Evening Express

The Man in the Street + —— Following close upon the lamented still- birth of a certain little Bill which was to add to the universal storehouse of day- light, Mr. Robert Pearce, M.P., un- daunted in the face of early failure, again steps smiling into the Parlia- mentary arena, this time with a measure to reform the much-abused calendar. Failing an ttempt to limit the vagaries of the weather office, it appears to be the next best thing to get hold of that elusive Easter Day, which has a habit of never cropping up punctually in the almanacks, and nail it down to April 7. Such a change would enormously assist the operations of those ama/teur gar- deners who invariably set about digging up their backyards and laying down rows of potatoes on a Good Friday, whether the bun-eating day falls early or late in the disappearing spring. Then Christ- mas Day, with its ever-changing patron- age of every day in the week, even a Sunday (regarded by many as an. encroachment upon ordinary everrday rights), could be securely fastened to Monday, with the glorious certainty that Boxing Day must come on a Tuesday whether it wanted to or not. It is a relief to know that Mr. Pearce does not propose to abolish Leap Year, and that the one day of the year so blessed by maids of all degree is only to be shifted from Feb- ruary 29 and be sandwiched between the end of June and the beginning of July, a sort of June 31a, or to act as fore- runner to July lb. The mam desire of the Bill is that Leap Year day itself be not abolished, and the making of it a kind of mid- summer day's dream will meet with the -unanimous approval of the ladies who are looking forward to the time when nothing, not even the holy precincts of the pre-sent man-made Parliament, shall be barred to them. Most people will rejoice to know that Scotland will no longer enjoy a monopoly of New Year's Day, but that from 1912 (when the new Bill comes into operation, if adopted) it will be regarded as a unanimously British Bank Holiday. But no sweet is without its bitter, and the news will be received with much weeping, not to say with howls of despair, that New Year's Day is not to be a day of the week, month, or year —but simply, entirely, and alone a Bank Holiday. This is sufficient to encourage! the suspicion that Mr. Pearce may be acting in the interests of the lawyers, after all, and until this clouded point is cleared up it will be well to arrnge that, so far as possible, no accidents shall &cur on N-ew Year's Day—the anticipated eternal arguments of learned counsel on either aide in actions under the Compensation Act are too terrible to ? think of. B?emee? men wTt ?e glad to know that the ordinary quarter days- they are the ever-standing marks of British independence-will not be inter- fered with, and special trouble will be taken to preserve days of payment, deli- very of goods, and (thanks be to the gods) coming of age. The only fly in this excellent pot of ointment is the fear that our prejudiced legislators' (they stand so riglld for the preservation of established customs) will have none of it, and that this Bill will also fly away and disappear like a pretty vision when the rude hands of practical politicians are laid upon it. The dogs of Cardiff have lost their one- time brightness of eye and the lightness of heart. Except on occasions of rare i forgetfulness, when lost in the delights of a good feast of bones or energetically engaged in a more or less fruitless search for rats, they slink about in the highways and byeways with tails between their legs, or with the stumps of those once wagging appendages very much cast down. For the decree has gone forth from the City Health Committee. "War on dogs!" The men of wisdom and learning are not the friends of the four-footed creatures whose freedom and rights are to be infringed, and ratepayers who have some care and much respect and esteem for the doggy part of their household goods weep in their chagrin, and howl in harmony with their quadruped com- panions in the disaster that has over- taken them. The sheep of Llandaff Fields (at one time looked upon as a recreation ground) and Penylan are to be preferred to our playful and devoted dumb friends, who must henceforth trot about the environs of the city advertising their masters' place of abode. Every dog must from May 13 (unlucky date) next have upon its collar the name and address of its owner. Dog thieves will be presented with fine opportunities; and skill in appropriation, with a little patience in awaiting the due appearance of reward bills, will fill many a pot and keep homes going where before gaol and the work- house were the only prospects. There are one or two fallacies con- nected with smoking which require to be cleared away if the man of the pipe is to receive justice in this world. Everybody who does not like smoking or who can- not smoke is fond of metaphorically jumping on the happy philosopher who can let his cares and worries dissolve in billowy, rolling clouds when the day's task is done. In'these parlous days of unkind, superfluous remarks, in which every worshipper at the shrine of my Lady Nicotine is going physically and literally to the dogs with the weed he I clings to so fondly, there is some comfort to be derived from the report just pub- lished by Dr. G. L. Meylan, Physical Director of Columbia University, New York. Experiments with 687 under- gm, dunites have shown that smoking does not affect the height of the individual, nor does it, as is commonly supposed, reduce lung capacity. Dr. Meylan says he has tried in vain to discover how the statement that tobacco is bad for the lungs—an assertion for which he can find no supporting evidence-first crept into the text books. It should be explained, however, that what is termed "lung capacity" does not mean what athletes know as wind." Lack of wind liar, I nothing to do with the capacity of the lungs, but with the condition of the heart, which may bo very injuriously affected by the smoking habit. There are two kinds of men who should not smoke- those who have weak or bad hearts, and those who cannot afford to. The refusal of the Board of Education to recognise the new Canton building as a secondary school raises a very serious question, How has it happened that the Cardiff Education Committee failed to comply with the requirements for labora- tories and the other accessories of a higher public seminary of learning? Apparently, a first year's grant of zCl,000 (if not close on £ 2,000) has been lost in consequence of this delay. It is of little use shutting the door when the horse has gone, but it is necessary to fully inquire into this matter, if possible to recover the blunder that has been made, and in any case to avoid a similar mistake in the future. The matter came fully before the Building and Sites Committee yester- day, and this fact alone suggests that this body should know something about the cause of the vexatious and costly delay. The Education Committee have far too much to do to attend to these matters directly, and must delegate their powers to other committees. But on the face of the facts-it is easy to to be wise too late--it would seem that matters would have panned out much better if the Secondary Schools Committee had dealt with this important matter themselves.

ARABS V. GREEKS I At Cardiff to-day (before Messrs. Richard. Cory and Isaac Samu-el) Martin Nioooopuioo (36), was charged on remind with cutting and wounding Abraham Fana, an Arab, in Trede- gar-street, on March 16. It will be remembered that on the night in question there was a melee between Arabs and Greeks in which Fana was stabbed in the back. Mr. Herbert Samuel, for the defence, stated that several summonses had been taken out in connection with the affray, and in conee- quteinee of the condition o,f Fana, who is now in Cardiff Workhouse Infirmary. he applied that Nicocopulos be released on bail for a week, and, further, that the summonses be similarly adjourned. Subject to the police being satisfied as to bail, the Bench granted the adjournment, and the whole of the proceedings were postponed until next Wednesday. Mr Samuel &aid that, instead of prisoner being the assailant, prosecutor himeelf was the assailant. Mr. Morgan Rees appears for the prosecu- tion.

RITUAL IN CHURCH At the Court of Arches, held yesterday, at Ch,uroh House, Westminster, the Dean of Amhee, Sir L. T. Dibdin, again had before .him the ease of the Bishop of Exeter against the Re". O. A. Anwyl, vicar of All Saints. The Bishop of Exeter was present, but the defendant did not appear. Sir. Danckwerts, K.C., counsel for the ,bi.shop, mentioned some of the practices com- plained of, and amongst other things be stated that in October, 1906, the bisliop wrote drawing attention to a report by the rural dean that he had seen hanging in the church a card bearing prayers directed by Pope Ijeo XIU. after Low Mass. There was no reply to that letter. In August, 1907, the bishop instituted proceedings, and then the vicar promised to carry out all his directions. In these circumstances the hearing was adjourned for four months.

AN INVALID SUMMONS John, Hill, aged 24, described as a turf accountant, was charged at Swansea to-day with taking bets in Wine-etreet. Mr. David Seline, who appeared for the defendant, raised a point as to the wording of the summons. The police oould not prove that defendant took any bets, but that he was attempting to do so. He asked that defendant, who had been arrested and was on bail, should be discharged. The Bench decided, that the summons was invalid, and the case was dismissed, defen- dant being allowed coets.

THE OOEOTHT CHOOOLATXS. Tbfttv elgM wrlaUM and flavours. Hade treeh every boor. Pro- nmuMMd to be perfect chocolates. Certificate of merit ftrot ume axhltritlnr in London. Only go. per lb. Freab every boar. Pwe«l» jr*t — Stereos, Trench Oonieo- Uouar, C&rdllL aiili

Stolen Irish Bride I ANNE FARRELLY'S STORY OF THE PLOT Five miles of wild mountain side still sepa- rate Ecbert Flynn and Anne Farrelly, the Irish bride and bridegroom who were torn apart on their wedding day by a band of masked men because they were married by a registrar against the wishes of the priest. Any attempt on the part of either to see the other is promptly frustrated by the vil- lagers, w'ho have kept voluntary vigil ever since the eventful wedding night. Anne Farrelly is a pretty girl, not yet twenty, with the brilliant complexion and deep blue eyes which are the heritage of the Irish peasant girl. Just now her checks are paled and her eyes are dim with tears. "It is the fathers and mothers who make the marriages in Ireland," she said to a "Daily Mail" representative yesterday after- noon. "Mary Durkin—she has a good place, and her land joins Robert's. The marrxage was arranged by their people; but it was me Robert loved, and so, when Father King refused to marry us, we went to Eamiskillen arid got married at the registry office there. Then, when Kobert brought me home after the wedding, the neighbours, many of them wearing masks, crowded into the house and made my father take me home, and here I have been ever since. [The Forsaken Sweetheart Mary Durkin, Flynn's forsaken sweetheart, is a fine-looking girl, with dark, flashing eyes, and a splendid figure. Popular sym- pathy is entirely on her side, for, as the peasants say of her, Mary is a good worker, and her marriage to Flynn would have joined their land together. Indignant at the treatment she has received, Flynn's former sweetheart, declares that she will bring an action for breach of promise against him. The luckless hero of the interrupted wed- ding romance of the mountains is an ex-ser- geant-major, and sitting in his tiny room yesterday, with its mud floor and its peat fire blazing on the hearth, he talked of his soldiering days in En/gland. Unlike his wife, he is little troubled at the attitude of the neighbours. "It is all the priests." he said; "they are a terrible power in this land." Flynn seems disposed to wait quietly for his bride until after Lent under certain condi- hons. Theso conditions are tha.t he should be allowed to see and talk with his young wife, while on his part he would give an undertaking not to attempt to bring her to his home until the end of the Lenten season. Bride and bridegroom, if these conditions are accepted, will meet to-morrow in the little ca,biln on the mountain side. Should obstacles be placed in the way of the meeting, however, lively scenes may be expected, for Robert Flynn declares that he can oount upon 25 stalwarts to assist him should he d= to carry his wife down to Ballinaglera.

MAJOR ARTHUR GRIFFITHS Death of a Well-known Officer The death has occurred at Beaulieu of Major Arthur Griffiths, the well-known writer on military and criminal subjects. Major Griffiths at one time acted as deputy-governor of Chatham, Millbank, and Wormwood Scrubs. Sometimes queer experiences befel Major Griffiths when in the street. He used to teU the following story: One night, coming out of a theatre in the Strand, a tout came up to me more thaai usually pertinacious with his offer of a cab or carrirvge,' and when I accepted it he made himself known by crying, Rentagon three, sir.' No one but a former inmate of the old Millbank would have used the expression." Among the men he met in his official capacity was Marwood, the executioner. "He was a connoisseur in rope, and greatly preferred to uee that of his own selection, as he told us one day when he tried his noose' on some of us," the major once said. I sihall not easily forget the feeling of the lywfral cravat around my neck, the horror of it greatly empha.sised by the gruesome touch of his twisted, knotty, extraordinarily powerful hands. 'lt's a first- rate article,' he wished to impress upon lIS. I always use the purest he-mp-none of your rough Manila, which has no touch.'

THE GREAT MOTOR RACE The American-Thomas motor-car arrived in San Francisco at twenty minutes to five yes- terday afternoon amid scenes of the wildest enthusiasm. Crowds pressed round the car, reducing its progress to a snail's pace, and the police had to keep back the people by main force. The oar is in remarkably good condition, seeing the vicissitudes through which it has passed, but it will undergo a thorough over- hauling during the two or three days to be spent in San Francisco. The American car has now covered 3,832 miles. The Zust has met with an acident, and is disabled, 'xhe car is now being conveyed to Ogden after having covered 2,636 miles. The De Dion and Protos cars are comparatively close to each other, the distances covered by them being respectively, 2,.390 and 2,226 miles.

I "SUPERIOR" EDUCATION A fruiterer told Judge Bacon at Blooms- bury County-court yesterday that his eldest son was earning nothing. Why?" inquired the judge. Well," the man replied, he won a scholarship at the age of thirteen, which enabled him to have a superior education." "Why did you not teach him a trade?" asked the judge. "The conceit of inteueeti" I thonght I had better let him follow his own bent and inclination," said the man. "He is now an architect, but I have no influence to back him up."

ROYAL VISIT TO GERMANY The Prince and Princess of Wales left Vic- toria by special train this morning for Dover on their way to Germany. Their Royal Highnesses go direct to Cologne, where the Prince will inspect the regiment of Prussian Hussars, of which he ia colonel. Subsequently their Royal Highnesses prooeed to Darmstadt, where they will visit relatives and fulfil a series of private engagements, and on returning from Germany they will make a brief stay in Paris prior to coming to London.

KOEPENICKED While a game of poker was proceeding at a house in the Avenue Ingres, Paris, six men entered. The leader announced himseJf as the police commissary, collected JE.160 which lay on the table, and waj-ned the party to appear at the police-court on the following day. When they did so they were informed that the visitors were swindlers.

SEARCH FOR ANCESTORS The llÛrd Mayor of Cardiff has received a letter from Mr. Edward Miles, of 79, New- bury-street, Boston, Mass., U.S.A., inquiring whether his lordship can assist him in trac- ing his ancestors to a Welsh family supposed t) have emigrated to America in 1634. His ancestor's name was John, and he was a weaver by trade and a Welshman.

SIGHT RESTORED AFTER 30 YEARS After thirty years of blindness, many of them spent in self-support, and a journey to Europe alone to undergo an operation, Aiiss Alice Hollis. of Port Huron, Michigan, has had her sight restored. The successful ope- ration was performed by Dr. Pagenstecher, the famous oculist, of Wiesbaden. I

KAISER IN ITALY The German Emperor and Empress arrived a.t Venice at 11.30 this morning, and were received at the station by King Victor Emmanuel and the Italian authorities. The two m<marcibø warmly embraced each other twice.

I "'Ul9'8E'E'D COM??D." <? temgba Md OoM? I ieUe. Md &<Scult b=WO.

"Miscarriage of Justice" I I I MON. CASE TO BE RE-TRIED I To-day. in the Court of Appeal, the action of Hunt Y. Eees and Co., Cardiff (Ltd.), came on for argument. Mr. Lush, K.C., said this was an application by the defendants to set aside a, judgment, which Mr. Justice Grantham directed to be entered for plaintiff on defendants' counter- claim. The appeal was phenomenal in this respect that the case was tried only a few weeks ago at the Monmouth Assizes. The action was brought to recover £ 85 for work done by plaintiff as a haulier of some timber in Monmouthshire, and that claim was admitted. The defendants, however, put for- ward a set off and counteiclaim. Under these circumstances, the defendants alleged that, before they made the contract they wanted to know whether they would be immune from any expenses the Monmouthshire County Council might make for extraordinary traffic on the roads. Defendants' case was that the plaintiff warranted that he held a licence from the county council which entitled him to do the ha.uling, and he undertook to indemnify the defendants against any charge the county council might make for extras ordinary traffic. There was a letter of April 22, 1907, from defendants merely confirming the arrangement. The defendants called evi- dence to prove this contract of indemnity which was not referred to in the letter. Mr. Vaehell, for the piaintiff. alke-d if a letter had not been written referring to the hauling, and upon that being admitted Mr. Vaoiiell insisted on the letter being produced and put in. Defendants, however, were not suing on tliift letter. It had nothing to do with their case. Mr Justice Grantham held that if the defendants did not produce the letter he must enter judgment against defendants, although they had other wit- nesses, who were not called. Defendants objected to put in the letter, because it was not stamped, and they would have had to -Moreover. it wm 'no pay a penalty of zElO. Moreover, it was no part of their case. The judge entered judg- ment against the defendants, and he could not understand the judge's action at all. Mr. Vaehell, K.C., submitted that the letter should have been put in, but the Master of the Rolls said the court were of opinion that there had been a clear mi.oarria-ze of justice and some misunderstanding which they could not follow. It was a blunder, and the action must go down again for new trial, defen- dants to have the cosits of the appeal. Lord Justice Moulton concurred, remark- ing that it was ludicrous to suggest that plaintiff could make defendants put in this letter. If plaintiff wanted it .he must put it in The appeal was allowed with costs

THE CATECHISING OF DANIEL I I have come to the conclusion by my long experience that there is only one medi- .cine for your disease. Do you know what it is?" asked Mr. Mead of Daniel Bearden, thirteen, schoolboy, at Marlbo-rough-street, London, yesterday. Daniel, who was charged on remand with having stolen six boxes of chocolates, replied a little huskily, and with some tears: "Punishment, sir." What sort?" Birch, sir." I am glad you take such a proper view of the matter. Would you like the birch?" XO, SIR." "Do you feel you deserve it?" Y tS, sir." There, you see the good reflection has done." Daniel was allowed to go for a month, in the meantime he is to be visited by the court missionary.

========= ? IN TROUBLE AT BRISTOL. Two cases with a. Cardiff interest came before the Bristol Police-eourt to-day. In a ease of false pretences against two well-dressed girl. who had obtained food a,nd lodging on the representation that they belonged to a minstrel troupo performing at the People's Palace, the younger one, aged fifteen, gave her name as Nellie Lewis, land said her friends lived at Lee-road. Cadoxton, Barry Dock.—She was remanded. A pitiful eight a. man named Flagg pre- sented in the dock. He had a fit. foamed at the month, and had to be sent away to the workhouse infirmary. It was stated that he had been until recently employed on the railway at Cardiff, but had left. receiving compensation of C60 or £70, since when he had been giving way to drink, and was arrested yesterday for drunkenness, this being the eecond timo recently.

I LORD TENNYSON AND VENICE Venice, where the German Emperor arrives to-day, did not prove particularly attractive to the late Poet Laureate, Lord Tennyson, who visited the pl?se with his l?rid4. after his marriage. He attended a reception given by Lord John Russell on returning to England, and during ^the evening the Prime, Minister asked the poet how he had enjoyed his visit to the Italian city. Tennyson did not appear commundco/tive, so hie host pressed him further, whereupon the poet confesed that he had not liked Venice. "And why not, pray, Mr. Tennyson?" asked Lord John, somewhat surprised. I couldn't get any English tobacco there for love or money," was the reply of the poet, who, as is well known, was a constraint smoker.

FACTORY ACT PROSECTIONS Frederick Gray and Charles Herbert James, stevedores, were summoned at Cardiff to-day by Mr. Arthur Wolfe, his Majesty's Inspector of Factories, for employing hatch coverings as part of dock or cargo stagings. Mr. Wolfe explained that the regulations undter which the summons was issued were th result of a series of investigations made at/Cardiff and elsewhere by a Commissioner f the Home Office. The stagings in tnis oase were made up partly of pitwood and partly of hatch ooverings. Defendants held that the hatch coverings were not part of the staging, but were put in the position in which they were found to keep the rain off, the cargo consisting of dry goods, liable to be daniaged by rain. The Magistrates (Messrs. Isaac Samuel and Richard Cory) gave defendants the benefit of the doubt, and diarmissed the case.

TIED UP FOR LIFE A wealthy man who likes to forget his riches takes great delight in donning an old suit, with orthodox green apron, 4nd working in his garden. One day a fashionably- dressed woman who had resided in the district but a short time, called at his house. She noticed the amateur gardener, and spoke to him, asking him how long he had worked for his then mispress. A good many years, madam," he replied. "Do they pay you well?" About all I get out of it is my clothes and keep." Then come and work for me," she said. I'll piay you so much a month besides." I thank you, madam," was the reply, with a very low bow, but I signed up with the mistress for life." ""Vhy. no suoh contract is binding!" Ob, isn't it? You see, I happen to be married to her!" I

TOLD OF MR EDWARD LLOYD A delightful story is told Mr. Edward Lloyd. The fainous tenor once sang in a friend's house, and at the conclusion of the song a clergyman, who was evidently unr aware of the identity of the singer, approached him "Really, sir," he remarked, "you should not waste your voice like this. We need another tenor in our cihoir, and I shall be happy to give you JE30 a year. Think it over!"

TALBOT V BLINDELL In the King's Bench to-day Mr. Justice Walton gave judgment in the application made by plaintiff in the action of Talbot v. BlindeU ^nd others yesterday to enfore the relief which the judge had granted to I defendants, and which they now refused to accept after having aWlied for it. The facts of the oase have been repeatedly stated. His lordEjp refused the application.

MAX O'RELL AND SCOTLAND The late Max said very smartly: "An Enp-'iflhman says money is round, and ought to ioli; the Scotchman says money is flat, and ought to be piled up." That hits off the difference between the two men exactly.

THE DOKOTIn CIIOCOLA TE8. Thtr\ 8fgM vartetim and flavours. Maoa ah fvry hour. Pro- nounced to be perfect chocolate*.Certificate 01 merit first time exhibiting La London- Only 8a. per lb. rr**h tvarr boor. Pwcels poa"t. WYr.. Prosab Conip". UODer. Cardiff. eJJU

Rhymster in the Dock POETIC REQUEST FOR THREE YEARS GRANTED Having pleaded guilty to charge of robbery at furnished apartments, and assault, George Morley, aged 61, a tall, bald-headed man, at Clerkenwell Seseionn ye.sterd<ay proceeded to address the Bench from a manuscript with dramatic gestures and much banging of the dock rails. I Bursting into verse, he cried: I hail th« hour that finds me here I Before your honour as my judge, I And all I say shall be sincere. From truth I will not buti7e. I have waited for this hour, and it has come, ,td I am glad of it, rejoice in it, and have a welcome for it. You know, sir, that providence gives thick hides to animals that must exist in cold climates, and to men that are reserved for sorrow it gives a genuine jovial spirit. Indeed the inner of the darkest cloud Is bri'jht and shining. I therefore turn my douds about, And to-day I vtsr them inside out, That you may see the lining. Turned a.wo..y from the workhouse, there I was left for me a choice of two things— suicide or prison. It is said of two evils I choose the lesser. I chose prison, where- I should be good all through the week On Thursdays broth ajid mutton-steak, Xo diggings then should have to seek, JlI t Eiillply rest, content. But now ,1 ask, sir, for three years, And what I ask is meant. If you give me three years, with good conduct I shall earn 30s., besides having a new suit of clothes to appear decent in when I am discharged. Thcn- Witli money, new clothing, and a new heart, You see on my own I caji make a Hew start, And if someone but gives me a donkey and cart, That donkey from this one no mortal shall part. Mr. Wallace, K.C., said that for a man with such gifts and abilities there could be no excuse, as, if he had applied his natural gifts in an honest way- he could always have earned a, living. lie would have to undergo three years' penal servitude. "Thank you," said the prisoner, with a, smile and a bow, that's just what I required.

A GiRL'S RASH ACT Dressed in black, looking demure and depressed, and carrying a handbag, Florrie Williams, seventeen, was charged on remand ait Cardiff to-day with attempting to commit suicide by throwing herseLf into the Glamor- ganshire OanaJ from Mill-lane on March 19. James Morgan, a tramway timekeeper, described how the girl climbed the wall and got into the water. He jumped in after her, and succeeded in getting her to the bank. Mr. Richard Oory complimented the wit- ness upon his kind and gallant act. Police-constable Woodward rendered first aid, and when the girl regained conscious- ness he told her he would have to arrest her on the charge of attempting to commit suicide, and cautioned her. She made no reply. Charged that morning, "Ùle answered, "I don't remember." Mr. Cory: Had she been drinking?—No, your worship. Court-officer Sergeant Price said the girl had been in domestic servioo at Pontypridd. Her two brothers, who aro respectably oon- nected, were in court. A Baptist minister from Pontypridd said prisoner ha.d been in his Sunday School, and was a candidate for Church membership. She had lost her mother by death; her father had left the children, and her trouble had been very intense. Discharging the girl, Mr. Cory bee-oughther to attend Sunday School and become a true Christian.

PICKINGS FROM "PUNCH." I CALLED TO HEEL. Gay Young Radical Dog (to Socialist dharmer): Where are you going to, my pretty maid? Squire Whiteley (his guardian): I don't know—or ca.re-where she's going to; bnt you're coming home with me, my boy, and I'll talk to you like a father. [Mr. George Whiteley, Liberal Whip, has publicly rebuked those of bis party who voted for the Unemployed Bill. They seemed to think (he said) that "they were entitled to flirt with certain elements of Soolalism."] GUNNERY WHILE YOU WAIT. Mr. Haldane: In the event of invasion I shall depend upon my brave territorial forceI to manipulate this ma?nince'nt &nd compli- cated weapon. Field-marshal Punch: Going to give them aJiy training? Mr. H.: Oh, perhaps a fortnight or so a year. F. M. P.: Oh: then they'll need to be pretty brave, won't they? Philanthropist (home from China): You know, my dear people, the prisons there are not the sort of places to which you and I are accustomed.

SCHOOL WITH A WINE LlCENCEI St. Albans Grammar School can boast cf being the only scholastic institution in the kingdom which holds a licence to sell wine. It is known to have been one of the privileges of this school for centuries to own such a licence, and probably the right was granted to the old monks who kept the school in times long past as a sort of monopoly in that dis- trict "for favours received." At any ra<te, the school has ocrtaialy derived the right to sell wine, or to allow it to be sold, on its premises, from ancient charters grafted to it, which privilege has been confirmed by its subsequent charters.

SWANSEA DOCK TROUBLES I In consequence of a. certain gang of labourers being stopped from working to-day, other labourers in t.he employ of the Swansea Harbour Trust at the Swansea Docks, numbering between fifty and sixty, at once came out as a protest. The men belong to the National Labourers' Union, of which Mir. Harry Williams is secre- tary. The trouble has arisen over the work yesterday, several of the men going home on account of the wet. The men are employed pla.te laying. Mr. Williams states that this gang, known as Long s gang, which, numbered seven, were discharged this morning.

ESCAPED FROM CUSTODY I Three men, who said they had come to beg, entered the grounds at Eddisbury Hall, Macclesfield, and when told by the gardener that it was no use going up to the house they knocked the man down and kicked him. The other servants telephoned for the police, and the three men were arrested. On the way to the station two of the men suddenly made a fierce attack on the two constables escorting them and bolted. The policemen were severely injured, and will be incapacitated for game time. The third man made no attempt to escape.

FLIES IN HOUSES I "C. D. S." writes in the "Graphic":—"There will always be a difficulty in preventing flies from outside entering the house, but a method of putting an end to the pest of those that breed indoors is to brush the frames of the window panes with methylated spirit each time after the windows have been cleaned. The bristles of the brash drive the spirit into any interstices there may be between putty and wood, destroying the eggs of the flies.

FEWER CHILDREN Facts are steadily accumulating to prove that the child population of our large towns is surely decreasing. From the latest returns of the Registrar-General it appears that the birth-ra.te is the lowest on record. Is Great Britain following the example of France, Australia, and the United States? And are Occidentals diminishing in number as Orientals are increasing?—" Secondary Education."

GORILLA FOR THE ZOO The London Zoological Society have been fortunate enough to secure another gorilla— a, young male. For a time, however, it will be kept in the basement of the large ape- house, though as soon as possible it will be placed on view, when probably large crowds will flock to the GaJdens, for the gorilla is rarely seen in confinement.

I LINSEED COMrOTTTTD," Trade Mark of Jta.Y".1 CDmpoafld XflMooe of L'.mcedL for Cougbs and Colds,

Mr. Justice Lawrence UNABLE TO ATTEND ASSIZES TO-DAY — — Mr. Justice A. T. Lawrence should have resumed his -it in the Crown Court at Glamorgan Assizes at Cardiil this morinxig at il-.a I i- i)at ten o'clock, but at that hour his lord&hip had not arrived, and it was then, ireely rumoured that he wad unweil and would be unable to sit. The barristers interested in the cases marked tor trial to-day were in attendance, as well as the officials of the court. At half-past, teu o'clock the Hon. Stephen Coleridge, clerk of arraigns, entered the court and said: "Owing to the indisposition of Mr. Justice Lawrence, the cJ-urt is adjourned from to-day until to-morrow morn- ing, at half-past ten o'clook, when it is hoped t,hat Mr. i oy(.1 Morgan wij act as Commis- sioner. ?k jurors may depart as far as this court is concerned until to-morrow morning at Ji all-past ten o'clock. The court then rose. Mr. Lloyd Morgan, K.C., M.P., who is in London at present, wiU be communicated with in the meantime. In was observed yesterday that his lordship was suffering from a 4ad cold, and that there was considerable huskiness in his voice. Mr. Justice Lawrence has suffered for some tima from a sore throat. Tins morning Dr. T. Wallace was called to the Mansion House, where he found his lordship suffering from a severe cold. There were some symptoms of influenza, but not sufficient to justify the doctor in stating tha.t his lordship was stricken with that complaint. Hid tempera- ture was high, but Dr. Wallace did not con- sider there was anything serious in the judge's present condition. As a. precautionary measure, however, he forbade Mr. Justice Lawrence to leave his bed, to which ne is confined. It is hoped, however, that he will be able to resume his seat on the bench on Friday or Saturday.

A STORY OF PRIVATION A pitiful story of priva,tion was related at a Southwark inquest yesterday on a newly- born child. It was stated thst the father, an export packed- named Wakeling, had been out of work fur nine months. The mother was found lying on some old eacking covered by a ooat, and the only articles of "furniture" in tlucir room at Gay wood -street were one chair, given them by the landlady, and some tin boxes. "It scarcely seems possible," said the coroner, that such a story of want could be heard in England." The coroner's officer said the couple were unmarried and accordingly relief could not be giv<jft by the union. "While I have health and strength I will not ask for relief," the father declared, I would rather livo or linger in the condition I am iu." He added that the mother had not enough to eat. The inquest was adjourned.

SCENE IN A SURGERY Dr. Oliver Thomas Slatter, of West Ken- sington, prosecuted Alfred Aid well, engineer, and his wife, of Hammersmith, at West London yesterday for assault. It was stated tiiat the defendants had rented part of the house in Fuiham Palace-road, in which Dr. Slatter had a surgery, and Mrs. Aldweil looked after the surgery. Defendants after- wards moved to Chh;wick, wherwthe doctor atteinded the family. Last month Mrs. Aldweil, it was alleged, entered the surgery thowcive for drink, and, referring to a woman patient who was present, said ahe supposed she (the patient) was his "fancy woman." He ordered her out. a-nd she afterwards apologised; but later she and her husband called together and accused him of misconduct with her. The doctor called the woman a liar, whereupon defen- dants struck him in the face, and the man, it was stated, hurled a large glass inkstand at him, cutting his face open. The case was adjourned.

9 ===== CATS V. HUMAN MOTHERS i "There are mothers in all claesej of the community who should be ashamed to look a tabby cat in the face." This sweeping statement was made by Dr. C. W. Saleeby, speaking yesterday on the subject of "The Human Mother" at the Con- ference on Infantile Mortality, resumed at Caxton-hall, Westminster. The human mother, he said, had the maternal instinct only in its essence, but of all details she was bereft. Instead she had intelligence—an immeasurably greater thing —but, whilst intelligence could learn every- thing, it had everything to learn. The mother cat not merely had a far less helpless infant to succour. Dr. Saleeby went on, but she had a far superior instinctive equipment. She knew the beet food for her kitten, and did not grve it "the same as we had ourselves."

STOLEN RAILWAY PASSES Before Richard Stanley, a carpemter, with eeveral previous convictions against him, was sentenced at Clerkenwell Sessions yesterday to three ye are' penal servitude for thefts of luggage from St. Pancras Station, it was stated that one of the articles he had taken was a bag belonging to Mr. Coburn, superin- tendent of the Glasgow and South Western Ra-il w ay. Counsel said it contained free passes all over the railway systems of the United Kingdom. These were, fortunately, recovered, otherwise accused might have spent the rest of his days travelling luxuriously in first- class carriages all over the English and Scottish railways.

THE KING'S CIGARS King Edward, who is a connoisseur in tobacco, has juet placed with a New York firm of tobacco-brokers an order for 500 cigars, which in point of price will be slightly in excess of what his Majesty paid some two years ago, when his bill for 1,000 cigars was £7EJJ. For the 500 that are to be shipped from Havana in time to Teach England at the beginning of the Easter holidays he will pay £ 400, but it is not likely tha.t they will excel, even if they equaJ in quality, the famous 1,000 which took three months in the making.

DRAWN INTO MACHINERY Clifford Winchester, aged fourteen, of 2, Sully-place, Penarth, was admitted to the Hamadryad Seaman's Hospital. Oaraiff. to- day, suffering from serious injuries to his right arm, and also a severe scalp wound. Winchester, who is an apprentice to Messrs. Lewis and Tyler, belt makers, Clarence-road, was oiling some machinery, when he wag caught in the shafting and drawn into the machinery Two bones in his right arm were broken.

JUDICIAL IGNORANCE An excuse urged by a debtor at Bloomsbury County-court yesterday was that "he had an increa.se in his family, which had cost a lot •of money." "An increase in your family does not cost a lot of money, replied Judge Bacon. "You economise in the beef and mutton your wife eats, aud all you ha.vo to pay is the doctor and the nurse."

BOAT RACE PRACTICE Both crews were out in drenching rain this morning, Cambridge rowing against a strong Thames Rowing Club eight on the ebb. The Light Blues, rowing 40 against 39, drew -tway, pulling finely, and two lengths and a half in front in Zmin. It was fine, fast striking. Oxford only had a brief burst at high pressure.

OFFICE BOY WHO BECAME A K.C Mr. Marshall Hall, the well-known K.C., who began life in a tea merchant's office, makes a hobby of collecting prints, minia- tures, and watches. Of the latter he has many notable specimens, including repeating watches, some of which have holes in the enamelled cases to let the sound out.

ON WOMEN If women begin to look they are soon snared," said the South wark County Court Judge when told tha.t a woman had pro- mised to look at certain articles. A doctor's wife was said, at a Chelsea inquest, to have been of so jealous a nature that she visited her hushand's patients at their homes in order to make inconriee.

I Drury Lane Theatre I THE STAGE IN FLAMES An alarming fire broke out at a quarter to five this morning at the back of the 6tage of Brury-lane Theatre, London, and in an incredibly short space of time, despite the prompt alarm given by the resident firemen, had practically destroyed it, the flames- shooting up to a great height. So rapid was the fire's progress that fears were entertained for the safety of the whole huge structure and for some adjoining tene- ments, but, thanks to the magnificent work of the firemen and the fact that the safety curtain formed an effectual barrier between the seat of the mischief and the auditorium, the conflagration was enabled to be confined to the ftage. Thiti was. however, practically destroyed, together with much scenery and properties being prepared for the resumed run of the drama, "The Sins of Society," which was interrupted by the Christ-mas production of Babes in Wood." The immediate damage will run into many thousands of pounds, and the financial loss entailed hy the now necessary postpone- ment of the managerial arrangements will also be considerable. The flames .struggled with the dawning light for supremacy of illumination, and were witnessed by large crowds of early workers. A whole brig-ade muster had all the danger over practically by 5.30 a.m., and a national loss was thus averted. The fire at Drury Lane, though under con troi, was still burni r' g at half-past twelve this afternoon, and Mr. Sidney Smith, the business manager, told a representative of the press that it was impossible to give any idea as to what property had been destroyed or how long it would take to rebuild the portion burnt out. He added that the fire- men were still pouring water on to the stage.

I A DRUNKEN FREAK" The wanderings of William George Knight (32), a seafaring man. were again discussed to-day before the Cai-diff magistrates. Knight was brought up oil remand, the charge against hi,m being that a.t 12.15 a.m. on March 19 he was found by a police-constable paying particular attention to and closeiy scrutinising No. 10, Park-place, in the occu- pation of Kate Richards, and he was charged with attempting to burglariously enter ti e said promises. For the defence Mr. Harold Lloyd said his client was paid off after a long voyage, only two days before. He had in hi sion his -discharge-book, which showed that his character wa? ?ood, and a half?a-soverel?n and sixpence in silver. On thM night he got in tow with a woman, and appeared to have thought that he lived in that street. It seemed to him to be a drunken freak. Prisoner was discharged.

I OLD AGE PENSIONS It may be stated (says the "Tiinee") that, in spite of certain assertions to the contrary, the Government have not yet decided as to whether t,bey will establish their old-age pension scheme under the provisions of the Finance Bill, or through the medium of indeixmdent separate legislation. From the point of view of mere Parliamentary expediency, the inclusion of the Ministerial proposals in the Finance Bill has some recommendations. On the other hand, there is support in the Cabinet, it is understood, for special treatment in regard to what must prove to be a radical amendment of the existing Poor Laws. In any oase no decision has yet been come to in the matter. So far as the Finance Bill is concerned, much 'I must nc-cestsarily depend upon the nature of the report of the Poor Law Commission, which it is expected will be available shortly.

WOMAN'S CRAVINQ FOR DRUGS At all inquest at Derby yesterday on a woman who committed suicide it was sta-ted that to obtain money for drugs she went to a money-lender for a loan, paying a man 10s. to personate her husband. The money-lender, discovering that he had been defrauded, threatened to take proceed- ings. Deceased became frightened, and took salts of lemon, leaving a letter asking her husband to forgive her. Deceased, it was stated, was given drugs in hospital to alleviate pain, and afterwards had I a craving for them.

I A LEGAL ARTIST The Hon. Stephen Coleridge, Clerk of Arraigns for the South Wales circuit, has just presented a very lino painting of Worms Head to the barristers' mess, and it has been hung in the barristers' robing room in the Law-courts, Cardiff. The painting, which is bold and free in treatment, is the. work of the Hon Stephen Coleridge himself, and has been exhibited already in many galleries, where it excited considerable attention, and is considered a very valuable work of art. It has been hand somely framed.

FAMOUS TOW N-CLERK'SDEATH Sir James Marwick, who held the post of tow-n-clerk of Glasgow for 31 years, died at midnight at Glasgow from congestion of the lungs. Sir James was a noted municipal lawyer, and during his term of office framed all the municipal schemes of Glasgow, which have attracted so much attention all over the world. He retired in 1905. Sir James, who was 82 years of age, took a wide interest in antiquarian and historical studies.

ALL THE DIFFERENCE A judgment debtor told Judge Bacon at Bloomsbury County-court yesterday that he was earning very little; in fact, business was so bad that he had lost X100 in three months." His Honour: You don't mean you have lost £ 100, you mean you owe £ 100 to your creditors; they may have lost XIGO. Can't you see the difference? (Laughter.)

I PEDLAR'S HOARD A pedlar, named William Sands, of Christ- church, who was arrested for being drunk at Bournemouth, was found, on being searched, to have the sum of JE143 19s. 9d. -arn of 414,3 lga. 9d. in gold and 6ilver in his possession. In fining the man 5s. and 5s. costs, the Chair- man of the court at Bournemouth remarked that it was fortunate for the defendant that the const-able took care of him.

I A JUDGE ON NAMES "Alice Adelaide Alexander," Judge Willis said, repeating a witness's names at the, South w ark County-court yesterday; "one never hears Mary Jane nowadays—those I sweet old names. I am so glad I had a simple name given to me and only one." (Laughter.)

■ ■ I £61 FOR A V.C. The Victoria Cross and the Indian Mutiny medal with bars for Lucknow, Belief of Luokno-w and Delhi, awarded to Lance- corporal William Goat, of the 9th Lancers, were sold for E61 at Messrs. Glendining's I auction galleries yesterday.

bIR S. T. EVANS AND SWANSEA Sir Samuel Evans, Solicitor-General, has written to the town-clerk of Swansea, intimating his acceptance of the homour of the freedom of the borough being conferred upon him.

A MURDERER RESPITED The Home Secretary has reprieved Herbert Walter Jones, a carman, sentenced to death for the murder of his young wife at Chiswick last January by stabbing her in the street.

I DEATH OF AN EARL I The Earl of Courtown died last evening at I his residence, Courtown House, Gorey, Ire- land.

I MOUNTAIN FLAX (Llnum C1;tt.rtlcum) pniz.- UJ agreeable aperient. Worth a ti Ial, DUTCH CAr, E, near Queen-street Sutton, one of the quaintest in the worid. Afternoon Tea. with out delleioU8 Bread and Butter.—Stevens, Confectionery Limited, Cardiff. wMO

Budget Outlook SUBSTANTIAL SURPLUS NOW ASSURED The revenue receipts last week came into the Exchequer in such extraordinary volume that the only question now worth consider- ing as to Mr. Asouith's next Budget is what the amount of the surplus will be. If the week's inflow is oven nearly maintained the excess of receipts over the year's estimate will be some seven millions. On the other hand the expenditure to March 21 is con- sidera,bly b-clow the total for the year. As will be seen in the following table, last week's take" affords a striking comparison with recent fig-ures:- Week ending ilarch 21 £ 7,119,810 14. 4,358.567 7 4,3D3,Z32 „ „ Feb. 29 3,975,070 F,t,. 2?. 3,97?z,070 11 ?. 5,675,425 tJ 15 4,317,000

SMOKE CURE FOR "FLU According to a famous physician the smoke of tobacco has a most destructive effect upon almost all microbes* The quality of the tobacco seems to make no difference, for cheap and poor leaf acts just as well as the finest. The action of the smoke is especially marked upon the bacilli of diphtheria, typhoid, and influenza. An Ititlia-n investiga- tor has tested the effect of tobacco smoke, upon the bacilli of cholera and pneumonia and found that it killed them. These experi- ments prove that smoke disinfects the mouth and renders tho smoker almost immune to many diseases, among them diphtheria, cholera, pneumonia, and certain of the puru- lent infections, while it renders him much less liable to take colio aud many other diseases. »

KING IN SEARCH OF A WIFE The young King of Portugal is to be married off at any price, and the match- makers give him no rest, in spite of his tender ye,,t.rs. LNo French Princess will do, they say, without assigning any reaaon, and the people won't allow a marriage with a Spanish Princess lest consanguinity between the two Royal houses should lead to a union of the two countries. At first it was thoug-ht that the Ivaiser'a fifteen-year-old daughter might be relied upon to take up the posi- tion; but it is pretty certain that neither the Kaiser nor his Consort countenance a mar- riag-e of their daughter which would involve a change of religion.

HOME-MADE "MURIAS" Elthams, Limited, of Oxford-street, were fined £ 20 at Marl borough-street yesterday for selling spurious Havana?, and George Raphael, managing director of the company, was lined LIO. Counsel ea-i-d Mr. aphael also traded in Shoreditch under the name of the Cabana Company, and manufactured the cigars in question, called Manuel Murias. There are several of the Muria family in the trade," he stated. including Antonio and J. S. Maria, but Manud Murias is an entirely fictitious name These cigars were isoicl at the rate of 4d. each, while a genuine Muria may be bought for that sum."

MUNICIPAL ECONOMY The dramatis personm are two county councillors. "Here's a line-looking street!" "Splendid! What shall be done with it?" Lift's have it dug up for drainage." "But wouldn't it be proper to pave it first?" "Of course! I supposed you understood that. Then, after it is paved and a sewer put in, we'll have it relayed." All in readiness to be dug up agalll far the gaepipes? I see you understand the principles of municipal economy. After we htlve had it repaved the second tiiime, then wnat. "ASell, then it will be in order for widening. There's nothing I admire so much as system in the care and improvement of our roadways!"

TAKINQ NO RISKS The sexton of a negro church was closing the windows one windy Sunday morning during service, when he was beckoned to the side of a young negress, the widow of a certain Thomas. "Why is yo ehettin' dose winders, Mr. Jones?" she demanded, in a hoarse whisper. "De air in dig church is sufToeatin' now!" "It's de minister's orders," replied the sexton, obstinately. "It's a cold day, Mis' Thomas, an' we ain't goin' to take no chance o' losin' any o' de lambs o' dis fold while dere's a, big debt overhangin' dis church."

BE READY FOR YOUR LUCK The mistake which the generality of people make is in not being ready for their luck when it comes. While they are still consider- ing its possibilities, it is up the chimney and down the n'txt street. The really lucky people are those who lie in wait for their luck, and seize it, and cling to it till the moment when the sleeping Furies awake and, hurling tthemselveo on them, snatch it out of their hand. To toy with their luck. as so ma.ny people do, to treat it as if it were something that could wait till to-morrow, is to court inevitable disaster. is to court inevitable dh:a;ot.e'I' Woman's Life."

A POPULAR CHURCH The little ehurch of Absam, near Inns- bruck, enjoys a reputation which is probably uniquo of its kind. It is a popular supersti- tion that couples united within the-church of Absam, especially during the month of May, are assured of unclouded happiness during the whole of their wedded life. This idea. brin,gs scores of lovers to Absam, and during May in particular the familiar notice, "Come early to avoid the crush," might very well be displayed outside the building.— "The Wide World Magazine."

A FORGIVING PROSECUTOR John Herbert and Thomas New, two quarrymen, of Risca, were bound over under the Probation of Offenders Act at Newport to-day for stealing a gun, value 40s., the property of Thomas I>avies, a butcher and farmer, Garn Farm, Risca. They were also ordered to pay CZ costs each and to find sureties. The prosecutor then came forward and offered to become surety for Herbert, stating that he was very sorry for both men, as he knew them well.

INCORRIGIBLE SCHOOLBOY." John Davies, a Pontypridd school-boy, was sent by the local magistrates to-day to a. reformatory until he attained the age of six- teen. Mr. J. T. Phoenix, who appeared to make the application, described the lad as incor- rigible.

STEAMER DRIVEN ASHORE The Aberdeen steamer Luddich, belonging to the Newcastle and Hull Steamship Com- pany was driven ashore in a gale at Don- mouth, Aberdeen, early this morning. The crew were landed Jjy the life-saving brigade, an operation that took fully three hours. The vessel is expected to become a totaJ wreck.

WITNESSED 80 DERBYS Mr. Robert Dearie, the oldest tradesman in Epsom and a well-known local celebrity, died at Epsom to-day. in his niaety-first year. Mr. Dearie witnessed no fewer than eighty Derbys, of which he preserved vivid recollec- tions, and was in rnaaiy respects an interest' ing character.

DISCORDS 1.—A waiter without a tip. 2.-Hare soup with a hair. S.-& smoker without a match. 4.—A cabby with his exact fare. 5.—A British tourist without a grievance. 6—A woman with "nothing to wear." 7.—An angler without an anecdote. —"London Opinion."

"LINSEED COMPOUND," for Congb8, Clow. od Branchial trouble* Sid. and bI. Ud., of QhemMa. I

SAVED BY A CLOTHES-LINE Mrs. Pdchards, of Coalville, Leicestershire, was in th3 act of cleaning a wire clothes-line when the ground on which she was standing suddenly subsided. Fortunately she had the presence of mind to grasp the clothes-line, on which she hung until assibtonce arrived. It was then discovered that the top of a dis- used well 40 feet deep had collapsed.