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CAMBRIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION-I
CAMBRIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION- Prior to giving an account of the first meeting of the above association at Aberystwith, on Tuesday last, many of our readers will no doubt be pleased with a short detail of its origin and object. This information we derived from that admirable and truly Welsh periodical the ArchtecJojia Cambrensis In the number for July 1840, a correspondent signing himself A Welsh Anti- quary, addresses the editor to the effect that since so much good has been effected throughout England ge- nerally, by the existence of societies for the encourage- ment and promotion of researches into the arts and movements of the early and middle ages, and since the enthusiasm exerted by these societies is still on the increase, why should we not establish a similar society or association for Wales, and form ourselves into a body of Archaeologists for the study and preservation of Welsli iiationil antiquities. Archaeology is not now the dry and dusty, because speculative and theoretical study, which it once was. It is like geoloy, it has taken firm hold of the national mind and has numerous votaries in all parts, not of these only, bil of the civilized world. The IVelsh Antiquary," after adducing other arguments for establishing an Archseolog'cal association, and com- bating objections founded on the liabilities of such institutions to become extinct, concludes by proposing that an Antiquarian association be formed to be called the Cambrian Archteological association for the study and preservation of the national antiquities of Wales; and that the most eminent Welsh Antiquaries and other personages, the natural friends and protectors of the antiquities of the country be requested to put themselves at the head of the society, and that the Archceologia Cambrensis be adopted as the official organ of the society. The above suggestion was adopted and warmly advo- cated by the editor of the above periodical, and in their next number, October 1816, they announced that they had no hesitation in declaring that the association pro- posed by 4 Welsh Antiquary might be established with every prospect of success and that if property organized and carried out .vith energy, it would prove of great benefit to the cause of antiquarian and historical know- ledge throughout Wales-the main object of the asso- ciation evidently being that of forming Cambrian Archseologists into something like, an organized and harmonious body, whereby they might be able to com- municate to each other their observations, and to act together for the common cause with greater rapidity and effect than if they remained isolated. The editors at the same time suggested that as an act of courtesy to all the members at the commencement, it would be desi- rable to choose some central town for the first place of meeting, where the members might congregate, appoint their officers, and transact their business. The above proposal of establishing a Cambrian Arch- teological Association having been received with great approbation by a great number of the Literati, clergy, and gentry of the principality, it was agreed that the first meeting should take place at Aberystwith. which from its centrality is considered to offer every conve- nience for the members of the association, TUESDAY, SEPT. 7. I The Rev. H. Longueville Jones, one of the general secretaries, and the members of the Local Committee, met at 10 o'clock at the Public Roorns, for the purpose of enrolling and admitting new members, and at 4 p.m. the first meeting of the Committee and officers of the Association was held at the Committee-room, when the formal recognition of the various ofifcers of the Society took place, ai,,d *,lie general course of proceedings for the meeting; was settl?d. At 7 o'clock the first general meeting of the whole Association took place at the Pubijc Rooms. Shortly after the doors were opened the company began to ariive, and in a short time the room was very nearly filled. Amongst the gentry present we observed the following :—Sir Stephen Richard Glynne, Bart., F S.A., Lord Lieutenant of Flintshire The Very n,(J, Dean of Bangor; the Very Rev. the Dean of He- reford toe Right Hon Lord Viscount Dungannon Sir Samuel Rush Meyrick, K.H., L.L.D., F.S.A. W. W. E. Wynne. Esq., F.S. A., Prniarth; the Rev. J. Hughes, Vicar of Lias jadarn-vaw; the Rev. W. J. liees, M.A., Casecb; David Edwards, Esti., Itayor of Abervs'with Jidward Rogers, Esq. and :\1. Rogers, Stannasje Park, Knighton: James Dearden, Esq., F.S.A., the Manor, Roc hdale, Treasurer of the Association T. L. D. Jones Parry, Esq., Mardyn Park, Carnarvonshire; J. Hughes, Esq. and Miss IlLiglies Pierce Evans, Esq. and Miss Evans,—Johnson, E-q. and the Misses Maggs; Major aim Mrs. Williams; T. 0. Morgan, Esq. and the Misses Morgan Miss Griffiths and the Misses Williams, of CWrt); Dr. R. Williams ifnd the Misses Williams the Rev Mr. Gilbertson and Miss Gilbertson; Alderman J. Roberts and the Misses Roberts; Rev. John Morgan, Llanuchairn, and the Misses loran; Rev. M. H MilW and Mrs. Miller; Willoughby Miller, Esq. J. B. Lloyd Phiiipps, Esq. and Frederick Philipps, Esq., Mabws Edward Evans, Esq., Pier House; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas; John Davies, Esq Rev. John Morgan; Rev. James Evans, Llanfihangel-y-crellddyrl; Robert Edwards, Esq. Alfred Stephens, Esq. Hugh Hughes, Esq.; R. O. Powtll, Esq.; J,,hii Hughes, Esq., Lluest Gwiilim John M. Davies, Esq Pantyvedwen Richard James. Esq., Aberystwith John Hughes, Esq., Allt- }..TJd; WiJ!¡n! \V¡Uia.mo, E.q" nrth Parade, Aberyst- with Morris, Esq., Ati(,rllolwyn Lewis Jones, Esq., J. P., AbeiysUvith; John Evans, Esq, J. P., Lo\e-gi-ovc, X'c. &e. About a quarter to eight, the President, Sir Stephen Richard Glynne, Bart., entered the room, and took the chair. He addressed the meeting in a short and very appropriate speech. He wished it had devolved on some one abler than himself to preside at the first establishment of an Archteological Society in Wales. He was, highly pleased at the establishment of the As- sociation, and, honoured as he felt himself at being failed on to preside on the present occasion, he wished it to be understood that the chief merit of establishing the the Association belonged to the Editor of the Archaeolo- gia Cambrensis, the able periodical which is now the organ of the Association. He did not wish to dispa- raaeany other Archaeological Association he vet thought that Wales was fully entitled to have a Society e\- cinsiiely its own, and he hoped hence we should be able to cultivate with more success an acquaintance with the antiquities of our native country. (Applause.) The Rev. H. Longueville Jones, one of the general secretaries of the association and joint editor of the Archceologia Cambrensis, then rose and addressed the meeting. He stated that the prospects of the association were eminently favorable. It had met with the highest encouragement in Wales, as well as in England, Scot- land, and Ireland, and even in France and Brittany and there was every prospect of their having some of their brethren from Brittany to meet them at the next annual meeting. They had met with the highest patronage from the clergy of the diocese, and the fact of the four Bishops being patrons of the Association, sufficiently evinced the ardour with which the undertaking was countenanced. Indeed, it may be said, that all the rank and intellect of the principality is ranged in our favour. Comparing the short time since the association has been establishfd with its present flourishing state, it may be said that the experiment has signally succeeded. The love of antiquity flourishes even where it had never before penetrated. Our researches are not confined to one class of antiquities, but to all. It is hardly possible to be too minute in our observations, nor should we deem any observations of antiquity too insignificant or non-conducive to some useful purpose. The object of the association is to go to every county in its turn, and to carry the study of the ancient arts and glories of Wales into every part of the principality. They, however, began with Aberystwyth as the most central, but they meant to go throughout Wales, as well as the Marches, where some of their best friends resided. It may be said of Wales more than of any other part of the empire, that the march of society has committed the least ravages upon its antique remains, for our mountains are now teeming with monuments of the past, which it is our duty to study and preserve. When this association commenced, he was told that the objects of Welsh anti- quity would he exhausted in two years Two years! Why, as editors, we can point out work, which at least will occupy us ten years to write out and print without the least cessation. (Applause.) One of the great objects of the association is to promote good feeling amongst antiquaries, who, it must be said, sometimes when they think to ride away with a theory, find the theory ridiug away with them. He touched upon the feud amongst English Archoelogists, and he hoped the Welsh would avoid the faults of those who had gone before them. (Applause.) Unless we work together we can do no good. The government in France had, he was glad to say, enconraged the study of antiquity. The same may be said of the Department of Woods and forests in this country. He then dwelt con amove upon the study of antiquities and the advantage of its diffusion amongst all classes. He observed you cannot go too high or too low in the inculcation of this study. The debt due by history to the study of anti- quities is incalculable. Since the revival of the study of antiquities, it is found that the history of England must be wiitten over again. The obligations we owe to our forefathers are iiiiiiiense, ind in transmitting to posterity the memorials of their actions, we ought to scorn the dread of ridicule of being called Pickwickians." He lamented that a considerable number of the members for North Wales, including one of the general secretaries and three of the local secretaries were prevented from at- tending the meeting, in consequence of a visitation held this week by the Lord Bishop of St. Asaph, He concluded by saying that the prospects of the association were most flattering. The members were daily increasing, and would be considerably augmented before the close of the present meeting. The state of its funds was also most satisfactory. He sat down amidst loud applause. Sir Samuel R. Meyrick then rose and read a most erudite paper on the Druidic religion in Britain during the residence of the Romans To attempt to give either any reasonable limits or an analysis of the dissertation so as to be intelligible to the general reader, is hopeless, and we give up the task with less reluctance beoause the whole will be published in extenso at the commence- ment of next month in the Archcgologia Cambrensis. But its drift seemed to be to prove that the Romans, after having long pursued the Druids with the most unrelenting crudty, had at length compromised matters, ond even hit; fo a certain extent, been converted to the Druidic religion, and sacrificed to the Pagan Dr uidic Deities. This Sir Samuel attempted to prove by quoting the iaiin inscriptions of several altars discovered in lliiferent parts )f tiie kingdom. He alluded to Boadicea in the couise of the evening. We are rather surprised he forgot to avail himself of Cowper's celebrated poem, tiie reading of which would here be strictly in keeping, &i,e! wuuid h, rdilVw the tedjurn ot too much learning" in a mixed assembly. We take the liberty of suppiying Sir Samuel's omission When the British warrior queen, Bleeding from the Roman rods, Sought, with an indignant mien, Counsel of her country's gods, Sage beneath the spreading oak Sat the Druid, hoary chief; Every burning word he spoke > Full of rage, and full of grief. Princess if our aged eyes Weep upon thy matchless wrongs, 'Tis because resentment ties All the terrors of our tongues. Rome shall perish—write that word In the blood that she has spilt; Perish, hopeless and abhorr'd, Deep in ruin as in guilt. Rome, for empire far renown'd, Tramples on a thousand states Soon her pride shall kiss the ground- Hark! the Gaul is at her gates! Other Romans shall arise, Heedless of a soldier's name; Sounds, not arms, shall win the prize, Harmony the path to fame. Then the progeny that springs From the forests of our land, Arm'd with thunder, clad with wings, Shall a wider world command. Regions Caesar never knew Thy posterity shall sway 1, Where his eagles never flew None invincible as they. Such the bard's prophetic words, Pregnant with celestial fire, Bending as he swept the chords Of his sweet and tuneful lyre. She, with all a monarch's pride, Felt them in her bosom glow: Rush'd to battle, fought, and died; Dying, hurl'd them at the foe. Ruffians, pitiless as proud, Heaven awards the vengeance due Empire is on us bestow'd, Shame and ruin wait for you. At the close of the reading the general secretary, Mr. H. L. Jones asked Sir Samuel if there was in Wales a collection of the altars referred to in nis papers, and we understood the answer to be that there was not. The general secretary then read a paper on ihe his- tory and architecture of Clynnog, Carnarvonshire, by H. Kennedy, Esq., R. Kyike Pensoti, Esq., architect, Oswestry, and by the Rev. H. L. Jones. This paper is wholly uninteresting to the general reader. There were hung up in the room some most beautiful drawings by Mr. Penson, illustrative of the dissertation, which were deservedly admired. Lord Dungannon then moved that previous to the separation of the meeting for the year, the names of the members of the association willing to contribute to the fund for the restoration of St. Beuno's chapel at Clynnog Vawr, in Carnarvonshire, be received on a paper, to be left in the room for that purpose, Ri.t! that circulars to that effect be issued throughout North Wales. The Dean of Bangor seconded the motion, which after a few observations from the Dean of Hereford and Lord Dungannon, was put to the vote and carried by a shew of hands. The general secretary then read a paper on the church, &c. at Pilleth, Radnorshire, by Evan Williams, Esq. The following passages may be interesting to the reacier:- What gives most celebrity to this parish is the battle fought on June 2nd. 1402, between Sir Edmund Mor- timer, uncle to the young Eail of March, afterwards Edward 4th, and Owen Glyndwr, wherein the former was defeated, and taken prisoner by Glyndwr himself, after a hard personal encounter, leaving 1100 of his men slaughtered on the field. Mortimer afterwards married Glyndwr's daughter, and entered into a league with him, Percy and Douglas. The battle is said to have commenced on a hill called Bryn Glas, which lies a little distance from the church, and to have raged into the peaceful itlley below. Mortimer had hastily col- lected his tenants and retainers against Glyndwr, who had in his progress devastated the monastery of Cwmhin, and the town and castle of Radnor, and it being of great importance to check if possible the fur- ther march of fire and sword, the Castle of Wigmore being only twelve miles distant from Pilleth. The great dramatist in his Henry 4th alludes to this battle, the news of which coupled with unfavourable reports from the north, which reached the council at the same time, but which afterwards turned out to be untrue, had the effect of putting off the intended second crusade. King Henry.-It seems then that the tidings of this broil brake off our business for the holy land. Westmoreland.—This matched with others did, my Gracious Lord." The personal combat between Mortimer and Glyndwr is finely depictured in the lines put into the mouth of Hotspur in his defence of Mortimer to the King :— In single opposition hand to hand, He did confound the best part of an hour, In changing hnrdiment with great Glendower;" Shakspeare has taken the liberty of changing the scene from the banks of the meandering Lugg to those of the distant Severn. There are circular intrenchments in that part of the vale bordering on the river, and tradition says, these were occupied by Mortimer's forces previous to the en- gagement. The article on Pilleth Church was the last paper read on Tuesday evening. There were several favourite airs on the Welsh Harp performed in the room during the evpniirg by Mr. John Roberts. Serch Hudol," the March of the Men of Harlech," and several others gave great satisfaction. WEDNESDAY. I After a public breakfast at the Public Rooms, which was supplied in Mrs. and Mr. Careswell's usual style of excellence, a party consisting of Sir Stephen R. Glynne, the Deans of Hereford and Bangor, Messrs. Wakeman, Wynne, (Pelliarth,) Philipps, (Mabws,) Hughes, (Lluest Gwiilim,) Dearden, treasurer, Rees, Llandovery, &c. &c. started olf on an excursion to Bedd Taliesin, the Ro- man road on Pensarn Ddu, and other British remains in that neighbourhood. Having arrived at the Cairn,they saw the Cist-Vaen reputed to be the burial place of the Chief of the Bards" (lien Beii-tld.) The Cairn is about 13-3 feet in circumference, and the Cist-Vaen has in its centre several rough slabs forming a grave eight feet long and two feet six inches wide, which has evidently been covered by other slabs, one of which, five feet nine inches by three feet nine, lies close to the grave. Whilst at the grave, Mr. Rees, of Llandovery, read several in- teresting notices of the history of Taliesin, out of an unpublished volume of selections from the ancient Welsh MbS. by the late iolo Morganwg. These notices corro- borate the tradition of 1 aliesin's having resided in this neighbourhood upon property bestowed upon him by Gwyddus Garan Hir, Lord of Cautref-y-Gwaelod, and that he must have ended his days here and been buried in the Cairn, now bearing his name. The party then proceeded several miles up the mountain, forming one of the Plinliini-noii range, and at a spot above Nant-y- Nod, they discovered a Druidical circte, consisting of above seventy-six upright stones placed at the distance of three feet from each other, and forming a circle of about two hundred and twenty-eight feet. They also discovered another Druidical circle higher up in the mountain of about ninety feet in circumference, and on the submit of Moel-y-Gaer, they were much gratified with the view of what appears to have been an ancient British fortress formed of loose stones rudelv piled toge- ther, having several hollows near the centre of about eight feet diameter. The circumference of the fortress is about one hundred and fifty feet, and the view from it is most extensive and commanding. The party after- wards examined the Roman Road at Peuaarn Ddu, and returned to Aberystwyth about half-past six, highly gra- tified with this most interesting excursion. A public dinner took place at the Belle Vue Hotel; Sir Stephen R. Glynne presided, supported in the vice- chair by Sir S. R. Mcyrick. In consequence of the excur- sion lasting longer than had been anticipated, the party were not able to sit down to dinner much before 7, there was, therefore, considerable delay in the commencement of the business of the evening. The meeting was crowded, and the following were present this evening, who had not attended the former meeting :— The Countess of Lisburne, Lady Lucy Vaughan, and Miss Hanson, Matthew Davies, Esq., High Sheriff of the County, and lady, Alfred Stephens, Esq., and lady, Miss Morris, and Miss Jones, Charles Parry, Esq., and lady, and Mrs. and Miss Holmes, Mrs. Jas. Davies, Trevechau, and family, Richard Gilbertson, Esq., Sur- geon, Mrs. and Miss Parry, Llediarde, John Parry, Esq., Glanfraith, and lady, Miss Brindley, and school, John M. Davies, Esq., Pantyvedwen, and lady, and Miss Davies, Capt. Bonsall, and Miss Lozen, Mr. Rowland Parry, Mr. and Mn. Lambert, Wm. Williams, Esq., Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Edwards, John Fossett, Esq., and lady, Joseph Downie, Esq., and Miss Downie, Ed- ward Evans, Esq., of Glanfraed, and lady, Mr John Davies, Aberystwith, and Miss Davies, Mr. John Cox, R. O. Walker, Esq., and Miss Walker, Johnson, Esq., from Oxford, and lady, Miss Lawrence, and party, Mrs. Leon, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, John Hughes, Esq., of Laura Place, and Miss Hughes, of Glanrheidol, Itan- dall, Esq., Mr. and Miss Walford, Lieut. T. H. Ford, R.N., and Miss Ford, &c. &c. &c. Shortly after eight the president took the chair, and immediately apologized to the meeting for the delay, ascribing it to the excursion party being detained by the great interest of the scenes they had that day visited. The Dean of Hereford afterwards rose, and having also apologized for the delay, he, in a luminous manner described the grave of Taliesin as well as the other ancient remains which have been already briefly men- tioned. The Dean of Bangor followed on the same topic. top'Ii'hc.e secretary, the Rev. H. L. Jones, then introduced the rules and regulations of the association, and having read them over, they were unanimously passed and approved of. The rev. secretary then proceeded to read a dissertation on the history and architecture of Strata Florida, written by the Rev. G. Roberts. The essay being a lengthened one, only half of it was read, and as the remainder was to be read on the 9th instant, we shall, therefore, defer introducing any passages from it until our next. The Rev. W. J, Rees, Cascob, then read a paper on the ancient tomb of Kington, Herefordshire, in memory of Thomas Vaughan, of Heroes, the most interesting part of which we have copied for our readers. The said Thomas Vaughan for whom the tomb was more immediately erected, wa3 the second son of Sir Roger Vaughan, of Bredwardene, in the county of Here- ford, by his wife Guladus, daughter of the celebrated Sir David Gam, and he was called Thomas ap Rhosser by the Welsh, from the Christian name of his father, who with Sir David Gam, greatly distinguished himself in the important battle of Agincourt, and after having saved the life of fletiry V. by their exertions, both of them, when mortally wounded, received the order of Knighthood foT their loyal an4 heroic achievements. Thomas Vaughan was a person of great importance in his day, exercised great hospitality at Hergest, and possessed as many as eight mansions, where he treated his guests with wine. In the bloody contests between the royal rival houses of York and Lancaster, he took a decided part in favour of that of York, and having joined the forces of his half brother William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, who, in behalf of Edward IV. had ten thousand Welshmen in his army, was present at the bloody battle of Danesmore, about four and five miles from Banbury where he lost his life. The army having marched to the neighbourhood of Banbury, was joined by Lord Stafford with six hundred bowmen, but the two chiefs quarrelling about lodgings at Banbury, separated their forces. The Earl of Pembroke hazarding a battle without the bow- men, was after a contest fought with determined bravery, defeated, to which a mistake during the engagement greatly contributed. The Welsh suffered severely on the occasion, and left five thousand dead on the field of battle. Several persons of consideration were also taken prisoners at the time, and the next day beheaded at Banbury, among whom was the Earl of Pembroke, and Thomas Vaughan. Ellen Vaughan, his wife, whose effigy is with that of her husband, placed on the tomb, was of Linevent in the parish of Llanbister, in the county of Radnor. She was a high spirited lady and was called Ellen Gethin, or Eilen the terrible, on account of her intrepid con- duct, she having herself slain her cousin John Hir ap Philip Vaughan, who had before taken away the life of her brother David Vaughan. Ellen on the death of her husband greatly lamented the loss she had sustained, and to shew her respect for him had his remains brought to Hergest, and buried at ivington, and caused the mag- nificent tomb to be erected to his memory. The Welsh Poet, Lewis, of Glyncothi, who was living at the time, has in his poeins given a vivid description of the battle which caused the ueath of Thomas Vaughan, and also a minute account of the tomb where his remains were deposited, of which the following is an English transla- tion extracted from his seventh poem. A tomb which cost as much as a distant conquest, Its expence was greater than the walls of u tastlo There is an inscription above the tomb. Tne two names are placed together; rilt: name of iibeial Thomas, *ud without separation The name of -L, licii is there likewise. On every part of the Totnb of the departed couple Aie piiiars of white alabaster stone, And thereon is a man with a great head, Anti a beautiful woman under a gilt hillock; Angels are there likewise. And not one of them without an emblazoned shield. It was a good work, a work of three days; A gilt chest full of relics, A large bed with a coloured edge, Bright, square, like the Church of St. Cyrie; A carved stone like a white cock, A stone of defence of the choir of St. David's Cathedral; A white chest, which no one can describe, A white stone closing on its surface. Steel armour above the head of the soldier. A cottin about the bones of the man, A stone altar like the full moon Aud the giit colour on the altar A representation of a wooden chest beneath a light red taper, A representation of a choir closing on the Earl's brother; Insignificant is a grave beneath a mean monument, When compared with the Tomb of Thomas Thomas has happened to have his Tomb In a giit hiilock on a beautiful wall; A second tomb of Huail himself of Canterbury Has been had for the buck of Kington. By the kindness of the secretary, Mr. H. L. Jones, we insert the following extracts from an essay on certain Welsh tombs, and peculiarities connected with them, written by J. O. Westwood, Esq., and which is to be read during the meeting :— None of these English tomb-stones, however, eqnal in interest an elegant slab, being the tomb-stone of Joan, princess of North Wales, daughter of king John. This stone is now preserved in the park of Sir R. Bulkeley, at Baron Hill, near Beaumaris, having been originally at the neighbouring monastery of Llanvaes, founded by Llewelyn ap Jorwerth, Prince of Wales, whose consort Joan, a natural daughter of king John, is represented upon it. At the dissolution of the monastery it was removed from its present situation, and at the com- mencement of the present century was found, face downwards, in a ditch near Llanvaes, the stone coffin which it had covered being used as a watering-trough. It is six feet long, three inches thick, the carving being still quite sharp. It is peculiar for the head dress and ornament of the neck, and especially for having the hands lying open upon the breast; the lower part is entirely filled with beautiful foliated branches, exactly corresponding in style with the illuminated manuscripts of the period. The lower part of the stem is seized by the mouth of a winged dragon. It was this princess who was engaged, according to tradition, in a romantic but tragical intrigue with William de Braose, in 1229,* who had been taken prisoner by Llewellyn at the siege of Montgomery. She appears, however, subse- quently to have regained the affections of Llewellyn, who erected the monastery at Llanvaes over her re- mains, and which was consecrated in 1240. Another figure represents one of three tombs in the church-yard of Llanfihangel Aber Cowin, Carmarthen- shire, near St. Clears, which are affirmed to be the sepulchres of certain holy palmers, who wandered thither in poverty and distress, and about to perish for want, slew each other, the last survivor burying himself in one of the graves which they had prepared, and pulling the stone over, left it ill adjusted in an oblique posture. One of these stones is said to be the grave of a mason, the stone being perforated with a hole its upper half contains a figure of the head, neck, and crossed arms of a man having a cross sculptured on the breast, and with the feet visible at the bottom of the stone; the second has the upper part similar, but the part below the crossed hand is covered with a lattice- like ornament, and the feet are not represented. This is said to cover a glazier an d the third, which is copeu, has merely certain cora-tike mouldings, with a cross at the head, and is referred to a rope-maker. The sanctity of these pilgrims, the natives affirm, keeps the peninsular of Llanfihangel parish free from serpents, toads, or venomous reptiles, the exception being when the tonib-siones are overrun with weeds two similar memorials, one coffin-shaped, the other bearing a head, cross, &c., lie a few yards further to the south. On opening the middle grave, there was found at the depth of four feet, a sort of kistvaen, composed of six slabs of stone, arranged in the shape of an ordinary coffin, two more slabs formed a top and a bottom for the sepulchral chest. In it were found some small bones of a youth or female, and half a dozen shells, each about the size of the palm of the hand, by description precisely eOl rpsponding to the cockle-shells of piigrims, thus evi- dently proving the graves to be those of persons under a vow of pilgrimage, performed by, or attributed to, them. I apprehend these graves may be referred to the fifteenth century. On the floor of the north aisle of Llalldaff cathedrals is a grave-stone, containing 2 heads, which appear to be those of a male and female, the latter in a s quare topped cap of the fifteenth century the remainder of the stone is occupied by a cross with nearly equal arms, connected by fleurs-de-iys, the lower arm testing on the top of a staff, whidl termillalps at the bottom in allot her lkllr-dc- lys. Around the edge of the stone is an im-ciiption, the letters are so clogged with dirt that it was not able to make it out. It commences with >4 i- If I L I P Gtsr It extends round the four edges of the stone, the face of which has also a word or two on the left hand side of the cross. As this stone is not noticed in Browne Willie's Survey of the cathe- dral, it merits attention." The Secretary read some extracts from the Bulklev MSS. which had been placed in his hands by Sir Richari Buikley, with liberty to publish any portions which he considered interesting. The extracts gave an interesting and amusing account of the household expenses of Lord Buikley in the time ofcllarles the First. The Secretary having announced the business of the morrow, the meeting broke up, it being then about 11 o'clock. The Dean of Hereford then in a brief speech moved that previously to the separation of the meeting for this year, the names of the members of the association will- ing to contribute towards the fund for the repairs of the parish Church of Llanbadarn Fawr, in the neighbour- hood of Aberystwyth, be received on a paper to be left in the room of the meeting for that purpose, and that cir- culars to that effect be issued throughout South Wales. W. W. Wynne, Esq., seconded tne motion, which after a few words from Lord Dungannon, and the Rev. John Hughes, Vicar of Llanbadarn Fawr, was put to the vote, and carried unanimously. As an immense number of strangers now resident at Aberystwith, have expressed a wish to be supplied with copies of our present week's impression, a short account of the Castle of Aberystwith, abridged from a recent number of the Welshman, will no doubt be acceptable to them, as conveying some account of the place of meeting. ABERYSTWITH CASTLE AND THE OLDEN TjilE. Abejystwith Castle is well deserving of attention. Looked upon by those who see nothing beyond the ignorant present" it is a heap of ruins, nothing more, but to those whose mental vision can pierce the gloom of the past, these ruins are the emblems of the burning hatred that for cen- turies existed between the Welsh and the English. Though the name of the First Edward is associated in the minds of Englishmen, with everything great in warlike achievements, and wise in civil polity yet to the Welsh he was for centuries known only as the Ruthless King"—the conqueror of Wales, and the slayer of the last of their native sovereigns. It will, therefore be no slight stimulus to the curiosity of the stranger in view- ing the ruins, to be informed that this was one of the castles which Edward the Frst erected for curbing this part of the Principality immediately after the final subju- gation of Wales and the death of Llewellyn. But it should be kept in mind there were other castles success- ively built and destroyed near the same spot in the mur- derous warfare between the English and Welsh for cen- turies before. That Henry the 5th, the hero of Agincourt, fleshed his maiden sword in Wales is well known, though not equally so, that Aberystwith was for many years the arena of contest between him and the fiery Glendower, and that it was here or in the immediate neighbourhood that the latter (then crowned Prince of Wales) received the ambassadors of the French King. After the final pacification of the Principality upon the death of Glen- dower, we hear little of Aberystwith Castle, until the time of Charles the First, when the silver dug out of the neighbouring hills was deposited within its walls, and coined by royal authority. There are several pieces then coined at the Aberystwith mint, still extant. The catas- trophe may be soon related. After holding out for some time in favour of Charles, the castle was taken and re duced to its present state by the troops of the Common- wealth; and it may be said of it that it was erected in consequence of the hatred of the Welsh to one English monarch, and destroyed as a proof of their lore for ano- ther, thus showing the healing influence of time iu re- m(ljtJ3.nationallUJtitathic6.
I * -- THURSDAY. -,
I THURSDAY. The excursion fixed upon for this day was to the Ruins of Strata Florida Abbey, but as we are precluded from giving the details of the excursion from the necessity of complying with Post Office arrangements, it must there- fore suffice at present to state that Col. Powell, M. P. having been applied to, immediately and in the most handsome manner gave the association leave to make excavations into the ruins; in consequence of which, the secretary, the Rev. AV. L. Jones, together with John M. Davies, Esq., Pantyfedwen, one of the local committee, rode up to the Str Ha Florida on Monday last, and imme- diately employed workmen to make the proper exca- vations, and these men were so employed during the whole of the early part of the week. Yesterday morning a large party, consisting principally of the same gentle- men that went to Bedd Taliesin, together with several otticts, started from Aberystwith at 9 o'clock, for the purpose of visiting the ruins of that celebrated Abbey' the result of which excursion we must, for the above reasons, reserve for our next week's impression which will also contain an account of the remainder of the meeting, together witn a description of the ancient ar- mour, coins, and other antiquities exhibited in the room at the meeting.
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The political aspect of Continental Europe at the present moment is such as to inspire more of fear than of hope as to a long duration of peace. In Italy the present state of things cannot long continue. The great High Priest of the Roman Catholic world, ever since the days of Charlemagne, has been viewed as one of the independent potentates of Europe. As such, even Buonaparte recognized him-that is, after sufficiently clipping his wings, so that, as a temporal prince, he could give him no molestation—perceiving that, in his spiritual capacity, he could be of considerable service to him, he saw meet to restore him not only to the Ponti- ficate but to the nominal sovereignty of a consider- able portion of what are termed the Estates of the Church. Of the present Pontiff it may be truly affirmed that the eyes of the civilized world are now intently directed to him. Ever Rince the sanction of the college of Cardinals (strange that such a body should have made such a choice) conferred on him the triple crown, Pope Pius IX. has steadily and firmly pursued a course of political and social reforms, and these reforms he has carried into every department of the executive govern- ment. Yes, reader, smile if you will at the idea of a reforming Pope, the middle of the nineteenth century has witnessed the phenomenon. The despotic sovereigns of Europe have marked the policy of the present suc- cessor of St. Peter, and cursed it in their hearts. But, as says the Spanish proverb, Curses, like chickens, come home to roost," i. e. return on the heads of those who utter them. No despot can possibly bear good will to the amiable and enlightened Pius IX. but the lord of the ascendant in the Aulic Council, Prince Metternich, who, during the greater part of the present century, has led the Emperors of Austria by the nose, and since the death of the old fox Talleyrand, has been regarded as the craftiest statesman of Europe, clearly discerns in his holiness the abettor of principles which breathe liberty and freedom to serfs and bondsmen, which are subversive of tyranny, and which, from the proximity of the Papal States to Lombardy and the Tyrol, might one day originate a revolution in what, by a species of fiction that savours of burlesque, is styled the Holy Roman Empire. As the patrimony of St. Peter forms but a small territory, in 1815, the upright and pure-minded diplomatists and crowned-heads who com- posed the convention of Vienna saw meet to place it, in some measure, under the tutelage and guardianship of Austria. But the Pope and his subjects did not un- derstand that this guardianship conferred upon the Austrian authorities the power or the light, at their own pleasure, to march troops into the Papal States, to take possession of fortified totynat and to over-awe the people and their rulers. All this, however, Austria has repeatedly done and within the last two months her soldiers not only entered the important town of Ferrara, but are now in possession of its citadel, while their pa- trols are distributed over the whole of the town and its neighbourhood And what do our readers think has induced Prince Metternich, the chief of the Aulic Council, to commit this act of aggression upon the liberties of an inde- pendent state ? Why, the spirit of the Holy Alliance is strong in the breast of this dear quondam friend of our Castlereagh and Addington. The States of the Church march with Lombardy, or that fair portion of northern Italy, the perpetual sovereignty of which. bv the Congress of Vienna, in 1315, white it was engaged in the pleasant work of cutting and carving kingdoms, and giving away whole provinces JR a certain class of directors do railway shares, was made over to Austria. It is known to all who are well read in history, that the people of North Italy, ever since the fall of Constantinople and the total subversion of the Greek Empire, in 1453, when science took its western flight," have formed the most intelligent, enlightened, and enterprising portion of the population of the Aus- onian Peninsula. They bear the Austrian yoke, but it sorely galls them. They sigh for liberty. With pride and sorrow they reflect upon the three centuries during which the wealth, the commerce, the naval and military prowess, and the triumph of the arts and sciences, made the Northern Italian republics the wonder of the world. Prince Metternich is cognizant of their longings after pristine freedom. He is conscious that he rules them by his bayonetted legions, and not by the empire of love. It is nttf to be expected, therefore, that he should view with complacency the important and extensive re- forms which he who fills the chair of St. Peter has so magnanimously, sua sponte, carried into every depart- ment of his government. His people almost worship him, not merely as their spiritual head, but as their beneficent benefactor and paternal governor. When the eye sees him it glistens with delight and filial at- tachment, and when the ear hears him the tongue blesses him. To curb the power of such a sovereign, and to fetter him in the career of universal reform, the members of the Aulic Council, all of whom are presumed to be devout sons of the church, have caused two regi- ments of Austrian soldiers to enter the Papal Statest and to take possession of Ferrara, at which the people are so indignant that even the influence of the Pontiff, whom they so much venerate, can with difficulty restrain them from assailing and massacring those whom they view as their tyrant op pressorto. And is there no enlightened friendly power to which the Pope can appeal in this emergency ? Can it be that Britons and Frenchmen hear with indifference the tale of the insults which the eourt of Vienna is now offer- ing to a comparatively weak but independent sovereign, who has incurred the enmity of his powerful neighbour solely by his generous efforts to confer blessings on his subjects, and to raise them in the scale of civilized men In what light an immense majority of our own countrymen and of the French nation view the conduct of Austria in this matter there can be no mistake; but as to the part which the respective Governments of the two most powerful states of Europe may see meet to take we have as yet no data on which to form a decided opinion. That Lord Palmerston, with the full approval of his colleagues, is disposed to strengthen the hands of his Holiness in ameliorating the moral, social, and poli- tical condition of his people, we hold to be beyond dis- pute; but we have no intimate relations with the Papal Court. Great Britain, in the eyes of a devout Ro- manist, is a land of heresy and heretics. Former Popes, ever since the days of Cranmer and Knox, have never recognized us as a Christian nation. Nay, the sentence of excommunication which was fulminated against us at the Reformation has never been revoked. We still lie under the interdict or anathema which She of Rome unsparingly hurls against all schismatics; and hence Britain has no representative in the Eternal City." Several of the leading journals of Paris have indeed assured their readers that, as early as the second week of August, several British men of war, having two regiments of soldiers on board, had sailed from Corfu for Ancona, a fortified town in the Papal States, situ- ated on the: Adriatic gulf. The Tinu. and Chronide, however, without authoritatively contradicting this state- ment, treat it as a mere rumour. But how will the French Government act in this matter ? asks every politician. Will Louis Philippe stand passively by and see Austria re-enact in Italy the part which, to the eternal shame of France, she was lately permitted to play in Poland, when she annihilated the independent^ of rticow ? Of Louin Pbilippe and his ministers, of the intrigues of the Tuileries, and of the character and general conduct of the French Ca- binet, we shall have occasion to speak in a future article. Meantime the part that the King of the French and his Cabinet are playing, and for a long time have too successfully played, in Spain and Greece, is by no means calculated to inspire the hope that they will, in a disinterested and patriotic spirit, lend the Roman Pontiff that assistance which would enable him to brave the power of the House of Hapsburg, and to carry out the salutary reforms which his enlightenment enables him to see are necessary to the happiness and prosperity of his people. By the latest intelligence from Rome it appears that the people—who own the Pope as their Sovereign as well as their Spiritual Father—while they hope but little from France, exult in the thought that we, here- tical Britons, arc about to vouchsafe to them the in- vulnerable a-yis of our protection, and to say to Austria, Hitherto shall thou come, and no farther." In all parts of the city, and even in the country towns, the men throw up their caps, and shout Britain is for us, and therefore we shall soon chase away the mustachioed Austriitns We earnestly hope that the disturbances and bicker- ings which now distract the Peninsula, Switzerland, Greece, and Italy, may be all speedily arranged, and an end put to them but as faithful journalists we will not attempt to conceal the fact, that such is the state of Europe at the present moment that a single spark may light up the flames of a war which, in her length and breadth, may carry misery and desolation into her fairest provinces, and, in one short year, undo much of the good which has resulted from thirty-two years of peace. That the Great Arbiter of human affairs may avert such a sore evil from the most important portion of the earth's surface, must be the fervent prayer of every Christian philanthropist—of every lover of peace. To the spirit of intrigue, to the insatiable desire for family aggrandisement, to a love of intermeddling, and to a contemptible jealousy of the maritime superiority and commercial greatness of Britain, on the part of one in- dividual, and not to the bias or wishes of the European population generally, the present disturbed state of the countries already named is mainly owing. We beg to tell that individual, that ere he light the torch of war, he had better bit down and reckon up its probable cost to himself, for there is strong reason to believe that its upshot would be to make him the first and the last of his dynasty.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. CARMARTHENSHIRE. In consequence of an appointment to the situation of Stamp Distributor for this District, Mr. Phil. G. Jones is reported to have stated his intention to resign the office of clerk to the Borough Magistrates. We under- stand that a canvass for the vacancy thus occasioned has been already commenced, and we are informed that a gentleman well qualified to undertake the duties of the office has signitied his willingness to do so, and also to relieve the Borough from the payment of the annuity to the former Clerk to the Justices. We hope the qualifi- cations of the various candidates will be well weighed by the magistrates (especial reference being had to the offer we have alluded to as relieving the Borough from a large expenditure) and in any appointment that may be made we sincerely trust the legal knowledge and ac- quirements of the gentleman selected may be such as will cause this Borough to be no longer the laughing- stock of our friends, the Llandilo and Llandovery soli- citors, who have invariably of late been successful against this parish in all appeals against orders of re- moval from this Borough, mainly through the defects in the legal formula adopted by the magistrates' clerk. CARMARTHEN LANCASTKUIAN SCHOOL.—The com- mittee of this excellent. Institution having resolved to build new school rooms for the children of the poor, have this week been engaged in canvassing the town for subscriptions. D. Morris, Esq., the lion, member for the borough, with his characteristic liberality, has sub- scribed E50. About 9200 has since been added and it is confidently expected that when the deputation again renew their appeal, a handsome addition will be made to the sum alieady promised. The school has been in existence upwards of thirty years, and being perfectly unsectarian in its principles, is well entitled to public suppoit. It is but jutice to our respected rp. presentative to say that his donation was spontaneously offered some years ago, to be forthcoming whenever the committee resolved upon building. I Titit CAKMAUTHBN PETTY SKSSIONAL BUSINESS of Friday lust promised to be unusually heavy, but after waiting nearly an hour for a second migistrate, (the Mayor being the only one nresent,) all the cases were compelled to be adjourned for a week. On Thursday, Anne Awbrey was again charged with the old offence of drunkenness and disorderly conduct and incarcerate d for 3 months. THE POTATOE DISEASE.—A correspondent who has taken great pains in the cultivation of the potatoes, has favoured us with the result of his observations respecting the my.'terious disease which has affected this useful edible, and thus explains its pmgruss :—" \bout the be- ginning of July I perceived some symptoms of the re- appearance of the disease and on examining some of the tubers I found small black spots upon them. In about a fortnight's time both stalk and tuber had suffered much, and at the commencement of August the stalk had nearly all gone. Upon examining the tubers, I found the produce very fair iu number, each averaging from 12 to 15 and about half of the largest of them rotten. I have examined them again this week, and filld those that were rotting have shrivelled up to nothing leaving merely their skins. A few of them were in a state of decomposition. I consider that nearly half of the latest formation have remained as yet unaffected, but some of the tubers appear scaled as if the disease is leaving them. They are the common white potatoe and the seed was obtained from France. Several different methods of steeping were employed with portions of them, but all turned out fruitless." AN INQUEST was held on the 31st ult., in the parish of Llanegwad, before Daniel Price, Esq., coroner, on the body of John Davies, a young lad in service at Cily- berllan who was killed the previous morning by a loaded limber carriage parsing over his body on the highway, near Cross Inn, in consequence of his having acciden- tally fallen down before the wheels, whilst the carriage was in motion. The deceased was the driver of it, and was accompanied by another carriage, the driver of which had him conveyed home in a cart on some straw, but he only survived the accident two hours. Verdict accordingly. 37th Foot—Major Francis Skelly to be Lieutenant- Colonel, without purchase; Brevet Major Brownlow Villiers Layard to he Major, vice Skelly Lieutenant Jones Butler Staveley to be Captain, vice Layard Lieutenant Henry Thomas, from 9th Foot, to be Lieu- tenant, vice Staveley, Sept. 3. 76th Foot—Major John Heneage Grubbe to be Lieutenant-Colonel, without purchase. FRASKR'S MAGAZINE.—The September number of this excellent serial has come to hand. It is without doubt a most amusing as well as instructive periodical The first paper, that on The Girondists, Jacobins, and M. de Lamartine, Deputy for Macon," gives a variety of excellent persona! memoirs of the self-styled patriots of the French Revolution, which cannot but be read with eager interest. A defence of a Classical Education" is a rather pedantic affair, and much more dry and musty than the classics, the study of which it recom- mends. Juan Moreda, the Slave Hunter," developes some curious phases of the African slave trade. It also depicts an instance of retributive justice upon a hard hearted slave-driver. Hands and Gloves" is a most amusing paper, and the writer has pressed all hands" into bis service. A Visit to the Wine Country of Portugal" is well timed, and will be read with avidity by those who appreciate the purple juices" of Oporto. "A Batch of Parliamentary Barristers" adds another laurel to the wreath which decorates the brow of the author of Literary Legislature," and at the same time displays a considerable amount of indefatigable research. The Old Judge" by Sam Slick, is rather flat this month, and displays none of that racy vein of anecdote we have on former occasions so highly enjoyed. The Orator of the Shop" is a rank Anti-Demagogue article, and if such scenes ever could happen would deter any one from thinking of a Radical without the most intense horror. The tale, however, is not founded on fact, neither is its fiction at all less strange than the supposed fact. We have quoted The Merchant of Marseilles" at length in our 4th page; our readers will therefore be enabled to judge of its quality for themselves. An article attempting to indicate that History has not gained from the writings of Sir Walter Scott had better have been omitted from the number. "The Sanitary Question" is well con- sidered, and A day on the Moors" appropriately introduced completes the sum total of the articles in this month's Fraser. LLAN DOVFRY.N,lr. Allen, the Government School In- s pector, visited Llandovery on Wednesday last, when he inspected the national schools in that town, which were opened in March last. The various classes were examined separately, the first in Arithmetic, the Scriptures, Ca- techism, English Grammar, and Geography; the serond in Reading, Writing, and Aiithmetic the tltird in Spelling, Reading, Writing and Dictation and the In- fants in their little chaunting lessons. All performed their tasks with credit, considering the short time they had been in training. The progress of the first class, in particular, elicited from Mr. Allen high commen- dations of Mr. Wood, the master's judicious manage- ment and care in bringing his pupils forward; the ge- neral conduct of the achoohi was •atisfoctary.
CARMARTHEN TOWN COUNCIL.
CARMARTHEN TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting was held on Tuesday last, at which there were presentThe Mayor, Alderman C. Jones, Coun- cillors, E. H. Stacey, Geo. Davies, J. Adams, Job Jones, J. Lewis, T. Jones, D. Evans, and T. Richards. The Town Clerk remarked that a special notice had been given at the last meeting that on this occasion the liabilities and assets of the Corporation would be ascer- tained He produced the book in which he kept an account of all orders for payments made by the Council, but they would not gain any knowledge of their liabilities from that as many of the sums entered might have been paid, and others were not paid. The Treasurer's book alone could show the real state of affairs, and that could not be obtained as he was absent on professional business. Mr. T. Richards said that there evidently was a wrong impression on the minds of several councillors as to what Mr. Walter Lloyd had said respecting a further advance to the Corporation. Mr. C. Brigstocke had stated that Mr. Lloyd was willing to advance E500 over and above what he had done already. But in a conversation which he (Mr. Richards) had had with Mr. Lloyd that gentleman distinctly said he would not make any further advance, but would apply the E500 which the collector was about to pay in to the purpose of liqui- dating the 1:800 he had already advanced, and would then consent to allow E-500 to stand over until March next. At the present moment Mr. Lloyd had paid E400 more than he had received, while there were numerous large claims against the Corporation, and the regular officials of the town would expect their salaries in due course. The Mayor said that he distinctly understood Mr. Lloyd to say that he would allow the E800 which he had advanced, to stand over till March, and that he would apply the quarterly instalment of the rate to the payment of the demands upon the Corporation. Mr. Adams also understood that such was the ar- rangement. Mr. E. H. Stacey said under those circumstances no bills but those which were absolutely peremptory could be paid. There was one bill however which it would be requisite to pass. He alluded to the bill for the mainte- nance of prisoners in the County Gaol. Mr. Westlake was about to leave the town and it would be desirable to pass the bill at once, it having been already duly certified. The bill was then passed, as was also the bill for income tax upon the Corporation property. All other bills were postponed. The Town Clerk announced that previous to the next meeting the Crane and Quay dues would require to be re-let. He wished to know the decision of the Council respecting them. Mr. Job Jones objected to letting them for twelve months, as it was more than probable that in the next session of Parliament, a bill would be introduced for the improvement of the river and the levying of additional tonnage dues. Mr. D. Morris, M.P., was in communication with the Admiralty and Trinity Boards upon the subject and it would be highly injudicious under such circum- stances to let the tolls for more than six months. The necessity of levying higher tolls was shewn by the fact that the Phoenix paid EIIO a year at Tenby for Harbour dues, whilst she paid but E12 in Carmarthen. Mr. E. H. Stacey observed that Carmarthen was the only port in the kingdom where no Harbour dues were imposed. The Mayor observed that under the old Charter all Carmarthen-built vessels were exempt from paying port charges in anv of the ports of the kingdom. Mr. E. H. Stacey said that all the old Charters had gone to the dogs. (Laughter.) In one old document of this description power was given to the Mayor of Car- marthen to travel from this town to London without paying any tolls, but if the Mayor were to attempt such a journey now he would soon find out his mistake. (Laughter.) It was then arranged that the Crane and Quay dues should be let by public auction. Mr. E. H. Stacey said that if the Council would allow him he would propose Mr. William Jones, Old Foundry, who had lately commenced business as an auctioneer and whom he considered it would be advisable to en- courage, to let the tolls. Mr. John Adams seconded the motion, which was car- ried unanimously. The Mayor read a letter from Mr. Wilson, surveyor to the South Wales Railway Company, from which it ap- peared that it had been discovered that an additional portion of Corporation land would be required for the purposes of the Railway, as one field which belonged to the Corporation had been supposed by the Compan' y to to be the property of another party. The amount of- fered was jC655 for 3 acres I rood and 16 perches of land The former sum named was X460. After some conversation, the matter was left to Mr. George Goode, for arrangement, as valuer to the Cor- poration. The Mayor announced that Mr. John Timmins was in the habit of breaking the lock of the gates at the North entrance to the Parade. Inspector George said that the gates were kept open from 9 in the morning until 7 in the evening. Several Councillors expressed their astonisment at Mr. Timmins's conduct, and suggested that each inha- bitant of the Parade should be furnished with a key. The Mayor said that had already been done. The Inspector was then instructed to inform the ma- gistrates whenever a similar occurrence transpired. A bill of f39 for making the toll boards in the New Market, being C 19 10s. for each board, was referred to the Market Committee. Inspector George complained that the lessees of the Market Tolls allowed women with apple baskets to hawk their fruit about the streets without payment of the toll, and that consequently the footway became obstructed. George was ordered to insist upon the narrow parts of the pavement being kept clear, but to act with discretion. Mr. Collard presented his estimate for raising and completing the Parade wa!i, which would cost £ fi l()s. for e.iCh foot in height to a length of 95 perches, being altogether (in case the wall was raised four feet) £53, This would be the cost provided the stones of the old gaol were used, and at present they required removal, as they formed all obstruction, and had a tendency to create a nuisance. Mr. George Davies objected to the expenditure of a single shilling upon the Parade until the Council was in better circumstances with regard to financial affairs. After some discussion the subject was postponed. Mr. Collard, however, was ordered to sell the old iron which had been dispensed with in the late Borough Gaol, and also all the iron taken from the old market. Iu order to suit the convenience of the Town Clerk, as well as the Council, the future meetings were arranged to be held upon the first Tuesday in every month. The meeting then adjourned to Tuesday, the fifth of October, and as that will be the last meeting in the mu- nicipal year, the Treasurer's estimate for the ensuing 12 months will then be produced, and a rate voted for the purposes of the Borough.
_.-SOUTH WALES RAILWAY.
SOUTH WALES RAILWAY. the tiailway Uazette, auer »ume introductory remams upon railway meeting s in general, proceeds thus to advert to the last half-yearly meeting of the South Wales Railway Company — We do not hesitate to pronounce the result of the meeting equally honourable to directors and proprietors. The entire absence of bickering and insinuation, which but too often display themselves at such meetings, was a peculiar feature on the late occasion. Indeed, there was not the slightest room, that we could discern, for any- thing beyond the most perfect contentment. Mr. C. Russell, the chairman, is gaining golden opinions from all parties by the amenity, frankness, and liberality which he displays in his important position. His address was all that could be wished his explanations such as a gen- tleman and a man of business would place implicit reliance upon. In fact, it leaves us nothing to say, as far as the business details are concerned. We may, however just allude to the fact of the interference of the Legislature in the matter of paying interest on the calls. The conduct of the late Parliament in this respect is condemned on all hands it is, in fact, indefensible, and can only be accounted for by assuming that the Legislature was ig- norant of the practical operation of such a prohibition, and of the fallacious grounds on which they proceeded to legislate. Mr. C. Russell and Mr. Chaplin, it appears, were the only two members who had the honesty and boldness to oppose and expose the mischievous folly of the prohibitory clause. They were, however, unsuccess- ¡ ful, but little doubt is entertained that the future Parlia- ment will rescind the restrictions—and here it is to be I regretted that railway shareholders generally for the pre- sent are deprived of the valuable parliamentary services of Mr. C. Russell, with respect to this question and other important matters in which their interests are vitally in- volved. Sure we are when the ministerial war against the railway system conies into open operation, that no loss will be so deeply felt by the railway interest as the loss occasioned by Mr. Russell from his previous legis- lative post. Though the shareholders are deprived solely by Parliament of the legal right of receiving five per cent. on their subscriptions, still they will in ettect have this full advantage secured to them, if not in a direct, at least in an indirect form. They have Mr. Russell's promise for this, and on this promise they may safely rely. We have only now to say a few words on a subject that has occupied our attention of late, and towards which the monied public is rapidly and intently turning its attention. We allude to the superior and increasing eligibility of railways as a source of permanent investment. After mature consideration, the conclusion we have arrived at is, that the very best of all investments is an investment in a souud railway scheme. As inquiries have been nu- merous on this head, we shall take this opportunity of stating our unbiassed opinion of the South Wales Rail- way as one of these investments. We are well acquain- ted with this undertaking, ab ovo. We have the fullest confidence in the profitable issue of the project and in- deed, our impression of its future pecuniary value—apart from all other advantages in a social, commercial, and national point of view, is such, that we think the Great Western in its bargain has had none the worst. When the Irish lines are completed, the South Wales will ine- vitably engross a large portion of the Irish traffic. When the feeders to the bouth Wales line from the mineral districts are completed and the South Wales line itself is in full action—then, we say, that this line will be second to none in importance and returns. Secured as it is by the guarantee of the powerful Great Western Company, with a fixed foundation of 5 per cent. in perpetuity, and half surplus profits in addition after five years, we do fearlessly and honestly assert that no better investment can be found than an investment in this company. Other companies may possess similar advantages, but there are none that we are acquainted with which possess higher recommen dations.
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CARMARTHEN SEPTEMBER FAIR was held yesterday in Priory Street. There was but an ordinary show of cattle and horses for the former there was no demand, except for fat cattle, of which none were offered but of horses scarcely any were offered. DRYSLWYN CATTLE AND HORSE FAIR was held on Tuesday last. The show was meagre, the weather un- propitious, and the fair badly attended. Scarcely a dozen animals changed bands, and thone at lower ratu than of late.
LLANELLY RAILWAY. I
LLANELLY RAILWAY. I To the Editor of the PLi liltoay Record. _1.4 I ?!R.—isawm your valuable journal a few w ago, a paragraph relating to the Committee of the I*? nelly and Llandilo Railway Company holding tb?  meetings with closed doors, wh-ich precautionary step appeared to cause you some alar in at tbe time. But, Mr. Editor, did you know under what sort &f mau?. ment the shareholders of that ill-iated line are doom*j to suffer, you would not won de r at both doors ad windows of the secret rcndezvo: us being shut, or the place occupied by those who could manage the affairg 0 the ill-requited shareholders of tha t miserably, line. But as I am an eye-witnesq to a great deal their out-door bungling, I will Csbould, you think 1 worthy of publicity), for the information of the sh*^ holders and the public in general, give you a short bOl concise account of their proceedings every week, uBI the present managers are prevented d oing further dainsge at the expense of the shareholders, and risk of life at limb of her Majesty's subjects tho ugh, nc doubt, t? will be allowed time to gain a notoriety not at 0 I enviable. In my next, I will give yo-u an account of ;if starting of their trains from, and their arrival at W dock the distance travelled by each engine per d'Y' and the amount of tonnage per jourrney. Likewise tO age and practice of the boys who drive the engines, aD r the accidents that occur each trip v* ith the name Of each engine and driver; the number -of vessels in thr I dock, and their tonnage and time of lading -r and tb*" name of those vessels which may leave not being abif to get coal, occasioned by the delays on the line. Thefr expenses for haulage alone in the third week of August, will more than double the income. So much, mr, Editor, for the Committee with closed doors-so mucb' for the ignorance of the superintendence—and so mucJa; for the much-to-be-pitied shareholders of the LlanelIf and Llandilo Railway. Since copying the above, I have learmt that the coal- owners of the Valley, and others interested in tblv prosperity of the line, are about to petition the Sautl» Wales Railway Company to take up this line. Yours, truy, I AN OLD ENGINE-DRIVBB- 1 Llanelly, August 27, 1847. J [We have received other letters to the ixamo easwg-' | ED. R.R.]
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LLANBOIDY PETTY SESSIONS were held on Tuesdaf last, before the Rev. J. Evans, Clerk, J. T. Beynot>r W. R. H. Powell, and J. G. L. P. Lewis, Esquiwes-- Theophilus Thomas v. The South Wales Railway Com- pany. This was a case of trespass alleged to have beeul committed by Mr. Garrett, one of the contractors, for portion of the South Wales Line upon the land of com* plainant, called Wayntrebethe, in the parish of Cily" maenllwyd, in this county, for the purpose of the rail- way without the consent of the tenant first had, by which the Company rendered themselves liable to » penalty of £10. Mr. T. Lewis and Mr. H. P. Good* appeared for complainant, and Mr. Phil. Jones, Mr. Alfred Thomas, Mr. Brodie, Mr. Oakden, and Mr. Garret, for the Company. Service of summons upon the Company was admitted. Theophilus Thomas waf- sworn and deposed :—I am the tenant of Wayntrebethe. I took it last Christmas for three years my tenancy commenced from Sept. previous. On the 4th of August last, Thomas Churchill, Henry John, and T. Griffithot- persons employed upon the South Wales Railway, caroor I to Wayntrebethe farm, and threw down my hedge there. They said Mr. Garrett sent them. I told Churchill he was not to go on the farm without Mr. Goode's consent;- they then went away. I never gave the Company leave to enter my land without the consent of Mr. Goode or myself. Cross-examined by Mr. Jones :—-I know a man of the name of John David. I desired him to go to Haverfordwest to Mr. Goode, and settle- with him for the land. I never gave any person leave t*, go upon my land without Mr. Goode's consent. I saw the man put up the railing, and I did not prevent him. When I found the land was going to be taken for the railway, I grazed it, which I should not otherwise have done. Henry John was sworn and said :—I remember the 4th of August last, being in company with Churchill and Griffiths, taking down the hedge on the land of Wayntrebethe. I heard complainant tell Churchill that ¡ he should not take down the hedge without the consent of Mr. Goode. Cross-examined by Mr. Jones --Com- plainant did not tell me that he had given consent to the Company to take down his hedge. Thomas Griffiths- was next sworn. He deposed as follows :—I remember being engaged on the 4th of August last for the South Wales Railway Company, in taking down the hedge of complainant. I heard complainant tell us to stop. He 1 said we had better stop. Mr. II. P. Goode having been j sworn, said :—I was engaged by complainant to nego- i tiate with the South Wales Railway Company, for his, land. I saw the workmen working upon his land. The damage done on the 4th of August was L10. No per- j son on the part of the Company has endeavoured to treat with me for his land. For the defence, John, David was called, and having been sworn, deposed :—I j know complainant, and the land occupied by him. Hit told me to go to Robeston, and tell Mr. Garrett that he might go upon his land and work, as there should be no variance between them. Cannot remember the day of the month I had this conversation with him, but it was before the hedge was taken down. John Davie. was next sworn and said :-1 know complainant and the piece of ground required by the Railway  He told me to tell Mr. Garrett and Tom Gre?. th\ they had hi* permission to go upoo his land. I "en purposely to Mr. crarreu atra told him so. Thomas Cliurchill deposed :—I know complainant and his land r when the cutting was made by the Railway Company, complainant told me that we might go on with the work, that he wished it had gone on before, as he did not wish to prevent it. Mr. Oakden having been sworn, said :—I am the engineer for that portion of the work. where the land of the complainant lies. As soon as I was informed that complainant objected to the men going upon his land, I stopped them working there. This closed the case, and after a little deliberation, the justices dismissed the complaint. Mr. Jones then ap- plied to the justices under the 22d s of the Act, to settle the amount of compensation which Theophilus- Thomas was entitled to, and after examining Mr. A. Thomas as to the value, who said that E5 was the worth, but that he had offered £10, the justices awarded £10 2s., which was accepted by Thomas.-Li- censes were then granted to the publicans' for the' en- suing year.—Martha Oloen v. W. Jenkins. This was an application for an order of affiliation. Order made- which completed the business of the day. LLANDILO PETTY SEssIONs.-Before John Lewisr D. Pugh, and G. B. Jones, Esquires. -Phillip Gittingt, a mason, working at Llandilo bridge, was brought up in custody by Sergeant John Edwards, of Cross Inn, on a warrant granted against him for assaulting P.C. John Robinson, the evening before, whilst in the execution of his duty. John Robinson stated :-I was on duty on Friday evening last about 7 o'clock. I saw the prisoner drunk and disorderly. I advised him to go home quietly and not make such a disturbance in the street; when he began to curse and swear in a most disgraceful manner. Finding that I could not prevail on him to leave the street, I took him into custody. In going towards the lock-up he was comparatively quiet; but opposite the Manchester House, he swore he would not be locked up and seized me by the collar. I put up my hand to free his hold of my jacket, when the prisoner said he would knock my head off. He struck at me with his right hand which I stopped with my left. By this time, a great number of persons came and requested me to let the prisoner go, saying that I should not take him to the lock-up, and obstructed me from taking him. I have suffered from the violence made use of towards me then. Cross-examined by Mr. G. P. Price :—I was not at all drunk at 4 o'clock. There was a row about 4 o'clock. I went up, but did not interfere. Some were equally as disorderly as Gittings was, but I did not take them up. The reason I took Gittings up was I had seen him disorderly before. I took him up some time back, but I did not tell him I would allow him to be free for 5s. I made no claim upon him for making up at any time. When prisoner resisted he said he would go with Jones to the lock-up but that I should not take him. I swear that he struck at me, but I cannot say that any other person saw the blow but myself. P.C. Jones said he was present, he had been sent by Robinson for the keys of the lock-up. Henry Howells, a mason, was called, who stated :-1 was coming down the street. I saw Robinson pressing the prisoner against the wall of the Ship. Robinson called on me to assist him. I did not do so. I went away, as I was afraid to assist him. 1 saw all that passed. I saw him do nothing to Robinson. I heard Robinson call on others to assist him. Mr. Seton being sworn, stated :—I was standing near the Post Office and heard prisoner address himself to Robinson, stating that he had behaved worse than a pickpocket to him in the afternoon, and made use of other bad language. Robinson told him to go home, otherwise he would lock him up. Prisoner moved a few yards off and stated h. had been born in a better country than Robinson had even been in, upon which Robinson went up and took prisoner by the collar. When Robinson told prisoner, I shall lock you up, he answered, I shall go with you, and added that if he had done anything wrong, he had money to pay for it. At this time prisoner was making use of no bad language. Robinson then took him in the direction of the lock-up, and opposite the Ship they were met by about 20 persons. There was a resistance made by the prisoner and his party. I watched the whole proceedings, but I saw no blow. Prisoner might have struck a blow, but I believe he did not. Instantly on prisoner saying he had been born in a better country than Robinson had been in, he took him into custody. Cross-examined by the Bench :—I was within 5 or 6 yards of them when the alleged assault was supposed to have been made, but I did not see it. I acknowledge that the prisoner might have struck, but it is not very likely, or else I should have seen him. John Rees, Llandilo, and Joshua Jones, corroborated the last wit- ness's statement, and said that if the assault had been committed they could not fail to have seen it. Wm. Lloyd, Llandilo, on being examined, stated, he was quite close to the parties, and that no such assault was committed. Cross-examined by Robinson :—I swear the prisoner did not take you by the collar nor strike you. Mr. Robinson at this state of the case politely declined to put any more questions. Complaint dis- missed. Win, Williams, mason, was also brought up by Mr. Robinson, charged with having assaulted Thos. Lewis, the hall-keeper, who put in no appearance, stating that he had no complaint against defendant, and that he never gave him in charge, nor did the young man strike him. Complaint dismissed.