Monmouthshire Merlin

TO CORRESPONDENTS. voice from a Committee Room" is either a spy, or a per- verter of truth, and in either case the writer is unworthy of A corner in the MERLIN." "Lex" shall have a reply. Antiquatas was blunderingly put for Antiquitas, in a portion of our last impression. Letteis in reference 10 the communication of A Liberal Elector," from Ebbw Vale, in the last week's MERLIN, shall appear. The favour of "Antiquitas," is unavoidably postponed, with other favours.

NEWPORT DISPENSARY. Monthly Report, ending Mur3\. Monthly Report, ending Ap. 30 Under care Feb. 29, 100 Under care, Mar. 31, 94 Admitted since 150 Admitted since 15(J -2:) -250 Cured. 13G Cured. 143 Relieved. 10 Relieved. 9 Died 10 Died 7 Under care at present 1)4 Under care at present 91 —250 —2o0 ROBI:RT F. WOOLLETT, Surgeon. Great Dock-street, Newport, May 5, 1*552. <> -e-

NEW SUPERINTENDENTS. — Mr. John Huxtable, late of the Monmouthshire Canal and Railway police force, was on Monday sworn in superintendent of the borough force, vice Mr. English, resigned and Mr. Hill has been appointed to the office of superintendent, vacated by Air. liuxtable, on the railway. ATHENAEUM.—It is pleasing to find that a taste for literary enjoyments and useful information,-derivable from instruc- tive books, and popu.ar lectures, -is greatly increasing in Newport. We understand that the year just commenced, of the Newport Athenaeum and Mechanics' Institute, affords good proof of this- We trust the current session will be marked by advantages which may considerably help to re- cover the institution from the unfortunate position into which it was placed by the "sin king" of a large amount of its funds, in the failure of the Old Bank. WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTION.—This progressing society shows that emulation is prevalent among its members. The study of books, and the acquirement of a proper knowledge of the political questions of the day, are more fitting occupa- tions than one which too frequently proves injurious to health and worldly prospects, and leaves the besotted individual a very useless member of society indeed We are informed that James Brown, Esq., of Bryn Glas, and Ciawshay Bailey Esq. M.P-, have each given the handsome donation of i5 to the committee of this institution. JOHN FROST —Mr. Hume, Mr. Booker, and Sir Joshua Walmsley, have been exerting themselves in endeavouring to prevail upon the government to grant a remission of the sentence of Frost, the chartist These gentlemen had an interview with the Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment on Saturday, for that purposc.-Globe. WESTERN VALLEYS RAILWAY.-On Monday next, the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company will commence hauling the whole of the traffic upon the Western Valleys, so that none of the old engines, belonging to freighters, will then be used upon these lines. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.—We regret to say that a serious injury was sustained by John Russell, Esq-, of Risca, and the Wyelands, Chepstow, on Saturday last. Mr. Russell was sitting beside his coachman, on the box of his carriage, (Mrs. and Miss Russell being inside,) and having just pre- viously left the county office, where he ofliciated with other magistrates, he felt slightly chilled, and rose to put on an overcoat, while the carriage was on Newport Bridge. In consequence of his pulling the coat at the instant the servant rose, Mr. Russell was'precipitated with much force to the ground, whereby a fracture of the collar bone and a disioca tion of one of his ancles, were caused. The shock to the ladies in the carriage, and the alarm of parties 011 the bridge, were very great, it being feared that the accident was fatal; but on his being rdised, and conveyed to the King's Head Hotel, it was ascertained that the injuries we have mentioned, were the extent of the accident. Mr. Russell was conveyed to his residence at Risen, and we learn, by the latest inquiries, that he is progressing favourably, under the medical treatment of Mr. Robothan, surgeon. CUSTOMS APPOINTMENT.—Mr. John Latch, of H. 1I. Customs in this port, has received the appointment of Collector at Lowestoft, Norfolk. Mr. Latch, by his gentle- mauly and urbane conduct, was generally esteemed by all who transacted business with him in tli" Long Uoom;' and we have no doubt that his promotion, while it will be pleasing to his friends, will be regretted by those who would prefer his doing well, or improving his position, in his naiive town. PRESENTATION. -A pleasing proof that the working classes estimate good conduct and deserving worth in their lellow- men, equally with those in a higher sphere of life, occurred a few days snice, when the employes on the Western alleys railway, presented a handsome silver snuff box to Clement Elliott, a guard on that line, on his obtaining an advancement of position in another quarter. NEW OFFICES.-The staff of clerks, engineer, &c., of the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company, last Tuesday removed from the establishment in High-street, to the spaeipus new offices in the large building on the Dock-road, originally intended for an hotel. The new and capacious station, for passengers and merchandise, which is immediately opposite the offices, is now completed, and ready for u.-e. RAILWAY INSPECTION.—Captain Lallan, the Government Inspector of Railways, is expected to pass over the Newport and Pontypool Hue in a few days and we have heard, from competent authority, that this well-made railway is likely to receive his entire approbation. ERRATUM.—In the following sentence, in the Arcliidi- aconal Yisitation" paragraph, last week, the omission of the word in occurred :—"The Archdeacon addressed the clergy and churchwardens, in a most impressive manner, [in] a short but excellent charge." SHIPPING. The port was never so empty as it is at present; but this state of things will not long continue. We have heard of fit.teen charter parties being already in hand here, awaiting ships to convey large cargoes of coal to the West India islands, for the West India mail steamers. Freights j are now looking up. As soon as an opportunity is afforded, the large ships which have recently put into Liverpool and other ports will fill our dock and river and the large number of hands now unemployed, will bo again briskly in operation. IMPROVEMENT.-The Old Company's steam-packet Dart., having undergone alterations and improvements, now performs her trips, between Bristol and Newport, in a hour less time than was previously the case whiNt her free dom from oscillation, and other qualities, as a fine sea boat, render her a favourite. It is observed as a fact, both ex n- ordinary and gratifying that in the thousands of passage. and the immense passenger traffic, of both old and new com- panies, for so many years, a fatal casualty has never taken place. EMIGRATION.—The wonders of the golden region,-the tales which are every now and then reaching us, almost as wondrous, but more true than those of the glittering wealth produced by Aladdin's lamp,—have awakened a spirit of adventure amongst many of the intelligent "single-men" of the industrial classes, in Newport and the neighbourhood, who are at this moment preparing to start for the auriferous region of Australia. Let those, however, who are doing well at°present, take care that they do not ding away a substance, for a problematical attainment, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." The papers teem with glowing accounts from those who have "gone to the diggins;" and there are, unquestionably, many adventurers who have realised hand- some fortunes. Among recent accounts, we notice the follow- ing One writer says -11 After careful examination, 1 have come to the conclusion that a fair working man can make lull £ 1200 a year on the ground, clear of his expenses at the present rate of food that nine oUt of ten will do this readily and some few hero and there much more. Men have made as much as £ 10,000 in two mouths, four men dividing about ±'4 ',000. When hundreds of thousands of mere labourers can do this, imagine the magnitude of the effects to be produced on the world. A large sheep owner, being iii great troubic about shearing his flocks, went to a party of shearers at the gold diggings, to ask them to shear his Hock, lie fancied, in his innocence, that by offering high wages they would come for a few days, and had fully made up his mind to give what- ever they asked he found the men lying indolently round their tire, and told his wishes they went aside and consulted with each other, when their speaker advanced with gravity, and said they would do it. Wetl,' said our friend, 'let us have a written agreement,' and produced ink and paper. Now what are the wages to put ill Ili;, wool and on no other terms would they come, and he was going away in disgust: but they called him back; and ho, thinking they had relented, returned eagerly. The man then said, .Master, we want a cook, and if you will take the place, we will grve you 15s. a day.—We understand, from a letter received in 15s. a day.—We understand, from a letter received in Newport from Australia, by a friend of Mr. Jnglis, formerly carrying on business as a hatter in this place, that he liTis been to the diggings, and realised well, and that he intends going thither again. ROBBERIES.—An Irish labourer, from Llantrissent, named William Sullivan, was robbed of two t;5 notes, of the West of England Bank, and about a pound in silver, on .Saturday night'last, by a female in Friars' Fields; and John Evans, of Abersychau, was robbed, in ihe same quarter, of 4.2 10; neither of the tiiieves were discovered. A CAPTURE.-A few days since, Mr. Edmund Oscroft, of this town, caught at the Gwastotd lock, with a trout tackle, a salmon, weighing four pounds and three ounces, rather a fine fellow to be captured in the canal. INQUEST.—W. Brewer, Esq., held an inquest last Satnr- day, at the Castle Inn, on view of the body ot James Powell, a^tjd one month, louud dead by his mother s side, in bed, that morning. Mr. Limbrey, surgeon, had been called in, and expressed all opinion that death had been caused by convul- sious. — Verdict accordingly- EQUESTRIAN EXHIBITIONS. —Mr. Bell's equestrian party drew large houses on ednesday, at the cattle market, when the great diversity of amusement provided far spectators was generally productive ot gratification. NARROW ESCAPE,-On Tuesday morning, a little before eight o'clock, an engine was running up on the road by the Salutation Inn, the engineer of which did not cause the whistle to scream until close upon not only the crossing, but also an aged woman carrying two baskets; and she, not sup- posing the engine was to be immediately reversed,—which was done instantly, without any signal,- crossed the line im- mediately behind it, at the very moment that it was reversed. She escaped being knocked down, and probably killed on the spot, by a few inches of space only. Undoubtedly this mode of running to and fro on a crossing, without proper signalling, is reprehensible in the highest degree, and the culpable party will be reprimanded. DEATH BY DROWNING. —On Sunday last, while the tide was running up at two knots an hour, John Saunders, aged 18, one of the ÎJands on board the Sprightly, of liude, Captain Marshall, went from the vessel, at the Penner Wharf, to take a stern rope ashore, and in doing so, overreached himself, and fell from the stern seats of the boat, on which he had been standing, into the river The unfortunate man rose but once, having been doubtless carried up the river, under the surface, rapidly. The customs' gig put off immediately as did other boats but it was without avail-the sailor was not recovered nor has his body yet been picked up. We understand deceased was the chief support of an aged widowed mother, at Clovelly. VERY "HEAVY WET."—A foolish fellow, last Tuesday afternoon, imbibed such large quantities of moistcning," that he was induced to strip off his clothes at the Rodney Parade packet-slip, and take a plunge into the tide, which was run- ning out rapidly at the time. He had miscalculated his strength, and the amount of his sobriety for the tide carried him down so fast, and rendered him so powerless, that had not a friend put off a boat to his assistance, he might have been drowned, as the reward of his druukcn temerity. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday afternoon, about four o'clock, William Gregory, the steady and industrious cart porter of the old steam packet company, was coming along Commercial-road, by the side of his horse, eating some bread and meat, when lie observed that the horse wanted to turn into lluperra-street. He at once lifted his hand to the animal's head, to direct him along the road, when it is sup- posed he was struck by the shaft, as he suddenly fell, and in a moment, before the poor fellow could rise again, the wheel of the heavily-laden cart passed over his body, from his shoulders to the legs. Bystanders heard his cry, and ran towards him, when they found him on his face, the wheel having passed over his back. The Rev. H. Wybrow, Mr. Wilson, and others, rendered all the assistance they could and on the unfortunate man's removal to the nearest house, Mr. J ennings. surgeon, was called in, but there was no ground for other than the opinion that he was fatally injured. He died the same evening, in much suffering, having been fright- fully smashed and bruised. An inquest was held on view of the body, at the Trout Inn, on Wednesday, before W. Brewer, Esq coroner, which the Rev. H- Wybrow attended, and a verdict of Accidental Death," was returned. CAUTION.—A correspondent, who signs himself "Not a Builder," cautious carpenters and masons against certain unprincipled prowlers, who show their faces, even in this honest neighbourhood, enter into contracts for erecting houses, and bamboozle hard-working and honest carpenters and masons, who will not get their money until St. Tib s eve, which is neither before nor after Christmas. LARGE EGO.—Mr. Chapman, builder, has an egg, the produce of a Spanish hen, 3 inches in length, 61 inches in circumference, and weighing 4i oz. CHILD DESERTION —On Friday last, two Irishwomen came up from Cardiff to Newport, on foot, and proceeded to the South Wales railway station, where one of them, being somewhat keener than her chance companion asked her to hold "the babe" for her, while she went just inside, to get a relief ticket for the union The unsuspecting friend, not knowing but that it was a relief office, she afterwards said, took the child the other went inside, got a ticket sure enough, but it was one that conveyed her off by the train which came in just at that moment The woman who had thus been favoured with an unexpected gift, told her story to the people around her, when she found the other did not return: and was advised to proceed to the station-house at once. She did so, and the child was removed from that place to the union-house while PC. Batt, made a journey, per rail- way. in search of the runaway mother; but discovered nothing more than that she was thought to be a resident at Cardiff, who was at that particular juncture "out of the way," and could not be apprehended. RAILWAY ACCIDENT. On Monday evening, the down passenger train on the Western Valleys railway, being an hour alter time, a pilot engine was sent up, when it was found that a horse belonging to" Mr. Edmonds, road agent to the company, had been struck down by the engine, and some empty trams, to which the animal had been attached, were knocked off the line. The horse was such an impediment to the engine, having become actually fastened to the lower part of the machinery, that the train could neither be taken forward nor backward; but the pilot engine being attached to the rear of the carriage, drew them up the line, when the body of the horse was disengaged from the engine, and re- moved out of the way, and the train proceeded on to New- port. The delay occurred between Ty Dee station and Tregwillim farm. Fortunately no other damage was done. THE ORANGE PEEL NUISANCE.—A married woman, in a condition likely to be seriously injured by a fall, slipped her foot on a piece of orange peel, near the shop of Mr. Jack, hatter, on Wednesday, and fell to the grouud with much force. A RE-ISSUE.-The Great Exhibition Chart of the Wee" Dkp'rtch, which has undergone careful revision, will be re- issued on the 16th of May, so that parties who have not obtained fcopies may be supplied on the terms stated in an advertisement, to which we call attention.

TIA Nn OF THE 48TH REGTMENT. There was a fashionable attendance in the barracks' square I on Tuesday last, to listen to the performances of this fine band. The following is the programmo of the music performed — # P A It T I. Overture to Nini (Nabunodonosor) Cornet Obligato Verdi Secerudele—— Cavatina from Bettly EbClarionet Obligato ..Donizetti British Navy Quadrille, with variations for Piccoli, Flute, Clarionet, Cornet, Bassoon, and Ophicleide Jullien PART II. Selection from Ernani, with Solos for Clarionet and Ophicleide Verdi E'Ser'oato Cavatina from I Capuleti Trom- bone Obligato Bellini Mandolina Waltz Juliien

ON. [TO Tll F. EDITOR.) DFEAR SIR,—Seeing an article in your paper of the 30th ult., headed, "The late Election for the Boroughs," signed '• James Horner, Senr. I think I may be in place to solicit a small space in your-next publication to quote at foot a con- versation that passed between that gentleman and myself, previously to the said election, that the public may form some opinion of the integrity of his views and movements in electioneering matters, as well as to form an opinion of the veracity of his statement. 1 am, dear Sir, yours respectfully, ROBEltT PYNE. Pillgwenlly, May, 1852. Meeting Mr. Horner on the Commercial-road, theconver. sation alluded to was as tollows Well, Mr. Horner, who do you mean to vote for at the election? Mr. Horner: Why I do not know yet; I have not made up my min,l-but I will not vote for any body without I am well paid for it. This, however, I tell you I will not vote for Lewis Edwards, because, at the last election, he gave me an order to go to# the Monmouth and Glamorgan Bank for 120 (or JE25,1 am not sure which), and they would not give it to me ,1. i At a subsequent meeting, a day or two before the election, I accosted him again, saying- Well. Mr. Horner, have you made up your mind yet ? Mr. Horner: No; but ivlr. Bailey's people^ offered me money, but they would not stand to the promise; and so will drive round Pill, and get every man I can from him; and I know pretty many I can secure. [TO THE EDITOR.] Srn,-I shall be obliged by your in-erting this correction of Mr. George Wells'statement, which appeared in your paper last week. With regard to the number of votes offered to Mr. Lindsay, I did not say lifty was the total number offered. 1 am, Sir, yours respectfully, Mayo, 1852. J. BRIAN. BRIBERY BY LEHERDEMVIN. [TO THE EDITOR ] Sik —The whole galaxy of Meiilin correspondents, wtiose I.glit has been pound into thi palpable obscure" of protectionist purity, at your lafe election has not dispelled the darkness. Inexperienced observers may tIC seduced by apparently candid protestations of innocence, from the otlicials of an electioneering party, and their asseverations that committees received no authoiity lor rattling tiie hribeiy box. But such mere chaff" deceives no "old birds." It Ivould rarely do to en- trust bribery to committees; the secret ivouM be in too f'nny hands. Some trusty agent glides aholll, with the money-bag well pouched, and doe. the business as quietly as any meek almoner, who does g >od by stealth," thought it cannot oiten happen that the briber depute has the grace to blusli" wl;en he "finds it fame." I remember a h tly conusted election, at which I assisted, ami just before the close of the poll, happened to be conversing with a friend, in an unfrequented street, and far from the hlisting*. Suddenly we saw a chaise and pair pull up within twenty yards of us, and out stepped a young man, the pocket of whose frock coat swagged heavily, as lie sprang to the ground, tie has a bag of sovereigns," Said I "So he has, by re- speeded my friend, and shouted a view halloo, which started off the Tory a-'ent at full speed, catching up his heavy pocket under his arm, that he mirlJ t run the faster. We chase, and raised such a pesse of followers in a few seconds, that the fellow bolted i ito a back street, and took earth" at a public-house in the pay of his party. He had arrived with the evident purpose of buying up some scamps, a» well- known to us as to himself, so as to turn the scale at the last hour but the briber depute was ditched, and the bribies lo.it their coveted gold. We won the day by about the number of votes tliat bajf of sovereigns was destined to purchase. Now, of course, the immaculate J ory com- mittee were quite innocent of acknowledge about this business yet it is quite certain the gold in the young man's pocket was not his own, and he was recognised as the clerk of a lawyer, employed by the con- servative candidate, who habitually boasted that "money was no ob- ject." Had he succeeded in slipping quietly, as he intended, amongst the expectant mercenaries, his bribery bag would have diffused its con- tents in the most decorous manner and we should have been duly edified by the virtuous horror of our opponents, at any such dark deeds min' led with their exultations over a bastly bought majority. But of all the" artful dodgers on record, the bribery a^ent at St. Albans is a real treasure. Take his description, in the following extract from a late parliamentary report:—f Mr. Bell, the member of St. Alban's, on the motion for the disfranchisement of that borough, ac quainted the house with a few of the tricks of ilettioneering agents. The house might imagine a committee room, or which the candidate knew nothing, and had heard nothing, but where meetings took place between the agent and the electors, when something like the following dialogue passed The agent said-" Well, Mr. Smith, how do you do I" holding up three fingers. (Laughter.) The elector replied-" Oh I'm not well at all. to-day.' Indeed, said the agent, I'm sorry to hear that what's the matter with you t" holding up five fingers. (Laughter.) "Oh," said the elector, "Its nothing; I'm better now, thank you." (Great laughter). The agent then winked the elector looked out of the window. The agent placed five sovereigns on the table: HE then looked out of the window. The elector came to the table, and when the agent looked back, the sovereigns were gone, but he never saw them taken. (Laughter.) Then, when the committee came to inquire into the election, the agent swore that he had never pai#any one any money, and the elector swore that he had never had any paid to him. No promise was asked or given. After this all the declarations of impeccable committee men who have acted on a coutestad election, will have only their true value in public estimation.. I am sir, yours truly, CliftOD, J.Iay S. JS,u. GEEYBJSAHD.

THE BAND OF THE 48Tii REGIMENT. [TO THE EDITOR.] SIR,—I am a devoted lover of music, a taste for which is grow- ing up in this town. Nothing is so gratifying to my ear as the martial strains of a well-trained band. You may therefore judge of the treat I enjoyed in hearing, last Sunday morning, the admi- rable music of the band of the 48th regiment. I trust the Colonel will be induced to continue the practice. I see anything but im- propriety in it; indeed I think much good will result from it. First, there are very large numbers of hard-working men, confined to their work-places all the week, who have ordinarily a strong desire to spend their Sabbath mornings idly at home the heart- stirring music of the band will draw them forth from their homes, and the house of prayer will be afterwards crowded by those whose hearts have been softened by the influence of music—which but few can resist—to listen to and weigh with more devotion the les- sons of holy wisdom. And then, again—if such an argument can be required—look at the loyalty which a disciplined regiment, with their officers by their side, marching to the sounds of martial mu- sic, can awaken in the nearts of the masses. In these days, it is a good thing, now and then, to rouse up such feelings. I trust, then, we shall find the Colonel of the regiment (who, I hear, is a great favourite wherever he is quartered) conceding the privilege to us of listening every Sunday to his fine band, on the way to church. I speak on behalf of a large number of my fellow-townsmen, who, last Sunday, were charmed with the music, and were very expres- sive in their hopes of its continuance. Pardon me, sir, for intruding those few observations on your valuable journal; but a wish that they may do something towards securing so pleasing an object, must be. respectfully, the excuse of Your obedient servant, A NEWPORT ABORIGINAL, IN A NEW STREET. May 4, '52.

0. TOWN HALL, NEWPORT.—MONDAT. Present-Henry John Davis (mayor), J. Hellicar, and James Rennie, Esqrs. Some "drunk and disoiderly" chatges liaviog been dis- posed of, John Pilloe, William Roberts, and R. M. Dosaoka were ch irged with deserting their duty on hoard the Melanira, of Falmouth, Captain Lobb.-lt appeared that the men had left off discharging ballast at the slag", because it was raining and then sknlued below.—The ftencb expressed surprise that sea- men should be afraid of a drop of rain -The men imputed se- verity of treatment and discourtesy of behaviour towards them, to the captain, who did not, one of ihtrn alleged, addre>s them comfortably and respectably!"—The Ma)or said he supposed they wished to be masters, at to have the captaiu hel: or intreat them coaxingly to do that duly which the) were paid for doing. -Bosilllka set up the pietence that he, having attained his majority, was tin longei an apprentice but it was di coveted fiom his indentures and rngistet-iicket, he was only t*enty years of age. ile swore bravely he would sooner go to gaol than go with Captain Lobb again not when the Bench ordered that he should be kept in prison till the vessel was read, for sea, and then be put on hoard by a police officer, the «r. at fellow cried and roared most lubberly, so that the whole court taughed at turn. Hebeagedvery Ioald not 10 be put to prison, and said he would readily go on board at once bill having refused that alternative at first, ii was denied him now, and he was accord- ingly taken to the cell, blubbering very call-like. Tiie other men said they woud raiher go back to the ship, than go so prison, and they were accotdinnly dischaiged, the ma"i,uates ordenog thai the cosis of the proceedings should be deducted Irora the men's wages by the captain. Two little girls were charged with stealing coal; but it ap- pearing rather that they had been directed to do so by other*, than that they committed the offenoe from a criminal disposi- tion, they were discharged and the father of one of titem was informed that the police woul,1 narrowly watch his conduct in re- ference toliis child's coalslealing in future. Sarah Jones was charged willi stealing 93 2s. 6d.,fhe money of Thomas Edwards,of fchbw Vale, who had come down by the train on Satuiday, and after getting robbed, and prefeirlog the charge, got back again as last as he could, to Ebbw Vale, from which place he did not cars, perhaps, to attend in court, to prosecute.-The girl was discharged, the prosecutor nut ap- pealing. THURSDAY. Before Wm. Evans, and R. F. Woollett, Esqrs. Dennis Murray was charged with stealing coal, the pro- perty of Thomas Prothero, Esq.-Fourteen days' imprison- ment, and once whipped. Ellen Kingston was charged with assaulting Catherine M'Carthy.—Fined 5s. and costs, or three weeks' imprisonment. James Roach was charged with leaving his wife chargeable to the parish of St. Woollos.—Arranged with the overseers. William Haggarty was charged with assaulting Mark Taylor.-Fined 2s. 6d., and 4s. costs — Patd. William Fowler was charged with stealing a jacket, and 3s. 8d., the property of Richard Morish.-Remancled. Catherine Roonan was charged with being disorderly at Piligwenlly.- Discharged on paying costs. Cornelius Bowe Palmer was charged with assaulting A. B. Champ. Adjourned to Monday next. Jain,4 Harman was summoned for non-payment of 18s. wag"s, <!n<- to John Toner.—Settled out of Court. Eii/ti'tit Harris was charged with sleeping on the premises of t r h rick Justice, Esq. Discharged with a caution. Juhn Hughes was charged with being drunk and incapable on the Cardiff-road.—Discharged with a caution.

THE BUDGET. THE financial statement of 1852 has at least the merit of simplicity there is no complication, nor is there any room for jealousy between different in- terests. Those who indulged in visions of some grand adjustment of taxation, by which they hoped to be enriched at the national cost, have been signally disappointed while those who feared some cunning contrivance which should tempt the tax-payers to sanction for the sake of present relief, that which would produce future mischief, have been relieved, for this year, at le-ist, from such apprehensions. The proposal of the Chancellor of the Exchequer is to j renew for one year the property and income tax, which he and his party have so often denounced and to leave untouched the estimated su-plus, since he takes it at the small sum of £ 401,000. Consi- dering all the circumstances, we fully concur in the opinion that Mr. Disraeli has taken the wisest course; though he appears to have understated the income. There are, however, several considerations suggested by the debate. The most palpable feature of the Chancellor's speech is the testimony it hears to the triumphant success of the financial policy which lie has always opposed. During ten ve. rs, taxation to the amount of £ 11,500,000 a year h; been remitted, while the property and income tax, imposed at first to meet a previous deficiency, has not exceeded £ 5,500,000 so that the whole community has gained six millions a-year. But this is not all the substitutionary tive millions and a half have been raised from classes bet- m I ter able to pay it. No doubt, even such a tax has a partial influence below its range, by leading to some degree of retrenchment but every practical man knows that this is but a trifling set-off against the great benefit derived from the exemptions enjoyed by the humbler classes. Then the reproductive power which the revenue has shown, after such re- peated reductions, involves an increase of consump- tion to an extent which proves a great augmentation of comfort, and renders supremely rediculous the as- sertions of those who still maintain that the last de- cade has been one of continued progress in a down- direction. One question naturally suggested by the speech of the right hon. gentleman is—why, after bearing tes- 0 17, timony to the wonderful elasticity of a reduced re- venue, he should look, this year for so small an amount ? This arises, it seems, from two causes he anticipates a smaller income, and an increased I expenditure. Had this happened under the Whigs, it would at once have been attributed to their finan- cial errors, or incapacity. Not to dwell upon this, however, it may be well to look a little into the de- tails. On the Customs, he calculates upon £LOI,OOO less than last year, on the ground of the annual re- duction on the sugar duties (which he supposes will involc a loss of £145,000), and the cessation of ex- traordinary imports connected with the Exhibition though he admits that the increase of imported sugar last yer-r was" almost miraculous." From the opi- nionsof men, upon whose judgment we are much more inclined to rely, than on that of the bran-new Chan- cellor of the Exchequer, we believe that the con- tinued augmentation from that source, and in imports generally, while trade and employment are so good, will amount to much more than £44,000. Still one cannot censure a Chancellor of the Exchequer for keeping on the safe side. With respect to the other branches of income, though some of them may probably yield more than is expected, the same remark must in candour be made. Looking at the other main branch, the expen- diture, we find an increase of nearly a million ster- ling, occasioned by the Militia and the Caffre war. For 'neither of these is the present government parti- cularly responsible. The war they inherited from theiV predecessors as to the militia, those predeces- sors = had declared such a force essential, and the schehie of the present occupants of office has been decisively sanctioned by the House of Commons. One interesting part of the Chancellor of the Ex- chequer's speech was that relating to the various modes of raising taxes. Without committing himself to any particular course, be evinced no unwillingness to follow the policy of raising a considerable revenue from direct taxation, if the country preferred it. He justly remarked, however, that this kind of taxation has been extremely unr opular, and that the amount already raised was obtained with considerable diffi- culty. This is perfectly true. The obvious advan- tage of direct taxation is that the payers are much more alive to the amount raised, and it is less easy for a government to squander. There are, however, two obstacles to carrying it out-one, that ignorance which makes men clamour more about a shilling taken from them openly, than a pound extorted by indirectmeans; the other, the real inconvenience occasioned by having to pay the demands of the government in larger sums than in the cases of taxes upon articles of consumption. The former obstacle may gradually disappear with the progress of intelligence, the latter will probably be felt to such an extent as to render it impracticable, in a country like this, to get more than r portion of the revenue by direct taxes though it might certainly be modified by a more frequent col- lection. The general inference to be drawn by the tax- payer from the present budget, is the importance of more of the truly popular element in the House of Commons, so that an immense expenditure may be diminished, for which there is yet ample room.

THE MILITIA BILL. IT is to be regretted that an amendment in opposition to the second reading of this bill, should have been since the large majority in its favour will greatly puff up a ministry already much too vain and self. confident. It indicates a considerable want of ma- nagement among the Whig party, that they did not ascertain more ot the feeling of at least their own side of the house, before making a motion which, without a good prospect of success, should obviously not have been made at all. Having themselves as- serted the propriety of organizing a militia, and that without delay, they might very well have reserved their objections for the committee. In fact, it was impossible to avoid some imputation of inconsistency in the course which they took and this placed them at a disadvantage. It is true that the ministerial measure differed considerably from their own; still, their objections would have told best in committee; whereas, by opposing the second reading, they ren- dered it eleaily impossible to pass a bill at all this session, should their amendment be carried. Still the government have not so much to rejoice over as they may suppose. It is true that a decisive majo- rity has pronounced for some prompt measure of de- fences, and that in the shape of a militia. But they may yet find themselves defeated on some important points. As to the effect on the country, that may be very different from what ministers and members of parliament, who arc often extremely ignorant respect- ing public opinion, imagine. Undoubtedly there is a general feeling, (however absurd or otherwise), that our defence are not what they should be but the entire subsidence of agitation upon the subject, shows how factitious was the vapouring made a short time ago and as we have oiten said, to any compulsory enlistment there is a deep and general dislike. If, indeed, here were any truth in the assertion of that unscrupulous individual, Mr. Solicitor-general Kelly, that for all the vast quantity of foreign corn imported, an equal amount of home grown has been displaced —there must now be so many thousands of labourers idle, that the whole militia will be readily raised at once from men eager for the bounty. But as no in- telligent person attaches credence to the platitudes of Z, this political Munchausen, we fear that coerced en- rolment must be the ultimate rescrt though we must stiil in fairness, commend the government for first trying voluntary enlistment, which is probably one of the causes why the majority was so large. What we now would earnestly urge, is the proposal of a clause forbidding other than voluntary enlist- ment, which is probably one of the causes why the majority was so large and should that be lost, a re- striction of the age to not more than twenty-three.

NEWPORT CORN, HAY, AND STRAW MARKETS. Wheat, (red) 40s to 44s S Flour, (French) 34s to .5os Wheat, (Wlllte) 44s to 4Flour, (English).. 30s to 34s Barley, (malting) 28s to 311s ¡ Flour,(American) 2 s to 23s Barley, (grinding) 24s to 26s ¡ Potatoes, ( Iresh whites) 70s Oats, (black) 19s to 20s Ditto (ditto reds) H Is Oats, (white) 20s to 22K Hay. 35s to 42s Beans, (English).. 28s to 30s £ Straw,in 14 lh.bolt. 2's to 30s Beans, (foreign).. 2t>s to 20» i Straw, in bulk,24s per ton .Grey Peas 28s to 31s > Linseed..7s<>d to8s pr bushel White boiling peas 31;, to 38s 1 Linseed Cake,155.. per ton Fine ditto 40s to 42s Dutch Cake, 148s per ton Indian meal, i.8 per ton i English, (finest) J70s to 2u0s | per ton

NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET, WEDNESDAY. Beef 4d<i to 4]d per lb Lamb, 7d to 8d per lb. Veal 5d to 5id per lb. Bacon pigs, Os ltd to 7s per st. Mutton. 54d to 6d per lb. Porkers, 7s Od to 7s tid per st. There was a very good supply, in to-day's market, of prime cattle and sheep, but there was not a very brisk demand. — —

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. SOUTH WALES RAILWAY.—On Friday afternoon a special general meeting of the South Wales Railway Company was held at the Paddington station, C. R. M. Talbot, Esq., M.P-, chairman of the company, presiding. The object of the meeting was to take into consideration the draft of a bill now before Parliament, to en- able the South Wales Company to make new lines of railway to Milford Haven add to Newport, to enable them to purchase the Pembroke ferry, and also to abandon portions of the original lines from Fishguard to Haverfordwest. The draft was read pro forma. aud the following resolution moved by the chairman, and seconded by J. II. Vivian, Esq., M.P., was then put and carried unani- mously That the bill pending in parliament, submitted to the proprietors present at this meeting, entitled a bill to enable the South Wales Uailway Company to construct new railways to Mil- ford Haven and to Newport, and to purchase Pembroke Ferry, and also to abandon portions of the line from Fishguard to IIaverford- west and for other purposes,' be and the same is hereby approved, and the directors are authorised to concur in any amendment or alteration which may be required in the progress of the said bill." The business was transacted in a few minutes, and the meeting terminated with the usual complimentary vote to the chairman. WORCESTER AND IIntEFùltD RAILWAY.—HOUSE OF COM- MONS, MoxDAY.-The Committee declared the preamble of the Worcester and Hereford Railway Bill to be proved but expre-sed a wish 'hat an arrangement should be made with the Directors of the Newport and Abergavenny and Shrewsbury lines as to a general station in Hereford; to which Mr. Hope, on behalf of the Pro- moters of the Bill, most readily assented. WEDNESDAY, after a protracted inquiry and opposition, the committee passed the preamble of thi?^>ill for making a line from Wore, ster to Hereford, with branches to the city of W oreestcr, to Vial vein, and to Ledbury- The bill also takes power to enter into working arrangements with the Midland and London and Notth- Westeen Companies to whom it will give access to South Wales. The estimated cost of the line is 122*1,000. Yhe Parliamentary and other expenses of prosecuting the Dill for this line are said to amount to between £4),. OD and £ 50,000. A special meeting of the Glocestershire and Herefordshire Cmal Company, along the line of which canal the above railway is pro- posed to be made for a considerable portion of its length was held at Gloster on Tuesday Mr. W. P. Price in the chair. The meet- ing was held for the purpose of approving, or otherwise, of the bill for the above railway. After a good deal of discussion, the reso- lution was put and carried by a large majority-38 to 3.

MAGISTRATES'OFFICE HIGH STREEr, NEWPORT. SATUKDAY. Present-Rev, Thomas Pope, K w Chancellor \Villiams, and John Unssell, Esq. COMPI-NSA1 ION F-ltl DAMIOTS. Orders were made for compensation ior damage occasioned to houses in Newport, dining the recent elec-ion as under. Mr.' Lansdon, architect, proved the claims. Mr. Birch wan solicitor in the matter. George Batsjn, Cherry Tree beerhouse, Commerciaf-street— 15s. William Jones, King's Arms Trln. Pi'l^vici lly— £ 21 Jamts Westall, Crown lun, Hieh siie-t— £ 1 8s. 7d. — Mr. \Ve,tall: I also make a claim for £12. for damages done to tur- ni'ure.— Mr. Da is, mal\istra'es' clerk: The Hundt. d is not liable for iiiat amuunr, as you did not make the claim al ille I ro- per time.— Mr. Westall: This comes of electioneering. (Lau$h\t-r.)—Mr. Davis Go to Mr. Baiky, and ask him to pay it for you. (A iaunh.) Jamei Venn, piivaie house, Piilgwenlly— £ 9 3s. I Iti.-A p- plicant 1 live in O.sile-sireet, and keep a prua e house The rr,obsmashed my windows, and beat in my window sit utters-- Lil r. Pope: Howcune your liotl,e to be attacked 1—Applicant: I can't tell, sir.—Mr. Popf What party did yOIl belong to 1- Applicant: Blue, sir.—Mi. I'opj Had you a <y n.)t;s or cdnura flying! — At" '«■!•: No. sir; none at all.—Mr. Pope I hen I itimk it strange that a private house sliould be at- tacked, •• ithnir tny provocation at all. David .) 1' Oiange Tree beerhouse, adjoining the last. £ 0 15s. iji. Frcdet CK Cisike, Cioss Keys Inn, Maiket-street— £ 2 8i. 9d. Edmund Jomis, Panov Inn, Commercial-slit et— £ 26 15s. 2d. —'fins house suffered most.— Mr. Langdoll said he had surveyed ihedima^e, wth Mr. Mortis and 1\1 r. Campbell. —VIr. Pope: !s Mr. llail'-y going to pay this amount? — Applicant: Nil, sir. Mr. Pope th"ut;ht the hon. member was to do so, Mr. Camp- bell having taken pait in !lie survey.— Mr. Langdon said that the damage done to the Parrot, consisted of ihe sriKismii); of 2!3 squ>ues of glass, three paws of sashes and a single sash, several shutte's ,.nd doors, and glasses and furniture, John Lloyd. King's lIead Hotel High Mtett j.3 10s. Moses Scaid. Angel beerhouse. Commercial-load £ 4 7a. 7d. Isaac Kees—tOs. 6d., ior 21 squ ires ol glass. John Pritcliaid, l'iougip luo, Commrreial-strcet £ 7 15s. 6d. Wm. Lewis, Wiltshire beerhouse— £ 2 2s. 4<1. Abraham Wilbraham, Steam Packet 100-£2 10;. (MIA net. OF FIGHTING. Chailes Morgan, Edward Fan. Thomllf Hawks, and Charles James were charged with having committed a breach of the peace at St Julian's Inn, Caerleou-road, by Ruhttag on the highway and in the house.—Only two of the defendants ap- peared. The)' had retained Mr. Owen for the defence.—The charge was not sustained, und the case was dismissed.

DIAGRAM, Showing the fluctuations in the average price of wheat during the six weeks ending April 24, 1852. PRICE jMarcli20.Mareh27$April 3 <April 10jApr.17JApr.24 42s 8d jooooooo> I •. j •• | "I 42s ^d i o; ooooooo> • 5 • • j • • j 4is 7d I j o< ooooooo^ •• < •• | 4ls 4d I 5 oj ooooooo >- 4's lOd ..$.. { •• o ooooooi 40s 4d 1 < i • • < • • O; oooooo SOUTH WALES RAILWAY TRAFFIC. Business for the Week ending May 2, 1852. Passengers £ 1036 2 4 Parcels. 93 14 2 Goods, (including Dean Forest branch traffic) 343 18 5 • £ 1473 14 11 This amount is exclusive of Mails.

MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY. It is with unfeigned pleasure we communicate to our readers ihe important intelligence of the final termination of all matter* so long in dispute between this Company and the Freighter- ;:nd that too in the most amicable manner. On Thursday last (as we are informed oil good authority) a meeting took place at Morley's Hotel, Charing Cross, I London; the Company being represented by Mr. Booker, ill. the elttir) Messrs C. Hailev, M. P., Octavius Morgan, M.P., H. Wedgewood, NicholCarne. George Thomas, G. Whittaker, C. Conway, W. Jenkins, &c., with Mr. Savery, solicitor, and Mr Harrison, chief clerk; and the Freighters by Messrs. Thomas and Ja-nes Brown, Richard Johnson, \V. S. Cartwright, M. Morrison, with Mr. Secretan Wood- house. The meeting lasted several hours, and, though much pro- gress was made, stood adjourned to Friday. ° All matters relating to tolls and charges in the bill now before parliament were withdrawn; as also the clauses relating to the conversion of the roads from tram-plate to edge rails; and the chief point left open for discussion was that relating to the completion of the works—namely, an unbroken line of railway from the docks at Newport to the Biaenavou Ironworks. The Messrs. Brown strongly pressed for a compulsory clause in the bill, requiring the completion of these works within a given time, which was resisted on the part of the Company. The difficulty was, however, got over by the Chairman, and each of the other members of the Company, giving their pledge, individually and collectively, that it was their lull intention and resolve to complete the works referred to without any unnecessary delay. Some matters of minor import were then discussed and arranged, after which, a mutual inte change of good feeling took the Chairman stating that, as their differences were at length arranged, nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see Mr. Thomas Brown at the meeting fixed for the 19th of the present month, elected a member of the Committee of Management of the Company, ia which expression of feeling other gentlemen concurred, aud the meeting separated in the most friendly manner.