Evening Express

Japan Tries to Block the Harbour Entrance. [Central News Special Service.] I ST. PETERSBURG, Thursday. The following official report has been forwarded to the Czar by Admiral Alexeieff, dated February 24 (11th O.S.).: I beg to report to your Majesty that I have just received a report that during the night the Japanese forces attempted to block the entrance to Port Arthur by employ- ing merchant ships, directed against the battleship Retvisan. The attempt failed. Both of the Japanese steamers were mown up by mines, and lie on the shore below Solataja-gora and the Tiger Peninsula. I have no losses to announce. I await a detailed report from the officer commanding the fleet. The succeeding message sent by Admiral Alexeieff is as follows:- In completion of my telegram of the 11th (24th) to your Majesty, I beg to report as follows — On the 11th inst. (24th), from 2.45 a.m. until dawn, the enemy at- tempted to attack the battleship Retvisan by means of many mine- boats (? torpedo-boats), and also to sink large steamers, with explosive materials on board, into the entrance to the harbour. After the mine-boats (P torpedo- boats) were discovered a strong fire was opened upon them from the Retvisan and also from the shore batteries, and of two steamers which were bearing directly on to the Retvisan one struck on the rocks near the lighthouse, near the Tiger Peninsula, and the other sank near Solataja-gora. Firing was continued at the mine- boats ( ? torpedo-boats) until it was full dawn, when four wrecked ships were perceived in the roadstead, and eight mine-boats (? torpedo-boats) were Been slowly retreating in the direction of the ships, which were awaiting them out at sea. Part of the crews of the ships who had taken to the boats were drowned, and the remainder were, probably, saved by the enemy's mine-boats (P torpedo-boats). An examination of the shore has I now been completed, and the en- trance to the harbour is quite clear. The total frustration of the enemy's plans I ascribe to the heroic defence of our batteries and the destructive fire from the Retvisan. The wrecked Japanese steamer is still burning. Mines cap be perceived floating in the roadstead. The enemy remains on the horison in two divisions. I am re-calling the three cruisers sent in pursuit in order, first of all, to clear the road- stead of floating mines. fhree Russian Cruisers Engaged I L. [Press Association Special Service.] I f7 St. Petersburg, Thureday. A dispatch received from a correspondent in Port Arthur with reference to the attack on that place on Tuesday night maintains that the Japanese loet a torpedo vessel. The correspondent adds that 23 Japanese shiptl. great and small, were seen on the horizon after the torpedo flotilla retired, and that a naval engagement ensued, in which the Rus- sian cruisers Bayan, Novik, and Askold took part. JAPANESE MANCEUVRE8. I Paris, Thursday —According to a, telegram to the "Echo de Paris" from St. Peters- burg, the opinion of the Russian staff officers at St. Petersburg is that the object of the Japanese was to scatter the floating torpedoes in the harbour at Port Arthur. The correspondent of the same journal states that the total number of Japanese troops landed in Korea is reported not to exceed 30,000. He reports from another source that the transportation of Russian troops will now be able to oontinue uninterruptedly, the first train having crossed the line laid over the ice on Lake Baikal yesterday. The "Matin" publishes the following tele-I 9mm, sent from Harbin yesterday evening: -I "Details of the audacious attack of tie Japanese on Port Arthur last night show that they wieh to repeat the manoeuvres successfully cMried out byl, lieutenant Hobson in the Spanish-Ameri- 'I can War. They sent three merchant l steamers which they intended to sink in the channel in order to obstruct the entrance and block the way for the Russian squadron. The Betvizan, however, which has been beached on the rocks since the fight of the 9th inst., foiled the intention of the assailant* and Bucoeeded in sinking the merchant steamers before they could put their audacious plan into execution. A dispatch to the "Figaro" from St. Peters- burg says that after the defeat of the Japanese squadron at Port Arthur, it retreated and was pursued by the Russian v squadron. There is rejoicing at the Palace Bad among the Ministers to-night. A. Te Deum was sang lilt the Winter Palace in the presence of the Czar and Czarina. J it is reported that it was owing to th* re. presentations made by France, who was desirous of respecting her neutrality, that J the Russian squadron in the Red Sea. left Jibutil. It is now in the Mediterranean. It is announced that General Terpitelri, com- manding the First Army Corps in Turkestan, will shortly leave for the Far East. Colonel Schenk, who came here to present to the C-za.r the German Emperor's letter offering to place the German Red Cross organisation in the Far East at the disposal of his Majesty, has left again for Berlin with an autograph letter for the Emperor William. Subscrip- tions on behalf of the Russian Red Croes Society and the Russian Navy continue to come in from all parts of the country. To be Employed as Guard ships. I [Press Association Special Service.] I ST. PETERSBURG, Thursday. It is announced that, as the repairs to the battleships Retvisan and Czarevitch can only be fully carried out in the dock at Vladivostok, these vessels will remain at Port Arthur for the present. With a view, however, to utilis- ing their formidable artillery, it has been decided, after temporary repairs have been effected, to employ them as coaet guardships until an opportunity is afforded of sending them to Vladivostok to be completely over- hauled. Meeting of the Cabinet. I A meeting of the Cabinet was held at the I Foreign Office at noon to-day, Mr. Balfour I presiding. British Tars' Generosity. ) "Daily Express" and "Evening Express91 j Special Correspondent.] (Copyright.) I HONG KONG, Thursday, 10.53 a.m. (Eastern time.) The crews of the British squadron stationed here have given half a day's pay to provide luxuries for the wounded Russian sailors who took part in the battle of Chemulpo, and who have arrived here on their way south. The Admiralty ofllcials are also serving out I kits of summer clothing to the Russians. Cargo of Meat Seized by Japan I NAGASAKI, Wednesday. The authorities have eeized a large quan- tity of mees meef consigned to the Russian Government by the steamer Korea, from San Francisco, for Vladivostok. French Assistance for Russian I Wounded. PARIS, Thursday. The Gaulois says that it has reason to believe that another generous movement will be started immediately in France in aid of the Russian wounded.—Reuter. New Telegraph Cable to Japan I WASHINGTON, Thursday. The Government has decided to sanction the laying of the new telegraph cable between the Japanese coast and Guam (Philipines), to con- nect with the Pacific cable, on the ground that the rise of oommercial facilities does not constitute a breach of neutrality. The object of the projeoted cable is to prevent the isolation of Japan in the event of Russia cut- ting both existing cables between Japan and Shangha.i.-R-euter. (JAPANESE OFFICERS HANGED I Report Questioned. I Inquiry was made yesterday by a represen- tative of the Daily Telegraph at the Japa- nese Legation respecting the report from St. Petersburg that three Japanese officers were arrested by the frontier guards just as they were on the point of blowing up the bridge over the Sungari River, a^i that, being con- demned to death by a court-martial, they were all three hanged on the culverts of the bridge which they had intended to destroy. The Legation had no knowledge whatever of this incident, and until it was confirmed the officials declined to accept the report as true. It is incredible," said one of the principal secretaries, that any Japanese officer has been left behind in Manchuria. Besides, the names given in the telegram are not Japa- nese, and they are not to be identified as those of officers belonging to the General Staff. The name of Colonel Aseai resembles a Japanese name; the others (Torpedo-lieu- tenant Zoukj Ascha and Lieutenant Kaourata, of the Sappers) are foreign names to us. It is improbable that officers of the rank given should have been attempting to destroy the bridge. Very possibly the Ruseians have arrested Chineee bandits." French Ambassador Visits I Foreign Office. The French Ambassador had a long inter. I view with Lord Lanedowne at the Foreign I Office this morning. j More Coal for Japan. I Chartering for the Far East continues active on the Cardiff Exchange, and two additional steamers were reported to-day to bave been fixed for Japan at high rates. The Japanese steamer Sodo Maru, has been fully loaded and will shortly sail. Japanese Vessels to Keep Their I Flag Upon inquiry at the offices of the Japanese Mail Steamship Company in London this morning one of our London representatives was definitely informed that the vessels at present loading coal under the company at Cardiff will not sail to Japan under the British nag. An Englishman's Forecast. I An Englishman, who has lived for twenty years in Russia, writes: It is rather strange to see the English press committing itself, at the opening of the present war, to precisely the same kind of wild prophecies by which the Continental press distinguished itself in the earlier stages of the Boer War. Like ourselves, Russia has to send troops a great distance, and she begins the war almost as ill-prepared; but to prophesy disasters as great as the annihilation of Napoleon's army in its retreat from Moscow, and to write as though the plucky little Jap were going to throttle the Big Bear," is inane, to say the least of it. Permit someone who knows and under- stands Russia to give you a more sane fore- cast of the outcome of this conflict. Japan will maintain the .command of the sea and hold Korea. She may gain some successes on land in Manchuria at first. It is not quite possible that Port Arthur may fall, though it is unlikely. Later on, vast Russian rein- forcements will not only check her on land, but inflict serious losses upon her. Finally, the war will arrive at a point of "stale mate" —neither wl be able to attain what they are fighting for; both will be worn out finan- cially. Then negotiations will be suggested, probably byeutral Powers; there will be a conference, and in the end the same arrange- ment will be arrived at as might, with a little I more patience and tact, have been attained by both belligerents without any war at all. I The Foxton Hall and Rosalie. From the latest news received concerning the British steamer Foxton Hall at Port Arthur it would appear that the original crew deserted her. Since then attempts have been made to collect a scratch crew. The stesm,er Rosalie is expected to leave Vladi- vostok to-da.y. In both these cases it may be doubted whether there has been any real 1 detention by the Russians. I The War Risks. I A large amount has been written to cover the war risks of wheat shipments from Bom- bay in British steamers during May, June, and July. As much as 9750,000 has been plaoed at Is. 6d. per cent. The hulls of British steamers trading with the Far East are being generaaly done at 11 per cent. against the risks of capture, Ac., and one fleet has been written for six months at 10s. per cent. The above rates will show t-heit the marine insurance market has little belief Sa the spread ot hoatiUfcwB to ettar Powers <

First Train Passes Over the ice, The "Echo de Paris" has received a tele-I gram from its St. Petersburg correspondent stating that the first train crossed Lake Baikal yesterday morning in four hours on the newly-laid line over the ice. This is no advance on the time taken by the sledges, but the necessity for detraining is obviated. The Ural tunnel will be finished in April, when the trains will be able to go round the lake. At Baikal Station there is an extra- ordinary demand for post horses, 2,000 of them being in constant use over the ice. ——————————————

Russia and Korean Neutrality. I [Router's Special Service.] ST. PETERSBURG, Thursday. The Novoye Vremya," in an article on the war to-day, declares that the Anglo- Japa,nes6 Alliance is based on the main- tenance of the integrity and independence of Korea, which, it says, has been impudently violated by Japan. The journal expresses surprise that no protest against such viola- tion has been entered by Great Britain, and asserts that if this silence on the part of Great Britain continues, Russia will be justi- Bed in regarding the alliance as being directed exclusively against Ber. Several other newispapers state that the violation of the neutrality of Korea. sets Russia's hazids free for action against Japan in that ooimtry. General Kuropatkin will leave for the Far Eaet in about a fortnight's j time. Korean Emperor Relies on Japan. [Press Association Special Service.] TOKIO, Thursday. Notwithstanding the effort made by the French Minister to influence the Court at Seoul in favour of Ruissia, the Korean Em- peror continues to rely on the Japanese. The Diet will probably open here on the 20th prox. Mikado and English Officers. [Reuter's Special Service.] A Genoa paper publishes a telegram from Yokohama., in which, in connection with the reception by the Emperor of the British and Italian officers of the Nisshin and Kasuga, it is stated that it was at his Majeety's specially expressed wish that the officers were received at the Palace. At the audience the Emperor was surrounded by his whole Court, and was attended by a number of naval officers from Yokosuka. The officers presented Captains Lea and Paynter, Lieu- tenant Boyle, and the Italian engineers, Signovs Bot.tero, and were a-ocompamed by the Minister of Marine. The Emperor addressed the officers in English in handing them the deoorations conferred upon them. The two oruisers are ready to join the fleet. Their destination, however, is not known. GERMANY ANI) ASIA MINOR j Heported Negotiations with Russia In the Houes of Commons to-day, 1. Gib- son Bowles asked whether the Government had any information that negotiations are proceeding between the German and the Rus- sian Governments for an arrangement where- by, in return for afforded to Rus- sia by Germany during hostilities with Japan, Russia will give support to Germany in re- spect to the construction of the Bagdad rail- way; and of the general extension of German predominance in Asia Minor. Earl Percy: The answer is in the negative. Bureau For Official Information I [Reuter'e Special Service.] I ST. PETERSBURG. Thursday. The Minister of the Interior has esta-bliehed a burea.u at the offices of the 3iinistry for the supply of official. information of the military operations in the Far East, to the correspondents of foreigns newspapers. Ready for Mobilisation I [Itcuter'e Special servico-3 AMSTERDAM, Thursday. The "Handelebrad" publishes the follow- ing telegram from Ba.ta.via:- In view of the strained situation in the Far East, everything is held in readiness for the immedfate mobilisation. All foreign lea,ve to officers has been temporarily can-I celled.

Comments on the Position. PROM TO-DAYIS MORNING POST." I (*y Special Arrangement with the Proprietors.) (COPYRIGHT.) The striking similarity that is percep- I tible in the tone of certain Continental journals to-day, as evinced in their com- plete inability to recognise that the issue of the present var may not depend wholly on sheer weight of numbers, to that which was extensively adopted by the European press in commenting on the initial stages of the war between Japan and China ten 1\ years ago need cause no great surprise, when it is remembered that Russia must endeavour at all hazards to maintain her military prestige in France, since she badly needs another loan. The French journals are ready to view everything in the best possible light where their allies are concerned, but their conclusions may be quite wrong, and to the wholly un- prejudiced observer it must be difficult to regard the latest Russian Note to the Powers as other than a damaging admis- sion of Japan's superior readiness for decisive action. It is pointed out that if Japan had not been prompt to employ her naval and military forces in the Korean Peninsula it is certain that the Russians would have laughed in their sleeves at the Japanese hesitation, an,-i u,,ould, without the smallest scruple, have sought to score the first points in the great game of war on which they were eventually driven, unready as they appear to have been to embark their national fortunes. The con- tention that Japan violated Korean neutrality is, surely, too ridiculous when put forward by the Power that had pre- viously laid its all-absorbing grasp on Chinese territory in Manchuria. The claim that the three men said to have been hanged by the Russians for an attempt to blow up a bridge across the Sungari were Japanese officers may or may not be well-founded; but, in any event, the treatment meted out to them by their captors, if the report be true, was a gross infraction of the ordinary rules of twentieth century warfare, and a singular commentary on the shallowness of Russia's pretensions to poee at The Hague as the apostle of disarmament in the interests of humanity at large. Were the Russian execution of these three prisoners of war to give rise to sanguinary reprisals on the part of the Japanese the world could scarcely be shocked at such retaliation by a people on whom the tenets of the Western faith would scarcely be considered as binding. But the Japanese, it may well be believed, have no intention of wreaking vengeance on the defenceless, and, whether the story be true or false as regards the Sungari bridge, there need be no fear that a bad example, should it be set them during this campaign, will at once be followed. On the contrary, our allies were quick to appreciate the rescue of t.he sailors of the Nakonoura Maru by the Russian cruiser that sank her, though the ques t.ion of the Russians1 right to fire on an l tmarmed rmohautman is another matter.

_4_ r MINERS'. WAGES EXISTENCE OF THE ENGLISH I COAL BOARD. The Press Association telegra.phe :-Ques- tions affecting tfae future of the Coal Concilia- tion Baud-the body which regulaitee affairs as between employer and employed in the coal trade-a.re to-day under discussion at the Westminster Palace Hotel, London. Accord- ing to present arrangements, the existence of the board will ceaae at the end of next month unless some agreement can be arrived at for its continuance. With the object of re- establishing the tribunal, the feeling of the men in the coal districts has been tested, and to-day their representatives reported the result to their employers. This morning both sides met separately, and later a joint conference took place. I

NEWPORT ALDERMAN DEAD I A Long and Honourable Career I The death took place suddenly, between twelve and one o'clock this morning, of Alderman Daniel Augustine Vaughan, J.P., at his residence, Danyrhiw, M&indee, New- port, in his 66th year. In a sense it is true the demise was sudden, but Mr. Vaugham had for about eighteen months or two years been known to be in a critical state, consequent on heart trouble. He had filled a. large part in the civic life of Newport for many years. He was first eleoted to the town council in the year 1877, as a representative of the Can. tral Ward, became an alderman several years ago, and was a J.P. for the borough, and for the county of Monmouth. Though he was one of the foremost Irish Nationalists in the town and district, Alderman Vaoghan had never I by residence been an Irishman. Born in the Breconshiro hills of Irish paxents, in his sym- pathies he became more Irish than the Irish, or many of them. He removed to Newport in his youth and entered commercial life. When still a young man he beca.me a partner of the late Mr. O'Hare- in a potato importing business in Dock-street, and married a daughter of his partner. The children of that marriage have not survived. Mr. Vaughan married a second time Miss I Clarke, a daughter of the late Mr. John Clarke, and leaves a widow and eight children —three sons and five daughters, one of the latter of whom married a little while ago Dr. P. J. M'Ginn. In point of seniority of service Alderman Vaughan was the third oldest member of the Newport Corporation, the two in advance of him being Alderman Moses and Alderman Bear. He had. in addition to mem- bership on other committees, been for several years chairman of the markets and baths committee. Of singularly urbane and kindly disposition, Mr. Vaughan was everywhere a popular and respected man. But more parti- cularly amongst his fellow-Catholics was he beloved. He championed their cause, and he helped both clergy and laity in their work in no half-hearted fashion. He was a keen educationist and upholder of the distinctive character of Catholic schools. Mr. Vaughan. assisted by his sons, continued to carry on the potato trade, which was established many years ago in Dock-street, up to the time of his death. He was out attending to business yesterday.

CRICKET. I Test Match Condition of the I Wicket. Sydney, Thursday.—The wicket on which the test match beginning to-morrow will be played is hard, and is being kept under tarpaulin to- night. The weather forecast predicts un- settled conditions.

MOTOR-CARS IN GLAMORGAN I The putting up of steel sign-posts under the Motor-Car Act was discussed by the Roads and Bridges Committee of the Glamorgan County Council at their meeting at Cardiff to-day. The Clerk (Mr. Manual Franklyn) stated that they were in default in the matter at present. The Surveyor stated that the county council would require 200 or 300 posts and thousands would be required by the district councils. The Surevyor was ordered to report on the matter. A communication was received from the Couirty Councils' Association with regard to the maximum weight to be imposed on heavy motor-cars. The chairman moved that it be a recommen- dation that the gross weight allowed shall not exceed eight tons, and that the cars be not allowed to travel at a greater speed than six miles an hour. This was agreed to.

DEFRAUDING TAFF VALE RAILWAY Llewellyn Morris, Tonyrefail, was to-day charged, at the Porth Police-court, with com- mitting a fraud on the Taff Vale Bailway Company, by tendering a wrong ticket on Saturday night, the 23rd of Jaunary.-A"ord. ing to hte prosecution, defendant was seen to leave the train arriving at Porth from Pontypridd at 11.30 p.m.,and offered the return half of the ticket from Porth to Fern dale, and the theory set up was that defendant had gone down t-o Pontypridd from Ferndale, and he was asked to pay the excess in respect of this extra journey, but be r-efueed to do so. —The defence set up was that defendant had come from FerndaJe by the 11.10 p.m. train, and had been on the platform all the time.- —Defendant was fined Y,2 and costs, £4 4s. in all.—Mr. William Ingledew appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Edwards (of Messrs. Walter Morgan, Bruce, and Nicholas) defended.

A SOAP LIBEL CASE. What is known as the soap libel case came before Mr. Justice Jelf at Liverpool Assizes to-day for judgment. Yesterday Dr. Peter Stuart, a skin specialist, was awarded a farthing damages against Messrs, Joseph Crosfield and Sons (Limited), Warrington, for using his name on a skin, which he repudiated as being manufactured from his prescription. -Hit Lordship said he had a strong feeling that the plaintiff should not have brought the I action, and disallowed his costs.

ALLEGED EMPLOYMENT FRAUD. I At the Guild-hall, London, to-day, Frederick Grey, 28, described as a clerk, residing at Brookley Bise, was remanded oharged with obtaining L15 14s. from a olerk, of Windsor, on the pretence of obtaining employment for ,him in South Africa mu4 paying haJf the pas- sage.-It was stated that the priwner had many aliases, and that numerous ooan- plaints had been received from the provinces. —The Alderman said if publicity were given, to the matter other cam would, no doubt, be brought to light.

ZIONISTS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. Earl Percy informed Mr. Oa the art Waaon, in the House of Oommon bHtoy, that the area of land in Central Africa, offered to the Zionists, was not finally determined, and the offer was etill open.

KING GEORGE'S CRUI8E. King George hae left Athens, and hso em- barked on the Royal yfwSit AmpMtrite.— Reuter.

COFFIN FOR A PlANT. The coffin made for Mr. Thomas Longley, who weighed 45st,, and was kilown as the Ring's heaviest subject, is 7ft. lOQjg. 2ft. 9ilt.S. wi$e, and 2tt3ina. deetf.

ISTUDENT AND LADY Defendant and Nursery I Governess. I I STORY OF FURNISHING A FLAT. Voice Training at Royal College of Music. Mr. Justice Woills and a special jury in the King's Bench Division to-day resumed the hearing of the action brought by the young man, Arthur Bertram Lucy, son of a Malvern gentleman, against Mr. Edward Howard Wilkins, a city man, lately living at Croydon. to recover damages for alleged libel and slander. The statements complained of were contained in a letter written to the plaintiff's father, and alleged that the plaintiff had j been improperly intimate with defendant's Mr. LUCY. I wife, a lady of mature age, and mother of a j wife, a 18idy of mature age, and mother of a family. The defendant's examination was j continued by Mr. Fraser. The defendant said that after his wife left: him she returned in his absence. He allowd her to stay at his house one night, and she afterwards went to lodgings in Croydon. con- trary to the understanding they had arrived at. that she should leave the town. In March, 1902. he heard that the young Mr. Lucy had returned to Croydon. His daughter Cicely was much distressed about it. You wrote to plaintiff's father. In consequence of facts which have come to Mr. WILSON. I my knowledge, I have come to the conclusion j that your son is no fit acquaintance for my children." What were the facts?—The servants and the children told me that they had fre- J quently gone to bed and left my t Wife Alone with Young Luoy I in the drawing room. I Witness further said that he was told by a doctor at Croydon that the familiarity of Lucy with his wife was the talk of the place, and that he had himself seen them walking I in a lane arm-in-arm. He also heard of his wife's visits to young Lucy when he had the chicken-pox. What did you tell Mr. and Mrs. Dax, with whom plaintiff lodged?—I told them that my j Mra. WILSON. I wife went on her knees to me and said, "I know it will be justice to send me away, but I implore you to temper justice with mercy and save the young fellow's life." She also said, "I will go into a convent or retirement or anything you like if you will only not make public what has happened between us. What did you say?—I said I could not give her a definite answer then. Did you tell Mr. and Mrs. Dax a-bout the I drawing-room incident with the knife?-It was not in the drawing-room. I don't keep carving knives in my drawing-room. It was in the dining-room, and dinner was laid. When I confronted her with the letter, Oh, Arthur," Ac., she said, I'm done for now. You had better cut my throat." I told her Not to be Dramatic. In writing the letters to plaintiff's father, did you think you were acting in the beat interests of your wife and family and of young Lucy himself?—Certainly. Cross-examined by Mr. Haddon Chambers: Did you ever at any time suggest to this boy's father that you resented his attentions to your daughters ?—No, I did not, but I com- plained of his conduct generally. Did you say to his father that you did not think his son was to blame, and that your wife had already ruined two other lads?—I did not. Did you say that you had already had two separations from your wife?—I did. And did you suggest that the cause of these separations was due to your wife's miscon- duct, and not your own?—I did. Was that true?—Absolutely true. What did you mean by the misconduct of your wafe?-GeneW disagreements in the I home, and general disobediience on her part. What, in your opinion, would justify a man in turning his wife out of the house?—A wife who groeely disobeys her husband continually I and has broken all her previous promisee would be a wife that a man would be justified in turning out of doors. You wrote, Further facta have come to my knowledge which render it necessary for me to turn my wife out of doors." What were the further facts? Principally what the plaintiff told me as to what happened* He met my wife in the street. %4 yaa ant think tha it tibë t hie Bern away from Croydon in view of all the tittle ta/ttle, that it would be an admission that he had been doing something wrong, and that your accusations were well founded ?—No, not in the least. They why should he leave if he had a tutor his father was satisfied with, and he was going on well with ?—Because of his conduct which his father knew well of. You desire to pose here as the injured husband?—Not in the lewt. And aa the man whose happy home in Croydon has been upset?—I don't pose at a-U. Was adl this due to the wickedness of your wife?—I don't suggest anything. Do you say all this was due to your wife's misconduct?—I don't understand what you mean by misconduct. You told old Mr. Lu-cy that you had been separated twice from your wife, and you allowed him to say that your wife Was a dangerous woman, and you said your wieh was to proteot his son?—That was my only wish. I wished to protect all the parties. Was your wieh not to get rid of your wife at any cost?—STo, certainly not. Further examined, witness said he was a member of the Lyric Club, but he was not in the habit of staying there over Sundays, and [ his wife did not complain of his neglecting her. In 1897 had you a nursery governess named Shepherd?—Yes. Was what took place between yourself and Miss Shepherd at that time the cause of your wife leaving yauP-No. it was my wife's accu- eations against me were the cause of her leav- ing. I insisted oo her substantiating them or leaving, and she left. Did you have Mias Shepherd taught music and dancing?—I contributed to her having her voice trained at tihe Royal College of Music. Did you also contribute to her furnishing a fiat?—I assisted her. I lent her some money. Did some china and glass go down to Croydon by mistake, and was one of the parcels addressed: "Mifis Shepherd. 20, Cam- bridge Mansions. Battersea"?—I believe so. Was that an incident likely to please your ,wife? Did you assist Miss Shepherd in gettlng an engagement at DaJy'a Theatre?—Not in the least. Have you Visited Her at the Stage Door frequently?—I have called at the stage door. (Laughter.) Have you visited her at Cambridge Man. sions?—Yes. Was that an incident likely to cement the happiness of the bappy home at Croydon? (Laugbter.)-I don't understand your Ques- tion. (Kenewed laughter.) Did Miss Shepherd play as "Margery Daw" in "A Country Girl"?—Yes. Ha.ve you been there this year?-Yes. And have you positively taken your daughters to her Sat ?—Yes. They are very fond of her. You had a maid named Hester Cheeeemaa? -Yes. Did you and she go to Balbam Theatre?— No. Did the cook allege that 6he saw you there together?—Yes, and I discharged her next morning for lying. (Laughter.) At this happy home in Oroydon did your wife charge you with having taken a girl to the theatre?—Yes. She had instigated the cook to spy upon me. By Mr. Biake Odgers: Was that accusation true or untrue?—Absolutely untrue. I bought tdokte for the theatre and gave them to the girl. In further examination s defendant said he on one occasion discovered a I Disreputable Intrigue between his wife and a young man of eighteen, a clerk. There was also another young man, who gave him a written promise not to com- municate again with his wife. Helen Fuller, late cook with defendant, gave evidence as to the frequency of young Mr. Lucy's visits to the house. He used to have lunch with Mrs. Wilkina, and used to cycle with the young ladies. Dr. Feger, medical officer of health at Croy- don, said he had frequently eeen the plain- tiff and Mrs. Wilkins togeLher. and he had heard vague rumours in Croydon about the intimacy. He told the defendant of these rumours. He saw plaintiff and Mrs. Wilkins walking arm-in-arm in Surrey-road about I four o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Haddon Chambers: Did you see a.ny. thing wrong in a woman of that age walking arm-in-arm with a boy of eighteen?—Not then. And you have got suspicious since?—No, but I consider it was indiscreet. Then what have you come here to prove?- I am simply stating a faot. Dr. Carpenter, of Croydon, also said he bad heard general rumours as to the intimacy between Mrs. Wilkins and the plaintiff. This concluded the evidence. SPEECH FOR THE DEFENCE. Dr. Blake Odgers then addressed the jury for the defendant, and said they must be satisfied that the letters were written with some ulterior motive before they could find I a verdict for the plaintiff. The lettera were I simply expressions of opinions and sugges- tions, and not written with any malice, and, ttherefore, they were not libels. They were, Ttnder all the circumstances, temperate letters, written to the plaintiff a father with the best intentions for the protection of his son, and in order to put an end to a state of affaira Which had become public talk, and the occa- sion of scandal in Croydon. The plaintiff had suffered no injury, and was, therefore, not entitled to damages at the hande of the jury. The whole affair had arisen out of the foolish- ness and imprudence of the elder Mr. Lucy in sending his eon baek to Croydon after the scandal occurred. (Proceeding.)

LOOKING FOR HIDDEN TREASURE. I At a meeting of the roads and bridges com- mittee of the Glamorgan County Council at Cardiff to-day, Mr. Lloyd Edwards (county sur- veyor) reported that a length of 40ft. of retain- ing wall near the Lamb and Flag, Pontypridd, on the Cardiff and Poctypridd road, had fallen into the garden below, leaving the road unprotected and liable to give way. A further length of 30ft. would require to be taken down and rebuilt. The new wall was being built on an improved line, with the consent of the owner of the garden. Some damage had been done to the fence wall belonging to the county a little lower down, as well as to a dry wall south of the Royal Oak. Pontshonnorton, by persons looking for hidden treasure.

ILLNESS OF DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE The Duke of Devonshire is confined to his I room with a severe cold, and has been obliged j to cancel all immediate engagemente.

CHINESE TURKESTAN. f Renter's Agency is Informed that Mr. George Macartney. British representative ax Kashgar, left London this morning, via Marseilles, for his post. He expects to reach Kashgar in April.

PRICE OF BREAD TO BE INOREASED I In London at the present time the price of bread varies from 4Jd. to W. ttoe quartern loaf, and in a few days' time the price viill be put up generally a half-penny per quartern. The rise in the prioe of wbeat-sometbling ] like hAlfroWll a sack since last July-=d the prospect of a deficient harvest are the I' main reasone for the advance.

Blfl Grace the Duke of Beaufort and Lord I Roberts will visit Brkrtol on March 15, to take up their honorary membership of the Society of Mercbssafc JtejitBrers,

I CARDIFF. EXCHAKGE, ednesday. ) The outward freight market was quiet to-day, vith rates slightly easier for Mediterranean ports. Tho I following include the fixtures reported:— I OUTWARD-STEAMERS. Cardiff to Barcelona. 6s. Sd. 11 Naples, 58. lDid., 4,500 tons. „ Kaples, 5s. IOA. „ Genor or Savona, 6s. 3d.. 2,700 tOD8. „ Barcelona, Cs. 9d., 2,400 tens. Bayonne, 4t. ETic., 3.330 tons.

I CARDIFF ARRIVALS. I BOATH DOCK. I Feb. 23.-Dal:1, s, 1,189 (Ouea;, Dunkirk, water bal- "t Beacon Roûk, a, 146 (Green), Linienci, water biUagt. Mary Anil, 38 (Bcrrett), Bristol, pitch. Ann, 36 (PerkiB3>, Bristol, pitch. Feb. Z4-E,fie, s, 1,22$iKialten), Kotterdwn, water baliast. Btngo Macu, 8, 3,573 (Da,jes), LoD¿on, wiLer bailast. Hataiu, ?, 2,160 (Pners), Newcastle, w?l,?z b&.il. John H. E&rU, a, 2,002 (Waton), Amwerp,. ,waier bMia6t. Itliyd, s, 1,055 (Corner, Bilbao, iron ore. B UTE EAST DOCK. I Fb. 23.—Kjxnen, 99 (Emuitrsfiu,, Sappui, beans. I Boncan, s Ibily) Bordeaux, pitwood. Cassia, s, 675 pnwood. Lyndh-.rat 1,?u \Hùg:ù&¡, London, awr bailasi. ArLeLLm?: a. 7tj (B!lgj¡), Vail?, stouas. orah (Collier;, &")nmoaLh, wheat. Brotheis, 52 (M&iey), A' oüillou1.h wne^t. Ftb. ¡:4.-?I1 Bætr¡ce: 6, "I (J()¡:¡nh Bustol, general goods. J'o¡¡riI1-e, ?, 7 (\V, CwaDmea [ wai«r baUa&t Torbryan, e, 3K (Ktrr.i, St ]Bri-Lu; water bealu'

MOVEMENTS OF LOCAL STEAMERS, I A.i.Lçi"ja. i*.I.. i_J. Aig.fciti 231'. benHlceDt lel. Loudon lor Cardiff 2A.th. Biaenat-on arrivoo Algiers 24th. Carlo left Ai-rt*san for liarry 2rd. Curlan ieit Kuucn far Barry 2ord. .Dsnibuan arrives Burce^ana from Cardiff 24th. Dolcoath l«*i Ga,r&coa for ir'anariii 24th. ut8Ipa arrived Lisrion > roe i^anvc arr.vti Uie Xjne Sird. Frederics ieit Houen for J>i«rry 23rd. Gloucester City armed Caioutta 2th. GoincuSe arrived Swansea 25m. (iiyn ielt Bouen for Bairy '0. Green Jaciei left Hamburg for Cardiff 21st. Haciuisy arr.ved bavona Ùl. Hucidersfieid arrived M.W) pon from Ergasieria 24th. 1 liver arn^td ct. Maio 2ird. James Spear left Portland for Dunkirk 23rd. Sout.llg&1.e loft Newport Newf tor Copenhagen 2111& StraUiaiorc arrived Colombo 2ord. St. Beguius arrived bpexzia 24th.

I SHIPPING CASUALTIES- Thursday. I [.Lloyd's Tefiagrami.j ] M- C. &?2.—Brmt M?r-tphe: Fi&hjng boat M. C. 59? I stranded CapUe, near .Bnd, th,s mornmg; crew saved by apparatus. Solon.—Paniliac telegraphs: British steamer Solon, irooi Ardrosaan for Bordeaux, has been in collision with the whirl; dwriig; ser.out. Normand.—Workington teiegiaphs: Steamer Normand, I oi vViiitehaven, grounded north Side Channel while leaving lills morning during inow squall; expected off next tide; no apparent damage.

LONDON FINANCE I I BANK-RATE. I [ Bank-rate, 4 per e-ent. No change. I I [BY OUR OWYkPONDEKT.1 I LONrvOlSr, Thursday, Feb. 25. I 11.30 a.m. Money in good demand at Si. Discount rates—short bills 54, three months bills 3 5-16 to 3j. Consols, Trans- vaal LoiUl. and Kupee Paper are unchanged. Home Baus qaiet. Americans cuil. Fail: Ordinary 1-16, Xliird Pref j. Maxican Bills unaiter&d. loweigners and Mines steady. I I'illxSCiP^ CHANGES. I Chatham Pref 1, Second Pret jup; North Deferred i down. Denver Pref, aixish Debln:uIe ii, Southern Pref, Steels Pref 1, Atch:son, Muvauket, Southern Pacific i, Southern J, Illinois line, Kúsa;. <dolk g, A,c,Qa JPrf, B a ? i, z?;l e', Caetapeaie, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Beading, New York Central t. Den'ier, Steels Ordinary 4 town; Louis;7iUe i up. Argentine 1866, C-d-?-? l?,?2 Turi?ish Cmfied j, Mexican, Argentine Eesoi^.on i up; Chinese Chartered Gold ArgenL!Le "laLer i do,n. De ??rs Deferred, Tinto Fmgall, LÚe View 1-16 up; Tan- ?anyit& ? E&.t Band Estate, Nile \'a??ey 1-16 down. I -? 30 P-?i. Money again in reque6t at 04 to H call 11' three I months' tills 3 5-16 to 3j. Bomuay and OaiCutLa trans- fers 16 3.32d., Valparaiso 16 8-16d., Bio holtday. The Stock Markets are very Quiet awaiting the final I conclusion of the -.eltlement wftile rumours a curmt t ;J= :bet;;n:1 o.I:30:r:h Con- tinent. Consols are duil at ct., for Money aild the ¡ Account, iliOavail Loan, &&a. Home Kails id e. but steady. Only three fractional changes changes recorded. Americana aie aii lower on New York quotations, but prices are above parity. Denver Prefs and Wabash Debentures are 14 towa, Steel Preis and southern Prefs 1, others 4 to i. Canadian Pacific^ unaltered. Trunks dull. Foreign Stocks irregular. Russians, Argentines, and Mexican better. ¡;phDli\h, J;pwese, and Turtish Unified weaker. I IlUneë have been dull, but are bettr. Market veryI qwei. BANK BiSTiUKN. I Increases—circulation act.ve, ;I?loa?000, public dt-posits, 2,.Wi,000; other securities ia bankmg department, Ll,147,Mo; CO¡U = b.11?ou in OCth <iEpc.r,m=t, L970,m decrease—other deposits, £ 418.300; Govern- ment se=ritiœ in tensing department, no ohange. Total reserve, £ 36.504,000; increase, fto^.000. Propor- Lon reserve to liability i6 46-KI per omt. Bankers' C'e'tu? House return for the week ended Wednesday, February 24, £ 16a,20b,000. ag??Ft 9167,bE7,ON fur th ?cormponding wmk l&&t ?e??r. I I'Kiil'jjiTS. I A moderate inqu2ry prevails to-day for tDnLage. I Suli-nas and neighbour,ng departments, iBaaterns and I Gutward coa' tonnage, Lup firm. There is n?-, !C? I'a?qSMg in Mediterraneans, co??tingz, or ore Irt?igats. Americans and R;yer Pistes r, dnU. Fixta?s;Ca-,diff to Gibraltar, 3,000 tons, Is.. p??lapt; Burn? "h United j I Kingdom and Continent, 4,cu0 tons. 23s. 6d., Much- April; Azof, tnited KingtioiJ1 ana Continent, 4,000 tons, lis. I

f LOCAL FINANCE ) [BY OUR PIKAMOIAL EDITOB.1 I r CARDIFF, Thursday, Fe. 25. 1 1.0 P.=. I Tho lcss.1 Stock Market continue? very ,et in I depytmon., B&Uway S""?8 ruie .rl,y so &rm. CwLery Sba e? we somewhat Irregular in tendency. Other d\!partm. aie fm,urr-if!3s. i

I TO-DA yJ8 MARKETS. t CATTLE. DUiSI,lN, Thursday, Feb. 25. | OCered: 2,152 bs?ts <i 2.?6'i siieep. Larger sup,'t,s N?her un1.YoUrably affected traM to-day in each br.?it, and valum may be QIO'.?d L-?,Ck to ,he level of this day ] lwtwgbt; bad clerance. Quotations:—Bee;, 426 tL) 56s; mutton, 6d to 80i p;? better ? 36s to 45s per ;Wt. LO.'CliON, Thursday, FeJ. 25. Beast supplies ;ere on a fair ccz?ic6 but the demand v;t implored, and late fæ6Ce b\ asked- i fu bulls quOted ?s to 3s 3d Sheep e-A. es were also of fair extant, but, With rew buyers present, tride jw-ovsd of a slow character—7jst. to 8st. Down tegt, js 100 to 6s; 9st. ditto, 5s 8d to 5s iOd; lOst. ditto hal-brede, 5s 4d to 5s 6d; lOst. Down ewes, 4s 4d to 4s 6d; list, ditto hulf-breds, 4b Zd to 4E CalTes met with fair attention, the best on ctLrc:¡:iùn¡; 5s IOd to &s Pe- 81b. Pig tmde 3md supplv nominal. ME?T? LONDON, Thursday. Feb. 25. Beef quiat—Scotch long sjde-s, 3s Sd to 3s lad; (short sidee, 3s iOd to 4s 2d; English sides. 3s 6d to 3s 8d; United States sides—Liverpool killed, 36 to 3s 3d, Dept- ford. k!lted 3s 2d to 5s 4d; American trndqtianers. 3s 8d to 3s Ifti, fonql,&n,rs 28 6d to 2s 8d. Mutton quiet— Scotch wei r.rs, 48 3d .0 4s lOd: ewes, 3e 6d to 3s M; EaeMsh withers, 4s to 4s 8d; ewes, 3s 6d to 46. FISH. GRIMSBY, Thursday, Feb. 25. Poor supply from 5Q veaters, for which there was a good d-d. Quotations:—Soies, 2s, turbot, Ed to Is 2d: brills. 9d per lb.; pla.ice. 5s 9d; lemon soles, 109; de-ad w?;twg, 3E; live balibu'?, deaed, 96 pa- stone; hve ling, 5s; dead, ?s; IiTe cod, 76; dead, ?is; live ec)d. 7s; d 7 4s; b.e s?t?te, 6s, dead, 2s each; h?ke. 268; live cosjash. 26?* df?j 20s; roker, 383 per score; kit bacid-k., 20s; fribb?. 355; Jjve. 40s; 1-iv? dabs. 25s; dead, 23s; liva codlings, iCs pEr box. BUTTER, CORK. Thursday. Feb. 25. Firsts, 96. par cwt.; seconds. 7s; thirds, 75s; fourths, 70s; Njie, 90s; choi, 65s. In nm-ke?: ?0 f.rlrins. 7 08; fme, go? chaic_ &rke-, fr l ?. n s. GijASOOW. Thursday, Feb. 25. The official report says: Moderate business done at steady prices. The private report says: Market quiet, a moderate business beinf done at price* shoirlng no change. HAY AND STRAW. LOXDON, Thursday, Feb. 25. Fai. r s¡¡¡;.piiúS, and demand quiet at late rates. Quctt- iicna:—Best clover, Tig to 85s; inferior, CDs f/O 70s; specially picked hay, 84a; good ditto, 70s to SOs: tn- ferior, 50s to 65s; mixture and sainfoin. 7Cts to 80s; straw, 26s to 40s pr load. PRODUCE. LONDON, Thursday. Feb 25. c-ugar. IlGaiE-reifEod—fair bu.7i2e» doce at unaltwed Pfict*: German granulated d.'ll—ready firsts so'd at 10s, May-August lte lid: beet steadier—March sold To 1140, Augr-st 6. 42,1. Coffee sales steady; futures nearer—May sold at 328 9", September lid. Tea: Sru^ll luditu Palce ruled firm. Rice firm—4.000 tons, Nmmuf-gie AprlI. eold at 6s lid. Adriatic. Jute and hemp slow. Linseed oil tteikdy. Turpentine, 44s 8d POTATOES. LONDON, Thursday, Feb. 25, Good supplies offered, put the demand proved slow t about previous currencies. Quotations —English Uiin- crops, 110s to 180s; Up-to-Dates, 100s to 110R; Mark- lands. 90? to 95! Scottleh Maincropa. 110s to 130s: UP-to-Dai,e-. 100s to UOs per ton; French, 3s 9d to 4p; Oerrman VJp-to-Datss, 5e; Magnums, 4e 64; Belgian Bounds, h 9d to 4e M per bag. METALS. GLASGOW Thursday. Feb. 25. Opening: Scotch idle. Cleveland firm; small business done at 42s 3d cash, and 42s 4d and 43s 6id trontb buyers, 42s W cash, and 42s 6a month: (filers, id mors. CuBabarlaad idle. COAL AND IRON. NEWCASTLE, Thursday. Feb. 25. Cbg trade nier. and pric.- weak—beet Northumber- land steam coal, 8s; seconds. 8s; stasuri smalls, is 6d to 3e 9d; households eas/ev tot. i > 6d to 12s, according to qnaJjty; gas 00&1 (b1'80, 8s Gd; snl1P. 8s; unscreened DurhAm b\\nk'm. 1? 6d to 15s, in better d?nuLnd—tU f.o.b. Pig iron shipped mor" freely—No. 3 Cleveiand, Ms. Steel plates firm at j:5 12s 6d.

HOCKEY. INTHBrOOLLEQIATE LA DIES' MATCH. I Pinal score: -,AberyWwytb, 4 goals; Bangor, 1 1;011.1. I rn*

THREE-CORNERED FIGHT AT I ABERSVOHAN A deputation of the Labour party, consisting of Mr. George Jen-kins, Mr. John Beard, and Mr. Winstone, miners' agent, have waited upon Mr. William Lewis, grocer, Abersyohan, with the object of inducing him to withdraw his candidature from the county coancU. Mr. Lf&wis, however, has declined to withdraw, ae he points out that he has issued his ejection address, and completed his nomination. Mr. A. E. Jones, the nominee of the Free Obureh Oounoil and Liberals, having retired from the contest, the Labour party are bent on running Mr. James Winetone, miners' agent, as a can. didate. Mr. Abel Myers, pawnbroker, is also firm in his determination to go to the poll, go in all probability there will be a three-cor- nered fight in the central area.

The armttal ball in connection with the Llwynypia Athletic Club, was held yesterday evening. The rooms were beantifolly deco- rated, and everything under the management of Mr. D. LleweUyn (seoretary) of the club. went off

Warwick w Meetinn. i « A ~-The LAMMAS SELLING HANDICAP -IJ t'lO HURDLE RACE of 60 &ova; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. 6 12 7 Mr Martin's Tyufngliame Birch 1 6 12 1 Mr Cove's Cb;!dwit .(¡wner 2 6 11 8!.ir M'Gr&gor'e V< icderaehen 3 6 1? 1 Mr Gilbert's Much Too iiariy ..Mr Payne 0 5 ?2 0 Mr J?r's Pepper Cwnpr 0 i 1 S :¡lfú:J: g 4 U 8 Mr Eogere's IfebBiig Owner 0 •\ .un-r trauma by tftapley. Betting—11 to 6 agst Pepper, 5 to 1 eael, agst Xebelig and Childwit, 6 to 1 agst Tyninghame, and 10 to 1 agst any other. Wiei^rsehen made play from Barltyeoni. Chad wit. and Xebelig-, With Mtish Too Early last, till s-r funongs from home when Nebeiig went on from V ■Barsehea, Childw:t, Ivpp-r, arid Tyn.11ghamE At the ¡¡, turtles Nebeiig- dropped right out. and TTiLngLame wone.aaiJy by a ien.Tlh and a h3lf; three p.rt.- of a length divided the second and th-ra. Nebcii? wls fourth. Barleycorn next, and Much Too Early lasi. Tyningliame was bought in :or 75gt. I (Race at l.5.) 2-J The WELLB SBOURXE HURDLE a PLATE of 100 6ovs, for four year olds and upwards; weight for age. Two miles. 5 10 10 Mr P&?b?'s S?ipth-ift Mr PeM? 1 4 10 10 Mr Cowap's Jocular .MssOD 2 5 10 10 Mr Barrett's Hard Cash F Parker 3 W.nT1¡ trained by owner. Betting-—100 to 3(1 on si;ptiir.ft, 100 to 30 agst Jocu- I&r, and 50 to 1 agst Hard Cash. Sliptlrrrft made all the running and won in a canter by twenty lengths. Hard Cash did not complete the ccurse. (Kace started at 2.15)  4 ? The LEAMINGTON GRAND 2.4,D ANNUAL HANDICAP STEEPLE- CHASE of 200 sovs; winners extra. Three raile.3. a 10 5 Mr Levy's Ooitenshope F Freemantle 1 a 10 3 Mr Kelly's Nora Crieaa I M agae 2 all, 0 Mrs Jolland's dawson ..JoZland 3 G 11 15 Major Edwards's Shaun boo Mason 0 all S Mr Hawkins's Houectcrt. Mr Borers 0 ..11 4 Mr Gorhain' s David Harum Mr Hajtigan 0 Winner trained by Burbidge. Bing-7 to 4 ag&t Shaun Aboo, 2 to 1 agst Oot tens- hops, 5 to 2 at David Rarum, aad 210 to 1 agst any other. C'.awbon settled "own in from of Hottentot, Cottene- hope. and Nora Criena XI., with Shaun Aboo last, for half way. when Xora Criena II. came on from Claw- gcn. Hottentot, and Cotxen^hape. David Harum now dropping into the rear. A mile from home Shatin Aboo took close order wilh Nora Criena IX., but the pair eave way at the last fence to Cottenshope, who won by a length and a half; six lengths between the second End third, fehaun Aboo was fourth. (Kace started at 2I.E.) 3-J P—The COVENTRY SELLING HANDI- •lO CAP STEEPLECHASE of 60 eove; winner to be sold for 50 sovs. Two miles. 6 12 3 Mr Bandali's Bed Hand.Dann 1 a 10 9 Mr Deoer"s Quicksiep .H¡:.rker 2 6 11. 4 Mr Frederick's Copt Heath E Piggott 3 61113 Mr Law's Kirkby Grange 3 Phmi 0 all SCapt Long's Trappist Om,r 0 a H 7 Mr Flint's G-affer Green .M:r W Bissill 0 6 11 3 Mr Wilkes's Newbridge Savage 0 a 10 13 Mr M'Gregor'e Clock Tower 0 Winner trained by Hailick.

LEFT NEWMARKET FOR HAYDOCX PARK. Cheriton Belle.

LEFT NEWMARKET FOR HURST PARK. Frederick Charles. Outsider, Hawser, Flying II Swallow, and Zampa. j

OFFICIAL SCRATCHINGS. I The "Sportamaa" has been officially informed by Mefisra. Weatherby of the following scratching!:— Leap Year Steeplechase, Southwell—Eteocies. Doddington Phte. Lincoln—Owston Wood. All published handicaps—Spinning Minnow. All engagements in Mr E C Clayton's iiame.-Ar" Flight.

TOPPING AND SPINDLER, I FLUSHING, HOLLAND, I The oldest-established and most extensive Firm of Turf Commission Agents in the I AVorld. Lincoln Handicap. Liverpool Grand National. City and Suburban, The Derby. Ac., A". "The Continental Sportsman," contain- in i; latest market movements on above. also i "Year Book and Ready Reckoner," sent free I on receipt of Postcard containing- addrese. All letters to be addressed TOPPING and SPINDLER, Fluehinj:, Holland. Postage, d., Postcards Id. el2632

WAGES OF GLAMORGAN ROADMEN I At a meeting of the roads and bridges committee of the Glamorgan County Council at Cardiff to-day, a sub-committee recom- mended that the wages of Daniel Isaac and John Davies, roadmen in the Swansea divi- sion, be reduced from 3s. 10d. per day to 3s. 8d. per day. Isaac and Davies had given notice to leave. Inspector Griffiths had writ- ten to say that he would miss these men very much, as they were most useful for work outside tliiir own. The wages paid by the district council were 36. lOd. and 4s. Mr. Blamdy Jenkoms (chairman) moved that the report be adopted.—Alderman T. Jones (Clydach) moved as an amendment that the wages remain as they are. The men were very good workmen and were useful in special work,-It. was ultimately resolved to reduce the wages and thus place all the roadmen on a level, but that Isaac and Davies be paid a,t a higher rate for any special work done 'I by them.

RHONDDA DRUNKS & DISORDERLIES I Thomas Bow-en was hnod 10s. and costs at I i Porth to-day for disorderly conduct in Tyla- celyn-road, Peilygraig. John Phillips was charged with being drunk I at the same place on a Sunday afternoon.- The Bench: Where did he obtain the ii,.i.7k I The Sergeant: He would not tell me. sir— I Fined 25s. and costs. Yet, another, Thomas Coehlin, was fined 25s. for being drunk a.t the same place. Thomas Pickard, for being drunk at Peny- graig, Williamstowm, was fined 306. John Bonar. for being drunk at Ynishir, was fined 10s. James Jones and William Henry Davie6 were fined lCls. each for being drunk at Ynishir, and William Evans for a similar at Porth.

A BAD BEGINNING. A Ferndale Echooiboy was charged at Porth Police-court to-day with stealing 275. 3d. from the till of a butcher's shop whither he had been sent oa a message for his mother. He had taken advantage of the fact that there was no one in the shop, but his movements were watched by a man from the window of an hotel opposite. When taxed with the theft the boy admitted his guiit, and he was now ordered to receive nine strokes with the birch.

BAD HEALTH AND FAILURE A meeting of the creditors of James Sheve- land Powney, baker and confectioner, 76, Twynyrodin, wa.s held to-day at Merthyr, the statement of affairs showing liabilities £ 185 13s. 10d., and assets .£12, leaving a defi- ciency of .£173 13s. lOll. The debtor attributed his failure to expenses connected with the illness, death, and burial of his first wife, anid to his own ill-health. I

SALE OH A TOWER 1 The Moi-eoambe Tower, an untaiaiied &tirue- I ture on the Promenade, was yesterd-ay offered for sale by auction, together with the pleasure ground. The ctwisruotion of the tower ooaæd about eighu?en months ago, the sum of ?M,(& having been expended up to that time. The lot was knocked down to a Bradford gentleman for 19,500.

SCENE AT A NEWBRIDGE INN I At Abercarn Police oourt to-day Mr. T. S. Edwards, solicitor. Newport, appeared in support of a summons charging William I Bowen and George Bowen, two brother colliers, from Newbridge, with being die- orderly and refusing to quit the Beaufort Arms, Newbridge, on the 8th inst. The men started a quarrel with two other men in the bar, and when asked to leave the premises they threatened to strike the barman.— George, against whom there was a further charge of disorderly conduct on the highway, was fined 40s., while his brother was let off with a fine of 23b.

SUEZ CANAL IN WAR TIME I Earl Percy, in the House of Commons, in answer to Mr. Gibson Bowles, said hia Majesty's Government had no intention of adopting or assenting to the adoption of rules < which were inttOwritlttent with the general principles laid down by the Convention of 1888 in regard to the use of the Suez Canal in time of war, and the rulef issued by the I Egyptian Government were consistent with ¡ that Convention. I

DOUBLE TRAGEDY AT MOTHERWELLL 1 A terrible tragedy occurred a.t Motherwell on Wednesday erening. A master jeweller named George Olunes shot dead hie assistant, named Tohn Laing, and then killed himself. Both w-are young men, and took a prominent part in religious affairs locally. It is thought j that a dispute about buakreeB may have been L ti,,$ om. p

COST OF THE NAVY ANOTHER BIG INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE. The Firei. Lord of the Admiralty yester- day issued his statement explanatory of the Kavy Estimates for 1904-5, containing: details of the work done during the past twelft months, and that proposed for the next financial year. The new shipbuilding pro- gramme provides for the commencement of two battleships and four armoured cruisers, fourteen destroyers, and ten submarines. Pro- vision is also made for 4.000 additional officers and men of various ratings. Lord Selfcorne explains that in consequence of the purchase of the Chilian battleships, the Admiralty'* original intemion of laying down three new battleships hae been modified. The total amount asked for is £ 36,889,000, as against £ 34,457,000 last year. More than half of this increase is due to the fact that it it proposed to pay the whole balance due in respeot to the two battleships recently pur- chased from the Chilian Government. and ta provide ammunition for them during the noM, financial year.

COUNTY LICENCES, Applications at Newport. An adjourned licensing sessions for the Newport division of th' county of Monmouth was held to-day at the petty sessional court. Newport. Mr. Ebeneaer Lewis presided. The other justices on the benoh were Colonei Wallis, Mr. C. D. Phillips. Mr. G. Geen, Mr. J. E. Jacob, Mr. Titut Phillips, Mr. F. E. Prothero, Mr. T. Goldeworthy, Mr. E. Grove, and Mr. W. Edwards. The police had served notice of objection upon Cornelius Samuel, of the Globe Beer- house, Pontymieter, on the ground that the house was of a disorderly chai-aoter, and that on January 31, 1905, the landlord was fined £5 for permitting drunkenness. Mr. Lyue appeared for the police in support of the objection; Mr. Lyndon Moore appeared for the licensee. Superintendent Porter stated that the conduct of the house had greaily improved 6ince the conviction. The Benck decided to renew the licence. As to the three anti-1869 beerhouses at Bisca, the Foresters' Arms, the Yew Tree, and the Colliers' Arms, Mr. Joseph Henry Jones said the suggestion of the bench at the licensing: sessions that one or two of the licences should be surrendered had been considered by the owners, Messrs. Hancock and Co., but the time had been too short to consult the true tees for the debenture-holders, and, though it was possible that a time might oome when something of the sort would take place, nothing in that nature could now be done, and he asked for a renewai of the licences.— The licences were renewed, subject to struc- tural altera,tions being carried out. Similarly with referenoe to two houses at Pye-corner, Bassaleg—the Three Salmons Inn and the Bush Beerhouse.—Mr. Lyndon Moore said the owners, Meagre. Lloyd and Yorath and Messrs. Phillips and Sons, had considered the suggestion, but had not been able to come to any agreement as to surrender. The structural alterations required by the bench, however, would be carried out.—On this undertaking the licences were renewed.-AIL other licences were renewed.

TOO LATE TO OLASSIFY j 11cc c Want AdwsrttMMMK &&we tho MHNf whan y»M WMda be barmd from am latervtMw. T?nt?&srMmRORs?a&ROB.st "? d BLACK BSADKD nUIH. I hwe for SAUK 36 MXBIOKS 18 the foUowi iBg «*•■«:—«7 x M. 51 x 34, 64 z D. 60 x 3Z. tII x M. 66 x IG, II a C. fÑ x 16. 51 x It. 50 x aa 4f x 16, 47 14. 4f x 12. J6 x 10. 10 x 20, i6 x 14 Ot^SB IMFGBTK&e. TRACE AND SONS. 48, BBXDGS-SFBSET. XTOTPOBT. :an. TyEWPORT AND MoisMounr NEWPORT AND MOyMOUTH ? BOROUGHS CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST ASSOCIATION. A pUBLIC jyjEKTING Will be held in the TR £ DEGAR-HAIJi ON FRIDAY, FEHBUABY 26th. 1904. Chair to be taken at Eight p.m. by the RIGHT HON. LORD TREDEGAB. who wili b< supported by Sir JOSEPH LAWBENOE, M.P. and other well-known Gentlemen. ALL ELEOTOB6 CORDIALLY INVITED —— eIZTll I.A. ,G=Ueman with Capital vvculd I&o Lc) meet witi another with a view to commeaejaf buaiutss a one already started, In any paying concern -1 7? Evening Exprws, Caxdiff. 1i2 A Ship Master desirous obtoinine Kmpiovmwit-*# A Shore; would am object to joining gentleman j, any paying buFiaess.-F 71, Evening Express, Cat tUg- e429J« WASTEV Working: HOUækeePer; Dl.UIM. 1" cook.-Apply, stating wagea, F 68, Eveniai Express, Cardiff. e4288p27 SMABT G'irl wanted immediately, for ^Cardiff sho^ room; one acausLomed to jewellery or fancy trade;, must have good references; good wages to email experimeed ?T!.—F 66n.g Express, CardjC ep27 W AN e- T?-ANTED uimMdJ?tyr?or?F?c?heeM? ?; Kaglan Vicarage—Apply, after 6, ?  ftced, C?di? ?_ J ? e421lwl 'XT ANTED, truawolthy, good ?otkin? HouMkn^f; fable mam?e busb~ hon; other a?TMtt? kupt; age about 4C; Welsh; good ch&mcter.-Apply with rrferenoes, Mrs. Jones, LlaadowroT Rectory St. Ciears. e4=4w2 UND, laeaay, February 22, Colli* Bitch; whiu X: paws and tip of tail, also few white patches 01 back; if not claimed in 5 davs will sell—Haofcu* Hotel, Aberbeeg. e42ØSp8 ~V\7 NTED -,o rent meiium-e Buin- p;.em Yv with good dwe!Ui? Mcotnmod?tttm; t?od pa6 tion, respectable locality; early possession; good ref renoes given.— B.. 4, Broad-street, Staple-hill, Bristol. e4286pG ;;¡xr ANTED-1rsi-:iiandMilliner; &We to taae abugo 1" 1" of workroom; permanent.—Applv Thomas. BUm* ?_ -D-i:A.PUY -Wa.n:Led, 2 mteUisent Boy* ae AppMS- tices also young Ladies, Welsh (iadoore).—J. Ivees Evans. 218, High-street, Swansea fiSS&wZ 1jK>E 8We exceptionally wbil-built Houæ d?dK3u?bW r fronted Shop, best posaion main straet, Blaen- gwynn; suitabie for any business.—Fas- particular*, apply Parker, Greyhound HoW, Treforeat. e42æwf AJSrl i £ I> immediately, good General Servant for VV small family.-St&te full pamculars, fart letter, Mrs. Da-Ties, Frondeg House, Troedyrhiw. e4281 IiVJR ?,?e, two good H?mtera, very ever; -.en 1 with local packs.—Docker, Cyru.l'e6œIlt, cudig. tJ42T9W2 WANTElT iUlmedi&Wy -á.- rfpeet4ble YOV?W Girl for mmning work.—166, C?Utfdttt-rotd «p £ T ^a XT!?D to Hire for 2 or 3 moatlus, Pony, Trap, V 124 hands.—Apply, with tenus, Dr. Jonts, Aber- kenftg, Bndgemd. e4274p27 SMABT 13,oy w=ted: uvt?r 14; good and Colonial StDTs, M-4275p27 ERRAND Girls "quired.-Apply RoW and TyiM, EChi.ries-straft, Oardie. e427?w2 V\rANTED, small House ie7?6?idift; must be 3?? T V railway "uon.-M, 110. C,&tbodral-?id. CardiB. e4269w2 LARENCRHMAN, witb general Inowledge of office wor £ JF eeeiks Situatioa; good references.-Liberge, 11, The Pande, Cardiff. 6427oft WAiNTEI>, ??o.k?&en?&n sleep out.—Mrs Jmz. G.W.R. R?trb..In Booms. Wo4h..4271-2 T??THBRS for Bec?n??OUi?'I?rpo? ted purified, from W. per lb.—Write for "Wpie& of feMjMM and bedtMdM te 0-i- Bros., FeaUMt Merchants, ro, Water-Street, Carmarthen. e4?72w2 WANTED, an etJd (i-W; good t?me.-?S, Gonna ug Mr road. "v).&p27

Replying to a Parliamentary question bj Sir Frederick Milner (U., Notts, Basset: aw) Mr. Gerald Balfour states tha.t the 25 pea oent, rebate on British goods admitted intc Canada begao on the 1st of August, 1898, an& tbe 33 1-3 per cent, rebate on the 1st of July, 1900. The value of the export* oi BriWa and Irish produce from the United Kingdom to the North American Colonies waa ia 1897. £ 5,476,191; in 1898, £ 6054.773; in 1899, £ 7,347,1«» in M, k8,126,710; in 1501, £ 8J«,696; in 190L in 1900, and ia 1903, anA ia 19(». -f-UABWA&