The Cardiff Times

CREDITORS CALLED TOGETHER Two first meetings of creditors were held at the Pontypridd Official Receiver's office on ^at-urday. Jos Browning, plumber and gasfitter, •hzabfth-street,Pentrc, returned his liabilities at 55 7Sj with a deficiency of £133193 2d. "-oasp;s on contracts and bad trade, were the given for insolvency. Bad trade and becOmingseeurity for money r-orrowed bp mv brother were the causes as- by John Win. Evans,tailor, LeedsHouse, -*il £ ach Goch, for his failure. The liabilities ^'ounted to £ 93 17s lid, and the deficiency 13s 9d. The Official Receiver (Mr Ellis -*W4ni) remains trustee in both cases.

John." The foctnuui inclined his head '• John, step towards Fido and a kicti word to him. to make him wag 'It tall- has had no exercise to-day."

Demand for Disarmament TOY SOLDIERS VETOED. Speeches by Labour M.P.'s At the Peacc Congress In London on Satur- day a letter was read from Mrs Marie Hawkin, General Botha's sister, who wrote :— Ever since 1 was a little girl, I have had experience of war and its sorrows. I can remember the ominous eclipse of the sun which occurred on Majuba day. I remember the poor Empress Eugenic of France passing through Greytown to see the grave of her boy in Zululand. I remember the sickening news of the annihilation of Wilson and his brave comrades in Rhodesia and 1 am now struggling to forget even more terrible scenes and more personal losses. That is why I love the thought of universal peace. The congress adopted a resolution inviting the scholastic authorities in each country to make a pronouncement in favour of an Inter- Governmental Congress on Education, together with a programme of seventeen items, aU directed towards developing International rela- tions between schools and individual teachers and pupils. In the course of the discussion one speaker said that the Sermon on the Mount could be taught in such a way as to disgust children and another mentioned that in Italy a society of mothers had been formed for the purpose of abolishing soldier games among the children. (Applause.) The society called upon mothers not to present children with swords and guns, which accustomed them to the military idea. The commission, dealing with this subject, had in a suggested code, urged that the young should be taught that the object of existence should be a glorious life, not a glorious death," and this bought up M. Tarrida del 1\larmol with a fiery speech of protest in two languages. '•You are hinting at the death of the sol- dier," he cried. That is not a glorious death. The glorious death is the death of the miner and of the man who defends his liberty and his homo against the tyrant." See," he shouted, what is happening in France, in Turkey, in Persia, in Russia. See the soldiers shooting down the innocent." The Chairman, unable for some moments to stop the impassioned torrent, finally said the commission would make a suitable alteration. M. Marmol Eh, bicn The Chairman That ends it. M. Marmol: And it shuts me up. (Laughter.) Another resolution expressed the hope that in the near future private property would be declared absolutely free from capture on sea as on land, the mover remarking that since it was impossible for England to have a sufficient number of cruisers to protect her merchant vessels in every sea, it would surely be to England's interest that her vessels should be exempt from the attention of a foreign navy. A final appeal to the nations concluded If the party of men of common sense join the party of the men of peace, we shall be in- vincible.

Trafalgar Square Domonstratien. A United Labour peace demonstration in connection with the congress was held in Trafalgar-square in the afternoon, when about 2,000 people were present. The demonstration was organised by the Labour Party, and was participated in by no fewer than 23 different Labour organisations. MR THORNE'S DECLARATION. Mr Will Thome, in the course of his address, said that during the last 10 years the expendi- ture on armaments hadincreasd by 69 millions, of which the British Government was respon- sible for 41 millions. That proved that Eng- land was the greatest culprit instead of being the first to reduce the expenditure. The workers of England had no quarrel with those of any other country, and he hoped that the representatives of Germany particularly would assure their colleagues when they re- turned that if war were declared between England and Germany, or any other country, they in England would do their best to put an end to it at the earliest opportunity. The best-means of reducing the expenditure on armaments was to refuse to vote for increased armaments. v [ WAR AND DEMOCRACY. Mr O'Grady declared that the organised workmen of the world were a greater force to prevent war than diplomacy. If war broke out in Europe there would be a general strike of workmen to bring it to a close. If they were not careful war was imminent, and the democracy must assert itself to prevent the outbreak. Mr John Ward said the army existed to pro- vide soft jobs for the sons of the upper middle class. (Laughter.) Mr J. R. Macdonald. in a powerful speech, asked what labour would gain by war. Wars were hatched by Kings and Cabinets, and it was the democracy that had to bear the brunt of the fight, both as regards body and money. Any war which was entered upon must end in disgrace, disappointment, and sorrow to the masses of the country. The Labour Party had sent to Germany a dove with the olive branch in its mouth, and they would follow that by a personal visit, and from their German brethren they would receive a similar token of peace. (Applause.) A resolution urging the people everywhere to demand the establishment of such a system of international arbitration as shall lead to ultimate general disarmament, thereby stop- ping the enormous resources at the present time devoted to war and preparations for war, and the development of true progress of civilisa- tiorf, based upon truth and justice," was passed with unanimity. In the evening a reception for the delegates of the congress was "held at the National Liberal Club. Mrs Despard asserted that if it were not for the Boer war they would not be already enjoying old-age pensions and many other privileges. (Hear, hear.) ATTACK ON THE CHURCHES. Mr BenTillett maintained that the Churches and the parsons acted from a hypocritical spirit in regard to peace and war, prgachihg Peace on earth and good will to men and at the same time disregarding the injunction. The Churches were strong enough to prevent war if they chose, but they were supported by capitalists, war-mongers, scare-mongers, and people of that kind, and so long as that state of hypocrisy continued peace could never be attained. (Cheers and laughter.) War was inly promoted by bullies and thieves. The TOman, French, British, Austrian, and Rus- sian workmen had agreed that they would resist war to the utmost of their power, and in that resolve were joined by the Trade Unions and Socialist organisations, whose aim was to promote the brotherhood of man. (Cheers.) f Various foreign delegates spoke, including Baroness Von Suttner. A resolution expressing sympathy with the objects of the Peace Congress was carried during general acclamation. Sympathetic cheers were given for the French workmen in Paris.

Coroner and Doctor. SEVERE COMMENTS AT LAMBETH. Mr Troutbeck held an inquest at the Lam- beth Coroner's Court on Saturday concerning the death of Catherine Evelyn Reeves, a child ten weeks old, who on Thursday morning wasi, found dead in bed, where it had slept with its parents, a labourer and his wife, who live in the district. Dr. W. Piercy Fox said he was called to the parents' house at 6.45 on Thursday morning, and found the father carrying the baby, which had been dead four or five hours. From the examination he subsequently made he came to the conclusion that the child had died from suffocation. There was no direct evidence— no marks on the body or anything of that kind. It was a remarkably fine child and very well nourished indeed, and perfectly clean. He saw the r>ost-mortem examination in a fashion. He had notice to attend at 8 o'clock, and the postanortem was at 8.30. He did not consider it fair. Suffocation might have been brought about if the rinother was sleeping very soundly and turned towards the child in her sleep. He suggested as a possible explanation that the mother rolled towards the child. There must have been some pressure on the mouth. He could find no other cause of death'. Dr. Freyberger, pathologist, said he made the post-mortem examination, and his conclu- sion was that death was due to failure of the heart while the child was suffering from bronchitis and polypus catarrh. The usua signs of death from suffocation were all absent. The- Coroner, in summing up, said it was an important case. To begin with, this death was certified by a gentleman who admitted that he never saw the child alive at all- Death took place before he arrived." That he (the coroner) considered a most serious thing, and not alone" serious from that point of view, but for the extraordinary reason that the doctor Volunteered for giving the certificate. He formed the opinion that this child died from suffocation for reasons which he ftthc coroner) regarded as altogether inadequate. It was a most serious thing to have allegations of this description brought against the poorer classes. So many persons had been said to have suffo- cated their children by over-laying during the past few years that he had paid very great attention to this class of case, with the result that it had been shown, in that district at all events, that the practice of over-laying chil- dren did not exist. Why \v"&s it necessary in this case to assume, without any evidence whatever, that the mother rolled over and pre- vented t.he child from breathing? What was the evidence? It was a suggestion which he re garded as monstrous and should never have been made. On the other hand, Dr. Freyberger was well known in London as a gentleman who .had paid considerable attention to and had had great opportunities of judgingof these matters, and in the making of the post-mortem exami. nations, and he came to quite a different opinion. The case was one for the jury to con- sider seriously. It was a question of which evidence they were to believe. After a short deliberation the jury returned a verdict of Death from natural causes."

Fight at a Nursing Home ACTRESS AND HER MOTHER. A remarkable scene in a nursing home was described at the South-Western Police Court on Saturday, when John Edward Groom, a stoutly-built man with a heavy grey mous- tache, residing with his wife, the keeper of a nursing home at Lavender-sweep, Battersea, was charged with assaulting Mrs Florence Bale, a music-hall artiste, associ ted with the Cumberland troupe of performers, living at Kennington-road, and Minnie Johnston, a detective in the service of Simmonds' agency. The proceedings form a sequel to an appli- cation to Mr Justice Bray in Chambers by Mrs Bale, who sought to obtain an order entitling her to have an interview with her mother, Mrs Gardiner, an inmate of the nursing home, she having traced her whereabouts. The learned Jtfdge suggested that Mrs Bale should be afforded an opportunity of interviewing her mother. This was arranged for on Saturday afternoon, but Mrs Bale, after leaving the Judge's chambers on Friday, visited the home, accompanied by the lady detective. They were admitted to the institution, and a noisy scene took place. Mrs Bale stated that she was conversing with her mother, who was delighted to see her, 1>issing her most affectionately, when Mrs Groom, the prisoner's wife, rushed in excitably exclaiming to her husband, How dare you let these people in they have no right here." She began to fight the detective, and the pri- soner struck her (witness) with an umbrella. Mr Hindle (for the prosecution) Did she tell you to go ? —No she took hold of me and threw me out. The prisoner got hold of the detective round the neck, nearly strangling her, and punched her in the ear. In cross-examination, witness explained that Saturday afternoon was an inconvenient time for her to see her mother, as she had a matinee, so she went on Friday. When Mrs Groom de- manded to know why she was there, she replied that the Judge had given her permis- sion. She was not asked to go, and did not refuse to leave. Mr Maur (for the defence) You waited to be pushed out ?—No there was no occasion for pushing. Besides, a nursing home is not a fighting place. What do you suggest the prisoner did ?—I was on my knees speaking to mother when he hit me across the stomach with an um- brella, causing me a good deal of pain. As I was pushed out mother ran after me. So you took away your mother in spite of the Judge's order ?—No she came with me at her free will. She refuses to return, saying she was not kindly treated. Lady Nearly Strangled. She was only wearing her dressing-gown ?— I don't know, considering that nearly every- thing was torn off her. It was like a workhouse garb. Witness went on to say that she engaged the detective to protect her against her brother, who was very bitter towards her. Minnie Johnston described her visit to the home. The door, she said, was opened by an elderly person in spectacles, and they were met in the passage by the prisoner, who re- ceived them quietly, saying, You can come in, but don't upset the old lady she is in a fainting condition." The mother put her arms round her daughter's neck, kissing her. After a short interval Mrs Groom.. entered and shouted, This is a registered nursing home, and no one has a right to enter'without my permission. Get out of it." Speaking to her husband she said Turn her out." He then caught hold of my neck till I was nearly black in the face," continued witness, and hit me a violent blow in the ear. The table was overturned, and some stewed fruit went down my frock." Mr de Grey Did you see what happened to Mrs Bale ?—As she was being pushed out her aged mother exclaimed, "Pray don't leaveme, oh pray don't leave me." We were both bundled out into the street. Mr Maur Who told you to go to the house ? —Why, my chief. The mother appealed to her daughter to take her away., also saying, I've been here seven months and not outside the door." Witness added that the mother gave her purse to her daughter to mind, a circum- stance that seemed to give offence to the pri- soner, who shouted, Why, she's got her purse Did you cry out when seized by the neck ?— We all screamed. But did you ?—I was nearly strangled. The prisoner, giving evidence, denied assaulting the lady in the way described. Mr Hindle What do you do at the home ? —Eat and drink. (Laughter.) He admitted that everything was peaceful till his wife arrived. Mr de Grey said he did not think the violence displayed was justified, and fined the prisoner £5 for the assault on the detective, dismissing the other charge on the ground that Mrs Bale's story of the umbrella had not been corroborated.

HAGGERSTON POLL RESULT. The result of the bye-election in the Hag- gerston Division of Shoreditch, caused by the death of Sir W. R. Cremer, was declared on Saturday night as follows The Hon. Rupert Guinness (C.) 2,867 Mr Walter R. Warren (L.). 1,724 Mr Herbert Burrows (Soc.). 986 Unionist majority 1143 The following are the figures for previous elections :— 1892. 1900. Mr W .R. Cremer (L) 2.543 Mr W. R. Cremer (L) 2,290 Sir J. T. Firbank(U) 1,622 Mr J. Lowles (U).. 2,266 --I Liberal majority.. 921 Liberal majority.. 24 1906. 1895. Mr W.R. Cremer (L) 2,772 Mr J Lowles (U> 2,269 I The Hon. B. E. C. Mr W.R. Cremer (L) 2,229 Guinness (U) 2,371 Unionist majority 40 | Liberal majority.. 401

Declaration Scenes. The votes were counted at Shoreditch Town Hall. The Socialists assembled in great force. They raised their scarlet banner high, and for an hour on end sang menacing songs. They were convinced that their candidate would come second in the result. To celebrate their expected triumph they sang a version of a celebrated song, which had for its refrain the line When they heard of the death of poor ojd Warren." For one moment they were raised to delirious heights of joy. On the board placed in the doorway of the town hall, a little after 10 o'clock, the name of Burrows came first. The Marseillaise burst from a thousand throats. A Union Jack was trampled in the mud. Red flags became almost voci- ferous as they waved frantically over the heads of the crowd. In a moment the cheers turned to boos." The Socialists had realised that the names were arranged in alphabetical, and not arithmetical, order, and that their man, instead of being at the top of the poll, was at the bottom. Not at all surprised," said Mr Guinness, beaming with joy, when he was asked for his views on the result. I looked for victory all along, and I put it down "to Tariff Reform." Mr Warren attributed his defeat to want of time, and the splitting of votes. The task of fighting an election in five days is simply stag- gering," he said. The Hon. Rupert Edward Cecil Lee Guinness will one day be one of the richest men in the Empire. The eldest son of Viscount Iveagb, he will in the ordinary course of things inherit one of the greatest fortunes ever made in the brewing trade. Born in London in 1874, Mr Guinness went to Eton in 1888, and soon became known as a rowing man and an all-round sportsman. Mr Guinness's marriage to Lady Gwen- dolen Onelow, the elder daughter of the Earl of Onslow, made him the brother-in-law of a chief of the Maoris. One of Lord Onslow's sons, who was born when his father was Governor of New Zealand, was christened by the Maori name of Huia, and this compliment the Maoris returned by creating the littlef boy a chieftain.

LLANDIL0 AGRICULTURAL SHOW. The annual exhibition of Llandilo Agricul- tural Society was held at Llandilo Bridge on Saturday, under the presidency of the Hon. Walter F. Rice. Dynevor Castle. Brilliant weather favoured the event, which attracted about 1,500 people. The exhibits were gener- ally of a very high standard, and the show promoters noted with satisfaction the continued improvement of the stock sent in by farmers in the district. The spectacular events in the afternoon included military displays, which proved quite successful. The show luncheon was attended by a large company, including the president, the Hon. Gladys Rice. Mr Du Buisson. Mr MervynPeel, Mr Gwynne Hughes, and Mr J. Lewis Thomas, Caeglas. Mr Blennerhassett, responding to the toast of the judges, which was proposed by Mr J. Lewis Thomas, said that they had quite as good stock in Wales as in England. Some of the exhibits that day were, of exceptional merit. Mr Du Buisson submitted the health of the president, which was heartily received. The President, in responding, suggested that in remote districts farmers might co-operate to purchase a good sire. The judges were Mr Wm. Thomas. The Hayes. Sully Mr J. Blennerhassett, More- ton, Abergavenny Mr Joseph Foster, Ketter- ing Mr J. R, Jones. Trwst Llewelyn,' Garth- myl Mr B. Morris, Wern Barnes. >. 1,1 11

CHURCH VANE LEGEND. One of the most curious vanes to be seen on any church in Great Britain is that at Great Gonerby, a parish adjoining Grantham. It is in the form of a fiddle and a bow, and is un- usually large. Its history is a curious one. Many years ago a peasant resided in Great Gonerhy who eked out a modest livelihood by performing on an old violin, which was almost a part of his life. At last he decided to emi- grate, and out in the Far West prospered and became a rich map. One day 5he sent td the clergyman at Great Gonerby a sum sufficient to build a church, and attached to the gift the curious condition that a metal replica of his old fiddle and bow should be on the summit of the edifice. The gift was accepted, and the vane may still be seen on the church.

Nobleman's Revenge. BEAUTIFUL WIFE IMPRISONED- The Spanish newspapers are full of a sensa- tional scandal which has just been disclosed here. Two or three years ago a noted society beauty, daughter of a rich banker, married a count, who belongs to the old nobility of Por- tugal, and held the post of Lord-in-waiting to King Manuel. For about a year the two lived happily together, but last September the coun- tess and her child, aged five months, suddenly disappeared, and nothing was seen or heard of them. When questioned the count always returned an evasive answer. Eventually 80 many rumourB got about that the police took the matter in hand. It was im- possible that the matter could be kept quiet- as the parties were so well known, having fre quently entertained King Carlos and Queen Amelia at their beautiful seat in the Aiemjeto. In, addition, the count was well known for his jealous disposition, and fears were enter- tained for the safety of the countess. Finally the police determined to break into the house. There, alter a long search, they discovered the countess and her child, impri- soned in a small garret. Brought downstairs it was discovered that she had changed into a broken down old woman. Her once baautiful features were emaciated and worn, and her hair had turned completely white. The ser- vants, when questioned, confessed that the poor woman had been kept a close prisoner for 11 months. She herself can give no explanation for this treatment, and it. is feared that her mind has completely gone. The doctors hold out very little hope of her recovery, but expect the child will live. The husband's defence is that his wife allowed a naval officer to pay too great attention to her. King Mancel, who was to have paid a visit to the count as soon as the Court went out of mourning, has notified him that the visit will not take place, and also that he is deprived of his Court appointments and emoluments.

MURDEROUS MILLINERY. Plumaga Committee's Report. On Saturday the report of Lord Avebury's Committee of the House of Lords, which was appointed to consider the Importation of Plumage J Prohibition Bill, was issued as a Blue Book. The Committee see no reason to suppose that the exclu- sion from the market of the plumage of rare birds would materially affect the feather trade of the country as a whole. The great bulk of the imports in that branch of com- merce consists of feathers of the ostrich and other birds,which are exempted under theBill, and the feathers which would be excluded are of relatively small value. Any reduction, therefore, in the importation of feathers of birds protected by the Bill would, in the opinion of the Committee, be counterbalanced, or so far as employment in this country is con- cerned, more thancounterbalanced, by the use of other feathers or of artificial flowers. On the question of the extermination of rare birds the Committee received valuable evidence from persons acquainted with the conditions in Australia, India, South America, and other countries from which plumage is sent to Great Britain. The evidence was such as to show conclu- sively, in the opinion of the Committee, that not only are birds of many species slaughtered recklessly, but also that the methods employed for slaughter are such as in many cases, and especially in that of egrets, to involve the destruction of the young birds and eggs. Birds are, as a rule, in their finest plumage at the time of nesting, and have been shown to be especially the prey of hunters at that season. The Committee have carefully considered the facts submitted to them, and they are satisfied that while many birds are being greatly re- duced in number, others are in danger of being actually exterminated. They are also of opinion that the feathers of egrets imported into Great Britain are obtained by killing the birds during the breeding season, and that few, if any, are moulted plumes. The Committee have therefore had to con- sider if it is possible, by a Bill prohibiting the import of the plumage, skins, or bodies into Great Britain, to reduce the destruction of the birds within reasonable limits. It appeare clearly, from the evidence that the enactments of British Colonies and certain foreign countries, which provide a close season for wild birds, and of India, which prohibits their export, are to a considerable extent ineffective, partly on account of the open market in this and other countries. The committee believe therefore that the Bill would not only be of general advantage, but would also render more effective the legisla- tiota of India, of Australia, and of the United States. WTiile the Committee are strongly of opinion that the Bill would be useful in itself, they consider that it would be more effective if legislation of the same kind were adopted by other countries. They trust therefore that his Majesty's Government will endeavour to secure international action with a view to the pre- servation of rare and beautiful birds, and that the Bill may be made the basis of representa- tions to other Governments in order to induce them to pass similar laws.

HOUSE FIRED BY BOYS. Box of Matches Freak. Two Leyton schoolboys, Lepnard Wiltshire and Ernest Wenden, both aged 13, were charged at Stratford on Saturday with mali- ciously setting fire to the dwelling-house of Robert Perry at Warren-road, Leyton, there- by endangering the lives of Robert Perry, Phoebe Perry, and Louisa Gee. Mr R. Batchelor, an organist,'of Putney- road, Woodford-street, said that on Friday, when passing along Warren-road, he saw the two lads throwing things into houses, and when they ran he chased and caught one. The lad protested that he was only playing with his companion, and he was released and ran off. A moment later witness saw flames in Mr Perry's window, and at once raised an alarm and assisted to put out the fire. Sergeant Ward said that the window frame, the Venetian blinds, the curtains, and a sofa in the room were burned, the damage done being about JE16. Outside the window he found several spent wax matches. Detective-Sergeant Freend said that when Wenden was arrested he said, I will tell you the truth about it. I found some matches and a box. As we were coming along Warren- road, I was puUing one of the matches to pieces when Wiltshire said, 'You are afraid to throw one of them in the window.' I said, No, I am not such a fool.' He then took a match out of my hand and threw it in the window. He ran downtthe road, and looking back called out, The place is on fire.' When charged together, the lads said they were very sorry and did not think they would do any harm. The lads received excellent characters, and Mr Andrew Johnston (the chairman) said he hoped they now understood how serious the charge was. It was a reckless piece of boyish mischief, but the Bench did not care to send lads so young to prison. They would be bound over for three months under the Pro- bation Act.

SWANSEA CHARITY CARNIVAL. The 12th annual Swansea Charity Carnival was held on Saturday evening, when a proces- sion paraded the town, the line of route being thronged with spectators. First there was costume judging in the Victoria Park, the prizes for the beat decorated cycle going to W. Smale, Sketty; 2, S. P. Thomas, Port Talbot. Best costumed rider on horseback— 1, W. Jarvis; 2, T. J. Baugham. Ladies' fancy dress—1, Miss Richards, New Orchard- street 2, Mrs H. Gordon Ingram, London 3, Miss G. Webster, Calvert-street. Gent.'s fancy dress-I, Dixon Sandry. Best comic get-up—1, Edward Mills 2, Miss Ashbury. The procession was exceedingly' picturesque, the chief features being a display by Weaver and Co. of a team of 19 magnificent horses, a motor ambulance, and varied costumes.

RAZOR IN HIS HAND. At Swansea Police Court on Saturday, Wm. Harris, Lougher, was charged with attempting to commit suicide. Mrs Harris said her hus- band had beenfill for about three months and could not follow his employment. She saw him on July 24th enter the kitchen with a closed razor in his hand. He looked pale and strange—so much so that she was frightened and ran out for help. Mrs Summers, a neighbour, said she entered the house and took the razor out of the man's hand. Dr. H. J. Thompson, Gorseinon, said Harris was in a state of nervous prostration. There were 14 scratches on his throat. When charged, Harris said, I did notintend to take my life some- thing came over me." He was bound over for 12 months.

EXPLOSION OF A MAGAZINE. Pekin, Sunday.—The German barracks in the Legation quarters of Pekin was the scene of a great fire this evening, and by half-past 10 the military quarters were completely gutted. The small arms magazine exploded with great violence, breaking many windows in the vicinity and causing other damage. The art.il- lery magazine was saved by strenuous efforts. The canse of the fire is unknown.—Reuter. Peking, Sunday (Later).—Two German soldiers "and one French soldier were killed by the explosion, while eight German and five French soldiers were severely wounded.— Reuter.

fAKED PATIENTS. v. Paris, Sunday.—A doctor and a chemist, of Bordeaux, haye been convicted of conspiring to defraud insurance companies by pres- cribing and supplying unnecessary drugs to injured workmen, thus enabling them to sub- stantiate fraudulent claims. The doctor was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment, a fine of JE4, and suspension from practice for four years, and the chemist to three months' imprispnment, £ 4 fine, and two years' dis- qualifi^ation. They were further ordered to pay jointlv £ 32 damages to the defrauded em- piijv"rs.—Reuter. i

r Radnorshire Baronet. LATE SIR RICHARD GREEN PRICE Granite Obelisk Unveiled. Radnorshire men, representing all positions in life, irrespective of creed and politics, met on Saturday afternoon at Knighton Hill, near Offa's Dyke, to celebrate the unveiling of a gra ite obelisk to the memory of the late Sir Richard Green Price, whose life was devoted to the welfare of the county. The monument stands near Norton Manor, the home of the Green Price family, and now of Sir Pojvlett and Lady Milbank, son-in-law and daughter of the illustrious man to whose memory the monument is erected. The inscription is as follows This public monument was erected by subscription to perpetuate the memory of the late Sir Richard Green Price, 1st bart., born 1803, disci 1887, whose services to the county of Radnor will long outlive his name. Through his untiring energy the railways to Knighton and Llandrindod were constructed as well as to Presteigne and New Radnor. He ever laboured for the welfare of his native county, and represented Radnor Boroughs in Parliament from 18S2 to 1869, and the county of Radnor from 1880 to 1885. Mr J. A. Beebee read letters of apology for non-attendance from Mr Venables Llewelyn, Mr Wailis, Captain Gibson Watt, Mr Thomas Moore, and Mr F. L. Evelyn. Sir Powlett Milbank, Lord Lieutenant of the county, paid tribute to the public work done bv the late baronet, especially in connection with the railways of the county, remarking that the Knighton Railway, which was opened 50 years ago, was a standing monument to his memory. The late Sir Richard was a gentleman of boundless energy and enthusiasm, and even in old age he came forward in 1886, at the call of the people, to contest the county. Sir Powlett said he hoped the coming generation would trv to emulate the late Sir Richard in his courage, energy, and perseverance for the good of his county. (Applause.) The monument was then unveiled by Sir Powlett Milbank. Prayer was offered by the Rev. H. C. Green Price, and the company joined in the singing of the Old Hundredth." Sir Richard D. Green Price, son of the late baronet, delivered an interesting history on the late Sir Richard's work for the county, especially in regard to the Knighton and Llan- drindod and Presteign and New Radnor Rail- ways, and also in bringing about a daily post in all parts of the county. Rev. W. E. Prickard also spoke. Sir Francis Edwards, Bart., M.P., said although he had never had the pleasure of the acquaintance of the late Sir Richard he had once attended a gathering o[ Welsh Liberals where no doubt he had looked on the gentleman whose memory was so much esteemed in Rad- norshire. It was a good thing to encourage local patriotism they had not enough of it in Wales or England. It was well to commemor- ate the memory of one who had served his county as the late Sir Richard had done. (Applause.) A speech was talso delivered by AMerman E. Bufton, Llandrindod.

Newport Houseft Rents. FEARED INCREASE. The Newport Trades Council, with Mr W. Cadogan in the chair, have had under con- sideration the recommendation of the Newport Corporation Finance Committee that com- poundage of 50 per cent. be granted only on properties rated at JE12 and under instead of JE14 10s and under as at present. Councillor Charles Thomas said the present system had worked well, and he saw no reason for the proposed change. Working men ought to oppose the proposed change as it would have the effect of retarding the erection of work- men's dwellings, and owners of properties whose compoundage was reduced would get the same revenue as they did at present by increasing the rents. Mr J. Twomey said he was a member of the Finance Committee when they tried to abolish the compoundage by which allowances were made for rates on houses let at a less rental than 10s per week. If the present recommendation was carried out he would not be surprised if the rents of working men's houses would be increased by Is per week. If the Corporation wanted money they always tried to squeeze it out of the bottom dog and not those who could well afford it. The secretary (Mr F. Heath) was directed to write to the several branches of the Trades Council in the town asking them to express their views on the recommendation of the Finance Committee and to point out that it would probably mean increased rents on workmen's houses.

NEW BARDIC CHAIR. At the forthcoming National Eisteddfod of Wales, sit Llangollen, an interesting feature will be the use of a finely-carved Bardic Chair, which has been presented by Mr S. J. Waring, chairman of Waring and Gillow, Limited, and late High Sheriff of Denbighshire. It is a very handsome and characteristicpiece of furniture. made of rich honey-coloured oak. Every visible part of the chair is enriched with well- executed carved ornaments, in which quaint interlaced decoration of a Scandinavian type forms a most interesting and artistic feature. The back is formed of a modified Runic cross, joined to the solid framework, the circular central part of which has a suitable inscription and device. The chair, which is strong enoqgh to last for ages, will be used by the chief Bard at future Eisteddfodau.

GOLFBRICK SWINDLE. We have received the following from the Criminal Investigation Department, Scotland Yard :—" A fraud, commonly known as the Gold Brick Swindle,' is still rife and finds ready victims in this country, in spite of the notices which have been issued. The scheme seldom varies and usually begins with a letter, addressed to some person of property and lately deceased, so that the letter may fall into the hands of the executors-expressing gratitude for past kindnesses-and stating that the writer has uaade a valuable discovery of gold and desires to share his good fortune with his benefactor. This leads to a correspondence between the swindlers and the relatives or executors of the deceaseds and ultimately, if the story is believed, to the despatch of a messenger, usually to America, to receive the bullion found. When this stage is reached, a demand for money is on some pretext or other I sprung upon the victim, who, in the end, is generally fleeced to a very considerable amount, by the production of what appears to be bars, or bricks, of solid gold.'

MADMAN'S CRIME AND FATE. Seattle, Saturday.—James Fifer, at pros- perous Seattle merchant, murdered his little daughter and Mrs Dennis Nihoul, a guest at his house, while in their beds this morning, then fatally shot his wife and sister-in-law, and finally blew out his own brains. There was no known motive for the quin- tuple crime, and it is believed Fifer went sud- denly mad. He crept from bed to bed, lighting matches to reveal his victims' faces, and shot them as the flames leapt up. Mrs Fifer and her sister were awakened by the first shot, sprang from their beds at the second, ^.nd rushed madly for the door. The murderer shot them as they ran, and did not Wait to see whether they were alive or dead. Then he dashed from the house and was fleeing for the outskirts of the town as several policemen, attracted by the shots, run up from different directions and surrounded him. Seeing escape cut off, the fugitive turned the pistol, which he still carried smoking in his hand, against his own forehead, pulled the trigger, and fell back dead.-United Press.

CAUGHT,BY MOTOR. Gordon Thomas (3) was yesterday, after- noon knocked down at Grangetown by a motor-car driven by Dr. Pritchard. The little fellow, with two or three playmates, crossed the road just as the hiotor came along, and although the doctor instantly pulled up, he was unable to avoid striking the lad. The doc- tor attended to the boy, and conveyed him to his home in Allerton-street. Except for a cut on the back of the head and shock, the boy was none the worse for the mishap.

TENBY CHILD DROWNED IN A TUB. Louis Rappa Charles, a child, was accident- ally drowned on Saturday evening at the rear of a shop in St, Julian-street, Tenby, of which his father is manager. The mother had left the child in order to attend to the shop, and on returning a minute or two later she found that the little lad had fallen into a large tub of water standing in the backyard. Dr. Msythias was summoned, but life was found to be ex- t.irrt.

Weight of Public Burdens PRISONS ANB INEBRIATE HOMES. Mr Toulmin has asked the Home Secretary whether he will state the cost of inebriate homes for England and Wales for the last year for which returns are available, including annual interest charges on capital expendi- ture, annual charges for maintenance, the amounts contributed by the State, and the amounts contributed by local authorities or private enterprise. Mr Gladstone has replied that the cos t of certified inebriate reformatories in England and Wales in 1906 was £55,489. Of this amount the State contributed £27,644 and local authori- ties £27.845. The cost of the State inebriate reformatories, which is borne wholly by the State, is included in the figures relating to prisons given in the answer to a question by Mr Leif Jones. Besides the reformatories a number of inebriate retreats have been estab- lished by philanthropic bodies and private persons, but no contribution is made to these institutions from public funds. Mr Leif Jones's question to the Home Secre- tary was whether he could state the total cost of the prisons of England and Wales, both county and national, including therein in- terest on capital expenditure, annual charges for maintenance and pensions, the expenses of the Prison Commissioners, and the proportion of this expenditure borne by local and national funds. Mr Gladstone replies The total cost of the prisons of England and Wales, including State inebriate reformatories for the year ended 31st March last, for salaries and main- tenance, is £722,396 3s 9d. There are no charges for interest on capital expenditure. Thewhole of this expenditure falls on Imperial funds. The annual charge on the Super- annuation Vote on account of prisons, England and Wales,was,on the 50th inst, £83,7361s10d. In addition to this, some JE500 to £600 is paid each year in gratuities to retired prison officers who are ineligible for pension..These charges also fall on Imperial funds but local funds bear a certain pension charge in respect of men who were in the prison service before 1878 and have since retired. It is, however, imposs- ible to state exactly how much this charge is. It is now comparatively small. Reformatories. Mr Leif Jonfs also asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he would state the total annual cost of the refor- matories and industrial schools of England and Wales, and what proportion is borne by National and local funds. Mr Gladstone states The total cost for the ear 1907 was £42&,888. The Treasury contri- buted 42 per cent., and the local rates nearly 42 per cent., the rest coming from subscriptions and profit from labour. Taken separately the Treasury contributed 56 per cent., and the rates 26 per cent., in the case of reformatories, while for industrial schools the proportions are—Treasury 37 per cent., rate > 47 per cent. Cost of Lunatics. Mr T.F. Richards asked the Home Secretary whether he would state the total cost of the care of lunatics in England and Wales for the last year for which returns are available, whether borne by Imperial or local taxation, including therein the annual interest charges on capital indebtedness, the yearly cost of the maintenance ot all asylums,the expenses of the Lunacy Commissioners, and the charges made for the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, together with the proportion of money ob- 'tained from Imperial and local taxation. Mr Gladstone's reply was: In the year 1905-6, the last for which complete figures are available, the total expenditure of the local authorities of England and Wales in respect of lunatics and lunatic asylums, as ascer- tained provisionally for the purposes of the summary of the local taxation returns, was £3,551,955. This is made up as follows: (1) Loan charges (other than those paid by the London County Council), £642.686: (2) main- tenance and other charges not met out of loans, £2.909.269 total, £3,551,955. The total amounts received by the local authorities in that year in the shape of grants from the Exchequer and other receipts which can be definitely allocated as being in respect of lunatics and lunatic asylums were:—Grants, £878,193; miscellaneous t receipts not derived from taxation, ,E421,66t. There was in addition the cost of the Broad- moor Criminal Lunatic Asylum and of the Lunacy Commission, which fell entirely on Im- perial funds. The former of these, including expenses charged to other funds or votes, but allowing for appropriations in aid, was in the same year 1905-6 £ 38,966, and the latter £18,764. Cost of the Pelica. Mr Charles Roberts has asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what is the total annual cost of the police in England and Wales (including the Metro- politan Police), and the proportion borne by national and local taxation respectively. Mr Gladstone, on behalf of Mr Burns, says that Mr Roberts will find that the total gross cost of the police was JE5,864,151, and that of this amount £2,161,789 came from the Exche- quer contribution account and £3,415,457 from locail rates. The balance consisted of sums received for services of additional con- stables and certain other receipts. Burden of Poor Relief. Mr John Burns has been asked by Mr Charles. Roberts if he will state the total cost of poor relief andall purposes wholly connected therewith, in England and Wales for the last year for which returns are available and what proportion is borne by local and national taxa- tion. Mr Burns says the total expenditure on these purposes in England and Wales during the year ended at Lady Day, 1907, was £13,957,000. It is estimated thait of this sum £790,500 or 5'6 per cent., was met by means of repayments by relatives and other receipts not derived from taxation and that of the re- mainder jE2,591,000 or 18'6 per cent. of the whole, was borne by national taxation, and £10,575,5CO or 75*8 per cent., by local rates.

MUST HENCEFORTH USE CHAIRS. Most curious Of all ambitions, Japan is engaged in a great national movement to get its leg pulled. Wise men of the island nation are studying the question of stature in order to find the means of taking the thought that will add stature. The Jap wants to be tall. He is tired of being spoken of as a midget. His lack of stature is a constant source of hhmilia- tion. His soldier on parade, though ad- mittedly a great fighter, looks absurd in com- parison with the warriors of other nations. The physical deficiency, in height stands as the only disadvantage which Nippon has yet been unable to overcome. Now the entire nation is pledged to an effort to produce taller men and women. Some of the best authorities of Japan have been investigating the Causes that have kept the nation undersized. Their researches have led to the opinion that the sedentary habits of the people are at the base of the trouble. Apart from those engaged in the more muscular forms of activity the Japanese workman performs all his tasks while seated on the floor, his legs crossed under him. Therefore an edict has gone forth that the Japs must learn to sit on chairs. As regards the army, the rule has been made absolute. The soldiers will be require to sit on some- thing higher than the floor. Chairs and benches are being placed in the barracks, and punishment is visited on the soldier who takes up the old familiar squat on the floor. The Japanese Army surgeons are intensely inter- ested iri, the enforcement of the rule, for the national agitation for extended legs comes from them. They examined and learned les sons from the fighting men of other nations. including the giant Russians, whom the little men made taste such humiliating defeats. The introduction of chairs is only part of the new system. Trained masters in the art of physical conditioning are now installed as part of the army. They have authority over the soldiers, and their system must be rigidly obeyed. They have installed a dietary system, and have put the.men through a severe course of gymnastics. » In the schools the children have been raised from the floor. The m$.ts on which they used to sit have been abandoned. Chairs and desks are being installed, and the youngsters are subjected to a modified form of the exercises imposed on the soldiers.

WORK FOR ALL." Mr Keir Hardie Foretells Another Bill. Mr Keir Hardie, M.P., on Saturday evening inaugurated a new branch of the Independent Labour Party at Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury, and addressed a public meeting. He said that the Labour party had got a footing in the House of Commons, and though weak in num- bers had Caused the Government to pass three Socialistic Bills because the Government knew the Labourites had the working classes of the kingdom behind them. Referring to his visit to India, he said that in three native States the Government was satisfactory because the administrators were natives. It would be the same jn British India if the people had the same privilege. Touching on the question of the unem- ployed, he said that Mr Runciman, member for DewsburVand Minister for Education, had, knowingly and wilfully, misrepresented and misdescribed the Labour party's Unemployed Bill. doing so in the House of Commons. Early next Session the Labour party would introduce another Bill, and he (Mr Keir Hardie) would take the first opportunity of ex- posing and refuting Mr Runciman's state- ments. The Labour party would never rest until employment was found for all out of work through no fault of their own by some authority from Parliament down to the humblest Parish Council.

DISESTABLISHMENT BILL In answer to Mr Rees, who asked the Prime Minister whether the receipt and cbnsideration of the report of the Welsh Church Commission was anecessarypreliminary to the introductior. of a measure dealing with the Disestablish- ment of the Church in Wales, Mr Asquith states :—The Government hope that this report may soon be in their hands, but they could not bind themselves to postpone making their proposals until after the report is reo ceived.

I TALKS ON HEALTH. By DR. ANDREW WILSON. Food Poisoning. Cases of food poisoning undoubtedly occirf more frequently in the warm weather of summer than at other periods of the year. It is by no means difficult, to account for the greater frequency of such cases in the summer season. The vast majority of germs or microbes find in the increased heat of the present time of the year one of the most essential conditions for their ready multipli- cation and growth, and as food poisoning is certainly due to the invasion of the foods by such microbes, we see that the chances of the food becoming tainted and infected must of necessity be greatly increased in summer, as compared with those which are liable to occur in winter. A perusal of the newspapers is alone sufficient to show that food poisoning is a more frequent event in warm weather than in a cold season of the year. The dependence of food poisoning upon the invasion of our foods by certain germs is a matter entirely unquestioned by science. The investigation of such cases has resulted in the discovery of certain microbes which appear to have the power of rendering foods noxious to us. These germs have been duly identified and cultivated and actual experiment has shown the power of such microbes to produce all the symptoms which in man are characteristic of the cases we are discussing. No doubt, therefore, exists regarding the source of the somewhat serious trouble which is implied by the term food poi- soning at large. About Our Foods. The reports of medical officers of health and other authorities charged with the inves- tigation of 4o°d poisoning cases render it clear that certain foods are more liable to acquire injurious properties than others. Perhaps first in the list of such articles of diet we may place pork and ham.. The reason why pork seems more readily to harbour germs than mutton and beef lies in the fact that a greater amount of gelatine is found in this food, and gelatine itself is a substance which forms a very familiar and favourable medium in which germs at forge may grow. Next to pork and ham and veal, perhaps, we may find fish, and as fish is a food singularly liable to become tainted, it requires to be regarded with grave suspicion when any pur- trefactivc change due to germs has affected it even in the slightest degree. Rabbit has also figured in reports of food poisoning cases as a food which has also to be carefully guarded against undergoing injurious changes. It has sometimes been asserted that, tinned foods represent, a frequfent cause of food poisoning. There is, however, no special reason why tinned foods should be regarded with any great amount of suspicion, always provided, to start with, that these foods are of good quality, and have been perfectly and effici- ently tinned. But it so happens that tinned foods appear to be rnore^liable than ordinary meats to acquire injurious properties after the tins have been opened, and mqre especially if such opened tins have been kept in insanitary surroundings. Food Surroundings. After all, it the surroundings of foods which require to be considered as representing the most important conditions through which they may develop poisonous properties. Milk itself, for example, is a food singularly liable to undergo injurious changes when care is not taken to see that it is kept in a cool, whole- some, and cleanly »placc. Polution of milk is extremely easy, and wh<*re dust has access to this universally used fluid, there can be little doubt injurious changes are readily set up, such changes developing poisons '^responsible for the high death rate of children under one year of age in all our great, centres of popula- tion. This high mortality is caused by infantile diarrhoea, or infantile cholera, which attacks hand-fed children for the most part, and is undoubtedly caused by milk pollution. Boiling or sterilising all milk on which infants are fed forms the great preventive of this terrible disease, which falls, in its way, to be included as a species of food poisoning of the most subtle kind. ( Seme Cautions. The same remark applies to all other foods. Cases of food poisoning have, for example, frequently resulted from the consuming of tinned salmon, which has been left open after the first half of it has been used. and which, moreover, has been kept in a polluted atmosphere. In all cases we must therefore take into account the fact that some condition ot other has existed whereby germs have gained access to foods, such germs deve- loping toxins or poisons in the foods, and these poisons, in their turn, acting in a most injurious manner on the body. When medical officerk trace out, as they are able to do in many cases, the history of food poisoning cases, there is inevitably found Some source of contamination of the food, either before it has been cooked or after it has been prepared in the kitchen. In food poisoning cases by the consumption of pork pies, it was, for example, found that contamination tcok place in the preparation of what was otherwise healthy pork through insanitary conditions prevailing in the factory or place where the meat waa prepared, In the majority of cases it is pos- sible that a thorough cooking of meat may destroy the germs, but it is never safe to assume that the cooking process will exert this effect. One of the features regarding foods, the consumption of which has caused alarming symptoms, is the fact that they do not always exhibit signs, of being tainted, whilst at. the same time they nevertheless possess a definite power of inflicting injury upon us. Treatment. The prevention of food poisoning cases, it can he readily seen, is a matter for the exer- cise of great care in seeing that all foods are first of all of healthy character, and second fiat they are not liable to acquire injurious properties by being kept in insanitary surroundings. Especially should foods be kept far away from sinks and drains, because it has been found in practice that the influence of sewage gases and the like emanations may exercise a very deletrious effect upon the quality of whatever foods may be exposed to such emanations. A second caution takes th" form of the advice that when tinned foods are opened they should be consumed as quickly as possible. If any tinned food remains, and is intended for future consumption, it. Should be taken out of the tin and kept in a piire situa- tion. Finally, the symptoms of food poisoning come on within a comparatively short time after contaminated articles have been partaken of. The poisons or toxins which the germs produce are of sin- gularly active character, and exert their effects very quickly on the frame. The patient complains of severe internal pain, whilst vomiting, as a rule. is present, and later on severe diarrhoea may exist. Where food poisoning is suspected at all, the doctor's services must be requisitioned, and It will be well, pending his arrival, to cause the patient to vomit, so as to remove from the stomach any of the food which may still be retained. Hot applications should be applied to the feet, and the patient should be made to rest in bed. In severe cases where the heart is apt to be affected, stimulants should be freely admi- nistered. When the critical period has passed it wjJl be well to administer a dose of castor oil, simply by way of clearing the digestive system.

POLICE IMPUGNED.. ~f" Bridgend Man's Charge. William Underhill, labourer, Bridgend. wag summoned at Bridgend on Saturday for being drunk and disorderly. Underhill alleged that the police had used him roughly and had frac- tured his jaw. P.C. Stockford said that Underhill was very violent, and it took four policemen to get him to the porice station, but no undue force was used. Superintendent Menhennick suggested that as a charge had been made against the police the Bench might like to hear the evidence of Inspector Benjamin Evans, who received the charge when Underhill was brought to the station. To this the Bench agreed. Inspector Evans said he saw defendant being brought into the station. No undue violence was used. There were no marks on Underhill, and he made no complaint to witness. It waa. 3. o'clock on the previous Saturday afternoon when Underhill was brought through the streets, and there were plenty of people about. The Chairman (Mr R. W. Llewellyn) So h6 eould have had witnesses if anything was done. Defendant I have no witnesses. The Chairman If you had witnesses and anything really was done you have your own remedy. You could take proceedings against the police as far as that goes. Defendant was fined 15s. He asked if he could take out summonses against the police- The Chairman Certainly, if you like.

PENARTH BEACH SCENE. On Sunday evening, just before 6 o'clock, a boy, age about six years, was paddling on t he Boat Club landing stage at Penarth beach, when be slipped int-b the water, and was carried some yards awav by the flood tide. His brother, age about nÍne years. rushed into the water and caught him. and kept him afloat until a boat was launched and picked. them up. The boys were quite exhausted. The father, Mr Bravshaw, of London, who is visit- ing Cardiff, carried the younger child to the baths, m here every assistance was rendered by the manager, Mr Mills, who supplied both boys with dry clothing. They subsequently peared to be none the worse for their exciting experience.

READY FOR EMERGENCY. Odeasa, Saturday.—Since the cruisipg, squadron returned to Sevastopol a quiet mobilisation of the whole fleet has been in progress, and something of the old confidence between men and officers'appears to have been restored. Battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and torpedo boats are all shipping their ful) complements of ammunition. The reason given for the mobilisation by members of the staff is simply that in the present state ot affairs in Turkey the Russian Black Sea Fleet must be instantly prepared for emercencies.— Central News.