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MR. SAMUEL SMITH, M.P., ON…
MR. SAMUEL SMITH, M.P., ON IMMORAL PLAYS. SPEECH IN PARLIAMENT. SEVERE STRICTURES. In the House of Commons, on Tuesday right, )lr. Samuel Smith, the member of Flintshire, brought before the House the question of theatrical productions. He said I am well aware that I am attempting a difficult task in bringing the question of theatrical performances before the House yet I believe that few sub- jects attract greater attention at the present time, and that a great body of opinion, both inside and outside this House, is in sympathy "vvith the resolution which I now submit to the House, viz.. -"That this House regrets th growing tendency to put upon the stage plays of a demoralising character, and considers that a stricter supervision of theatrical performances is needed alike in the interests of the public and the theatrical profession." Some of the first theatrical critics have been deploring for years past the decadent character of the drama, and in the opinio;; of some it has reached a lower stage than at any time since the Restoration. While in many departments of national life great progress has been registered during the Victorian era, it will not be denied that a class of plays is now acted which would have been prohibited fifty year ago as grossly immoral. I am sure that the House will agree with me that this is no light matter. The moral stand. ard of a country is largely affected by the diama. Multitudes of youn.; men and young women form their ideas of what is right and wrong in no small degree from what they witness on the stage and when they see the purest and holiest things of life turned into derision, and disgust. ing licentiousness treated as the normal rule of life, is it likely that their own moral standard will remain high ? Is it not certain that the same effects will follow in London as in Paris that a decadent drama, and, what always accom- panies it, a decadent literature, will produce r decadent nation ? Now, I will rightly be asked for proof of these statements, and I will confine mjself almost entirely to competent theatrical critics, sp that no one may ride off on the plea that I am bringing merely puritanical objections against the stage. I freely acknowledge that the drama holds a great field in human educa- tion. The Attic Stage was a great educator of an illustrious people, and the best plays of Shakespeare fathom the depths of the human soul. What I wish to bring before the House is not the 'egitimate drama, but foul and corrupt- ing plays that no good actor or actress should touch with a pitch-fork, and which no youth can witness without taint. By permission ol Mr. Clement Scott, one of the oldest and best theatiical critics, I quote from a recent utter- ance of his in New York. Speaking of these degrading plays, he said: "Why should we not frankly call them heathen plays or plays desti- tute of any moral sfnse, plays artfully contrived to attract sympathy for vice plays that cover detestable selfishness with a glamour of icmante end sickly sentiment; plays that bring the power and allurement ot good acting, or show. or spectacle, or personal charm, to dtoden our moral force and moral fibre ? That is where the danger lies." Again he says: We may ascribe it to the change of tone and thought at our public schools and universities, to our God- less method of education, to the comparative failure of religion as an influence, to this, that, or the other. But there it :s. We cannot get away from it. Society has accepted the satire and our diamatists of the first class have one after the other broken away rom the beautiful, the helpful, and the ideal, and coquetted with õhe distorted, the tjinted, and the poisonous in life. Any appeal to them in the name of art is vain. According to their utilitarian creed all must be good that pays, and so for the moment cur theatres are crowded to excess to see snap- shot society dramas,' with their proncunced vulgarity, their hideous presentments of men and women, and their cheap satire." I believe that fhe majority of this House ?nd the major- ity of the nation knix that these words are true, and many of our best actors and actresses wish it were not so. But they cannot or dare not speak out, for to do so is to be boycotted by the profession. There is a false code of honour in all professions, which makes the honourable members hesitate to denounce the dishonour- able. But I am certain the sympathy of many of them is with those who wcrk to reform the stage. But I will be asked to give specific proof. I will comply. The most popular and by far the ablest of these corrupting plays is "The Gay Lord Quex," by Mr. A. W. Pinero. ■I leave the House to judge of this from the description given by th "Daily Telegraph. one of the chief admirers of Mr. Pinero. It said at the first appearance of lhe play "Seld0ffi has an act so bold in conception, so daring in execution, been presented as that which follows. That Mrs. Grundy will raise her voice against it may be expected that the world of fashion will flock to see it is no less certain. In the Princess and the Butterfly Mr. Pinero broke :n upon the sanctity of a lady's afternoon toilet. In The Gay Lord Quex he goes a step further, and introduces us to the duchess's boudoir, with bedroom attached, on the stroke of midnight. Here the farewell meeting between her an 1 Quex is to take place. On a little table stand a box of -Argyropulo; cigarettes, a bottle of champagne, felix l'oubelle, Carte d'Or,' and a couple of glasses. It is hardly to be denied that in sever- al passages of this brilliant and extraordinarily Z!1 ingenious act the very brink of unnecessary -riskiness is reached. Words and phrases fall from the mouths of the artistes which make the listener catch his breath and move uneasily in his place." The Westminster Gazette said A little while ago Mr. John Hare was champ- ioning the cause of propriety on the English stage, and denouncing indignantly the wicked- ness of Ibsen, and yet in The Gay Lord Quex he presents a piece with a wealth of indelicate detail as great in quantity as could be collected from all the Ibsen plays offered to the Britisn public.. What becomes of poor Nora's remarks about her stockings when compared with the scene where the beautiful duchess in her dress- ing-gown at midnight wonders with Lord Quex, who is with her in her bedroom, at what moment in their guilty intrigue he acquired from her the silk garter with diamond buckle which she ex- hibits to the audience ?" I am told that fine ladies who were horrified at the first night of this play can now see nothing indelicate in it, and take their young daughters to initiate them into fast life. I can only say that if wealth and rank admire such things, they are below the breeding of the average costermonger. I note that the author of this play made a speech at Birmingham a fortnight ago, in which he ridi- culed the Lord Chancellor and Sir Edward Clarke for having courageously attacked these ccrrupting plays. The Lord Chancellor used these words: On all sides intellectual devel. opment was visible, yet there were dark features in respect to our iiterary tsste. Familiar public amusements, plays, and so on, were tainted with what, with all reverence, he might call the spirit of those who made a mock of sin. And to his mind it hid become a serious auestion whether, seeing some of the plays now being -eracted, there was any great advantage in find- ing somebody to act as censor, and to prevent them from being played. If some of the plays T.ow before the public might, be played he did not know what might not be played." The majority of this House will, I believe, agree with the Lord Chancellor, and I may add, with Sir Edward Clarke, who spoke to the same effect, and not with Mr. Pinero, who accused them of a prudish view of life and being unable to understand that the real decadent drama and the real decadent literature were the drama and the literature which presented a flattering but false conception of human conduct." And (concluded lr. Pinero) they must not accuse us of discourtesy if we make bold to warn them of the danger of evil association with those people who, under the pretence of being moralists, are nothing but moral-mongers." The success of Lord Quex has produced a crop of imitations even viler. I take from The Era," a leading theatrical paper, a critique of Zaza" recently produced in London from Am- erica. It says "One of the most unpleasant plays that we have seen in London for some time past is Zaza. It is a disgraceful libel on the dramatic profession, and the story is developed with so much base and sordid realism, the seamy side of an illicit connection is shown with such perverse and persistent giovelling in the mud that the effect created is repellant and depressing. Zaza gets Dufresne into her dressing-room and there plies him with all the brazen wiles of the pavement. The scene in which Zaza attempts to allure Dufresne is frankly and unblushingly animal and gross, indeej the whole of this first act reeks with the vile odours of cheap dissipa- tion. No attempt is made to disguise the mere- ly physical attraction which Dufresne possesses for Zaza, and her overtures to him are of the most womanly and immodest order. The scene in which she edges up against him, and places her face close to his, is one of the most audacious and startling exhibitions ever seen on the stage, and the exuberance of Mrs. Leslie Carter's huggings and kissings through- out the performance is repellent in its sensual exaggeration. As for the picture of life behind the scenes, it is simply disgusting, and the re- presentation of such vulgar ribaldry and loose living is in itself an offence against good taste. Whatever value Zaza may possess as a drama is not in the least added to by these pictures of vile debauchery behind the scenes of a Fiench Variety Theatre; and the English play- going public must indeed have fallen low if the best passport to their approval be the presenta- tion, in elaborate detail, of foreign vice and continental lewdness Mrs. Leslie Carter, the representative of Zaza, made the part even more displeasing than was absolutely necessary. Details which might have been tcned down were insisted upon with almost perverse tactlessness. Crude and mean as the French authors 2nd American adapter have made the play, Mrs. Carter accen- tuates its crudeness and meanness by her read- ing of the principal part and Zaza only seems to us a sensual, irritable, and vulgar creature, without the redeeming qualities of grr ce, charm, and sweetness." In another paragraph the same paper says: Playgoers who really love the dramatic profession will irdeed feel "ad after witnessing the first act cf Zaza' now being performed at the Garrick Theatre. We have never seen the profession dragged through the mud so shamelessly. It is a great grief to us to find American actors and actresses taking part in such a disgraceful libel of their own calling, and trying to bring their class to contempt, giving enemies of the drama an opportunity of pointing to evidence of the stage itself as to its inner life. It must be a bad bird that fouls its own nest." I will give but one more criticism, from the pen of Ir. William Archer (" Morning Leader," 9th April, 1900): uTake such a piece as 'The Belle of New York' for example-probably the greatest success of recent years. What was it but one long glorification of the vulgarest order of debauchery ? In so far as it meant anything at all, it meant approval and admiration for drun- kenness and all the other diversions of a reck- lessly fast' life. But was it the vicious or e' en the congenitally, fundamentally vulga- section of society that kept it running to full houses for eighteen months ? Not at all. This section, of course, contributed its full quota to the devotees of the Belle' but she also attracted in their thousands people of education and breeding, of decent life and presentable manners. Some of them fully realised the clotted vulgarity of the entertainment, and revelled in the sense of superiority involved in that very realisation. Vulgar entertainments there will always be so long as there are people of vulgar tastes to be catered for. But their popularity, in England, at any late, would be much less overwhelming if people of culture and refinement did not affect and even parade in regard to the theatre a vulgarity of taste which they would blush to own in regard to any other department of art or of life. Many Oxford and Cambridge men, for example-not merely irresponsible undergraduates, but dons and dignitaries-when they run up to town for a few days, rush eagerly to The Gaiety Girl' or 'The Circus Girl' or 'The Belle of New York,' and can scarcely be dragged to any high- er form of entertainment." I must apologise to the House for dragging it through these sicken- ing details. My object is to show what a farce the present form of censorship is. The Lord Chamberlain is the Earl of Hopetoun, and his deputy is Mr. Spencer Ponsonby-Fane, and he has an examiner of plays, Mr. Redford, and on his advice the Lord Chamberlain gives his license. And now they go from London through the provinces, tainting the atmosphere wherever they go. All the higher and nobler attributes of human nature wither and perish in such an atmosphere. But the public is helpless, and weak-minded people say it must be all right, because the censor has allowed it. Is it any wonder that the Lord Chancellor asks for the abolition of the censorship ? I am sure we should be far better off without it. Anyhow, it is an archaic survival of a time when only two patent theatres existed in London, and when the plays were performed by His Majesty's actors, and a Court official superintended them. It was altogether a Court affair. Now there is free trade in theatres, and a far more dangerous tiade than public-houses is without any control at all. I am a strong believer in local govern- ment. Wherever municipal bodies have powers they use them for the good of the community. The Music Halls in London were once as bad, or worse than, the theatres since they were placed under the County Council they have wonderfully improved. Everyone tells me the change is astonishing. The same would happen if the ^1C^tres were placed under municipal bodies. u ic opinion would steadily act on the theatrical profession through these bodies. There would be kicking and restiveness for a time; but at last the theatres would fall into line, and after some of the worst had been re- fused their licenses the others would find it necessary to consult the moral sense of the community. There has been a marvellous change effected in the city of Liverpool in my lifetime through the action of the police direc- ted against certain moral evils by a reforming Watch Committee and an intelligent bench of magistrates. The one department which re- mains hopelessly bad is the theatre, because it is not subject to local control except as regards structural arrangements and the sale of refresh. ments. I feel sure that if the licensing of plays was given either to the municipality or the bench of magistrates, the improvement that would take place would astonish everyone. I do not believe in the judgment of experts but I do believe in the average common-sense and the average morality of the ordinary householder. I have always found that his instincts are soun- der than those of London society, which is invariably on the wrong side whenever there is a battle between good and evil. In conclusion,. I will say that I advocate this change in the interests of the theatrical profession itself. It is cruel to put modest women to play the part of harlots. It is very difficult to see how a woman can keep any refinement of soul when playing such disgraceful parts. What did Clement Scott say a year or two ago in a famous interview reported in Great Thoughts" It is nearly impossible for a woman to remain pure who adopts the stage as a profession. Everything is against her. The freedom of life, of speech, of gesture, which is the rule behind the curtain, renders it almost impossible for a woman to preserve that simplicity of manner which is after all her greatest charm. The whole life is artificial and unnatural to the last degree, and, therefore, an unhealthy life to live. But there are far more serious evils to b en. countered than these. These drawbacks are the things that render it impossible for a lady to remain a lady. But what is infinitely more to be deplored is that a woman who endeavours to keep her purity is almost of necessity fore- doomed to failure in her career. It is an awful thing to say, and it is still more terrible that it is true, but no one who knows the life of the green room will deny it. Nor do I see how a woman is to escape contamination in one form or another. Temptation surrounds her in every shape on every side her prospects frequently depend upon. the nature and extent of her com- pliance, and, after all, human nature is verv weak." I am glad to know that later on in the same interview he added Two things I want to be made clear—(1) That it is quite possible to lead a good life on the stage. Thousands do. M iss for instance, is as good a woman I as ever lived. But the fact that many do lead good lives does not remove the great tempta- tions from the weaker brethren." I need say no more on this painful topic. The better part of the theatrical profession will be most thank- ful if some check can be put on the frghtful temptations that surround the stage. One reas- on for the failure of the censorship must be cbvious to everyone. The written words of a play do not really show its moral tendency that depends on dress, gestures, and suggestive act. ing. It is for this reason that I believe no real control can be exercised over theatres except by the power of refusing licenses, on the ground that the management has been on the whole bad and depraving. I have found by a long experience in Liverpool that this principle applied by an intellgent bench of magistrates to the licensing of public-houses has effected an astonishing revolution in the order and decency of those places. The same would hold gcod of theatres. A few examples made of notorious offenders would lift up the whole moral level of the stage. Let me add that there are many related evils which we cannot grapple with so long as extreme license is allowed to the stage. One of the worst of these is that of depraving pictures,' drawn from the most in- decent exhibitions in theatres, which are sold to youths. The worst scenes are photographed and collected into books, and sold to boys or published in the low illustrated paper, which is one of the deadliest evils of the day. You can- not prosecute these obscene pictures with any chance of success while you tolerate their pres- entation in theatres. It cannot be denied that the glorification of harlotry, which is thought by some to be a sign of high art, is undermining that wholesome repugnance to vice which used to be a mark of English society. Only on that gtound can I explain the following quotation from Mr. Lecky's "Map of Life": "A more recognised though probably not really pernic- ious example of false ideals is to be found in the glorification of the demi-monde, which is so conspicuous in some societies and literatures. In a healthy state of opinion, the public, os- tentatious, appearance of such persons, without any concealment of their character in the great concourse of fashion and among the notabilities of the state, would appear an intolerable scandal, and becomes much worse when centres and models of large and by no means undistinguished sections of Society. The evils they give the tone of fashion and become the class are immeasureably greater than the evils arising from its existence. The standard of popular morals is debased. Temptation in its most seductive form is forced upon inflammable natures and the most pernicious of all lessons is taught to poor, honest, hard-workng, wo- men." The senuous and indelicate modes of dressing so common in London Society and which scandalise our American and Colonial friends are also an outcome of the low morals of the theatre. The people who gloat over "Lord ()uex" and "Zaza" have already reached a level which mere accident alone keeps them from leading such lives themselves. I cannot too strongly express my conviction that a decad- ent drama and a decadent literature mark a stage in national decline. All the great empires of antiquity perished of internal corruption. The moral law of God is inexorable. "The Mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small." The congestion of idle, dissolute wealth we have in London is the great danger in this country. Let me appeal to the strong spirit of Imperialism that now exists and which has led to noble self-sacrifice. Would it not be the highest patriotism to keep the heart of this great Empire sound ? Is it not lamentable to find that our Colonial and Indian fellow-sub- jects when they visit the Metropolis of the Empire are often staggered at the orgies of vice they witness ? If we wish to maintain the loy- alty of this great Empire we must keep a stand- ard at home which will command its respect. Is not this a favourable moment to attempt moral reforms ? Many families are in mourn- ing. London society has lost its usual gaiety. Many are saying: Oh for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still Is this not the voice of God calling the nation to repentance? Let this House. strike a true keynote to-night, and it will awake a res- ponse it little dreams of. t;: t
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The tlueen has presented Captatn Lamhton with a gold repeater watch, bearing the Royal mono- gram and inscribed" Ladysmith, 1.900." Joseph Hitchen, a forage salesman for the Army and Navy Stores has been sent to prison for two months for stealing hay and straw. A conspiracy was hinted at. For stabbing his mistress with a red-hot poker Alfred Lever was recently sentenced to ten yews' penal servitude at the Leeds Assizes. The Salford magistrates have committed for trial Henry Anthony, who is charged with bring- ing about the death of an imbecile inmate of Hope Hospital by culpable negligence. The Prince of Wales has given a prize valued at e20 for competition on July 3rd among members of the H.A.C., of which corps he is colonel. El a month or 21 days in prison were the alternatives offered to Sequah," alias Hannaway Rowe, at Southwark County-court, in a claim for £ 11 6s. commission by a music-hall agent.
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Amos Brothers, Cheapest Printers in Rhyl- "Advertiser" OAs-*
AN ARTIST IN TROUBLE AT RHYL.
AN ARTIST IN TROUBLE AT RHYL. STRANGE CONDUCT. At a special police court on Friday morning, before Mr. W. Elwy Williams (in the chair) and Mr. M. A. Ralli, William Wright, who was describecj on the charge sheet as William Henry Wright, artist, lodging at 10, John Street, Rhyl, was brought up ih custody charged by Inspec- tor Pearson with being found for an uulawfully purpose in an enclosed garden in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Lukyn, Church Street, and for the purpose of breaking the personal property of Mr. Lukyn. Prisoner pleaded guilty. Before any evidence was called, Mr. Lukyn said he wished to say that he did not think that the prisoner meant to do any harm in the house. Mr. Oliver George said that the Court could not listen to Mr. Lukyn at that stage. That was a Court of law, and they could not listen to anything except what was given in evidence in the ordinary course. Inspector Pearson said that from information he received at about 11 40 on the previous night he went to Ty'n-y-Coed, Church Street. He believed that the house was in the occupation of Mr. Lukyn, but although furnished no one resided there at present. He found the prison- er in the custody of P.C. Tale. Prisoner was in the yard of the house, and had no cap on, and one of his boots was missing. He was a little in drink, but not drunk. Prisoner was taken to the Police Station, and on the way he said he supposed it would be a charge of burglary. Witness replied that was so, and prisoner then said, Don't press it too hard against me." That morning prisoner was charged with being on the premises at Ty'n-y-Coed for an unlawful purpose. He replied Shall I b let off with & fine ? Don't press it too much." Witness had examined the house at Ty'n-y-Cced, and found that a window had been broken, and that the glass was pushed inwards. The window had also been open. Prisoner's cap and one boot was found in the room where the glass was broken. On being shown the cap and boot, prisoner said that they belonged to him, and he would admit everything. The only dmage dene was the breaking of the glass. P.C. Joseph Tale said he proceeded to Ty'n-v- Coed at 11 40 on the previous night in accord- ance with instructions. He found the prisoner hiding in the trees in the yard, without a cap and with only one boot on. He asked him what he was doing there, and prisoner replied, No- tbing," adding, I have been b- well copped (caught) this time." Witness enquired "Wh for," and prisoner replied" For breaking into that house." On being called upon to come forward and show where he had broken into the house, prisoner pointed to the broken win- dow, which he said he had put his fist through. There was blood on prisoner's hand, which was cut. At first the prisoner was inclined to be rough, but he became quiet, and he was taken to the Police Station by witness and other officers, after he had put his boot and cap on. At the Police Station prisoner admitted that he had tried to break into the house. David Watkin Hughes, High Street, said he was going home at 11 10 when Mr. Carruthers met him, and said that he had heard the smash- ing of glass at the back of Ty'n-y-Coed. On looking in the direction of the house he saw a man standing by a window, and at the same time some glass fell down. He tried to jump over the gate, calling out as he did so What are you doing there ?" The man then dis- appeared, and witness gave information to the police. Ir. Thomas Lukyn said he had given the de- fendant work to paint some pictures for him. He was aware that the prisoner had slept at Ty'n-y-Coed one night, and he believed that this was a drunken freak on his part. He did not think that the prisoner meant to do harm in any way. The Chairman It was a drunken freak you think ? Witness: Yes, he slept there once befoie. Mr. Oliver George Can you say on your oath that he had no felonious intent ? Witness I was in bed. The Chairman Did you or did you not give him permission to sleep in the place ? Witness Only for a night some time ago. The Chairman But if he had asked you last night would you have given him permission and handed him the key ? Witness Yes. Ir. George Would you have given him per- mission to break the glass and get through the window at midnight ? Witness: It was cnly worth sixpence. Inspector Pearson Do you know that he has lodgings at John Street ? Witness I do not suppose that the people would let him in if he went home as late as that. After deliberation, the Chairman inquired if anything was known against the prisoner. Inspector Pearson said that there was a long list against William Henry Wright for assault, drunkenness, and wilful damage by getting through a window at Rhuddlan. He understood that the prisoner had been out of the district for scme time, but had returned quite recently. P.S. McWalter said he knew the prisoner as William Henry Wright. He had neve- heard him called William Wright until that day. He identified him as the person referred to in the lecorded convictions. The Chairman, addressing the prisoner, said he had committed a very serious offence, and if it had not been that Mr. Lukyn had appeared and spoken on his behalf he would have been very severely punished. There was a long list of previcus convictions against him. Prisoner I was young at that time and rather bad. The Chairman It does not appear that you have grown any wiser as you have grown old! Prisoner Give me a chai ce. The Chairman: You said you had been caught, and you have pleaded guilty to being on the premises for an unlawful purpose. Although we should like to pay all iespect to what Mr. Lukyn has said on your behalf, we have a public duty to perform, and you will have to go to gaol for 28 days with hard labour. If you come here again it will be a very serious matter for you. r
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"ihe committee ot the tfuckrose Conservative Association have selected Mr. M. Thompson as their candidate at the general election,in opposition to Mr. Luke White, the Radical nominee. Sir Angus Holden, the present member, does not seek re-election. Mr. P. Treves, the eminent surgeon, has con- sented to accept the freedom of the borough of Dorchester, but the date is not yet fixed. Lieutenant Hodges, of the Powerful's Naval Brigade, will probably receive a similar honour. Both are natives of Dorchester. During dredging operations in connection with the dock works at Gibraltar eight large guns and a number of brass cannon balls have been found. The guns are supposed to have formed part of a floating battery at the last siege. The guns were almost unrecognisable, so thickly were they studded witn barnacles. A new lighthouse is to be erected on the Bass Rock, off North Berwick. The new beacon is to be 100ft. above high-water mark. and will show at intervals of a minute six flashes in rapid succession. It is to be supplied with lights of the strength of 39,000 candle power. This part of the coast is very dangerous. and the light is badly needed.
KH V I .
KH V I To OCR READESS.—In our inside pages will be found full reports of the monthly meeting of the Rhyl Urban District Council, St. Asaph Board of Guardians, St. Asaph Rural District Council, Important Property Sale at Rhyl, The Merrie Men's Inaugural Concert, and much other interesting matter. ERRATA.—In our article on the North and South Wales Bank last week we stated that the Rhyl Branch was opened at Bodfor House. We ought to ha\ e said that business was first com- menced in the premises now occupied as the I orne Hotel. THE RELIEF OF MAFF.KING.—In view of the prospect of the early relief of Mafeking we hope some effort will be made locally to celebrate the event. Other parts of the country are prepar- ing, and we trust that Rhyl will not be behind. WORKING MEN'S HOUSES.—We understand that the exact number of working men and women signatures to the petition t othe Urban District Council in favour of the above was 393. The large district comprising Warren Road, Wood Street, Gas Street, West Street, and the west end of Wellington Road were not canvassed as well as other parts of the town. A RHYL FOOTBALL PLAYER IN GERMANY.—We have received newspaper accounts of the tour of the Richmond Football Club in Germany and Austria during Easter week, and among the names of the players for Richmond we see the name of Mr. A. Gordon Jones, son of Ir. Zechariah Jones, West Parade. lr. A Gordon Jones has played for many years for Rhyl, and is still a registered player for the club, though he is now a resident of London. The tour of the Richmond Club seems to have. been as brill- iant a social function as it was a football per- formance. The team were feasted and banquet-, ted, presented with floral wreaths, and made a huge fuss of. They returned all this kindness by giving their German and Austrian opponents a series of sound thrashings. Altogether seven n.atches were played, of which Richmond won six, and drew the seventh, which was against a combined representative team of Vienna, scoring 3d goals to 8 recorded for their opponents. Mr. A. Gordon played in all the seven matches as hslf-back, and scored two goals. In each match he is singled out for special mention as having played a seterling game. A CURIOUS DISCOVERY.- There !s on view in the window of lr. Amos Maltby, butcher, a sheep's head, around the tongue of which is firmly encircled the upper or ringed part of the neck of what appeared to be a ginger beer bottle. The supposition is that the sheep must have placed its tongue in the neck of a bottle, and in trying to extricate it broke the neck, the upper portion remaining. Tongue tied in this manner the unfortunate sheep must have dragged a weary existence for some months, for when killed its flesh bore marked indications of waste. THE RHYL AND PRESTATYN LIGHT RAILWAY.— In our advertising columns this week will be found particulars of the proposals of the Rhyl and Prestatyn Light Railway Company for the extension through certain streets in the town of the scheme already sanctioned from the Pier to Prestatyn. It will be noticed in deference to the numerously-signed petition that Queen Street has been included in the route. THE PROPOSED STEAMBOAT COMMUNICATION. —The Special Committee appointed by the Council to confer with Commander Sims as to the proposal to so improve the entrance to the Foryd Harbour as to permit of the establishment of daily steamboat communication met on Wednesday, and will present an early report to the Council. Important developments are like- ly to result. RHYL DELEGATES TO THE WESLEYAN SYNODS. -At the annual Synod of the Liverpool district, held at Southport, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the Rhyl circuit was represented by the Rev. H. Lefroy Yorke, M.A., B.D., and Messrs. Robert Jones, The Moorings, E. K. Miller, Bee Hive, S. J. Amos, 7, Belle Vue Terrace, and G. R. Lawrence, Adfer Amwiw. The North Wales (Welsh) Wesleyan Synod was held at Denbigh. Those from the Rhyl circuit were the Revs. R. Rowlands and W. H. Evans, and Messrs. J. F. Griffiths, Free Trade Hall, Thomas Williams, Bradford House, and Robert Davies, Prestatyn. DEATH OF MR. JAMES DAVIES.—The death took place at his residence, Llys Awen, on Mon- day morning, of Mr. James Davies (Iago Teg- eingl), at the ripe age of eighty years. '-N I r. Davies was one of the oldest and most respected residents of Rhyl. He was a native of Tegeingl, near Newmarket, whence he derived his bardic cognomen. He settled in Rhyl when quite a young man, and started business as a general provision dealer in Vale Road, in the premises now known as Elwy House. Subsequently he joined a well-known Liverpool firm of wholesale provision merchants. After participating for some years in that successful business he retired from commercial life, and on the appointment of Mr. Arthur Rowlands as Assistant Overseer in 1870 he became assistant collector of the poor late, an office which he held for about twelve years. On his relinquishing it, he was the recipient of a testimonial in the form of a hand- some portrait in oil of himself, subscribed for by the public of Rhyl as a mark of the esteem in which he was held. He was the owner of considerable property in Rhyl, and in conjunc- tion with the late Mr. John Griffiths, Albert Villa, opened out Princess Street. He was one of the promoters of the Claremont Hydropathic Company, of which he was for some years a director. He was also a shareholder in most of the local companies. He served for a large number of years as a member of the Rhyl Im- provement Commissioners, and took an active part in their proceedings. He was the author ot the movement which resulted in the reduction of the number of Commissioners to 21, and the abolition of the old and corrupt system of open voting. He was a faithful member of the Welsh Wesleyan cause in this town. He was one of the trustees, and had held various offices, as pcor,chapel, and society steward. But his chief interest lay in the work of the Sunday School, of which he was for many years superintendent. He rejoiced in the fact that he had been a mem- ber of the Sunday School for 74 years, a record which secured for him the Distinguished Ser- vice Medal presented by the Publishers of the Sunday Companion," in which appeared his photograph. The deceased was well known in eisteddfodic and bardic circles. He was an officer of the Gorsedd, and he held for many years the office of "Keeper of 'he Sword." He was not a great bard, but was a free and prolific englynwr." He was well known and well liked among the bardic fraternity, whose society he greatly appreciated. The interment of his remains takes place to-day (Friday) at 2 30, and will be attended by the Chairman and members of the Rhyl Urban District Council. YACHTING AT RHYL.—The opening race of the season for 12ft. C.B. yachts was sailed on the Marine Lake on Saturday afternoon. The wind was light from the east-south-east. The com- peting boats were:—Mr. Hugh Hughes' Nana (sailed by owner), scratch; Ir. W. Hudson's Wtwer (sailed by Mr. Tom Jones), three minutes" start; and Ir. 1- Pierce Lewis' Gloria II. (sailed by Ir. E. H. Lewis), scratch. The Nana being excellently handled got away at the start and was followed by the other boats, crossing the line together. An excellent race followed, and the Nana took the first prize with ten seci. to spare. Gloria II. was next. The race was the no:e interesting as it was the first time that Gloria II. had been properly tried. THE MAY-DAY CARNIVAL.—A meeting of the May-Day General Committee was held at the Town Clerk's Old Office on Friday evening. Ir. A. L. Clews presided, and there were also present Councillors J. H. Ellis, C. W. Berrie, and A. Maltby, Messrs. Lewis Jones, P. J. Ashfield, F. Beech, F. Nelson, T. Argel, F. Sarson, T. Welsby (hon. sec.), &c. The Secret- ary read the balance-sheet, which showed that there was a balance in hand, after purchasing a lot of new goods and wiping out last year's deficit of Cl7 2s. The accounts had been audi- ted by lr. C. W. Berrie, end certified correct. Several members expressed their satisfaction at the encouraging result, and the balance-sheet was unanimously passed. Upon the proposition of Mr. Lewis Jones, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the different officers for their ser- vices last year, and Ir. Clews responded. Mr J. S. Greenhalgh. J.P. (Chairman of the Rhyl Urban District Council), was elected Chair- man of next year's movement; Mr. A. L. Clews, Vice-Chairman Ir. P. J. Ashfield, Hon. Treasurer, and Ir. Thomas Welsbv, Hon. Secretary. Mr. W. Hall was voted an honor- arium of L3 3s. for his services as Secretary in 1899, and a like sum was voted to Mr. T. Wels- bv for his services this year. It was suggested that next year's celebration should be held on Thursday. May 2nd, and that the day should be observed as a general holiday. A public meet- ing will be called early in March next year. DEATH OF A RHYL COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER.— Eccles, Rhyl, Llanerchymedd, and the locaiitv have sustained a heavy blow by the death of Mr. W. Hughes, who passed away after a short tut severe illness at his residence at Rhyl in his 35th year. He was well known throughout North Wales as the representative of Messrs. Pugh, Davies, and Co., Dale Street. Manches- ter. For many years he had been secretary of the Eccles United Welsh Church. The funerrd took place on Tuesday at St. Mary's, Llanerchy- medd, in the presence of a large number -of relatives and friends. The^hief mourners were Messrs. John G. Hughes, Bryn Hwfa, Lh.nerch- vmedd; Hugh J. Hughes, Chester; Thomas and Jas. Hughes, Bodlondeb, Eccles (biothers) Hugh S. Thomas, Llanerchymedd, md R. Lloyd Roberts, Nottingham (brotheis-in-law) Thomas Hughes, Menai Bridge; James E. Hughes, Llanerchymedd; J. S. Thomas, Llanfair P.G. Hughie S. Thomas, I-lanerchymeid J. Highe;, Calverley Dew Hughes, Llanerchymedd (cousins); R. Williams. Taurhall John Jones. Ty'nygengl R. W. Parry, Bryngoleu John Edwards, R. H. Williams, John A. Parry. Robr. Hughes, James Williams, &c. The Eccles Welsh Chapel was represented by Mr. W. H. Roberts (deaccn). Amongst others present were Messrs. Richard and J. H. "Lloyd, Blaenau Festiniog Edward P. Edwards, Rhyl; F. J. M. Hubbard, Rhyl; John Williams, Colwyn Bay; T. Jones, Llanddeusant; the Revs. R. Thomas, D. M. Aubrev, T. Trevor Jones, Owen Hughes, 2nd T. Mills Jones, Llanerchymedd, &c. The burial service was performed by the Rev. E. W. Dav- ies, vicar. Wreaths were sent by Mrs. Hughes (widow) and little boy; Mrs. Hughes, Bryn Hwfa (mother) Mrs. Marshall, Manchester; Messrs. John, Hughie, and Thomas Hughes (brothers) lr. Hubbard, Rhyl Miss Hughes, Colwyn Bay the Eccles United Welsh Chapel; Ir. Oppenhein er, Manchester; Mrs. Edge, Rhyl, &c. "DR. BARXARDO'S HOMES."—A special meet- ing on behalf of the above Homes is to be held in the Town Hall, Rhyl, next week. For over thirty-three years Dr. Barnardo has been caring for the outcast and orphan children of the United Kingdom, until to-day there is no insti- tution like these Homes on the face of the earth. Over 35,000 poor wastrels, chiefly orphans, thrown on the cold mercy of the world, have passed through he Barnardo Homes, and been educated and trained to fill useful positions in life, and at present there are 5,000 children in the Homes and branches. Dr. Barnaido is carrying on a truly naticral work, and deserves the practical sympathy and support of all who have the interests of children at heart. He has saved to the country at large by his successful reclamation of waifs hundreds of thousands of pounds, and we therefore invite attention to our advertising columns, and trust that the cordial support of the residents of Rhyl will be given to the meeting. Bright sunshine at Rhyl, week ending 16th Days- Hours. Minuses' Thursday, Any 10 9 15 Friday, „ H ••• 0 10 Saturday, 12 0 15 Sunday, ,,13 9 0 Monday, 14 4 0 Tuesday. 15 8 30 Wednesday, „ lG 11 50 Total 43 0
SHIPPING CASUALTIE8.
SHIPPING CASUALTIE8. During a north-easterly gale, on Monday morning, a Whitstable schooner stranded on Grainspit, near Sbeerness. An Essex lifeboat proceeded to her assistance, and also a steam tug, which stood by her until high tide, when she was towed off the sands and taken up the Thames. An exciting scene was witnessed on Monday morning at Pegwell Bay. A heavy storm put the brig Nancy in distress, and four coastguards from the Pegwell station put out in a small boat, with the view of taking a tow-line from the brig to a tug. When a quarter of a mile from the shore the seas were so heavy that the boat could get no further, aud in attempting to return it was swamped, the coastguards being precipitated into the raging sea. Fortunately they were wearing lifebelts, and managed, after a con- I siderable interval, to reach a place of safety. I The names of the coastguards are Chief Boat- I man Northcott and Boatmen Painter, Curie, ) and Hutchings. The distressed vessel was taken to Sandwich.
AN INNOCENT YOUNG MAN IN CUSTODY…
AN INNOCENT YOUNG MAN IN CUSTODY FOR A WEEK. A respectably-dressed young man, nameet John Edward Holmes, described as an oilman's assistant, was, after a week's detention in custody, brought on remand, before Mr. Horace Smith at Westminster, accused of stealing a gold watch from Benjamin Nobbs, butler, in service at Grosvenor Gardens. Mr. Freke Palmer appeared for the defendant, who was standing close to the prosecutor in the crowd at Victoria Street during the passing of the Naval Brigade from the Powerful. Nobbs lost his watch, and, according to his evidence in chief, he saw the accused pass it to another man. who escaped. Air. Palmer said a most serious mistake had been made, for the de- I fendant was a young man of exemplary character, I as a clergyman and numerous other witnesses would testify. Nobbs was recalled for cross-examination, find after considerable pressure admitted that he did not actually see the watch in the de- fendant's hand. The first thing he noticed was his chain hanging from his waistcoat, and, as be thought the defendant might have the watch or a quantity of other watches, he felt him down, and then demanded the return of AfterThe^evidence of his employer that the accused had been over four years m his situa- tioii Mr. Horace Smith said he was satisfied that'prosecutor had made a mistake—a bona- fide mistake—and he discharged the accused without a stain on his character.
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Owing to a change of plan Mr. F. R. Benson haH been obliged to cancel his arrangements for » proiectecllieason in Paris.
SUDDEN DEATH OF A LADY VISITOR…
SUDDEN DEATH OF A LADY VISITOR AT RHYL. INQUEST THIS MORNING. This (Friday) morning Mr Richard Bromiey, County Coroner, held an inquest at the Board Room, Town Hall, Rhyl, touching the death of Mrs Sophia Ollivant, aged 52 years, a visitor staying at 37 West Parade, Rhyl, and the wife of Mr H. B. Ollivant. Lord Street, Basford, Stoke-on-Trent. The following constituted the jury :—Messrs E. D. Evans (Foreman), Thomas Welsby, E. Brown Jones, W. H. Bell. Richard Owens, William Hailifield, Walter Midwinter, Ernest Williams, Robert Flint, Gwynne Sheffield, Edward W. Parry, Harry E. Coopes, Joseph Anton Lang —The evidence, a full report of which will appear next week was of a most distressing character. The deceased, it appeared had been addicated to drink for years and was sent to Rhyl for the benefit of her health. In the course of a month she ran up a bill at one hotel amounting to £ b 3s. 6d., quite unknown to her relatives who had done all they could to prevent her getting drink, and had tried to get her into a home—The Jury returned a verdict of death from syncope caused by excessive drinking, and expressed the unanimous opinion that it would have been much better if a servant or attendant had been sent with the deceased, to take take care of her whilst she was in Rhyl.
EPITOME OF X E\VS.
EPITOME OF X E\VS. Donaghadee harbour lighthouse has been de stroyed by fire. The Duke of Connaught has laid the founda- tion stone of Masonic Schools at Watford. The German Admiralty has decided to station a warship permanently in the West Indies. The formation of a Cadet Corps at Reading School, to be attached to the Citv of London Engineer Volunteers, has been approved. A case of sinall-pox, beheved to be due to in- fection brought from Russia, is reported at Oldham. Mr. William Mortimer, a prominent tanner, of Warrington, has died suddenly at the Grand Hotel, London. The Prince of Wales has graciously signified his intention of distributing the prizes at the Royal Naval School, Eltham, on June 16th. The new 4th London Volunteer Rifles will be recruited from the old boys of the Grocers' Company Schools at Clapton. A private, named Thorngate. of the Cycle Section of the London Rifle Brigade, has met with a fatal accident while riding. The Duke of Cambridge will lay the founda- tion stone of the Victoria Hospital, Folkestone, on May 26th. Sir Montagu Frederick Ommanney, K.C.M.G., has been appointed Permanent Under-Secre- tary of State for the Colonies. The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths has contributed £1,000 towards the funds for the founding of the new Anglican bishopric of Southwark. The scheme for the building of a new work- house at Salford, the cost of which was esti- mated at E280,000, has been abandoned by the Guardians. Sextons in the Sleaford district of Lincoln- shire have refused to dig pauper graves at the present fees, and there is some probability of a strike of gravediggers. The War Office has decided to rebuild the fort at Mumbles Head, Swansea. It will be equipped with five quick-firing guns, and have a garrison of 12 men. A Reuter's telegram from New York says :— The committee of the New York Yacht 'Club will present Sir Thomas Lipton with a loving cup at a dinner in London on the 24th inst. Lord Llangattock has consented to preside at the annual meeting of the National Anti- Vivisection Society on May 22nd in the Queen's Hall, Langham Place, London. A marble bust of Thomas Carlyle has just been placed in the Carlyle House at Chelsea. It is the gift of the late Dr. Gunning, and the work of Mr. D. W. Stevenson, R.S.A. Commandant Fievez has published a pamphlet refuting the accusations brought against him of cutting off the hands of 500 negroes in the Congo Free State. £ 2,666 have been recovered from Mrs. Isa- bella Whitehead by her stockbrokers in the Queen's Bench. The lady pleaded that she was only gambling. Dr. Blake Odgers, T.C., and Mr. Frederick Clifford, T.C., have been elected Benchers at the Middle Temple. Cambridge University will send a deputation and congratulatory address to the celebration of the five-hundredth year of the life of the University of Cracow. The Princess of Wales will visit the inspection and sale of the Welsh Industries Association at the residence of Lord and Lady Aberdare, 83J Eaton Square, S.W., on May 31st. Plymouth garrison has been strengthened by the arrival of the 4th Militia Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The regiment numbers 12 officers and 512 men. An Islington widow who set forth to visit her husband's gaave, get so drunk that she had to be taken to the police station on an am- bulance. Two Strafford doctors refused to go to the assistance of Mr. Prentice, who was suddenly taken ill. A third medico was too seedy to gq, and when a fourth arrived it was too late. Stockport is agitated over an increase of from 2s. 5d. to 3s. per 1.000 cubic feet in the price of gas, in consequence of the rise in coal. The Duke of Cambrigde, Lord Kimberley, the Hon. Sir Robert Herbert, and the A.us- traliah delegates will attend the annual dinner of the Colonial Club at the Hotel Cecil on the 24th inst. The Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P., has con- sented to give the inaugural address at the summer meeting for University Extension students aud others to be held at Cambridge io August. The National Association for the Extension of Workmen's Trains, at its annual conference in London, reported that a movement was about to be set on foot in all the large towns of the country. Miss Perceval, the last surviving daughter of the late Right Hon. Spencer Perceval, who was assassinated in the House of Commons by Bellinghatn on May Ilth, 1S12, has just died at her residence, Manor House, Ealing. It is a somewhat curious circumstance that the appointments of Attorney-General and Solicitor-General for England should now be held by a Scotchman and an Irishman respec- tively. William Robey, the Pemberton publican who has been committed tot" trial by the coroner for the manslaughter of his wife was also re- manded at Wigan on a similar charge by the magistrates, who allowed bail. It is stated that considerable excitement pre- vails among the employes of the Creusot Works in France, in consequence of 50 workmen having been dismissed, and a nother strike is feared. The public memorial to the late Mrs. Rowley Lambert, one of the principal residents of the Thames Valley, is to take the form of scholar- ships in connection with the elementary schools of Thames Ditton. Belfast Corporation has unanimously de- cided to grant the 1dom of the city to Gen. Sir George White in recognition of his dis- tinguished services. A golden ca8 ket is being subscribed for by the clLl ens. A terrible tragedy has been enacted at Arezzo, in Tuscany. A peasant named Meucci mur- dered his entire farilily. consisting of nine per- eons, attacked and injured several men who attempted to interfere with him in his awful work, and then set fire to his house. Ignorance, youth, and hope were said by his counsel to be the only crimes of Ernest Smethurst. formerly member of a Manchester firm of glass merchants, who recently applied for his discharge in bankruptcy, which was granted, but suspended for two years. Sir Horace Rumbold, the British Ambassador to Austria-Hungary, being now 70 years of age, will shortly retire from the Diplomatic Service. It is stated that his excellency will be succeeded by Sir F. Plunkett, at present British Minister at Brussels. The four metropolitan policemen—Harring- ton, Parker, Easter, and Reid—who captured three armed German burglars at Dulwich in February last, are to be presented with £45 lodd, which some oi the inhabitants have sub*