Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

3 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

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TO CORRESPONDENTS.

THE CENSUS OF 1861.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

THE CENSUS OF 1861. THIS week a petition most numerously signed has been forwarded to our member for presentation to the House of Commons, ex- pressing the strong dissent of a numerous and a respectable body to the inquisitorial clause in the Census Act of 1861. a clause which would empower all officials employed in the collection of census forms, to demand the religious persuasion of every individual. Open minded men may not at once see any objection to this clause. They are members say of a dissenting body, or of the establi- shed church; they have voluntarily embraced certain religious opinions, and care not who knows them. But let these men look behind the simple question, and they will see reason why a strong protest should be raised against the clause. In the first place, it is inquisi- torial, it allies us too closely for our approval to the people who crouch under the iron rule of Russia, Austria, and France. In th.j matter of our ages, the number of our fami- lies, the names of our trade or profession, wo are all careless-though we may remark, in. cidentally, in regard to age," ladies never fail to raise objections, and we fear make the statistical information gained on that point of a very unsatisfactory character. But when the governing powers, not content with the replies to these simple questions, show a de- sire to cross-examine us, school bov fashion, on our religious opinions, it is full time to cry stop and plead strongly that our religious views ought not to be publicly submitted to the prying gaze. Our religious views are matters between ourselves and God; they concern no government, they are too hallowed for public criticism, and if jumbled up with the secular subjects of age and trade, the number of lodgers kept, and tha single or married condition of each, will sink into a calhng; not remain dignified as a solemn iaith. Another objection also may be urged. Supposing the clause to be enforced, we all know the timidity of character possessed by some, the prudential motives of others, will render a return anything but correct. Yet tb,ese returns will form the basis of future -Legislation, and thus the State religious Establishment will profit at the expense of the Dissenting churches, and the public suf. fer for the benefit of the few. Leaving out, however, every other con- sideration, if it were only for the inquisitorial character of the law, so distasteful to the British mind, it should not be enforced, and P is incumbent on all classes to raise their voices in earnest protest, and demand that henceforth, as now, those laws only be en- acted which correspond with the spirit of the times, and harmonise with the freedom loving mind of the people. 10 T LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. CHABGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT.—On Monday last a charge of this nature was preferred by Mr. William Thomas, agent for the Royal Liver Society, against Mr. C. H. Verity, the late agent in this district. A good deal of evidence was given, but as the case was adjourned to Monday- next, when the evidence for the defence will be given, we deem it fairer towards the accused ;o defer our report until next week, when the full details will be published. RIFLE SHOOTING MATCH AT WiMBLEDON — We observe with much pleasure that among the 15 who have already gained a Whitworthrifle each at this great contest, Wales isrepresentedbya Mr. Jenkins, (of the 5th Glamorganshire (we believe a Swansea corps), and a Mr. Fielding, a member of a Flintshire corps. Each of these gentlemen made 14 points, the firing being at 300, 500. and 600 yards. Of the number who made 13 points, our readers will feel rejoiced to hear that the name of Mr. Owen, of the Dowlais corps, is in- cluded. There are 18 in this list, and as the number of Whitworth rifles to be given away is 20, these 18 will fire again, and the five who make the most points will receive the remaining five rifles. Of course we hope that Mr Owen will succeed in being one of the five but whether be does or no, he has already gained a position which will entitle him to be included among the forty who are to compete on Saturday for the Queen's prize of £250. MBBTHYR BURfAL BOARD.-A meeting of this Board should have taken place on Wednesday, but as only two members—Mr. James and Mr. Scale-attended, no business could be done. The Clerk was advised to sell the hay in the Cemetery to the best advantage, and he will carry on the business of the Board as a matter of course. We cannot help expressing our opinion that those gentlemen who are elected by the vestry should at least not object to devote an hour or two in a month to the interest of the parish, or if they will not do this, to resign, in order that gentlemen more worthy may be ap- pointed. We understand that one or more of the members have not attended for the past nine months—surely this ought to disqualify them to continue as members unless re-elected. TESTIMONIAL TO Rev. D, RICHABDS, LLAN- ELLY, BRECON.-There was a magnificent gather- ing of people at Siloam, Independent chapel, on Monday evening, June 25th, the object being to present to the above useful minister cf Christ, a sum of money, amounting to £15. contributed by teachers and scholars of the Sabbath school. The presentation was made in the name of the Sabbath school, by a young lady named Agso Jenkins, (who had prepared the purse), and wall