Monmouthshire Merlin

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. FOB SEVERAL WEEKS PAST, ADVERTISEMENTS RAVE: BEACHED US AFTER THE PAPER HAS BEEN PUT TO PRESS. ADVERTISERS, AND OTHERS, WOULD GREATLY OBLIGE US BY FORWARDING THEIR FAVOURS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE ON THURSDAYS. Some local news, and matters previously in type, are un- avoidably displaced by business notices received at a late hour.

THE SMitt. j NEWPORT, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1854. WE regret to say that we have been but too true prophets, and that that state of things, which, from the first, we declared must be the inevitable result of events, brought about by the mad am- bition" and bad faith of the Emperor of Russia, is now about to present itself in its worst and darkest phase—WAR From the moment the battalions of the Don and the Wolga passed the Pruth, and a kind of second crusade was preached against the Infidel, by booted, spurred, and mous- tached Peter-the-Hermits of the nineteenth cen- tury-differing in everything from the self-apos- tolised preacher of Clermont, except in truculent hate, and fanatic zeal-from the moment when the gauntleted hand raised the cross under the cupolas of the churches of Moscow and St. Peters- burgh, and proclaimed the holy conflict against the Turks—could any one have been blind enough to doubt, that the mind of the Czar had been made up, and that he was prepared to dare the worst to gain his ends,aud realise the darling am- bition of the House of Romanoff! Did his words fall upon cold ears ? Were no eyes turned towards heaven, when the appeal was made ? Did no hearts leap at the death to the infidel" cry r Did no swords gleam when the can to arms was made ? Yes! all Russia, debased, though it may be by slavery,—stood, to a man, erect, and cheered on its Pontiff and its Emperor, to do battle against the followers of the false prophet, and cried aloud for the conducting of its children to the promised land on the Bosphorus. Wre may lament, as we should, but to no purpose, this enthusiasm in favour of a corrupted faith—this desecration of the sacred name of Heaven—this profanation of the term— all so unlike that holy religion which is a it_ Branch first)et and blest By heaven's high finger in the hearts of kings, Which whilome grew into a goodly tree, Bright angels sat and sung upon the twigs, And royal branches for the heads of kings Were twisted of them." But why speak of high and ennobling inspira- tions, when we have but the dross, and the outpourings of man's wild and pitiless ambition, and for" royal branches," encircling the head of the upright monarch, we may fancy we see the cypress wreaths yet to be worn for hecatombs of the slain. The worst of madmen," it is true, "is the saint run mad;" and if the Emperor Ni- cholas be the saint he pretends to be, such mad- ness might be pleaded AD MISEKICORDIAM for his acts, but such a charitable donation cannot, we think, be afforded to him, for there is too much method in his madness, and all would seem to declare a long-concealed purpose now progres- sing and hastening to its early-sought and beloved fruition. Having gone so far, could he well pause in his career ?—could he recoil before the powers he had dared ? for he must have well known that France and England would not, without a struggle, have permitted him to do that—to make the Greek tiara trium- phant from the Baltic to the Mediterranean —for which Alexander offered Napoleon the em- pire of the west,—but which Napoleon sternly re- fused, saying, The Russians once at Constanti- nople, our provinces would be seen in our own days attacked by a host of fanaticsand barbarians and, if in this too tardy struggle, civilised Europe happened to perish, our culpable indifference would justly excite the complaints of posterity, and would be a title to opprobrium in history." The Emperor Nicholas could never have ima- gined that England and France would have earned for themselves such a title to the opprobrium of history," and, although he may not have thought that those so long-called hereditary enemies," would have been such fast friends in the hour of peril—still, he must have been prepared to have measured swords with them. Their stedfast union could not, and has not, made him yield an iota of his arrogant pretensions. One circum- stance, certainly, did not enter into his calcula- tions, nor was it provided for in his plans. He calculated on finding a Turkish mob to disperse,— not an imposing disciplined and scientifically-led Turkish army for his lieutenants to manoeuvre against and fight. He thought but of those that opposed his General Diebitsh, in the passage of the Balkan, in 1828, forgetting that the army of the Sultan was then in a state of transition—that the musket and bayonet were then only replacing the pike and the scimetar, and that men are not in a campaign made masters of the Queen of weapons," as the soldiers of Louis the Fourteenth found to their cost, at Malplaquet. The Turkish soldier has now proved himself a match in the field for the unflinching and immovable Russian, and Oltenitza and Citale have showed Nicholas that he can never again hope to make a military tour to Adrianople. He has felt this, and, until he could bring up his full force, he has been seeking to gain time and amuse his enemies by diplomatic ruses. He has never yet for a moment halted in his firm resolves-his end was before him— whether to gain it by open or disguised means, he cared not; and thus the world has been held in suspense for months and months, depending on the Czar's jus- tice, prudence, and returning reason Our Minister, the Earl of Aberdeen, has indeed been Patience per- sonified; but of the purity and patriotism of his mo- tives (mistaken though that patriotism may be), none can doubt. He sought to fling oil upon the troubled Waters, and avert the scourge of war from Europe. He has signally failed,and we are commencing a war in the first months of 1864 which we might have concluded, or, at least, have materially checked, at the close of 1853. But England's forbearance, like the forbear- ance of every brave man, must have had its limits, and our demonstration in the Black Sea has brought mat- ters to a crisis. There could have been but one an- swer to the innocent query of the Cabinet of St. Peters- burgh—What were we doing there ? We were not there for pleasure, certainly, nor to make the Turk comport himself more amicably towards his self- assumed Muscovite master. On the contrary, we were there to protect him, and the coasts of his Asiatic empire, and to aid him in the transport of his troops an munitions of war. There was no parrying such an answer, and no diplomacy could avert its import. It told that England and France were at length in right earnest, and would no longer be deluded by promises of peace, while massacre and war were pro- ceeding. The Ambassadors at London and Paris, as a matter of course, then demanded their passports, and France at once proceeded to hasten forward hermili tary movements and the Foreign Minister of Eng- land, in his place in Parliament, felt it his duty to declare that he had no confidence that negotiations could be re-opened, or, in short, THAT PEACE COULD BE PRESERVED I His lordship's mind could not come to any other conclusion, considering the audacious and insulting answer sent by the Emperor Nicholas to the last Vienna note, and which, it now appears, was the ostensible object of Count Orloff's mission. The con- ditions, we are now informed, on the authority of the Government organ, on which Russia was pre- pared to treat, were few in number. First, that a Turkish plenipotentiary should proceed to the head- quarters of the army, or to St. Petersburg, to øpen direct negociations with the Czar, but with LIBERTY to refer to the Ministers of the Four Powers; se- condly, that the former treaties between Russia and the Porte should be renewed thirdly, that Turkey should enter into an engagement not to give an asylum pto political refugees; and fourthly, and lastly, that the Porte should recognise, by a declaration: the Rus- sian protectorate of the Greek Christians, as demanded by Prince Menschikoff!! If the Russian legions were at the gates of Con- stantinople, more arrogant and humiliating terms from the vanquished could not have been demanded. They even transcend the truculent demands made in the spring of the past year, and, if acceded to, would make the Sultan the very slave of his Tetrarch and thus, after all the labours of diplomatists, and all the overstrained concessions for peace, a serious question presents itself, and demands a prompt and implicit answer—Would the Emperor Nicholas be now, at the eleventh hour, so arrogant, so burlily prepared to do battle, if he thought he would have ALL Europe against him ? We may speculate on the neutrality of Prussia, because she must tremble for her Rhenish provinces but Austria, will she keep faith with us ? Can she be honest ?" What if she should lose Italy in the struggle ? She knows she must lose it, in the first general European war, and it now takes more than a hundred thousand of her finest troops to keep down the impatient and chafed Lombardese. Could she not be' indemnified for the loss of such a king- dom ? Where is Servia ? Is there nothing to be got on the Danube P Has there been no such thing in history as great sacrifices having been made for the rounding of an empire, and making its frontiers more secure ? A few short months will disclose much, and prove whether or not the mantle of Metternich has fallen on true Austrian and legitimate shoulders. For ourselves, our course is plain—our path defined. We must have no little war, and we must all, as Earl Fitzwilliam so justly said, rally round the Govern- ment, to maintain the honour and enforce the interests of our beloved country. We have the finest fleet that ever swam. The Baltic and the Black Sea must be ours, and Russia so far closed in while one hundred thousand French and British troops on the Danube, with the imposing Turkish army already there, will be more than sufficient to drive the Scythians beyond the Pruth, and teach the Emperor of Russia a lesson that he and the successors of his throne will not for ages neglect to mark, learn, and inwardly digest ?"

THE MERCHANT SHIPPING AND PILOT- AGE BILL. THE manner in which Mr. Cardwell's measure for throwing open the coasting trade, and conso- lidating various laws relating to shipping, has been received by the House of Commons, has strikingly illustrated the great improvement I which has taken place in that assembly, with re* gard to commercial matters. The narrow and restrictive policy, long so strenuously advocated, seems to have been almost entirely given up and a bill which, but a short time ago, would have been at least loudly denounced, though it might not have been quite defeated, has met, as to its main principle, with general concurrence. In fact, the relaxations made in recent years have worked so well that many members honestly ac- knowledge how unfounded were their former pre- judices. It appears that during the last year no fewer than 190,000 seamen, being the largest number ever known, were engaged in the trade of the United Kingdom. The facilities lately given for the employment of foreign sailors, have not been made use of to a very alarming extent; for the number employed during the first three months after the late act came into operation, viz., from October 1st to December 31st, 1853, was but 2,500. It will be recollected that, in 1840, Mr. Labouchere at first proposed to open the coasting as well as the fo- reign trade; but afterwards withdrew that part of his measure. It was thought, in some quarters, that this was done to pass the rest of his bill the more easily; though, on the other hand, some of his opponents censured him for opening that branch of trade in which competition was likely to be injurious; and keeping that branch pro- tected, in which such competition was not to be feared. The alleged ground, however, was that it would peril the Customs' revenue and this is now stated to be the only reason. But it appears that the Board of Customs have waived this objection and, since there can be no mate- rial change in the facts of the case, we can only suppose that the impediment they formerly threw in the way, arose from a mere indolent aversion to make the neeessary arrangements. Certainly there is much force in the common-sense argu- ment that foreign sailors cannot smuggle with the same ease as those acquainted with the language, the localities, and the people; and that, there- fore, whatever preventive measures are adopted against contraband importations by British sailors, may be still more effectually adopted with re- spect to foreigners. The way being thus cleared of official hind- rances, the strong practical reason for opening the coasting trade is evident to those who are ac- quainted with it. Every branch of shipping being well employed, the vessels engaged in the coast- ing department have long been inadequate to the demand, and hence freights have risen enor- mously. The shipowners, indeed, should not be envied in these seasons of prosperity, which are a set-off against less prosperous times. They have had long and dreary seasons of adversity and hope deferred; and had this enhancement been but of a temporary kind, legislation would have been uncalled for. But there is every appearance of its long continuance, and of its seriously affecting those trades which make use of this kind of car- riage. The transit of stone and of other heavy articles, has been greatly impeded we have heard of one case where an individual in another part of the country, having a contract for timber, found it so difficult to get it conveyed, that he had to purchase a ship for the purpose, though such an investment was by no means convenient. It has even affected the supply of food; for the sending of Scottish agricultural produce into Eng- land has been much interrupted. Potatoes, in particular, which are of considerable importanc e now corn is so high, have been abundant in Scot- land, and of excellent quality yet, in many cases it has been impracticable to supply the English demand. Of still more importance is the effect upon the supply of coal. The enormous price which that article has reached in the metropolis and the southern counties, in consequence of a brief obstruction of the railways by snow, and a few stormy days at sea, opens up a fearful prospect of the suffering which a frost of no great length might inflict upon a large portion of the kingdom, if follow- ing-as has often been the case-upon such weather as that referred to. With all our facilities of com- munication, and with an immunity, of late years, from severe winter weather of long duration, we scarcely realise the idea of those sufferings of which we read, as having been endured under such circum- stances. The very ease of ordinary communication leads to a smaller storage of food and fuel; and it is terrible to think how soon a town may be without either. It is true that a larger number of ships would have been equally impeded by the late storms; but, then, they would have poured in a proportionately larger supply, immediately on being set at liberty. n In Railways, too, may be blocked with snow at a time when sailing is practicable. Some will say, "Let us have all our coal by railway." But that can only be a gradual work; and coal is not very remunerative for long distances. The great coal districts are the most populous; and the greatest demand for the article, again, is from large populations. Now, the lines from such termini" are already too much crowded. Long lines for minerals only may ulti- mately be adopted. But the shipping trade is one -I> _1_1.- VI. g'CHi impuiiiiiitc, ttucaujr in existence, and cer- tainly ought to have every impediment removed from its course. Besides, as we have already observed, it is much safer for the public to have two modes 'of supply; and we need scarcely add that it is cheaper. The present system, like all others on the restric- tive principle, occasions, further, a great waste of labour, and much unproductive employment of capi- tal—which, of course, must be made up for by in- creased charges elsewhere. How absurd it is, for instance, that a ship from Norway to Cork, after un- loading a cargo there, with orders to take coals from Newport, should be forbidden to carry anything from Cork to Newport, but should be obliged to be at the expense of taking in more ballast, and unloading it again on arriving at our Dock, before it can take its cargo of coals. The same illustration will apply to numerous other cases. Then, there is a secondary evil. Ballast must be deposited, an operation which (though perhaps the material is useful to us now) will involve increasing cost, as river-side land becomes more valuable; or it must be carried out to sea. This occasions a large expense. If, on the other hand, ships cast ballast at such a distance as not to choke up the entrance to a harbour, they are in great danger of capsizing with a gust of wind; and hence it is very common, under cover of night, to throw it into harbours and rivers, to the obviously great in- jury of the navigation. The Customs department estimate that, in 1852, no less than 415,000 tons of freight was mere ballast! Considering all these facts, the measure now pro- posed is wise in policy, and calculated to be practi- cally beneficial. With regard to reciprocity, we have had, since 1849, some proof of the tendency of such changes, to bring about a like effect elsewhere, even where no stipulation to that end has existed. We have also seen that indirect benefit has been gained, where reciprocity has been refused. When our coasting trade was opened to France, in 1849, that country made no corresponding change and the fact was not unnaturally referred to, by those who doubted the wisdom of our policy, as an argument against the course our legislature had pursued. But what was the result? A transit trade, it appears, sprang up between France and America, through England; and the amount of that tradr, last year, considerably ex- ceeds two millions of francs. A subject of much local interest was adverted to by Mr. Cardwell. The result of his communications 0 c' with Bristol, when taking up the pilotage question, last year, has been, that the parties there who now control the channel pilotage, have offered to abide by the decision of the Board of Trade and that a mem' her of that Board will shortly hold all inquiry, for the purpose of putting the BoaVd in possessraii of the requisite information. The right hon. gentleman, therefore, promises an early settlement of the exist- ing disputes. This is very satisfactory, as far as it goes; but it is evident that, if the proper course be not taken, the settlement may be by no means such as the other ports can approve. Mr. Cardwell talks of physical as well as legal difficultiesand that one word physical," suggests the danger of that well-known obstacle to reformation, alleged imprac- cability," being set to prevent Newport and our sister Channel towns from obtaining what is practicable. The proper course now to be adopted, will be for each town to appoint a representative, possessing the ne- cessary information, to attend the inquiry, and to lay before the gentleman who may be sent down by the Board, whatever facts it is needful fur him to be made acquainted with. Mr. Cardwell's statement contained various other particulars, upon which we need not dwell; and with respect to the details of which, he has invited suggestions from practical men. Among these are, increased powers to the Board of Trade, with a view to the prevention of accidents; the re- quirement of a eel tifieate of capacity from masters in the home as well as the foreign trade, with a similar object; the co-operation of the Trinity-house with the Board in investigating disasters at sea; a provision for the systematic maintenance of life-boats (a mea. sure of vast importance) a better system of measure- ment for ships; and a general consolidation of the mercantile shipping laws. There is every reason to hope for much benefit from these changes; and a benefit which may be increased if Mr. Cardwell's invitation be responded to.

LECTURE BY SIR HENRY BISHOP. I On Wednesday evening last, an entertainment, seldom equalled in Newport, in its attractiveness and merit was given, under the auspices of the committee of the Newport Athenaeum. The programme embraced a lecture, upon his own music, by Sir Henry R. Bishop, professor of music, Oxon, with illustrations by a party of efficient vocalists from Gloucester, Miss Clowes, of Newport, and about 20 members of the Newport Sa,crell Harmonic Society. The direction of the vocal illustrations was entrusted to Mr. H. J. Groves, organist of St. Woollos Church, Newport; Sir H. R. Bishop presiding at the piano. The subjects touched upon in the distinguished lecturer's remarks, will be learned from the following syllabus Remarks on the Music of the Ancient Greeks, and the Origin of the Lyric Drama-On the Songs of the Trouba- dours and Minstrels—Masques—Henry Purcell and Dr. Arne-Obstacles to the Progress of English Dramatic Music —The earlier Compositions of H. R. Bishop—his first Glee —his 'Caractacus' Eritisli Composers often unjustly accused of Plagiarism—On Simplicity in Music—Bishop's First Grand Opera, 1 The Circassian Bride'—Recollections of the Author of some of its Poetry—Bishop's Second Opera, The mania&-on the value of Simplicity in Vocal Melody— Some observations on the true purposes of inusic-Bishop s earlier career again referred to, 'The Knight of Snowdown' —The disadvantages formerly experienced by British Composers 'The Miller and his Men'—AqfecdoU of one of Bishop's Glees—Advice to Yonng Composers anaSingers— The importance of Music being universally cultivated, its Ment tl and Social Advantages, &c., &0." The lessons read to young musicians, by this accomplished composer, who has won a world-wide fame, and imparted a halo to the school of EnglIsh. music, were exceedingly valuable. He affectionately cautioned them against aiming after effect, by elaborate or florid embellishments, and ad- vised them to seek the satisfaction of pleasing, rather than astonisUng-of reaching the heart, instead of me-eiy surprising the ear; in effect, Sir Henry inculcated s moil- city and truthfulness to nature in their compositions, fie tesselated his admirable lecture with many interesting anecdotes of both musical and poetical celebrities; and his illustrations consisted of gems from his own immortal productions—among which were, "Where ait thou, beam of light?" — "Foresters, sound^ the cheerful horn" — Breathe my heart," (quartett) When would a mortal ?' —" The tiger couches in the wood —-the celebrated tramp chorus—" When the wind blows — Mynheer Vandunck" —the beautiful "Blow gentle gales"-and "The Chough and Crow"—some of which pieces were encored, and all enthusiastically applauded. The artistes who gave fine effect to these pieces, were Miss Clowes, Miss Rowles, Miss Phelps, and Miss M. Pbelpl-and Messrs. Groves, Bishop, Hunt, Davis, and Jones; Sir Henry himself presiding at the piano. On this occasion, we were happy to perceive the Newport Sacred Harmonic Society winning well-deserved laurels, which Sir Henry Bishop was not slow in awarding to them. He expressed his high approbation of their efficient and able services, in warm language, and prononnced a very grati- fying eulogium upon Mr. Groves, who, he stated, had mar- shalled his lorces in a manner that reflected upon that gen- tleman the highest credit.. Sir Henry had the honour of being greeted by one of the most respectable and numerous audiences of the season, with whom, in returning thanks, and bidding adieu in a graceful speech, he hoped to meet on some future occasion. The dis- tinguished lecturer also paid an appropriate compliment to the Committee of the Newport Athenaeum, to whom, by the way, the public of Newport are greatly indebted for having thus afforded them a very delightful evening's entertainment.

< FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT. LONDON, THURSDAY. THE announcement made by Lord Clarendou, that war was the only solution that could be anticipated of the Eastern question, sent the funds down, till Wednesday noon; still they had a buoyant tendency this morning, as well as at the close of yesterday, in consequence of rumours having been afloat, that late accounts from St. Petersburgh'still spoke of peace being preserved, and that some change might be hoped to take place in the stern resolves of the Emperor. Such hopes were, however, considered fallacious, and nothing further has transpired to lead the public to suppose there can be any other solution of the present grave state of affairs, than that spoken of by the Foreign Minister. All diplo- matic relations have now ceased between the Courts of London, Paris, and St. Petersburgh and the three powers are making the most formidable preparations for war. The government of Louis Napoleon have concluded a loan for an amount equal to 28,000,000, and the Bank of France has just advanced to the State, 22,400,000. So far for the sinews of war. The troops of France and England, destined for service in the East, will first, it is understood, rendez- vous in the island of Mithelene, and will comprise an army of all arms, amounting to Eighty Thousand men. Many of the African regiments will embark under General Pellisser, —a name of fearful import in the Kabyl war;-but the commander-in-chief will be Conrobert, a former aid-de-camp of the Duke of Orleans, but now an attached supporter of the Napoleon regime. The British expeditionary force will, it is said, amount to Twenty Thousand men and Lord Gough, who has just got the Sixtieth, will, it is said, com- mand them; but the cavalry will be led by the brave, skilful, and dashing Thackwell. The Russian cavalry in Wallachia is composed of some of the finest regiments in the Imperial service, and will be formidable opponents, though their horses are notoriously inferior to ours, the men have, of course, seen more service than our dragoons still, many of our regiments are the best disciplined in the world. The Infantry under orders for service are as follow, and the days are specified when they are to embark 4th. 22d March. 7th. 25th „ 9th 6th „ 14th 3d „ 17th 4th „ 21st 15th 27th 10th „ 28th 17th „ 35 th 13th „ 38th 28th „ 39th 2nd „ 42nd 30th „ 50th 0 018th 62nd 7th „ 63rd 5th 79th 29th „ 82nd 0 .16th 88th. 27th „ 89th 1st Jf 90th 9th „ 93rd o 21st 95th 24th Thus the military force left in the united kingdom, will be considerably reduced; but it is understood that thirty thousand of the militia will be called out for service, and that a camp will soon be formed at Chobham for the full development of the soldiering qualities of the men. The Irish militia is also to be embodied and Scotia's sons will be called upon to rank among the militia force of the empire. So far. so well. From this truly national army, be it re- collected that the legions of Wellington were recruited, and history tells us how they met and conquered the before supposed invincible troops of Soult and Massena. It is now understood that Sir Charles Napier will com- mand the imposing force we purpose, when the ice breaks up, of sending to the Baltic. He will have Admiral Chads as his second in command—an officer second to none in all the qualities essential for close fighting. Lord Dundonald was talked of for the supreme command, but extreme age has come upon him, and the great and dashing Lord Coch- rane of other days, is now but a shadow of himself.'—Eheu ? The ships are rapidly being manned. The sending two thousand coast guard afloat—brave, hardy, and disciplined sailors—will form a nucleus for many a future gallan t crew. The pensioners of Greenwich Hospital have not been overlooked at the momentary crisis. An order was pro- mulgated at Portsmouth, last evening. which has caused quite a sensation among the veterans now living at home at ease, and of which the following is a copy :— "All Greenwich pensioners under 60 years of age, NO MATTER HOW EMPLOYED OR ENGAGED, are directed to attend at the Pension-office between this day and Saturday next, for the purpose of receiving a printed form, to attend on Tuesday, the 14th instant, for inspection by officers from the Admiralty, to ascertain their fitness for service. If this notice is not attended to, they will be subject to Joss of pension. February 8, 18&tr — •* Omer Pasha has entirely recovered from his late serious indisposition, and the Turkish Army in the Danube are receiving large reinforcements. A great battle is daily expected. The investigation ordered by the House of Commons into the alleged corruption of honourable members SELLING places of trust, has created an immense sensation and it is hoped that Mr. Hudson's allegations against certain hon. members, sitting on railway committees, will be rigidly investigated.

ABERGAVENNY. PETTY SESSIONS—WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1. Present-The Hon. W. P. Rodney, and Rev. G. W. Gabb. VAGRANCY. Two vagrants were brought up by P.O. Merewether, of Blaenavon, charged with making use of a false certificate, stating that they were two shipwrecked seamen, who had been taken off a wreck, at sea, and collecting contributions from the charitable. It also appeared that they went to the house of the Rev. Jones, and, finding that he was from home, and no man in the house at the time, made use of violont and threatening languge to the inmates. Committed for three months each to hard labour. BEGGING. Charles Gardner, a navvy, -and Michael Fallon were charged by Superintendent Lipscomb, with beggiug from house to house, in the Groffield.-Cornnitted for one month each to hard labour. DRUNKENNESS. Patience Hughes, an old offender, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Defendant expressed her sorrow for what she had done, and promised amendment. Admonished and discharged. ASSAULT. William Dyer was charged with assaulting John Price at Llanvihangel Crucorney.—Fined 2s. 6d. and costs. CAUTION 10 DRIVERS. James Gough was charged with leaving a waggon on the side of the turnpike road, at Llanvihangel, all night, without any person to take care of it. Defendant admit- ted the offence.-Ile was also charged with leaving bis waggon on the side of the turnpike-road, at Llanvetherine, all night. Defendant admitted the offence, and promised not to repeat it.—Fined 2s. 6d. and costs. William Davis was charged with riding on a cart, with- out reins. Defendant admitted the offence.-Fined 10s. and costs. Benjamin Watkins was charged with leaving a cart in the street all night. Defendant admitted the offence.- Fined 5s. and costs. BEERHOUSE. James Williams was charged with keeping open his house for the sale of beer before half-past 12 o'clock on Sunday morning. Defendant admitted the offeuce, and was fined 10s. and costs.

BRECON BRECON BOROUGH ELECTION. The elecaon of a member for the borough of Brecon, in the room of Charles Rodney Morgan, Esq., deceased, took place on Monday last. With the exceptiyn of an ameteur bund of music parading the streets, preceded by a goodly number of the inhabitants oi the town there was a total absence of excitement, it being well known that thore would be no opposition to the return of Colonel-Lloyd Vaughan Watkins, Lord-Lieutenant of the county, who had represented the borough previous to Mr. Morgan's re- turn"at the General Election in July, 1853. The proceedings comn eiced at 12 o'clock, by the Sown Clerk reading the Writ, h3 Bribery Act, &c,, after v kich M. Jones, Esq., Mayor, and the returning officers, briskly eddressed the assemblage, which nearly fillad the Hall requesting a fair and impartial hearing for all who might wish to address them, and stating that his confidence in their peaceable conduct, was based on his experience of the character of his fellow townsmen. He then called upon any elector having a candidate to propose. J. Parry De Winton, Esq., of Maesderwen, then proposed Colonel Watkins. J. Prosser Sneed, Esq., banker, briefly seconded the nomi- nation of Colonel Watkins. The Mayor having inquired if any elector had some other candidate to propose, and no burgess having responded, declared Col. Lloyd Vaughan Watking to be duly elected. Colonel Watkins rose to return thanks. He expressed his regret at the untimely death of the late member, and spoke at some length on leading political topics. On the motion of Colonel Watkins, seconded by Mr. John Jones, thanks were voted to the Mayor, who acknowledged the compliment. The gallant colonel, who was suffering from a severe attack of gout, then returned to Penoir, the ceremony of I chairing having been dispensed with. Several of the member's friends dined together at the Bear and Star Inns, but the town was as quiet as usual by an early hour.

I LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET.—WEDNESDAY. Beef 6d to 6^d per lb. Bacon pigs 10s per score Mutton 7d to 8d per lb. Porkers XQs per score Yeal 7d to 7id per lb. 2 CHARGES FOR THE WEEKENDING FEB. 9. Felony 12 Committed for Trial. 7 Misdemeanour 19. Summarily Convicted 16 Drunkenness. 2 1 Remanded o Vagrancy 6 Discharged j g Obstructions 0 Settled out of Court. 0 Total 39 Total 39 SOUTH WALES RAILWAY. Week ending Feb. 5, 1854 £ 3882 19s. 5d. Corresponding week, 1853 2433 6s. Id. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, 13 at Llandewy Court Thursday,- 16 Near Newport. At half-past ten o'clock. THE LEDBURY HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Mo nday, 13 .at the Duke of York, Berrow Friday, 17 .at Huntley Common. At half-past ten o'clock. AN ACCOUNT OF COALS, FROM 1ST TO 31ST JAN. INCLUSIVE, BY MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY. g Is Total H 0 TonsCwt. Thomas Powell. New Penyvan. 946 2 » Lispentwyn 2700 1 » Penllwyn 1678 0 >f Woodfield I I » Butteryhatch 1104 15 » New Tredegar.. 855 16 Gellygroes 230 8 Thomas Prothero. Havod Vein 314 13 751a 16 » North 484 0 „ Blaencuffin 667 5 „ Place 2203 3 „ TyrAdam 591 19 „ Church 954 16 ———— 5215 16 Carr and Company Penycoedcae 2097 16 Joseph Latch and Co. Barculla 582 0 » Gilvach. 849 11 T a 1 in 1431 11 Latch and Cope Glanddu 1327 5 Carngethin Coal Co Camgethin 2093 1 Roger Lewis Penyvan, &c 1808 13 W. S. Cartwright Waterloo 2202 4 » Penner 18 13 2220 17 T. P. and D. Price Tillery 2100 10 Cwm Nantygros1460 4 » Gellydeg 132 3 3692 17 Abercarn Collieries Co. Gwythen 6435 9 Rock Coal Company Rock 2180 1 T. Phillips and Son Havod Vein 533 5 » Mamhole 1584 13 2117 18 C. B. Marshall White Rose. 517 11 Thomas Thomas Penner 132 15 Tredegar Coal Company Upper Argoed. 545 0 » Lower Argoed. 432 9 TyrTrisL 2223 9 3200 18 John Russell and Co. Rock Vein 3486 0 yy Black Vein 4224 13 „ No.2,BlackVein 436 15 „ 8147 8 New Black Vein 202 18 Ebbw Vale Company EbbwVale .1237 5 Sirhowy 2440 2 3677 7 Machen Collieries Co. Machen 555 q William Harris. North IKO 1fl Edmund Jones Kendon 3210 —— ,822 6 Coal brought to Newport, by Canal, from Ist to 31st Jan. i Tons. Cwt. Aoercarn Coal Company 924 0 Carr and Company 300 0 Thomas Thomas, Penner 43 18 Total. 1267 18

BURIAL BOARD. A meeting of the Board was held at the committee- room on Wednesday tast, on which occasion there were present—The Vicar of St. Woollos (chairman), and Messrs. Latch, Morrison, Lyne, Knapp, Dowling, Ronnie, Bat' chelor, Ilomfray, Mullock, Woollett, and Davis, Hon. Sc. The minutes of the last meeting were read, after which the Secretary announced that the plans (except the one se- lected) had been returned (carriage paid) to the competing artists, with an expression of the thanks of the Board to those gentlemen respectively. A letter was read froIØ Messrs. Johnson and Purdue—whose designs for the Ceme- tery had been adopted—in reference to matters connected with the undertaking, which, after some discussion, were shaped for arrangement with the firm; the Baal d evidenc- ing an anxiety that the work should be proceeded with expeditiously as possible. The appointment of Clerk to the Board was the ne1 notice on the book, and after somewhat extended remarM on the duties of the oRice, the four candidates (previously selected from the 115 applicants for the situation) whose credentials appeared the most eligible, were called in alpha'' betical succession, and the routine of the duties expected from the cemetery clerk mentioned by the Chairman and the interview with the gentlemen certainly evidenced a very correct discrimination as to the eligibility of the parties written to, out of so large a number of competitors. They were intelligent, of good addreas, and gentlemanly de- meanour, and aged respectively 28, 43, 35, and 24, and apparently well qualified to fill situations of trust and im- portance, requiring the exercise of talent and judgment. On proceeding to the votes, it was found that the personal knowledge, by the members of the Board, of the high cha- racter, and various circumstances of eligibility on the part of Mr. Mullock, were much in favour of that gentleman and nine out of the twelve members of the Board voted fot him; three gentlemen, including the father and brother- in-law of the successful candidate, did not vote. Mr. Mullock was called in, and the result communicated to him by the Chairman for which Mr. Mullock expressed his thanks, gracefully observing that his gratitude for the good opinion and confidence of the Board, would, be trusted, be proved in a zealous discharge of the duties of the office. The travelling expenses of the other three can* didates were paid. Mr. Rennie rose to move a vote of thanks to their late I Hon. Secretary, who had just rendered an account of biØ stewardship. He (Mr. Rennie) need not observe to the gentlemen around him, that the duties which Mr. DaØ had so abty discharged, were onerous; in fact, he believed* more onerous than Mr. Davis himself had been aware oi- (Hear, hear.) He thought a mere vote of thanks was nO» at all adequate to the services rendered; if Mr. Dad, would allow it, he should be happy to propose the preseO- I tation to him of a quarter's salary or some other substantia* | present— Mr. Davis I would respectfully decline anything kmd.. Mr. Rennie would then, as nothing elaft would b" re- ceived, propose the grateful thanks of the Board to theit late Ilon. SCl; etarv, for his valuable services. Mr. Batchelor seconded the motion, observing that the were wdl aware of the great services the secretary rendered them in an undertaking of such great importance, o as the public cemetery. As 110 pecuniary could be rendered to him, as a member of that Board) | (fr. Batchelor) would be happy to subscribe to a nial, if such were contemplated. Mr. Monison said the motion of thanks to the Hon. ij ere tary had his full and hearty concurrence. That gen man had devoted his time and zeal, and to an extent whl could have been scarcely expected from a professional nia^ (Hear, hear.) He had performed the duties of secret^w ably and fully, and brought his professional influence » bear in the furtherance of the important objects of Board; and he was well deserving of that which is bet* than a money gift — their cordial thanks. Mr. Latch The undertaking which the Board had embodied to carry into effect, was long dear to his and he was one of those who mooted the subject years when the necessities for such were not so urgent as at present time; and now, when matters were so well gressing, he had pleasure iu bearing testimony to the of the Hon. Secretary, who had so well aided in advanci" the project. w Mr. Davis, the late Hon. Secretary, said he felt (^eeFj,e grateful for the very kind expressions of approval by Board. The duties might have been onerous; they were much more so, he would have been happy b the work ;—when a man puts his hand to the plough) er should not look back. emuneration was out of the a tir tion the approval of his townsmen berng the best of a wards. (Cheering.) g9. The Chairman very appropriately made honourable n> tion of the close attention and great ability eldence 1JP. Mr. Davis; and he considered that the exercise—1 Morrison had observed—of professional influence, r<v.aiJ- .• most advantageous to the undertaking and he (the fan man) was quite sure that the recollection of the JJ cordial thanks which had been so very generally glV .jy# m would be deemed the best reward Mr. Davis could ( for hiB valuable services. The meeting then separated.

BEAUFORT- CARMEL CHAPEL.-On Monday, the 30th ult., a lecture was delivered at the above chapel, by the Rev. R. Ellis (Cyn- ddelw), on the Holy Scriptures;" the Rev. John Emlyn Jones, M.A., in the chair. The rev. gentleman's lecture displayed throughout great talent and research, and was listened to with the greatest attention by the numerous concourse there assembled.

LOCAL MATTERS.—An extraordinary case of attempted felonious assault, will be found in the police report, in the 2nd page other important local arti cles are also inserted in that and the following page. ACCIDENT. -On Tuesday afternoon, a little boy was knocked down and ridden over in High-st., by an incautious young man, riding a spirited horse. Though stunned, the child was not much injured; and after receiving attention from the bystanders, was able to walk to his home. DRAINAGE.—The Stow-hill drain-a work of some mag- nitude—was commenced on Monday last, by Messrs. Wil- liams and Francis and great progress has been made with the undertaking during the week. INSURANCE DUTY.—During the week, the petition to Parliament prepared by the Lancashire Insurance Company, for the removal of the per cent. duty on fire policies, has been numerously signed in Newport, by the insurers in that office, and others desirous of seeing the obnoxious tax upon prudence, given up by Government. SUNDAY TRADING. A petition to Parliament, from "wives, mothers, and sisters," against the opening of inns and beer-houses on Sundays, has been extensively signed in Newport. SHIPBUILDING.—We are glad to find that the very suit- able premises formerly occupied by Messrs. Young and Cook, near the packet-slip on the east bank of the Usk, have been taken by Mr. Henry Oakley, who intends to proceed with the building of two large ships forthwith. We have also heard that a ship of 900 tons burthen is about to be "laid down at the building yard of Mr. Willmett. These signs of reviving activity, in a trade for which the port was once famous, are exceedingly gratifying. ACCIDENT.—A correspondent represents that as a lady named Donaldson was walking down Blewitt-street, on Fri- day last, she struck her foot against a step which had been left in the paving,—fell, and suffered a fracture of the pmall bone of the leg. The writer considers that, leaving steps in street pavements, is against the local law." THE SESSIONS.—The committee appointed for that pur pMe, have fixed Monday, the 20th of March, for holding the Spring Sessions. FLEET OF MERCHANT SHIPS.—Since Saturday evening last, the following vessels, belonging to our enterprising neighbour, W. C. Webb, Esq., have arrived at Newport:— Conquest (schooner), Mary Ann (brigantine), Mary Jane (ditto), William and Eliza (schooner), South Picton (brigan- tine), Iris (ditto) the two latter with flour and grain from Liverpool. Mr. Webb has, we understand, recently pur- chased in Liverpool, the South Picton and Iris above named; also the Norwood (1527 tons register), a three-decker, and the largest ship belonging to the Bristol Channel. She is now being coppered and classed in Liverpool, the want of accom- modation at Newport compelling the owner to lay out a large sum of money for this purpose in Liverpool. Captain James Price takes the command of the Norwood. The Rhea Sylvia, now also in the dock, has just been loaded with 1150 tons of rails, for New York. SMACK SUNK.—One day last week, the smack William, of Gloucester, laden with iron, settled on her anchor, on the ebbing of the tide, and received damage, through which she filled with water the next tide. She was lightened subse- quently, and on Tuesday again floated. NEW STEAM SPECULATION.-During the last week, the arrival III this port of the fine iron screw steam ship, Vulcan, of boo tons, caused much gratification. This steamer is the finest that has yet visited this port for the purpose of con- veying merchandise to and from the neighb jurhood. Her agents at this port, the Messrs. Jones, Brothers, and Co., Canal-parade, did everything they possibly could to encou- rage the enterprising owners in their speculation. The Vulcan arrived here on Thursday, the 26th ult., with a cargo of iron and after discharging the same, she was laden with iron, tin-plate, and mine, for Liverpool -a cargo that could not be of less value than £ 12,000. She also took about 70 tons of steam coal (supplied by Mr. James Brown), for the use of the ship on her voyage. We trust the merchants of our port will bestow sufficient patronage on the next visit of the Vulcan to Newport, to ensure success to the enter- prise of the owners. ERRATUM.—"A Herefordshire Reader" obligingly calls our attenti n to an ambiguity in a short article which we last week wrote in reference to the recent Herefordshire edu- cational meeting. The meaning of a sentence waalostThY its accidental division, and the omission of a word. ^he second sentence in the last paragraph but one should nave )ur read tiius :—"They, however, must obviously be taken care of by their parents unless, indeed, for those belonging to the Establishment, the Dean of Hereford's suggestion> as to some provision from the Cathedral revenue for a co egiate school, should be carried out." To the intelligence ana in- dulgence of readers, public writers are often in o e with regard to typographical errors, as in the case o prelimi- nary," instead of parliamentary," in our remarks on the Queen's speech. BRITISH SCHOOLS.-The annual meet" the Girls' School. Newport British Schools, was held at the s chool- room, Llanarth-street, last evening- In our police report of last week, it was ^ated that John Hussey was fined 5s. for 'md <ll«or- derly conduct. As this statement is c J?*ove in- jurious to a well-conducted person o n Newport, we feel it right to state that the pe was "Chas. Hussey," of Cardiff. COURT OF EXCHEQUER—HADLEY V. BAXENDALE.— This was an action on the case against ssis. Pickford, the carriers, for damage arising 011 ° eir delay in not deli- vering a portion of a mill engine within a reasonable time and the question raised by this rule was whether the jury were rightly directed by Mr. Justice Crompton, by whom the cause was tried at the last Gloucester assizes, to take into consideration the loss in trade sustained by the plaintiff in estimating the damages.—ihe learned judge allowed the loss of four days ot trade to be given in evidence as an in- gredient for the estimation of the damages to which the plaintiffs were entitled, and this was a rule to review that direction.—Mr. Keatmg and Mr. Dowdeswell appeared for the plaintiff, to show cause against the rule for a new trial; and at the close of their argument, the case was adjourned. On Thursday, last week, the case wasresumed, Mr.Whateley, Mr. Willes, and Mr. Phipson appeared on behalf of the defendants, and contending that the damages in question were too remote, and ought not to be taken into consider. ation. The Court took time to consider its judgment. Judgment deferred. — g TESTIMONIAL.—We mentioned in our last number, Mr. Bland, of the carrying department of the South H Railway, in this town, was invited to a dinner at the Tf 0 degar Arms, previously to his removal to a similar post t e Haverfordwest; but we omitted to notice that a very bell fully-chased gold pencil-case and pen-holder, and gold peIII were presented to Mr. Bland on the occasion. MELANCHOLY OCCURENCE.—We regret to state thfol [ Mrs. Turner, the wife of Mr. Turner, of the Dos 3 and who was far advanced in pregnancy, was so alarmed *J ) the occurrence which took place in the Factory Field S Sunday evening (reported in the police column), that ) pired on the following day, leaving ten children and a h band to lament their shocking bereavement. ) THE ASSIZES.—Mr. Justice Wightman and the Ho"' Justice Talfourd will hold the assizes for this county Monmouth, on Wednesday, the 29th of March. MR. HALLAM.—We have recently learnt with profo regret, that this illustrious writer, one of the most guished historians of his age, is in a state of health so P1* carious as to cause the deepest anxiety to his friends. announcement will be received, we doubt not, with the utmost regret and sympathy by all those whose studies enabled them to appreciate the services rendered by !It. Hallam to our national literature. CORONER'S INQUEST.—On Saturday last, W. H. Breweft deputy coroner, held an inquest at the King's Arm8 Inn, Pillgwenlly, on view of the body of John SlocowbØ, a married man, who had been in the employ of the MoV mouthshire Railway and Canal Company, for two yeaH but had only on the morning of Thursday, entered upon the new duty in the performance of which he met his death. Ii appeared that early-on Thursday morning he was engaged "t m i m ^taclung the engine to the columbuses of tb« Tredegar Company, when the bar which he carried, under the place of fastening, and thus no check bein" placed on the motion of the advancing engine, it crushed biJII against the columbuses so frightfully, that he died on tW following evening, of internal hcemorrage. The pei^ attendant on the act of fastening the engine to the columf useS* caused much comment by the jury, as it seemed to theW, that in consequence of there being no sufficient buffers to those carriages, if the man should fail exactly to fix t coupling bar of the engine, while it was in motion, he IIl. be subjected to serious accident; and the jury, in returning a verdict of Accidental Death," added thereto a reIllOn" strance to the company against the further use of columbuses, which were not provided with suitable buffers. Thø witnesses who gave evidence in this unfortunate case, were John Thomas, the engine driver, the breaksman, and Mr* James, the surgeon.