Evening Express

THE RULING SPIRIT I At an inquest at Stepney yesterday on a woman who was said to have been a victim of chronic alcoholism, it was stated that her last words were, "Don't put too much water in the whisky."

VIVE LE SPUKi I M. Georges Clemenceau—no relation to the French Premier—was arrested on Mon- day night for shooting at the bronze lions on the Place de Ja. Nation, in Paris.

DIED AFTER HIS FIRST SMOKEI A man in Moscow named Nestoroff cele- bra,ted his hundredth birthday by smoking a cigarette for the first time in his life. He died half an hour later.

Every kind of meat or fish Makes a most attractive disb When relished with a little Hoe's, The Sauce that everybody knows. e590

MINERS' HOURS Settlement Probable IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. [BY OUR OWN REPORTER.] LONDON, Tuesday Night. The adjourned meeting of the Joint Miners' Eight Hours Sub-committee of the Welsh Coal j Trade Conciliation Board was held at the Westmjn-st-er Palace Hotel, London, on Tues- day, and the proceedings ultimately resulted in an agreement on the part of the respective sides to submit a report on the position to the special meeting of the Conciliation Board to be held at Cardiff on Friday, but without arriving at a settlement of any of the con- troversial matters involved. There was a full attendance of members of the committee, Mr. F. L. Davis presiding over the owners and Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., over the workmen, and, as the official report indicates, all the points of difference were touched upon, but there appeared to be a mutual understanding that each side was to give expression to its divergent views in the final report, and that it should be left to the Conciliation Board to reconcile the conflicting elements. First, and perhaps foremost, came the ques- tion of the termination of the present agree- ment consequent upon the passing of the Act, the owners' representatives again- argu- ing their to give the workmen notice at the end of next month to terminate con- tracts instead of in January next. their con- tention being that they would thus be act- ing in conformity with the legal aspect of the matter. The workmen's representatives were equally strong in their insistence that the agreement should be allowed to run its course and in objecting to the reservation made to themselves by the owners that they were entitled legally to take this course, and it was agreed that these two views of the matter be referred to the Conciliation Board. Then came the alternative proposals of the owners, whoso representatives pointed out that, consequent upon the curtailment of the hours of labour, it was imperative that there should be some re-arrangements, a,nd with this abstract statement the men's repre- sentatives expressed themselves in agreement, at any rate so far as purely managerial arrangements went; but their position was that such re-arrangements should not be to the prejudice of the workmen. Incidentally in this direction was the suggestion of the fixing of a standard time for starting to wind coa,1. the suggestion being that where local conditions made it practicable this should commence at six o'clock in the morning. It was also put forward that in future on no day should there be less than eight hours worked, and that, therefore, the short days, which are Saturdays, and in some cases both Mondays and Saturdays, should be done away with, and to this proposal the men's repre- sentatives seemed inclined to give way, inas- much as they expressed themselves as being prepared to give the Act a trial in all is bearings, and that this is the stand they have taken all along. The owners' proposal to extend the hours of working by one hour per week at all col- lieries, so as to absorb 52 out of the 60 extra hours allowed by the Act, could not be enter- tained by the workmen's representatives, who pointed out that, apart from the principle involved, they were precluded by the terms of the National Federation conference reso- lution from acceding to this request, the sub- mission being that the extra hours granted in the Act was a provision only made in order to meet contingencies, and that it was never intended that advantage should be taken of the clause referred to in the way suggested by the owners. The Day Men's Wages I The workmen's representatives were simi'l larly bound and equally strong in their object-ion to a suggested reduction of the day men's wages proportionate to the lesser num- ber of hours worked; this practically meant a reduction by one-ninth of the present rate of wages. The owners had further suggested that this could be either done by a direct reduction or by a reduction to the day men of the percentages payable under the Con- ciliation Board agreement. With regard to the latter two propositions, the leaders oil the English Federation, who were holding another meeting in the hotel, were of the view that the Miners' Federation of 'Great Britain would not consent to the Welsh Federation deviating' from the policy la-id down at the National Conference already referred to, even if they wished to, and, while there was nothing to prevent the Welsh miners' leaders discussing these two points with the owners' representatives, they could not possibly accede to the request made. There was, however, a general impression, judging by the manner in which the owners had stated their ease for the reduction of the day men's wages, and by the fact that they knew the men's leaders could not agree to it, that they would waive this proposal con- ditionally upon the workmen's representa- tives making concessions en their part, and these latter included a suggestion that where practicable the workmen would be required to agree to a double shift on the coiil. It was, however, understood that this would not mean a reversion to the old double shift, to which the workmen have over and over again expressed themselves so strongly averse, as it brought about endless troubles and gave opportunities for what arc termed "spongers" to take undue advantage of the other workmen. On this last point the English leaders remarked that there was nothing to prevent the Welsh Federation adopting any course it liked. A Thorny Subject wnat proved a thorny subject was a pro- posal of the owners for the re-adjustment of payments in lieu of overtime, this being tantamount to a suggested abolition of what is known .as the bonus turn to the night men, the present arrangement generally being that. the night men are paid seven turns for working six shifts, and in some places they are paid six turns for working five shifts, and even five for working four. In regard to this matter, therefore, there will be a present- ment of the two views to the Conciliation Board, as this proposal did not meet with the approbation of the men's leaders. stoppages tor Funerals The owners also opened up a discussion on the question of a suggested abolition of the prcocnt practice at the several collieries to bring about stoppages of the collieries on occasions of fatal acoidents and also on the occasion of the funeral of victims, maintain- ing that this change was necessitated con- sequent upon the fact that the men would be precluded by reason of the Act of Parliament from recovering the time so lost by working overtime. This it was felt by the men's repre- sentatives was a time-honoured custom or the part of the sympathising comrades of unfortunate viotims, and it would not be an easy task to abolish it. With a view to economising time, it was also put forward by the owners that it would be necessary to make some re-arrangement with regard to meal hours, instead of stopping the work. As already indicated, with regard to nearly all these propositions the men's leaders put forward dissenting views, and these in juxta- position with the owners' proposals will be formulated for presentment on Friday. Prior to the joint board meeting, however, whicn will not take place until two o'clock, it has been arranged that each side should on Friday morning in the light of the discus- sfous at the committee meetings further con- sider their respective cases and confer with their own colleagues. Paving the;Way for a Settlement It is, however, felt that before an agree- ment can be arrived at several of the owners' proposals will have to go by the board. The men's representatives, on the other hand, avow their readiness to adopt conciliatory met.hods, and a great deal will now depend on the attitude which both fd-deos will adopt when they again meet next Friday, but it was generally felt that to-day's proceedings will have the effect of paving the way for a settlement. I OFFICIAL REPORT. I The following official report was given to the press by the joint secretaries (Mr. W. G. Dalziel and Mr. T. Richards, M.P.) .— "The eub-oomniittee appointed by the Con- ciliation Board for the Coal Trade of Mon- mouthshire a.nd South Wales met again to-day at the Westminster Palace Hotel, the discussion having been adjourned from yester- day to consider the question of the arrange- ments necessary for adoption at collieries in consequence of the coming into force of the Mines Eight Hours Act on the 1st of July next. There was a full attendance of tho members of the sub-committee, there being present on the owners' side Messrs. F. L. Davis (in the chair), W. J. Hep pel, E. M. Harm, Williafti Evans, Charles H. Eden, Leonard W. Llewelyn, and W. Gaseoyne Dal- ziel (secretary), and on the workmen's side Messrs. W. Abraham, M.P. (in the chair), J. Williams, M.P., D. Watts liargan Alfred Onions, James Winstoue, Vernon I rt,?hog and Thomas Richards, M.P. (secretary). "After a full discussion of the several issues I raised by the two sides o'f the sub-committee in connection with the matter, the smb-com-1 mittee agreed to make a report to the Conciliation Board at a meeting to be held I at Cardiff on Friday next, the 21st inst.?'

Mrs. Stirling on the stagl APPEARS AT THE -CAIETY THEATS?I 40 ?rs. J. A. Stirling has return?  ata?a, a.nd on Monday night, says tb? was appearing as a ,hcw girl in the ,,?? comedy. "Our Miss Gibbs," at the t 1)1 Theatre. It wjH bo remembered tbap Stirling, who was formerly .M?s Cl?a'? ? beth Taylor, of New York, petitioD? Scottish Courts far the dissolution marriage with Mr. John Alcxa.ndor ?* ? laird of Kippendavie, Perthshire, ? £ :mcr1y of the 3rd Scots Guards,  conduct with Mrs. Mabel Atheo,  tf petition was brought by Mr. Stirling yfi ground of his wife's misconduct "It'l 110 Northland, eldest son of the Earl of .R  ?'Lord Guthrie, who heard the case. ?? ja decree to Mr. Stirling, but disn??? petition of Mrs. Stirim?. App??? ago that decision have been lodged by ? otr ling and Lord Northland.

1 PRIMA DONNA FALLS OVER I PRIIMA DONNA FALLS OVEP-Dooll To-day is the anniversary of  M?ba,'a birthday, acd the famous 00 donna will celebrate the event in Auo ?,00, "he was bcrn at Richmond, a suburb Of)0 bourne, and she has told with gi-e?a-tdell the story of her return home whn was yet a nw thing. The diva$ classic, and was re-called. She d<'? 6^ sing another of the same chara??' th?re came a voice from the g-aU?ry= ?)' put on any side, NeUie; 6in? as. ?ff 8w?et Home,' and Nellie did so. eØ' a Covert Garden performance s<)meyed?i ?00 Madame Melba was the ca?se of much V' ment to the audience. There was ? '?pd!?" the sta?e, and in the excitement of tbe ceedings she fell over the big drum- repo ceedings phe Ml over the big druiv-  t? roared w?th laughter, and yelled J/ diva to re-appear, but Madame MeQ^ said that instead of doing so she  ?' of the theatre and went home, fe?"* silly. .If — .4

HARRY LAUDER & ROOSH^ j ?ld I When Harry Lauder visited 'Wa5ll'orl d?rim? ibis American tour he had 0 joti view With President Roosevelt at t House. "De-lighted to meet you, 3fr- io he remarked to me, said Mr.  have heard and read a. lot   and now I am ?lad to see you a? pT to you." The President seamed W s all about the personality and tl? ? .))<'<? which I had achieved. Before leaving j$ 'which I had achieved. Before Iea.vi"? that I greatly appreciated the henOUT 0, 'Do m? met and spoken to him, a,nd expre^ (Jj hope that he wo?!d be able to corn* 0, theatre and see my performance. H? re9ltilI that he would very much have liked to D'? me sing my famous songs," but I" 'Yo busy; however, he would se?d Mrs. B?.?j '?' Sure enough, the President's lady 917"?'00 evening performance, occupying iLbOg,io several friends, a.nd I hope she enJoY self. Tit-Bits." </

FUTURE OF MEAT SUPPLTl —— "It"O That beef would be plentiful agaiO h or three years' time was prophesied ¡;\JVI' E. H. Hooker in a paper on "The ?lle?ll $ of the United Kingdom," read h6 Ole Royal Statistical Society yesterday- 00!, United States, as exporters of niea gfi^j he said, beginning to show signs of qø tion, and our supplies from that 11 I would steadily dwindle. Argentic Pj rapidly overhauling the United std) when the South American supply ha to grow the next generation would P have to pay dear for its meat. .*c

SUCAR AND FLAX ABLAK" 1 It, i Lille, Tuesday—Five buildings  &r6 here ths -vening contained 900,000It I I of sugar and 400.000 kilos of flax- ":t spinning mills, for which the 1 destined? may have to suspend opera'? 0 ,e want of mat?ria). The total 1cf6e '?'( estimated at six or seven minion fra-i*A fire continues burning beneath the f.?y masonry, and wiU probably not be colopof? extinguished for two or three dœtmøtiou of the btuMings provided a inspiring spectacle for the large croff "e

10,000 EXHIBITION STEWA: I Ten thousand stea:ids are tal?ieg ? K the Missionary Exhibition or?amsc???? Church M?'ionary Society, which Ope?,O J une 8 in the Royal Agric ul?tiral IT oirclæ for stewards have been f? :1.I,iØ! nearly 403 p?rishee, and th?re arc ?pt ?, 5,000 stewards who are competent to ,¡J:lItI, the ourMS in thdr particular section dreds of beautiful Eastern  been collected, and will bo worn by t8-tiOlI" cipal stewards and members of deputl^,

FRENCH LABOUR TROUB^J ?'?!) 1?"?' Paris, Wednesday.—The GeneralTA, Federation has issued a poster ? '? requesting all its corporations to Joi.0 poatal employes in a, geneml strike. j,  place to-day. The decision was toet"ie the Labour Federation after jF;?4 I r,ions betw.een the nioder?nteandreN-0-1" ti,00 eionb between the moderate and r?'?"?jo:?'' eectione, the latter nnaDy carrying the b?o It is not believed that tb?re is te & ??tt? chance of a general strike resulting-

SIR J. CORST'S PENSION' I .4eiI Sir John &M-at, mtorvd?wed yestard? M? ing at Castle Combe, ,where he & d  attending the funeral of his ??P?.. ?} Edwin Craddock Lownd?s. said, w???tt ??))' t,o his r-e?'inquish ing his Gov4Drii,lue if to his relinquishing his son, that he did so from motives °*rj. 0 and honour. People must draw w1 conclusions. He would say no rnore-

THE WEDDING SEAS 0 N  I THE WEDDING SEASON I A juror who was summoned to 8 the grand jury at the Old Bail--v Yee'to "ø. protested that he was a church orga° this was the w?ddm? seaiwn. "? ?. ¡¡Ø he sta large choral wedding to-day, he  1 you let me off until June there ? 11 110 130 many weddings then." He was e%c*^ and told to attend agaiii in June.

POOR SPORT. iog, I teo, A well-known angler, who had be« n .I the whole day and got nothing o" t!' was accosted by one of the said: "Are you aware this water ? pf? ?)' a.nd that yo? aro not allowed to t  I from it?" "G?at Scott!" rcpUcd tn ?%?" "I'm not taking your nsh; I'm fM-di? tllo.

MASSACRES FEARED. jjfl I CII-{,I'-tII' I Rome, W dnesday.-The Ro??"? t?..? bishops in Albania have Pope expressing their fears of i I,, peow?ioi general massacres and entreating tllat tance may be sent immediately-

BLESS!NC THE CR0Ps I -"I?l t Rogation-tide was c€.?b rated a   I Norfolk, by the picturesque ce'????? ??? j blessing the crops, the vicar and ^.g jv bleaNng t.he cro.p?. tha vica,r ?""c?)t < holding the serviee on top of tiloIio 0 I holding tho service on top <M ? ? t tow?r..f t

"AN ENGLISHMAN'S HO? I MtJt-i I George Roomcnà. a in??'? u ;i  I T?t?T<an. wh? wa.s ffred t'? n r eflis^ I m?tM? f?r his services in the 2?'0ut''blf- ?Ot' ps just died a.t Cambridge—in the worl?lloa"' -40 I

THE ft "WEEKLY MAM CONTAINING 12 pages and 84 001 .uvin% is the Best Weekly P published in Soutfr W^ and M.bïre. It Contains:— Wa a) THE BPS- GS??.?SoS? ? 'fQE HKSf ?CAL  CA?'ll?O? 13Y (4) ?KRtAL SiOKY. (5) SU?T -JOitY. P", ii g  iD MEDICAL ANSWJl:Ø SVI,EN.DID ILL! ",?"? It is the B?t P?P? for ¡ Friends Abroad* PRICE, 1d. Published i ? .?.?..?   

FOR WHITSUNTIDE. Special Show of Most Stylish and Attractive Goods. IN OUR SPLENDID MILLINERY SHOWBOOM, HUNDREDS OF MOST STYLISH HATS Just received from, the Beet Paris and London Designers. AN OVERWHELMING SELECTION OF LOVELY HATS, Produced by our own staff of artistes, at Prices varying from 7 711 to 21/11 Each. A Collection of over 500 Newest and Moat Tasteful Summer Costumes, At Prices ranging from 14/11 to 5 Guineas Each. A Splendid and Most Attractive Stock of Lovely Cotton, Linen & Muslin Costumes, Exquisitely Trimmed with Lace and Embroidery, a.t Prices ranging from 8/11 to 29/11 ths Costume 680 FEATHER BOAS, FEATHER STOLES, AND FEATHER TIES, Dle Most Charming Lot of Feather Neckwear ever shown in the City, in every con- ceivable shade, at Prices ranging from 3/11 to 5 Guineas Each. 1,560 Delightful Summer Blouses Most Charming Confections, the Best and Most Dainty Productions of Very Best Parisian Taste, from 2/11 to 2 Guineas Each. NEWEST LACE NECKWEAR, In Profuse and Charming Variety, all at oar well-known POPULAR PRICES. GED. A. SECCOMBE AND CO., QUEEN-STREET, CARDIFF. Na 24. Why pay enormous inter- est when Phil Phillips, 24, St. Mary street, will lend you £100 and upwards. Interest at 16s. 8d. per month on all kinds of Jew- £100 cilery, Deeds, Shares, Seal- skin, China, and long stand- ing Life Insurances. A large variety of Gold ad Silver Watches at half 1 ?*/Q Usual Shop Prices. See -L?O our Windows. A Big Stock of and Ladies' Guards and Alberts, Dia- mond Rings, Engagement PER Rings, Wedding Rings, Gold Brooches and Bracelets. Lovely Gents' Singlo Stone MONTH Diamond Rings at Low prices. Give us a call and see for yourself. Only INTEREST. dress is PHIL PHILLIPS, 24, St. Mary-street, Cardiff. &1934 ALBATROSS Self-Raising Flour. ONCE TRIED-ALWAYS USED From all Grocers. gs-u RHEUMATISM and PARALYSIS Their Complete Home Cure. GIVE AWAY TO SUFFERERS who apply at once. W. H. VENO. Ph.D., F.S.Sc. (Land.), the greatest living authority on Rheumatism and Paralysis, has just published a new editiom (123th thousand) of his famous hook showhg how sufferers may cure themselves at home in the easiest and simplest way—approved of by many members of the clerical, legal, and medical professions. Preface by a DoctoT of the Wurtzburg University. Before attempt- ing any treatment, sufferers, in their own interests, should have this book in their pü6- fiesoitvn.—Apply for a free copy at once to W. H Veno, Dep. R., 25, Cedar-street, Man- chester. e738 TOO LATE FOR CLASSIFICATION W'_L""JJ). Uj xespectuoie uuL, Daily h).¡.k.-<-o\.pply » 43, Pearl-street,, .au"¡, Cardiff. e664n.il WANTED, an Improver to the Tailoring; constant employment.—Apply J. Ho.e. 126, "oodvJlI"-road. Ca-dia. e&6&ii21 ITU NI SHED -100ms or Lod-giDgog Vt; piano; J- bath; with wiuow; terms veIY moderate.—22, Angua-stieot, fioath e557h21 DKK.ssii.YJil.NG.—Good. -i8taiîts al1d Apprentices -LF required at once.—Jlrs. Blake, 32, jWisAm-streot, C?Umy?. e55&t21 gcod, big, strong, Jack Donkey, Flat Cart, and pœu{.(id Harness, all in good condition, fo. Sale; .ciuat :.ell; DO reanab!6 ofter leiused.—±\ iox, 53, lydftl-street, Barry DocK. e5a £ h21 CAfiDLFF Union Headquarters' Homes, Kiy — Wanted, a ardmaid at ta-e Probationary "ards; wages, £ 13 do year, rising by £ 1 annually to £ 15, with usual indoor allowances; subject to i'oor Law Hule.s.- Apply to the Matron at thø Hom8, by letter, or pe.r- l:ùlY, b(:tw()Œ3 p.m. and 5 p.m. e159 JOBBIX-G Work wanted by experienced Gardener.— <? Apply C. Mfum, 36, Clive-road, Canton, Cardiff. e3601U6 Sale, 24 Bull Orpington Chickens, JO White J- LdgUorns, WLiie aiid Hlac;1 Wyandottes, 100 special cross-bred ChicÍ>!>ns to cnooe from; bS. ùozen; inspection cordially invited.—Poultry Breeders, 57, riUhamon-eniijanjunent. e5;»h21 -W-AsiIÜ-tonce:-truSt\Ort-hY. reliable BOOt;; Billiard-marker, and mane himæiî generaJly useful; good references essential; personal interview preferred.—Toies, Tredegar Arms Hotel, i'ew C2495 COLJ.IE.RY Manner wanted for Great Mountain Colliery; steep measures; salajy £4()() first year, £ 460 second year, £ 500 for third aad suquent years, with free house' and coal; aged under 40.—Applica- tions, with full references, headed "Managership" and marked" private," to be addressed to sk-cretary, Grlla.t Mountain Collieries Company (Limited), Liaiseily.' 02503 FOR Sale, full-size Billiard-table, by Biu-roughes and Watts; practically new; handsome marking cabinet, cue-stand, cues, pyramid and billiard balls, &c. Also the Turkey Carpet surround. Price for the whole in first instance, of Fortt, Hatt, and Burton-street, Bath. C2505 WANTED, Working Housekeeper; about 457 six children, youngest four years—State references .O r. 98, Evening Experss. Cardiff. eo61h25 GOOD Cook-General wanted, Coucty Rectory; three ? ma.ids kept; wa?M £20 to ^22.—Apply Mrs. P?veU DoratoM Rectory, Hereford. e55? XlfAXTE'D, emajt Turn-out, Governed Cax and  "ess; rcliable for lady and chiMreB.-State tulJest parttcuJMs, separate or to^ether' D. D. Harries, l-'oll tyberem. e5MMl -?j?TED 'mm??'ter?. for'?omitj-yT ?ood ?Pt?m 'T Cook: wa<? to competent ræn; houæ- par', .ourmau.l and man ??._Mr.. I'ri< £ I^vewan Bectory, Brecon. eS62h2i W AN'TKn, Male Assistant for General BusLnewT 'V with knowcd? of ifrooery and draperv. used to country trade.-Apply to Ben. Jones, PenllerKaer' 'Oorseinon. e535h2i .?4 TY1umph for Sale; standard 1908 machine; equal  w SW; perfect; £ 32.—Elcxk, Poithcawl. e566h2l STOP PRESS Latest Telegrams LATSST CRICKET SCORES. DEFEAT OF THE AUSTRALIANS. SCR EE i" won by five mii5 I .If "?''?' 4.?-<'OL'?'TY?LATK. Be.u?: Li-iter -i t ». I{i-ill:; Crust r..<l Lsmun d Bel*:3A—? *-0 4 02 Tiaddeus. Bettiog—i t? 4 oa Braceet. I I )

The Man in the Street. i ■ W Whatever may be the outlook for the ordinary working man, it would seem that that of the loafer is brightening. In I the good old days that are gone, the street corner man's principal object was to get hold of a horse's head, or the reins that controlled it, and to speculate as to the possible extent of benefactions to come. But the advent of the horseless car played sad havoc with this gentle means of livelihood, and for some years the handy corner man has been suffering from acute distress, all the more real if the agony has been borne in silence. However, it is an evil Act of Parliament that does not work for the good of some- body, and the "Children's Charter" has brought with it a new, and it is to be. hoped lucrative occupation for the profes- sional loafer. Only the other day a significant scene was witnessed outside a public-house, when a father, mother, and child of four approached. The parents looked wistfully at the inn and rather sorrowfully at their olive branch, both evidently asking themselves, "What can we do with her ?" An enterprising loafer detached himself from that particular part of the wall he was helping to prop up, and said: "You go in; I'll look after 'er for yer." And thus was greatly appreciated help found during a very present time of trouble. Talking of horseless vehicles, it is well to occasionally look back a hundred years or two and reflect on the days when microbes had a very easy time compared to the present methods of wholesale dis- tribution along our one-time green- hedged highways. In 1760, for exampler travelling was not the luxurious rush through the country that it now is. A London merchant's journey to Dublin and back was an enrerprise not to be lightly undertaken. Here is an account of a record performance of those days. Leav- ing London on Monday evening, the traveller reached Liverpool on Wednes- day morning, in time to catch the Packet for Dublin, which city he reached on Thursday. During that day he transacted his business in the Irish capital, and next morning sailed for Liverpool, arriving there on Saturday. On Monday he was back in London, his journey having been completed in eight days. That was con- sidered a prodigious achievement, and the chronicler concludes, And there is every reason to believe that it will be possible to beat even this performance in the near future!" What has happened since then has provided the world' with wonders that will only be beaten by the coming conquest of the air, when air- ships will be a very convenient aid to spending week-ends in New York. The man who gets too much in the public eye stands an extremely good chance of becoming a distorted object to the vision of others. But it must be said of the famous American humorist that one can do anything with Mark Twain but bury him without the slightest fear of untimely contradiction. Mark is credited with an expression of disappoint- ment at his discovery that an Indian squaw who sold him some specimens of native handicraft was "really a French lady named Murphy." Possibly, it was in consequence of this discouraging expe- rience that there is now a law in America to prevent the use of fictitious names for trading purposes. Fifty foreigners, chiefly moneylenders, have been fined for using Irish names with which to carry on their business. These included twenty so- called Sullivans, ten Murphys, five O'Connors, four Byrnes, two each of Healeys, O'Carrols, Dooleys, and Crokers. The order of preference is interesting, and one naturally wonders why this popu- larity of Sullivan—unless it is the extra- ordinary influence of the pugilist "J. L." or that ilk. Smith, Jones, and Robinson appear to be slightly out of favour across the Herring Pond at the present time. There are few more popular and able officials in the county of Glamorgan than Mr. J. Pritchard, the well-known warrant officer connected with the Cardiff Union. His fame has extended throughout the country—especially before the erection of the City Mental Hospital-and in dis- charging disagreeable tasks John Prit- ohard has always carried with him an atmosphere of honest geniality that has done not a litHe to carry him through with more than mere success. Yesterday the members of the union finance com- mittee had their annual opportunity of complimenting this model official upon the excellent manner in which he had done his work-and they did it in whole- hearted style. His account of money collected, prosecutions conducted, cases of lunacy attended to and removed, paupers from and chargeable to other unions, children in homes, etc., presented a mass of figures that gave some idea as to the complexity of the work that comes within his province. Mr. Pritchard has grown grey in the service of the guar- dians, but none serve the ratepayers more faithfully, and it is to be hoped that he has many more years of work in front of him. Further attention is drawn to-day to the mysterious airship reported earlier at Newport. This time the report comes from the Cardiff Docks, where invariably the oaour of truth prevails, and conse- quently the matter requires some little attention. The first thought that strikes the average man is that if the overhead vessel is the same that was sighted above the Usk a day or two ago the going is very slow for a flying machine. A Mara- thon runner could do double the distance in a twentieth part of the time. But if it is a spy aeroplane, the enemy has had plenty of opportunity to draw a perfect map of the docks at Newport and Cardiff, and the result should be almost as good as that to be seen in almost any local guide book. If it should happen that the car contains a load of Martians anxious to participate in the Pageant, Mr. Haw- trey should see about putting up a sky sign, for the visitors have evidently lost themselves. The idea that the machine is the forerunner of an invading army cannot hold water, for the foreigners, whoever they might be, have plenty of emissaries inside this country, with a full knowledge of all that matters, without resorting to such a roundabout manner of obtaining information. Unless some- thing more material is forthcoming, the mysterious visitor will have to be classed with the luminous owl and taken with a considerable pinch of salt.

JEWELLERY PLEDCED I Mr. Jnstioe Pickford on Tuesday in the King's Bench Division further heard and con- cluded the action brought by Mr. S. Weiner, a diamond merchant, against Mr. S. Harris, of Cardiff, asking for the delivery up of certain jewellery, said to be plaintiff's pro- perty, which a man named Fisher, a jeweller, of Harrogate, pledged with defendant to secure an advanoe. Plaintiff said that Fisher was only trusted with the jewellery to sell, but defendant's contention was that the plaintiff and Fisther were really in partner- ship over the concern, and that the pledging was done with Weiner's consent. Mr. H. Dobb replied to Mr. J. B. Mathews's argument for the defendant. He said the onus was on the defendant to show that the letter of July 31, 1905, on which plaintiff rested his case, was not a document which governed the transaction, but that some other arrangement had been made. The letter in question, said in effect what the appro." note said, and the appro." note had been dealt with in the case of Weiner and GilL Hia Lordship: The appro." note says he is not to sell except for cash. MT. Dobb said in substance it provided the game as far as the cash was concerned, but it went further, and gave Fisher authority to sell on credit. If that letter stood, plaintiff was entitled to recovery of the goods and to judgment. His Lordship said he would give judgment in two or three days.

MAGISTRATE AND STRAY DOG I Th advice 01 Mr. ivaul Taylor wae soug-ht at Maa-ylebone Police-court yesterday by a man who desired to ascertain his position respecting the ownership of a Yorkshire terrier which he had found straying and had taken to Marylabone-lane Police-station, after which it was sent to the Dogs' Home at Bafttersea. No claimant having come for- wa.rd, it was in/tetnded to sell the dog. The applicant asked the magistrate whether he could not claim the animal after paying for its keep. Mr. Paul Taylor: I should say, in the absence of finding the owner, YOU have a prior claim over ainyone else. It seems to me you are more entitled to it titan the Dogs' Home. Go to them a.n.d ask for the dog, and if they won't give it up to you, 1 them they will be summoned for detaining it.

DISfLLUSIONED AT ALTAR I During a marriage service at Budapest yesterday the bride was so overcome with emotion that on opening her li-ps to give her aseent her false teeth fell out.

"UNSHED COirf ~TD" for Cousrha and Colds. Of I Bioves efficacy 9ad. U. Cbeulsts ooljr. eU53 |

FROM ALL QUARTERSI Sir Payraton Pigott has tendered his resig- nation as chief-ocwigbable of Norfolk. A primrose root containing 230 full blos- soms is growing in a cottage garden at Upleatham, near Salt burn. Lord Belper was ejected chairman of the County Councils Association at the annual meeting at the Middlesex Guild-hall yester- day. By fifty-eag'ht voites to nineteen the North- umbarla-nd Miners' Council yesterday after- noon rejected a proposal to appoint a Trade Union organising agent. About £ 105,000 has been realised by the sale of the late Mr. Justice Day's collection of engravings, which was concluded at Messrs. Christie's rooms yesterday. The Archbishop of York has consented to preaoh the first sermon in the restored choir of Selby Abbey on October 19, when the com- pletely restored structure will be opened. On arrivinig at Avonmouth yesterday from New Zealand, the Glasgow liner Fifeshiire reported thiat durin.g terrible weather in too Sorut,hern Pacific fihe lay helpless for twelve hours. No fewer than eighty-one cases of diphtheria have been ropcrted during the pas," four weeks from the Headingley and Burley districts of Leeds. Whole families have been stricken. So boggy in places is Martimhoe Ootmmon, wtoetra the North Devon Hu&sars a,re en. camped, that sevciPal of t,he troopers a,i,d some of the officers have bad marrow escap€s from being engulfed. A return to be presented to the education committee of the London County Council to- day states that the number of pupils attend- ing the county secondary schools at the open- ing of the summer term, 1909, was 3,554, of whom 1,230 were fee-paying pupils and 2,324 scholarship holders. ?_- "—

MILLIONAIRE DANCERS I Ladies in evening attire promenaded last night through a luxurious garden lighted by thousands of electric lights in a. spot in Cen- tral New York which a week ago was waste land, chiefly adorned by empty tins. At a cost of thousands of pounds this plot has been hastily transformed into a miniature garden, with a miniature acropolis. The transformation is the result of a sudden whim of certain wealthy ladies. The season [ being dull, an order was given t-o Mr. Sar- gent, an architect, to constrtTct the scene aboive described, regardless of expense, and a charity fete took place. In a classic Greek pavilion a famous restaurateur cerved supper at two guineas a head. Programmes cost five shillings a head, and gninea admission tickets ca-mraanded a premium of thrice their value. The principal attraction was the speotaclo of ladies who bear well-known names dancing for charity. For an hourr after the curtain fell millionaires, bare- kneed in Tyrolean peesant costume, and their wives and daughters in thin, classic draperies, stood in the ohilly air while eager newspaper photogTaphers took flashlight pic- tures.

BILLIARD MARKER'S ESCAPADE Two extraordinary charges were brought at Nottingham yesterday against Horace Melton, a billiard-marker. He was said to have represented himself to be an inspector from Scotland Yard, sent down on a secret inquiry, and also to be a special emissary from Mr. Lloyd George. He was arrested in the Nottingham Empire, and in his pocket was fOlund the following note:— To whom it may concerr-n,- Please allow bearer to pass wherever he may present this. He is fully empowered to use his discretion, as he is from the Criminal Investigation Department, Scot- 1and Yard. PHILIP S. CLAY (chief-constable). I Pinned to the note was a card: "Inspector I F. R. Drew, Scotland Yard, London." It was also alleged that Melton had pretended to be "sent from the Home Office by Mr. Lloyd George" to investigate to local cigar trade with reference to the nisw tobacco duties. The man was remanded.

SCHOLARS' PUZZLE. I A novel item haa been added to the curri- culum of communal schools in Kiel, which, if successful, will be tried in other achools. As the summer is the travelling season for most people, the school authorities have decided to sitart a class in which instruction will be given in railway guides and time tables. Scholars will be taught how to find their way through the labyrinth of the German Imperial Railway guide bcok, and problems will be set in which scholars will be encouraged to discover the shortest and cheapest routes between given places.

BUDGET CAUSES SHORT TIME I In coneequemco of the Budget proposals, all ciglar makers at the Imperial Tohacco Company have been placed on short time, and are working an hour less daily, besides getting the whole of Saturday off. A repre- sentative of the company, interviewed yester- day, said the revised price-lists had only been in the retailers' hands a, few days, and it was yet too early to judge the result. The retailers were evidently keeping stock low, and the settlement would probably restore full time.

3 WEEKS FOR "LOOKING ON." I Grimsby oonintty justices yesterday distin- guished themselves by a display of subtle discrimination. Two men w-ere apprehended at Halborough under the Vagrancy Act. One had begged bread, a.nd for this was com- mitted for one month, with hard labour. A compamrtOln held aloof, and then shared the crust. Tho law ohiarged him with aiding and abetting, and he got three weeks' haa-d la,bo,-ir--m,a week less for the crime of look- irug on.

WIND-DRIED HERRINGS I The Norwegian Fisheries Association last year made some experunents in wind-drying herrings, of which a. sample shipment was sent to Italy, where it was very favourably received, and it is the intention {'>of the asso- ciation to make further experiments with different methods. It, has already been proved tha.t such wind-dried herrings, when properly cured, will keep for a year. and that they acquire no strong taste such as smok-ed herrings often do.

WOMEN "TIPPLERS." I According to Canon Horsley, for every man who gets drunk in Walworth there are seven women drunkards. I have noticed it for some time," said the canxm to a press repre- sentative. Man are becoming increasingly sober, and the women increasingly intem- pera.te. When I say drunkenness I do not mean it in the ordinary sense of the term. The women do not stagger about in the street, but aire much given to tippling.'

DOG'S WARNING OF DEATH I How a a. dog gave warning of an approach- ing death was related at a Richmond inquest by the widow of the deceased man. Her hus- band's pet dog slept at the foot of their bed, and in the middle of the nigtht the wdfe was awakened by the dog barking and whining. Her husband was making a peculiar noise, and in a minute or two died. Death, the medical evidence showed, was due to heart failure.

A BOY KING'S TRIBUTE. I King Mamiei has made public recognition of the heroism of his mot-her, Queen Amelie. in saving his tiffe when the late King Carlos a.nd the Crown Prince were aesaseina-ted on February 1, 1908. King Manuel has awarded his mother the ribbons of three military Orders of San Bentoa d'Aviz, Ohristo, and Sao Thiago, decorations which aTe a,wairded only for bravery.

MEDICAL TREATMENT IN SCHOOL The Local Education Authorities (Medical Treatment) Bill, to provicle for the recovery by local education authorities of costs for the medical treatment of children attending public elementary schoolg in England and Wales, yesterday came before Standing Com- mittee "A" of the House of Commons, and after discussion was ordered to be reported to the House.

BOYS CONFESS TO Y,1,500 FIRE Two Bath boys, aged nine years, have 0001- fessed that they were the cause of a fire which dift damage to the amount of £ 1,503 on Saturday. One produced a match, and the other lit- a ball of paper, which was 1 thrown into a loft. oontaining straw.

UBT CLEAXISQ—1 Minav-etxeet. Camay*. I

Cardiff Guardians I —— -0 —— RELIEVING OFFICERS' SALARIES I MT. R. Sutherland presided at the meeting of the Cardiff Union Finance Committee on Tuesday, when Messrs. David Thomas, Thomas Williams, and Edward H. Gloyne, the three senior relievmg officers, applied for increased salaries. At present they get LISO a year each, with an extra L10 for work in connection with infant life protection, besides £10 for providing office accommodation. The applications had been referred to the com- mittee by the board of guardians. Replying to questions, the Clerk (Mr. A. J. Harris) said they never had paid higher salaries than at the present time. The Rev, Van den Heuvel proposed, Mr. John Enoch seconded, and Mr. A. Good and Mr. J. E. Llewellyn supported that the appli- cations be refused. r Ths Chairman moved as an amendment that an increase of £ io a year be granted, and Mr. Dash seconded. Only the mover and seconder voted for the increase, and it was decided by a large majority to refuse the applications. ] Mr. J. J. Ames said he saw by the report in the press that at the last meeting of the mental hospital committee the medical super- intendent (Dr. Gcodall) reported tha.t there was a balance to the good of over £ 1,300, and that the charge for pauper patients would be reduced from 13s. 5d. to 13s. lid. per head. (A Voice: A lot!" and laughter.) They had been told that the charge was to be the abso- lute cost, and he thought they ought to ask the corporation to re-pay them the £ 1,300. (Laughter.) They had paid that amount in excess. (More laughter.) The Clerk: You cannot do that. Mr. Enoch: I agree. The'Rev. Van den Heuvel: It will be carried forward as a balance to next year. Mr. Ames: But it is bad finance. Mr. W. Evans: They may be in debt R2,000 next year. Are you going to pay them that £ 2,000? Mr. Ames: I think we ought to ask them to make some return. Mr. A. Good pointed out that it was only by the practice of economy that the mental hospital committee had managed to save that sum. The Clerk said all they knew about tha matter was from the press, and he suggested they should ask for an official intimation that a reduction was being made. This was agreed to, on the proposition of Mr. Ames. Mr. J. Pritchard, wrrrant officer, presented his ainnual report, showing a total collection of £ 5,879, 623 prosecutions, and 146 orders to contribute towards maintenance. He had j attended to 285 cases of lunacy, and 185 had been certified and conveyed to the asylums. He examined 754 removable cases, 198 were reported to the clerk, and 121 were accepted by other unions on orders obtained. Other work by Mr. Pritchard included the removal of children to and from the homes. The Chairman and other members of the committee spoke in terms of high praise cf the work done by Mr. Pritchard, who said he had collected zC697 since April 1, or nearly X100 a week. (Hear, hear.)

LOVERS SATIRISED I Following close upon the heels of Mr3. Elinor Glyn, who thinks that American men must make indiffcrent lovers, comes the talented little actress. May de Sousa, who declares that when Englishmen make love they, in the language of America, "are ocreams." When an Englishman intends to propose to the woman of his choice (says Miss de Sousa) he pu.ts on a top hat, a long coat, and a. solemn face, and calls on his lady love. Each takes a seat in opposite corners of the room. After the grandfather clock in the hall has ticked out four minutes he begins: 'Oh, I say, Miss Brown, I'm a perfect rotter, don't y know. But really I can't help it, and really I love you. You're so rippin', don't y' know. And, I say, I must strike you as a perfect fool; and so I am, don't y' know. So I beg your sincere pardon, Miss Brown; and if you will please excuse me now I will dress for dinner." "The lady generally tells him she is not in the least offended," added Miss de Souea, "and accepts him right away."

ARE VICTORIAN STAMPS VALID 1 A curious state of the law—if the circum- stances be -,is deel-ared-is disclosed in a question which Mr. Heniniker Heaton will ask the Postmaster-General on Thursday (says "The Times"). It runs thus:- Whether it is a fact that the British Postal officials impose a fine or surcharge on all letters from Australia that have a portrait of Queen Victoria on the postago stamps, on the ground that such stamps are not current six years after the demise of the Sovereign; whether the Federal Government of the Commonwealth of Aus- tralia has not indignantly protested against I this surcharge; whether the surcharge is justified by any clause in any Act of Parlia- ment and whether Australian coinage beam- ing the portrait of the late Queen is letgll tender.

A JUDCE'S SARCASM I 'A conversation between Mr. Justice Darling and an indignant woman caused much amusement at the Old Bailey, London, yes- terday. The case was one in which Mrs. Priscilla Newman, of 18, Northfield-road, Eal- ing, was found not guilty of setting are to a neighbour's house at Ealing and discharged. While Mrs. Nowman was giving evidence Mrs. Woodley, at whose house the fire occurred, exclaimed, "You wioked har!" Mr. Jivjtioe Darling: Mm. Woodley, if you don't keep quiet I will have you removed from the court. Mrs. Woodley: It's more tha,n I can bear, hearing her say that. Mr. Justice Dar- ling: You try to boar it, will You? I have a great deal more than that to bear. (Laughter.) Mrs. Woodley: Do let me speak, sir. I must tell you the truth. (Laughter.) Mr. Justice Darling: In this oomrt we can't allow more than one person at a time to tell the truth. (Laughter.)

PRIVATE WEALTH FOR THE POOR I A week ago Canon Hicks, who is a familiar and popular clerical figure in the County of Lincoln, made a sensational statement a.t a Labour mass meeting. "As a Socialist," he said, "I have to consider how far I am justi- fied in living on unearned increment from the wealth I happen to have inherited. It is a hard problem, but I intend to face it. It is understood that he intends to surrender the whole of the income from his private wealth, which is considerable. He has already made arrangements to seal his motor-car and part with his carriage, and he will live entirely on his salary. His private means he will devote to the alleviation of suffering and want as it is brought to his notice.

STRANGLED IN A CELLAR I A murder was committed the other night with revolting brutality at NeuilJy Plaisante, near Paris. The victim was a widow of 72, Mme. Pierre Mois, who was assassinated in her lonely villa in the Rue EaspaiL Her dead body was discovered in the cellar under some I barrels. The murderers, who wore probably hidden in the villa, strangled the old woman with a string. Eobbery seems to have been the object of the crime, for the whole house had been ransacked. When the criminals had finished their work they proceeded to have slipper. They cooked some eggs, ate everything they could find in the cupboard, a.nd drank several bottles of wine and a bottle of champagne.

LOVE AND FORGERY. At the Central Criminal Court, London. David Goodma.n (21), a watchmaker, pleaded guilty to stealing a iyjst-ofB.ee Savings Bank book belonging to Jur. F. R. Gamble, his employer, and forging and uttering a notice for the withdrawal of £70. Mr. Curtis Ben- nett, defending, said that last Whitsuntide Goodman fell in love with a young woman, and was anxious to get married. His wages not being sufficient, he was tempte.d to forge 'this order. After giving the greater part of the money to the girl, he woolf, to America, and she was to follow. She did not but kept the money, and was believed to be engaged now to another man. The prisoner was sentenced to eight months' bard labour.

WIFE'S ILLNESS COST 11-9000 I A doctor appeared at Salford Coairt of Bankruptcy yesterday for public examina- tiCiO. His affairs showed a deficiency o-f L" on liabilities estimated at £ 823. He said that on account of the illness of his wife he sold the practice in 1906 for JE570, and removed to London. The practice he opened there pjoved a failure, and his earnings were not I moire than 30s. per week. In 1907 his wife died after a ten years' illness. He estimated that heillnesg cost him a, thousand pounds.

— "7 "LINS'En COMPOUND" With warm water Is an j ccelleat <;MTle for Ion thrWA. a6659 I

Late Mr. G. Meredith MEMORABLE TOUR IN SOUTH WALES According to his wishes, the body of Mr. George Meredith will be cremated. Shoals of telegrams from personal friends at home and abroad poured in during the day, and one from the Prime Minister addressed to Mrs. Sturgis was in these words:- Please be assured of our deep sympathy. He has left a place which cannot be filled in the hearts of those who knew him. A lady admirer who arrived from Egypt on Tuesday morning went straight on to Box Hill in the hope of being allowed a, glimpse of the great master's features, but her request had to be denied. His Feeling Towards the British Public Mrs. Sturgis, in a conversation, said, "We cannot find anything amongst njy father's papers 11.3 to his wishes in the matter of burial, but I know what his desires were. He frequently told me that he desired to be cremated, and we have decided to carry out that wish." Asked as to the report that the distin- guished writer had been for some time engaged on a work for posthumous publica- tion, Mrs. Sturgis replied that her father had THE LATE MR. GEORGE MER-EDITH. not written anything for some years, and that she did not believe there were any unpublished manuscripts in the house. She was next asked whether he expressed any bitterness at any time at what he might have regarded as inadequate recognition on the part of the British public, she responded that he was bitter at the la/teness of the recognition. He forgave it, but never forgot it. He was always good-humoured, and would say at times that America was the first place to accord him his due reward. Mr. Ballinger's Appreciation In order to ascertain how far Mr. Meredith was popular with the reading public, one of our representatives had a conversation with Mr. John Baliinger at the Cardiff Central Library at the time of Mr. Meredith's eightieth birthday, and the facts which he gleaned from the then chief librarian are highly interesting. There are complete sets of his works at the Central and Canton Libraries, and, with two or three exceptions, all his books are obtainable at the other branch libraries in the city. There are in all seventy volumes of the deceased author's works available at the Cardiff Free Libraries, and during 1907 they were circulated as follows:Central, 382; Canton, 74; Roath, 107; Cathaye, 77; and Grange- town, 48. The most widely-read of his books in Cardiff, according to a local bookseller, are Evan Harrington," The Egoist," Diana of the Cross ways," "The Adventures of Harry Richmond." and" Rhoda Fleming." In social and political matters, as in every- thing else, Mr. Meredith idealised practical form. Man's evolution, as he understood it, has ceased in these latter days to be an unconscious process of vegetable or animal growth; it is even ceasing to be a brute struggle between enemies for survival. Nature's method of evolution for us now is that we sihould actively uso our brains to direct organised effort towards ends chosen for the good of all. Society, no less than the individual, must have an aim before the head," and its aim and method must be, as far as possible, democratic. Marvellous Knowledge of Women I Apart from any other claim he may have upon hia generation, Mr. Meredith's greatest and most original will ever remain his mar- vellous knowledge of woman. A feminine critic once said, He is the only novelist who really understands women." Her tribute may have been perfervid, but Mr. Meredith's power of character analysis, especially of women, is an abiding amazement to the student of novels. He could bring before the mind's eye of his reador the very impersona- tion of his heroines in vivid flesh and blood. Take this pen picture of Diana of the Cross- ways. It is a Sunday, and Diana has been driven by Lord Dannisburgh to the home of her friend. "She was the very radiant Diana of her earliest opening day, both in look and speech, a queenly comrade, and a spirit leaping and staining like a mountain water. She did not seduce, she ravished. The judgment was taken captive and flowed with ber. As to the pramk of the visit, Emma heartily enjoyed it and hugged it for a holiday of her own, and doting on the beautiful, dark-eyed, fresh creature, who boire the name of the divine Huntress, she tihougiht her a true Dian in stature, step, and attributes, the genius of laughter super- added. None else on earth so sweetly laughed, none so spontaneously, victariously provoked the healthful openness. Her deli- cious chatter and her museful sparkle in listening, equally quickened every sense of hfe." All young girls upon the verge of woman- hood should be recommended an exhaustive study of Meredith as a healthy antidote against the nauseous and abominable traves- ties of themselves and their species circu- lated on all hands. A Brilliant Talker Between Meredith, Swinburne, and Mr. Watts-Dunton there existed a most affec- tionate friendship. Just as Mr. Watts- Dunton was about to write to Meredith he received the news of Meredith's death. This, he told an interviewer, had given him the coup-de-grace. He talked much to his interlocutor about Meredith, but more as a. man than as a novelist. According to him, Meredith to the very last wa,s the most brilliant and wonderful talker in Great I Britain, more varied in his scope than Swin- burne, and quite as brilliant. Everything he said was charged with humour and wit of the rarest kind. To listen to him was like drinking champagne. What appeared some- times over-strained in his writings seemed simply charming in his conversation. He shared with Swinburne an enormous enjoyment of life, but to say which was the happier would be difficult. Perhaps in oorusoation of wit Meredith held the palm. They were both deaf, Swinburne very deaf, but this somehow did not in the least inter- fere with their enjoyment of conversation with their friends." Tour in South Wales The news of the famous novelist's death has a peculiar inteTeat to Wales owing to Mr. Meredith's Welsh lineage and the kindly spirit with whioli he had a.t all times regarded public amd social movements for the uplifting of the Welsh nation. It may not be generally known that some twenty years ago George Meredith paid an extended visit to South Wales, during which time he visited Llanelly, Merthyr, Llandilo, Cardiff, Tenby, and Ferndale. At that time Mr. William Maxse Meredith, the son of the novelist, wa.s in partnership with Mr. J. C. Howell, Llanelly, the well-known electrical engineer. During his stay at Llanelly the distinguished novelist paid a visit to the Soioth Wa.1es Steel and Tin-plate Works, then owned by Messrs. E. Morewood and Co. He was intensely interested in what he saw, and his description of the pyrot-eohnic dis- play from the charging of the stoel furnaces is still a vivid memory to Mr. Howell and the other members of the party. A few days later Mr. Meredith visited Ferndale, and while there he went down one of the pits owned by Mr. Fred Davis. The party included the daughter of the novelist and Mr. (now Sir) Frank Edwards, M.P. This was Mr. Meredith's first experience of the miner's life, and he sat down underground and enjoyed a long cha.t with some of the grimy colliers. At Llandilo he spent a very enjoyable week, and was struck, as he could not help being, with the magnificent scenery of the Vale of Towy. Another pleasant experience was the week at Tenby. A gentleman belonging to the party says he will never forget dining with the novelist on a Sunday evening at Tenby. Mr. Meredith was in brilliant form, and on that occasion his great epnversational powers were at their best, and so absorbed were the party in this feast of reason and flow of soul that it was close on eleven o clock before anyone moved from the table. It was subsequent to this visit to South Wales that Meredith wrote "One of Our Con- querors," and' a diligent student of Meredith discovered in tihat book tho well-known Welsh expression, "Ach y fl," so that Meredith evi- dently took away something from South Wales! In 1902 the University of Wales conferred upon him the degree of Doctor in Litterie Honoris Causa, for distinction in literature. )

Mr. James Howell's Willi AH ESTATE OF A QUARTER OF A MILLION ) We understand that by the will of the late Mr. James Howell, J.P., Cardiff, property of I the value of about a quarter of a million is bequeathed to his family. There are no public bc</uests, Mr. Howell having been during his lifetime a most generous bene- factor of the various public institutions in the town. The will is not a recent one, a.nd the property is left entirely to the six sons and five daughters. The new death duties on L250,000 are fixed, at 11 per cent.. and the total payment to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this sum would be £ 27,500. By the Budget resolutions the new death duties came into force on April 30 last. ¡

I GLASGOW BAILIE IN LONDON I Francis Archer, a man of 72, was at Clerkenwell Police-court yesterday charged with being drunk. A policeman said that he found the defendant in Euston-road. He was incapable of taking as he was almost insensible a doctor wars sent for. Mr. Eicketts, for the defence, sug- gested that the defendant had been drugged and robbed, a.nd the magistrate (Mr. Bros.) I &aid h? would dismiss the case if the doctor's fee were paid. Mr. Archer: I want to t?ay that I am a bailie in Glasgow, and sit on the same sort of bench as you, and I ask if there is no protection in London against I thieves and swindlers. Mr. Bros: The police do their best to protect old geatlenien they may find in the street. Mr. Archsr continued to protest in the sa.me strain, bu.t he was eventually persuaded by his solicitor (Mr. Ricketts) to pay the doctor's fee and depart.

AN ACCOMPLISHED LADY I Viscountess Casilereasii spoke at a draw- j ing-room meeting at the residence of Lady Strachey, 67, Eeleize Park-gardens, on I ■behalf of the Conservative and Unionist Women's Franchise Association. LadyOastle- reagh, a daughter of Mr, Henry Chaplin, is I a good hostess and a first-rate sportswoman. Sh-e plays golf well, rides splendidly, and is an intense lover cf animak-. She has lately joined the Bloodhound Club, and she also rides astride, both in tpwn and country. Lord Gastlereagh has Conservative M.P. for Maidstone since 1506, and is captain and adjutant of the Royal Horse Guards. Lord Stewart, his heir, now 5'.{'n years of age, h.ad the unusual honour of being godson both of King Edward and Queen Alexandra. His first name is Edward, and his second Charles, which has been borne for many centuries by members of the Vane-Tempest family.

WEEKLY HOLIDAY FOR POLICE I There is reason to believe that the Govern- ment intend to adopt the recommendation of the Select Committee which recently reported on the question of giving a weekly holiday to the police force. This, it is understood, will take the form of graitting this weekly holiday to members of ihe polie.e force in the Metropolis. Such a step (says the "Stan- dard") does not necessarily involve legisla- tion, and can be done as a result of purely administrative action on the part of the I Home Office.

A TROPHY DISAPPEARS William Henry and Albert Marvin appeared at Bow-street yesterday in reference to the theft of the silver challengo cup from the Rover Company's New Oxford-street pr& mises. A police-sergeant stated that he fol- lowed the two men and some companions to fehaftec-ibury-avenue and saw Henry go to the door of the premises of the ll-ovor Company Three men afterwards entered the building, and witness saw the box containing the cup taken from the table. The case was adjourned.

CZAR AND CIRCUS MASTER I The Russian "Court Circular" has just solemnly announced that the Czar has granted especial audiences to Mr. James Fillis and to Mile. Preobrajensky. Mr. Fillis is a member of a family well kn,o,wl\ in Eng- land and South Africa as proprietors of an excellent travelling circus. Formerly he was a riding instructor to the Russian cavalry. Mile. Prc-obrajensky is the premiere danseuse I of the Russian Imperial Ballet, and a great public favourite.

THE BABY IN THE CUPBOARD I Albert Hitchcock (23) and Ada Hitchcock (27) were charged on remand at Greenwich yesterday with the manslaughter of a newly- born child, which was found in a cupboard at 18, Host oil-street, Deptford, where a second body, in a mummified condition, was also found. Evidence was given as to the poverty of the pa,rent.s recently, and to the discovery of the bodies after the prisoners had left, a.11d the couple were again remanded.

KING LEOPOLD'S PICTURES. I The feeling caused by the news of the sale of King Leopold's private gallery is far from haing calmed. The King is not only selling I his admirable pictures, but also all his Egyptian antiques, which were given to him in 18A by the Khedive Ismail. It is also said t-hat his Majesty is selling the port,ra,it cf Queen Marie Herariette, hiB wife, and even tho precious stones amd jewels which were I given to him as presents or decorations. ■ 11 11 —

JILTED BY AN ARMY COOK I An attractive-looking gitl, named Lillie Leslie, was awarded £100 at Dublin yesterday in an action for breach of promise against Edward Jl'Leash, a sergeant master cook in the Rifle Brigade, at present stationed in Belfast. The couple became acquainted Ih.?,h M'Leash coming to the rescue of the lady when a man was persisting in unwel- come attentions. •

NOT MUCH OF A FORTUNE I Her husband was. jealous; an old lady I would die on her doorstep, and some stout person would "decoy" clothes from her which she would not recover. Such was to be a woman's "fortune," for the alleged telling of which a single young woman waa charged a,nd re, by the Wednesbuiry County magistrates yesterday.

WHY BJNCVILLE IS HEALTHY I We notice that when Bingvillo people clean up their yards every spring they cart their rubbish to the public square and dump it into the town well. The town well is a con- venient ptlace to dump rubbish into we will admit, but in our opinion it does not make the town well water taste a.ny better.—Bing- Tille "Bugle," U.S.A.

JUDGE'S CHAUFFEUR FINED I At Wealdstone yesterday Alfred Rolls, chauffeur to Lord Justice Fletcher Moulton, was fined £ 4 and costs for driving a motor- car at Z5 miles an hour up Stanmoro-hill, where there is a speed limit of ten miles an hour- Lord Justice Fletcher Moulton was in the car. I

IRISH ROBE FOR DUTCH BABY I lady Londonderry, at a meeting of the Royal Irish Industries Association at her town house yesterday, said the association had sent Queen Wilhelmina a baby robe cf Ca,rriokfergu.9 guipulre lace, mounted on fine Irish cambric, made by the Convent of Sligo.