Monmouthshire Merlin

m c{iRnisP0si)ENTg. !fee.l obliged to a reverend friend, for the < urid-is document, 174). ori the recovery of small debis. It ai)peur in r next number. D." i" on th" accepted file. matter of Kxtern's" letter is more of a domestic and tivate than of a public character.

fe*" 11 r. [ TIMES OF HIGH WATER AT NKWPORT 1IIGU \V.\ TER. 1 j DEPTH AT DAh. MORM. KVKN. jjDOCK. GATES. Doc., 1847. H. M. H. M. j FT. IN. Sumtav .j 4 48 5 5 j 2 7 f> Monday 5 2!) 5 IS | '28 11 Tuesday 6 7 fi 2) I 30 1 Wednesday fi 5} 7 2 | 30 7 Thursday 7 '20 7 37 j 31 0 Friday 7 ,>"> 8 1f 30 11 oaturday 8 31 8 50 jj 30 4 fej |& j8" j fc. jM-o.Sc.,|»^f j 7.50 ? 3 51 4 59 2 54 339 « 7 52 i 3 50 G 1 3 25 340 7 7 53 J 3 50 j i 7 2 4 7 341 8 7 54 i 3 50 7 59 4 51 312 ,9 7 55 > 3 49 8 51 5 48 i 343 7 57 3 49 9 37 0 51 5 344 j 7 58 > 3 49 j j 10 17 | 7 57 345 The TREDEGAR HOUNDS will meet on fdnesday, December 8th. at Tredegar House ^ay,» 10tli at Castletown k Each Day at Eleven o'clock. The MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS will meet on J^rday, December 6th Travellers' Seat 'day, 10th. Ilendre Bnday,13th Ragland, (Hunt Dinner.) At Half-past Ten, each day. WEEKLY CALENDAR. December 5.—2nd Sunday in Advent. tning Lessons—Isaiah 5. Acts 6. Evening Lessons- Isaiah 24. Heb. 11. Moon's Age—New, Dec. 7th, 8h. 31m. after.

THE MONMOUTHSHIRE CANAL OMPANY AND THE FREIGHTERS. VE had indulged a hope, that ere this, the Howard differences existing between the Canal foprietors and the Freighters would have been Tanged, and that a state of things which forbodes lianiitotis results to the former, which must be jjurious to the latter, and seriously detrimental to le district in general, would have been obviated. t'lt we are sorry to see nothing but a Par- ,ktiientary conflict in the distance, very productive 1 the ventlemen of the long robe, and an attempt retard adequate means of transit for our mineral •tffic, subversive of the best interests of this ^unty. The Canal Company, at the first King's •ead meeting—after representing that, from the Toneousness of their estimates, they found them- lives unable to complete their railway, without ^isiderably more capital, and that it was impos- '"le to give sufficient security in order to raise Itch capital, without increasing their rates of linage,—informed the freighters that they pro- Psed to apply to Parliament for an extension of 'toe, and lor authority to raise the maximum 'ight" a farthing per ton per mile on iron and ^nerai merchandise, and an eighth of a penny per lion coal. The result of that meeting, as our Nders will recollect, was, that willingness was 'dicated to grant some extension of time, but that I(' consent of the freighters to any increase of linage was refused by an overwhelming majority f those present. At the meeting last week, it 'ould be seen that the Canal Committee made a fesh proposal, viz., to have an extension of time praise £100,000. more capital; and (instead of Rising the tonnage) to get the clauses rescinded jliich compel the company to become carriers, "lis, also, has been rejected by the freighters ^sembled, with only one dissentient; and here be remarked, that so influential a body as then pcided the question, whether we regard commer- fial station, intelligence, or wealth, perhaps never let in Newport. Z5 The primary tact in the case 'ems to be the very great miscalculations which Ppear on the company's estimates. Some gentle- leD asserted that this arose from the want of busi- es talent, and that if some parties had been if the head of affairs it would not have happened. his ts a point upon which we shall not pronounce hy ojfinion but we do think that the evil conse- iences of mistakes so very wide of the mark IlIght not to fall entirely upon the public, but hat the dvidends of those who committed them bould also suffer. The next point is the asserted ^Possibility of the company completing their I orks without fresh capital. This is denied by J1l1e gentlemen; who allege that, with proper ^Hagement, they might retrieve their affairs 'Uiout it. On this point, again, we shall not 'Peak positively, but it may be remarked that, even opposing there may have been mismanagement, lld that a better system might greatly increase the eVenue; still capital is necessary to provide '^crea'cd facilities and, therefore, it does appear Gubtfut whethei noiv taking things as they are, id not as they mi5ht have been, the scheme can Je completed without more money. As to the ltnount absolutely requited, that is another question. ■he proposal of the Canal Committee, that they !ould be released from their obligation, appears o us to be worse for the pubhc—and that is the lSpect of the question with which it is more our ^oyiuce to deal-than a small increase of tonnage. lo hinder the transmission of goods is to impede tlttiost the whole trade of the locality and this **Ust be prevented by some means. The proposal )f the Ebbw Vale Company to be their own triers until the Canal Company shall be ready, Attracts attention but as Mr. Brown, even 4thile making it, judiciously observed, that could &nly be carried out by the large freighters. It ^onkl, therefore, still be necessary that the Com- tany should carry for all who required it. Whether fhis division of the work would serve to attain the Hid which all have, or should have, in view, is a sonsideration for practical men,—the Canal Com- mittee, however, seem to think that they must do illI the carrying or none. But to the latter alterna- te, the public, as represented practically by the [freighters, are not likely to consent. The fact is, there is a feeling in many minds that the Canal ^°nipany are not absolutely unable to carry out line; but that they are unwilling to do it ^cause they cannot secure their accustomed large i,videi)d. They made a bargain with the public the public are not willing, on such a ground, ,° give up the advantages which would accrue ¡rOm the completion of the line; nor are the fighters willing. either, to sacrifice, for such a ^ason, not only the benefits held out to them, but engagements and expenses into which they have .^tered. on the faith of the line being completed. ffth:> Canal Company can remove this impression, 'heir path will be much clearer. At present it is Very stony and those practical men who believe and assert to attentive ears, that the trade of this port has been greatly injured by the wretched deficiency of traffic accommodation, and occasional stoppage of even that imperfect mode, are naturally enough irreconcilably averse to such injury, (from which they themselves largely sutler,) being perpetuated, particularly after arrangements had been made by which they hope for an effective Remedy. With respect to the extension of time- though it may be that the original period was in 'tself sufficient, and though it is an awkward fact hat this very company, which asks for so large a release from its engagements, would allow no time [° the Monmouthshire Railway Company, but resisted upon, and received a forfeit of £ 20,0Q0. |pstill, il the Canal Company would limit their demand to a reasonable extension of time, we think ft should not be opposed. Besides, we apprehend 'lLnat the bill just announced by the Chancellor of Exchequer, for giving an increase of time to all ^Uway companies, would apply to the Canal Co. yt\ the whole we trust that a Company, which 'is reasonable to expect, by an enlightened and ''beral course of action, will yet triumphantly in this great district, will still persevere in f|f°rts to effect some satisfactory arrangement, 'thout the enormous expense of a litigated appli- ^tion to Parliament,—or if that they really do *ee|, under all the circumstances, a positive inability to carry out their engagements, they will give a due and a practical consideration to a remark ^ied( at the last meeting by Mr. Brown, who, [looking at the possibility of such a circumstance, jsaid :—" There was still sufficient steam and capital in this neighbourhood to do the carrying trade of the district, and allow the company a handsome income at the same time. If it he true that this proposition has actually been made in a tangible form, and the parties making it are pre- pared to allow the Company a fair per centage, we can only say that they will do wisely, either to agree to it, or try to do the work efficiently themselves for, after such an offer, neither our spirited towns- men and neighbours, nor, we apprehend, a Parlia- mentary Committee will allow the traffic accommo- dation of the mineral operations of Monmouthshire to remain in its present wretchedly inefficient state.

THE EXCISE LAWS. WHETHER considered as to their origin, their vexatious interference with trade, their burdeu- someness upon the industry of the country, or the great cost of their collection, the Excise Duties may be regarded as amongst the most objectionable of the varied means by which the revenue of this country is raised. Slight modifications have, at various times, taken place in these laws; but the public, the too-patient and ever-paying public, are becoming more alive to their oppressiveness, and are demanding some greater change while the beneficial effects of the total abolition of the excise on glass, form an inducement to many practical men to support a degree of change which they might otherwise deem unsafe. We are glad to see that Ministers are, at all events, conscious of the imperfections of the present system, and are disposed to do something by way of improvement; for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply to a question put by Mr. Hume, has said—he had had his attention directed to this subject during the last Session, and some of the most experienced officers of the board had been occupied upon it almost ever since and it was his hope—he would not absolutely say his intention, but he might almost say it was his intention—to introduce a measure for the purpose of removing all restrictions which could be considered to have an objectionable bearing upon trade. Ministers, with their small majority, cannot be expected to propose a very sweeping measure; but in any advances which they do make in so desirable a direction, they deserve the warm support of the commercial classes, and the public generally.

PROPOSED REMEDY FOR NATIONAL DIFFICULTIES. A PAMPHLET of a bold and striking character has just made its appearance, entitled, A hrief inquiry into the causes of the national difficulties, and a few suggestions for their remedy in a series of propositions inscribed to the Right Hon. Lord G. C. H. Somerset, M. P., by one of his constituents." The grand evil upon which the author fixes, and to which he confines his attention, is the National Debt; he justly characterises it as the cause of enormous taxation, and dearness of production, as well as with being the parent of our paper currency. At the same time he lays down the theory, that" a certain and indeed large amount of National Debt is advantageous speci- fying, as one benefit, that it gives us the money market of the world, and imparts to national creditors a deep interest in upholding the credit and security of the country." There we must differ with the writer in toto. It is a merciful dispensation of Providence that even calamities may be attended with some coincident benefits; but to hold that calamities are therefore to be desired, appears to us to be altogether contrary to right reason. Old John Bunyan says, He that is down need fear no fall," but is it therefore a desirable thing to be down," either literally or metaphorically ? and Charles Lamb remarks of the beggar, He is not expected to become bail or surety for any one yet who would, therefore, give up competence to beg ? Debt is an evil under all circumstances and the only reason why we would not recommend any great sacrifice to pay off the whole debt is, that, until Governments are responsible to the people, we should expect to see some new debt incurred. The author, however, proposes to pay off 300 millions of the debt, an object in which we heartily concur. The rate he suggests, is 90 per cent., for which we should sub- stitute not more than 90 as we think that, if the measure were to be -carried out in the present state of the funds, with a proviso that those who would take a. less rute would have the first avail- able money,-it would be an inducement to many persons to take less. Assuming it however at 90 per cent. the actual amount to be reduced would be but £270,000,000. The means devised are a new tax on land, and on the remaining funds, of 71 per cent. ;-that on land, however, to be redeemable, and, as we understand, to be absolutely redeemed within three years. This amount being redeemed, the country would be entitled to, and might receive, a corresponding reduction of taxa- tion. As the charge, however, would be chiefly upon land, he proposes that the taxes taken off should be the malt tax, the soap duty, the brick duty, and the hop duty. Anticipating some objections from the landlords, the writer calculates that their tenants, on the remission of the above taxes, would willingly pay the 7 å per cent. in increased rents while, he ably argues, the reduction might be carried still further, because he has made no allowance for the saving of expense in collecting the taxes. And then there is the increased comfort that would be enjoyed by the poor. The redemption of the land tax he would fix at the same per centage as that of the funds and would give a power of charging for the pur- pose, upon entailed estates. Without pledging ourselves to every detail, we think the plan not only bold and comprehensive, but ingenious, sound, and statesmanlike and we would especially com- mend it to the attention of owners of land, which we are convinced will have to pay much more of the taxation of the country than it now does. Indeed we may add, that any man of reading and good judgment, who exerts himself to promote the relief which we undoubtedly require, is at least entitled to candid attention and calm reflection. The author has also a suggestion with respect to the vexed question of the currency which is, that the Bank of England should be deprived of the power of regulating the currency, and that the Government should issue Treasury notes to the amount required for the commerce of the country. Here, again, without committing ourselves to the full extent of the author's views, we think the principle good and admirably devised. Upon the whole, we recommend the pamphlet to general and careful perusal, as containing new and original ideas one superior to most of the numerous pro- ductions of this nature, which, at the present critical period of public affairs, emanate so profusely from the press.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. — NEWPORT CATTLE 'MARKET.~WUDMP.SDAV, the. 1. Price per lb. to sink the ullal. In, S- d" S. d. V™*1* O 5* to 0 f> Sl»«ep o 0 7 Calves o ?a () Pigs (per score) Y () JJ Q t cllawJII "I lIlC catUc show on Tue:dJY next, 311d (ro/ll In l | t show on Tuesday next, and from the very few a.malt, of stock Iron, Ireland within the last week, we have had another small market; yet there aonea' e.l nearlv sufficient for the demand. The wea'lior K ■ Iinfiwoiirable for ,|»ugl„„,ng. sparingly. 6ood calves continued scarce but pins ol il kinds seemed to have a downward tendency, A U were shewn, some of winch, we Relieve, changed hands it is understood that next Wednesday's market will be supplied with a great quantity of stock, and that a large portion of it wilt be of most superior quality. 5 l,on OI NEWPORT DISRF.NSARV. --At the monthly meeting of direc tors, held at the institution, on Wednesday lai^je^h Cairns, Esq., m the chair, the Secretary reported the amount of subscriptions received since the last .meeting, to be £ 3 l.'Js Monthly Report, ending Nov. 3() Under care, Oct. 31 9.'í Admitted since 8H JH" Cured. 72 .) Relieved 4 Died 1 Under care at present. log n 183 ,'V W0()«KTT, Surgeon. Great Dock-street, Dec. 1, io47- To PREvrNT Cilll,DREN'S CLOTHES TAKING FIRE—As the time of year has arrived when many lamentable accidents, with loss of' life, occur from fire, we remind our readers that, for the preservation o< children from th.ttcaiatnity. their clothes, after washing should be rinced in water in which a small quantity of saltpetre (nitre) was dissolved, This im- proves the appearance, and renders linen and cotton garments proof against blaze. The same plan should be adopted with window and bed curtains. APPOINTMENT OF COUNTY MAGISTRATES.—At the recom- ni^bc'ation of the Lord Lieutenant, the names of the following nobleman and gentlemen have been lately added to the Commission of the Peace for this county:—Henry Charles Fitzroy Marquess of Worcester, Troy House; W. Williams, Esq., Aberbaiden; G. R. (J. Relph, Esq., Kevenila; It. M. Hawkins, Esq., Gaer Captain R. Fleming, K.N. Ilev. R. Jackson, Wonastow C. K.Tynte, Esq., M.P.,Cefnmabley ;?J. A. Jones, Esq., Llanarth Capt R. Jones, ditto C. M R. Morgan, Esq..Tredegar J. Crawford, K«q., Blackwood I .S.A.Wiliiams, Esq., Garth T. Wakeman, Esq., Graig; C. Conway. Esq., Pontnewydd E. J. Ilutchins, Esq., Dowlais; Rev. W. Price, Llanarth; Rev. E. Leigh, BedweUy; T. G. Pliillpotts, Esq Monmouth; W. Williams, Esq., Snatchwood; Rev. T. L. Williams, Mathern T. Powell, Esq., Gaer; D. Carruthers, Esq, Grondra; J. S Allfrey. Esq., Malpas T. C. Hooper, Esq., Caerleon; and John Edward Lee, Esq., ditto. APPOINTMENT.—Mr. John Wilson Bebell was, on Wednes- day last, appointed, by the committee of the Canal Company, Manager of the Couity bella Machine, vice Mr.Wm. Morgan. Among the candidates who passed their examination in last Michaelmas Term, and were admitted attorneys and solicitors, we tind the name of Mr. George Latch, of this town. NlWPOUT AUIENIEUM AND MECHANICS' IN STITUT E.RE understand that, in pursuance of his engagement with the committee of this institution, Mr. Elihu Burritt, the distin- guished advocate of universal brotherhood, will visit this town on the ;}:1nd instant, and lecture at the town hall. The subjeet of his inttlJded address has not yet transpired; hut we have no doubt that, independently of any other consideration, the celebrity of the "learned blacksmith" will draw an over- flowing house." LECTURES AT THE HOPE CHAPEL, NEWPORT.—On Friday evening, the 26ih ulc., the Rev. Evan Jones, of Tredegar. de- livered the third of a course of lectures on the duties devolving upon Christian professors as members of a civil community. The subject of the rev. gentleman's discourse "The object and functions of civil government, as set forth in the New Testament, and the limits prescribed to its interference with individual action"—was dwelt upon at considerable length and with great perspicuity of style and none present we are sure, could have failed to sympathise with the lecturer in the ferious indisposition which prevented his giving full effect to the delivery of his sentiments.—The fourth lecture of the series was delivered on Wednesday evening last, by the Rev. T. L. Bright, on The right of the Christian to lay claim to the immunities of the citizen." Mr. Blight's remarks were founded upon the 25th verse of the 22nd chapter of the Acts of the Apostles—"Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemncd ? "—and were listened to with marked attention.—It will be seen by an advertisement in this tfay's paper, that these lectures are being published at a very cheap rate, by Mr. Thomas Oliver, of this town. We would again caution persons against leaving their pas- sage doors open. A house in Llanarth-street, in this town, was entered on Tuesday last, in the day time, and a piece of flannel which cost 13s.,just brought in from the draper's shop, and a shawl, were stolen oil'the parlour table. The members of the family were in the house at the time. SuicroE.—The cook of a vessel which recently arrived at this port from London, was found hanging to a beam in the hold, by one of his shipmates, a few days previously to the vessel reaching Newport. It is conjectured that depression of mind, arising from a disappointment he had experienced, was the cause of his rash act. SUICIDE.—The following particulars, extracted from the Bristol Mercury, refer to the suicide of a respectable-looking young man, who had for some time past been engaged as a haii-dresser, in the employ of Mr. John Smith, Market-street, in this town, which employ he left a day or two previously to putting an end to his existence — "An inquest was held be- fore J. B. G rindun, Esq., coroner, on Tuesllay. at the Ship public-house, Cathay, on the body of William Harbour. The deceased was a'native of Bristol, and lived in Meadow-street; he was 23 years of age, and unmarried, and followed the pro- fession of a hair-dresser. From the evidence of Thos. Handle, coachmaker,of Ship lane, Cathay, it appeared that the deceased returned to Bristol from Newport, and dined and slept with witness at the Laura tavern, in Ship-lane. On awaking in the morning, deceased said he had only Is. 611. and a few half pence in the world, and that he did not know how lie should pay the landlord. Handle replied that he would make that all right. The deceased, without making any further remark, got out of bed, drank something out of a small phial, and got into bed again, pulling the clatbes over his head and making a strange noise. Handle said. For God's sake, what's the matter? and searched the deceased's trousers, in which he found a bottle labelled with the word 'poison.' Heimme diately dressed himself and fetched Mr. Fryer, surgeon, who soon arrived and administered a strong emetic to the deceased, but without avail, as he died soon after. The bottle out of which the deceased drank, had contained laudanum and prussic acid. It appeared that the deceased had been recently suffer- ing from reduced circumstances he had often exclaimed against the world, and said the sooner he was dead the better. The jury returned a verdict of Felo de se.' "—Deceased bought a drachm ot prussic acid of Mr. Thomas Davies, drug- gist, in this town, (Newport,) which was placed in the'ounce phial found in deceased's pocket after his death. Mr. Davies states that this quantity of poison was sufficient to destroy the lives of half-a-dozen persons; and the reasons he assigns for selling so large a quantity, or, in fact, any poison to deceased, was that he had frequently sold him prussic acid previollsly, for the purpose of his making hair-grease, which he sold in his business as hair-dresser while employed as a journeyman in this town. The first sale, Mr. Davies says, was many months ago, when he refused to let him have any of the deadly article, except in the presence of a witness. The sale was thus euected and deceased regularly purchased prussic acid at the shop of Mr. Davies, without any suspicion being excited thereby. FATAL ACCIDENT AT NEWPORT DOCK.—On Tuesday last, a youth, an apprentice on board the ship Carshalton Park, lying in Newport Dock, fell from the mizen cross-trees to the poop deck, and was killed on the spot. One of the seamen on board of thr -aanio ship alao-lcH from-tl*« nwzen top, *rid fractured several of his ribs, and received other severe injuries. AWFULLY SunnEN DEATH.—On Tuesday last, an aged and respectable man, named William Ellias, of Gellygroes, near Hlackwood, in this county, was found dead between Gellygroes and M ynyddyslwn. We understand that Mr. Elias has been clerk at Mynyddyslwn church nearly half a century, and was on his way there to attend a parish meeting, which was to take place on that day. It is thought a fit of apoplexy was the cause of his death. DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCE.—On Wednesday afternoon last, as one of the new engines belonging to the Rumney Iron Co., was passing across Commercial-road, at Pillgwenlly, on its way to the wharf, with a lew carriages loaded with iron, attached, the boiler burst at its side; luckily no person was injured by the explosion, or any other damage done than to the boiler. Extreme alarm was caused in the neighbourhood. Engineers having the conduct of locomotives cannot be too cautious in the management of the engines; more particularly in passing across the several roads and streets in this town, and its vici- nity and it is a subject of complaint and apprenhension that invariably the steam is got up to its greatest strength, to pass these crossings at a gl cater speed than at any other part of the tramways. Report states that an insufficient quantity of water in the boiler was the cause of the above accident. The men at many of the works on the Hiils are under notice for a reduction of wages—a course which the stern necessities of the times compel the masters reluctantly to adopt. CUll" FOR HYDROPHOBIA.—This dreadful malady has been cured by draughts of vinegar three pounds of the remedy drank per diem, has worked the restoration of health in the worst cases The happy experiment has been made in Padua. Commission signed by the Lord«Lieutenant of Brecon:— Lloyd Vaughan Watkins, Esq.,M.P to be Lieutenant-Colonel of the Royal Breconshire Miiitia, vice Lieutenant-Colonel Chambre, deceased. NEW Two SHILLING PIECES.—On Friday evening last, in reply to Dr. Bowring. Mr Sheil stated, in the House of Com- mons, that the two shilling pieces would be ready for circula- tion in a few days. S^UHI WALES RAILWAY.—The terminus of this railway is now fixed at Abermawr, in the parish of Cranston, about midway between Saint David's and Fishguard. The operations on the line in the neighbourhood of Bridgend are proceeding with vigour, upwards of 100 men being employed in that locality. Lusn COERCION RILL.— Mr. Wukley's Amendment.—The following gentlemen voted in the majority —Bailey, J.; Berkeley, Captain Hall, Sir Benjamin Vivian, (Swansea). Against'the Amendment: —Blewitt, R, J.; Devereux, J. T. Scholelield, W.

TIL E MON EY M A U K ET.—THURSDAY. Our advices from Dublin announce the failure of Messrs. W. S. Hamilton and Oo., in the West India trade, and one of the largest house? in that Irade in Dublin, on Tuesday-liabilities, £ 200,000. The Hank of Ireland have reduced the rate of interest to 7 per cent. Yesterday, the Funds considerably improved, having opened at an advance of nearly a half per cent on the closing prices of Tuesday. Tlii" result is attrihuled to the anllouncemellt of the present state of the Hank's afihirs, made by the Chancellor of tlw Kxchequer un Tfwsday night. To-day, the English Stock Market has been rather fluctua- ting- Consols have been 86 to 85jj J for prescut transfer, and 86} to I for Account. Exchequer BiHs have realised !s. to 8s. premium. Bank Stock is worth 187 to 189. The New Three- and-a-Quarter per Cents, have been t0 81!J. In the Foreign Securities there has been very little doing. Railway Shares have been at improved rates. the kank "Parlour" meeting broke up about three o'clock thi3 afternoon, and the rate of discount is reduced to ti per cent

LONDON MARKETS—( WEDNESDAY.) CORN EXCHANGE. Since Monday scarcely any samples of English wheat have been received up to this market. To-day the stands were very scantily supplied witk wheat of home produce, the general qua- lityof which was inferior, arising from the prevailing damp wea- ther. The few fine paicels on offer sold at full price"?, but all other kinds were much neglected. Fine foreign wheats, though the demand for them wis by no means active, were quite as dear. In other kinds so little doing that the rates were almost nominal. All kinds of barley moved off slowly, but we can notice no alteration in value. There were scarcely any buyers for malt, the prices of which aiticle were barely maintained. Although the supply of oats was small, the oat trade was heavy at last week's currencies. In all other grain, as well as flour, scarcely any business was doing. ARRIVALS—Knglish: wheat L600. barley 1670, oats 70 qrs. Foreign wheat 2,290, oats 1,620 qrs. Flour 1,620 sacks. Malt 3,300 qrs. WIIITECIHrEL Prime beef and mutton were in moderate request, at full prices otherwise the demand was in a sluggish state. Beef from 2". 8d, to 4s mutton 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d., veal 3s. 8d. to 4s8d, and pork 3s. 8d. to 5s. 2d. per 81bs by the carcase.

COLONIAL APPOINTMENTS. The following appointments appear in Tuesday's Gazette :— His Excellency Mr. James Brooke, to hp; Governor and Com- mander-in Chief in and over the island of Labuan and its de- pendencies. Mr. Samuel George Bonham, to be Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the island of Hong Kong and its depen- dencies. Mr. George Rennie, to be Governor and Commander in Chief in and over her Majesty's settlements in the Falkland Islands and their dependencies.

Castletown Ploughing Match. This match came off on the llth ult under the fostering encouragement of the spirited farmers in that well-cultivated neighbourhood. We regret that an accident prevented the transmission of the report of prizes won on the occasion to our ofhee at the proper time; but such a mistake is not likely to recur. The following is, we believe, an accurate return t Cl °' 'fearns"~Fir8t Class. tst Prize-John Samuel, servant to Mr. Edward Griffiths, of Marslmeld— £ 2. 2ud Prize James Beech, servant to the Rev. Morgan Powell, of Coedkeriicw— £ ° 3rd Prize-Tiioinas Webb, servant to Mr. W, C Webb-10s. The ploughing for the above prizes took place on Panttew- gocli farm. Single Teams—Second Class. 1st Prize-George Emerson, eon of Mr. George Emerson, Llanvedow— £ 2. ° 2nd Prize—W. Jones, servant to Walter Coslett, Coedkernew — £ 1. 3rd Prize-Henry Rees, sixteen years old, son of Ph. Rees, Co -slatift-o-IOS. These prizes were contested on Pantrewgoch farm.—Judges, Mr. Recs Keene, Pencreeg, and Mr.Henry Evans, Llandowlais. Hedging on Llanarthan Farm. 1st Prize—Edward Williams, servant to W, T. Rees— £ 2. 2nd Prize—John Richards, servant to Edward Gnfhths—.e;. 3rd Prize—Morgan Sanders, servant to Miss Thomas, Lanar- tllan- IDs. Mr. Philip Williams, of Crindau, and Mr. E. Turbervilie, of Ebbw, two respected and experienced farmers, acted as judges Cottagers. 1st Prize—Thomas Morgan, labourer to R.E. Rees— £ 1. 10s. 2nd Prize- \V ilUam Jonathan, labourer to Sir Charles Mor- gan— £ 1. 3rd Prize—Thomas Jacobs, labourer to W. Jones, Coedker- new—10s. Judge—Mr. Andrews, the efficient bailiff to Sir C. Morgan. A dinner of first-rate quality, at the Coach and Horses, closed the exploits of the day. Sir Charles Morgan, Baronet, who takes a generous and active interest in forwarding the prospeiity of his agricultural neighbours, presided, and Air. Collins, of Duffryn, was in the vice chair. An evening of delightful sociality was spent — Speed the Plough," and many long years of health and hap- piness to Sir Charles, being amongst the warmest toasts.

CHEPSTOW. IRVINGISM.—The members of this extraordinary sect, who, from late appearances, were supposed to have returned to the bosom of Mother Church, have arain assembled at their former place of meeting in this town. What may tie the nature of this sudden revival, we are unable to relate with any degree of cer- tainty but it is supposed some anvi revelation* hanj. been made to this true church (as self-Myled)„which rteiulers the measure necessary. The peculiar opinions of the IFvingites seem to de- rive their foundation from the Revelation of St. John, which. indeed, is the text-book of most visionaries. Joanna Southcote fancied herself to be the Woman pursued by the great Dragon (Rev., c. 12). Bonaparte, when at the height of his power, was characterised as the Beast, numbered 66G (Rev., c. 13). The prophet Brothers founded his rhapsodies upon this book and the Irvingitesd r,ve th 'ir ecstatic flights from the same source. They have their mysteries of the seven golden candlesticks &c.; they speak (occasionally) in an unknown tongue as the Spirit gives them utterance and their Hierarchy consists of angels, evangelists, prophets, &c. It may as well be believed that Mabomet held intercourse with the angel Gabriel in the shape of a pigeon or that be was taken out of his bed sud- denly by the said angel, and transported through seven heavens in as many minutes, as credence can be given to the assertions of those who affect to be specially under the guidance 01 the Holy Spirit iu those days. Miracles have long since ceased to be performed in this lower world and it is really painful to witness the delusions that prevail among many (otherwise esti- mable members of society) in this enlightened age. The Reve- lation of St. John the Divine has been expounded in so many different ways, and by so many eminent men, that it seems im- possible to arrive at the true meaning of this mysterious book. The late Dr. Adam Clarke thus expresses himself on the sub- ject:—"I cannot explain the book: I do not understand it and in the things which concern so sublime and awful usubject: I dare not indulge in conjectures. I have read elaborate works on the subject, and each seemed right until another was exa- mined. I am satisfied that no certain mode of interpreting the prophecies of this book has yet been found; and I will not add another monument, to the littleness or folly of the human mind, by endeavouring to strike out a new course. I repeat it-I do not understand the book and I am satisfied that not one who has written upon the subject, knows anything more of it than myself." The chief opinions of the interpreters of the Revela- tion made to St. John, may be compiehended as follows: — The destruction of Jerusalem, of the Jewish war, and civil wars of the Romans. 2. Persecutions of the Christians under the heathen emperors of Home, and of the happy days of the church under Christian emperors. 3. Prophecies concerning the Roman pontiffs, the true Anti-Christ, foteteliingthe final destruction of Popery. 4. Schism and heresies of Martin Lu- ther, the reformers, and their successors and final destruction of the Protestant religion. These opinions were embraced by Professor Watstein—the primitive fathers—the Abbe Joachim —and Mr. Walmsley, under the feigned name of Signior Pas- torini. I trust that the delusions of the followers of Irvine may not be extended in this neighbourhood and that the members of our Protestant churches will hold fast to their integrity, rejecting all fanciful and mysterious opinions, not sanctioned by the Holy Scriptuies, and seeking no other found- at ion for their faith than that which is already laid—Jesus Christ. Q.

PONTYPOOL. NEWPORT AND PONTYPOOL RAILWAY.—We puipose giving a detailed account of the above line in our next number, inclu- sive of the etittiiigs-tticir depth—the strata-bridges, and other interesting matters. The lecture liy the Rev. T. L. Bright, in the English Baptist chapel, in this town, on Tuesday evening last, was well at tended. The subject was The right of the Christian to lay claim to the immunities of the citizen." The rev. gentleman convincingly elucidated the subject, and his interesting argu- ments were frequently warmly applauded, and at other times listened to with the most breathless attention. The various lectures, weekly, delivered in this town, appear to- create con- siderable interest, and over-flawing audiences "Silly appreciate them. It is with much pleasure we inform our readers that the grocers of this town and neighbourhood, have imitated the example of the drapers, and resolved in future to close their shops at eight o'clock, in order to allow their assistants more time for self-improvement. We would invite the attention of the numerous assistants to that excellent institution, the Mutual Improvement Society, where they may meet together in social harmony, for intellectual advancement. ACCIDENTS.—On Saturday last, a man named John Williams, aged 40 years, (the son of Mr. John Williams, of the Grey- hound Inn, Tallywaine,) was pursuing his avocation as gaffer, at a pit at the British Iron Works, and whilst standing at the month of the pit, he observed that there was something the matter below he indiscreetly took hold of the iron rod leading down the pit, to let himself down and when lie had descended about seven or eight yards, he was obliged to let go his hold, and was precipitated to the bottom, a depth of nearly thirty yards. The poor fellow was dashed to atoms.- On the same day, a fall took place at an adjoining pit, and a poor fellow, named William Johnson, was killed on the spot. Inquests were held on the bodies yesterday, when a verdict of Accidental Death was returned in each case. GLASCOED.—This neglected hamlet has hitherto been without a school or place of worship, of any description but we un. derstand the Rev. Vicar of Usk has kindly come forward, and is obtaining a subscription to erect a church and school; by dint ot persevering endeavours he has collected about £]50. The inhabitants are at present obliged to go three or four miles to a place of worship and it is really hoped that the worthy Vicar of Usk will succeed in his praiseworthy un. dertaking.

MONMOUTH. I REFERMENTS.—The Lord Chancellor has presented the Kev. W. Truinper, curate of the parishes of Kingston and rhraxstone, Herefordshire, to the rectory of Grosmont, in this county, vacant by the death of the lamented Rev. John Ocorge, who had been the incumbent since 1804. Tiie Rev. J. K. Harrison, of Hereford, has been appointed to the curacy ol Bodenham, in that county. i *™0I,mt,uth monthly market was held on Wednesday last. 1 he attendance was thin, and the quotations the same as at the late fair.

MONMOUTH TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting of this body took place on Monday last, for the purpose of completing the purchase of the ground ad. joining Mi. John Powles's house. The delay which has en- sued was owing to the lengthened proceedings on the part of the Treasury. Mr. John Powles attended the meeting, and handed the balance of the purchase money, £ 190., to the Treasurer. This sum, with £ 21. which was paid at the time of the auction, making ^210., wajs the amount which the land realised. A long conversation ensued as to the outlay of the sum. on the question of whetllcr it should be paid in the discharge of tradesmen's I ills, or to the liquidation of the debt due to the bank from the Council. Ultimately, the latter course was decided upon, on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Mr, Alderman Probyn, as the treasurer held that the money could not be applied to any other purpose than that for which the pioperty was sold, which was for the payment of the new market expenses, and for which the money owing to the bank was borrowed. In answer to questions of some members of the Council, the TYea'-uier stated that the Council was indebted to various paities besides the bank, about £ 176 and was owed .iM08. The Finance Committee was requested to examine the ttadesmen's bitts which were due, with a view to the payment of those wliich were most pressing. Mr. Jones, collector of the watch rate, was ordered to pre- pare a list of the defaulters to the rate. An order was made tor paying £ 224. to the bank, the balance of the principal, and ii)terestidue to the same. The Council then separated. All the members were present, excepting Mr. Alderman Powell, (out of town,) M). Alderman Tyler, Mr. T. Powell, and Mr. Whiting upon the three latter, fines were ordered, for nonattendance, and upon Mr. Burton, for exceeding the given time.

ROME. The opening of the New Council of State at the Vatican, a glorious epoch in the civil history of Rome, is detailed fn elo- quent and graphic terms by the journalists of that city. The speech delivered by the Pontiff on the occasion, was a master- 0 piece of liberal statesmanship, and replete with bright hope for the liberty and happiness of the people. It was hailed with bursts ot enthusiastic and grateful feeling. His Holiness, at the close of his address, strongly animadverted on those who would create disturbances and revolt, declaring himself a lover ol peace and good will amongst all classes of God's creatures and in giving the august assembly his benediction, solemnly prayed that the Giver of all Good would bless the commence- ment and watch over their labours. AMERICA. The Americans are finding Mexico uncomfortable ground for them. 200 men, under Santa Anna's command, have roughly bandied the force under General Lane, at Huamantico, smashing about 100, whilst the rascally Guerillas (who give no quarter) ate shewing the light through Jonathan s, wherever they can catch them they hantr upon them like wolves about Siberian travellers. The Mexican Government is held at Queretaro.

The Union Rank of Madrid, which had suspended payment, has resutnpd business. Alderman Thomas Wood, of Mayor-seeking and Talacre notoriety, has resigned his aldermanic gown. We are glad to announce that the dangerous symptoms intfie health of the Lord Chancellor, have subsided. The admirable chloroform has been partially introduced at the Hereford Infirmary, with decided success. Dr. Brooks has I also happily tried it, end prefers »t to etner.

CARDIFF. CORONER'S IKQUEBT.—On Tuesday last, an inquest was held at the Town Hall, before R. L. Reece, Esq., coroner, on the body of a boy named John Jones, belonging to the Eaglet, of Cardigan. It appeared the captain and mate had gone up town to purchase a mast, leaving deceased on board by himself, with orders to wash the deck and about four o'clock, the poor fellow, whilst turning the mop to dry it, fell over board. Boats were put off, and after a search of four hours and a halt, the deceased was picked up. Verdict, Accidental Death." BUTE ARMS BALI,.—On Tuesday night last, a ball and supper took place at the Bute Arms Inn, when about forty couple sat down to an excellent and substantial supper, which did great credit to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor; and continued an innocent and pleasant recreation till a reasonable hour.

IMPORTANT STREET-COMMISSIONERS' MEETING On Mondav last, a meeting of the above body was held at the Town Hal), when the following gentlemen were present— R. L. lteece, Esq., mayor. E. P. Richards, Esq., Dd. Evans, Esq., Thomas* Morgan, Esq., Charles Vachell, Esq., and William Harris, Esq. C. C. Williams, Esq., was called to the chair. In opening the meeting, he stated that when they last met, he laid before them the expediency of improving the Hayes, which at that time was considered a nuisance, and which nuisance could in a great degree be remedied by a crooked wall standing there being taken down and lebuilt in a straight line, which would wideTi the street considerably. This property belonged to Mrs. Kettle or Mr. Brewer, upon which they were now build- ing. Mrs. Kettle at that lime was asked what she wanted for the few yards of ground, and through Mr. Daugliton she asked £ 150, which the commissioners thought most exoibitant. It was then agreed that the chairman and the surveyor should meet Mrs. Kettle on the premises, and ascertain the value of the ground and if she did not accept of the terms offered, it would then be in the power of the commissioners to bring the case before two county magistrates for decision. The commis- sioners had made an offer which was not accepted, and the case came on before Brllce Pryce and Walter Coffin, Esq, when they awarded £ 15. lor the ground sought by the com missioners. The chairman also stated, that in order properly to effect the improvement they requited to have a small part of the ground belonging to Mr.GrorgeBird, which ground was by Union buildings, and when that would he granted, a great improvement would be the result The amount duc to Mr. Bird at the same ratio nS that of Mrs. Kettle, would be i2. 12s. 2.1., which we understood Mr. Bird was agreeable to, and the amount was ordered to be paid. The Chairman then staled that complaints had been made to him, respecting the lamps in the neighbourhood of N hit- more lane. Lewis street, Bute street, Ike., &e. He had a plan drawn out, which he wuuld lay before the meeting. This plan, which described the alterations that would be ne cessary with reference to the present lamps, and showed that only two new lamps would be required, was then submitted and it was then resolved that the mayor and the chairman be appointed to see the improvements carried into effect. Mr. Stanley said he had attended the meeting to propose a lamp being placed in Stanley street, which was so dark that it futm da promotion to thieves, who could run in there, get into a house, and defy any policeman to find him. Mr.Charles V achel! made some observations upon ti.e filthv stale of Stanley street. Medical men, he said, had told him that disease was never out of that street, and that fever was raging there at present seven or eight premature deaths had already occurred the Cholera was advancing towards them; and he was certain no locaiity would suffer more than the one now in question. The Mayor said he agreed with Mr. Vachell, that something ought to be done. and he intended moving that something should be done respecting the streets, which at present were in a most filthy stat". '1 lie Cholera was visiting 0111" shores • other towns were providing against it; and similar precautions should be taken in Cardiff at once-not wait till too late—til! the Cholera was actually striding through the town. He had ordered a report to be made of the state of the town, IYhie\¡ he would now read :— REPORT. November, 1847. Gentlemen,—I have the honour to report, that in Nelson terrace there is a long open drain, or receptacle of the filth draining from the back of the houses in Union street. This drain has no gate, and is frequently stagnant, with an accumu- lation of vegetable matter. 1 find in David stieet, all the kennels stopped, and an open cutting in the middle of the street, which is stagnant the whole length of the street, averaging a depth of twelve inches of pu- trid tilth, and i, the receptacle of every kind of vegetable and animal refuse. Bute street is almost impassable for mud, and at the back of the houses on the west side of Bute strpet is a long, wide, deep, open drain, parallel with Bute street in its whole length, in some parts from two to three feet deep in filth. It receives the drainings from Whitmore lane, and the refuse of privies, stabies, pigsties, cow houses, and at one place a slaughter house, with all its animal putridity, drains into it. and remains stagnant. Stanley street is in a very filthy state. There is no drainage -—the kennels continue fit!! of filth of every description, and several of the houses have no privies to them the houses are thickly inhabited, without possessing any kind of ventilation. Whitmnre lane is dh ty the kennels are stopped, and are constantly overflowing, from the continuous surface diainimr into them of pigsties, &c. 1 have also to report that during the present month I have observed 79 lamps entirely out in the night. The lamps are put out at four o'clock in the morning, above two hours before daylight. I have the honour to be, gentlemen, Your very obedient servant, J. il. STOCKDAI.E, Superintendent. Mem :—On visiting every part of the town during the night of Saturday and early yes erday morning (Sunday, 3 o'clock), I observed that ALL the town lamps were put out above three hours before daylight. N'uue of the streets alluded to in the above report, are under the contrcul of the 1 Some discussion followed, relative to the bad quality of the gas supplied to the town, after which, Mr. E. P. Richards stated that he believed the drain in Bute street, referred to in Mr. Stockdale's report, belonged to the commissioners and if they allowed it to remain open another hour after this notice, the responsibility lay with them. If he thought for a moment the drain belonged to Lord Bute, whom he had the honour to represent, he would have it attended to on his own responsibility. Such a dangerous nuisance ought to be immediately abated. The Mayor thought it was no time to stand on punctilios as to whom tlie filthy thing belonged, at a time when the Cholera was drawing nearer and nearer. When that devastating scourge might be afflicting Cardiff, it would be too late to clear away the filthy kennels. Let it be done at once. A consultation was then entered into, with regard to Bute street, after which, Mr. Richards said that the part from the top of Bute street bridge would, in about twelve months, be under the highway commissioners, and at present the lower part could be under the street commissioners, if they pitched and paved but at the same time the street ought to be scraped. ■A lengthened discussion followed upon the several subjects of complaint mentioned in Mr. Stockdale's report, and orders were given for some of the nuisances to be immediately reme- died. A conversation took place respecting the intended crossings of the South Wales Railway, when the Chairman stated that the company would erect arches for the line near the Cus- tom House, the canal, &c., instead of crossing the road on a level. The drain in Bute-street has been cleaned out since the meeting.

MERTHYR. FATAT- ACCIDENT.—A man of the name of James O'Neil, working in the Old Level, near the Yard, Cyfarthfa, was killed on Saturday, by a fall of rubbish. He has left a wife and several children. An inquest was held upon the body, and a verdict of Accitlental death returned. Another fatal accident occurred on Wednesday, at one of the Rhydyvir pits. Two men, whose names are John Lewis and John Harris, were at work, when a stone, supposed to be of some tons weight, fell upon the latter and killed him upon the spot. The other is seriously hurt, and it is doubtful whether he will survive. We have not beard that there was any want of caution or unskilfulness on their parts to cause it. An in- quest was held on the body.—Verdict, Accidental death. w A DIABOLICAL ATTEMPT.—A short time before the down train of the Taff Vale Rail" ay was proceeding toCarditt. on Friday last, it was found, by one of the watchers of the line, that the pointers, between the stations at Merthyr and Ply- mouth, had been turned the wrong way. Had they not been discovered in time it is very probable that the engine wilh the whole of the train would have run oft, the rails, and been attended with a fearful catastrophe. Suspicion prevails that it was the work of some men who had been punished lately for attacking some of the railway police, and as yet no certain due has been found to the perpetrators. VALE ov NEATH RAILWAY.—We understand that notwith- standing the great pressure in the money market, there are some portions of this line in the course of cutting. It is cal- culated that when the spring comes, the greater portion of the line from Neath to the Lamb and Flag will be nearly ready. The heaviest and most difficult job upon it will be the tunnel from the Abenlarc to the Merthyr side. It will pass right through the hill from Craigvgibraeh to near the J[emlrcfawr Farm, and wiU, in length, be about one mile aud three quarters. Several practical sinkers and excavators have been examining the ground, but we understand the contract is not yet adver- tised. On'NtNn Of TiiF, WEKKA COI.LII.EY.—This colliery, which, from the quality of the coal, and the large extent of land which is to be worked, promises to be one of the most flourishing in the valley of Aberdare, was opened on Monday week. There is an incline-plane from the pit's mouth to the Aberdare Railway, which is admitted by competent persons to be admirably con- structed for its intended purpose. We may add that the lease of the property was first takfii upon very favourable terms, by the Marquess of Bute, from Wiiiiam Thomas, Esq., of the Court, and has been relet by the noble marquess to Mr. Nixon. It is, we understand, now Messrs. Nixon and Williams'. The former gentleman is well known for his extensive knowledge of mineral property, and scientific abilities in underground sur- veys, and the construction of the pit and its auxiliaries reflects the highest credit upon his judgment and ingenuity. When in full work it is supposed the pit will work about two hundred tons daily. SMALL Pox. disease is still in this neighbourhood, especially about Irainchbaeh and Gellidey, and, though not proving fatal except in a few cases, it is still more general than it has been for several years previous. SMALL DEBTS COVRT.—This court, presided over bv Mr. Wilson, held its sittings on Thursday and Friday last, when a considerable number of cases were heard and disposed of. There was not one involving anything of public interest, or requiring much legal learning, the chief being debts for slwp goods. It is found to be very beneficial to several people who before failed by every remonstrance to obtain payment ot their debts and if it continues to act vigorously and tolei ably impartial, it is the- general opinion it will work well. It is generally supposed that it will deter many a rogue from obtaining goods for which he docs not intend to pay, which before was too often the case in this place, and the iron districts of the neighbourhood.

A FEW COKS ABOUT MONEY. When is money like the letter K ? When it's in pocket. When is money like a popular Style of poetry ? When 11 s Ode to'omebody" (owed.) ? When ought money not to be spent in meat ? U hen it s 1.ent. 1 When is money like a hammer ? When Jt s down on the When is monov like lisrhtning? When its forked. When is money like a good story? "hen its interest is kept up. When is money like a bad knife ? When you are going to abscond with it. Why so ? Because it's blunt for cutting with

To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. S M —THE very strange kind of letter in your last MERLIN by Mr. David Jones," the contractor for the Water Works, at Newport, demands a reply from me, or my silence may be con- strued into an admission that 1 imposed upon you, on the 10th ult., by sending you a letter containing a moiety of false- hoods. This letter was not noticed by Mr. Jones until nearly the eve of the appearance of your last number, the 27th ult., in order, I imagine, that Mr. Jones might be able to announce what he had been doing. His letter I should not have noticed if he had not stated therein that" half" of what I had written was ''uiihout foundation." thereby implying, at any rate, that one- half of it is truth. This broad assertion comes directly from Mr. Jones, without a single attempt on his part to prove a falsehood but because he asserts it, he takes it, I suppose, for granted that it must be fully relied upon. Now, I will attempt to show how far Mr. Jones is justified in such an assertion, and thereby prove that the retort courteous ought to fall I upon his own shoulders. Mr. Joues very quietly, but speciously, states that he went over the ground with me two days before my letter appeared:" that he was always here j" that I ought to go to him or the secretary instead of writing letters to the paper that the work (I suppose he means the repairs) then wanted to be done would only amount to £10. that it had been going on ever since and that it will soon be finished imagining, as I judge fiom these covert expressions, that I must at once be censured for makmg the matter so public without first seeing what he would °i ^OW'R> THE people of Newport are not like the singular judge, who could never hear but one side of the question but are intelligent and just, and will allow me to observe (what I LI. J ones neglects to inform them) that the pipes had been laid, M some instances, for more than three months, and not afterwards touched: that during the former part of the time he was seldom to be seen in Newport: that he did refer me to the sub-contractor," who generally pointed out to me the "sub- sub-coutractor with these words, there's the man, please to speak to him. Mr. Jones does not allude to the frequent written and verbal applications I have made to the secretary upon the subject: he says nothing of a particular letter J wrote to Mr. Webber so far back as the 19th of August, which was a let tt jr of remonstiance, and which contained the follow'n R sentence —" The men leave the work in such a slovenly state that when the wet weather sets in, the streets will be in"A per- fect slush." Mr. Jones docs not speak o, the contumeh I have received from his party during the progress of the work, and omits to refer to a circumstance noticed by a respectable inn- keeper of the town, which occurred during the progress of the work in Griffin-street, when most disgusting epithets were heaped upon me in the discharge of my duties. NOV.- if Mr. Jones had been always here," he ought to have known this, and stated it: but he <);.< aifirm that "all the work wanted to be done would only amount to f 1 0:' Without playing upon the term of what the work wanted I shall at once hasten to observe that if. for the sum of ,fin, Mr. Jones can employ horses, carts, and men, to undo what, as I said in my letter, ought no! to have been done," and can then purchase stones, have th em hauled, broken, and spread—and if, as he says this work has been going on ever since," that is, from the llth of November, being two days before my letter appeared to the present time, and so much yet remains to be done, and if the whole can be accomplished for the sum of £ 10, he has certainly found on), a secret that I should be most happy to possess and one, I believe, that Nlr. M'Adam himself would be very proud to discover. Nevertheless, Mr. Jones, from his own assertion appears to have made the happy discovery, and, like one of SnaLspeare's characters, to have acquired the art of "Turning, with splendour of his precious eye, Tile meagre, cloddy earth, to glittering gOld." Should Mr. Jones' future observations call for a reply, f will j enter a little more into the particulars, and bring to his memory the many repairs requiring his immediate attention, and which must be made at the expense, either of himself or the company (as his contract may specify), and not at the expense of the rate-payers of Newport. ( as his contract may specify), and not at the expense of the rate-payers of Newport. In Mr. Jones' concluding remarks, he very cavalierly dictates tnllle what I ought, and what I ought not, to do, with an espe- cial veto against my writing to the MHHHN. With due defer- ence, however, to Mr. Jones, 1 beg to state that whenever I may be unwarrantably accused, and whilst there shall remain in Newport (as I am happy to find there are) an impartial editor and a discerning public, I will write, heedless of Mr. Jones' extreme aversion to notoriety. I am, sir, your obedient servant, TUE SURVEYOR. Newport, 1st Dec., 1847.

THE CHOLERA MORBUS, Addressing lite Improvement Commissioners of Newport. This Cholera is a dieadlul thing for 1 'm told it has beoun to attack respectable people B I Gi NTi.F.Mi.s,—T, the far-famed but unwelcome Cholera, am really going to pay England a visit, tud do honour to all mv favourite assistants—the ce«s-pools, the duog-heaps, the choked drains, and bftdly veatila>ed Bireeis, alleys, and by-ways-lbat are foetedly awaiting my approach. And 1 addrfls you — the fm- provement Cummlsiloners of Newport, io rile hope that \00 will not take tbe ttouble to impede my work, You bave a population of some seventeen or twenty thousand men, women, Bud children end it is my object, If you do not pruent me, to twt-H St. Wooilos Grave Yard, the Cemetery, and the vano n ether burinl-places of Newpon. with about one-fifth, perhnps, of that population. Among others, I may be obliged to pay some of your respectable Board a visit. Do not, therefore, un- kiadly prohibit mv comi¡¡g. Ai least, leI me have Ihe f«r!icit\ cf carrying off to rest and peace some half-dozen of your Boaid, before you annoy yourselves and lflt: public whom you are ap- pointed to improve,"—before you grow, what some foolish people would denominate, prudtjlll aod {orerhoughtful," in the removal of my accessories, the cess-pools, choked-up d/ains, and 'other inisc.dled Dmsaocew. I have a particular liking to a kind wt/come. Do nol. Ihen Iry 10 improve the (own of Newport do not, in mistaken leal and public spirit, establish at once a J3oa>d of Health to bnnoy me when 1 arrive do not direct people to adopt the foolish custom of cleanliness, in any shape or form do not insist on the removal of those agreeable and odoriferous agents of mino— fuih of the so-called foulest de- scription, or sinks, and nicedrs^sos,rotten dung-heaps, slaughter- boas* accuOJul¡rtrotllt. 1I11d fovi poots frf stagnant slime, called water do not Set thai odious ihiug called lime obs'.iuct my pro gren: do not iosist OD any mode being adopted, In lact, which would make my visit less df ciive amongst you ;fot I feel assured you are fondly and hopefully anxious to let me supply vour sex- tons ia the manner aforesaid. I speak in this manner ad- visedly for truly I remember how kindly your Board, in 1833, welcomed my visit-how you then disliked the officious med- dling of some silly people, who tried to prevent my having full .wing-how you Christianly and parentally said it wag wrong to give me nothing to sustain and assist me in my arduous daties amoog you. No. dear Improvement Commissioners, I pray you, don't do anything at all which may make me have a dislike to your filthy litlle town, and force me 10 pass by to some olher place. Do me the favour to silence that officious MERLIN, who is trying so much to make people think I ought to be kicked out of town when I arrive and 1 pray ye, punish the chemists of Commercial-street, who are selliog drugs to de. stroy me while, at the same time, you may desire the un- dertakera to do me the favour of procuiing some more patent hearses-say a couple of doxen extra—that my spoils may be put away decently- Above all, dear friends, the coromisiioners, do not let that officious meddler, your scavenger, go about poking his nose into my allies' whereabouts, and finding fault with any body's rights—a vested right—to have any nuisance, as he calls la, he may please. You wifl remember to do these brotherly offices, dear commissioners and YOIl may itiy upon it I will repay YOU—repay you tenfold for your kindness, just to'show the public that I can regard your kindness in a very discriminatory manner. And to make this part of my pleasiDg duty more s'rikingly observable, I may next take two or three of yourselves along with me, just to let people see how good a thing it is to be my fiiends. Adieu for a short season. Don't throw any obstacles in my way, in the manner earned and you shall therefore be most assuredly rewarded by yours, &c., L ,O^ THE CHOLERA. Moscow, October, 1847.

To the T.ditor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. STU,—At a meeting of the iron masters, coal proprietors, and other freighters, held at the King's Head Inn, Newport, Nov. 22nd, 18-17, Mr. Martin Morrison made a statement which I consider calls for a remark from me, especially as I was con- nected with Mr. Marsh during the setting out of the lower portion of the Newport and Pontypool Railway, and being still connected with that railway, and know the bearings of the case. Mr. Morrison stated that about a fortnight previous to the meeting at the King's Head, Mr. Marsh had stated to him that he could have had several contractors to finish the Ponty- pool Railway, AND furnish it with plant, &c., for his estimate, £119,100, r—| M „ That Mr. Marsh made a wrong calculation is evident, when I state that the earth work on Messrs. Rennie and CO.'1i con- tract is nearly as much as stated for the whole line. He also must have made a miscalculation in the masonry for the sum stated in his evidence before parliament, for the whole masonry of the line was £153. A small sum to build 36 bridges, 42 culverts, and other masonry work. I am, Sir, yours respectfully, THOS. G. HARDIE. Monmouthshire Canal Company's Engineers' Office, December 2nd, 1817.

A BOARD OF HEALTH. A BOARD OF HEALTH. To th>. Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. SIR, AS Newpoit is much frequented by VESSELS arriving from foreign ports, where Cholera 1lI'"Y exis', and as this place is awfully deficient in sanitary regulat ons, would it not be ad- visable that the auihonties should immediately set about the establishment of a Board of Health, whose duty it would be to inquire rigidly into nuisances of all kinds affecting public health, and order their remov J, under the poweis of the Improvement Act or the lly-Uvvs? It should not be left uniil it is too fate. We should not wait till the Cholera visits England, before the most extreme measures are resorted to, for the purpose of pre- venting i s spread among us. Really, there appears 10 be a negligence in the authorities thvis waiting until perhaps too [ale, beloie they institute preventive ineasuies. 1 hope the goud sense —the care for their own families-the dc-s re to effect good to- wards their neighbours-will cause the auttioiities io be up &or1 doing. Let theui temember that to be forewarned, is to be fore- armed and if they at once kindl y insii'uie regulations with re- gard to nuisances, which exist so fearfully in those foul reg ous, Ciost-airee', Fotheigill-street, Caroline-street, the can.!1 and trauiroad tides, and, above all, in Fiidrs' fields, there can be no doubt the town uill be forearmed against that deadly scouige the Cnoleia. I am, I:c., A LOVER Or TURF, AIR. Newport, December 1st.

THE SCHEW COMPANY. To Ihe Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. SIR,—The Screw Company was established for t!,e professed purpose of permanently reducing the high Liles and freights be- Uv-jtn Bristol and this port; and if 1 remember tightly, the company gave the public, in soliciting their patronage and sup- poit, a promise that they would reduce tbe fares from 4-. and 2*. to 2s. and h. permanently. The public approved of tne project, and supported it under tiyiog nrcumstan-cs m"SI Ither- ally so much so. th.it no complaints have been heard from the company as to the want of public co-operaiion with their effort* to destroy the packet monopoly. But now that the company have firmly established their boats—now that they have an. j nounced their intention to answer the people's support by addi- iional improvements in their excellent b ats, to perform the passage in about half the time—now that they think the public are fj,ra|y wedded to their boats—lh^y are actually 'goioy to rais« the fares to neatly the old standard, that is, to 3s. aft, and to. 61. forewards Is this ju,r, straightforward, honest, (so far as an avowtd principles goes), towards the public'? Why have not ihe public been informed by the company upon what grounds they go back so near to the monopoly ptices they combined to reduce? As one of their supporters—passing frequently to and from the potts, and being also a considerable freighter, always by the screw boals-l protest against such a proceeding as unjust, ar.d indefensible so 1.011 as regards the principle the company themselves laid down when they first courted the public favour. I remain, Sir. yours, &c., A TRADESMAN. Newport, 30ih Nov., 1847.

NEWPORT DOCK. Tv the Editor (ll the Monmouthshire Merlin. SIR, My object in addressing the public, through the me- uium of your excellent journal, is (if possible) tQ draw the at- tention of the iron, tin, and coal masters, to their true advan- tage, winch, I am quite sure, will be best, consulted by giving this Dock their decided support and interest. ° It would, indeed, appear that the advantages of this great undertaking, to the port and district in general, have never been adequately appreciated; if such had been the case, the produce of the enterprise and manufacturing industry of Mon- mouthshire would be shipped at the Dock for foreign ports direct, instead of being put on board of small craft, at wharfs, for BriSiol, London, or Liverpool, and had the former enlarged course been adopted, we should have enjoyed, lona ere this, that w ach is most wanting to our district', an import trade. W hilst viewing the number of large ships in the Dock, a few days since. I felt much gratified at the scene around me. I began to inuulge a thought that the concern must now become a very lucrative one, and felt at a loss to account why the dock shareholders were not paid a dividend. FeeW interested in this particular (for I must tell you that I hold a few shares) I entered into conversation with several masters of vessels and learned, with a feeling of regret, that some of these vessels had been detained long periods for a cargo; others were enticed to leave the Dock under the promise of being loaded sooner at the wharfs in the river: while, in one instance, a vessel (the Nep- tune) was forced to leave the Dock against the master's indi- cation, to load at Mr. Bailey's wharf, with iron. Thinks I to myself, if all I hear is truth, 'tis little wonder the Dock does not pay, with so many conflicting interests to contend with ? Is it possible to remove these difficulties ? All at once I was in- formed, to my great delight, that Mr. C. (the clever agent of a millionaire manufacturer), had communicated to a dock pro- prietor the pleasing information, that il the wharfage of iron be reduced from 6d. to 4d., most of the iron exported from New- port would be shipped at the Dock If 2d. per ton will settle this great question and bring trade to a concern, which has been raised at such sacrifices to indi- viduals—which is calculated to confer such immense benefits on Newport, and which it is the bounden duty of all men of business, connected with the locality, to support to the best of their power then, I say, there can be no doubt that the direc- tors will not lose a single opportunity in confirming such an arrangement with the iron masters as will give the Dock the traffic. Tile axiom, that reduced charges augment returns, is too well known and generally recognised to require any expatiation on this point, and confidently relying that a Dock, which is the admiration of all maritime men, who come within its capacious gates, will no longer be deprived of the fullest extent of trade afforded by the port, I am, Sir, your very obedient servant, A SHAREHOLDER. P.S.—I am glad to learn that the carrying out of improved facilities for shipping and general trade of the Dock, are now under consideration, with a view of being employed as soon as possible. Newport, Nov. 2oth, 1S47.

REPORTS OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF INQUIRY IN TO THE STATE OF EDUCATION IN WALES. E have heeu favoured with the 1st and 2nd pans-two ponderous volumes—containing' the results of the Commissioners' labours in Carmar- thenshire, Glamorganshire, and Pembrokeshire, (vol. 1st) and Breconshire, Cardiganshire, Radnor- shire, and Monmouthshire, (vol. 2.) A third kVolume will conclude the results of the Commission, .whlCh, oui readers will remember, was appointed in pursuance of a motion carried in the Commons' Mouse of Parliament, last Session, for an address to the Queen, praying Her Majesty to direct an inquiry to be made into the state ot education in the Principality of Wates, especially into the means afforded to the labouring classes of acquiring; a knowledge of the English language." The Secretary of State for the Home Department undertook on that occasion, on behall of Her Majesty's Government, that such an inquiry should be instituted, and he intimated that it should be conducted under the authority of the Committee of Council on Education. An immense mass of matter—embracing even the most minute details— of the means and practice of education amongst the humbler classes in the counties mentioned, is now before both houses of the legislature, and in the hands of the conductors of the public press. We received the volume containing the inquiry through Monmouthshire only yesterday, and must therefore be limited in our extracts this week. The Commissioners assign the following reasons for embracing this county in the inquiry :— Although Monmouthshire no longer forms part of the Princi- pality, tiiat portion which is comprised within the great mineral basin is so thoroughly Welsh as regards the character, habits, and language of the larger part of its inhabitants, that it could scarcely bave heen excluded trom this inquiry wilhout injury to the comprehensiveness of the reports; neither would the pic- ture of the mining population have been complete without some statement of the eoatlrtion of thot section of it which presents stronger features than any other branch of the same heteroge- nous community. I found it necessary to limit the scope of inquiry as strictlvas I could to those parishes of which some part of the inhabitants were engaged in mineral labours, either in mines or iron woiks. This confined my investigation to eighteen parishes, forming the western side of the county, and adjacent to Brecknockshire and Glamorganshire. Although these partshes comprise an area only of 9B,520 acres out of the area of the whole county, which contains 324,310 acres, yet the population of this section amounted 10 no less than 86,079 in 1841, out of a total population in the county of 131.355. Thus, whilst in the non-mineral or agricultural part of the county, there are 4'67 acres to each person in the mining district, on which I am reporting, there are only 1*14 acres to each person. This will give some preliminary notion of the crowded state of this community. Whilst it contrasts strikingly with the scantiness of the population in the interior of Wales, it in some measure accounts for it, inasmuch as the miniDg communities are chiefly swollen by immigration, and are, in fact, the receptacle and refuge of nearly all tbe unem. ployed labourers whom crime or want have induced to travel thither, luted by the golden harvest with which report invests mineral adventure and the wages it dispenses. The increase of the population in Monmouthshire has ex- ceeded ihat of every other county io the kingdom, and has nearly doubled itself in the twenty years between 1821 and 1841. The hostility," says Mr. J. C. Symons, "evinced towards your lordships' minutes ot council of 1846, made known just previously to my arrival ia Monmouthshire, in some measure, and in some cases, extended itself to my inquiry, and impeded its execution. No inconsiderable interruption to my own inves- tigation was caused by the necessity of explanations to those who had expressed reluctance to further the labours of the assist- ants to whom it became essetitiat.to explain our commission, aod its disconnexion from tbe measmes recently propounded by the committee of council. I also endeavoured to impiess the Dissenters with the fact, that whatever their views as to the fittest remedy for the existing deficiency of educational means, those views could derive nothing but aid from an inquiry into facts, and a faithful representation of the statistfts of the case. I am bound to say that the Rev. Mr. Thomas, the principal of the Baptist College at Pontypool the Rev. Evan Jones, of Tredegar; the Rev. Mr. Bright, of Newport; W. Phillips. Esq., of Pontymoile, and other Dissenters of influence, who ex. pressed in no measured terms their disapproval of the minutes of council gave me very valuable assistance in the ptosecution of mv labours, which I am desirous of acknowledging with thanka. The clergv of the Church ot England were most cordial tn their assi-tance. The only class from whom I met with indifference to the inquiry, were some of the iron masters, and tho^e who employed the largest number of labourers. The Lord Lieute- nant, Mr. Hanbury Leigh, proved an honourable exception, and procured me every information 1 requested from him. To be continued.