The Western Mail

ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION. I It it generally reported that Mr. Goeehea views with a more than favourable eye the despatch of another exploring expedition to the Antarctic regions. The whole matter has been kept very dark, but it is reoognised that such an undertaking will have the best chance of success if carried on with the active assis- tance of the Admiralty, aupported, of course, by scientific authorities. When things are a little quieter in some other parts of the world (says the "World") it is believed a suitable ship will be commissioned for the extreme South. i

SCENE OF THE MASSACRES IN BENIN. I FINDING OF THE BODIES. I EXPECTED SURRENDER OF I KING. A Reuter's epeoial telegram from Lagos on, March 15 says:-The Hon. G. W. Neville, arrived here yesterday from Benin City. Theí, column with which he travelled took the Gwato route, the Mime as that taken by the lata disas- trous mission. They enoamped on the first night at the town of Ogbini. Next morning,, after two hours' marohing, they came on the scene of the late massacre, finding at frequent intervals the headless bodies of the unfortunate victims. Here Captain Gallwey, who was in charge of the column. superintended the inter- ment of the bodies, a brief service being held, which was moot impressive, in the midst of the dense, silent forest. The party arrived in the ifternoon at the city, and early on the follow- ing morning Mr. O'Farrell, secretary of the Constfl-General, died. Three hundred bodies of peopV who had been sacrificed were buried on the day the column arrived. The construction of a fort was being rapidly pushed on. A residency will be estab. lished. Mr. Turner, of the Niger Coast forces, has been appointed Resident. It is expected that the King will surrender shortly, as column after column has scoured the country, and he must find it difficult to escape. Benin City is surrounded with a forest abound- ing in rubber and gum and magnificent timber. No obstacles exist to prevent the constnuctio.i of a light railway at very small cont, as the party from Gwato did not cross a single stream or gully on their journey. The greatest confidence is expressed on all hands in the Consul-General, who possesses extraordinary qualities for the position he occupies. It is certain that if left a free hand he will make the district a profitable field for commercial enterprise. Mr. Neville brought to Lagos specimens of antique ivory, bronze, and other native orna- ments. Mr. Neville is in good health, notwithstand- ing the hardships sustaaned during a stay of six weeks in the bush. ARRIVAL OF CAPTAIN BOISRAGON IN ENGLAND. The Central News correspondent telegraphs that among the passengers who landed at Liver- pool on Tuesday afternoon from the African mail steamer Bonny was Captain Boisragon, one of the two survivors of the Benin mas- sacre. Captain Hill Koe, who was injured in the punitive expedition against the King, was also a passenger. It will be remembered that on the 12th of February, whilst clearing the bush of the enemy at Ologobo by the &id of Maxim guns, Captain Koe was shot in the arm and foot. Both officers were met on arrival by friends, mho cordially greeted them.

SPAIN DRAINED OF MEN I AND MONEY. LARGE FACTORIES CLOSED. The Madrid correspondent of the "Daily Mail" telegrapbs: -Many large factories in Catalonia have olosed their doors, and nearly 3,000 hands have -in consequence been thrown out of work. The immediate closing of many more factories is expected. The industrial outlook all over Spain is becoming gloomy in the extreme. The country is being drained of men and money to carry on the war in Cuba and in the Philippines, Grave disturbances are feared, owing to the widespread misery and destitution. Carlist agents are busy among the people, exciting them against the Govern- ment.

ISPAIN AND HER COLONIES I CUBAN CASUALTIES. A Reuter's telegram from Madrid on Tues- days says:-Acmrding to ofbnial telegrams from Havannah the Cuban insurgents bay* k-wt 80 killed in various engagements. while the Spanish loss was very slight. Senor Canovas has stated that there it no idea for the moment of sending roinforotmetttt to the Philippines. The Government will carefully study the ques- tion if it become* necessary to take such a step. THE REVOLT IN THE PHILIPPINES. The Centra News Agency tele -phing from Madrid on Tuesday, says:—The Archbishop of Manila has telegraphed saying that it is necessary to send at once 20,000 men m reinforcement, The Spanish ttoop)) are now advancing towards Ymus. where the rebels are very strongly fortified. They are burning the houses and plantations on their way so as to prevent all possible chance of a flank surprise.

GERMAN NAVY ESTIMATES. A Renter's telegram from Berlin on Tues- day says:The Budget Committee of the Reichstag to-day terminated the debate on the Naval Estimates, after passing all the items of permanent naval expenditure without amendment.

POPE AND ANGLICAN ORDERS. REPLY TO THE ENGLISH CHURCH I ARCHBISHOPS. Cardinal Vaughan and the Roman Catholic bishops intend issuing a joint reply to the archbiJoopø' answer to the Pl pronounce- ment ?)? 'ubject of the vaUdity of Anglican Orders. The form which the reply will take is now under consideration, and its appearance may be expected very shortly. It is not un- likely (says the "Westminster Gazette") that its principal features will be the work of Mon. signor Moyes, who was one of the chief oppo- nents of the Anglican views at the Commission in Rome. The Latin version of the arch- bishops' answer has been forwarded to the Pope, but no formal reply is expected to be made on the part of the Roman authorities.

WORKING OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. The London .correspondent of the" Man. chester Guardian" nears that the Depart- mental Committee which has been inquiring into the working of the Local Government Board is getting to the end of its labours. 1111 report is likely to make something like a revolution in the organisation of the depart- ment. The personnel will, if the report is acted upon, be largely increased, and then will be great changes in the matter of devolu- tion and general administration. The cost of then changes, which have been necessitated by the legislation of reoent years, ia certain to be very Urge.

IIJAnrro-'L CoMUptHcn Oafft and the BonIIll utmigtbeiwd by tbe regular ue f? cartees Utile I Uver Pilla in small doam ? ? 1M ? =, &m CAUTEB ? & U2K04

MR. RHODES' APPLE CART. a HOW IT WAS UPSET BY DR. I JAMESON. EVIDENCE BY THE HON. W. P. SCHREINER. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S PROCLAMATION. SAID TO HAVE PREVENTED A RACE WAR. The South African Committee re-assembled • on Tuesday, under the chainMmthip of Mr. Jaokson, and proceedings were resumed shortly after twelve o'clock. Dr. Jameson came into the hall, aooompanied by Colonel Frank Rhodes. The general attendance was ,mall. Only one of the members of Hi a bar engaged in the inquiry occupied a !Ie\\t. One or two members of the House of Commons were pre. sent, but there were several peers, including Earl Selborne (Under-Secretary for the Colo- nies), Lord Wimborne, Lord Monkswell, Lord Chelmsford, Lord Loch, ;ind Lord Stanmore. Mr. (Chamberlain and Mr. Labouohere were for the time being absent. The Hon. W. P. Schreiner, Q.C., was called and sworn- He said he was a member of the Cape Legislative Assembly, and wan formerly Attorney-General in Mr. Rhodes's Administra- tion, iesigning that office at the end of 1695. He gave evidence before the Cape Committee, and was aware that this Committee were in possession of that evidence. These few pre- liminary questions of the Chairman haviug been answered, Sir W. Harcourt took the wit- new in hand. Answering the right hon. gentle- man, Mr. Schreiner described a meeting at the residence of Mr. Rhodes on December 29, 1895, at which various subjects were discussed. Mr. Charles Leonard had come down to Cape Town. The only reference to Transvaal affairs was made by witness himself. He asked Mr. Rhodles, "Have you men Charley Leonard?" and he replied "Yes." Witness thereupon remarked, "For goodness take be careful abou,t that entanglement. Do not see too muoh of him, because people will say that you are mixed up in the affair. This was just as he was leaving, and Mr. Rhodes answered, "All right." Witness had not at that time the slightest reason to suppose that anything unusual bad occurred. Witness was not at Pretoria in the railway conference, but did nut ge; much light as to the position of affairs at Johannesburg, though he knew the situation was one of strain* He had, however, no feeling of uneasiness, quite the contrary, or he could not have made it a special point to enter into the oonvention. Pressed by Sir W. Harcourt as to an interview with Mr. Rhodes at Gktoof Schuwi, after that gentleman had become cognisant of the movement of 1>1:. Jameson, Mr. Schreiner thought it would not assist the Committee, but Sir William pointed out that they wanted the facts as stated in the Cape Blue Book. Mr. Schreiner, there- upon repeated in substanoe his former testimony. "I went into hie study with the telegrams in my hand. The moment I saw him (Mr. Rhodes), I saw a man I had never seen before. His appearance was utterly dejected and difformt. Before I could say a word, he said, 1 Yea, yes. It is true. Old Jameson has upeoi my applecart; it is all true.' I said I hftl some telegrams. He said, 'Never mind, it laall uue; old Jameson has upset my applecart*' reiterating in the way he does when he is moved." I was staggered. I said, What do you JDNJI yo He aid, "Yes, it is quite true he has ridden in. Go and write out your resignation; go. I know you will.' I said, It is not a question of iny going to write out my resignatim I elicited from him a good many facts in relation to this matter, and 1 told him it was his duty to convene a Cabinet meeting at once." Witness now added that it was not uutil Mr. Rhodes revealed it to this court that he was aware that Mr. Rhodes had taken any part in 'voiding ftance. Md whether Mr. Rhodes informed him on that occasion of the part he had taken with referwioe to the insurrectionary party in Johannesburg, witness nid: Mr. Rhodes was nearly broken down, and was not in a condition to give a consecutive account,. With regard to Mr. Rhodes's resignation, he said Mr. Rhodes never attempted to darky that he was primarily responsible for the situation, which made it possible for Jameson to go in. He did, however, deny throughout that he had authorised Jameson to go. He felt that night, as every colleague of his felt next morning, that the only step to take was the resignation of Mr. Rhodes. Indeed, Mr. Rhodes's colleagues in the Cabinet had had very hard work to live down the suspicion that naturally attached to them. Witness then prooeeded to read certain portions of the evidence given by him before the Cape Committee, and was cross- examined on certain pointa by Sir William Harcourt. Witness said on the night of Mon- day, Deoesober 30, he pressed Mr. Rhodta to take measures, if possible, to stop Dr. Jameson. It was impossible now to say whether a messen- ger could have reached Dr. Jameson via Mafe- k?n, st WHtiMn HMwart: I understand that Mr. Rhodes thought he could not and would not take measures to stop jamewn alter he had 8t&fted ? -He tboht "Jameson must have his ch-moe. That was lie impression left 00 my mind. W it- non added that on the next day (Tuesday) a proclamation was issued oy the High Commis- sioner. He did not know personally what part Mr. Rhodes took in issuing it. Every reason- able man thought that but for the issue of the proclamation it was highly probable that there would have been a race war in South Africa. Sir William Harcourt next directed witness's attention to the following telegram sent on January 2 by Mr. Harris in Cape Town to the chief of the mounted police at Buluwayo: "Rumour from Johannesburg states Jameson has had figM and won. I believe he is now with his friends in Johannesburg. You may be quite sure no one who knows him will leave him even if 50 proclamations are circulated." Witness aid that at about that time news reaohed C&pe Town that *omwhing like 2,000 reached Canpd ? ng out to meet Jameson. lUt news was incorrect, ai d the inference he drew wu that the High Coinmusianer's proclama- tion had topped Ith 4, JotjmnMbur? people from going out. Sir W. Htt?urt asked what eff" the raid had had upon Cape Colony and South Africa. Mr. Sohreiner replied that the effect had been lamentable. Confidence had been shattered, and one result had bee1. the loss of the railway through the Orange Free State, while the Bri- tish Colony had lost control of the tmde up to the very gates of the Transvaal. He did not with to convey the impression that the trade was not prosperous, but they bad lost the situation politically, Mtd a certain amount of revenue a180. g?. feeling was revind, and a very large majority of Cape Colonioto devoted to the Imperial Connexion, rightly or wrongly sup- posed that if a policy of conspiracy had the support of the Imperial Government the dignity and honour of England wu lowered in a wny that was lamentable. A result whidh they hoped from the holding of this inquiry was the vindication of the honour and dignity of this country. No doubt there were Uitlander grievances, but they had been much exaggerated. Witness er.tered into a long explanation as to the position with respect to the eduC\tion monopolies and liquor, adding, "The South African Republic is not .dcing so mutih as one could desire, but it moves; it is moving." Sir W. Harcourt: Has the raid advanced the hopes and the prospects of a redress of grievances ? Witness: Far from it. If Johannesburg had been left to work out its own salvation, with- out external interference, matters would have advanced more rapidly. President lirugm is, after all, a constitutional sovereign. Mr, Bigham, Q.C. (in a tone of great sur- prine): A what! Mr. Schreiner: He is, after all, in the posi- tion of a constitutional sovereign. I do not think he is aided with the best advice as to a policy of conciliation and redress of gri*vatice? 1 wiM he were. By reason of his lack of ordi- nary education, he in not the man to lay down the chapter and verm of rofom. He wnrb on a policy of isolmian. Witn- thought no man a?yl!g ne more to make race feeling alum!mc than Mr. Rhodes, both by policy and pemonal 6tfoTts. He quoted the resolution of the Afri- kander Bond at Malmesbury, 04 proving how deeply the feeling in Cape Colony Siad been woundod: -I am not," he proceoded, "a mem- ber of the Afrikander Bohd, but the Dutch in Oolonv I know to be thoroughly local, and there is no ffMMtr fslseii-ood than the con- stant attempt to represent them as dislovsl. They are thoroughly loyal, though. perhaps they are patriotic first. They feel that what has taken plll is utterly inconsistent with the honour and dignity of the Empire." Asked if the reception given Mr. Rhod. oerently was snvthing like the unanimous feel- ing of Cape Colony, witness repliwl. "Very Ut from it." And in de"bing Mr. Rhodes's Mp- porters on the occasion, Mr. Sohreiner (rave what he called "an effcqt in anAlysis. 'Note was rpontaneity at Cape Town, and at Port Klisa- leth the loaders of thought held aloof. Many who were present condemned the raid M itrongly u he (witness) could, but they took part in the demonstration at a recognition of Mr. Rhodes's past services. Asked whether he agreed with the evidence I given by Mr. Louw and Mr. Venter, II repre- seating the view of the Dutch population of the Colony, witness aid these two gentle- men were intimate friends of Mr. Rhodes, and, so far a* Mr. Rhodes was concerned, their view did not represent the views of the Dutch in the Colony. He did not think that South Africa, and especially Cape Colony, would ask the Imperial Government to take upon itself the administration of the Chartered Com- pany.He thought the company's territories should be administered under the control of strong men and in such a way as would uot be dangerous to the peace alld prosperity of South Africa. Questioned as to his view of the effect Mr. Rhodee'e policy to bring about a uhange in the Government of the South African Republic would have upon Cape Colony, witness stid he thought that such a polioy would bring about a very grave situa- tion, and would tend in a direction opposite to peace. The Dutch of Cape Colony, for instance, whatever their small grievances might be, would be incensed strongly against a policy aimed at an alteration in the personality oi the Government of the South African Republic. The Dutch of Cape Colony thought they had be&n insulted and treated with )?<Ma contempt, not by the Imperial Government, but, ?ul, by ?'?igtiMhjnen. Tha.t was their opinion with re l at i on to the raid. He believed the Trans- vaal Government were desirous of carrying out their obligations, and that in the course of time matters would right themselves. The effect of Mr. Rihodes'g policy in the Free State was manifest by the readiness with which the burghers there rallied to their flag, 'l'iley did not even wait to be commandeered. Sir William Harcourt: Your opinion is that a policy such as Mr. Rhodes advacater;- change in the personality of the Government of the South African HepubHc—is one which would involve great danger of r:u-ial conflict in South Africa r—That is my greatest dread. What is most to be desired is to pursue a course which will again reconcile the feelings of the races in South Africa, which you have described as being greatly strained by what has ,vmuted ?--it has been broken, but it can be mended. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannermain elicited from the witness that the rocoiit oocurrencei had bred even individual distrust. The people felt they had lost their leader. "To wit, Mr. Rhodeet" the Attorney-General asked. Wflness said it was. He was a leader who cemented around him sucit loyalty and devo- tion that ho did not think any other man ever in the Colony. Sir II. Campbell-Bannerman: I suppose other leaders are also locked upon with picion?—The people do not know where to f?'. WitneM added that the only cure he cotUd suggest for this state of thing. 'VM that England *ou)d not attampt to minimiee the gravity or tho importance of what had taken place. a r'ec h of Mr. Ellis examined witneM ?pon a tpppch of MrölIb:rii¡eeil':d h: Houae of Commons on February 13, in the course of which the Colonial Secretary was reported to havo said that, speaking for himself and his pre- rtecesfor, they were prepared to go as far all Dutch sentiment would support them, and it would be a most serious thing to go in oppo- sition to Dutch sentiment. Witness replied that the speech WM very much appreciated, and had a very quieting effeot. He thought that Mr. Rhodes in that part of his evidence relating to tariffs was thinking not so much of the Uitlander as the Ca.pe farmer. For ten years they had bf?n attempting to get Free Trade for South African produce. The Uit- landers'grievances had to some extent been mode the stalking horee for an ulterior object-of the forcing of the pace instead of the natural evolu- tion of events in a proper and constitutional way. He wu for a policy of patienoe and firmness, and he was favourable to making the administrator of the Chartered Company an Imperial officer under the dircct control and pav of the Imperial Government. The examination had not concluded when the Committee asain adjourned.

RAILWAY DISASTER IN THE NORTH. GOODS AND PASSENGER TRAINS COLLIDE. SEVERAL PERSONS INJURED. The Central New, Accrington correspondent, telegraphing on Tuesday issys:-A disastrous railway collision occurred here this morning between a pMsenger train and a goods train. Fortunately, no passengers were killed, but several were injured, and much damage was done. It appears that at a few minutes before eight the pointsman at Accrington received an intimation that the driver of a goods train coming down a steep incline between Baxen- den and Accrington had, owing to thoslippery state of the metals, lost control of his engine. The pointsman signalled to the driver of a pilot engine, who was taking some empty carriages through the station, to clear the way, but before he could do so the goods train had dashed into him. The driver and stoker were thrown from the pilot engine, the stoker being injured, but the driver and fireman of the goods train escaped. The train of empty carriages was thrown from the metals. and both engines were seriously damaged. One- half of the goods train was thrown over the embankment close by the main road, which is spanned by an arch. One of the wagons fell against a shop below, and three or four other wagons were smashed to atoms, and two others went flying across the line into the pcrters' room. where four porters who were aving breakfast had narrow escapes. The main line was blocked all dav. The col- ligion was so terrific that it was heard half a mile away. The goods train consisted of nineteen wagons, and most of them were reduced to matchwood.

I CHRISTIANS IN ASIA MINOR QUESTIONS IN PARLIAMENT. In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr. BRYCE asked whether the Under- Secretary could give the House any informa- tion regarding the present condition of Northern Syria and South-Eastern Asia Minor, regions in which it had been stated there existed a danger of fresh massa- cres, and serious alarm prevailed amongst the Christian population. Mr. CURZON: As I stated before, in reply to a question from the right hon. gentleman, her Majesty's Vioe-Consul at Adana reported the ezistenoe of a very distressing state of affairs in the district of Payas, and this report was brought, by her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, under the notice of the Turkish Government. At the suggestion of the Ambassador, a British warship will be sent to the coast near Aiexandretta, to enable ther Vice-Consul to visit the different parte of the district and to distribute relief. Mr. BRYCE Has the right hon. gentleman no more recent information with regard to the affairs in the interior? Mr. CURZON: No, air. The report of which I am speaking came from the Vioe- Consul, and is dated February 6, and refere to the whole district of Payas, and the sufferings which I have described.

GREAT FIRE AT ST. LOUIS. FIREMEN PERISH IN THE FLAMES. The Central News Agency at New York, telegraphing on Tuesday, reports that the wholesale dry goods warehouse of Messrs. Ely and Waller, at St Louis, was nearly destroyed by fire on Monday night. The damage ie estimated at a 1,000,000 dollars. One and a half million dollars' worth of stock was burned', but two-thirds of this low is oovered by insurance. A number of firemen were killed while fighting the flames.

LYNCH LAW IN AMERICA. GAOL BROKEN INTO AND THREE NEGROES HANGED. The Central New Agency at New York, telegnp on Tuesday, says:-Another lynching affair occurred yesterday at Julietta, Florida. Three negroes were under arrest, chanted with the murder of the postmaster. A large mob gathered, broke into the goal, took out the three men, and hanged them.

BECHUANALAND RISING. INSURGENT TRIBE DEFEATED. A Reuter's telegram, from Cape Town on Tuesday says:—Newt has been received here that 250 Vryburg Volunteers and burghers, urder Captains Johnson and1 Fuller, have iriadt a successful night attack upon the Mongalios tribe, north of Kuruman. The casualties on the British side were FSefccher and a Cape boy killed, and Gasson and Behr wounded. CHLEF AND THIRTY OF HIS FOL- LOWERS KILLED. A Ceirtral Psews telegram on Tuesday from Cape Town says:—Colonel Dalgety, oommand. ing the Cape Mounted Itiffes, learning of the hostile movement of the chief of the Mongalos tribe to the north of Kunanan, dwided to attempt a forced inarch, and a night surprise of tne enemy. Accordingly lie despatched a torce of 250 men, mostly burghers, under Captain Fuller, who cemo up with the enemy at day. break, and at once attacked them. The opera- tion was completely successful. The chief and thirty of his followers were killed, while on the British side Fletcher, of the Vryburg Voiun. teers, and a boy of the Cape Police were killed, and Sergeant Gasson and Corporal Behr, of the Vryburg Volunteers, were wounded. The trouble is most probably terminated in this dis- trict.

INDIAN FAMINE. OVER THREE MILLIONS ON RELIEF WORKS. A telegram from the Viceroy to the Secre- j tary of State for India received on Tuesday gives the usual monthly statement as to the famine in India, including the native States. There are now three and one-seventh million persons on relief works, compared with two and three-quarter millions last month. The immediate outlook is declared to be not un- favourable, though the strain on the Adminis- tration is serious. The system of relief adopted is proving equal to the present emer- gency, and, as far as can be seen, will con- tinue so. THE MANSION HOUSE FUND. The Lord Mayor of London's Indian Famine Relief Fund on Tuesday night amounted to mso,ooo.

INDIAN PLAGUE. TWO CASES OF "BLACK PLAGUE" REPORTED. The Bombay correspondent of the "Daily Mail" sayll: -I*M-o cases of the black plague are reported as having occurred in this city. No licences have been issued this year for the Holi procession, one of the biggest of the Hindu processions. The above news of the outbreak of cases of the black plague is be- lieved by the medical authorities to be iden- tical with the black death which raged throughout the world in the fourteenth cen- tury. The black death ravaged England in 1348-49, 1361-62. and 1369. It is an aggra- vated form of the Oriental bubonic plague, with, however, special symptoms of ita own. The first English victims succumbed in Dor- setshire in August, 1348, and the "Death" reached London in the winter of that year. The mortality in London was 100,000, and Norwich mourned 60,000 deaths. Careful in. vestigators calculate that the victims of this one visitation must have amounted to one- third, if not one-half, of the total population of England, which is estimated to have been from three to four millions. Ireland and Scotland also suffered terribly. RUSSIA NOT AFFECTED. A Reuter's telegram from St. Petersburg M?:—Af! a result of diligent inv"pti?Da made by Ope3ially deputed medical men it has boon ?eortMned t!?t no case of ph?p j?, o?-urred in tht rn, and that no iUneM of an epidcmio chanoter has been observed in the province of Kuldja. SUCCESS OF INOCULATION SYSTEM. A telegram frtom the Governor of Bombay to the India Office on Tuesday stated that the r?xifted pIWe deaths during last week were 521, OOfllpl.rt<l with 635 the pre.tdtn? week 521 Karachi the pJague deaths during the week were 206. The number of persons inoculated is not precisely known, but not less than 2,790. Only one more inoculated person has been attacked by the plague, and within twelve haura of inoculation. The result of the ca^e was not determined. The two attacks previously men- tioned both recovered. The results of Dr. Yersin's treatment are not yet stated.

FOUR MEN DROWNED IN THE SEVERN. The Press Association Worcester correspon- dent telegraphs:—On Monday night fivo voung men returning from fishing were crossing the River Severn at Ombersley Village, seven .ii. from Worcester, when the boat <'Ap8i, and four of them. W:)Mttn Pomtar. W.? Want, John Cook, and Alfred Gregg, were I drowned. They were all inhabitants of Om- bentey, and their ranged from M?httto -bmley, The Lvdies were recovered on Tmtdty.

WALES DAY BY DAY This is St fWbrick's D". flood luck to the bhoys. The present Town-hall in the Welsh Metro- polis was emoted in 1849 for Smaller Cardiff. Wales first returned members to Pariiameot in the year 1535, in the reign of Henry VTIl. Ths non-residentiary canonry of St. Nidiolas, in the gift of his Lordship of Llandaff, is now vacant. One of the oompetitionllot a chapel eisteddfod in Canton the other day was "open to tht worfd." Tho prize was five shillings. In exactly a year and a day again half a con- tury will have passed since the late Marquess of Bute died tragically in Cardiff Castle. There are sixteen proprietors holding S,CM acres and upwards in Glamorganshire, the Talbots of Margam coming first with 53,920 acres. It is now affirmed that fr. Allen Upward traces his anoeetrv back to Sir David Gam, of Breoon, who died to save King Henry V. at A/rincourt. Llandaff win fight to the hst ditcli (or is it the last ewr) before it will .onsent to be swafilowed up by Cardiff. Tliis is the subject of tlie cartoon in to-day's "Evening Express." An excellent x'botogrnph <4 the late Arch- bishop of Canterbury, from a painting by C Visard, in the possession of the Bifhop of Llan- daff. appears in the Llandaff Diocesan Oalencar. The living of Llandevaud, vacant by the death of Canon Powell-Edwards, though "wit a sirall parish, is one of the best from a monetary print of view in the gift of the Bishop of Llandaff If Mr. Allen Upward will have ae many Turks opposed to him all he had of elector* when he contacted Merthyr at the general election, heaven help him. He polled 650; the next lowest was 6,525. We hear that the living of Llanferres, in the Diocese of St. Asaph, has been offered by the Bishop of Llandaff to the Rev. 0. Bowen Price, vicar of Llanddewi Rhydderch, Mcmmout'iAtre, by whom it has been accepted. A Mountain Ash lady who has been study- ing the "food* in season for March" has been agitated to find a local paper-wild horses will not draw from us the rtame-grsvely recom- mending "horselamb" arn-org fte meats. The lady wants more particulars, but we really- well, there. Mr. Schrioner, who gave evidence before the South African Committee yesterday, was the first cl three scholars of Downing College, Cam. bridge, who one after the other became senior jurists of their year. The other two were Mr. L. Harris and Mr. Ellis Griffith, M.P:, of the North Wales Circuit. One of the features of the "Western Mail" Tin-platers' Shilling Relief Fund was the num- her of schools and pupils that contributed sub- scriptions. It is suggested that the pupils, no doubt, feel interested in tin-platers because tin enters so largely into the making of toys, especially the tin whistle and the pea-riiooter. Mr. W. O. Brigstocke must have a warm c-rner in his hoart for asylum work. For many years he represented Cardiganshire on the visit- ing oommittee of the joint counties' asylum, but was rejected at the last meeting nf the county council Fortunately, he is a member of the Carmarthenshire County Council as wet!, and this body elected him on Tuesday to represent them instead! What about Mr. Justice Hawkins' recent betting decision and the last scene of "The Derby Winner." now in Cardiff? Is any action to be taken with regard to that sten- torian-voiced gentleman who from behind the scenes at the Royal offers 4 to 1 go freely T The realistic nature of the scene is sufficient to prove a case without calling any witnesses—except the audience, of couree. In a certain house in Caitiff a cat and a dog make art interesting psychological study. The coA seems to be endowed with a conscience as quick as any Nonconformist's, hut the dog is a perfect Pagan. For instance, our canine friend at the least chance will jump upon the table in order to annex any digestible material. When he does this the cat invariably follows, and gives him a tMte of her glovelan "hand," go that he is oompelledttOijSKt an ignommioiW"" retreat. Not many tourists are aware that in a park callod Gwaynvnog, about twto mile* from Denbigh, there is a monoment consisting of a ta31 Grecian urn, resting on a pedestal, which was erected to the memory of Dr. Samuel Johnaon. On one side is inscribed the date of his death, and on the other an inscription record, ing the fact "that the spot was often dignified by the presence of the great moralist, who** writings, exactly conformative to the principles of Christianity, gilve ardour to virtue and confidence to truth." On of the results of the appearance of a Penarth Churchman's letter in our columns of last week has been, writes a correspondent, to deepen the sympathies of Churchmen with the UongregationoJisu wno are exerting uiemseivs* to erect a handsome and oonuoodiou* place of worship in Stanwell-road. A prominent ohurch- wardem in the town has just intimated his inten- tion of handing over a second contribution tn the new ohurch building fund by way of empha- sising his abhorrence of anything that savour* of the narrow and the intolerant. Mr. Henry W. Lucy in his Monday night'* "Pictures in Parliament," which he writes for the London "Daily News," nys:After pro. longed absence from Parliamentary duties, usually sedulously attended to, Mr. Maclean looked in at the House for a few minutes to. night. His absence has, I am sorry to say, arisen from the illness of his wife, whose con- dition to-night is such as to leave little hope of recovery." W. hope this is too serious a view to take of Mrs. Maclean's condition. She has certainly been very ill, but the reoent informa- tion that an improvement was perceptible gave hope that she would soon be on the way to recovery. In life the parish clergyman generally fares better than the Nonconformist minister, but in death the turn of the latter comes. This, at leact, is the case at Drefach, Llanfteler. At that place next summer an eisteddfod is to be held. Prizes are offered for two elegies—one to the late Rector of Penbryn (Mr. Sinnett), one at the best clergymen in the Diooese of St. David's, and the other to the late Congrega- tional minister at Saron, Llangeler (Mr. Jeffreys, of "Bob" notoriety). The prixm offered for the elegy to the rector is £2 2s., while a prize of £5 5s. and a crown of the value of £2 is given for the elegy to the In- depcrdent minister. The minister's memory is to be further glorified by a biographical sketch. What it there in political sectarianism to prevent a man seeing the trljthl Yesterday the South Wales Congregational Churoh Aid Society protested against "employment of the rMOUices of Christian England in defence of Turkish rule agaiist the heroic efforts of Chris- tian Greece to liberate Crete." It has been established that England is the firmest friend Greece and Crete have in the concert of Europe, and it is known that it was Lord Salisbury who prevailed on the Powers to con- cede Home Rule to Crete. If the Cocgrega- tionalKts mean anything at all they want Eng- land to abandon Greece and Crete to the rest of the Powera, who have no sentimental preja- dioa in favour of a nation Mrucgling to be free. The otJ-er alternative m for Kncrland to falri* arms with Greece against the rest of Europe, and tbis, we take it, not even Mr- Altai Upward would propose. Mi. Enid Stacy, who baa been lecturing in the lthoadda and neighbourhood this woek, and will give three lectures iu Cardiff next weak under the auspices of the Cardiff Branch of the Christian Social Union, is a member of the Bristol Branch of the C.S. U., and is a staunch Churchwusnan, but she is also a member of two far more advanced organisation*, the Fabian Society and the Independent Labour Party, and she baa laiely been giving OOUN88 of econootio U«ti.'res for the Fabian Society in the North 01 Er gland, whex* her reof"ion has been ma* en14uniag*. Her future home will be ?i )tM North, in Nowcastle-on-Tyoe, aa the is to be married in May to a gentleman who will be ordained in. June with a "title" at St. Philip's. Newcastle, the vicar of which is the Rev. W. K Mole, whu, when he was curate of Aè. Mary's, Soke, was well knowii in London as a Socialist pascson. and an intimate friend of the Rev. Btewut Headlam. It is understood that Miss Stacy has no intention of giving up lecturing aftur her marriage, but. a Newcastle. on-Tyne is a. long way from Cardiff, it mV be auma Ume bafore the is heard here agaob <

SOUDAN CAMPAIGN. DERVISHES ON THE MOVE. Reuter's agent at Suakim writes under dati March 4 as follows: -According to the latest news from the interior, Osman Digna, the new Governor of Berber, continues his exertion* to get as many Dervishes a* possible to again take up arms. A party of Dervishes started from Berber quite recently in the direction of the Italian littoral. The British cruiser Blanche left here tart week for Jeddah, calling on her way lit Mohamed-Ghaoul and Ravayia, in order to make a survey of the harbours at those place*. The Blanche will probably remain one day at Jeddah, and, after embark- ing the British Consul, will sail for Hodeida, where the captain aid the Ctonsnl will inspect the Hodeida Consulate. The cruiser will then go to the British island of Kamaran, where she will stay a few days for an inspection of Indian pilgrims.

BIG FIRE AT MANDALAY, 1,500 HOUSES BURNED. I Information from Bombay on Monday says: J -A fire broke out in the native quarter of Man- i dalay, the capital of Burmah, on Saturday. It iproad with the greatest rapidity, and in a few hours no fewer than 1,500 houeft had been destroyed, including the bungalows of many wealthy tttdtn. 'fbwe are 7,000 people homa. leA. Fortunately, only three \ivea vere ost, but the damage done to property amounts to but the danta4 r, laklis of mpose. or 9400,000.

THROAT AFFECTIONS AND H0AB8KKKS&— Brown's Brosoiiial Troches are most beneficial tot the cure or alleviation Of Cbugtis, Colds, Bronchitis Astbma, or Catarrh. In the form of a losenge; may be carried on the pemon. Cbahlin DO opiate apz be ow7led on the &I twz yn tft. It li& pe Perfectly ftfe. "'0< tt??nitH. la  °  "LUaf4

I KRUGER'S LATEST MOVE. I THE UNION OVERTURES TO ORANGE I FREE STATE. ADVERSE PUBLIC OPINION. I STRANGE STORY OF KRUGER. HE MUST PREPARE FOR WAR. I The lobby representative of the Press Asso- ciation hu interviewed an influential member of Parliament who received by last mail letters clearly indicating from authentic sources the drift of public opinion in the Orange Free State. Theee letters show that no expectation is entertained of any closer union between that State and the Transvaal as likely to result from the recent approaches of President Kruger. It is pointed out that many influential residents in the Orange Free State consider that their President (Mr. Steyn) has gone quite far enough in his response to the overtures of the Transvaal leader. Both native and Dutch population in the Orange Free State realise how much of their present prosperous condition is due to the aid of British capital in the development of the call and diamond mining and other industries. It is stated that the majority of the shops in the Orange Free State are kept by Englishmen or Scotchmen, who are on exceedingly good terms with the other inhabitants, and that all recognise the essential difference existing between a grain-pioducing territory like their own and a territory of a pastoral and mining character like the Transvaal. NEW TRANSVAAL AfiENT IN EUROPE. A Oentml News telegram from Cape Town on Ttx-o&y morning says:-It is reported here that Dr. Leyds will fill the post of European agent of the Transvaal, vacant by the death of M. Bwfflaerts von Blokland. The name of tho Tmt-svaal SecTetary of State was mentioned in connexion with the appointment long before the suddein death of M. Von Blokland STRA.NGE STORY OF PRESIDENT KRUGER. A Centred News telegram from Cape Town on Tuesday (four p.m.) says':—The "Cape Times" pufcii«hes a strange conversation which it alleges took place between President Kru'jer ard a prominent eitisen of Johannesburg just before the former left for Bloemfontein. The citizen urged that the Raad should devote itself to an industrial programme, to \\ttich the Pre- sident rejoined that he fully realised the force of tha4 appeal, but added, "So long, however, a8 this unrest lasts my hands are tied. I fiavo to prepare for war." The J ohannesburg Ptar" refuses to believe tliat Sir Henry de Villiers, who is the embodiment of judicial dignity, would lend himself to assist in settling the Transvaal High Ccurt farce, :tn,1 says it would seem not unlikely that if the Imperial Government desires at this jureture to make a serious and important communication to the Government of the Transvaal, it would occur to them that no fcetoer n-edium could be found than tie Right Hon. Chief Justice of the Cape.