South Wales Echo

da'y mSnfnSgS«5ra^ f™n Gibraltar on Wedaes- 0f North Sh&il:- Tle ba.r^e £ ard.f> m fiar?8» struck on the rockst 14 miles S,hb £ ™* JT^'y "h-7 "ft » th. C-Urfjfli SSS^SSSii Gibraltar. Two mem ei^Ofe circus company at Sanger's amphitheatre, u are under treatment at St. Thomas a rloopital, London One Alex- ander Coleman, known aa little Sandy, a down, was engaged in the performance onTuesciay even- in, and after turning a somersaiilt,,he wasnoticed to have sustained injury to his left leg, and subsequent examination showed that a large tendon bad been ruptured. On the previousnight Alfred Lauraine, a harlequin, sustained precisely the same injury to his right leer. Both are progressiag favourably.

TO-DAY'S MARKETS. „ SUGAR GLASGOW, Thursday,-Brisk demand for all kinds at fully yesterday's prices. The official report is as af l°?vS rIn?p:oved demand, and large business done at very steady prices. DEAD MEAT. J^ONDOX, Thursday.—Good supplies on offer, and trade remains extremely dull at the annexed prices .tseei, os to 3s lOd; prime Scotck do., 4s lOd to 5s. Mutton,_ os to 5s 4d. Veal, 4s to 5s 2d. Large pork, <is od to 0s8d small do., 3s 8d to 4s per 8 lbs.

I SPORTING ITEMS. A steeple-chase, hurdle, and fiat race meeting is to be held at Plumpton on Friday, February 6. The colt by Martyrdom out of Bonnie Roe has been sold, and has left Prince's team, at Lewes, for abroad. Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild has arrived in Paris from Vienna, and is staying at the Hotel Westminster. Albion made a successful debut over hurdles at Manchester, and scored a second victory for Golding's stable. Sacristan, although he won the First January Hurdle Race at Manchester on Tuesday, did not shape particularly well. C. Mitchell, the boxer, is at Toronto. Burke is on his way to New Orleans, where, it is said, he and Greenfield are to fight. J. Rolfe, an Australian cyclist, have just covered 100 miles in 6 hours 9 minutes 8 seconds on a track (10 laps to a mile) round the Exhibition buildings. The minimum weight for handicaps in Australia has recently been raised to 6st., an alteration which will not be viewed with general difavour in the mother country. Mr Miller has disposed of the greyhound Merry Lass, by Peter out of Coomassie, to Mr J. S. Whitehead, with contingencies, but the pries (not a very big one) did not transpire. Oddly enough, the hounds in Scotland have been able to run while the Leicestershire men were frozeu our, and some keen sportsmen have crossed the border to secure more hunting. The profits of the late Victoria (New South Wales) Race Club Meeting were something like £ 3,000 more than the previous year. The sport is evidently making vigorous strides in Australia. The latest rumour at Newmarket is to the effeet that Charles Archer has not received a permit to train on the Jockey Club lands. At present the exercise of his team'is conducted on private ground. At the approaching show of the Hackney Stud Book Society, to be held at the Agricultural Hall on the 3rd and 4th March, accommodation will probably be provided for classes of thoroughbred stallions suitable for hunter sires. The Kempton-park Champion Stakfs Was on Tuesday night introduced in the London market, with the result that odds of 1,000 to 80 were offered on the field; but the only wager recorded was one of tvveuty ponies" about Mr Liddell's nomination. Charley Wood means to win this stake. Mr Spencer Brown, the clerk of the scales at Manchester, Leicester, &t; is still very unwell, and he has gone to the shores of the Mediterranean with the hope of recruiting his health. In his absence, Mr Johnson officiated as clerk of the scales at New Barns on Tuesday. A Newmarket correspondent says that, accord- ing to the latest rumours, the horses under Gurry's charge, which are owned by Mr Abington, will be trained on the private ground which was for many years in the occupation of the late Mr Joseph Dawson. A fresh trainer is, however, likely to have the charge of them. A team of the Melbourne Cricket Club played the Bendigo United a one-day's match on Mon- day, November 22, the former being assisted by several of the Australians who were seen in Eng- land last summer. Melbourne obtained 607 for seven wickets, H. F. Boyle making 155 not out, runs coming rather faster than one hundred per hour. We understand that the connection between Tom Green and Lord Durham is not severed, the removal of the horses being brought about by the fact that his lordship intends to race more in the south. Green has already had two offers from noblemen to fill the stables vacated by the Earl of Durham's horses, but no agreement has yet been made.

I WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT. MEETING AT MAESTBG. I A Welsh disestablishment meeting, under the auspices of the Liberation Society, was held in the Town Hall, Maesteg, on Tuesday evening. The Rev. E. Jones, Tabernacle, presided, and the Rev. J. Matthews, of Swansea, and the Rev. J. Jones, Felinfoel, attended as a deputation. The CHAIRMAN said Wales was quite ripe for the disestablishment and disendawment of the Church of England in the principality. No one having any knowledge of Wales could fail to come to that conclusion, and the principal question at the next general election would be disestablishment. A little time ago the people of Maesteg met in thousands in front of the town-hall to give their support to the Franchise Bill, which had now become law, and by which every workman before him that evening had a vote. What would the two million working men like themselves wh(, had been enfranchised do with their vote? Would they vote for religious equality? (Voices: Yes.) It was now use- less to send petitions to Parliament for any measure, because the power was virtually in the hands of the people. Ten mem- bers would represent Glamorgan in Parliament in future, and whom were they going to send ? For Mid-Glamorgan district, at least, in which Maesteg was situate, any candidate who did not support disestablishment would have to go about his business. (Cheers.) It had been said that Mr Gladstone was against them. He very highly respected Mr Gladstone as a leader, but he would venture to say that Mr Gladstone, with all his power and eloquence as a Prime Minister, could not stop this disestablishment movement, and could not-persuade the Parliament to postpone the question any longer. They were not enemies to the Church-they wished it God- speed-but they could fairly ask their Church friends to support themselves without the aid of others. (Cheers.) The Rev. J. MATTHEWS, of Swansea, said that the question of disestablishment had already been settled in the minds of all Welsh people, and they would not wait until it was settled in Parlia- ment. No member could get into Parliament without the support of Nonconformists, and they, as electors, were determined that a great shout should go to Parliament for the disestablishment of the Church in Wales. As admitted by several authorities, the Church belonged to the entire people, and they were, therefore, justified in the present agitation. The speaker went on to deal at some length on the question of tithes, and the object of the Liberation Society. The Rev. JOHN JONES, Felinfoel, addressed the assembly in Welsh, mentioning several ahuses of the Church, and the injustice done to Dissenters in various matters in the present day. Mr JOSHUA WILLIAMS proposed in Welsh the following resolution "Thatthis meeting heartily approves of the agi- tation of the Liberation Society to bring the question of the disestablishment of the Church before the electors of Wales, and pledges itself to support the society's efforts by every legitimate means in bringing the matter to a sueceatful issue," This was seconded by the Rav. W. BOWDil, of Carmel, and after being supported by the Rev. Mr James, Mr Z. J enkins, and others, was carried unanimously. The usual votes of thanks terminated the meeting.

Experimental philosophy is illustrated when a man tries to borrow money from a friend—natural philosophy when the latter refuses. I A correspondence was published on Wednesday which hod taken place between the Glasgow Muni- cipal Authorities and the Boundary Commissioners. The former had asked that the Parliamentary borough of Glasgow should be so extended as to I inaludesurrounding urban communities. The Com- missioners reply that the proposals are largely in excess of the scope of their instructions, and can- not be entertained, as they would have the effect of nullifying the distribution of representation as contemplated by the, bill.

GLAMORGANSHIRE QUARTER I SESSIONS. Trials of Prisoners. I The trials of prisoners at the Epiphany sessions for the countyof Glamorgan were resumed at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Wednesday. for the countyof Glamorgan were resumed at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Wednesday. FIRST COURT. (Before Mr R. O. Joucs and Colonel LEE.) WOUNDING AT SWANSEA. Vyilliam Williams (28), labourer, on bail, was indicted for maliciously cutting and wounding John Rees, at Swansea, on the 25th December. Mr Benson prosecuted, and Mr B. F. Williams defended. It seems that the prosecutor is the chief inspector of the Swansea Tramway Com- pany, and that it is his duty to collect tickets on the trams at certain times. Prisoner had not a ticket, and was therefore told that he must pay his fare. After some words had passed between prisoner and the inspector the former produced a shilling, and the inspector proceeded to give him change. As prisoner was receiving the change he struck prosecutor a violent blow on the head with a stone which he had in his hand. Prosecu- tor was knocked down, and prisoner ran away, but prosecutor pursued him, and he was eventually given into custody.—The jury found prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment with hard labour. Mary Ann Peake (22), married, was charged with maliciously cutting and wounding William Davies, at Swansea, on the 11th December.—Mr J. Jones prosecuted, and the prisoner was un- defended.—It appeared that the man and woman were in the Engineers' Arms, in the Strand, on the day named, and that the woman threw a glass in his face, inflicting three wounds.—The prisoner alleged that she had only acted in self- defence, the prosecutor having taken hold of her and insulted her. She admitted that she had formerly led an improper life, but that she was now a different woman," and that the prosecutor was quite a stranger to her. While giving way to tears she expressed her sorrow for what she had done, and pleaded great provocation. -The jury found pri- soner guilty, and recommended her to mercy. She was ordered to undergo two months'imprisonment with hard labour, upon hearing which sentence she wept bitterly as she was led to the cells. NO BILL. xus grand jury threw out a bill in which Jane Meylm (46), charwoman, was indicted for stealing a purse, containing £ 4, from Carl Frederick Lewerdowig, at Swansea, on the 27th December. mL ^DECENT ASSAULT AT LLANSAMLET. xnomas ^enkms;(lb), on bail, was charged with having indecentlyassaulted,beaten, wounded, and ill-treated a girl, 16 years of age, named Elizabeth Mugford, at Llansamlet, on 13th November. Mr Abel Thomas prosecuted, and Mr B. F. Williams defended. It appeared that the young man and woman were employed at works in the neighbour- hood of Llamsamlet, and that, according to her statement, he endeavoured to take an improper advantage of her on the way home. The jury found prisoner guilty, and recommended him to mercy on account of his youth. He was sentenced to six months' hard labour. fi"- THEFTS AT MAESTEG. neury dinger (55) rag collector, pleaded guilty to stealing 1 cwt. of coal, of the value of 6d, the of Archibald Johnston, at Maesteg, on £ ?» u ^ovember and also to stealing a leather of Archibald Johnston, at Maesteg, on £ ?» u ^ovember and also to stealing a leather beuy band, °f the value of 2s, the property of the Llynvi and Tondu Company, Limited, Maesteg, on the 23rd November. He was sen- tenced to five months' imprisonment with hard labour. labour. A Tn SHOp ROBBERIES AT SWANSEA. ^unimer (71), married, was charged witn a Piece of flannel, the property of Ernest m kmrith and another, at Swansea, on the .sutn October.—The prosecutor missed some flannel from his shop door, and detective Morris, ot Swansea, discovered a quantity of flannel at of f Orchard-street, but as tnere was "° fu-- ory evidence of identity of the material, if- i lrman directed a verdict of acquittal, which was returned. -amii (4*5), married, was charged with Wollarp J)air boots from the shop of Mr Wm. u "I'.o?ansea. on the 12th December The Und in the possession of the prisoner, RW u -f P°Hce going to the shop of Mr Wallace i was found that they had been stolen from that establisjlmenj._ Prisoner now alleged that a woman gave her the boots to pledge.. SLe was found guilty, and a previous conviction having been proved against tier, she was sentenced to four months iniprisonmenf with hard labour. ALLEGED FRAGD tJPON THE GLAMORGAN COAL COMPANY. The calendar contained indiotments in which Isaac Protheroe and David Price, on bail, were charged with obtaining from the Glamorgan Coal Company, Limited, various sums of money by false pretences, at lilwynpia, on the 1st May, 1884 and also with conspiring together to defraud the company. Mr Benson was retained for the prosecutionr^nd aVJr B. F. Williams for the de- fence.—j P* Williams alluded to some fresh charges whicii had been recently introduced into the indictment, and said that he ought not to be suddenly called upon to answer them.—Mr Ben- son argued that the new charges were so similar to the others that they presented no fresh diffi- culty.kjentually was decided to refer the case to the assizes. to the assizes. H ATLEGED HOUSEBREAKING AND THEFT AT TT SWANSEA. "\Vilh^n tianiord (17), labourer, was indicted for havuig oroken into the counting-house of the Great vvestera Railway Company, at St. Thomas, Swansea* on the 22nd September, and stolen a jacket, of the value of 15 6d, belonging to Thomas Alallet. an inspector of the railway. The jacket wao left ju £ he 0gjCe on the night of Saturday* he 22nd September, and upon Mr Mallet re-- rning on Monday morning he found that the p aceL had been broken into fand the article stoleu. The jacket was found on prisoner's back two months afterwards, when he said that j 'n Lancashire. Prisoner now stated that be found the jacket at Swansea. He was found not guilty and discharged. Mr Brynmor Jones prosecuted, prisoner being unde- fended. A FRAUDULENT BAILEE AT LLANSAMLET. John Joseph, <39, labourer, was indicted for having, as the bailee of certain money, belonging to Wm. Toiilkins, converted the same to his own use, at Llansamlet, on the 10th November.—Mr J. Jones prosecuted, the prisoner being unde- fended.—It appeared that the prosecutor was a horse slaughterer at Llansamlet, and that on the day in question lie entrusted the prisoner with JE1 to buy a horse at Aberavon. The prisoner, however, according to his own admission, \Vfent on the spree and spent the sovereign. He now expressed his sorrow for what he had done, and upon a previous conviction being proved he was sentenced to three months' imprisonment with hard labour. GROSS ATTACK ON A GAMEK.filiPHil AT SWANSEA. John Gritntns auct Edward Griffiths (on bail), father and son, were indicted for maliciously cutting and wounding William Fancourt, at Swansea, on the 3rd December. Mr Benson prosecuted, and Mr B. F. Williams defended. The prosecutor is head gamekeeper to Mr Dillwvn, M.P., and on the night of the aay named saw the two prisoners going in the direction of a cover on Penyiodau farm, over which Mr Dillwyn has the shooting right, The gamekeeper concealed him- self, but he was observed by Edward Griffiths, the son, who pointed a gun at him. The keeper approached, when the younger prisoner reversed the gun and made a blow at him with the tutt end, at the same time calling out Dad, ob, Dad come and help," The keeper closed with prisoner and they both fell to the ground, thb gun being broken in halves in the struggle. The elder prisoner threw a stone at the prosecutor, which struck Ihim on the shoulder, and afterwards each prisoner seized a part of tjie broken gun, and belaboured him (the keeper) tul ne became insensible. The prisoners were subsequently apprehended. The defence was an alibi, to prove which Mr B. F. Williams proceeded to call. witnesses. Six witnesses were called, who distinctly swore that both prisoners were not at the place alleged, and that tnev were at a place some distance away from a period before and for some time after the occurrence, xhe case occupied a long time. The jury retired to consider their verdict, and, after a delay of a few m,nutes, returned a verdict of not guilty gainst both prisoners. The court then rose. SECOND COURT. (Before Mr J. ü. FOWLER and Mr H. OUTI:I-"G AND WOUNDING AT OASmw. Padla" Kavadagas, a Greek sailor, was indieted for unlawfully and maliciously cutting, stabbing, and woundmg Thomas Stephens at Cardiff, on the 8th November last. Mr Gibbons appeared for the prosecution. On the night of the 8th November there was a row ameng some Spanish and Greek sailors in Custom-house-street, the complainant interfered, and it was alleged by the prisoner that he was knocked down and kicked by some of the roughs. < He was mm the ground with Stephens under him. Prisoner was then seen to draw a knife from his pocket and stab complainant in two places. lie immediately got up and ran away, and endeavoured to conceal the knife under a door-step. A boy saw him, and handedtheknife to the police. It was then covered with blood. The prisoner alleged that he had no knife, and that the stabbing was done by two Spaniards. The jury found him guilty, but recommended him to mercty in consequence of the provocation. Toe court considered that tbar* was net sufficient justification for him to draw a knife. As he had, however, been imprisoned for two months he would only be further impri- soned for two months with hard labour.—Antonio Toza, a seaman, was indicted for unlawfully and maliciously stabbing and wounding George Den- nison, on the Ilth Nov. last. Mr G. C. Thompson prosecuted, and Mr Abel Thomas defended the prisoner. On that night there was a disturbance in Sophia-street, and a number of seamen left a boarding-house armed with pokers, sticks, and other weapons. They struck and hit at every one in the street. Prisoner went over to the place where the complainant was stand- ing looking on. Prisoner was armed with a knife, and complainant, on seeing the prisoner rushed at him, struck the prisoner a blow on the mouth. Dennison was then knocked down, the prisoner falling on him. When on the ground the prisoner stabbed the complainant in back. The defence was that Dennison and bis companion were "bullies," and that they were frequently in the habit of quarrelling with foreign seamen. They on that evening were in reality the attacking party. The prisoner was violently assaulted, and thrown down by the prosecutor. He was injured, but some other person standing by stabbed the prosecutor. The wife of a boarding-house keeper also swore that some per- son, not prisoner, entered her house, immediately after the row, and washed his hands. The jury found the prisoner guilty, and he was sentenced to eight months' hard labour. SHOP ROBBERIES AT CARDIFF. I Mary Hayes (37), a married woman, was I indicted for stealing three coats from the shop of Mr Colman Follick, pawnbroker and outfitter, Bridge-street, on the 17th November. The coats were missed from the doorway, and the prisoner was in a few minutes stopped by the prosecutor's assistant with the coats under her apron. She was found guilty. Several previous convictions were proved, and she was sentenced to nine months' hard labour, the lenient sentence being given in consequence of her having an infant in her arms. I —Robert Graham (28), labourer, and Edward Wilson (18), sailor, were indicted forstealing three pairs of stockings from tha shop of Mr Coleman Follick, pawnbroker and outfitter, Bridge-street, on the 13th November, 1883. Mr Gibbons pro- secuted. The prisoner Wilson offered the stock- ings in pledge at the shop of Mr Barnett, when he was detained while a police-constable was sent for. On the constable leaving the shop Graham came up and said, I gave them to Wilson to pledge. I stole them from Mr Follick's shcp but he also said, We made it up —one to steal and the other to pawn them." They were found guilty, and sent to prison, each for one month with hard labour. STEALING A WATCH. William Henry Fox, a sailor, wa3 indicted for stealing a watch and chain from the person of William Creech at Cardiff on the 7th November. He was also indicted for receiving the watch. Mr Jeffries prosecuted. Complainant was in the Rose and Crown on the night in question. He had then his watch and chain. He left, but on arriving at Blacif-welr he missed his watch and chain. How it was taken he did not know, as he was much the worse for drink at the time. The prisoner said that a sailor took the watch from the ¡ prosecutor and gave it to him to pledge.—He was j found guilty and sentenced to six months' hard labour. STEALING A WATCH FROM THE PERSON. Margaret Higgins, a married woman, was in- dicted for stealing a watch, the property of Wm. Thomas, at Cardiff, on the 26th December. Mr Evans prosecuted. The prisoner and a woman named Watts were charged at the police- court with stealing the watch. Prosecutor was at the Royal George on the 26th, having come down from Penrhiwcyber n the previous day. Both women were of bad character. They spoke to him, and Higgins asked him to let her see his watch. He gave it to her to look at, then began to talk to the other woman, and while so engaged the prisoner left the room, and on the following day attempted to pledge the watch, but was apprehended. Watts was discharged by the magistrates at the police- court, and prisoner was committed for trial at the quarter sessions. She alleged that the prose- cutor gave it to her. She was now found guilty, and sent to prison for three months, with hard labour. STEALING A GOOSE, ETC. Hannah Conway (39), a hawker, was indicted for stealing a goose, a piece of bee;, and some sausages, the property of Soloman Andrews, on the 20th December. Mr Gibbons prosecuted. A butcher at Penarth sent on that day a goose, a piece of beef, etc., to a lady at; Canton. Ila ùe- livered it at the 'bus office, Penarth. Prisoner travelled in the 'bus from Penarth to Cardiff, and saw the parcel put under the seat. When she arrived at Cardiff she took the parcel from under the seat and walked off with it. The police were informed of it, and went to prisoner's house, where the sausages were found just cooked and partly eaten, and the goose concealed under the bea, between the bedding and the sacking. Prisoner said she found the parcel in the street near the 'bus office. Prisoner had been previously con- victed several timea, and was now sent to prison for nine months with hard labour. ATTEMPTED POCKET PICKING. Martha Lane, a married woman, 52 years of age, was indicted for attempting to steal a purse and 15s, the property of and from the person of Martha Vanstone, at Cardiff, on the 20th December last. Mr Michael prosecuted, and Mr Gibbon defended the prisoner.—The prisoner was watched by Detective Smith, who was on duty in the Cardiff market on the 20th Dec., He saw her hanging about some stalls; and seeing her go up to a woman, he watched her still closer, and on seeing her go up to Mrs Vanstone, push up against her and seemed to examine her dress, he went up to apprehend her. She then left. After an elaborate summing up of counsel and the chairman the jury returned a verdict otguilty, and prisoner was sentenced te one month's imprison- ment with hard labour. INDECENT ASSAULT. Morns Dooley, a young man 19 years of age, was indicted for indecently assaulting a young woman named Margaret Da vies on the 1-t December. Mr Evans prosecuted. The com- plainant was on that day walking over a moun- tain near Cymmer. Prisoner overtook her, then nude improper overtures to her, and on her re- fusing them he followed her some distance, threw her down, and behaved in a very indecent "'id improper way. She, however, succeeded in escaping from him, leaving her cloak and hat on the ground. Prisoner then ran away, but on the following day, when he was apprehended, she at once recognised him as the person who assaulted her. Prisoner was found guilty, and sentenced to six months' -mprisonment witi hard labour. STKALING MONET AT SWANSEA. Martha Thomas, a young married woman, was indicted for stealing ..ad taking" away a sum of money amounting to 9s 4.d,jthei money of Giacamo Corvetto, at Swansea, uu the 23rd December, 88.-Mr Griffitlts prusecuted.-Proiecut(v met the prisoner in some street at Swansea, went with her to acoffee-iiousewherettiey had some coffee and some food. He gave th.e landlady half a sovereign. and prisoner went to the bar and took the change, but, as prosecutor alleged, he never intended that she should keep the change, but she left the house with it.-Prisotter, however, affirmed that she gave the prosecutor the change, and when she was apprehended only one shilling was found on her.—The jury returned a verdict of not I guilty. The oeurt then rose.

MR MUNDELLA, M.P., ON FREE EDUCATION. At the opening of the Folkestone Board Schools, on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Mnndella, referring to free education, said such a system to be just must be free, not for a class only, but free all round. He warmly advocated voluntary efforts to provide chavdinners for children who could not procure proper nourishment at home, as their minds could not be properly instructed whilst the body was neglected. He eulogised the efforts of the clergy in the cause of education, stating that he knew of cases where the clergy- man subscribed ten times as mueh as the squire and all the farmers of the parish put together. Next year the Department would have to ask for a large vote, which he wa.s sure the nation would not grudge, as this meant a. decrease of crime and the social progress of the masseg. }

How OREGON YOUTH ABB ADVISED.—Young men contemplating marriage have so fre- quently called upon us to advise them in the manner of popping the all-important question that we have concluded to give our opinion once for all. Never propose to a young lady after a hearty meal. The blood is needed to aid diges- tion, and her imagination is chilled. Nor should I it come just before a meal, for the longings of an importuned system conduce to anxiety and irritability, and the shock may prove hazardous. It would be better to select the evening, and invite her to some entertainment which you know she wants to attend, and then propose to her just as she is ready to start. This will be greatly to your advantage, for she will easily see that a rejection will upset an evening's entertainment.— Oregon Paper,

I CARDIFF SCIENCE AND ART SCHOOLS. Distribution of Prizes. I The Bishop of Llandaff on Past and Present Culture. The prizes awarded by the science and art de- partment to the students of the above schools were distributed in the Assembly-room at the Town-hall, Cardiff, on Wednesday night, by the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Llandatf. Alder- man Taylor presided in the absence of the Mayor (Mr A Fulton), who was prevented from at- tending owing to a cold, and there were also oil the platformMr Viriamu Jones, Principal of the South Wales College Alderman Lewis, Councillors Trounce, Bea van, and Proger Messrs Peter Davies, Ronnfeldt, W. H. Thomas, Peter Price, Dr. Jno. Evans, the Rev. W. Seward, and Mr Bush. There was a large at- tendance of the friends of the students, many ladies being amongst those present. THE ANNUAL REPORT. The following report was read by the Hon. Secretary (Mr rrhorp) During the year 375 individual students attended the school, a number slightly higher than that of last year. In the School of Art there were 73 awards this year, while last year there were 69. The moit successful class was the modelling in clay from ornament and antique. This class continues its improvement, and will no doubt prove one of the most useful as well a < successful. Probably a great incentive to work in this class has been the very gratifying career of one of our old student Air W. John, who was for many years a student of the school, and tor a short time an assistant teacher. After leaving the Cardiff School he be- came a pupil of the Lambeth Modelling School, gaining high distinction. He competed for admission into the academy, and was successful, and in his first competi- tion afur admission he gained the £ 10 prize for a model of Mercury. He is at present studying in the life class, <fcc., at the academy. His success is the more creditable to him as during the whole time hi ha maintained himself by his daily work and been able only to devote his evenings to study. In the school of science there his been a great forward stride. Com- paring ths year's retUlll, with those of last year, we stand thus In the elementary stage last year there were 36 first-class and 43 second-class awards, while this year there are 41 tirst-class and 67 seconds in the advanced stage last year there were three first and 15 second cla=s awards, while this year there are eight tirst class and 23 second. In honours there is one award this year, against nine las; year. In mathematics (in which subject there is a different mode of classification) last yenr in Stase I. there were one first-class and seven second-class awards. Stage II, Six second-class awards. Stage III. and IV. No awards. This year in Stage 1. there were two first-class and 11 second-class awards Stage II. One first and three .-ecnnd-clas^ Stace III. One second-class Stage IV. Two seconcl-class. Summing up the successes in the different subjects we stand last year 116 awards; this, 160 awards. During the last few months many additions have been made to the apparatus of the various departments, n ore especially the chemical, which is now-efficieiltly furnished, both for qualitative and quantitative analysis. These additions we owe to the successful exhibition of 1881, which placed funds at our disposal for such purposes. The <-orn.jif' :e here nesi-e to sxpresj their thanks to the gentleman who have IÜnJly presented scholarships and prizes to the schools. In addition to the science and art department examination, the students com- pacted successfully in the technological examinations 01 the guilds of London. Three medals were Won in that competition, namely, the 5th bronze medal for en- gineering, the 1st silver medal fur milling, and also a y special gold medal for milling, given by tUe National Association of British Millers. The gaiid itself in- tends presenting the gold medal to Mr W. Weaver at the annual meeting of the association. One student took honours, tivu first-class ordinary, and three second-class ordinary. The science competition for the local medals was exceedingly close, and very high marks were taken by the winners. 1-1. D. Griffith- the winner of the silver medal, was t fie. studentship at South Kensington Science Schools, but was unable to take advantage of his success. The CHAIRMAN then called upon The Bishop of LLANDAFF, who confessed that for one reason lie should have "wiheù someone other than himself had had the honour cf occupy- ing the position which he was now filling, and that was because nis ignorance of the various suo- jects tor which prizes were to be given prevented him from speaking with much force and ability of the great advantages which the teaching and the study of these subjects yielded, and of putting before them the many inducements there were to persevere in the good course upon which they had entered. At the same time he was thankful to the council of thot valuable instituLion for having done him the honour of inviting him to be present on that occasion, hrst of all because it gave him an opportunity of congratulating the officers of the institution -on its present state of efficiency and also of congratulating them upon the great number of additions which, through the kindness of Lord But? and others, had been made to the library of that institution; and, thirdly, upon the fact, as he had learned from the report, that inall the departments of the institution the officers were labouring with an efficiency and zeal which left little to be desired. But espe- cially was he "thankful to the officers of that institution for permitting him to be present, because it afforded him an opportunity of saying with what pleasure he had learnt that so many of his young brothers aud sifters had seen the wisdom of devoting the time that they could snatch from the toils of the day to such useful pursuits as those upon which they had been engaged in that institution. (Applause.) He ventured to congratulate them also upon the marked success which had attended their labours, and for winch he was about to present to them their respective awards. He thought that the report which they had just heard read by Mr Thorp sufficiently proved the extreme success which had marked the labours of the students during the past year. He hoped and trusted that the distinctions which they had already earned were but the prelude of higher success in the future. He believed it was to such zeal, perse- verance, energy, and diligence as had resulted in the acquisition of these prizes that England owed the ascendency which she now held among other nations in those fields of art and science in which their young friends had been labouring. ¡' But they must, at the same time, remember that if England was to keep that ascendency and maintain her supremacy, she could not afford to rest on her oars, or to relax in any way the efforts hitherto put forth to obtain it. We knew perfectly well that other nations, jealous of that supremacy, had got their schools of science and art scattered broadcast over their lands, and they were neglectful of in appliance which would help their young to outstrip other nations in the race tor supremacy. For this reason lie was very proud to think that here and throughout the schools of this country the recent examinations bad shown that not only had progress, but a very decided progress, marked the labours of the students of the past year. In the report which they had just heard, with respect to Cardiff, he thought there was everything to give them satis- faction. He reinemoered reading, he thought some time ago, an account of the late Lord Derby'" speech on Lis being called upon to fill the position t something like the one which he (the bishop) was now occupying, and Lord Derby made use of this observation :—" Having been born in a prehistoric age, you must Hot expect me to speak very elo- quently upon subjects of art and science which have come into being since I was born." And he (the bishop) confessed that, looking back upon the time when his educational labours were chiefly in action, and comparing the state of things then with what prevailed now, he felt very much dis- posed to echo the remark. The rapid strides which had been made in special branches of education were so remarkable as to make Lord Derby's remarks almost pertinent to him (the bishop). In his day a little read- ing, writing, Latin and Greek, a little moral pinlosophy and history, formed the curricu- lum of the day. There were hardly any special branches of study in which those who desired to embark in them bad an opportunity of improving themselves. The very luxuries of which he spoke were the luxuries of the well-to-do in the world they did not comedown to the low(,7t social grade. But all that had passed away. What was the state of things now ? The poorest and humblest .in the land had an opportunity to acquire not only a general elementary education, but also to embark in any spccial course of study for which God had adapted them, and so of rising to eminence in particular branches of art or science, or any other form of culture. He thought that was a blessing for which we ought to he very thankful, but let them rern.ember" to whom much is given, of him xtuch will be required," and, therefore, ifi they had greater privileges in this respect at the present time, they must take care that they made a progress and an advancement which would be in harmony, in character, and in nnison with the privileges they possessed. DISTRIBUTING THE PRIZES. I he prizes and certificates were ttien distri- buted by his lordship. 2ND GRADE EXAMINATION rx DRAWING. I Certificates in the second grade examination School ¡ ot Art were awarded to:—W. Hughes Chapman, Arthur M. Davies, Thomas Jas. Fitzgerald, Harry D. Griffiths, ,lane Ireland, Alfred Ch. James, Robert H. Jones. Eli Lewis, William A. Lock, Chas. IViii. Melhuisli, Eliza Jolitison Parry, Win. J. Peace, James Ravenhil*, Vim, I g, Riehards, Ethel Annie Simoson, Mary Thomas, Grace Clare Bregeon, James Colley, May Jennings, Margaret O. Leardie, Ronald M. TraiU, Reginald E. J. Bush. Mary Gordon EJphinstoup. Samuel Gates, Beatrice Mary Pember, Wm. Wada L. Puller, Iltrny J. Raymond, Henrie Hampton llajward, William 1'. Richards, Charl. Anne Shackel), Elizabeth Evans. Win. If. Dashwood Caple, Henry T. Ear!, Benjamin Evans. In addition to the above, four students from Howell's School, Llandaff were awarded certificates for freehand drawing, and six fur model drawing, and one a prize and certifitate for model drawing. I SOUTH KENSINGTON EXAMINATION. Ada Baker, Enrico Brelicfa, Charles W. Burston, Robert H. Jones, I William Kyte, John Llewellyn, W. R. Lock, Ellen Morton, Eliz. Johnson Parry, Agnes M. Davey, Henry 1. Earl, Margaret Elphinstone, Benjamin Evans, Thos. J. Fitzgerald, Ernest Gilman, Thomas Hay, Henry J. Raymond, William P. Richards, Richard Roberts, Reginald E. J. Bush, James Colley, William H. Dash- wood Caple, John B. Davies, J. Tudor Davies, Ada Fletcher, Albert K llarri, George F. Harris. Esther Knight, Harry Lincoln, Alice Lincoln, Richard Lloyd. Annie Parry, Marie saulez, Margaret 0. Leardie. LOCAL ART PRIZES-Louis H. Price, 1st prize for painting a still life group as composition of colour; Marie Saulez, 2nd prize ditto. Edgar H, Thomas, 1st prize for drawing; the human figure or animal form from the round W. D. Jesseman, 2nd ditto. G. F. Harris. painting figure from cast in monochrome. Joseph Staniforth, surface dasign. Reginald E, J. Bush, 1st prize painting direct from nature in oils, and 1st prize for painting direct from nature in water colours. TOWN MEDAL,—Margaret 0. Leardie. SCHOOL OF SCIENCE.—AS the; results of examination held by the science and arc department, May, 1884, certificates were awarded the following :-William H. Charles, Alfred Davies. Thomas G. George, John C. rant, William Griffiths, William Harris, VerrierJ. Jones, Thomas H. Nicholls, Richard S. Roberts Henry J. Rees, J osiah Beable, 'Grace Clair Breceon, Thomas Jenkins, William Jones, Harry de Vere Milward, Patrick O'ahea, Beatrice M. Pember, W. H. Turner. W. H. Chapman, Richard M. Cule, William J. Evans, T. J. Fitzgerald, Earnest W. Grant, Edwin J. C. Hart, Eli John, Charles W. Melhuish, Fred. W. Thomas, David M. Ashton. W. Cheffey-James, Henry Fothergill, John Fisher, William Kyte, Fred. E. Lewis, Herbert J. Nurton, William P. Richards, Charles J. Thurbon, A. C. Totterdell, Watkin Williams. Benjamin Evans, H. T. Earl, Albert Holman, C. N. James, Thomas W. Jones, W. J. James, J. Leadbeater, William Richards. John IV. Blight, Henry Edwards, William Howells, George Jellyman, James Geo. Cheffey, David W. Prosser, Henrie H. Rayward. George T. Sibbering, William P. Seward, Henry Williams, John H. Chap- man, David J. Evans. Albert K. Foy, John L. Harris, Archibald Hart, Charles A. James, John Lewis, Wm. J Peace, Ronald M. Traill, Wm. H. Dashwood Caple, William H. Richards, William Campbell. Edward D. Iiodaa, L'aniei Martin, Eleanor Roberts, Evan Powell, Anthony E. Roberts. Samuel Gates, Arthur L. Davies. Arthur Morley Davies, William W. F. Pullen, Enrico Brelich, Harry Denis Griffiths, John Richards. In addition 14 students were examined in mathe- matics. stage 1, from Howelis school, Llandaff, of whom 11 were awarded second class, and three first class certificates. LOCAL SCIENCE PRIZES.- William P. Richards, 1st prize for machine drawing from actual measurements Henrie H. Ravward, 2nd prize ditto; Harry Denis Griffiths, applied mechanics; W. H. Dashwood Caple, 1st prize for building construction: Charles J. Thur- bon, 2nd prize <ltto; Harry D. Griffiths, advanced prize for geometery and machine drawing Henrie H. Rayward, elementary prize ditto; W. W. F. Pullen, elementary experimental physics Arthur L. Davies, elementary chemistry Arthur L. Davies, elementary geolo^v and physiography. LOCAL illEDALS.-W. W. F. Pullen, bronze Enrico Brelich, bronze; Harry D. Griffiths, silver; John Richards.^old.—Technological Examination held by the Guilds of London: Samuel Gates, 2nd class certificate iu pass examination in mechanical engineering Evan Powell, ditto; Enrico Brelich, d.tto Harry D. Griffiths, 1st class ditto W. W. F. Pulien, 1st class, with 5th bronze medal; Joun Richards, 2nd class ceriiflcate in liwioars examination in mechanical engineering; W. H. Bond, 2nd class honours in ga.s manufacture; A. C, Weaver, 2nd class certificate in pass examination in milling W. Weaver, 1st class in honours ex anmation. 1st silver medal, and S5 prize in niihina. Free studentship at South Kensington Science Schools. H. D. Griffiths second local exhibi- tion ditto, A. M. Davies: the W.re scholarship, £50. and tioe amission to the South Kensington Science Schools, J. Richards. Mr PETER DAVIES moved a vote of thanks to the Bishop of Llandaff for his address. The Principal of the South Wales College, in recording the motion, expressed the pleasure with which Le saw in the report tnat tnere was an advance in the number of subjects and paBses ia the technological examinations held by the guilds o; London. Speaking last year upon the technical side of the education of science and art classes, lie referred to the investigations of a Royal Commission which has been appointed; that commission had since made a report, the recommendations in which were directed to utilising as far as possible existing institutions. He referred to some of these recom- mendations which included a proposal that school boards should have the power to establish, con- s, duct, and contribute to the maintenance of science and art classes. It was also suggested that the classes snould be maas of a more practical character. There could be no doubt, said Principal Jones, that art classes had had a very great influence upon English designing. Owing to the action of the art schools in our large towns there was now mi amount of urigiaal designing on the pari, of the English people incomparably greater than was the case 20 years ago, when all our designs were imported from France. Petuming to the recommendations of the com- mission, lie remarked that another was that the payment of fees should not be demanded from artizans for instruction in the science and art schools, whilst J, further suggestion was that in the schools for industrial designing more attention should i;e paid to the applicability oi the design to the material in which it was to be executed. The motion having been carried enthusiastically, The Bishop ot LLANDAK^ briefly returned thanks. Alderman LEWIS proposed, and Mr PsTJtB PRICE seconded, a vote of thanks to the chairman, Mr Price remarking that thare were now 375 students in the school. This was carried, the Chairman replied, and proceedings terminaled.

1: THE REPRESENTATION QF MONMOUTHSHIRE. Great Liberal Meeting at Chepstow. A crowded Liberal meeting was held at Chep- stow oil Wednesday evening. Dr Yeats pre- sided-, and was supported by Sir Henry Jaofeeon, MrT. C. Price, and Mr C. M. Warmington (the Liberal candidates for the county). Mr Mog- gridge, the ilevs J. B. Quaid, and A. T. Davies, Mr H. Gilliam, and others. Mr Sergent proposed the following resolution « That this meeting of Libers electors desires to express its unabated confidence in the Liberal Govern- ment, aud its grateful appreciation of the patriotic exertions of the Right Hon.Mr Gladstone. (Applause). Mr BAILHACHE (Newport) seconded the motion. Sir HENRY JACKSON, in supporting the resolu- tion, said there could be no doubt about the acsion of Mr Gladstone in coming to a compro- mise which the Tories asserted was in their favour being a thoroughly patriotic one. It had given an additional member to Monmouthshire, and had resulted in the creai-ioii of a. new area to which Chepstow gave its name. He congratu- lated the town upon this fact, and from what be had seen he felt sure t;iere was a strong Liberal feeling in the district, which he beiieved extended far beyond the boundaries or the town, and that, in having Cnepstow as a. centre, the Liberal warty had nothing to complain of, but, on the contrary, something to ba very grateful for. (Applause.) iV.m'y ties were very well for a member to possess, but he could conceive topics such as the enfranchisement of leaseholds, when gentlemen who represented family connec- tions of the large landowning class wd bad their interest and that of their constituencies at variance, and it would become a question whether such members would suppoit the interests of their constituents or allow family interest to be paramount. Personally, he was not at all afraid of the way in which the agricultural labourer would vote. He should have nked to see a good county government scheme introduced before the Fran- chise Bill was passed, because by that means the electors would have been educated in smaller mattes first. (Applause.) Mr WASHINGTON referred to the struggle in which be assisted in the year 1880, and said it foreshadowed the triumph which, he believed, would result from the enfranchisement of 16*000 to 17,000 voters in Monmouthshire. In that county the extension of the iranchise had never been advocated a- a party measure- The new electors bad a splendid inheritance. There was not a single beneht the working man enjoyed The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr JOSEPH KLLIS (Chey»s o\v) proposed a reso- lution pledg-illg" the meeting to promote the return of a Liberal candidate for the newly-created division of the county. Mr FRIOE, in seconding the resolution, rpoke of the hopefulness of the circumstances under which they met, and adverted to the land question, advocating, as a remedy for the present agricul- tural depression, free trade in jaiaci, batter security for the tenant, and a more equitable readjustment of rent. Me aeneuneed the proposed corn tax as an insidiuu-i attempt to enrich 500,000 landowners aud farmers at the expense of 30,000,000 of consumers, and said fair trade was only protection under another name. Mr Price also referred to the county boards, which the Government proposed to deal with, and said the measure was a good democratic measure which would improve the public spirit ita counties, and enable people to control their awn affairs. Resolutions approving of the principles ex- pressed by Sir Henry Jackson, and thanking Messrs Waru-iugton and Price for their addresses, passed. Mr MOGGRIDGE complimented the meeting upon its orderly character, and said if Liberals would succeed in returning their three candidates, they must work hard, especially in the Chepstow division.

The professor sat in aii easy-cliair on the deck, looking very pale. The compassionate captain asked him how he felt. Miserable, miserable I'm ill, captain, I'm ill! I have paid tribute to Neptune till I have lost everything." "But," said the captain, I see you still have your boots left." "Yes," answered tlie pi'oiessof faintly* but they were on the outside."

PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR"S 21st BIRTHDAY. [PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.] r LYNX, Thursday, 3.30 a.m.—During the night there has been a continuance of the frost, and it will probably be a matter of difficulty to drive over the nine miles which separate this town and Sandringham. The intentions of the various deputations to reach the house by eleven o'clock will, therefore, be probably frustrated to some extent. Today's pro- gramme at Sandringham include" the taking of several groups of photographs of the Royal Family. A photographer from London has been special commanded to take the photographs commefDOratl ve of the interesting occasion. As far as is known at the time of telegraphing, there will be nothing further of a public character than the presentation of addresses and presents. It is evidently the wish of the family that the proceedings should be con- fined as far as possible within their own family circle and a few valued friends. rr!uEXTIiAl XEWS TELEGRAM.] 'L URSC!AY Morning.—A sharp frost I unn £ e n'ght ha? silvered the young woods aroun Sandringham, giving the whole country e general aspect of winter. -The household was astIr early this morning making final preparations or the day's festivities. Before retiring to rest ast night, Prince Albert Victor of Wales, who to-day attains his majority, received the affectionate congratulations of his Royal parents, and of many of his illustrious relatives. This morning the con- fabulations were renewed, and many compli- mentary surprises were prepared for the young Prince and for the Prince and Princess of Wales °« meeting their guests at the breakfast table. Congratulations from all quarters were received by telegraph (there being a private wire at the house), very early, and the flow is in. creasing as the day advances. Outside of the house itself there is but very little to indicate the celebration of any domestic rejoicings C's ih the Royal family. The broadway leading to the Prince's exercise grounds, where the circus entertainment is to be given later iu the day is decorated with flags, banners, and yards of gay launting but the general aspect of these and the itftmediate ground is little changed. The first Portion of the horses and camels, forming part of the circus, arrived yesterday, OtkO the remainder, including two elephants, came by special train early this morning. This part of the Drogeamnia is principally for the bene- fit of the villagers around and the tenantry of Sandrioghara. The principal streets and buildings of the berough of Lynn are gaily decorated with flags and bunting, and exteusive. preparations bave been made for illuminating this fine old his- torical town. A deputation from Lynn this morning will present Prince Albert Victor with a told cup infae simile of the cup presented to the borough by King John. During the morning the members of the Royal family were photo- graphed in groups. WINDSOR, Thursday moroing.-The coming of age of I'i'iuce Albert Victor of Wales, was ob- served at Windsor this morning by the ringing of peak from the bells of St. John's Church, the Chapel Royal, St. George's, Windsor Castle, and the churches in the neighbourhood. The Mayor, Mr J. Gibin Harris, issued a notice calling upon the inhabitants of the Royal borough to flag their houses. This was responded to, and a vast quantity of bpnting was displayed, the Guildhall being com- pletely covered. The Royal Standard was hoisted, and Royal salutes were fired in the long walk) facing Frogmore House, where the young prince was born. In the evening a fancy drest ball will take place in the Town-hall to celebrate the event. The mayor, corporation, and bur- gesses of Windsor forwarded to his Royal High- ness a congratulatory address, which was beauti- fully illuminated. LONDON, Thursday Morning.—The occasion was celebrated in London by the ringing of peals at various West end churches, while flags were hoisted at the Govern- ment offices, and the band of the Grenadier Guards played a selection m the court- yard of St. James's Palace during the ceremony of mounting and changing the Queen's Guards. PORTSMOUTH, Thursday morning.—In celebra- tion of the attainment of his majority by Prince Albert Victor, the Royal Standard was hoisted at all Government establishments at Portsmouth to-diy, and the ships in the har- bour hoisted masthead flags. The Royal salute will be tired at noon from the flagship, and the salutin battery and flags are flying from clubs and all public buildings. Prince Henry ot B,tttenbur,h leaves Osborne this morning, to attend the festivities at Sandringham.

RAID ON A DUBLIN ENTER- TAINMENT. [gpECL";GRAM.] The raid made last night by two inspectors and a number of police on an entertainment pro- ceeding in the small concert room of the Rotunda, Dubhn, will be followed by the prosecution of the proprietor. The I proprietors have received complaints regarding the prramme of a piece entitled Too Good," and it was alleged that drinking was ca,rn? tc\.a extent on the premises, which are unh performaaC(? 7s •* «* 'J1""15* «». < stated to be of a very undes.rabl, Anne(i Warrants, the police visited the r na premises while the performance Was proceeding, and found a large quantity of bottles of champagne and other drinks, some ot them full and the remainder empty. They were all seized, "and taken to Store street sta. tion. In the dressing room where the ^Urtes, many of them females, remained when found1 a numb«r ° £ young men were greate T^e appearance of the police created the H °onfusion.

AN 4NIERICAN DYNAMITE SOCIETY. 8taPt,'ng DetectT1' by English [RILULIIII'S I -Ll- -.1 NEW AOBK, Thursday.— in Westmoreland, County curf?nt English detectives have obtaiu^' '] dence thpt a powerful society of dynam^ exista in that county, which is directly iresj^8 sible for the recent explosions and outrages in England. It is added that the detectfves have gone to. Washington in order to inform the Hon. Saokvilie West, British Minister, of their dis- COveries.

GREAT FARM-YARD FIRE NEAR II MARKET DRAYTON. r f AT r"p^Ku a fire broke out on the farm da^vace to Ik Markefc Drayton, by which J, the extent of £ 100,000 is sustained. hy ilirn, The tonflagration was discovered late at 7 otW COuId reduced eleven stacks of hay other p ty were destroyed. The ortgin of the fire is at { unknown

»HN°8 MEMBERS OP ALPINE CLUBS.—Don't talk

The Earthquakes in Spain. I FURTHER SHOCKS AT MOTRIL. I A Churcn and 50 Houses Destroyed. I 1 CENTRAL NEWS TELEGRAMS. J I MADRID, Wednesday.-Frequent shocks are still being experienced in Andalusia; but they are of a very mild character, and shock is hardly the word with which to describe the peculiar oscillations which prevail. No further oss o le has been reported. Motril suffered. severely yesterday, but as very few buildings a een standing, and the populace had sought the simply finished the work of devastation by simply n buildings which were left throwing down- the few f T afe Andalusians, always most impression- able have since the calamity of Christmas Day rendered themselves up entirely to superstition. M«T,V are convinced that the earthquake shocks e the precursors of the Day of Judgment. Scientific opinion is inclined to connect them with the outbreak of a volcano somewhere in the vicinity of Granada. Geological facts would lend colour to this theory, because at Jose, about two miles distant from the ancient jloorish capital, there is an extinct volcano, the Sierra. Elvira, while the number of thermal springs in the neighbourhood is really surprising. At Olwar, a mountain, called the Sierra del Gitano, opened its side. The panic caused by the phenomenon is described as fearful to behold. At Periana the earth opened under the church and swallowed it, the only portion now visible being the spire. Later advices state that smoke is now issuing from the hollow in the Sierra Gitano. With such phenomena to con front them it is not surprising that superstition should dominate the populace. Already miracles are reported and credited. GRANADA, Wednesday Night.—Several shocks were felt at Loja and the surrounding district early this morning. The damage so far is not very much. The town of Loja is about twenty- five miles from here, and boasts of a population of 20,000 inhabitants. In connection with the lengthened continuance' of the shocks that has characterised the earthquake tof 1884-5, it is stated that the terrible earth- quake which occurred in the March of 1829, when Murcia, together with many other villages, were destroyed, and over 5,000 persona perished, lasted as long as 40 days, or little less than six weeks. I lhear from Madrid that the proposed length of the king's journey to the afflicted districts will be a week, or should the difficulties of locomotion prove great, it may extend to ten days. The event is much looked forward to and talked about here, and it is hoped that the visit may in some way or other be productive of relief, though to what extent it is difficult to see. u ["TIMES" TELEGRAM.} t JMADRID, Wednesday.—Another sharp shock of earthquake occured this morning ^through out the provinces of Granada and Malaga. Vl'ovinces of G¡'anada. and )I:].laga.

I The Nile Expedition. I RETURN OF GEN. STEWART. I Reports of the Prisoners- The special correspondent of the Standard gives 1 0 the following interesting description of General Stewart's return :—" At one o'clock, on Monday, a dust was^ seen rising in the distance, and the camels of General Stewart's columu presently loomed out of the mirage on the horizon of the desert in strange distorted forms. By two o'clock all were safely in camp. Only twenty camels had been abandoned since starting upon their inarch, but the rest are extremely fatigued after their long journey, and the start of the main column will have to be postponed a little, as the annuals will require several days' rest before they will be in a fit condi- tion to start off again with their heavy loads for a ninety-mile march without water. Lord Wolseley rode out five or six miles to meet the returning column, and warmly complimented General Stewart on his really fine achievement. [ THS STATE OF THE WELLS. A detachment of mounted infantry, under Captain Featherstone, were left behind at the Hambok Wells, tp prevent their clisturbance by any small party of hostile natives. Thewells are mere holes in which the water gathers it is drawn out at the rate of about a gallon a minute. The party will enlarge the 0, holes, and endeavour to accumulate it good supply by the time the mmi column arrives there it is unfortunate that we have not with us any of the little Norton sS¥8H,H Tre used so successfully in Abys 5, a, ^uzen of them would be iuvalu- 1 tor tn;s desert march. Fortunately, how- e\er, \\e have plenty of camsls to carry a water supply for the Sussex Regiment, and, a,s has been proved, the animals are capable of doing the journey to Gakdul without water, consequently a supply at the intermediate halting place is a matter of convenience rather than of necessity. It is now, in fact, satisfactorily setttled that the desert is perfectly passable by a mixed force like that which will advance in a. few days across it. THE CAPTURED REBELS. One of the prisoners captured by the hussars is a notorious robber chief. He remains in custody with Major Kitchener at Gakdul. His wife was also captured. The iiian will be a most useful acquisition to the Intelligence De- partment, as he knows every path and track across the desert, with the wells, places where there is grazing for the camels, and other parti- culars. He is also said to know a good deal about the following of the Mahdi- The other prisoners taken at the same time, at once, when they found that they were surrounded and escape impossible, took off the Mahdi's uniform and spat upon it, to show that they only wore it on compulsion. They said that they would never have joined the Mabdi had they known that the English were so near. This of course, need not be implicitly believed, and had they come upon a solitary scout instead of a party of cavalry they would probably not have been so lukewarm in the Mahdi's cause. THEIR REPORTS AS TO GORDON, The arrival of the prisoners with General Stewart produced quite an excitement among the natives in camp, and the news that some of the Mahdi's followers have already been captured bv us will rapidly circulate through the country, ana will shake the faith of those who believe that his troops are invincible. Unfortunately, also, the news of our occupation of Gakdul, and of the march of Stewart's column, will likewise spread fast, and the enemy at Metemneh will be made aware of our coming long before we get within striking distance. The prisoners assert that as lately as a fortnight ago General Gordon's steamers went down the river in the direc- tion of Berber, and returned with supplies to Khartoum. This is most important, as, unless something intervenes before we reach Metemneh, we shall on our arrival there be able to open communications at once with General Gordon by means of his steamers, and send him a reinforcement of troops should he require it. The prisoners tidmit that the whole of the population to the south are now favourable to the Mahdi. ARRIVAL 01' THE NAVAr, BRIGADE. I The Naval 15ngade arrived on Tuesday. Their boats all came up together in magnificent order. The men are in high health and spirits, and have made the journey from Sarras in 27 days. They will set to at once to prepare for the march across ^i9 desert. It is intended that, upon arriva,! at steaemtleh' they shall man General Gordon's stead!?0*" Boats with troops continue to arrive J overy day.