South Wales Echo

DOCK ACCOMODATION AT j CARDIFF. We are informed that there have been several cases of serious delay to vessels arriving at Cardiff recently, in consequence of the inadequacy of the present dock system. These arc only typical, however, of a not uncommon state of things, and as more enterprise appears to be manifested at rival ports than at Cardiff in the matter of dock building, we think it is only meet that this prominent grievance should again be called attention to. We ask the Shipowners and other men of position and influence to consider the situation with a view to the proposal of a remedy. What is to be done ?-It is absurd, and it does not indeed reflect much credit upon the intelligence of the port that the consideration of the extension of the dock accom- modation should be only spasmodically treated with, and shelved from time to time. The recent appointment of a dock extension Committee was made on a false basis, as we pointed out, and nothing tangible is likely to result therefrom. And while the Committee continues to sit," and in this manner begins and ends its labours, it is surely time for the authorities of the port to take the responsibility of the question upon themselves. It is unsatis- factory to await the issue of the dealings of a small body which was started "to buy the docks," even beforo a courteous intimation had been given to the MARQUESS OF BUTE that certain persons were desirous, in the interests cf the locality, of discussing the lack of dock accom- modation and we bep to point out, that, to be effective, a new representative Committee must be formed, with the object of waiting upon the MARQUESS OF BUTE to convey to his lordship the feelings of the port, and to confer with him as to the prospects of a future development of the docks in a mutual manner. The question. How is this committee to be appointed ? will arise, and it will apparently be one of difficulty, as no one cares to confess to a mistaken policy, and to retract. In the interests of this great port it is, however, imperative that steps should be taken to bring the matter to a correct issue. What we would suggest is this let the Committee now cl-- appointed to deal with the question, report to the respective bodies by whom they were appointed, the untenable character of their position Let them say After what has passed, we cannot with any show of plausibility approach the MARQUESS. Please dismiss us, and re-open the question. Personally, we shall be glad to act on a re-constituted Committee." Then the Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council could deal with the question in the abstract. They would again appoint a joint committee, and this time they could furnish their representatives with facts and figures, and desire them to confer with the MARUQESS OF BUTE on the su' ject, ascertain his lordship's views, and report thereon. In this way, a conciliatory spirit would be manifested, and Cardiff would probably .obtain, by means of reason and persuasion, what it will never perhaps get by means of foolish bluster. We can hardly blame the MARQUEES OF BUTE for refusing to embark in a great enterprise, when so strong an inclination has been manifested in some quarters to withold from him all credit for what he has done, and to bully him into doing what he has not done. What is worth doing should be done properly, and even a MARQUESS should not be treated in a less respectful manner than an ordinary townsman.

PLACE FOR THE CLERGY IN PARLIAMENT! The Bill introduced to Parliament by Sir Gabriel Goldvcy has been the subject of very general comment. The hon. member for Chippenham seeks the repeal of the Act passed eighty years ago, which renders it impossible for any person in holy orders to sit in the House of Commons. No doubt the Tories arc under the impression that their position would be strength- ened and their interests subserved by legislation in the direction indicated. But it must not be forgotten that orders in the Romish Church are recognised in England, and the measure, if carried, would open the doors of St. Stephens to priests of that communion. The Tories therefore might not gain very much by the move. The Home Rulers, however, would rejoice and doubt- less render ready support to the Bill, since they are interested in conciliating the Romish priesthood, partially alienated from them in consequence of the coquettish course pursued by Mr. Parnell and other Land Leaguers with VICTOR HUGO and ROCHEFORT. Earnest as we are in an advocacy of the fullest political liberty compatible with the highest interests of national freedom, we do not hesitate to declare our belief that the measure is scarcely likely to advantage the cause of toleration in its widest sense. The duties undertaken by clergymen of the Church of England are scarcely compatible with the discharge of legislative functions. They stand pledged to the cure of souls not only by preaching and the performance of public worship, but by visiting the sick, the teaching of children, the preparation of young people for confirmation, the solemnisation of the rites of marriage, baptism, and burial. Then they have to dispense charity, and keep the various organisations of a Z-1 parish in working order. There is more than enough for a clergymen to do, if he desires to fulfil his obligations, without turning legislator. No doubt the resignation of a benefice or the setting aside of holy orders on the part of unbeneficed clergy—the renunciation of which is not believed to be possible with many Churchmen—would set much intellectual energy free for lay purposes, and the admission of self- emancipated clergymen to the House of Commons, if not already legal, might advisedly be made so. But a man has no right to neglect obligations which he is paid to discharge, or has voluntarily elected to perform, in order to fulfil functions outside the sphere of legitimate duty. If Protestant clergy and Romish priests wish to enter Parliament, let them become laymen first. If it is impossible for them to take up that position, they may wisely be debarred the right of sitting in the House of Commons. The Bishops arc said to be out of place in the House of Lords, and in these days all of them are not privileged to sit there. There is little analogy between the case of Nonconformist ministers and the clergy, for if it were proved that any Dissenting minister who had a seat in Parliament neglected his duties, he could be got rid of at the will of his congregation. It must further be borne in mind that although the work done by Nonconformist divines is often equal to, if not far in excess of that undertaken by clergymen, the ordinary range of their labours and weight of responsibility is limited, as compared with that Of clergymen possessed of such intellectual ability and influence as would justify their return to Parliament. Military and Naval officers on active service have no right to neglect their special duties for political purposes, and the same rule is applicable to men charged with the responsibility of devoting their lives to the service of religion.

TIIE LATEST DISASTER IN SOUTH AFRICA. The disaster which has attended our Arms in South Africa is one which should teach our military authorities a lesson. It has only too frequently been the custom to allow British detachments tv light whole armies, and this iu foreign countries. Disaster has followed disaster, and these continual defeats, although only of a sectional character, cannot but tend to loiter this country in the eyes of the great military nations of Europe. The usual programme" on the occasion of war with some distant community now seems to be, first of all to send straggling sections into the enemy's country. These unfortunate soldiers are overwhelmed, and then, when an honourable peace is rendered impossible, the military and financial resources of the country are drawn upon until an adequate army is sent out to thrash the enemy for his sin in not allowing an inferior force to subjugate him. If sufficient means were adopted in the first place, it would be much the best for everyone, even on the score of expense; and the enemy beaten thoroughly would not be able to sneer at our administrative capacities, and he would be more likely to offer a permanent recognition of our power. As it is, we fear that the reverses which we have met during late years in all parts of the world, in consequence of our suicidal military policy, will induce many a comparatively small community to take up an attitude of hostility towards us. As to the situation in the Transvaal, there can be little doubt the Boers will be subjugated; and it may be established to the satisfaction of the general public, that the policy of annexation was calculated to secure the end of just government, which is the greatest good of the greatest number." Still it is manifest that SIR GEORGE COLLEY'S movements were conducted with undue precipitation, and although the general and his troops have paid a fearful penalty for their temerity, it is to be deeply regretted that their advance was not characterised by less impetuosity. From the first, when an attempt was made to carry Laing's N ek by assault,down to;the most recent disasters, the British forces seem to have been literally dashed to pieces against inaccessible rocks. The settlers are admirable marksmen, and they know the country well. It was easy for them to pick off the officers, and they did so with most alarming results. Indeed all ranks were exposed to death with scarcely any chance of defeating the enemy, and another proof has been given of the folly of going into action, without making adequate preparation for following up any trifling success which might be gained. The shocking slaughter which occurred on the Majuba mountains might have been prevented or minimised, if only the reserve supply of ammunition had been within reach. But it was not, and so the gallant fellows were slaughtered in a wholesale way, without the means of defence. At Isandula, a similar mistake occurred, and although the Zulus would probably have still overpowered the British forces, the disaster would have been less appalling if the supply of cartridges had not failed. A General of experience-Sir F Roberts-is now going out to the scene of hostilities. He will advance it-is believed, and at all events hoped, with a force sufficient to cope with the Boers. He has demonstrated great military tact in Afghanistan, and for the sake of British military prestige it is to be trusted that success will still continue to crown his efforts. But when such sad consequences of Empire are experienced as these wretched defeats, it is not surprising if the people of all orders and conditions begin to ask themselves whether there is not something radically wrong in a system which produces such melancholy results ? The wholesale slaughter of human beings, whenever n t3 occasion of quarrel occurs between nations, yet goes on, and blood cries from the ground in every language known upon earth. How long will this ghastly and insensate custom of appealing to the arbitrament of arms prevail ? Is the reign of terror to have no end ? Is the world to suffer from a second deluge— that of Blood ? Are the brute forces of civilisation to be for ever engaged in warring against themselves or semi or total barbarians ? Is Christianity destined to bear no other fruit for the majority of mankind than the nauseous and detestable apples of the Dead Sea ? Will the human race go on fighting to the bitter end, and will the highest titular distinctions and most valuable rewards be always bestowed upon successful warriors ? Will rulers, animated by a cruel lust of ambition be privileged to maintain a monopoly of might against right to the end of time ? If so, the sooner the globe is shrivelled up like a parched scroll," the better in all probability will it be for the human race. A

v ADELINA PATTI'S CASTLE. A case having special interest for South Wales, that of HEARD v. LA MARQUISR DE CAUX, other- wise ADELIXA PATTI, came before the Common Pleas Division at Westminster on Tuesday. It first came on at the last Summer Assizes at Swansea, before the late Lord Justice Thesiger, when he referred certain questions of fact to a special referee. Later there was an order of the Court of Queen's Bench that the report of the referee sheuld be made to the Court itself in the stead of the judge. This report had been made, and the plaintiff had given notice of a motion to enter judgment for the amount claimed, E2,500 and costs. There was also a notice of motion to enter judgment for the defendant. The present application was that the Court should order that, upon the hearing of the motions, the reference notes should be before the Court, so that the Court might have the materials either to decide the case themselves or to send it down again to the official referee to obtain a fuller report. The matter was ordered to stand over until the motions for judgment should be heard. It is to be feared that the castle of the great singer has not proved to be an abode of unalloyed bliss.

w — COMMERCIAL MORALITY AT CARDIFF. Recent occurrences in this locality suggest a little reflection. Credit it would seem leads to many abuses. No one can be trusted. The person who has the greatest repute for honesty, is not even a man to put faith in. Such are the conclusions that in the bitterness of the moment all of us are liable to come to. There seeni to be positively no check on the villany of seemingly respectable individuals unless it be that of making them pay cash for everything Z5 they buy. Credit is so often misapplied, that we are really glad to find that many Cardiff traders are now determinedly pledged to sell their goods for cash only. The extension of this principle would no doubt have good effects, ip although it might occasion some persons a tem- porary inconvenience. On the other hand we regret to learn that a few larger firms are still circulating paper. This may be a matter of necessity, and if so it is a melancholy fact. The renewal of bills by reputed capitalists is not an encouraging feature, especially at a time like this when trusted men are apt to disappear from our midst. The commercial morality of the day is we fear at a low ebb, and our advice to everyone is—Be on your guard.

OYSTERS FRESH EVERY DAY.—9<1. per dozen. Unopened, is. per score. Suppers and private Parties, Hotels, etc., supplied at ndut.edruteg. HARRY l, Bridge-street

THE MURDER OF LIEUTENANT ROPER. A coroner's jury have found a verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown. The shocking death of the unfortunate officer is still surrounded with mystery, and the friends of Lieutenant Roper are lost in bewilderment as to the manner and at whose hands he met his untimely end. There seems to be no doubt whatever that the assassin must have been acquainted with the barracks, and as the sentries posted at the gate declare that they saw no one enter or leave on the evening in question, the notion of an outsidsr having committed the deed is scouted altogether. It is said, however, that the young soldier had acquired by inheritance, or otherwise, some property in Ireland, and as a matter almost of course, rumour has assigned agrarian outrage as a probable cause of the tragedy. The evidence certainly does not suggest anything of the kind, but any stick has come to be considered good enough with which to beat an Irish Land Leaguer. The police are busily engaged in trying to unravel the mystery, and a large reward has been offered for the discovery of the murderer. The general belief is that somebody within the barracks, actuated by hope of plunder, or perhaps animated by feelings of revenge, killed Lieutenant Roper. It is worthy of notice that his brother officers were in the mess- room, and that with the exception of two of their male and female servants,—one of whom had left the mess-table where he had been in waiting just before Lieutenant Roper left to write a letter, and the other officers sat down to cards,—no one likely to be on intimate terms with the unfortunate gentleman was in that part of the barracks. Before long it may be expected that the "murder will out," since there appear to be many clues in the evidence, likely to lead to the discovery of the assassin. I The Bill for the better protection of persons and property in Ireland has now become law. Some such measure was needed long ago, English people being quite convinced of the real objects of the Land League. Mr. Dillon's regret that his friends had not the means of engaging in civil war, only corroborates the general view which had been taken of the character and objects of the Land Leaguers. But it appears that certain individuals are still endeavouring to cause bloodshed. Companies of men are said to be drilled secretly in various parts of Ireland, and it is a significant fact that the Government dispenses this year with the services of the Irish Militia.

The Cardiff School Board listened to some important statements by Mr. Batchelor on Thurs- day. Only about 60 per cent. of children of eligible age attend the schools of the town. This the chairman very properly remarked ought to be raised to from 80 to 85 per cent. We have endeavoured in these columns to impress upon the School Board the desirability of the system being extended to its full limits, and we hope that the time is not very far distant when "gutter children will be merely an historical term.

I xonbonLetter. I [WIUTTEN EXPRESSLY FOU THE" SOUTH WALES ECHO."] FRIDAY. The terrible disaster which has befallen the British troops in South Africa is the topic of general conversa- tion here. Everybody blames the general in command for having made another movement—however well designed—without waiting for reinforcements. By this time Sir George Colley might have placed two thousand men in the field, and experience should have taught him that the Boers are not to be treated with contempt. The unfortunate officer was more brave than prudent, and his zeal outran his discretion. It is saddening to think that so many splendid soldiers— the flower of the army—should have been killed in a vain effort to accomplish an impossibility. The appointment of Sir Frederick Roberts to the chief command in South Africa is looked upon by many people as likely to restore confidence in the public mind. Sir Evelyn Wood, however, has friends and admirers, who still think that he might well have been left to discharge the onerous duties of the post. The" deed of mortification by which Thomas Carlyle has placed his estate at Craigenputtock at the disposal of Edinburgh University, for the foundation of ten bursaries, has been read with deep interest. The document is highly characteristic of the famous man of letters, and will assuredly find a place among his works. The festivities at Windsor in honour of the marriage of the Queen's grandson have been overshadowed by the melancholy news from South Africa. Nevertheless the Castle was filled with distinguished guests, and a lavish hospitality was displayed by her Majesty on the auspicious occasion. The splendid apartments were filled with a brilliant gathering of fair women and famous men. The poor of Windsor were also privi- leged to participate in the pleasures of the day, arrange- ments having been made for a large number of aged persons to dine together by command of the Queeu Ministers have made great efforts to prevent Greece from commencing hostilities while the negotiations with Turkey are going on. The Government at Athens apparently desire to secure an outlet for the valour of the people at any cost, and it is possible that the ardour excited by revengeful feelings may be so intense as practically to be beyond their control. Nevertheless the Great Powers have suggested to King Otlio the advisability of holding his hand, Mr. Glad- stone and his colleagues being specially earnest in urging upon Greece the adoption of a policy of delay. It remains to be seen whether the advice given will be acted upon. Many people here are of opinion that such will not be the case. London is once more in a state of excitement over the iidnapping scandal 'at Kentish Town. it does not take much to set the gossips talking, and the case will be watched with an eagerness almost equal to that displayed by the public when the spiritualistic mystery was in course of unravelment before the magistrates. It is akin to the marvellous what some women will do. Truth is indeed strange, and very much more so than fiction. There is a great outcry in London respecting the facilities with which forgeries may still be committed, notwithstanding the exertions of stationers and paper- niaker-3 to protect the public against the designs of dis- honest persons. Chemistry and mechanical and manu- facturing skdl must be more fully drawn upon than hitherto has been the case before the arts of the forger will be rendered easy of detection. St. David's Day was celebrated in London by enthusi- astic We shnien with customary festivity. Dinners and concerts took place in several districts, and national emblems were conspicuously displayed by residents here who hail from the Principality. Mr. Gladstone is better after his accident, but Parlia- ment care?, and the heavy responsibility which necessarily devolves on the Premier at the present critical moment, have wrought a marked change in his appearance since he returned in triumph from Midlothian. It is to be feared that the splended constitution of the Prime Minister has been very ludely shaken of late. Without rest his labour will be insupportable, and in the existing condition of affairslrcpose seems to be an impossibility. The "John Devoy" incident in the House of Com- mons occasioned some merriment Jon Tuesday evening. Mr. Schreiber ajked the Home Secretary whether any communication respecting the famous minatory telegram addressed by the patriot to Sir William Harcourt had been made to the United States. The Home Secretary treated the matter with contemptuous indifference, as it deserved to be, and turned the tables against the Home Rulers by declaring that America had got the worst of the bargain, for England had lost a convict whose presence could well be dispensed with, while the United States had gained him for a citizen The Arms Bill is mating tardy progress in the House z, of Commons, and although "urgency" has again been declaied, the measure will be opposed by all available means. In the end, however, it must pass into Iiw. The Secretary at War has complimented the Press upon the energy and enterprise displayed by variot s journals in obtaining early information from the seat of war in South Africa. At the same time Mr. Childers urged that great care should be taken to prevent intelligence reaching the enemy, respe^ing movements in contemplation. General ■ itisfaction finds expression in London among journalists at this official recognition of costly effort in the public service. It is only just to add that many provincial papers have also added largely to the common stock of prompt and early news from South Africa.

«10 TO £ 500, TOBACCONISTS COMMENCING, a dJ Pamphbt, How to OpeD respectably from £ 10, post free. If. Myers, & Co., (PU9) Evisten Bead, ,eJidon, Established 25 yis Wholesale ONJY. (Advt.) 12.52.

Cfie Jtjtan about frown. I Baby shows have been held in some towns. Why not in Cardiff? Some very fine specimens of young men might be found here, I am sure. As to size, I am informed that an extraordinary baby was recently born in Grange-town. It measured thirty- one inches in length, and weighed twenty-one pounds. This sort of measure is rather too good, and certainly would prognosticate a race of giants. But, unfortunately this monster babe was still-born. Canton appears to furnish the police Conrt with conspicuous cases of brutality from time to time. Not the least among them was that in which a Corporation scavenger named Francis French was concerned. He lived with his mother-in-law, and was engaged in the vigorous pastime of beating his wife, when the old lady interfered. He then turned his muscular attentions to her. Seizing her by the hair of her head lie forced her against the stairs, then to use a common but expressive term he punched "her, until she was nearly insensible. He wound up by dragging her about the floor by her hair. Soon afterwards the police were called to the scene, and the accused evinced no feelings of shame or contrition. He was on Tuesday sent to gaol for three months with hard labour. The same bench of magistrates had to deal with another case from Canton. A Taff Vale railway labourer was charged with being drunk and with threatening his wife's life. When the police were called to his house, a proceeding which was repeated four times, he appeared to be quiet enough. But after their departure he waxed valiant. At length, Police-constable Crocker saw him" stagger out of the house with a kittle of boiling water in his hand." In consequence of the trouble he had given all round, lie was then apprehended. His wife said he was a steady man when he was sober, but she could not manage him when lie was drunk. They had only been married nine months. He was discharged, and Alderman Jones said he had better join the Blue Ribbon Army. Hero is a glorious opportunity for the Blue Ribbonists As will be seen from the above, even Alderman D. Jones is with them. Mr. J. Cory, their great friend, is also a magistrate. But then magiatrates, recommendations would perhaps be better carried into effect, if a Blue Ribbon agent regularly attended the court for the purpose of en- rolling defendants while they yet felt a spirit of thankfulness. \J The Havannah ship for boys has attained its majority, I am informed. Said a man who was passing by that roadside vessel the other day, "Are there many boys in that ship?" "Yes, a large number, I believe." Well, perhaps you would hardly believe it, sir, but I was one of the men who helped to put her there—and that was twenty-one years ago." The Rev. Mr. Noncon. Quill has been "doing" Gladstone. In his opinion, Gladstone is not an original leader, but a iveather-cock. I am under the impression that the Premier has frequently enunciated great principles with a proper regard for the feeling of the people. But I may be wrong. I will ask the Rev. Noncon. Quill one question, however. Was he one of those who approved the "leading" policy of Lord Beaconsfield when he moved a mass of Indian troops from India to Malta without having first had the sanction of the country ? Whatever the value of the so-called 4 4 women's rights movements may be, I think it is only right to pay a tribute of respect to the gallant ladies who do not flinch to appear before an audience comprising men. One of the comic papers has lately been making capital out of elderly spinsters who object to send letters through the post, now, as their maiden confidences might be betrayed. But the ladies—spinsters and others—who stand up for "women's rights," boldly appeal to men. With regard to the spinsters, how long will it be before they are answered ? The local railway servants have held a meeting practically to assure the world that they have not forgotten the sentiments that were uttered and endorsed at the Annual Congress of the Railway Servants' Society in Cardiff not long since. The Rifle Ball went off at the Assembly rooms of the Town Hall on Monday night with precision and effect. It was the milling-try that attracted the ladies. I do not hear that the Drill Hall is still guarded by special sentinels. But I think every precaution should continue to be taken. Still waters run deep. Boys will be boys. Two of them were having a fight on the footway in St. Mary-street, when the Rev. Mr. Noncon. Quill came by, and separated them. Vanish he said, and passed on. Then when his back was turned they also turned to, and in less than no time," were at it again." Moral, Boys will be boys. An interesting meeting of the Guardians is held to-day. Medical officers have to be appointed for the newly constituted districts of Penarth, Pentyrcli, and Splotlands. The Penarth district comprises 14,860 acres, 5,690 persons, salary JE35. Pentyrch consists of an area of 7,697 acres, and a population of 4,320. Splotlands is the largest district, in point of population, the number of inhabitants being 16,492. The area is only 1,800 acres, the salary E70. The debates are usually animated when appointments of this character are being made. 44 Town and Country will no doubt contend, and the results will be as usual. Miss Jenner will address a public meeting on Women's rights on the 9th inst. With regard to the appointment of architect for the new Infirmary buildings at Cardiff, it would appear that someone has blundered. It is ex- traordinary that a Manchester gentleman should have been selected for the post, and that then a local firm should have also been appointed. The local firm is no doubt very deserving of a little patronage, but even patronage should be extended in a consistent manner. Is 11 this patronage with- drawn from Mr. Bell ?

a Voice from tfte Hiocfts. I I am glad to find that the coal trimmers in the employ of the Powell Dyffryn Company have made a subscription among themselves for the benefit of the Cardiff Infirmary—an institution which has been found to be of such great advantage to the class which they belong to. More delays. Local Shipowners are so happy. Come to the docks, all ye visitors to Cardiff. Observe how full of shipping they are. Are we not prosperous ? But outside there have been and no doubt still are many vessels that are being delayed for want of better accommodation. This is not very" prosper* ous for the owners. Mr. Hawkins, the secretary to the Chamber of Commerce, gave evidence in London on Wednesday as to the great increase of shipping trade. He quoted figures which showed at once the vast and ever-increasing proportions of our coal trade. The Russian barque Helmi, which loaded coals here for Naples, went ashore on Thursday in Quileen Bay. She became a total wreck. I am glad to hear that the crew was saved by means of rocket apparatus.

SACERDOTALISM AND APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION. [We very much regret that through pressure of space we are compelled to hold this article over till next week. ~E is.jr.aj El. S. W.E.]

Rorat iBUtos. BOARD or GFAKDIANS.—The weekly meeting was held on Saturday, Mr B. Forrest in the chair. The public vaccinator, Mr Holder, complained in a letter that Mr. W atkjns, vaccination officer, did not show due activity, only 76 having been vief-in:ited th?s year. Dr. Paine considered the number ridiculously small, and Messrs. Harder End Watkins would he asked to attend the meeting of the Vaccination Committee. Mr. Davies, surgeon, Cowbridge, explained in reference to not having, tiil Sunday, Ett-ei dt'd patients for whom orders were issued the Monday previous,that he had contmeted a severe cold from "usiting paupers. T/ie explanation was considered satisfactory, and the Board rose. INTEIIESIINO PRESENTATION.—A silver tea service, enclosed in a handsome morocco cafe, and a silver salver, hearing an inscription of the occasion of presentation, were on Saturday handed by the Mayor to Captain Corfield, late master of the Topaze, London. The ceremony took place in the Grand Jury Room of the Town Hall, before a representative assembly. The gallant captain, backed by his crew, had extinguished a fire which broke out in the cargo in mid-ocean, and had thus saved the under- writers about X 100, 000. The manly recognition accorded on their part was well and suitably commented on by his V'oi bI ip. SCDDEN DEATH.—Mr. R. J. Meyrick, Weston House, Canton, died suddenly, at the age of 42, while going to bed on Sunday night: leavinsr a wife and five children. VOLVNTEEU BALL (10TH GLAMORGAN).—This annual ball, in connection with the 1st detachment of the Cardiff corps, came off in the Town Hall on Monday evening. The visitors numbered about 200. Among those present we noticed, among others, Capt. Maitin, Lieut. J. A. Jones, Quarter-Master Simpson, 1st Carditf Detaihment; T ieut, W. E. Jones and Lieut. Jos. Simpson, 2nd Cardiff Detachment. GAS LIGHT AND COKE COMPANY.—The half-yearly me(,,Tinz of this company was held on Monday, Mr Charles W. David, chairman of the directors, presiding. Dividends, payable on the 25th instant, were declared, of £10 per cent, per annum on the" A" stock, ib per cent. per annum on the B stock, and ;C7 per cent. per annum on the Paid Capital created by the Act of 1870. Consolidation OF DEPARTMENTS.—At the meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday (General Purposes Comnattee), the Mayor presiding, it was resolved to make Mr. Williams s salary £ 200 a year, and add to his duties those of waterworks engineer. A committee was ap- pointed to an am: e for the passage, threugh the hands of the financial clerk, of all sourccs of income, and for the government of the whole of the Corporation business by the town clerk as legal adviser, the borough engineer as scientist, and the financial clerk as cashier.

CARDIFF POLICE COURT. SATURDAY.—Before the Mayor, and Messrs. J. Corv and G. Bird. DASTARDS AT LARGE.—Three ruffians of the 69th Foot named Daniel Desmond, Thomas Hoodey, and William Davies were committed for three months each, for a cowardly outrage on Samuel Greenwood and Charles Davies on Friday night. Complainants were returning home through "W barton-street, when, without any provocation, defendants crossed over and struck them with belts"and sticks. Mr. Llewellyn, fishmonger, stated that the three of them kicked Davies as if he was a football. The poltroons set up an ineffectual plea of drunkenness. MONDAY.—Before Messrs. R. O. Jones, J. W. Yachell, W. D. Bushel', and Alderman D. Jones. A BUTE-STREET ROWDY.-William Cuhan, hihorer, was sentenced to a month's hard labor, for creating a disturbance and assaulting the police, in Bute-street on Saturday night. IMPUDENT RORRERy.-For stealing a coat, value JE1 18s. 6d., from the doorway of Messrs. Jotham and Sons' shop, St. Mary-street, on Saturday night, Jabez Purnell was sentenced to two months' hard labor. Prisoner excused himself on the plea that he had merely picked up the coaf, which he alleged had been dropped by the real thief, whom he required to share the proceeds. WARRANT ISSUED -On the application of Mr. Vachell, a warrant was issued against William Driscoll now in Ireland, for his apprehension under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1876. TUESDAY,-Before Messrs. D. Jones, J. W. Yachell, and Dr. Paine. 44 THRASHING HIS OWN OATS." Francis French, laborer, charged with assaulting his mother-in-law, was sentenced to three months' hard labor- Prisoner justified the assault on the ground that co mplainant interfered between him and his wife, while he was engaged in beat- ing her. Complainant, who appeared with swollen face, bandaged head, and black eyes (but who, French considered when arrested, had not been beaten hulf- enough), said she had not interfered until she saw her daughter being severely ill-treated. A REFRACTORY TRAMp-For breaking the grid-chain at the workhouse, so as to pass unbroken stones, and smashing with a sledge-hammer a door which had been locked on him, Isaac Webster, tramp, was sentenced to twenty-one days' hard labor. WEDNESDAY.-Before Mr. R O. Jones. RORBERY WITH VIOLENCE.-John Donohue,an Irishman, ryndali-street, for knocking down and holding a sailor named John Thompson, on Tuesday night, while a companion relieved him of a purse containing 7s was committed for three months with hard labor. ° A BRUTAL SON.—Dennis Cummins, Halkett-street, another Emerald, was charged with kicking his mother, who is very feeble, in the back, and with such force as to send her out of the house into the road. Complainant refused to be sworn; and, on the evidence of the police, prisoner was sentenced to a month's hard labor.

THE TRANSVAAL WAR. The Free State Volksraad last week expressed regret at the outbreak of hostilities, and a hope that reasonable demands of the Boers would be granted by the British Government. Considerable activity having been manifested by the Boers in their intrenchments (extending two miles-nnd-a- half each side of Laing's Nek) Sir G. Colley took half a squadron of Hussars and went to look at the Boer position. The enemy, who mustered in force but did not molest him, returned the compliment, but, on approaching for the purpose of obtaining a better view, were immediately fired on. Nobody was hurt, the execution being miserable; four shells fell short, and the other two disappeared. At midnight, on Saturday, Gen. Colley took up a position on the Spitzkop, overlooking the strongly-fortified position 01 the Roers. The enemy, however, anticipating such a move, had well prepared themselves, and at once ope red fire, with such effect that the" three men* reported by the General as slightly wounded was seen magnified at the close of the engagement into the whole invading force on the Spitzkop, with the exception of about 100. The Press Association telegram considers the severity of the fighting to be evidenced by the number of casualties among British officers of high ranks. It is alleged that ammunition ran short, the reserve having been taken to the wrong place. The fighting, which took place at a spot four miles from camp, and reached by a seven hours' detour (a native guide pilo'ing the party), commenced by the English opening fire on the Boer videttes as they were starting from the lines. For four hours after seven o'clock an incessant fire was kept up by the Boers with undeviating aim, each shot leaving its unerring mark on the stones behind which the British forces had hidden themselves. At one o'clock a terrible fire was opened by the Boers, followed up by an over- whelming charge on the British position, everything being borneldown by the magnificent physiqueof the enemy. Gen. Colley was shot through the head. The conduct of the Boers, as victors, is characterised by a British prisoner as admirable—they ascribing victory to the righteousness of their cause. It is conceded, by the few who escaped, that the capture of the hill was an exploit of which any troops in the world might be proud. Presumably considering the Orange Free State in danger of a state of disturbance" the Government of tape Colony have paternally forbidden the State receiving supplie3 and ammunition. The Volksraad has requ red that a repetition of such action shall be provided against by the British Government. Gen. Roberts now takes command* in placi of Gen. Colley.

FREEMAN'S SYRtTP OF PHOSPHORUS is aNutritiout and Invigorating E^cnce hi§ ly recjn]njen(je(j the eminent of the Medical Protess1,0„ t„r the Cure of xCrVous Head and M-ind S ™a ;in<l Incipient Consump- tion, Nervousness, weakness and L.\llaustion, Dimness of Sight, fW'&owshES Indi'estioi 'sDePreSxSio", Palpitation o^the t'l?emb ing? Loss ofMem the"cad and Pains and Aches', Wasti^ DhelCTT« N?Ura,F^ Nutrition, inactivity of the r> [ r?^ pa,red and Delusions, and all other low Perception for the ?„ w"' l'P?" rcc«Pt of Stamps or &>st Offie ofd« me amount, forward it to any part, packed secure from obser- ation, with airections for use, and will also give any information •jnat may be required to ensure a thorough restoration to healtb. £ ret'nian's Phosphorus has effected cures after everything-else has failed, and in every case where the directions have been, followed it has been successful.-FRANCIs FRBEMAN, L.P., M.D. Depot: 74, Cale-street, Broroptou, London, S.W.; and all Lb. "liolesdlc Houses.—Al»vi.