South Wales Echo

THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEAR- ANCE. Mr of Wingrave-strset, Camber well, whose ~myafcerioq3 disappearance excited so much enquiry, was yesterday found in Walworth- ro,%ds and indue-eci to go home.. This morning he jumped from e^r°ona window, impaling his foot on the -d his head. He now lies in a dying condition. 0

JEWISH RIOTS IN RUSSIA. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] BERLIN, Saturday.— Intelligencejrom Odessa, published at St. Petersburg, states that a short time ago about one thousand Jews attempted to make a demonstration in front of the Odessa police-court with the object of rescuing four of their co-religionists. The police were insulted, and the military had to be sent for and received orders to fire on the rioters. The Jews thereupon dispersed. Many of them were arrested. A similar demonstration took place at Ananjofi. At Kischnieff a police officer was insulted by the Jews, to whom a warning has been issued by the authorities. More than a thousand students have been readmitted to the Kieff University.

POLITICAL ITEMS. Writing to a correspondent with regard to the existing agricultural depression, Sir J. Lubhock, Bart., M.P., expresses sympathy with the state of things. "At the same time,' adds Sir John, I am disposed to doubt whether the adoption of free trade generally by America could benefit our manufacturers, as it would enable them to com- pete with us in other markets, which they cannot now da effectively." 1\1r. Paxnell, M.P., writing to a correspondent, expresses the opinion that powers should be given to some local elective authority to purchase land compulsorily, for the enlargement of hold- ings oi tenants who are situated all the Scotch crofters. Mr Somerville, the Conservative candidate for Glasgow, replying to Mr Bright's letter of Wed- nesday, reiterating his criticism of the former utterances concerning himself, says he merely stated facts. He considered it right that as the corn-law agitation was conducted upon philan- thropic motives, that the fact that it affected Mr Bright should be known. He did cot say Mr Bright did his best to ruin British farmers, but he maintained that the legislation in which Mr .Bright took a ptomiawtf J?aft WM4 the British farmer,

Death of a Surrey Hermit. A GENTLEMAN DYING LIKE A BEGGAR. The Body Eaten by Rats. Last evening Mr Percy Morrison, coroner, be an inquiry at the Tally Ho, Caterham, BurreY, regarding the death of Mr Henry J:,hn an independent gentleman and landowner, vvcircum_ found dead under very extraordi» Caterham- stances at his residence, Da^elpr'0bablv died sommon, on Tuesday last, ha" an(J on the previous Saturday which k at thg Proceeded to view the a house ecea.se gen e n(js ajj0Ut 200 yards from standing in its own g F t J the Banstead"ro¡¡' Extern^ly the premises presented » very dilapidated appearance, many of the windows having been replaced -by pieces of boarding, and the brickwork showing signs of decay. When the officer had removed the padlock which fastened the front door an extraordinary spectacle met the gaze of those present. The hall was literally strewn with every imaginable kind of rubbish, and the appearance of the lower rooms was beyond description. The walls, which had long since been divested of their paper, were covered with cobwebs from top to bottom, and the ceilings were as black as eoal. Broken furniture filled each apartment, and the mirrors and pier glasses were indis- tinguishable, owing to the dust of years with which they were covered. In one of these roams lay t body, which had been gnawed by rats. Upstairs a similar scene was witnessed—furni- ture, clothing, b o ok, newspapers, bottles, and packets of documents lying about covered with dust. It was stated that not a soul save the deceased had entered the house since Mrs Keith died there 17 years ago, and the deceased lady's wardrobe, containing silk dresses, &c., was yester- day inspected by the jury. Near it stood Mr Keith's bed, the clothing of which was filthy to a degree. Mrs Keith vvas handsome and accom- plished, and her husband's mind, it is stated, became effected when she died. The story elicited at the inquest was as follows George Coleman, a solicitor's clerk, of 4, Great James-street, Bedford-row, London, said he had known the deceased about 16 years. He was independent. His age was 81 on July 31st. Witness last saw him alive about a fort- night ago, when lie was in London, and seemed m his usual good health. He was a man of eccentric habits, and witness had never been to his house. It was his own residence, and his etters wera always addressed: "H. J. Keith, Esq., Caterham-common." He was frequently in London. George Charman, an old man, living near tne deceased's house, said lie had worked for Mr iteifeh for the last seven years, and was in the feabifc of making purchases for him. He was jever in the house, and had no idea of its condi- tion. He last saw his master alive on Saturday norning, when lie fetched him a pennyworth of milk, four pork chops, and half a gallon of ale. Later on witness got him two newspapers. The ieeeased then said, You won't want to iee me again to-day; I think I am going >ut." Witness took his milk as usual on Sun- day and Monday, and was unable to make ■:iim hear. Thinking he had not returned, witness -,)Ok no notice, but getting no reply when he inocked on Tuesday morning he procured assist- ance, artd bursting open the back door found Mr ieith dead in bed. His mouth, nose, and left Vand had been gnawed by rats. He was wearing nigrfatshirt and a red nightcap.The bedding was composed of old sacks, coats, and other cloth- ing, all very -gged- The Coroner: Was the bedding clean ?— No, sir. Witness, continuing, said the deceased seemed better on Saturday than he had been for some time. He had complained of a cold. By the Jury Witness used to fetch his coals in a wheelbarrow, and t deceased carried them in- doors, Mr Keith read a good deal. Henry Aspin, landlord of the Tally Ho Inn, described the position of the body when he saw it in company with the last witness. It was covered with dirt from head to foot. The sheet, night- shirt, and nightcap were black. William James Webster, coroner's officer, said the bedroom door was fastened with a chain and boltt and was more secure than all the others. On a board over the bed were an old gold watch, stopped at ten minutes to seven, and two half- crowns. Three pork chops and a portion of another were also found, and the deceased had consumed about half of the ale Mr Charman had purchased for him on Saturday. Witness described the interior of the house as a complete wreck, and said it was in exactly the same condi- tion when he peeped in twelve years ago. Dr George J. Eady, of Caterham, stated that the deceased had been dead about two days when he saw the body. He had evidently gone to bed comfortably on Saturday night, because the ex- tinguisher was over the candle. He apparently died in his sleep. Rats or mice had been gnawinsr the body. The internal organs were well nourishing, and the cause of death was apoplexy. The condition of the house had not accelerated the death. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence, that the deceased was found dead.

ISERIOUS FIRE AT KIRKALDY. A disastrous fire broke out late last night at the extensive cabinet works of Messrs Pringle and Co., Kirkaldv. The fire was got under this morning. The damage done is estimated at several thousands of pounds.

At a Conservative meeting at Derby, on Friday, the Hon. George Curzon, eldest son of Lord ocarsclale, was selected to contest the Repton division of Derbyshire. Mr F. C. Ark- wright will shortly be selected for one of the Northern constituencies.

The Health of Mr Gladstone. — • ^~To,r "Sir Andrew The Press Association -ay- Gladstone thi, Clarke paid a long visit J^^reet at nine morning, arriving H twenty minutes to o'clock, and iiot leaying un hig bed.roomj ten. He says Mr Giad^ During the visit a the Premier not having n telegram was Qf Havvarden, who health 7th i°ntogr A»drew left word with the °ax that in answer to the many enquiries ° h^h 'are made and are likely to be made in the course of the day, that he might say Mr bad had a somewhat better night. The pier rose at, 10, after having breakfasted in bed, ¡;tsd seemed a little less worn than during the last few mornings, although last night's sleep was not thoroughly satisfactory. He will attend the Cabinet Council to be held at noon, and will leave Euston for Hawarden by the 2.46 train. It is understood that he will then take the absolute rest which the doctor has enjoined.

The Earthquakesin Spain I CONTINUATION OF THE SHOCKS I 1, Teprlble Distress. I GRANADA, Friday. -Granada is in a. state of complete panic, the repeated earthquake shocks having convinced the populace that their great city may at any moment be laid in ruins. Every man, woman, and child who can get get away is doing so, and the exodus is indeed assuming even terrifying proportions. The railways are par- tially blocked, but every departing train is crowded to suffocation with well-to-do fugitives Those left behind are parading the streets headed by the clergy, carrying sacred images and crosses, and crying aloud to God and the Virgin for mercy and protection. Dreadful news is reach- ing us almost hourly of the state of affairs at Alhama, 24 miles from this city. Frequent shocks were experienced there all through yes- terday and during the night, completing the ruin of the town. Scores, if not hundreds, of bodies lie beneath the ruins, aud the survivors have fled panic-stricken. MADRID, Friday, 1 p.m.—A Cabinet Council was held this morning, under the presidence of King Alfonso, at which decrees were signed for the opening of a national subscription in aid of the sufferers by the earthquake, authorizing the Minister of Finance to apply to the Cortes to vote a. credit of L5,000, in order to augment the National Calamity Fund, and remitting the land and property tax in the case of the buildings destroyed. The decrees, which will appear in to-morrow's official gazette, were read in to-day's sitting of the Chamber of Deputies, and met with general approval. A motion was unanimously agreed to, declaring that the Chamber had heard with deep regret of the great calamity in the southern provinces, and would co-operate with the Government in all measures which it might adopt for affording aid to the sufferers. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM. 1 I MADRID, Friday, 10.45 a.m.—Fresh shocks of -N earthquake were felt yesterday evening at Nerja, Algarrobo, and Malaga. The panic continues. A number of towns and villages are completely destroyed and deserted. The population are en- camped in the fields, and at some places sleep in railway carriages. A royal decree directing the opening of a national subscription in aid of the sufferers from the earthquake is expected to be signed to-day. It is stated that foreign subscrip- tion lists will probably be opened by the Spanish ambassadors and consuls abroad. The amount of day's pay, which all public employes will be invited to contribute to the national subscription fund, is estimated to produce about £ 40,000.

— I AN AMERICAN LINER ASHORE. I It is reported in Dungarvan this morning that an American liner has been driven ashore at Helvick Head, county Waterford. Helvick Head is on the passage between Queenstown and Liver- pool, and the coast thereabouts is extremely rocky and dangerous, so that much anxiety if felt for the safety of the crew and passengers. There is an efficient, lifeboat and coastguard station near the head.

THE CONDEMNED IRISHMAN. I [SPECIAL TELEGPAM 1 I It is understood to-day that the Lord Lieutenant has decided to allow the law to take its course in the case of Michael Downey, who will be hanged at Galway on the 16th inst. for the murder of a man named Moylan, with whose wife he was improperly intimate. The murdered man returned from America suddenly, and the guilty pair then treacherously shot him, the woman afterwards giving Queen's evidence.

THE FRENCH IN MADAGASCAR. Great Battle with the Hovas. I [WSTANDARD" TELEGRAM.] I A AMATA VE, December 20th.-The town of Vohemar has been occupied by the French, who also, in conjunction with a force of friendly Sakalavas, surrounded and attacked the Hovas in their position at Ambranio, some little distance to the south of Vohemar. The French and their allies surrounded the posi- tion on the night unobserved by the Hovas, who kept a careless watch. The assault was made at sunrise, and the French report says 2,.50 Hovas were killed and taken prisoners. Two guns were also captured. The total number of Hovas in the entrenchments is not given, but it is probable that all save the few taken prisoners wera shot down. The French loss is reported trifling. The Saka- lavas/were commanded by the King of Nossi Mitsiou on the West Coast. He marched across the country with his following to assist the French.

MR W. E. FORSTER ON GERMAN COLONISATION. Mr W. E. Forster writes expressing the hope that the Government is now taking into account the new fact with which they have todeal, viz., the determina tion of Germany not only to form colonies but to take possession of territories before such colonies are formed. It is, he says, still possible for Eng- lish and colonial statesmen, and for the leaders of public opinion, so to use these colonial aspirations and intentions of Germany as to strengthen the ties between Australia and England. There is a rumour, moreover, that France is on the point of annexing the New Hebrides for the purpose of forming another convict colony. This, says Mr Forster, I cannot believe. I expect that within a few days there will be an official IUlllouncement-that this rumour is unfounded. Witq regard to South Africa a German Fsettle- ment ia JJuhiland would greatly increase the diffi- cultIes we have brought on ourselves. First by the conquest of the Zulus, and then by our refusal to acknowledge the responsibilities we thereby incurred but we have also difficulties with the Transvaal Boers, and they would be greatly in- creased if Germany obtained possession of anypart of the Coast of Zululand which would give her con- trol over the outlet from the Transvaal to the sea. This is so evident tnat we cannot suppose that a practical statesman like Prince Bismarck would complain agaiustJ" ministry or consider it an unfavourable ac it tho:')' guard against such a contingency.

Alarming Explosion on the Underground Railway SUSPECTED FENIAN OUTRAGE. I I Shortly after nine o'clock on Friday eveiiiii, an alarming explosion took place on the Under' ground Railway between Gower street and King's-cross Stations. A train passing at the time experienced the shock, and all the lights in the carriages were extinguished. The inhabitants of that part of Euston-road situate between St. Pancras Church and Judd-street also felt the shock. A crowd of people speedily collected in the vicinity of the ventilating opening of the Underground Railway at the top of Ossulston street, from which a quan- tity of smoke issued at the time of the explosion. A number of porters from both the adjacent stations at once proceeded to the spot with lights and appliances for clearing the line of any obstruction which might be found, but as yet nothing has been met with to inter- fere with the regular traffic, which was resumed after an interval of twenty-five minutes. The railway officials are at present very reticent as to the result of their search, but, so far as can be ascertained, the cause of the explosion remains undiscovered, though inquiries are being actively prosecuted. The residents in the locality are greatly alarmed at the occurrence. Another account says :—About 9.55 p.m. this (Friday) evening an explosion occurred on the Metropolitan Railway, between Gower-street and King's Cross. So loud was the report, and the concussion so strong that several persons while crossing the Euston-road, in close proximity to the grating, were blown off their feet, while the horses of the omnibusses and vehicles were restrained from running away with great difficulty. At Gower- street Station the whole of the lights were put out with the exception of the Lewis incandescent gas-light, by which the platforms are partly lighted, 1.1e ticket collector was thrown out of his box by the concussion as was the engineer of the new gas arrangement, who was thrown off his seat on to his face, a distance of three or four feet. The trains that were in the tunnel at the time had their lights put out, and much alarm was felt by the passengers. Several ladies fainted, while the Gower-street platform was liieralJy strewn with prostrate forms. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but there are many who believe dymanite to have been its origin. ¡ It will be remembered that a dynamite explosion occurred on the same line of railway 011 the 30fch October, 1883. On the occasion the explosive was supposed to have been dropped from a car- riage between Praed-street and Edgware-road stations, with the result that a subsequent train was wrecked and a large number of passengers injured. Over 30 were treated at the hospitals, and five were so seriously hurt that they were detained for treatment for some time, a curious effect of the outrage being that several persons lost their hearing. On the same night, and within a few minutes of the same time, a dynamite explosion occurred on the Metropolitan District Railway, between Charing Cross and Westminster stations. In that case considerable damage was caused, but fortunately there was no injury to the person. A large re- ward was offered all that occasion by the Govern- ment and the railway companies, but no infor- mation has ever been obtained as to the probable authors of the outrage. Since then there have been attempts on th-e station*premises of railway companies at Paddington, Charing Cross, Lud- gate Hill, and Victoria, but in the latter case only with some success. There has, how- ever, been no further attempt until now on the trains passing over the Metropolitan lines, which may be accounted for by the fact that immediately after the last explosion, extra precautions were taken to guard the lines. On the present occasion the explosion occurred a short distance, east of that previously mentioned, the stations at Edgeware-road, Baker-street, Portland-road, and Gower-street intervening. Within half an hour after the occurrence Mr Godsden, chief inspector of the Metropolitan Railway, arrived, and was met at Gower-street station, by Superintendent Williamson, from Scot- land-yard, with superintendents and inspectors of the Metropolitan police who had been summoned from the various police-stations in the district. The party at once proceeded down the line to view the scene of the explosion, and it was found that the signal-box east of St. Pancras Church was partially wrecked, the sigual wire separated, and that the clock had stopped from the force of the explosion at 9.14. A close inspection of the tunnel showed that the explosive could not have beeu gunpowder, as the brickwork was not blackened, but was, in all probability, caused by either dyna- mite or guncotton. The part where the explosion took place was about four feet from the ground, with a diameter of four feet, and a depth of from five to six inches, and situate on the north side of the line, midway between St. Pancras Church and Charlton-street signal box. The only clue is a few fragments of paper which were strewn about the line. Latest Particulars. The Central News, telegraphing this morning, says" On inquiry at Scotland Yard at five o'clock this morning, it was ascertained that nothing affording the slightest clue to the perpe- trators of the outrage on the Metropolitan Rail- way had transpired. The chief officials of the Criminal Investigation Department held a consul- tation in the early hours of the morning, when brief reports from the police authorities in the locality of the explosion were considered. Supt. Huntley, of the Y (or Higbgate) Division, in whose district the scene of the explosion is situated, ar- rived at Scotland Yard shortly before two a.m., and made his personal report to the acting com- missioner. The police theory is that the explo- sive substance, presumably dynamite, was thrown from a window of the train, which was injured by the explosion, for in no other way can its action be explained. The theory that the explo- sive substance was placed by design in that por- tion of the tunnel where the explosion actually took place, is scouted as altogether improbable and unreasonable. In all likelihood the author of the outrage simply waited for an opportunity to find himself in a compartment alone, and where the changes of detection were reduced to a mini- mum. There would be every risk for an indi- vidual bent on criminal intent to deliberately make his way to any given spot on the line and there place the instrument of his crime, to say nothing of the difficulties he would experience in making his escape after the explosion had occurred. The police are convinced that the explosive agent was thrown from the carriage window in the manner described, and, as a promi- nent official expressed himself, probably by one of those passengers who professed to be most in. jured by its aetion. There is no doubt that these repeated outrages, whose authors almost invariably go undiscovered and, unpunished, are sorely trying the patience of the police, and the opinion is pretty generally expressed by the forces that no amount of pre- cautions can prevent these explosions, and that nothing but a fortunate accident is likely to result in the arrest of their perpetrators. The Central News correspondent visited the Hunter-street police-station shortly before six o'clock this morning, but the officials had no fur- ther information to impart beyond the fact that Colonel Majendie was expected to make his in- spection between eight and nine o'clock. On proceeding to St. Pancras signal box in the Euston-road a policeman was found stationed at the gate, by means of which the speediest entry is obtained to the scene of the explosion. Obtain- ing admittance, the representative cf the Central News descended the steps and proceeded to the spot. There he found Chief Railway Inspector Godsden and a sergeant and constable of the Y division from the station in Platt-street, who, together with the constable at the gate, had been on sentry duty all right. Although further search had been made, no trace of the explosive had been discovered. At 6 o'clock the daily traffic commenced on the line, but the police authorities, after relieving the men who had been on duty all night, left a sergeant and two constables to guard the line as before, a visit from the Scotland-yard authorities being likely at any moment. Surprise has been expressed in certain quarters that the reward of £ 5,000offered by the corporation of the City of London for the arrest of the authors of the dynamite explosion at London Bridge has not yet been issued. The offer was subxnitted for the approval of the Home Secre- ta-gy au4 whatever may have been his decision* even if he has decided at all, it is perfectly I unknown to the police. In connection with this I matter it may be opportune to pQint out that the police authorities have on more than one occasion displayed an unwillingness to offer rewards for the arrest of persons engaged in similar outrages. A notable example may be cited in the memorable occasion of the explosion at Scot- land Yard itself. Still it is pretty generally felt that to issue the magnificent reward offered by the corporation would be to materially strengthen the hands of the police at this moment. Narrative of a Passenger in the Train. Mr William Smith, of Euston-road, has fur- nished the Central News with the following narrative respecting the explosion :—I was return- ing home from business yesterday evening, having been detained somewhat later than usual, and caught the .Hammersmith train at Moorgate- street. There were two or three others in the compartment besides myself, which was a third- class one, and I occupied a corner seat with my face to the engine. We had passed King's Cross without anything unusual happening, and were chatting quietly together, when we were terrified by a fearful crash like thunder, accompanied by an immense sheet of flams, which seemed ito lick the sides of the carriage, and for the moment seemed as if the tunnel were on fire. To add to the terror of the situation, both our lamps went out, and we were left in total darkness. Several of the passengers cried out that they were hurt, and some women, who were in the next compartment, screamed. loudly. My first impression was that the compound gas stowed in the tanks under the carriages had, by some means or other, ignited, and this for the moment seemed all the more probable, as the true furce of the explosion swayed the car- riages, and I could distinctly feel the wheels of the carriages catch the metals again. As soon as possible the train was brought to a standstill, and a hasty examination mule, when we again went on and slowly steamed into Gower-station. We had in the meantime somewhat reassured our- selves, having by means of lighted matches ex- amined each other's injuries. Several of us cut our hands by incautiously, placing them upon the seats of the carriages, which were covered with small jagged pieces of glass from the win- dows. On arrival at Gower-straet, my station, I got out, and made the best of my way home, declining the offer to proceed to the hospital to have the wounds on my hands seen to. I should add that the force of the concussion threw us all off our seats, and umbrellas, hats, and papers were mixed up in terrible confusion. [SPECIAL TEL £ GKAil.| Although the strictest inquiries were SOT on foot immediately after the explosion had occurred last evening the authorities have up to the present moment been unable to discover any clue to the perpetrators of the outrage. The opinion gains ground among the officials that the explosion was a planned affair, and that it must be put down to those who are responsible for similar outrages which have taken place recently. From a. close inspection of the tunnel in the proximity of the explosion it has been ascertained that comparatively little damage has been dona to the fabric, and this is thought to be very singular considering the tremendous force of the concussion. Great astonishment is expressed on all hands that no lives were lost, seeing that the train, going eastward, had every window smashed, and it is a cause for congratulation that the perpetrators did not select an earlier hour, when the consequencies might have been disastrous, as the trains on that part of the system are crowded by the working-classes between six and nine o'clock. Colonel Majendie visited the spot last night in company with the officials, and took notes and measurements at the spot where the explosion occurred. The colonel has not issued his report yet, but he will visit the scene again to-day. From latest enquiries the lady and two gentle- men who received some slight cuts are progress- ing satisfactorily, but it is feared that many of the other passengers, who were severely shaken, will unfortunately bear testimony to the force of the explosion. It is understood that the company intend offering a substantial reward for the appre hension of the Perpetrators, but the amount is not mentioned, as the authorities are awaiting the official reports. Another report says :-Col. Majendie, Mr Bell, the eeneral manager for the Metropolitan Railway Company, and representatives of the detective force, entered the tunnel this morning, and proceeded to the scene of the ex- plosion for the purpose of making a careful examination of the damage done. It is reported that a passenger in a second-class car- riage of the train leaving Gower-street for King's Cross only a few minutes before the explo- sion occurred, saw a man dressed in a long Ulster coat with a fur collar, and wearing a soft wideawake hat, step into the adjoining compartment. He was carrying an apparently weighty parcel, about a foot and a half square, wrapped in American cloth. He did not take particular notice of the man's personal appearance at the time, his attention being attracted by the pecularity of the parcel he carried. Shortly after leaving", Gower-street station the stranger, who had #ntered an empty compartment, was seen by our informant in the next compartment to let down the window with a loud slam. The suspicious passenger got out of the train at Farringdon-street, and walked away without the parcel. The person in the next compartment, whose interest had been aroused in the movements of his fellow-passengers, says be noticed this, and thinking the parcel had been left by accident in the carriage, looked over the partition, but found that it was not there. He did not think any more of the explosion in this morning's papers. He could not identify the stranger. His movements had only seemed suspicious to him since he heard of the outrage. No da.magh has been done to the permanent way, but for a distance of some yards from the seat of the detonation the brickwork of the tunnel has been more or less pulverised to a depth of several inches. The injury done, how- ever, is such as can be repaired without delaying the traffic, which was not much inter- fered with by the occurrence. Much alarm was occasioned in the immediate vicinity by the shock of the explosion, which seems to have been most forcibly felt in Euston- square and the adjacent streets. It is stated that one gentleman who had just sat down with his family to supper in a street at least a hundred yards from where the explosion took place says that the disturbance occasioned was sufficient to upset a jug of beer which stood on the table, and to hurl a loaf of bread from the plate on which it stood to the floor. In another 1 house, somewhat nearer the seat of the explosion, the nurse was washing the infant in the bath, and most of the water was spilt, the bath being upset, and the baby being rolled out on the floor. The report was heard along the line to the west as far as Praed-street; but eastward the disturb- ance was not materially felt beyond King's Cross. The officials at Farringdon-street, casting their memory back in the light of subsequent events, remember that a few minutes after nine there was a great rush of air from the direction of the northern tunnel, but inasmuch as a consi erable stretch of open space intervenes between the tunnel and the station. The lights on the plat- form were not affected, and no importance was attached to the matter at the moment. It is now, however, believed that the air wave was the result of the concussion, caused by the explosion at a distance of a mile and a half from the statio. A later examination shows the charge of dyna- mite used to have been a comparatively small one. The signalman in charge of the box near which the explosion occurred states that the report resembled the discharge of a heavy piece of ordnance. Every pane in the box was shivered, but the telegraphic apparatus was unin- jured. Col. Majendie is convinced as the result of his innestigation that dynamite was used. The rubbish in the tunnel has been collected and sent with the wrecked train to Neasden for thorough a.1ij4liQ-

MONEY MARKET. I Latest Prices To-day. LONDON, 1.20 p.m. Money is in moderate request, at about 4 per cent., and first-class bills are taken at 4-g per cent. discount. Very little business is doing on the Stock lEx. change, and prices are without material change. Consols are dull at 99 to 99k for money and the present account New and Reduced, 99g to 99k In the Foreign Market Egyptians are rather easier. Unified, 63| to 63J; Preference, 87i to 87; Daira Loan, 62 to 62g Tribute un- changed 1871 Loan, 68 to. 68. Russian remain firm; do. 1873's 96g to 96; Portuguese about 4 47 ex div.; Italians, 96 to 96^ ex div.; Spanish, 58 to 58 ex div.; Mexican, 19i to 191 a 2 4. Home Railways mark a fall in Brighton Deferred, at 103: South Eastern Deferred is also easier, at 100 to IOO4 Easterns, 671 to 63 North 4 4 British, about 97 North Easterns, 156g to 1561 Districts are firm at 60 to 60g. 0 Americans continue very firm. Readings, 9l to 10; Reading General, 73 to 74; Lotiisville. 2741 to 27i Union Pacifies, 481 to 4B Central ditto, 351 to 361; Milwaukee, 75 to 76: Wabash Pre- ference, 132 to 14 Trunks firnl, Ordinary, 9g to 9f First Preference, 75g to 75|; Seconds, 46§ to 46§; Thirds, 21 to 217 Guaranteed Stock, about 72. Mexican Railways remain at 332 to 34 First Preference, 89 to 891; Seconds, 48 to 48. Hudson's Bay shares remain at 23 to 23. Rio Tinto Mines firm, at 12£ to 12. Mason a Barry's, I4 to 3g. Brighton Railway yesterday's passenger traffic, -060 increase. To-day's Times money article says The value of money has fallen away more decidedly to day. The large Banks have reduced the charge for loans until to-morrow topper cent., while elsewhere money could be obtained at 4. Three months' bills are also easier, transactions having been effected at a hade over 4. "Home Government Securities opened un- changed, but subsequently prices advanced about 1-16. Consols closed at 99 for money 99 to 99i for the 5th inst. and 99^ to 99§ for Feb- ruary 3rd. The Colonial Market opened dull, but New Zealand recovered before the close. Home Railways were irregular. Brighton De- ferred fell Z."

TO-DAY'S MARKETS. SUGAR. GLASGOW, Saturday.—Market opens quietly. Only a moderate business done. at the closing prices of last year. Tha official report statesMarket OpeJlS quietly, and at previous prices. Any business trans- acted is small to sell any quantity less 14oiiey would require to be taken. DEAD MEAT. LONDON, Saturday.—The M irket is still well supplied with meat, and trade very dull, pork being particularly bad. The following are the quotations Beef, 3s to 4s lOd prime Scotch do., 4s lod to 5s. Mutton, 3s 4d to 5s 4d. Veal, 4s to 5s 2d. Large pork, 2s 2J to 353d; small do., 3s 8d to 4, per 8 lbs.

I TO-DAY'S SHIPPING. I Lloyds' Casualty Telegrams. The French steamer Suez and the British steamer Boskenna Bay have been in collision at Havre. The former is leaking; damage to the latter unknown. The British ship Monrovia, from Hamburg for Liver- pool, is aground near Haiuu »- The American ship Melrose a. ■! the British barque London have b en in collision at 01 Francisco. Both were slightly damaged. The schooner Bessin, with a cargo .1" copper ore, got aground near Pembrey, but afterw^. floated, though, much damaged. A New York cablegram siites that -teamer, sun- posed to be the Stella, from Charleston ..1 Sebastopol, or the Cella, from Shields for Philadelphia, was spoken on the 29th December, in lat. 46 long. 4J YV, with engines disable'

I DISASTERS AT SEA. I Collision in the Channel. Two large sailing vessels, both bound for the Channel, came into violent collision on Thursday night, and both received such damage that but for the calmness of the sea they would have sunk at once. The Norwegian barque Vc-ita was from Philadelphia to Dunkirk with paraffin. The German barquentine Asia was from Corinth, America, with logwood. They collided 15 miles west of Start Point under circumstances concern- ing which contradictory repoits are given, but both beiner cut down to the water's edge and ap- parently sinking, a fishing vessel lay by them, aud by exercise of much care they were kept afloat until a steam-tug took them in tow and brought them into harbour, where they were grounded to avoid sinking. I WRECK ON THE PEARL ROCK. I Letters from Gibraltar dated Christmas Bay reeord three serious casualties, arising from the unprotected state of the Pearl Rock, off Gibraltar, on which H.M.S. Agiccourt was so nearly lost some years ago. The station barque Palerovo went ashore there lately, followed by the British steamer Carrie, which ran on the rock at mid-day, and quickly sank and the third disaster, which occurred at Christmas, was the steamer Redesdale, of North Shields, with coals, which went down within half-an-hour in deep water, her crew happily being rescued. She was from Alexandria to Sharpness. This dangerous reef, which lies directly in the fairway, is not marked by a bell buoy. A warning signal pro- bably would have drawn the attention of those on watch to the danger. The rock is, however, in Spanish water. The steamer Empress of Dundee has also been in trouble, and arrived at Gibraltar with her bowsprit gone, her bows stove in, and her fore compartment full, having been in collision with the German barque Havila. She is now dis- charging her cargo (wine), preparatory to repairing darnages. The master of the schooner Picton, of Carnar- von, from St. John's, Newfoundland, reports having encountered a hurricane, by which her decks were swept of everything movable, and the t forecastle and aft deck filled with water.

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS. I Large Increase of Paupers. I The weekly meeting of the guardians was held on Saturday, Dr Paine in the chair. There were also present—Mr O. H. Jones (vice-chairman), Messrs R. O. Jones, T. W. Jacobs, J. A. le Boulanger, E. T. Ferrier, J. Williams, J. Phillips, Major Lee, T. Williams, E. Herne, E. E. Roberts, F. J. Beavan, Rees Enoch, J. Ramsdale, W. B. Gibbs, T. Harbottle, D. Edmonds, D. Richards, J. T. Barry, Edward Thomas, and Titus Liewellyn. The Master of the Workhouse reported that during the week 39 paupers had been admitted, and 31 discharged, leaving 613 in the house, an in- crease of 101 on the corresponding week of last year. The Master of the Workhouse referred to the treat given by the mayoress to the inmates on Wednesday, and the guardians directed that their best thanks be sent to the mayoress for her kindness to the inmates, who also desired that their grateful thanks should be returned to her also.—The Master of the Ely Schools reported the number of children at that institution to be 222, an in- crease of 7 on the corresponding week of last year. The measles epidemic was rapidly subsiding. No death from that disease had occurred. The nurse, who had been temporarily engaged, now sent in her charge for attendance at the school.—The Chairman moved that the usual amount paid to a settled nurse be paid to her, and attributed the rapid decrease in the disease to her careful aud skilful treatment.—The claim was ordered to be paid.-This was all the public business.

Mr Augustus Rivers Thompson, Lieutenant- Governor of Bengal, and Mr Charles Grant, Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, are gazetted Knights Com manders of the Order of the Star of India, and Mr Henry William Primrose, late private secre- tary to the Marquis of Ripon, is gazetted com- panion of the same order. In consequence of the great success that has attended the visit of Mr Lonsdale to Cardiff, he has decidet- to stay a short time. Judging from the testimonials that from time to time appear in ,our advertisement columns, his appliances are equal to what Mr Lonsdale claims them to be, and doubtless further and substantial support will be given to him.

TO-DAY'S POLICE. I CARDIFF. NON-MAINTENXNCB.—At the police-court to-day, before Alderman Jones, David Sherwood, a col- lier, was charged by Mr Pritchard, the warrant officer of the Cardiff Guardians, with leaving his wife and family chargeable to the Cardiff Union. ( As the defendant promised to provide for his family in the future the case was adjourned for a fortnight to enable him to carry out his inten- tion. THE FALSELY-CALLED REIGN OF TERROR.— Mary Ann Kemp, a young woman 18 years of ] age, was charged with being a disorderly prosti- tute in Bute-terrace on the 2nd inst. P.C. Waters saw the defendant about nine o'clock on Friday night in Bute-terrace. She was dancing, cursing, and swearing. A large crowd had assembled to witness her performance. He asked her to go away several times, but she refused, and said that she would rather be locked up than go. He then took her into custody.—Defendant said her father resided at Canton, and it appeared that she was the daughter of a respectable man. She believed her father would receive her back, although she had been living in houses in Peel-street and other places of bad repute for 18 months.—The bench directed that she should be sent back to her parents.—In consequence of four robberies having been committed in brothels in Homfray-street during the past week, the Head-constable has issued a special order to the police, with a view of bringing some of the occupiers of these houses be for# the magistrates. VIOLENT ASSAULTS.—Mary Shea, a woman against whom there are several previous convic- tions, was charged on a warrant with assaulting and wounding an old man named Daniel Murray, on the 15th June.—Complainant stated that he lived in Halkett-street. On the morning of the 15th June the defendant and others broke open the door of his house, wounding him in four 01* five places.—As only one magistrate was on the bench prisoner was remanded till Monday. I NEWPORT (COUNTY). I A FOOTBALL MATCH AT CHRISTCHUHCH.—At the above police-court to-day, William J. Edden, landlord of the Cross Hands Inn, Christchurch, was summoned for being drunk himself, and also with permitting drunkenness on his licensed premises, on Boxing Day. A football match drew a great con- course to the locality of defendant's house, and Superintendent Gurney and P.C. Wilhnott, attracted by the tumult of noisy doings, visited the defendant's house, and found a lot of people in the house in various stages or drunken- ness. Defendant himself, who was being assisted by a waiter, was described as being staggering drunk." Defendant now asked Captain Gurney whether he had never made a instake-i in- ferential way of admitting his own laches. The bench fined defendant 20s and Charles Harris, George Harris, Robert Davis, and Edward Wil- liams, who were found drunk in the house, were each mulcted in 5s.

ANOTHER CHARGE AGAINST MR I EVERETT, AUCTIONEER. 1 Claim by the District Auditor. I At the Newport county police-court, to-day, before Messrs L. A. Homfray, T. Beynon, and R. F. Woollett, magistrates, George E. Everett, lately carrying on business at Cardiff and Newport as an auctioneer, and about whose bankruptcy so much was pub- lished at the time, was summoned for not paying £ 75 12s 8d to the treasurer of the Henllis and Rogerstone School Board. Mr Llanwarne, solicitor, Hereford, said he was instructed by Mr Roberts, the district auditor, who had taken these proceedings, to ask the magistrates for an order for payment of the money, which Mr Roberts bad certified was due from Mr Everett forthe half-year ending Sept., 1883. The solicito rsaid he understood there was some dis- pute as to a portion of the money, but that was a matter he could not go into, as the auditor's certi- ficate was conclusive. Still, there was no desire to make the defendant pay more than was due from him. The proper course to adopt was for defendant to apply to the Local Government Board claiming such remission as was his due. Mr Llanwarne asked the bench to grant a warrant of distress against the defendant for the amount named in the summons. vi Mr C. R. Lyne, solicitor, who appeared for the defendant, explained that his client, who at the time he was clerk to the Henllis School Board also carried on business as an auctioneer, unfortu- nately became bankrupt, and all his papers and vouchers were handed to the trustee appointed under the bankruptcy proceedings. £ 15 was due to defendant as salary and JB15 7s for payments made. The money due was thus reduced to £ 4-3, and he was instructed to say that when the accounts were settled, a cheque would be forth- coming for the balance. Mr Llanwarne said he had an objection to come down to Newport a second time, and ultimately put in the auditor's certificate as formal nroof of his case. He asked on this for the granting of a distress warrant. Mr Homfray: If our clerk advises us to adjourn the case that an amicable settlement may be come to, I think we shall. Mr Llanwarne said that an immediate order would be the cheapest course. Mr Homfray We will do the cheapest thing this day week. Mr Lyne produced a telegram from Mr Brewer, chairman of the school board, that a meeting had been called for Monday next, at which the claims of the defendant would he dealt with. Mr Homfray: I have every confidence that Mr Lyne's promise will be substantiated. Case adjourned accordingly for a week.

MARRIED IN HASTE AT CARDIFF A short time since a domestic servant residing at Cardiff, who had long past her "teens," called at the residence of a Baptist minister, well-known here and nearly all over the principality, and of whose church she was a member, informed him of her intention to get married before the year closed, and wished him to perform the ceremony. The fact that it was leap year, had, amid the multitude of his ministerial engagements and domestic duties, escaped his notice, and the request at first appeared somewhat strange, as such information is usually imparted by the gentleman. He. however, recovered himself in a moment, attd, of course, expressed his willingness, and was about to offer her his congratulations, when it occurred to him from her manner that they might be premature but just before the close of the year the lady again called on him, and she now spoke of the approaching marriage with more confidence. She produced a licence to save the delay of the usual 21 days' notice. The registrar of marriages for the district had been informed, and he would be at the chapel at 11.30 oa the following morn- ing. There was no time to spare, the last day of the year was at hand. Accordingly, on this day the minister appeared in front of his chapel, which is situated at the eastern end of Cardiff. There was the registrar with his book and the ink bottle in his pocket, but neither bride nxir bride- groom were there. In a few minutes the lady appeared, leading apparently rather reluctantly a young man by the hand, but in her hurry she had forgotten to inform the chapel-keeper, and at 11.45 a.m. the doors were still closed, and the wedding party, consisting of bride, bridegroom, minister, and registrar, remained outside. No- thing daunted, the lady, whose determin.ation of character everyone will admire, started off at a brisk run to the house of the chapel-keeper for tne keys, leaving her future husband in the charge of the minister, with a look to indicate that he was not to let the gentleman slip from his custody. In five minutes she returned with the chapel-keeper and the keys. The doors were opened, the registrar looked at his watch and exclaimed, It is now U.50 the register must be signed in less than ten minutes or no marriage can take place." The poor woman looked to her pastor for sympathy. Were all her etforts to be baulked ? Leap year would not come again for another four years. He being a good Christian young man grasped the position the year was on its last stroke. He walked briskly up to the communion rails, and, turning to the man, said, Wilt thou have this woman for thy wedded wife ?' and he replied rather faintly, "Yes." He put the same question to the woman, only reversing the words wite, etc., to which she only reversing the words wife, etc., to whicb she replied quickly Yes." "Now go and sign the register." This was done, and the registrar closed the book as the hands pointed to 12. She dived her hand into her pocket, pulled out some money, with which she paid the registrar, the minister, and the chapel-keeper. In taking out thl louse silver she also drew the ring from her pocket, which she placed on her own finger, and they left the chapel man and wife together, but separated immediately afterwards.

Mr L. H. Phillips, a member of the Common Council of the City of London, will contest the nevy To^er Efamjets fcwoqgjiia tha Conservative

SPORTING ITEMS. There are 54 clubs affiliated with the National A-mateur Lacrosse Association of Canada. The issociation was reorganised on May 4, 1876. Indians are now reckoned as professionals. At a meeting held at the Albert Club, on Thurs- day evening, the sum of £67528 8d was handed iver to the widow of Captain Webb, the unfor- tunate swimmer, that amount being the result of public subscription raised for the support of tierself and children, together with the interest which had accrued since the money had been invested. The lease of Shrewsbury racecourse from the Racecourse Company to Messrs Frail expires in February, and as there is a prospect of the meet- ing being discontinued, a memorial, signed by a large number of the inhabitants, has been sent to the mayor, requesting him to call a public meeting for the purpose of taking such steps in tb. 1 as may be desirable. The meeting is ux*d 01 Thursday next. King Archibong has been privately disposed 0% and has left Jones's team, at Epsom, for at Newmarket. There was a severe frost at Newmarksj 011 Thursday. A similar state of things prevailed Epsom, Chilton, Lewes, and Middleham. The Aston Villa team travelled north and bearded the famous Queen's Park in their own den at Glasgow on Thursday. The home ;e won by four goals to three. The Hackney Stud Book Society will hold its first annual show at the Royal Agricultural Hall on March 3rd and 4tb, for hackney, cob, and pony stallions and mares. It is rumoured that Mr Waring has been asked by the agent of an American breeder to put a price on Robert the Devil, but it is said that he has declined to do so. Fulmen, that disappointing horse, has com- menced walking exercise, and it is probable that he will in a short time go in for more active work in view of the spring handicaps. The death is announced of Mr A. H. Baily, the proprietor of the popular sporting magazine which owes its title to his name. Mr Baily died at his residence on Wednesday evening. The National Skating Association has issued an official bulletin. Should the frost hold, there will be skating at Zingy Fen, Grantchester, in a few days, where the championship contest will be the first fixture. On Tuesday the Duke of Roxburghe, Sir G Waldie Griffith, Bart., of Hendersyèe-park the Hon. E. Ma joribanks, M.P.; Captain Hot- ham, and Mr James Moffat shot over the Fior.rc. Castle policy, and killed 437 head of game. The New York Yacht Club have received challenges from Sir Richard Sutton, Bart., and from Lieut. W. Henu to defend the tropny won some time ago by the yacht America. Sir K. Sutton will cumpete with the Genesta, ane Meut. Henn with the Galatea. There is talk in New York of getting up a pugilists' organisation, which will havv. for it, object the protection of boxers' interests. ? who have taken up the project will endeavour to get boxing matches recognised as a legit .mate branch of athletic sports. A sporting correspondent writes :—" Turf imbroglios seem to be cropping up nowadays with painful frequency. If I am notsaaly misinformed, there is one on the tapis now that may involve serious complications to the person or persons who will be called upon for an explanation of a matter which, in the eyes of the supreme powers, to re- quired to be cleared up." At the commencement of proceedings at Thurs- day's town council meeting at Brighton the Mayor referred to the proposed purchase of the county cricket ground at Hove. His Worship remarked that he was probably not going beyond his province in saying that there was an appeal to the town of Brighton to obtain in this district a county cricket ground. He thought the com- mittee had hardly done so much as other men might have done in making the case known to the inhabitants. But he took this opportunity of calling the attention of householders to the fact that if they wished to retain the county cricket ground in Brighton now was the time to send in their gifts.

IMPORTANT CABINET COUNCIL. The German Colonial Policy Discussed. The Cabinet Council, which met on Friday at four o'clock, sat for two hours and three-quarters. All the Ministers were present except Earl Spencer and Sir Charles Dilke, the latter of whom had not arrived from the continent. Another meeting of the Cabinet will be held this (Satur- day) afternoon. During the day there were quite an unusual number of preliminary meetings and conversa- tions. Lord Granville, who arrived at noon direct from Walmer Castle, first went to the Foreign Office, and after a short stay there pro- ceeded to Downing-street, where he had a brief interview with the Prime Minister. About three o'clock his lordship had another and more pro- longed conference with Mr Gladstone, whichlasted to within a quarter of an hour of the assombling of Ministers for the Cabinet Council. Lord Derby arrived in town during the morning, but did not proceed to the Colonial Office, where he had been expected. A Colonial Offioe messenger, however, was seat to St, J am ee:s-square with a box full of despatches for his londship's perusal. At three o'clock Lord Northbrook went to Downing-street, and remained until tb.e close of the Cabinet Council, taking part in the con- ference with Lord Granville and Mr Gladstone. Just before four o'clock Mr Trevelyan asrived, and he was followed almost immediately by Mr Childers, Lord Slboc Lord Carlingford, Mr Chamberlain and Lord Kimberley, and Sir William Harcourt, the last Minister to arrive being Lord Hartingfcon, whostrolled into Downing-street in his usual leisurely manner about tora minutes I&gfe four. Sir Charles Dilke, who has been taking a short rest at Antibes, on the Gulf of Genoa, Wc^S not advised of the summoning of the council until Thursday, and could not, therefore, arrive in time to atterkd,ubut he will be in. tojra to-day (Saturday). Lord Spencer, who was th*«aly other Minister absent, was detained in Dublin by pressing business. The circumetanoes under which the Cabinet Council was summoned, and the langthy delibera- tions of the Ministers, have caused considerable stir in political circles. It is assumed as a scatter of course that the latest development of German colonizing energy in the Western Pacific formed one of the chief topies underconsideration, and it is certain that Lord Derby ooiamunicatea to his colleagues the substance of the strongly worded dispatches which he has received within the last week or so from nearly every Australian Government. The fact that the Premier thought it necessary to have preliminary consultations with Lord Northbrook and Lord Granville is con- sidered of great significance, and there is a general belief in well-informed circles that another con- ference on Egyptian questions is not at all im- probable.

DR. PRICE'S CREMATION CASE. The notorious Welsh Dryidi D*. Price, is ap- parently as enthusiastic as ever for the cause of cremation. His latest performance has been to cremate a favourite bull, called by the pet name of Morgan Apis. The whole ceremony lasted nine hours it caused the greatest excitement throughout the ueigiibcurhvoil and the told in which the sacrifice was performed was crowded with spectators, many having come several miles to witness so peculiar an event. The pro- ceedings appear to have paesed, off quietly, though they were necessarily of a somewhat revolting character. Dr* Price has does some good service to the cause of creraatiou-uotably by furnishing the occasion for a judicial declaration of its legality but in future he would do well to carry out his experiments under shelter, and apart from the gaze of the profane multitude.—Pall Mall GazeUir,