South Wales Echo

I TOPICS OF THE DAY. I It is said that through Sir Charles Dilke a communication was made from the Boun- dary Commissioners to the Cabinet on Wednes- day to the effect that their work was pro- ceeding so smoothly and rapidly, that their report will probably be ready on the re- assembling of Parliament, in which case the names and particulars of the divisions of counties and boroughs could be inserted in the shedules of the Bill upon the very first day in which the Bill is in committee. The Times offers some advice to Prince Edward. "He will do w.ell to prepare him- self for the age he will have to lead by moving wisely and thoughtfully in its direc- tion. English monarchs have generally done their duty in that way." This is news indeed So much cannot be said for the Four Georges or for the Stuarts. It is to be hoped that the young prince will not model himself on the example of the majority of English monarchs. The Royal Borough of Windsor is natur- ally renowned in the matter of Royalist addresses, and the meanest inhabitants of the place know something of the language of the Court, and everything about the Royal Family and its numerous ramitications. In an address presented to Prince Albert Victor, the loyal citizens have,' however, surpassed all previous achievements- of the same nature. "Descended from a line of Sovereigns," says the address, ennobled for all time by the rare virtues and the right royal wisdom of her most gracious Majesty the Queen born of a Prince and Princess dearer and deservedly dearer to the nation than any previous inheritors of the title of our first Edward well-informed in all that pertains co the welfare of your native land, as well as of the possessions and dependencies of the empire, and endowed with a name which is indissolubly associated with all that is noble and refined, your Royal Highness has indeed received a splendid birthright." The reader will probably take breath for a moment at this miraculous sentence. The-, amazing sycophancy of the sentiments is almost as striking as the marvellous grammar of the sentences in which they are expressed. For look you what the citizens of Windsor affirm. First, the young prince is descended from a line of sovereigns, and is ennobled for all time by the virtues and wisdom of his grandmother. It is not quite clear whether the prince or the line of sovereigns is ennobled but clearly some one is ennobled by somebody else. Then the Prince and Princess of Wales are dearer to the nation than any previous inheritors of the title of 'our first Edward. We can imagine the amiable Princess trying to work out the exact bearing of that obser- vation upon herself. Finally the Royal Prince is told that he is "well informed in all that pertains to the welfare of your native land," and that he is "endowed %Vitli -,t I name which is indissolubly connected with all that is noble and refined." Prince Albert Victor will probably be as much astonished to hear of the extraordinary range of his knowledge, as he will be to learn the mar- vellous properties of his name. The Board of Trado returns for last year published this week show a heavy decline in our imports compared with the preceding year, but this decrease is mostly under the headings of articles of food and drink. In the one article of corn, in its different varieties, we imported last year £ 19,477,379 less than in 1883. On living animals for food we imported less in value by 2 1, 4 C, 0, 0 There was also a fall in exports, but it was less than 3 per cent. The export of cotton goods shows a falling off both in quantities and values. The yards exported in 1883 numbered 4,538,000,000 last year only 4,417,000,000, a difference of 21,000,000 yards; whilst values fell from £ 55,534,000 to 251,661,000, or nearly 24,000,000. On the other hand, woollen manufacture shows a steady increase, the figures being for 1883, 28,315,000, against £ 20,132,000 last year. k, We are glad to note that Mr R. B. Brett will bring 'the 'qpes tion of a Second Ballot before the Huuso of Commons early next session. His amendment to the Scats Bill is as follows That in all districts return- ing one member to Parliament no candidate should be held to be duly elected unless he shall have received a majority "of the total number of votes polled." This question must be dealt with sooner or later. Those who would like take advantage of Liberal divisions will of course oppose Mr Brett, but most of us are sufficiently acquainted with an exhaustive ballot to recognise its advan- tages. A War Office circular intimates that for the future Greek and Latin will not form part of the voluntary subjects of study in the course of instruction at the Royal Military Academy. Miss Mary Anderson is said to have ex- cluded Manchester from the list of towns she proposes to visit during her next tour. The reason given is lack of appreciation on the part of the Manchester public. Yet, during Miss Anderson's last engagement at the Theatre Royal, the receipts were over £ 2,200 for the week—said to be the largest sum she has received in England for a similar engagement. f

THE great depression existing in the iron and steel trade of the country is shown by the Bord of Trade returns issued the week. The quantity of iron rails exported last month was 1,745 tons; and this compared favourably with the export of December 1883, which was only 1,087 tons. But taking the whole of last year, we find the export was only 15,581 tons, compared with 24,306 tons in 1883, and 46,824' tons in 1882. The average value per ton of the iron rails exported last year was 1£6148 Id the average value per ton of those exported in 1883 was £7 Is 2d, showing not only that the total quantity, but the average value per ton had largely decreased. When we turn to steel rtils we find the figures still more ominous. The export of steel rails last month was 277 tons, as compared with 54,221 tons in Dec. 1883, and 46,503 tons in Dec. 1882. For the whole of 1884, the export of steel rails was 526,169 tons value 92,834,639; 1833-754,108 tons, valued, 421,695 tons; 1882-734,959 tons, value £ 4,834.237. The average value per ton in the three several years was thus- 1882, £ 6 lis 6d 1383, L-5 17s 3d 1884, £ 5 9:5 7d" These figures show the steel trade to be in anything but a prosperous condition in this country. A decrease of over 50 per cent. last year, as compared with with the exnorts of 1883, and a further de- crease of 7s 3d in the average price per ton is by no means a cheerful state of things for "conternplation by steelworkers.

THE new Bankruptcy Act has now been in operatiqn fpr twelve months, and it is highly'gratifying to find that it has realised the high anticipations that were held of it. A report made at the end of the first quarter's working showed that there had been a great reduction in the number of bankruptcies, but it was very reasonably urged that this was due to the large number of cases that had been rushed through just before the expiring o of the old Act, the fear being that defaulters would have a harder time of it under the provisions of the new Act provi & This will in some degree affect the c statistics for the whole year;, but it'is absurd to suppose that it is' suffi-ei-ent to-account for the' great difference made manifest by the fact that for the past 12 months the number of bankrupts gazetted in England and Wales was 3,721 only, as compared with 10,183 for 1883. If last year had been one of brisk trade it might have been urged that that made all the difference, but such hasnot been the case. Complaints as to the state of trade have been as loud and as numerous in 1884 as in 1883, and in the ordinary course of things we might have counted on the usually large crop of bankruptcies. But in the light of the great decrease, shown by the figures we have quoted, the new Act may fairly be credited with the improvement. It is asserted by those who are disposed to decry the new law that if there have been fewer bankruptcies gazetted, there have been more private arrangements with creditors. There is some question whether this is so, but admitting it to be the case, it maybe taken for granted that these arrangement have been much more bene- ficial to creditors than the ordinary run of bankruptcies under the old Act. It is matter for congratulation when the com- munity exhibits signs of commercial and of physical health and that law is a good one which tends in either direction.

THE FATALITY IN THE HUNT- ING-FIELD. Funeral of Mr Lister. The remains of the late Mr Edward Lister were interred at Llanbaddock Churchyard on Thursday. The weather was wretched, rain falling very heavily during the time of the funeral, and keeping away, no doubt, many who would otherwise have attended. The following gentlemen were amongst the mourner.s The Hon. R. Somerset (Cefntilla), Rev. Wm. Bruce ( Brynderwen), Mr John Lawrence, M.L.F.H.; Captain Herbert (Clytha), Mr Martin Edwards (Poutypool), Dr. D. Boulton (Usk), Mr David Lawrence (Llangibby Castle), Mr Hopton Wil- liams (Llangibby), Mr Arthur Evans (Llangibby), Mr H. S. Gustard (Usk), Mr E, Waddington (Glen Court, Usk), the Rev. Mr Salisbury, Mr William Gething (Llanbaddock), Mr Alfred Gething (Llancayo). Dr. A. J. Shepard (Usk), Capt. Davies (Garth, Monmouth), Mr W. Pegler (Usk), the Rev\ S. C. Baker, and others. Llan- baddock is the parish in which Mr Lister re- sided. The service was read by the Rev. G. M. Williams, the vicar. A number of wreaths and crosses were placed on the coffin in the vault.

DR. PRICE AND HIS CREMATION THEORIES. Enquiries made of the well-known Llantrissant cremationist, Dr. lyilliatn Price, tend to show that the doctor bu^ 'lone nothing further in the way of building the projected crematorium at Llantrissant. TTi doctor states that approval was expressed with the proposal, but pointed out that to carry out such an idea there must be something more substantial than words forth- coming.

When a Illiln kuras to me for alol dce," says Josh Billings, I find out what kind of advice he wants, and I give it to him this satisfies him that h8 and I are two smart.men." ELECTRIC L,, -Parkes' Patent Compound Magnets arc intensely powerful and.readily relieve Neuralgia,* Hheumatisra, .Nervousness, Izc Their great eiiicacy is due to tlia discovery of a New i'riiicipiy (soo explanatory circular). Made ill three forms, for use as Annlets I* P.m laid, Kind 2s 6(1 the Set, wih testing Coiii^ss, 5s. Ask the Cliemist or send Postal Order to the Prcprietori, Messrs Jevous Kind's Heath, jBinniiu'Uam.

PRINCE EDWARD OF WALES. I Celebration of his Majority. I Speeches by the Prince. I Festivities at Sandringham. t Public Rejoicings. KIXG'g LYNN, Thursday.—To-day, Prince Edward of Wales, the eldest of the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales, attained his majority, and the occasion was marked by great rejoicing, not only in the neighbourhood of Sand- ringham, but throughout the whole of Norfolk and the adjoining counties. In defeience, it was generally understood to the wishes of the mem- bers of the royal family, there was no imposing procession or displays in the immediate vicinity of Sandringham House, but the congratu- lations which poured in from all sides took the form of a private expression of heartfelt wishes for the continued well-being and happiness of those who for so many years have formed part almost of the daily life of the people of Norfolk. ACTION OF THE LOCAL PUBLIC BODIES. For some time past the corporations of King's Lynn, Norwich, Cambridge, and other towns have been engaged in considering in what way they could most fittingly testify to their loyalty to the royal family, and ultimately it was decided 'to make a presentation of addresses to Prince Edward, together with some gift which should act in the future as a souvenir of the day upon which he came of age. This, meeting, with the sanction of the Prince of Wales, accordingly became, as it were, the basis of to-day's rejoicings, and special arrangements were made so that the various deputations might have an opportunity of presentim^their offerings in the presence of the numerouafcarty who are the guests of the Prince and Princess, it being obvious that a large number of the public could not be admitted to the presentation. THE DECORATIONS. The town and country folk round about began to consider what share they might take in the general rejoicing, and the result was that in King's Lynn and the two villages of Dersingbam and Wolferton, which ,lie nearest the royal residence, a considerable amount of taste has been displayed in the way of out- side decoration, the effect of whioh, however, has been unhappily marred to a great extent to-night by the sudd-en termination of the frost and the setting in of cold, driving rain. During the past week the decorators have been especially busy 111 this town putting up illuminations and flags and coloured buntings, with loyal mottoes on most of the principal flags. The railway station par- ticularly was almost covered with bright stars, Prince of Wales's plumes, flags, and banners of all descriptions, and conspicuous was the hope addressed to Prince Edward in the words, Smooth success be strewed before your feet." THE VISITORS AT SANDRINGHAM HOCSE. I The party of distinguished visitors who have been staying at Sandringham during the past week include most of the b members of the royal family, with the exception of her Majesty, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, Prince Beatrice, and the Duchess of Albany. The royal prmces and dukes have for several days en- joying excellent shooting, Tuesday and Wednesday being described as enormous," but to-day the number of numerous other engagements prevented an/ attention being paid to spurting. RUSH OF CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAMS. The first active sign of to-day's doings was communicated to the clerks in the little telegraph office, which, for the convenience of the royal 'household, is placed immediately at the back of the hall. Here, "from a very early hour until late in the day, message after message of congratula- tion and good, wishes to parents and son were telegraphed from all parts of the country, and indeed it would seem from all parts of the world. It is understood that messages from her Majesty, the Princess Beatrice, the Duchess of Albany, and the Crown Princess of Germany were received early in the day and, in fact, so numerous were the good wishes flasued by electricity, that the resources of the office, though considerably strengthened, were able to cope with scarcely any- thing beyond receiving and despatching the mes- sages to and from Sandringham House. THE CIVIC DEPUTATION. J- or tne convenience of those who were to take part in the presentation, it was arranged that the deputations from, Lynn, Norwich, and Cam- bridge should meet at the Lynn station, and thence drive direct to Sandringbam, a,dltance of • nine miles,^ The morning was bitterly cold, and the roa.d in places little better than ice, so that the little, procession, consisting of some half-a-dozen carriages, could make but slow progress, and it was, therefore, nearly half- past eleven before the first contingent drove through the Norwich gate, and up to the west wing of the hall. Here a large number of the chief officers ushered the visitors into an ante- room, and all being ready, a move was made to the ball-room, which the Prince of Wales has caused to be erected within the last year or so. THE BALL ROOM. i„ is a spacious and lofty hall, beautifully pro- portioned and decorated in white and dead gold, the upper parts of the walls being covered with trophies of ancient weapons and shields, ap- uatly selected from many nations. Upon first entering the room, and viewing it from the music balcony erected at the end, it was found that the only occupants were five or six of the tenants who came on behalf of the general body of the tenantry to offer their congratulations, and to make a gift of a salver of silver gifts to the young prince. ARRIVAL OF THE ROYAL PARTY. A few minutes' wait and then the prince and Princess of Wales were seen advancing, while walking between his illustrious father and mother was Prince Edward, looking extremely manly, bright, and happy. The prince and pnn- cess, too, appeared to be in excellent^ health and spirits, and bowed graciously to the little band of tenants. The princess was attired in a mauve satin dress, embossed with very dark coloured flowers quickly following came t.:e Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess Christian, Prince George of Wales, the young Princesses Victoria, Maud, and Louise, the Duke of Cainbr.d,-e, the Princess Louise (Marchioness of Lome), Prince Edward 01 Saxe- Weimer, the Prince of Leiningen, the Count and Countess Gleichen, and the Countess Feodore Gleichen. After these came the principal menv bers of the household—Lord Colville of Culross (chamberlain to the Princess of Wales), Lady Colville, and the H<>n. Blanche Colville, Lord and Lady Suffieid, the Hon. Julia Htonor, Miss Knollys, Major General Duplat (equerry to the C»ueen), Col. TeRsdaJe, Col. Ellis and the Hon. H. Tyrwhitt Wilson (equerries to the Prince- of Wales), Sir Oscar Clayton (extra surgeon in ordinary to the Prince of Wales), Mr Gibbs (formerly tutor of the Prince of Wales), Mr Cockerill (groom of the bedchamber of the Prince of Wales), Rev. J. N. Dalton (governor to Prince Albert Victor), Capt. Durrant (governor to Prince George), Mr Knollys (private secretary to the Prince of Wales), Mr Holzmann (librarian to the Prmce of Wales, and private secretary to the Princess of Wales). Among others present were Lieut.-Col. the Hon. Mr Montagu, Mr C. Syk -s, M.P., Capt. Welsh, R.N., Mr John Baring, and Mr J. K. Stephens. PRESENTATION OF THE SALVER. LL- The irnnce ana Princess of Wales, witn Luel' eldest child standing between them, took up their position about midway in the room, the remainder of the family and guests ranging themselves in a kind of semi-circle at the back. It ',vas now close upon noon, and Mr Slieringham, as spokesman for the tenants, advanced, and read an address, which trusted Prince .Edward might Ion, be spared to follow in the footsteps of his beloved parents On behalf of the tenants on the estate he begged his Royal Highness to accept of the gift. t'loy tendered in recognition of that day's celebration. tendered in recognition of that day's celebration. PBIKOE IIWARD'S REPLY. I Prince EDWAItf), in i-et-ity, said :-Gentlernen, I am glad to express to you all collectively this morning- my heartfelt thanks fcr the kind woras which Mr Sheringham on your behalf has jusi. given utterance to. As you rightly observed r it would be impossible for me to set before myself a orighter example for imitation than that afforded by my parents, who for many years have dwelt in your midst. If I should be enabled in any waY to merit your good opinion in the future, r,"Cl to) do so shall be ever my steadfast purpose, it W1jl be by following the same path of kindness, good- will, and generosity which they have followed. Accept my best thanks for che silver salver. It W1ll serve as a memento to nie should I ever be in danger of forgetting how strong was the esteem and at- tachment which bind the tenantry of the Sand- ringham estate to the-house of my parents. GIFT Of THE NORWICH CORPORATION. Upoft the conclusion of the reply, the Prince of Waljs shook hands with Mr Sheringham, and the deputation then withdrew, making room for that from Norwich, which was headed by the mayor of that city. In addition to two addresses, a magni- ficent piece of plate, being a fac-simile of the rose ewer and salver, part of the corporation plate, YpxiB oSefecj aa a birtilday gift, T44 firot addwKj as follows, was to the Prince and Princess of Wales:- May it please your Royal Highnesses, we, the mayor, sheriff, aldermen, and citizens of the City of Norwich desire to express our most unfeigned and sincere con- gratulations on the attainment of the majority of your eldest son, H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor Christian Edward, K.G., and we share with the British nation the liveliest interest in the welfare of your royal children, aud cannot but assure you of the deep appreciation of the manner in which they have been trained for their high and exalted position in life. We earnestly pray that your Royal Highnesses may long be preserved, and that your royal children may prove not only a blessing to you, but to all the loyal subjects of this great empire.—(riiimedl JOHN HOTBLACK, Mayor; 11. B. MILLER, Town Clerk.— January 8th, 1885. I REPLY OF THE PRINCE OF WALES. I The Urince of WALES, in accepting the address, said Mr Mayor and Gentlemen,—It is with feel- mgs of extreme gratification that the Princess of Wales and I have received your address, congra- tulating us on the attainment of our eldest son's majority, and it is a subject of sincere pleasure to us to find that we are able to celebrate the event in our own country, among so many friends and neighbours. We desire to express our warmest acknowledgments to you for the kind words in which you allude to this happy occasion, and the complimentary terms in which you refsr to the manner in which we have brought up our children. I can assure you that it has been our honest wish that they should strive to follow in the footsteps of the Queen and the Prince Consort, and should endeavour to emulate the bright example which has been set by my revered parents, not only to princes, but to all those who seek for domestic contentment and happiness. We are anxious, gentlemen, to take advantage of the opportunity which is offered us by the presence of the chief magistrate and representatives of the principal towns of Norfolk to express to them our heartfelt thanks to the inhabitants of the county for the unvaried marks of goodwill and neighbourly feeling which we have universally experienced since we first came here 23 years ago. We are unfortunately unable to spend as much of the year at Sandring- ham as we could wish, but you may rely upon this, that it has always been a source of unmixed pleasure to us to find ourselves once more at our cherished Norfolk home, where we have passed some of the happiest years of our lives. I PRINCE EDWARDS'S SECOND SPEECH. The Town-clerk then explained that the cup and salver were a. replica of some corporation plate presented to the mayor in 1663, and bearing the date 1597. He also read a congratulatory address. Prince EDWARD, having accepted the address and gift, said: Mr Mayor and Gentlemen, I thank you for the cordial greetings which you have offered to me this morning. Part of that educa- tion which my parents have bestowed on me, and to which you have just referred, was acquired whilst visiting our fellow-citizens in most of the British colonies. Whatever may be the future of this great empire, I am sure that the Queen has no more loyal subjects than the English beyond the seas. This handsome fac-simile of your corporation plate I shall always value as a pleasant reminder of the kindly feelings cherished towards my father's family by the chief city of Norfolk, the county in which the greater part of my life has been so happily passed. ANOTHER DEPUTATION. I The members of the deputation having shaken hands, withdrew, and the gentlemen from Lynn, headed by the mayor (Mr Bowker) and the recorder (Air Douglas Brown), who appeared in wig and-gown, took their places. The Recorder read an address, and presented a replica of the Mayor's Cup," which, according to tradition, was given to the mayor by King John. Prince EDWARD, in replying, accepted the gift, saying Mr Mayor and Gentlemen,—I thank you much for the hearty good wishes which you have expressed, and for the beautiful replica of the mayor's cup of Lynn which you have just pre- sented to me on the attainment of my majority. The historical reminiscences connected with your ancient borough and its neighbourhood have always since the days of my boyhood—which, as you are aware, have been spent in great measure within sight of your towers—been full of interest to myself. Whatever the future may have in store, you may rest assured that the recollection of my home at Sandringham, and the expression this day of your kindly feeling towards my parents and myself, will ever remain fresh in my memory. GIFT FROM GRAMMAR-SCHOOL BOYS. I The Mayor of Cambridge (Mr Hedfern), on behalf of the corporation, next presented an ad- dress, which was, however, not read, nor did Prince Edward make verbal reply. A pretty birthday present from the masters and boys of Lynn Grammar School was now offsred and accepted. It consisted of a table writing set, comprising an inkstand, Motting-case, diary, and a pair of candlesticks. The inkstand and candle- sticks were of Worcester china and oak with brass mountings, while the case and diixy were of purple morocco. The Rev. Mr Hight, head- master of the school read an address. Prince Edward, in acknowledgement, said, I an-i very glad to see you here this morning, and to thank you for your kind congratulations. May the prosperity of Lynn Grammar School ever increase." VILLAGE FESTIVITIES. this completed the ceremony of presentation, and in a lew minutes the ball-room was left tenantless for a brief period. Meanwhile the out- side of the hall had become animated. Two long lines of school children were drawn up to witness the passing by of a procession organised by Mr Sanger, who, to the delighted gaze of the young- sters, presented elephants, camels, prancing steeds, diminutive ponies, and the usual accom- paniments of a circus spectacle. The labourers, too, on the estate were assembled in front of the hall prior to being regaled to a sub- stantial dinner provided by their royal landlord, while the Prince s keepers, dressed in the pictur- esque costume of green and white, served to give colour to the scene. Time having been given to the ladies to invest themselves in some protection against the biting wind, the whole party left the house, and Mr Beck, the agent,addressed a few words of congratulation on behalf of the labourers to his royal highness. Prince Edward acknowledged the kindly feelings which prompted the words, and the assemblage broke up, those who had formed the deputations returning to the ball-room for lunch. The labourers and poor people on the estate were entertained to dinner in a marquee erected on the prince's exercise ground. In the afternoon most of the members of the royal party visited a, circus performance given in a great tent which had been specially erected for the occasion by Mr Sanger, he having ob- tained the prince's permission to do so. 1 or two or three hours this was filled by happy people from all the countyside, who give the Prince and Princess of Wales and the young prince, whose birthday it was, a right royal welcome upon their entering soon after two. The party from Sandringham House remained until the conclusion of the performance, snortly after f.our o'clock, when the audience dispersed, and were hurried to their destinations by the rain, which converted the ice-bound roads of the morning into a mass of the consistence of glue. ACCIDENT AT THE CIRCUS. During the performance at Sanger's circus on Thursday afternoon, the supports of one of the seats gave way. one person was seriously in- jured, the others escaping with slight bruises. GRAND BALL. The evening's festivities consisted of a grand ball at Sandringham, to which some hundreds of the country gentry and others were invited. All through the evening the roads leading to Saudringham were crowded with carriages taking their loads of happy people to the ball, and so great was the demand for horses that at night one could not be obtained in the district for love or money. Sandringham Park was illuminated for the occasion. To-morrow there will be another ball given to the servants, and on Saturday a lawn meet of the Norfolk hounds, at at which there will probably attend some four or five hundred horsemen. This will conclude the series of festivities consequent upon the coming of age of Prince Edward of Wales. m, REJOICINGS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. coining' of ago of prince Albert victor ot Wales, was observed at Windsor on Thursday morning by the ringinsr of peals from the bells of St. John's Church, the Chaprl Royal, St. George's, Windsor Castle, and the churches in the neighbourhood. The Mayor, Mr J. Olbin 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 bunting; 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 dress ball took place in the Town-hall, to celebrate the event. The m.ayor, corporation, and bur- gesses of Windsor forwarded to his Royal High- ness a congratulatory address, which was beauti- fully illuminated. 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 in the court- yard of St. James's Palace during the ceremony of mounting and changing the Queen's Guards. In celebration of the attainment of his majority by Fringe Albert Victor, Ihe lioval Standard was hoisted at all Government establishment* at Portsmouth, and the ships in the har- bour hoisted masthead flags. A Royal salute was fired at noon from the flagship and the saluting battery, and flags were flying from clubs and all public buildings. We are authorised to state that the Prince of Wales has no intention of asking for a Parlia- mentary grant for Prince Albert Victor on the attainment of his majority. I PORTRAIT OF PRINCE EDWARD. We are indebted fQr tbeabove portrait to the Pall Mall Gazette.

ILLNESS OF MR MUNDELLA. Postponement of His Visit to Cardiff. It will be with feelings of great regret that the public learn that the promised visit of the Right Hon. A. J. Mundella,M.P., to Cardiff next week has had to be posponed. This is the more regrettable as the cause is to be found in the indisposition' of the right hon. gentleman. On Wednesday he visited Folkestone to open some board schools, and while there he caught a chill, which induced a somewhat severe bronchial attack. On his return to London, his medical adviser declared that he must lay up, and that he would be unable to make any speeches in public for three or four weeks. A telegraphic communication was im- mediately sent to the Mayor of Cardiff and to Mr Lewis Williams stating the circumstances. The disappointment in Cardiff is very great, as preparations on a considerable scale had been made to signalise Mr Mundella's visit. It has not yet been precisely arranged what steps will be taken as a consequenee of the postponement of the visit, but although the Higher Grade School will be opened for the pupils, and the prizes at the University College distributed, yet the details as to what will be done have not been arranged. Although the disappointment is keen, it. is only temporary, and there is every reason to hope that a return of Mr Mundella's health will be speedily followed by the promised visit. Those who have the cause of education in Wales at heart have looked forward to his coming amongst us w-th the expectation that his presence and counsel would prove a stimulus to the spread of education. The realisation of that visit is only delayed, and it is to be hoped that his com- plete restoration to health may be speedy. So much of his time and so many of his energies are devoted to the cause of education, that his pro- gress towards recovery will be watched by many with the greatest interest. Those who know and have experienced benefits from what he has done in the past will join with those who are expecting them in the future in condoling with him upon his present indisposition, and in wishing him a rapid and complete recovery. In South Wales he is sure of an earnest welcome as soon as be is able to come among us. The following is a copy of the telegram received in Cardiff on Thursday evening From E. S. Bryant, Education Office, Whitehall. Mr Mundella has returned from Folkestone, suffering from chill and bronchial attack. Doctor has ordered him to bed, and says he cannot speak in public for three or four weeks. Much regrets his visit to South Wales must be postponed. To the Mayor of Cardiff. A similar telegram to the above was also for-" warded to Mr Lewis Williams, the chairman to the Cardiff School Board.

THE CLERICAL SCANDAL AT I PRESTEIGN. The Charge not Proved. I Popular Enthusiasm at the Result. On Thursday the Ecclesiastical Commission, with Dr. Tristram, Chancellor of the Diocese of Hereford, in the chair, resumed their inquiry, for the third day, at Presteign, into the charges of drunkenness preferred by the Clerk of the Peace for Radnorshire against his son-in-law, the Rev. J. Davies. curate of Presteign. The Rector of the parish (Dean West) was first called by the promoter, and being questioned denied that he ever saw Mr Davies the worse for drink, or acting otherwise than as a sober and consistent Christian man, and he added that the rev. gentleman was the best curate he ever had. About a dozen witnesses were called for the defence, and all swore the same thing, several also directly negativing the testimony of complainant's witnesses alleging specific instances of drunken- ness. The Rev. J. Davies was himself swortj, and denied all the charges in toto. At this stage Mr Stephens' solicitor said he did not propose to carry the case any further, and Dr Tristram formally declared that none of the charges were proved, a result which was received with great enthusiasm, and both Mr and Mrs Davies were driven in a carnage from the hotel to their lodgings.

THE FLAT HOLMS AS A I CHOLERA DEPOT. I. On Thursday, at the meeting of the sanitary committee, Bristol, a discussion took place rela- tive to having a cholera hospital on the Fiat Holm. The secretary to the docks committee wrote Of the suggested sites it seemed to the committee that the Flat Holm would pro- bably be found to be most convenient for the purposes of this port, especially as the expenses thereof might probably be shared by the Cardiff port authority, who have already established a cholera dep6t in the vicinity." The engineer of the docks committee wrote saying The Cardiff authorities have, I believe, some sort of accommodation of the required character at the Flat Hofm. It might, therefore, be well to make some inquiries as to the arrangements under which the present hos- pital was established and is maintained, and as to whether or not there is any possibility of an amalgamation for the purpose intended between Bristol and Cardiff. Dr. Blaxall (port inspector under the Local Government Board) had an interview with the sanitary committee, and he said that the Flat Holm was 15 miles from Avonmouth, and would be irconvenient for Bristol. The committee decided to inform the I docks committee of the opinion of Dr. Blaxall, and stated that Avonmouth would be a better site for a cholera hospital, and await their roply-

CARDIFF. EXPERIENCED VETKBINARY SMITH Pcave) shoes every class of horse at the Car 1 e Exchange, near the Custom House. A trial. ^leu. FIRST CHRISTMAS SHow.-The Model Clothing- Company are now showing, at l3> jf triUNr> DISPLAY of CLOTHING, HOSIKRY, IIAI^, 4C. Christmas Cards of all the l&test designs fnr Christmas. AT 79 ST. MABY'S-STBEKT, CARDIFF, for the next few'days', good woollen or merino socks may be lwd at Is 2d per pair, three for fa Sewicg and knitting machines 211.

The Nile Expedition. — o- 1 ANOTHER DESPATCH FROM LORD WOLSELEY. The Press Association has received from the War Office the following copy of a despatch from General Lord Wolseley, dated "Korti, January 8th, 5.45 p.m. General Stewart has just left with a force for Metamneh. I hope that he will occupy it without difficulty on the 16th. One English gentleman, with a guide, came here to- day from Gukdul, having left it on the 4th inst. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] KORTI, Thursday.—Brigadier-General Stewart. with a large convoy and squadron of the 19tb Hussars, the heavy section of the camel corps. the mounted infantry, the Royal Sussex Regi, ment and the Naval Brigade,both the latter mounted on camels, left here to-day for Gakdul. On their arrival the Sussex Regiment will be left to hold the wells, and the Guards and the whole of the remainder of the force will continue the march to Metemneh. EORTI, Thursday.—The light section of the camel corps left for Gukdul Wells to-day, escort- ing a large convoy of supplies. Another convoy will be, sent forward to-morrow, when the Blacjc Watch will proceed to Merawi. ["TIMES" TELEGRAM.] I SUAKIM, Thursday.—Osman Digna's power is increasing. Rowayat is now in his hands. The [ sheikh of the tribe and a few men on the island are protected by an Egyptian gunboat. All com- munication with the Bernaniers at Agig is stopped. Mr Brewster has gone there, and will afterwards proceed further down the coast to Nickhe. The taking of Shendy may do some good, but the capture of Berber will be a better result. We are still fired upon nightly. I ["DAILY NEWS" TELEGRAMS, j KORTI, Wednesday Evening. Important movements may be expected very soon. When- ever hostilities may commence General Wolseley will take the field with a force as physically fit as any General could desire. The mounted infantry marches to-morrow, leaving behind only four invalids out of 414, after doing a march of 200 miles under six days. HANDAB, Wednesday.—The seventh squadron of Hussars arrived on the 5th. The camp moved a mile forward on the 6th. The river force will assemble here before advancing. I [ DAILY TELEGRAPH TELEGRAM. J KORTI, Thursday.- Prisoners state that the Mahdi has with him thousands of men, but many are sick and disheartened. He has also five Gatling guns and 20 cannon, and plenty of am- mnnition. ["MORNING POST" TELEGRAM.] KORTI, Thursday.—The enemy report teat mere are two guns atjMetemmeb. On reaching the last named place, should any of Gordon's steamers be there, the naval brigade will man them. The wells at Hambok yield but a poor supply of water though somewhat improved. The detachment at that place wiil be moved on to Howeiyat wells, j A post will be established at Abu Klea Wells, j fifty.two miles beyond Gakdul. It is expected that the troops will assemble at Metemmeh in eight days. A battery of Egyptian artillery is now joining the river forc«. [" DAILY CHRONICLE" TELEGRAM.] KORTI, Thursday.—it is possible tnat tne Mahdi's followers may be holding Abu Klea, in which case our troops will have a chance of fight- ing. Lord Wolseley remains for the present at Korti. The honour of being the first troop to make a triumphal entry into Khartoum has been promised by Lord Wolseley to the 1st Sussex Regiment. Korti will be nearly cleared of our forces next week. but three companies of the Essex Regiment will probably be left in charge. I

TH.E NICARAGUA CANAL. The American iron Trade. [" TIMES TELEGRAM.] PHILADELPHiA,Tllu rs day. -Tli e Foreign Rela- tions Committee of the Senate has reported the Nicaraguan Canal treaty to the Senate with a recommendation that it be ratified. It is intended to push on the consideration of it at an early date It is probable that it will be ratified when the vote is reached, unless the Democratic senators determine to postpone it until after Mr Cleveland has been installed in office. There is, however, no change in the feeling of the House against voting money necessary to enforce it, and all the reciprocity treaties before the Senate will fail to pass. A decided improvement of feeling in the iron trade is reported from West Pennsylvania. Some large rolling mills hitherto idle resunwd work.

FORGERY ON THE BANK OF ENGLAND. To-day's Daily Chronicle states that a forged Bank of England note for LSOO was tendered at the bank by a woman, and traced to a man employed by the Metropolitan Board of Works on Clapham Common. He states that at the end of November he and two companions discovered under a furze bush a box containing notes to the value of £7,000 or ZS,000, all being for B500 or £100. The police obtained posses- sion of the whole of these notes, which are declared to be very perfect imitations. The forgery was only detected by the fact that no notes for these amounts with the numbers on these notes have been issued.

FRENCH INTENTIONS IN CHINA. To-day s Morning Post says :—" It is rumoured in well informed tiuarters that among the new Minister of War's plans for finishing the Chinese conflict before April is one for making a descent on Canton from the land side. The town of Langson, which the French generals have been ordered to occupy, is on a river falling into the river of Canton, and if circumstances warrant the new reinforcements which are expected to bring the French army at Langson up to 25,000 men, may be employed in the descent on Canton from the rear.

JAPAN AND THE COREA REBELLION. I" TIMES TELFIGRAM-1 T_ NAGASAKI (JAPAN), January D.-Il aPInese paper has fallen 20 per cent, since the L-oreau difficulty lias been discovered to ^riike tendency. It is unlikely that French or Russian influence will be exercised in favour of a Pacific settlement.

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CLUB NUISANCE. The Liverpool Licensed Victuallers' Associa- tion recently communicated with the Horns Secretary with reference to the existence of drinking and betting cluba in Liverpool, of which there are 27 in the city. The publicans allege that these are simply illicit drinking places, and that much of the drunkenness of the city is due to the existence of these places. The Govern- ment have since instituted inquiries in Liverpool with reference to the so-called clubs, and on Thursday the licensed victuallers received a com- munication from the Government intimating that they ought to take action.

Earl Granville left town early on Thursday mumine for Osborne. Lord Derby left town in the forenoon for Knowsley. Lord Kimberley left town for Kimber Hall, Norfolk. Lord North- brook leaves towQ. this (Friday) aft«raQon fq; Skatfcon tarty