Evening Express

A usually veracious London correspon- dent has the following;- I am informed that, in a telegram which has reached an official quarter here from Berlin, it is stated that instructions have been given to various German and other Continental firms under contract with the Russian Government postponing for the present the delivery of large quantities of stores, it being significant that the con- tracts affected are for the supply not only of clothing, but of warlike stores, including both large and small ammunition. If this be true, it may well mean that Russia at last intends calling a halt. She will be well advised to do so. Every step she takes has up to the present meant success for the Japanese, and the longer the war lasts the more successful they get The admissions made at the last meet- ing of the investigation committee are not likely to increase public confidence in the way things are conducted by the Cardiff Corporation. It has to be noted that the admissions we are speaking of were not wrung from those who made them as the result of a severe inquiry or a rigorous cross-examination. On the contrary, they were lisped forth as :hough they were the most natural things in the world. Yet the statements were of a most serious and damaging character, and the Cardiff public would be shortsighted not to make careful note 1)f them. We are told now—when it is ;oo late—by officials and councillors alike thnt seven or eight years ago the ,taff was so inadequate that the proper inspection of new buildings was a matter of impossibility. In other words, at a time when new houses at Cardiff were being built at a rapid rate honest and respectable builders found the greatest difficulty in getting the inspectors to attend to their duties, simply (it is alleged) because they were overworked. If that be the case, what of those builders who were un- scrupulous and who had no anxiety at all that the inspectors should oversee their work? If this information, so tardily! given, is really true, the prospect opened out is 4n alarming one. In an ideal community no new house would be certified as complete until its drainage and other points—but particularly its drainage—had been pronounced satis- factory; Unfortunately. errors of drainage have a cumulative effect, and. is pointed out in our article of Saturday, the town will suffer for years to come "rom the policy that made it possible for any number of new buildings to be certi-1 fied without the careful and thorough inspection to which they ought to have oeen submitted. Many are the delinquencies of the various departments under the control of j the Cardiff Corporation. Some of them have been dealt with in our col umns, and others still remain to be considered. But, whatever their sins of omission and; of commission, they, at any rate, cannot plead guilty to harbouring amongst their! number an official of the name of Don Juan Nepomuceno de Burionagonatotore-' cagaeazcoecha! A gentleman with this! distinctive, appellation is (or was) in the finance department of the Madrid local administration. Don Juan Nepomuceno de B-and-so-on! Why, it is enough to turn Mr. Greenhill green with envy. According to the almanac Spring com- mences to-morrow. We are ablp. not only to give the date, but the very hour. In the "Nautical Almanack" the period is given as March 20 days 19 hours astro- nomical time, which, being interpreted, is seven o'clock on the morning of Tues- day, the 21st.' Why this excessive' accuracy!" inquiries the curious reader. ] We shall probably see no difference to-morrow from to-day, and, as to seven o'clock, isn't this cutting things just a little fine? Dear critical reader, the mystery is explained when it is known that the I astronomer calls the commencement of spring the moment when the stiii crosses the celestial equator in its northward journey. At that moment day and night are of equal length; from then till the autumnal equinox day in the northern hemisphere is longer than night. The position, therefore, has very little to do with spring in its ordinary sense, save that the lengthening of the day and the increase of sunshine brings vegetation forward. Of course, the beginning of spring in this latter sense can never be stated to an hour, or even a week; stIll i less can it be predicted as in the "Nautical Almanack Salt Sprays" is the somewhat I awkward, yet characteristic, title of the annual report of the John Cory Soldiers and Sailors' Rest, an institution which ,has during the past few years done a vast deal of goocl aniongst the seafaring population who touch Cardiff. Caxdlff, is said to have more sailors within its borders at any one time than any other port on the face of the earth. If this be the case, a great opportunity is afforded to religious, philanthropic, and social workers. As a matter of fact, a great deal is done in this way at Cardiff. Yet we do not know that the field is even now adequately covered. The insti- tution under notice has during the time of its existence done solid work, and within its new home promises to do far more than has ever been accomplished in the past. People who realise the nature of the life which" poor Jack leads—even under the greatly ameliorated circum- stances of to-day—can form some faint I idea of the importance of such sheltering places as the Cory Rest. There is pro- bably not on the face of the earth a mail who is more grateful for any little kindness than the average sailor, and we know full well that the privileges of the Rest are talked about wherever the British flag floats. Wherever the British seaman (>eS and he goes all over the world—kindly thoughts and prayers for the welfare of the Sailors' Rest are wafted to "headquarters." It is the knowledge of this that proves such an encourage- ment to the friends and supporters of this admirable institution. The Great Western, with its usual care and has just been conduct- ing an interesting experiment. A train resembling in every respect the ill-fated express that met with an accident at Loughor was driven over that portion of the line under conditions as nearly as possible resembling those that obtained on the day of the accident. All passed off well and without mishap, as, of course, had been the case daily for a long time before the accident. On the train was a; set of apparatus for determining speed, oscillation, and the like, and, no doubt, the results recorded will be discussed and conclusions drawn therefrom. Lest people be unduly elated by the glorious conditions of yesterday, it may be as well to mention that a well-known j prophet says British weather will be very unsettled in the last ten days of March, 1 of M, al-c h that then we shall have a touch of frost and a fall of snow, and that both April and May will open with snowstorms! The prophet in question is one of the empirical order; nevertheless, he has made one or two lucky hits, and, of course, it will be impossible to contradict him—till afterwards!

Mainly About People. —— I Everybody hopes that Lord Peel may recover quickly from his indisposition, for he is one of the most popular figures in the' graver and more intellectual section of London society. Since his retirement. from! the Speakership in 1895 Lord Peel has lived very quietly at his home in Bedfordshire, I reading a great deal of history, and lea-ving the life of action to his clever MOILS, all of whom are doing very well. Now, as in his hard-working days, Lord Peel is a singularly: dignified ma.n. He wa.s the only man who, ever kept the House of Commons in order. A marvellous example of his power was seen when the "free fight" took place while the House was in Committee over Gladstone's; second Home Rule Bill. Somebody was j shaking his fist a.t Mr. Gladstone; Mr. Chamberlain had been insulted; Colonel- Saunderson was in the midst of an a-larming melee of infuriated mem-bars. It wae a terrible scene. Then somebody thought of f sending for the Spea,ker. He came into the House with his usual manner-a, little calmer than usual, perhp-ps-with his Spsaker's robes and wig. As soon as he appeared there wao a hush. Members ceased pulling each other's hair, Colonel Saunderson put down the bench 1 with which he was meditating an attack upon a. well-known opponent, everybody slunk back to their seats. There was dead silence as the Speaker got into his chair; you could have heard a pin drop as he began to apeak, and the speech itself, a pained, yet courteous, rebuke, was received with an air of deep con- trition by the Parliamentary prise-fighters who listened to it. I Lady Ross, whom the Duchess of guther- land presented at a recent Co.urt, is a charm- ing American, a native of Kentucky, who married Sir Charles Ross, of Balnagowan, as his second. wife three years ago. Lady Ross has a most beautiful and well-trained voice, and has often sung at Highland concerts in •aid of the Buohecs of Sutherland's philan- thropic schemes, or in other good oauses. Sir Charles RO-AS owns between 300,000 and 400,000 a-ores ill Ross-slhire, and is by fa.r the largest landowner in the kingdom under the rank of a peer. Next to him, probably, comes' Sir Wat-kin Williams-Wynn, sometimes nkk. named the King of Wales." Lord Brack ley has been making quite a victorious tour of the West Indies with his amateur team of cricketers, but although he has been smashing up the local players in all directions, he and his party have been enjoying a hearty and pleasant reception. In Georgetown (B.G.) this week they had a heavy task, only heating the British Guiana team by 42 runs. They weae apparently saved by Captain Wynyard's careful yet. brilliant second innings of 80, and Thomp- son's securing seven wickets for 65 runs in the Gecrgetowners' second innings. Stall, most matches are won in this wa,y, and Lord Braekley's ltitezt victory can by no meana be called a "fluke." Lord Hugh is one of the cleverest of the Cecils. He has also a full share of Cecil determination and obstinacy. His family used to take the greatest delight in the wa.y in which Linky," as they called him, proved himself from his earliest years to be no respecter of persons. Even now. the story of how Lord Hugh told the truth once to no less a person than Mr. Gladstone is remembered by them with delight. He was five years old at the time, and had not ajnved at an age to dissociate political from l social enmity. refore. when he was introduced to Mr. Gtone, WhOm he kwr to he Lcrd Salisbury's rival, his first words were: You are a bad man." Mr. Gladstone was startled. "How can I be a bad man," he said, when I am a friend of your father's?" Oh," said the little boy contemp- tuously. "my father's going to cut your head off with a great big sword!" Since that candid age. Lord Hugh has probably felt the same thing about other opponents without permitting him&elf to express it so directly. The Ra.ja.li of Sarawak, otherwise Sir Charles Johnson Brooke, is at present in En-gland, and is residing at Chesterton House, near Cirencester. His Highness, who is now in his seventy-sixth year, succeeded his uncle, the late Rajah, nearly forty years ago as ruler of Sarawak, with a popu- lation of half a million, inhabiting forty thousand square miles of territory. He is married to a Wiltshire lady (sister of the explorer. Mr. Harry de Windt), whom the late Queen received with Soveraign honours when she visited her Majesty at Windsor some yea,rs ago. The Rajah, himself was accorded by King Edward, soon after his accession, the rank and precedence of the greatest Indian feudatory princes. Pater- nally he is a, Johnson, having adopted the name of Brooke when he succeeded his uncle. The Rajah and Ranee have a son, known as the Rajah Mudah, who was educated at Win- Chester and Cambridge, and has assisted his father in the administration of the Government of Sarawak for a good many years. Mr. Herbert Grover has been for some years one of the most popular of English tenors, but he began life as a journalist. He was always the same kind-hearted, jolly, Bohe- mian soul, always ready with a song for his friends, and with that hearty manner that makes him so popular with everybody. He i3 a thorough Londoner, and he is proud of it For several years Mr. Grover had worked as a reporter on the City Press," when he was introduced to Mr. Vert and the late Mr. Sims Reeves. Mr. Vert was not long in mak- ing up his mind, but promptly gave the young singer a good contract, while Mr. Sims Reeves gave him encouragement and good advice. Never let people try to make you what tihey call a robust tenor,' said he. 0, Go on singing as you are singing now, and always let them hear you sing Tom Bow- ling.' And that is what Mr. GroTer did. Marehal Oyama and Admiral Togo have been the men of the moment in Japan ever eLnce the war broke out. Wben IZfl done his part at sea. Marshal Oyama begaa his work on laind. Not far one moment has he been at fault, either while he was organ- ising at home or since ho has actually directed the forces at the frcnt. His life's business has been war. He has studied it in Europe and applied it in the East. To have twice captured Port Arthur, once from China and once from Russia, is a feat not likely to be equalled. He is tall for a Japanese, and stout, and his round face is quite boyish at a. distance. When one is near him one finds that he is d-c-eply pitted with small-pox and that his eyes have a decided oast. He loves all animals—especially oats. Children hold out their hands to him by instinct, and dogs follow him in the streets. Mme. Blanche Marchesi, who is among the singers at St. George's-hall, is a Parisian by birth, her father was an Italian from Palermo, her mother came from Frankfort- on-the-Main, and her early life was spent at Cologne, where both her parents were teachers at the Conservatoire. The English have long admired Mme. Blanche Marchesi, and the sentiment is reciprocated. Madame once said, indeed, that there was nothing stiff about us but our collars, but perhaps other artistes whose triumphs have not been so great consider us less unbending. I left France," said Mme. Marchesi on one occa- sion, because there is no career open to a j singer except in opera. I declare I will be eternally grateful to England, for it has I' made a concert singer out of the poet and teacher who was too modest to call herself a I singer. England has understood the heart that beats in my little songs."

SOUTH WALES COAL TRADE. RETURNS IN MERTHYR UNION. I At the meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians on Saturday the coal returns for tllia parish of Merthyr for the year ended December 31 were presented. The tota.l large was 1.912,844 tons; small, 502,146 tons; increase on previous year, large 206,861 tons, small 59,203 tons; decrease^o.n certadn. pits, large 53,664 tons, small 6,929 tons; net increase on previous year, large 173,197 tons, small 52,274 tons. The coal worked in other parishes and brought to bank in the parish of Mer- thyr was: Large, 64,347 tons; small, 14,609 tons, being an increase of 29,688 tons of large and 6,403 tons of small. The returns of Messrs. Hill's Plymouth Company showed an increase on large coal of 175.952 tons and I small of 55,926 tons, while Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefold's pits yielded an increase of 17,625 tons of large coal. The figures from Nixon's Navigation Collieries showed a decrease on large coal of 28,232 tons and on small of 6,036 tons. A REMARKABLE RESOLUTION. I At the monthly meeting of the Western I Valleys (Monmouthshire) Miners' Council, held at Abertillery on Saturday evening, Mr. J. Matthews, Cwm (president), in the chair, the following motion, which stood in the name I of the Arael Griffin Lodge, Abertillery, was I carried unanimously"That- this council desire to respectfully suggest to the public hospital and infirmary authorities that where workmen are being treated in a hospital or infirmary no reports upon the patient's con- dition be supplied by the medical attendants to any person or persons without the consent, in writing, of the patient himself being obtained, or, in. case of death, without the II consent of the representatives of the deceased." WESTERN VALLEYS MINERS' COUNCIL. I The monthly meeting of the Western; Valleys (Mon.) Miners' Council of the Miners' l Federation of Great Britain was held at Aber- tillery on Saturday, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. Matthews, Cwm (preeident).—Mr. W. Brace, C.C. (the agent), presented his report, and dealt with the dispute at Llanhilleth, stating that the question in connection with the day's stoppage, which had appeared likely. to be the subject of litigation, had been amicably se-ttled. and that no action would now be taken by the company, as proposed. In connection with the "screens" and "ripping" disputes at Llanhilleth, the agent stated that he thought thcze two matters also would be amicably settled.—A question was raised about the introduction at the Celynen Colliery, Abercarn, of a. patent box for filling coal by the workmen, and the matter was left between the Celynen workmen and the agent to deal with.—It was agreed to ma.ke a grant of £ 20 from the district fund to the Aberbeeg Lodge to assist the members.—The night men's "bonus turn" was the subject of special mention, the council expressing a strong desire for something to be done t.% equalise this matter, so that in the of night men who had to lose a. shift they should not be called upon to lose the value 'of two turns, as they had to do under the present system.—Messrs. G. Little and W. Harris, the retiring andl present members of the executive council, presented reports of the business transacted at the central council. Arising out of their reports, the question of investing more money in the North IVales Co-operative Corporation (Limited) was dis. cussed, and the matter was relegated to the executive. REDUCTION OF WAGES IN DEAN FOREST. The small number of orders in the house coal trade of the Forest of Dean during the past winter has been almost unprecedented, the workmen not finding employment for half their time. With a view to a.n improve- ment in this condition of affairs, a. con- ference has been held between representa- tives of the Associated House Coalowners, and of the Workmen's Association. As a result it has been arranged to reduce wages by 5 per cent., and to reduce the price of house coal by is. per ton from to-day (Mon- day). The price of steam coal remains un- disturbed.

NARROW ESCAPE OF EARL PERCY. Earl Percy, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire, bad a marvellous escape while motoring at Sandhurst. Kent, on Satur- day. His motor-oar fell over a steep embank. ment and crashed into a carrier's cart. His lordship escaped with a shaking, and the I chauffeur sustained a few bruises. The car was not much injured, and tho journey was coflliinue £

WOMAN IN FLAM E8 WOMAN FLAMESI A SHOCKING FATALITY AT ELY. Mr. E. B. Eeecc held an inquest at Ely on Saturday on the body of Mrs. Ar-nie Smith (41J. of Island Park Cottages. On Wednesday morning about six o'clock Mrs. Smith came downstairs, and in some way which is not known ignited ber clothing. James Smith, the son. said he heard his mother screaming. and, running downstairs, he saw her clothing all afire. He threw a bucket of water over her, and then ran for a neighbour. Mr. Coles said that he wrapped a sack around her and so extinguished the fire. The Coroner drew attention to the fact that the deceased was wearing a flannelette petti- coat at the time, and remarked on the very dangerous character of this material. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

WEARING OF THE GREEN. ST. PATRICK'S BANQUET AT CARDIFF. Of all the St. Patrick dinners that have been held in Cardiff under the auspices of the local branches of the Irish National League, the most numerously-attended was the one at Barry's Hotel on Saturday night. In the absence of Alderman P. W. Carey, the chairman, Dr. James Mullin, J.P., presided. In proposing "Ireland a Nation," Dr. Mullin enlarged upon the unity and solida- rity of the people. They had no designs upon the integrity of the Empire; they did not advocate any principle of separation, but they did say that Ireland should have the right to manage its own affairs. (Applause.) Some politicians affected to ignore Ireland, but Ireland at the next elcc- tion would rise against them like a spectre, and compel recognition. (Applause.) The toast of "The Day We Celebrate" was eloquently proposed by Mr. John Valentine (Bristol), who, speaking in amused terms of what he called the "acrobatic performances" of the Parliamentary candidates for Cardiff, said that had Alderman Carey been there he would have suggested that those gentlemen give an exhibition at the London Coliseum. (Laughter.) The Rev. Father Brady responded. Mr. William O'Neill proposed "The Irish Parliamentary Party."—Mr. J. C. Flynn, M.P., in reply, claimed that the Irish Par- liamentary party represented not any section or sect, but the Irish nation. Their forces in Parliament, he maintained, were united and well-disciplined, and they were abso- lutely independent of all English political parties, and would take no lead, or guidance, or help from any of them. (Applause.) Speak- ing of the Cardiff Parliamentary candidates, he observed that Mr. Ivor Guest would only be a welcome guest when he gave a straight- forward declaration on Home Rule. As to Sir Edward Reed, they had long memories, and any man who betrayed Mr. Gladstone in dark, troublesome, and difficult days, no matter what his political traditions, ought not to receive one Irish vote. (Applause.) The education question had raised a considerable difficulty. Why should they, he asked, be accused by Nonconformists of helping to persecute them? They had done nothing of the kind. In Wales they had been misunderstood and their actions miscon- strued. If any attempt was made to repeal or alter the present educational law, they would stand—as in 1902—by the great prin- ciple they believed and practised in Ireland, that religious education was a proper thing for the community, and that the parent- not the priests-should, if he wished, have religious education accompanying the ordi- nary secular education. fr. Henry Duggan gave "The Land We Live In," and Alderman Edward Thomas replied. Professor Barbier also responded.

CONCERT AT TREORCHY. The second annual concert in connection with Bethania Chapel, Treorky, came off on Saturday.Mr. J. B. John acted as chairman, Mr. J. Evans treasurer, and Mr. O. H. Davies general secretary of the committee. Con- siderable interest was taken in the first appearance to the Rhondda of Mr. W. Wol- stenholme, Mus.Bac.( Oxon), the well-known I bling organist. His improvisation of Ton-y- botel was highly appreciated, as was also a fantasia played at the inspiration of the moment. Miss Annie Tout formed another attraction, and her expressive and beautiful renditions of excerpts from Haydn's "Crea- tion, "Calvary," and "Roberto" fairly brought down the house. Miss Eva Mylott, the Australian contralto, proved another great favourite. The American Welsh coca-list, Mr. Gwilym Miles, an old Treorky boy, was heartily welcomed.

ILLNESS OF MR. RICHES, CARDIFF. I Mr. T. Hurry Riches, locomotive superinten- dent of the Taff Vale Ra.ilwa.y Company, has been for some time confined to his house at Penylan, Cardiff, suffering from indisposition.: On Saturday he was much better. On Sunday ho was ablo to leave his room, and his many friends will be pleased to learn that there is every hope of his soon being about again.

RHYMNEY WORKMEN'S DOCTORS. [ The question of Rhymney workmen's doctors has' been a very vexed one for some time owing, it appears, to a good deal of friction connected with the Cottage Hospital some time ago. It was brought by the doctors' committee before a mass meeting of workmen at the Rhymney Public-hall, when it was decided that Dr. Robert V. Da Acton (Redwood), one of the assistants, should be prohibited attending the Cottage Hospital. At a subsequent meeting of the workmen it was decided that the salary of the chief medical man. Dr. T. Hall (Redwood) be reduced to £500, and that an assistant be appointed to attend the hospital and assist the chief (practically superannuating the chief with £ 500 per annum). The new assis- tant was advertised for, and 30 applications were received, and the following four wero selected to submit to a mass meeting of the workmen on SaturdayDr. Lambert (Tigan), Dr. Williams (Oakham), Dr. Anderson, and Dr. M'Donald. I

WHITCHURCH MALE VOICE PARTY I The members of the Whitchurch Male Voice I party spent a pleasa-nt evening together at the Whitcliurcii Schools. The proceed- I ings were of a social character, and they served a useful purpose. After an appetising meal, provided by Mr. and Mrs. Bayley, a short programme of choruses, songs, and reci- tations was gone through, the Rev. J. Arthur Jones (president of the choir) presiding. Interspersed in the songs were a few practical speeches. Each speaker congratulated the choir upon the great progress achieved. Musical culture was one of the highest forms of recreation, and the members were impressed to be earnest and to persevere. Votes of thanks closed the proceedings.

NEWPORT'S NEW POST-OFFICE. I Although there is considerable delay in I beginning the work of building the new post- office at Newport, some indication of what it will be when complete is now available. The first steps to be taken are the excavations in I the .front for the construction of a new cable chamber. It is hoped that this will soon be taken in hand. When it is complete the work of taking down the old premises and building the new will be begun. The new building is designed in the free Renaiisa7ice style. It will have a frontage to High-street of 109ft. and to Thomas-street of 128ft. There will be three floors besides the basement and attics. The whole place will be lit by elec- tricity.

CARDIFF DOCTOR EMIGRATING. I Dr. R. K. Shepherd, of Cardiff, has offered hia services to the Church Missionary Societv for missionary work, and his offer has been accepted. The Church Missionary Society requires an additional contingent of men and women—evangelistic, medical, and arti- san—to commence work in that large tract of land between the Soudan and Uganda in response to the invitation lately sent to the society by Lord Cromer. Agriculture is likely to prove a very u«&ful form of industrial work in t.he first instance, and a medical missionary is indispensable to each station opened.

FIRE AT ELY. I During the absence at church of Mr. Frede- rick Ivor Hopkins and his wife, who live at 56,), Gordon-terrace, Cowbridge-road. Ely, a fire was discovered on S an day evening upon the premises, and was promptly put out by the neighbours before the outbreak had assumed any serious dimensions. Mr. Phillips, living next door, raised the alarm, and with Messrs. Alfred and T. E. Holden and Frank Hutchings, and Mrs. Howland, forced open the front door and thus gained an entrance. The fire was found to have originated on the first floor in the wardrobe, the contents of which were destroyed. The cause of the fire is I uplsnown, a.nd the property-is insured. t

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. "EXPRESS" OFFICE, 2.0 p.m. -0- 'I" i- hilling BESTLI — T1-5 1:1 Ch V<:t.s.' Neviih* Hi?h way -i.rr waaj>ir w RL-^rLT ;— -I ( r .inn B ¡ Ltc. ( "'d?tl t, Little Teddy

THE ALLEGED ATTEMPT ON THE CZAR. NEVA INCIDENT: FINDING OF THE COURT-MARTIAL. The court-martial which inquired into the incident that 'occurred at the blessing of the waters of the Neva has published its deci- sion. Captain Davidoff, Lieutenant-captain Kartseff, Lieutenant Roth, seu., and Lieute- naut Roth, jun., are found guilty of negli- gence, and sentenced to dismissal from the army, though without degradation. They are also deprived of certain private rights, and ordered detention in a fortress for the following periods:- Captain Davidoff, nineteen months; Captain KartscJ, seventeen months; Lieutenant Roth, sen., four months; Lieutenant Roth, jun., three months. ataii-ueutenani-coionei jroiaviseo and a private soldier but two other privates are ordered to be drafted to a dis- ciplinary battalion for two years.—Central News.

AMERICAN COAL TRADE. AN ENORMOUS INCREASE IN THE PRODUCTION. According to a report issued by the United States Geological Survey the total production of coal in the United States in 1903 amounted to 319,068,228 tons, valued at £ 100,744,870. This is the largest production ever known, exceed- ing that of 1902 by about 50,000,000 tons. The prices for both anthracite and bituminous coal reached the highest point recorded in a period of 24 years. Higher wages were paid than for many years past per unit of work performed, while the number of working hours was shortened as a rule. Anthracite coal is produced almost exclusively in the State of Pennsylvania; only small quantities, not amounting to 100,000 tons per annum, being found in Colorado and New Mexico. Bituminous coal is found in almost ever, State of the Union, and extends over an area exceeding 300,000 square miles. The production of bituminous coal by the use of undercutting machinery continues to show an increase. In 1903 there were 6,658 undercutting machines in use, as compared with 5,418 in 1902, 4,341 in 1901, and 3,907 in 1900. The total number of workers in the coal mines of the United States in 1903 was 566,260, who worked on an average 220 days. In 1902 thero were 518,200 employed for an average ot 197 days, while in 1901 there were 485,544 employed for an average of 216 days. The totlaxports of coal from the United States in 1903 amounted to 8,312,098 tons, of which about 79 per cent. went to the Dominion of Canada, about 10 per cent. to Mexico, and about 8 per cent. to the West Indies. The imports of coal in 1903 amounted to 3.446,402 tons, coming chiefly from the Dominion of Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

WELSH BARRISTERS AND TRADE BRIEFS. The ex-eçutive comm-itte.e of the South WaI-es and Monmouthshire Temperance Association, in pursuance of the resolutions unanimously adopted at the annual conferences and meet- ings at Cwmaman last October relative to this dispute, has arranged for a deputation to wait upon Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P. (chair- man of the Welsh party), and his colleaguec, to present to them the resolutions and to have the matter discussed, with a view to imme- diate settlement.

WELSH NATIONAL MUSEUM I AND LIBRARY. Among the promises of support to the guarantee fund to be raised in the event of the location of the Welsh National Museum and Library at Cardiff made to the Cham- ber of Commerce fund, are the following:- Mr. Edward England, 120; Messrs. Fisher, Ben wick, and Oo., £10 10s.; and Mteesrs. J. T. Duncan and Co., P-5 5s.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS BURNT DOWN. The Octagon Sunday Schools at Taunton, belonging to the Plymouth Brethren, and accommodating between eight and nine hundred scholars, were destroyed by fire on Saturday. The firemen saved the adjoining Octagon Chapel, in Which John Wesley preached.

POLICEMAN SHOT DEAD. The body of Police-constable Bryant, of the Metropolitan Police Force, stationed at Sut- ton (Surrey) was found in Grove-road on Saturday, death having been due to a. shot in the head. The deceased, who had been miss- ing two days, was formerly a soldier in India, and was hot-tempered. lIe had lately been in some trouble, which is believed to have preyed on his mind.

DUPLICATE TRAIN TESTED ON SCENE OF LOUGHOR DISASTER. One of the theories advanced to account for the accident on the Great Western Rail- way at Loughor on October 3 last, when ijjve persons were killed and eighteen others seriously hurt, was the oscillation of the saddle-tank engine attached at Llanelly, causing it to be jumped off the metals, Lieu- tenant Yorke, R.E., who was appointed by the Board of Trade to conduct the inquiry, stated that he was unable to report with certainty the cause of the derailment, but the probability was that it was due to one of two causes, viz., the fracture of the 3ide- rod or oscillation of the saddle-tank engine in consequence of too great a speed. Colonel Yorke expressed the opinion that engines of the saddle-tank type like the one in ques- tion were not suitable for attachment in front of express trains. On Sunday an interesting experiment was made by the Great Western Railway Com- pany over that portion of the line where the accident occurred. On the previous day a train in all respects similar to the express from Milford. which was partially wrecked at Loughor was made up at Swindon. It consisted of an engine and nine coaches, in the first of which an intricate apparatus for measuring speed, oscillation, Ac., was fixed. The other coaches were loaded with old axle-boxes to represent as near as possible the weight of the passengers in the train which came to grief. On Saturday evening the experimental train was driven down to Carmarthen, and on Sunday morning started on the up-line in the direction of Landore. At Llanelly a eaddie-tank engine was put on in front of the express engine, so that the situation on the night of the 3rd of October was re-pro- duced as nearly as possible. The test, we are informed, gave satisfactory results, there being no oscillation or bumping of the saddle- tank engine at the speed at which an express train would usually proceed between Llanelly and Cockett, where the smaller engine was detached and sent back. Mr. Dawson, Pad- dington, assistant superintendent of the line, was in charge of the train, and was accompanied by the locomotive superinten- dent at Swindon and others. After the experiment the train returned to Swindon, stopping a few minutes at Cardiff.

WRECK OF THE KHYBER. I MUTINY ON BOARD: THE COAST- GUARD PATROL. The inquest on the victims of the Khyber disaster was held at Sennon, near Penzance, on Saturday. The bodies of the men washed ashore from the wreck were terribly mangled, and only four could be identified. These were Thomas Maloney, Charles Stutz, Raynor Owens, and John Sternberg. It was stated that the gale drove the vessel from the Lizard to Land's End, the anchors failing to hold. One of the survivors, in answer to .the coroner, said that there had been disputes about the food once or twice between the captain and the men. On two occasions the crew struck, because for a. fortnight they had been on half-rations, and during the last four days there was no meat-only pea soup and bread. No rockets were put up between eleven o'clock on Tuesday night and three o'clock on Wednesday morning, and the flare was put out by the sea. John Willis, apprentice, said that the cap- tain admitted making an error regarding the course steered, the ship being too close in- shore. The chief coastguard at Scnnen said that the spot where the vessel foundered was not patrolled on the night of the wreck, as he had not sufficient men to patrol the whole coast every night. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally drowned." and added a rider requesting the Admiralty to make arrangements for the complete patrolling of the coast. A TEMPESTUOUS VOYAGE. I TWO OFFICERS DROWNED: ALL THE BOATS SMASHED. The fine German barque Bonn has arrived at Falmouth from Australia, with wheat in a battered condition. She experienced the full force of the recent gale, and her decks were continually washed with terrific seas, which earned the whole of her boats awiay. The wheel and chart-house and the cabin sky- light were smashed, whilst the vessel's sails were blown to shreds. The Bonn enoountered terrible weather for foar days in succession. On one occasion a heavy sea struck the vessel amd washed the second officer overboard. The first officer went to try and save his com- rade, and he also was caught by a wave and swept into the &ea. Both officers were drowned, there being no boats by which attempts could be made to save them.

HANGING ON THE WALL. A LLANTWIT VARDRE FARMER'S SUICIDE. An inquest was held at Llantwit Vardre on Saturday on the body of William Williams (59), butcher, Alma Cottage, Church Village, who. was found hanging in his bedroom, as already reported. The inquiry was conducted by Mr. E. U. Reece. It appeared that the deceased was tenant of the Tynewydd Farm, and had been ill for some time. On Wednesday his daughter,in- law and son went to a funeral, and left the deceased in charge of the children. Dnr- ing their absence it was stated that he had tried to drive a large nail and an old file into tho wall in his bedroom, and these were found in his pocket after death. He succeeded, how- ever, in driving in a wooden peg, and to this he attached a cord, from which he was found suspended. The door of the room had been fastened inside, and his daughter-in-law and a neighbour after failing to obtain an entrance, went to the back garden, and from there saw the man suspended. When cut down by Police-constable Jones, the officer endeavoured to induce respiration by artificial! means, but failed. A verdict of Suicide during temporary insanity was returned.

EXTENSIVE EMBEZZLEMENT1 CHARGES. Henry Corbett Jones (45), ex-town-clerk of Holborn, was further remanded at Bow-street on Saturday on a charge of misappropriating various sums, stated to amount to £ 12,000.— lofr. Matthews, for the defence, said that at present he would not challenge the charges with regard to the sum of £ 10,049 received from Mr. Maltby, the £5.000 from the Rev. Father Bannin, or the E2,633 from Mr. Figgins. =■

REMARKABLE ACCIDENT IN DEAN FOREST. VEHICLE OVER A PRECIPICE. The Plump Hill, near Mitcheldean, was the scene of a remarkable carriage accident. Three ladies, one a patient from the asylum, at the Wilderness, were being driven in a closed carriage, when the pair of horses attached to it became unmanageable, through a horse with cart attached colliding. TJù8 horse had been frightened by the noise of ft passing field roller. The coachman jumped off his seat as the horses and carriage dashed over a precipice, against which there was no roadside protection. Rolling over and over the carriage came to the bottom a wreck, but the horses were not much hurt, and only one of the ladies sustained serious injury, though all were very much shaken.

REVOLUTIONARY SAILORS. I RUSSIANS CREATE DISORDERS AT CRETE. Numerous acts of insubordination are reported to have taken place amongst the crews of the Russian Squadron anchored at Crete. Some of the crews are asserted to have indulged in revolutionary manifesta- tions. crying, Down with the autocracy." The officers experience the utmost difficulty in niaiutaaning order.—Central News.

At the Railway Temperance Hotel, Cardiff, on Saturday the Cardiff Branch of the Com- mercial Temperance League held a successful smoking concert. The musical arrangements were under the ca-re of Mr. Shepherd. Mr. R. S. Jenkins was the accompanist. STEVENS' BREAD.-When ycu eat it you do not require any other relish for Brealsst or Tera. siz7g2

MINERS' FEDERATION EXECUTIVE MEETING AT CARDIFF. A meeting of the executive council of the South Wales Miners' Federation was held at Cardiff on Saturday, under the presidency of Mr. W. Brace. Mr. Alfred Onions, treasurer, acted as secretary, in the absence of Mr. Thomas Richards, M.P., who is suffering from a bad cold. Mr. Jenkins, agent for the East Glamorgan district, brought before the council a dispute at the Senghenydd Colliery, in reference to the payment for roadposts, and it was resolved that the matter be placed on the agenda for the next Conciliation Board meet- ing. A letter was read from the owners of the Llanwit-Merthyr Colliery respecting the stoppage of that colliery, and it was resolved to appoint a member of the council to meet the representative of the company with a view to a settlement of the question being arrived at, the company in the meantime to be informed that the council could not advise the men to return to work pending the investigation, inasmuch as the manage- ment gave them notice to terminate con- tracts and stop the colliery. A dispute from the Blaenavon Colliery respecting the payment for "ripping top" wae considered, and it was decided that it be placed upon the agenda for the next concilia- tion board meeting. I Mr. John Williams reported that be had investigated the matter in dispute at the Cae'rhryn Colliery in the anthracite district respecting the filling of through and through ooal, and it was resolved that Messrs. Beynon and John Williams make a further investiga- tion and report the result to the treasurer, who, if necessary, would provide strike pay in accordance with the rules. A complaint from the Glyn Colliery respect- ing the alleged victimisation of injured workmen was discussed, and Mr. V. Hartshorn was appointed to assist Mr. Winstone in deal. ing with the matter.

WELSH COPPER WORKS. STRIKE OF NEATH WORKERS; BITTER TUSSLE. The Cape Copper Works, near Neath, will be idle this (Monday) morning. The refiners, 38 in number, who received wag^s of 14s. for a day of severn hours, recently demanded an advance of 20 per c-ont., and this being refused they, with the approval of the Dockers' Union, to which they belong, resolved to strike. The management there- upon decided to stop all departments, and 600 men will have to await the result of the oon- filet. It is feared that the struggle will be of a protracted and bitter character.

I ECCLESIASTICAL NEWS.  CONFIRMATIONS IN LLANDAFF DIOCESE. I During the vacancy of the See of Llandaff I the Bishop of Swansea, acting under the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury, lias kindly consented to hold confirmations j at the times and places mentioned below: Alarch 27.-}ritol1 Ferry 3 p.m. 27—St. John's, Oa.nton, Cardiff 7.30 p.m. Z8-Pelltyrch 3.15 p.m. „ 28—Eglwys Dewi Sant, Cardiff 7.30 p.m. 29-Trevothiu 11.15 a.m. „ 29-Blaeiia-von 4 p.m. » 3Q-Blaina 12 noon 30-Aberearn 3.45 p.m. „ 30-St. Mary's, Cardiff 8 p.m. >» 31—Llandaff 12 noon 31-Gllfa-ch Goch 6,30 p.m. April 1—St. Mary's, Abergavenny 11.30 a.m. „ 1-Cadoxton-juxta-Barry (at St. Mary's Church, Barry Dock) 7.30 p.m. 2-1,lwyiiypia 11 a.m. 2—Pentre 2.30 p.m. lO-Cadoxton-juxta-Neath. 2.30 p.m.  11—St. Mary's, Monmouth 12 noon 11-Usk 4.45 p.m. 12—AU Saints', Llanbradaoh 7.45 p.m. 12-7Peny.-ral.1, 2.30 p.m. The Master of Jesus College, Cambridge, con- tradicts the statement that the Rev. C. F. Feltham, curate of St. John's, Cardiff, has been, appointed by the Master and Fellows to tho Vicarage of Elmstcad. Arrangements are being made with the Bisiliop of Hereford for all candidates for ordination from Llandaff to he ordained at Hereford before Easter. Candidates will be notified as soon as the arrangements are completed.

THE KENSINGTON ESTATES. LORD KENSINGTON GETS CONSENT I TO RB-BUILD. Mr. Justice Swinfen Eady, in the Chancery Division on Saturday, concluded the hearing of the summons by Lord Kensington for leave to raise and spend out of the settled estates a sum of zP,10,400 in improving the Mansion house on the St. Bride's estate, Pembroke, the water supply, and drainage. In opposi- tion to the summons it was suggested that the improvements contemplated did not amount to a re-building within the Settled Land Acts, and that the only benefit the infant next tenant would acquire for some time to come was an improved nursery.—His lordship was satisfied upon the evidence that what was proposed was substantially a re-building, and allowed in respect of it X,8,500, a sum equal to half the rental, and 11,400 for the new water supply.

ALBION VICTIM'S WIDOW. I CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED I SUICIDE. At Bridgend Police-court on Saturday Maria Jones, of Pontypridd, was charged with attempting to commit suicide. Richard Evans said that he found Mrs. Jones on Tuesday sitting at the roadside near Brynna, Lla-nharren. She told him she was going to do away with herself because she and her husband had quarrelled. She then got up and commenced to tie a lace round her neck. Witness and his com- panions took the la-ce away from her. Then they left her in order to inform the police, but had not gone far when they saw her tie a waistband round her neck. They again took the waistband from her, and left her. They, however, noticed, that she had unlaced a boot and was tying the lace round her neck again. When they got to her they found her uncon- sciotis, her face being almost black, and the lace was tied so tightly that they had to cut it. Police-constable Bendle took her into cus- tody, and charged her with attempting to commit suicide. She said she intended to do 180 and would do so again when she had the | chance. She seemed to be the worse for drink. Inspector Evans said the prisoner was the widow of a collier who was killed in the Albion disaster, and sinoe the lose of her husband she had become disorderly in char- acter. Prisoner: I am very sorry. I was in drink, or I could not think of doing it. She was committed for trial at the quarter sessions, in custody.

THE INSURANCE CASE AT THE I GLAMORGAN ASSIZES. Messrs. Rowland Smith and Son, insurance brokers, of Morgan-chambers, Cardiff, dot ire ua to make, clear the fact that the insurance case heard at the Gla-morgan Assizes on Friday was brought by the Llansamlet lady against the agent in his personal capacity. No claim was made against the British Equitable Aesuranoo Company.

BRECON.SH I RE OOUNCIL VACANCY. Owing to the withdrawal of Mr. J. T. Evane (Abernant), there will be no bye-election to fill the Llanwrtyd Wells vacancy on the Brecons-hire County Council. The returned I candidate is the Rev. Rees Evans (Cwmhenog). t

INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATION: I, ALLEGED SWEATING. The joint committee of the Trades Union Congress and the Co-operative Union have been asked to take action against several co-operative bootmaking societies in North- amptonshire, who are alleged to be working cm Army boots at below statement" prices.

I BATON'!?, 3 fcT 6d.; a new delicious "read, &8 eaten j In ail the best hotels in London.—Stev&ns, Oonleotiooer. I

CROWTHER CASE. THOMAS SENT TO PENAL I SERVITUDE. Charles Francis Thomas, 33, clerk, a native of Swansea, was put up at the assizes at Cardiff on Saturday and charged with felo- niously wounding Morgan Crowther. The court was presided over by Mr. English Harrison. K.C., the Commissioner. The evidence, a full report of which appeared in Saturday's Evening Express," showed that Crowther called at Thomas's house to make inquiries with regard to a man named Boyle. On the Monday follow- ing, the 27th of January, the prisoner pur- chased a knife, and, meeting Crowther, asked him what right he had to call at his house during his absence. Crowther replied he would not have called had he known the prisoner was away. whereupon Thomas stabbed Crowther in the stomach, the wound penetrating the liver. His Lordship summed up concisely. The suggestion (he said) was that up to this the men were on friendly terms. A great deal had been suggested against the character of the prosecutor, who, whatever his character, was as much entitled as anybody else to the protection of the law against a deadly assault by a deadly weapon. It was not because a man was of bad character that anyone was justified in using a deadly weapon, unless he was justi- fied within the meaning of the Act. The question of character was really not material, and he doubted whether they need make up their minds as to the truth or otherwise of the conversation alleged. If they believed the, wife there were certainly great motives of ill-will and dislike. If the prisoner immediately on hearing of the insult had rushed off and beaten the prosecutor or done him some other injury that would have been one thing, but it was absolutely plain that he had ample time to cool down, During the two days he might have com- municated with Mr. Crowther and asked him for some explanation of his conduct. But nothing of that sort took place. He left his house at three o'clock in the afternoon, having obviously made up his mind to seek out Mr. Crowther for the purpose of doing something or other. Looking at the physique of the prisoner, did they think that he was quite so frightened of the prosecutor as he would have them believe? The prisoner said he bought the knife because he was frightened oi him; but his lordship did not quite understand why, if he were frightened, he should have gone out with a stick for the purpose of thrashing him. He could not for a moment suppose that, under the circum- stances of the deliberation shown by the prisoner, the use of the knife was in any- way justified. To say that a man laughing and jeering justified one in stabbing with a deadly weapon was perfectly unheard of in law. 1- t VERDICT AND SENTENCE. M -?? 1 He jury rewrea, ana alter an aDsence or :ou minutes returned. In answer to Mr. Glasco- dine, assistant clerk of arraigns, the foreman sa-id they found the prisoner guilty on the second count of wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and not guilty on the first count of intent to murder. The learned Judge, in passing sentence, said the jury had taken a merciful view of the circumstances under which, through motives of ill-will or vindictivenes-s, which he need not enter into in detail the prisoner stabbed tho prosecutor. He assumed for the purposes of his sentence that theee feelings came into existence through-some, he did not say what, communication, made to him by his wife. His Lordship had, however, to consider the deliber- ation with which the prisoner sought out the prosecutor. As an educated man, he should have been more capable of keeping his feelings under control, than an uneducated man. He had come to the conclusion that the proper sentence to pass upon him on the count upon which he had been convicted was that he should be kept to penal servi- tude for three years. There was considerable commotion in court after the sentence had been pro- nounced, and Mrs. Thomas exhibited signs of great distress.

Church Work in Cardiff GENEROUS GIFTS BY THE MACKINTOSH A crowded public meeting of Church people was held on Saturday in the Assembly-rooms at the Town-hall, Cardiff, in aid of the build- ing fund of St. Martin's Parish, Roath. His worship the mayor (Alderman R. Hughes) pre- sided. The Mayor said they all looked with envy at the type of houses in Roath, and felt indebted to The Mackintosh of Mackinoeh for giving instruction for the erection of such admirably planned artisans' houses. Both The Mackin- tosh of Mackintosh and Mrs. Mackintosh showed an interest quite as deep in the spiritual welfare of the people in that pa.rt of the town. They were there now to assist the vicar and his excellent staff in liquidating the St. Martin's debt, which Had been reduced from £6,400 to £ 3,800. He proposed that the meeting pledged itself to do its utmost to raise the sum still required for the building funds of St. Martin's, Roath. The Ven. W. C. Bruce, in seconding, spoke with admiration of the noble and devoted lives of the men who had ruled over the destinies of Roath, and pointed out that the Object that day was to strengthen their hands and perpetuate the good impression they bad made. The Yen. F. W. Edmondes seconded the resolution j which was supported by Mr. W. S. de Wiuton. a The Rev. E. A. Sutherland then made a statement as to the progress made in the parish. The Mackintosh of Mackintosh, on behalf of Mrs. Mackintosh and himself, most lieartily thanked the speakers for their remarks, and forcibly put before them the needs of the parish and the work that was done. The right note was struck by Mr. Sutherland when ho said there was a great future before them if the clergy would all work together, a.nd, sinking minor differences, stand shoulder to shoulder. (Hear, hear.) That was the true principle of religion in these days. The Vicar of St. Martin's announced,amidst applause, that The Mackintosh of Mack- inrtosth and Mrs. Mackintosh had generously promised an additional £ 500. The Mack- intosh, said the vicar, had just pencilled on a bit of paper that if it would be any relief to their council The Mackintosh of Mack- in tosh .and Mrs. Mackintosh, in addition to their LZ,000, would give L500.

THE NORTH SEA OUTRAGE. INJURED FIRMS' TRIBUTE Toj STATE OFFICIALS. .1 Messrs. Kelsall Brothers and Beeching (Limited) and Messrs. James Leyman and Co. (Limited), of Hull, iu a joint letter to the press, ?tate that now that the question of the North Sea outrage has been happily brought to a. conclusion, tney feel that, as I owners of the lost and damaged vessels, they would be neglecting their duty if, on behalf of themselves and their men, they failed publicly to express their gratitude to all who have helped them in their time of distress. They mention Sir Henry Seymour King, M.P., Government officials (especially of the Board of Trade), Earl Desart, the Solicitor to the Treasury, and the various counsel engaged, and the Commissioners (Sir Cyprian Bridge and Mr. Aspinall, K.C.), and th-eir secretary (the Hon. Noel Farrer). From first to la-st they had been treated by his Majesty's Government and its various officials with all the consideration, courtesy, and zeal which a.ny British subject could possibly desire.

SUDDEN INDISPOSITION OF MR. HAY, As Mr. Hay was going on board the. steamer Orotic, by which he is proceeding on the ocean trip ordered by his medical advisers, at New York on Saturday, he was suddenly seized with weakness, and nearly collapsed on the gangway. He was seen to turn pale, stagger, and gasp for breath, and he would have fallen had not a friend gone to his assistance. The seizure was not regarded by the doctors as being so serious as to render a delay in his departure necessary, and Mr. Hay accord- ingly sailed by the Orotic. When passing Sandy Hook the Cretic signalled that Mr. Hay wae much better.—Renter.

LOCAL WILLS. MR. T. N. PHILLIPS. LLANDAFF. Mr. Josiah Nicholas Phillips, of 3, Bridge- road, Llswadaff, whoaR death took place on December 31, amd whose will has been proved 1 by Mrs. Mary Elizabeth PMIIips, the widow, left property of the value at £ S79 ta.

CONCILIATION BOARD Colliery Disputes Deatt With. I » iM 1 A meeting of the Conciliation Board coal trade of Monmouthshire and ,,t,, viaie$ ? wa. held at Cardiff on Saturday. Mr. Fred Davis pided over the owners' section' "?'& ¡in the absence of Mabo-n," Mr. ?'  occupied the chair for the workmen'S r sentatives. M Mr. Fred L. Davis proposed a vote C? co  dolence a.nd eympathy with the fMB?? I relatives of the men who were kiled injured in the Clydach Vale explosion^ also a vote of sympathy with the OaiiB*" Colliery Company in their trouble. Mr. W. Brace seconded, and the motion carried. 1 A dispute at the Glynca Coal and 138S Company's Colliery (Western district) WO referred to Mr. T. H. Wales and Mr. Morrell to be further dealt with. !II A difference of opinion in regard to cutting price of a seam of coal at the DO Colliery was referred for settlement Messrs. Routledge and James MaMPjJ1?- A dispute at Messrs. Partridge, _ee, aJl3I Co. 's Llanerch and Abersycha-n CollLer? ^< left in the hands of Messrs. W. Smitk James Manning to be dealt with. Several other disputes of a minor were discussed.

NEW TREDEGAR LANDSLIF" I I ALL THE LOCAL COLLIERIES IP I .? I I The Brecon and Merthyr Railway 000'V? have secured the use of a Cambrian Co.pol light engine for working merchandise tr,,Oo over the affected line at .K?w Tredegar. 010 53 workmen were engaged in ballasting tte line on Sunday in readiness for t"dtly traffic. The district was visited by huH^f of visitors on Sunday. The whole ? to local collieries will be idle to-day through want of wagons.

COLLAPSE OF A THEATI!I MANY PERSONS KILLED I INJURED. I —————— ";f. t A terrible accident occurred at the L' Theatre, Santiago de Chile, on SaturdaY' 'As j building collapsed, and fell in s ellil- Many p2?iple w-ere billed and iM? Reuter.

I THE ROYAL CRUISE. I —— < The Royal yacht Victoria and Albert,  I m? Queen Alexandra and the Royal ?t 00 board, left Portland Harbour on Sattlrjilf morning on the journey to Lisbon- bteo was a heavy rain during the night, and ¡pi sea had calmed considerably, the 1110rl1 ý$1 being warm with b,;JUant sunshine. A W> e??lut? was fired as the yacht steamed ,vsf- jTHE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT h I I GIBRALTAR. I The Duke of Connaught at (iibr&lt? j. Saturday inspected the new military ?? tal, and expressed himself as being Jtl de.f pleased with everything he saw. On S??? on board the Edward VII. Admiral 'jf entertained the Duke and Duchess of$ naught and family at lunch, the guests p including the Governor and the R???Jt' In the afternoon the Duke visited the  yard and the new naval magazines at c Ian Bay. He also walked through the tuJJ ji and inspected the new breakwater. ';? rumoured that, instead of going to M? << the Duke of Connaught will next proce? Naples en route for home.—Central New

EXTRAVAGANCE OF rtåØI ADMIRALTY. The report of the Comptroller and A?'? General on the Navy Accounts state ,3$ nine cruisers, which originally cost ?1??'?? and on which ?t65.41j has been Bp?' ot1 Te-nts completed in 190M and 1905-4, h?'?t? been included in the list of vessels to bO-Oo14, Five cruisers and %.gunboat which ori??? cost £ 1,046,767, and on which Einc? (, 1283,960 has been expended in re-fittin, o( now been passed into the "list of subsidiary services." Complaints of e%ce^jt expenditure are made in other direotl. and it is further aSlrmed. in regard ? re-fits of two battjeships, nine cruiser!>, three special service ships that the ?' over the estimates was S.250,4,3

I ARMY STORES SCANDAl" I uK I Referring to the question why certa? '? perishable stores were thrown into the the close of the South African mn'S13o01go, which is to be asked of Mr. ArnoJd-f'OrS to-day, it is declared, "on unassailable a. 0 iy' rity." that by order of the authorities ana tons of these provisions were dump?-t? the sea or sold as manure, though Pel sound. A large steamer was sent out '? Cape Town loaded with cases of tinned ? f and these, when thrown overboard, ref?? sink and were cast ashore in Table ™ fe." days later.

I COLOURED SEAMAN'S CLAl^ ) ..e w A black man named David CLayton ??? plaintiff on Saturday at Newport in a C^ against Johp Creenan, master of the scbp 00 Mary Elizabeth. He claimed six day's I)A? as an ordinary seaman at the rate of ? t{?' month, and ?2 in lieu of a month's Oot1'00' The veasel is a coaster, and the "co10 $,0'0 complaint was that whilst she was lyio;dOf the mouth of the Usk, off N?eh. he spflll .0 one of his ankles in running'to catch 3roteO for mooring the vessel. He complailled the captain, who pooh-poohed the ?*??(. and said he did not want any cripples & j?, his ship. He told the man to go fLsDoroet, "But," the man expostulated suppos6 ci ill at s<ea, what than?" Ob, we SX0o.0l9 throw you overboard" was what (acc° to the black man's version) the c 6 said. The captain sent his bag would not pay him. In the 1'esul d" Bench made an order that the def,,J,os to (who had sailed that morning in the gge>' should pay £ 2, half of which would # the man who held the advance note, a other half to Clayton.

NEW CHURCH AT BARRY V0$\ I I The new Church of St. Ma.ry, Holto?'? Barry Dock, in the parish of Cadoxtoll'13i%?rfl? erected at a cost of over £ 6,000. and C?  of accommodating 600 worshippers, tf opened for Divine worship on Sunday tj inaugural service being a, "lebrati oi-tllt Holy Communion, when there were ne? ? ?', communicants, the celebrants being th^ $ J. S. Long don, M.A., rector of the pairi6l" the Rev. L. J. James, M.A., the senior cX, $ The preacher at the morning service wa rif Ven. Archdeacon of Llandaff, who W1, tJI,. text the verse, "This is none other t,-h3 reO, house of God, and this is the gate of ???' (Genesis xxviii., 17), said it was witli )?.() pleasure and devout thankfulness that P li? come there that day to preach tl"Do sermon in that noble structure. ?! that one of the first omces of the ne? bi- fPt?OPt of the dioceae would be to consecr? t' building, but this would not take P*a some time in the summer. The ne? e b had cost over E6,000, of which more tb3 11 C111 had yet to be raised. In the a,fternoo? dren's service was held.

CARDIFF MAN'S SUDDEN DEA^' I The inquest was held at Cardiff To ^$ on Saturday, before Mr. E. B. Reece,  body of Charles Carton (35), a ship's P??t ?' working at the docks, v ho dropped the docks on Thursday morndng last 1 ?''? Dr. Dewar, of the Hamadryad Hosp?? ? said he made a post-mortem €xa.mu? t? ? the JWW mortuary, and death was dILleto ruDturo of the aorta. The jury ret verdict accordingly.

ONCE A TEETOTALER. I He had been a teetotaler, but bro?t? We have do?c everything we could fO? This was what Superintendent p.t,?r 10IdIp magistrates at Newport on Saturday  e,, V el1, ing Charles Hove, a timberman, Ol, oi,cp who was charged with riotous belia" iollirop the highway on March 13. Defend?Ll't oig fellows took advantage of the ?" J} f- had previous convictions to pitch l1po & Fined 40s.

BRUTAL CARDIFF HUSBA>Tp' ø I "He hit me twice in the face -'tb ijd" and struck this poor, defenceless t» /y j said EUza-beth Coohlin, who sum??? ?,)' husband at Cardiff Police-court on S,ttif for assault. Thomas, who is a docy. boll,?er'? and lives at Constel-lation-etr sa ialle I" "very sorry if he had done an ill dg oatf, the way." Notwithstanding th? 110wofe the Stipendiary nned him .M &oo c two months. r