Evening Express

BELGIAN POISON CASE. ^^RTHER EVIDENCE AGAINST THE ACCUSED. J Dalziel'a Antwerp telegTam of Satur- says:—At to-day's hearing' of the ^'haux trial, M. Molitor, medical adviser i the family of the accused, stated that j>9 had been called in to tee M. Van Den erchove when he fell ill. On arriving1 at house he learned that the patient Jiad and dTunk well, and then suddenly ^Carrie unconscious. He concluded that it ^as an attack of apoplexy, of which there .ere all the symptoms, and he liad no sus- .501 oris of poison having been administered j° the patient. At tins time Madame y^'iiaux said to him, "It is a real calamity these two deaths should have taken at my house." Then the witness jtated as his opinion that M. Van Den ^ixhove had died of a severe congestion, liad prescribed morphine for him on j^al occasions. Once Madame Joniaux ^sKed him for morphine for headache, and had prescribed it for her, as well as atro- Phine. At this stage of the proceedings j H'as decided, at the request of the counsel f Or the defence, that Monday's sitting of the Urt should be devoted to experiments with ,2 £ rphi.ne. and investigations into its effect*. evidence of another medical man, M. ederni. wa, next taken, after which the Rector of the assurance company of Basle ^tated that the medical examiner of the _°ttipany had given a very favourable report l^oriceni nig- the health of Leonie Ablay, and ^r' expressed great astonishment when he 'Sard of her death. The inspector-general t the company then made a communication the Public Pi oseeutor and asked him tk. *a'ce ^ie matter up, but he had declared he could do nothing unless a formal was brought. The witness believed death of Leonie Ablay was due to foul j, a-v- and he subsequently saw the Public fQ&ecutor, but without result. In con.se- y^nce of this Madame Joniaux threatened; VS eomPany with an action. Afterwards, j the company offered to come to terms,' prisoner refused. It is expected that evidence for the prosecution will close J\ Monday, when counsel for the defence ^UI begin his speech on behalf of the pri-

SHIPPING DISASTERS. ^HE WRECK ON THE CORNISH COAST. QThe scene of the wreck of the Escurial, of e0,as, £ ow> at Portreath, on the North Cornwall ^] 'k has been visited by hundreds of people, th have been busy collecting relics of one of e most distressing disasters which has of (urred on the coast for many years. Most th the Üght survivors have mow recovered from eaustion which followed their terrible ^It r'6"668, The most critical case is that of olrthe chief engineer, who is the prin- U officer saved. There/ is still some doubt ej, "°rtreath as to the actual number of the a^ but the chief engineer guesses the number IIDeteen, and if this is correct eleven lives ,a.\Te been lost. Three bodies have been re- ClJered, and have been identified by one of the Captain Walker, of Leith Mr. Nicholl, officer, of Glasgow; and the carpenter, tj, 'e'Unknown. The identity of the last-men- 18• no^ definitely established, another of survivors, believing him to be the donkey- (j 5?. an Italian named Pinto, who resided at There is an ugly gash ou the fore- dut^ second officer, caused, probably, aw' overboard, for he was washed of the chief engineer. The narratives On tL t^le survivors show that their oondition j9ard ship for the 30 hours before she foun- 0f must have been pitiable. A quantity Wreckage, broken to matchwood, has come Qua*6' left of the hull is about a Ha -r a mile from the shore. The owners ffen6 ln^ma,t«d their intention of being legally presented at the inquest, which opens this i^nday) aftenioon. The firemara Nolan, who been loud in his denunciation of the ship, so violent and troublesome on Saturday tail wae ,ta^en by a policemam to the nearest Way station, and sent to his home in Cardiff. EXPLOSION ON A CARDIFF- LADEN STEAMER. The steamer Suppicich, of South Shields, jt'h 2,000 tons of coal from Cardiff to ^hdon, called off Penzance on Saturday <:o ^1-0 0011 and reported that an explosion of a' ffas had occurred, by which the mate itr*5 burnt and three other men lured, but not severely. The steamer left \v*a,r?i ff on |Frid!ay, encountering heavy ather. Upcm the mate. a South Shields going into the hold with a lighted ^JiLp, an explosion immediately followed, j'JrnW-? all his clothes off and severely injur- S his face and hands. He has been oon- to the West Cornwall Infirmary. SUPPOSED LOSS OF A FRENCH STEAMER. CREW OF THIRTEEN MISSING. .The French steamer Romeo, of Paris, fo T> Fo-rt with- 600 tone of coal (jT Rouen on the 17th inst., has not since 0._11 heard of, and as she is seven days Jt ',s feared that the ill-fated in<*aitler anc* crew °* thirteen hande, belong- to Rouen, has been lost in the gale of t e ,.following day. The Romeo had been aoor.j, between Llanelly and Rouen for beveral months.

LEWIS SCHOOL GELLIGAER. The following is a list of boys from the above ^hool who hare passed the College of Precep- 0rs' examination held in Deoember last s— FIRST CLASS. Thomas Price, Rhynniey. SECOND CLASS. FIRST DIVISION. A. 1. Timothy, Ton Ystrad. T. B. Davies. Eliymuey. L. A. Williams, Rhymuey. SECOND DIVISION. R. Percival Jones, Gelligaer. E. Jones Rhvs, Hengoed. Collwyn David. Kantymoel. lthel Jones, Aberdave. D. Llewellyn, Tynewydd, Ogtuore. THIBO DIVISION. E. D. Evans, Taff's Well. Harold Jolm, Gilfach-fargoed. THIRD CLASS. FIRST DIVISION. Clifford Phillips, Cnthedine. A. J. Prosser, Treharris. David Evans, Brynmawr. H. H. Evans, Bargoed. G. D. Watkins, Brynmawr. D. Rees, Aberdaro. D. E. Thomas, Deri. J. H. Harvey, Cowbridtre. J. Jones, Brynniawf. E. R, W. Bull, Ystradmynaoh. A. E. Jones, Heugoed. W. 1. Evans, Dowlais. SECOND DIVISION. Fred. L. Evans, Brynmnwr. J. L. Roberts, Ebbw V;il". J. Jones, Tredegar. G. Christopher, Cwmdu. t C. W. Thomas, Rliymney. T. R. Jenkins, Aberea,rii. T. G. Bilney, Deri. W. S. Lewis, Crnmliu, W. L. Howe, Fleur-dn-Lis. J. C. Lewis, Pontlottvii. T. Timothy. Ton, Y iltrod. THIBD Divisio.,i. Basil N. Jones, Whitchurch. W. J. Jones, Bargoed. E. T. Radcliffe, Saint Well. T. F. Greening, Pontlottyu. T. Perry, Pontypridd. C. O. Thomas, Blaina. T. H. Richards, Cardiff. gOlrror Lonjf, of Bryn, Pontllaufraith, obtained certificates (awarded only to candidates obtain not less than three-fourths of the a-xunum of marks assigned to any first-class i P") in mechanics, Euclid, and chemistry, •»»!?? Pkced first of all England in meohanics, bracketed second inEuclifL

Tartar Appeal to Japan. ANXIOUS TO AVENGE CHI- NESE ATROCITIES. An Offer of Over Sixty Thousand Troops to Aid the Mikado's Soldiers in Their Attack on Mukden- A Reuters telegrram from Yohohama says :— An offioial dispatch from General jSodvsu reports that a Tartar, named Lukor Ariskang, from the borders of Kirin, the east-em province of Man- churia, has arrived at the ramp of the fifth division. and denounced the ravages and depre- dations committed by the Chinese. He offered the services of 60,000 men to join the Japanese in attacking Mukden, and avenging the cruel- ties of the Chinese. The man was kindly treated and given his travelling expenses, but his services were refused. He was, however, instructed to report upon the enemy's condition. The dispatch adds that many petitions from the natives near Liao Yang have also been received at Haicheng asking for a speedy Japanese occu- pation. The Chinese dead at Port Arthur were removed from their temporary burial places on the 18th inst., and cremated, the remains being subsequently buried afresh after an elabo- rate funeral, conducted by the Japanese and Chinese priests. The latest dispatch received from the staff of the first army reports no change in the position at Haicheng. The Chinese force near Newchwang numbers 10,000 men. BRILLIANT TACTICS BY THE JAPS. A Central News telegram, dated Satur- day, says :—General Nodzu's official despatches describing the fighting on Tues- day last were received last night. He says that from the movement of the Chinese forces he anticipated a renewal of the aittaok from the direction of Liao-Yang. Accord- ingly, he arranged the defences of the third division of his force so that the enemy would be compelled to come within a distance of 600 metres if they intended to deliver an attack. Meantime, the 5th Japanese In- fantry Brigade, with three batteries of artil- lery, was placed in ambush on the Chinese left, with orders to attack when the Chinese were fully engaged. The movement was entirely successful. The Chinese advanced and attacked the Japanese lines in full strength, and. while the fire was brisk on both sides, the brigade in ambush made a sudden onslaught upon the Chinese right flank. The enemy, completely surprised, were thrown into the greatest confusion, and tied in disorder. The brigade on the Japanese right was then ordered to charge, and the Chinese, finding themselves between two fires, were stricken with panic, abandon- ing everything in their flight. They ran in a north-easterly direction, and the pursuit was kept up for some time. Several pri- soners were afterwards brought in. They state that the campaign in Manchuria is being conducted by the Tartar Generals Chang and Shung. The whole Chinese force operating from Liao-Yang, they say, exceeds 12.000 men. The Japanese losses in the fighting amounted to 29 wounded. The enemy's losses are unknown, but over 100 corpses were found on the field imme- diately in front of the Japanese lines, THE INVESTMENT OF WAI-HAI-WEI. A Central News telegram from Chefoo on Sanday says:—Authentic news reached here to-day from Wei-Hai-Wei that the Japanese are steadily advancing overland from Sliantung Bay, and drawing their cordon round the Chinese stronghold. The place will be closely invested by the end of this week. There has been no serious fighting yet, and only some minor skir- mishing. There are now twenty Japanese war- ships, nineteen transports, and twenty Japanese torpedo boats in Shantung Bay. The expedi- tionary force has landed all the heavy guns and ammunition. Forage, food, and other neces- saries are still being brought ashore. The British and German flagships are in Shantung Bay. as well as many other European a.nd American warships. The operations are closely watched, and the methodical movements and perfect organisation of the Japanese forces are highly oonullfOnted upon. An official notifica- tion has been received here stating that the Japanese intend advancing upon Chefoo, and will surround the settlement. It is not stated that they intend occupying the city. Probably, they will occupy the hills at the baok of the city to prevent any possible sort.ie of a. native force and an attack upon their lines of commu- nication. Thirteen foreign warships are at pre- sent anchored off the port. There is much excitement in the European quarter, but no alarm ? felt.

CASIMIR-PERIER. TO PUBLISH A SENSATIONAL BROCHURE SOON. A Reuter's telegram from Paris says —The "Estafette" announces that M. Casimer Perier intends to publish in the near future a sensa- tional brochure, entitled "Six Months of Presi- dency." In it. the journal ¡.ays, the late Pre- sident will relate the history of his captivity a tthe Elveee, the role of victim to which he found himself condemned, the conflicts of each day, and the snares into which he narrowly escaped falling. The work will probably be published in the coming spring.

COLUMBIA REYOLT. DISPATCHES SAY IT IS NOT A SERIOUS ONE. A Central News telegram from New York says :—Messrs. Flint and Co. have received -telegraphic advices stating that the "cvolt in Colombia is not of a serious Cjiaraiter. 'Jhtre has only been one minor uprising. The Government troops 111 the district are quite sufficient to rpiell it. Th-jre is IIf) danger e.'ilipr to life or property in the State

A DURHAM MYSTERY. MUTILATED BODY OF A WOMAN FOUND. Isabella Curthey. a married woman, who had been missing for some days. was found dead, with her throat cut, on Saturday in an outhouse attached to her dwelling, at Murton Colliery Company, Durham. It is believed that she was murdered, for her injuries were of a shocking character, the head being nearly severed from the body.

A BODY WASHED ASHORE. THE DROWNING OF NEWPORT BOATMEN. The body of one of the missing Newport boatmen, that of Edward Arr, who resided at ;)1, Robert-street, Pill, was discovered on Saturday lying On the "and ëÜ the mouth of the river by a labourer, named Wm. Waggett. Ihe body was conveyed by boat to the Alex- andra Dock. and subsequently takwi to de- ceased's home. It will be remembered that on Sunday, the 20th inst., Arr, in company with a man named Thomas Salter, of Potter-street, vent down to the. river mouth to a spot known as West Point to meet a steamer which was to go into dry dock. They left :t.I)Out eight o'clock, and expected to lie back about mid- night. Their boat, which belonged to AIT, was n:uned the Teaser. The weather at the time was very rough, and it is feared that the boat eopsized off the point during a alge of wind. Nothing was heard of the men or the boat until the lxxh- of Arr was discovered on Saturday. The captain and crew of the steamer heard or saw nothing of them. Arr leaves a widow and six children. Nothing has been heard of Salter, but there is'little doubt but I what he also has l)een drowned. He was mar- ried, and leaves several children. An inqueet will be held.

BALFOUR'S VICTIMS. REPORT OF THE LIBERATOR RELIEF FUND. The second annual report of the Liberator Belief Fund has been issued with a balance of £3,397 from last a<xx>unt. The receipts were brought up to £15,345, temporary grante have taken £j,399, and grants to annuitants £2,769. An investment fo JB5,000 in Consols line been made towards a permanent provision for aged sufferers. After paying expenses, th sum of £2.937 is on tried forward. Altogether 4-,975 grants have been made, and 2,472 cases are on &fl-book|[;

A Sad, Solemn Cortege. LORD RANDOLPH BORNE TO REST. Londoners Stand Respectful and Reverence as the Statesman's Remains are Carried to Paddington. The Press Assodiattion ^telegraphs —The remains of the late Lord Randolph Churchill were on Monday morning removed from Grosvenor-square to Paddington for convey- ance to Bladon Church. H oodstock, where the interment takes places this Monday after- noon. Long before nine o'clock, in spite of the wintry weather, a crowd assembled in the square, and when the floral laden coffin appeared at the door all reverently uncovered. Notwithstanding that snow was falling heavily at the time. At the head of the ooffin were wreaths from Lady Randolph Churchill and the Dowager Duohess of Marlborough, in the centre the one from the two sons, and at the foot one from Mr. Leslie, Mrs. Jerome, and Mrs. Frewin. By the panel at the foot of the colfin depended the offering of the rince of Wales, composed of lilies. On the right side of the coffin wre wreaths from Lords Rosebery and Walden and deceased's valet, and on the other side were floral tri- butes from Lord Curzon, Captain Wilson, and Sir F. Milner. A glass panelled coach drawn by four black horses left the house at 9.15. The cortege conveying the chief mourners consisted of six carriages, in the first of which were Lady Randolph Churchill, Lady Curzon. Mr. Winston Churchill, and Mr. John Churchill. The Duke of Marlborough and Lord Curzon were in the second vehicle, and Lord Tweedmouth and Lord De Ramesy in the third. Then followed in the other carriages Captain Wilson and Mr. J. Lespie. Dr. Keith, the Rev. Edgar Sheppard, Sub- Dean of the Chapel Royal, Mr. Walden, and Mr. Spedding (the Duke of Portland's steward). Carriages sent by the Baroness Burdett-Coutts, Colonel Howard Vincent, and others joined the cortege on the way to Pad- dington, which was entered at the eastern approach. The sad procession was accom- panied by a large number of pedestrians, and at the Marble Arch and other points large crowds assembled to witness the passing of the funeral. At Paddington the large crowd which gathered had to be regulated by a force of police. The departure platform was kept private, exoept to friends of Lord Randolph. Mr. Fardell and Mr. Burnett attended on behalf of the Paddington Conservative Asso- ciation, and the large bridge spanning the station and other platforms were densely packed with persons anxious to catch sight of the ooffin. The special train conveying the coffin and mourners to Woodstock left the station at ten o'clock, all persons present meanwhile respectfully uncovering. HIS VIEWS ON DEBATING SOCIETIES. He late statesman held very pronounced views 0.'1 the educational values of debating societies, as well be seen from the subjoined letter, sent by him some years ago to Mr. Robert Bridcut, in response to an invitation to visit Leamington in connection with a. dinner given by the local Conservatives: — 2, Connaught-place, Woo April 2.1th, 1884. Dear Mr. Bridcut,— I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23rd inst. I regrst that it will not be in my power, en accunt flf other engagements, to attend a dinner on the 15th of May (if the Conservative party in the Leamington Parliamentary Debating Society. There is It deplorable disposition in 8()l'I1e quarters-particularly amongst the Badieal party- b ridicule and despise the debating societies which have been established in great numbers all over the country recently. It is a most remarkable fact that all societies or institutions or machinery having for their object the encouragement of free discussion on political, commercial, and industrial questions, inva- riably meet with every kind of opposition froIQ the Radcal party, and this indubitable fact leads me to the ccnelusion that free discussion is altogether in. compatible with the existence of a powerful Radical party in this country. On this ground alone, there- fore," it would be a pleasure to me to do anything that might lie in my power to assist Parliamentary debating societies. 130m, however, convinced that such societies cannot but be most beneficial to the interests of the nation. They rouse and sustain a healthy inti-rest in public affairs, they promote the diffusion of sound and accurate political informa- tion, they materially assist in the formation of a wise and deliberate public opinion, and they foster amongst our people that love of Parliamentary in- stitutions and representative government, which for many centuries past has been the pre-eminent pecu. liarity of England, the model, the envy, and the ad- miration of the civilised world, and the chief bul. wark of British liberty. Believe me, faitlifullv vours, RANDOLPH S. CHURCHILL. Robert Bridcut, Esq.

DEATH OF M. DE GIERS. A WELL KNOWN RUSSIAN MINISTER GONE. M. de Giers, the well-known statesman and Foreign Minister, died on Saturday night. He had been in failing health for some time, and, as he was 75 years of age, the chances of his rallying were remote. A Reuter's telegram, received on Sunday morning from St. Petersburg, briefly announced the death. Nicholas Carlovitch de Giers was born in 1820. He came of a Swedish family, which had settled in Finland. During the troublous times of 1848 he waa, in a diplomatic capacity, on the staff of General Luyders with an army in Transylvania, for his services in connection with which he obtained his first decoration— the Order ot St. Stanislaus. In 1850 he was First Secretary to the Russian Embassy at Constantinople, and the following year was appointed Director of Chancery in Moldavia and Wallachia. During the Crimean War he was in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in 1856 was made a Councillor of State. He was Russian Minister at Teheran (1863—69), at Berne (1869—70), and then at Stockholm. In 1875 the post of "Adjunct to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Director of the Asiatic Department" was created for him. and in 1876 M. de Giers presided at the Foreign Office, piloting, with no inconsiderable skill, the Muscovite Empire through its complicated rela- tions with other European countries. Though greatly enfeebled, his advice and counsel were able adjuncts to the Romanoff dynasty, and, next to Prince Bismarck—his senior in age by five years—M. de Giers might indubitably be styled the Nestor of European politics. He has often been credited, as all diplomatists must be. with ambItiou8 and sinister schemes; but it is reasonable for his friends to claim that he, with his Imperial master, the late Emperor, worked in the interests of peace, and his death. in the complexities of the Russian Empire as at present placed, is undoubtedly a severe loss to his country.

MANSION ABLAZE. FIREMEN INJURED BY THE ROOF FALLING. On Sunday night a destructive lire occurred at the mansion known as Oak wood, Chisle- liurst, now undergoing repairs, and formerly occupied by Mr. Medley, ex-M.P. By the fail of a, portion of the roof a fireman, named Pearce, was buried, and, when rescued, was found to have sustained a dislo- cation of the collar-bone, besides other inju- ries. The origin of the fire is unknown.

ROSEBERY AT CARDIFF. AN AMUSING STORY OF A POLICE MAN'S ERROR. The "Globe" says:—There will be a good deal of curiosity a.s to wholB the member of Parliament of whom an amusing story 15 told by the "Speaker." He is evidently a Glad- strr.ite, and is described as being one of ihe most distinguished of the party. The story is that he was in the station at (Cardiff when Lcrd Rosebery arrived, and remained after the Prime Minister's departure. To him approached, with an air of extreme deference, one who advances into the presence of the really great, a local policeman, who thus addressed him. "May I ask you. sir, if you are the valet of Lord Rotebery ?' On being informed that the person to whom he spoke was not entitled to claim this honour, the police-constable retired with that air of disgust which well beiit" dne who lias been so far deluded as to mistake an o.odiuary ricital for a person of real distinction.

THE EDINBURGH^. ANOTHER APPROACHING ROYAL MARRIAGE. We are informed on good authority that a marriage is contemplated between his Royal Highness Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, only son of their Royal and Imperial Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Saxe- Coburg and Gotha, and grandi-on of her Majesty, and her Royal Highness the Duchess Efea jVlat.ilda Marie of Wurtemberg, elder twin-daughter of the late Duke William Eugene of Wurtemberg by his marriage with the Grand Duchess Vera of RUMin- She was born at Stuttgart in 1876. Prince Alfred of Saxe-Coburg, who is a lieutenant in the sGermainz m. Q^pber^njgti.

King Frost now Reigns, WINTRY WEATHER IN ENGLAND. Thermometer at Cardiff Show that Twelve Degrees of Frost were Registered During the Night. Wintry weather continues throughout the country, and further heavy fails of snow, accompanied by intense cokl. axe reported. 12 DEGREES OF FROST AT CARDIFF. During Sunday night one of the most severe frosts of recent years was experienced, the thermometer registering twelve degrees. ICE BROKE. Whilst a number of persons were skating in the grounds of Boys' Hall, Wullesborough, Kent, on Sunday afternoon, the ice broke, and a man named Robinson was drowned. Severa others had narrow escapes. A HEAVY FALL. There was a heavy fall of snow in South Lin- colnshire this morning, and owing to a strsng wind it has drifted considerably. The weather is bitterly cold. Skating cemmenced in Cowbir Wash this morning.

HE DECLARED HIMSELF. NOBILITY WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH FOR THIS MAN. Thus ani Ameritoan contemporary :—"Lord Charles Beneford is an adept at a good many things besides writing articles on the naval union of America, and Great Britain. A cap- tain in the Royal Navy as well as a my lord, he lias tine reputat on of being as willing to fight with a London cabby as any ordinary man would be to challenge an equal to a duel Neither is he afraid of bobbies, as the London g tor id am of the peace are called. One of the popular stories about him runs something like this He and the Duke of Porterfield ( ?) were standing on a street corner n London one day when Lord Charles was particularly struck with the strutting of a very important, bobby across the way. Oaliing a seedy look- in Ug ndividua],, he said, "I'll, give you half a crown if you will tfo over and knock that bobby's hat off. The fellow went across the street and knocked off the hat in a most artistic and insp red) manner, and then rejoined the two gentlemen on the pavement. The irate officer, picking up his chapeau, crossed close behind him. "Who are you? demanded lie the duke. "I am the Duke of Porterfield, and you w 11 find me alt (giving his num- ber. "ndi you?" demanded he of the next the Queen"s" Navy, fend my address is-" "And you?" said the bobby, grimly turning to the grand executive of the scheme. "I?" Ha d thfe worthy individuals inserting his thumbs in the armholes of his vest and casting a superior glance at his colleagues, "I am de ¡ Prince of Wales, Jan* you all knows" here to ind mle."

A STRUGGLE TO LIVE. A HEARTRENDING STORY OF POVERTY. At Poplar Town-hall on Saturday Mr. Wynne E. Baxter held an inquest touching the death of Jane Waring, aged thirteen months, the infant daughter of a carman.—Jane War- ing, the mother, said that on ednesday last she took the deceased to her sister's house, and about noon it was taken with fits. Dr. O'Brien was sent for on a parish order, but the infant died the same day. The child had never had any illness before.—The Coroner; That's extraordinary. Diù you wrap the, child up warm?—Witness: Yes, as well I was able. We were so poor, as my husband has been out of work for such a long time. With the exception of a fewdavs' work he had been unemployed since last Easter.—The Coroner Goodness gracious! How did you feed the child?—With the breast and bread anù milk. We were EO very hard pr86sed that I did not know what to do.—Jane Brien, the sister, stated that the last witness had had a terrible struggle to live. The reason she ame to witness's house was for the sake of the fire, as she ould not afford to have one at home.—Dr. O'Brien said that death was due to syncope. The mother's milk would be in- sufficifID1; to properly nourish the child.-The Coroner: But you must have been almost starved?—Witness: We were, sir. (The woman here cried bitterly).—Chivers (the coroner's officer) said that the woman had had no fire for months, and no bread had been in the house for days.—A Juror: This is a frightful case.—The Mother said that she and the child would have been starved to death long ago had it not been for her sister. She helped her as much as possible, but was poor her"el£.-A juror gave the husband, who had worked under him, an excellent character for lbal"d work and sobrietv.-The Coroner handed the poor woman, who looked very ill and weak, some tickets for food, for which she appeared grateful.—Ultimately the jury re- turned a verdict of "Natural death," adding that it was acelerated by the mother having insufficient food, through her husband being out of work.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. INTERESTING PARS ABOUT INTE- RESTING PEOPLE. Mr. Gladstone lias specially written a paper on "The Lord's Day" for the Merrill number of "The Church Monthly." A curiosity of censorship comes from Turkey. For the future two copies of each JUS. sub mitted are to be sent as n. is said the single copy now sent gets much injured during the process of examination. Who shall say that art and the classic are not in these "extension" dny" extending t<1 "the democracy?" In a. case in the Queen's Bench DtivSsion on Friday a tailorVi euttelr was called at a. witness. He descrilied him- self as "an a.rtist in cloth nulli secundus." The Prince of Wales, (according to present arrangements, will leave England on a. three weekm' ya^htting1 tour in the Mediterranean about February 29. Th, Rev. Richard THrrv, of Llandudtnq. the Welsh bird known as "Gwalchniai,7)a« just attained his 9hst birthday. He is the oldest Congregational minisfieT in the PrincUi pality of Wales.

TEACHERS' MEETING. A meeting to inaugurate the formation of a district union of teachers for Monmouthshire was held at the Stow-hill Board Schools. New- port, on Saturday last. Mr. Morris (Barnard Town Schools) was elested chairman pro t.em.. and there was a large and representative gathering of teachers from the district. The following officers were appointed for the year: —President, Mr. R. L. Davies (Alexandra Board Schools); vice-president, Mr. J. Lewis (Ebbw Vale); secretaries. Messrs. Maskell and Emery; and treasurer, Mr. J. W. Parry (Blaina).—The Secretary reported that T. J. Ma.cnamara, Esq., M.L.S.B.. will attend and deliver an address at a public meeting to be lield at Newport in April next.—Draft rules were submitted to, and adopted by the meet- ing.

MOURNING TURNED INTO JOY. Last week Mr. Mills, paint* Comrie, Perth- *l"Jre, received a letter from hp son, who, it was thought, had been drowned in the wreck of thj steamer Wairapa off the coast, of New Zealand in October last. As was a mounced at the time. Mr. Mills, seeing a similar name among the list of the drowned, and knowing that his son intended goi.ig to New Zealand, cabled the agci'ts of the vessel at Sydney for particulars. A return cable was sent, stating that a young man of that name had been lost with the vessel, and that his age and trade corresponded with tie particulars sent. This left no doubt in the minds of his parents that their son was among the lost, and general sympathy was ex- pressed with the mourning parents. Happily, however, their mourning has been turned into joy by the intelligence that their son is still alive.

A GERMAN ELOPEMENT. Scciety in Berlin is greatly excited over ih8 elopement of a distinguished young nobleman, tha son of:1, former German Ambassador in Lon- (1011, with a well.know>ll American SOJlg- and dance actress. It is reported that they have gone to I<ondon.

BLESSING TO GLADSTONE. A letter from Mr*. Drew was read by Lord Carrington at the Manchester Reform Club, stating that Mr and Mr*. Gladstone had just written wi the bnst of health and spirits from Cannes. "Mr. Gladstone," added Mrs. Drew. now reads more than ever—ttti hours a day on the average, I should think. That pooratsou j was an untold blessing."

ACCIDENT AT DOWLAIS. On Saturday morning Benjamin Jones, of 10 North-street, Penydarren, and Richard Jones his son, were severely burned by an outburst 6 gas which ooenrred in their working place at the Dowlais Company's South Tunnel Pit. The j sufferers were removed home with the utmost promptitude, and they were afterwards attended by Dr. Davies, under whose care they are pro urn* favottratyyv 1

Scotland v. Wales. The moining opened somewhat dull in Edin- burgh. and. with a keen frost still prevailing, the opinion, even before the ground was visited was freely held that there was a decided ques- tion as to wliether the match would, after all, be played. The opinion of those members of the Welsh committee who visited the ground was decidedly against playing at. Probabiy they had in mind the crushing defeat sustained at Birkenhead last year, when the hard condition of the ground suited the wearers of the rose infinitely better than it did the wearers of the leek. Gould, when viewing the ground, distinctly stated that the 25 or 20 yards near the bottom goal-post was unfit for play, and he, on behalf of his team, ob- jected to performing on it. His suggestion that the goal-posts should be moved ifteen yards nearer to each other, so as to avoid play on this patch, was at the time "pooh-poohed/' but when Mr. Holmes, in company wjth Messrs. M'Lagan and Lyne, visited the ground, and expressed the same opinion, the Scotsmen, rather than give up the match, decided to do this. The other part of the field with the exception of one or two hard lumps, was quite fit for play, although outside the touch lines and the goal lines the ground was as hard as adamant. Interest in the match was very general in Scotland's capital, and at an early liour a constant stream of spectators began to make their way towards Raeburn-place enclosure. The space around the held of play was soon filled up by the crowd, and then, about half an hour before the match commenced, the grand stands, specially erected for the occasion began to fill. What opinions could be gathered from the crowd all pointed to the fact that they considered Scotland, with her present lein, had a very big chance of winning. Possibly the wish was father to the thought, for they, doubtless, had in mind the two defeats Wales had inflicted on them at Newport and on the scene of the present encounter. The idea of the shortened ground was commented oil somewhat adversely by the players, who suggested that a good goal dropped might easily win the match. There was no change in the composition of either team, the men turning out exactly as advertised. Scotland: Back. A. R. Smith (Oxford Uni- versity) three quarter backs, *J. J. Gowans (London Scottish), *U. T. Campbell (London Scottish), *W. Neilson (London Scottish), and R. Welsh (Edinburgh Watsonians); half- backs. *J W. Simpson (h-dinburgh Royal High School) and M. Elliot (Hawick); for- wards, 'W. B. Cownie (Watson ians), H. O. Smith (Watsonians), *G. T. Neilson (West of Scotland), *W. Gibson (Royal High School). *W. M'Ewan (Edinburgh Academicals), J. Dods (Edinburgh Academicals), *R. G. M'Millan (London Scottish), and *T. Scott (Hawick). ales Back, *W. J. Bancroft (Swansea); three-quarter backs, Evan Llonl (Llanelly!, *A. J. Gould (Newnort), *0. Badger (Llan- elly), and *T. 'W. Pearson (Cardiff); half- backs,, *F. C. Parfitt (Newport) and *S. Biggs (Cardiff): forwards. *T. C. Graham (New- port), *A. W. Boucher (Newport), T. Pook (Newport). *H. Packer (Newport). *J. Hannan (Newport), ":t'. Mills (Cardiff), *C. B. Nichol (Llanelly), and E. George (Pcatv- pridd). WALES. DETAILS OF THE PLAY. It was some tweny minutes past the adver- tised time when, after the usual photograph- ing process, the teams took the fieid. There would then be present about 8,000 spectators. The sun was shining brightly, but the frost was still keen, and every moment saw the ground getting- harder. Gould led his men on to the field first, and received a hearty cheer. Gibson followed at the head of his men directly afterwards, the Scotch also receiving an en- thusiastic reception. The Scotsmen winning the toss, chose to play from the town end. with a slight breeze in their favour. Boucher started operations for Wales, and, from the Scotch return. Evan Llovd returned to touch nearly at the centre. A line out at this spot saw E. Lloyd obtain possession. He attempted to punt back. but the Scotch forwards got right on top of him and com- menced a loose rush, which took them clean down to within half a dozen yards of the Welsh line before they were checked. A punt back saw Gowans make his mark on the touch line and the ball was placed for Neil- son, who. however, made a very poor attempt at goal, and Bancroft oleared to touch on the far siide of the ground. Scrimmaging was then commenced in the centre. Irom the first pack the Scotch forwards held the advantage and Bancroft had to save at a very critical moment. Pearson punted into M'Ewan's hands, who got very close to the Welsh line before hcing pulled down just outside the goal line. Scrim- maging- was again commenced. Elliot made one big dash—in fact, got over—but for some irregularity was called back. Play was still confined to the Welsh quarters, and, try as they would, the visitors could not ciear their line. The Scotch forwards were going great guns, and time after time initiated attacks. which only the most desperate tackling on the part of the Welsh kept under. The "Welsh front line came through a scrimmage, and managed to get to outside their 25. The home forwards, however, almost immediately afterwards took play back to its old position close on the Welsh line. Up to the present no attempt attenued with any degree of success had been made by the forwards on either side to send out to the three-quarter line. Once Elliot tried it for Scotland, but the ball never started fairly on its journey. A few yards at a time the \Velshmen managed to work away from the line until the centre was reached. Then Simpson started his back line, but some smart tackling by Evan Lloyd stopped them at a oritical moment. Out of a loose scramble that followed the for- wards, headed by Hannan, brought play up to the centre. The first scrimmage formed at this spot again saw- the Scottish eight gam an advantage and attempt to start their backs. The attack, however, was nipped in the bud, and play taken to the far side of the fieJd. Per- son, with a useful kick into touch, for the first time during the progress of the game, moved play into the Scottish half. The ball was, how- ever, driven back by the home forwards for a minute, only, however, to see the Weigh for- wards come to the attack, and scrim- maging was next commenced close up to the home quarter flag. How dangerous tihe Scotch recognised the Welsh third line to be was shown from the fact that both the Scotch centres were standing otf- side waiting to intercept the Welsh passing. Once Bignfs did get the ball out, but it never had a fair chance of starting on its journey. Scrummaeinor was still in the Scotch half, the Welshmen varying their tactics, alternately heeling out and wheeling. On one occasion Graham and Nichol came round and com- menced a dribble which was only stopped when within half a dozen yards of the Scotch line. They were pegging very hard at it in this position for several minutes. Thin a free to Scotland drove play back to the centre of the field, from where the Scottish forwards drove it dowi. to within a dozen yards of the Welsh goal line. Here Elliot started some passing, which was intercepted by Parfitt. and lie succeeded in travelling nearly to the centre, where he sent the ball to the three-quarter line. It was fumbled, however, and the attack finished when the half-way line liad been reached. At the centre of the field piay was stopped for a couple of minutes through Parfitt being hurt. In fact, he had to be taken off the field and play continued without him. This necessitated a re-arrangement of the Welsh team. Boucher came out of the pack to centre three-quarter, Badger going on the wing, while Lloyd partnered Biggs behind the scrum. Adopting rushing tactics, the Scotch pack immediately took play to the Welsh line, but from the first scrimmage the Welshmen, headed by Graham, -acker, and m- r fiell and were well over- the half-way line before they were stopped. Scrimmaging again fOllowèd, which wis a bit in favour of the Scotsmen, and yard by yard they travelled down the right touch line until well inside the AVelsh 25. A wheel at this spot was not so cleverly executed as the Welshmen desired, and they gained little or nothing by it. Then, tiom the toucli-line, play went right across to the centre of the field directly opposite, and about ten yards out from the Welsh goal posts. From the next scrimmage Scotland got the ball, but Lioyd and Biggs were round too quick for the home halves, and, gaining possession, re- lieved their side by .g play to the centre. Then play slackened down a bit, and just out- side the Welsh 25 some hard but dull scrimmages were) fought out. Eventually Edict got possession, and I punted over the Welsh line, Bancroft con- ceding a minor. From the "rop-out Smith re- turned in fine style to well over the half-wav line, from where tlie Scotch forwards, with some smart footwork, again rushed play to the Wels/i 25. Here they attacked vigorously, and eventually the ball was again sent over by the forwards, but Bancroft managed to kick dead, conceding a second minor. After the drop-out play went to the centre of the field, where, after Pearson had returned to touch, Dods made his mark exactly on the co.tre line and the ball was placed for Scott. A premature charge on the part of the Welsh- men resulted in "No charge" being sounded, but a little irregularity on the Scotch side did not escape the eyes of Arthur Gould, who im- mediately claimed the advantage. and the Welsh forwards, rusimig up, took play into the Scotch half. where half-time was called with the score reading: — SCOTLAND—2 minors. WALES—Nil. At the interval Parfitt resumed HIS place in the eish team. The kick-off saw the ball go right over the Welsh goal line. a third minor being conceded. The drop-out. after the return by the Scotsmen, resulted in Wales's favour. Gould milde his mark. and from hi" punt touch was reached, taking play to the Scotch half. A few exchanges followed, and then, in the centre of the field. Selwyn Biggs made another mark, the ball being placed for Bancroft. His kick. however, fell short. an. the return to touch on the far side left play just inside the 25. Hera there were some scrambling ex- changes. from one of which M'Millan made his n ark, and his kick went just over the centre line. Here Evan Lloyd nearly made a mess of it in attempting a backward kick, which sent the ball up in the air. A fine opportunity for Scotland to make their mark was missed, although the Seotch forwards rushed dangerously close to the Welsh goal line. Here several exciting scri11lmag-es were fought out, but eventually the Welshmen got the better of it. and rushed p.ar down to the centre, where they were checked by the Scot-c-h forwards. Again the Scotch took up the attack. They travelled well up the Welsh quarter line before being stopped, and there was some scrimmaging hereabouts, after which the Scotch pressed hard. Bancroft, who handled last, had his kick charged down. and Gowans. popping up from the far wing. scored the first point in the match. His try was converted by Smith. Almost imme- diately on the re-start play settled in th- centre of the field. From the first scrimmage the Welsh three-quarters tried prac- ticalb- their first bout of passing. Pearson and Gould came away in fine form on the right wing, but after Pear- son had taken a nice pass, his throw-out to the centre saw Gouid miss what looked like a score. Then play travelled nearly to the centre. The Scotch backs got possession, and sent out a punt in their attempt to clear. The ball came to Bancroft, who just inside the half-way line took a si^ht and dropped a beautiful goal. After this play was f a Jllo ,t exciting description. There was prajvcjliy nothing in it, and it wag "nip a.nd tu^k" hll through. First the Scotch forwards made an attack, then the ei>h eight would start a rush, and tro right into the Scotch half, to be driven back by some fine kicking of the home three- quarters. Then play settled in the We^Ii quarters, where the Scotch commeuofd ft vory hot attack. A good kick by B.inor.ift drove them back to near the centre, whire the (jfh three-quarter line got into motion, ana Peaiscn was sent sailing down the Ring. !.»:t his punt over Walsh's head I unfortunately went into touch. Then play became, if anything, more vigorous. Certainly it was faster afid more exciting. Time after time the Welsh line would be attacked in the most ardent fashion, but on each occasion the W elsli defence was equal to the task imposed upon them, and although they had several nar- row escapes, especially one on the right wing, where Pearson and Bancroft had a misunder- standii.g. The line. however, was kept intact. Then, after a bout of mid-field play. the Welsh forwards started the attack. They got to within half a dozen yards of the home goal line. where a desperate struggle was made to get through. The Scotch defence, however, was quite as sound, and, although Smith had one narrow escapes of getting out of difficulties, he just managed it. Then, from the centre. Pear- son got another chance. Down the right wing he went. past Walsh and M Euan, like a streak of lightning. Coming to the full back, he punted across to the centre. Tli" forwards followed up in fine style and a general scramble saw the ball rushed right on to the verge of the Scotch line. Desperate play on the part of the Scotch eight brought it back to the centre, where the home team were penalised, and Gould threw the ball to Bancroft, with the admonition, "Try and drop a goal, Bancroft you may do if The Swansea back made a grand attempt, but it fell a bit short, and Gowans made a grand re- turn to touch in the centre. From here the Scotchmen rushed on to the Welsh line, where for a couple of minutes some desperate scrim- maging ensued. Eventually the elsh wheeled a way and then play went to the centre, where Bancroft tried another ehot at goal from a mark with no results, although Smith was obliged to concede a minor. A oouple of minutes later time was called with the score standing:- SCOTLAND-1 goa.1 (fivo Points). 3 minors WALEb—1 dropped goal (four points), 1 minor. FEELING AT NEATH. Most Neath people who take an interest in football had "fancied" Scotland, and so the result did not come altogether as a surprise. But had the Caledonians victery been greater ma.ny would have been better satisfied. This did not arise from any want of patriotism, but from a feeling that it is terribly hard lines to be so near victory and yet to sustain defeat. Still, viewed from a proper standpoint, it is satisfac- tory that Wales did so well. And in this light the result is viewed by the majority wf local football patrons. Of course, there are the usual number of wiseacres, who on Saturday evening pervaded the places of public entertainment. These gentlemen are each able t. pick a Welsh team that would lick creation. OPINION AT SWANSEA. The news of the result of the international match was received at Swansea with a fair amount of satisfaction. Considering that the Welshmen had to do the travelling the per- formance was voted creditable, and the circum- stance that, as usual, Bancroft, the only repre- sentative of the town, was the shining light, and notched the only score the Welshmen could achieve, made the result somewhat more grati- fying to Swansea people than possibly to others. PRESS OPINIONS. Subjoined will be found press comments on the international game, Scotland v. Wales, played at Edinburgh on Saturday — "SIX AND HALF A DOZEN." "Jonathan Oldbuck," writing in the "Athletic News," says:—It was not a brilliant- game in the sense that it overflowed with sparkling inci- dents, but it was one of the most keenly debated international contests it has been my privilege to witness. It wae largely a forward game. and the teams were six and half a dozen. In- stead of heeling out, to begin with. the Welsh- men went in for rushing, such as England adopted with so much success against the Prin- cipality a few weeks ago. This. I consider, was playing into the Scotsmen's hands, for, if there is one style of play at which they can hold their own, it is rushing, while, on the other hand, heeling is the game which bewilders them more than anyone. It was only in the second half, when the Welshmen went in for heeling, that their play was seen at its beet, and it is a noto- rious fact that about the middle of this period very little would have crumbled the Scottish edifice into ruins. Bancroft has given many finished displays in Scotland, and his latest will compare favourably with any of his previous exhibitions. He had a lot of saving to do. and his tackling powers were as keen and as subtle as ever they were. Some critics have it that his powers are on the decline, but I could detect no signs of decay in his general work on Satur- day. Next to H. B. Tristram, I think Bancroft is the liest back that has been seen in any visit- ing team. Arthur Gould put in some very fine head work, but he did not take the pa-sses as well 3B I have seieai him do. On two occa- sions he made very bad sMps, but Pearson and Bancroft were there to oover his faults. In the second half he had one pretty run, Pear- son being in attendance, but liie slipped—a fortunate, circumstanoe for Scotland, as A. R. Smith was the only one he had to pass. Bad- ger was not much behind his captain in some things he was better; for example, his runs were bettor executed than Gould's, and he fielded more cleverly. Pearson got very little to do, and I wae not graatly impressed with Lloyd.. Parfitt was playing wtll before he got hurt, and even after he resumed he did game cleve thing's, although it was quite apparent he was suffering great pain. It was said be was Buffering from contusion of the brain,, but I hope it is nothing so bad a.s that. Still, I lliave hf-nrd of a plhyer who was obli vioi*t to pain while he was playing, and after having to be removed to the infirmary. It was a eptendid example of courage—though,, perhlaJF, a foolhardy one—on the part of the Newport quarter to come out in the second halfj and I only be none tike worse for having oome to his side's assistance whE-II his help was FO much required. Biggs wat; clever, but he got toesed about dreadfully by the Scotch forwards, who again and again brushed him aside with ridiculous ease. C. B. Nicholl, of course, is best known to llW, and my eye caught him aftener than it did any of the others, and you may take it from this that he was ajways to the front., and proved himself, what lie undoubtedly is—one of the finest, if not the finest,, forwards in Britain. Graham was always in the thick of the fight, and "0 was Hannan, who is a wcnderfnl man for hi" years. Pook. who played instEad nf Watts, was not far from being one of the best of the Welsh forwards. MISTAKEN TACTICS. The "Athletic Kews" in its "EII Passant Column" says:—The evenness of the teams was demonstrated by the smallness of the score, and though the Scottish contingent had more chances than their opponents, the fact that Wales were handicapped during some portion of the game by Parfitt's absence would account somewhat for this period of supe- riority. The Welshmen tried the tactics of their English opponents of three weeks ago. and endeavoured to break up the Scotsmen by strong forward rushes, but they failed to accomplish their end: and when they re- sorted to the methods generally known as the Welsh style of play they were far more suc- cessful, and very little would have turned the defeat into a victory. The Scotsmen have not. quite mastered the idea of the four three- quarter system, and there was not that amount of fine open play which spectators delight to see. and which tends to show what science, skill, and combination can do against mere exhibitions of physical force and vigorous rushes. Considering the fact that the vic- tors had not had many opportunities of in- dulging in club practice for some weeks, the men performed exceptionally well. and the style in which they started quietened the anxious admirers and inspired them with hopes of ultimate SUCc.e8S. HOW SCOTLAND WON. The "Sporting Life" says :—The first opinion which one must have formed regarding the game was that for such a fastly-played match the scoring was wonderfully low. The Scotsmen, it is said, had held a council of war previous to the match, and at this conference it was decided to play like demons from the starts and this policy was strictly acted upon, and the home forwards went at it hammer and tongs. with such effect that only prior infringements prevented Willie Gibson and George Neilson from getting trie?. There is not the slightest doubt the home forwards were the chief factors in the Scotch success. Of smaller stature than their opponents, but faster on the ball than the latter, they stuck to their work like demons, though it must have been very tantalising to see many of their hest efforts going for nothing, because of their mistakes behind the scrum. Somehow or other the Welsh forwards could not take the ball away with them when thet screwed the mauls, and the home pack, taking every advantage of their opportunities, seldom failed to take it right through. and the Scotch eight played with that determination which is houuel-unless a fluke occurs—to result in success. The doubts that were entertained that they would not stay were negatived, for in this they beat the well-trained Welshmen. Everybody—that is to say, every Scotsman— while delighted with his own team's success, was greatly surprised—we won't say disap- pointed—at the indifferent display of the Wels- men. The forwards played well enough, and Parfitt and Selwyn Biffs' were clever halves, but. like the Scotsmen, the three-quarters never passed properly, and Bancroft, though lie aga. n scared a goal, was several times apparently chary of risking too much on th hjrd ground, One looked in vain for a srlimpse of the fine combination hich trained Wales their glorious victory in 1893. Bancroft was the player most dreaded on the Welsh side. for the simple reason that his drop-kicking scored agAUist Scotland in his last visit to Edinburgh. He was well looked after on Saturday, and it is ee iain hi" all-iound exhiibtion was inferior to those of the last two years. ITs punting', for in- stance. had less force, thoufh his dropping: was a-s pretty as ever, and he found opportunity to gain the only point, scored l)y his side. T. W. Pearson was the best of the Welsh thiee- suarter backs, that is to say. lie made the fewest mistakes, and his efforts were always to most puipose. Once in the second half. by a pretty run and kick. he got a try for Wales, but two Newport forwards got m front of the ball, played it, and were penalised. A. J. Gould is failing'. Not but what he did severa; smart things, but the critics could not fail to notice several deficiencies, more especially jn savir.g and tackling, which should not have been apparent in wh a player. His passing was very good, a.nd he kicked well. Badger was moderate, but Lloyd was a big- failure, even hi." kicking being poor. Parfitt and Selwvn Biggs did as well at half as could have been expected from them, tlie former saving very well. Biggs was making his *irst appearance in Scotland, and created a favourable impres- sion. Forward th,. Newport men, more espe- cially Graham, Bouoher, and Hannan, plaved very well, but possibly C. B. Nichol was the pick of the pack. Mills ilso shone m open work. DIFFICULT WHOM TO PRAISE. The "Sportsman" says:—The game was such a peculiar one that it is difficult whom to praise, for under different conditions Scotsmen recognise the fact that the result might, easily be reversed. It is true that the home lot. liad slightly the better of the play. but this was in a great measure due to the very effective punting of their back divi- ston. v-ho. instead of kicking into the open, invariably went for touch and found it. Plav was principally confined to t.he forwards, and in this department Jack was as good as his master; indeed, we have seldom seen two packs more evenly balanced. The Welsh lot combined far better in the scrums, owing to the fact that the five Newport men kept themselves locked tog-ether. They wheeled in beautiful style, but the agility and cleverness of the Scottish halves in saving these rushes Droved of inestimable service to Scotland. who-e forwards-, perhaps, were a bit smarter than their rivals in the loose; but here again the Welsh halves were also seen to advantage by pluckily dropping on the ball. Where all the front division did so well on either side. it would be unfair to single out any for individual praise. It wa.s a great pity that Parfitt was injured. for it un- doubtedly weakened the Welsh team in the second half, otherwise there was very little to choose between the respective couples behind the packs. Individually the Scottish three-quarters were better than the WeL-sh, who. however, excelled their rivals in the combined passing tactics, and twice after some brilliant transfers. Gould narrowly escaped scoring, but he unfortunately fell at the crucial moment. Bancroft had a lot more to do than Smith, but as far as could be seen neither made a, mistake and both kicked in brilliant style. Summing up the fifteens on Saturday's play, they were not good in attack, but as regards Their collaring it was of a sterling character, and was distinctly the feature of the match. WELSH PACK SMARTEST. Savs the "Morning Leader":—Wales were a distinctly better side than at Swansea three weeks ago. and were to a certain extent rather unfortunate in losing, as on two occasions Gould slipped up on the hard ground when within an ace of scoring. On each side the front division uerformed splendidly. Wales being smarter in the pack, but in the iooee the Scotsmen used their feet in very clever style. The accident to I'arfitt crippled the visitors considerably, and. although he returned very pluekily after ten minutes' absence, he was of little service in the second half. Both Ban- croft and Smith upheld their reputations, whilst the feature of the play of the three- quarters on either side was their brilliant tackling. A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING. The "Moaning'' says:—Apart from the loseness of tlie oontest. the match was a little disappointing from a spectator's point of view, the play being mainly confined to the for- wards. and the Dal 1 rarely getting among the backs. The latter, consequeutiy. had to make chances for themselves, and by far the most success was achieved by Gowans. who played a fine game r')r Scotland, and who, in addi- tion to sconug the try. was unlucky in not getting in a second time after the best run of the day. Gould and Bancroft defended well for "W ales, and though the latter practically gm-e away Scotland's try he made amends by dropping a splendid goåJ. Gould was not in the best of luck, as once, when he looked like netting clear, he stumbled, but, on the whole he played up to his reputation. Elliott and Simppon made a. good pair of halves, and Smith at full back was a success. M Millan. H. Smith, and Nicholl were the most promi- nent among the forwards. POOR BACK PLAY. The "Daily Chronicle" flanks the score f.ardly represents the true merits of the game. In the first half Scotland, with the merest bit of hick, ought to have scored two or three times: while the referee looked with an un- kindly if impartial eye on the efforts of Elliott, who twice dashed across the Welsh tine, only to be called back comfortless, and without a score. The Scotch forwards, as usual, went away with a tremendous burst, and although ti e Welsh scrimmagers were onlv slightly inferior in weight they were pushed all over the field for quite a quarter of M) hour. It was not till after Gowans had scored for Scotland early in the second half that the Welsh forvards showed anything like their best form. From this point on to the uld tlie game was evenly and fiercely contested, the advantage swinging first to one side and then the other. The back play on both sides was not nearly up to expectations, and the Welsh- men, especially after their brilliant play on ;■ same ground two years ago. were very tin-appointing. Welsh ba ,k8, as a rule, never shine where their forwards are beaten, and on Saturday the visiting1 backs for the most part vi ere playing behind a pack that only now and again held its own. Parfitt and Biggs played a wonderfully ggod game at half-back, b^t were not sufficiently supported by the men behind them. Bancroft made one grievous mistake, which lost his side the match, and. although he almost atoned for it by his brilliantly-droped goal I am afraid the little Swansea man is not :'0 safe as 1H:: WaF. SCOTLAND WON ON THEIR MERITS. The "Time*" devotes half a column of its space to the match, and says:—The Scottish worked wonderfully well in the scrimmage, and it was here they gu ned the great advan- tage which made them on the day worthy of a more substantial lIIGjority th3Zl the single point difference between a goal from a try and a goat from a drop-kick. Behind a win- ning scrimmage, too, S;mi>joii and Elliot, the half-backs, played soundly, and knowing tlie danger that a bad pass; might bring- to their s de.. exercised every discretion in opening the play. With their forwards beaten, the Welsh had not much scope for that mechanical precision in passing by which their four three quarter back game wa-s made famous. Scot- land won on their merits. It had been thought that Wales had strengthened the capital side which gave England such a srood match at Swansea. In an open game they would pro- bably huve won; but on Saturday the Scot- tish forwards kept- the hall tight—a policy tliait was not pursued in vain. The Welsh had a fine defence, in which Bancroft. Pear son, Gould. and Badger came out particularly well whj(le the Scottish lacks ulso did (a lot of sound work, and Smith, of Oxford, was very good in kicking. St. Andiews's Football Club (average 15i Require Away Match. February 2.-Write Gilbert, 35. WoM- ville-road, Cardiff. e6293i28

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. PROPOSED VISITS TO CARDIFF IN 1898 AND 1890. A meeting of a special committed of the Cardiff Corporation was held at the Town-hall on Monday morning, the mayor Alderman Carey) presiding, for the purpose of considering letters which had been received from the Royal Agricultural Society and the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society in reply to in- vitations sent to them to visit Cardiff. The secretary of the later society stated that Cardiff could not be visited until 1898. The society re- quired a local fund of B800 to be placed to their credit in Stuckey's Bank by August 1 in the year previous to the holding of the -how, and a site of 35 acres in f'xtent.-A sub-committee, ccrsisting of the mayor and Mr. James Tucker, was appointed to see Mr. Corbett. with the view of securing the Cathays Park for the meeting.— Th* Royal Agricultural Society stated that. the country was divided into seven districts for the holding of the annual shows. Cardiff was in- cluded in F district, which was visited in 1892. so that the year 1900 would be about the time v hen the show could be held at the Welsh Metropolis.—The same committee war; re- quested to endeavour to obtain the promise of the Cathays Park for this meeting also.

NEWPORT GUARDIANS. ALLEGED EXTRAVAGANT EXPEN- DITURE. At the weekly meeting of the Newport Boird of Guardians on Saturday Mr. Charles West moved that a committee should be appointed to inquire into the extravagant expenditure of the board, salaries of the officials, superannua- tion, vaccination fees. &c.-The Chairman asked whether it would not be wiser to ask for an inquiry into the finances of the board, rather than to propose a vote- of condemnation. It was exceedingly bad taste on Mr. West's part. but it was in tha power of the board to carry an amendment. (Applause.)—The Rev. C. Avliffe thought Mr. West should not make such a public assertion without substantiating it. and this he wa-s ima-ble to do.—After a discus- sion Mr. West withdrew his motion. and said he would move another resolution next Satur- day.

INCENDIARISM. DESTRUCTION OF HAYRICKS NEAR BARRY. Information was conveyed to the Police- station, Cadoxton-Barry. shortly after noon on Saturday of a case of alleged incendiarism at the Verlons. nea.r Biglis Brickworks. Ser- geant Ben Davies and Constable T. Thorbura hastened to the place, and on their arrival found a valuable rick of hay, belonging to Mr. Edward Jenkins. Mill Farm. Cadoxton. ablaze The police and others took steps to extinguish the fire, and their prompt efforts were rewarded bv saving a portion of the rick by cutting It through the centre and confm ing- the to the other portion. Sergeant Davies then oir tained information that a sim'lar conflagration had broken out on Southra Farm, near Dinas Powis. belonging to Mrs. Harry. He thereupon proceeded to Southra, accompanied by Polic-e- ocnstable Thorbum. and found two large hay- ricks burning furiously. They also learnt from the driver of a liearse in a funeral which was passing that a man had been seen leaving the scene of the fire, and the officer and con- stable went in pursuit in the direction of Dina.s Powis. and arrested a man answering HIP de- scription gven. who gave lis name as Charles Williams, and said he was a marine fireman, having left Cardiff for Barry on Friday, and was then returning to Cardiff. Williams denied havinsr fired the ricks, but he was detained in custody. The prisoner was taken to Barry Dock Central Police-station, and will be brought up for trial at Penarth Police-court to day (Monday). In the meantime the Penanh Y ùluilt.eer Fire Brigade, in charge of the police- arrived at Southra.. and for several hours played vigorously upon the burning ricks, but dusk had set in bef ire the fire was effectiially got under. The damage done at both places is considerable.

KILLED HISCHILD. A LABOURER THREW IT FROM THE WINDOW. A labourer, named Doyle, has been arrested by the Liverpool police on a charge of having committed a fiendish outrage on his child" It is alleged that early on Saturday mcrning he took the infant from bed and deliberately threw it from the bedroom window into the street, death ensuing two hours later.

PLOUGHING MATCH. Tit • annual ploughing match for Ystradowen and district took place on Friday. The plough- ing was very good, the show of teams being much better than last year. The hedging and ditching were especially good. The judges were Mr. D. Thomas, Mr. "Timothy David, Mr. Thomas (Margam). Mr. Thomas Miles. Mr. Evan Thomas, and Mr. Miles (Tydu). The prize list was as follows:— PLOUGHING. Champion Clø.ss.-Kone of the competitors finished in time. Senior Class.—1st, Thomas Burton; 2nd, John Smith 3rd, D. Jenkins. Junior Class.—1st, Jas. M'Carthy 2nd, Fred Bryant. HEDGING AND DITCHING. Champion Class.—1st, B. Maddy; 2nd, John Davies. Senior Class.—1st, Thomas Johm 2nd, John Thomas 3rd, J. Gibbon 4th, J. Dare. Messrs. Griffith Brothers, CaitJ, secured the prize for the best turn-out, and Mr. J. L. Williams, Llan- sannor, the prize for the best team of horses. The usual dinner was held in the evening, when Mr. E. Tudor Owen occupied the chair, in the absence of the president (Mr. G. L. Clark. Talygarn), amongst others present being Alder- man Edward John. Mr. W. V. Huntley, and Mr. T. Thomas. The proceedings passed off most enjoyably.

SERIOUS FIRES AT SWANSEA. Shortly after midnight on Saturday night a fire broke out at the shop of Mr. Williams, tailor, in Neath-road, Hafod. The fire brigade was summoned, but owing to the fire-plug being frozen, experienced seme difficulty at the outset, but afterwards the supply was copious, and the brigade dealt expeditiously with the fire. The shop. however, was gutted, and two adjoining shops were damaged. The fire was extinguished at 2.30.

CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH CASE. At Flintshire Assiees on Saturday Priscilla Roberts, nineteen years of age, was sentenced to fifteen months' imprisonment with hard abour far concealment of birth.

TITHE DISTRAINTS. On Saturday Mr. Robert Lewis, the Newcastle Emlvn County-court bailiff, successfully dis- trained upon stock, &c.. on two farms in Lower Cardiganshire, namely. Gilfachronw and Onm Bangor. in both of which cases five orders of the court obtained by the Eeotor of Bariy«r- Teify had not been satisfied.

BREWERY EMPLOYES KILLED. A Central News telegram from Chicago says:—At Mendota, Illinois, on Friday a boiler explosion occurred in the Handing Company's brewery. The entire building wat wrecked, and the employes suffered terribly. Six dead bodies have been taken out of the ruins, and seven severely injured have been removed to the hospital. It is feared that others are buried beneath the wreckage, but a furious storm which is now ra-ging impedes the æaroh. ^————a.

Four Women Murdered, 9 AN ITALIAN CHARGED WITH I THE CRIME. Reman Police Hold One of their Country- men for One of the Deeds and Sus- pect him of the Others. A Central News teleyi-niu from Rome savs: A few daits ago an old lady, named Signora Craveri, was assassinated in her owa residenot*. Hie polioe arrested the murderer, who is a certain Calogero. and it has now been discovered that the same man murdered a wealthy lady at Milan. It is also believed that he is the n ur- derer of two old women at Pavia. all the mur- ders being committed in precisely the same manner.

Sporting Intelligence. LEICESTER MEETING. In consequence of the severe weather it seems improbable that racing *'ill be prj.ct.ca.ble at Leicester to-morrow (Tuesday and a decision wil be arrived at to-day (Mondavi as to the course to be taken. if the officials find it impossible to commence the meeting to-morrow (Tuesdavi it will, with the permission of the stewards be postponed till Wednesday and Thursday next.

SPORTING PROPHECIES. LEICESTER. Leicestershire Handicap Steeplechase.—Sports- man—Boy Chieftain. Sporting Life—Boy Chieftain. Held—Boy Chief tail or Golden liing." land and Water—First Dragoon. Licensed Victuallers" Gazette Hoy ClJeftain. Sporting Times—Boy Chieftain or Wattrford. Wigston Steeplechase.—Sportsman—Clanricarde. Spoit-iug Lifp-Clanriearde. Field—Dniiar II. Land and Water—Olive Branch. Liee,ised Victuallers' ictualler*' Gazette—Oianricarde or Olive Branch. SjKitiiig Tnnef—Duke of Hamilton's selected. Glen Hurdle Race.—Sportsman—ltoyaJ Scot, or Deela. Sporting Lite—Upsillon. Field—St. Jude or lioval Scot. Land tid Water—I'opinjay. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette—Last Toast or Popinjay. Sport- ing Tinier-—Iioval Scot or Chater. Belprave Hurdle Kace.—Sportsman—Warrington or Ben Wwis. Sportinjr Life—Ben Wyvis. Field- Warrintrtcn. Land and Water—Warrington. Licensed t ictualiers' Gazet.te-Lady Halle or O'Kuspodos. Spcrtinjr Times—Warrincton cr Specs. January H;:rdle Race.—Sportsman—Prince Frede- rick or Glenloch. Sporting life-Gletiloch. Field— Princt Frederick or Caerlaverock. Land and Water -Mock Orange. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette—Glen- loch or Prank. Sporting Tinies—Glenloch or Specs. Brlvoir Hunt St>è!'p¡'>chase.-SJlOrt8man-Graig Olway or Olive Branch. Sporting Life—Gra OJ- way. FIeld-Tommy Shaw or Excelsior. Land and Water—Graig Olway. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette —Fin ma-Coul II. or Graifr Olway. Sporting Times— Graig Olway or Flying Jib. Oadby Steeplechase.—Snortsman—Yoredale or Kintr's Birthday. Sporting Lifc-Le Papillon. Field —King's Birthday. Land and Water—Yoredale. Licensed Victuallers' Gazette—Marchington or Mel- bourne. Sporting Times—I-e Papilion >!rntrose Hurile Plate.—Sportsman—Warrington. Sporting Life—Mona. Field—Warrington. lAnd and Wate*-—Warington. Licensed Victuallers' Gazptte —Lady Halle (J O'Kuspodos. Sporting Times— W&,rrington. -.VINT SOR. Maideji Hurdle Race.—Sportsman—Morda or Basil- dnll. Sporting Life—Moidv Field-All Gay or Basildon. Land and Witer-All Gay. Sporting T'n .es—Has: Idem. Binfield StR0'plprhase.-Spo!'t><man-Lady Erne. Sporting Life—Ant-ipyriue. Field—King's 'Birthday. Land and Water—King's Birthday. Sporting Timcf —Lady Erne. Round Tower 8te?nleo:lia«e. —Sportsman—Red Rube. Sporting Life-Ilex. Field-IIex. Land and Water -Seaside. Sporting Timss—Rad Rube. T-pt,or Steeplechase —Sporr.sman—Ilex or Clan.-man II. Sporting Life—Codde'ierry. Field—WheaifiekL TAnrt and Water—Emigrant. Sporting Times- Wetherby.

Botttea ,7 6 b, 1!? FGKFAR ATHUTttj to tw avt 'g 1 i. »

FRENCH CRISIS. M. RIBOT HAS FORMED A CABINET. A Central News Paris telegram of Saturday savs:—It is officially announced this evening that M. Ribot lias succeeded in forming a Cabinet The Ministry will be as follows: — Premier and Minister of Finance. M. Ribot; Minister of the Interior, M. Georges Leygnes Minister for Foreign Affair-, M. Ilanotaux; Minister of Instruction. M. Poincare Minister of Works. M Dupuy-Dutemps; Minister of Commerce. M. Andre Lebon Minister for the Colonies. M. Chautempe: Minister of Agricul- ture. Senator Gadaud Minister of Justice, Senator Trarieux. Admiral Besnard will probably be Minister for the Navy, and General Jamoni for War. LA TER. The new Ministers beld their first conference this evening at M. Ribot's residence. and decided in principle te support a Bill granting an amnesty for political effence.s TVn y afterwards met again at the Elysee to hear M. Faure's Presidential message, which will be read to Parliament to- morrow. The Senate and Chamber of Deputies have been summoned to meet at half-past two to-morrow for this purpose.

VOLUNTEER NEWS. THE NEW ADJUTANT OF THE WELSH REGIMENT. On the 1st prox. Captain H. B. Phillips, of the 1st Battalion (41st. Welsh Regiment. now stationed at Pembroke Dock. will commence his duties as adjutant of the Cardiff (3rd Volun- teer Battalion Welsh) regiment. Captain Phillips was originally a second lieutenant in the West India Regiment, and was promoted the same year (1881) to be lieutenant. He was afterwards garrison adjutant in Jamaica, and was eventually, in 1891. appointed to a captaincy in the 41st Regiment. Captain Phillips has qualified doubly as an army interpreter in the Swedish and German languages. and is a very efficient and popular officer.

A LANARKSHIRE ROMANCE. A year ago a traveller from abroad, visiting the old country, was ou his way from Glasgow to tJ¡e South, when he had occasion to leave the train at a big ('oa.l and steel working centre on the Caledonian Railway, a few miles south of the city. Having nothing to do for half an hour. he walked up the prin- cipal street, and. entering a bookseller's, called for a copy of a Northern newspaper. While in the shop he heard two ladies conversing on Church matters. One of them spoke of the good work that was being done by a oertam youug lady deaconess in connection with one of the Church of Scotland congregations in the town. and the name of the lady mentioned was the name of his sweetheart.from whom he had been parted at their home in the North of Scotland years before. The aphorism anent the course of true love and its smoothness was justified in their caEe. and he had left for to foreign country to make his fortune. He was now a rich man, with one unrealised dream. In a ouiet way he made, inquiry, and disc-overed that the young lady deaconess was at home for a well-earned holi-. day. His journey South va; given up, and the train northwards from M——. bore the "Friscan to Aberdeenshire. A few days later the young deaconess wa" seen again in the dingy street". and there was a new light in. her eyes. Meanwhile the rover had hurried back to 'Frisco, ana set about building a splendid home for his future companion. She, on her part. worked away in her own quiet, winning way until at iensrtli a cablegram, came. It announced that all was in readi- ness. a.nd asked her to leave at once She < said "Rood-bye" quietly to her many friends, and. the other day. bade farewell to the smoky I«anark.-liire town for sunny San Fran- cisco. where there is every reason to believe lie and her old lover will live lnoriv "ever after.11

LAUNDRY EMPLOYEES' DANCE. The Cardiff Slteajn Laundry Carrot and. Window Cleaning Company employees held their unnuail hall on Saturday night. The ironing-room of the company's premise* had Ix-wi most tastefully decora-ted for the occifc. sioii. and. accompanied by a.nexr*llent band, dancing was indulged in by upwards of 10C emiploiyees and friends. Songs. &c.. were gi'*e.n at intervals. During the evening Mr. J. Parkway, on behalf of the employees, pre. sented the nianagcr with a ooftly marble time- pieoe afc a token of (their estfem. Mtr. B. Winfild (the manager) suitably responded.

THEATRE ROYAL" CARDTFF, Lessee and Manager Mr. Edward Flet c er NOT*1^ —The NEXT PANTOMIME at the Theatre. 1.19o-fe will be th" FORTY THIE VES." er7399 Wanted, a tiirl, about 15 or 16.—Apply 17, St-ndon street, Cardiff. e6295i30 t