South Wales Daily News

THE PANAMA SCANDALS. PARIS, Friday. The proceedings in the Panama corruption case were resumed to-day at the assize court. The attendance of the public was small. At five minutes past twelve the accused, all of whom looked tired and harassed, were brought into court, and the Judge took his seat a few minutes later. Tiia examination of witnesses for tha prose- cution was at once commenced, the first to be called being M. Fiory, the ac- countant who made official r-xamination of the Panama Company's books. He repeated much of the evidence given by him in the previous trial. M. Flory eatimated the total amount expended by the company in advertising and puffing and in procuring co-operation 111 various quarters at the enormons sum of 105,000,000 francs. The present assets of the company amounted to 200,000,000 franos. The cross examination of the defendant was finished, and witnesses for tho prosecution were called. M. Flory, chief of the well-known firm of accountants in Pans, deposed to the facts ascertained by them through their examination of the books of the Panama Company, which facts they deposed to fully during tiii, proceedings before the Court of Appeal. He estimated that the company spent over a hundred million francs in advertising, buying over opponents, and in other ways entirely uncon- nected with their legitimate business of con- j structing the Canal. Other witnesses gave evidence as to the Reinach cheques, but no fresh facts of public interest were elicited. M. Floquet denied that he had any monetary transactions with M. Charles de Lesseps. The trial was again adjouriied.-Beutir.

THE VAGARIES OF A WELSH RECTOR. The Rev Evan Jenkins, rector of Manafon, Montgomeryshire, was again charged, at the .New- towu petty-sessions yesterday w.thbe^ found drunk on licensed premises, at the New Inn, Kerrv on February 23rd. Police-constable Prvce'said that he found the defendant drunk in the kitchen of the pubiic-house, and staggering out of the room he used1 bad language, andI had to be conducted out of the village by the officer The defendant was fined £ 1 and costs.

I A. RECENTLY PUBLISHIL) BKPORT of the Histori- cal Manuscripts Commission oontains a most interesting digest of the ancient records of the I Corporatiou of Hereford, and some references to the making and selling of beer, are worth notice. "Aile," Beere," and Metheglen" (a beer made from honey) are frequently mentioned from 11..1.3 to the end of that century. At various times, from 1513 to 1550, persons were indicted for putting hops in ale, there being a law in force against the practice. Little did the magistrates of that time think that in the nineteenth century one of the most paying industries in tha county of Hereford would be the growing of this so-culled "pernicious drug," and that the city itself should become famed for the brewing of a special beer, the "Golden Sunlight Ale, whose excellence and flavour should greatly depend upon the very I pick of Herefordshire hops being used in its brew- lug. Brewed only bv Charles Watkins and on, the Hereford Brewery, and sold by Agents throughout the kingdom, 13401-1190

DISCUSSION IN CONVOCATION. STATEMENT BY THE ARCHBISHOP I OF CANTERBURY. The members of the Lower House of Convoca- I tion were summoned yesterday to the Upper House, when an important statement was made by bis Grace the Archbishop, on the Welsh Sus- pensory Bill question. His GUAOR said that the attack being made upon the Church by the so-called mild measure involved the most serious consequences. It was avowediy the first step towards Disestablishment. The whole Church should speak out. His Grace 1 had communicated with his brother of York, and be entirely agreed with the proposal that there should be a joint meeting of the members of the Convocations of York and Canterbury on this occasion, both Houses of Convocations to meet, the Houses of Laymen also, and, in order to make the meeting large and more widespread it was liIuggesen that churchwardens should also attend. Churchwardens were men of every kind of political opinion. He wished to emphatically I state tuat politics should be entirely absent from the discussion and from the meeting. Let Churchmen as Churchmen only do their duty. ihere were, he believed, 89 archdeaconries in England. It set-med to him that there should be an elective body to elect representatives. A thousand men would not be too many, so that if ten were elected from each archdeaconry it would give them 890. All those who were elected should make a point of attending, and if one could nut attend, ne should decline to be elected. He again desired it to be distinctly understood that the gathering would abstain from politics, and let it be a demonstration of the voico of the clergy and laity in pure and decided tones. There were reasons why he thought the best time for the meeting would be about Whitsuntide. There should be no hurry at all, but let it be distinctly under- stood that the meeting would be about Whitsun- tide, probably the week before Whit Sunday. The Bishop of London said he thought it was desirous in this matter to let it be known that the bishops all felt very strongly that it was of the utmost importance that the meeting should be one altogether indepen- dent of political party, that they should not identify themselves with one party or the other. They were defending a trust which God's Provi. dence had placed under their care, and which they were not going to abandon except under downright compulsion. The Bishop of ELY said that there was a great temptation for them to use their pulpits for the defeuoe of the Church, and making them political, and he thought they should do their best to avoid it both at public meetings and everywhere else.

CONFERENCE OF THE CENTRAL DIOCESAN COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Central Council of the Diocesan Conferences was held yesterday, at Westminster. Mr J. G. Talbot, M.P., pre- I sided. A resolution was adopted on the motion I of Lord Einlyn, protesting m the strongest manner against the Welsh Suspensory Bill as unjust and tyrannical, and urging upon the arch- bishops and bishops the importance of taking immediate steps for resisting the proposed measure.

DISESTABLISHMENT MEETING AT SWANSEA. At the Fabians' Bay Schoolroom on Thursday evening', the Rev J. Matthews delivered a long address on the Suspensory Bill. The Bill, he said, was designed to prevent the ejection of new intereets in the Church pending the time when the Church could be disestablished—to pre- vent the manufactured curate and others for the sake of getting compensation, as thousands of curates were manufactured for the purpose at the time of the Irish Bill. Sir John Llewelyn and Alderman Mason pointed out like chllriren and said, We wonrt give tiiytliiiix to the Non- conformists." (Voices: "Let them keep it.") Now, what they had given they gave voluntarily. I lie had always thought very highly of Sir John Llewelyn, but wheu he twitted people with having received gifts fi-oixi liiiii his conduct was not compatible with the character which had raised him in public opinion. Mr Matthews re- futed the contention that the churches of the town would suffer by disendowment, and that it was wished to destroy the Church. There was no quarrel with the Church as a religious institu- tion; it was the political character of the institu- tion which must be destroyed—not the Church, but the unhallowed, unholy, and pernicious link that binds it to the State. In conclusion, the lecturer challenged Canon Smith, as the local head of the Church, to a de- bate on the question of Disestablishment.

SUSPICIOUS DEATH AT NEWPORT. THE INQUEST ADJOURNED. An inquest was opened at Newport Town HaF, on Friday, before Mr Lyndon Moore, borough coroner, on the body of Edward Bartlett, labourer, 45 years of age, 2. Ailesbury- IJtn1.t, Cr iiaiiu, who died eiirly on Tues- day morning, urvl¡.or somewhat suspicious circumstances.—Cecil Walter Bartlett, eight year* old, said his father was first taken ill with "heart disease 12 months ugo, when they lived in Ruperra-street. He had done no work since, and in the meantime received parish relief. His mother went out working. L!lt Saturday afternoon, a little aftar five o'clock, his mother being out at work at the time, his father and a lodger named Mark Webb were talking in the kitohen, when a man named George Grant, a fish hawker, who also had a room in the house, came into the kitchen. A pint of beer WaIll subscribed for, and this the witness fetched. Then he was sent by his father for Lizzie, his elder sister, whe was living with his aunt in Arlington-street, the thoroughfare at tho back of Ailes'oury-street. When he returned to the kitchen he saw that his father and aunt had comnenced to fight. Wnbb was urging Grant on. Before the fight his father complained of pain in the chest, and ngain on Sunday. His father died very early on Tues- day morning in the armchair. Witness was sleeping in thesameroom, and heard hismother cry out Oh, father's dead," and ran out to alarm the neighbours. His mother was out of the house from Saturday morning until Sunday night, and was sober when she came home. His mother aud the women used to drink in the house, and he fetched the beer—quarts and pints. His mother had a little drink on Monday evening, when she returned home from work. This was the first fight his father ever bad to his knowledge.—The Coroner re- marked upon the evident intelligence of the lad, and said it was a pi t-y he had not better surroundings. The Foreman said the mother was drunk when he called for the rent on Monday morning.—The Corouer decided to adjourn tho case in order to thoroughly investigate it. The body had marks on the facu and head, and he should order a post- mortem examination.—It was decided that the woman and Grant should be summoned to appear at the adjourned inquest on Monday.

SCENE AT A THEATRE IN DENBIGH. There was an extraordinary scene on Thursday night at^ Denbigh during the performance of McEwen a Aloiic in London. Toe performance was given m the Drill-hall, which is scarcely adapted to theatrical representation. When the scene lifted, the company was found to be on the floor level. There was no stage, and only those in the front row could see what was transpiring. Those behind came forward and ultimately mounting on the seats loudly protested their disapproval. In spite of increasing uproar the performance proceeded, until the audience became so very turbulent that to continue was impossible. Some more ardent spirits entered the space reserved for the performance and wandered amid the scenery. After a lively scene, the money paid for entrance was refunded, and the performance came to a termination. Very fortunately, no accidents are reported, although the footlights were crushed and damaged.

RHONDDA COAL TRADE. NOTICES TO FERNHILL COLLIERY WORKMEN. The workmen employed in the Gorllwyn seam in the Fernhill Colliery, situate in the extremity of the valley, have all received notices stating that operations will be suspended in that vein after the expiration of the month. There are altogether about 500 men employed at the works, but owing to the notices it is probable that 150 of these will be thrown out of employ. ment. The distress in the district is very aoute.

LOCAL BILLS IN PARLIAMENT RHONDDA AND SWAN8RA BAY RAILWAY.— Petitions in favour of this Bill have been de- Eisited in theP rivate Bill Office of the House of ords on behalf of (1) manufacturers, etc., of Port Talbot, and (2) burgesses of the county borough of Swansea in public meeting assembled.

—■ LOCAL COMMISSIONS. The London Gazette of Friday night contains the following WAR OFFICE, March 10. MILITIA ARTILLERY.—The Lancashire Artillery (Southern Division)—Austin Clement Alexander, gentleman, to bo second-lieutenant; dated 1st March inst. MILITIA FORTRESS FORCE.—Royal Engineers (Royal Monmouthshire)—hieut. R. H. Williams resisrns his commission dated lltli March inst. VOLUNTEEK AnTILLIWY. -2nd Glamorgllushire- Lieut. A. H. Walker resigns hilli commission dated 11th March inst. VOLUNTEER RIFLES.—1st V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers—Second-Lieut. L. Hugh-Jones to be lieutenant; datl-d 11th March inst. John Arthur Harrop, gentleman, to be second-lieutenant dated 11th March inst, Beckuoekshire V.B. South Wales Borderers—Andrew Whyte, M.D., to be surgeon-lieutenant dated 11th March inst.

Mr Pike, the postmaster of the Hous^of Com. mons, has almost, exhausted the 2600 worth of sovereigns and half-crowns whioh the Mint authorities placed in his hands for disposal to uiembero of ParliameuU

Mr Mark Beaufoy, M.P., writing to the secretary of the Licensed Victuallers' Protection Society of London, confirms the report that he has resigned his seat in order that his con- stituents may pass judgment on his refusal to support the Direct Veto Bill. If, he adds, he should remain a member of the House of Commons it will only be on the clear understand- ing that he will not vote for the Bill. So numerous have been the applications for tickets for the licensed victuallers' indignation mesting in St. Jamee's-hall next Tuesday, that arrangements havo been made for an overflow meeting in the Trocadero Music-hall.

RESOLUTION BY CARDIFF TEM- PERANCE ORGANISATIONS. On Wednesday evening, the annual meeting of the Rose of Cardiff" Branch of the Good Templar Order waa held at Wood-street Chapel, Cardiff. In the unavoidable absence of Mr J. Wynne, Councillor E. Beavan, J.P., was voted to the chair. The following resolution was unani- mously passed, to be forwarded to the Press, the member for Cardiff County Borough, and to the representatives of the Government Tiiat thin meeting rejoices that her Majesty's Jiuinsters have introduced into the House of Common* a measure which, when passed into lav. will confer upon the people in their respective district* the power to largely abate tho drink tnfflc with iu attendant evils in Mich districts and it resolve* to render every help to Minister* to ensure tbe enactment of this lueasiire, .so that localities may be enabled to greatly mitigate the many and intolerable evils which now arise from the traffic in intoxicating liquors, and with pleasure ^knowledge the intimation from Sir K. J. vfS?'tM?i « k ?'* ttat he will support the Direct Tnrtr^i W kefore Parliament, and any improve- mcnt in the same tiiat may be introduced. It was pointed out that a petition was being taken around for signature ia Cardiff represent- mg it to be in favour of local option, and a number of householders had signed with that understanding, whereas it was found to be a petition promoted by the publicans against local option and the direct veto. The friends of total abstinence were therefore cautioned against siirn- mg anything1 put before them without satisfying themselves as to che nature of the petition they are asked to sign.

MR BEAUFOY, M.P., AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. Mr Mark Beaufoy, M.P., presided at a Liberal meeting at Salisbury last night. Referring to his own position he said his opinions on the Direct Veto question had undergone a complete and decided change, and be had, therefore, placed himself uureaeavedly in the hands of his con- stituents. He, however, most heartily supported all the other measures of the Government. He hoped his dear friends in Kennington would take him as he meant himself to be taken, and would not give him the opportunity of retiring into private life, which was very bitter to one who had tast«d of the sweets of public lite.

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S OPINION. TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-I notice that the supporters of the drink traffic are making capital out of a letter written CD their hehalf by the "Right Hon. J. Chamber- lain," of Birmingham. It may be well to look at a statement of his on the question of compen- sating drink sellers given when he was oonnected with the Liberal party. It will thus be seen how far he is on the down grade. In 1881, speaking on the licensing question, he f*13110' conceive that they have any right to claim compensation fur the restriction and limitation of powers which they ought never to have been permitted to enjoy. In our English legislation there are numberless precedents in which legal rights have been found to be in conflict with public morality and public interest, and have been restricted and limited and I am not aware of any such cases in which com- pensation has been gi on to those who have been thus treated."—I am, &c., W. SPURGEON. Oaktield-street, Cardiff, March 10th.

IRISH LANDLORDS AND EVICTED TENANTS. REPORT OF THE MATHEW COMMISSION. The report of the K vie ted Tenants' Commission lias just been issued. The record of the evidence taken extends to 670 pages. The report itself, which issigned by Mr Justice Mathew, Mr Johu Roche, Q.G., and Mr C. T. liedington, sets forth that the circumstances of 17 campaigned estates were investigated. On these estates there were 1,350 evicted farms, of which 25) were let to new tenants. Old tenants to the number of 333 had re-entered their holdings, 20 farms had been purchased by new tenants, and purchasers among the old tenants numbered 79. The Commissioners find that the policy of reinstatement sanctioned by Section 13 of the Land Purchase Act of 1891 has not been successful, and they see no prospect of the re-enactment of the sec- tion being attended by useful results, even without its present limitations as to time. After expressing the opinion that the failure to settle this question is injurious to the material interests of all classes of the community, the Commissioners proceed to make recommendations. They suggest that the present Land Commission or a Special Commission should be empowered to settle disputes between landlords and evicted teno'it?. An evicted tenant should bo free tu petition thb Commissioner reinstatement, setting forth the terms be is prepared to oiler and in the absence of a reasonable arrangement being cocie to, the. Commission should have authority to interfere and draw up terms of settlement. Landlords should have a similar privilege of appealing to the Commission, and tenants refusing to purchase should have no c'aim to The Commission should have power to extend the period of purchase, to postpone the payment of first instalments, and to pay the landlord a just sum for arrears up to the time of ejectment judgment. In the case of arrears, however, half the amount must be paid or secured by the tenant. On application by Boards of Guardians the Commission should be enabled to make loans on the security of the rates to aid tenants in re- stocking their farms, and their power should also extend to dealing with the claims of new tenants and purchasing lands for sale to evicted tenants where re-instatement is impossible.

CARDIFF BUILDING STRIKE. A special meeting of the Cardiff Master Builders' Association was held in the Angel Hotel last mght. Alderman David Jones pro- siding, when the settlement come to between them and the plasterers was reported and con- finned, and it was left to the hon. secretary (Mr W. M. Shepherd) to arrange as to signing the new code of rules, which will take place some time next week. It was also stated that four out of the six branches of operatives m the trade had come to a settlement. Correspondence between the Association and the masons and the brick- layers was submitted, but no action was taken upon it. it being understood that this meeting practically closes all negotiations between the Association and the parties still on strike. Satis- faction was expressed at the present portion of affairs, and they regarded the strike at an end so far as they were concerned.

THE BUILDING TRADE IN THE RHONDDA VALLEY. A correspondent writes that all the builders in the Rhondda Valley yesterday gave notice to their men that from to-day the wages will be re- duoed irom 9d to 8y2d per hour, and that, with- out exception, this has been acoepted by the workmen. I he proposed reduction in the wages of opera- tives in the building trade at Pontypridd to 7^d per hour will come into force on jVlay 1st next when it is expected the employers in the Rhondda Valley will follow suit, and reduce their men's wages to the same rate.

POLLUTION OF THE RHONDDA. CASES TO BE PROCEEDED WITH. The cases against the Great Western Colliery Company, the Cymtner, and the Dinas Collieries, in rt.gard to the alleged jwllution of the Rhondida River, have, we understand, been removed by £ rn't fc,orari to the G°urt of Queen's Beach. Mr J. Ihillipe, solicitor, of Pontypridd, willhere- aiter represent the County Council in these action?.

ADJUDICATIONS, &c. [FRS)D FRIDAY NIGHT'S LONBON GAZETTE."] ¡ PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED. I J\Si Ferg,,son a?d K- A. Robinson, trading as JohniTergusson and Co., at 113, ButeDock, Cardiff 8hipbrok*rs. RECEIVING ORBERS. I William Isaac, Pentregethin road, Cwmbwrla, mason, late buiider. David Jamex, Grove-street, Mawteg, Glamorganshire, boot and tea dealer. NOTICEIOF DIVIDEND. Qwilym Uoyd, of Aberavon, Glamorganshire, licensed victualler and auctioneer Urst'and final dividend. 3s 4d in the e, payable March 15th, at the Official Receiver s, Swansea. FIRST MEETINGS AND DATES OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS. Dennis G vim wood, trading as D. Grimwood and Son, Htacey-ro&d, Cardiff, and Janjes-street. Docks Cardiff, tailor. First meeting March 21st, at 3 p.m at the Official Receiver's, Cariilf. Public examina- tion April 11th, at 10 a.tu.it tho Xown-halL Cardiff. David James, Grove-strret, Maeateg, Glamorganshire beot and tea dealer Firat meeting Mareh 21st, at 2.30 p.m., at the Official Receiver's, Cardiff. Public exaiiiiiiatiuii,A,v)ril Iltb, at 10 a.m., at the Town-hall Cardiff. David Davies, of Llwynvicker, Mothvey, Carmarthen- shire, commission agent. First meeting March 18th, TJ the (JflicLil Receiver's, Carmarthen. Public examination,March 25th, at 10.30 a.m., at the Guildhall, Carmarthen. lVm. 11. l,;j'v'ea> Tatt-street, Pontypridd, and David Davies, of Peurhiwceiber, Glamorganshire, trading as Davies, grocers. First meeting March 17th, at 6 p.m., at the Official Receiver's, Merthyr Tydfil. Public examination, April 4tli, at 2 p.m., at the Court-house, Pontypridd. Moses Williams, of fihotdiauerchrugog, near Ruabon, provision merchant. First meeting, March 17, at noon, at the Priory, Wrexham public examination, April 18, at noon, at the County Hall, Wrexham. ADJUDICATIONS. David James, of Grove-street, Maesteg, boot and shoe dealer. Catherine Jones, of Dolbyfryd-in-Eglwygfach. Den- bighshire, spinster.

HAVE YOU ASTHMA ?—Anv SUFFERER can get a Free Trial Package of Schiffmann's Asthnm cL HAVE YOU ASTHMA ?—Anv SUFFERER can TRET a Free Trial Package of Schiffmann's Asthnm cL which gives instant relief in the worst cases and cures where other, fail, of M. L. Bevau, Chemist, MediCl «oirn?LwTei0raddreS8 Df ScWflTtaann. 68, j

CARDIFF HISTRIONIC SOCIETY. CAPTAIN SWIFT AT THE THEATRE ROYAL. When the Cardiff Histrionic Society decided to select Haddon Chambers's Captain Sivift for their fifth annual representation it was a nioment; of inspired ambition, became Haddon Ciiaiiibers- is a playwright not easiiv acted. The" lines" which ho puts into the mouths of his characters require deep and intelligent study foi a complete comprehension of their pith and point. Indifferently acted Captain Swift is insipid. With no thrilling-" situations of the transpontine type for histrionic mediocrity to shelter behind, the author has relied for success upon a story of the world, told in tcrsG English. and with incidents arranged in auiet, though intensely dramatic, sequence. To make it anything like acceptable to an audience of mixed views upon plays" and piayorg, Captain Swift must be entrusted to men and women whose intelligence enables them to enter into the spirit of their l'a^8' and, indeed, until last night's performance at the Theatre Royal by the Cardiff Histrionic Society we had somewhat indulged the belief that none but actors cf considerable professional ex- penence could do justice to Mr Chambers's niece. Brains and natural aptitude, however, go aL lone way on as well ag off the Et.vge. and the C^rdlff Histrionic Society gave indubit- ab.o proof on the occasion under notice of possessing these desirable gifts in an exceptional degree. Few amateur actors can withstand discriminating analysis, honestly undertaken: the Cardiff nou-professional histrions are of the few. Thus it was that the brilliant audience which came together in the Theatre. Royal last night followed with keen interest and manifest appreciation the. play of Captain Swift as it gradually unfolded itself. It is true that the' absence, at tho last moment, of Miss Maud Brennaa threatened to seriously inar, if not imperil, the representation. Present at the morning rehearsal, Miss Brennan was seized in the afternoon with an iilness which positively rendered her appearance at night hope- less. This was a very awkward predicament fur the society to be in, and one from which they only escajied by the courageous magnanimity of Alias Watson, of 21he Dark Continent company, who are in possession of the Royal stage on five of the six nights in the present week. This lady had scarcely three hours in which to read up the lilies falling .0 the lot of Mrs Seabrook, a part of much responsibility, and upon which the action of the play largely hinges. Let it be said here that although Miss Watson had necessarily to read the lines of Mi-t- Seabrook, it was by no means a case of merely "walking through the part." In her great scene—the interview between mother and son in the third act, wherein she divulges the secret of her life to the whilom Captain Swift, the bushranger of Queensland—Miss Watson pour- trayed the emotion of the occasion with admirable intensity, and without a traotl of exaggera- r tion. This, too, despite her short three hours acquaintance with the words to be spoken Wnen, therefore, the curtain fell upon the tTri\Tv tt Rrateiul mothers exclamatory I hank Heaven that Captain Swift had resuected her terrible secret iu leaving the house and his Jianctc, it is small wonder the audience worked up to the highest pitch, applauded loud'. and long, bringing the entire company to the footlights, there for the ladies to be handed big bouquets via the orch^tra. Miss Watson did well; and the Cardiff Histrionic Society are deeply indebted to her chivalrous pluck in getting them out of a real difficulty. What we want now to see i^ Miss Watson as Mrs Seabrook word per- fect. We venture to think it would be a treat., lo turn to the amateur members of the cast. inatiirally enough, and especially in the absence of Mias Brennan, with whom all the rehearsals had taken place, a feeling of nervousness was n tt entirely absent in the first act -nor was the voice of the prexmptet. But in the three succeeding acts everybody on the stage had lapsed into in. dividual confidence; and the smoothness with; which the pieoe went was indicative of careful and diligent rehearsals. No one who witnessed the performance will, we imagine, be inclined to challenge the statement that the place of honour, amongst the members of the society, undoubtedly belonged to Mr E. L. Mitchelmore. As Mr Gardiner, the iarge-. hearted squatter from Queensland, Mr Mitchel- more^ act^d with a bluff naturalness which suited the character down to the ground. He manages his voice—a chronic difficulty with amateurs— superbly well, and possesses elocutionary gifts of a high order. Always at ease, and; with a nice appreciation of light and shade, Mr Mitohelmore more iirmlv than ever estab- lished a reputation in Cardiff for rare acting ability. (!f Mr J. McLlhgott, we must confess,- we had expected more in the roie of Mr Winding alias Captain Swift. It isr not conceivable that.' Haddon Chambers intt-n<if<i t4)is gfontlomflrj ad- V \eDi_urer to assume an air of frigidity to all sundry ad he i/iovod in that Eiigfiish society wliich'C he so much valued. Swift, ou tho contrary, to'* avoid suspicion as to his past, would"' be'. mbre likely to be warm and conciliatory alt- round. Ihen, too, Mr MelSIligofcfc did not sufficiently emphasise the important asides which 11 fell to him in the first act, and which have much to do with an intelligent apprehension of the, drift of the play. Agsm, he was singularly weak wb en Mrs Seabrook makes the atartiing confession —or conveys it by dumb business—that she is LiF mother. Awkwardly throwing up his hands and. iuimeiliateiy lowering them to his sides, Mr M'-EUigott exclaims, without a pariiole of inten- sity, My mocher The^e defects ex- cepted, however and we point them out with the most kindly motive Mr M'Elligott played sat.sfacu>»-i]y. In the son ewhat important, part of Marshall, the j butlor, who identifies Wilding ai his foster brother, Mr F. L- Perry was woli suited, and was': quite at home, speaking the lines of the author with capital effect. The same observation ap-' plies to Mr .J, Lynn Morgan as Ryan, the Queensland detective. He made the b«st pos- sible use of liis comparatively few opportunities," without being at all unduly obtrusive. The' Harry Seabrook of Mr A. J. Jenkins Rnd the Seabrook, 8..n.; of Mr John L. Perry were also undertaken with con- siderable success. The remaining member of the society entrusted with a io-e was Mr W. Kitton, who was Batss, the servaut. Miss Phyllis Selbourne's- Stella was a charming performance, though we tailed to admire the' I combination of a terra-ootta gown and grjen hodice worn by this lady in the first act. Miss G. Davison gave a ladylike representation of' Mabel; and Mrs Palmer was fairly good as L-idy Betty. On th. whol. and under all the eircum- stances. the Cardiff Histrionic Society nJay be sincerely congratulated upon thwr all-round success of last night.

« MONTE CAHLO" VV ELLS. The trial of W ell?, of Monte Carlo notoriety, WHS resumed at the Old Bailey yesterday. The first meeting of Wells' creditors was held at the London Bankruptcy Court, yesterday. The bankrupt's statement of affairs is that the money used at Monte Carlo was borrowed from an Amerian gentleman, and Wells' share of the ¡ winnings was £ 20,000. He cwed about £ 22,000, and ascribed his failure to inability to dispose of his patents. He purchased a yacht with his win- nings. A committee of inspection was appointed.

PONTEFllACT. A Pontefract correspondent states that notice has been given of an intention to lodge a petition against the return of the successful Liberal can- didate at the reoent election for Pontefraot. j There are 33 allegations of bribery, corruption, and illegal practices in one of the outlying town- ships, and the Conservativem claim the seat.

WEST MONMOUTHSHIRE. At a comphmentary banquet given to Mr C. B. Holland, J.P., late chairman of the West Mon. Conservative Association, Air Holland, in reply, expressed his willingness to contest the seat in the Unionist interest at the next General Election. If West Monmouthshire called he would answer."

LEYDSDORP GOLD MINING COMPANY, LIMITED. The above company, whose prospectus appean in our advertising columns, has been formed to' acquire a lease of all the owners' rights to Kold. ( minerals, and precious stones upon and under 575 acres of a Mynpacht property, upon which there has been proved to exist goJd-bearing i-eefaof great value. The Mynpacht is held under the Gold Laws of the South African Republic, and isf situated in the Transvaal, about three miles weso; of the town ef Leydsdorp on the Great Murcbisoa'o Range Gold Belt, the reefs of which are reported:! to be richer in gold than any quartz lodes vet j discovered in South Africa. Several eminent mining and civil engineers have surveyed and most favourably reported on the property and i the specimens of ore sent to England, one of' which was assayed by Daniel C. Griffi ha. Esq., assayer to the Bank of Eneland prove 16 oz. and 15 dwts. to the ton'i The capital to be raised is £ 300.000 in ruv» shares of £ 1 each; issue of £ 50,000 to pro'vide working capital. The shares will be payable 5s* on application, 5s on allotment, and the balanc. one mouth after allotment. The list of auuJ, cations opens to-day (Saturday .1 „i < Tuesday next for town a^d Sy 3&S 00

A DISTRESSING CASE. William Chapman, who hid 1 drowning his wife's illegitimate chikl^ R y to was tainted with a loath«w!m» f?;. Realise it of the mother's admitted adult6350 a3.1,11 e result man's brother, was bToSt un W,th 0haP Old Bailey ye^terdav ^orJU(lgment attim him over to surrender £ ll £ Wkina bound* ins that the fa.thTesa vifr ^1:0"' r*>™rk.* —S-SSl

Cardiff Times^nd South 1SSV\ *f ts the popular weekly iournal of tL p6? -y ,Ws"" 11 of i.right stories, soec «.l aV-fi .?i Principality. Full- for One Penny. The foremost \nl the week's new* f'»" its column* s of the day writ*'

TERRIBLE FIRE IN BOSTON. THREE PERSONS KILLED AND THIRTY INJURED. BOSTON, Friday.—A firit broke out here this afternoon, and has already assumed serious pro- portions. The flames originated in a large block known as Ame s Building, situated at the corner of Essex and Lincoln-streets, and occupied by the Woomockat Rubber Co., and many other firms. This structure was soon burnt out, and the flames then attacked the Horace Partridge- building, and the United States Hotel; in the former a quantity of fireworks were exploded, seriously injuring several persona employed on the premises, as well as a number of firemen, who were immediately conveyed to the hospital. Up to the present 29 patients have been admitted suffering from burns and other injuries, and three have already suocuu-ii-d. Only the walls of the United States Hotel now remain standing, and the flames are spreading rapidly towards the Boston and Albany Railway Station. Five firemen were forced to jump from the roof of the Partridge-buildings, and were seriously hurt. I The Siuger Sewing Machine Factory has been destroyed, and two girls employed there are known to have perished. The extent of the I fatalities are not yet precisely known. Five of the injured, who were taken into the United States Hotel before the fire reached it, were burned to death, it having been found impossible to reach then. owing to the rapid advance of the flames. The entire district, from Essex-street southwards, to Boston and Albany Station, threatens to become a prey to the conflagration. The firemen are seriously impeded in their work by the falling electric-light wires. The 1st and 9th Militia Regiments have been ordered out.— Ileuter. BOSTON, Friday, 6 p.m.—Governor Russell has arrived on the scene of the are. It is now stated that three persons have been killed and 30 injured -Reutcr.

AT MAZZINI'S GRAVE. GENOA.-Ti.,is being the twenty-first anniver- sary of Mazzini's death, deputations from the Municipality of this city and from the various political societies went to the cemetery herewhere the famous patriot is buried, and laid wreaths on his tornb.-Reuter.

THE BARKER BANK FAILURE At a meeting of the creditors under the Barker Bank failure, yesterday, the solicitor to the trustee said it was hoped a substantial dividend would be paid.

A MISSING LINER. A Liverpool correspondent says :-No now has yet been received of the missing White otar steamer Naronic. The company's steamer Britannic arrived in the Mersey yesterday, and the captain reported that he had deviated 90 miles to the southward out of the usual course, with the object of trying to find traces of the Narouic, bus found none.

CAPSIZING OF A BARQUE. A Lloyd's cable from Rosario states that the British barque Alice M. Craig capsized and foundered during a gale. The captain, his wife and eight of the crew wore drowned.

A CURIOUS BLUNDER. A Sandgate correspondent telegraphs Shortly before seven o clock yesterday morning a steamer ran down a sailing vessel just off here. The latter sank, and the steamer is standing by the sunken ship. The Coastguard and other boats are help-. 'nf.ln the wcrk of rescue. The weather is beauti- fully fine, A later telegram from Sandgate states that there has been no frcsh collision, and that the sunken barque is the Cincora, which foundered three weeks ago, but could not be seen above water until now. The coastguards themselves were deceived in the belief that- the wreck was a new one.

ANOTHER STEAMER MISSING. The screw steamer E^-quibo left the Thames for the West Indies on February 6th, with a crew partly composed of Southampton men, and she has not since been heard of. The passage is one of fourteen days, and the steamer is now sixteen ¡ overdue. The -Essecjuibo is 1,831 tons gross*

THREE LIVES LOST. Information reached Rochester last night that the barge Whitewall, which left the Med way yester- day morning for London with a cargo of cement, had sprung a leak and foundered. The captain was drowned, and the mate, in escaping in the boat, fractured his leg very badly. Another Rochester barge, the Cleopatra, belonging to Messrs Booth, was run down by a steamer whilst at anchor m the Lower Hope in th* lhames. The captain and mate, named Arnold and Styles, belonging to Rochester, ware both drowned.

THE HALIFAX MURDER. At the Leeds Assizes, yesterday, the grand jury returned a true b.1l against Arthur Shw, 17 ship's cook, for the murder of Susan Townsend at Halifax. In IVIay, 1892, the deceased was robbed and murdered, but there was no trace of the murderer until a fortnight ago, when the prisoner made a voluntary confession.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER, 4 30 A.M. TO-DAY'S FORECAST FOli JCNfJLANL), S.IV.. A if I! SOUTH W,4 T, VS. Southerly and south-westerly winds, increasing fn force, be- coming milder sTiowery. ,• unsettled in Scotland, but clearing. Verv lrL2Ver irel^d- England, and France. In the north-west of Ireland the sky 13 becoming very rainy. GENERAL FORECASTS. fSf f°recasts were prepared last night ,t -he Meteorological Ofcoe at eight o'clock AJiSTKlOTS— a a *1 J 1 South westerly breezes, G. Scotland, N. J- freshening ■ showery un- J settled milder. i e n a r- I Westerly and south-westerly 1. Scotland E. I winds, light, moderate,fine; IjDglftndjNilii. | cold uc lirst^ warmer j less J fair. 3. England, E."i 4. Mid. Counties iNor^h-westerly airs, calm 5. Eng. S. (Lon. f 001(1 >' P">bablv foggy, then and Channel \) warmer; brighter. 6. Scotland. W.lWind becoming south- 7. Engl., N.W., V west*r'y, freshening in & North Wales. I P™; fair to showery; J milder. « T J Southerly and south-westerly 9. Ireland, N. I winds, increasing in force Ireland, S. j weather becoming milder J showery.

LABOUR CRISIS. I ACTION OF LOCAL EMPLOYERS. GREAT COMBINATION. j "FREE LABOUR" SCHEME. | MR LAWS IN COUNCIL. Local employers of labour m and about the rbcks and wharves of the Bristol Channel, dciibt- less in view of the success which has attended the operations of the Shipping Federation, are about to take a new departure. A movement of a very | important and far-reaching character is on foot among merchants and importers of all classes in the Channel for the purpose i of establishing a seriei of indepen- dent Labour Bureaux. For some time past the matter has been under consideration, but the details were necessarily of so complicated a nature in §o extensive and vast an undertaking that it is only recently a scheme has been prepared on a working basis Iarrived at. The principle and method of working the new movement will be explained and dis- cussed at a meeting to be held on Tuesday next at the Chamber of Comaierce Office, Bristol, when Mr Laws, manager of the Shipping ledera- tion, will be present. The idea is to have a Bureau cf Free Labour established at each port throughout the kingdom, these being probably affiliated with the Shipping Federation of Great Britain, those for the ports of the Bristol Channel being dealt with at Tues- day's meeting. At present what are termed "Free Labour offices exist in connection with the Shipping Federation in London, Liverpool, Plymouth, and Dublin and no doubt is enter- tained by the promoters that similar institutions will be opened shortly in Bristol, Gloucester, New- port, Cardiff, and Swansea. An active part, we understand, is being taken in this movement by the Timber Importers' Association, who are firmly convinced that absolute freedom of contract in all their dealings with their work- men must be secured. The present depression in British commercc is attributed by some chiefly to the want of confidence existing between em- ployers and employed. Be this as it may, it will have been noticed that from month to month the quantity and value of our imports have been decreasing to an almost alarming extent. During the past two months the Government statistics show that the importii of the country were £ 10,009,000 leas in value than were those of the corresponding months of the previous year. This new organisation seeks to place the mer- chant on a firmer footing, when, as the promoters allege, his business is interfered with, and consequently orippled, by hostile labour combinations." Many prominent merchants of the country have, they assert, expressed the feeling that it is useless to bring produce into English ports, if Trades Union organisations insist upon such terma in the handling of the freight as make it unprofitable in the end. They contend, whether rightly or wrongly we do not pretend to say, that if the Unionist demands were acceded to the import business of the country in numerous instances could only be carried on at a loss. Therefore, a large section of the importers throughout the country will probably unite under the proposed scheme, for they feel that once this general movement is started it will gather strength and influence each succeeding month. This vast federation of importers will include all who bring their go-)ds direct over sea to the Tarious docks and wharves of our ports. At the present moment we are not in a position to give the precise details of the scheme, but may say that, as sketched out, they appear complete. Each bureau will register the names of all work- men in search of employment; the calling and qualification, with other particulars, will be duly noted opposite every name. Those employers in want of labour will know that at the bureau they will probably be able to find what men they reqmre, and so the first object of the project— that of bringing employer and employed into immediate contact with the least delay and in the simplest manner-will have been accomplished. At every bureau tickets will be issued to the registered members, each trade being dis- tinguished by the colour of the ticket. It will be the duty of the officials to receive and preserve records of the members' general character and ability as workmen and the possession of the coloured ticket or certificate will, it is thought, be an evidence of all-round fitness for engagement by the employer. When a labourer equipped with a ticket presents himself at yard, or work- shop, or wharf, or seeks employment through the secretary of one of the established agencies, be will be given the preference over those men who are not armed with such credentials as to character and qualifications. Tins system, it is expected by those who set it on foot, will have the effect of mducing among workpeople steady and sober habits, and regularity in the matter of hours and so on when at work. It is stated by those in a position to know the precise facts, that at the present time there are some thousands of men in the port of Cardiff either wholly out of employment or working but a few hours daily through want of knowledge as to where labour is required and where it may be obtained and the scheme which we describe will, therefore, no doubt find men ready to act under it, necessity leaving them no choice. When the new offices arc established, the per- manent officials in charge will act as inter- mediaries between capital and labour. Of course, certain terms and conditions will have to be mutu- ally agreed to. Thus on the back of each member's ticket will ba the principal rules governing the particular trade or calling in connection with which it is issued. Each ticket is to be granted only for a limited time—we believe the period suggested is six months; but it may always be renewed provided there is nothing recorded against the bearer of a damaging nature. Any man, therefore, failing to carry out the rules, or deserting his work, or otherwise getting black- listed, might experience some difficulty in obtain- ing a fresh ticket. We understand that it is further proposed to form an accident and sick benefit fund in connec- tion with the bureaux, on lines somewhat similar to those that now operate in the case of the Shipping Federation Benevolent Fund, But apart from sickness or accident, it is in con- templation to have a special fund for the temporary assistance of those out of work through no fault of their own. To these fund tho mer- chants and traders would be the principal contri- butors but we cannot definitely say whether the men will be required also to make a weekly or monthly subscription. The fund* would be controlled and administered by the officials of each bureau, assisted by a certain number of the leaders of the men themselves. There is said to be no intontion on the part of the general executive to prevent the men from being members of their own Trade Unions if they so desire; but Union and non-Union are, it -A. is declared, to be treated alike, anu mull. work together, if need be, under the known terms of their contract. We are assured that in each I port the existing scale of wages in the various trades will be recognised, and that no attempt is to be made m the direction of reducing wages. It has been pointed out that in the field of labour the question of the day is not so much one of wages as of the restrictions and rules which are sought to be enforced by the men, rules as to how much work a man should do in a given time as to what leisure should be allowed him during work as to the hours at whioh he should com- meiiee and leave off work whether men shall | wolk singly or in gangs how many men snail constitute a gang and so on. j To sum up the main advantages ciauned for the I new scheme, they may be stated to consist of- the formation of a Labour Exchange in each port and large town throughout the kingdom the bringing of master and man into direct communi- cation; the encouragement of good and indus- trious workmen, and the regular carrying on of trade, thus preventing strikes, loss of wages, and an overcrowded labour market.

A MYSTERY OF THE RAILWAY. On the arrival of the last South-Eastern train at Hastings on Thursday night, a window in a third-class carriage was found to be smashed, and yesterday the body of Mr Edwin Mercer, manager of the Hastings Electric Lighting Company, was found on the line near Frant. Mr Mercer left London for Hastings on Thursday, but there is no explanation at present as to how he met with nis end.

LADDERS.—Ladders for builders, pa^TER^ PLAS terers, farmers, private use, &c., ail SIZM, at C<ottreil old-established Manufactory, Barr s-st.. B"sto1- rL0^ "ANY DOCTOR WILL TELL YOO there is no better Cough Medicine than Heating's Lozenges une eivrs relief: if ycu suffer from cough try them but once; they will cure and they will not injure your health they contaiiioiily the purest and simplest iu ugs skilfully eombined. Sold everywhere in 13,g WWi.

HOUSE OF LORDS-FRIDAY. The Lord Chancellor took his seat on the wool. sack at a quarter past four o'clock. JLhfi-e was no business of public importance, and tne House adjourned at a quarter to seven o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FRIDAY. Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour at whicn the House ro'je last night, there was a good attendance of hon. members when the Speaker took the chair at five minutes paost two this after- noon. The large number of 84 questions ap- peared upon the notice paper. SOCIAL AND LABOUR LEGISLATION. Mr ROBERT BCRKIE asked the First Lord of the Ireaaury whether, in order to expedite legisla- tion with respect to Bills on Labour and other questions, he would, after three days' debate endeavour to secure a division on the second reading of the Government of Ireland Bill, pro- viding he received a requisition urging this signed by a majority of members of tho House. Mr \VOODS also asked if toe Government would fix a day on which they proposed to taka a divi- sion on the second reading of tbrt Government of Irelanr1 Bill. Mr GLADSTONE replied that he was very sensible of the strung sense the question indicated on the part of the hon. gentleman of the situation of the House with regard to the progress of publio busi- ness. He did not think, however, it would be wise or justifiable on the part of the Government to accede to the view suggested. The Govern- ment not only admitted, but frankly contended, that there ought to be ample tune for the discus. sion of the Bill. LOCAT. PETITION. Mr W. REES DAVIES presented a petition from the County Council of Pembrokeshire in favour of wholly transferring the control of the police to the County Councils. REVOLVER CARRYING. s The Marquis of CARMARTHEN gave notice that that day four iveeks he should call attention to the large number of injuries which arose from tho indiscriminate carrying of revolvers, and move a resolution thereon. IRISH JUDICIAL RENTS. Mr MORLEY, in answer to Mr T. W. Russell, stated that a number of gentlemen irom Ulster recently waited upon him in reference to the question of temporarily reducing the judicial rents. He promised to consider the subject, but up to the present the Government had come to no decision in the matter. PLACES OF WORSHIP SITES BILL. Mr ABQCITH informed Mr John Ellis that so far as the Government were concerned they had no objection when this Bill passed its second reading to refer it to the Grand Committee on Law, pro- vided this could be done without interfering with the progress of the Bdl, for which the Government were directly responsible, CRIME IN ENGLAND AND WALES. Mr ABTIIVK O'CONNOR had placed a series of questions on the paper with regard to the number of indictable offenoes committed in England and Wales durmg the past 12 months. Mr ASQUITH, in reply, stated that the number of indictable offences was 39,021, and the number of persons committed for trial was lii,835. Thero were 364 cases of arson and other wilful burn- ing, 28 cases of killing and maiming cattle, and 2.644 cases of malioiously destroy- ing walls, &c. The cases of other malicious and wilful damage, including trespass, numbered 13,718, and the number ot rnaliooua wilful damage cases other than those named was 16,492. The murder cases numbered 73 man- slaughter, 160 attempts to murder, 86 shooting and wounding with intent to do bodily harm, 819 assaults on peace officers (indictable offences), 41 assaults on peace officers, resisting, obstruction, and to forth (summary offences), 12,635. Mr FLYNN In view of the figure? ju3t given, I beg to ask if the Government have any inten- tion of considering the propriety of extending the Crimes Act to England. (Nationalist cheers and laughter.) Mr STUART WOKTLEY asked the Home Secre- tary whether the returns did not show that the Irish formed two per cent. of the population of Great Britain and ten per cent. of the prison population. (Opposition cheers and laughter.) THE NEW LABOUR CORRESPONDENTS. Mr FoawoOD asked whether the reports of the Labour correspondents would be published by the Board of Trade as the opinion of themselves individually or as representing the views of the working classes. Mr MUNDELLA said the correspondents of the Labour Department of the Board of Trade had been selected without reference to their political and economical opinions, and for the sole purpose of supplying information on special points. The Labour Gazette would publish facts of interest to working-men, and not the opinions of local corres- pondents of any class of men. Mr FGRWOOD Will they receive any re- muneration as correspondents ? Mr MCNDSLLA They will receive a small remuneration, from £15 to £20 a year, according to their work. PUBLISHING THE HOME RULE BILL. Mr W. REDMOND, on behalf of Mr Maguire, asked the, Secretary to the Treasury whether he was aware that a London evening paper published id the full text of the Home Rule Bill, and soid some 50,000 copies thereof, making large profits, and whether there waa any copj right for the publications of the Queen's printers. Sir J. HIBBRKT said the Treasury did not con- sider it necessary to mova in the present case. He would go further, and say he thought they ought to be indebted to any newspaper which published either the Bills of the Government or the Bills of any private members. (Hear, hear.) ARABI PASHA. Mr ALTOEX'S MORTON asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government could see their way to allowing Arabi Pasha and his fellow exiles to return to Egypt. Mr GLADSTONE said the return of Arabi to Egypt had always been strongly objected to by the Egyptian Government on i thw ground of public security, and the British Government could not feel themselves warranted in endea- vouring to over-rule that objection. Mil LABOUCHERE asked whether Arabi could not bo sent, to some other part ot the British JJomimon. Mr GIBSON BOWLRS asked whether Arabi was detained as a prisoner of war. Mr GLADS rONB said the latter subjoot had been discussed before, and he did not now propose to open it. In answer to the question of the hon; member for Northampton, the removal of Arabi from Ceylon was not at present oontemplated. A PETITION FROM WEST BIRMINGHAM. Mr JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN presented a petition ;1ainst the Home Rule Bill from two parishes of West Birmingham. The reading of the terms of the petition by the right hon. gentleman gave rise to repeated outbursts of laughter, ohieflv from the Nationalist benches.

OBSTRUCTION. THE GOVERNMENT AND SATURDAY SITTINGS. PROTEST BY MR BALFOUR. SYSTEMATIC OBSTRUCTION BY THE j TORIES. SPEECHES BY SIR W. HARCOURT AND MR CHAMBERLAIN. THE HOME RULE BILL. MR GLADSTONE'S PROPOSAL. Mr BABTLET asked the Prime Minister whether in the improbable event of the House consenting to sit on Saturday, what business was proposed to be taken. Mr GLADSTONB Wo propose to proceed with supply. Mr JAMES LOWTHER Which class of supply ? Mr GLADSTONE That matter dejiends upon what is done to-day. (Ministerial cheers.) The motion for a sitting of the House to be held to-morrow was then formally made by Mr GLADSTONE, who afterwards left the Chamber. Mr BALIKJUR objected to the motion, as one of a most unusual character. (Cheers.) One would really suppose that the Prime Minister was pro- posing an every day procedure, which the House ought to adopt merely at the nod of one powerful Minister who, immediately after formally making the motion, had left the House. (Cheers.) The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER explained that the Prime Minister had that moment been summoned to attendance on the Queen. (Cheers.) Mr BALFOUR admitted that the explanation was satisfactory, but it would have been more j satisfactory if the Prime Minister had delegated to the Chancellor of the Exchequer the duty of explaining to the House the reasons for tbi* motion. (Cheers.) How many preoedents were there for asking the House under present condi- tions of Supply and at that period of the session to sit on Saturday ? (Hear, hear.) An extra- ordinary strain was put upon the House by asking members to sit on Saturday next, not from 12 till 6 as on Wednesdays, but apparently to any hour the JGovernment might choose. It inflicted a great hardship upon members, but a greater hardship upon the permanent officials of the House. It could not be pretended that the discussion on the Army and Navy estimates had been unduly prolonged, and indeed upon the Navy estimates important questions had been ehut out. The course whioh the Government were pursuing in arbitrarily attempting to cogreo the minority in the House was wholly without explanation or justification. (Cheers.) It was never worth the while of a Government to bring itself so com- pletely into antagonism with the wishes of a minority not contemptible in its numbers. (Cheers.) He could only suppose that they were animated solely by a deair" to carry the second reading of the Home Rule Bill before Easter. (Cheers.) lor that reason, and no other, they were (Andeavouring to trample upon the liberties of the House of Commons. (Cheers.) And if ever there was a measure on which the minority had a right to ask for full time for consideration and full time for their constituents' consideration, it was the Home Rule Bill. (Cheeri.) Mr DILLON How about 1887 (Nationalist cheers.) Mr LALTOCR The course the Government were taking was not nerely inexpedient, but indecent. (Cheers.) The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER was not I prepared to deny that the proposals the Government Were making put great strain '-1P9n the liouae. and was a great hardship t h: I officers. But what the House and the country had to consider was what was the cause of the pressure ? (Ministerial cheers and counter cheers.) At whose door did the responsibility lay ? (Cheers and counter cheers.) The right hon. gentleman had affected skilful innocence, as if everyone was ignorant of what had been taking place in and out of the House. (Cheers.) Plans had been made, and the minority had declared their intention of occupying the time of the House so as to prevent a particular measure from coming on. and the question was whether their plans and intentions were to override the wishes of the majority of the House. (Cheers.) In 1886, when Home Rule was a new question, a little less time elapsed between the first and second reading than was proposed in regard to the present Bill. He t altogether denied that there had been any breech ot faith in regard to the Army estimates. The Government were not endeavouring to stint the time given to supply—(oh, oh, and cheers)—for they were giving two days more to it than the maximum given by their predecessors. But everybody knew what the true object of the minority was. (Cheers.) It was because the Govornment thought that the great issue of Home Rule should be joined at the earliest moment, and that there would be amplo time to bring the matter fully under the consideration of P,irliaiiieiit--tilei-efol.o it was that they asked the House to assist the in in forwarding the business of the country against a deliberate attempt to d I it. (Cheers.) Mr CHAMBERLAIN, who was received with loud Opposition chuers, Mid the miserable minority of 315 now knew what was in store for them if the Government had their way. He should huve ] thought that before proposing such a strain upon the House tho right hon. gentleman would have shown some great emergency. (Opposition cheers.) Where was the great emergency ? (Renewed cheers.) There was not the slightest pretence that the Opposition had shown any unnecessary zeal in criticising the Estimates in Supply—(oh, oh)—and nothing but the growing intolerance of the majority—(loud Opposition cheers)—who, having given up the power of coercing Ireland had taken up in place of it cheers)-ivho, having given up the power of coercing Ireland had taken up in place of it the idea of coeroing the minority in the House of Commons. (Opposition cheers.) Nothing but their intolerance would justify any such insinuation. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the intention was to prevent the s^Kjond reading of the Home Rule Bill before Easter. The right hon. gentleman made a great pretence of exposing that plot and conspiracy. Why, his exposure was not necessary, for none of them were ashamed—(loud Opposition cheers)— to avow openly that they thought it a most dis- creditable and a most outrageous proceeding on the part of the Government to take a Bill of that kind before Easter, and before members had an opportunity of conferring with their constituents on it. (Hear, hear). Mr LABOUCHERE said the right hon. gentleman denied that there had been obstruction upon the Supplementary Estimates. He (Mr Labouchere) knew something about obstruction—(laughter)— for he felt it his duty sometimes to resort to what was invidiously called obstruction when he thought the lata Government were rushing the country over some precipice. He had never yet seen obstruction so badly and inartistically worked as within the last few days. (Laughter.) For instance, for two hours they talked about the place where the new bar in the lobby was to be put. The artistic way to obstruct would have been for some gentleman to protest against there being any bar at all, and then the whole question of temper- ance could have been rai. (Laughter.) Hon. gentlemen must be nlausible in their obstruction. The right hon. gentleman (the member for West Birmingham) frankly admitted that they meant to postpone the second reading of the Home Rule Bill until after Easter. The supporters of the Bill desired that no further time should be wasted, and he personally was prepared to sit until five o'clock every morning and on Saturday, and to do without any Easter holidays if necessary. (Laughter and cheers.) He and his friends were now the majority, and they meant to have their own way. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr JAMES LOWTHER said that when the House was asked to afford additional facilities to the Government they had a right to ask how the opportunities already offered had been availed of. In sittings of Supply questions of policy often arose requiring explanations from heads of departments. It became necessary on a recent occasion to move to report progress in order to enabls the Chief Secretary to be in his piace to answer a question on Irish policy. The right hon. gentleman, when the question was put to hun, curtly declined to reply. (Hear, hear.) But then, shortly afterwards, he put up his private secretary to move the closure, (Cheers, and cries of DIvide.") He, of course, was responsible. (Sir \V. Harcourt "No, no.") What, had not the right iion. gentleman's influence over his own private secretary no more control th.n over his own temper? ("Oh, oh," "Order," and Withdraw.") The SPEAKER The hon. gentleman is not entitled to speak in that way. (Cheers.) Mr J. LOWTHKR withdrew the remark. (Lou i cries of "Divide.") The Chief Secretary had now returned to his place, so he would repeat whai he had said in the right hon. gentlemau's absence. (Laughter and cries of "divide.") The right hon. gentleman repeated his version of the incident, during which Mr HUGH HOARS rose and moved the Closure. The SPKAKRR disregarded the motion, nnd Mr J. Lowther proceeded. This, he aíù, was an illustration ot what he referred to, disorderly supporters of the Government interrupting dis- cussion. (Laughter.) Mr HANBURT observed that no attempt had been mado to justify the tyranny by the usual tu quoque, nor, indeed, could a precedent be found. Let the Government act according to prentt and he offered them the opportunity by moving as an amendment, "subject to Stand- ing Order relating to the sitting of the House on Wednesdays." Mr THOMAS OWEN rose and moved the closure. (Oh, oh, and cheers and laughter.) The SPRAKER: The hon. gentleman is a new member, but he must be aware that that motion was offered a quarter of an hour ago. (Cheers.) Major RASCH seconded the amendment. Mr T. W. RUSSKLL asked the Pn me Minister what he really expected to gain by a proceeding of Chi* kind. Mr COURTNEY suggested that some restriction should be placed upon the business to ba taken at the Saturday sitting. Mr WYNI HAM supported the amendment, and prouested against every advantage being given to Irish, Scotch, and Welsh over English busi- ness. Mr GLADSTONE explained that the main object of the Saturday sitting,, and almost the sole object as regarded disputable matters, was to dis- pose of the Army and Navy votes that were required to be taken before the end of the financial year but they would be glad also to take more contentious Civil Service votes. Mr GOSCHEN did not think the House had been treated courteously, as no grounds whatever had been shown for a Saturday sitting, and they were asked to adopt that unusual course ou the mere dictatorial ipse dixit of a Minister. (Cheers.) Mr GLADSTONE took exception to that phrase, and declared that the Government had done more than it was their duty to do in forming the best estimate they oould of the time that different more than it was their duty to do in forming the best estimate they oould of the time that different olasses of business would require. (Cheers and hear, hear.) THE DIVISION. The Home then divided, and tho numbers were— For the amendment 231 Against. 252 Majority 21 The announcement of the number was receiveu with loud Opposition cheers. Mr GLADSTONE observed that as, in the opinion of the Government, the last election turned upon the question of Home Rule, they considered it their duty to grapple with it in earnest, and to give the Home Rule Bill such a position in refer- once to other business that they might con- fidently reckon upon passing it through, not in the dregs of the session, but when full time could be given to tho discussion. (Cheers.) Mr GOSCHEN complained that the Government had not even then shown that here was any emergency calling for a Saturday sitting so early in the Session. Mr HUNEAGB, who was greeted with Opposi- tion cheers, thought the country required a great deid of illuminating in regard to the Bill. Col. SAUNDKRSOX remarked that no idea of obstruction was propounded at the Carlton Club, though it was determined to resist the progress cf the Home Rule Bill— (ironical Ministerial cheers) —in order that the question might receive full and deliberate consideration. (Opposition cheers.) It appeared to him that the Government looked at the question through Grimsby spec- tacles. (Laughter and cheers.) Mr PAKKKR SMITH, amidst cries of "divide," spoke against the motion, till at half-past six Mr RoBY moved ttftt. the question be now put. (Cheers.) The House immediately divided, and the num- berll were :— For the Closure 252 c Against. 230 Majority 22 The narrowness of the majority again elicited cheers from the Opposition. The House then divided on the original resolu- tion, and there appeared— For 256 Against 229 n" Majority 27 Tne resolution was therexore adopted. It being seven o'clock when the numbers were announced, the Speaker at once left the chair, and the sitting was suspended. EVENING SITTING. At the evening sitting, after discussion on the motion for going into Committee 01 Supply the motion for Supply was withdrawn and 3be House adjourned at 1Z15 o'clock.

WAGES" « IN trine: .u cl'.i1 [-ay^vT11'two broads esn. demands made by the to ri*fu"'e the for an increase iu wages.— S AssociatiOQ