Evening Express

Telephone Nat. 502. Post Office. 95 Telegrams: "Express, Cardiff." 'J -J-

J THE LICENSING BilL. It is not often that the House of Lords set themselves to so intelligently discuss a measure as thev discussed the Licensing Bill yesterday. The changes in the Bill as it stands were not momentous, but cue or two directions were decided upon which have a very wide interest. One of the saddest aspects of the drink problem has been the spectacle-far too frequent in the streets and amusement resorts of great towns—of the fatber or mother dragging about little children from house to home, and landing eventually in the police cell, child and all. The Bishop of Winchester tried to put an end to this sort of thing in places of public entertainment, railway ;tation.s, auction rooms, &c. His lordship endeavoured to make it a punishable offence for any person to be found drunk while in charge of a child. Hitherto a beneficent Legislature has only thought it fit to fine a man for being drunk while in charge of a horse. But it must obviously appeal to those acquainted with ihe street scenes enacted daily in towns like Cardiff or Swansea or Merthyr that child life in its earliest stage wants some better protection from contaminating influences than is afforded to-day.

"A Ratepayer" has certainly got some literal justification for the cry of "stinking fish" which he raises in our columns to- day. The savoury odour of a fried lish shop is all very well in its way and for a second or two, but when the corporeal representative thereof is allowed to be scattered about in the streets by the four-footed pariahs it is time for the corporation health department to wterfere. Some attention might also be paidt with advantage to the fish hawkers who sell in some of the more respectable streets, and whose business- trail is marked with fish heads and fish tails.

The pulpit as an advocate of municipal efficiency and cleanliness is quite refresh- ing after being accustomed too often, as we have been in Cardiff, to the pulpit as an advocate of municipal intolerance and backwardness. In a Swansea church the Rev. J. Pollock has been condemning the sanitary and scavenging system by which tubs of house refuse are placed outside in the streets night after night. Moreover, the Swansea scavenger is not a man notable for excessive speed in carrying out his work. Just now, more than at any other time in her history, Swansea needs cleanliness in everything, and the system which the Re^ Mr. Pollock con- demned is conceivably a means of spread- ing infection. At last it would appear as if the end of the small-pox outbreak there is approaching, for nearly a week has passed without the notification of a fresh ca.se.

Newport magistrate object to immi- grant lawbreakers But for the "im- ported" Saturday drunks and the results which follow from hill people taking what probably is strongfr beer than they are accustomed to in their own district the town on the Usk would not show nearly so many biota on its copy-book as is now the c%,F--e. Yesterday half-a-dozen of the cases on the charge-sheet were those of people from outside. A keen observer is convinced that he has noticed a sort of sliding-scale of penalties on the part of the Newport magistrates. A native gets let down moderately lightly, an outsider from some districts has a much stiffer sentence, and the giant's strength is brought down on an erring Cardiffian.

Mainly About People. A glance at tke ages of Cabinet Ministers suggests that the present Cabinet ought col- lectively to be very safe. Only four are under 50, eight are 60 years and upwards, and two, Lord Halsbury and Lord James, are over 70— their combined years amounting to 151. The age of each is given in the following Iiet:- Lord Halsbury 77 Mr. Hanbury. 57 Lord James 74 Mr. A. J. Balfour. 54 Duke of Devonshire 69 Lord Balfour of Mr. Chamberlain. 66 Burleigh 53 Sit. M. Hicks-Beach 65 Mr. Akers Douglas 51 Lord Ashbourne 65 Lord Londonderry. 50 Mr. Ritchie 64 Mr. Gerald Balfour 49 Lord Cadogan 62 Mr. Walter ^ong. 48 Lord Lanaaowne 57 Mr. Bi"odrick 46 Lord G. Hamilton 57 Lord Selborne 43 This gives an average age of more than 58 years. Of the prominent men whose names have been mentioned in connection with the re construction of the Cabinet Lord Cctrzon is 43, while Mr. George Wyudbam and Mr. Austen Chamberlain a.re both 39. Tbore is a certain rich newspaper proprietor in the North of England whose ignorance of any, literature beyond his,betting book is pro- found, and the other day the sub-editor of one of hie papers used a Keats sonnet as a. "fill up." Coming down on the following morn, as is his wont, to put his staff, "through their facings," the proprietor called for the sub- editor, and said, pointing to the sonnet, "Neaw, wha's that?" "That, sir? oh, that's a sonnet by Keats." "Well, I ca' it d- roti If he sends any more of them in, doant thou use them, or thou'll ha' to pay for them theeself." Gertrude: Edith never wears a. low-necked dress. I suppose it's her modesty which pre- vents her from doing so? Gwendolyn: No; it's her neck. **Le Ganloin" tells this story illustrative of the humour of the late Lord Pauucefote. Iu

FERGUS HUME [ WILL BEGIN [ THE SEARCH [ FOR THE [ JADE EYE | JN_THE^ ( EVENING EKPRE88[ F0R_ | AUGUST 9. v ■" • I PUBLIC NOTICES. THE Sports "Express" CONTAINS FULL REPORTS OF LOCAL ATHLETIC MEETINGS, Latest Racing Returns, "THE BARD'S" TURF GOSSIP AND SELECTIONS, MANNING'S ADVICE TO FOOT- RACERS. RIP'S' CRICKET CARICATURES GOLF SPECIALS. Gossip on Summer Sports, The Sports "Express" Is Printed on WHITE PAPER, and issued at 7.30 p.m. SATURDAY. (First Number Published May 17).

CYCLING FATALITY A youth named Robert M'Mullan was cycling last evening along the Broughshane road, near Ballymena, County Antrim, when he came into collision with a tea-van. One of the shafts entered his chest, and he waii killed.

BAROMETRICAL INDICATIONS. The followtBf are the nadiafi since fi", o'clock last ertnine- as given by the bmrometer In the vestibule of the "Evening Express," St. Mary-stnet, Cardiff, which if 33ft. abort Mta sea level. 5 p.in, Mian'c. ft ••HI, Dj.nt 1 36-5]——-—————j-— — %== 30-0 -P_ 29• ^j"~ | -j „ iii' .v I

THE LONDON PRESS. <——— Examples of Their Views To-day. BRIEF EXTRACTS FROM LEADING ARTICLES. "Open Door" to Rivals. We have confined our oPPQsition in most cases to futile protests, our self-denial 1'18 enured exclusively to the advantage of our rivals in China. Measures tending towar is the partition of the Chinese Empire and steps tending to place its Government undei foreign tutelage have been taken, though we have not taken them, while our effor:s to uphold the "open door" theory have been crowned with entire success only where we have 'ened the door to our competitors without exacting from them any adequate assurance of reciprocity.— "Times." Roping the Mountains t Eleven guides of the Valais have performed a remarkable feat in fixing a rope, 800 yards long, across one of the precipices of the for- midable Weisshorn. All tourists will be interested in this attempt to simplify the diffi- culties of mountaineering; but the question remains whether this growing habit of draping dangerous mountains with ropes is really a thing to be encouraged. That it is "unsports- manlike" is a small matter. More serious is its tendency to increase, instead of diminish- ing, the perils of a very perilous amusement.— "Daily Graphic." South African Settlers. It is not because, we believe that South Africa will ultimately disappoint expectations that we wish to damp the zeal of would-be loyal and hard-working settlers; but just because we are confident of that future if only it be not indefinitely delayed by the hamper- ing of the country's natural progress with a suicidal struggle for existence at this early stage. At this juncture South Africa is emphatically no place for a man who has not the fullest evidence and guarantee that he can keep body and soul together there in a self-respecting way.—"Daily Mail." Illusory Concessions, The most interesting discussion arose on the subject of grocers' licences, and it was gratify- ing to find so strong a party in the Upper. House opposed to the creation of a vested inte- rest in these licences. The Bill gives the jus- tices, for the first time, control of grocers' licences, which they have hitherto been able to deal with only in cases of misconduct. But while doing that it also creates a life interest in the licences held by grocers who obtained them prior to the 25th of June last. In other words, the Bill restorea in one clause what it takes away in another. It is simply an "illu- sory concession" of the sort with which the Government has made as familiar.—"Daily News." Transvaal Congestion. The "unemployed" crisis in the Transvaal has become even acuter. Wages and sajaries have dropped, while the cost of lodging and subsistence has risen; both deplorable pro- cesses continue day by day, and the thousands of workless and helpless men are swelling all the time. It is painful to read of white men, to the number of two thousand, clamouring for Kaffirs' work at the mines for Kaffirs' wages-five shillings a day—when even at the coast sorry board and lodging coat 25s. a week. and up country and on the Rand, of course, a great deal more. Every day the ranks of the penniless work-seekers are being reinforced by irregular troopers who have ob- tained their discharges and determined to settle down in South Africa. Clitheroe Election. It seems tolerably certain, in spite of the. brave words of the lo^al Liberal-Association last night, that Mr. Shackleton, the Labour candidate for the Clitheroe Division of Lan- cashire, will be returned unopposed to fill the vacancy caused by the elevation of Sir U. Kay-Shuttleworth to the peerage. The circumstances of his prospective bloodless victory have more significance than appears upon the sur- face. Mr. Shackleton's programme is one which does not commend itself to us, nor will it do 110, we believe, to any but a small minority of the electorate generally. It is not exactly Socialistic, but it is Chartism up- to-date. But we would far rather see in Par- liament a. member of the stamp of Mr. Shackleton than a. mere rail-rider, such as a.re most of the followers of Sir Henry Camp- bell-Bannerman.—"Daily Telegraph." Broad-Minded Policy. General Botha. utters a. warning which the Government will do well to heed. He and his friends have shown a reasonableness that was almost more than anyone dared to hope for. But he reminds us in plain terms that this ia contingent on the application of a "broad- minded policy" in the administration of South Africa—the very antithesis of the gratuitous presumption and tactlessness which on the morrow uf the war handed over a large slice of Transvaal territory to Natal. Of all South Africa, Natal has shown itself the most irre- concilable, and, according to General Botha, whose assurance Lord JCitchener would pro- bably be slow to dispute, the Government of the colony did not act equally between British and Dutch within its own boundaries. If for any reason it was desirable to extend those boundaries, it should only have been after the first bitterness of the war was long past.— "Morning Leader." Curiouser and Curiouser." Sir Edward Grey contended that the fact that Sir Redvers Buller did not rely upon it (a message from Ladysmith that it could hold out till February) is shown by his heliogram of December 16 askiugr Sir George White if he could hold out for a month from that date. The contention was unnecessary. No one who knows General Buller doubts that whatever he did was done in all good faith; but on his own evidence it is plain that, having got an erroneous idea into his head. not even the direct statement of Sir George White would induce him to part with it. To this same heliogram of December 16 Sir George replied: "I can make food last for much longer than a month, and will not think of making terms till I am forced to." Yet, even after this second assurance, Buller, instead of cancelling bit counsel of surrender, supplemented it by in- structions which strengthened rather than weakened it.—"Daily Graphic." The Ladysmith Message. We might ask what special reasons there could be for distrusting this straightforward message? If its recipient thought there was anything suspicious about it. why did he not ma.ke fresh inquiries? We may, indeed, put one or two other questions. Did Sir Redvers enter into any further communication with General White before he attempted the passage of the Tugela? Did he keep him informed of his movements before the Battle of Colenso. so that the Ladysmith garrison might assist him by making a diversion in the rear of the Boer forces? Did he endea- vour to arrange any sort of co-operation with the general, who, as lie knew from the dis- path of the 30th of November, was eagerly waiting for the signal to join in the effort for his own liberation? The Commander-in- Chief in Natal appeaivs to have ignored the Ladysmith force altogether, until he had met with defeat at Colenso.—"Standard." Education Bill Delay. A demand is made, the Government does its best to comply with the demand, and all the thanks it gets i3 refusal to discuss top, LJønU- in-J modification. This is tha Opposition's way of dealing with a sabect which, by the very nature of the cale, and in consequence of the chaotic character of our elementary educa tion. oannot be dealt with at all except by compromise. Mpst people, we fear, an thoroughly weary of the whole question, or rather of the manner in which it is treated in the House of Commons. Outside there are evidences of a spirit of compromise and con- ciliation among Churchmen and Nonconfor- mists who approach the matter from a practical standpoint, and do really cace a little about education. Put in the House, this question, like so many ovbers, is dealt with by numbers of men who have not mas- tered the practical issues, but siniplv pit against each other different sets of deductions from what they are pleased to describe as principles.—"Times." i

A FARM COLONY. Institute for Disabled Soldiers. WHERE THE MEN WILL BE TAUGHT NEW WORK. A new farm-training colony for wounded and disabled soldiers is to be established at Starnthwaite, in the beautiful district near Kendal, by the Christian Union for Social Service, of which the Earl- of Meath is presi- dent. The colony is to be worked on the same lines as the successful one at Lingfield, and the idea is to make special provision for soldiers now returning from South Africa who are incapacitated by wounds or disease from resuming their former occupations. It is pro- posed to organise and tench such healthy and helpful employments as are suited to their special disability. Countess Roberts, wife of the Commander-in-Chief, has written to the Rev. Dr. Paton, of Nottingham, and the other promoters of the scheme'"Your proposals seem to me most excellent, and both Lord Roberts and I sympathise moat strongly with the object 'of your work, especially that part of it which is to be devoted to the benefit of disabled soldiers, and we shall be glad if we can aid you in your efforts for their train- ing."

A PREACHER'S WISDOM. American Holds Forth in Shirt Sleeves. A very curious controversy has divided the congregation of a Baptist Church at Kings- fisher, Aklahoma, and set one half of the wor- shippers against the other half. The hot weather is the cause of it. The clergyman, a Mr. Wherry, on entering the pulpit on Sun- day, took off his coat and preached in his shirt-sleeves, inviting the men in the congre- gation to do likewise. Many accepted the invi- tation, and followed the example of their pastor, while others, disapproving of this action, got up and left the church. A meet- ing has been called to discipline Mr. Wherry, and a hot fight is expected.

QUEEN'S BROADMINDEDNESS, Roman Catholic Servant Girls Entertained to Tea. At the invitation of the Queen, a hundred Roman Catholic servant girls, from all parts of South London, were entertained to tea in St. Anne's Schools, Harleyford-road, VauxhalI. yesterday afternoon. Daring the proceedings the following telegram was despatched to the I Royal yacht at Cowes:—"One hundred maids assembled for the Queen's tea thank her Majesty for her gracious message, and wish the King a speedy recovery." To each of the girls was given a brooch, suitably inscribed, and bearing the initials of the Queen, together with a box. of chocolate with a portrait of her Majesty.

EXECUTION AT WINCHESTER. Man and Woman Both Die for Their Wrong Doing. William Churcher was executed at Win- chester this morning for the murder of Sophia Jane Hepworth, a married woman with whom he had cohabited at Gosport. Churchcr nevei denied the crime, but urged, great provo- cation. an dis said by the prison officials to have been penitent towards the last. He walked with composure and firmness to the scaffold, and when Billington drew the bolt death was instantaneous. Two representa- tives of the press witnessed the execution. No bla«lc flag was hoisted, but the prison bell was run? after the execution, in accordance with the new regulations.

KING TO VISIT THE CZAR. Projected Journey to St. Peters- burg in the Autumn. Tne Czar is hoping to receive a visit from King Edward in the latter part of September. Immediately after the Coronation Queen Alexandra will go to Denmark and join her sister, the Dowager Empress of Russia. King Edward will join the Queen about September 1. and, after a two weeks' sojourn (says the "Daily Express"), his Majesty will go to St. Petersburg, accompanied by the Queen, and, probably, by the Dowager-Empress, on board the Royal yacht, which will be escorted by British and Russian men-of-war. It is most likely that his Majelty will make the visit to the German Emperor, which has been reported as forthcoming long ago, on his return journey from St. Petersburg. ————

WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. The Weeleyan Conference opened this morning at the Central-hall, Manchester, the retiring president, the Rev. Dr. Davison, of Birmingham, in the chair. In addition to the 600 ministerial and lay representatives, there were a large number of others, including the general public, completely filling the hall. —The first business was the election of presi- dent.—The Rev. John Shaw Banks, professor of theology, Headingly College, Leeds, received the unanimous vbte of the legal hundred, and waa declared duly elected.—The Rev. Marshall Hartley having been re-elected secretary, the new president was formally inducted. His inaugural address dealt with the great need of the evangelistic or "home mission spirit" in our own day. To meet this great demand he urged greater elasticity of organisation, an order of high-clags Christian evangelists, and more spiritual power both on the part of the ministry and the Church.

LAUNDRY OWNER'S FAILURE The first meeting of the creditors of David Lamont, of 154. Cathedral-road. Cardiff, lately carrying on business ia co-partnership with another as the "Victoria Hygienic Laundry." at Andrews-road, Llandaff Yard, pear Cardiff, was convened for this morning. The sumiiiary of the debtor's statement of affairs showed that the gross liabilities were £8,9% 18s. 3d.. of which £2.322 Os. 8d. is expected to rank for dividend. The net assets are estimated at £148 8s. 5d.. and the deficiency at £2.173 12s. 3d. The debtor attributes the failure to undue pressure by creditors, and states that he believes there is sufficient value in the partnership assets, if properly realised.* to pay all his creditors in full. There was no quorum, and the Official Receiver remains trustee.

WELSH MILITARY NEWS. Captain E. W. Jones, South Wales Borderers, is to be examined for the appointment of adjutant of the 4th Battalion of the regiment. The Welsh Volunteer Infantry Brigade and the Welsh Border Brigade are to be encamped at West Down, Salisbury Plain, from the 3rd I to the 10th of August next. Other brigades in I the same camp will include the 1st London, the Wilts and Doreets, the Liverpool, and the I Gloucester and Somerset, numbering alto- gether about 23,000 officers and men.

FATAL BONE-PRICK. A Leeds butcher has died of blood-poisoning. It was stated at the inquest that nine days ago lie was hanging up a joint of meat, when a piece of bone in it pierced his hand. The latter swelled, in spite of poultices, and the .1 deceased suffered intense pain before he suc- cumbed to blood-poisoning.

STEVENS' BREAD. Nourishing. Gives as vppetite. e8646 -0.1

DISASTROUS FIRE. Enormous Destruction at Jarrow. DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT .£40,000. The Press Association Jarrow correspondent telegraphs tlyit about three o'clock this morn- ing a fire broke out in the joiners' shop of the Palmer Shipbuilding and Iron Company, Jarrow-on-Tyne, resulting in the complete destruction of the building and its contents, which included the full equipment of new machinery for the electric installation and a considerable quantity of finished woodwork. Amongst the latter were the complete furnish- ings of his Majesty's ships Media and Medusa, and also for three German vessels. The damage is estimated at between £40,000 and £50,000.

ABUSE OR COMPLIMENT P At North London Police-court yesterday a comely-looking woman asked Mr. Fordham for a summons against a neighbour for abasing her. Mr. Fordham: What did she say? The Applicant: She said I fascinated other men. Mr. Fordham: I should take that as a com- pliment rather than abuse. Applicant: I consider she is trying to take my character away. Mr. Fordham: What, to say you are capable of fascinating other men? Applicant: It all depends upon the way in which people take the words. Mr. Fordham: Well, if you take my advice, you will take the words as a compliment—as a kindness—or, at any rate, to take no notice of it. Applicant: That is what my husband says. Mr. Fordham: Now. perhaps, you will think more of my advice seeing that it coincides with the advice of your husband. Go away, and take no notice of such silly things. The applicant laughed, and said, Good morning." Another woman now stepped into the box, and said that the woman just gone had abused her. Mr. Fordham: Somewhat in the same manner, I suppose? Applicant: Yes. Mr. Fordham: Then I wish you good morn- ing, too.

A TALE OF RABBITS. At Bow-street yesterday a rwspectably- dressed woman applied to Mr. Marsham for advice respecting her rabbit. Mr. Marsham: Your what? The Applicant: My rabbit, your worship. I have got a gentleman rabbit, and my young man lodger has got a lady rabbit. Mr. Marsham: Well, what of that? The Applicant: Well, unknown to me. my lodger took my gentleman rabbit to see his lady rabbit. Mr. Mareham: What was the result? The Applicant (impressively): Nine little rabbits, your worship. (Loud laughter.) Mr. Marsham: That is very satisfactory. The Applicant (indignantly):' Not at aJl. Why, he only wants to? give me one rabbit as my share of the litter. Mr. Marsham: That is not a bad share. I .suppose your rabbit suffered no harm? The Applicant: Didn't he, though.. Why, the other tore all the hair of the poor dear's back. (Laughter.) Police-sergeant Ford, warrant officer, was directed to suggest to the lodger that he should give his landlady at least two rabbits.

GREAT GERMANS ILL The great German scientist, Dr. Virchow, now sojourning for lite feeaith at Shirke, in the Hartz Mountains, is Seriously .ill. He suffers from sudden fits of weakness. Meantime there is no immediate danger of death. The famous Berlin physician, Professor Gerhardt, whose name is well known as the attendant on the late Emperor Frederick during his fatal illness, is lying at Baden Baden near the point of death.

CARDIFF WOWT HELP. The Severn Commissioners are casting about for help in getting a clause inserted in the Gloucester and District Light Railway Bill to secure their rights in respect of-the-bridge over the Severn at Gloucester, ehoutd it be required at any time to convert it into a turn- ing bridge or deal with it in any other fashion. The Parliamentary committee of the Cardiff Corporation, who are one of the parties appealed to, have decided that, in view of their recent expenditure, which is not likely to bring any return, the Severn Commissioners must look after their own interests in this matter.

FORGETFULNESSANDmTsEQUEL. Philip Pittwood, a gatekeeper at a level crossing near Glastonbury, on the Somerset and Dorset Railway, was yesterday committed by a coroner's jury to the Somerset Assizes on a charge of manslaughter. Accord- ing to his own admission he left the gates open to the public, with the result that a wagon containing five haymakers crossed in front of an express train, one man being killed outright and two others seriously injured. Pittwood said it was a case of pure forgetfulness.

DOCTOR'S BOLD EXPERIMENT. Dr. Garnault, of Paris, who recently inocu. lated himself with virus from a bullock affected with tuberculosis, has developed a slight tubercular swelling. In order finally to set the question at rest, the doctor intends to introduce into his arm a particle of a tubercle. In the case of fuinea-pigg this test has always been fatal, and the doctor antici- pated that it will be fatal in his caee.

CARDIFF'S PROVISIONAL ORDER It was reported by the town-clerk (Mr. J. L. Wheatley) to the Cardiff Corporation Parlia- mentary committee this morning that the Provisional Order now before Parliament had passed all its stages in both Houses, and only waited for the Royal -Assent. ¡;'

THE PHENOMENAL COLD. Yesteraay was again very cold over the British Isles, and the weather formed a won- derful contrast with that experienced just a week previously, when the thermometer etood at 87deg. in the suburbs of London- The highest temperature in the Metropolis yester- day was 57deg. It i8, fortunately, very seldom that so cohl a. day is experienced in July, and it is even much more rare for there to be two consecutive cold days such as Sunday and yesterday. There has not been a single day in July as cold for about ten years. The weather at present is most persistently cloudy, and there seems very little prospect of any material increase of temperature for the next few days.

WELSH NATIONAL MUSEUM Replies have now been received from all but six of the Welsh local authorities approached by the Cardiff Corporation in regard to the proposed memorial to Parliament for the establishment of a .National Museum for WaleB. The great majority of the authorities have expressed themselves in favour of such a memoni, and of Cardiff's other proposal, that the site of the suggested museum shall be settled by arbitration.

"How is it tha.t "Clarke's Blood Mixture' hM obtained such gveat popularity P" is a. ques- tion which has perplexed many. The answer iI, that it is unquestionably the finest Blood Purifier that science and medical skill have brought to light. Thousands of wonderful cures have been effected bv it. For Scrofula. Scurvy, Eczema. Skin and Blood Diseases, Bad [ Logs. Pimples, and Sores of all kinds, its •ffects are marvellous. Sold everywhere at •ffects are marvellous. Sold everywhere at £ s. 9d. per bottle. Beware of worthless imita- lions and substitute#.

ABERAVON AFFRAY. An Italian Uses the Knife. THREE ENGLISHMEN SAID TO HAVE BEEN STABBED. Late last night an Italian stabbed three Englishmen in Green Park-street, Aberavon. Williams, one of the injured men, was stabbed between the shoulders, and lies seriously ill. Police-constable Brice arrested the prisoner after a long chase, and found an open knife in his possession. Green Park-street is situated in the lower part of the town, and is the rendezvous of strangers to the town.

A YOUTHFUL TRICKSTER. Cardiff Docks Pretender Sent to A Reformatory. Though only sixteen years of age, Alfred Llewellyn has for some time tricked and deceived a number of tradesmen at the Cardiff Docks. His plan was to wear an official cap, with gold braid and badge, and then to represent himself as a ship's officer.-Police- sergeant May told the magistrates all about him this morning, prisoner meanwhile wear- ing a sullen and indifferent air in the dock. The prosecutor was Robert Avery, an aged pedler, who charged the lad with stealing from him by means of a trick a razor and strop, pair of sciMore.and pair of sleeve links, value 7s. 6d. The boy represented to the pedler that he was the third engineer of a certain ship, and was about to go on board. He negotiated for the purchase 6f the articles in question, and, picking them up, ran away with them, aa he said, to take to his boat; but he disposed of them otherwise.—Police-sergeant May said a lot of tradesmen in James-street and other places had been imposed upon by prisoner by means of the cap he was wearing. He ordered clothes to the value of £6 from one draper, and tore up and threw into Hill's Dry Dock a seaman's book with nine discharges.—The Bench made an order for prisoner's detention in a reformatory until he attains the age of nineteen.

LORD KITCHENER GREETED. Inspects the Indian Troops at Hampton Court. The Duke of Cambridge, accompanied by Lord Kitchener, this morning paid a visit to the camp of the Indian contingent at Hampton Court Palace. Lord Kitchener was warmly greeted by a very large crowd of resi- dents of the Palace and the neighbourhood. About 900 troops of all ranks, in brilliant uniforms, were drawn up in line. The Duke and Lord Kitchener were received with a Royal salute, and afterwards they passed down the ranks to inspect the men. The troops afterwards marched past. Lord Kitchener lunched at the officers' mess, and expressed himself as having enjoyed his visit. His lordship was evidently much gratified with the popular reception accorded him.

MESSRS W. HANCOCK & CO. LIMITED The ordinary general meeting of the above company was held at their offices in Craw- shay-street, Cardiff, to-day. Colonel J. Gaskcll presided, and, in his capacity as chairman of directors, submitted the fifteenth annual report and balance sheet for the year ending May 31. The financial state- ment showed a net profit of £46,018 16s. 6d., and, after making certain allowances out of this sum. there remained a balance for dis- posal of £17,972 19s. 8d. The directors recom- mended that a dividend for the half-year ending May 31 be declared on the preferred ordinary shares at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum and on the deferred ordinary shares at the rate of 10 per cent: per annum. The company entered into possession of the Risca Brewery, Monmouthshire, on May 30 last, the purchase price being £35,820. Colonel Gas- kell proposed the adoption of the report, which was unanimously agreed to. Mr. Philip Frqude Hancock was elected to a vacancy on the directorate caused by the death of the late chairman—Mr. Valentine Trayes—and Mr. F. E. Hancock was re-elected a director.—Messrs. C. F. Kemp, Sons, aad Co. were re-el ected^uditora.

CARDIFF CHILDREN'S HOMES Mr. A. J. Harris, the clerk to the Cardiff Union Board of Guardians, wrote to the Car- diff Health Committee stating that it was intended to open children's homes in Kings- land-road, Canton, but the Local Government Board desired to be assured, of the satisfac- tory sanitary condition of the premises before giving their sanction to the property being ueed for the purpose. Mr. Harris asked, there- fore, that the medical officer of the Corpora- tion inspect the premises and give his report.— Mr. R. Hughes felt that all the Local Govern- ment Board required was to guard against possible infection, and he thought in the interests of the public health, the request was a reasonable one.—It was resolved that the application be complied with.

1REORKY FOOTBALL CLUB. A large number of football enthusiasts attended the annual meeting of the Treorky Football Club, which was held last night at the Cardiff Arms Hotel. Mr. Beer waa voted to the chair.—The Secretary (Mr. Rees Hall) reported that last season had not been so suc- cessful financially as had been expected. They had started with a favourable balance of £10, but the accounts at the end of the season showed a deficiency of JE29 5s. lOd. The fol- lowing officials were appointedCaptain, Mr. J. Thomas; vice-captain. Mr. Joe Da vies; presi- dent, Mr. T. Braithwaite. Cardiff (re-elected); secretary. Mr. Rees Hall (re-elected); treasurer, Mr. Blackmore, steward of the Conservative Club.

CAERPHILLY POLICE COURT. The weekly sitting of the Caerphilly Police- court was presided over to-day by Messrs. F. G. Evans (in the chain. M. G. Evans, and E. Evans. Three assault cases were adjourned to the next court, and lines of 10. each were imposed upon Jolm Gibbs, labourer. Caer- philly (drunk on licensed promisee); John Humphries, haulier, Caerphilly (drunkenness); Patrick Sullivan, collier, Senghenydd (drunk and disorderly); and James Wyland, labourer, Bargoed (drunk and disorderly). Summonses' for assaults were granted for the next court, and the hearing of objections to private streets improvements at Nelson was j adjourned for a fortnight.

MISSMAYYOHL" New York, Tuesday.—Miss May Yohe states that ail her diamonds and jewels are missing. The total value is £80.000; The theory tha.t Mr. Strong has committed suicide is not now credited, and the police are actively searching for him.—Central News.

FOR BETTER OR WORSE. The Rev, Thomas Cochrane, a minister of the United Free Church of Scotland, who died at Edinburgh on Saturday, held the record for marriages solemnised in Scotland. He had joined over 4,000 couples in wedlock during his ministry.

BRITISH MINING STUDENTS The British Society of Mining Studenta is holding its annual gathering this year in Newport and district. To-day the members are visiting the Ebbw Vale Collieries, and will hold their annual dinner to-night at the King's Head Hotel, Newport. To-morrow the members visit the collieries of the Powell Duffryn Company.

TO RELIEVE LIEUTENANT PEARY Halifax (Nova Scotia), Tuesday.—The Peary relief steamer. Windward, sails this morning for the Arctic Seas- Mrs. and Mias Peary, the explorer's wife and daughter, are on board. They hope to meet him at Cape Sabine, and return by Septembers-Central News.

lLANELLY BOUND SHIP BURNT, The steamer Kaiser Wilhelm Der Grosse, which arrived at Plymouth, reports, that on July 20. in latitude 48.53 north, longtitude 18.8 west, she passed the Norwegian ship Pons Aelii Paspebiac, bound for Llanelly, aban- doned and on fire, with the foremast standing. 1 'I'. ,„ -I

COLLYNUH CHARGED Re-appearance at Bow Street Police-court. EVIDENCE BY INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS. At Bow-street Police-court, London, to- day (before Sir Albert de Rutzen) the), the charge against "Colonel" 'Arthur Lynch, who is accused of having committed treason in the Transvaal, was further proceeded with. The counsel for the Crown, by whom the prosecution has been undertaken, are the Solicitor-General (Sir Edward Carson), Mr. C. Matliew, and Mr. Sutton. The accused is defended by the Hon. Charles Russell. Lord Desart, the Director of Public Prosecutions, occupied a seat on the bench. A number of ladies, said to be family connections of the accused, were amongst the people in court. "Colonel" Lynch was accommodated with a seat in the dock. Captain Robert Barnsby, of the Field Intelli- gence Department of the War Office, stated that between the 17th of June, 1900. and the beginning of February, 1901, he acted as assis- tant intelligence officer to the military govern- ment of Pretoria. During the period he found a numberofpapera of the State Secretary of the late South African Republic. These included a field cornet'B certificate, dated Pretoria, 18th of January, 19C0, and signed "Arthur Lynch." There was also an oath of allegiance to the late Republic signed "Arthur Lynch." On the same date in the Government Offices of Pretoria he found a paper which was the oath of Arthur Lynch on being appointed "a justice of the peace of the Irish Brigade." It purported to be sworn before F. W. Reitz, State Secretary at Pretoria, on the 10th of February, 1900. There was also Lynch's oath on his appointment as colonel of the Irish Brigade. Mr. Russell reserved his cross-examination. A Burgher's Evidence. Francois Alwyn Viljoen was the next witness. In reply to Mr. Mathews, he said he was now staying in London, but was a native of the Orange Free State, of which he was a burgher at the outbreak of the war. In October, 1899, he was living in Johannesburg, being the assistant manager to a. timber merchant. Early in March, 1900, he was sent away from Johannesburg to join the Irish Brigade in the commissariat department, his instructions being to go to Glencoe. Major Mitchell told him to join the 2nd Irish Brigade, which he found close to Glencoe Railway Station. According to the directions he was given, he reported himself to "Colonel" Lynch, who was in command. Witness remained at Glencoe till the middle of May, the prisoner being in command throughout that time and having about 40 men under him. It was hard to tell their nationality. There were a "good few" nationalities represented. (A laugh.) Mr. Matthews: Were their men engaged in the hostilities at that time? Witness: I never saw them fighting at that time. In reply to other questions, he said he saw prisoner from day to day. In the beginning of May A Retreat Was Made from Glencoe to Volksrust, involving a march of two or three days, prisoner, as a civilian, being in command on horseback. Witness! never saw the "Colonel" carry any weapon other than a revolver. There were a few old rifles in the wagons and some small arm' ammunition. Lynch's men were in civilian dress, but armed. After two or three days tlio brigade was sent from Volksrust bY General Lucas Meyer to Vereeniging, Lynch being under that general's orders, and tbey arrived there towards the end of May. On the way, however, at Elandsfontein, nearly All the Brigade Deserted. There were only eight or ten of them when they got to their destination. (Laughter.) Lynch was still in command. After a few days at Vereeniging witness had a conversation with the prisoner, and asked him if he (witness) could go back to Johannesburg, The "colonel" said witness and five or six others must go and take the wagons back to Johannesburg, but subsequently he withdrew this permission. However, witness went to Johannesburg with five or six other members of the Irish Brigade, taking the wagons with them. They got to Johannesburg eightor nine days before its occupation by Lord Boberts- about the 22nd of May, 1900. On the 24th gf that month-which witness remembered as the birthday of the late Queen Victorip-be saw prisoner for the last time at the fecrtiiting office of the 2nd Irish Brigade in Johannes- burg. Lynch "kicked up a row" witll him for returning against his orders, and jiQded that he was waiting there for the men, to get them together again. Witness declined tO have any- thing further to do with the brigado, but some, he thought, acted otherwise. T)e other five or six fellows, according to an order issued just before the British accupatiOn. went out on commando. While at Vereell-iging Lynch told them that there were gOMe English prisoners at that station who Jlad been cap- tured by the 1st Irish Brigade at Kroonstad. Witness identified Lynch's signature upon several documents containing orders in connection with the brigade. Mr. Russell did not crof^examine the witness. Doctor's Evidence Dr. Hugh Leonard Galbraitli, a medical prac- titioner for the last three fears iu Dundee, Natal, Glencoe being in tHe same district, stated, in reply to Mr. Salter, that lie was in Dundee during the Boef Occupation from the 20th of October till the 15th of May, 1900. Major Daley and witness wØre in charge of the sick and wounded. After the relief of Lady- smith and the retreat of t116 &oers, they took up a. position between Dondee and Glencoe. At this time "Colonel" jyQch called to see him, introducing himself as "Lynch," and said he was in cOlnmaJld Of the 2nd Irish Brigade. Witness asked him if he was "Colonel" Lynch, and he felilied, Yes, That is Title." Witness understood thtt, the reason Lynch called upon him was bec3-use he understood that he (witness) was all Irishman. The war waa the main topic of conversation between them. Witness asked Lynch how he came to be connected with tl>? Boer cause. Witness gathered that Lynch "/i^ply joined the Boers for no definite reason;" In reply to a ques- tion as to how the 2nq Irish Brigade was com- posad, Lynch said that there were all nationalities in it. Witness understood that there were very test Irish in it, and some Scotsmen. Lynch told him that he was born in Australia, and ¡ived in Paris. Lynch's camp was in front of the main Boer position, which could be geog from witness's window. On the occasion of this visit Lynch was in the ordinary command get-up—tweed jacket, riding breeches, ajld leggings. Mr. Russell 110 questions. Mr. Mathews intimated that this was as far as he could go to-Jay. Mr. Russell asked whether at this point the Treasury could Intimate Their Intentions in regard to thl trial. The defence might require witnessoo from South Africa, and, therefore, did upt Want the trial before, say, the 15th of Sir Albert De'^tzen replied that that was a matter whicJ1 Ruasell could consult the prosecution upln. Another Remand. Mr. Mathe/8 (the Solicitor General not being present Pointed that there was the long vaeatiof- which would extend to the 24th of Octa*>er' and, therefore, if the case would not hi ready for tibial till the 15th of October, it ,¡oUld have to stand over till the 24th. If prls°ner's advisers would communi- cate with tJa Treasury the latter would do anything tHpy could to facilitate the desires of those acfng for the defence in respect to the date 01 tbiJ trial. Mr. Ruesill said that intimation was suffi- cient. Prieonerthen again remauded fvr a week. h '.III!

VERY POOR MILK Prosecution of Callow Park Company. THE ADJOURNED HEARING TO-DAY. At Cardiff Police-court to-day the stipen- diary (Mr. T. W. Lewis) had before, him the adjourned case in which Charles Edward Bates (Callow Park Milk Company), of Bristol, was summoned by Arthur John Green (an inspector under the Food and Drugs Act) for having in his possession at Cardiff on June 12 milk from which 38 per cent. of natural butter fat had been abstracted, so as to injuriously affect its quality; and, further, that he sold the milk so altered without making disclosure of the alteration. There was a second sum- mons in similar terms against Harry Wright, 9, Lewis-street, one of the company's sellers. The case had been adjourned for the stipen- diary to consider whether he had power to mitigate the penalty. Mr. Alfred Jackson (Barry) again appeared for Bates, while Mr. Halloran (from the town- clerk's office) was for the prosecution. Mr. Jackson, in reply to the stipendiary, said he had gone into the points, and the position seemed to be that under the section of the Food and Drugs Act penalties were mentioned as being a sum not to exceed a certain amount. Apparently, the words "not to exceed" gave his worship the tmgoverned discretion as to how low the penalty might be. There was a section in the Summary Jurisdiction Act which seemed to raise some doubt, because the words giving the magistrates power to miti- gate appeared to apply to cases of a first offetace. He submitted that his worship had -Absolute Discretion. to mitigate the penalty. Stipendiary: I should be inclined to think so but for the words of Section 4 of the Act of 1879, where express power is given to mitigate a penalty except for a second offence. Mr. Halloran had also looked up the autho- rities, and failed to find any case directly bearing upon the point. Stipendiary: It is important I should con- sider it further, and I will give my decision on Thursday- Addressing Mr. Jackson, he ex- pressed the opinion that the convictions alleged ought to be proved. An admission by Mr. Jackson was not an admission by his client. Mr. Jackson replied that his client was not present. He admitted two convictions, one of them in that court. The Stipendiary said the convictions must be proved in form. Mr. Jackson: One was in this court. As to the other. I acted in it in the Penarth Court. Mr. Halloran could prove only one convic- tion, on the 25th of July, 1900, when a penalty was imposed of Is., including costs. The Stipendiary: I understand there was a third, conviction at Bristol. Can you prove that? Mr. Halloran: Yes, I think so. The Stipendiary: 18 the second defendant (Wright) here? An affirmative reply was given, and his worship called Wright and put some questions to him. He said in reply that he was still in Bale's employ, and had not been suspended. The Stipendiary: Is Conway still in the same employ? Mr. Jackson: I have not heard anything to the contrary. Case Adjourned. The case was then adjourned by consent until Friday. Subsequently it was stated that BurAtt (the manager) was in court, and he was also called, and said Conway was still in the same employ. The Stipendiary: You were away some time that morning?—Yes, at Merthyr after ten oclock. And Conway was in charge of the rack where the specimens were kept?—Yes. I don't suggest he did it, but it would have been possible for him to have added cream to the specimen sent to the analyst in Lon- don. He would be the custodian in charge of the specime.lls?- Yes. It would be possible?—It would be possible. Yes, sir; but, still, there was no object in doing it then. How do you account for the deficiency?— There is only one way that I know of. What is that?—It must have been added afterwards by Wright. Who Did It P Then why .is Wright still in your employ? —We don't know what to do. We can't prove he did it. I don't say he did. The milk put into this particular can came from two different consignors?- Yes. Suppose you have warranties from both, how will it be possible to have the authority of either of the two consignors when you mix the milk of the two?—Well, there is this about it. There were seventeen in one and seven in the other. True. But, still, if the seven were adulte- rated to a large extent, it might affect the other. How would you protect yourselves?— We should produce both warranties. I don't understand why you didn't produce the warranties ?—We did. Our defence was against Wright. Doesn't Like to Sack Him. Still, you kept him in your employ?—I didn't know what to do. We let the case go on. I don't like to sack the man if he didn't do wrong. Was Conway in your employ the last time defendant was convicted?—No, sir; only a few months. At the suggestion of Mr. Jackson, the Stipen- diary put a question as to what steps had been taken to ascertain whether Wright was in fault or not. Witness replied that he got a stranger to follow him Wright) for a fortnight, and he found that, although he did not buy milk. he tried to do so, but was refused, milk being scarce at the time. The case was then adjourned till Friday.

BARRY SMALL-POX CASE. References at the Cardiff Health Committee. A letter was read from Mr. Samuel Fisher, general secretary of the Cardiff, Barry, and Penarth Coaltrimmers' Union, by the Cardiff Health Committee to-day to the effect that he had been directed by his society to call the attention of the mayor to a matter that very much concerned the health and well-being of the members of his society, and also the health of the community generally, and to ask his worship's assistance and that of the council in helping the Union to prevent as much as possible the spread of infectious diseases. The facts he was instructed to lay before the mayor were as follows:—The steam- ship Georgios P. Bouboulis was in Barry Dock about the-middle of last month, and a serious case of 9mall-pox took place on board of her, no intimation whatever having been given to the coaitrimmers that the ship was infected, and sixteen men, with families totalling 76 in number, were allowed to work on board the steamer. Thirty-seven of these children were attending the various schools in the dis- trict. several of them attending the Cardiff schools, as their parents resided at Cardiff. The wish of the Union was to have all vessels 'properly cleansed and disinfected before workmen were allowed to go on board of them, and so reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases to the lowest possible minimum. The Coaitrimmers' Union hoped that the Cardiff Council would use their authority in this matter, and so render to the coaitrimmers very material help. He had also written to the Barry Urban District Council on the question. Mr. B. Hughes inquired whether it was a. rule at Cardiff to notify all ca-ses of infec- tioua disease arising on board ship. Dr. Walford replied that the inspectors boarded all ships in the basin. fttr. Lewis Morgan pointed out that in the present instance the case of small-pox did not occur till the ship had been in dock several days. The Medical Officer explained it was the duty of masters of ships to report any cases of infectious disease on board as soon as they arrived in port, but there was no penalty for neglect of doing so. On the motion of Mr. R. Hughes, seconded j by Mr. W. S. Grossman, it was resolved that the receipt of the letter be acknowledged, and that the steps taken in such cases by the sanitary authority at Cardiff be explained. Also that the corporation had taken steps to obtain power from the Local Government Board to have ships boarded before they arrived in port. Mr. Crossman asked whether the medical officer had received notification from Barry aa to the case in question. Dr. Walford replied in the affirmative. Mr. Lewis Morgan: And notification is at once sent to Earry of any case that may arise here? The Medical Officer: Yes. Mr. Lewis Morgan: That will tend, at any rate, to allay any feeling of alarm that may arise.

II Cochfarf's JJ L' Comments. The so-called ghost fright of the Glyn- corrwg colliers is not caused by so shadowy an object as the public were led to believe by the first report which appeared in the public press. Mr. John Williams, the miners' agent for the district in which the Glyncorrwg Colliery is situated-a Kard-headed and excep- tionally well-informed man—has found, by consulting authenticated plans at the Home Office and by questioning old colliers who know the district, that the barrier separating the present from the old workings is but 44 yards in thickness— a distance about the width of St. Mary- street at its widest part, and it is com- puted that the pressure bearing upon it is '¡'OIb. a square inch—about the pressure that is necessary to work an ordinary steam engine. Behind this there is a swamp 500 yards long, dipping about 6in. to the yard or one yard in six yards. The sounds heard by the colliers may be made by a percolation of water through an unknown fissure in this not very effective barrier of 44 yards in thickness. I am glad to see that not a breath of .suspicion of the courage of the colliers of Glyncorrwg has been whispered. The history of their nrowess when real and tangible danger is before them, and when by their sacrifice there is a chance of saving' the lives of their comrades, is known wherever stories of bravery are told. At the present time, however, if they are convinced of the presence of danger—and the information now forth- coming is convincing—it would be unpar- donable recklessness for them to risk their lives when no other life is in danger. It would be literally walking into a death- trap, and, to quote the words of the news- I.aper report, "both workmen and horses would meet with instantaneous death" should a leakage suddenly develop into an irresistible torrent of slushy water. The Tynewydd disaster is not so much for- gotten as to be without its lesson even to those who are not old enough to remember the accident, and the ascertained condi- tions at Glyncorrwg are nearly the same as those which existed at Tynewydd before one of the most thrilling stories of bravery in the history of the world was enacted. Since referring to the influx of French motor servants to this country, my atten- tion has been called to the Callicising influence of the motor upon the English language. A motor-car station is a "gare," and a motor-car driver is a "chaffeur," even with those who have not the slightest notion of French pronunciation. I notice, also, that in many journals devoted to electricity and electric power the motor- car is named "automobile." If the English language is to be changed at this rate, the Gaelic League of Ireland and the Cymmrodorion societies of Wales will have added to them a society for the preserva- tion of the English language. I am told, also, that the most familiar articles of dress affected by motorists are described by French names, although their English equivalents are about the most familiar in the English language. Soon there will be a demand for French asphalted roads for the use of these French-impregnated people, and things will have then become "a la Francais" with a vengeance. There is hope for a motor-car industry at Cardiff, for I have had an invitation from a Well-known Cardiff medical Cym- ihrodor to jttin him in a run in a motor- car every part of which has been made and fitted up at Cardiff. The information was given to me with all the pride becoming a Cymro whose heart and soul are devoted to the faitn that Cardiff is the Metropolis of Wales. I may add that he confirmed the information that suitable British motor- car servants are extremely scarce, although there is a distinct preference for them when they know their work well, and par- ticularly if they take the trouble to give proper attention to the many delicate bearings that form part of even the most expensive cars. Now that this enter- prising gentleman owns a Cardiff-made car, it remains to be seen whether he will follow the fashion of adopting French as the language of the motor-car, or will .he, consistently with his known Cambrian patriotism, coin or adopt Welsh words in its stead? We have all found, I suppose, that we make more friends by small acts of kind- ness in life than by the great achievements we can boast of, and this must have been the experience of King Edward VII., or, at least, strong colour is given to this theory by an act of his that has set New York in a wild tumult of delight with his considerateness. Raymond Hitchcock, a comedian at Daly's Theatre, New York, wrote the King congratulating him on his coming Coronation. He did not anticipate a reply, and was astonished when he received one. When Mr. Hitchcock told of the letter at the Players' Club even his most intimate friends were inclined to treat the matter as a joke, until the missive, crest and all, was produced. The New York papers have re-produced the letter in lithograph, and, needless to say, the owner of the letter will have the original handsomely framed and carefully preserved, with the inscription under it of r'Howr polite King Edward answered an actor's letter." Meteorologists and naturalists agree that the seasons of the present year are peculiar. Owing to the lateness of the summer, the cuckoo has prolonged its stay, and equally noticeable is the lateness of the fly season. The latter is a dila- toriness with which no one seems to be inclined to quarrel. The aggressiveness of the summer fly has given the friends of the sparrow an opportunity to put in a good word for this perky denizen of our hedges and backyards, and he is much in need of it, for he has few friends among the most devoted lovers of nature. A correspondent of "Nature Notes," who has kept tame sparrows for the past 22 years, declares that house flies cannot exist where these good little birds live. They even kill the common black-beetle. I must confess that this testimony has changed my estimate of what has every- where been regarded a;; a wing pest with- out a redeemable feature. What a rush there will now be for tame sparrows among the lovers of the siesta. No longer will there be need for the afternoon nappers to smother themselves with hand- kerchiefs to keep away persistent and p inquisitive nice—not even when they are the sparrow has come to the reocue, and house flies will be as scarce in the future as snow in harvest. It remains to be proved, though, which is the more intolerable, the house fly or the tame house sparrow, which will think nothing of attacking every eatable thing within its reach, and will upset the best china in the house as if it were the com- monest household crockery. No mother who has ever reared a boy will fail to read the following lines: — MAMMA'S BABY BOY. Merry little madcap, full of fun and glee, Happy as a skylark, busy as a bee. Chatt'ring like a magpie, singing like a bird, Such a merry songster sure was never heard. Creeping o'er the carpet, pulling at my knees. "Tell a 'tory, mamma, only just one, please." Mamma's little treasure, mamma.'e little joy, Mamma's little trial—mamma's baby boy r

the Peace Congress at The Hague he at- tracted the attention of the delegates by tak- ing notes with a fountain pen the handle of which was formed by. the shell of a dum-dum bullet. One day the representative of a foreign Power, excited by the heat of the dis- cussion in the interests of eternal peace, said to him sharply: "My lord, it isn't right for you to use that murderous shell in this Con- gress. The instruments used by persons are almost emblematic. They can become a part of themselves, an expression of their ideas and of their personality." Lord Pauncefote smiled, but said nothing. The following day his critic, wanting to write something, turned to the English diplomat to borrow a pen. The Ambassador pulled out of his pocket an old-fashioned pen made of a grey goose quill, and after the bor- rower had finished, said: "Monsieur, it isn't; right for you to use such an instrument in th:-t Congress. The instruments used by persons are almost emblematic. They can become a. part of themselves, an expression of their ideas, of their personality." The- Baden students, who have just been "walling up" one of their academical digni- taries with bricks and mortar, have "gone one better" than those of our own youngsters. whose time-honoured pastime it is to "screw up" their College dons. It is hardly necessary to explain that the latter process is performed on the outer door or "oak." The screws most valued for the purpose—because the most diffi- cult to remove-are those known as coffin- screws, the heads of which are removable after the operation is complete. There was formerly (says "Free Lance") a certain don at "Univ." who was more often the recipient of this delicate attention than any other man in Oxford. It was said that regu- larly every term the thing happened to him at least once. Not that he was unpopular, but men declared there was something about him that created an irresistible impulse to screw him up. And so what had at first been in- dulged in as an occasional escapade came to be invested by degrees with the halo of vener- able custom. By-and-bye the woodwork of Mr. I- W 's doorway had been so disinte- grated that it was fount*. next to impossible to get the screws to "bite." The young men were in despair; but. during the vacation, their victim obligingly had the wood renewed, and next term they gratefully resumed their efforts on his behalf. Landlady (to new boarder): Will you kindly carve the chicken, Mr. Samson? Mr. Samson (rising): Certainly. Have you a sharp axe or a dynamite cartridge? Miss Ethel M. Smyth, the composer of "Der Waid," which was produced at Covent Garden last week. holds a unique position in the world. She is the first-the only-woman whose-opera has been given in London, and she is the only Englishwoman whose composi- tion has been seen on the operatic stage of Germany. The world of woman has, there- fore, a double reason to be proud of her, and. in view of the success she has won on the Continent, Englishwomen may prepare to add their laurel leaf of congratulation to those which she has already received. If ever a woman has had to fight for her posi- tion in the same way as a man fights—reso- lutely, sternly, step by step, making opportu- nities and taking them—assuredly Miss Smyth has. Her fight (says the "Ladies' Field") began as a child of twelve, when, for seemingly no reason, she declared she wanted to go to Leipzig to study music. For seven years she persisted in her efforts, and at last she suc- ceeded. Fond of hunting, dancing, and every- thing else that the ordinary English girl delights in, especially the English girl born, as it were, to country life-for Miss Smyth's father was an officer of Artillery, and was, in fact. in command at Woolwich when his Royal Highness the Duke of Oonnaoght was there as a cadet—her friends naturally expected that after a year's hard work at Leipzig she would give it up for the ordinary vocation of young womanhood. To everybody's surprise, how- ever, she persisted, and in musical Leipzig she actually threw in her lot with the classical, anti-operatic school. During the four years she was there she had a string quartette and a violin Bonata played at the Gewandhaus con- certs, some of the beat musicians interpreting her work. After leaving Leipzig Miss Smyth came to England for a time, but succeeding winters saw her at Munich, Dresden, Florence, and other Continental cities, while at present she believes that year to be lost in which a por- tion of the winter at lealt in not spent in Rome. While at Leipzig she met Brahms, who was kind in many ways to her, and to-day one of her most vivid recollections of the maestro is that when preparing to rehearse his trio in C minor a great yellow dog. which always accompanied her. rushed most uncere- moniously into the room and overturned the music stands on to the floor. About 1890 Mr. August Manns produced one of her works-her first effort as an orchestral writer-at a. Crystal Palace concert, and a little while after a great Mass of here was given at the Albert-hall. It was this which practically led Miss Smyth to take up operatic work. Herr Hermann Levi, a man well knoWll for his lack of appreciation of woman's work, happened, after a long time, to get hold of the score, and was so pleased with the orchestration that he said to' Miss 8myth, "You must write an opera." He even suggested certain books from which a libretto might be made, but they none of them suited the ideas of the young eôlnPOfet, and she found the plot of her first opera, "Fantasio." as well as tha.t of her second, "Der Wald," in her own imagination.