Evening Express

CUT OFF T' ¡ T: t" Things in the East continue to look as bad as bad can be for Russia: but one of the worst features of the case, so far as she is concerned, is that the Siberian Railway has been destroyed in at" least, one place, thus cutting off Manchuria from the base of supplier. It was known long aco that the Japanese wore quite prepared to carry out this little opera- tion, and we may expect it to be repeated at various points along the line. This, of cour.e. will greatly increase the diffi- culties of the Northern Power, and will hamper her as much on land as she is already hampered on the sea. It is said that Russia is now negotiating for the passage of lier Black Sea Fleet through the Dardanelles. What effect this will have in Europe cannot be exactly fore- seen, but assuming that the fleet in ques- tion is allowed to leave the Black Sea and get through the straits, we cannot see that Russia, will be much the better. The fleet will not be improved by its long voyage through Eastern waters, and the Japanese will be eagerly awaiting it to, make another present to the fishes.

In the current number of the -.var Cry. under the heading •■ Newport," we find the following:- One man left meeting and went to pub, where he had four pint^ of beer. but returned for salvation. This lictle incident raises a question which we commend to our teetotal friends. It is this: Would the ma.n have decided on taking the right road but for these four pints of beer?

It need not be too confidently assumed that the shock felt at Abercarn was really of seismic origin. On several previous occasions tremours have been felt in the mining districts, which have been tra,ced pretty con- clusively to caused by the underground workings. Suelt a subsidence would be rendered specially apparent in the stillness of 2.30 a.m. by those awake at the time. A tremour would be apparent then that would pass unnoticed in the daytime.

If it be true, as some say, that the Scotsman has no sense of humour, great must be the wrath in the Land o' Cakes, and especially at Kilmarnock, over the huge .joke played 011 that district by some wag in the name of Mr. Carnegie. The letter conveying the information that half- a-million was to be spent on a temple to the memory of Barns is quite a model in its way, and reflects credit on the Edin- burgh student, or syndicate of students (we guess this to be the origin), that com- posed it. Really. Mr. Carnegie ought now to do something for Kilmarnock by way of c'- ttion. But fancy catching a Scotch ;.vn counciH

Mainly About People. I The Royal wedding recalls a. might-have- been. Among many suitors for the hand of the bridegroom's mother was Jerome Bona- parte, who commanded at the battles of Alma and Inkermann, and in due course became heir of the Bonapartist hoped. Lord TJenry Lennox journeyed specially to Windsor to aak the Queen's consent. Happily this was refused. The Prinoass'a marriage was a pure love match. Not until she was thirty- three would she hear of marriage. The bride- groom was the only son of the Duke Alexander of Wurternberg, in whose military service Jerome Bonaparte, the P-rincees's former suitor, had passed some years of his life. The wooing was but a short affair," wrote the Princees in her diary. Francis only arrived in England on the 6th of March, and we met for the first time on the 7th at St. James's. One month's acquaintance settled the question. On the 6th of April he pro- posed in Kew Gardens, and was accepted. It ia a happy accident which keeps the family of the Duke of Teck in England. Had the late Duke's father married a lady of Royal birth the Princess of Wales would have been born a Princess of Wurternberg, and the bridegroom of this week would have been a German prince instead of an Englishman. A terrible tragedy attended the lady who he- came the morganatic Duchess of Teck. Soon after the Emperor of Austria. had conferred upon her a title of her own her horse ran away with her at a review, and she was trampled to atoms by a troop of cavalry. Ona coincidence about the wedding cannot escape attention. The wedding-bells of the Prince's parents had barely ceased to ring when tidings were brought to the liarty that war had broken out between Austria and Prussia. The Austrian Ambeeeador had been withdrawn from Berlin, and negotiations broken off. Barely had the significance of this message been realised when there came the news that Prussian troopx had over-run Hanover and Saxony, and war was in full swing. The King, happily, is spared any anxieties in the present stage of the political excite- ments. It was different in the case of George IV. Eidon took him the Bill for Catholic Emancipation. He refused to affix his signa- ture. He cursed, bestowed caresses, wept. "What can I do?" he said. "I am miserable; wretched! If I do give my consent I'll go to I the baths abroad, and thenoe to Hanover. I'd not return any more to England. Let thevi get a Catholic King. Wellington is King of England. O'Connell is King of Ireland, and I suppose I'm only considered Dean of Wiad- sor." And, so, swearing he would never con- sent. he oonsent.ed-and signed. "Father, what is a company promoter?" "My boy. that is a very difficult questioa. Some people say he is a very fine business man: others that he is the victim of an exag gerated form of kleptomania." Jersey. which has been experiencing a bad time from the tidal wave and subterranean disturbances, is the survival of a far greater disruption than yesterday's. It formed part of France until a great earthquake snapped the connection. A submerged forest running along St. Ouen's Bay is a visible evidence to the cassual eye of the old order of things. With the other Channel Islands, it was an appanage of the Duchy of Normandy, and beoame a fief of the English Crown at. the time of the' Con- quest. French remains the language of the island, while conscription and innumerable feudal customs still obtain. The death is announced of Mr. diaries Henry Clarke, the well-known publisher, at the age of 82. For over a quarter of a cen- tury his place of business was in Paternoster- row, where he published nearly all of Captain Mayne Re<d a novels. When be discontinued his printing basineas he ga;ve the plant of his stereotyping bjuiaess to two young men- natives of Switzerland-ia hiM employ, B. and J. Deliagana, the foarwiera of the well-known firm of Itollagana, ttirojted). It wag mainly oiwiTTg to Mr. QarVe'9 financial assistance in ¡ hi* early 4swe that John Caaeell succeeded as a publisher of cheap periodical literature fur I the penpLe. Deau Gregory, who has jast celebrated his e»?nty-Sfth birthday, is still sturdy of phy- sioue. and bears comparatively few traces of his years on his countenance. The furrows have been made but lightly. He is often to be met taking a promenade along the embank- ment, generally in the company of one or two of the clergy of St. Paul's. He likes an arm to lean upon. He is stout, and has calves I thai, might be the envy even of Archdeacon Sinclair if such vanities stirred ecclesiastics. But the step would be a little shaky but for the aid of a clerical friend, or of some lady I member of the Dean's family. The Dean is a conspicuous example of the healthiness of Lon- don life. Since 1851. when he became curate of Lambeth, his work has lain in the south of the Metropolis and in the City. He was a canon of St. Paul's thirty-six years ago! lIe has been dean since 1891. and says he is never 50 happy as when within sound of St. Paul's, "If you didn't use tobacco you could buy your house." "If I did use tobacvo I should have to buy my house; my wife wouldn't let me line in ours." I The significance to millions in this country of the huge gamble in cotton now in progress I in the United St<ates will be best realised by those who remember the Cotton Famine of two-and-forty years ago. The blockading of the Confederate forts during the American Civil War cut off the supply of cotton upon which Lancashire absolutely depend. 1' Al- though many fortunes were nite-c by running the blockade with cotton, the majority of the mills in the County Palatine were closed, and two million persons were redtlced to absolute destitution. The world remains dependent mainly upon America for its cotton. The average anll ual consumption by all the nat-ions is now 13.836,139 bales, each bale containing SOOlbs. of cotton. Of thia. averaging the last half- dozen years, America supplies 10,616,592 bales, but retains for her own manufactures from 51 to 3 million bales. Great Britain nfes from oi to 33 million bales, and India some li million. Thus we require for ourselves and India, more than a third of the total ciua-ntity of cotton consumed each year for the mann- factureg of the whole world, and, roughly, cne-lialf of all that America, can grow. The importance of her cotton growing industry to America may be judged from the faet that during the last twenty years she has exported 111,592,153 bales, receiving in payment £ 9^3,413,144. The Indies now give us some million bales, Egypt nearly li million, and Brazil and le-,ser fields eiroc, .3C3.roJ b. but even then America, is re- sponsible for two-thirds of the world's supply. Great Britain has 42i million spindles out of the au millions in Europe, and the lllj millions in the whole world; hernee the gravity of the situation for her. British spindies are fewer to-day by fonr millions than they were three years ago, but still the mills employ 618,600, with millions of persons engaged in industries inter-dependent. It ia interesting at the present time to remember that our Prime Minister. Mr. Balfour, during the Cotton Famine was one of many of the gentlemen of Britain who blacked their own boots in order that the last penny might be devoted to the fund promoted to feed the starving millions of Lancashire.

IN A FIT OF FRENZY. I I Murderous Assault by a Marine. A naval court-martial was held on his Majesty's ship Victory at Portsmouth yester- d..y for the trial of Private George Merritt, Eoyal Marine Light Infantry, who was charged with a. murderous attack on Bombardier Wil- liam Taylor, Eoyal Marine Artillery, on his Majesty's ship Majestic on January 27. The circumstanoes under which the sensa- tional affair occurred were that Taylor had reported the prisoner for being asleep and absent from his duty, and later in the day when Taylor went to see him, the prisoner attacked him with a razor, inflicting serious gashes in his neck and cheek. The injuries were of such a, grave nature that Taylor is still under treatment in Haslar Hospital, where his evidence was taken. After his arrest the prisoner expressed the hope that he had killed Taylor. The evidence of Fleet Surgeon Lather went to show that Taylor might be incapacitated from further service as the result of the wounds. The prisoner threw himself on the mercy of the court, and expressed his deep sorrow, saying he struck the blow in a fit of frenzy. He was sentenced to seven years' penal ser- vitude.

DEAN FOREST RENT AUDIT. I The Dean Forest colliery proprietors half- yearly rent audit was held at the Speech House Hotel yesterday. It began with the payment of rents, and finished with a banquet, provided at the expense of the generous landlords. It may be of interest to say that Dean Forest is a property vested m the Office of Woods. The Royalties on the minerals, therefore, go into that branch of the National Exchequer. Mr. West- garth Forster Brown, of Cardie, the depaty- gaveller. and his officials attended to receive the mineral Royalties, whilst the aurfaoe rents, &c.. are payable to Mr. Philip Baylis, deputy-surveyor, and reskient representative of this Department of the (State.

AUSTRALIAN STATE DEBTS. I The conference of state treasurers at Mel- bourne has ben unable to come to an agree- ment with the Commonwealth regarding the assumption of state debts, owing to the diver- geiit views of the different states. Sir George Turner, the Federal Treasurer, suggested that the states tchould give the Comonwealth a lien on t,he railway revenue in rettuurn for its paying the interest on tbeir debts. This pro- posal wa sunanimousJy negatived. Although no agreement has been reached, it is under- stood that the states wil lmake arrangements to avoid conflicts m floating loans. The con- ference considered the question of the eneou- ragement of immigration.—Benter. — ■■■ ■

MiD-HERTS ELECTION. I Polling for the Mid-Herts vacancy opened this morning in magnificent weather. The white frost of the morning was dispersed by brilliant sunshine. The Hon. Vicary Gibbs (Conservative) started from St. Alban's this morning to tour the constituency. Mr. Slack (Liberal) started from Arkley to go round the divi iion. Poiling proceeds quietly. Both parties are provided with motor-oars. The result ia to be declared to-mor-ow.

THE AMERICA CUP. I The New York Yacht Club has authorised its committee to reply to the letter of Sir Thomas Lipton, relative to the conditions of future chateoges for the America Cap. The oond-it-ions have rot yet been made public.— Center.

CARDIFF TRAMWAYS. I The Cardiff Tramways Committee this morn. ing vjocopted the tender of M. Bolckow, Vaughan and Co., of £ 2.403 IN., for the supply nf rails and fish bolte, for tramway purposes; while the couLract lor the supply of fish-bolt Huts ilhootson's patent) wae )et to Messrs. Ihbotsou Brothers for £ 59 16s.

A Central News telegram from New York I to-day say«:-The condition of Senator ELaxma is critical.

MATRON'S UIT FAILS I CLAIMED A PENSION, BUT DID NOT GET If. The sc-andal in connection with Martley Workhouse, Worcestershire, which has been the subject of prolonged inquiries by the guardians and the Local Government Board, was brought to an end at Worcester Assizes yesterday. Mrs. Battersea, a former matron, sued the guardians for a. life-long pension calculated on the basis of twenty years' Poor-law service. After the guardians had started inquiries into her conduct, she invited a Local Govern- ment inquiry, but before that could be held she resigned on a certificate of ill-health, and so rendered the inquiry ultra vires. Allega ions of Misconduct. The guardians questioned the bona fidss of the certificate, and combated Mrs. Bat- tersea 's medical evidence. Moreover, they alleged grave misconduct against her-tl-tat she was habitually drunk and incapable of performing her duties, and that she sent meat out of the workhous?, and that the children ha.d to be given bacon instead of beef. A number of witnesses gave evidence in sup- port, one stating that the inmates frequently went short of their proper rations. Counsel confronted Mrs. Battersea with an account for £ 4 at one public-house for gin, which she had had in a short period. She admitted that gin was her favourite drink. Two inmates said they fetched the gin daily, and another said the matron borrowed of her for the purpose. Spoiled Her Pension Chances Mr. Justice. Eidley directed the jury that if the matron was incapably drunk once that was grave misconduct within the Pensions Act, and such matron should be dismissed on the spot. The jury found that the matron's reason for resigning was the fear of inquiry, and not illness, and that she had been guilty of intemperance. The Judge, therefore, gave a verdict for the guardians. Mr. Battersea, formerly master of the work- house, whose office was terminated by Mr3. Battersea's resignation, also sued for a life pension, but the Judge held that grave mis- conduct by the matron, under the joint appointment, also disentitled the master to pension. A verdict was given accordingly.

BLOWN TO PIECES. Blasting Fatality Near Chepstow A serious accident, by which a man was blown to pieces, occurred in Sir John Aird's quarry at Tidenham, near Chepstow, this morning. On Thursday evening several blasts were made, but one charge miased fire, and this morning one of the men, named Joseph Thomas, of Woodcroft, started to bore out the undischarged charge. The foreman found out what was occurring, and told Thomaa he was doing wrong, when almost immediately the charge exploded, badly mutilating and killing Thomas on the spot. The foreman escaped tininjurf* but a stranger, nick- named Gloucester, working beneath, was struck in the back by a, stone and injured. Thomas wag a married man, and leaves a widow and two children.

FRIED LEECHES FOR DINNER South Wales Collier's Repast The Ma-tron of a Cottage Hospital," writ- ing to "The Hospital" "Nursing Section," gives some curious instances of ignorance in the treatment of complaints which, she say. occasionally obtains in some of the colliery districts of South Wales. She quotes three well authenticated cases of treatment as understood by colliers' wives:- Wood-louse for Gastritis. I The first was that of a. woman suffering from gastric irritation. Inquiry elicited the fact that she had regularly been in the habit of swallowing a wood-louse whenever she felt at all out of sorts. Fried Leeches. I The second was that of another woman, who, I when told that she must get sonie leeches for her husband, did as the doctorriad ordered; but on her return from the chemist's, instead of asking for further instructions, she fried the leeches and gave them to the unfortunate man to eat. These two cases are vouched for by the medical man who attended in each instance. Boiled Snails for Ulcers. I The third came under the matron's own observation. A patient arrived at the hos- pital suffering from "a had leg." When the bandages were removed a curious sticky-look- ing mass was revealed, which proved to be a poultice of boiled snails, which had been applied to thei varicose ulcer by a well-mean- ing neighbour. ■ i 1,

PENARTH MYSTERY. I An Engineer Missing. I George Irving, soconJ engineer on board the -Jteazns'bip New-holm, now lying in Penarth Dock, has been missing from his ship since Wednesday last. It appears taiit he went ashore with the etisw-ard, James Harvey, and the two made some pnrchasas in preparation for tha voyage to Jopan--on which the New- holm will sail on the next tide. They parted about eleven o'clock, and Irving a little later stopped to chat with a dock pilot. He then wc-nt on his way to the &hip; but no one can 00 found who sa -v him afterwards. Irving, who had signed articles for Japan, had a wife and fokir children in South Shields; and Mrs. Irving is now on her way to Penarth. Harvey told cur representativo that Irving had just reoovered from all attack of pneumonia and pleurisy, and waa rather melancholy at times. He had been a chief engineer in the Japanese Navy, an dwlien the Assama came to this country last year he was one of the engineers selected to work her hack to Kobe.

LANDSLIPS AT CAERLEON. I Owing either to the extraordinary high tide last week or to the heavy rains of late. a large portion of the high river bank near Caerleon Bridge slipped this morning into the river, carrying with it a number of trees. On the road between Caerleon and Newport a large portion of the bank haa also slipped on the river side, a portion of the path being carried away.

"DYNAMITE DRINKING." I Owing to the prevalence of ether and methy- lated spirit drinking in Derry, locally known as "dynamite drinking," the Bench has ex- preaaed the hope t-hat the Legislature will pre-ve-it the gen-eralsade of these liquids. Two recent eases are described in the "Irish Daily Independent" of two men found in a state of utter eollapee, one through ether and the other through methylated spirit. Each man was fined 22s. 6d. and coete.

THE SOMALI CAMPAIGN. I The War Office has received the following from the officer commanding the lines of corn- nrunicatkm in Somalilatid.—" The state of l health and condition of the wounded British officers and men-. All doing well; remainder I good."

THE PREMIER CONVALESCENT. t The following bulletin was issued at 10, I Downing-etreet, thie morning:- J Mr. Balfoar haa pa&3ed a very good ni?t. I and is now convalescent. The right, hOD. f?nt?Bia-n will go to Brighton I on for a. few days' holiday.

ILIFE IN A FLAT] WASHING DIRTY LINEN IN I COURT. I A Miserable Case and Farthing Damages. Another three hours were occupicd in the King's Bench Division yesterday in listening to the descriptions given by residents and ser- vants of how Mr. Shafto Adair Fitzgerald, edi- tor of the "'Playgoer," and his wife, and Mr. John H. Evans, a metal broker, and his wife, I lived as neighbours in. flats in Brunswick- square. Apparently, the wives had disputes,! the husbands intervened, and ultimately the jury were asked by Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald to award them damages because of alleged libels and slanders uttered by Mr. and Mrs. Evar, L-. I Mrs. Maud Neale, who at the time of the! disputes was in the service of the defendants, and who gave evidence on behalf of the plain- i tiffs, WM further cross-examined about a state- ment she signed at the defendants' solicitor's office. In that statement it appeared that she said that on May 21 stit- went on the leads to hang out some clothes to air. Mrs. Evans came out and put her foot I through the skylight. Mrs. Evans really fell through the skylight, and it seemed to afford Mr. Fitzgerald a great deal of amuse- ment till Mrs. Evans called him a "low, dirty cad. The statement went on thatys-he heard! the plaintiff call the defendant names, but I she could not remember what they were. The defendants came to' her with a letter written out, and after a lot of pressure she signed it. It was to the effect that she had never heard the defendants say anything libellous or slanderous of the plaintiffs. She thought it was that she knew nothing wrong of Mrs. Eva-n3. They gave her a sovereign. Alice Phillips, servant to a lady living in 1 another flat, remembered the dispute in April. She was coming down with her washing, when Mrs. Fitzgerald asked, 13 this a public stair- case. She replied. "Yes, Mrs. Fitzgerald. Why?" Witness heard Mr. Fitigerald say, I "Woman, how dare you? If you were a man I would knock you down." Mrs. Estelle, another resident in the block, asserted that the inhabitants of the flats had always lived on perfectly good terms till the Evanses came. She heard the fuss on the stairs, and Mrs. Evans said, "Blow dare you speak to me like that? I am a lady, and you are all jealous of me." This closed the plaintiffs' case. Mr. Tudor Howell urged that, as it was now stated that Mrs. Evans was not the wife of Mr. Evans, she was a third person. and- Mr. Justice Bruce: In this action they are husband and wife. They are sued as husband and wife, and they have pleaded as husband and wife. In an action for libel the fact that the defendant discloses the libel to his wife is not evidence of publication, and he is not responsible, because he and his wife are one. I I Hold There is No Publication. I Mr. Fitzgerald was re-called. Mr. Justice Bruce: I will advise you. if you can to answer the questions as shortly and directly as possible. Mr. Moyses: I put it to you that at different times you have used foul language to Mrs. Evans?—I never used foul language to any- body. Did you ever swear at her?—Never. Or say she was a liar?—I—(after a pause)- cannot remember that at all. You were cross-examined about your letter in which you epoke of all the Geraldinee, and it was suggested that all you complained of was being: called a low, dirty cad, and every- body knew what you were. Your answer was that you went on waiting to let the slanders accumulate?—I said I took no notice of any- thing, but when the slanders accumulated, when they kept on cropping up, I was com- pelled to take action for my own protection, and because I could not work. These things were occurring every 4;Ly. Mr. Moyses said he should think the jnry had heard nothing but what would confirm the view they took when they saw the specimen of a. person who brought the action. ''Laughter.) Plaintiff described him- self as a playgoer and a dramatic author. He ought not to be squeamish and troubled with mawkish sentiment. He wanted costs to gra- tify the vindictive spirit of the descendant of the Geraldines. (Laughter.) Further, he desired a little cheap advertisement, so he preferred to wash all this dirty linen, which had up to then been confined to the house- holds, in court. He said he was 1 The only Adair Fitzgerald. I in tha world—(laughter)—and it was fortunate for the world that it was so. (Renewed laughter.) It all rose Out of the jangling of two women. No one with sisters and bro- thers—(laughter)—and wives and mothers would cay anything against the sex, but one of their greatest admirers had said that the beet woman could be a bit cat-like at times. (Laughter.) Over this miserable squabble a judge and jury had been engaged, and an expense of at least 450 a day incurred. Let them look at the littleness of this contemp- tible Ger-.tldi-ie-(I-,tughter)-Ltnd the slurs lie had cast at Mrs. Evans. He had forgotten chivalry to women, whether married or not. Noblesse oblige" and the Geraldincs naa ?d-eseended vastly in the scale of humanity if this were the relic of them. (Laughter.) When Mr. Evans wrote to him, he replied, Con- sidering I am one of the best-known and popu- lar writers in London." (Laughter.) That waa information. And lie went on about the Geraklines. What would they think if Mr. Tudor Howell told them he was descended from Bluff King Htl? (Loud laughter.) Mr. Tudor Howell: Or my friend from Moses. (Great laughter.) Mr. Storry Deans, for the female defendant., regretted that Mr. Fitzgerald's enormous notion of his own importance had not allowed him to keep indoors while the wives talked away till they were tired. (Laughter.) Mr. John H. Evans, the male defendant, dis- claimed the slightest intention of casting any imputation on Mrs. Fitzgerald. Mr. Howell: You are not one of the Geraldines? (Laughter.) Witness: I do not aspire to that honour. You arc one of the great family of Eva.nB? (Laughter.)—I did not know they were great. But you have a high-sounding name—John I Henry Evelyn?—I am glad to hear that it is high-sounding. Questioned as to whether he did not mean in his letter that he might assault Mr. Fitz- gerald. witness replied, I would not Soil My Hands on Him." I Mrs. Evans sat while giving evidence. She remembered the staircase incident. Mr. Fitz- gerald interfered, asked her what the she meant, and, using vile language, was about to strike her. He went on, How dare you insult my wi,,e?', to which she re- plied, "Your wife, indeed; I do not care for her," and went. into her flat. On the second occasion she was on the leads hang- ing out the clothes, when she put "her foot through the skylight and cut her ankle and leg. Mr. Fitsgerald came out and asked her what the she meant. She replied by calling him a dirty cad," and he need most I vile language. Mr. Howell: The servant had made one statement, why did ycm want a second?— Because I afterwards ?ound Rhe had tnrned traitor. I met her, and she said she had never *aid anything against me. She knid she had been to the FilKgeratde, and they were going to pay her more than we should. He was always a man flying about the place as if he were- maid. (Laughter.) The jury found for Mrs, Fitzgerald on the fifst oount. Damages One Farthing. I and for the defendants on the second. The Foreman added: The jury aek me to express their opinion that such an action should never have been brought into court at all. Judgment was entered for the defendants on the second count, and for Mrs. Fitzgerald on the first, for a farthiug and costs.

8tewm' Brt.-vl 'et\ regulaiiv wm imp?ove tto 11 !Maltb and pennMteatty strengthen H.e couatitution, wi,th tan bmt wblesun &w. elZD2i [

MARQUISE'S PETITION PRINCE AND PRINCESS AS WITNESSES. Yvonne T.ouise Marie Hugnette, Marquise de Lisle (nee Frotieh de la Coste), in the Invorce Court yesterday sought a divorce by reason of the alleged cruelty and misconduct of her husband, Gerard Lisle March Phillips, Mar- quise de Lisle, of Onebarrow, Leicestershire. He filed an answer denying the charges. The petitioner underwent a long examina- tion in camera, and it was not until after the adjournment for luncheon that the publio were r(,1dInitLd. Formal evidence was given as to the validity of the marriage, according to French law. Princess Harriet Marie de Cassano said that she was a distant relation of the Marquise de Lisle. She was present at both the civil and religious ceremonies of marriage. The peti- tioner afterwards complained to her about her husband, at which time the Marquise de Lisle was very much agitated. On the 11th of August, 1902, the Istarquis-e de Lisle told wit- ness that his wife had worried him, and that there had been a discussion about money matters. Prince de Cassano, who was also a witness to both ceremonies, said that prior to their being celebrated he had discussed with the respondent pecuniary matters. The first engagement was broken off because he was told that the Marquis de Lisle was in debt to the extent of £ 3,0CO. Before the engagement was renewed he had a further discussion with the respondent as to his means. Did he tell you anything more about his indebtedness?—He told me it had increased to about £ 5,000. Some time after the marriage did you see the Marquis and Marquise de Lisle?—Yes. How did the petitioner behave to his wife?— I should say he was rude to her. In cross-examination by Mr. Shee, witness was questioned with reference to incidents which led up to the separation. Witness had written t letter to the respondent advising him not to write to the petitioner every day. Was it your opinion that if he paid less attention to her her attachment might revive ? —I think that is a matter of experience. That is the experience of the world?—That ig my opinion. If he did not run after her so much she might run after him?—Yes. (Laughter.) Down to the time of going to Paris and Rome you expressed your opinion that the conduct of the lady was a mystery?—Yes. The case was again adjourned.

SENSATIONAL DISCOVERY. Dynamite in Emigrant's Trunk On the arrival at Liverpool to-day of the Ma.jeetic from Kew York, the Customs officials in searching the baggage of an Austrian emi- grant found in the trunk, which had a false bottom, eighteen pounds of dynamite. The mitn was given into custody, and on being searched 350 detonators were found in his possession. He gave the name of Ivan Sjuba- novie. Prisoner was charged to-day with having the explosives in his possession under circum- stances which gave rise to the suspicion that it was intended for an unlawful object. He was remanded for a week for inquiries. The Austrian Consul was represented in court. Prisoner is a powerfully-built man of 35, and dressed like a. labourer. He docs not speak English. He was booked from New York to Carlebad.

STEAMER ASHORB, ) Ten Sailors Lost: Others MissingI The large four-masted British steamer Yeo- man. of Liverpool, is badly ashore at Cor- cubion, near Coruniia. Of the crew of B2 officers and men, 73 are known to have been saved, but nine men are missing. They left the vessel in a small boat and have not since been heard of at any point along the coast. The Yeoman was bound from Liverpool to Calcutta., with a general cargo. jLjie Yeoman is a fine vessel of 7,379 tons. A telegram to-day from Corcubion states that ten sailors were drowned, and others are reported missing. Four passengers were saved. The ship is seriously damaged, and it will not be possible to rafloat her.-Reuter.

PUBLIC-HOUSE WINDOW SMASHED. I Before Mr. T. W. Lewis (stipendiary) at Cardiff Police-court to-day Edward Fitzgerald, 30, was charged with being disorderly in Bridge-street, and also with wilfully breaking a pane of glass, value 1-10, in the window of the Greyhound Inn, the property of Mrs. Mary Ann Hornblow. This was a case illustrating the difficulties under which licensed vic- tuallers carry on their business. Prisoner had been seiHjral times refused drink, and then he went outside and threw things at the plate-glass window, using offensive language at the same time. It was lucky the big pro- jectile only scared the window, for had it been otherwise the contents of the bar must have been damaged, and those present would pro- bably have been injured. The man used offensive language, but Police-constable Andrew Fraser prevented him from doing further damage. Mrs. Hornblow estimated the damage at L!O.-Prisoror was committed for two months, with hard labour.

DEAD IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE I An inquest was held to-day (by Mr. Reece, coroner), at the Eailway Restaurant, Ponty- clan, on the body of E. J. Owen, who was found dead in a railway carriage at Llan- trisant Station on the arrival of the Peny- graig train at 7.10 p.m. on Tuesday last. It appears that the deceased had been to Trea- law to transact some business, and was appa- rently in the best of health when he left home, at three o'clock the same day. He was employed as warehouse foreman at Llantri- sant Great Western Eailway Station, which position he had held for about 25 years. He was well-known and respected in the neigh- bourhood.—The verdict was that death was due to natural causes, probably accelerated by heart failure.

FIGHTING IN THE CAMEROONS. I According to a. telegram from the Imperial Governor of Cameroons, received in Berlin, Count Pueckler, who is in charge of the post of Ossidinge, has been killed in fighting with the natives --it Basso. A punitive expedition hae been despatched. Further details have not yet been received, but it is presumed that Count Pueckler, while on a tour of exploration in the parts ot his district which are still little known, came into conflict with the Tribe of Anjangs, in whose territory Baswo is situated, and who have not yet eucmitted to German rule.— Eeuter.

DRUNK IN CHARGE OF A MOTOR-CAR. I The Stipendiary (Mr. T. W. Lewis) had before him at Cardiff Police-court to-day John Pfabigan, 23, who wao charged with being- drunk whilst in charge of a motor-car in Cow- bridge-road on February 4.—Police-constable Franklyn proved that the road was not large enough for the defendant at the great speed at with, he was going, and, on pulling up when intercepted, he ra,n into the hedge.-He was fined 40s. and costs.

A DANGEROUS CRIMINAL. I At the Old Bailey, London, to-day James Edwardfi, 40, tailor, and James Taylor, twenty, labourer, were sentenced to ten aud five years' penal servitude raspetitiveiy for break- ing and entering a house at South Hackney I and stealing therefrom 50,1)]) postage stamps of a collection. Edwards \6 described by the police an a meet- notorious and dangerous 1 criminal. l

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams, j OFFICE. 4.0 p.m. .'—A ELLIN C-. HAS T.>IC A P. I-rs L -i r 1, i, t Lamp Mr Gorj a 11 ?: Mr II Tj ftafiJaira AsaTjiguliy Halliek 5 n c :1r r Frederick's Copt Heath ,\C Bronn 5 10 I J.?—A'.eo rass: Buck:toot aarl Gailatin. The objection to Xajiper Tandy is ovsr-ruled. .39—FEBRUARY HURDLE. RESULT:— Mr J G Clarke's Mark Time W Kobinson 11 C Lord Marcus Beredord's Ashanti Gold.Escott 10 Mr A Stedall's Hatfield. Sighting»ii 10 1( i  I

I I I HEALTH OF BARRY. I Medical Officer's Annual Report I The annual report of the medical officer to the Barry Urban Sanitary Authority, shows a birth-rate for the district during last year of 31.2. The excess of births over deaths was 556, the death-rate being 11.8, compared with 11.9 in 1902. It is pointed out that if deaths from accidents, which largely occur amongst seamen and workmen from other districts were deducted, the death-rate would have been one of the lowest on record—10.9. Though the general death-rate was .01 lower than in 1902, the rate for zymotic diseases was .05 higher. The total rainfall for the year was 46.9in., compared with an average for the past fifteen years of 32.39in. The port sanitary authorities report shows that four cases of infectious disease, two of small-pox and two of enteric fever, were admitted from the port to the infectious diseases hospital. During the year 2,946 vessels were inspected, and of these 350 were in a more or less defective or insanitary state. The standard of accommodation for seamen and firemen in many of the newer class of ships had vastly improved of late, but it could not be said that a corresponding improvement had taken place in the tramp class.

FISCAL AMENDMENT. I Free Trade League Meeting Postponed. It is announced that in consequence of the division of Mr. Morley's amendment in the House of Commons on Monday next, the Committee of the Free Trade League, recognis- ing the importance of every possible name appearing in the division lists, have post- poned the free trade meeting at Manchester, which is to be addreseed by Mr. Winston Churchill and others, from Monday next until the following Friday.

THE CAPE ELECTIONS. I It is understood (says a Cape Town telegram to-day) that Sir Gordon Sprigg, the Premier, is greatly disappointed at his defeat at East London, and that he will probably retire from Cape politics and take up hLs residence in England. The defeat of the Premier, Mr. Douglass, and Mr. Merriman, three of the oldest members of the Legislature, is without precedent since the granting of responsible government to the Oa.pe. Up to the present the Progressives have gained four seats and the Bond two.—Central News.

PEACE IN NORTHERN NIGERIA. I Among the passengers who landed at Ply- mouth this morning from the West African mail steamer Akabo, was Mr. W. Walace. C.M.G. deputy High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria, and Colonel Morland, C.B., commanding the troope of Northern Nigeria. Both officials declined interview, but Colonel Morland stated that there was every prospect of profound peace in. Northern Nigeria.

STRUCK ON THE ROCKS. I The steamer Ruby Sohultz, of Amsterdam, struck on the rocks three miles north of Flambrougb. Head in a dense fog this morning. She was on a voyage from Middlesborough to Spain with sulphate of ammonia. The crew of fcrurteen were rewu.ee! by the Flam bo rough fishermen. The vessel will probably become a total wreck.

I Black Sea Fleet To Move 1 ■ 1 < REQUEST TO PASS THE DARDANELLES Presented to British Foreign Secretary BALTIC FLEET TO USE THE KIEL CANAL Germany and Its Notions of Neutrality Amongst the most important item of news from the seat of war this morning is the statement that the Russian Baltic squadron of fifteen ships has passed through Danish waters, and has received the consent of the German Government to pass through the Kiel Canal on its way to the Far East. A more startling report is to the effect that the Russian Ambassador in London has approached his Majesty's Government with a view of giving its sanction to the Government of the Czar to request the Porte to allow the passage of the Black Sea fleet through the Dardanelles.

STARTLING DEMANDI RUSSIA & THE DARDANELLES A startling report gained currency last night. It was to the effect that Count Benekendorff, the Russian Ambassador to St. James's, yesterday called at t'he Foreign Office and formally submitted to Lord Lansdowne the proposal that his Majesty's Government should give its sanction to the Government of the Czar to request the Porte to allow the passage through fho Dardanelles of the Black Sea Fleet, As is well known, the Treaty of 1841, which was confirmed at London in 1871 1 and at Berlin in 1878, provides that no ship of war belonging to any nation save Turkey shall pass the Dardanelles with- out the express consent of that Power. The startling character of such a pro- posal, should it, indeed, have been made, in view of the relations of this country with Japan, needs no comment. I H E BALTIC FLEET SETS SAIL FOR THE EAST The Russian Baltic squadron of fifteen warships passed yesterday through Danish waters on the way to the Far East round the Skagen. As a iferce storm raged in the North THE TAGASAGO. One of the Japanese warship* which visited Cardiff in 1902, and took part in the attack on Port Arthur this week. Sea, the Russian admiral ordered the squadron through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal. [Central News Special Service.] BERLIN, Thursday. The Lokalanzeiger" aunoundes that, with the consent of the Imperial Govern- ment, fifteen Russian warships which it is proposed to send to reinforce the fleet in the Far East will shortly pass through the Kiel Canal. Nothing Known in Berlin. BERLIN, Friday. It is declared in official quarters that nothing is known of the impending passage of a Russian squadron through the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal. THE FIGHTING AT PORT ARTHUR. Further Official Uetails. [Central News Special Service.] ST. PETERSBURG, Friday. j The following official message from I Admiral Alexeieff to his Majesty the Czar, RUSSIAN OUTPOSTS ON THE YALU RIVER. received February 9, is published to- day:— I I have to inform your Majesty that the Czarevitch and Palladaha-vo been taken inside the harbour. The Retvizan is being repaired provisionally. The repairing of armoured ships, necessitating complicated work, requires much time, and it is difficult to say when the repairs will be completed. The Pallada and the Novik will be taken in their order into the dock. I assume that the repairs will take about two weeks. The other ships of the squadron which, on February 7, took part in the battle and suffered damage went inside the harbour next day to complete coal- ing and repairs, which, I hope, will ba executed in three days5 time. Four of the wounded sailors have died. The condition of the others gives hope of recovery. The largest number of wounded were on the Pallada and Retvizan. This was due to gas poison- ing caused by the explosion of the melinite in the fired mine (? torpedo). Yesterday (February 8) the cruisers were constantly patrolling. The ships of the enemy were not sighted. Also patrolled at night-time under a strengthened escort of torpedo boats. Nothing, however, occurred, and the enemy were nowhere seen. Our military agent in China, Major- General Dessino, telegraphs from the marine staff that the cable between Vladivostok and Nagasaki is inter- rupted between Seoul and Masampho and between Seoul and Asan. Russia Without Official News. [Central News Special Service.] ST. PETERSBURG, Friday. In consequence of rumours and unre- liable reports sent from this capital by foreign correspondents regarding a naval battle of ChemuJpo, t-h-e landing of Japanese troops in Korea, and a disaster on tlie Manchuria Railway, it is officially announced that up to this morning no I confirmation of these reports has reached St. Petersburg. Work for the Red Cross Society St. Petersburg, Friday. The Dowager Car.ritsr, ha sissued a rescript to the Red Cross Society directing it to make provision for the alleviation of the sufferiuga of those wounded in the war. A branch of the Red Cross Society has been established in the New Hermitage of the Winter Palace. Offers of service have reached the society in suell numbers that no more aplications will be entertained nntil further notice.—Press Asso- ciation War Special. I A Franco-German Alliance P Berlin, Friday. The 11 HanoveTse-her Courier" learns ttuvi some weekii ago Russia made certain pro- posals in Berlin, amounting practically to the conclusion of a Franco-German alliance. Ger- many, however, did not accept the proposals, because she feared she might be prevented from observing strict neutrality in the Far Eastern strug-gle—Reutcr. Italian Admiral and Russian I Tactics. I Rome, Thursday.—Interviewed on the war, Admiral Landiam, who commanded the Italian, squadron during the Cino-Japaneee War, is represented as having expressed the opinion that Port Arthur was not a good base for operations. The Japanese would gain a mM- tery on the, sea. The Russian Fleet was destined to be destroyed. The Russians had made a mistake in depriving Admiral Skrydloff of the command and in dispersing their forms. The Japanese were now at liberty to land in Korea, and the Russians, in view of the diffi- culty of obtaining supplies by the Trans-Sibe- rian Railway, could not put more than 150,000 men into Manchuria, while Japan was in n position to send 300,000.—-Renter. Telegram.s for the Far East. St. Petersburg, Friday. The Telegraph Department fcaa ceasecl to accept telegrams to Eastern Asio, via the Sibe- rian lines, which are exolaaively reserved for official despatches. Private t el grains will he forwarded via the Caucasus and Persia, oa the Jaifi-Bushire line.—Renter. The Demand for Coal. The Japanese are still inquiring for tonnage for the Far Eaet. and we are given to under- stand that steamers are not likely to clear for Japan but for Singapore, or similar IdestinaUaa% fur "daft