South Wales Daily News

HORRIBLE BARBARITY. A MINER SENTENCED TO PENAL SERVITUDE FOR LIFE. George Win. Prince (22), miner, was indicted roll Warwickshire Assises on Tuesday for the manslaughter of a girl named Sharratb ab Bhntbington, near Tamworth, in October. Prisoner and deceased kept company, and met at a party given by some friends. During the evening prisoner threw the girl on the ground and trampled upon her. She was pregnant, and the injuries she received caused death. Prisoner was found guilty, and was sentenced to wrritnde for life. 1

THE TURKISH CRISIS IMPORTANT MAHOMEDAN MOVEMENT. SULTAN CALLS ALBANIA TO ARMS. BELGBADK, Dec. 6.-Reliable information from Knssova. Eyalet, and North-Western Macedonia I announces a very important movement among the Mahomedan population. Yashar Pasha, hereditary Lord of Prishtina, who once aspired to I form Albania, Kossova, and part of Mace. donia into an autonomous Mabomedan Princi- pality, and on account of such ambition has been kept for years a political prisoner at Constanti. nople, has had lately restored to him all his very extensive estates, been sent back to Prishtina, and entrusted by the Sultan with a speoial mission. About the same time the famous Moolah Zekab, once leader of the Albanian League, and on that account until lately interned at Salonica, has been allowed to return to Ipek and take in hand fcha reconstruction of that league. Yashar convoked the chiefs of all the Albanian olans to the principal moeque at Prishtina, and told them the Sultan wished them to know that very grave dangers menace the Mahomedans in Europe, that the time is come for all true believers to put aside all feuds and dis- sensions among themselves and organise and arm themselves for the supreme struggle with the infidels. The same language was held by Moolah Zekah at the meetings of the, Albanians at Metzovitza, Vuchitern, and Ipek; which chose special delegates to meet at the principal mosque at Prizzen the delegates sent by Yashar Pasha's friends. At that meeting a general Bessa, or God's truce, has been declared for the next five years among all Albanian clans and Mahom. edan tribes. At the same time it was decided that every Mahomedan from 18 to 60 years old should be armed without delay, and that the Sultan should be petitioned to grant the Albanians autonomous administration of their internal aff-tirs.-Crentral News. PROFESSOR BRYCE ON ARMENIA. A SEVERE INDICTMENT OF THE POWERS. The Press Association has received from Messrs Macmillan a copy of Professor Bryce's book on Trans-Caucasia and Ararat," to which has been added a chapter on the Armenian quostion. Mr Bryce traces the history of this ques. tion siuce the Russo Turkish campaign. "Twenty years," he says, "is a short space in the life of a nation. Bub these 20 years have been filled with sufferings for the Armenian Christians greater than their ancestors bad to endure during the eight centuries that have passed since the first Turkish conquest of Armenia. These have been years of misery, slaughter, martyrdom, agony, despair. Between one and two hundred thousand Christians have perished by sword or by famine. Hun. dreds of villages have been burned to the ground; many cities have been half ruined many wide districts have been laid waste; trado has almost wholly ceased, and the animosity of the Moslems towards the Christians has reached a point unknown before, and is spreading into Egypt and other Mohamedan countries. Behind a remorseless tyrant and a fanatical populace stands the fatal action, followed by the fatal inaction, of the European Powers. If there bad been no Treaty of Berlin and no Anglo-Turkish Convention the Armenians would doubtless have continued to be oppressed as they have been oppressed for centuries, but they would have been spared the storm of fire, famine, and slaughter which descended upon them in 1895. Their women would not have been outraged, their priests martyred, their children led into captivity, their religion over large districts utterly blotted out. This is what European protection has brought in its train; this is what England and Russia between them have accomplished. Better it would have been for the Christians of the East if no diplomatist had ever signed a protocol or wribten a despatch on their behalf." Mr Bryce con- cludes, "Whatevei the future may bring, the past is past, and will one day fall to be judged- and of the judgment of posterity there can be little doubt." 9115,000 REQUIRED FOR RELIEF. Sir Philip Currie, the British Ambassador to Constantinople, has transmitted to Lord Salis- I bury an estimate made by Mr Whitball, president of the Armenian Relief Committee, of the sums which will be required to provide adequate relief during the com- ing winter. Mr Whittall estimates that at least £ 100,000 will be needed for the interior provinces and £ 15,000 for Constantinople. Sir Philip Otirric adtis, "I believe the figures given by Mr Whittall are the result of careful inquiries, and are based on information received from the most reliable sources."

MEN GIVING WAY. HAMBURG, Tuesday.—Nmety-oue ships em. ployed, and 4,609 hands are now working. There is a constant iuorease in the number of those who are resuming work, and the termination of the strike is daily expected. This morning the Strike Committee paid out 95,000 marks in aid to the men. The shipowners held a third meeting at the Town Hall this afternoon, but the result is kept secret. The gasworkers are still restless, but if they do come out on strike military pioneers are ready to help the authorities.- Central News.

TROUBLE WITH RAJLWAYMEN BREWING. HAMBORO, Tuesday Midnight.-At a meeting of railway workers held here this evening, it was decided to form a Union aud supporb it in every possible way. In the resolution embodying this decision expectation was expressed that the railway directors would agree to an increase of, wages. Abolition of contract work and a daily wage of 4 marks SO pf. were demanded. It was also urged that the eight-honr system should be established from April lst next year, with general rest on Suridays.-R-euter.

WOMAN'S SUFFRAGE IN VICTORIA. MELBOURNE, Tuesdlloy.-The Constitution Bill providing for the application of woman's suffrage and one man one vote was adopted by the Viotorian Legislative Assembly to-day. The Governmenb proposes to spend £ 213,000 on 1 railway works in this Colony.— Dalziel.

TO-DAY'S WEATHER. 4.30 A.M. TO-DAY'S FORECAST FOR ENGLAND, S.W., AND -SOUTH WALES. South-easterly and strong south- erly winds or gales, veering and moderating later squally rainy unsettled. GIINER-AL,-Soutberly and south. easterly gales, veering and mode- rating later, are probable over greater part of the country. W ARN INGS -outh cone is up in 1, 2. 3, 5, 7 and 8.

GENERAL FORECASTS. GENERAL FORECASTS. The following forecasts were prepared ia»6 night at' the Meteorological Office at eiffht o'clock :— DISTRICTS— } Southerly and south-easberly winds, freshening dull unsettled some rain. 1. Scotland,. v. England, N.R. South-westerly and strong j* 1 ?» southerly winds or gales. n, veering and moderating iJKSuKi Ear"* and Channel ),J North-westerly winds, fresh 6. Scotland W. or strong squally; some rain. 7. Engl. N. W. 8. Kngiand^w". Same aS 1' 2' 3' *»S' Sc South Wales J 8. Ireland, N. ) u 10. Ireland, 3. _/Same as 6.

MUDDY, GREASY COMPLEXIONS are caused by an undue activity of nuinberiess little tubes in the face, which pour upon the surface an excessive amount of an oily fluid which renders the skin greasy and shiny. If these tubes and pores become clogged, blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes follow the skin becomes rough, cracked, or scaly, or else yenow, mothy or greasy. The only preventive is CTMCTTBA SOAP, whioh is the natural solvent for the matter that obstructs Lfehe pores of the skin, as well aa^he most effective oWn poriferand toMrtifoc tub worM.

< FRENCH IN SIAM. i NATIVE PREFERENCE FOR THE | ENGLISH. MORE ANGLO-PHOBISM. MAESEILLES, Tuesday.-Mail advices from the Far East report that the relations between the French and Siamese are becoming more and more strained, and the latter are becoming more insolent every day. French residents in Indo- China consider it high time that the French Government should interfere. The Matin's correspondent says the English are naturally profiting by French indifference in Siam, and the Siamese Government does not attempt to disguise its English preferences. Thus in the French sphere of influence in a railway concession which was refused a French- man being granted to an Englishman. The Government also endeavoured to have English accepted as the language of diplomacy, and sent over 40 telegrams to the French Consul in English. The latter persisted in ignoring them, however, and in the end oompeUed the Govern- ment to revert to French. In spite of the promises made, no satisfaction has yet been obtained for the murder and outrages committed upon French colonists and proteges, and, in short, the Siamese Government neglects no opportunity to make itself disagreeable to the French. -Dalziel.

FRANCE, ENGLAND AND EGYPT. ENGLAND'S PROFFERED LOAN. PARISIAN PRESS ANGRY. PARIS, Tuesday.—The Figaro complains of the brutality with which Lord Cromer informed the Egyptian Government that England would furnish the money required for the Dongola expedition, and objects to the general arrogance of his conduct. It deplores the absence of the French Minister from Cairo at the present moment, and says if Lord Cromer had a deter. mined and energetic French Minister constantly before him he would perhaps become more respectful towards the Khedive and more con- ciliatory with regard to French interests. Some feeling has been caused here by a tele- gram from London asserting that 18,000 men are to be sent off to Egypt next year to reinforce the army of occupation. The Autorite says this announcement, made the day after the delivery of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, is the most insolent provocation Eugland has ever given France over Egypt. A note, which has the appearance of an inspired communication, has been sent to the Press explaining that it was only by exercising violent pressure that Eugland induced the Egyptian Government to accept the proposed loan. England's object in lending the money is said to be to create a precedent, so that she can compel Egypt to accept a larger advance when the Nile advance is resumed.— DOZZ iet.

ENGLAND'S NEW FRENCH MINISTER. SIR K MONSON'S OFFICIAL RECEPTION. PARIS, Tuesday.—Sir E. Monson, the new British Ambassador to France, presented his credentials to President Faure this afternoon. His Excellency was accompanied by Mr Gosselin, Secretary of the Embassy, and most of the other secretaries and attaches.

PRESIDENT CLEVELAND'S MESSAGE. FRENCH PRESS COMMENTS. PABIS, Tuesdty. -Tiie Temps, in commenting upon the message of Mr Cleveland to Congress, says that the foreign policy of the retiring President has always been one to be regarded with caution. Last year be nearly provoked a fratricidal war with England this year Cuba is the apple of discord, and upon this question the message will satisfy neither the fanatical partizans of intervention, because it refuses to take imme- diate action, nor to Spain, because ib gives her a warning in terms so severe as to make the patriotic spirit throb with indignation in the Uastilian breast. The Temps questions the offioacy of Mr Cleveland's proposal to guarantee autonomy to Cuba. The Journal Des Debats, on the other hand, says that considering the condition of public opinion in the United States, the message is a courageous act, prompted by common sense, and Spain cannot but be grateful to Mr Cleve. land. It gives Spain a fresh lease in which to put down the Cuban insurreotion.-Da-iziel.

CAPE COLONISTS AND MR RHODES. ARRANGING A RECEPTION. CAPE TOWN, Tuesday.—Strenuous efforts are being made, in which one of the Cape Town papers is taking a leading part, to organise a great reception for Mr Rhodes when he arrives there on his way to Eugland. A public meet- ing was convened last night by those in- terested in the matter. The Mayor refused to take the chair in consequence of the political tendency of the movement, and a private gentleman named Anderson was ohosen as president. In his opening speech he eulogised Mr Rhodes in fervid terms. The public men on the platform were Messrs Fuller and O'Reilly. The former, in an able and moderate speech, ex- pressed himself in favour of giving Mr Rhodes a hearty reception for colonial and personal con. siderations. Mr O'Reilly's motion that Mr Rhodes should be forthwith requested to resume the Premiership of the Colony was negatived, and that of Mr Fuller, in the sense of his speech, was adopted. A Reception Committee was then appointed. The Mayor ultimately con- sented to present an address of welcome to Mr Rhodes. The enthusiasm has not yet reaohed the general publim-Rtuter.

THE INDIAN FAMINE. RUSSIA'S SINISTER MOVE. ST. PETERSBURG, Monday.—M. Gitkoff, who promoted the subscriptions opened by several Russian newspapers for the relief of sufferers from famine in India, has proposed to the Russian Red Cross Society that the latter should under- take the management ot the sums collected, and that it should also take steps to secure as large a total as possible from tnesei subscription&- Beater. BOMBAY, Tuesday.—About 50,000 persona are now in receipt of relief in the Bombay presidency, In certain distriots a famine has been partially averted by the late rain&-DcdzieL

THE CUBAN REVOLT, j MADBID, Tuesday.-The Havana correspondent ] of the Impartial telegraphs that he has personally confirnied the reported deaths of Maceo and the son of Maximo Gomez.—Central Newti A SPANISH GENERAL WOUNDED. NEW YORI, Tuesday. -According to a telegram from Jacksonville, published by the Herald, it is reported that Maceo, the Cuban leader, has crossed the Mariel fortified line and that General Weyler has been wounded. -Peuter. FILIBUSTERING STEAMER CAPTURED AT JAMAICA. NEW YORK, Tuesdy.-A telegram from Kingston, Jamaica, says the British authorities have captured a Cuban filibustering steamer in Anatta Bay. She had on board arms and ammunition. Centra.1 News. MORE FIGHTING REPORTED. MADRID, Tuesday.—A despatch from Havana states that General Fiquero defeated a body of insurgents in the province of Havana, killing 60, while Major Cinyeda, near Point Brava, repulsed 2,000 rebels, 40 of whom were killed. The Spanish forces lost six men killed and 58 wounded in the two engagemeubs.—Renter.

CAUGHT IN RAPIDS. 60 PERSONS DROWNED. PARIS. Ttip,!d ziy. -Mail advices from Tongking reports a terrible catastrophe on the river Claire. A party of telegraphists were proceeding up the river in three native boats, when they were caught in the rapids and dashed to pieces on the rocks. One Frenohmau and 60 coolies were drowned. On October 31st a violent typhoon ravaged the province of Binbdinh. Numerous houses were swept away by the hurricane, and 11 persons lost their lives.—Dalziel.

LADY SYKES'S DEBTS. Lady Sykes, for whose debts her husband, Sir Tatton, has just notified the public be will not be r responsible, is a daughter of the late Right Hon. G. C. Benbinck. She is some thirty years younger than her husband, who is the owner of one of the most valuable breeding studs in [England. Mr Christopher Sykee is tais younger I brother. j

RAILWAY CRISIS. MORE DISMISSALS ON THE L. AND N.W.R ALLEGED VICTIMISING OF TRADES UNIONISTS. REINSTATEMENT DEMANDED, THREATENED STOPPAGE. INDIGNATION OF THE MEN, At an indignation meeting of railwaymen held in Manchester on Tuesday night, it was an. nounced by Mr R. Bell, chairman of the men's central committee, that nine men had that day been dismissed at Bolton, including two signal. men. The Chairman read the following telegram, which bad been received from Mr Harford, the men's general secretary: — Am arrang- ing meeting for Willesden meeting for Sunday. Am going to the Manchester meeting on Sunday. Garrity will take Rugby, and if possible Northampton. Dismissals re- ported to-day at Carnforth, Penrith, Kendal, and Hindley. Number at first place not given so cannot give total. Several Willesden men up Euston to-day sent back until they hear further, Why ? Because they cannot do without them. Some influential shareholders about to call a meeting of that body to urge conciliatory 1 measure on direotors." A resolution was passed condemning the action ot the company. LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN OFFOIALS INTERVIEWED. A representative of the Press Association had an interview on Tuesday with Mr Harrison, general managor of the London and North. Western Railway. Mr Harrison said the com- pany claimed to deal direct with their servants, and denied that any men had been dismissed because they were members of the Union. His attention was called to the statements that the discharged men are mostly members of the Union and occupy some official position in connection with it but the General Manager repeated that the company did not concern themselves with matters of that kind. It was pointed oub to Mr Harrison that according to the published statement Mr Harford, secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, had intimated that they would give the London and North-Western a week in which to consider the question of reinstatement of the dismissed men, and that if the latter were not taknn back, there would be a strike. Well, replied Mr Harrison, "all I can say is, that if they do strike I shall be very sorry for them. In any case, the company know well how to get along, but I do not believe there is anything like general discontent. It is a only comparatively few wbo",appeal, to be dissatisfied, and of course the agitators try to foment the trouble. It is a very small thing altogether." Questioned next as to whether the company mtended strictly to main. tain its present attitude in the mat- ter, the General Manager again said what he had remarked at the commencement of the interview that he had only just returned to town, and he replied that as be did not know exactiy what might have happened in his absence he could not speak more definitely or precisely. The London and North-Western Railway Company employs a large number of men at Preston, but there no decided steps have as yet been taken. Mr Cattle, district superintendent of the Lancaster and Carlisle section of the line, interviewed on Tuesday in reference to the dismissal of a signalman and others at Lancaster, stated that non-Society as weU as Society men had been discharged. The majority of the men, he declared, were willing to stand by the company in this matter, which had been sprung upon them at a critical period of the year by interested agitators. SAILORS MAY BE INVOLVED. Mr P. J. Trevanion, Irish secretary of the Railway Servants' Union, arrived in Liverpool on Tuesday afternoon for the purpose of organis. ing a demonstration to be held next Sunday in Liverpool and district in connection with the London and North-Western dispute. A leading official of the Sailors' Union stated to-day that if the railway company persists in its bigli-banded attitude the dispute may involve the sailors, firemen, and dockers, causing a strike of gigantic proportions. INQUISITIONAL QUERIES. According to the returns which have coma in at the headquarters of the Amalgamated Sooiety of Railway Servauts, fifty men of various grades (says the Daily Chronicle) have been dismissed by the Loudon and North-We3tern Railway. In every case two questions seem to have been put to bbori :-Are you a member of the A.S.R.S. ? In the event of a strike, would you take action with the other member. of the scoieby ? In the event of both questions being in the affirmative, immediate dismissal follows. The company seem to have chosen their victims from almost all parts of the country- from Willesden to Wigan, and from Colwick to Wolverhampton. Most of the men dismissed are goods guards, but some are shunters and signal- men. Length of service seems to have been no bar, but connection with the A.S.R S in an official capacity seems to have operated very adversely to the men. LIST OF ALLEGED VICTIMS. The following is a list of the men dismissed up to Monday night Walsall, 6 Bushbury. 2 Wednesbury, 1; Wolverhampton, 8 Patricrofl;, 1 Eceles, 1; Nnueafcon, 1; Stockport, 3 Wigan, 14 Colwtek, 8 Crewe, 2 Stafford, 2 Willesden, 1 total, 50. These dismissals have, as may be supposed, created a feeling of bitter and general indignal ion amongst the men. From all branches of the A.S.R.S. are coming letters of protest and appeal. MR HARRISON TO MR HARFORD. Mr Harrison, the general manager of the North- Western Railway, has replied to Mr Harford as follows Can't receive deputation from your com, mittee. The company will deal direct with their servants, as hitherto. lb is not correct to say that men have been dismissed for being members of your society." A mass meeting of the London and North- Western men has been called for Sunday next in St. James's Hall, Manchester. In this connection it may be interesting to remember that the Amalgamated Society has now 44,000 members, and a reserve fund ot £ 160,000. The feeling of indignation amongst the members is so strong that it seems hardly possible to hope that a great strike, with all its disastrous consequences, can be avoided. REPLIES FROM THE COMPANIES. Mr Harford has received some further replies from the railway companies in answer to his letters placing the demands of the men before the directors. Sir Thomas Salt, the chairman of the North Staffordshire Railway, writes Your letter shall receive every considera- tion." Sir Joseph Pease, Bart., M.P., the chairman of "the North-Eastern Railway, writes Yonr letters shaU receive the careful atten- tion of the board." Tbeeeorefcary of the Duke of Devonshire, who is chairman of the Furness Railway, writes "lam desired by the Duke of Devonshire to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, the contenbs of which shall bave his Grace's consideration." The secretary of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway writes "I am requested to intimate that, should occasion arise, the directors would be prepared to consider any representations which might be directly made to them by any body of their servants upon the subjects mentioned in your letter," Sir James Joicey, M.P., the vice-chairman of the North-Eastern, writes If the applications are put forward through the ordinary course they will receive due consideration in the usual way." VIRTUE OF A NATIONAL PRO. GRAMME. In the course of an interview at Leicester, Mr George Green, J. P., a local signalman in the employ of the Midland Railway Company, who is also secretary of the Leioesfcer Trades Council, and also acted as chairman of the executive of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants (in the absence of the president) which met in London last week, stated that there had never been any intention of oalling a general strike. The reason that a general circular was issued to all th* companies waa that in the past, whenever the directors of a particular company had been approached on tL qqestion of hours or wages, they had usually been able to point to other companies where the condi- dition of the employees were similar, if not quite as good. The sooiety had therefore come to the cou- clusiou that it was useless to deal with the companies separately, and that the best thing was to go in for a national programme and to ask the companies to concede uniform conditions. The general circular was consequently issued, but without any idea of resorting to extreme measures in case of a general refusal to consider the men s demands. The society believe that by continuous agltallion the companies will be compelled to make concessions, in view of the strong public opinion that it is expected will be created. With the exception of the London and North-Western and the Great Western, the whole of the companies accepted the oiroular in the spirit in which it was sent, and most of them promised to give it consideration. In conclusion Mr Green remarked that as evidence that a strike was not contemplated at the busy season there was the fact that, in consequence of the com- panies complaining of the short notice, the time for sending in of the repUes had been extended to January 5 th. A STATION-MASTER'S COMBINATION A West Hartlepool ooii-t*»|)<MKki»t telegraphs; Considerable exoitement haa beau caused among juembera of the newJy-fonmed iSforfch-Sastern Sbationmastere' Association, of which the station- master at Hartlepool is secretary, by the receipt of a letter from a chief officer refusing to allow a meeting that had been arranged for on Sunday. The letter stated that if members had complaints to make the official in question would receive and consider them, or if they desired to sever their connection with the company he is ready to relieve them from their duties.

RAILWAY OUTRAGE AT BARMOUTH. DETERMINED ATTEMPTS TO WRECK TRAINS. The utmost consternation was caused at Barmouth on Tuesday morning when it became known that two attempts had been made to wreck trains on the Cambrian system. It appears that a platelayer whose duty it was to examine the line before the departure of the first train found a large stone weighing 181bs. laid on the rails. He removed the obstruction just in time to allow the 7.50 train to pass. Later in the morning the ganger in charge of the section found the same stone laid on bhe metals in exactly the same spot. This was removed before the 9.30 train arrived, and the matter was reported to the stationmaster, Mr B. Williams, who immediately acquainted the police. Major Best, the chief constabte. lost no time in search- ing for the offenders, and evidence was found that two youths named Price and Hughes had been seen in the vicinity. Sergeant Williams promptly arrested both on suspicion. They will.be charged before the magistrates on Wednesday.

TERRIBLE MURDER IN NORWICH. ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AND SUR. RENDER OF THE MURDERER. On Tuesday afternoon a man named George Forster (37), lately employed as a brewer's labourer, walked into'Norwich Police Station with his throat cut, and stated that he had mur- dered a woman with whom he had cohabited, in Pettergate-streeb. As blood was flowing freely from his throat, the man was conveyed to the hospital, where he lies in a critical condition suffering from two cuts and a stab in the neck. On going to the house indicated the police found Alice Nadin (40) lying on the floor with her throat terribly cut and dead Deceased was a married woman. She had been employed as a machinist. Frequently quarrels had occurred between the couple.

LEEDS MYSTERY SOLVED. The Leeds Coroner concluded an inquest on Tuesday on a charwoman named Ross, who was found dead ab a house in St. John's-avenue last week tinder mysterious circumstances. In the room where she was found was an ex-slerk in holy orders named Keeling, who was coolly smoking his pipe. He failed to appear at the opening of the inquest, and a warrant for his appearance was issued. He appeared on Tuesday and gave evidence to the eifect that he knew nothing about the woman, and thought she was under the influence of liquor. Medical evidence showed that death was due to natural causes, and a verdict accordingly was returned. KeeliDg, who is the son of the lady who occupied the house, and for whom deceased occasionally worked, was released from custody a.tter a reprimand from the Coroner.

KILLED IN A QUARREL. At Leeds Assizes on Tuesday John Winter, alias Black Jack," a hawker, was charged with the murder of Thomas Potter at Church Fenton. Deceased, who was nearly 70 years of age, kept a small shop, where prisoner was in the habit of making purchases. After a purchase a quarrel ensued, during which the old man received injuries which caused death. A verdict of Manslaughter was returned, and accused was sentenced to five years' penal servitude.

THE CAT FOR RUFFIANS. At Warwickshire Assizes on Taesday afternoon the giana jury made a presentment that all burglars and persons convicted of assaults on women and children should be flogged. Mr Justice Day oxpressed satisfaction that the grand jury had come to this conclusion, but could bold out no ho, r. tiipo it would bo acted upon, as Parliament, which was omnipotent, was opposed to all punishment except imprisonment. The ait had abolished a certain class of crime.

-rr- ■. I SCOTTISH COAL TRADE. STRIKE OF MINERS EXPECTED. At a meeting of the Fifeshire miners' delegates at Dumfermline on Tuesday night it was reported that the great majority of the men. who number about 11,000, were prepared to strike if they were assured of financial support. It was resolved to await the decision and instructions of the British Federation before lodging the notices. The men ask for an advance of sixpence per day, which the coalmasters have twice refused.

RUSSELL LIBEL CASE. CONDITION OF KAST. The condition of Kast on Tuesday night had improved considerably. During the day he bad been able to take nourishment in the form of beef tea, brandy and milk, and to retain ib. He was visited by his relatives again, and they will be allowed the privilege of seeing him at will until he is out of danger.

BUBONIC PLAGUE IN BOMBAY NO SIGNS OF ABATEMENT. BOMBAY, Tuesday.—Ti e bubonic plague shows no abatmenb in the city. PARIS, Tuesday. The New York Herald's Bombay correspondent says :-The disoase has now spread to all parts of the city, and the number of cases is increasing daily. So far 800 deaths have been reported, but the actual number is believed to be much larger. Crowds of natives are flying from the city.-Dalsiet.

CYCLING CONTEST IN AMERICA. TOM LINTON RETIRES. NEW YORIt, Tuesday.—Twenty entries have been received for the great bicycle race now in progress at Madiaon-square Garden. Ab three o'clock this afternoon Edward Hale, from Dublin, was in the leading position with 629 miles to his credit. Tom Linton, the Welsh champion, dropped out of the inoe.—DaJtiel.

MR GLADSTONE'S HEALTH. Dr. Dobift, of Chester, Mr Gladstone's medical adviser, did not visit Hawarden on Tuesday, as the right hon. gentleman was expected to soon recover from his slight indisposition. During his enforced detention indoors ou Monday Mr Gladstone occupied himself in rearranging his library, carrying abont heavy piles of books. On examination his chest was found to be sound.

FARMER KILLED AT KNiGHTON. DASTARDLY OUTRAGE. SHOT BY MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS. On Monday a dastardly outrage was pergetrated upon a farmer named Samuel Hunt, living at the Hurgin, Llanfair, near Knighton. Late ab night several men visited his house, creating a disturbance and breaking the windows. Hunt went out to see what was the matter, when he was shot in the abdomen from behind a hayrick. Medical aid was at once secured, but the poor fellow succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. No reMon for the crime can be given. Inspector Lewis (Church Stretton) and Sorgeant Woostiam (Clun) are oh the scene, and with other local police »r«* endeavouring to secure the murderers. Up bo 9 o'clock on Tuesday night no arrest had been made. The police, it is stated, are on the track of the perpetrator* I the viucinity of Velindre, 10 miles from Kingston. The pohce feel sure they have a good clue.

MURDER OF A HUSBAND. BODY THROWN TO THE PIGS. VnBWA. Tuesday.- On Saturday, at Tuzla in Bosnia, a Bosnian woman named Mtcio and her Turkish paramour, Jusruf, were hanged for the murder of the woman's husband. They had killed their victim, cut up the body, and given it to the pigs to eAt.- Central News.

DECORATION FOR THE DIVINE SARAH. PARIS, Taesday.—A deputation, indoding M. Sardou mid M. Francois Coppee, waited upou President Fallre yesterday and requested him to conier a decoration on Sarah Bernhardt.—-Dalziel.

BEN ARTY TEA, BENAHTY TKA, BEWARTT TBA, Always. Always, Always, Always, Always, Always, I Good. Better. Beat. Qood,J&etter, £ ftib. Cfood, Better. |

THE GALE. SWANSEA-BOUND STEAMER'S EXPERIENCES. TWO MEN WASHED OVER- BOARD. I A CARDIFF TRADER LOST. The steamship Lqle of Iona, which put into Swansea on Tuesday morning's tide, reports that during the recent gale she had a terrible experience. One of the boats was smashed, and other damage was done. The captain re- I ported that whilst crossing the Bay of Biscay two seamen were washed overboard. Lifebuoys were thrown to them and one of the men was hauled up safely. but the other let go bis hold and was drowned. The sea was so high that it was impossible for a boat to be launched. The man who was drowned is a Scotchman named Ridland, and the man who was saved is a Londoner, who.dung to a lifebuoy till he was pulled in. EXCITING SCENES AT PLYMOUTH. A NAVAL STOKER DROWNED. CARDIFF-BOUND STEAMER ASHORE. A heavy south easterly gale prevailed at Plymouth on Tuesday, and even within the shelter of the breakwater the seas were of great height. While the torpedo boat destroyer Decoy was steaming off Ramebead at midday, owing to the motion of the vessel Joseph Fuge, chief stoker, fell overboard, and, despite efforts to save him, was drowned. He was aj married man, belonging to Fowey, Cornwall. Later in the day the gale increased inburricane force, and soon after dusk the sbeel stea.mer Ariel, of West Hartlepool, which put into Plymouth Sound this morning, while bound from Dundee to Cardiff, owing to stress of weather parted both her anchors, and was for some considerable time drifting about the Sound. Distress rackets were fired, aud the Plymouth lifeboat was launched, but could render no assistance. At length Captain Usher attempted under easy steam to gain shelter in Barnpool. The vessel, however, twice touched bottom, and then in making for the Cattewater on the other side of the Sound just missed colliding with the promenade pier and went ashore under the Hoe. By means of a steel hawser the crew of 20 were rescued. It is feared the vessel, over which great seas are sweeping, will become a total wreck. ONLY ONE MAN SAVED. A French smack belonging to Boulogne foun- dered on Monday night off Deal. Only one of her crew was saved. He was landed at Dover. A CRUISER'S SiORMY VOYAGE. GIBRALTAR, Tuesday.—The cruiser Endymion arrived here to-day from Plymouth and sailed later for Malta, She reports having met with terrible weather in the Bay of Biscay, during which she lost one of her boats.-Reuter. CASUALTIES TO LOCAL VESSELS. An Oporto teleerram states that the British schooner Little Willie, from Cardiff, with a cargo of coal, has been wrecked and totally lost, ship and cargo, at Laixoes Harbour. All on board saved. An Almeria telegram states that the steamer South Wales, of Cardiff, is ashore, and the water is flowing in and out of her. The steamer Terevider, from Cardiff for Carlo- forte, has arrived at Falmouth with deck damages. The steamer Hungarian, from Newport for Oran, has arrived at Falmouth with deck damages.

GERMANY OUR PATTERN. SIR COURTENAY BOYLE ON TRADE. Sir Courtenay Boyle, Permanent Secretary to the Board of Trade, speaking on Tuesday night as the principal guest at the first annual dinner of the Walsall Chamber of Commerce, quoted statistics to prove that during the past eleven months there bad been a satisfactory morease in our commercial prosperity as compared with. the preceding periods of 1895 and 1894 but while there was reasons for congratulations, there were no grounds for complacency. The circumstances of foreign competition were such as to make us careful. It bad been his duty recently to look into figures connected with our foreign trade, and especially figures bearing upon the operations of our great competitors—Germany, France, and the United States. Though there was no cause for alarm there was oause for caution, for anxiety, and for investigation. We must find out. what they are doing to get a greater grip of the trado of the world than we ourselves. Knowledge must be disseminated in our local centres. Commercial education was of the highest importance, and we nousb follow Germany in the application of greater scientific knowledge to manufactures.

AGRICULTURE IMPROVED. SPEECH BY MR WALTER LONG. Mr Walter Long, M.P., President of the Board of Agriculture, speaking on Tuesday night at the annual dinner of the Farmers' Club, London, said agriculture to-day was in a more hopeful condition than it was a year ago. He hoped there was some reason to believe that the improvement wonid not pass rapidly away. and that a more stable condition of things would prevail. The wheat industry was much more prosperous, and not only had the harvest been much better this year than in the preceding year, but the land under wheat had shown a small increase. With regard to the restrictive measures winch were introduced last Session, he said that there had been an increase in the home supply of young cattle, and the measures had not injuriously affected breeders nor decreased the importations iuto this country. The healthy stock in this country was eminently satisfactory. The outbreak of swine fever had diminished during the latter portion of this year. With regard to legislation next Session, they had to recogniso that they had an agricultural Session lasb year, and therefore it was only reasonable that some obher interests should claim attention in the ensuing Session.

MEDICAL LIBEL CASE, The hearing of the action for alleged libel and slander brought by Dr. Steven, of Harrow, ngainst Dr. Welsford, of Dover, was resumed in London on Monday. Plaintiff, cross-examined, denied that he objected to the calling in of a consulting doctor to see defendant's brother.—Dr. Henry Morris, Examiner in Surgery at the University of London, a member of the Council of the Royal College of Surgeons, a lecturer on medical subjects, and expert upon the disease in question in this action, gave it as his opinion that the treatment adopted by plaintiff up to the time of the discovery that appendicitis was present was discreet and prudent. There was a difference of opinion as to the use of opium, but his own opinion as to the use of opium was that in some-oases its use was decidedly injurious.— The further hearing was adjourned.

TRANSVAAL RAIDERS. OTHER PRISONERS REPORTED ILL. The Press Association understands, with reference to two of the remaining prisoners now in Holloway Prison in connection with the Jame. son raid, that unfavourable reports as to their condition have been received by the Home Office. One is reported to be suffering from dyspepsia and insomnia very acutely and from mental depression, so that further imprisonment would seriously endanger his health. These distressing ailments attacked Dr. Jameson before his serious illness. The other prisoner is reported to have lost weight and suffered from the same complaints to the extent that further imprisonment would endanger his health. These prisoners, however, are stiil able to leave their cells and take exercise. The report as to the other two prisoners appears more favourable. It may be mentioned that in the oases of Col. Grey and Col. H. W. White the terms of their imprisonmenb will expire at Christmas, and their release in the ordinary course wuuld take place on Boxing Day. Sir Wm. Broadbent, Dr. Scott, and Mr Herbert Allingham met in consultation on Monday on the case of Dr. Jameson. The patient Ï8 making slow but satisfactory progress.

SIR HERBERT KITCHENER. Tnesday night's Gazette notifips that her Majesty has been pleased to grant her Royal licence and authority to Sir Herbert Kitchener that he may accept and wear the Insignia of the Imperial Order of the Osmanioh of the First Class, which the Khedive, authorised by the ■Sultan, has conferred upon him in recognition of his services M Sirdar.

GWKNNY V AU-GRAN, or the Fr>t:ni Invasion a Pembrokeshire Story of Pirates airi *,intiz!tlor- ikii the title of a specially written romance which will commence in the Cardiff Timts and, South Wale* Weekly Neitm of December 19th. Aq original and stirring story of Soutb|Wale».

A SW ANSEA MASTER I MARINER'S BETRAYAL. WIFE'S EXTRAORDINARY DEFENCE DECREE NISI GRANTED. In the Divorce Division on Tuesday Mr Justice 73arnes dehvered a reserved judgment in the case of Jenkins v. Jenkins. The petition was that of John Jenkins, masber mariner, of Richardson-street, Swansea, for a divorce by reason of his wife's adultery with some person uuknown, she having given birth to a child of whom he was not the father. The wife set up an extraordinary defence. She admitted having given birth o an illegitimate child. but her explanation was that late one night a man came to a grocer's shop she was keeping at Gilfach Goch for some tobacco, and while she was turning to get a light he criminally assaulted her. Her story further went that she did not complain to the neighbours for fear of being hounded out of the place, and that she wrote to her husband that she had had a terrible fright and did not know the consequences. In the result his Lordbbip came to the conclusion that be could not believe the wife's story. He granted the husband a decree nisi.

THE UNDERSELLING OF COAL EMPLOYERS AND MEN'S LEADERS. ARRANGING A MEETING. Mr Dalziel, the employers' secretary of the Sliding Scale Committee, has received a letter from Mr Lewis Miles, the men's secretary, asking him to convene a meeting of the Joint Committee at the earliest date possible to consider the proposed amendment of the men's representatives to the employers' scheme. Mr Dalziel com. tnunicated wtth Sir Wiu. Thomas Lewis, and was instructed to take steps to convene a meeting. We understand however that Sir William stated that be would not be able to attend such meeting during the present week, but he promised to communicate with the other employers' represen- tatives and to arrange with the men's executive for a meeting this week. SOUTH WALES COAL CORNER." Under this beading the Poll Mall Gazette, com- menting on the proposed scheme for preventing underselling, says :-Two directions in which the new scheme differs from that of Mr Thomas are particularly noteworthy as showing doubt as to the success of the scheme. One is that anthracite coalowners must join th<? association, aud the other is that the penalty or fine to be exacted from backsliders is to be 4s. The first stipulation appears to show that the steam coal producers have aroused themselves to the fact that anthra- cite has reached a point where its possible competition as a steam-producer cannot safely be ignored should stew coai prices exceed a certain limit. The second shows either that the associated masters themselves cannot trust one another, or that, in order to secure a fair return upon their capital, the owners must secure a higher selling price than Mr Thomas considered desirable. Whatever may be said about the second point, there is no disguising the fact that anthracite is coming more to the front as a steam-producer.

GILFACH COLLIER'S CHILDREN. A SAD CASE. WARRANTS lSSUED AGAINST THE PARENTS. At Caerphilly Police Court on Tuesday, Mr E, W. M. Coibebt and Dr. M. Evans on the bench, a collier named James Peuegree and his wife Sarah, residing at 28, Thomas-street, Gilfach, were summoned at the instance of the N.S.P.C.C. on a charge of having continuously neglected and caused their five children to be in the Pengam district. Mr Lyndon Moore, Newport, appeaved to prosecute ou behalf of the society. The defendants did not auswer when called. Mr Moore accordingly informed the magistrates that he should only now prove service of fchs summonses and ask that warrants be issued for the arresb ot defendants. Augustus Coates, inspector under the society, stationed at Newport, said that from information he had received he called at defendants' house, and found three of the children, aged eighb years, five years, and one month respectively, and the mother there. They were all in a wretched and filthy condition, and it appeared to him that the children had been greatly neglected. There was no food of any kind in the house,and be bought some at the nearest grocer's. —Mr Moore And from the clamorous way in which tng children saluted your return with the food did they appear to be most hungry ?-Wit. ness Yes, tht-y did.—In reply to the Clerk, the Inspector said there were five children, ranging in age from 12 years to one month. The society were desirous of tkiug charge of the children. The case was adjourned and warrants were issued.

END OF A MUMBLES MYSTERY A FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE. ECHOES OF A GREAT FRAUD. A rumour is current that a man has died at a place not far from the Mumbles, who bad been sought after by Scotlaud Yard detectives from America to India. The cause of death was diabetes, and it was not till the death that the detectives were at all near arresting their man. It would appear that Charles Rei4 was one of three prisoners aonnecled with the great jute frauds at Dundee. These frauds, briefly summarised, consisted in the dealing with false warrants which were deposited at one of the Dundee banks, and bills drawn on one another were discounted against the warrants. This went on for some time, when one of the bills was dishonoured, and the fraud came out. Two of the three brokers engaged in this transac- tion were arrested, but the third (Charles Reid) orot away and nothill was heard of him, though detectives scoured inosb of the world. It. appears that lieid, directly the frauds were discovered, instead of leaving Dundee by the ordinary means of steamship or train, slipped the police by taking passage in a sailing vessel to Glasgow, whence he went on by train to Swansea. Here he arrived last April two years, and be at once proceeded to thab quiet little seaside resort the Mumbles, where, under the name of Captain Lindsay, he obtained lodgings ab an hotel.

.d, STRIKE OF CLYDE SEAMEN. THREAT TO BLOCK LINERS. A Glasgow correspondent telegrapiis The strike of Clyde seamen for an advance of wages continues to spread, and further developments are expected by Thursday, when an attempt will be made to block the sailing of ocean liners. Mr H. Wilson, M.P., arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday, and will direct the operations of the men's Union. Mr Wilson says he has wired Mr Magee, general president of the Dock Labourers' Union, Liverpool, asking him to come to Giasow and get his men to join the seamen and firemen in demand for higher wages. Mr Wilson says the Clyde shipowners are earning 150 per cent. more than in August.

THE EXTRAORDINARY DISCOVERY AT SWANSEA. Dr. Rosser. to whom the body of the child found in Caersalem graveyard was submitbed for examination, was satisfied that the child never had any life in ib, and this being the case, no inquest is necessary.

LOCAL LAW CASE. GBAT V. THE EAQLEBTJSH COLLIERY COMPANY, LIMITED.-Iti the Chancery Division of the High Court on Tuesday, Mr Justice Stirling delivered judgment on two adjourned summonses relating to the sale of the Ei4glebush Colliery, near Neath. The arguments wore heard some days back, at the conclusion of which judgment was reserved. In giving judgment, his Lordship said that the whole questiDu turned upon whether what was done was done in good faith. That it originated in good faith seemed to htm to be plainly made out, and, looking at the whole matter, he was unable to arrive at the conclusion that this contract was nob made m good faith, and, therefore, he thought thab the order ought to be made in acoordanoe with the summons. Order accordingly.

WATER QUESTION AT LLANDILO. GENEROSITY OF LORD DYNEVOR. Mr J. W. Nicbetas, chairman of the District Council, received on Tuesday morning a letter from Lord Dynevor in which his Lordship stated that he felt that he and bis son were to blame that the water question had been so loug under discussion, and, now thab it was happily termi- nated, expressed wish to make the Council a donation of j650 towards the expense of laying the pipes. This expression of goodwill on Lord Dyupvor's. part after the recent friction between the Council and his Lordship's agent, has given the greatest satisfaction.

CARDIFF ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY. It is announced that a grand conoert (the first ) of the season), under the auspices of this society, will be given at the Park Hall evening. Amongsb the vooal artistes are Miss Ada Crossley and Mr Ben Davies the solo harpist being Mr F. C. Barker and the pianist Mr Richards. There will be an orohestra of 70 performers, Mr J. E. Deaoon, conduotor.

HALF A SPOONFUL OF CADBCRY'S COCOA makes a breakfast cup of delicious, nourishing cocoa, entirely free from alkali or any foreign Admixture. 1170a THB QUKKN OF NOVELISTS IS admitted to iv Miss Braddon, and hor latest stnry. "The Little, Auntie,' is now appearing in the Cardif Times and Santk Wales Weekly News. Don't fail to read the charming new story. A .serial of Mining Life also I appearing. j

LEGISLATION FOR SHOP ASSISTANTS. SIR CHARLES DILKK AND LADY DILKE AT CARDIFF. Under the auspices of the Cardiff Branch of tha National Union of Shop Assistants, Warehouse- men, and Clerks, a public meeting was held in the Cory Memorial Hall, Cardiff, on Tuesday evening, in support of legislation for shop workers. Mr T. Spencer Jones (chairman of the Cardiff Branch) presided over a large audience, and along with him on the platform were the Right Hon. Sir Charles Dilke, M.P., Lady Dilke, Alderman Trounce, Councillors J. Jenkins. S. Robinson, and A. Good, Mr A. Parr (secretary), Mr J. Macpherson (general secretary of the Union), Mr Mr Pearce (secretary of the Cardiff Trades Council), and others. Letters of apology for absence were announced from Mr Robert Bird, the Rev. W, Spurgeon, and Mr E. Waddington. The CHAIRMAN briefly opened the meeting. He stated that m Cardiff aloue they had no fewer than 15,000 signatures to Sir Chas. Dilke's Shop Hours BilIL(applause)-and they had behind them the leading public men, the principal trading men, and the great public of the town. (Applause.) In a matter of that kind it did not matter what the colour of their politics was it was a question of social reform. (Applause.) Mr JAMES MACFHERSOKT (general secretary) proposed That this meeting condemns the unreasonably lone hours worked m shops, whereby the social and moral well-being of the assistants is seriously affected, their physical and intellectual development retx-ded and welcomes the introduction of the Shops Bill into the House of Commons by Sir Charles Mke as a reason- able and practical measure for the protection of the shop workers of the country. It also pledges itself to further the progress of the Bill by every means that lies in it power. (Applause.) Councillor JENKINS, seconding, expressed satis- faction that so large a number of the Cardiff public favoured such a noble purpose as appealing to get further legislation in favour of the shop assistants. (Applause.) He appealed to the shopkeepers, to the working classes, and all concerned, to allow those assistants to leave their work at a reasonable time, so that their intellec- tual. social, and moral welfare could be properly attended to. (Applause). 6ir UHARLK8 DILKK, whose rising was the signal for hearty applaus?, said that the firsb four objects of the National Umou of Shop Assistants concerned hours, unjust fines, colldibions of living, and wage-of which the lasb was more a question for themselves and their organisation and brauohes than for him. As regarded unjust fines, he had been happy to help, at chair request, to have them included in the Truck Bill, as they now were in the Act bub the motion which be had put apon the books of the House was one for the complete abolition of fines and deductions, and he himself beheved that to that point ^ultimately we must come. (Cheers.) The Acts of 1831 and later dates had been cut down by the decisions of the judges, although the language of tke Acts seemed to give the country all it needed and the new Act might possibly be dealt with by the conrte in a somewhat similar fashion. It had, however, already produced an excellent effect as regarded shop assisbants, for at least one great firm had called together its assistants and put an end to fines. (Cheers.) In the question of hours the happiness of a large class was involved. (Hear. hear.) Shorter hours for shop assistants could do noharm tothe country as a whole. It was a question of the habits of the dealing classes and consumers being gradually modified. as they had been much modified already by custom in his time. He believed that as soon as public opinion was prepared for it in any given place power to enforce the decision of the majority on a minority in such a matter was thoroughly defensible, (Cheers.) There was no question of foreign competition involved in the question of shop hours as there might be in the case of some other trades. The law had interfered with Sunday trading, and had regulated the hours of the young. But while it would be a mistake in any given place to go rapidly in advance of public opinion, it was at least desirable vba4 experimental closing by law should be tried in the places that were ready for it. The voluntary movement bad now failed owing to the impossi- bility of inducing unanimity among shopkeepers, and the cousequent power of small minorities to thwart general agreement. Sir John Lubbock's Bill had been opposed by some of the leading shopkeepers on the ground that, if shorter hours were desired, it would be better to legislate directly with regard to the hours of shop assistants; but he (Sir Charles Dilke) did not gather that this was more than a pretext for coveting the real grounds of opposition, and he did not believe that those who put this forward would support direct legislation of shop assistants' hours. (Cheers.) He himself had charge of the Bill of their society. (Cheers.) It was at present opposed by the majority of the organised bodies of retail dealers, although some had favoured it. It put forward that whioh the society believed to be a counsel of perfection, but it was probable that before they grew strong enough and influenced enough members to carry such a Bill, with weight behind it to carry it through both Houses of Parliament minor measures would be tried on the proposition of other members, Shop assistants had hitherto left the supporb of legislation to philanthropists, and there had been a lack of organised expression of their views. Stronger organisation would be needed before any Government would help the Shops Bill. It waa a Bill whioh gave a scale of hours, and left it to the local authorities to choose the days on which the various hours were to be applied. It prohibited employment about the shop after dosing hours- (hear, hear); it provided sitting accommodation for women it proposed legislation against the employment on the same day in a factory or workshop, and in a shop in the case of those who were subject to the regula- tion of hours under the factory law. It had pro- visions with regard to sanitary matters, and with regard to the enforcement of the Act. This last matter of enforcement was one of considerable moment in connection with their calling. Under the Shop Hours Act of 1892 very few countries had appointed inspectors, which practically limited the law to boroughs, and excluded the urban districts. In Wales, outside Cardiff, there was harcily one inspector even partially eni, ployed. There was no Welsh county which had an inspector and he could not remember that any Welsh borough had, except Cardiff. More- over, most of the inspectors were simply the nuisance inspectors, or other inspectors, already fully engiged, and were not inspectors appointed specially under the Act. (Hear, hear.) In the whole of the country there were only 10 inspec- tors giving their whole time to duties under the Act, of whom there were none in Wales, outside Cardiff, and only four in England. The third of the objects of the National Union, and the last with which he should deal, had to do with the conditions of living, which was a matter which affected both those sanitary questions dealt with m his Bill, also the general comfort of the em- ployed, and also the franchise. In the recent case at Maple's, 170 shop assistants had lost theit votes on account of the construction of the cubicles in which they slept. His own helief WM that such difficulties would never be adequately dealt with by amendments of the registration laws, for they were really franchise questions, and that simple franchise (when the country made up its mind between manhood suffrage and the suffrage of all grown-up men and women) was the oure. (Loud cheers.) The resolution was put to the meeting antf carried amid applause. Mr A. PAlUt then moved :— That this meeting is of opinion that the only effective method of seeming legislation is by the assistants of the United Kingdom at once enrolling themselves as members of the National Union of fshop Assistants, Warehousemen, and Clerks, thereby creating a large and powerful organisation, capable of urging the need for such legislation on the attention of Parliament and the public. (Applause.) He said that only 25 per cent. of the shop assistants, even in Cardiff, belonged to the Union, and strongly urged all to join, so that they could have a thorough and effective organisation. Alderman TROUNCE seconded the resolution, whioh also WHS unanimously and cordially passed. Lady DILKE was loudly called for, and in response, said she was sorry she could not at that late hour make a speech on a subject she had at heart, but she was glad to be able to be present to hear her husband advocate the cause of the shop assistants, (Applause). She might say some- thing to them at a future time- (applause)-but, at any rate, it WM a oause she should always endeavour to promote whenever she had oppor- tunity. (Applause.) The proceedings were afterwards closed with the usual votes of thanks.

BLOCK ON THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. DELAY AT MARSHFDCLD. On Tuesday afternoon, as a goods train was shuatitie: off the main up-line on to the np-line refuge siding near Marsbtield Station, G W.R., two trucks left the m«ta)s, blocking the up-line. During the latter part of the afternoon and evening thp up-line traffic had to be worked on the down liufI, necessitating in some cases cou- siderable delay. Subsequently the tracks were got on bo the line again, and traffic proceeded as usual.

NEW NOVEL BY OUIDA. A new novel by Ouida is announced. The book is entitled Le Selve," a name supposed to be given to vast tracts of forest and pastureland lying along and beyond the Mountains of Cimmimus between the Lakes of Piracoiauo and of Vioo." The plot is an exciting one, some ferocious robbers playing an importaut part. The Ronfcgen rays are easily outvied by a hero named Cyrille, who sees through the bones of one't head what one's Dhinkiug." "Le Selve" ",¡Ii v.1U Unwin's half-crown series, i» which he has already issued sboriee by Mr Buchanan, Mr Clark Russell, and Rite.

ENGLAND'S GLORY MATCRKS.—Support Ffom< I Industries by purchasing this brand of Wax Vest* I and Wood M&tch, thereby finding employment for I thousands of men, women, boys and girls wbo woaltf I otherwise be unemployed.—Morelaad and Sons, Glo« ■ certer. 1671 ■ thousands of men, women, boys and girls who would t otherwise be unemployed.—Morelaad and Sons, Glo« ■ certer. 1671 ■