Monmouthshire Merlin

MON VlJUThlSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY. EASTERN* AND WESTERN VALLEYS RAILWAY. OS 0HtttSTM AS-DAY the Trains will Run as on SUNDAYS. N.B.—The Dock Street Goods Stations will be open on MONDAY, December 24, for the reception of Goods, until 1 p.m. W. LANE, Traffic Manager. Newport Dec. 21, 1855. ACCORDING to the Parliamentary Return for 1854. printed by order of the House of Commons, of 17th Feb., 1855, the Newspaper of largest circulation in the South Wales District, is THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HERLIV. The advanee of its issue in the last year, over that of 1853, was 12,425, giving an average circulation of more than Two Tuousand One Hundred per week. 1854. VV'kly. Average Monmouthshire Merlin 110.245 2124 Cambrian 79,000 1519 Star of Gwent 7*5,100 1463 Mertilyr Uuarrlian 61,500 1163 Swansea Herald 58,250 1120 Silurian 35,375 661 The .Ii HR LL.V haj been registered at the General Post Office, Jor transmission beyond the United Kingdom. The postal charge (which may be ascertained at the Post office) must be pre-paid. The change in the stamp uutv which came into operation on the lot of July lust, gave an impetus to the taste for newspaper reading, and stimulated the production. of the public prints in a corresponding degree. It is undoubtedly true, however, that a considerable measure of the avidity with which news has been for some time sought, may be ast-ribedto causes quite independent of the alteration of the stamp law, and winch, in the nature of things, must prove only tem- porary in their operation-we refer, of course, to the eager anxiety for, and febrile desire of frequent infor- mation connected with the all-important movements of the war, and the manifold subjects of interest ari- sing therefrom, when the fate of nations, as it were, trembled in the political balance. Mid-week impres- sions of standard papers were then published, to supply a want, and keep the reading public au couruut with the stupendous events of the day. Yv ith a view to satisfy such a desire, and that this district might not lag behind the onward move- ment of tue times, we determined upon a bi-weekly edition of the MERLIN, and most assuredly have no reason to complain ut' the public response to that re- solution. Fur nearly six months we have fairly tried the experiment of a cheap mid-week paper, which has attained a ci.culation nearly as large as some of the most respectable provincial prints; but, of course, the paramount, subject of general interest being at present quiescent —the campaign being over for the season, the belligerents retired into winter quarters—the vic- toiious allied flags floating over the razed stronghold of despots—the once proud fleet of the enemy rotting beneath its waters—so far as the vehicles of informa- tion are concerned, things are likely, in some degree, to return to then normal course. Our brave soldiers are snugly encamped for the winter, talking over their feats and "deeds of battle done," and when called again to the tield, are ready to prove it one as glorious as Alma or Iukcrmann; and when our intrepid war- riors and allies reap fresh laurels next spring, we may possibly—should the occasion demand it—turn over new leaves of a bi-weekly paper, which, for the present, will be discontinued. With the commence- ment of the ensuing year, we shall issue the MERLIX as betore, once a week, giving a Supplement of Twelve Columns with each paper, and carry out such other arrangements, by extending the utility and services of the MERLIN, in the district-in the way of full reports of local importance, with a carefully-condensed epitome of general news—as are likely to meet the approbation of our friends. The price of the paper (to be published on Friday Evening and Saturday Morning, as at present), will be, Unstamped, tourpence; Stamped, Fivepence.

TO OOKKJEoPONDJiiNiS. We shall publish two communications in our next, which readied our office by the post of Friday evening. We feel much obliged by the paper on a literary union, which will have a place.

THE TREDKGAR CATTLE SHOW. THE service rendered to the county of Mon- j mouth by the encouiagement of improved stock I and agricultural pursuits gene.aliy, ty the annual Tredegar exhibition, ia becoming an- nually more manifest; and, indeed, throughout the kingdom, the principle of friendly compe- tition and improvement is progressing. A charge has teen made this year against the Smithfield club, that they persist in adhering to known breeds, and do not encourage crosses, from which the breeders and consumers have derived such immense benefit. Of the im- portance of crossing, no practical man—and, in- deed, no man with ordinary intelligence, who has ever had any information on the subject- can have any doubt. But at the same time, there is an important consideration, which was set forth by the Duke of Richmond, at the dinner of the club alluded to, It has been represented," said his Grace, "that the club de- voted itself too much to the encouragement of the pure breeds. The committee wou.d always be ready to receive any suggestions from farmers with regard to the distribution of prizes. But there was one thing which he hoped the club would never do, viz., repudiate the pure breeds, He had made the same observation a hundred times before -there was nothing new, therefore. in it.-that though crosses paid the tenant farmer best, and he (the Duke) was delighted at seeing the splendid crosses in their show- yard that day, they might nevertheless depend upon it, that they must have men to look a little further than that, and preserve the pure breed to fall back- upon Without pretending to practical knowledge, it doe3 teem to us that these remarks contain the philosophy of the question. Crossing, as an artificial process, is liable to constant deteriora- tion, and to keep crossing itself in its highest efficiency, the maintenance of the pure breeds seems to be essential. That being duly cared for, crossing will be taken advantage of with valuable results. Ihis subject, however, is so important to our breeders, and to the public also, that we will make some quotations from another quarter. The writer of the Times, in his description of the Smithfield Club Show, in advocating higher rewards for crosses, remaiked, Common sense points out that in a show of fat stock, the awards should be made in the interest of the consumer." The describer of the same exhi- bition in Bell's Weekly Messenger meets this writer on his own ground, This," he says, "is exactly the course which the club has adopted." In proof of this, after alluding to the clanger of letting breeding become a matter of chance, he relates a fact. An eminent northern exhibitor was remarking to a large Sussex sheep-breeder, on the inferiority, as he considered, of the little sheep from the south, because they had on them so small a quantity of meat. The southern breeder replied that his shepherd would eat for dinner the whole of the lean on the loin of the largest of those Leicester sheep of which his northern friend was so proud. An animal of each kind (the two as nearly alike as could be judged by inspection) was killed. The Leicester weighed over four- teen stone; but the loin of the latter had actually half a pound more lean upon it than that of the former! Now this," says the writer, is what the consumer requires, viz., a moderate supply of fat, but a large quantity of lean. An except suggestion was made by Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, at the Smithfield din- ner, viz., that, in connection with the successful animals at shows, the process of feeding should be published, so that it might be seen how ex- cellence was to be best attained. When, as at present, economy, combined with reasonably abundant fattening, becomes a national desi- deratum, practical tests of this nature are of great interest. At that very young, but flourishing exhibi- bition, the Midland Cattle Show, while many pure animals were shown, crossing was illus- trated in all its branches, conveying many sug- gestive lessons to breeders. There, too, as at the Smithfield Show, roots, which are ?o im- In zD portant in the feeding of cattle (and grasses), were exhibited in considerable variety. Our readers know what an immense collection of poultry is seen at Birmingham on these occa- sions; and it has been remarked, as showing the great value of such societies, that whereas, at first, good biids were very scarce, it is now a rare thing to find, out of so many, any of an inferior character. One arrangement made by the managers might be usefully imitated at. other shows. By opening in -the evening at a low price, for the benefit of the working classes, an attendance of not less than 8,500 was secuied, to the satisfaction of the visitors, and to the aid of the poor at this ordinarily inclement season.

THE MERLIN'S NOTES OF THE WEEK. KARS has fallen !-to the eternal disgrace of the French and English name; owing to the sluggish apathy of the war departments of both countries- to the want of a NAPOLEONIC vigour in Omar Pasha, and to the miserable arrangements of the Turkish Government. While the magnificent Imperial Guards of France were returning to their country, for their winter housing in the Casernes of Paris and Courbevoi, there to repose on their laurels till the next campaign; while our troops were employed in road-making in the Crimea, and large numbers of our officers were approaching the white cliffs of Albion, for the discharge of "urgent and private business," the gallant General Williams, with his matchless staff—his able Hungarian coadjutor, Kmc ty—and his dauntless garrison, were left to brave, not the battle, for that they could and would have defied, but to lingei on, hour after hour, and day after day, exposed to the slow, dreadful tor- tures of famine—tortures which fortitude could not support, and which, in the end, all but broke down the springs of life. In vain did they l><ok from their mud redoubts on the Armenian plateau, in the hope of descrying the expected aid. None came— and the catastrophe was complete Russia gained her triumphs in 1812 by the terrible snows of her wretched climate. She now obtains her first suc- cess against her enemies, not by the keenness of her sword, the ELAN of her troops, but by the aid of an ally that gives no quarter, that paralyses the arm, that made Jugurtha, in the Roman dungeon, cry like an infant for food, and has swept whole armies from the earth, like the mandate of a destroying angel The reflection is terrible—the loss immense Sixteen thousand soldiers, 120 pieces of cannon, and eight generals, are no slight spoils, to close the campaign of 1855. 'I he most will be made of MouraveifPa victory—TE DEUM will be sung in all the churches; the priests will come forth, cloaked in their sacerdotal garments, and proclaim that the hand of the Almighty is seen to point from the clouds, and direct the armies of holy Russia to conquest, home, and honor." The prisoners will be marched through the streets of Moscow, Novo- gorod, and St. Petersburgh. The brutal passions of the brutal Russian mob will be excited and mad- dened by such a sight, and the stimuli of repeated doses of li/.KI; and the Czar will give fresh and fresh levies for his armies. It will render the chances of peace more unlikely, and confirm, more and more, the stubbornness of the Russian, never to submit or yield." One consequence of the fail of Kars must be regarded with much interest, not un" mixed with great, nay, considerable anxiety. We allude to the probable fate of the Hungarian pri- soners. The brave General Kmety, and many of his military compatriots, were known to be at Kars. Will Russia persevere in her threat to give up their men to their self-styled sovereign, the Emperor Joseph, who broke his Imperial word, and robbed their country of their once proud and vaunted Gin stitution ? If given up by Russia, will Austria dare to wreak her vengeance on their men ?-and if she does, will England and Turkey remain passive spec- tators of another bloody day" at Pestti ? These men were found under the orders of a British General, lately promoted by his Sovereign to a superior rank in his profession, for the successful employment of their talent and energy for by their talent and energy he was enabled to achieve those feats for which the Crown honoured him. They were also fighting under the Turkish flag, which floats in the war beside ours. Both Empires are bound to insist that Kmety and his fellow Hunga- rians be treated as prisoners of war. Should they not do this, America, it will be seen, is the only country that knows how to maintain her rights by defending those that claim her protection, and that holds not out the American name, like the (IVIUM ROMANUM, with Verres in sight of Sicily—a delusion, a mockery, and a snare for those that fan- cied it would protect them from outrage—being their shield and safeguard in their moment of pcril and danger. TllE recent alliance with Sweden does no great honour to her king, who seems certainly unfitted to be at the head of that gallant nation which aVasa and a Gustavus Adolphus once swayed. Much more was expected from the Swedish kmg, but the sword of his, after all, most gallant father, is, we fear, doomed to rest in its sheath. At first, indeed, we were told that Canrobert had reported perfect success to the man of destiny," at the Tuilleries, and that plans had been laid down for future arrangement, and that all Scandinavia was about to be summoned to arms! Alas! the portents have been found to have been delusive, or, at best, the mere mirage of some far distant future. That a treaty has been signed, there can be no doubt; but a treaty for what ?- a treaty to guarantee King Oscar in his present possessions, and embodying a condition, on his part, that he will alienate no part of his territory, and that no communications are to be received from his natural enemy—Russia, without instant communica- tion to the allied powers. That is, in other words, that we are to protect his house from the public spoiler, and that he will open not its gate at any peremptory summons made to him, without first telling us that he has been called upon to surrender. Why, if this be all Canrobert has effected, he might as well have stayed at home. and ceased blazoning his mission to the world. There is more danger looming in the distance: to England, from the Baltic than from the Euxine. Bomarsund was the northern Sebastopol intended for us-a gigantic fortress.within two days' sail of the coasts of Scot- land, erected for no commercial purposes. It ought to have long since attracted the attention of our statesmen, if they were not Belf-blinded to the acts of their Imperial and conservative friend of forty years standing." With Bomarsund, in Finland, the CONSTITUTION EL states, from actual data, that Russia has long coveted the possession of a portion of the Norwegian coast. Her ships, says our French contemporary, now enchained for six months of the year in a prison of ice, would then obtain a continual liberty of action. In place of crews composed of a number of peasants, who may make excellent soldiers, but are useless as sailors, Russia would extend her sceptre over a population essentially maritime, composed of hardy and skilful navigators, whose existence depends on the fisheries of the coast. Finmarck contains 50,000 inhabitants, the male portion of which would supply valuable rein- forcements to the Russian fleet. It would, moreover, be easy for the Czar to transplant whole tribes of Russian subjects from the interior of the empire to those vast and thinly-populated regions. The abundance of fish is such, that a population twe-fold as great as the present one, would find ample resources. By the second generation, the Russian fleet would be able to draw from that spot, crews as skilful, robust, and more sober, than any other sea- men in the world. It is impossible to dissimulate the danger which the formation of a similar navy, at the very doors of Europe, *lWi»ld! offer. Certainly it would be impossible to dissimulate such a danger; but the men that so long ruled England, saw the Russian propositions for the acquisition of Finmarck, proceed for years, unchecked either by remonstrance or protest; and that they fell to the ) ground, was certainly owing to no merit of theirs. We once broke down a northern confederacy, and forced Denmark to declare herself; but then Nelson led our fleets, and there were men of clever heads, and of more dauntless hearts, found to rule over and direct the destinies of England. WE regret that Prince Albert has thought proper to depart from the even tenor of his way," and to invite the censure of many upon him, for an act that none can justly defend, and fe" but the mo,t unscrupulous flatterers, can attempt to palliate or uphold. Lord Campbell may call him the Alter Ego of our gracious Queen, hut we ques- tion if the lights of the law of England, in her best and most glorious days, would sanction an Alter • Ego" at all or that lie or she that could do no wrong," should have a SECOND-SELF that m'ght do far from right. The inviolability and indivisibility of the monarch cannot be shared; and when an Emperor of Austria, by the advice of all Aulic- Council, creates an Alter Ego," that Alter Ego" SHAKES with him thu rights and duties of the government of the empire It was so with the late Emperor Francis the Second, when he called his son to jo'n him, and be clothed with co-imperial rights and powers. It is not so—it cannot be, never was, nor ever can be so, in England and Lird Campbell's law, if new, we think will soon be like some antiquated Marshd"-dfet, Prince Albert is the worthy, the beloved consort of the highest, and the most estimable ot her sex, and the moment he begins to move out of the pure and hallowed atmosphere of .the domestic circle, lie may rest assured, he will be periling her just and deserved popularity with the people of England. He was wrong in bolstering liP, by the affixing of his high namp, the very uncalled-for and unseemly request of the Colonels of the Guards, to be permitted to snare in the privilege of the Colonels of the Line, given them as a alight. counterpoise to the great and many advan- tages enjoyed by their more favoured and fortunate Brothers of the Guards. A Captain in the Guards holds brevet rank as Colonel in tne army, a dis- tinction, since the days of the old regime in France, unknown, we believe, in any army in Europe. A colonel in the line has had conferred on him, by a recent regulation, after three years service, the right to rank as colonel in the army. This right the colonel, by brevet, wants to share with him-a most modest re- quest, truly; and when the Prince Consort memorialises the tiueen to grant this, we should well know that the constitutional Sovereign of England could not do it without the advice of her responsible advisers and what minis:er at the present time, with the loud cry for Army Reform abroad, could, or would b- found to grant, or even to listen to, the Princely "petition." Prince Albert did not exercise his usual good judgment, then, in making an unreasonable request at an unreasonable moment, and which lie must, have known, could on no account and under no (,irCill1l.tallces, be coin e led to him and his illustrious, noble, and gallant co-memorialists THH attempts of Austria to make pea; e between the belligerent powers, havo been so often tried and so often found hollow, that the seeing them renewed must cause little hope of witnessing a termination of hostilities. The interference of Austria is ever to be viewed with suspicion, and when she stirs, danger to the cause of an earnest prosecution of the war, is to be apprehended. BL,t Lord Palmerston we believe to be true to the best interests of his country, and Louis Napoleon (lares not make an inglorious peace. Austria, therefore, this time, we think, will get nothing by her "motion," and a rule to "iur- ther pl.ad" will be granted to the Russian Emperor. Another year, and we shall terminate the war by humi- liating" our great enemy, and perhapa dictating to him a peace under the walls of Warsaw WE sincerely hope that Omar Pasha has triumphed in the mauner and to the extent stated. If so, it will in some sort ameliorate the public grief for the fall of Kars

MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY. Statement of Traffic Receipts, week ending December 15th, 1855 :— Passengers JE28915 2 Goods and Minerals 1819 6 0 Total. £ 2106 1 2

NEWPORT, ABERGA VEN NY, AND HEREFORD RAILWAY. Return of Traffic for the Week ending December 9th, 1855, and corresponding week, 1854. 1855. 1854. Passengers, Parcels, Carriages, Horses, and Mails £ 260 9 2 £ 222 6 7 Merchandise, Minerals, &c. 494 11 0 £ 388 11 1 £755 0 2 2610 17 8

SOUTH WALES RAIL .v v t TRAFFIC RETURN. For the Week ending 16th December, 1855 £ 5700 7 4 Corresponding Week, 1854 £ 4702 18 10 -0

THE TREDEGAR HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday „ 34th Coedlernevr Pound. Wednesday" 26th Marsh field. Friday 28th Michelstone. Each day at half-past eleven o'clock.

THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, Dec. 24th Lanarth Court. Thursday" 27th Lantillio House. Thursday Jan. 20th Graig Finger Post. Thursday" 3rd Wonastow. At half-past ten. -.0-

NEWPORT POLICE-THURSDAY. Before the Mayor, William Evans, Esq and Robert F. "V oollett, Esq. A DISORDERLY.—Mary Crossland was charged with being a disorderly prostitute.—P.O. Jenkins said lie saw her between one and two o'clock on Wednesday morning, in the street with a sailor. He requested her to go home, but she would not, and became very violent. This was the third time she had been brought up, and was now fined 5s. including costs, or to be sent to prison for a week. ASSAULT.—John Power was charged with assaulting William Brown.- Complainant said he went into a pub- lic-house, where he saw defendant, who asked him t) drink, and because he would not do RO, threatened to throw it in his face, and would have struck him, had he not been prevented by another person. On Monday evening defendant called him a disagreeable name, and he now wished to have him bound over to keep the peace.— Bound over for three months. DRUNKENNESS.:—Mary Davies was charged with being drunk and disorderly in L'anai th-street, at half-past twelve on Tuesday night.—The offence was proved by P.C. Pratten, who said, defendant was making a great noise in the street. —Fined 10s. including costs, or 14 days' imprisonment. UOARD OF HEALTH SUMMONSES.—Mr. Lawrence B. Moore was summoned for commenting to build a house without giving notice to the Board of Health.—Mr. Moore said he was certainly guilty of the offence, as he had forgotten to give the proper notice. He was from home at the time, and he found, on his return, that his men had commenced the building.—Mr. Kessick said the penalty was £ 50.—Mr. Williams said he could do nothing with the builders, and he was c,inpelleil to summon them. The Mayor said that being the first case of the kind, it would be dismissed on the payment of 6s. 01. costs.— J. W. Gregory was summoned for a similar offence.—Mr. L. Edwarils said Mr. Gregory was not able to attend, but he (Mr. Edwards) would appear for him. Mr. Gregory had told him he had built houses before on the same plan, and he thought that one notice would do for all. He had »een Mr. Gregory that morning, and he was too unwell to appear.— Adjourned till Thursday next.—Obadiali Rich- iirils was alHo summoned for a similar offence -Defendant did not appear, but the service of the summons was proved, and the case- was dismissed. WINDOW BREAKING.—Elizabeth Pugh was charged with wilfully breaking five panes of glass, the property of William Penny, Wedlake's-court, Bancs'-well.-lJcfendant admitted she had broken the glass, but was willing to pay for it. Mr. Iluxtable said the house of complainant was a brothel, and quite a nuisance to the neighbourhood, —Ordered to pay the damage ASSAULT. -Elizabeth Penny, complainant in the last case, was then charged with assaulting Elizabeth Pugh, the defendant. Complainant stated that on the night she broke the windows, defendant struck her with a piece of iron -Or,tered to pay the costs, and both parties were bound over to keep the peace towards each other for six months. ASSAULT. -Charles Jones was charged with assaulting Mr. T Davies, on Tuesday evening last.—Complainant said defendant was his servant, and on Tuesday he found him drunk, with his team of horses. Complainant re- quested him to go home, when defendant took hold of him by the coat and shook him. He had been a good servant for a long time, and be did not wish to press the case against him. -Case dismissed ASSAULT.—George Wade was summoned for assaulting Edward Kelly.—Complainant stated that he worked for Mr. Wade and on Monday last he went to his house for payment of his bill defendant said he had been over- charged, and knocked complainant down with his hand, anil trampled upon him. Defendant said ho did take complainant by the collar; but had not struck him he was quite drunk when he came for the money, and fell down a step in his house.—Fined 5*. aud costs. COAL STEALING.—Johanna White and Julia Murley, two children of about 13 and 15 years of age, were brought up charged with stealing coal. the property of Mr. Evans. -P.C. Lucas said he was on duty at the dock, when he saw both prisoners carrying. They said a man had given it to them.—No one appearing against them, they were dismissed with a caution. DISORDERLIES.—Mary Ann Jones and Martha Smith pleaded guilty to fighting in Commercial-street, yesterday afternoon.—Fined 10s. each, including costs, or to be im- prisoned for fourteen days. DISORDERLY. —Jane Wire was charged with being dis- orderly yesterday. The offence was proved, and having made her appearance on several occasions before, she was sent to prison for thirty days. BEERHOUSE INFORMATION.—EdwardEvans was charged with having persona in his house at an improper hour on- Monday last.—P.C. Franklin fa d on Monday morning, about half-past one, he was on duty in Commercial-road, in company with P.C. Fry. He heard a party singing in defendant's house, the Blacksmith's Arms. He went over with P.C Fry, and, in the tap-room, saw two men, one of whom was very drunk. He asked Mrs. Evans what she meant by such conduct, in keeping her house open, when the drunken man jumped up a id asked him what business it was of his.—By Mr. Owen Saw no sigus of beer there. Mrs. Evans told him one of the men was her brother, but she did not say the other was her son.- r. Owen called Isaac Evans, who said he was the son of de- fendant, His uncle and himself were the only two per- sons in the room when the policeman called. He and his uncle bad been out; they had been drinking, and his tmcle was rather tipsy.. It was nearly twelve o'clock when they returned home. His uncle, who lived at Rhvinney, was going to sleep there that night. Cross- examined He had tea for supper, but no beer.-Case WE^BTS. • Charles Napper was charged with having two unjust weights in his possession.—Mr. Wm Stockwell, inspector of weights, said he visited Mr. Napper's shop on the 30th of November, and asked to see the weights. The weights were brought, and he found a 41b wefght deficient nearly an ounce, and a 21b weight which was deficient a little more than half-an-ounce. Those two weights were brought out of the bake-house.—Mr Napper said those weights were never used in the shop. They were used for the purpose of making up goods, which were afterwards sold in the shop—John Collier said he had been in Mr. Napper's service ten years; the weights produced were used for making up goods for the shop They were used for weighing the dough but the bread was again weighed, after it was made, in the shop. They never sold anything in the bake-house.—The Mayor said he did not think the weight was kept with any intention to defraud the public but he must fine defendant 5s. and costs for having it in his possession.-John Dredge was charged with having a light weight in his possession. Mr. Stockwell said he went to defendant's shop, on the 15th December, and found a 21b.-weight nearly an ounce and a half short in weight. It was found amongst the other weights, with the scales in which flour was sold. All the other weights he examined were correct. -Defendant said the weights had not been used since he had been in the shop.—The Mayor made use of the same remarks he had done in the previous case. and fined defendant 5s. and costs. Daniel Regan was charged with having an un- just steelyard in his possession.—Mr. Stockwell said he found defendant weighing coal with them, on Stow Hill. They were 41b. short in the cwt.—Mr. Linton, defendant's master, said it was not long since he had bought the steel- yard. and he had had no fault found with it Ibefore.- Superintendent Huxtable said he had cautioned the de- fendant about the steelyard.—Fined 10s. and costs. TO T. W. BOOKER BLAKEMORE, ESQ., M.P. KESPECTED SIR,—Knowing that you are the pro- prietor of the flourishing works of Melin Griffith and Pentyrch, and that the interest you feel in the well-being of your dependants, is proverbial amongst those who know you best, the writer of this communication does not hesitate respectfully to submit the following remarks to your con- sideration. A short time ago, philanthropic men were painfully aware that drunkenness and its consequent miseries, in the shape of poverty, bad health, ignorance, fighting, brawls, and the desecration of the Sabbath, were awfully prevalent in the neighbourhoods where the above works are respectively situated, and that such a state of things was sadly detrimental to the successful develop- ment of the mineral resources with which the localities abound the nature and limits of my letter will not justify an attempt at anything like details of the above state of things; moreover, the prevalence of intoxication at the places referred to, is known, and I am aware, regretted by yourself, and that habits of intoxication are equally detri- mental to employers and employed, is universally admitted by an intelligent public, to be a self-evident truth. Of late, teetotalism has fortunately taken a very power- ful hold on many hundreds of yonr workmen, and you will be gratified by the cheering intelligence, that several Of the most depraved and inveterate drunkards in the works, have been reclaimed for the present; and you will Undoubtedly join the friends of improvement in trusting that their reformation is not temporary, but lasting. Relapses will certainly occur, and re-action to a certain extent we are prepared to expect, but those who are interested in the restoration of morals and the progress of intelligence are desirous of doing whatever they are able to accomplish, to retain the position which is already won in this struggle for social improvement and moral reform ?nd as several of the most respectable, popular, and influential gentlemen in these vicinities, are reckoned amongst those who foster this important agitation, we are Warranted to expect that we are not destined to be the victims of aspiring delusion. Lately, the respected Vicar of Pentyrch has nobly come forward in defence of teetotalism, and declared himself a thorough abstainer from intoxicating beverages, that he may more successfully battle with the abomination of his Parishioners and judging from his elevated position, as vicar of the parish, and his acknowledged devotion to his public duties, his success in this labour of love will not be much less than commensurate with our sanguine wishes. Last week. the Rev. J. Jones, a very influential dissenting minister in the neighbourhood, favoured the abstainers with his signature; and as he is, in every sense of the word, a reformer, his talents, sympathy, and influence will be powerfully subservient to the furtherance of this important reform. Notwithstanding, there is something wanted, and we are fully persuaded, that no one, (and all of us united), can supply the deficiency as well as you, sir; at all events, this is the sincere conviction of those who have given the subject their most mature deliberation. We want a good mechanic's institute, in a central part, J with a good reading-room, where those who have been weaned from the worship of Bacchus, may spend their leisure hours in the cultivation of their minds and the extension of their knowledge. You need not be told that access to good books would very beneficially tell upon the intelligence and morals of the populace, and that you are the party who could most efficiently supply this great and deeply-felt desideratum. Those who have abandoned their former sources of gratification, must have new ones opened, otherwise they will again give way to the allurements of the system from which they have escaped. Indeed, the means of instruction in the shape of day-schools and literary societies of every kind, are palpably deficient in this mineral locality, and as your generosity, nobleness of mind, and partiality to popular instruction are well known, you will not fail to confer a favour which will be fully appreciated, by forming measures adapted to remedy the evil which is qo lamentably extensive. In a parish so populous and flourishing as that of Pentyrch, there ought to be a large public room, where meetings might be con- vened to discuss political, commercial, and religious topics, and to deliver lectures but the inhabitants have no such convenience at their command, consequently, they must have recourse to the small dissenting chapels in the neighbourhood, which are neither intended nor adapted to meet the general demands of a manufacturing district. should you deem it proper, honoured sir, to give these suggestions a thought, there are many in the parish who would be most happy to co-operate with their respected employers, in ameliorating the general aspect of the vicinity but their abilities are not at present commensu- rate with their wishes, independently of your sympathy, sanction, and eucourageinent. Trusting you will excuse the liberty thus taken by an individual, who is far your inferior, as it regards his position in society and his pre- tensions to intellectual attainments and that you will aid to stem the torrent of iniquity, by giving a new impetus to popular instruction amongst your dependants, I subscribe myself, very respectfully yours, ONE OF THE REFORMERS.

ABERGAVENNY. CHRISTMAS DAY.— In consequence of Christmas-day falling on Tuesday, the day on which the Christmas mar- ket has usually been held in Abergavenny, consultations have taken place among the parties interested as to the day on which it should be held and it was ultimately agreed that the principal meat show should take place on Tuesday last, on which occasion the butchers' shops and the shambles in the market-place, displayed soma exceed- ingly fine joints In Mr. Wm Davies's shop, High-street, which was tastefully decorated, we noticed two beautiful 3-year old heifers, ten first rate sheep (English and Welsh), and two good porkers. At the shop of Air. Wm. llowly a very fine ewe, weighing 138 lbs., bred and fed by Nlr. Dew, farmer, of Carmarthenshire, attracted considerable notice as also a fine 3-year old heifer, and five excellent sheep. In the ill:1.rket-place, 3vlr. John Lewis, of Tudor- street, exhibited two fine heifers, which were much ad- mired, with some good English and Welsh sheep, and porkers. Mr. Henry Bath exhibited the carcases of two fine 3-year old heifers, which attracted notice, aud two fine English yearling wedders and four Welsh sheep. Mr. Wm. Moigau, Tudor-street, also showed some excel- lent meat—one heifer, two yearling wedders—the one weighing 124 lbs., besides four fine Welsh sheep and Mr. John Price, of Tudor-street, some fine porkers and Welsh sheep. We omit at present mentioning the names of other butchers, who brought only the ordinary supply of meat to market, reserving their prime beast and sheep for the latter end of the week. The market in every other department was also well supplied. A great number of fat beast- were shown, and sold at a moderate price but sheep were not so much in demand, and a trifling reduc- tion in price was the consequence-the former realizing 6,1., and the latter 6 £ d. to 61,1. per lb. fat pigs were worth 10s. 6d. per score. The poultry market was well shocked, and towards the close of the market, the prices advanced :—geese, 8id. to 9d. and turkeys, about Is. per lb. fresh butter, Is. 3d. eggs, lid. each roasting pigs, 7d. per lb. ducks. 5s., and fowls, 3s. 6d. to 4s. üd. per couple barley, 6s. oats, 4s. 61. and peas, 8s. per ten couple barley, 6s. oats, 4s. 61. and peas, 8s. per ten gallons. Fish in abundance fresh herrings, 24 a shilling • plaice, 6d. per lb. soles, from 2s. to 3s. a pair. The quotation of wheat up to the present date, ia 79s. 2d. • and barley, 38s. lid. per imperial quarter. TOWN-HALL.—WEDNESDAY. (Before W. Williams, Esq., Aberdare, and the Rev. J. Farquhar.) DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—A labouring man of the name of William Nash, in the employ of Mr. Morgan, farmer, of Llanthewy parish, was charged by P C. Eze- kial Watkins, with being drunk and making use of bad language in the public streets, on Friday last. It appears that on the day in question the accused went into the shop of Mr. White, clothier. High-street, and became very abusive, and offered to fight the shopman. Watkins was called in to remove him, when the defendant behaved himself in a very unbecoming manner.—Defendant ac- knowledged his fault but as his master had given him a goo I character to the police, the Bench fined him only Is., and costs 10s. 6d., which was immediately paid. NUISANCE.—Mr. Wm. Rowley, butcher, of Flannel- street, complained of a nuisance occasioned by John Forty.—Mr. Rowley stated that on Saturday last, about ten o'clock, the defendant's men came into the street with two empty carts, and commenced wheeling out coal ashes from a yard adjoining his premises, and placed it before his door. Witness did not take much notice of the ashes, but towards middle day they began to bring out soil, which greatly annoyed the inhabitants, particularly him- self, and he was obliged to close his doors. Upon his remonstrating with the men, they laughed at him.—Supt. Lipscomb was called, and witnessed the nuisance.—De- fee lant denied the charge, but was, nevertheless, fined Is., and expenses 15s 61. CHAUGE OF SELLING BEER DURING DIVINE SERVICE. The defendant in this case Mr. Thomas Jones, is the landlord of the Hanbury Arms Inn, Llanellen Edward Wilcox, police-constable, stated that 20 minutes before 4 o'clock, on Sunday afternoon, the 16th inst., he went into defendant's house, and saw three men sitting there. There was a pint cup on the table, with beer in it. Wit- ness called for a glass of beer, which was served to him, and he paid for it.—In defence. Mr. Jones called a witness, John Jefferies, who stated that when Wilcox came in, he represented himself as a traveller, and was asked the ques- tion twice before the beer was brought to him.—The case was dismissed—the policeman being ordered to pay the expenses, 10s. 61. BEERHOUSE CAsE.-Thomas Joneq, of the Crown Inn, Pantygelly, was charged with drawing beer after hours, and with selling beer during Divine service, on the 8th and 9th inst.-Both charges were proved, and the defend- ant was fined in the mitigated penalty of 20s. for the two cases, and 20s. 6d. expenses.

ABERCARN. TEMPERANCE SOCIETY.-The members of this society were favoured with a lecture on Total Abstinence, by Mr. W. Morgan, of Cardiff, on the 18th inst., at the Town Hall. The chair was occupied by Mr. Thomas Davies, Independent Minister, who briefly addressed the meeting ou the occasion Mr. Morgan, in the course of his lecture, stated the extent of drunkenness in Great Britain, the havoc it makes here annually on individuals of various classes, and the nature and importance of total absti- nence principles. Mr. Morgan introduced witty and pointed illustrations, and drew important moral conclusions from all his premises. The lecture throughout was very from all his premises. The lecture throughout was very interesting, and it was attentively listened to, and frequently applauded. At the end, a vote of thanks was given to the talented lecturer and the chairman.

BLAINA. PRESENTATION OF A TESTIMONIAL TO A CLERGYMAN. — We have pleasure in mentioning that the Blaina church congregation have manifested their esteem for their late curate, the Rev. David Morgan, who has recently re- linquished the duties which had been assigned to him, and which for nearly five years he discharged with so much credit to himself, and satisfaction to the people, to com- mence his stated ministry as Curate of St. David's, Merthyr Tydfil. On Friday last, the 14th instant, a depu- tation composed of the following gentlemen Frederick Levick, jun., Esq., Joseph Hinton, Esq., surgeon to the Blaina iron works, and Messrs. Henry Gould, Richard Anthony, Colin Dunlop and Benjamin Evans-met their late pastor and friend at the residence of his brother, the Rev. J. W. Morgan, incumbent of Beaufort, to present him with a testimonial of their regard and esteem. It consisted of an address beautifully written on vellum, and couched in the most affectionate language, to which w 8 appended a long list of the names of subscribers this was accompanied with a very rich and costly gown and scarf an exceedingly chaste pocket silver communion service' for visiting the sick, the plate bearing underneath an appropriate inscription, and a purse. The address was most emphatically and feelingly read by Mr. Hinton, who after a few kind remarks, presented the testimonial to the rev. gentleman, who with judicious and feeling observa- tions, acknowledged the kindness of his friends The depu- tation and a few other friends, after having been hos- pitably entertained by the Incumbent of Beaufort, re- turned to their respective homes highly pleased with the resnlfc of their very interesting mission. We congratulate Mr. Morgan, and v ish him every happiness and success in his new sphere of labour. DREADFUL ACCIDENT.—Many of the inhabitants of this place were thrown into a state of great excitement, on Saturday last, in consequence of a rumour that a child had been ournt to death, in the Coke Ovens, situated near the British School rooms. Unfortunately the report proved too true. From the evidence of a lad, who was near the spot, it appears that several children had got to- gether at the ovens, to procure warmth, when the unfor- tunate deceased, whose name is John Warren, aged 8 or 9 years, got upon the top of the ovens, and, heedless of the danger, must have stumbled and fell into the fiery vortex beneath him, and from which the ovens receive their supply of fuel. Every method that could be devised was used to recover, if possible, the body from being totally consumed but so intense was the heat, that the limbs of the unfortunate boy were severed from the body in extri- cating it. At the inquest a verdict of accidental death" was returned. BLAINA INN PETTY SESSIONS. Magistrates present: Capt. G. Homfray and Tom LI. Brewer, Esq. SHOP-LIFTING.—Jeremiah Buckley and his wife, Mary Buckley, were charged by Superintendent Jarrett with shop-lifting, and stealing a piece of cotton, about thirty yards, the property of Mr. John Morgan, draper, Trede- gar. The case was clearly proved against them, and both prisoners were committed to take thier trial at the next Quarter Sessions. OLD OFFENDERS.—Elizabeth Jones, alias Barry, and Mary Veter, were charged by Thomas Morgan, police- constable, with stealing, on the night of the 13th instant, from the shop of Mr. H. E. Harris, draper, Tredegar, one piece of figured Orleans, one piece of gala plaid, one pair of socks, one piece of figured merino also a piece of print, and a silk scarf, the property of Mr. John Kershaw, draper, Tredegar. The property being sworn to by Mr. Harris and Mr. Kershaw, both prisoners were committed to take their trial at the next Quarter Sessions, at Usk. Elizabeth Jones, alias Barry, was convicted of larceny at the Quarter Sessions, Cardiff, on the 21st of October 1853 aud was sentenced to be transported beyond the seas for the term of seven years. On the 5th day of Dec. inst., she returned home from Brixton Convict Prison, a» a ticket-of-leave convict.—Mary Veter has been convicted three times, for larceny. INQUEST.—An inquest was held at the Tredegar Arms Tredegar, on Monday last, before W. Brewer, Esq coroner, on the body of George Green, collier, who was killed last week in one of the coal pits at Tredegar. As deceased was cutting coal in his stall, a quantity fell upon him and his partner. The jury .eturned a verdict of "accidental death" Deceased has left a wi low and six small children, one of whom broke his leg lately by an accident in the works Another inquest was held by the same coroner, on the body of Alary Ann Yandel, aged 2 years and 4 months, who met her death by burning. It appears that tho' child's mother left her in the house alone, whilst she went to the sliop During her absence, one of the neighbours heard the child crying, and on going in, found her%lothes in flames, which were with great itifficulty extinguished. The poor child died within a few days. A verdict of accidental death" was returned ACCIDENT.—On the 19;H instant, John Howelis met with a severe accident in the Ash tree pit, by a large quantity of coal falling upon him. Air Sloper. sur eon attended him, and there are hopes of his recovery. ° FATAL COAL-PIT ACCIDENT-—A young man named David Roberts, was billed Oil Thursday last, in the Ash Tree pit, by a stone called the Bell, which was on the top of the level falling on him. His father was killed about six years ago by an accident in a coal mine. CAERLEON. POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. (Before the Revs. C A Williams, W UI. Powell Thomas Fothergill, and John James, Esqr<.) Michael Sullivan, Octavius Watkins, Wil iam Kerby and Michael Brian, were charged with obstructing the highway in Caerleon, on Sunday last on their promising not to repeat the offence, they were cautioned and dis- charged. John Morgan, retailer of beer, at Tredunnock, was charged with keeping his house open between the hours of three and five o'clock on Suuday afternoon last. Supt. Pt-nnymore saw four men iu tho house drinking and smoking.—Fined XI, and 10s. costs. Elizabeth llovells, licensed victualler, at Tredunnock, was charged with having people in her house between the hour.- U three and five. on Sunday last. She pleaded guilty to the chai ge, and said her next door neighbour had a friend visiting hnn, and they had only just come into the house belore Mr. Btonyniore, and she drew them a pint of beer, without -.huikingo/ the time of dav. Mr U illiauis said as lie believed s'te had spokeu the truth, the hue would be only IDs., and 9s. costs. George Lewis and Thomas. Wiitimns were brnught up charged with stealing cod, at Cwmbran, the properfv of John Lawrencp, hsq Boih prisoners pleaded guilty to the charge, and consenting to he tried by the Bene1., were each sentenced to 14 days' hard labour

PJIS TYPOOJL." SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.—This society, which has been only recently established, is, we are happy to learn, likely to become a large aud flourishing association. Up- wards of 186 persons have enrolled their names as mem- bers of the elementary class, arm about 70 have joined the other class for the prictice of oratorios and if we may judge from the rehersal, which we had the pleasure of hearing on Monday evening last, we should say, that there is promise of considerable skill an,l efficiency in the per- formance of music of a classical and high order The society consider themselves very fortunate in having en- gaged the services of so excellent and skilful a conductoi as Mr. Groves.

PEMBROKE. ENLARGEMENT OF PEMBROKE ROYAL DOCKYARD.— In cor^sequencce of the increased dimensions given to the new ships of the British navy, it has become necessary to lengthen the building slips in Pembroke in common with those of the other yards, and the consequence is an immense addition seaward of the former establishment. In accomplishing this, advantage has been taken of pro- viding a means of washing away any accumulation of mud. by forming capacious reservoirs of the jetties be- tween the slips, filled by every day's tide, and flows and lets out by the sluices when required. This water will be also available in cases of fire should it be low water.

TENBY. PEDESTRIAN FEAT.—Last week a gentleman wagered £100 against Irs., that Mr. Frederick Bowers, (third son of Mr. Bowers, Lion Hotel, Tenby), could not walk to Pembroke and back twice-a distance of 44 miles-in 10 hours The bet was immediately accepted and, joined by another young gentleman, Mr. Howell Williams, (who, by the bye, was far less punished than his companion), in ordinary dress, started for Pembroke. They stajed some time in the first journey, for breakfast and changing their apparel, but returned in time to win the £100, having 18 minutes to spare. Crowds of persons were at the Lion corner, waiting the arrival of the pedestrians, who, on their arrival, were heartily received with bravos and signs of approbation.

VICTORIA. On Monday last, one of Nasmyth's patent steam-ham- mers was started at these works. A very large concourse of people witnessed the event. It is believed that Vic- toria. which has been very dull for a considerable period, will "be much benefited by the enterprise.

ABERDARE. FATAL ACCIDENT.-An accident occurred on Tuesday, at the Duffryn colliery, to a young man, named William Thomas, which terminsted fatally. The deceased, with several others, was engaged in sinking a pit at the above colliery, and it was part of his duty to watch the bucket, as it descended from the top. He was at the bottom of the pit, as usual, looking out for the descending bucket, which was coming down, laden with men. When some distance down, a stone fell from the side of the pit, and struck the poor fellow on the forehead, causing almost immediate death. The jury found a verdict of "Acci- dental death." DEATH THROUGH DRUNKENNESS.—On Saturday night last, John Davies, a man employed at the Llwydcoed tur- naces to attend to the ash pits, had been drinking with some other men about one o'clock on Sunday morning, he was found lying by the roadside, quite drunk. He was taken nenr'y home, but, instead of going to his lodgings, he turned into the engine-house to sleep, and after sleeping there till about three o'clock, the man in charge of the engine went away for a short time, and during his absence, the unfortunate deceased, by some means, got too near the shaft of the engine, and the beam striking him on the shoulder,he was fearfully crushed,and only survived a few hours. -An inquest was held on the body, on the 18th instant, before G. Overton, Esq., co- roner, at the Stag Inn, Mill-street.—Bassett Thomas, en- gineer at the Llwydcoed Works, who was first called, said: On Saturday last, I went to my work at three o'clock in the day, it was my turn to work, until six the following morning. About half-past twelve o'clock, while I was sitting in the engine-house, with Daniel Rees, the foreman, the deceased and David Isaac came in the latter lay down on the floor, and the deceased on a bench in the engine house. The foreman and mystif then went out, to look after the boiler, leaving the two men in the engine-house. We were away about ten minutes, and returned at half-past two o'clock; wben. finding that the deceased was not on the bench, webtgan ts search for him, and found him in the pit where the crank of the fly-wheel works. He had been crushed very much on one side, particularly on the right shoulder Directly we saw him, we stopped the engine, and took him out. We carried him home immediately; he could speak a little but was scarcely intelligible. We did not send for the doctor directly, because we thought he would not come to a drunken man, and the deceased was drunk at the time. I returned to my work, and went to see the deceased again at five o'clock. He was then lying on the ground, writhing with pain. We sent for the doctor about half-past six o'clock, and he arrived about eight o'clock but the deceased was then dead. The deceased worked at the engine, when it was his turn. His duty was to clean away the ashes from under the boilers but it was not his turn to work that night. David Isaac is superintendent of the engine, but was not at work on the night in question. They were both drunk when they came in to the engine-house. Daniel Rees and David Isaac afterwards went out to the Miners' Arms, kept by Richard Lewis, and fetched 2s. 6d. worth of beer, which they brought into the engine-house, and we drunk two or three cups each, before they went to sleept. We did not drink half the beer, and as soon as the men went to sleep, I threw the remainder away. The deceased was a single man, and lodged in my house.— David Isaac, of the same place, deposed It is my duty to look after the engine. On Saturday night last I left Llewellyn Jones' house, to go home, after the tap was stopped. I went to the door of my house, and then passed -<n to No. 1 engine-house. When I got ntar the engine-house, I saw the deceased standing by, and we went in together, and sat down. We drank some more beer there. I do not remember anythir g after that time, as I went to sleep, and did not awake until about seven o'clock.—Evan Evans, agent of the works in answer to a question put to him by the c roner, as to whether there were any rules for the management of the engine, said, that Mr. Fothergill always told the engineer not to ad- mit any strangers Into the engine-house; but he did not consider the deceased and David Isaac as s rangcra. He had never seen any printed rules, but they were not allowed to take beer into the engine-house.—The Coro- ner then summed up, and the jury, after about five mi- nutes deliberation, returned a verdict of Accidental death?'—We understand that the publicans are to be proceeded against, for drawing beer for these men at improper hours. A PRIZE FIGHT PREVBXTED.—One of these disgrace- ful exhibitions of human passion was arranged to take place on Hirwaen Common, on the morning of Monday last, for two sovereigns a-side; the combatants being I John Rosser, a miner, and Daniel Lewis, a collier. The