Monmouthshire Merlin

WANTED, A 1ST ASSISTANT in the STRAW BONNET BUSI- NESS one who understands the work in all its branches. Apply to Miss HOLMES, 55, High-street. SPRING BONNETS. MISS HOLMES begs to inform the Ladies of Newport and vicinity, that she will be prepared to submit to public inspection, on THURSDAY next, March 2nd, a choice and extensive assortment of Bonnets, trimmed and untrim- med, suitable for the season comprising all the newest designs in Fancy and Plain Straws, and selected from the first houses in the Metropolis. An early call is respectfully solicited. IMPROVERS AND APPRENTICES WANTED. 55, High-street, Newport. TO EMIGRANTS. Ship Biscuit Manufactory, Pillgwenlly, New- port, Mon. JABEZ M. HAIME invites the attention of EMI- GRANTS to his Stock of Biscuit, Flour, Rice, Peas, Oatmeal, Hams, Bacon, Cheese, Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Sugar, &c., which he will supply at Jow price8. J. M. H., for the accommodation of Emigrants, keeps a stock of Tin Goods, such as Water Jacks, Cups, Plates, Dishes, and every other requisite for a sea voyage. N.B.—J. M. HAIME'S SHIP BISCUIT MANUFAC- TORY, PILLGWENLLY. BOROUGH OF NEWPORT. THE Annual Election of AUDITORS and ASSESSORS for the ensuing year, will take place at the TOWN HALL, before the Ward Aldermen, on WEDNESDAY, the let day of March next, at Nine o'clock in the Forenoon. IMPORTANT FACTS! WHERE is the only large Stock manufactured, com- prising upwards of one thousand Wigs, Fronts, Braids, Ringlets, Long Hair Plaits, Twists, &c., of the most beautiful foreign hair ? At W. E. THOMAS'S, 31, Lower Arcade, Bristol. Where is the only shop to buy cheap, and get suited with any article of pre-eminent style and quality ? At Thomas's For he is the only large purchaser of Foreign Hair and Partings, and manufacturer. Where! is the only large sale of Ornamental Hair ? twenty articles being sold to one at other shops therefore a small profit does at Thomas's. Where only can you get the hair effectually and perma- nently dyed, and made to grow thick, when falling off, for the charge of half-a-crown only ? At Thomas's Where is the only splendid stock of three hundred character Wigs, Beards, Whiskers, Moustaches, &c., lent out for one shilling each ? At Thomas's Where is the- only steam apparatus for curling Fronts, Ringlets, in durable curl, at 3d. each ? At Thomas's, 31, Lower Arcade, Bristol, who purchases every description of Hair. TO CURRIERS, SHOEMAKERS, &c. EBENEZER TERRACE, Near the William the Fourth Inn, Newport, Mon. MR. T. T. MORRIS Respectfully announces that he has been instructed to SELL BY AUCTION, On the Premises, as above, on WEDNESDAY, the 1st of March, 1854, the whole of the STOCK-IN-TRADE Of Mr. John Lewis, Currier, who is relinquishing the retail branch of his business, CONSISTING of about 20Q pairs of Wellington, Cos- sack, and quarter boots, women's strong kid and cloth boots and shoes, about 30 dozen white strains, suitable for druggists or shoemakers, leather, hemp, pitch, rosin, shoe hairs, men's block and women's lasts, awls and hafts, hob nails; Moss's patent cork socks, hedging cuffs, glass and emery paper, sandstones, and sundry other articles. Also, four dozen pattens and two dozen French clogs. Sale to commence at Twelve o'clock at Noon precisely. Auctioneer's Offices, 44, Commercial-street, Newport. TO GARDENERS. TO BE LET, at a Moderate Rent, and entered upon on the 1st of May next, the Early and Productive GARDENS, with Cottage attached, at GILESTON MANOR, situated six miles from Cowbridge, and fourteen from Cardiff. Any competent Gardener taking the above, can have as much additional employment in the neighbourhood, as he may wish. A good character i8 indispensable. Apply to the Rev. F. EDWARDES, Gileston Manor, Cowbridge. BERTHLLANDERRY FARM, MONMOUTHSHIRE, Four miles from Usk, and one mile from Ragland. Mr. W. GRAHAM Has received instructions from Mr. William Morgan, (who IS giving up the farming business), TO SELL BY AUCTION, On the above Premises, on THURSDAY, March 9th, 1854, the whole of his very useful and carefully-selected LIVE AND DEAD FARMING STOCK, Flock of 50 Sheep, 32 head of Hereford Cattle, 16 draught and nag Hordes and Colts, five store pigs, Implements in Husbandry, Dairy and Brewing Utensils, and part of the HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE: COMPRISING 49 ewes, in lamb, one ram six cows, in calf, one barren cow, three fat cows, eight two-year-old steers, four ditto heifers, 10 yearling cattle, 14 draught and nag horses and colts, good workers and steady in harness five-year-old nag filly, suitable for a Jady; two-year-old horse colt, by Merrylegs five store pigs one broad and three narrow-wheel wagons, with thripples, two broad and one narrow-wheel carts, ploughs, drags, harrows, scufflers, winnowing-fan, several sets of long and short harness, G.O. ditto, rollers, corn-screen, sieves, pikes, rakes, dung-hooks, shovels, ladders, lire.. 150 Bushels of Wheat in the straw. The Dairy Utensils consist of barrel and other churns, cheese cowls, trindles, vats and followers, milk pans, strainers, scales and weights; and the Brewing Articles include coolers, mashing vats, tubs, strainers, tuDpail, tap, bottle, ladder, &c. The Household Furniture comprises bedsteads, beds and bedding, tables, chairs, dressing-glasses, washstands and ware, dressing-tables, chest with drawers, linen chest, fenders and fire-irons, dinner and tea ware, kitchen and culinary requisites with a variety of useful effects. Refreshments on the table at 10 o'clock.—Sale to com- mence at One to a minute. Blue Broom, Ragland, Feb. 17th, 1854. TO BE SOLD BY TENDER, TpIGHT undivided sixty-fourth SHARES in the Sloop TY CHEPSTOW, of Chepstow, a regular trader between Bristol and that port. The purchaser to take to the same, as regards profits and outgoings, as from the 1st January last. Sealed tenders may be sent, by post, previously to the 10th of March, addressed to, and conditions of the sale may be seen at the office of, CHARLES BEYAN, Solicitor, Small-street (ground floor), Bristol. NEWPORT SHIPPING LIST. ARRIVALS. -i. Moderator, Dibden, Bristol, goods; Comet, Brunei, Wortliington, iron ore Bransty, Lacey, Whitehaven, iron ore; Bris'ol Packet, Williams, Jmrra&Bristol goods; Friends, Davey Bristol, iron ore; Sarah Ellen, Brown, Chepstow, iron; Richard, Harwood, Bridgwater, bricks; Loftus, Hicks, Porthcawl, iron Newnhani, Smith. Lydney, iron ore; Fanny, Jack- son, Bristol, goods; William, Haylan, Gloster, iron; Endeavour, Hawkins, Gloster, iron ore; Carleon, Jones, Bristol, goods; Levina, John, Barrow, iron ore; Unani- mity, Wythycomhe, Bridgwater, goods; Ann, Gough, JFowey, iron ore John Barkin, Orr, Troon, iron; Mode- rator, Williams, Bristol, goods; Commerce, Rawles, Gloster, iron ore; Statira, Evans, Newry, potatoes; Mary, Perry, Falmouth, iron ore; Friends, Linch, Cork oats: Gleaner, Thomas, Cardiff, iron; Merit, Clitsome, Bridgwater, sleepers; Fame, Nicholls, Swansea, iron;, Mary, Camp, Gloster, iron ore Jane, Cook, Gloster, iron ore Hero, Saw Ie, Y oughal, pitwood Maria Ann, John, Whitehaven, pie-iron; Star, I'arwood, Bridgwater, flour; Bristol Packet. Duddridge, Bridgwater, bricks; Defence, Brame, Bristol, iron ore; Montrose, Rees, Bristol, rats; Edgar/liver, Bristol, goods; William and Susan, Herbert, Bridgwater, beans; Unity, Bowden, Swansea, iron. OUTWARDS, Speed, Jackson, Cape de Verd, 348 tons coals; Sun derland, Woodruff, Alexandria, 377 tons iron; Herman, Schulte, Seville, 2'9 tons coal; 0 J. Chafee, Nickels. St. Thomas, 58S tons coal; General Hoche, Ceyrel. Rio de Janerio, 2 7 tons coal; St. Helena, Clausen, Malta, 350 tons coal; Ada Dawkins, St. Thomas. 45() tons coal' Enterprise, Ross, St, Thomas 358 tons coal; Triton, Jord- bug Lisbon, 75 tons coals; Louisa Ann, Evans, Madeira, 165 tons coal; Pauline, Wholler, Seville, 15H tons coal; Angelique, Rault, Barcelona, 200 tons coal; Nive Felix; Costa, Madeira, 100 tons coal. The Emperor of Austria has distinctly intimated his de- termination not to assent to the arrangements for the neu- tralitv of Germany, projected by the Saxon and Bavarian governments at the instigation of Russia. Accounts received from Wallacliia, show that important veents are anticipated in the Danubian provinces. Every pre paration was being made for a great battle. Letters from Krajova, of the 10th instant, state that the march of the Russian troops towards Kalafat was incessant. An order of the day has been published in St. Petersburgh, commanding that 12 frigates and corvettes shall be prepared for sea at the breaking up of the ice, and appointing officers to command them. The Government have announced their determination to allow the return of Smith O'Brien to his native land, upon his parole of honour, not again to mix in political move- ments. John Martin, the great painter, is dead, having breathed his last at Dorglas, Isle of Man. The embarkation of the 28th at Liverpool, the Coldstream and Grenadier Guards at Southampton, and the Queen's Own (the 50th) at Dublin, on Wednesday, was accomplished amidst the greatest enthusiasm of both the public and the gallant fel- lows who quit England's shores to combat with the soldiers of the Northern disturber of the world's peace. The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have Kil-en notice to all lieutenants in the Royal Navy, mates and Midshipmen, second masters and masters assistants unem- ployed, to send their addresses, on or before the 1st of March, or they will be considered as ceasing to belong to her Majesty's service.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. We think the publication of the letter of "Truthful" quite unnecessary. He may be assured that the malevolent attacks of a virulent and unscrupulous scribe," will not leave a Epeck on his fair farne. We have received a rather elaborate letter on the subject of the important meeting recently held at Cardiff, and will give ita place in our next number. The letter of Mr. Ford, Brynma.wr, which was only received on Thursday, is held over. F. W. D.shall appear loan GlaJf." Y n ein nesaf.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY. THE overtures of the Emperor Napoleon for peace have been met in the spirit that was anti- cipated—but not in the spirit in which they were made. We believe the governing power in France meant honestly, and directed its best efforts, through the medium of an imperial letter, to awaken a Brother Sovereign to a sense of right, and to a consideration of what must be the hor- rors of war—a war,which, whenever it would take place, would be the offspring of his own head- strong will, and unappeasable ambition. That Sovereign has been deaf to the monition—has spurned advice—proved himself heedless to the dread alternative spoken of—and is as prepared as he was from the beginning, to maintain his great pretensions, with his great (but fortunately for the world,) unwieldy force. lie tells the French Emperor in plain and undiplomatic lan- guage, that he can only enter into negociations on the bases he had before laid down !"—which means this, and no more.—Give me the Protec- torate of Turkey—let me create an Irnpermm in Imperio in the Sultan's dominions—let me be the ruler, and your ally the shadow, and you and Queen Victoria shall have peace, and I shall no more disturb that European tranquillity so es- sential to TOUR recently-organised power— RES DURA ET NOVITAS REGNI,— and to the unruffled and unwarlike slumbers of the goodAberdeen, and thus there willbe joy and glad- ness on your Bourse, and the Cobdens and Brights of England may declare the triumph of THEI R prin- ciples, even should I make a solitude, and call it PEACE which I have before done at Warsaw, and on the Banks of the Vistula, while Europe looked calmly, though not approvingly on The Emperor Napoleon seems to have sensibly felt the pungency, or, if we may add, the pug- nacity of the answer he has received, and to have considered the letter addressed to him to have been almost written on the drum-head, rather than in the cabinet of the imperial Peterhoof. Enough of it has oozed out, to make it be termed in Paris as unscrupulous, arrogant, and discour- teous,"—indeed, it is said to contain one notable sentence, which must have keenly barbed the ar- row directed from St. Petersburgh. I have the firm confidence (so says the arrogantEmperor,)that my troops will reply as they did in 1812." By HIS war with Russia, the great Napoleon lost his throne, and his nephew is now significantly told that the reply" of the Autocrat's forces in 1854, may produce another imperial catastrophe in France. Such an interpretation will assuredly be put upon the Czar's words in the saloons of the Legitimists and Orleanists, in Paris, and they will sink deep in the mind of the thinking, mys- terious, and taciturn man at the Tuileries. He well knows his position, and what his honour, his interests, and the honour and interests of his country demand—and as the momentous hour for action has come, he, through the official organ of his government, announces to the great French nation—" That France must prepare to maintain by more efficient means, the course which the persevering efforts of diplomacy have failed to conduct to a successful issue:" in other words, that the sword must now interpose, and that all further negociations wonld be "a delusion, a mockery, and a snare." Thus ends all our, and our ally's fruitless efforts for peace, and we find ourselves in the same posi- tion we were in months ago—an enemy before us that we cannot conciliate or.appease, and a war to be encountered, that cannot now be postponed or refrained from being at once entered upon, un- less France and England are both prepared to abdicate their high functions, and give to Russia a supremacy in Europe. But history, calm, stern, and impartial, will yet have to detail the events of, while it will sit in judgment on, the times in which we live. Will history not condemn the two great civilised powers of the west, for so long keeping their people in a ferment of anxious hope —and to many, of paralysing fear-in endea- vouring to ward off a conflict which, from the first, must have been regarded as inevitable ? What sacrifices have not been made—what enor- mous losses incurred—what blows to our trade given—how much unhealthy speculation incur- red—and all in the vain effort to propitiate a Prince—the chief of a dynasty that was never yet known to falter in the stern resolves of its stubborn will, save by compulsion The Empe- ror Nicholas, in the entire course of events which have preceded the war on which we are now entering, cannot be said, so far as his aggres- sive policy may have been concerned, to have fal- tered one jot, or to have played the hypocrite, to veil his direct and indomitable purpose. He cer- tainly spoke of peace—but his acts declared that he had always contemplated strife—and the re- straint that he might have for the moment put upon the master passion of his nature, was not like The torrent's smoothness, ere it dashed below." The dash had been made—the Pruth passed— and the Principalities all but won. While his ministers were negociating, his legions were marching—while the ink was wasting, blood was shedding—and but for the unfortunate affair at Sincpe, materials would be even now accumula- ting, to swell other Blue Books, similar to those already given to the public ;—Books, so worthless, so stained with the recital of the frauds practised on credulous allies—so replete with the boldest species of lying, that they must ever rank with the worst state papers in the archives of the country. But, dismissing them for ever with ob- loquy and contempt, containing, as they do, to quote a minister of the crown, endless modifica- tions of untruth, concealment, and evasion, and ending with assertions of proclaimed falsehood," we have to trust never to look upon their like again," and to be prepared to see a nobler career than the past entered on by the government. It is now popular, and the policy of connivance," so gravely, we would say so audaciously, levelled against it by Disraeli, must no more be thought of, but its hands strengthened by all rallying round, and giving to the throne and its ministers the nation's fullest and firmest support. Closely, and intimately allied with France, the issue can- not be for a moment doubtful. Our fleets and our armies will sail and march side by side—the standards of both armies will wave together in the same battle and, in the words of Lord Pal- merston, it will be, indeed, a noble sight to see two countries, which have long been in rivalry with each other, united in a course of action— bound by a reciprocal engagement to seek no ter- ritorial advantage for themselves, but standing forth in defence of, not their own interest and wel- fare alone, but in behalf of the interests of Eu- rope. It will be, indeed, a worthy sight to see those fleets and armies, which have hitherto met in deadly contest, ranged side by side in perfect amity—not armed for the purpose of conquest, but armed in a noble and generous cause, to de- fend right against might." CORRUPT PRACTICES AT ELECTIONS BILL. ELECTION PETITIONS BILL. THEBE has been a variety of legislation upon these kindred subjects. With respect to the for- mer, it has been exceedingly inefficient; with re- gard to the latter, considerable improvement has been effected. Ministers, however, have done quite right in taking up both subjects, with a view to further improvement. The high penalties inflicted by various acts, from the time of William III. downwards, have been quite inoperative. The persons usually taking bribes, could not pay such penalties, if convictions were obtained. Lord John Rus- sell's Bill proposes, both for the givers and re- ceivers of bribes (if we rightly understand his speech, which does not go much into detail,) a smaller fine, with the alternative cf imprison- ment; and, in the case of electors, perpetual dis- franchisement, the name of the offender being published yearly with the register; no person guilty of bribery to be capable of sitting after- wards in Parliament. A Parliamentary register of the disqualified is also to be kept by the Speaker, as a check upon such individuals in after years. Treating and illegal payments" are to be more mildly dealt with. The persons concerned are to be prevented from electing, or being elected, for the same place during the same Parlimaent. The noble lord makes no attempt to check what, in Parliamentary language, is called undue influence what the minions of those who prac- tise it do not scruple to defend as legitimate influence;" but what those who call things by their right names, designate as intimidation. Lord John provides that any person who shall by himself, or any other person on his behalf, make use of, or threaten to make use of, any force, vio- lence, or restraint; or shall inflict, or threaten to inflict any injury, harm, or loss, or in any other manner exercise intimidation" towards a voter, shall be fined £50, with full costs to the person sueing. These measures relating to bribery and treat- ing, are good as far as they go, and may effect some improvement. The actions for penalties, however, should be brought, as Sir J. Walmsley suggested, in the County Courts, and we would add, that half the penalties should go to the per- sons bringing them. Political hostility is not a sufficient motive for such prosecutions; because, in most cases, both sides are involved, and hence the offenders escape. The love of gain being the object of the receiver of a bribe, the same passion might thus be made subservient to the detection of offenders. It has also been suggested that, without the necessity of [a formal trial, the re- vising barrister, in the ordinary registration court, should have the power to strike out the names of electors, against whom bribery could be proved. The obvious objection to this is, that it would be giving the barrister a criminal jurisdiction, with- out the intervention of a jury. As to the prac- tical effect upon the register, this objection would have no weight, since the barrister already de- termines who are the parties required by law to be inserted, or struck out. With respect, how- ever, to the stigma thrown upon the defendant, the consideration alluded to has some force. But it might be met, either by the decision being only ar- rived at by the barrister where both parties consent; or by either party being entitled to have a jury, as in certain cases in the county courts. The great benefit of thus taking the offence into a registration court, would be, that the agents of contending political par- ties, the very men who have all the information, are on such occasions present, with their assistants and a number of cases could be taken, with as little trou- ble and expense as few would occasion before a sepa- rate court. The very strength of party zeal, which so often leads to corruption, would thus be enlisted in its repression, since every case proved by one party would be a gain of a vote over the other; and cor- ruption would be much more assiduously checked than if it were left to the remedy of actions for pe- nalties, which, in such cases, are always regarded as vindictive. It might possibly be desirable to encou- rage this more summary mode of procedure, by ex- empting persons admitting the offence before the bar- rister, from further proceedings. Intimidation is evi- dently more difficult to deal with; and, comprehen- sive as Lord John Russell's clause appears, in words, to be, it will practically apply only to those grosser acts which are of less frequent occurrence. A vast amount of zeal and heavy coercion may be, and is ex- ercised, without coming practically within the range of these provisions; however much it violates their spirit. The true remedy for intimidation is the Bal- lot, without which all efforts to put an end to this great and degrading evil, will end in disappointment. In his lordship's alterations, with respect to Elec- tion Petitions there is not much that is striking, ex. cepting one provision, and that of an apparently un constitutional nature. Heleavesthepresentoommittees as they are, excepting that each, in order to arrive at greater uniformity of decision, is to have a legal as- sessor, taken by the general committee of selection from ten barristers of ten years standing, who shall be appointed by the Crown,previously to a dissolution. This proposal may have some advantages, but some parliamentary leaders think that the assessors should be members of the house. Another novelty is, the appointment of a preliminary committee of fifteen, in the nature of a grand jury, to hear the petitioners' witnesses, and decide if there be a case for investiga- tion if not, the matter is to drop. If they send it to a regular election committee, that committee may, if they deem it a substantial case, (even though they do not decide in favour of the petitioner,) award him his costs at the public expense; but should they find that the petitioner had not reasonable ground, he is to pay the sitting member's costs, as well as his own. We doubt much the utility of this new committee which is also far too numerous^ and, where a petition goes before both, the expenses will be greatly in- creased. It may not be improper in some cases for the public to bear the cost, seeing the importance of maintaining the purity of the representation; but if so, it must not be at the lavish and needless scale of expenditure now so common. But next comes the proposition to which an objec- tion lias been already expressed and that is, where the committee find bribery, treating, and undue influ- ence, on behalf of the successful candidate, the highest unsuccessful candidate, if he shall have polled two- thirds of the number polled by the successful candi- date, shall be by the committee declared duly elected. Against this usurpation of the functions of the elec- tors by any committee of the elected, or however constituted, we protest. Hitherto, when committees have seated petitioners, it has been by striking off the majority of the sitting members' votes, as being ille- gat the petitioners' poll being liable to the same ordeal; or it has been by finding sitting members legally disqualified, a practice also consi- dered highly objectionable; but which, from its rare occurrence, has not excited much attention. The noble lord seems to regard it too much as an affair between the candidates only and when one plays the game and wins unfairly, he would punish him, and compensate the other, by handing the stakes to the latter. But we must maintain intact the rights of the constituency. Why are a large body to be disfranchised, because a few on the same side have been corrupt ? Why are 3,000 voters to hand over their rights to 2,000 ? 1 he thing is intolerable. Further, Lord John Russell proposes that when a committee find extensive bribery, they may report at once to the Secretary of State, and a commission to investigate locally may issue, and the commissioners be named, without an address from both Houses. We doubt the desirability of this change. The restric- tion of those commissioners to revising barristers,may tend to secure greater knowledge of the subject; but will, at the same time, exclude men equally able. Lastly, the Attorney-General is to prosecute persons whom the committee report to be guilty of bribery— an excellent provision. One great omission of the Bill is the want of some means to prevent the getting up of petitions for the purpose of compromise. Further, it would be a great improvement that the committees should sit in the places to which the proceedings refer. The advan- tage of this, as regards expense, and the better eluci- dation of facts, is obvious; and the plan is further re- commended by the experience of various local com- missioners. THE AMENDMENT OlTlSllEFORM BILL. THE Anti-Reformers have developed their policy at an early period, and we must at all events thank them for their candour.—As we anticipated, they will not repeat their blunder of 1831, in opposing all re- form. And Mr. Disraeli has had, as geamen say, the wind taken ou. of his sails," with respect to the counties, by the large gain of seats which the bill professes to give them. There would have been con- siderable difficulty in choosing a plan of operations but for the prospects of war, which has been for ages one of the occurrences by which public atten- tion has been assiduously diverted from abuses at home. This, then, is to be seized upon as the pre- tence for holding reform in abeyance. Relieved of the odium of direct opposition, the Derby party will merely advocate postponement, and, with an abund- ant shew of plausibility, will dwell upon the wisdom and propriety of delay. Lord John Russell, indoed, foresaw this, as appeared by his opening speech, and the country concurred in the correctness of his view. But they are not to be deflected from their purpose. If the device be some. what transparent, they have beneath it the armour of obstinacy; in which they are cased like the tor- toise in his shell. But they are encouraged also, by the waywardness of some professing Liberals. Every cause is injured, more or less, by those who should be its friends. Earl Grey, on this occasion, is doing what he can to obstruct the Ministerial mea- sure and great is the joy of the Conservatives at having such a name at their side. But their very praise of him, as the son of the great and consistent Reformer—the CLARUM ET VENERABILE NOME:; of other days, associated with the Magna Charta of our times, provokes unpleasant comparisons. The pre- sent peer has not caught even a remnant of his great father's mantle. His conduct upon the second Irish Reform Bill has not been forgotten. A few other distinguished men of the same school, seem to have a tendency to gyration in Parliament; and a num- ber of those provincial gentlemen who regard reform as having gone quite far enough, when it has brought them into official importance, have been shaking their heads at the shocking idea of discussing reform in the face of war. The clever Conservatives, of course, are taking ad- vantage of it, and will profit by the unpopularity which these Fabian Liberals will bring upon them- selves. An honourable member has given notice of an amendment. Sir Edward J)enny is one of the old-school opponents of all reform, a gentleman of a past generation, a relic of the reign of George III. Sir Edward, doubtless, would prefer meeting the bill with a straight-forward negative. But that is out of the question and so the veteran will' lead the motley band of ^jostponers—to defeat, we pre- sume. Why should impending war cause us to shut our eyes to evils at home ? Why should even actual war, at a distance ? A collision with Russia, in Eastern Europe, is little more to us, at this season of the year, at all events, than a conflict with the Caffres or the Burmese. Is everything else to stand still ? It is not parliament or the people that will conduct the war; but the executive. Rather let us, at such a time, increase the stability of the constitu- tion, by admitting more of the ppople within its pale. Let us consolidate our power by removing the galling exclusion of five-sixths of our adult population from the franchise. Already we see in Ireland the benefit of confiding in the people—the sister isle is no longer THE difficulty of Government. A short time ago, it was difficult to get recruits. The calling out of our Irish militia has put the country on the same footing with England; and not only for that force, but for the army and coast guard, recruits are now readily obtained. Let a similar spirit animate our political arrangements; and we shall find ourselves invigorated for whatever efforts we, as a nation, may be called upon to make.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. THE TREDEGAR HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, Feb. 27 at Castletown. Thursday March 2 at High Cross. Saturday, —— 4 .at Coedkernew Pound. At half-past eleven o'clock. THE LEDBURY HOUNDS WILL MEET ON -c Monday, 27 .at Bosbury Village Friday, Mar. 3 at Highnam. At half-past ten o'clock.

NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET.—WEDNESDAY. per lb. Bacon pigs 10s per score Mutton Sid perlb. Porkers 10s per score Veal 7d to 71(1 per lb. 2 CHARGES FOR THE WEEK ENDING FEB. 23. Felony i I Committed for Trial. 0 Misdemeanour J 41 Summarily Convicted 30 Drunkenness 5 Remanded 1 Vagrancy 0 I Discharged. 16 Obstructions 0 Settled out of Court. 0 Total 47 Total 47 SOUTH WALES RAILWAY. Week ending Feb. 19, 18-54 £ 3893 7s.10d Corresponding week, 1853 2515 7s. Id TAFF VALE RAILWAY. Traffic for week ending Feb. 18th, 1854 £ 3021 6 0

ALDERMAN THOMPSON.—We regret to learn that Alder- man Thompson is confined to his bed in a state of health so precarious, as to cause anxiety and apprehension on the part of his friends and family. The family physician, Doctor Latham, and the eminent Doctor Bense Jones, have been in attendance on the invalid at Tredegar. SERGEANT ALLEN.—The painful duty this day devolves upon us, to announce the death of Mr. Sergeant Allen, of this circuit. The learned gentleman died at his residence, Isesborough-street, London, on the 17th inst., after a brief, but severe illness. Sergeant Allen held a distinguished rank in his profession, which he early attained by the exhi- bition of rare forensic talent, and much legal knowledge. He was truly the architect of his own fortune, and might have fairly aspired to the most prized and courted honour of the Bar. The many friends that knew him intimately could, honourable SYNOD.—A synod Was held at St. Mary's Church, in this own, on ast, and the following Divines were pre- r V Rev- Dr. Brown,Very Rev. Tfm p i p •> aQ(l the Revs. Lewis Havard, R.D., wnH-h B D Jamas Arn Fi,sher. RD-> William Water- Neyry, John'toiEd, cS" fef C»™fli, V. L. Woollett, And;;7pe«v PrfM0?""? Lambe, Henry Hopkins, Edward Madden T Rollins P* Sinnott, P. Mlllea, John Dawson, Charles Cavanagh, Oliver Murphy, T. Abbot, 1. JVluldoone, and — Marsh dl A ftpT High Mass, Coram Episcopo, an able and eloquent'sermon, having special reference to the solemn occasion was m-ei.rhed by the Rev. William Waterworth. The rev. gentlemen dined together in the evening, at the presbytery dinner being served from the Westgate Hotel. LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWS.- On Sunday last, sermons were preached in behalf of the above society, in St. Paul's church, in the morning by the Rev. H. J. Marshall, the deputation from the Parent Society, and in the evening by the Rev. J. D. Winslow. At Trinity Church, Pillgwenlly, sermons were also preached in aid of the same institution in the morning by the Rev. G. C. Hodgson, in the evening by the Rev. H. J. Marshall. Collections were made after each service. The Annual Meeting of the Newport Association, was held in the National School Room, on Monday evening, at seven o'clock. The Rev. J. D. Winslow, in the chair. The Rev. T. Ashton read the report, from which it appeared that the society was progressing in Newport, and the pecuniary con- tributions increasing considerably in amount. The Rev. W. D. Isaacs then addressed the meeting, which was numerously attended, and was followed by the Rev. Henry Marshall, the deputation from London. The Rev. G. C. Hodgson, then gave a very earnest address, after which the meeting con- cluded. The collections, including that made at the close of the meeting, amounted to £21. THE FIRST ROYALS.—This truly soldier-like regiment, composed of some of the finest young fellows of the infantry service, are under orders for foreign service and with their present enthusiasm, accompanied by sterling innate bravery, and high health, the chances of corporal safety, on the part of the wretched serfs of the Czar, may well be considered desperate, and the insurance on their lives, doubly hazardous. It is credibly stated that the crack Militia corps of Mon- mouthshire, will, ere long, be quartered in our barracks. THE FIFTEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS.-On Monday morn- ing, a troop of this regiment, with a sergeant and corporal, mounted and fully equipped, rode through this town, accom- panied to the outskirts by their comrades mounted, in undress," to proceed to Carmarthen-a similar troop coming from that town to take their place in our cavalry barracks. There was much martial ardour evinced by the gamius" in the streets, who were fully persuaded the "gamius" in the streets, who were fully persuaded the gallant Dragoons were off to enter the lists with the Don Cossacks of Nicholas the Russian. A RUSSIAN SHIP IN PORT.-There is now in the dock, a Russian ship which, it is stated, is henceforward to have a Danish register and papers, it being deemed imprudent to sail under Russian colours" in these dangerous times. CAUTION-WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.—Mr. Huxtable, the superintendent, and Mr. Stockwell, inspector of weights and measures, have entered upon a campaign against unjust weights and measures in Newport. Some parties were last week heavily fined for default, a delinquency at any time, but particularly infamous at the present half- starving prices of provisions. HORSE KILLED.-On Friday afternoon last, a valuable horse said to have been recently purchased for £60., the property of the Mayor of Newport, was accidentally crushed between two large coal trucks near the Gloucester wharf, and falling down immediately, died soon after. SALE OF THE SHIP PARTHIAN.—On Friday last, the Danish barque Parthian, (American built), which recently capsized in our river, and was condemned, was sold by auction, by Mr. Partridge, at the Gloucester Wharf. The hull realised the unexpected amount of £ 240, and was pur- chased by Mr. Miller, shipbuilder, Bristol, who, with Mr. Goold, Pillgwenlly, Mr. Sloane, and others, also purchased considerably of the stores of the wreck. v LoRD RAGLAN.-Lord Raglan, who takes the command of the army destined to support Turkey, is the Grand Uncle of his Grace the present Duke of Beaufort. +v. rpLF ELEVATION.— An excellent lecture was delivered at the lown Hall, on Monday evening last, on behalf of the Working Men's Institution, by the Rev. Mr. Carveth, Wesleyan Reform Minister. TESTIMONIAL. The congregation of Trinitv church, Pi Igwenlly, have presented, through Mr. J. B. Roberts, a valuable pocket testimonial, to Mr. Watkins, architect, for his gratuitous services and loan of his organ, at that church, for a considerable period. A new organ will shortly be opened there. J THE QUEEN'S LEVEE.-Among the Baronets present at her Majesty s Levee on Wednesday, was Sir Benjamin Hall, M.P., Llanover, Sir Robert Price, and Sir Watkin William Wynn. There were also presented, Mr.W. H. James Q C Mr. Booker, M.P., General Lord Raglan, and Mr Lloyd Watkins, M.P. FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT.-On Wednesdav, one of the crew of the Ada, when that vessel was proceeding down the river fell from a yard across the long boat on deck, fracturing his thigh, and fearfully injuring his head. He was brought to Newport by the mate, and placed under the medical care of Mr. C. O'Reilly, and there are hopes of his recovery. ACCIDENT.—Last week, a carriage drawn by a pair of spirited horses, belonging to W. C. Webb, Esq., of Vaindre Hall, was being driven by Mr. Webb's coachman along the Cardiff-road and, on reaching Ebbw Bridge, the horses suddenly turned aside, and ran against the bridge-fence, thereby sustaining some slight injury, and causing consider- able damage to the carriage. Another person was with the coachman on the box but neither party received much injury. It is stated that the coachman had less control than ordinarily over the horses, in consequence of having taken too potent draughts while staving in Newport; and it is considered somewhat fortnnate that no more serious results followed the collision. CORONER'S INQUEST.—An inquest was held at the Rose and Crown Inn, on Wednesday last, before W. Brewer, Esq., coroner, on view of the hody of Andrew Regan, aged 45, a liobbler working upon the wharves, who died suddenly the previous day.—Verdict Death from natural cause* WILL CONSTRUCTION.—LOWE V. THOMAS.—WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MONEY.This case, in the Vice-Chancel- lor's Court, arose upon the construction of the will of Anne Thomas, late of Teignmouth, in the county of Devon, dated 13th September, 1833. It was partly in these words-" I, Anne Thomas, give and bequeath to my brother, John Thomas, the whole of my money for life; at his death to be divided between my two nieces, Rebecca and Mary Lowe my clothes, likewise, to be divided between them my watch and trinkets for my niece, Mary Lowe. I likewise declare that the longest survivor of the above-mentioned Rebecca and Mary Lowe is to become possessed of the whole "money." The testatrix's estate consisted of R860 Bank Annuities, £1,937 17s. 8d. Old South Sea Annuities, and a sum in cash. The question was, whether the word money" included the above stock, and the plaintiffs, the two nieces, filed their claim to ascertain the point. The Vice-Chancellor considered himself bound by the authori. tie, and could not include the stocks in the bequest of money." Captain P. H. Mundy has been appointed to the Royal Horse Art,llery. vice Grant, and First Lieutenant • v'ce Taswell, promoted. Captain Brandling is therefore posted to the 6th battalion, in the room of Captain Mundy, and First Lieutenant J. J. Smith to the 9th battalion, vice Hill.

COLEFORD, MONMOUTH, USK, AND PONTYPOOL RAILWAY. Yesterday, the directors of the above Railway Company assembled at the King's Head Hotel, in this town, to receive tenders for the first four miles of the intended line, between the junction with the Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford Railway, and the town of Usk. Ten tenders were received, being from the following contractors :— ° Messrs. Rennie and Company, Newport. Mr. William Fleetwood, Newport. Mr. George Seaborn, Newport. Mr. John Mayo, Newport. Messrs. Richards, Giles, and Gaskill, Pontypool. Mr. Pickering, Swansea Mr. William Hopkins, Neath. Mr. David Davies, Neath. Mr. Robert Gale, Aberdare. Mr. Pearson, After a long sitting, and consideration of the tenders the Board decided on adjourning without adopting either at present. NEWPORT SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT. On Tuesday evening last, the Sacred Harmonic Socie+v gave a concert at the Town Hall, which was attended by a fnlTow n ClTlminatm2- and numerous audience The the Zlfrtv h if pr0gramme' and when we consider that 11 so recently formed, the effectiveness with which many of the productions of the great masters mentioned were given, and the general success of the con- cert, well merited high commendation :— PART I. Semi-Chorus and Chorml-" Lift up your heads (MESSIAH) -Misses PHELPS and THURSTON, Mr. JONES, and Chorus. Quartett and Chorus—"Plead thou my cause," (MOZART'S 12th Mass)—MissPHELPS, Messrs. JONES, HUNT, GROVES, and Chorus. Recitative (Tenor)-" All they that see Him," (MESSIAH)— Mr. HUNT. Chorus-" He trusted in God," (MESSIAH). Recitative (Tenor)-" Thy rebuke," (MESSIAH)—Mr. HUNT. Air (Tenor)—" Behold and see," (MESSIAH)—Mr. HUNT. Air (Contralto)-" 0 rest in the Lord," (ELIJAH)—Miss CLOWES. Chorus-" Father, we adore Thee," (HAYDN'S 1st Mass). Song (Bass)-" The last man," (CALLCOTT)-Mr. GROVES. ChoTUs-" Hark the Angel voice," (HIMMEL). PART II. Motett—" The arm of the Lord," (HAYDN). Air (Sopranc^—" How beautiful are the feet," (MESSIAH)- Miss PHEBPS. Chorus-" Their sound is gone out," (MESSIAH). Duett (Contralto and Tenor)—"O Death! where is thy sting?" (MESSIAH)—Miss CLOWES and Mr. Hux'f. Chorus-" But thanks," (MESSIAH). Air (Bass)—"Why do the Nations?" (MESSIAH)—Mr. GROVES. Chorus-" Let us break their bonds," (MESSIAH). Terzetto (Two Sopranos and Contralto)-" Lift thine eyes," (ELIJAH)—Misses PHELPS, THURSTON, and CLOWES. Chorus-" Arise! Oh, Judah!" (HAYDN'S 1st Mass). We had taken rather copious notes of the concert, but pressure upon our space unavoidably limits us to a few cur- sory remarks. In Part I., the manner in which the com- mencing semi chorus and chorus were done, afforded preli- minary proof that training had not been neglected. In Plead thou my cause," the quartett was decidedly good, but the chorus was not so well rendered that department, however,improved as the evening progressed. The recitative, All they that see him," was very sweetly sung; but not with such pathos as the air Behold and see." Recitative, All they that see Him," was very correctly rendered. Thy Rebuke," and Behold and See," were admirably and correctly sung the points very accu- rately taken and the pathetic passages very tastefully sung, particularly in the latter piece. Callcott's "Last Man" added a fresh laurel to the brow of Mr. Groves the style was masterly, and the intonation and expression appeared to us as nearly faultless as possible. The piece was warmly encored, and obligingly repeated. Chorus, "Hark! the Angel voice." This brilliant com- position calls forth taste, and a nice precision; and the manner in which it was given on this occasion, was deficient in neither. "How beautiful are the feet." Miss Phelps has a fine so- prano voice, and possesses the happy faculty of striking each note, at once perfectly in tune. The piece was very pleasing. Duett: "Oh, Death, where is thy sting!" The voices beautiful blended here it was a very correct piece of vocali- zation, and Miss Clowes, and Mr. Hunt, of Gloucester, won very deserved applause. But thanks." All the parts were well taken up, and the harmony was finely sus- tained. Why do the Nations." This trying piece was admi- rably rendered—every note: in the difficult triplet passages being clearly enunciated. Let us break their bonds." This was very well done, although a tendency to hurry was very perceptible in- deed the conductor appeared to have some difficulty in keep- ing the buoyant spirits within bounds. Terzetto, Lift thine eyes." This was exquisitely beau- tiful the three ladies were exceedingly felicitous in the piece, and were enthusiastically encored. Arise, O Judah." This rather difficult chorus did not detract from the credit of the performers. Upon the whole, our local favourites sustained their already high professional reputation Miss Phelps and Miss Thurston are good sopranos Mr. Hunt is a most promising tenor, and Mr. Jones is a very correct singer. Mr. Ewins supplied refreshments for the company, and with the usual excellence of his catering.