Evening Express

THE GREAT 8HAMS. I When Shall We Away With Them P INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN THE COMPETITION. BY LLOYD MEYRICK.* Writing on a Sunday, one naturally looks out for a text. Every Welshman is at heart a preaclier, and I am no excep- tion. By the bye, what a. blested day Sunday is as a Day of Rest. It has theological and religious aspects upon which I do not propose to touch, but as a day sacred to rest and lelsure it is most worthy of preservation. It is a man's own day, so to speak-a day that owns no order of a master, no tyranny of duty. Most of us wake up on a Sunday, morning with a feeling of joyous emanci- pation, an escape from the drudgery of work. I am no strict Sabbatarian. I believe in large towns in Sunday trams. in open museums, and well-peopled parks but, as a broad policy, the seventh day, as far as possible, should be kept free from labour. The Bill to prevent Sun- day trading as far as possible is deserving of all support, as there are signs in recent years of looser and more insidious habits. There are many phases of the Continental Sunday very attractive. Its innocent, gaiety and the way whole families of all classes go out and drink their beer and coffee in country cafes arouse in a broadminded Britisher a feeling of envy. Still, the other side to it-the almost universal opening of shops in the morn- ing--DU,L,hC, to be strenuously resisted in this country. However, what about my text ? Here it is. Opening a volume of Shakspeare, I canle across tho following lines When beggars die there are no comets seen, The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of priucee. It is an old superstition that the heavens are disturbed and move In sympathy with the. events in the lives of the great ones of the earth. There has grown up a body of opinion that even God Almighty is a snob and has His preferences for men of great estate. A great French nobleman was warned after some evil deed of the punishment of the Hereafter, and he replied, "God will think twice before damning a gentleman of my quality." The most hopeful sign of the present time is that thïs view is fast disappearing. The gospel of social equality is being preached trumpet-toned throughout the land. The work of Charles Kingslev. of Rusk in, an d of Carlyle has steeped the very soil of the country, and is bearing rich frnit. Shakspeare, by habit ofmind a.nd of temperament, was an aristocrat, and genius did not become democratic until long after his day—at least in this country. Milton, possibly, was a demo- crat, but he was an individualist to the point of anarchy. Carlyle had the latter characteristics, but lie waged deadly war- fare against all shams on behalf of the realities. That, after all, is the only 'I' h ?-i t a f t.(- 'point that matters—respect for real men and real things, Most of us go through life wrapped up in illusions and poor little conventions of caste and habit. Weare fed on them in school, and are taught to see history through the tinsel of courts and the chicanery of diplomacy. This system gives a distorted view to our outlook and shapes a slavish attitude of mind. As has been well said by a great American We want to know less about men who started poor and amassed, great fortunes and mo-re about men who lived unsullied lives a-nd died poor. The whole community needs the baptism of self-respect. The last sentence sums up a most crying need. It is the day of wealth, and multi- millionaires scatter largesse to creeping populations! We want more of that self- respect and a clear realisation of the dignity of man. We have heard quite enough of the individual who started with balf-a-crown in his pocket, has amassed a fortune, and claints the privi- lege ever after of prosing on the virtues of industry and thrift. They seem to say, with almost painful emphasis: Look a.t the work of the Good God. He gives carriages and horses and large houses to those that deserve them. I am making no attack upon any of these happy possessions, but they are poor things to hold up as rewards. The dis- tinction of a gentleman. "as one who keeps a gig" is now for ever exploded, and the true tests of gentle qualities are being applied. The great work of education should be to free from convention and to equip all young men with a shrewd eye for Shams. Shams abound in the pulpit, in the press, in politics, and in all the walks of life. They are known, they are bowed to, and even courted. More than one walks about the streets of Cardiff. As Carlyle would say, "a very simulacrum of a man. No one is deceived; they are known as Shams, are given respect as Shams, and are given large funerals as Shams! I wonder will it always be so? Will a sturdier race arrive and sweep the whole wretched crowd away? Even some churches and cliaptls are silains-a, Sliam is in the pulpit, a Sham carries round the plate, and a. Sham rubs shoulders with a Sham in the big seat or vestry. Well, even on a Sunday afternoon I must limit preaching, or the proprietors will be telling me that religious journals don't pay 1 My competition is fast becoming a matter of international concern. Mr. Carl Anderson has written from Stock- holm. Sweden, to Mr. James Holmes ask- ing him to let him know if I will allow foreigners to compete. Mr. Anderson is the foreign correspondent- for tili),-Swedish Raiiwaymon's Society, and he states he has seen an account of the competition, and, although I do not, mean to compete with the English brothers, I just want to partake of their pleasure and interest. Mr. Anderson writes an admirable letter in English, stating he has given the matter much consideration. The three prizes already offered will be given to British subjects only resident in thi& country, but if, in the opinion of Mr. Holmes and myself, a foreigner's state- ment ranks with the prize-winner, I will forward such a competitor some souvenir of his success. Mr. Anderson's contribu- tion will be warmly welcomed, as that of any other man from any land or clime. I hope this will not necessitate putting on a staff of linguists to go through the statements. I have three or four lan- guages on the premises, and Mr. Holmes is an authority on Welsh and Yiddish. I may say that the rumour that the Ger- man Emperor intends competing has not been confirmed. I do not know if he is eligible, except that, being the most versatile thing in Emperors, he might say he is engaged in the manipulation of traffic as Head of the national railways. If any delicate inter- national complications arise a special meeting of the Trades Congress will be called to pass a resolution, which, no doubt, will at once settle any difficulty, A statement sent in in Chinese must be accompanied by a certificato from the clergyman of the parish that its contents are fit for publication, as I cannot under- take to acquire the language before April 7, when the competition closes. Speak- ing seriously, all statements may be written in French, German, English, or Welsh; but, while the three prizes of five guineas, two guineas, and one will go to the best British competitors, our worthy foreign brothers will not be for- gotten. If as a result of this competition there is any keen demand for the "Eren- ing Express" in the large towns on the Continent, we will take steps that it shall be on sale at all the kiosks and bookstalls. In the meantime: Vive Teniterite cordiale, Sweden!

I .MR. LLOYD MEYRICKS Notes now appear in the "Evening Express" on four days a week, i.e., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. MB. W. BRACE'S Labour Notes appear on Wednesday, and MR. HARRY BOWEN'S, on Sport, on Saturday.

Rejected Lover's Death I RUN OVER ON THE RAILWAY. I The discovery of the much-mutilated body of a, man ooi the Soath-Baetern Railway a little distance above Gods tone Station, just outsid-o the tunnel, early on Sunday morn- ing has been followed by the disclosure of a. sad story of disappointed love. Papers were found on him by which he was identified as Mr. David Syrad, an ex- sergeant in the Army Service Corps, who has lately been enga-ged as public-house broker's tout. His parents live in Warmington-road, Upper Westbourne Park. There was aIM found on the body a. photo- graph of a handsome young woman,"which, upon iuqui-ry, was found to be tha.t of Miss May Erook-er, daughter of a gardener, living Hook, near God stone, and recently a bar- maid at the Garibaldi Hotel, Blackfriars- rcad. From her story, as told to a Morning Leader" representative, it speared that Syrad had made her acquaintance at the Garibaldi, and had fallen in love with her. Three times he proposed to her. the laet time .as recently as Friday, a.nd each time he was rejected. They remained on friendly terms, however, and an appointment was fixed for Sunday; but in the interval he wired off, the telegram being followed by a rfegistwred letter contain- ing several pawn tickets, five or six shillings in money, a.nd a letter asking her not to write to him till she heard from him a^jain, as he was changing his address." It gms clear that he travelled down to Godstone on Sunday evening with the pur- pose of going to his sweetheart's home. A rnaji answering to his description arrived at Godstona St.ation by too 8.30 train, and next i morning Syrad's mutilated body was found by the driver of an up goods train.

WAITERS ON WHEELS. I One of the curiosities of Salt Lake City, in the eyes of the many visitors who have passed through the town recently, is the sight of the messenger-boys riding bicycles easily %long the streets with heavily-laden trays on their heads. To Salt Lakers this seems quite na.tural; it is a sight they see every day, and have seen for years, but to the stranger within the gates it is a quaint novelty. Bait Lake is not the only town in the United States where this custom prevails, but it has the distinction of being one of the three towns where the messengers hl3..e this speedy method of delivering meals.

ABERTILLERY CIRCUS FATALITY. i The funeral of little Trevor James, the unfortunate lad who was killed by the blow- ing down of Alexandra's Circus tent at Aber- tillery, took plwe on Monday, when a large number of relatives and others attended the interment at Blaenau Gwent Cemetery, Aber- tillery. The Rev. T. Towy Evans and the Rev. J. Morris E-, ans officiated. A large num- ber of beautiful wreaths were sent, among them being lovely floral tributes from Mada.me Ada Alexandra, the proprietress of the circus; Mr. and Mrs. D. Taylor, the manager, and the circus artistes. Madame Alexandra Was also represented aX the funeral.

BODY ON BONFIRE. -0 ALLEGED MURDER OF A HUSBAND. At Norwich Assizes on Monday Rosa Kowen, 38, was indicted for the murder of her hus- band, James, a foreman cattle porter, and for attempting to burn the body on Decem- ber 28. The case, which has caused great public interest, is expected to last several days, there being 39 witnesses for the prose- oution. It is alleged that Kowen, who in a humble way had made provision for his wife in the event of his death, had frequently reproved her for her drunken babits, and had illtreated her. She is said to have expressed a. wish to see him dead, and to have stated that ehe would leave him early on the morn- ing of December 29. Prisoner aroused the neighbours by scream- ing "Fire" from a bedroom window, frcm which ehe and her two children were rescued. After the fire had been extinguished Kowen's body, terribly burnt, was found on the floor, and by the side of it there had been a bon- fire made of a large quantity of clothes soaked with paraffin. Twenty-six wounds were found on the deceased's head, and an axe and hammer, all bloodstained, were found in the house and coalhonse. The hear- ing was adjourned.

Died After Vaccination I A CHILD VICTIM'S SUFFERINGS. I A terribia story of (suffering was told before I the TV est Ifewington coroner yesterday at an inquest on Ja.m-es. Harold Thomas Bull, the five months' oil roD. of a, tin-plate worker, living at Holyoakoroad, Newington-butts. The mother said the child enjoyed good health until it wat3 vaccinated on the 29th uit. The following Sunday a rash came out all over the body, and the next day it entirely disappeared. The doctor said that "did sometimes happen," and gave her a bottle of medicine. The Coroner; Was there any baaulage on the place?—Yes, and it was left there until the doctor came and put another on. Got Worse and Died I You did not take it off, or interfere with it?—No. As the child got worse she took it to Dr. Ryan OlD. thp lotb, and he treated it until it died. There was no sickness in the house, added the witness, and the arm wac never exposed. Dr. S. W. Brooke, of Westminster Bridge- roa.d, deputy public vaccination officer, said that he vaccinated the child, and it ap- peared perfectly weH. Nineteen others were vaccinated with the same lymph, which was perfectly fresh, amd he had had no other complaint. When he EaJW the ra.5h he prescribed for the child. The bandage he put on had not been removed. Dr. W. J. Ryan, St. George's-road, said when he was called to the child he found it to be suffering from stiffness and arching of the back. The cause of death was exhaustion, follow- ing on lockjaw, consequent on vaccination. It was the first caae of the kind he haod seen. The lockjaw might have been caused by a. scratch. The jury returned a verdict of "Death from exhaustion following on lockjaw,

I Irish Railway Hero I I AWARDED THE ALBERT MEDAL A deed of heroism is to be fittingly recog- nised in Du/btin Oastle when, by command of the King, the Lord Lieutenant will pre- sent to Mr. Patrick Colli nan, of Ennis, oo. Clare, the Albert medal of the second class. Mr. Collinan is a traffic inspector on the I Great Southern and Western Railway. On a dark evening a Mrs. Davis, from Ennis- tymon, fell on the line at Ennis railway station directly in front of an incoming train. Mr. On Hi nan was only a. few feeJt, away, and instantly jumped down alter her. lie got hold of her as the train was almost on the spot. It was impossible to pull her astide, and the only course was to drag her directly forward until the train had time to slow up. A big man, endowed with great strength, the managed to hold the woman off the rails and run with beT for over 15ft., by which time the engine had come to a standstill. Throughout this briof but thrilling race with deatih the wheels of the engine were I touching the won^an's clothing. 3LT. Cullinan is the first ra-ilway official to be awarded this signal mark of royal appreciation.

FINANCIER'S DESPERATION. I I A charwoman in the Temple yesterday I morning found the body of Mr. Francis Lowrey, a barrister and South African financier, who rented chambers in Essex- court, lying dead on the floor of his room, witih the head almost severed from the body. Not far away lay a bloodstained razor. It is presumed that Mr. Lowrey's tragic death took place about midnight on Sunday. He was seen by other residents in the Temple near his chambers between ten o'clock and half-past ten on Sunday night. Twelve hours later, when the body was discovered, it was quite cold. A powerful man, of middle age, Mr. Lowrey had been far from well for some considerable time, and he had given way to depression. Not long ago he sought treatment in a home for a short time, but as his health improved he returned to business. His more recent depression is attributed to private worries. Mr. Lowrey enjoyed the friendship of the late Mr. Cecil Rhodes, Dr. Jameson, and many other South African celebrities. He was conccrned in many African under- takings, being a director of over a dozen com- panies.

SUICIDE OR MURDER P Sequel to Anonymous Letters. The inquest was opened at Jersey yester- day on Miss Lydia, Eoyce, a native of Marl- borough, Wiltshire, and the principal of a high school for girls at bt. Helier's. She was found dead in bed on Sunday morning, and in her room a bottle containing a liquid smelling strongly of poison was discovered. Deceased had told the police that at fre- quent intervals she received anonymous letters of a threatening character, and in one it was stated, "Now at last God has given you into my hand. Tne blow will fall, and the hand that strikes it will be un- known!" The police, it is stated, had considered the possibility of the deceased having writ- ten the letter herself. Evidence was given that Miss Royce had had worries and had suffered in health, and that her mental system had been unhinged. The inquest was adjourned. A post-mor- tem examination has been ordered, and the contents of the bottle are to be analysed.

ACCIDENT TO MR ASQUITH. While Mr. Asquith was riding in a four- wheeler in London on Sunday afternoon the cab upset, and the right hon. gentleman suffered some bruises and shock, but was not seriously injured. He had hoped to go to the House of Commons on Monday, but was advised instead to remain indoors. Upon inquiry on Monday it was ascertained that Mr. Asquith sustained a few slight bruises to the head, but was well enough to travel into the country. He will probably return to-day (Taceda-Y).

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT The usual free concert wa3 held at the Settlement-hall, Walker-road, Cardiff, when an excellent programme had been arrangel by Mrs. M. E. Harper. Peuarth. Items were contributed by Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Wright, Mis. Harper, Mies CWwon, and Miss Len-a. Wilson, and Meeem. C. Jones. Holt, and Ivor Joneo,

STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams. "EXPRESS" OFFICE, 4.0 p.m. THE TRANSVAAL CONSTITUTION. I:1, the H'>»of (' mm: t/Mk-iy Mr. WiueCaai t'hurt-bill n.turned a ue?ativo answer to .Mr. Jow ctt's qiu-tion whethr-r :t was intended t.. incindu Site politic* i mfranebi-scnient of women in the new Transvaal and Orange River Colony Con* bÜê n t,j(}D=". » f

Montgomery Murder MAN DETAINED IN CUSTODY ON SUSPICION A telegram from Os-westry on Monday stated that the police had detained a. man named Rowland Llywarcih in connection with the murder of the aged couple named Evans in t,heir home at Gartihbibio, Montgomery- shire. The police, who found the man at Llanfyllin, some fifteen miles from the soone of the tragedy, conveyed him in a closed conveyance to Welshpool look-up. The inquest on the victims will be helli to-day (Tuesday), and the funeral will take place at Garthbibio Churchyard to-morrow (Wednesday).

LLANDAFF DIOCESAN ASSOCIATION OF READERS. The third annual meeting of the LLandaff Diocesan Association of Readers was held at Cardiff. Choral evensong took place at St. Mary's Church, conducted by the Rev. Canon Beck, M.A., R.D., chaplain of the associa- tion, who aJso delivered an addrees. The annual meeting followed, the Rev. Canon W. Lewis, R.D., vicar of Yetradyfodwg, the chairman of the association, presiding. Encouraging reports were submitted by the executive and treasurer, and the follow- ing officers were eleat-ed:-Presideu.t, the bishop; chairman, the Rev, Canon Lewis, Ystradyfodwg; chaplain, the Rev. Canon Beck, Cardiff; and hon. secretaries, Messrs. IL J. Thatcher and F. Yaughan Cleves. It was decided to hold a "quiet day" at Llan- d-aff Cathedra/l in May, to be conducted by the Bishop of Stepney or the Rev. Canon Beck. The new regulations for readers lately issued by tlle Convooation of the Joint Provinces of Canterbury and York were dis- I{ ousbod.

CARDIFF CHURCH SCHOOLS. A meeting of Churchmen and Churoh- women was called at St. John's Schools, Car- diff, on Monday evening to enrol members of the Church Schools Emergency League, an organ.isation which was recently formed in Manchester for the purpose of maintaining and defending religious education in Church schools, and to secure it for Church children in all schools. Mr. W. S. de Winton pre- sided, and was supported by the Rev. Hector Coo. the Rev. W. J. Hellier, Mr. A. C. Kirk, Mr. J. B. Maddooks (Penarth), and others. There was a good attendance.- The Chairman said that rather than the steam-roller of undenominatio-nalism should be driven over the Church school system,! crushing out its teaching and its denomina- tional character, he would surrender the endowments of the Church. (Hear, hear.) Resolutions were passed to form a. Cardiff branch of the Church Schools Emergency League, protesting against any alteration of the Education Act which did not recognise the rights of the Church of England to teach- ing for its children in school hours by teachers of that faith, and to resist any Bill which might attempt to foist on Churchmen I any system of so-called undenomina?ionaliem.

FIRE IN CARDIFF THIS MORNING. Shortly before one o'clock this (Tuesday) morning a fire broke out at a carriage works and blacksmith's shop in City-road, Cardiff, belonging to Mr. Dyer. A steamer was despatched from the central fire-station, aaid the Roath hose-cart also arrived. The top part of the building was well alight, and the roof fell in. However, the brigade, under Superintendent Geen, who was accompanied by the head-constable (Mr. W. MoKenzie), soon extinguished the flames. The origin of the fire is unknown, the pre- mises having been closed at six p.m. on Mon- day, when everything was all right. Mr. Dyer was unable to fix the amount of damage, but it ie not extensive.

SWANSEA HARBOUR TRUST. ¡ The annual meeting of the Swansea Har- bour Trust was held on Monday.&r Griffith Thomas was re-elected chairman, and in returning thanks spoke of the dock improve- meutfi during his chairmanship, and said an agreement was just about to be concluded with the contractors whereby the bonuses should be given for the new dock to be completed in the year 1909, instead of 1910, and the con- tractors held out every hope that that could be accomplished. This year showed an increa-se of 100,003 tons in trade already, and the surplus revenue at the end of last year was £ 93,110, the largest surplus on record, whilst the net profit for the year was £ 14,000. The financial statement for the month of February, moved for adoption by Mr. Price, referred to an increase of 62,000 tons in the aggregate, although there ik-, s a. slight fall. ing off in imports.—The report was adopted.

ADVICE TO MOTH I!IRS. "-Are you broken in you, r.It by a sick child suffering with toe psin by cutting teeth? Go at ones to a chemiø:, a.nd get a. bottle of Jlra. Winslow's Soothioff Syrup. It \Ç,J relieve th* poor sufferer iaimediately. It is pe-nt to taste. 1. produces natural, quiet sleep by relievujg tie child from pain, and the little chemb a.wakes as bright ag i » battogu Of all cbemlAte, is. lid- per oottto. eo\05

A MANGLED BODY j FOUND IN A DISUSED SHAFT Solution of the Landore Mystery The mystery surrounding the disappear- ance of Stephen Butler, fitter, of Byng-street, Landore, after the suicide of his wife, with whom be had lived on bad terms, and whom, it was suggested, he had driven to suicide, was solved in the manner suggested in Mon- day's Evening Express," when the discovery of his clothes lying near the month of the Copper Pit shift at Morris ton. was reported- On Monday afternoon the police tried the bottom of the old disuis,ed shaft for foul air with a. lamp, and afterwards Robert Thomas, an employe at the Beaufort Works, descended the pit by means of a steel hawser, under the directions of Inspector Evans and other members of the borough force, and made the discovery of the body at once, and another man, named David Davies, the old Morriston football player, then descended, and the body was hoisted to the surface. The body was considerably mangled, and the left arm badly fractured. As the body was taken home to Byng-street it passed the bier which was standing outside the house in which the body of the wife was lying, and which was to con- vey it to Cwmgelly Cemetery. The extraordi- nary case has naturally excited much com- ment in. the neighbourhood, the end of a couple who had led such a turbulent life being of an exceedingly tragic nature. It is supposed the deceased jumped down the mine, a distance of over 60 yards. The deceased's late wife was buried on Monday afternoon. Another Mystery I Some workmen engaged at Messrs. Evans a.nd Dyers' "Wharf, North Dock Basin, Swan- sea, on Monday, found on a stack of timber a. coat and cap, whilst in the pocket of the coat was a bottle containing some liquid labelled poison. The police are investigating the matter.

The Fiscal Debate I MR. BALFOUR TAKES PARTI The Premier's Plain Speaking. There was a large attendance of members in the House of Commons yesterday when Sir James Kitson op-ened the great fiscal debate at twenty minutes to four. The resolution he moved was in the following terms, and. much I attention was subsequently given to its word- ing: Tbat. this House, recognising that in the recent, general election the people of the United KiDgdom have demonstrated their unqualified fidelity to the principle "and practice of free trade, deems it right to record it3 determination to resist any pro- posal, whether by way of taxation upon foreign corn or of the creation of a general tariff upon foreign goods, to create in this country a system of protection. Slir James cited statistics to snow tihat our export and import trade was progressing by leaps and bounds in all its essential and pro- fitable branches—cotton, wool, iron, engineer- ing, shipbuilding—and lie especially chal- lenged Mr. Chamberladn's figures, which he declared to be absolutely erroneous to the knowledge of everybody familiar with these industries. I Appeal to Caesar. inose Waio fhave appeared to Coeser," exclaimed Mr. Austin Taylor, who seoonded, "must abide by his decision. If someone pulls the string of a shower-bath, expecting a gentle shower, and then is greeted with a deluge, one can only expect to be told, if one shivers, that one ought not to have pulled the string." (Triumphant Miniet-eirial peaks of merriment.) Then, almost with a spring, Mr. Balfour rose, amid a tornado of cheers. The speeches of the mover amd seconder, he said, had not been directed towards the resolution. They bad been aAttircko on the views held by Mr. Chamberlain amd himself. The mctiofn was a vote of censure on the Opposition—a novel Piarliamentry opera, tion, an-d one with which the Government had deliberately associated themselves. Vigorously Mr. Balfour twitted the Govern- ment with the wording of the resolution. "Was it by deliberate int-erutkm that the words 'or otherwise' had been omitted after the word 'goods'? Did they intend that Free Trade should be violated in every way except by a duty on foreign corn?" The Premier purpled. "Are you serious?" he said, with lifted brows. "Well, make it clear what you mean a.nd what you don't mean," retorted Mr. Balfour. "By the motion, you are against amy tax not adequately balanced by excise." Mr. Chamberlain foRowod. With almost hissing vehemence, the statesman turned to the resolution. "What are we to be censured for?" he demanded angrily. Riding Over the Minority. "I have sat in many Parliaments and had experience of many majorities, but I've seen núlIle so truculent as this. Ministers think they can ride over small minorities aa they like. You're now catching & little of it your- ae If," screamed Mr. Dillon, amid a storm of taunting laughter. Replying to Mr. Balfour, Sir Henry Camsp- bell-Bannerman displayed more than usual spirit by saying that the ex-Premier little knew the temper of the new House of Com- mons—(cheers and laughter)—if he thought his airy graces aJid subtle dialectics would prevail there. He ridiculed the distinctions that Mr. Balfour raised in the resolution, and said he had no direct answer to give to his distinctions. They were utterly futile and misleading. They were invented for occupying time in the debate, and he said, Enough of this foolery." (Loud cheers and uproar.) What, might do in the last Parliament was altogether out of place now. Let the Oppo- sition move their amendment, and let the House get to business. Mr. Burdett-Coutts, in supporting a motion for adjournment, oomplained of the tone of brutal tyranny—(" ffa, oh," cheers, and laughter)—in which the Prime Minister re- ferred to his big battalions and the tone and temper of the new House of Commons. (Uproar.) The House then divided. For the adjournment, 115; against, 405; Government majority, 290.

A PARK-LANE FLAT SCENE I Some details of a scene at a Park-lane flat were related at Marlborough-street yes- terday, when James Garfield Craik, 28, living in Marylebone-road, was brought up on a, warrant for having used certain threats towards Ruth Atkinson. Mr. Arthur Newton, for the prosecution, said Craik was ohargeei because he had broken into the flat and frightened several persons there. Prior to Novesmber 10 last he had been going to the flat and annoying a lady of position who then occupied it, amd who did not even know him. On the date named a. charge arose out of his conduct, and he was accused of threatening to shoot him (Mr. Newton) and a Mr. Egan. He was then ordered to find a surety in £ 500 to keep the peace. Since then prisoner had been to South Africa. A short time ago he broke into the flat, greatly to the alarm of the servants and Mrs. Shaw, the wife of Mr. Charles Shaw, M.P., the present occupier. He then insisted on visiting all the rooms of the flat, and lx-king under all the beds. Mrs. Shaw was so frightened that she left town to recover, and to get out of his way. Prisoner; I will promise to leave the country if the magistrate will deal with the I case. Mr. Denman directed a remand.

AN EBBW VALE WIFE DESERTER. I William Webb, 49, collier, Cwm, Ebbw Vale, was committed to prison for a month by the Tredegar magistrates yesterday for deserting his wife and family, and leaving them chargeable to the funds of the Bedwellty Union to the extent of 18s. Mr. C. D. Lewis, I Tredegar, conducted the prosecution for the guardians.

TRAMP'S THEFT OF SHIRTS. I George King, 39, tramp, was charged at Tredegar yesterday with stealing two hit. and a sweater, value 6s. 5d., the property of I Albert Keefo and Arthur Wing ou the 10th inst.-He was fined 201s. in each case or a I month's impri3on put. I

lABERTRIDWR GHOST CURATE'S STRANGE STORY I Believes the Rappings to be I- Supernatural. I The Rev. Gwilym Rees, cucate-in-charge at g-,nghenydd, has furnished to the "Daily Moail" tho following remarkable narrative of his experiences in "the haunted house," where the collier, James Craze, recently heard mysterious knockings: — "Last Thursday fortnight (Febrnary 22) Cf-aze, his wife, and a young man came to my house in the afternoon; they begged of my wife to ask me to go down that evening, as they had not been able to sleep the pre- vious night owing to some mysterious rap- pings! "I took a friend with me about twelve mid- night. After' listening to their incredulous tale, I asked Craze and his mother-in-law to go upstairs. They complied; we heard them distinctly entering each room. We heard two very loud knocks on one of the doors upstairs; we were at the time stand- ing at the base of the staircase. We at once went up and endeavoured to calni Craze and his mother-in-law, whom we met coming down, shuddering with fright. I called out in the name of God for an answer by knock- ings to some serious questions which I put to the supposed ghost. Receiving no reply, I put it very plainly to Craze that be must have been guilty of some crime, and asked him to confess. He vehemently declared, with tears iu his eyes, that he had nothing to confess. After a short time had elapsed I asked them to go once more, which they did, with the saine result. Again we went upstairs, and asked In the Name of the Holy Trinity, for a revelation of the mystery, lyut to no purpose. "By this time three young men had come in from next door. I asked them to go up- stairs. No sooner had they entered one of the bedrooms than the mysterious rappings tigain took place. My friend and I left, not at all satisfied, as the rappings did not take place in our immediate presence. The following morning Mrs. Craze and two men came for me at half-past two. Having been told that the knockings took place only between twelve and two, and also that it was their intention to leave the house that morning, I declined to go. "The following Monday evening I called to see Craze at his new house, which I found ovqj-crowded, and hundreds of people outside. I made my way into tho house, and found Craze prostra.te on three chairs, the only furniture in the house. When he came to himself he informed me that tho ghoafe had followed him. I reprimanded him for his superstition, and took the family to the house of his mother, who lives a little dis- tance away. When we arrived at hie mother's house, Craze told me thflot he intended going tihat night to the old house with twelve men to c-ouvinee them of the existence of the ghost. I promised to call later on, which I did about twelve o'clock. Policemen as Witnesses. "I found two constables, who urged me to go with them to Ilaji-road. Craze and wife led the way, followed by about twenty men. On our arrivail we found a large crowd out- j aide, the inside of the house being crowded. I advised the officers to have the house cleared. They left only about fifteen inside. "Having locked the doors, we proceeded up- stairs, searched everywhere, and satisfied our- selves that the house wae clear. We went downstairs, when the same process took place, with the same result. "I now asked Craze, the constable, and another man to accompany me upstairs. The oonata.ble stood on the landing whilst we entered ono of the rooms. Having clooedtbe door, my friend and I held Cmze on either side by the hand. We Stood aboirt a yard from the wall. I said to Qraze in a loud voioe, 'I am now going to tap the wall, BO don't, be alarmed.' After doing this, silence reigned suppreme for about a minute, which wa-s broken by two knocks on the partition, whSefo were heard even from downstairs! Ornw now became unmaiuagaible, and made a rush for the lauding, where the constable stood like a. statue, and declared that no one from outside had caused the noise. We prevailed upon Craze to enter the room once more, when the "gajne mysterious rappings took place. We now went downstairs, being fully convinced of the mystery. Voice in the Cupboard. I asked Craze in the presence of all: From what cupboard did you hear the voice emaiiating last week?' He pointed to the one on the right side of the fireplace, I asked him to sit near the cupboard; this he did. I also requested that some of the men should go out into the yard, as we were too many in the house. About eight or nine went and looked in through the window; we were now six left. The light was turned down, and all eyes were eagerly fixed on the cupboard, when, to the amazement of aD, the cupboard door was violently struck. This convinced us that all the rappings were perpetrated by no human agency. One more experiment was tried. This time a chair was placed in the centre of the kitchen; a man sat on the chair, and Cra.ze sat on the man's knees. The men again went out. After waiting about two minutes we all heard two distinct knocks on the chair. After this no power could prevail upon Craze to stay longer."

FCRTUNE TELLER'S PROPHECY Mary Stevens, alias Madame von Shapha-m, a. widow, of reined appearance, promised to leave the town when fined X2 at Bristol yes- terd-ay for fortune-telling. It was stated that she prophesied as fol- lows to one married wom-,tn:- The young- man you are going with now has red whiskers, and you will get many offers, and you will be married in about two years' time to the man with red whiskers. You will have a lot of children, but I can see by the line in your hand that you. will soon be a widow." When the police officer called on defen- dant with a warrant she said, "I know it is wrong. I am very sorry, but I must get my living somehow. I am a spiritualist., phrenologist, and palmist.' Her solicitor told the Bench that his client was not a humbug, but lived oa. very poor, mean, simple life, aaad was a. vegetarian, quite believing in her art.

THE CLARINET SCORES. I The leader of a German band which arouses mixed feelings in the breasts of Bel- gravians came to Brompton County-court yes- terday. He and his fellow bandsmen had a griev- ance against the clarinet; and they sued him for fZ odd. He was said to have been drunk. The result was that the band had to suspend its attack upon the nervea and pockets of West- enders. Moreover, the thing occurred not once but twice. After the second bout the clarinet vali- antly declared that, he was going back to Germany," and would not play in England any more. But the next week he was found tootling, among some new Teutonic comrades, in the near East, which is beyond Whiteohapel. Do you mean to say," asked Judge Selfe, "you can't work a band without a clarinet?" Yes, your honours. The clarinet himself counterclaimed for 30s. wages, because the food was not fit to eat," and there was no female attendants what- soever. Why were you too ill to play? I had a drink and some men gave me some black eyes." Judgment for the defendant, for 24e.

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A DRAMATIC STORY. JACTITATION OF MARRIAGE ALLEGED. Servant Girl and Employer's Son i A curious story of a secret ma/rriage was narrated before Sir Gorell Baraee yesterday in a suit brought by Thoanos Henry Ascroft, the sou of a builder, a former mayor of Bootle, against Ellen Trevor, bis father's j former servant, the daughter of a labourer, for what is legally known as jactitation of | marriage. In this class of act-icm, which is very rare, the petitioner seekia to make the respondent either prove a marriage which she alleges has taken. pLace, or, if she cannot prove rt, to cease claiming it. Mr. Priestley, K.C., stated the cose for the alleged wife. His client, he said, at the age of nineteen, went into the service of peti- tianer's fath,cr, and afterwards of his aunt. In 1900 the petitioner walked out with her, and finally took advantage of her under promise of marriage. He took lodgings for her at both Man- chester and Liverpool, and visited her at both places as her husband, and under the name of Art, When a child was bora at the latter place he found all the necessary I money, and told her to register the child in her own name. Story of the Marriage. I In September, 1901, she returned to Man- chester, and lodged at the house of a Mrs. Burgess. In December of that year petitioner told her to get a licence, and to give his name at the registrar's office an Harry Trevor, and his address as Endt-ll-street, 8-t.. Pancras, London. There was no suoh address. On December 10, 1901, they were married at the registrar's office of the Stretford Union, Manchester. He signed the registrar as Harry Trevor." He also took the certificate, saying that if her father ever raised any question about the date of the child's birtli, he could ea.6ily a.lter "1901" into "1900." He went back to Bootle, and she told her mother of the wedding. On December 13 she received a. letter from the petitioner, which at his request she burned. In it be besought her to keep the matter very quiet, and give the name of Trevor: For God's sake don't mention my name to anybody! Give her the name of Trevor. If she asks you why you took the name of Ascroft, say it was the first name that came into your mind. Say anything, swear any- thing. I Educating the ex-Servant. I This letter was seen by Mrs. Burgess, an independent person, before it was burned. Subsequently, petitioner sent respondent to a, writing school a.nd a echool oi elocu- tion. In Ootober, 1904, a quarrel took place between her and her mother as to the main- tenance of herself and her child. Hearing of this, the petitioner sent her a letter, which he asked her to copy out and return to him. It ran as follows:- Dear Father and Mother,—I have given this letter to Harry Ascroft so as to clear him in case you go to him at any time and cause a bother. It is no use bothering him at all, ae I have no claim on him, a.nd the story I told you about & form of marriage I went through with an assumed name is not true, as it was not with him at all.- Nelly. She copied it out and sent it as he desired. Petitioner then paid her £1 a week dowjp. to October, 1905, when she urged him to provide for her openly as his wife. He offered to take their child and provide for it, but ehe declined. In November, 1906, they met for the last time. I A Dramatic Story. I The young woman then told her story in the box. She was pale-faced, neatly-dreesed, and fragile-looking, and began by identifying her signature on the register, and swore that "Harry Trevor" was written by the peti- tioner, who stood up in Cdmrt—a tall, dark- haired, good-looking man. Petitioner, she said, told her that if she took the matter into court and foroed him to live with her, he would make her life "a hell upon earth. ihdll upon earth." and elicited that the year when the intimacy began, 1900, was the year in which the peti- tioner's father was mayor of Bootle. When petitioner was ill in bed at his aunt's with a bad knee, did yon take up his food I to him?—Yes. I suppose you -gat on the bed while he had his meals?—Yes. And it was in that room that the impro- priety took place?—Yes. Mr. Shee then asked respondent if she had not said before that she had been seduckdi when she was fifteen, to which respondent indignantly replied, "No, never!" Didn't you say to him that if he gave yon means to go away with while the child was born you would never trouble him any more?—No. I The Amazing Marriage. I With regard to the marriage, she said that they met at the registry, got married, and went off in different trams. As the girl spoke of the marriage in rather a, matter-of-fact way, Mr. Shee asked, "Did you attach any particular importance to the I marriaee?" to which, respondent replied, "No." "What!" cried Mr. Shee. "I didn't think one way or the othe-rabout it," added the respondent calmly. Not although he was trying to make an honest woman of you?—I didn't mind it, though I didn't like the false name. Were there any witnesses?—No, I wasn't particular. Then I can only suppose that it w-as the petitioner who attached importance to the marriage?—I think so. And he wanted the name as Trevor, a false name?— les, I knew it was wrong, but I let it be so. ,knd b4-- went eff w,4, "And he went off with the licence," Mr. Shee was continuing, when there were shouta of "certificate!" from all parts of the court. "Oh, well," said Mr. Shee, easily, "certificate if you like, I haven't been mrough the cere- mony myself." "Were you fond of him?" asked Mr Shea curiously. Yes," replied respondent, and I think he was fond of me." I "Coast Will Be Clear." Respondent could not explain what she meant when in a, letter to bim after the ceremony asking him to come to her 'parent?' hoace, sh? wrote, the ooa?t wHI 'be clear for she had told her parents that she was married to him. She had never I called herself his wife in any letter, nor hAd he called himself her husband. the petitioner at one time sent her £20, off which £10 was in gold. Whether the rest was in notes or cheques she couldn't say, as she didn't know the difference between a note and a cheque. He had never sent her any money specifically for the child. She took a.bout CI2 to the school, where she passed herself off as a widow. And it wasn't true?" asked Mr. ghee, keenly.—Certainly not. After the letters had been discussed again, the case was adjourned until to-morrow.

STRANGE ABDUCTION CHARGE I At Ley land yesterday Ja.mes and Mary Riding and Margaret Miller were summoned for abducting Agnes Weilr, agod fourteen years. The parties, it was alleged, were employed at the same works, and the girl complained I to her fellow workfwopJe that she was ill- treated by her stepmother. Mrs. Miller advised the girl to leave home l for Scotland, and she was given a. gam of money which had been oolJeeted for ber. The girl was afterwards taken to PtreBton Stoitlion, where a ticket was purchased for her and a porter told to put her in the proper train for Kilmarnock, where her sister was in service. Agnes, in ther evidence, eaid that she wroto to her sister expressing a wish to go to Soot- land, and asking for money to pay her fare, jj The Bench dismissed the case. j

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I LENS ROlt CALL. I ITHEVICTIMS NUMBER I. 1,150. 17 Rescuers Perish. i LENS, Monday. According to an official statement issued by the Courneres Coinpitny the number of killed is 1,150. These figures are the res,ult of a complete roll-call. Up to the present only 90 bodies have been recovered. Later. The engineers now state that it will be at least forty-eight hours before any further operations can be carried on in the mine. The engineers find that, the fire is still raging, and they fear that their measures for imp;roving the ventilation and t,hus reducing the stench will al90 have the effect of fanning the flames. It. may, therefore, be necessary either to flood the mine or to wall up the burning galleries and abandon, part of the mine com- pletely. At Shaft No. 4 thirty-nine bodies which still remain unidentified are laid out in the lamp- room, and there is a 6teady stream cf weep- ing widows, relatives, and friends trying to identify them or to take a last farewell of unrecognisable comrades before the com- mon funeral to-morrow. The bodies that are identified are at onoa removed to the bonnes of the deceased. At Shaft No. 2 aJl of the thirty-two bodieg recovered have been identified, as La. that part of the mine the victims were all suffo- cated without being burnt. All the bodies from Shaft No. 10 have also been recognised. Ail the houses to which bodies hare been, removed are marked by a black cross and a branch of boxwood tied with ribbon, and at each there is a constant pro- cession of friends passing before the coffin. Snow is falling heavily. Nine firemen, of the Paris Fire Brigade are on their way here with smoke helmets and special apparatus, which, It is hoped, will enable them to descend.—Rcuter. Relief for the Families. PARIS, Monday. On the motion of M. Basley, the well- kllown miners' deputy, tho Chamber this afternoon voted 500,000 francs ( £ 20,0001 for the rolief of the distress caused by the col- liery disaster. At a meeting of the Mining Compaities Central Committee here to-day it was decided to send the Pas de Calais Relief Committee & first instalment of ",Oco for immediate distri- bution The Municipal Council has voted a sum of £ 1,000. The Council-General has likewise voted a sum of. £ 750.—Reuter. The Pope's Sorrow. ARRAS, Monday. The Bishop of Arras has received the fol- lowing telegram from the Pope:— Deeply affected by the fearful catas- trophe at Oourrieres. We share in your grief as we thin'k of widows stricken by such terrible misfortune. We feel that we must express to you the heartfelt sym- pathy which impels us to pray to God for the eternal repose for all victims and for the rotief of their families, -Reuter. President Fallierea has received telegrams of condolence from the King of the Belgians, the King of Spain, the King and Queen of Sweden, the Cza.r aaid Czaritsa of Russia., the Lord Mayor of London, and the British and Italian Ambassadors. The Belgian, Braeilian, Sarvian, and Bul- garian Ministers have expressed to the French Government the condolences of their respective Governments. Prince Van Radolin, German Ambaesador, this afternoon conveyed to M. Rouvier the condolence of the Gorman Emperor, and handed him 2,000 francs on behalf of the Ger. man Benevolent Society of Parir,Reut-er. The Material Damage. PARIS, Monday. M. Debaynia, a well-known mining director, in an interview declared that modern im- provements, intended to minimise the risk of disaster, had mode the present catastrophe more serious than it otherwise might have been. Formerly the pits were isolated, and if a. firedamp explosion took place the men ha.,d only two ways of escape. To-day the pits oommun i-oated with each other, in order to ensure better ventilation. The result of this was that the flame had spread to three Pit.. The installation of the Courrieres Company (M. Dehaynin declared) was a. model one. The catastrophe, sentimentally and economically, was a.n appalling one, for practically the whole male population of the place had been wiped out. The victims, whose ages ranged from 18 to 40, were all natives of the district. How oould they be re-placed? The men earned 1,75Df. a year, and the widows would have a. pension of 700f. The cost of repairing the works would amount to about 400,000f. The men worked about a million tons of coal per annum, and the disaster would make gas coal scarcer. The loss to the company would be terrible. The English a.nd Germans (M. Dehaynin added) would benefit.-Centraa News. Seventeen Rescuers Perish. LILLE, Monday, 5.0 p.m. In Shaft No. 10 work is stopped. In Shaft No. 2 the ventilator is working, clearing the air in the galleries of the obstructed pit. Pit No. 3 is likewise obstructed. It is impos- eible to clear them at present. Bodies which have been brought up have been placed in the lamp-room. They are terrihly disfigured, and it is very difficult to recognise them. Some thirty have been identified. Seventeen rescuers have perished. The miners estimate the total losses at elbrut, 1,300 or 1,400. Twenty-five Weetphalian miners passed through Lille at two o'clock this afternoon on their way to CouTrieres with salvage apparatus.-Reuter. Hundreds of Coffins. PARIS, Monday. The sensation caused by the "terrible Cour. rieres disaster has not yet subsided. Public subscriptions are being opened everywhere to assist the widows and orphans. Yesterday the work wa-s commenced of placing the bodies of the victims in ooffins. A special train brought several hundreds of coffins to the scene yesterday afternoon. The coffins were of white wood with a black cross on each. The mournful sight was met with a cry of horror from the crowd. The coffins were quickly taken out of the train by the soldiers and carried into the shops and houses, whien had been turned into improvised mortuaries. When the watching crowds saw the piled-up heap of coffins containing the bodies of the unknown dead the grief of those who had lost- near relatives, and had been deprived of the mournful satisfaction of a last look at the remains of huehand, father, or son, was ter- rible to witness.—Central News. I A Son's Devotion. I A son's devotion was in one case the means of rescuing his father's body. This lad bad escaped by a ladder, and when he found his father had not been equally successful he I again went down twice with rescue-parties, and end time they had to return half asphyxiated. The miners after these expe- riences commenced to hang back, as they thought it hopeless. The lad, however, threatened to go down by himself if no one else volunteered. Two others eventually accompanied him, and the dead body of the lad's father was found and brought to the top. Nine others owed their lives to this brave lad and his friends. GERMANY SENDS HELP. More Bodies Recovered. Paris, Tuesday.-The special correspondent of the Echo" at Lena telegraphs that a detachment of the salvage corps attached to the staff of the Hibemia Mines of Gelsen- kirohen, in Westpbalia., unexpectedly arrived yesterday at the scene of the terrible Courrieres catastrophe, their presence, it is aaid, being due to the wish of the Kaiser himself. The brigade was equipped with a special respiratory apparatus on a. system unknown in France, and was under the supervision of Herr Mayor, a director of the Hibernia Mine. The rescuers made their :first attempt at five o'clock yesterday even- ing, when they descended the wrecked seoondf pit. The watchers were deeply mowed as their German visitors commeooed their perilous progress. The attempt was crowned with unhoped for success, for towards mid- night about a hundred bodies were brought to the pit bank. These were badly deconir posed, and were immediately placed Jn coffins. The interment of the bodies of the victims first to be recovered will take place at eleven o'clock thit liVexJE6