South Wales Daily News

~m HE DISESTABLISHMENT AND DISEN- DOWMENT OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAXD IN WALES. Suggestions for Disenaowmeiit. 1. The duty of carrying out the administrative I work of Disendowment in Walts íwhich should be considered as includmg- Monmouthshire) should be entrusted to three commissioners ap- pointed by the Crown, who should hold office for three years one from North Wales, another from South Walvs—both cf whom should be conversant with the Welsh language and the third uncon- nected with the Principality. They should he ■Empowered to appoint, officers to carry out the provisions of the Act, who should also he con- versant with the language, and whose offices 3ho Id lH. in some central town or towns in the Principality. 2. The principles according to which compensa- tion was given tvo the clergy, &c., under the Irish Church Act, 1869, should not, on any account whatever, be adopted in this Act. A pension, as explained in the next paragraph, would be a fair and equitable settlement of the question, and satisfy all parties. 3. The rent-charges as already settled by the Tithe Acts of 1S35, &c., should be considered as the amounts due from each parish within the limits of the thirteen counties :—and no tithes should be sold. 4. The dignitaries and clergy of the Church, who are in possession of benefices, &c., should be paid according to the Government scale of pensions for life, whether they continue to serve the parishes, &c., with which they are connected at the passing of the Act, or not. The amount of pensions in each case to be based upon the net average amounts received annually by them from the date of their appointmeut to benefices, after curates' salaries, agencies., rates and taxes, and all other expenses are deducted. But no special ad- dition, in consequence of abolition of office, should be granted; as the clergy may enjoy their palaces or parsonages, and glebes (as per No. 7), and re- ceive the produce of the pew rents, partly or wholly (as par No. 13). Or, if they refuse to continue their services, they will be free to enter into other engagements. Th° Government allowance is one-sixtieth part of the net emoluments received for every complete year the officer has served. Supposing tbprefore that the net amonnt of tithe is £300, the clergyman would receive £5 as pension for every year he was in receipt of tithe. If for 20 years, he would receive £100 annually and if for 40 year-, he woul,1 receive £ 200, etc. If this sugge- tico should be carried out, it will provide a part of the sal-try of each clergyman at once, and gradually prepare the Disestablished Church to support it-i own ministers. 5. Holders of cathedral and other preferments, whose emoluments rare from tithes, should receive pensions under the same scale, and according to the same conditio/is. 6. Curates in t>ie actual service of incumbents at the passing <7f the Act should also receive pen- sions calculated in the usual way according to the Government sale upon the net annual amounts received by tb em. 7. Bishopy" palaces, deaneries, parsonages and glebes. See., should remain in possession of the present occupiers, should they continue to officiate in their respective churches. But if they should not, do so, and in any event at their death, such payees, &c., should be sold and the amounte received therefrom should be paid to the tithe fund of the coupty in which they are f>»d. 8. The tithes should be collected by officers ap- pointed by the county councils, be paid by t', I cl county treasurer in each county, and placed to a separate account which may be called The Tithe Fund for the County of The Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Trustees of Queen Anne's B 'unty'should also pay to the tithe fund in each county a fair proportion of the balance wbch they have in hand. and which may be due, at the time when the church is dis- established. The pensions already referred to in Nos. 4, 5, 6 should be first payments from the tithe fund. The balances should be applied as per Nos. 10, U. 12 9. Each County Council should be empowered to appoint a committee and officers to superintend the collection and application of the tithes, and to report to the council annually—which report, if adopted, should be afterwards submitted for audit and approval, as stated in No. 24. No part of the tithes should be given to any religious denomina- tion. 10. Each Parish Council, or vestry, should re- ceive its share of the surplus, according to the amount of its tithe, from the tithe I'und, annually —which should be applied as follows :—To assist deserving and promising young persons to obtain An education in the intermediate seboola. which they would be unable to do without assistance—. to enable parishioners to erect rooms for parochial purposes, and for libraries, &c.—but should not be applied to any purposes which may be charge- able to the rates. Also, as loans to assist farmers, labourers, and mechanics, to erect cottages upon freehold allotments. Preference should be given to labourers who have supported the largest families without b'ing chargeable to parishes and the amount of wages received should also be considered. But no such aid should be given to persons who would be. able to erect such buildings without assistance. Vestries should be empowered to act until the Parish Councils are established. 11. The loans granted as above should bear a low rate of interest (say 2% per cent. at mcst), but should not be granted to erect cottages, excepting on freehold land. Loans should be re- payable by quarterly or half-yearly instalments in thirty years. 12. In case any Parish Council or Vescry should consider that grants should be made to assist de- serving persons to erect cottages it should be empowered to do so-such grants not to exceed ten pounds in each case, and for erections on free- hold land only. Farmers and labourers have unquestionably the first claim upon the tithes. Without them tithes would have been impossible in the past, and will be so in the future. The above proposal will materially assist them, and will be of considerable advantage to the agricultural districts, as well as a strong en- couragement to thrift." For many years past- labourers have been emigrating to the towns, and many farmers find great difficulty in obtaining assist- ance to cultivate their land and harvest their crops. It is most, important., therefore, that every encourage- ment and assistance be given to those who wish to poises^ small allotments, as this appears to be the only means of drawing the surplus population from the towns and of re-peopling the rural districts. 13. All private rights to seats in churches should cease, and the members should be allowed to decide from time to time whether they shall be free, or rented—as they may wish thereby to increase the stipends of the clcrgy, and provide for the repairs of the buildings. The churches It should be allowed to be us«d by all denomina- tions at funerals, but not s" as to interfere with the church services, and subject to proper notice being given to the clergyman. 14. All churchyards and other public burial grounds shoutd be transferred, and be under the exclusive control of the parish councils or vestries —compensation bting given, if necessary, to the incumbents for their lives, according to the Government scale, based upon their net annual legal receipts for the last three years but offer- ing should not be included in the calculation. 15. The care of the fabrics should be left in the hands of the congregations assembling in the churches. But should it appear to the parish councils, or vestries, that the congregations are either unwilling or unable to keep them in a thorough state of repair, or that the churches have not been regularly used for public worship for a period of six months, the parishioners should be empowered t,) take possession of them, and deal with thfcm as they may think proper under the circumstances subject to the approval of their respective County Councils. 16. As the use of the churches will be granted to the Disestablished Church as a Protestant Church, the parishioners should be empowered to withhold them in case doctrines are taught, or ceremonies introduced, which they consider in- consistent with the Protestant character cf the church. 17. If either or all the cathedrals should be un- used, or be allowed to go out of repair, they should be handed over to the County Councils. The northern counties should protest St. Asaph and Rmgor; and the southern counties, Llandafi and Sr. David's. 13. Lay impropriators should receive pensions for their lives-or, if preferred by then:, for a term of 20 years—based upon the net average annual amounts received by them during the last three years, after all expenses, &c., are deducted. They should then cease. 19. Colleges, schools, and hospitals, &c., should continue to receive for 10 years amounts equal to the net annual value of the tithes paid to them during the threo years, after all expenses are deducted. At the end of such term, the pay- ments should cease. 20. Holders of advowsons should not be com- pensated. 21. All endowments now in the possession of tha Church, which have been left to the bishops, or clergy, and other officers, as trustees for parishes, should be transferred to the Parish Councils or Vestries, and be entirely under their control. 22. All other endowments which have been left strictly to the Church since the commencement of the reign of George IV. (1820) should be the pro- perty of the disestablished Church. 23. Churches and parsonages erected by public subscription since 1820 should be considered as the property of the disestablished Church, subject to the repayment to the Tithe Fund of the county of all amounts received from the Ecclesiastieal Commissioners, and from other public sources, towards the same. 2 il plate, furniture, and other movable chattels belonging to any Church or Chapel-of- ease should be the property of the disestablished Church. 25.-All documents, deeds, and records, &c., belonging to any Church, or in keeping of any incumbent, cr of any other officer of any other Church should be delivered up to the County Council of the county in which such parish Church is situated. 26. In all public establishment", such as lunatic asylums, workhousos, &c., the power of appoint- ing the clergy oniy as chaplains should cease and religious equality should be the ruling principle in all. In the North Wales Counties Luuatic Asylum, for instance, there were lately 68 patients of all classes. Of this number, 162 only were Churchmen; 369 were members of different denominations and 37 un- known. But a clergyman is the only minister who can be appointed, and he receives a saiaryofBHO yearly for his services. No other arrangement can legally be made. In the Huthin workhouse there are 60 inmates 16 cf whom are Churchmen. The remaining 44 belong to diffeient denominations. 27. Should any person be aggrieved by the value set upon any interest in respect of which a pension, or other payment, is awarded to him, he should be empowered to refer such question to the County Court in which the claim arises, or to arbitration. The same privilege should also be enjoyed by all other parsons affected by the Act and the decision of the court, or arbitrators, should be final in each Case. 28. No church body should be incorporated under the Act. Neither should any position whatever be given to tbe disestablished Church which will be inconsisteiit with a state of perfect religious equality. The disestablished Church should be allowed to control its own affairs under precisely the same conditions as the Nonconform- ing bodies. 29. All parochial and other accounts should be prepared in such forms as the Treasury may direct, and be either audited by persons appointed by the Treasury, or transmitted t3 the Comp- troller and Auditor General, according to the provision of the Exchequer and Audit Depart- ments Act, 1866. [Some comments on these letters and sugges- tions will be found in our leader columns. 'tD. S. W.D.N.]

BURGLARY BY A CARDIFF SAILOR. At the Old Bailey, on Monday afternoon, —before the Coinmou Serjeant—James Fergus- son (18), a sailor, and native of Cardiff, pleaded guilty to a burglary at the dwelling-house of Richard Guernsey, and stealing therein divers articles. He also pleaded guilty to a second charg of burglary. The offences were committed at Greenwich on February 11th. A previous con- viction was proved against the prisoner at the Maidstone Quarter Sessions. He was sentenced to ten months' hard labour.

BREAKING INTO THE M.P.'S WORK- SHOP. At Newport Town-hall, on Munday, A* Jones, greaser and lifter, was charged with breaking into a carpenter's shop at the Great Western Wharf, the property of Mr T. P. Price, M. P. A police officer, well up to his work, and acute even at the drowsy time of one a.m. on Thursday morning, saw prisoner and another man named Fowler going down the back of Ailesbury-street, Maindee. Jones was in the act of placing down some tools on the ground in a garden as the officer came up, and declared that they were his father's, who lived in the house (No. 14, Ai I esbury- street). The father was called up and identified the first tool pro- duced as his. The officer went away, but not at all satisfied, and next day information was given to the police that a carpenter's shop at the wharf had been broken open and a dozen tools stolen. Then the officer was told off on the job again. Jones identified a spanner as his, but it was marked in four places with Mr Price's initials. Fowler could not be found, and it was stated tfeat he had gone to sea. The Bench remanded Jones, who was formerly in the employ of Mr Price, for a week, in order that the other man might if pos- sible be also brought to justice.

STORY OF ELOPEMENT AND THEFT. At Bow-street police-court on Saturday a young man named Ludovic was brought up, on remand, for extradition, for offences committed within the jurisdiction of the French Republic. The accused is the son of a legal functionary. In January last he appears to have been in reduced circumstances at Algisrs, and a M. Berthelot, who knew him when he was pursuing his studies at the Lyeee of Oran, gave him employment as servant. Soon afterwards M. Berthelot died. His widow took his remains to France. When she returned she found that the prisoner had eloped with her daughter, and that a number of shares and a quantity of jewellery had been taken away Inquiries showed that the prisoner had obtained an advance upon some of the shares at the office of the Compagnie Algerienne, and that he had cashed a dividend warrant at the Banque d'Algerie on similar representations. He was afterwards found dealing with some of the stolen shares in Liverpool, whither he had gone with his employer's daughter.—The prisoner was com- mitted for extradition.

Epps's COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COMFORTING "By a thorough knowledge of the natui-al laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of weil- selected COCOA, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save as many heavy doctors'bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundred- of subtle maladies 4e floating around ns ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves w 11 fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."—Cinl Service Gazette.— Made sin,piv with boiling water or milk. Sold only in packets, by Grocers, labelled—AJIES KPPS & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Also Makers of 1 EDDS'S Cocoaine or Nib-Extract: Tea-like. 9570 1491Q

ST. DAVIDS DAY. AT THE CITY OF THE PATRON SAINT OF WALES. [BY GOIIERIAN.] The first day of March to those of the Celtic race at home amongst their native hills, or at the. Antipodes, has been, and in more recent times prominently so, a reminder of those historic timet when their forefathers were on the war-path to route the invaders and to uphold their nation- ality as well as to review the present in contrast. It fell to my lot to spend the anniversary at St. David's, or (in the vernacular) Dinas Dewi Sant, situate on the westermost part of Great Britain. The town, or rather village, facing the broad Atlantic; immediately below which, in quite a sleepy hollow, stands the City proper, enclosing within its walis the Cathedral. Wend- ing its way at the foot of the ruined cloisters runs a rivulet onward past the old Episcopal Palace (the handiwork of Bishop Gower), once upon a time a place of sojourn for Royalty still in stately grandeur, the admiration of archaeolo- gists its arched vaults the abode of bats, its turrets the trysting-place of daws, and in its angles the owl "excludes the day." In this Valley of Rosina the Saint initiated his scholars into the mystery that He who works not shall also not eat." Though at a distance of 16 miles from a railway station, it is yearly visited by many tourists. The inhabitants are primitive in various ways, many of whom in stature, eyes, and colour of hair, are symbolical types of the ancient Cyrari. The invigorating breezes of the Atlantic, and the purity of the air tend undoubtedly to long life, if one may judge from a list thao was shown me headed by the name of a centenarian, next that of the Vpn. Dean Allen, half-a-dozen more inhabitants 90; 18, 80 to 85 27, 70 to 75 years of age, &e. I may state that on February 3rd, I picked a buttercup in my walk, next day cut a full bloom rose, and plucked some primroses, all of which grew in the open. It is not my intention to describe the architec- tural beauties of the cathedral, vviie.-ein is the shrine of the saint, near which Lyeth ye bones of Edmund, Earl of Richmond, father and brother to kings." Or of the surroundings of a previous age of Druidic rites, and the more modern occupa- tion, denoted by a Roman station and road. Such at the present clay is the birthplace of the patron saint of Wales, whose name has been the toast over many a festive board v/ithin the last few days.

CAMBRIDGE. [FROM A coriESPOIDFNT.] St. David's Day was not allowed to pass with- out a celebration worthy of the occasion by Gwalia's sons resident at the University, for under the auspices of the Cambridge Gomeriaid Society the time-honoured custom of celebrating the memory of the patron saint of Wales by an annual dinner was duly observed at th0 Uni- versity Arms Hotel on Wednesday evening, March 1st. The day had long been looked for- ward to by a large number of Welshmen up here, and as the Gomeriaid Society, as at present established, is a comparatively young society, the auspicious event of 1893 will be a red-letter day in its history. The president, Mr Joseph Griffiths, M.A., M.D., F.R.C.S., had worked assiduously in view of the occasion, and was greatly assisted by the other officers of the society, Messrs R. E. Jones, St. Catherine's, vice-president J. James, St John's, secretary G. P. Gabriel, treasurer and it is pleasing to note that their labours have been crowned with great success. The company met at seven o'clock at the University Arms Hotel, where the table had been laid out in capital style. A large leek in a flower-pot decorated the centre of the table, which often reminded oue during the evening of dear old Gwalia, the land of the leek. The menu cards, which had been generously pro- vided by the President, had been executed with great taste and skill by Messrs Redin and Co., Cambridge. On the front pugo was the society's crest with its distinctive colours of green, red, and old gold. The musical programme and toast list had been printed entirely in Welsh with the mottoes Y gwir yn erbyn y hyd" and Tra mor tra Brython." After the Vice-President had said grace in the vernacular the dinner was pro- ceeded with, and when all had well satiated themselves the President proposed the toast of the" Queen and Prince and Princess of Wales." Mr H. B. Roderick, Emmanuel, then played a pretty selection of Welsh music on the piano- forte. The toast of the evening, "St. David," was proposed in a Welsh speech by the Vice- President. Mr J. A. Williams afterwards favoured the company with a song entitled "The Skipper." The toast of Gwalia fell to the lot of Mr T. D. James, Christ's, and was responded to. by Mr E. O. Williams, Corpus. Cvinru Fydd was then sung by Mr G. P. Gabriel, after which Mr J. LI. D. Evans, Christ's, gave the toast of Y Gonieriaid," and the President, who was enthusiastically received, responded at some length in a fit ing speech. He impressed upon tho members, especially those of them who intended pursuing their different spheres of labour in Wales, to make the most of the advantages offered them by tho society during their residence at Cambridge. lie said that to come in contact with "mmeut men who would address them from time to time could not fail to do all of them an incalculable amount of good. Dr Griffiths further reminded them that the future of the Society mainly depended upon the amount and quality of the work it could do and its consequent degree of usefulness, and exhorted all to be faithful members so that the Society may flourish and be of ultimate use. not only to its individual members, but to the Welsh nation at large.—Then followed song. "Will o' the Wisp," by Mr I. Roberts. The toast of the 'Varsity was proposed by Mr J. A. Williams, and responded to by Mr S. Woods Ayerst. The President next sang Dr Parry's Blodwen." The toast of the Visitors found a proposer in the secretary (Mr J. James, St. John's), who coupled with it the names of Mr C. B. Nicholl, Queen's, captain of the University Rugby Foot- ball team, andMrG.F. M'Cleary,B. A., TrinityHall, and both suitably replied. Mr Nicholl remarked that aU Welshmen resident at the University who had any regard for the old country should become members of the Society. Mr S. Woods Ayerst sangt song composed by himself, The 'Varsity Customs." Mr E. Thomas proposed The officers and the treasurer Mr G. P. Gabriel responded on their behalf. The proceed- ings terminated by the singing of Hen wlad fy nhadau." Mr G. P. Gabriel taking the solo part. It should be mentioned that the various friends who assisted in the musical part of the proceed- ings acquitted themselves most creditably with- out exception, and greatly contributed to make the evening a most enjoyable one. During the progress of the dinner greetings were received from Mr T. Ulis, M.P., president of the Cymmrodorion Society, London and from the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society, Oxford. The dinner, which was in evety way a complete success, was attended by members from 13 different colleges in th. university.

PROPOSED ORGANISATION OF WELSHMEN ON TEES-SIDE. After being allowed to pass unobserved for 20 years, the Welsh residents in the capital of Cleveland this year honoured the memory of the, Patron Saint of Cambria. A goodly company of the most prominent Welshmen in Middlesbrough, South Bank, and Stockton dined together in the Station Refreshment-rooms at Middlesbrough, Dr W. J. Williams presiding. Mr B. O. Davies, in referring to the town and trade of Middles- brough and Stockton, pointed our, that the lead- ing position Middlesbrough had taken in the iron and steel trade was mainly due to the discovery of Mr John Vaughan, a Welshman whose name was familiar wherever the industry was known as a giant in the trade.—Mr E. r. John, who also addressed the gathering in the Celtic tongue. proposed Ein GwJaù, ein Iaith, a'n Cfnedi." After referring to the picturesque side of Wales, he alluded to its literature. It was, he said, no longer necessary to call upon Matthew Arnold to teitif), to the infinite value of Celtic literature, seeing that it was generally admitted that many of the poets of England, from the days of Spenser, and indeed from the days of LazanorD. down to Tennyson, had drawn their inspiration largely from the legends and shrines in the Welsh Mabinogion. Against the English Csedmon and Bede, Welshmen could give the names of the Wqlsh poets Taliesin, Aneurin, and Llywarch Hen. Contemporary with Chaucer thsy could boa-it Dafydd ap Gwilym, who sang I of nature with a fervour unknown to English literature until the days of Wordsworth.—Mr W. J. Davies, secretary of the Cleveland and South Durham Eisteddfod, proposed "Cymru Fydd." What Young Wates and its education should do would be to foster the national spirit and revive and maintain its literature, and hajid ovei to other nations the bsaufcy and purity of Welsh thought.—It was unanimously decided to call a meeting of Welshmen, of whom there are no less than 10,000 on Teas-side, with the object of forming a branch of the Cymmrodorion Society, which it is now felt is greatly needed m the district.

CARDIFF. Inquiries at a late hour on Monday night elicited the gratifying statement that no addi- tional cases of small-pox had been reported, and it will be seen from the interview below that Dr Walford, the medical officer of health for Cardiff, states distinctly that the cases already reporled are of a mild character, and that he doesn't ex- pect the outbreak to spread. Dr Walford defends the inactivity of the Committee with regard to the pigvision of facilities for isolation, and as we havegiven more than once the other side of this matter, we have much pleasure in appending this statement of the medical officer. It will be observed that his contention is that needful precautions have been taken. INTERVIEW WITH DU. WALFORD. Calling upon the Medical Officer for the Borough of Oardiff on Monday afternoon for the purpose of g-leaning the latest particulars as to the small-pox outbreak in the town, a lepresentative of this journal was informed thatDr Walford con- sidered himself and his Department unjustly trrated in the newspapers generally." Asked to particularise, Dr Walford said that the Department under his jurisdiction had been accused of the wholesale removal of typhus patients from the Hospital near the Hamadryad, and censured for trans, erring them to their homes so as to make room for the persons suffering from small-pox. This," said lie, is quite LtJse. Not a single person suffering from typhus was removed to his (>ome. With one exception the patients were certified by Dr Hughes, the u\e lical super- intendent of the Hamadryad Hospital Ship, to be ontirely cured, and there was 110 fear cf their communicating the disease to anyone, as their clothing had been thoroughly disinfected." "What of the other case, èactor 1" asked the reporter. That was the case taken to Tyndal-street. Gross misrepresentation has been made about that—I don't say intentionally. This patient was taken to an empty house, which belongs to the Corporation.and it is true that that house is situate in Tyndal-street." But is not that streei. the centre of a thickly populated region, where the people are not as a rille cleollllv in their habits or well-noLlrl,,Iied ? Was not this step surrounded with danger ?" 1 don't think so. Personally I saw that my directions to secure absolute isolation were obeyed. But the patient is progressing most favourably, and there is ne sign of another case in the dis- trict." It has been stated that it was, to say the least, injudicious that the small-pox patients should be put into a building impregnated with typhus germs, for it is assumed that a couple of hours was too short a time to allow of its being properly disinfected." "As to that, I must say that there was no risk at all. The shed was disinfected thoroughly under my superintendence. There remains no danger from typhus. It is not the first time that sup.h a thing has been done. Tne shed answers the purpose of a temporary hospital almost as well as a new building, certainly as well as a hastily run-up gah'anised-iron erection, such as was pro- posed." You regard the shed as a suitable place for tha reception of patients" "Not exactly. In very cold weather the heat- ing arrangements would be found defective. At the present time and in the summer months, while it is not admirably adapted for the purpose, it certainly is suitable." Do you fear that the small-pox may spread now ?" No. As a matter of fact I have every reason for believing that it will soon die out. The cases now under treatment are of a mild description, and each of the patients is progressing rapidly." There have been no fresh cases?" None." You are not opposed altogether to the fixing up of a temporary structure in case the disease should assume epidemic form V It is not that I am opposed to a temporary building. What I say is that there is at present, pending the completion of the Infectious Diseases Hospital at EIy, ample accommodation to hand. It is all condense to accuse the Health Authority of want of precaution. In 1884 and again in 1887 Cardiff was visited by small-pox in epidemic form. Then there was no talk about galvanised iron structures, as far as I can gather. Yoi. perhaps do not know what has been done by the Health Department of this borough during the past two years. There is in course of building a large Infectious Diseases Hospital and by its side is now fixed a temporary building for the treatment and isolation of scarlet fever patients. It is absurd to talk about running upanothertemporary building at Ely. There is no room for it. The Corporation own ten acres. Eight are in t h, hands of the builders. To fix a small-pox hospital there would be to stop the contractor's men proceeding with the permanent structure. We shall be all right when that is finished. You see, the Corporation, sanitary officials and medical officer have been wrongly blamed." With a promise to publish this statement our reporter withdrew.

RHONDDA VALLEY. ANOTHER DEATH. Another death from small-pox is reported from Tylorstown, in the Rhondda Vach Vallev. the victim being an elderly man named Edwin Sharpe, who lodged with Mr and Mrs Organ, at 89, East-roac?, of that village. How he contracted the disease is unknown, though some allege that Sharpe had been in the company c,f the man, Thomas Williams, who came to 'rylorstown from Neaih a few weeks ago, and afterwards died from small-pox at the Ystrad Hospital. Sharpe was attended upon by Dr Morris, and was treated as suffering from pleuro-pneumonia; and it was only after his death. when the case wan diagnosed by Dr Morris and Dr James, the Medical Officer of Neath, that symptoms of small-pox were dis- covered. The cause of death, however, was pneumonia. Sharpe died on Saturday, and was buried early on Sunday morning at the Mardy Cemetery. There are several lodgers in the house, but so far there are no indications that any of the inmates have caught the disease. The house has been freelv disinfected, the wall papers in the room having been pulled off aud the walls limewasheu, while every particle of furniture in the room has been burnt. Unfortunately there is still another case of small-pox in the village, the patient being a youn irl living in Margaret- street, and who is being treated by Dr Ivor Lewis, of Cymmer. Mr D. Davie?, the district sanitary inspector has been spending the last few days in the village, where whole streets are being disinfected, large quantities of chloride of lime being used for that purpose. We understand that a special meeting of the Ystrad Local Board is to be held to consider the matter, and that Dr James, the medical officer of health, will suggest thereat that all the inhabitants of Tyiorstown shall at once be vaccinated, The Act for the Compulsory Notification of Infectious Diseases has not been adopted in the Rhondda, and it is complained that the provisions for isolation in cases of this nature are exceedingly inadequate.

NEATH. The Neath Town Council were on Monday in the act of discussing a letter from the Medical Officer of Health (Dr Ryding) in relation to infec- tious diseases, when Dr Wnrthington (the Medical Officer of Health for the Rural Sanitary Authority), entered the room, and announced that the woman Webber, who had been nursing the small-pox patients at Heol-Penywern, near Neath, had developed small-pox. Somo dis- agreement had arisen, and she had beeu sent out-of-doors at Heol-Penywern. He had seen her in the garden with the disease very fully developed. The woman could not be allowed to remain in the garden all night, and her going to her home would be fraught with the gravest danger, as she lived in a house in Jolly-court, and had a number of children.—A hurried and private consultation took place amongst members of the Council, and it was decided to induce the woman to go to the Workhouse, where prepara- tions for her reception would at once be made. The authority having no ambulance at present, the woman would have to walk to the Workhouse.— The announcement made by Dr Whittington caused a great sensation in the meeting. ii » I

POSTAL TEIEGIIAPI-I I CLERKS. FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE AT CARDIFF. The Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association will hold its annual Conference this year at Cardiff, the date fixed being the 50h and 6th of May. Oll the evening of the Tatter date the delegates will be entertained by the Cardiff staff at a banquet at the Park Hotel. In It-ply to an invitation from the local committee. Sir E. J. Reed says I accept with much pleasure your kind invitation to preside at the banquet at the Park Hotel on the 6th Mav." The Conference last year was held in London.

ALLEGED HIGHWAY ROBBERY IN THE RHONDDA. At the Ystrad police-court on Monday-before Mr Ignatius Williams and Mr T. P. Jenkins two men named Westlake and Bevan, residing at Dinas, were brought up in custody charged with highway robbery and assault on Saturday night at Dinas.—It appeared that the prosecutor, David Hughes, who also resides in tho locality, while on his way home about 12 o'clook at night was attacked by the two prisoners, who, accord- ing to the evidence, robbed him of his watch and some money and assaulted him violently.—The prisoners were committed for trial to the assizes.

A FATAL QUARREL. A man named W oodlaw, who lodged with his brother-in-law, named Marsden, in Lombard- street. Oldham, died on Monday, and Marsden has been arrested on a charge of causing his death. The parties quarrelled on Saturday night, and it is alleged Marsden struck Woodtaw on the head with a can, rendering him unconscious. When arrested Marsden displayed great coolness and remarked that one man would never be missed.

UADBURf S COCOA. "A Cocoa possessing valuable tlesh-form(iig ^ualniasaud impartingstron ii 111) and stavins; nower. lie 1170

THE WELSH PRESS. [B¥ RHYDYCHEINWU."] THE RECEPTION OF THE SUSPENSORY BILL. As I predicted last week, th incipient irrita- tion of the Welsh Press against the Government has been appreciably soothed by the first reading of the Suspensory Bill. The menacing language cf the last few weeks has almost wholly subsided, and has given way to at least a partial satisfac- tion. It is believed that the cause of Disestablishment has been relieved from its perilous position by the skilful maceuvring, the peremptory demands, and the unflinching por- sistence of tile Welsh members. Mr Gladstone's explicit declaration in favour of Disestablishment has given more delight even than the considerable majority IU favour of the first reading. Of late Mr Gladstone had become discredited among a section of Welsh opinion they unequivocally accused him of being the sole cause of the unsatisfactory position given to Disestablishment in the Queen's Speech. They have been agreeably surprised they are now radiant with triumph. Some show unalloyed complacency but the joy of others seems even yet mingled with mis- giving.?. IT IS GREETED WITH ENTHUSIASM. Thus" D.S.D." in the Celt--which previously was loudest in its condemnation of the conduct of the Government—begins a ptean of praise with these words:—"Tho Welshman who does not burst forth into a song of praise to the Almighty for what is taking place these days must possess a heart of flint. Last week was full of the most significant victoiies for the ultimate supremacy of the great principle of Liberty and Religious Equality. We had for some time seen that nothing effective could bo done for our nation without a zealous body of Welsh representatives in Parliament." "Eynon," in the same paper, says: "Tho world does turn round, whatever is said, an-1 here is the Earnest Bill' drawn successfully through the mill for the first time. I spoke with many of the Liberal leaders (at Shrewsbury), and the sronoral feeling was one of dissatisfaction bccaiwe Wales and! Disestablishment w„re not fairly dealt with. In a moment-of disappointment we felt that it was time for the Welsh members to start a strike. They did have a little strike, and I would not bo surprised that it is to that fact that we arc to attribute the first reading of the Suspensory Bill. At the same time let nobody be lulled to sleep." The Ctimro &,y. The, nut was not quite empty after all, as we feared last week and if we are not greatly mistaken, the beginning "f the end has arrived in connection with this que-tion. But will the measuro pass through the House cf Lords ? Cer- tainly not at presrnt. But the House of Lords have been made to understand before this that the voice of the people, as expressed through their representatives, will not be silenced by them." The Goleuad, in the course of a long article, in which the consequences of Disestablishment to Wales are discussed, says :—" The gentry and the common people of Wales would come to under- stand each other better, and the bitter feslings which exist between the political parties would gradually vanish. Instead of being divided into Churchmen and Nonconformists as they are now, and instead of constantly fighting with one another as they do at present, wo might expect to see them uniting in one common band against the nation's great enemies—ignorance and irrsligion." Such a consummation is, indeed, devoutly to be wished, and there are doubtless many Churchmen even who would welcome Dis- establishment if they were convinced that it would bring these blessings in its train, and do away with the eternal wrangling and squabbling which, like a canker, is gnawing at the heart of the Welsh nation. Time only will show whether under the new dispensation Wales will, as is to be hoped, be the veritable Utopia which is shadowed forth by the Goteuad. The Baner has abandoned its attitude of unmitigated censure, and it expresses itself as being moderately satis- fied with the procedure of the Government. It goes on: ilIt is said that the Welsh members by this time feel so satisfied with the Government that they can honestly and heartily give it their support. But this much caii be said, that it is perfectly well known to the Government that it is no longer to expect the support of all the Welsh members except on the condition that it also is faithful to Wales. Fair promises, with their fulfilment entrusted to the distant future, will never more secure tho loyalty of the repre- sentatives of the new national feeling which is animating the old country. Despite all this, much care ig necessary lest harm is done in our buruing desire to move forward." Similar views are expressed in other papers, like the Gencdl Gymreig, the Tarian, and the TZlst, quotations from which space will not allow. WHAT OF THE FUTURE? Curiously enough the Herald Cymraeg, which, when most other papers were advocating robellion, was in favour of the Government, now takes a less satisfactory view of the situation. "What of the prospect of the Suspensory Fill ?*' it aeks. "It was pleasing to find that a!l the Welsh mem- bers, with on) exception, were present at the division. Not so pleasing was it to see that the number c.f Irish members who voted for it was comparatively small. The country will be astonished to find that the Welsh members—and among them the Young Wales party—have been satisfied with a pitifully poor arrangement. The Disestablisher* of Wales have advocated for years n.w that Disestablishment ought to have the seoond place in the Liberal programme, and it was understood that this had been promised by the Liberal leaders. But we are now told thnt Welsh members have consented to yield second place to Mr Fowler's Registration measure—a measuregood enough in its way. but of infinitely I less importance than Disestablishment. The fault of the Cymry has always been to slacken their hands after winning a ptt;y skirmish of comparatively no importance, and to be over thankful for small bits in the way of charity." MR T. E. ELLIS' POSITION. Since his acceptance of office the popularity of the patriotic member for Merioneth has percep- tibly declined among a certain section of Wol- h- luen, who seem to consider that acceptance of a post in her Majesty's Ministry is ipso facto-aii ni\,istasv from the cause of Welsh patriotism. Nothing could be more unfair, for more than to any other member in Parliament, to Mr T. E. Eilis is due the wonderful revival of Welsh patriotIsm. which historians will regard as the characteristic of Welsh life in the latter end of the 19th century. The London cor- respondent of the Baner deprecates this un- j generous view, and the_ leading article of the »ame paper has a noble defence of Mr Ellis. "We have noticed that there is in some quarters a tendency to look askance at Mr T. E. Ellis be- cause he has accepted office in the Ministry. It is suggested that he is enjoying the sweats of office, while the unpleasant duty of keeping the Government in its proper order is left to his fellow members. Our belief is that we have none at present in a better po- tlon to help m the work and nobody more faithful than Mr Ellis. And if at any time the necessity should arise for him to ohoose between office and the interests of his country, we have not the slightest doubt that he will unhesitatingly abandon office and chng to his country." GRNINEN GWYL DEWI. The special St. David's Day number of the Gtninen is devoted almost exclusively to the memory of the great dead it is pre-eminently an "In Memoriam" number. Within its 72 closely-printed pages are biographical estimates of over 20 Welshmen more or less eminent in the field of Welsh literature. Everyone will find something to suit his taste in this wonderful luxuriance of short biographies for every shade of politics, every sect in religion, and every department of Welsh literature are represented. Some of the articles are brightly and vividly written others follow the old-fashioned, heavy, and orthodox manner of artificially classifying the characteristics of the person descrived, as The Rev John Jones as a preacher, as a bard, as a thinker, as an orator, as a, debater, as a friend, as a public miin," &c., &c. This principle is sometimes carried out to a ridiculous extreme, but it is satisfactory to find that the vast majority of the contributions in the present number are written in a more natural, a more easy, and a more fascinating manner. A singular interest attaches to two of them—those on theRevJ.D. Jones, Ruthin, andon "Gwynionydd," as they are written by the sons of the subjects of the sketches, viz., the- Rev J. D. Jones, M. A., B.D., and the Rector of Dowlais,. It is impos- sible to mentiou even the names of all the articles here. Not the least interesting are the critical estimates of "Islwyn" and of "Hugh Derfel," by the Rev J. O. Jones, Y Bala, and Anthropos; the biographical accounts of the Rev T. Jones, D.D. (by the Rev D. Young), of the Rev Dr Saunders (by the Rev J. Wyndha-m Lewis), of the Rev J. Thomas, D.D. (by the Rev Lewis Probert), of Robin Ddu Eryri by Gwy- neddon and Mr Tudor Evans. The innate Celtic aptitude for style-though sometimes in- fected with something of that lavisli and Oriental imagery which is its fault—is strikingly conspicuous in nearly all the articles. The magazines for March will be noticed in next week's notes.

POACHING NEAR CARDIFF. A LEAP INTO THE TAFF. A Card'ff fitter, named George Williams, was placed in the dock at Llandaff police-court on Monday, charged with trespassing in search of conies, on the 12th Dec. last. Mr Chambers, from the Bute Estate Office, prosecuted. From the evi- dence of a gamekeeper, it appeared that in Dec. last he saw the prisoner with another man on the Pontcanna Farm, the property of Lord Bute. He was proceeding towards them when they ran away in opposite directions. Witness went in pursuit of prisoner, but on getting near him he jumped into the Taff and stood in the water nearly up to his waist. He eventually came out of the river, and witness then found in his possession a ferret and three nets. j Prisoner was originally summoned on the 12tll of December last, but absconded and was only arrested on a warrant last week.—Williams ad- mitted the offence, saying he was extremely sorry for what had occurred, but the Bench imposed a fine ot 40s and costs, or one month's imprisonment.

.n_ The Prince of Wales concluded his visit to Lord Rosebery at the Durdans, Epscm, on Monday, and returned to town. DR. DE JONGH'S LIGHT-BROWN COD LIVER OIL. IN WEAKNESS OF CHILDREN ITS I",FFICACY IS UNF.QUAL- LED.— Thomas Hunt, Kaq., F.K.C.S., late Medical OfficerofHealt.il, St. Giles'sand Bloomsbury writes "In badly-nourishetl infants, Dr. de Jongh's Cod Liver Oil is invaluable. The rapidity with which two or three teaspoonfuls a day will fatten a young child is astonish- ing. The weight gained is three times the weight of the oil swallowed, or woie. Children generally" like the taste of Dr de Jongh's Oil, and when it is given them often cry for more. Sold only in capsuled Imperial Half- gints, 2s 6d Pints, 4s 9d Quarts, 9s, by all Chemists, ole consignees, Ansar, Harford, and Co., Limited, 210. High Holborn. London 1021

GLAMORGAN STANDING 1 JOINT COMMITTEE. THE INSPECTION OF POLICE BOOKS. ANIMATED DISCUSSION. THE LATE DR. PRICE. The quarterly meeting of the Glamorgan Stand- ing Joint Committee was h Id at the County Offlees, Cardiff, on Monday. His Honour Judge Gwilym Williams (chairman) presided, and there were present:—Justices—Mr J. Blandy Jenkins, Mr 0. H. Jones, Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Mr R. W. Llewellyn, Mr Herbert Lloyd, Mr R. H. Rhys, and Mr M. B. Williams members of the County Council—Aldermen H. N. Davies, J. Jones Griffiths, G. C. James, J. C. Meggitt, Jclin Williams, and T. Williams; Councillors David Davies, H. S. Davies. E. Hal!, Hedlcy, H. W. Martin, and W. Williams (Trealaw). The Clerk ^f the PeactJ (Mv Mansel Franklen), tlr» Cnief Constable (Mr Lionel Lindsay), and the County Surveyor (Mr Edwards) were in attendance. On account was submitted, under the head of "sundries," amounting to £ 5 12s 2d, for expenses of constables attending the cremation of Dr Price at Llantrissant on J anuary 31st, 1893. Relying to the committee, the Chief Constable (Mr Lionel Lindsay) said he employed these con- stables cn his own responsibility, remembering the disorderly scenes which took place at LhtU- trissant some years ago on a similar occasion.— Tue Chairman said there were 55 constables; and besides railway fares, the amount involved was made up of 35 breakfasts at 9d each, and 35 dinners at Is.—Councillor David Davies said it was consoling to know that this expenditure would not occur again.—The Chairman Not so far as Dr Prico is concerned. You cunnot even cre- mate a man twice. (Laughter.)—The account was passed. A claim was submitted for £ 5 6s, representing the expenses of constables and hire and keep of horses at Llantrissant and Pontypridd, on July 4th, 1892, 111 connection with the visit of Lord Mayor Evans to South Wales.—Mr Llewellyn proposed and Mr C. James seconded, that the money bo paid.—Mr Del. Davies objected to tho amount being paid out of the county funds. The visit to Llantrissant and Pontypridd by the ex- Lord Mayor merely concerned those places, which ought to bear the expense. They enjoyed the display, and ought to pay fir it. He moved a dircct negative.—Mr William Williams seconded the amendment.—The Chairman said aft«r con- sultation with him, tho Chiuf Constable drafted men into the locality on the occasion of tho visit of the Lord Mayor, and in order to more effectively maintain order they were mounted. Constablas on foot would have been of very little use in such an immense crowd, which, with the exception of the crowd at Epsom, was the largest he ever saw.—Tho amendment was re- jected, and the motion to pay the account out of the county funds carried. THE POWERS OF A COMMITTEEMAN. Alderman J. J. GRIFFITHS asked if it was com- petent for any member of that committee to ln-pect the police books. The CHAIRMAN thought to permit such a thing would be subversive ot all authority. Aldernutn GKIFMT'IS suggested that the pre- sent system might be subversive of all control. Councillor DAVID DAVIKS Is it not a fact that magistrates are allowed to examine the books? He went on to say tInt very often chargrs were entered on the police books and never proceeded v; i-til ;ayl(i proposed that members of the com- mittee be empowered to examine the police books whenever they chose. The CHAIRMAN I must rule that quite out of order. You must give notice of that. It would ready alter tho whole character of the duties devolving upon this committee, and it must be a subject of notice. There is nothing to prevent this committee qua committee from ascertaining everything in the books of the police, but what Aid. Griffiths seems to suggest is that any indi- vidual member of this committee may investigate the polico books, and that I think the sense of the committee is strongly against. A MEMBFP, I suppose there would be no objection to having the police books brought here when required ? The CHAIRMAN Of course not; we could demand them. We aro really and truly the employers-of the police, after all, and we have a right to know what our servants are doing. But we are very much in the same position as the members of any other publio body. No one person has a right to go and investigate the books and rummage up the papers of a public body for, it may be, his own put- poses. I do not for a moment insinuate that Alderman Jones Griffiths is actuated by any such improper motive, but a person charged with an offence may be a friend of one of us. I do not say that my friends are not sometimes in a predicament. Councillor DAVID DAVIKS Very often. The CHAIRMAN Well, I don't know about very often. It depends whom I call my friends. Councillor DAVIKS Oh, we know them well enough, sir. The CHAIRMAN It only shows you how very careful one ought to be in this committee in what he says, even by way of a joke. Councillor WM. WILLIAMS There is a suspi- cion that cases have been reported by the police officers and not proceeded with. (Councillor Daviws Heat, hear.) To meet such cases, the suggestion of Aid. Griffiths should be adopted. If a case has been reported in the police books and not proceeded with, a member of the com- mittee, on looking over tho books, could discover this, and want to know the reason. That, I believe, is the object of Aid. Griffiths. Ald. GRIFFITHS Oh, no, sir. Tho CHAIRMAN said the remarks of Mr Williams went to the root of the administration of justice. They seemed to imply that when the police have a charge put on their sheet against a person, some influence was brought to bear somewhere between theinitiationof ptoceedingsand the final dealing with the case, and that this tended to prevent the due administra- tion of justice. If a specific case af that kind was proved, there was no doubt this committee ought to ask for an explanation where it was sug- gested that the police were at fault. Once a mat- ter had been dealt with by the magistrates, the committee had no power to investigate it. This subject had been discussed on a previous occasion, in connection with a charge against a public- house at Tonypandy. It was there suggested that some influenqp was brought to I)e.ru poll the police, but it turned out that the police report was brought before the magistrates, who decided to take a certain course. They had no authority over the magistrates, and had nothing to do with any decision tluy arrived at. Councillor WILLIAMS: My point is that there is an impression abroad that cases which ought to have been brought before the magistrates were not. Councillor R. H. RHYS quite followed Mr Williams in his contention, but pointed out that if a member wanted any specific case investigated all he had to do was to give the chief-constable notice to produce the police book to the Com- mittee. The CHAIRMAN: If it is a oharge against the police then you have a perfect right t9 have the matter brought here and discussed. Councillor R-HYS And the books. The CHAIRMAN You can always see the books if you ask the chief-constable to show them, because he can have no object in declining, except to screen some person, and he dare not do tiiat. Councillor DAVID DAVIES said this was not a case of mere suspicion, but of fact. The CHAIRMAN Really, Mr Davies- Councillor DAVIKS Allow me, sir; I am speak- ing. The CHAIRMAN I say if you have a specific case, it is your duty and right to bring it before the committee. But until you have a specific case it is no use stating Councillor DAVIES: I could bring a dozen case?. The CHAIRMAN Why not bring them ? Bring one, Mr Davies. Councillor DAVIES I don't wish to injure any man. The CHAIRMAN It is your duty. Councillor DAVIES It is your duty to pay some deference to what is said by the representa- tives of the ratepayers rather than speak in the imperious manner you do. Councillor RHYS Order, order I think we must really support the chairman. (Hear, hear.) Councillor H. W. MARTIN I quite agree with you. Councillor RHYS I think Mr Davies is going too far. Councillor DAVIES I am speaking the truth. The CHAIRMAN said the committee knew that he eared very little about any remark made by Mr Davies, because Mr Davies did not seem to be guided by tho ordinary rules which alfected the conduct of public business. He (Mr Davies) was not content with making remarks in that com- mittee which were strongly invidious, but he made remarks in other places. Councilor DAVIKS You have nothing to do with what is done in other places. ("Order!") The CHAIRMAN wished to point out, once and for all, in view of unseemly wrangles of that kind, that if a member of the committee felt aggrieved by the ruling of the chairman, it was perfectly competent for him to bring it before the com- mittee and have the ruling set right. No chair- man was infallible—(Councillor Davies Hear, heal-)-andhe never presumed to be infallible. Mr Davies considered that his ruling was arbi- trary, but the chairman of a. public body was bound, at times, to be arbitrary. He must express his opinion and not shilly-shally, or he would never be able to conduct public business. So long as they honoured him ^Judge Williams) with their confidence, he could not shilly-shally. If his opinion was a bad one, let him be called to order in a regular way and his decision discussed in a proper manner, and by the proper people. The incident then ended. Aid. T. Williams moved for a return of the number of public-house and beerhouse keepers reported to the superintendents of police for offences under the Licensing Acts, and not pro- ceeded against, in the five division?', for the year ending December 31st, 1892. They were told (the Alderman observed) that when "the flying column" was arranged for this evil would be ¡ suppressed, but that had not been the result.— The Chairman seconded.-Cuiiiielllor O. H. Jones pointed out that in many cases it was im- possible to procure evidence likely to lead to a conviction.—Alderman T. Williams said he was speaking upon reliable data, but preferred not to go into tha question on that occasion.-The motion was adopted.

Tiix GREAT CURE YOR CORNS.—Munday'a Viridiiie—Still further testimony. A Chemist writes Will you send me a bottle of your Viridine ? It is for my own use. I get plenty of corn cures of the same colour, but none of them appear to equal yours. No one 6u?ht to say hi3 corns are incurable until ne has used Viridine." Thousands have bfipn cured, m«=t of whom had suffered for over 50 3 cars. Bawaieof imitations. Sold in bottles Is, by pest Is 2d, by the Proprietor, J. Muudaj'. Chemist V Himiwtreet, Car dirt used Viridine." Thousands have bfipn cured, mnft of whom had suffered for over 50 3 cars. Bawaieof imitations. Sold in bottles Is, by pest Is 2d, by the Proprietor, J. Muudaj'. Chemist V Himiwtreet, Car dirt and all Chemisto. 1079

THE FATAL FIRE AT I NEWPORT. THE NECESSITY FOR STREET ALARMS. An inquest was held at the Town-hall, New- port, on Monday afternoon, on the bcdy of Barnett Lionel Bloom, 32 years of age, outfitter, carrying on business at 100, Commercial-road, who was burnt to death in his shop early on Saturday morning, as already reported. —in- spector Brooks said that shortly before twelve o'clock on Friday night.he was on the Pillgwenlly crossing speaking to a-constable, when he heard a man shouting police" and fire." He ran up, and saw the deceased's shop on fire. P.O. Harper was at the shop of Mr Jeffreys, knocking at the door. Witness saw that Mr Jeffreys was up, and directed Harper to to Pill- gwenlly police station, and procure the hose-cart and give the alarm. Mr Jeffreys came down and opened the door. His shop was full of sm >ke, and the tiro was coming through the matchboard partition of the two shops. Witness asked Mr Jeffreys if any one was sleeping in Mr Bloom's house and he said No, it is a lock-up shop." Several other neighbours said the same. A bystander took down twe shutters, and the flames leaped out and ran up the front of the building Prior to this wit- ness had .-revc'tilcd another person from pulling down the shutters. The hoso cart arrived promptly, and he screwed on one hydrant, and took it into Mr Jeffreys'shop. Another hydrant was fixed, but the force of the water was so de- ficient tha.t it would only cross the counter of Mr Jeffreys' shop. Sluicing Iperations were crried Oil at Ilig-ht, and the police had notice. There had heeu four of these noticts during the month of February. The officer at the station could not get through to the Town-hal!, but witness went himself when the firemen arrived,and called through to Willcox at the Town-hall.—The Coroner Assuming that tho water had been turned on full and the hose from tho police-station applied, could you have got the fire under t— Witness: Yes, the fire would have bE-en ont in a few minutes.—The Coroner I have gone over these premises, and they appear to have been a perfect bandbox of inflammable material supposing you had got a supply of water immediately, would there ha,V(1 been any chance of saving the unfortunate man ?— Witness Oll, nJ; the fire was like a furnace, and one of the fiercest I have ever seen. We could not have saved the deceased. It was about a quarter to one before a full supply of water could be obtained but that morning Capt Lyne thought it was 12.30. Shortly after Capt. Lyne arrived on the scene, the body of the deceased was seen in th centre of the window, with his head about two feet from the glass. The body could not be seen before owing to the blaze. Joseph Taylor, manager to Mr Jacobs, out- fitter, Liverpool House, said he heard the alarm, which was given about 11.55 p.m. He was about to go to bed, and ran down to see what was the matter. He then gave the alarm to his family, who were sleeping on the Liverpool House pre- mises. One of the police asked whether anyone slept on the premises, and he replied that he was not aware tha.t anyone slept there. It was impossible that the deceased's life could have been saved, considering the rapidity of the fire and the inflammable nature of the stock in tha shup. Ann Ion, married woman, 18, Ciarence-street, said she knew deceasod, and purchased a. sea- man's bed from lum on Thursday night. She was with her husband on Friday night.and said to him, "There's poor Barney Bloom going home." Hhe knew he slept there, because she asked the boy on the previous day. She saw him go to the door, open it, and go into the shop. He appeared to be perfectly sober. P.O. Bingham said he saw the fire, and sug- gested to the iuspector that he should go to Oliver, the waterman, in Coomassie-street. He knocked several times at the door, and shouted Water- man." Three or four minutes elapsed before he got an answer, and then it was from a young man, who said he could not get Oliver up. Ultimately, after ten minutes' waiting, he obtained the key from the man, and ran up to tha Ship Hotel and turned off the water from the sluice. Oliver came up afterwards. It was 20 minutes to one o'clock before the water was obtained. Ho looked at his watch because he thought more might come of it. He ran all the way to Coomassie-street. He knew the position of the sluice, because he saw the man turning the water into the sewers at eleven o'clock that evening. Frederick Wm. Houghton, water works in- spector, said that at 12.10 a.m. he was called by P.C. Parry and informed that a fire had broken out. Eight sluices were open at the time, and the closing of one would be a slight benefit. He called at the Town Hall, and directed the officer to ring the alarm bell to draw the sluicing man's attention to the fire and ran down to the tire. On examining the automatic recorder at the Town Hall, he found that at 12.30 there was sufficient pressure for all purposes. Oliver had been working late that night, and would be dead tired. His duty was to start op"nm¡: the sluices at 10 o'clock, and the operation would take one hour and a half. sluicing by day had been tried, but found not to answer. Notices were sent to the police, the railway, and important trades when sluicing was conducted. Captain Lyne, chief of the fire brigade, said that the electric bell rang at 12.10, and at 12.20 or 12.25 he reached tha fire. The water supply was little better than nothing; it would not throw more than live or six feet. It was 12.35 before the full pressure was restored. In his opinion the police engaged did the very wisest thing that could be done. He could not go to the extent of saying that the life of the deceased could not have been saved. If there had been a street alarm, or if there had been a rocket, the waterworks man could have been calle earlier. He thought the street alarm was the right idea, because the telephone at Pillgwenlly station had failed before. There must always be considerable risk whilst sluicing was carried on. In his opinion the fire originated in the shop, and the deceased, awakened by it, must have run down' in his shirt. Lieutenant Haynes, of the fire brigade, and assistant borough surveyor, agreed with Mr Lyne's evidence, and said that at one time there was a wall between the two houses, because there was a chimney breast and a wall above. There was a bye-law in existence now as to removing party walls, but none 18 years ago. The Coroner, in summing up, said the only matter of regret was that a delay occu.red in obtaining a full supply of water, but looking at all the circumstauces, and that Oliver returned home dead tired, hs did not think any blame was attached to anyone. If means could be taken to prevent a repetition ot the delay in the diiection of carrying out the suggestion of street alarms. and the jury thought it advisable to make-a recommendation, he would take care that such recommendation was forwarded to the proper quarter. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death from suffocation," and recommended that the suggestion of Capt. Lyne aH to street alarms should be carried out. They thought both the police and the fire brigade deserved every credit for their prompt and praiseworthy conduct. Dr Berlin, the Jewish rabbi, said that if the relatives and friends of thf1 deceased could IWoVe heard the evidence of the various witnesses, they also would have joined in thanks to the police and the fire brigade. They thought, however, that a ladder' escape should be kept at tho branch station. The Coroner was glac't to hear that, and. said that the recommendation of the jury should be that the recommendation of the jury should be forwarded to the proper quarter.

DROWNING FATALITY AT NEWPORT. An inquest was held at the Town Hall, New- port, on Monday afternoon, before Mr Lyndon Moore, borough coroner, on the body of George Collins, 54 years of age, deputy-foreman in the employ ot Messrs Watts, Ward, and Co. About eight o'clock on Saturday evening the mate of a French vessel, the Jean Baptiste, alarmed Dock- gateman Thompson at the Old Dock that a man was in the water near No. 6 coal hoist. A boat was obtained, and the man got out of the dock. Efforts were immediately made to resuscitate him after the approved method promulgated by the Royal Humane Society, and these were continued until Dr Gratte arrived, when he pronounced life ^to be extinct. The deceased had paid off the "men at four o'clock that afternoon, and was about the dock probably for the purpose of counting the waggons. How he got into the water was a mystery.-The Curoner remarked that the only, gratifying circumstance about the sad business was the prompt efforts made to resuscitate deceased.—The Jury found a. verdict of Found drowned."

WHERE HE LOST HIS MEMORY. John Williams, Dock labourer, and proprietor of a grocer's shop, Castle-street, appeared at New- port Towll-hallon Monday toexphunsome very bad hehavour In th Salutation Inn, Commercial-road. On Thursday afternoon defendant went there apparently sober, but commenced to use bad language, and being reproved for this by the land- lord, he "oon aftenvards knocked a man down outside the bar. When another customer inter- fered he turned savagely on him. Half an hour later defendant returned armed with A poker, which he tried to use on the landlord, Mr Rud- dock. Failing that, he hammered the counter, on which several deep indentions were made.— Defendant said he lost his memory, and kn-w nothing about what had happened.—The Magis- trate Clerk (to P.C. Taylor, who had turned defendant out) Did he look like a man without a memory ?—Taylor No.—Defendant remember going into the Salutation, but nothing afterwards.—The Bench fined defendant 21s, or 28 days' hard labour.

THE CURSE OF THE PERIOD. Mr Commissoner Kerr is a man after Bis- marck's own heart—he does not think much of members of Parliament. Of a witness who per- sisted m wandering from the point and in making long explanations where none were required he said on Saturday Talk is the curse of the pre- sent day This man ought to have been a mem- ber of Parliament; he will persist in talking, and to very .little purpose."

ALLEGED EMBEZZLEMENT BY A SOLICITOR. Joseph William Plumnier, solicitor, was re- manded.at Cockermouth on Monday charged with embezzling £2,000.

THE VERY BEST*BARGAIN for a penny is a copy of the Cardiff Times and bonth Wales Weekly News. It is a large 72 column paper crowded full of now THE VERY BEST*BARGAIN for a penny I9 a copy of the Cardiff Times and .South Wales Weekly News. It is a large 72 column paper crowded full of now stories by popular novelists- soeciaJL articles, and news af the week.

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. MEETING OF CYFARTHFA COLLIERS. MR D. MORGAN AND THE EIGHT HOURS BILL. THE BANK TO BANK PROPOSALS. A meeting of the Cyfarthfa Colliery workmen was held 011 Monday at the long room of th« Prince ot' Wales Inn, "Cyfarthfa, Merthyr, to con- sider the position in regard to the Sliding-scale the question of organisation, and other matters of current interest. The chair was taken by Mr I Wiliiani Price, who was supported by Mr David Morgan, C.C., Aberdare; Mr Thomas Thoraas, C.C., Cytarthfa, and Mr Isaac Edwards. MI D. Jones officiated as secretary. Mr DAVID MORGAN, miners' agent, said he was asked by the Chairman to speak upon organisation. There were 110 places in thfl country where they were so badly off for organi- sation as at Cyfarthfa, Dowlais, and Rhymney. He would go further and say the wages were hnver in Cyfarthfa, Dowlais, and Rhymney. than any other part of the countrv. They might not like his saying these things inasmuch as it alfected them at Cyfarthfa, but how was he to get. re-form :1.lIIoTlgt them unless he showed them their defectsV (Hear, hear.) Dowlais was worse off in prices than Cyfarthfa, but Rhymney and Cyfarthfa were somewhat similarly situated. He would say also that Dowh>,is, Cyfarthfa, and Khymiiey were a nest and a nursery oi low wages and long hours of labour. Touching upon the interviews the deputation of which he was B member had lately had with Mr Gladstone and the Home Secretary, Mr Moigan remarked, in the first place, that the country was not unani- mous on the Eight Hours question. But thej must not think that even South Wales and mouthshire was unanimously in favour of eight fiours by legislation. He had no hesitation, however, in saying th*»r« was in South Wales and Monmouthshire 80 or 90 per c'mt. in favour ol that course and, as he understood it, South Wales and Monmouthshire workmen; although they were in favour of eight hours' operation in the mine, they were not in favour of eight hours from bank to bank. (Hear, hear.) He maintained that when the South Wales miners understood what eight hours from bank to bank meant, they would find there was a vast majority against it. Aberdare as a whole, Cyfarthfa and Plymouth, as he understood, were against eight hours from bank to bank, and they said in effect that. instead of nine hours, or tlie professed nine hours—because it was not nine hours as it was at present, unfortunately-tiwy wanted eight hours strictly worked out. Regard- ing the interview of Mr Thomas Thomas and himseif and other representatives with Mt Gladstane, he observed that those gentlemen who were opposed to them did their best to prevent their being heard at all. He certainly thought Mr Thomas Thomas and himself mijrht con- gratulate themselves upon what Mr Gladstone said upon the question of bank to bank. He described the favourable bearing oi Mr Glad- stone, and acknowledged the masterly manner in which he treated the technicalities of the oase. They (himself and Mr Thomas) came away well pleaserh (Applause.) Mr THOMAS THOMAS was then called upon by the Chairman. He said, he saw by that day's I ise paper, Mr Onions had thought it fit to criticise what they (himself and Mr Morgan) had said before the Home Secretary on Friday last. He doubted very much, however, whether he (Mt Onions) represented 75 per cent of the Welsh miners, or whether the latter understood the way in which Mr Onions stated the case before the Home Secretary. He must say a billot had never been taken of South Wales or Monmouth- shire upon the Eight Hours question. After further references to this subject, he pointed out that if the Bill was passed, giving them simply eight hours from bank to bank, it might possibly lead to the introduction of the double shift, which, lie thought, would be a very injurious and detri, mental to system if again brought in vogue if Cyfarthfa. He endorsed all that the last speakei had said. and he thought the day was far 06 when the Eight Hours' Bill as it now stood would become law. Their position was this—they strictly adhered to eight hours' winding coal and one hour for the men to go to and from their work. The CHAIRMAN and others expressed their ap- preciation of the speeches which had been given, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Thomas Thomas and Mr D. Morgan for the able way in which they introduced the matter on their behalf to the Home Secretary and Mr Gladstone. Addresses were also delivered by Mr Powell, Mr D. >5. Thomas, and Mr Isaac Edwards. Mr Thomas Lewis, Mr Powell, Mr Thomas Thomas, and others having also addressed the. meeting, a division was taken upon a motion That we reorganise and amalgamate as union- ists," and an amendment, "That we do not organise at present, and not until the new scheme proposed by the Sliding-scale Committee is carried out." The amendment was accepted by a. majority.

EISTEDDFOD AT CWMAMAN. The iifth annual eisteddfod at Cwmainan was held in the Public-hall on Monday, the chair bejng ocoupied by Mr l Rees, the veteran manager of the Ffcrehaman C. Ihery. Mr D. E. Davies (Dewi Mabon), the m.mager of ithe Cwmainan Colliery, proved a thoroughly efficient conductor. In the unavoidable absence, through the death of his wife, of Mr R. Mills, Rhosllanerchrugog, Mr Tom Price, A. C., Merthyr, adjudicated on the singing, the preliminary tests being conducted at the Primitive Methodist Chapel by Mr Morgan Edwards, Hirwain. Messrs W. Thomas (Morfab), Aberdare, Dewi Mabon, and Gwilym Jones, Cwmpennar, adjudicated on the prose and poetical effusions, while the committee had secured the services of a most efficient accom- panist in the person of Mr R. Howell, Aberdare. Mr J. Roberts, 22, Aman-street, also proved a most, active and courteous secretary. After a short address by the Chairman, the Cwmainan Brass Band, led by Mr D. J. Reardon, opened the Eisteddfod by pi ay in-* the over- ture "Excelsior." and the competitions at once commenced. We append the list of prize- winners :— Alto solo, "He was despised (Handel)- Five competed best Miss Nelly Davies, Pont- moriais, Merthyr; and Mrs Mary Lewis, Cwmbaeh. Two stanzas (Englyn) to King Alfred "-Bes! T. Evans (Tel), Cwmainan. • Best congregation tuiie, to be sung on tht words "Y Cysur i Gyd "-Out of 40 coiiiposition, sent in, the prize was awarded to Gwilym James, Ferndale. Essay, "The History of Cwmaman"—Isfcj Mr Thomas Phillips; 2nd, Mr Benjamin Jones, both of Cwmaman. Recitation, Y Diwedd "—Best out of 13, Johr Walters, Abernant. For the best answers to six questions on mining -19 competitors 1st prize, Mr Walter Jones ) 2nd, Mr Benjamin Jones. Bass solo, The Trumpet shall sound "-Out of four competitors Dewi Canaid, Abercanaid, won. Tenor solo, "LJam Y Cariadau "-Best Davie; Griffiths (Dewi Dvfed), Ferndale. Soprano solo, Y Cryehiau ar yr afon "-Besi Miss Jennett Jenkins, Cwmaman. Duet, Dolly"—J. S. Jenkins and friend. March. Eighteen marches were sent in, th. best being Mr E. D- Lloyd, the organist of th< Presbyterian Church, Charing Cross-roadt London. For the best answers to 10 questions on thr journeys of Apostle Paul-Mr Lewis Watkins, Ferndale. A speech on the advantages of the right use ot the library a.nd museum—Mr Morgan Davies, Ferndale. Recitation, The Charge of the Light Brigade" I vl( —prize divided between Mr John Walters, Aber- nant, and Mr Lewis Jone,-a second prize being awarded to two young lacis nai-ned William John Harries, AbbramflD, aud Meredvth Davies, Aberaman. Male Voice Party Mi welaf mewn adgof.- Two parties competed (one from Cwmaman and the other from Aberaman), and the prize was awarded to the forttlo-r, led by Mr John Seth Jenkins (Telorydd Atnan.) Poem, "Y GJowr" (" Coll ik-r. ")-Out of tec compositions received the prize was divided between Ur,.ieth and Bleddyn," whose names did not transpire. The chief choral competition then took place for a choir not under 60 who best rendered Worthy of the Lamb," prize. E15, and a silvei medal to the conductor. Two choirs competed, viz.: Aberaman Harmonic Society, led by Mr Christy Morris. and the C w mam an G Societjj led by Thomas Philips. The prize was awarded, to the first named.

GWENT AND EAST GLAMORGAN DISTRICT OF RECHABITES. ANNUAL COUNCIL AT MERTHYR. The twentieth annual Conncil of the Gwentano East Glamorgan District of the R^ciiabite Ordei was held at the Morlais Hall, Merthyr, on 2ilon day, under the presidency of Mr John Morris, Mountain Ash, Who was supported by Mr Charles HUilt, Ferndale, D.D.R.; Mr D. M. Wdliams, Tonypandv, P-D.C.R. Mr T. Jones-Parry, P.H.C. K.; and Mr D. Thomas, D.T. From the reports submitted by the Executive Committee it appeared that the membership during the past year had increased from 5,378 to 6,064, and the branches from 71 to 84. The funeral fuud had increased froill £3,617 15 3d to JB4,299 lAs 4d.- The sum of ;£330 's the amount of investments ic properties at 5 pfcr cent. The death rate during the past yeat v/as a little over 6 per 1,000- During the afternoon Mr H. Sharpies, of Man- chester, the High Chief Ruler of the Order, was introduced, and presided over the meeting.

A GAS COMPANY AND HOUSE PROPERTY. Justice Smith, in the Queen's Bench, London, C'n Monday, granted an injunction, with costs. against the South Metropolitan Gas Company at the instance of the úwnt-r of house property at Bermondsey contiguous to tho company's gas- works, who sought to restrain them from carrying on operations which were a nuisance to het tenants, and, as was alleged, damaged the wall paper and paint at her houses. The Judge held that the plaintiff's case was ma.de out, but sus. that the plaintiff's case was made out, but sus> pended Stho operation of the injunction foi three weeks pending a po. sible appeal.

Miss BRADDON'S NEW NOVEL. "All along the River," ba" been secured for the Cardiff Times and South Wales Weekly News. The opening chapters appear in the current issue. Jerome K. Jerome, John Strange Winter, Do-a Russell, and other famous novelists write for this favourite weekly. Secure a copy at once. A Magazine .and combined iforapennv.

A SCHEME OF DISENDOW- MENT. PRINCIPAL OWEN ON THE PROPOSALS. V;IIOLESALE SPOLIATION." THE WELSH PARTY STIGMATISED ASA "RABID FACTION.11 TO THE EriTOR. SIR,-I send you for publication a scheme for the Disendowmont of the four Welsh dioceses of the Church propounded by the Rev Thomas Gee. It fortunately camo into my hands from a thoroughly trustworthy source this morning. This scheme fully accounts far the indecent prcsurc brought to bear upon the Government by a rtckless section of the Welsh Parlia- mentary party, to commit the House of Commons, with the assistance of the Closure, to the abstract orincjple of Welsh Disendowment before the withdrawal of Irish members. Mr Gee's recent speech at Chester from the chair of the North Wales Liberal Federation shows that all the resources of the Welsh Radical caucus machinery, which pressed the Government accept the principle of Welsh Disendowment, will be strained to the uttermost in like manner 10 press the Government to accept also the scheme of Welsh Disendowment which embodies he ideas not only of Mr Thomas Gee but apparently of his allies generally as to the exposi- tion of the Eight Commandment suitable to the irries. I am thoroughly convinced that Mr Gladstone must have been completely hoodwinked as to the ulterior designs of the rabid faction which pressed him by means of the Suspensory Bill to bind with his strong and skilful hands the four Welsh dioceses for helpless victims of ieisarely relentless spoliation by irreconcilable Zorce goaded to fury at their growth in energy ,iliese last 20 years. It is a grievous indignity to the'illustrious career of the great statesman and Churchman, in the face of his statement in Parliament, that no- thing can be more improbable—I might say i riipossible-tiian that I shall ever be concerned in such a work," to commit him in the dark as acces- sory before the fact without fully explaining to him the sequel and the meaning of the Welsn Supen- sery Bill, according to its prominent pro- moters. When Welsh Nonconformists at ihe last election supported Mr Glad- stone's followers, I cannot believe that "hey meant to back this scheme of wholesale poiiatioa, Against Mr Gee's notions of common loaesty towards the Church I appeal with confi- dence to "n lovers of fair play in and out of ♦Vales, The Church, in England and Wales rogether, is not yet quite so feeble as to be tTftmpled in the mire under the heel of a Welsh Radical t»»ucu% English Churchmen especially, -vho are responsible for returning so many Liberal wrnbers to Parliament, have now, by he publication of Mr Gee's plans, an opportunity of putting their foot down by means of their Parliaoiontary representatives before the present House of Commons is committed by the second "eading of the Welsh Suspensory Bill to a orinciple embodied in such an infamous scheme. -I am, &c4, J. OWEN. St. David's College, Lampeter, March 4-th, 1893.

MR GEE'S LETTER. Denbigh. February, 1893. Dear Sir,—As the Disestablishment and Disen. dowment of the Church in Wales is rapidly forcing its-if to the front, and will shortly have to be considered by Parliament, and as the Government will most likely expect to be informed of the wishes of the Welsh people, it appears to mo most important that an exchange of views should be invited upon some of the principal questions which must of necessity be embodied in the measure; as it will assist, in some degree at least, to secure such a settlement I.S will be satisfactory to the majority of our fellow-countrymen. As a contribution to the consideration and dis- jussion of the question. I have, at the request of leveral friends, ventured to put my views into 'she following forn;, and take the liberty of forwarding you a copy. If you should consider them worthy of your notice, perhaps you will kindly point out any alterations which you may think ndvi«able. It is evident that it will be impossible to satisfy all the demands of the clergy and their friends, on the one hand, and of the country generally upon the other, A compromise, as to "erm", must therefor-, be submitted to by both tiarties. I have therefore endeavoured, in the fallowing suggestion, to deal with thoir respec- tive claims in a mariner which appears to me iit;rly consistent witih the rights of both—with- out sacrificing any pe-inciple for which W" contend. How far I have succeeded I must leave to the oetter judgment of others. I should inform you that I have forwarded opies of th is circular to a number of friends curing the. last three months, with a view of iscartaining what changes they would advise before it was issued more generally. A few A'ere of opinion that the conditions offered to the "ilergy are too liberal-others proposed altera- nearly all of which have been adopted. And I am pleased to state that, with very few exceptions, all have approved generally of the suggestions as they appear in tin following pages. Jt is scarcely necessary that I should express a hope that these suggestions will not be com- municated to the Press" to be published in their present form-though a free and fair dis- anssion of the terms upon which the Church should be disendowed will be advantageous to All parties concerned. I am, dear sir, yours faithfully, THOMAS GEE.