Swansea Journal and South Wales Liberal. — 1895-03-02 (Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales)

GLEE SINGERS.-DINNER AT THE GRAND HOTEL.  Mr. ToM James, the popular tenor, who is about leaving Swansea for the Royal Academy of Music, and is also conductor of the Gwalia Glee Singers, was invited to a dinner given by them in his honour, the other evening. About 30 members and friends sat down to a meal, which was of first-class order, and reflected great credit on Mr. Fitt's catering. The remainder of the evening was spent in conviviality. Mr. Charlie Thomas. was elected chairman, and he was supported by Mr. J. D. Thomas, M.C.W., conductor of the Cymmiodoriou Male Voice Party. Messrs. J. D. and C. Thomas, in submitting the toast of the evening, "Our Guest," spoke in glowing terms of Mr. Tom James' past and foreshadowed a brilliant future for him. Mr. James had recently obtained the opinion of one of the greatest authorities in England as to the quality of his voice, and the probability of a successful career as a vocalist, and that opinion was of such a flattering nature as to decide him in going to the Academy of Music, and the only thing that now remained was for the friends of Mr. James and the townspeople of Swansea to accord him their hearty support for the concert on March 4th. Mr. James replied in a feeling speech, and expressed his deep regret at the severance of old connections and associations, but hoped it was a move for the best, and that the friendship now existing would be further increased, if that were possible. "The Gwalia Glee Singers" was proposed by Mr. J. Williams, and responded to by Mr. Tom Bowen. During the evening Mr. James sang "GoodCompany' ' and "Mona," and quite delighted the company, which was now augmented by the travellers staying at the hotel. They spoke in terms of the Wighest praise of Mr. James' voice, and very kindly contributed to the guarantee fund. Songs were also given by Mr. Tom Williams (wh, sang " Revenge " with great power and feeling), Mr. J. D. Thomas, M.C.W., Mr. Percy, and Mr. Wm. Owen. The Glee Singers also rendered a few glees in capital style. Mr. Audsley (representing Maclure, Macdonald and Co., Glasgow) entertained the company with a fund of amusing anecdotes, and Mr. Percy, of Salford, Manchester, sang, the efforts of both gentlemen being greatly appreciated by the Glee Singers. The company broke up by singing (as Gwalia Singers) "The Land of my Fathers," and in honour of the travellers "God save the Queen," Messrs. Owen and Tom James singing the respective solos.  Three-fourths of the retiring members of the West Riding of Yorkshire County Council have been returned uopposed, and very little interest is being taken in the election. Saturday was the last day for the withdrawals and the 'polling is fixed for Saturday next. There will be a Liberal majority on the new Council as has been the case since it was created.  _ The thumb, according to professional palmists. is an unerring index of the mind. "If a pert. is trying to deceive you he will invariably draw his thumb in towards the palm. On the other hand, if he is telling the truth the thumb will be relaxed and point away from the palm." The method adopted by the Chinese to identify their important criminals is to take an impression on the balls of their thumbs. A passenger was found, on Sunday morning, lying unconscious between the rails near Crewe Station. When recovered he asserted that he had been drugged and robbed by a fellow passenger,  The 'Chinese brigands in Eastern Siberia were tried by court martial for the murder of several workmen on the Usuri Railway. A movement is now on foot to encourage the study of Irish national music by establishing a National Eisteddfod for Ireland.  _ A sailor belonging to the Norwegian barque Seven, berthed in Millwall Docks, ventured on the ice in the basin, and was drow.ned. The ex-Paymaster" to the United States Army was found not guilty of the specific charge 4 of forgery and embezzlerae4t,