South Wales Daily News

A FOOLHARDY FRENCHMAN. On Monday, at the Penarth Police-court— Major Thomley on the bench—Denis Arcide, a seaman on board the S.8. Poriugalete, lying- last week in the East Bute Dock, Cardiff, was charged with attempting to commit suicide by drowning at Penarth on Thursday morning. Prisoner was se;n by a ycung man, named Osborne, to walk down the pier, and was heard to mutter some- thing about drowning himself." This areused Osborne's curiosity, and ht followed the seaman, who was somewhat under the influence of drink. On arriving at tite pier-head, prisoner rushed down the steps leading to the water and plunged in. Luckily, a small boat was near, and, jumping into this, Osborne succeeded in reaching the man and bringing him safely to bnd notwithstanding the desperate efforts which the prisoner made to get free. Subsequently a dock-constable arrivpd on the scene, and the prisoner, despite h:s con- tinued pretests, was conveyed to the town pülic. station. He was committed to take his trial at the assizes.

"TOBACCONISTSCOMMENCING."—Illd. Guide.3d O,dittí,¡: C.) W, Euscon I'd, Lundon Miss BRADDON'S NEW NOVEL, "All along the River," hns been secnrul for the Cardiff Times (tnd South Wales Weekly Nvws. The opelHng chpter appear in the ClIlTCut issue. Jerome K. Jerome, John Strange Winter. Do"<t. Russell, au'l other iamous novelists write fOt" tilL, favourite weekly..Secure a copy at orcc. A Magazine ami New .paper combined tor a u¡.¡unv-

— I NEWS IN BRIEF. "-1 Mr Glad stone is laid up with influenza. j The Queen will hold a .Cour:cil at Castle on Wednesday afternoon. J Lord Brassey has become the President ot Barnardo's Homes for the year 1393-94. The friends of the Church of Scotland hive solved to raise a defence fund of £30,000. Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, who is passing sO j weeks at Xice, is writing his autobiography. ( It is the intention of Mr Tom Mann to con 1 the Colne Valley Division in the Labour intere5 M. Herz is worse, and it is extremely doubt ( ii he will ever be well enough to be removed fr Bournemouth. < The Shah contemplates a visit to Europe in t course of a few wepb. He is already making p1* j parations for his tour. j The weekly wages of experienced bakers Aberdeen do not average more than 20s. So men are working for as low as 15s a week. The Maharajah of Jeypore for a leng tin* 1 lived in exile on an allowance of 5s a week. SUi his accession to the throne his income amounts half a million a year. Mr Israel Zangwill, the author of Children of the Guetto," ig, as his name of Jewish descent. A few years back he was' struggling schoolmaster. The Queen has forwarded, through General S' Henry Ponsonby, her annual subscription of æ to the Ruyal National Life-boat Institution. which her Majesty is the patron. A petition against the Home Rule Bill, beiof prepared at Windsor, has been signed by tb Provost, Bursar, Head and Lower Masters, an' 146 out of the 53 Assistant Masters of Eto College. The result of a poll of the ratepayers in Bourn mouth on the Public Free Libraries Act was follows :—For, 2,062 against, 704 majority M 1,358. Five years ago the ratepayers deoid against the adoption of the Act. The late Lady Forester has le(1I the sum d £200,000 to build and endow a hospital and con valescent home at Stone, Staffordshire, which # near to Meaford, her country residence. TW bulk of her fortune is bequeath to her nephew Mr Jervis. The expenses cf Mr Philip Stanhope, M.P., id, tbe recent Burnly election were filed on Saturday-; They amount to £791. Those of Mr W. Lindsay, the Conservative candidate, are returned; at £616. In these sums JB129 is included on each side for returning officn's charge; General Harrison had not seen Major Sub-Marines on parade until he distributed the Volunteer decorations at the Drill Hall, and he then desired Major Thornley to tell them that he was as pleased with their appearance on parade as when he had inspected them at their mining duties on the water. It is reported from Constantinople that the Journal des Debats has been acquired for the Sultan by his agent in Paris. It has been found. that the old method of subsidising papers waS productive of indifferent results, and the Sultan»j wishing to have a serious organ of his own io France, has become possessor of the old and esteemed Journal des Debats. The report that a marriage is in contemplation between the Duke of Aosta. and one of the daughters of the Prince of Wales is a myth of the purest and most absurd description. The Duke of Aosta came to England neither on matrimonial mission nor for the purpose of in. viting the Queen to visit Rome, The Duke's objects in visiting this country were pureiy private. Mr Sidney Thomas, who once more won the Ten Miles Championship at Birmingham on Saturday, has long been one of the foremost long* distance runners in the country. In 1889 Thomas crowned all his efforts with a brilliant success on the fast track at Stamford Bridge, when he defeated Kibblewhite, the great Swindon runner, by 50 yards in a record time for the championship, his time reading- 51min. 31 2-5secs. In a comment on the International match at Llanelly the Westminster Gazette says:—"The exponents of the four three-quarter system have now for the first time on record won all their three matches against England, Scotland, and Ireland, a result which does the Principality great credit, and which is likely to cause their new develop-, ment in the game to be viewed with more appro* j bation than has been the case hitherto." I Sir Wilfrid Lawson, M.P., contributes to the j Woriian's Herald some clever lines bearing upon » I recent statement by the Archbishop of Canter- [ bury—that he (the Primate) "considered alcohol to be food." The gay baronet opens his lay thus* wise:— Beer Beer Beautiful Beer The delight of the Workman And food of the Peer. Like manna sent down on the evil and good, 'Tis the dearest delight and the choicest of food. Beer Beer Beautiful Beer The stay and support of the spiritual Peer. A Continental music-hall agent is trying to introduce into the English halls a novel turn. The agent states that we have our strong men, short and tali man, and fasting men, but that an eating man has never been publicly introduced to the public. The agent has a client who is a hungry man; he is 20 years of age, has served in the Austrian army, and possesses a voracious appetite. The food allowed him for ordinary gormandising is eight eggs, several loaves, some pounds of meat, raw cabbages, &c., perineal. These only satisfy his hungry pangs for a time—in fact, for a few hours. Mr Samuel Smith has had his attention called to a remarkable regulation attendant upon the Civil Service Examinations for the Post Office. It appears that candidates for situations having passed tho examinations are remitted to the medical officer, who, iuter^alia, examines their teeth, and sometimes, Mr Smith is assured, "orders a many:as six or seven to be extracted." This is bad enough, even with the situation thrown in. But teeth extraction does not carry with it any guarantee of provision in the Post Office, and a candidate may lose his teeth and not obtain a situation. Mr Smith has undertaken to bring the grievance under the notice of tbe Post. master-General. Baron de Hirscli distributes all his turf win- nings among hospitals and charities, and in this way sundry institutions are benefited to the extent of many thousands of pounds. In a list published the other day there crept in an error, by which a certain hospital was put down as the recipient of JB500. The smart secretary saw his opportunity, and, as this hospital had received nothing, he wrote the Baron a slightly chaffing letter, expressing his regret that the announce- ment seemed to be a mis-statement. The winnings fund was at that moment exhausted. But Baron Hirsch, says the Weekly Sun, was so struck with the ingenuity of the letter, not to mention the merits of the institution, that he im- mediately drew a cheque for JS500 in its favour. At the last meeting of the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society, Oxford, Mr J. H. Davies gave an in- teresting account of peculiar marriage customs which still prevail in many parts of Cardigan- shire. It would appear that in this county we have still a survival of the old practice of marriage by capture. On the marriage day, the bridegroom and his friends proceed to the house of the bride. Here the door is locked, and resistance is offered to their entry by the bride's friends and relatives, scuffling and horseplay beingfreely indulged in. When order has been restored, the spokesmen on each side hold a dialogue, generally in verse. The bridegroom is then allowed admission, but meanwhile the bride has been disguised, and is more often than not eventually found, dressed as r all old crone, nursing a male child. The child is a male, in order, it is supposed, that the first y children of the marriage may be also males. Soon after the conttaeting parties go forth to chapel or church, as the case may be. Trouble is not yet at n ei.d for the hapless groom, how- ever. The father, or father and brothers, ride off with the bride, and a chase ensues. When the groom comes up with the bride she is delivered into his hands, and the ceremony now proceeds in the orthodox manner. < A correspondent of one of the leading journals of La Riformu, reproduces from the Gazzetta dell' Emilia the following unpublished letter from Verdi to the Italian patriot, Giuseppe Mazzini — "Paris, October 18, 1848. Dear Signer Mazzini,—I send you the hymn, and though rather late, I hopo it will reach you in time. I have tried to be as popular and easy as possible. Make what use you like cf it; burn ifc even, if you do not think it worthy. If, however, < you should give publicity to it, let the poefe change some words in the beginning of the second and third strophes, wherein it will be well to make a phrase of fiva syllables with a complete meaning in itself, as in all the cthor strophes: 10 giuriamo' (We swear it)— Suona la trom (Let the trumpet sound), &c.t and then cf course finish the vcra5 with the 1 sdrucciolo.' In the fourth verse of the second strophe, you must take out the note of interroga- tion and make the sentence finish with the line, I could have set them to music as they stand, but tho music would have been more difficult and therefore less popular, and we should not have had the,same scope. May this hymn be henrd soon amid the music of the cannon amid the J plains of Lom'oardy Accept the cordial greet. ing of one who has every veneration for YOI1.- I Your most devoted, G. VERDI." What has become of this hymn," the correspondent of the Riforma, aud was it sung as the Maestro intended 2"

public ffimttpatuis, &c. The SUBSCRIPTION LIST will OPEN on THURS. DAY. the 16th March, and CLOSE on or before 4 o'clock on the same day, Messrs ANDRE, MENDEL and CO., 1, Whittington- avenue, London, E.G., sre authorised to RECEIVE SUBSCRIPTIONS for the undermentioned ISSUE. rglHE MANILA RAILWAY COMPANY JL (Limited),-Incorporated under the Companies Acts 1862 to 1386.—Authorised under Royal Decrees of the Spanish Government of 9[h April, lSô5, 14th July, 1836, and 21st January, 1387, by which a guarantee of interest, at 8-jer cent, per annum on 4,964,400 dols., equal to 397,152 dols., is gianted for a peri.d of 99 years, from the 9th April, 188on the terms and con- ,1Jtiolls stated in ti:e decrees, payable ()u?f the Trea- sury of I he Philippine Islands the additional guaran- teed capital for authorised extra works is mentioned below. iSSUE of £ 200,COO SIX PER CENT. PRIOR LIEN MORTGAGE BONDS, SliKIES B part of a total authorised issue of secured by a Mortgage Deed giving a Charge on the Railway, subject only to the charge securing the previous issue of £ 285.000 Prior Lien Mortgage Bonds, Series A, but in priority to the whole of the existing Debenture and Share Capital. The Bonds are redeemable by 15 Annual Drawings at par. commencing on the 1st July, 19C6, or. at th. option of the Company, on giving six months' notice, at any time after that date at PRICE OF ISSUE 91% PER CENT., payable 5 per cent, on Application 31 per ent, on 17th April next; 261;2 per cent, on Allotment; 30 per cent. on 17th May next. CAPITAL ISSUED. £132,090 Ordinary Shares. 300,000 7 per Cent. Preference Shares. 730,000 6 per Cenc. Debentures. 285,000 6 per Cent. Prior Lien Mortgage Bonds. Series A. Total BOARD OF DIRECTORS. G. XOBLE TAYLOR. Esq., Chairman. ADOLF VON ANDRE, Esq. ALEXANDER HUBBARD, Esq. C. J. CAfER SCOT), Esq. HANBURY BARCLAY, Esq. E. 1 ORD DUNCANSON, Esq. G. K lOCXG, Esq. Sir Wl. YOUNG, Bart, BANKERS. LONDON and COUNTY BANKING COMPANY (LIMITED), 21, Lombard-street, E.C. HONG KONG and SHANGHAI BANKING COR- PO RATION. London and Manila. UNION BANK cf SPAIN and ENGLAND (LIM L'IED, London and Madrid. BROKERS.—Messrs STEER, LAWFORD & CO., 3, E.C. SOLICITORS—Messrs EOMPAS, BISCHOFF, DODG- SOX, COXE, & BOM PAS. SECRETARY—H. B. BRIGGS. Esq. OFFICES—40, FlNSBUtiY-CTRCUS, E.C. The Manila Railway Company (Limited) was formed in 1H88, to tr.ke over a Cowes-ion for 39 years granted by the Spanish Government for the construction and working of a Railway, 120 miles in length, starting from Manila-, the capital of Luzon, one of the Philip- pine Islands, and after traversing the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tariic, and Pangasinian, ter- minating at the Port of Dagupan, on the Bay of I,inu.Yè!1. The Bonds are secured by a mortgage deed, regis- tered both in Manila and Madrid, giving a charge, subject to that securing the Prior Lien Mort- gage Bonds, Series A (1) on the railway, together with the lands, buildings, and stations belonging thereto and (2) on the beneiit of the Royal Decrees 01 the Spanish Government of 9th April. 18c5, 14th July, 1886, 21st January, 1887, and the guarantee thereby. assured. The proceeds of the present issue will supply the funds expended on the works. The cost of building the line has, owing to circum- stances explained at the Company's general meetings, exceeded the estimates received from time to time, which in the case of a pioneer railway in a new country is hardly suo prising. These difficulties, however, are now overcome, and on the 23rd November last the Railway was opened for traffic throughout its entire I' length, having been completed according to the plana í\1?proved by the Government, with the exception of one bridge oyer the Rio Grande, the further expendi- ture on which the Engineer-in-Charge estimates at £ 10,000. The traffic at this point is at present worked by ferry, without breaking bulk. The permanent way, bridges, culverts, rolling stock, etc., are all in good order, and fhe Government authorities have expressed 'lie highest satisfaction at the reports received by chem of the solid construction of the line. The Philippine Islands have no public debt, and the favourable state of their finances is shown by their them ot the solid construction of the line. The Philippine Islands have no public debt, and the favourable state of their finances is shown by their budgets. In the latest available budget for thePhilip- pine Islands the revenues are estimated at 11,203,701 I dollars and the expenditure at 11,030,835 dollars, the revenues from direct taxes amounting to 6,006,309 dollars, and those from custom duties to 3,285,000 dollars. The amount of the Government's liability j under their guarantee to the Company is provided tol- as ordinary expenditure in the yearly budget of the Philippines. Under the Concession the Government have guaran- { teed interest, payable quarterly, at the rate of 8 per ent. per annum on a capital of 4,964,400 dols., takin" the working expenses at 50 per cent. of the gross earn* I ings. By later arrangements the amount of guaranteed j capita! hag been increased by 306,805 dols.for authorised I extra works, thus making the total capital 5,271,206 dols. with a guarantee of 8 per cent, per annum. The subsidies on account of the second section have been promptly p i id when due. The guarantee on the first t section will be complete on the opening of the bridge ) over the Rio Grande, expected in June next, and pay- ment of the guarantee on the Third Section, of which the iirst quarter's instalment is just due, has already been authorised by the Government. I The guaranteed interest at 8 ner I cent, (subject to the provision as to working expenses) on 5,271,205 dols. at 3s Id amounts to £65,010 Interest at 6 per cent, on £285,000 Prior Lien Mortgage Bonds, Series A, absorbs. 17,100 ¡ • Leaving £ 47,910 per annum available tor payment of interest on the present issue of Prior Lien Mortgage Bonds, Series B, for which only £ 12,000 is required. On the 1st June last the second section was opened for traffic, and the receipts from the first and second sections for the last six months of the year show :— At an expenditure of for traffic, and the receipts from the first and second sections for the last six months of the year show :— At an expenditure of July, Aug., Sept.$56,362 S44,256, or 78% p.c. I Oct., Nov.. Dec. 879,372 S49,934, or 62% p.c. Since 23rd November, when the whole line was opened, I reeeip's show ;— At an expenditure of December, 1892,$32,200 820,7^0, or 64 p.c. January, 1S9\ 540,200 824,450, or 61 p.c. January, 189\ 540,200 824,450, 0r 61 p.c. February, 1893,$40,000 §2 =,000, or 55 p.c. J [The expenditure for February is estimated by wire from Manila.] The decreasing percentage of expenditure, as shown above, is very satisfactory, for even at the rate of about j 60 pe; cent. the net income from traffic, say, 15,700 dols. per month, or 188,400 dols, per annum, equal to I 229,000 (from which only the London administration expenses have to be deducted) aimost covers the interest both on the £ 285,000 Prior Lien Mortgage f Bonds, Series A, and the £ 200,000 Series B now issued [ quite independent of the Government, guarantee. Considering that this is the first Railway built in the country, that its complete length has only just been ¡ opened for traffic, and that the staff has to be schooled f in economy, there is every reason to hope that the I working expenses will be reduced to a figure approach- ing-, if not below, 50 per cent, The districts through which the Railway runs are for the greater part densely populated, and the native < population has readily adopted this new mans of j locomotion, so that more than half of the income so far is derived from passenger traffic. The resources of the i country, not yet fully developed, augur well for the I future prosperity of the enterprise. The increasing traffics point to a speedy realisation of the nopes formerly expressed regarding the success of the undertaking. The newly-erected rice mills alone provide a very considerable traffic throughout I the year. The goods traffic amounted in January to about 15,000 dollars, due mainly to shipments of the balances of the 1892 rice crop, and the Company's superintendent states that he expects "this traffic will I be nearly doubled as soon a* the 1893 crop begins to be moved. The natives rinding that they ceconomically 1 market their crops are rapidly extending the area, under cultivation in the district served h-y the rpilway which, therefore, whilst increasing its earnings, proves an important factor in developing the great Vealth of > the island. j Relations with the Government Ct Altinuc excellent and facilitate the Company's operat ions. It is honed also that the Company's claim to an adjustment of the Government guarantee on the ba,/5s of the Spanish dollar (averaging sixpence more than the Manila dollar), which now forms the subject of negotiations, will be duiy recognised, and the G overnment guarantee thus be increased by more thau £ .10,000 per annum. Bonds will be issued either bearer, with coupons i for interest attached, or as Registered Bonds, at the I option of subscribers. Interest will be payable "half-yeaily, on the 1st of j January and 1st of July, thc; coupon due 1st July, 1893, ] representing interest at 6 rN: cent. per annum upon instalments. Holders of bonds to be&r#r can have them registered I at any time free of chp.Tge. Subscribers may make pr.yment in full on or af ter allotment under discount at the rate of 3 per cent ner annum. y Application wiU be made for a Stock Exc'aans-e quotation. B Applications must be made on the form accc mpanv- ing the prospectus, and lodged with Messrs Andre Mendel and Co., or with the London and County Banking Company, Lirnited, 21, Lombard-str eet, E.C. and branches, accopjoanied by a deposit of £5 per cent. on the amollnt. applied for. • lif "n ali?tmellt »*< made the deposit will be returned "J, V J"olllti fewer bonds than are aijpliad for be allotted, the surplus paid will be appropriated towards the amount due ou allotments Default i n payment of any instalment Tvill render the allotment, liable to can- cellation, and tlitj previous payment to forfeiture. the amount due ou allotments Default jn payment of any instalment will render the allotment, liable to can- cellation, and tlitj previous payment to forfeiture. Prospectuses can be obtained at. the Bankers. I Brokers or at the Offices of the Com, an v. A copy of the mortgage deed securing the present issue, and the ij,oyal decrown, before mentioned, can be seen at the Unices ot tne Company's Solicitors, 4, Great Win- chester-street, E.C. London, 14th March., 1893. 7171 SPRING AND SUMMER, 1893. J. J^EWTOX & CO" XAILORS AND BREECHES MAKERS, 53, QUEEN-STREET., 1 w CARDIFF, Have now awaiting your Inspection their New floods for the Seasons' trade. AN EARLY ORDER IS SOLICITED. 7107 jgl A R M E R S SEND OWN WOOL TO BE MADE INTO CLOTH from b 3d to 2s 4d per yard. Blankets from Is 2d to 2a 6d yard. Flannels from 9d to Is 6d per yard. Stocking Yarn from 9d per lb. Patterns for- tvarded to select from. Carriage paid to and from the Mills on all onlers of over £ 2. TYLBH, AND COMPANY. MAESLLYN MILLS, LLANDYSSIL 13éC7 ()UTH WAT ES n39 ASTHMA.BRONCHITIS, INFLUENZA COLDS, COUGHS, and all CHEST DISEASES QONGREVE'S JJALSAMIC ELIXIR THE FINEST MEDICINE in theWORLD JL Bottles lfl'/i. 2/9 and 4/6 of all Chemists. 14963 5294 TEETH.—Complete Set, One Guinea Five years'warranty. GOODMAH AND CO., 56, tyieen st, Cardiff 13041 VI i a EBusiness Àùbrtsst.5. ROGERS' AK ALES AND PORTERS In 4% Gallon Cask sandupwards. PALE AND MILD ALES from lOd per Gallon PORTER AND STOUTS from Is pe Gail BREWERY, BRISTOL. CARDIFF STORES, WORKING-STREET 1161 EARLY SPRING F ASHIONS. B EVANS & COMPANY have just received I LARGE CONSIGNMENTS direct from the READING J>RODUCERS IN ENGLAND, FRANCE, AND GERMANY, and are now showing A MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION OF THE NEW DRESS MATERIALS, SILKS AND VELVETS, THE NEW BLACK DRESS FABRICS. MANTLES, JACKETS, AND CAPES, t In the most recherche styles. LADIES' AND CHILDREN'S UNDER- CLOTHING, I And Charming Productions in PRINTS, SATEENS, FLANNELETTES, &c. Inspection of the New Stock is respectfully invited. rjpEMPLE STREET, gWANSEA. 1046 I SPRING CLVANING it I SPRING LEANING DON'T FORGET I^AWSON'S gAFETY" CLEANSER (REGISTERED) IS A GRAND SOAP FOR SPRING CLEANING. Useful for Everything and Everybody. 6909 ASK YOUR GROCER FOB A POUND BAR. PLUMBERS AND SANITARY SPECIALISTS. HOT WATER AND GASFITTERS. Agents for Bucha's Patent Disconnecting Traps anl Sanitary Fittings. ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR ALL KINDS OF PLUMBING. W H. ALLEN' AND 00., EXPERIENCED WORKMEN SENT TO ALL PARTS HOUSE DRAINAGE TESTED AND REPORTED UPON BY CERTIFICATED INSPECTOR. Send for Terms of Annual Inspection. 8, ST. JOHN'S-SQUARE, CARDIFF, AND 246, CASTLE-ROAD. 6552 kxEURGL, COLLE Begs to announce that he has OPENED A BRANCH SHOP, at 4, HIGH-STREET, for carrying on, as a separate Establishment, his increasing business as a Ili ADIES T AILOR. CARDIFF: 7, DUKE-STREET, 4, HIGH-STREET, Tailor and Military Tailor-made Gowns and Outfitter, Costumes, Riding Habits Breeches Makers, and Jackets, &c. ESTABLISHED 1807. j Patronised by the late H.R.H. the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. 6492 ERBE & -,io gI|~ERBERT ^SHMAN & 00 2 3, 4, and 5, BROADMEAD, BRISTOL LEATHER MERCHANTS, AND MAKERS OF LEATHER MACHINE BELTING, HOSE PIPES, &c., &e. Price Lists on Application 5P53 J g T O N E jg R O S J (Sons of the late Aid. Gains Augustus Stone), ¡ COMPLETE FUNERAL FURNISHERS I AND FUNERAL DIRECT RS. Every requisite for Funerals of all classes. Proprietors of Funeral Cars, Hearses. Shilli- biers, and Coaches. Superb Flemish Horses, &c. Price List on Application. Please Note the Only Address 5, WORKING-STREET. Telegraphic Address:- "STONE BROS., CARDIFF.' 6618 VARICOCELE And its Speedy, Pailles", and Certain Cure without Sntjrical Operation, by Dr Marston's American Method Twenty-one years' successful experience. Illustrated circular sent sealed for two stamps. THE MARSTON CO., 249, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON. 14920 4847 c P,.OSSLEY"S QTTO" (JAS jQNGINE. REFERENCES TO ALL TRADES IN ALL TOWNS REDUCED PRICES ON APPLICATION. The largest Manufacturers of Gas Engines in the world SECOND-HAND ENGINES IN STOCK. Crossley and Other Makes Exchanged for Larger. CROSSLEY'S PATENT OIL ENGINE, SIMPLE, RELIABLE, AND ECONOMICAL. Working principle same as the Otto Gas Engine. Write for particulars. South Wales Representative :— 1098 n. E. WALKER, 30, Woodville-road, CARDIFF.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES. DEATHS BIRTH. RHY9.-0n the 8th inst., at Aberdare, the wife of W. Ll. Rhys, L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., L.S.A., of a son. DEATHS. THOMAS.—On the 12th inst., at Penlan Villas, Swansea, the Rev E. Thomas, in his 75th year. No flowers or wreaths, and funeral strictly private by his special request. 7179 JONES.—At Penclawdd, on Monday, 13th March, the Rev J. Lloyd Jone-, Congregational Minister, aged 71 years. Funeral on Thursday, 16th inst., at Pen- clawdd Cemetery, 2.30 p.m. 7185 JONES.—David Jones, undertaker and builder, Station- street, Treherbert, died Friday, March 10th. Public funeral Thursday, March 16th, at 2 p.m. buried at I Treorky Cemetery. 390 LEWIS.—March 11th, at Chainworks, Pontypridd, Evan Lewis, aged 73. Funeral on Thursday next, 2.30, for Glvntaff. 7153

RAMPANT TORY OBSTRUCTION. POSTERITY which must hereafter judge the recent verdict of the constituencies, as the constituencies have judged the acts of the late Government, will not fail to con- demn the reckless and unstatesmanlike method in which this Opposition has been conducted." This sentence reads like a comment on current politics, and a censure on the flagrant and unabashed Obstruction tactics of the present Tory Opposition headed by Lord SALISBURY'S nephew, the leader of the Tory hosts in the Lower House. But it is not a comment on current politics. It was penned in 1874, and is extracted from an able little work, entitled Five Years of Liberal Policy and Conser- vative Opposition." The writer is the Honourable GEORGE C. BRODRICK, Warden of Merton College, and a strong opponent of conceding Home Rule to Ireland and the Tories ought not, therefore, to quarrel with their allv when he states that the istnoble policy of the Tories was carried out by I equally ignoble artifices of Parliamentary strategy. Never perhaps were the forms of the House of Commons so grossly or so in- solently overstrained as in the Session of 1871, during which seventeen divisions took place on more or less obstructive motions before going into Committee of Supply, twelve on motions for the adjournment of the House, twenty on motions for the ad- journment of a debate, and seventeen on motions for reporting progress or vacating the Chair in Committee." During the whole of Mr GLADSTONE'S first Administration this Tory obstruction was persistent, in- veterate, and venomous and the business of the country was, as Mr BRODRICK states, shamefully delayed, useful measures were defeated altogether, while more were so mutilated and spoiled that perhaps ic would have been wiser for their authors to have abandoned them, and thus escaped the discredit of their preconcerted failure." During, the second Administration of Mr GLADSTONE, Tory Obstruction was even more insolent and shameless. The notorious Fourth party, led by Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL, made their boast that as it was the duty of an Opposition to oppose, they would resist by every means, fair and foul, every measure brought in by the GLADSTONE Government. They carried out their threat withoutthe faintest regard to political seemliness, or to Parliamentary decency, and the public business of the country was brought almost to a deadlock, and Parlia- mentary procedure into grave disrepute through the discreditable, vindictive, and unpatriotic tactics of the Tory Opposition. Mr GLADSTONE'S third Administration was too limited for Tory Obstructionists to display much of their evil skill in thwarting and delaying the business of the nation, and in defeating useful political and social measuras which are so necessary to the well-being and the progress of the country. But now in Mr GLADSTONE'S fourth Administration, Tories and Liberal apostates seem to have aban- doned all sense of political shame and every pretence of patriotic regard for the interests and welfare of the country, and are deter- mined to prevent, as far as their reckless obstructive tactics can prevent, even the Naval and Military Estimates from passing, which are essential to the preservation of our national honour. Up till recently, writes Mr BRODRICK, it was the honourable practice of both parties when in Opposition to offer battle on every question of principle, but to abstain from snatching a chance victory on minor issues. Nay more on a great many questions of Departmental rather than political interest it was usual for Ministers to expect and receive a certain degree of support from the Front Opposition Bench." But these days of honourable political war- fare, in which the interests of the country were considered as vital and as incomparably paramount to the embarrassment, or even the defeat of a Ministry, have, so far as the Tories when in opposition are concerned, passed away and seemingly for ever. In order to defeat by delay the Home Rule Bill and the Welsh Suspensory Bill Tory Obstructives have resolved by factious and dilatory manoeuvres to delay the passing of the Supplementary Estimates and thus plunge the Military and Naval Departments into grave difficulty and confusion. It is time for the country to wake up and to consider the serious mischief to our national honour, and even to our national safety which these Tory factionists are creating. A partial survey of the past week of faction," or even of the last two days of the week, ought to be sufficient to arouse the country to pronounce with no uncertain voice against this dangerous Tory game of Obstruction. The passing of the Estimates are a Departmental necessity, and have no relation to politics. It is the interests of the country, and not the interests of a political party which are damaged and imperilled when the passing of the Estimates is delayed by factious opposition. And the Tories have wasted the whole of the last week in delaying the passing of the Estimates by every tricky artifice and discreditable dodge which perverted ingenuity could devise. The whole of Friday was wasted in discussing and resisting Mr GLADSTONE'S proposal to have a Saturday's sitting spe- cially to make progress with the Estimates. The whole of Saturday was wasted by Tory questions and discussions about precedents for a Saturday's sitting to consider the Estimates, and not a vote in Supply was taken on either day. The same Obstructive game was pursued yesterday with serious damage to the business of the country. So successful have these Tory tactics of Obstruction proved that Sir WILLIAM HARCOUKT announced yesterday, on behalf of Mr GLADSTONE, that in consequence of the delay of public business the second reading of the Home Rule Bill has been postponed until after the Easter vacation. What makes this Tory game of Obstruction more discreditable and shame- less is the fact that the Tory leaders of the House are the leaders in this disgraceful procedure—Mr BALFOUR heading his merry men to delay and damage the interests of the country. Such a spectacle was never witnessed in the better days of our Parliamentary life. But Tory faction has become rampant and ravening, and has lost all sense of personal shame and of political honour, which used to prevent even political zealots from delaying the business of the country out of hatred to their poli- tical foes. But Tories and Liberal apostates do not shrink from declaring that they will use every means in their power to prevent the measures they dislike from coming before the House for debate. Mr CHAMBER- LAIN openly affirmed in the House of Com- mons on Friday night that It is our desire and therefore our intention, so far as we have the power, to prevent the second read- ing of the Home Rule Bill before Easter." And the Times, the foremost organ of the Tory Obstructionist policy, declared on Saturday morning with reference to the Saturday's sitting, The calculation of the Unionists is that even if the House sits until midnight it will be impossible for the Government to make any real progress with the consideration of the Army Estimates." Here then we have Tory and Liberal apos- tate Obstruction, open, avowed, and un- blushing, and the country has had most unpleasing experience during the past week of the mischievous and discredit- able tactics to which these Obstructionists condescend. How shall the Government be carried on 1" was once the wailing exclamation of a Prime Minister. And" how shall the QUEEN'S Government be carried on ?" Mr GLADSTONE might pertinently enquire in face of this shameless combination of persistent and organised Tory obstruction to bring all Parliamentary business to a standstill. He has got one "coign of vantage" which the Tories created when they passed the Closure rules to force Mr BAIJOUR'S perpetual Coercion Bill through the House of Commons. Mr GLADSTONE should apply the Closure un- sparingly so that persistent Obstruction might be crushed out, and the pressing business of the country be carried to necessary completion.

HOME RULE AND THE EMPIRE. At last we have some definite arguments against Home Rule offered for consideration. These are forthcoming from a leading York- shire Tory newspaper. In vain have we awaited the pronouncements cf Lord SALIS- BURY, Mr BALFOUR, Mr CHAMBERLAIN, and the rest of the madcontents. Evfin Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL has delivered his political soul by repeating his epigrammatic utterance that "Ulster will fight and Ulster will be right." The enfant terrible of the Tory party has so far had the game of brag to himself the other leaders of the Opposi- tion can only obstruct and deny—argument they carefully eschew. But our Yorkshire contemporary is mere daring. Three columns of a recent issue are devoted to leading articles which attack the principle of Home Rule. A fair summary of the reasons advanced against the measure now before Parliament can, however, be given in less space without loss of force. The first definite proposition is that Russia's "secret understandings and avowed good wishes are with the Irish Nationalists." She sym- pathises with them because disruption 111 the United Kingdom makes her progress towards the conquest of India easier. Secondly, France supports the Home Rulers because she wishes to get England out of Egypt, and to be left a free hand in Africa. Thirdly, if the Bill beeorne law, "Canada, with all her chivalrous devotion, all her pride in the old flag, all her forbearance under the unrestricted usurpations of France in Newfoundland and Russia in the North Pacific, would, in dumb wonderment and inarticulate disgust, try to reconcile herself to the American theory of manifest destiny. Fourthly, Australia would jeeringly and fleeringly say :—" Your vaunted Imperial people have lost the old Imperial instinct; your boasted British lion has surrendered to the Irish mouse." Fifthly, the West Indies would at once fly to the arms of the United States. Finally, as a grand climax, the peoples and powers friendly to England—Italians, Austrians, Hungarians, Germans, Canadians, and non-Irish Australians and New Zea- landers—regard with uneasiness and disgust the to them astounding fact that nearly half the British nation are reconciled to Mr GLADSTONE and his so-styled Home Rule Bill." Thus stands the case, as put by the counsel for the prosecution, but where—oh, where—are the witnesses ? The opening count is delight- fully disingenuous. Russia gloating over the extension of Home Rule to Ireland Russia, with Poland, Trans-Caspia, and hordes of Central Asian nomads upon her hands Russia, with Nihilism eating her national heart out Russia, with gaunc- eyed famine and a rampant militarism equally claiming her attention—such a country welcoming the spread of the Federal idea is surely a picture which could alone be evolved out of the scant resources of intellectual bankruptcy. Then France, who is to turn Algerian deserts and Toncjuinese I fever-beds into smiling oases of health and plenty by means of a College Green I Legislature. We wonder whether the thought brings joy to the heart of M. JULES FERRY, "the man of Tonquin does it promise dividends to the pockets of French investors in Algerian vineyards? Let those who would fain believe these things read the disastrous records of French attempts at colonisation in the Far East, or the lighter pages of ALPHONSE Tartarin de Tarascon." But this cool assumption of an attitude of disgust en the part of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is so astound- ingly impudent—such an absolute mis- statement of fact, that it requires direct and unmistakeable contradiction. The leading statesmen of these countries, their legislatures, the corporate bodies of theirgreat cities, have over and overagainpro nounced in favour of Home Rule for Ireland, as plainly and forcibly and earnestly as the English language will permit. Every resource of ofliciallife and individual initia tive has been exhausted to assure Mr GLADSTONE of their deep and unfaltering belief in his resolve to heal the political wounds of Ireland. Can this be doubted ? We refer our Yorkshire contemporary to the most common works of reference. The editions of HazelVs Annual Cydopcedia and Whitaker's Almanack since 1885 will settle the matter beyond all dispute. With regard to Australian feeling upon the point the Tories of South Wales are likely to be judiciously silent. Since the visit of Sir KnruEL GRIFFITH, a Welshman, who was at the time PREMIER of the Queensland Parliament, they have been commendably careful in quoting Antipodean opinion on the Rome Rule question. Sir SAMUEL GRIFFITH came here labelled as a Con- servative statesman, and with the ignor- ance which unfortunately afflicts most Englishmen respecting the affairs of Greater Britain, the local Tories hailed him as a friend and brother. It is true that he was both, in his unflinching support of the ties which bind together the mother country and her colonies. But when. at the banquet in the Town-hall he rose to respond to the toast of his health, what a chill fell upon the hearts of his Conservative hearers as he expounded in eloquent terms the doctrine of Trust the people," which Australia has so resolutely adopted. He asked them what they were afraid of, in dealing with Disestablishment, land nationalisation, free education, and local government, with the example of Australasia before their eyes 1 No, the opponents, such as they are, in this Principality, of Home Rule will hesitate long before they confound Canadian and Antipodean Loyalists with the "Loyalists" of Ulster. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," but in the latter case it is a noxious weed that masquerades under the name of the rose. The coffee and cocoa and spice growers of the West Indies would be truly amazed if told that their home market was to be destroyed by Mr GLADSTONE'S proposals for the better government of Ireland. As for the Ameri- can bribe of reciprocity, has it not been tried and failed ? Sir HENRY BLAKE, governor of Jamaica, will answer questions on thr.t point if doubters are not satisfied with his letters to the Times and articles in leading magazines published in 1891, on the occasion of the West Indian Exhibition. The extra- ordinary perversion of ideas which enables men at a loss for reasonable arguments against Home Rule to tall back upon such threadbare imposition as that attempted by our Tory contemporary is best shown by the fact that Colonial statesmen like Sir HENRY PARKES, Mr CECIL RHODES, and the late Sir JoHN MACDONALD have repeatedly declared that in granting Ireland powers of self-government Great Britain was really welding the Empire into a stronger whole, by removing the causes for dis- affection in a part. In Canada, Austral- asia, and South Africa Home Rule is re- garded as a first step in the direction of Imperial Federation. We are indebted to Lord SALISBURY for a definition of what this means—a Kriegsverein and a Zollverein—a War Union and a Customs Union. The latter point may be debateable, as the features of Imperial Federation individually are but, surely, whatever be the practical outcome of the movement, it can never achieve disunion. Far more honest would it be for the advocates of Toryism to adopt the theatrical attitude of the Orange faction, and state their determined hostility to the spread of democracy by crying "We will die in the last ditch against it," than to attempt to logically con- test the principles at issue. Fiction plays a far too important part in history, but it is going beyondtiie lirmtsof even MUNCHAUSEN to deny the recorded utterances of collec- tive peoples, as expressed by their elected representatives, and to be found in the pages of every newspaper of repute published within the last seven years. Every interest which Ireland possesses in England, every tie which binds both countries together, will be strengthened beyond measure by the confidence shown by the British electors in the power and ability of their Irish com- peers to govern themselves, and administer the affairs of their distressed country on a basis and in a manner acceptable to the vast majority of its inhabitants. The prosperity of Ireland will add volume to the prosperity of England, and the removal of political unhappiness will quickly heal over the wounds of a bitter past. Memories of unre- quited wrongs cannot survive the establish- ment of measures to relieve them. The one destroys the other, and their existence will as rapidly become a matter of ancient his- tory as will the opposition to reform offered to-day by the Tory party. A common fate —well-deserved oblivion—awaits both.

THE anticipation that the Cardiff Council would yesterday discuss the fair wages resolution was not realised the question could not be formally raised upon the letters that were presented by the Master Builders' Association and that of the timber merchants, and consequently Alderman D. JONES gave notice that ho would at the next meeting submit a motion to rescind the resolution. It is not a little curious that just at the time when other bodies, notably Government departments, are endorsing the principle of fair wages," the Cardiff Council should be asked to reverse its action in this respect. There appears to have been some misunderstanding either as to the purport of the re- solution, or as to the method of its application. If it be a fact that persons are, without notification of the" fair wages" clause, invited to tender for supply of goods, and that only after their tender has been accepted do they learn that an essential condition of their contract is the payment to their employees of the Trade Union rates of wages, then the business methods of the Council require prompt amendment. It will be interesting to note what course will be taken at next meeting by thu gentlemen who so agilely climbed upon the fence when the resolution was passed, and also to see whether the Council will stultify itself by reeission of the resolution directly it has proved obnoxious.

THE preamble of the Bill deposited by the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway Company having been proved so far as the Lords'Committee is concerned, the Company may again be said to have powers to add lOW) links to the line already in existence, which will give independent access from the Rhondda coalfields to the town of Swansea. Our readers will remember that the powers originally obtained by this Company pro- vided a like privilege, but the access was to be obtained by means of a tunnel under the Neath river. The line was made from the Rhondda to Aberavon, but the work of con- structing the river tunnel was both expensive and difficult, and, after it had been partly bored, it was found neces- saary to abandon the idea of con- tinuing the line to Swansea in this way. Then, in a weak moment, the shareholders, on the advice of the directors, decided to enter into an agreement with the Great Western Railway Company, and this, after a long trial, worked so badly that Parliament had to be prayed to allow it to be cancelled. The prayer was granted, and powers were subsequently given to come to Swansea from Aberavon, by means which included a tunnel through the Baglan mountain and a bridge across the Neath river. This bridge is now in course of con- struction, but; the construction of the tunnel was considered too costly a matter for the present. Parliament is now asked to sanc- tion as an alternative route between Aber- avon and Briton Ferry a line across the Burrows. It is this which the House of Lords Committee has just given its assent te. The only other question the Committee were asked to favourably consider was that of bringing the Swansea terminus further in to that town—namely, from Port Tennant to a spot near the Midland Station—over the Harbour Trust lines. The Harbour Trust did not oppose, so this has been granted as a did not oppose, so this has been granted as a matter of course. The shareholders have thus got power to make the links necessary to give an independent line from Treherbert to Swansea. Of coarse, the Bill will have to go before the Commons' Committee and receive the sanction of both Houses and the Royal Assent. But this is now deemed to be assured, and we only hope that when the Royal Assent is received the directors will lese no time in carrying out the powers given them, so that the patient shareholders and the inhabitants of Swansea and the district lying between there and Treherbert may reap those advantages everybody expects as a result of the completion of this line.

No subject is of more concern for South Wales than that of Trade Union organisa- tion, particularly as it affects the miners and consequently the meeting of the colliers' representatives held yesterday specially to consider the question of further- ing organisation is of peculiar interest. It is obvious that the position of the men in this respect is very unsatisfactory. Prac- tically, it may be said that there is no effective organisation. Not only are largtf numbers of men outside the scheme which is in existence, reaping its benefits without contributing a penny to its expenses, but there is also a continuous source of trouble in the methods of collecting the funds. From time to time protests and condemna- tions are macte; but hitherto nothing has bee;; done to mend matters. One reason for apathy doubtless arises from the fact that when once a Sliding-scale Agreement has been entered into many of the men lose interest in their Unions—they recognise that the conditions of working and the rate of wages have been fixed for a time, and, therefore, become careless. Thus it happens that in times of crisis there is no effective power behind the Unions. The men themselves are to blame and very often those who are moat vociferous in condemning the action of the representatives are those who, by neglect, have done all they possibly could do to make their representatives almost powerless in negotiation on their behalf. We hope that yesterday's conference will prove the initial stage of better things. It is the duty of the miners to loyally support aTradeUnion and if any way the existing form of organisation is not satisfactory, it rests with them alono to set matters right. No class of men need the services of a Trade Union more than miners do and more particularly is this the case at the present time, when projects of legislation deeply concerning them are being brought forward.

THE CARDIFF SAVINGS' BANK. DISTRIBUTION OF THE FUNDS. A QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT. In the Housy of Commons, on Monday, Mr Howell asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether ho was aware tha.t nine of the trustees and managers of the Cardiff Trustee Bank had paid £1,000 each towards the deficiency, and one £800, and that the Marquis of Bute bad con- sented to contribute the sum cf £1,800 or some similar sum, on the condition that this amount shall go in liquidation of the losses sustained by the friendly societies who were depositors ? And whether he could tell the House when the dis- tribution of the funds in hand would take The Chancellor of the Exchequer replied :—I am informed that a sum of £ 10,COO has been pid or promised by certain trustees and managers in settlement of claims against them. I am also informed that the Marquis of Bute has promised to pay the claims of the clubs and friendly societies in full. The amount required for this purpose is £2,789. The arrangements for the winding-up of the liquidation and the distribu- tion of the available funds have been unfor- tunately delayed by the deaths in August last, and on the 3rd inst., of two successive liquidators. Another liquidator will be appointed as soon as possible.

THE DE WALDEN DIVORCE CASE. DOCUMENTS IMPOUNDED. In the Divorce Division on Monday, Mr Searh', one of the counsel who appeared for Lady de Walden in the recent suit, applied to the President. Sir Francis Jeun?, that all documents in the Howard de Walden casa might be im- pounded that they should not be partfd with hy the Court.—The President granted the applica- ticn.

It cost Mr Philip tanlpy £791 to win the sent ntEmnley; it cost Mr W. A. Lindsay £616 to lose it

QUESTION OF ORGANISATION. MEETING IN CARDIFF. At a general conference of miners' delegates of South Wales and Monmouthshire, held m St. John's-hall, Cardiff, on Saturday,the 4th inst., the men's representatives on the Sliding scale Com- mittee were authorised to devise a uniform scheme of organisation for general adop. tion by tbe miners. In accordance with that resolution the sliding-scale members met at the Hotel, Cardiff, on Monday, to endeavour to formulate a scheme calculated to improve the organisation of the miners in South Wales and Monmouthshire, All the repre- sentatives were presenc, we understand, with the exception of Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), and Mr Morgan Weeks, The chair was occupied by Mr David Morgan. Mr Isaac Evans, repre- senting the house-coal men, was invited to take part in the proceedings, and fhat gentleman was in attendance. OFFICIAL REPORT. The meeting lasted until five o'clock in the afternoon, when the following account of the proceedings was furnished to our representative A meeting of the workmen's representatives upon the Sliding-scale ComulItteewas held on Mon- day at the Angel HneJ, under the presidency of Councillor David Morgan, the vice-chair being occupied by Councillor T. Daronwy Isaac. Other members of the Sliding-scale Com mittee in attendance were Messrs P. D Use- David B-ynou, Thomas Richard-, Alfred Onion" Thorns Davies, and Lewis secretary. [ M. A. Jones, Gwaencaegurvven, was present representing tne anthracite district. Mr Isaac Evans also took part in the discussion on organisa- tion by invitation cf the committer The com- mittee had been convened for the pur- pose of carrying out the instructions of the miners conference recently held at Cardiff with regard to devising a uniform scheme for general adoption by the South Wales and Mon- mouthshire mmers. The whole day was occuDied in drawing up resolutions, and the meeting was adjourned till to-morrow, to nmi iy arrange matters, and to take into con- sideration the redistribution of seats.

POSITION OF MR ISAAC EVANS. We learn on inquiry that Mr Isaac Evans, who, it will bo remembered, refused on behalf of his constituents-the coal miners—tc sign the last Sliding-scale agreement, was invited by letter from Mr Lewis Miles, the secretary, to attend Monday a meeting cf men's representatives on the committee to consider the question of organisa- tion. In response to the invitation, Mr Evans put in an appearance, and at once asked if he was intruding, he not now being a member of tho Sliding-scale Committee. A discussion took place upon Mr Evans's right of being present unless he attended on the understanding that he would be admitted as a member cf the com- mittee. Mr Evans said he was not there as a member of the Sliding-scale Committee, but merely-at the invitation of the secretary—for the purpose of aiding in the drafting of a scheme for the formation of an organisation for South Wales and Monmouthshire, admittedly so much needed. Mr Evans was then asked what his district in- tended to do. He replied that he could not sav as yet, because a district meeting would not ba held until the 25th instant, when doubtless the question of whether that district would fall in with tho other members of the Sliding Com- mittee would be considered. The subject of finances was then brought forward. It, was stated by Mr Evans that his district had hitherto been as loyal as any district in South Wales in financially supporting the scale. He would sco further and sav that he did not think any other district, in pro- portion to numbers and area, had contributed more largely and readily towards maintaining the working of the scale. Asked as to house coal representation in general, Mr Isaac Evans said he had nothing to report beyond what had already appeared in the newspapers on the point, namely, that the house coal men had decided to maintain their own fund as hitherto, and to retain the right in the future as in the past of selecting their own representatives in the interests of the house coal section. Mr Evans declared that he did not wish to intrude in any way, but if it was the wish of the committee that he should not sit with them to fcrrnulate a scheme for an organisa- tion for South Wales and Monmouthshire, he would willingly withdraw. As a Trade Unionist, however, he should like to be present while they dealt with tho subject of organisation, although he did not intend to take part in the question of a redistribution of seats, or in anything else con- cerning the sliding scale. The subject of organisation was then dealt witb. It was proposed that an organisation should be established for the miners of Mon- mouthshire and South Wales upon Trade Union principles. Several propositions having been made, it was eventually resolved that 8d per member per month should be subscribed by all workmen who wished to affiliate with the organ- isation, of which sum 3d per member should be forwarded t form a central fund, 5d to be retained for the district or local fund. It was also recommended that in case of dispute each district sbould support its own men to the extent of 5 per cent. before appealing to the centra! fund or committee for financial support. A general organiser was felt to bemuoh needed and it was arranged that a recommenda- tion be made to the next general conference of delegates that a general secretary should be ap- pointed to act as organiser for South Wales and Monmouthshire. It was also urged that every effort; be made to get the whole of the workmen to become members of the proposed organisation, and that the principles of Trada Unionism be strictly adhered to. Next cropped up the question of a redistribu- tion of sets. Mr Isaac Evans was invited to attend the adjourned meeting of the committee on the following morning to take part in the discussion. Mr Evans, however, declined, stating that he did not think it would be prudent on his part to attend. Some members expressed the opinion that it would be hardly competent for them to take into consideration the subject of a redistribution of seats unless the whole of the districts were fairly represented. It was urged that some districts were not fairly represented, according to their numbers, while others were over-represented. However, in the end it was areed that th members should again meat to-day (Tuesday), Mr Isaac Evans adhering to his determination not to be present to take any part whatever in the discussion of the question.

DISPUTE IN THE RHONDDA. On Monday night Mr W. Evans, agent of the Cambrian Association of Miners, visited Hafod, and distributed the usual fortnightly contribu- tions among the 50 workmen who were employed in the four-feet seam of the Coedcae Colliery, and are now on strike in consequence of the manage- ment enforcing upon them the adoption of the Barry system of working the coal, which the men consider most objectionable, owing to the roof being unsuitable.

THE OCEAlFCOLLIERIES. On Monday 250 of the 1,000 workmen thrown out of employment about a week ag" through the collapse of a large section of the brickwork in the upcast shaft or flue in the Ton Colliery resumed operations, but the remainder of the men will probably be idle for another week. The work of repairing the shaft is being executed a3 expeditiously as possible. Sinking operations have beu commenced in the Bwllfa down-east shaft, another large colliery belonging to the Ocean Company, and situated only a short distance away from the Ton Pit. It, is stited that when the seven feet seam to which they intend sinking is opened out employment will be found for a large number of men and work will probably be resumed in the seam or branches of the workings now idle.

COLLISION OFF THE WOLF. A CARDIFF STEAMER RUNS INTO A BARQUE. On Saturday morning No. 1 pilot cutter landed at Falmouth Capt. Finkernagee and crew of the French barque Lehernais, of Marselles, from Havre for Cardiff in ballast, from the steamer Llanheris, of Cardiff, bound to Genoa. The Lehernais was run into and sunk immediately by the Llanheris at 3.40 on Friday afternoon, six miles from the Wolf, in clear weather, and nearly calm. The captain of the barque states that he sighted the steamer when about six miles ofF, but of course thought she would keep out of the way of the barque. When, however, he came within five or six cable lengths he could sec that a. collision was almost inevitable. He could see no officer on the bridge, the on!yman in sight being the man at the wheel, and he did net I at all appreciate the situation. Captain Finker- nagee thereupon shouted with all his might, and all his crew, twelve all told, rushed on deck. Immediately afterwards the steamer struck the barque with terrific force on the port side behind the foro topmast rigging. Captain Thomas James (Cardiff), of the Llanheris who was sleeping in his bunk at the time, thought the vessel had struck on a rock, and rushed on deck. He took in the situation at once, and acted with great coolness and promptitude. He put the steamer buck full speed astern, and hove close alongside the barque, and called upon the crew to jump on board, and they lost no time in accepting the offer. The barque sunk so rapidly that none of the crew had time to go below for any of their effects. The first mate was tho last man but one to leave, and in clutching at a rope to climb on to the steamer he fell, and was crushed to death between the steamer and barque. The last man to leave was the captain, and he had barely got on board the steamer when tbe barque went down, being within five minutes of tho time she was struck. Captain Finkernagee attributes the collision to the absence of the chief mate of the steam from his post. The steamer was going full speed at the time, and the barque was steering at about one knot. Capt. James gave the wrecked crew food and clothes, and did ail he could to make them eomfortabte. Finkernagee speaks highly of his conduct. The same kind attflltion was given to the crew Gll board the cutter, and again at the Sailors' Home, Falmouth, wriere they were taken in. The steamer pro- ceeded on her cour.-e, after transferring the wrecked crew to the cutter.

RHONDDA AND SWANSEA BAY RAILWAY BILL. THE PREAMBLE PASSED BY THE LORDS. HOUSE OF LORDS, Monday.—The consideration of the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway Bill was resumed to-day before a Select Committee of the House cf Lords, Lord Hamilton of Dalzell presiding.—Mr Henry Lambert, the general manager of the Great Western Railway Com- pany, was further examined in opposition to the Bill. He stated that ou one occasion, when the Rhondda Company was in Parliament, it was suggested that the Great Western line between Swansea and Aberavon was congested with traffic. On that occasion he explained that this circum- stance was due to and occurred when the McKinley tariff excitement prevailed. This caused for a time an abnormal increase in the consignment of tin-plates. Nat only were the main lines unablo to carry it with the usual expedition, but the sidings were blocked. As a result the Great Western Company had spent about £23,000 since then in improving their arrangements, and he expressed his strong con- viction that the existing arrangements were equal to all the requirements of the traffic of the dis- trict. This concluded the evidence for the Great Western Railway Company, and Mr Cripps, Q.C., proceeded to address the Committee. He urged that the iicai adjustment of last year ought to be adhered to. When the Great Western Com- pany gave the Rhondda Company powers to run over their line tlioy expected that it would be a final settlement of the d'spute which had arisen between the two companies. They now protested in the strongest possible manner that the Rhondda Company should this year come before Parliament and ask for powers which would enable them to compete with the Groat Western Company. The learned counsel said there was no reason for upsetting the arrangement agreed to, and th3 the argument that it had been arrived at hurriedly and under a misconception was simply ridiculous. The arrangement was come to after due deliberation, and there was not the slightest doubt that whn the Great Western Company entered into the arrangement they were under the impression that the hatchet would be buried between the two companies and that for the future they would work amicably together, A solemn undertaking had been entered into between the two companies, and ho urged that it should be loyally maintained by the Rhondda Company as it had been honestly entered into by the Great Western Company. Mr Worstey Taylor, Q.C., replying on behalf of the promoters of tiie Bill, pointed cut that this was a case where a public necessity existed, and that the dog-in the-manger policy of tho Great Western Railway ought not to stand in the way of a public improvement, which was demanded by a rapidly-crowing population and a. rapidly-m- creasing trade. Parliament had already given them powers to compete with tho Great Western Railway, and what they asked Parliament was to give them power to increase the powers of competition. He asked their lordships whether in the public interest they were for all time to have their hands tied in the way in which it was proposed. Were they for all time to have to carry their traffic from Aberavon over the Great Western line, when, for the expenditure of a simple £10,000. they could sav? a back shunt of about three miles and obtain dircct access from the Rhondda Valley to the port of Swansea ? There was no question that. here they had an enormous public case. Tht Great Western Com- pany were their only opponents, and why were theyopposing the Ivhondda Company? It was part and parcel of thn policy which had been always pursued by the Great Western Company when the Rhondda Company had wanted to serve the public. The Rhondda Railway was started for the especial purpose of competing with the Great Western Coiupanv. The coal mer- chants of the Rh&ndda Valley complained that the Great Western Company would net serve them in the way in which they require, and when the Rhondda and Swansea Bay was promoted the Great Western protested and said, "Do not let them comi* in." But Parliament let' them in. Then tho Great Western Company agreed to facilitate them by giving them running powers aud by promising to handle their traffic as if it were thsir own. Relying upon that promise, the Rhondda Company entered into the agree- ment of which, during the course of this inquiry, they had heard so much. But what was the actual fact ? It was this :—That the agreement had never been carried out, but that, on the con- trary, every difficulty had been thrown in the way of the Rhondda Company. It had been said, moreover, that this arrangement was a final agte2,r.cnt between the two companies. Ee denied that it was ever intended to be anything of the kind. It was no concession on the part of the Great Western Railway. It was a give-and- take arrangement and the Great Western, there wad no question about it, had the best of the bargain. But It was per- fectly clear from past experience that they would never be able to deal with the traffic as they desired to do, and as the public of the district desired them to ùo, if they were to remain tied to the apron strings of the Great Western Company, and he asked their lordships to say that they- should have power to compete with the Great Western Company. Their lordships, after a brief deliberation, passed the pteamble of the Bill. Replying to counsel, the Chairman said they did not require any evidence to be called as to the expenditure on the stations at Swansea or elsewhere.