Evening Express

THE INTERNATIONAL MATCH. Most miners, we daresay, will forget to-day that a conference has been sitting at Cardiff for three whole days and haggling about their wages. They will also forget Mabon" and Mr. Brace and the rest of their twenty-four negotiating leaders—such is the fugitive remem- brance of human nature—and will go to Swansea, where they will go wild .with delight over fifteen other men. Perhaps, their leaders will go, too, and the coal- owners. No wonder the joint conference didn't want to meet to-day! Football holds a far greater influence over people than the people themselves would admit, but it cannot, by any stretch of imagina- tion, be called an influence that makes for evil in a community. The Welsh football field has everywhere become a Saturday afternoon institution., and the value of it in colliery districts, where the facilities for social intercourse and advancement are so few, is enormous. Football is a sport almo.st as invigorating to the spec- tator as to the player, and this cannot he said of every pastime. Visitors to Swan- sea to-day are likely to experience this invigorating pleasure. The two teams- England and Wales—are well represented. In the Welsh team there are a few bril- liant exponents of the Welsh game, but the English selection committee, waking at last to the fact that Wales must be beaten, have selected a most worthy fifteen, and it is the best that Wales can do now to hope for victory. There are very few in the Principality who will find fault with the team it is generally looked upon as the best that Wales can produce at this moment.

I ENGLAND v. WALES. To-day is dawning big with fate, And all that's earthly pales Before the vast, tremendous fact Of England versus Wales! The Durbar was a splendid thing; But it completely fails To beat the glories of the match Of England versus -Wales! The settlement in Africa. Is hanging in the scales. Then let it hang while we enthuse O'er England versus Wales! Venezuela was the cry Blockaded by our sails. Why even Germany's forgot In England versus Wales! There'll be a vaat tremendous crowd Of females and of males To watch the matchless play produced By England versus Wales! The specials, loaded everyone, Roll groaning o'er the rails, All bound for Copperopolis And England versus Wales! No matter howsoe'er it rain. No matter for the gales. What's weather—pish!—when weighted up 'Gainst England versus Wales? Each passenger has heaps to say. And numberless tHe tales Of former fights and doughty deeds Of England versus Wales! Much liquor there will be consumed. From brandies down to ales; The Act will claim some victims, p'raps, From England versus Wales! I hear the Editor cry out He's copy got in bales, So I must stop, the room to leave For England versus Wales! The Sports Express," there is no doubt, Will boast of record sales, All brimming o'er with latest news Of England versus Wales! To-night the weary, wondering throngs Will seek their hills a.nd dales, Dilating all with eager tongues On Engla.nd versus Wales; IDRIS.

The statement that another tC76,000 is required for the Cardiff tramways brings home to the ratepayer the possi- bility that little calls like this will he made upon him every year. The capital expenditure of the tramways is increas- ing too rapidly, and is it not really time that some balance-sheet was produced giving a few figures to show the progress of the undertakings? The extensions covered by the E76,000 are not the only extensions under contemplation, but before any more money is applied for the ratepayers ought to be shown the financial position of the undertaking. Now that the Splott tramways are in a fair way to being purchased by the corporation, what will become of the projected tramway ex- tensions in that ward? Their necessity; if they have any, will require a lot of pointing out.

A timely point is made by a correspon- dent of the Morning Post." He telb us we are far too prone to regard Morocco as in some way ear-marked for the French. The French, as we all know, are firmly seated in the adjoining country of Algeria, but it must not be forgotten that, so far back as the middle of the seventeenth century, we had a firm hold on Tangier, and only relinquished it for want of money. Morocco is a land pregnant with magni- ficent possibilities, with vast agricultural and mineral potentialities, and it could be made, under wise and judicious rule, to blossom as the rose. Morocco could even feed England if at war, and is near enough to u.s for ships to be safely con- voyed. All these points no doubt, will be thoroughly weighed by our watchful Government.

Justices of the peace are recommending to the Home Secretary certain changes in the existing regulations relating to prisoners. In the first place, it is their opinion that all prisoners remanded on bail should be searched before being placed in the dock to surrender to their bail. This precaution would save some of those "scenes" which at present are too com- mon. The other suggestion is that offences against prison regulations by these incarcerated should be visited with corporal punishment. This last is a drastic idea, but, no doubt, there are cases where it might be adopted with benefit.

BABOMETRICAL INDICATIONS. I The following are the readings since five o'clock last I evening. as given by the barometer in the vestibule of the Evening Express," St. Mary-street, Cortiff, which Is 33ft. above mean sea level.

Mainly About People.1 A humorist is a man who doesn't care what people think of him. Some thirty years ago two artists used to walk together to their homes across St. James's Park, after their council meetings at the Royal Society of British Artists. They had one favourite topic of conversation—the authenticity of the commonly-accepted like- ness of Christ, a subject in which both were very deeply interested. The one was the late Mr. Thomas Heaphy, the other SirWyke Bayliss. Mr. Heaphy died suddenly in 1873. leaving the care and disposition of his drawings and MSS. on the Likeness to his friend, who afterwards produced and edited them in the folio edition of the" Likenc83 of Christ." Having paid this tribute to friendship. Sir Wyke continued the study of the Likeness. Armed—although a staunch Protestant—with a potent open serame in the shape of a letter from Cardinal Manning—of which more anon —he gained an access denied Mr. Heaphy to the most sacred of the hidden treasures of the Vatican, and thus was able (says "M.A.P.") to make fresh drawings and verify his friend's references. The result was "Rex Regum," published about four years ago, and in the Library Edition we have all that I was in the earlier issue, plus Sir Wyke's replies to his critics and reviewers, and additional matter suggested by recent research and experience; in short, the fully- ripened fruit of thirty years of patient lov- ing labour. Sir Wyke possesses many messages from her late Majesty Queen Victoria about the book. in which she took deep interest, finally commanding it to be dedicated to herself. The inscription, as submitted to her Majesty, ran as follows:—"To Her Most Gracious Majesty—Victoria— Queen Empress —this tribute to the King of Kings is dedi- cated by the Author." It was returned to Sir Wyke, approved, but with the order of the sentences inverted, thus:—"This tribute to the King of Kings is dedicated to her Most Gracious Majesty—Victoria—Queen Empress —by the Author." A slight difference, which would scarcely be noticed by casual readers, but indicating the fine reverence and delicacy with which the Queen touched sacred matters. To turn to a lighter incident: Sir Wyke, as I have said, set forth on his travels armed with a letter from Cardinal Manning, commending him to the care and help of all good Catholics. On his way back he found himself stranded at Bourges, practically the centre of France, without money except in the shape of credit notes on his bank. But Bourges was one of the few towns where his bank had no agency; his hotel proprietor refused to have anything to do with the credit notes, and the local bank and money- changer would only cash them at a perfectly usurious discount. While in the bank hesi- tating what to do, he noticed an Abbe, whom he had seen in the cathedral the day before, pass into the back parlour, and a bright idea struck him. He sent his card in to the priest, together with the Cardinal's letter, and in a very few moments the Abbe came, out, all smiles and courtesy, and on his recom- mendation, Sir Wyke having explained his predicament, the bank cashed the notes in full, and the painter went on his way rejoicing. In person Sir Wyke is a tall, white-bearded man, verging on seventy, with the perfect dignity of a great simplicity and, despite all his learning, wide experience of men and matters, and artistic pre-eminence, with the heart of a little child. "Would you rather be bom lucky or rich?" "I'd rather be born rich. Then you don't have to be lucky." A story from Johannesburg illustrates the danger of nick-names. A certain mining mag- nate in the Golden City is popularly Izogwma as "Hoppy," because he has a lame-leg, and he is sensitive on the point. The other day a stranger, looking for work, asked the foreman of some mining works for a job, bat the latter refused to say anything definite,. "There's old Hoppy over there," he said. "Better go and ask him." The unemployed one went over to where the magnate was standing, and began respectfully: "If you please, Mr. Hoppy-" but at that he got a look that froze the blood in his veins. "Who told you to call me that?" shouted the owner of the defective leg. The applicant pointed out the offender, who was promptly called up, and, having been questioned, sulkily admitted the offence. "So," was the reply, "I'm 'Hoppy," am I? Very well; you" (to the foreman) "hop out, and you" (to the applicant) "hop in!" And so it was done. Sir Francis Bertie, our new Ambassador to Italy—whose name is pronounced "Ba.rtie"- is an ideal Ambassador, for he is courtly, dignified, debonair, and withal good-looking. His long connection of oloøeupon forty years with the Foreign Office has made him a familiar figure in Downing-street. At the time that he entered the service as a junior clerk Lord John Russell was Foreign Secre- tary and Mr. (afterwards Sir) Austen Layard was Under-Secretary of State. The Hon. F. H. Villiers, C.B., who in the ordinary course would become Senior Under- Secretary of State at the Foreign Office in consequence of Sir Francis Bertie's appoint- ment to the British Embassy at Rome, is a brother of the Lord Chamberlain and a nephew of that fine old Parliamentarian Mr. Charles Pelham Villiers, who for a great number of years was father of the House of Commons. Mr. Villiers, who has been asso- ciated with Downing-street for upwards of 30 years, has acted as private secretary to a number of public men, including the late Lord Pauncefote, Lord Rosebery, Lord Ourrie, and Lord Salisbury. Master: Late again, Sandy! Can't you manage to get here in time? Sandy (with a doleful headshake): I canna sleep o' nicbts, sor, an' so I'm loth to get up in the mornin'. Master: Eh, man, sleeplessness! Why don't you consult a doctor and get the came? Sandy: I get at the cause weel enench, Wut it'll no shut up. It's eix weeks auld, an' an awfu' yeller." Aocording to all accounts, including his own, Archbishop Temple was what is known as a "terror" at school. At the Old Blun- dellians' dinner k;nLe years ago he said that, when a boy, he was sitting in one of the dor- mitories when a much bigger lad than him- self pulled his hair. Being then more hot- headed than be hoped he was as a bishop, he promptly knocked his tormentor to the floor. Instead of receiving the heavy punishment he expected, the boy sat him on a form with the remark: Well, Temple, you are a plucky kid." and forthwith gave him a good deal of advice on pugilistic and other muscular exer- cises. On another oocaBion, when giving a copy of Lorna Doone as a prize to a boy, the Primate mentioned that he and the author (the late R. D. Blackmore) were schoolmates. And," he continued, as he was a little junior to me, when he misbehaved I used to knock him on the head with a brass hammer!" A story is told of how Dr. Temple once econo- mised on a telegram. One day his chaplain was astonished to receive the following crypto- grammatic telegram: John's Epistle iii., 13, 14." A statistician hall just pointed out that the ruling monarohs of to-day have lived to a much greater age than their immediate pre- decessors. In 1818, he says, there were 51 European sovereigns, of whom only eleven had passed their sixtieth year, and of these latter only one was a septuagenarian. At present, though the number of sovereigns has diminished, since from 51 it is reduced to 40, the number of sovereigns who are 60 years and over has almost tripled. In 1900 there Wf. re 28 ruling monarchs who were more than 60 years old, and of that number were septuagenarians, five had passed through more than 80 summers, and one, the Pope, was a nonagenarian. In spite, therefore, says the statistician, of the riska which rulers are required to encounter, it is-evident that most of them have a better chanoo of living to old age than their tubjeota. P

CAPECOLONY REBELS Mr. Chamberlain Asked to Grant Amnesty. ENGLAND TO KEEP PROMISES WITHOUT RESERVATION. ———— A Pretoria telegram of Thursday says:—An important conference was held to-day between the leading burghers and Mr. Chamberlain. The speakers strongly urged that the amnesty to those who had fought should be complete, and should embrace the rebels of Cape Colony. They also argued that provision should be made for the teaching of the Dutch language in Government schools, and that such schools should be under local management. In their opinion the policy at present pursued by the Executive was calculated to produce irrita- tion and discontent. They claimed to have representative institutions, granted before a, war debt was saddled upon the new Colonies. Also, they strongly protested against the dis- memberment of the Transvaal. Advocate Smuts made a strong speech in putting for- ward the Boer requests. He said the Boers wished to assist the Government, and would do so unless their good intentions were ren- dered impossible. He now offered to the new Government unswerving loyalty—" true to death." In reply to the speeches of the Boer leaders Mr. Chamberlain said General Botha had told them that as a result of their visit to Europe they had collected 1100,000 upon the Continent. What General Botha had not told them was that the British Government, when it had paid the cla-ims made upon them, the repatriation expenses, ajid the compensation to the Boers, would have spent between ten and fifteen million pounds.—Central News. Johannesburg's Weleome. I Mr. Chamberlain left Pretoria after lunch on Thursday for Johannesburg, and was wel- comed on arrival at a great meeting, the attendance at which numbered 10,000. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed. British Promises: Dutch Re- Assured. A Pretoria telegram on Thursday says: -The results of Mr. Chamberlains visit are already becoming noticeable. The most remarkable pcint, upon which approval is expressed on every side, is that the right hon. gentleman recognised almost immediately on his arrival the great necessity that England should keep her promises without any reservation. Lord Roberts's proclamations, which were often apparently contradictory, induced a feeling of great bitterness among the Boers who sur- rendered in the course of the war. Now, judging from their conversations, many lead- j ing Dutchmen are convinced of Mr. Cham- berlain's firm intention to straighten out matters and deal with them in a spirit of absolute. justice. The question of compen- sation is the chief grievance, and the Colonial Secretary has practically promised j to inquire into that complicated subject. There exist so many promises, cancellations of promises, rules and regulations often arbi- trarily made, that the question is one of the most difficult. Mr. Chamberlain has caused a feeling of relief everywhere, and consider- ably eased some of the tension which was beginning to be apparent among the Dutch. —Press Association Foreign Special. A Stock Exchange Canard. I A rumour, which apparently originated on the Stock Exchange, and quickly attained widespread circulation, to the effect that Lord Milner had been assassinated and Mr. Chamberlain shot at, is without any founda- tion. Afrikander Bond Spreading. A petition is being circulated in Bloemfon- tein praying that Mr. Fischer, who was a member of the Executive of the late Orange Free State, and who went to Europe as one of the Boer delegates during the war, may be allowed to return to South Africa. This is very strongly opposed by the section of the inhabitants with British sympathies. The "Post" remarks that no kind of assurance is forthcoming that Mr. Fischer acquiesces in the verdict of the war, but that his every action points to the contrary conclusion. "Even if he suddenly abandoned his lifelong convictions," the journal continues, he would certainly be made a centre of political agitation. The Afrikander Bond is healthily spreading all over the new Colonies, and, whether it is connected with this petition or not, it would be certain to spare no effort to make Mr. Fischer's influence and personality subservient to its own ends." Representatives of the burgher population held a meeting at Bloemfontein on Thursday to elect a deputation to wait upon Mr. Cham- berlain. The chairman (Mr. Vanderwalt) urged the meeting to forget past differences and to unite in order to rescue the country from the misery resulting from the war. One of the speakers said he thought it would be necessary to elect two representatives for each district owing to the different parties existing, a suggestion which was received with groans.—Press Association Foreign Special. Widows and Orphans. I A Pretoria message on Thursday says:—The Boer delegates assembled in the ltaadzaal early this morning, and resolved to present an address of thanks to the three generals who visited Europe, and aJso an address of con- dolence to the widows of Lucas Meyer and Christian Botha. The Rev. Mr. Rou", reported that during the last three months he had visited 30 of the 40 concentration camps, and found they still contained 30,000 inmates From statistics which had been collected it appeared that there were altogether in the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies 2,u00 widows and 14.000 orphans. The meeting decided to make inquiry concerning the funds collected by the Standard and Diggers' News," which were said to amount to iL37,000, on behalf of the widows and orphans.—Press Association Foreign Special. Interesting Speech by De Wet. i The "Standard" correspondent telegraphs from Pretoria: —General De Wet arrived to- day (Wednesday) to attend the meeting of Boer delegates summoned to hear the report on the mission to Europe. General Botha stated that the total amount collected in Europe was £ 105,000. Assistance had been pro- mised by Mr. Chamberlain in the direction of the settlement of widows and orphans in the various districts among which this money was to be divided. General Delarey spoke in a similar strain, but the speech of the day was that of De Wet. who appears to be as elo- quent in debate as he is skilful in the field. He advised the del agates to go back to the people and tell them that they must abide by the conditions of peace. Between those who had surrendered and those who fought to the end there must be no animosity. All were brothers. If they had grievances they must approach "our Government" in a proper spirit, and so conduct affairs as to show that Afrikanders were worthy of self-government. General De Wet said he was asked on the Continent whether there was any hope that the Boers might recover their country. He had replied "Yes." (Applause.) The Boers would behave so nicely that, in the end, the British would say, "You are a good and brave people; here, take your country back." I fear this disingenuous opinion is not uncommon.

WRECK OFF FLAM BOROUGH. I The steamer Croaby, of London, has gone ashore on the rock-bound coast at Thornwick, near Flamborough Head, and is breaking up. One man is reported drowned. Four of the crew have been saved, but there are others who have not yet been accounted for. A later telegram says that five of the crew were rescued by some fishermen, but one man, Thomas Campbell. of Sunderland. was drowned. Captain Anderson, the second engineer, and three of the crew took to their boat, but nothing has since been heard of them. The Vessel, it is expected, will be a total wreck, the rough seas pounding her heavily.

THE EVICTED MINERS. I Friday was expected to witness the conclu- sion of the evictions at the mining village of Dena-by Main. There was a heavy fall of snow during the night. and the morning opened foggy and very damp. The police turned out at nine o'clock. and the work of the evictions progresed in an orderly manner. A later telegram states that all the evic- tions had been carried out by noon. and that soon afterwards many of the. police left the

QUARTER -0 SESSIONS. ————— ——.—— Trials of Prisoners at Cardiff SEVERAL WOMEN CONVICTED FOR THEFT. The Epiphany Quarter Sessions for the Borough of Cardiff were held (before Mr. B. Franc is-Williams, Recorder of Cardiff) yester- day. The Mayor of Cardiff (Mr. Ed. Thomas, "Cochfarf"), who occupied a seat on the right of the Recorder, was chosen foreman of the grand jury. ASSAULTING A WOMAN. Samuel Macnamara, twenty, window cleaner, surrendered to bail on a charge of criminally assaulting Margaret Smith, a married woman, residing at 28, Egerton-street, Cardiff, on October 24. Mr. St. John Francis Williams prosecuted, and Mr. A. Parsons (instructed by Mr. Geo, F. Forsdike) defen.dcd.-According to the evidence, prosecutrix and her cousin. Mrs. Tout, went to the Glove and Shears Hotel, in Duke-street, where they had a lemonade each. There were four young men there, one of whom was the pri- soner. Prosecutrix and her cousin, after leaving the hotel, proceeded up North-road, and, seeing that they were being followed by the four men, they turned into a recess near the gates which led into Cat hays Park. Two of the men passed by, and prisoner and another man approached them, the former throwing prosecutrix down and assaulting her. She screamed, and a constable came upon the scene and found her in an excited state, with her back covered with dirt.—Pri- soner said he and his companion followed the women by arrangement, but a dispute arose, and he threw prosecutrix down and ran away. —The jury found prisoner guilty of a common assault only, and prisoner was sentenced to one month, with hard labour. THE GAME OF 45's." John M'Carthy was indicted for unlawfully and maliciously wotjnditg Matthew Gleeson. labourer, 58. Ordell-street, Cardiff, on the 20th ult. Mr. P. Evans protecnted, and Mr. St. John Francis-Williams defended.—The case for the prosecution was that at about 11.30 on the night in question prosecutor, prisoner, and two other men, named Denis Regan and Patrick Kilty, were playing at 45's," which is an Irish game. A dispute arose, and prisoner struck prosecutor twice on the head with a hammer.—Dennis Regan stated that Gleeson struck M'Carthy first, and a struggle ensued, during which the light went out. There was some broken crockery on the floor near the fender.-Dr. Wm. Cbrrigan stated that prosecutor had two incised and contused wounda on the head. The hammer could not have been used witt much force, or the wounds would have been more serious. The game of 45's" was a game which was very conducive to rows. (laughter.) He had played at the game hiiuself, but not under similar circumstances. (Renewed laughter.)— The jury found prisonei Not guilty," and he was acquitted accordingly. I A VIOLENT WOMAN. I Kate Sully, 44, surrendered to bail, and 1 pleaded not guilty to a charge of unlawfully and maliciously woundUg Caroline Sully on December 20 last. The lIon. Herbert Bailey appeared for the Prosteution.-Prosecutrix, who is prisoner's mother-in-law, stated that prisoner threw a bottle It her which, accord- ing to Dr. Buist. inflicted a wound about 13 inches long on the top 01 the head.—The jury having found prisoner guilty, the Recorder said she would have to go to prison for six months. THEFTS BT WOMEN. Catherine Collins, 28, hawker, was indicted for feloniously stealing a shawl, the property of Jane Sherwood, on the 24th of December -last. Mr. Douglas Lewis prosecuted.—Prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to seven days. Catherine Smith, 40, laundress, was charged with feloniously stealing a clock and a cape, the property of Mary Hayes, of Cardiff, on the 17th of November. Mr. L. Fraser prosecuted.—Prisoner pleaded guilty to stealing the clock, and also to a previous convictoa for felony in 1897.— It was proved that she had altogether been convicted 44 times fot various offiences, and the Recorder, in sentecing her to one month's imprisonment, remarked that she appeared to spend her life in gaol and in the workhouse. Jane Hope, 36, charvWman, was indicted for feloniously stealing cae pair of boots, the property of William RJfle and another, carry- ing on a. shoemakers' business at Cardiff. on December 5 13.8t.-Tht prosecution was con- ducted by Mr. St. John Francis-Williams, who stated that the booll were hanging in the porch at the entrance to the shop. They were afterwards found in tie room where prisoner lived.-Previous eonvi(tions having been put in against the prisone-, she was sentenced to four calendar months imprisonment.—Prose- cutors' expenses were (fallowed. A ROGUE AN) VAGABOND. I Frank Trott, 25, lab«urer, was indicted for I being an incorrigible rogue. The Hon. H. Bailey prosecuted .-Pyvious recorda showed I that prisoner was con'icted for a similar offence on November 8,1900, and also on June 1 last.-The Recorder &id prisoner deserved I to be flogged. He would have to go to gaol for twelve months with had labour. I Carmartienshire. The CarmarthenshireQuarter Sessions were held at the Guildhall, Cirmarthen, on Friday, before Earl Cawdor (oairman). Mr. Arthur Lewis (vice-chairman), nd a number of other justices. The prison oommittt of visitors were re- appointed. On the motion of M1 E. Trobshaw, it was decided that, in fntun, the sittings of the court be held at 11.15 for the convenience of people living at a ditance. The request of the Llandovery Rura.1 Dis- trict Council for an oder closing up Cefn- cerrig road was accedd to on the applica- tion of Mr. Milner Jont. Mr. Mervin Peel, Dayrallt, qualified as a magistrate. MAIMING A COW. I David Evans, 21. labourer, Caeronen, Cellan, pleaded guiltyto feloniously maim- ing a cow owned by Wuam D. Williams, Pen- carreg, between DecezJjer 27 and 28. Mr. Davies-Williams (instrcted by Mr. H. G. Phillips, Llandilo) was ir the prosecutor, and Mr. J. Lloyd Morgan, IP. (instructed by Mr. Daniel Watkins, Lampeir), for the defendant, who was bound over for six months, his counsel stating that th young fellow got into trouble when under te influence of drink. His employer was prepred to retain his ser- vices. STABBING AFFRA AT LLANDILO. I Michael Flemming, 62 saddler, was charged with stabbing Ernest I. wards at Llandilo on November 29. Mr. S. PMerlin (instructed by Mr. T. G. Williams, Ll-idilo) prosecuted, and Mr. Davies-Williams Attracted by Mr. H. O. Phillips, Llandilo) defeied the prisoner, who pleaded not guilty.—he jury found him guilty, and he was sentaced to three months' hard labour. ALLEGED ATTESTED SUICIDE. Ann Griffiths, a matied woman, living in Union-street, Llanelly surrendered to her bail on an indictmer charging her with attempting to commitmicide on November 22 by taking a qnantit:of soap liniment. Mr. Ivor Bowen (Ïnstnzctel by Mr. D. G. rees, Llanelly) prosecnted.-hsoner declared that she was obliged to rieve the pains from which she Buffered byaking a little stimu- la-nt occasionally. 81 thought the poison was liquor.—She was {quitted by the jury, and committed to the .re of her haaband a seafaring man. FALSE PBTFNCES. Frederick Jones. 41, oker. who had been taken from Brecon Gå to be put upon his trial, pleaded guilty obtaining by false pretences (1) two gold hains and two sove- reign cases, vxlueE12 2, from W. J. Thomas, jeweller, Llanelly, on ovember 7; and (2) a gold chain and a silveivatch, value L6. from Fred. Williams, jeVUer, Pembrey, on November 8. In eac] case prisoner had represented that the lings were meant for presentation, and wertoeing taken away on approval. As a matteof fact. no presenta- tion was to be made, al prisoner pawned the things. Previous collctions having been proved, prisoner was und guilty and sen- tenced to nine months'ard labour. Mr. Ivor Bowen (instructed hyir. Bramwell Jones) was for the prosecutio This concluded the blnees of the sessions.

WELSH PROFESSR AT LAMPETER I Our Shrewsbury corspondent wires:—On I Friday afternoon the tnncil of St. David's College. Lampeter, ml at Shrewsbury to appoint a Welsh prossor to the college. The Bishop of St. Davis presided, and there were also present the ev. J. M. Bebb (prin- cipal), the Bishops oi wansea, Bangor, St. Asaph, and Chester, he Archdeacons of Brecon, Llandaff, and irmarthen. Professor Green, the Rev. D. WN-organ, and others. Nine applications fo the post rendered vacant by the resignam of Professor Wil_j liams were considered, id finally the council wm adjourned for for?' consideration of th* matter.

WORK AND WAGES. Masters and Men Again Meet at Cardiff. THE SMALL COAL QUESTION DISCUSSED. As reported in the Extra, Special and later editlions of yesterday's "Evening Express": After sitting for several hours yesterday the committees representing the associated coal- owners in Soutk Wales and the workmen on the wages question came no nearer to a settle- ment than the reference of the small coal question to a committee consisting of Mr. Joseph I-zliaw, a director of the Powell Duffryn Company, and Mr. Alfred Onions, treasurer of the South Wales Miners' Federation. Those gentlemen will meet on Tuesday next, when it is hoped that, with the assistance of the soli- citors engaged on both sides, a clause will be drafted which will be acceptable to both parties. There is more in this question of payment for small coal than at first meets the eye. Naturally, it would be assumed by anyone out- side the trade that when the men are pre- pared to include in the cutting price for large coal any services rendered in respect to small there could be no further dispute upon this point. It seems in these circumstances some- what enigmatical that the owners should insist upon paying for small. The position is this, that any agreement framed on the lines suggested by the men would be contrary to the Coal Mines Regulation Aet. which states that the men shall be paid for all minerals gotten." If the owners accepted the men's proposals the result might be that at some time during the period covered by the agreement they would be called upon to pay for small coal. They state that at present the scale for cutting large coal covers the services rendered in regard to small, but, in order to put themselves within the four corners of the Act, they insist upon paying one-tenth of a penny per ton, wAh will pre- clude any of the men who sign the contract making any further claim. The agreement of 1892, which was adopted with certain modi- fications on the termination of the strike of 1898, provided for all services involved in get- ting large and small coal. in compliance with the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, the price paid for large being "more than the value of the services rendered in respect of the large screened coal only." On this clause the em- ployers claim that they have already paid for small coal, but, acting on legal advice, and determined to make "assurance doubly sure," they now insist upon a nominal pay- ment being made for small coal altogether independent of what was under the scale allowed in the cutting price for large. The discussion on Thursday and Friday extended over the whole range of controver- sial clauses, and, so far as can be gathered, neither side showed any disposition to yield an inch of ground. The demand for a reduc- tion of 10 per cent. on the 1st of March put forward by the employers is, they say, ren- dered necessary on account of the irregular working of the men. They allege that not only does the coal-cutter frivol away a con- siderable part of the time which he spends in the pit, but also keeps idle the hauliers, who are paid weekly wages, and, consequently, the cost of production is increased. It is stated by the masters that since 1891. the year pre- vious to the last operative sliding-scale agree- ment, the cost per ton has gone up Is. lOd. to 29. per ton, owing chiefly to legislative enactments (including, of course, compensruO tion for injuries or death), rates and taxes, and irregular work. Upon these grounds, they argue that there must be a reduction in the scale. It was just before the adjournment for lunch that the question of a minimum wage came up for consideration, and the arguments put for- ward by either side did not affect the position of the other. The owners' committee could not be moved from their demand of 16i per cent, above the standard of 1879 as a mini- mum, that percentage to be equivalent to a &elling price of lis. per ton f.o.b. Whether it was mentioned on Friday we can- not say, but we understand that the em- ployers are prepared to make a concession in respect to the way the board or the inde- pendent chairman, if called in, shall decide upon the wages to be paid. They are will- ing that the volume of trade, as well as the actual selling price, shall be taken into con- sideration. Thus it may happen that in thp event of the actual selling price -being lis. the wages will be more than 161 per cent. above the standard of 1879. There has been a good deal of speculation as to the method adopted by the coalowners' committee in arriving at a maximum of 572 per cent. and a minimum of 164 per cent. The process by which they arrived at these figures seems to be a fair and reasonable one. First of all they took the wages for the last ten years and struck a mean. Half-way between that mean and the highest point reached under the scale they found the figure 57i per cent. as a maximum. Adopting a similar principle below the centre line, they found that the mean represented 16i per cent. The following sketch will show how, we believe, the maximum and minimum were arrived at:- Some surprise has been expressed that the clauses in the masters' draft agreement and the amendments submitted by the men were not taken seriatim and disposed of in rota- tion. Such a course is absolutely impossible, for the bimple reason that the ooalowners' proposals are tentative, and that one hangs upon another. It is commonly believed, for instance, that the owners have agreed to a conciliation board with an independent chairman, but it is scarcely correct to say that such is the case, because that conces- sion will not be made unless other clauses of the agreement are accepted by the men. It has been necessary, therefore, that the contentious clauses should be discussed en bloc, and it does not follow that because no decision has been arrived at upon any one of them no progress has been made. On the contrary, we learn from both sides that tnere is every prospect of the differences being considerably narrowed down when the committees meet on Wednesday next. REPORT OF THE MEETING. I The joint conference of representatives of employers and of workmen was resumed on Friday morning at the Coalowners' Associa, tion offices, Cardiff. Mr. W. Jenkins presided I over the employers' section and Mr. W. I Abraham (" Mabon"), M.P., over the work- men's representatives. The proceedings were I opened at eleven o'clock, when there was a, good attendance of both sides. The course of the discussion was, to some extent, uu the same lines as that of the previous day, and ranged over every conten- tious clause and point in the proposals of both sides, with the exception of the length of the period for which an agreement may be hereafter made. As was the case on Thurs- day, so on Friday, the employers' proposed amendment of the percentages and the imme- diate reduction in wages asked for by them were taken in conjunction with the small coal question, for the simple reason that the concession of the workmen on the small coal question is regarded by the miners' repre- sentatives as a set-off against any increased cost of production alleged by the employers. The discussion on Friday was a lengthy one, and not quite so desultory in character as that of the previous day, but, focussed though it was upon the points named, there was con- siderable ground traversed without any appa- rent result. Upon the important question of the mini. mum, the employers' representatives seemed to be very emphatic—very "obstinate" declared one of the miners' representatives- recognising or admitting nothing more than the 16J per cent., equal to lis. per ton, which they had offered in their draft agreement. The workmen's representatives, on the other hand, endeavoured to convince the employers that their demand was for a fictitious" minimum. Mr. William Jenkins, on behalf of the employers, pointed out that it was a rational minimum, and explained at length how it had been arrived at, quoting facts and figures baaed upon the statements prepared by Mr. Dalziel some months ago for the use of the O)alowneri!' Association. The increased cost of production was attributed, not only to expense involved in the carrying out of the requirements of the legislation of recent years as affecting collieries, but also to the higher cost of the actual working of the collieries. To this the workmen's representatives, through Mabon," replied that whatever extra. cost was involved either in legisla. tive enactments or in the natural increase in the cost of working the mines was more than met by the increase which had during the same years taken place in the selling price of coal. It, was further argued on the workmen's side that coal prices were better all round iA th* lut. atuurtcr tbAa they wan in the I three preceding quarters. It transpired that from Durham and the Midlanas, as well as our own coalfield, figures could be quoted showing that during the last quarter of 1902 the selling prices of coal compared very favourably with what vhey were before the great strike. They were better by la. 6d. to Zs. per ton in districts that did not strike, while here, it was keld, they were 3s. 6d. to 4s. per ton better than they were before that strike. Then it became clear that the em- ployers themselves did not necessarily insist upon selling prices being the only factor in ascertaining and fixing the wage-rate. Much has lately been heard of the effect of the volume of trade," and jocular remarks have been passed on both sides as to the meaning of the phrase, one of the men's representatives laughingly remarking that the devil him- self cannot fully explain it." AVell, at all events, it bobbed on Thursday and Friday like King Charles's head. The workmen's representatives held that, notwithstanding the fact that the volume of trade had decreased during the first three quarters of the past year, it had increased so much in the last quarter that they found they had two million tons more in one Bristol Channel port alone than they had in the cor- responding quarter. It was computed that the South Wales coalowners were better off than any other body of coalowners in this country by at least 2s. per ton, on the basis of the "volume of trade" alone. It must not be taken fpr granted that this is, or was, admitted by the coalowners' representatives. We give it as the argument of those who represented the workmen's side in the discus- sion. According to a document which has been more than once referred to lately, the coalowners of the Midlands agree that advances or reductions of ls. per ton in the selling price of coal would, pro rata, justify 10 per cent. advances or reductions in the wage-rate of their workmen. In Scotland it had been distinctly bargained that when sell- ing prices have to be taken as the governing factor, the workmen shall have 12J per cent. in the shilling, such payment being for all classes of coal at the pit's moalh-large, cobbles, anJ through-and-through. Here, on the other hand, in South Wales, wages were regulated by the selling price per ton f.o.b. of "large screened coal." Now, whereas the Scot- tish mirers got 12J per cent. in the shilling, the Midlands miners 10 per cent., under the conditions already described, the South Wales coalowners. after taking 20 per cent. off the standard price, were only offering the men 9.9, or (say) Is. 3d. per ton. Upon these matters, however, there was on Friday absolutely no concession made, and, as one of the miners' representatives afterwards declared, the difficulty of the situation lies in the fact that, no matter what other concessions may be made by the em- ployers, the men's representatives would have nothing to go back with to their constituents if such a vital question were even left in abeyance. Some of the other miners' repre- sentatives, however, were inclined to I take a more cheerful view of the situation. They regarded the action of the employers in agreeing to refer the small coal question to a. sub-committee to draw up a new clause as an important move in the right direction. What the work- men's representatives are determined to have on this point is a clear and definite under- standing that in agreeing to make the small coal question subservient to other considera- tions in the agreement they are now trying to make they do not in any way abandon the claim, and that they maintain the right, the moment that agreement expires or breaks down, to demand the recognition of their equitable and legal claim. They do not put it forward as a mere legal quibble. They do not admit that in all cases, if in any, the standard cutting price includes the small coal. They hold that in some instances there has been no revision of the standard rates sinoe the Coal Mines Regulation Act came into force. They have "other fish to fry" now, and they are willing to compro- mise, by a properly-worded clause, that claim, whether it be. regarded from an equit- able or a strictly legal point of view. That clause it will be the duty of the sub-com- mittee to draft, and, whether it still retains the penny per ten-truck offer of the employers or not, it will be a "ticklish" clause to draft. There are, however, three legal gentlemen and a layman appointed, for the committee is to consist of Mr. Shaw (a barrister), with the ooalowners' solicitor (Mr. C. Kenshole) to assist him, and Mr Alfred Onions, the recently- elected county councillor, to be assisted by Mr. W. P. Nicholas, the workmen's solicitor. Just as the employers are anxious to safeguard their interests against individual or collective claims for payment for small coal, so the workmen are equally resolved not to abdicate their position, except in so far as it may be necessary to leave in abeyance-not to forego nor abandon: they were very definite upon that matter—the claim already put forward by them for substantial payment. The mean- ing of it is that, although it suits their pur- pose to put off the evil day of a fight to the finish" on this small coal question, they intend that the matter shall be some day fought out. On the question of the increased payment for house coal to the mien for domestic pur- poses a great deal has been said, and the argument of the employers, that they lose money on the house coal supply, is met with the retort, that it is part and parcel of the arrangement of the wage-rate, and that altering the system or the price would be equal to disturbing the standard rate of wages. It is held that in some places the price charged to the work- men is purely nominal—not enough to pay the collier for cutting his own ton of coal, if that were really to be taken into considera- tion, and that in such cases increasing the price to the workmen would be upsetting the balance of the wage-rate completely. It is also pointed out that in some collieries the supply is not a ton a month, but a cartload of any weight from half a ton to 14cwt. The men's representatives contend that this is a matter which, if opened UP. may lead to complications and the necessity for re-adjustment in certain localities. In some colliery districts, again, the arrangement is a tram of coal every six weeks. The impor- tance of the question to the coalowners may be gauged by the strictness which has been introduced into the regulation of the house coal supply during recent years. lioctors, clergymen, ministers, and others were at one time supplied at the colliers' rate as a matter of favour, and when a collier chose to do a favour to a professional friend or a trades- man he could do it by ordering a tram of coal in hi, name to be delivered to that friend. The collier would be charged' for it at colliers' rate, and the friend would refund him that sum. All those favours have been stopped. Even single men who keep the roof over the head of a widowed mother now find it at times difficult to get their coal supply at colliers' rate. When people live in apartments only one family, as a rule. can get its supply at the cheap rate, and the head of the house must be specified. An increase of. say, 2s. per ton upon the price paid by the workmen for this domestic coal supply would, undoubtedly. be a considerable increase in clear profit to the coalowners. Take a colliery employing 1,000 men. The usual supposition is that those of the workmen who are entitled to a supply of house coal for domestic purposes are to have a ton every month or six weeks at anything from 4s. 2d. to 6s. 6d.-although in some instances from as low as Is. 6d. to 28 The addition of 2s. per ton would, it is held, not be regarded as serious to the work- men. but 2s. per ton upon a thousand tons per month would be £1.200 to £ 1,300 a year to the owner of that colliery. Most of these and other arguments were used on Thursday and Friday, and the meeting was by far the longest yet held. for it lasted from eleven o'clock until about four o'clock. The adjournment until Wednesdav th. a relief to many. The fact that there was no rupture is ag,?t;n t.'tken c rupture is again taken as consolatory in the face of the divergence of opinion between the two sides, and the only reason why the discus- sion is not continued to-day (Saturday) is. not that time is wanted to consider any of these matters in separate committees, but simply that it did not suit the convenience of the majority of the members on both sides. Th- day that thus suited, after the laboura of the last three days, was next Wednesday. In the meantime, on Tuesday the sub-committee on the small coal question will sit. and lio doubt their report will be submitted to the next ioint conference. I"- MISHAP AT CELYNEN COLLIERY. The wtioio ot the miners employed at the Celynen Collieries, Newbridge, had to ascend the shaft at mid-day on Friday in consequence of the stoppage of water at the feeder, occa- sioning the cessation of the air-compressor which feeds the haulage engines underground. TRADE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. I THE SHIPMENTS TO THE UNTTTTn ftTinra I According to the trade and navigation returns issued by the Board of Trade for the year 1902 the export of coal from the United Kingdom foreign was 43,160,143 tons, compared with 41,877.081 tons for 1901. The coke exports were 687,548 tons, compared with 807,671 tons, and patent fuel 1.050.255 tons, compared with 1,081,160 tons--the total being 44,897,947 tons, compared with 43,765,912 tons, an increase of 1,132,035 tons. The bunkers shipped for the use of vessels engaged in foreign trade were 15.148.015 tons, compared with 13,586.833 tons, an increase of 1.562,182 tons. In spite, bow- ever, of the increase in exports there was a big decrease in valne. the figures being £ 27,531,176, compared with zC30,334,748 for lioi. Our largest customer was France, taking 7,600,111 tons, compared with 7,849,288 tons. Italy took 5.994.910 tons, compared with 5.723,125 tons; and Germany 5,835,644 tons, compared with 5.854.446 tons. The export- of coal to the United States (Atlantic porta) in December was 160,783 tons, compared with 1.579 tons. The total shipment to the United States (Atlantic ports) iii 1902 was 745,598 tons, compared with I 13.836 tons in 1901.

KING'S YACHTING TRIP I Evidently speaking with authority, the "Daily Telegraph" states that there is no truth whatever in the story that the King and Queen Alexandra are going tor a cruise in the Mediterranean.

IA.S.R.S. CONFERENCE Mr. Bell Makes an Important Explanation THE DUTIES OF ORGANISING SECRETARIES. The congress of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants was continued at the Holborn Town-hall yesterday, Mr. W. G. Loraine, the president, again in the chair. The minutes of Thursday's meeting having been read, Mr. Bell said he desired to call the attention of the delegates and the press to a rather incorrect interpretation of one of the amendments that was discussed. They had frequently had it brought up that they, with their membership, only represented about 18 per cent. of the men employed on the rail- ways. That was, of course, taking the whole, including railway superintendents and every- body else. Now, they knew themselves that they only catered for about 220.000 of the total employes on the railways, and. therefore, their percentage was considerably higher than 18. A report stated that the amendment to exclude mechanics from admission to the society was rejected. That was quite correct, but it conveyed a wrong impression. The reason they did not put mechanics in as sug- gested was because there were others, by rule of previous congresses and executive com- mittees, that were excluded as well as mechanics Therefore, it was rather mislead- ing to say that they took everybody except mechanics. POSITION OF EX-RAILWAYMEN. I On Thursday the rules revision committee recommended that "No ex-railwayman who has ceased to work on a railway for five years be eligible for election as a member of the executive committee." Congress deleted these words, but on Friday it was alleged that the words were erased under a misapprehension. Mr. Griffin (Swansea) proposed that the words be re-instated, and Mr. Loxtone seconded. Mr. Scott (Nottingham) opposed the motion, and said he was surprised at the undemocratic methods that they were displaying, and he hoped they would show, by their votes that they were more democratic and pioneers of I progress. Mr. Baguley (Stockport No. 2) opposed the amendment, considering that it would dis- courage men from making themselves pro- minent in the work of the society. Mr. Shaw (chairman of the rules revision oommittee) said the reasons that actuated the committee in making the five years' limit were that they found that ex-railwaymen had asked to be excused from attending execu- tive committee meetings; they gave as reasons for staying away that they found it paid better to stay at home; they had frequently left the executive committee meetings before the meetings had concluded; the executive committee had had to pass a vote of censure upon their colleagues for absenting themselves from the meetings; and in one instance a man forgot to come altogether, for he thought it was some other week. (Laughter.) If there was anything that had bro1,?btg b.?t that recommendation it had been that action. The motion for the re-instatement of the words was carried by 36 to 21. DUTIES OF ORGANISING SECRETARIES. I i i tie committee recommended that their organising secretaries should" in no case take part in trade movements or issue circulars without the express authority of the executive committee or the general secretary." An amendment came from the Hartlepools that those words should be deleted. Mr. Shaw objected, and said counsel strongly advised them to have the words in, because if they did not the society would become liable for any action of their organising secre- taries. The amendment was defeated. ORGANISING SECRETARIES. It was also resolved that there should be five instead of six organising secretaries—four for Great Britain and one for Ireland. CENTRALISATION OF FUNDS. A resolution was adopted in favour of the I centralisation of the funds. PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION. A report was presented in favour of estab- lishing a fund for maintaining Parliamentary representation, the object being to provide for additional representation of railwaymen in the House of Commons and contributions to the Labour representation committee, candidates to be bona-fide members of the society. The matter was referred to a committee, with instructions to incorporate the recommenda- tions in the rules.

I' THE RED CHANCELLOR, Some idea of the thrilling character of the adventures of Jaeper Tyrrell, in the toils of the Red Chancellor (the story of which begins in the "Evening Express" to- day), may be gathered from the prefatory notes by Th. Plessing:- "The autocratic policy of getting rid relentlessly of undesirable persons was mediasval in its ruthlessness, only tem- pered by a certain regard for modern ideas in its methods. The executioners were, so to speak, agents of accidental death. Men and women who, through presumption or mischance, crossed the Chancellor's path. or who were considered likely to have lighted upon a dangerous secret, were doomed as surely as though a criminal court had condemned them. Some dis- appeared suddenly from the face of the earth; others met their death by colour- able accidents; often a marked-down vic- tim, in sheer despair, saved trouble by tak- ing his own life. But doom was swift and certain when once the Red Finger had been pointed."

FISHERIES COMMISSION REPORT I The report of the Committee appointed to inquire and report as to the best means by which the State or local authorities can assist scientific research as applied to the problems affecting the fisheries of Great Britain and Ireland was issued on Friday. The Committee recommend provision being made at the prin- cipal fishing ports for the collection of statistics on the largest scale practicable, giving particulars of fish landed and the place where caught; the provision of three special steamers to work along the coasts in connec- tion with a biological laboratory, and the establishment of a new laboratory at some central point on the East Coast of England. The Committee consider that the functions of the Fisheries and Harbours Department of the Board of Trade should be considerably en- larged. and that the latter should have the power not only to delegate to any satisfactory local fishery authority the conduct of the fishery investigations, but also themselves to oonduct investigations. The Committee also recommend the constitution of a Fishery Council for England, to meet periodically to formulate schemes and to make recommenda- tions as regards Government grants. The establishment of a national fishery museum at a great ifshing centre would be beneficial. To carry out the recommendations, the State would have to supply funds for the collection of statistics from trawlers and the examina- tion etf material, the provision of the necessary assistlints at the marine laboratories, the pro- vision and maintenance of new steamers, and funds for staffs in Scotland and Ireland.

I TUBE MAKERS' COMBINE The other day we announced that negotia- tions are in progress for the formation of a British association of tube-makers, the move. ment being the outcome of the recent fusion of Lloyd and Lloyd. Birmingham, and Stewarts and Menzies, Glasgow. We are now informed by a leading firm of tube-makers that the amalgamation of the companies will not in any way affect the current market price of their manufactures.

PRESENTARIONS AT-NEATH At Bethany Welsh Baptist Chapel, Neath, on Thursday night there was a large gather- ing of the friends of Mr. T. W. Jones and of his son-in-law, Mr. Henry Rees (deputy-omcial receiver), when the mayor (Mr. E. Evans Be van), Mr. Parker, and Miss Morgan respec- tively made presentations to Mr. T. W. Jones, who, having retired from that post of reliev- ing officer for Neath town, is about to remove with his son-in-law to Swansea. The gifts were a well-fitted escritoire, a walking-stick, and a purse of gold. Mr. HJenry Rees, who has for many years been organist at Bethany Chapel, was presented with a handsome pair of bronze statuettes.

FA rAL COLLIERY ACCIDENT AT ABERGWYNFI Au inquest was held at the Police-station, Abergwynfi, on Friday by Mr. Cuthbertson (ooroner) touching the death of Charles Htirst, 21 years of age. single, living at Jeraey-road. Abergwynfi, who met his death during Bliot- firiug operations at the Great Western Col- liery, Abergwynfi- The inspector of mines for tho district was present, and Mr. John Watts represented the Miners' Fedemtion.-Tbe jury returned a verdioi of AccidoWAI death."

II' Co c h f arf s J,I. Comment, The proceedings at the Cardiff Quai-ter Sessions yesterday provided a singulal proof of haw little the Affirmation Act is appreciated in Cardiff. Grind jurors, common jurors, witnesses, and everybody else who were- called upon ti take the oath took it in the old-fashioied way of kissing the book. Would it ht too much for court officials to remind jeople who use the courts of the privilege which we were once led to believe w3 in great request? If it were stated ai the time of swearing in the juries that,*entlemen could affirm if they desired it,, no doubt affirmation would be popularisei. Indeed, the method would add muci to the solemnity of the act-twelve ;ood men and true extending their hand heaven- wards and declaring that, cone what would, they were prepared to do their duty without fear or favour. Owing to the extensive prelance of consumption in Great Britain, tb amount of speculation concerning its cure is enormous. The awakened interest in tuberculosis has caused physkians to advocate sea air sanatoria for ts treat- ment, but more as a test than i specific cure. On the other hand, tfcre is a popular opinion that sea air is too strong" (whatever that may Mean) for consumptives, and that the furfier they keep away from the sea the better. This may be as great a delusion as tlut which led people to close every chink ci a room in which consumptive patieits were nursed, there being an impreston that fresh air was most dangerous to this insidious complaint. Writing oi a float- ing sanatorium suggests a floatilg hotel. What an excellent place to resort to from the hurly-burly of life would 1b a real ship hotel, say, near Lundy Islaifl, where callers would be impossible md the weary would obtain absolute rest We hear much of the slack demand for tonnage, and shipowners are casting anxious glances in every diredion for profitable employment for their hips. At sea I presume that no dues Vfruld be demanded from them, and an experiment somewhere in the Bristol Chattel may prove of universal interest. Thee would be no rates and taxes, whilst the breezes from the Atlantic would supply enough and to spare of ozone to refreshthe im- pure lungs of those who have tt inhale the summer dust and the endless microbes which doctors tell us ill the air wherever we go on land. A ship at anchor is not quite so pleasant ts when on a voyage; but a good joltiflg by a ground swell should have as great an effect in stirring sluggard livfls as a gallop in Rotten Row. The sixth of the handsome handy volumes of Welsh classics issued by Mr. O. M. Edwards, M.A., Oxford is to hand, and contains some of the florins of Huw Morus. The preparation of this book has not been so easy as the previous ones, for many poems have been collected from the country folk of North Wales. In spite of the labour devoted to obtaining this collection, it has proved intpossible to recover all that was once kflown to exist. lolo Morganwag" haJ know- ledge of at least three hundred of his poems, but these were not enuderated, Huw Morus's poems are noted fir their sweetness, and this is borne out by their popularity with the learned tod Ul1 learned alike; and now they art placed before tho public in such- fotfci that every lover of poetry may obtain them. I heartily hope Mr. Edwards will succeed in recouping himself for the great expense he has undertaken in bringing outao much poetry which was in danger of being for- gotten for ever. Profit Mr. Edwards will not obtain, for he has unselfishly decided to give his subscribers the fullest value for their money. Nor will he rest when he has completed the present series. In a letter I have before me he unfolds a scheme to publish works which have never been in print before-both prose and poetry. It will form a companion library to the one that is now in course of publication, and the two will, indeed, form a collection oi Welsh literature which anyone may be proud of, and at a marvellously small cost. The difficulty with our literature has been that books are not published at a uniform size or cost, and, now that au opportunity to correct that difficulty has presented itself, it is to be hoped Mr. Edwards will receive the encouragement he so richly deserves, and for iirhich he has laboured so much. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has undergone some adverse criticism since tie Pen- ruddocke case became the subjt ft of so much discussion, but we have 5pw the interesting spectacle of the Lofd Chief Justice making an appeal, ii"fiieh it-,rtuu iy must have- been written with file Pen- ruddocke case in the writer's mind. Lord Alverstone points out that the prosecut- ing zeal of the society only irispi)es a por- tion of its activity, and he furtier states that the society only prosecutes fter per- suasion and warning have proved to be without avail. This I know to he true whenever I have had occasion t, hear cases taken up by this excellent Mciety. Of course, the best organisation th t ever existed is not infallible, and cars pre- pared by the National Society i'r the Prevention of Cruelty to Children should I not be taken on trust. The lettefof tne I Lord Chief Justice cannot be rotardett as other than a carefully thought-oat docu- ment, couched as it is in the language of obvious sincerity, and it will dz..x uch to allay the criticism of the jUdiJal bench upon its work during the last fef months. Persons in his position never USe their great authority without duly weighing what they say, 1 and this tribute to an organisation which has done an tfttriyalled work for the defenceless little ose4 of this land is timely and will give freji courage to its excellent secretary, who for a long time worked in this cause aimoft single- handed.

WELSH ARTILLERY RANGE During the post week lirajor Bockle, R.A.. military secretary to «enerai tfir Evelyn Wood, commanding the BecOAd Army Corps. Salisbury Plain, has inspecting a. por- f tion of the Blocs Mountain above Bryn- amman, in company with Major Burton R.E., Pembroke Dock, and Captain Dudley W,illiams-Drur,am;vd .tEa.rl Oawdor'a acnt), with a yiew to ita being adopted by the Wax Office as an artillery practice range and camp during a portion of the Year. The other sites already suggested and viewed in the vicinity of LlanwrtYd, Tregaron, Precelly, &c- are, believed to be lacking in severol of the requirements 0; the War Office, and the Black Mountain site is said to present mfpy advan- tages over them. The "Journal" (CELryjaar- then) states :It is to be hoped the county of Carmarthen will secure the selection, as it will add much to its importance h Cecera- phicaUy and financially, and will give \V a.le& what it has long required. a. tttiijtary depot of tho first importance in the oeatre of jta confines. The presence of a lalro military camp there would add greatly to the trade of the district, especially to thoie who 1D need better times, namely. the fermeri and. p?M?yoM at pr4odum.t a ?  i