charge preferred against him. Fined Bl and costs.

KAISER'S GIFT TO LONDON. The King recently appointed Air Harcourt (First Commissioner of Works), the Earl of Plymouth, and Sir Aston Webb as a committee to awlvise his Majesty as to a site for the Statue of William 111. of Orange, which is to be pre- sented to the King for the nation by the German lSmperor. His Majesty on Saturday inspected and approved the suggested site, which is the south front of Kensington Palace 1a,cing down the avenue to Kensrugton Gore. The King was accompanied by Mr Harcourt, the Earl of Plymouth, Sir Aston Webb, And Sir Schomberg McDouuell. --4-

VETERAN JOURNALIST'S DEATH. The death occurred on Monday morning at Soutlisea of Mr Richard Holbrook, senior, proprietor of the "Portamouth Times." Mr Holbrooke who was in his 80th year, had been connected with the paper for fifty-seven years. He was previously manager of the Bath Chrobiele." Mr Holbrook was one of the defendants in a great libel case thirty years ago, Queen v. Holbrook. He and his sons fought for the principle that proprietors of newspapers are not criminally responsible for libel inserted without their authority, knowledge, 6r consent. The point turned on whether general authority to the editor did hot carry direct responsibility. Afteriong litigation the High Court decided in favour of defendants.

A GUARANTSED OURS FOR PILBS, Itching, Blind Bleeding, or Protruding. All chemists ara authorised to refund money if Paz* Ointment fails to cure Piles. Cures ordinary cases in six jays. One application gi vas easo and rest. Pazo Ointment is a new discovery, and the only Pile remedy sold on a positive guaran- too. Price 2a 3d, of all chemises, or from Paris Mediciae Co,. Templo Chambers, London, fi.0

I Next of Kin. I ) AND OTHERS WANTED TO THEIR ADVANTAGE. The undermentioned persons are wanted in connection with the estates of deceased persons. Questions will be replied to as quickly as practicable, but not necessarily in the next issue. Answers will appear in this column only, and it will be useless to ask for a rcpiy by post. Any inquiry relating to one of these notices must be accompanied by a cutting from this paper of the announcement to which it refers, and the distinctive letters and number should be repeated in the communication. II Fortnum. Henry, formerly of 27, Albermarle- street, London, and EUis, Miss Barbara, formerly of 29, Queen Ann street, London, or, if dead, their representa. tives are wanted to their advantage in con- nection with the estate of the Rev. John Thomas Manley, deceased. The former place of abode of Mr Manley is not stated, but the advertisement is inserted by a firm of solici-, tors at Tonbridge. Kent. s. 2,559 Borne, Eliza, of lO. Enid-street, Bermondsey* London, died there on the 29th of January last. Next, of kin wanted. T. 2.550 Poole, Sarah, late of Woodlands Park, Timper- ley, Cheshire, died on the 17th December Jastr Next of kin wanted. T. 2,561 Harcourt, William Lionel, lstc of Mall-road, Hammersmith, London, wanted to his ad van- tag" C. 2,562

CONCEALED BENEATH HAY. Spring-Heel Suspects at Cardiff. P.C. Wilcox, BirfchgroveV big-limbed custodian, had quite an exciting little ex- perience on Tuesday afternoon. In his rounds he met two men. One of them wore a scarf, fastened lover's knot fashion, and his hair was of auburn hue. The constable pretended to look the other way, but in fact kt his on the strangers; who entered Messrs Lattey's unoccupied -works. Then Wilcox played the plrt cf Pc-e-ping Tom," and he saw the man of the afl&ufn hair and his companion move from shed to shed, earry- incr a sack. Suddenly they disappeared, arid the constable, getting quickly on their trail, 4 ran them to earth in a hay loft situate in a corner of the works. The two men were evidently aware of tbo pursuit, for they bad concieated themselves under a great quantity of hay. Asked what they were doing there, one of the men replied, We saw yon coming, and so we came in here for shelter." Wilcox thereupon took them into cus- tody, but he was able to keep a hold only on the man who subsequently gave his name as William Hanry Abbott, of no fixfed abode -To get down from the hay loft it was necessary to jump distance of about 10 feet. This Abbot,t's companion did with the agility of a cat, and before the constable could aav Jack Robinson he was off like a greyhound. Ab- bott also jumped from tbeloft, but P.C. Wilcox jumped with him, and held him as he was about to follow in his companion's footsteps. Abbott was charged before Mr Lewis Williams at the office of Messrs Spen- ccr and Evans (U and iff magistrates' clerks) on Wednesday with stealing 23 electric light shades, the property of Messrs Lattey. P.C. Wilcox, after rotating how he kept prisoner and another man under observa- tion, stated that after taking AWiQtt to Whit- church Police Station he returned, with Ser- geant Bevan to the hayloft, and there, Con. cealed under the straw, they found a saek con- taining the 23 electric light shades. He asked Abbott to say who his companion was. No," replied the prisoner," I won't. I will. stand it myself." Prisoner was remanded until Monday next.

A CELEBRATED INVENTOR. Mr T. A. Edison's resolution to celebrate his 60th birthday this week by giving Uf) the com- mercial side of his activities, and devoting him- self henceforth purely tocientific ressearch. is an announcement of world-wide interest. For 45 years Thomas Alva Edison-has been experi- menting incessantly-. During that -))PrioJ he has taken out over 800 patents, and, it is said, he has another 150 or go on the file. The* extraordinary blending of nationalities which often go to make up an American citizen is well illustrated in the case of Edison. On his father's side he is of Dutch extraction, the family having emigrated to America in 1^30, while his mother came of Scottish parentage and was a Canadian by residence. Mr Edison's invention of the phonograph came- about by Mr Thomas A. Edison. pure accident. I was," says Mr Edison, sing- ing to the mouthpiece of a telephone when the vibration of the voice sent the fine steel point into my fingers. That sent me thinking. If 1 could record the actions of the point aud send the point over the same surface afterwards, the same sounds would be reproduced. First of ajl. I made the point construct an alphabet. I shouted the words Halloo, Halloo into the mouthpiece, ran the paper o ver the steel point, and IlCaro a faint RaLliop, Halloo in return. 1 told my assistants, thev lailgiled at me. All the sapae, my discovery was sound euougli." Of his many other inven- tions, the most iaiAou? probably are the incan- descent lamp and light system, the kineto- scope, the megaphone, and the microtaximeter for detecting small changes in temperature. Not long ago he invented aq automobile ,.torage, I)attor y, and to the perfection of this be will now probably pay much attention.

WREXHAM TRAGEDY SEQUEL Suspected Man Found Drowned. A sad sequel lias attended the recent death tinder tragic circumstances of John Owens, of OHvsford, near Wrexham. Nothing was dis- closed at the Coroner's inquiry except that deCtmSedand another man:(John Wynne) quarrelled in a Cefnybedd public bouse because Wynne called him a loafer. Subsequently OweDS was found near by. suffering from in. juries to hte head, which caused- his death. No- body copld-account for these injuries. Wynne denied striking deceased, though admitting they struggled together. Nobody saw the struggle. Since the inquest Wynne, who had always been a witty, cheery fellow, became morose and depressed., On Wednesday his body was found in a mill pool.

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Kitchen Garden. If the remainder of this season's Parsnips are I still in the open ground, the raots should now be lifted, and stored either in a shed or in a clamp, thus preventing then from starting into growth. Presuming the ground on which Pars- nips are to be sown this season ha? received a good dressing of manure, which has been deeply buried, the seeds may be sown any time during the present month-incleod, as soon as the ground can be found sufficiently dry and in good order for the work. Preference should be given to a plot that has beeu previously occupied by Cauliflower or Cabbage, or some similar crop. Sow the seeds in shallow drills drawn at least 18in. apart. An examination of all roots should be carefully made during bad weal her. Seed Potatoes should be well picked over," and the tubers, if possible, spread out in a light, well- ventilated shed. Culture of Sweet Peas. It has been borne in mind in estimating the requirements of Sweet Peas what is expected of the plants. A louf continued period of produc- tion^ one essential, large blossoms carried 011 very long stems is another, and slowly but surely the number of blooms expected each spray is being raised to four. Culture has a determined effect on each of the above points. There are, broadly speaking, two cultural re- quirements, the beuefits of which it is hardly possible to overestimate. The one is an efficient root-run the other, space for the plants to de- velop. Either of these may be provded, but it will serve no good purpose if the other is neglected. There are various ways of providing a. suitable rooting medium. Some of my ac quaintances remove the soil either wholly or in part, and introduce turfy loam and other expensive materials, but for ordinary purposes it is not hs a rule necessary to go to much ex- pense. At the same time, it is to be remarked that a fertile and deeply worked soil is a necessity. But that can be secured by proper trenching and the addition oI manure. Starting Eariy Peas on Turves. Although this is an old method, it is a very good one for the gardener who likes to obtain for his employer a few early Peas. especially if adopted in a season like the present, when early planting canDot be recommended, more especi- ally on heavy, cold soils. The time is fast slip- ping away, but even now it would be an advan- tage. especially to privileged gardeners who can get plenty of good fibrous turf, says a writer in the Gardeners' Chronicle." The turves should be cut from 1ft to ]5in. long and about 8in. wide; then, if the turves are about 4in. deep, scoop out a.bout 2:n. or the soil through the centre about 5in. or 6in. wide. Sow the Peas, and cover accordingly. The turves should only be placed in very moderate heat. After the seedlings are through and the surface eatly to be moved, they should be put into a cold frame and protected for a time. Gradually but thoroughly harden them off before planting them into prepared f,rench-s. Place sticks to them at once, and protect them with black cotton to keep birds away. Hints to Amateurs. A sowing of Sweet Peas should now be made in moderate heat. Various methods of doinc; this are practised, and ol these the using ( small pots, or of inverted strips of turf which have had most of the soil scooped out. may be considered the best. Seeds should be sown thinly, and when the young plants are an inch high gradually harden them by increasing the amount of ventilation. Continue to draw the soil around the stems of autumn-sown plants. Afford stakes as soon a-s these become necessary, and for a further time retain the sheltering branchrs of Fir. ° Where hotbeds were prepared for the forcing of Potatoes, Carrots, Turnips, &c.. they may in some cases ba found to haveghy-nnk- to a con- siderable extent therefore additional linings should at once be applied of materials prepared for the purpose directly the shrinking was observed. Where sowings of Cauliflowers were made last month, the young seedlings should now be ivadv for pricking off, either In small pots or b-ixes or if a frame on a very mild hoi bed can be de- voted to them, so much the better for the young plants. In either case,care must, be taken that tho plants are not coddled," or allowed to gst drawn up weakly. Make a further sowing &at the present time to form a succession. If Seakalc Is being forced on the beds in the open. all the crowns that have been left for late supplies, and have not yet been covered, should now be given this protection from suniight, for, in the event of warmer weather and the daily increasing duration of daylight, growth will 1 soon commence. The natural purple colour of the growths would soon establish itself if light were not rigidly excluded, and such colour must by all means be prevented, or the Seakale would I be useless as a vegetabla. Work in the Nursery. Where the land has not been made realv for 'I the planting out of the seedling briars the work must be got on with at once, otherwise it will not have time to settle down for planting, says the Fruit Grower." Many will plant out on simply dug land, and some even after the plough only. This may be all very well when tl1 e, sea son is a normal one for showers but when, as is often the cflw.tlia season is a drv one, then there are many losses through harcl wood and the refusal of the bark to rise for bud- ding Therefore, let all land intended for this work be bastard trenched to a depth of at least 18in. A fair coat of manure should be put between the top and bottom spits, and if the land needs lime it should be spread over the top after the work is finished, at the rate of one ton per acre at. least. Potash and phosphoric j acid, iron and magnesia, should also be given if necessary- Tbe lime and artificials should be ¡. pricked in 6in. only. Towards the end of the month and in early March the seedlings should bo planted. As the briars are lifted from the seed-bed, shorten the tops about one-third,, and cut away aH needless spray, also cut from the roots all growths that look like making Buckafs. Shorten the roots a little. The best method of planting will be to mark out rows acroqs the land with a marker from 18in. to 2ft. apart, then with a narrow bright, spade cut a nick by putting the spade in along the line, and, pushing the handle forward, make what some call a wriggle. The roots are then put down, keeping the collar of the plant quite level with tbe land- One man works the spade, another puts in the plants and treads them well in. Cuttings of all kinds of Rose stocks may be planted in the sam? manner. All briars for standard purposes must be planted in their permanent positions without di-lay, and if they were root-pruned when laid in they be making callus by this time. When ail are planted a mulch of short manure will be of great advantage, peat moss that has been fer- mented being excellent for the purpose. Gladiolus. Most of these should be pi anted th's month but a small proportion may be held back for a month or so, to yield a later supply of flowers. When Gladioli are used for bedding purposes, it is best to associate them with some other plants, such as Carnations or Gannas, so that there will be no blank when the Gladioli have flowered. For the production of exhibition spikes, and for supplying flowers for cuttipg, the corms should beplautedin prepared beds of e P, rich soil. Rub off the small corms. and, if it is desired to increase the stock, plant them in the reserve garden. In mild localities they may be i wintered in the ground, and will bloom in three or four years' time. When liberally treat. Nanceianas hybrids produce immense n' 9 flowers of ereat beauty. The Reek Gardsn. Frequent attention should be given to the rook garden, especially during the dull season- Remove all wind-blown leaves from the pockets and crevices, and pick out any weeds there may be among the plants, at the same time stirring the surface soil. Keep a look- out for slugs and snails, which are apt to prey on the young growths of many plants. Choice spring-flowering plants aud bulbs which are coming into llower should be securely staked where necessary, and screened from rough winds by sticking a few sprays of some ever- green in;the soil on the windward side. Preh soil may, when required, be given to any of the later flowering subjects during suitable weather. Frequent top-dressings are not to be recom- mended, as this has a tendency to make the pockets too deep and to gradually hide the rocks, which should be kept exposed, or the rockery will lose its character. For this same reason the more vigorous of the spreading shrubs planted in the background should be re- stricted. Clear off the bulk of the mosses which have accumulated during the wet season, but encourage the various lichens to spread, for these give an established and natural tone to the boulders.

ISUKE OF MARLBOROUGH. Matrimonial Reconciliation. Mr W. K> Vanderbilt, the father of the Duchess of Marlborough, accompanied by bis wife, arrived at Plymouth on Monday by the Kaiser Wilhelm and proceeded to London. Theirvisit is in connection with the recon- ciliation of the Duke and Duchess of Marl- borough, with whom they will spend several, weeks.

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FLOODS IN SCOTLAND. Railway Damaged. The Central News Fort William correspon- dent, telegraphs thata violent gale,accompanied by thunder and l^htiuDg and a torrential downpour of rain, broke over the Lochaber dis- trict early on Sunday morning l'\e.lr Drim- sallie, on the Malkiig Railway, about 40ft of the railway embankment was washed out through the choking of a cross drain", the rails and sleepeis beiDg left, hanging over the gap thus made. Happily the occurrence was noted in tune to prevent aii v disaster, and workmen from Fort William remedied the damage within a few hours. Delay, howecer, was caused to several special fish trains from MaJlaig to the Southern market*. -Nearly an inch and a quarter of rain fell. causing most of tho rivers iu the district to overflow, while the velocity of the wind when the stonn WIL, at il height was estimated at 60 miles an hour.

The annual Eisteddfod promoted by Beia Sunday School, Ciellifaelog, Dowlais. attracted a large gathering to the Oddfellows' Hall, Dow- lais, on Saturday. Principal awards: -Tenor solo, Mr James J. Lewis soprano solo. Miss Sarah Williams: bass solo, divided between Mr James Evans and Mr John Thomas tenor and basa duet, Messrs Jas. J. Lewis and Isaac W. Jones recitation, Mr Dav-id John Davies Welsh essav. Mr J. Evan Jone-. childrens' choral competition. Caersalem, Dowlais (con- ducted bv Mr Frank Davies); male voice party, (Mendelssohn), Dowlais Gleo Party (conductor, Mr Tom Edwards).

1 CORRESPONDENCE. Owain Glyndwr's Prison House. To THE HDITOS Sir,—The IVelsh arc constantly boasting ol their patriotism, but when it comes to a ques. tion of subscribing some trifling sum for thv purpose of preserving a priceless historical monument this aliYseems to evaporate. To the eternal disgrace of the Cymric nation, the magnificent Parliament House at Dolgellau, was destroyed some years ago, although it. could have been bought for a few hundredl pounds, whereas it would have cost ten thou, sand even to make an imitation of it, to say no tiling of its infinite archeotogical and archi. tectural value. I have a special interest in the matter, as my relative, the late A. B. Phipson, was engaged to make plans and draw up a report on the building, and hsld hebutum. iioaed the matter to ui,, at the time I sbouiii certainly have purchased tbe property myself. If now the chance of acquiring Owain Glvndwr'p prison house, an edifice of far less aesthetic, but equal historic, interest Is missedf the Welsh nation will again cover itself witt indelible shame, and cannot complain if in future all its protestations of national pridf are ridiculed.-I am, &c., EYACUSTES A. PHIPSON 9, Titli ing,, Worcester, Eng., 16th Feb., 19OT.

Burg ars broke into the Cambrian Raihwart Company's station offices at Builth Welte during Tuesday night, forced open the till, untf stole change amounting to 10s 9d.