Monmouthshire Merlin

IVPORT CATTLE MARKET—WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21. Price per lb. to sink the offal. ) s. d. s. d. Beasts 0 5 £ to 0 6 Sheep 0 6J.. 0 7 Calves 0 6J.. 0 7 Pigs (per score) 8 6.. 9 0 market this week was moderately supplied with fat cattle, ep, and pigs. The beef trade was very sluggish, and not to business done. Mutton fully maintained late prices. ton pigs were a shade lower—dairy-fed porkers, at better to. Cows with calves, and fresh barrens, in good demand. and straw, a good supply and fair demand, at late quota- s. The medical gentlemen express sanguine hopes he speedy restoration to health, of John Jones, jun., Esq., • continues under the most zealous care of the faculty, and most solicitous attention of his family. The mother of the lid, Lady Harriett Jones, has arrived from France, and Mich consoled by the favourable change that has taken te within the last two or three days. ORRID BRUTALITY. — A person, named fry Buckler, huntsman to a gentleman of this town, was, w week* since, sentenced to one month's imprisonment. ur borough magistrates, for neglecting to maintain his and lifst Thursday, having bean liberated, he is reported ave driven his unfortunate wife before him from Malpas, t a -its, from this town, to Thomas-street, cruelly beating all the way with an ash stick, and using other violent ks and blows, by which such wounds have been inflicted, t her back, from the shoulder, to the hips, is one mass of frated and discoloured flesh. There is a warrant now out mst the brute, lor deserting his wife a second time. SESSIONAL.—In our report of the sessions, we Stted to notice the prosecution of two prisoners, named Fan- c Jenkins. They were jointly indicted for stealing a cask titter Irom Mr. Keyse, corn and provision merchant, of town. Jenkins was also separately indicted for receiving abutter, knowing it to have been stolen. The case had Oted considerable interest at Newport, and was conducted ft apparent zeal by the counsel and attornies concerned. e' charge was fully substantiated but the prisoners at- pted to criminate a man who is employed by Mr. Keyse, 9 to make him appear the chief party in the robbery, and ng they themselves were engaged by him as agents to dls e of the butter but this attempt failed, as not the slightest dence was given to their statement by the chairman or the ly. Mr. Keyse cleared up this part of the matter in a man that did him much credit, bv a Rhort but most forcible leal to his lordship on behalf of his servant, who said that Ran was fully exonerated, and left the box without the htest imputation of character. Both persons were found ty on the first indictment, for stealing. The prisoner kins was then charged upon the second indictment, for eiving and the case was about to proceed, when the bed counsel for the prosecution, after consulting with Mr. rwood, infOTmed his lordship that he did not deem it ex ent to proceed on the latter charge, as both prisoners 'dy stood convicted. Jenkins was sentenced to be trans- ited for seven years, and Farr to be imprisoned for six filths, with hard labour. Mr. Harwood, of Commercial, leet. in this town, was the solicitor for the prosecution. ^ANOTHER DEATH FROM DROWNING. 1 Wednesday last, an inquest was held at the Dock Tavern, this borough, before Wm. Brewer, Esq., coroner, and a re- ntable jury, on the body of Henry Roe, aged 17, who was ilid drowned in the pottery lock on the previous day. From {evidence adduced it appeared that the deceased had left 1 father's house, on Tuesday evening, in order to see if a fk vessel had arrived with a cargo of potatoes. The poor not having returned, alarm was excited, and search made. ten the cap of the deceased was found on the bank of the tat, at the part mentioned. There being no other evidence t particular or a conclusive character, the Jury returned a teral verdict of" Found drowned." This is the third vic- 1, to the want of proper precaution of those whose duty we hesitatingly say it is, to place lights in that neighbourhood, It has been recorded within the last three months. During t time an interesting young female, of good character; an seaman, young in years, and a valuable life, together with 'young man, the last (for ought we know) of the drowned, ese three have met a watery grave but the public almost '<;rsally in the town f< el.jfand unhesitatingly express that ing- that had lights, as there should have. been placed in immediate neighbourhood, these three fellow-creatures lid now be amongst the living. CAUTION.—RISCA CATASTROPHE.—We have in informed that several idle fellows are already travelling in Its of this county and Glamorganshire, stating that they are tsons who had escaped from the colliery, where the explo. h had taken place, merely with their lives, but being sorely it. Now, whoever is attempting, or will attempt, such an position on the humane, may be safely considered as im- Itors, for, it is officially communicated to us. that as long as P person is a sufferer from this calamity, and conducts him herself well, so long will the proprietors provide for their ^RICE OF GAS.—We some weeks since inserted kragraph to the effect, that gas was supplied to consumers, {Whitehaven, at 4s. ppr 1,000 cubic feet; and that, not- pslanding such a low figure, the company were dividing 7i fcent. We find that the paragraph in question (copied pi a provincial paper) did not give the whole truth, as I ^rs by the following copy of a note from Mr. Walker, if the gas works at Whitehaven — Whitehaven Gas Works, January 3,1846. true that we are at present selling gas at 4s. per et: but have not yet made a dividend since the Whitehaven Gas Works, January 3,1846. true that we are at present selling gas at 4s. per et: but have not yet made a dividend since the k place, which was on the 1st of July last; conse- part of the paragraph, stating we pay 7 i per cent., T am Sir, yours, respectfully, aney. GE0" WALKER." aer to keep faith with onr correspondents, due attention to our agents and others, we have se- early in the week, the insertion of a mass of local Tr> which will be found in our fourth page. Abergavenny, "typool, and Cardiff, will find arrears well brought up. WEST OF ENGLAND AND SOUTH WALES •Tk,ct BANK -The eleventh annual general meeting of the banking company was held on Friday, January 16, in ^change Bristol, Philip Janes, Esq.- the chair. The '0rt of the directors, which briefly detailed the results of r business of the past year, was highly satisfactory, and was Jnimously adopted. The report stated that the bank had Conducted profitably; that the directors had deeded on ■-aring a dividend, for the last half-year. of J percent., with 21 per cent, declared on the half-year ending the hlTim. i r .i « whole vear, the rate of 5J per cent.; PVune, makes, for the wholejw tythe half- "lere would thrn remain a u&ianc. r 4- nf-f "»o^ rJ I, with previous accumulations, f'°i £ o,730. 12s. 5d., winch, witup* ^Profit on*1;Le"year en ding^lst eember last, after deduct- ive charge of management, and making provision for bad • doubtful debts and for reduction of the costs °* P and C- £ 19,431. 8s. 8d. The coidiaUhanks fe Proprietors were voted to the manager, John Bates [•' for the zealous performance of the arduous d«ti« ofh" Fe; and Joseph Reynolds, f>amuel Lloyd, and Samuel S*. Esqrs., were re elected directors, to supply the ,vacan- 8 under the deed of settlement .—Bristol Gaiette.

CONVERSION OF THE JEWS. ). na«ve of Bavaira. the Rev. F. C. Ewald, born in the faith, who had been brought to the truths of Chris- Y under singular circumstances, and who subsequently an active member of the society established in Lon L or the Conversion of the Jews, has visited Newport, and jjunday last preached a very eloquent sermon, to an over- ,ng congregation, at St. Paul's Church, who were deeplj fested in the interesting and animated discourse of the ;rer>d gentleman. Monday last, he lectured in the morning in the great II of the National School in this town, and in the evening ards of eight hundred persons assembled at a public ng held in the same place, on which occasion the con- red Jew gave an exceedingly interesting account of th eedings of the late Bishop Alexander, (to whom he was lain) and of his own efforts for the conversion of the fit and interesting people of the Old Testament to the Stian faith. He spoke for a very considerable period, Was listened to with marked attention. he Rev. Mr. Wybrow, minister of St. PaulV, presided at Meeting, and the speeches of the proposers and seconders -solutions, particularly those of the Rev. Mr. Isaac and Chairman, were eloquent and in good taste.. '[Ch he following resolutions were unanimously carried :— oved by Rev. W. D. Isaac, seconded by Dr. Gwillim :— at this meeting fully recognises the duty and privilige of oting Christianity amongst God's ancient people, the Jews, we have every reason to believe from Scripture are des" td to be most instrumental in the extension of the Redeem Jcingdom loved by Rev. F. C. Ewald, Chaplain to the late Bishop of Msalem, seconded by the Hon. Colonel SpencerThat Ittteetine acknowledges, with heartfelt gratitude, the suc- »with -which, in a variety ot ways, God hzs blessed the jts of the Society for Promoting Christianity among the foved by Mr H J. Davis, seconded by Dr. Young" That Association be formed in this place and neighbourhood, in "ction with the Church of England Jewish Missionary ^y,—that it be called the Newport Association, and that Digby Mackworth be requested to accept the office of Pre- n.t. and the Rev. W. A. Conway that of Secretary. flection after morning meeting, £ 3. 3s. 6d.; do. evenmg tlng, £ 5. Total, £ 8. 3s. 6d.

MPORTANT TO MARINERS—We copy tha £ "ing announcement into our columns, as it will be found Importance to many of our maritime readers in this and the iirling ports :— PORTUGUESE QUARANTINE REGULATIONS. higuese Consulate General, 5, Jeffery-square, January 19. :K>—1 beg to acquaint you, for the information and 8" ^of merchants and captains, &c., in general, that I this iceceived a communication from Her Most Faithful Majesty a emmem, dated Lisbon, the 9th inst., advising me that a dignant and contagious disorder has made its appearance TJona \ista" and St. Nicolao," two of the Cape Verd tads; and that the Most efficacious measures and precau- 18 were being taken to prevent the spreading of-the conta- t,tof a tryphoid nature, and supposed to be the yellow fever. t that the whole of the ports of Portugal, together with the tes, or W estern, and Madeira Islands, were closed against (essel arriving from, or having in any way communication the Cape Verd Islands,^ with the exception of the port of ■A., the only place with an appropriate lazaretto, and Ik suph vessels were to be sent and admitted te perform fcmrne- I have the honour to be, sir, Your most obedient servant, F. J. VANZELLER, Consul-Genial of Portugal. > W. Dobson, En-, SwcrctMy, Lloyds. rtUg

Explosion at Risca Colliery. The inquest on the bodies of the unfortunate men who lost their lives by this terrific explosion (particulars of which were } given in our last) was commenced on Friday, the 16th inst., at the Albert Inn, Risca. William Brewer, Esq., the coroner, with the jury, had been engaged nearly the whole of Thurs- day, in viewing the bodies that had been taken out, seven still then remaining in the fatal pit. The following persons formed the jury:- John Rosser, Esq., Foreman. Jacob Jacobs Henry Moses William Rees Daniel Jones John Duffield William Lovering Cock William Matthews William Howells John Phillips Samuel Bateman William Hodges William Jones. At ten o'clock on Friday, the coroner and the above-named jury assembled at the Albert; and as it was considered by the coroner, that an investigation into the cause of the death of any one of the ill-fated deceased would fully disclose the parti- culars relative to all who fell victims of this direful catastrophe, the jury were sworn to inquire into the death of James Gam- hel-one of the poor fellows most severely injured by the de- structive vapour. Mr. John Phillpotts, solicitor, was in attendance, watching the proceedings. The first witness called was James Padfield, miner, who, being examined, saidI am a collier, and work at Waun Vawr Colliery, in the parish of Machen; in the Black Vein Pit; Messrs. Russell and Co. are the proprietors, I believe; I have worked in this pit about six months. I was at home in bed on Wednesday morning, and got up about ten o'clock in consequence of having been informed that an explosion had taken place in the Black Vein pit. I ran to the pit as fast as I could, and immediately descended. On reaching the bottom of the shaft, I went along the heading, on the mountain side, about 40 or 50 yards. I then met Joseph Green, agent, Stephen Crook, and others, who were coming back from the place where the bodies of the men killed by the explosion were lying; they said they wanted more lamps, and some sheets, and I and two oihermen went up to procure them. They said they had not then seen the bodies. On descending the pit a second time, we went into the heading as far as possi- ble, with lamps, and after putting up sheets to drive up the air as far as possible, we got to what we call Thomas Rummins's heading. Here a man, named Lot Toughley kicked his foot against something, remarking there was a horse or something there. I stooped down to see what it was, and found it was a man, John Watts; he groaned on being removed, and we con- veyed him to the bottom of the pit in our arms. I considered he was alive till brought to the bottom of the pit, but after this I saw no sign of life. He was immediately taken to the top of the shaft and placed in a machine, and I saw him no more till Thursday night. I did not observe any bruises on his body, nor any other material injury. I considered he was suffocated. I have been working the mountain side of the pit about five or six weeks. I think I worked in the worst part of the pit, and I was obliged to work with a safety lamp, the greater part of the time, because it would have been dangerous to work with- out it; it was safe enough with a lamp. Some men were work- ing very near me without lamps. I have not heard of any acci- dent here when the lamp was used. On Monday two of us worked in the heading without lamps, considering it quite safe to do so. One door being opened in the pit, would stop the cur- rent of air, and we should know it immediately. When we find the current of air stopped, we go to see what is the matter there is generally sufficient notice to enable the men to escape; but some in the stalls may not perceive the current stop for a few minutes. I think there were no men working in the pit on Tuesday but this was not in consequence of foul air in the pit, but from an accide't—a chain being broken) and some mine having fallen in. There are a night overseer, and a day over- lieer, whose duty it is to be in the pit—one all day, the other all night, to look after the fire, and see that the pit is in a fit state to be worked. Stephen Crook is the night overseer, and Thomas Crook the day overseer. The day fireman leaves off at six at night, and the night fireman is there from that time till six in the morning. The day fireman is occasionally away, when his brother attends for him. The body of Watts was found more than two hundred yards up the heading. Mr Owen, solicitor, here entered the room, and, enquiring of the Coroner if the inquest had been commenced, was informed by that gentleman that it had, and that one witness had been examined. Mr. Owen then stated that he appeared to watch the proceed- ings on behalf of several of the widows and other relatives of the unfortunate deceased colliers and begged to solicit from the coroner the courtesy of being allowed to hear the statement of the witness who had been examined, and of being permitted to cross-examine him. After some little discussion between the coroner and Mr. Owen, as to the inconvenience occasioned by the latter gentle- man not having appeared at the time appointed for commencing the examination—the request was granted, and James Padfield made the following statement on being Cross-examined by Mr. Owen: I worked in this pit about I7 or 18 months when I was here before; 1 left about 12 months ago. I left in consequence of a dispute with Mr. Green, be- cause he would not give me an allowance for repairing my stall. I stood out, with the other men, at another time, in consequence of the foul state of the working. That is more than J2 months ago. We also stood out because there was a man put m who did not understand the nature of fire-damp. In consequence of our standing out, proceedings were taken against some or the men. Some of the colliers, perhaps eight or nine, were taken to Newport, and three were sent to Usk. John Evans, James Lane, and John Cole, (one of the men now killed,) were sent to gaol on that occasion. The eight or nine men were taken by Cormack, to Newport. The others came back and went to work because they were refused their discharges. I know Sum- mers, who is now dead; he left the work at that time, and went to Abersychan; some others of the men left. I heard some of the men say they were brought back from the British and other Works to the Black Vein Pit. I had heard of no complaints as to the pit being foul, previously to this explosion. The men stood out because the son-in-law of John Dainty was put in, he not understanding the nature of fire-damp. I cannot say how many lamps there are in the work. I don't know whether there are enough for each man to have one. I don't remember having heard any man ask for a lamp, and being refused. I do not know that a man named Powell asked for his discharge, saying he was afraid to go to work. William Wyatt, a coal-miner, beingexamined by the coroner, said I have been working at the Black Vein Pit, about nine months. On Tuesday night 1 wall working in this pit, near James Lane's stall, till twelve o'clock. 1 went to work on Tues- day night, about six o'clock. On that ni^ht Stephen Crook was looking after the works to see that they were safe. John Wyatt, my brother, was working with me; we were working with safety lamps I was setting timb#r. On leaving Lane's stall, I went into the mountain heading wind-road, and re- mained there till a quarter before six on Wednesday morning. I came up at six o'clock, and about ton men came up with me. I first saw Stephen Crook at twelve o'clock on Tuesday night; he was seeing that we did the work properly that he had ordered us to do. At twelve o'clock on Tuesday I did not suspect there was any fire in James Lane's stall; and we did not suffer from depression of breathing. The guiding chain broke about ten o'clock on Tuesday morning, and I don't know whether any coal was raised after that time. Cross-examined by Mr. Owen: I have seen Stephen Crook this morning, and he did not tell me what to say at this inquest. Mark Sharing was on duty as fireman on Tuesday night. Thomas Crook is fireman by day, and Stephen Crook by night. Stephen Crook was in the work from twelve to six o'clock, I believe. James Lane was not at work on Tuesday night. I always take a safety lamp with me, when I go into the pit to work. On Wednesday morning about ten o'clock I went down into the pit to help to get the dead men out, and the first man we found was John Watts. I saw thirteen men taken out. 1 am not much of a judge of firedamp; but I know there is dan- ger when the fire gets into the lamp. When I was in; James Lane's stall I held up my lamp, and the fire played around it. I always tell Stephen Crook when I see a little fire. I told him on Wednesday morning that I had seen a little fire in James Lane's heading. It is my duty to tell Crook when I see fire. I I said there was a little fire, but I did not consider it enough to hurt. I have never heard any of the men complain about the works being dangerous. The fire I saw would not have deter- red me from working. Cross-examined by Mr. Phillpotts On Wednesday morning about six o'clock, I saw Crook standing near the top of the pit; I did not hear Crook tell the men there was danger in the pit. In fact I did not hear him speak to the men at all. Thomas Thomas, examined by the coroner: I am a haulier, and live in the parish of Machen. I have been working at the Black Vein Pit several times as a haulier. I have been engaged there for several months. On Wednesday I was at work on the mountain side of the pit, drawing coals out. Sometime about half past eight or nine o'clock I-was going from the bottom of the pit to the heading, to take out John Watts' and William Thomas I coal. I should think it from 500 or 600 yards (but can t say exactly,) from the bottom of the pit to John Watts' heading. I had gone in about 150 yards, driving empty trams, when I heard an explosion. A boy, William Morgan, was with me, minding the doors. I was'sitting on the tram, and was knocked back into the tram by a rush of air: the whip was knocked out of my hand, and my cap was knocked off. The boy Morgan was riding on the second tram, and when I felt the air 1 went into the second tram to try to save the boy, supposing J W°FU,i I h"rted- So°n after some men came from the river side o the heading—to take us out. They loosed the horses, and trIed to push the trams out, but found the sulphur so strong that they could not stay more then ten minutes. Other men St w ? nver side> and took U8 t0 the bottom of the snatt. We were almost insensible. • r°ss-examined by Mr. Owen: I went to this colliery to work just atter the time when the men were burnt there the first ago6 4 recollect a st"ke among the men fifteen months Here Mr. Baker, solicitor, of Risca, who had entered the room during the examination of the witness by the coroner, and who appeared for Messrs. Russell and Co., interposed, re- marking that he considered Mr. Owen's cross-examination quite irrelevant to the present enquiry. They were met, not to en- quire into what took place at the works twelve or fifteen months ago, but to ascertain, if possible, how the ill-fated deceased came by their death. Mr. Owen defended his line of cross-examination, by remark- ing that his object was to ascertain what was the state of the work at the time referred to, and to find out whether the same cause of complaint did not now exist as, he had been given to understand, induced the men to strike at the time to which he had been alluding. A great deal of angry discussion followed, which was, after some time, checked by the coroner, and Mr. Owen continued his cross-examination. Wyatt resumed I don't know that the men refused to work in consequence of foul air in the pit. I have not heard any complaint this week as to the pit being foul. 1 heard them say that Thomas Crook had not been in the pit from Saturday to Wednesday, but there was another man in his place. I have never seen him so long absent as on this occasion. Stephen Crook took the place of Thomas, but I do not consider him so quick as Thomas in detecting fire-damp. I have seen Thomas "alt-drunk many times There was not much work tonda/ I worked on Monday, hauling coal. We P n„Hypr iaii at, one °f the men might fire the place. Cold work incr^ wrfi^ there was fire in some of the gobs Dloved Jnmptlrnea C/°.ok and Stephen Crook were em- ployed sometimes instead of Thomas Crook at'the 5orks l^than'? recollect a that took place ouest^d to sSn » ™n»r months ago. We were then re- quested to sign a paper or agreement, and were refused our wages unless we would sign it. I struck at that time, because there was a man put in, with whom I did not consider it safe to work. W hen I went to the office, 1 could not St my mone? before I signed the agreement, and therefore 1 signed it I think there was a general understanding amongst tlie colliers that they struck because an improper man was put to work' This man was continued in the work, notwithstanding the ob- jection of tlie men. I asked tor my discharge, and was refused it, because I had struck. It was an agreement for twelve months, and I did not work the whole period. At the conclusion of Padfield's re-examination Mr. Hookey suggested to the coroner the propriety of ad- journing the enquiry, till the report of a competent surveyor as to the state of the works, could be obtained and stated' that if the inquest was adjourned for that purpose he should be able, at the next meeting, to rebut some of the statements just made by the witness Padfield. After some desultory conversation, as to the propriety of the step proposed, the coroner assented to the suggestion and the enquiry was adjourned to Wednesday, 4th February. Since our last account of the appalling occurrence, the most commendable exertions, day and night, almost without inter- mission, Vltre continued, for the purpose of removing from the fatal pit, the seven remaining victims, who were known to be still in the workings. Iv. the courw of Friday, the bodies of I^ae Bryant, George Barfield, and George Barfleld, jun., were foiiftd, and the spectacle thev presented was piteous and affect- ing in the extreme. The father, actuated by the feelings of paternal affection, strong even in the agonies of death, had firmly clasped his son in his arms, in which position they were found They had worked in diflerent stalls, and at the first alarm of the direful explosion, the poor lad ran to his father, who, alas could afford him no succour and overcome by the noxious gas, they sunk in death together If he must die, my life is wrapt in his!" The deplorable fate of this family, whose pious life and blameless conduct had gained them much respect, is one of the most melancholy features of this dreadful calamity. The remains of Isaac Bryant were placed in a coffin, and laid between those which contained the bodies of his two lonl- three dead in one cottage The coroner, accompanied by the jury, that had been em- pannelled on the previous day, met again on Saturday, to view the bodies found up to that period. The spectacle was quite revolting. Decomposition had commenced its defacing ravages, whilst the wretched relatives, in the anguish of almost broken hearts, were uttering lamentations. On Saturday night, during the solitary hours of which, dis- trcssing cries were occasionally heard, wildly and fearfully, on the wipds, the corpses of Isaac Lovel, James Gullock, and Jas. Lane, were brought up, but all efforts to find that of George Curtis failed, till Monday evening, when this, the last of the thirty-five sufferers, was brought to the top of the shaft, placed in a shell, and conveyed to the church, in order to be viewed by the coroner and the jury, which duty took place on Tuesday, and the inquest was then adjourned to the 4th of February next. The churchyard, prepared for the interment of the nu- merous dead, presented an appearance somewhat resembling a ploughed field, so extensively lay the upturned sods and on Saturday, the burial of thirteen victims of the destroying blast were laid in their graves-one was borne to rest in his native town, Newbridge. The many-coffined grave yard was sad to behold. Indeed, it was one of those scenes which, viewed by the thinking man, is effaced from from his memory only by the hand of death. The bursts of anguish rose high above the solemn tones of the clergyman's voice, in the beautiful burial- service, as one look, one last look, was despairingly cast on the narrow homes of husband, or father, or brother, whilst the affecting words, Ashes to ashes dust to dust!" were uttered. On the Sabbath, the bodies of seventeen fellow-creatures, who a few days previously had mixed in the mazes of busy life, with the vigour and health of an apparently-long existence within them, and some who had been but as the growing shoots of manhood, were carried out to be left under the sods of the valley. At an early hour, the densely-inhabited village threw out the bulk of its population, while thousands came from other quarters —particularly from Newport—and from all the neighbouring towns and villages, and by twelve o'clock, Risca church yard, to which, doubtless, many a stranger will in future make a pil- grimage, was crowded, whilst on the adjacent roads large num- bers of persons, with pensive countenances and grave demea- nour, were awaiting the period for the funeral rites. Soon, In sad array, several coffins, covered with the gloomy pall, were borne along, each corse being accompanied by a fobbing circle, paying their last tribute of sorrow, affection, or regret; and time after time, as the bell tolled forth its solemn dirge, the cries of the widows and orphans were heard during the pauses. Indeed, so affecting was the scene, that many who came from curiosity, remained to weep. The respected clergyman, Mr. Davis, seemed bowed to the earth with grief, and it was only by a struggle with his feelings, that he was enabled to proceed with his impressive duty. George Barfield and his two sons were interred in the same grave, as were also Isaac Bryant and his two sons. John Bath, William Thomas, and John Watts belonged to the estimable society of Oddfellows, and a great number of brothers from the Newport, Blackwood, and Crumlin districts, attended the fnne- ral, wearing the •mblemitic badges of the Order. The effect was singularly impressive, and we are happy to eomplimeat s confraternity to which our attachment strongly tends, on this proof of their right feeling nnd good taste. With the exception of the last-mentioned three, the funeral expenses of the whole were defrayed by the proprietors of the works. Last week we mentioned one or two circumstances that stood out in interesting relief from the gloomy pi.ture, and we have to add an additional anecdote that should not pass unrecorded. John Evans. a very pious old man-one of the killed—on the morning of the dreadful event, as was his daily praetice pre- viously to his leaving home for his work, knelt in devotion, surrounded by his family circle, and upon that occasion, as if some light from the other world of eternity had shone upon him in this earthly vale whrch he was so soon about to leave he fervently prayed to his heavenly Father, that if a sudden death awaited him, it might also become a sudden glory; and sincerely do we hope, that this aspiration may have been effect- ual at the throne of Omnipotence. We have much satisfaction in learning from good authority that Mr. Russell, Mr. Hookey, and family, waoae grief has been most poignant since the lamentable occurrence have hu- manely expressed their readiness to provide for the widows and orphans who are left to deplore this sad event. Of Mr. Dobree, his benevolent lady, and daughters we ean- not too highly speak. Besides unremitting attention to the sorrowing relatives of the deceased workmen, they have libe- rally administered comforts, and provided decent mournine- diesses for the poor creatures. To this charitable list. we are in justice induced to add the Misses Lemon, of whose kind sympathies we have haard the highest praise. This is the acceptable time for active benevolence and we trust that the bereaved will be cherished by every attention and assistance that Christian sympathy and feeling dictate.

We learn, from authority on which we place entire reliance, that within the last three months, pending an important-busi- ness arrangements, the colliery in which so dreadful a loss of human life has just taken place, was carefully inspected by an eminent surveyor, and pronouneed by aim to be properly and safely ventilated.

LLANARTH CHORAL SOCIETY. s On Thursday, the 15th inst., the members of the above in, teresting society met at the Vicarage, where the Rev. Wm. Price, who has taken a very commendable interest in their success, and e' inees a refined taste for sacred music, enter- tained them at a supper, consisting of holiday fare. In the course of the evening, the subject of the extension of the sing- ing gallery was mentioned, it being much too small for the Sunday School children and singers, and far from being suit- able to a church frequented by so respectable a congregation. The worthy Vicar promised that the improvement should not be lost sight of. After the performance of several composi- tions of the best masters, the society retired, thankful for the kindness of their entertainer.

USK. The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas has appointed Alexander Waddington, Esq., of Usk, a perpetual commissioner for taking the acknowledgments of jdeeds of married women.

MERTHYR. DOWLAIS.-A boy, named John Davies, aged 16, was, on Tuesday morning, killed by a fall of rubbish from the top of a level. A large pond, situate between Rhymney and Tredegar, broke through the sides, and, in its impetuous career, drowned an aged woman and swept away two frail cottages. The London mail was also detained for some time by this occurrence.

BLAENAVON. We understand that an accident, attended with lamentable consequences, recently otote"p^ce at Blaenavon Work.. It is said that a fly-wheel broke during its extreme velocity, by which one man was killed and others wounded. We have had no particulars of the misfortune, and can only allude to it thus vaguely.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE. TOWN HALL, NEWPORT, THURSDAY, JANUARY 22. Present-J. Latch (Mayor) and T. Hawkins, Esqrs. Thomas Webb, charged on suspicion of stealing a quantity of rope.—Committed for thirty days, with hard labour. John Bowden, charged with assautting Morris Pomfret, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. Mary Ann Hughes was charged with assaulting Temperance Jenkins.—Reprimanded and discharged. Elizabeth Jones, charged with stealing iron from Richard Batt. was committed for two months. Hannah Bowey. charged with keeping her house open for the sale of beer after hours, was fined 10s. and costs. David Williams appeared to answer to a charge of selling beer without licence, and was fined 10s. and costs, or fourteen days' imprisonment.

"THE PRESIDENT" STEAMER. Our Madrid correspondent sends us the following statement with respect to the ill-fated steamer, the President :— The Gazette contains an announcement from the Home-office, stating that the political chief of Guipuscoa had communicated that some fishing boats of Motiico had picked up a bottle, which was floating in the sea, with a paper inside, which was sent to the alcalde of Motrico. and of which the following fragments were all that could be made out. They are supposed by the au- thorities to have been written by some one on board the Presi- dent steamer, and I therefore transmit them as given in the Gazette:— Ship President. We are blocked upon Tree and we can't live much time. What time Kind friend will acquaint our We are dying of hunger I am fainting. Hif. -[ Evening Chronicle.

SPRING CIRCUITS, 1846. Oxford. Lord Chief Baron and Baron Rolfe. Home Lord Denman and Baron Alderson. Midland. Chief Justice Tindal and Justice Coltman. Norfolk Baron Parke and Justice Maule. Northern Justice Patteson and Justice Coleridge. North Wales Justice Williams. South Wales. Justice Wightman. Western Justice Erie and Baron Platt. The son of a Queen s Counsel, says an evening paper, was about to be united to the fair niece of a gallant son of Mars, and the day for binding the hymeneal knot had been fixed, when to the inconsolable grief of the gay youth, the lady sig- nified' a change in her resolve. The bridal robes had been purchased, and every preparation made for a different dtnouo- '"THE RATES ON PRINCE ALBERT'S FARM.—The disputes relative to the rates alleged to be due on account of the Flemish farm occupied by Prince Albert, has at length been settled in the most afiicable manuer. The churchwardens and overseers 'a having admi ted the illegality of the rate his royal highness has offered to pay, as a voluntary contribvtion to the parish, a sum equal to the rate to which the land in question would be liable. The Bristol General Hospital is now so crowded, that, in some instances, the patients are lying two in a bed, and many •sufferers are unable to obtain admission within its walls. BIRMINGHAM —A POAOHER KILLED.—About two o'clock nf Wednesdav last, two assistant keepers, who "WW M J»h" Brighton Bart at Blakenhall, near Betley, discovered two poachers with a doe'under a hedge on a farm in fche occupation of Mrs. Bloom- field The poachers ran away, but one of them was overtaken by a' powerful man named Basford and there was a struggle between them, which terminated in the poacher, George Kean receiving a fracture of the skull, which eaused his instant death. Basford says that Kean struck at him with a pikel, but that he succeeded in warding off the blow, and then hit Kean over the head with a stick; that he afterwards wrested the pikel from Kean, and threw both lt,a^t^fSV?kfit°a dls* tance, and subsequently knocked him down witn his fist. A coroner's inquest has been held, and a vwdxet of Justifiable homicide" returned.

CARD I FF. 1 FESTIVITIES AT CARDIFF CASTLE On Thursday the 15th instant, a ball, on a most extensive and magnificent scale, was given bv Lord and T J V Stuart, at Cardiff Castle. The company about 150 t w consisted of the nobility, clergy, and gentry of Glam "KVP .»dMo»mouU,,hi,e. The Sle and the spacious drawing room, which presented aXr«ous appearance, was set apart for dancing, whilst the libfar? was converted into a refreshment room, where the tables pre«nted a most superb service of plate, containing all tW fkP wL or the most fastidious taste could desire in nhnrt j-e SE comp«»T tag«» to yrive. C«r,i.8e/fttr £ & £ ? £ £ £ » extended chain, and their well-lighted lamps, gave orCrtunity to the crowds out of doors, to catch occasionkl glimpses It the radiant beauty conveyed to the halls of festivity About eleven o clock the company began to assemble fn the ball room, which became densely crowded, and never before had we the infinite p easure, of beholding such an assemblage of the rank and loveliness of the Principality, as appeard on this ocoa- sion. Lord and Lady James Stuart, with their amiable and accom- plished daughter, courteously welcomed their guests, and as- siduously did everything to render the charms of the scene complete. Amongst the guests we noticed Viscount and Viscountess Adare, Sir John and Lady Charlotte Guest, Captain Hickey, Rowland Mansell, Esq Lieutenant Crighton Steuart, Grena- dier Guards; Frederick Tighe, Esq., (nephew of LadV James, a 7 who we were happy to see in such good health after his return fro™ India); Sir (i.orge and L.d, T,l„ and f^Uy"M"Zd Mrs. Roper Tyler, Mr. and Mrs Morgan, Ruperra Castle; Lady Rodney and Mrs. and the Misses Millman, Tredegar; LleUt/x,d **rs- Oonford, Mr. Con- ford, Whitlock Nicholl, Esq., and Mr. George Nicholl, Adams- down Mr. and Miss Homfray Llandaff; Mr. and Mrs. Bassett, Bonvilestone Bruce Pryce, Esq and the Misses Pryce, Duf- fryn; R. Jenner, Esq., Wenvoe Castle; Mr H and Mr A Jenner, Rev. George Thomas and Miss Thomas Tlaiidaff Court; Mrs. and Miss John Williams, Cardiff E P 'Richards Esq., Captain White and Officers of the Sixth Enniskillen Dragoons, Dr. and Mrs. Lewis, Dr. and Mrs. Moore Mr Thomas, Mr. Leigh, Dinas Powis; Rev. jfr. and Mrs Evans Llandough Mr. and Mrs. Corbett and Miss Lloyd Mr. and Miss Hollier, Mr. Clarke, Messrs. Towgood, Mr and Mrs Miller, Mr. C.C.Williams and Mrs. Williams, Lath-Mr' John Wick Bennett, &c. wain' mr" Dancing, comprising the novelties of style in that art was kept up with great spirit and animation—Quadrilles Valses Gallopes, Polkas, Minuets, &c., followed in rapid succession, when the guests retired to a sumptuous supper, after which the ball room was again the scene of attraction, and Terpsi- chore was in the ascendant "till tberoay hours opened the por- tals of the east.—Our correspondent. TAFF VALE RAILWAY.—PRESENTATION OF PLATE TO EDWARD HIGHTON, ESA—On Monday ereninc last, a deputation from the servants of the Ta £ f Vale Railwav Company, headed by their respected secretary, A. H. Morcom Esq., waited on Mr. Edward Highton, the late engineer to the company, at his residence, for the purpose of presenting him with a service of plate (on his resigning his appointment) as a testimonial of the great regard and respect in which he was universally held by them, during the time he had the manage ment of the line As a proof of the good feeling evinced to- wards the above named gentleman, we may mention that sub- scriptions were commenced in three different departments of the railway simultaneously, having one object, viz., that of testify- ing the high opinion entertained of his merits. The testimonial which was subscribed to, by 250 of the persons in the com- pany's employ, consisted of a handsome silver tea service, of the newest design, the principal article of which bore the following inscription:—"Presented by the officers and workmen of the Taff Vale Railway, to Edward Highton, Esq., C.E., on his re- linquishing his appointment as engineer to the company in testimony of their cordial respect and esteem, and of the high opinion they entertain of his conduct, during his connection with the railway. Cardiff, 19th January, 1846." The whole reflected the highest credit on our fellow-townsmen, Mr. J. T. Barry, who executed the order. We understand Mr. Highton is engaged by the London and Birmingham Railway Company to lay down and superintend the working of the electric tele. graph, about to be established on a large scale, by that com- pany, on a principle to be patented by Mr. Highton.—Cor- respondent. INQUEST. On Wednesday last, an inquest was held at the Old Griffin Inn, before R. L. Reece, Esq., coroner, on the body of Timothy Daly, aged 16 years, son of James Daly, Little Frederick- street, Cardiff. James John bworn, said: I live at No. 8, David-street • yesterday deceased and I were working together on the tips on the Taff Vale Railway, by the new town bridge, near the Gas Works; we were levelling the muck on the tips just as the waggons were coming, drawn by horses. I went on one side of them, and he on the other—the waggons were full of muck and were to be discharged about five yards from us. I told the haullier to stop the horses that we might unhook one waggon from the other, which he did. There were only two waggons I stooped down to take hold of the pinch bar, and looked to' see if deceased was unhooking the waggons. I did not see him so I put my hand in, when Richard Lloyd said h What's the matter with this man, he's lying bleeding," and pointed to de- ceased. That was the first notice I had of it. I ran round directly, and saw him lying on the side of the bank, about three yards from the rail; the blood was gushing out of his nose and mouth-he did not speak. I took him up in my arms, and called out to one of the rest men to go for a doctor; another man came and took him by the legs, and we carried him to his father's house, as quick as we could. To the best of my belief neither the waggon or horses touched him; there was no mark on him. Patrick Caiey said, I live in the same house as deceased when brought home he was all over blood. I stripped and washed him; there were no marks of blood on his body at all. Ver- dict. Died by the visitation of God from bursting a blood vessel in the head.

Special General Meeting of the Taff Yale Railway Company. 4 — On Wednesday last, a special general meeting of this com- pany was held at the White Lion Hotel, Broad-street, Bristol, to take into consideration the expediency of making certain ex- tensions, branch railways, and other works, in connexion with the Taff Vale Railway; and to authorise the directors, if so determined upon, to apply for an act, in the ensuing session of parliament, to empower the company to make such extensions, branch railways, and other works, and to raise the capital ne- cessary to complete the same; and to take all such further steps as they shall deem necessary, relative thereto. Soon after the hour appointed for commencing business, a large number of the shareholders having assembled, Sir J. J. Guest was called to the chair. The secretary read the notice convening the meeting, after which, The Chairman made a few remarks explanatory of the sub- jects to be brought under the consideration of the shareholders. He said they were called together to consider the propriety of making certain alterations and extensions in the Taff Vale Railway; and also to decide as to the expediency of applying to parliament, in its approaching session, for power to make such alterations and extensions. When the Taff Vale Railway was formed, it was considered unnecessary to carry branches of it up several valleys near to which the main line passes, be- cause the collenes up these valleys were, some of them, not in work and it was deemed expedient to leave the formation of wfc S' Untl1 these c°Hieries should be brought into amount of traffic should be thereby created. It «fwio n°r ProPosed to extend the railway, among Wf Snmf' Rh°ndda Valley, about nine miles and a !Lr °{.the, Proprietors were undoubtedly aware, that an opposition line had it in contemplation to extend a branch up this valley; and the Taff Vale Company therefore proposed 5L°rrvin» nt' to Prevent the opposition company from carrying out this project, and thereby infringing upon what might almost be considered the right of the Taff Vale Com- pany. The estimated cost of this extension was, in round numbers, about £ 86,000. In addition to this, they proposed making an extension into the Little Rhondda, or Rhondda Vach,Valley, of about five miles; and by this means, Mr. Coffin s coal now brought to the company's line by a railway belonging to that gentleman, would be placed at on«« on the company s extension line—Mr. Coffin having agreed to abandon Ph the company would extend their line up the Rhondda Vach Valley. There were other minor extensions, the estimated cost of the construction of which, would be sub- mitted to them in the resolution which he should presently bring under their notice. One of the proposed alterations was to be made at the Bute Canal, on the eastern branch of which, it was proposed to raise an embankment, over which the line was to be carried, so that coals might be shipped from the road. Toward. this alteration, Lord Bute had agreed to pay the sum of £ 10,000. Of course, there would be the cost of erecting tips at various places along the canal; and he believed the whole of the extensions and alterations had been estimated to require an outlay of rather more than £ 190,000. A tonnage would be charged to the shippers in the canal, for the extra expense of tips, &c. Having made these observations, he should now submit to the meeting a resolution, which he had no doubt it would be their pleasure to pass, embodying all the extensions which were at present considered necessary, and for power to make which, they proposed to apply forthwith to par- liament. The resolution was as follows:- Resolved-That application be made to parliament in the ensuing session, for power to make the following alteration and extensions in the Taff Vale Railway: MMO up tne wnonaaa vauey. yi miles. jtuoaoa i i Rhondda Vach Valley, 5 miles 41641 19 8 Dinas, 3 furlongs, 2 chains. 3976 0 1 Cymmer, J furlong, 7 chains 2579 10 0 Airw, 8 furlongs, 3 chains 74,7 19 2 Lancaich, I furlong, 1 chain 8404 12 10 East branch of But. Dock, 1 furlong 39860 13 0 190148 15 10 Purchase of land. 12300 0 0 3 202448 16 10 Deduct amount to be paid by Lord Bute. 10000 0 0 Total. 192448 15 10 inis resolution was seconded by Mr James, of Merthyr, and agreed to. J Sir John Guest then remarked that as they had now agreed £ k2 « pa5 SU?ient' th* ne*t question was, how the money was W°Vld» undoubtedly, be thought fair, that all -D ^eold concern, should have an opportunity of taking shares in the new undertaking. The present shares were worth £ 126. each; and he thought the £ »0. shares in the nonion'ofSM,fc Sh°uld be offered to the comP/ny f ^Pro- portion of five shares of £ 10. each, to every holder of an £ 126. share; and one share to eaeh shareholder of a £ 25. share, TnnnrZf"th raake a difference of £ 1. upon the £ 126. shares, in J* 6 leaouttum:— to th. a^?,^ ,to.r,s be empowered to raise and issue shares ImSunt o? £ m £ 2l6.°00 and that such shares be of the and that the same be offered to the pre- SWSrr m the Proportion of five shares to each holder Thi« ».„i ^oslt °t £ |. per share. Thi ° 0n was duly seconded, and passed unanimously, The Chairman then announced that there was no other busi- that as thp ?ht before the meeting but he would suggest, delav i I' *?JTation t0 parliament must be made without tended tat be durable for such of the shareholders as in- secretarv SDg new shares. to intimate their intention to the trouble °nCe' as il would save very cons,der*b e time and The meeting then separated.

On W d Cardiff A e nesday last, a ball took place at the Cardiff Arms; about 106 attended, and kept up dancing till early m the morning The Glamorgan band was in attend- and P'aypd most admirably. Everything was well ar- ranged, reflecting great, credit on Mr. and Mrs. Ainsley. A ball and supper was also given at the Griffin Inn, on the same night; between 50 and 60 sat down to a sumptuous supper, provided by Mr. and Mrs. Sait, m their usual good style. Dancing was kept up with great glee, and the company did aot separate till an early hour.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT (FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.) LONDON, WEDNESDAY NIGHT, 21st Jan., 1846. In pursuance of your directions I have arrived here, and proceed to give you the latest information I have been able to collect, on the present state of po- litical affairs. Great excitement prevails in all the Glubs—rumours without end are in circulation, and it is impossible to separate the wheat from the chaff. The papers have announced that Earl Home-and Lord Farnham are to move and second the addreas in the Lords but it is currently reported that Lord Farrfbam has declined, and that up to this moment the Premier has been unable to find any Member of the Upper House who will undertake that necessary duty. It is said moreover, that, up to this hour, Lord F. Egerton and Mr. Beckett Denison,who have agreed to move and second the Address in the Com- mons, have had no copy of the Queen's Speech, and are ignorant, as well of its contents, as of the Pre- mier's intended measure on the subject of the Corn- Laws. It is said that Peel has saved from the wreck of his party about 180 Conservative Members who will go the whole hog," whatever it may be. On the side of protection," amongst the Conservatives, about 200 will probably vote together, and, perhaps, about 15 from the Liberal side of the house may join them. The last report, as to the intended measure, is, that there will be a protecting duty of 68., 4s., and 21., for three years, and then a free importation. If such a measure should be proposed, it will no doubt be carried. It will be more. perhaps, than the Protectionists expect; and it will hardly be worth while for the Liberals and Free Traders to contend against such a concession to Protectionist fears. 1 hear that Stafford O'Brien is to be the leader of the agricultural party in the House of Commons. O'Brien is certainly a man of some talent, but more fitted to shine in the drawing-room of a Buckingham Insti- tute, than in a House of Commons debate. His failure in that character will be as complete as that of Mr. Wodehouse, at Norfolk. Cobden gave him there a pinch of currie," pepper, and all that sort of thing, which the Norfolk Squire will not easily forget. Let any obstinate agriculturalist read Cob- den's speech on that occasion. It was the triumph of reason and common sense over selfish prejudices. It was not answered at the meeting. It cannot and never will be answered. A leading article in the Times to-day, in answer to a speech ot Lord Ash- burton is exciting great attention. The article is most powerfully and ably written, demolishing every argument of the merchant prince by observing, in the most conclusive manner, that no one position is consistent with another. The style of this letter is equal to anything I have ever read in the annals of journalism. THURSDAY, THREE O'CLOCK. The Queen has just opened Parliament, with the usual forms and herewith I send you a copy of Her Majesty's Speech. Lord de Ross is, I be- lieve, to second the address in the Lords. It has been arranged, I believe, that the course of proceeding to-night, will be for the mover and seconder to make their speeches, after which Peel will rise in the Commons, and the Duke in the Lords, to give their explanations of the resigna- tion, &c. Peel will, of course, be followed by Lord John in the Commons, and the Duke by Lords Grey or Stanley in the Lords. These speeches, probably, will occupy the greater part of the night, and the debate on the address in each house will, no doubt, be adjourned.

Her Majesty's Speech. 1 Mr LoRDI ANI) GENTLEMEN, It gives me great satisfaction again to meet you in Parlia- ment, and to have the opportunity of recurring to your assist- ance and advice. I continne to receive from my allies, and from other foreign powers, the strongest assurances of the desire to cultivate. the most friendly relations with this country. I rejoice that, in concert with the Emperor of Russia, and through the success of our joint mediation, I have been en- abled to adjust the differences which had long prevailed be- tween the Ottoman Porte and the King of Persia, and had seriously endangered the tranquillity of the East. For several years a desolating and sanguinary warfare has afflicted the States of the Rio de la Plata. The commerce of all nations has been interrupted, and acts of barbarity have been committed, unknown to the practice of a civilised peo- ple. In conjunction with the King of the French, I am endea- vouring to effect the pacification of those states. The convention concluded with France, in the eourse of last year, for the more effectual suppression of the slave trade. is about to be carried into immediate execution by the active co-operation of the two powers, on the coast of Africa. It is my desirarthat our present union, and the good under- standing which so happily exists between us, may always be employed to promote the interests of humanity, and to secure the peace of the world. I regret that the conflicting claims of Great Britain and the United States, in respect to the territory on the north-western coast of America, although they have been made the subject of repeated negotiation. still remain unsettled. You may be assured that no effort consistent with national honour sba'l be wanting on my part to bring this question to an early and peaceful termination. GKNTLEMEN OF THE Housa OE COMMONS, The estimates for the year will be laid before you at an early period. Although I am deeply sensible of the import. ance of enforcing economy in all branches of the expenditure, yet I have been compelled, by a due regard to the exigencies of the public service, and to the state of our naval and mili- tary establishments, to propose some increase in the estimates which provide for their efficiency. My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, I have observed, with deep regret, the very frequent in- stances in which the crime of deliberate assassination has been of late committed in Ireland. It will be your duty to consider whether any measures can be devised calculated to give increased proteetion to life, and to bring to justice the perpetrators of so dreadful a crime. I have to lament that, in consequence of a failure of the potato crop in several parts of the United Kingdom, there will be a deficient supply of an article of food, which forms the chief subsistence of great numbers of my people. The disease by which the plant has been affected, has prevailed to the utmost extent in Ireland. I have adopted all such precautions as it was in my power to adop., for the purpose of alleviating the sufferings which may be caused by this calamity and I sball confidently rely on youi co-operation in devising such other means for ef- fecting the same benevolent purpose, as may require the sanction of the legislature. I have had great satisfaction in giving my assent to the measures which you have presented to me from time to time, calculated to extend commerce, and to stimulate domestic skill and industry, by the repeal of prohibitory, and the re- taxation of protective, duties. The prosperous state of the revenue, the increased demand for labour, and the general improvement which has taken place in the internal condition of the country, are strong testimonies in favour of the course you have pursued. I recommend you to take into your early consideration whether the principles on which you have acted may not with advantage be yet more extensively applied, and whether it may not be in your power, after a careful review of the existing duties upon many articles, the produce or manufac- ture of other countries, to make such further reductions and remissions as may tend to insure the continuance of the great benefits to which I have adveited, and, by enlarging our coin mercial intercourse, to strengthen the bonds with foreign powers. ° Any measures which you may adopt for effecting these great objects will, I am convinced, be accompanied by such precautions as shall prevent permanent loss to the revenue, or injurious results to any of the great interests of the country. I have full reliance on your just and dispassionate consi- deration ot matters so deeply affecting the public welfare. It is my earnest prayer that, with the blessing of Divine Providence on your councils, you. may be enabled to promote friendly feelings between different classes of my subject', pro- vide additional security for the continuance of peace, and to maintain contentment and happiness at home, by increasing the comforts and bettering the condition of the great body of ray people.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—THURSDAY, JAN. 22. At ten minute* past two o'clock the report of cannon an- nounced her Majesty's arrival at the house, and immediately afterwards, her Majesty, attended by his Royal Highness Prince Albert and the great officers of state, entered, and took her seat on the throne. The Duke of Wellington bore the sword of state, the Earl of Zetland the cap of maintenance, and the Duke of Argyle the crown. Her Majesty being seated on the throne, the members of the House of Commons were summoned to the House of Lords, when her Majesty, in a clear and distinct voice, read the speech, which is inserted in another place. The house then adjourned till five o'clock, shortly after which hour, The Lord Chancellor took his seat on the woolsack. Earl Grey, Earl Pomfret, the Bishop of Oxford, the Earl of Verulam, and Earl Spencer, took the oaths and their seats. The Duke of Wellington introduced the Select Vestries bill, which was read a first, and ordered to be read a second, time. THE ADDRBB8. The Lord Chancellor then read her Majesty's most gracious Ipeech from the woolsack, ine Earl of Home rose to propose the address, and the fol- lowing is a summary of so much of his speech as was delivered before our reporter left He saw no difference between the go- vernment and the Anti-Corn-law League, or why Mr. Cobden snoutd not be created a peer. (Cheers.) The Anti-Corn law e had done all the mischief, but he trusted the house would never succumb to that body or its money. If they got na of protection at all, they must get rid of it altogether. He moved no amendment, but he entered his protest against that clause in the speech which related to the relaxation of pro- tective duties. Confidence in Sir R. Peel might exist in some Outers, but not among the gemerality of the middle elasses. Why Old not Sit RobertTeel in the present question appeal to ww country ? HOUSE OF COMMONS—Tkosiuy, J AX, 1i, j The Speaker took the chair at twenty minutes to two o'clock. I JExactlvat a quarter past two, at which time there were about 150 members present, the Usher of the Black Rod, Sir Augus- tus t'littord, appeared at the bar of the House. and summoned the Commons to attend the House of Lords, in order to hear her Majesty's speech read. The Speaker, preceded by the mace bearer, and followed by a considerable portion of the members, immediately left the House, in obedience to her Majesty's command. In about ten minutes the Speaker returned, and having read the speech, the House adjourned till a quarter to four o'clock. The House re-assembled at four o'clock, and the Speaker having taken the chair, several new members took the oaths and their seats. Several new writs were moved for. RAILWAY BILLS. Sir R. Peel—I wish to give notice, sir, that I shall, on Mon- lay. next' move for the appointment of a committee of the whole house, with a view to ascertain the course which the House shall pursue, with respect to the bills which will be sub- mitteddunng this session, for the making of railways. Sir R. Peel-I also. sir, beg to give notice that, on Tuesday next, I shall move for the appointment of a committee to con- sider what should be the future commercial policy of the country. Mr. Hume gave notice of a motiou for a return of the amount of legacy duty which has been paid on personal pro- perty during the last year. Mr. Colquhoun gave notice that he should shortly move for a committee of inquiry for shewing the impolicy of making interments within the precincts of certain towns and cities. Sir Valentine Blake, who spoke from the gallery, gave notice that on the Oth of May he should move that the oath of supre- macy-that absurd oath—should be abolished, so far as it attccted her Majesty, her heirs aud successors, as well as her subjects. The Speaker said thit the Hon. Gentleman should be aware that no notice of motion could be given for a later day than the 6th of April.—(laughter.) Sir Valentine Blake. Then I will give notice for the 5th of February.—(More laughter.) The Speakei that is another motion, and it is impossible to give two motions on the same subject. Sir C. Napier gave notice that he should on Thursday, the 9th, move for a committee to inquire into the subject of district lunatic atylums. Lord Ashley gave notice that he should bring in a Bill to reduce the time of labour in factories also, that he should bring under the consideration of the house the state of the juvenile population of some parts of London and Southwark. Dr. Bowring gave notice that he should move for copies of the correspondence upon the subject of the epidemic in the ship Eclair; also for copies of the correspondence relative to the house of Keys, in the Isle of Man; also to confirm the resolu- tions of the Committee upon colonial matters. Sir Valentine Blake gave notice that he would bring in a bill Oil the subject of Irish drainage by absentee landlords also to appropriate the revenues of the Protestant Church to increasing the pay of curates and small incumbents; also for a bill to en- large the elective franchise of Ireland, and also to make the legislative union of Ireland something more than a mere parch- ment union-a legal and proper one. THE ADDRESS. The Speaker then read her Majesty's Speech. Lord Francis Egerton proposed the Address to her Majesty. Six o'clock. Lord F. Egerton has just finished his speech. He appeared a complete convert to Free Trade—spoke of the farmers as manufacturers, and said that all industry must be unfettered— that as he did not know the details of the ministerial measure, he would not pledge himself to support it—that he had he- fore and still preferred a sliding scale to a fixed duty, leaving the inference to be drawn, that he is now for no duty at all. .Lord Egerton was frequently loudly cheered bv the opposi- sulkvslfence P^|U|Se i T'10 ™inisterlal sat "in solemn or J silence Peel looked well, strong, and resolute. Let the poor man rejo.ee. His food is about'to be untaxed and his industly emandpated. This, at least, is a part of the Reform Rir R. Peel rose to explain the motives on which he had acted, and was left speaking. It is still supposed that Peel's plan will be 6s., 4s. and 2s duty for one, two, or three years, and then open ports,

Cardiff Infant School. On Wednesday last, the annual meeting of the aoove school took place at the school room in Working-street, Lord James Stuart in the chair. The occasion was honoured by the attend- ance of Lady James and Miss Stuart and some of the leading families of the town. The children—140 in number—were ex- amined by the master and mistress (Osborne), and gave general satisfaction, reflecting much credit on them and the committee of management. After the examination, the children were each presented with a bun, with which they left the school Mr. Miller, secretary, read the following report, which was succeeded by the usual resolutions; after which the meeting separated. ° THF. REPORT FOR 1845. It is with feelings of unfeigned pleasure that the committee meet the friends and subscribers to this institution on the pie- sent occasion and they present a report of the proceedings of the past year, with gratitude to God for the blessing vouchsafed to their efforts, and with the cheerful hope thstt his blessing will still continue to rest upon the work. It is the privilege of your committee to state that the school continues to prosper the children attend in undiminished num- bers, especially during the last quarter of the year, and appear cheerful, contented, and happy. The parents generally mani- fest unabated conhdence, and public support has not been withheld. Your committee have to lament the loss of two valued friends during the year—the late much respected Dean of Llandaff, and our excellent mayor, W. Watson—both of whom so ably advo- cated the claims of the institution to public support at the last anniversary. While, however, your commiitee deplore the loss of those friends, they are made to rejoice by the accession of others and they have now the gratification to state that the Marchioness of Bute has become an annnal subscriber, ao,1 that the noble president of the institution has. with his wonted libe rality, c >me forward and discharged the balance of debt so lone due on the building, by a douation of £34. and has also become an annuil subscriber of five pounds. The committee there fore, congratulate the friends and supporters of the school not only that they eater upon a new year unencumbered with debt but enjoying such increased pahonage and support; and they teel that they should be wanting in their duty did they not here record their grateful sense of the unwearied exertions of their excellent ady patroness to promote, on all occasions the inte- rests of the institution. In adverting to the state of the funds, the committee have to observe, that at the last annual meeting the expenditure ex- ceeded the income by £ 3 8s. 2d.; and seeing no immediate prospect of any increase 01 funds, and 'hat the attendance of the children was lather decreasing, they felt it incumbent on them to reduce the expenses if possible. To affect this, they were reluctantly compelled to make an alteration in the salary of the master and mistress, which, instead of being, as hereto- fore, the fixed snm of £70 per annum, is for the future made to depend in some measure on the number of children attending the school—the commiitee guaranteeing that the sum shall not be less than j £ 60 per annum, but leaving it in tlie power ot the master to increase it to £75. by obtaining a larger number of children—a plan which your committee have ascertained is generally adopted in other infant schools. Inconsequence of this alteration, the late master and mistress resigned their situ- ations. After some delay and difficul'v, your committee have been directed to the choice of Mr. and Mrs. Osborne. who for four yeais had chame of an infant school at Wilcot, in Wiltshire, and whose H&monials, both as to personal piety and ability, are of the higSfcst character. The committee have reason, there- fore, to hope that the school will continue to prosper under their management. The commiitee are thankful to state that the income for the Past year has been just sufficient to meet the current expenses. leaving a balance in hand of £1 17s. 2d. on 31st December, as I will appear by the t rellsuler's statement of accounts; they feel called upon, however, to remark tha. this would not have been the case, but for the timely and liberal assistance afforded by the Marquis and Marchioness of Bute. On the 8th September the school "aI. re-opened by the new master, with 60 children, and the committee are happv to state that the numbers regularly increased every week, and for the last three months there has been an average daily attendance of 140 children. Ninety-eight boys and 85 gills have been admit- ted during the year and there are at preseut 181 on the books. Pleasing inslances of attachment to the school, on the part of the children,and of the confidence and approbation of the parents, continue to come to the knowledge of the committee, which encourage them to hope that good is doing, and that there will be no diminution of children during the ensuing ye.tr. The advantages of early instruction and training are so ini- portant, and are now so generally admitted, that it is unneces- sary for your committee to again draw attention to the subject hut they cannot conclude their report without pointing out the necessity for increased exertion to promote sound leligious in. struction. No one can pass through the streets and lanes of this town without being struck by the number of children loitei- ing about in idleness, and shocked by the language they utier and though much is now being done to extend the means of education, yet your committee feel there is a growing necessity for still more strenuous efforts being made to give due effect to those means in our power. And surely nothing can be better calculated to accomplish that, than to bring those children under a system of education which combines amusement with mstruc- J'on, and which, while it informs the mind, is calculated to call forth and cherish the best affections of our aature, and imparts to the infants a knowledge of their duty to each other and to God.

J L 1. -w4 OIK LETTER BM. THE MIT.TTIA. To the P.,ni„r .■the Merlin. re^m^Tb^ in >;nur sensation in this town. The foil! created quite a called upon to serve their Q ^*• hl 'i l"3T"11 °' TS they have only to refer to the h" r of''r' V "I'T 1 '"u find, that about lortv Years J,? .1;n-V"1;t' and 1 lp> Wl» hardships of this sort in a th^ ('fV,ld V now called upon to endure. The peoJe of I 'V i'1'0 period, during the ever-memorable w^ar wi'l, k Ut at compelled to supply food for cannon" in -iv- 'r', Were First, there was a ballot for the Ordinarv MilitH fh Supplementary Militia—then another ballot for' the A' °e Reserve. The parishes, also, were obliged I sum v 7 °f number of men to man the roval navy; so that if ti» escaped from Scylla, he was sure to fall into CharvhV i" short, but few persons escaped without serving n 1 by substitute, in the army or navv. Add to theSe branch °r the service, the numerous volunteers that eame f,,r« r almost every parish of note, and that at" ^erv con Jt i',R expense;* and you will perceive, sir, that the present .em tion is greatly favouied iu comparison with the last thLf, I tlunk the former should stand their ground li'ke n,™ I mettle. tu 01 I am iuduced to make these remarks, because 1 hear thM several young men are about to sneak away fn.in this town tir.ii! the ballot is over, and then return when all is quiet I «i not at present particularise; but, Mr Editor, may I inquire if! no method can be adopted for arresting such deseteis ? f, you devise a plan, whereby the recreants can be compelled tu stand their ground and share the common danger ? If they are suffered to escape, it is an act of injustice to those who re), -in at their post, because their chance of being drawn will be V much the greater. If the former are so very fearful of the touch of cold iron," why do they not club together (as YOll advise) and thereby, in a great degree, secure themselves ? Many years ago, on a certain occasion, it was usual to point out any obnoxious individual by the cry of 'That's the Bar- ber And I trust, that should any of the gentry referred to run away from the ballot, and thereby throw an undue share of the burden on the shoulders of others, he will be hereafter dis- tinguished by the finger of scorn as, That's the T r I am, Sir, your obedient servant. Chepstow, January 22, 1846. Q In those days, it was difficult to get lubstitutel; 50, 60, and even 80 guineas, were demanded and obtained. Men for the received as much as 100 guineas. reieneu

THE OVERLAND MAIL FROM INDIA. The expresses of tne morning papers, in anticipation of the overland mail, arrived on Sunday night. The dates ate Cal- cutta, Dec. 7; Bombay, Dec. 15; China, Oct. 31. Affairs in the Punjaub appear to be in statu quo. The Governor General and the Commander-iu-Chief (Sir Hugh Gough) met at Kur- nanl, on the 26th November, whence thev proceeded on the following day en route for Umballa. There was a rumour afloat both in Calcutta and Bombay, to the effect that a difference had arisen between theae authorities, but it has received no kind of confirmation. It is said that a large number of the Siklis had encamped about five miles from Lahore. They had threatened to cross the Sutlej, between Roopur and Ferozepore, but the general impression was that they would not do so. At any rate the Governor-General was prepared to encounter them with effect from whatever quarter they might threaten hostilities.—"Orders have been received at Meerut for every regiment, exceptillg the 31st Native Infantry, to hold themselves in readinesi to move at a moment's notice. The impression in the camp of the Governor-General was, that though nothing was certain in the present unsettled state of affairs, appearances forbodp a war- like character." The aspect of commercial affairs at Calcutta and Bombay was reported to be not quite so bright, bnt until private letters are received, there can be no certainty upon this point. The news from China is not more than ordinarily inte- resting.

TURNPIKE TRI-STS v. RAILWAYS.—The annual meeting of the Worcester turnpike trustees w»s held on Monday, and the effect of a resolution passed has been a declaration of war against TllWt TI1e chairman, M. Pierpoint. Esq., info.med the meet- ing that they were required ofien to assent to, or dissent from, the proposed undertakings in the country, or to declare their neutrality in respect thereof. The number of notice, served in respect of the nbove projects altogether amounted to sixiv A discussion ensuad, when it came out that several of the dis- tricts of roads comprised in the Worcester trust were already^ deeply in debt to certain parties who had become mortgagees of the tolls; and great fear was expressed that, should those lines of railway be carried out, they would almost annihilate the mortgagees'security. It was, therefore, unanimously resolved to oppose all the undertakings, but wirh the understanding that such opposition would be withdrawn, if the respective railway companies consented to insert a clause in their bills tor indem- nifying the mortgagees for all loss in respect of their several mortgage debts. The Chairman said they could easily throw out all the bills on the standing orders. 1 know for a fact (he said) that there is not one line at aU touching upon our roads that can go through the standing orders of Parliament,ioasmucll as they have not given the proper notice to a moitgagee in pos- sesion upon our district; and if they will not comply with our request tor compensation, we can throw them all out, upon the ground of non-compliance with standing orders. ENORMOUS PIG.—Mr. Wm. Youog Rees, BUengwenffrwd, neH Neath, killed a pig last Monday, which weighed 626 lbs. It won a prize of two pounds at the last Cattle Show at Swansea, and is the largest pig killed in the neighbourhood, according 10 the account of the oldest inhabitant, for a great number of yean. THE CROPS.—At a late meeting of the Somerset Agricultural Association, returns were presented from the parishes in each district, shewing the amount of each particular crop of the last harvest. The general result of the returns show that, in this county, hay and clover are full average crops; wheat, in eight parishes out of ten, is a full average, and above—in some particular parishes, not necessary to specify, 15 per cent, above an averse; barley, in most instances, a full average and above; oats and beans, 8n average crop; turnips and roofs, considerably above an average; potatoes, in many parishes, one-third below an average crop of sound good potatoes —in others, a fair average crop. The reports concur in slating that the potatoes sound when stored are keeping as welt as usual. The returns of the quantities of old wheat in the farmers' hands at Christmas, give a general result of 100,000 bushels in this county.—The meeting was unanimous in deciding on a deter- mined ud uncompromising resistance to any attempts that may be made at further reduction of the present amount of pro- ductive duties 00 agricultural produce. of aTurious\^TUR«RTNKFCCE"I HB DEAD ALIVE.—An occurrence Oa Friday evening °a 808 Barlow-street, kitchen a. above, w%0 haTbeen °CCUpy,Dg home, and found ber husband a man 82 8hor,,t,iae. ^turned had been for some time in ill health in ,n<1 She approached, and spoke to him 'but^f »' ■PP.*reD,|y asleep. attentively for a few minutes, and endeavon'rin ,ook,nK Bt him to arouse him, lhat he had, during her brief nh 10 ways a.tale of great anguish of mind Tt .J3?^ aa^nce' "P" I" down other female lodgers, who were of the same^nini8 C8',C'1 self with regard to dissolution having taken place Th*0" the jaws were tied up, the supposed defunct suddenly raised his right arm, and opening his eyes, demanded to know what w«* the matter. His" better half," and the rest of the other wo- men, terrified almost to death, rushed out of the apartment calling loudly for assistance, and in their hurry to get into the street, ran violently against Mr. Newson, an undertaker who had been sent for to take measure for the coffin. The affair from the serio-comic circumstances attending it, has caused a great deal of talk in the neighbourhood, and the "deceased" still remains in the land of the living.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. BIRTHS. On the 14th inst., at Severn House, Henbury, the lady of George Cappelen Sawyer, Esq., of a son. On the 15th inst., at Apsley Villa, Kingsdown, Mrø, James F. Fussell, of a daughter. On the 7th inst., at Clifton, the lady of Robert Oliver Jones, Esq., Fonmon Castle, Glamorganshire, a son and heir. MARRIAGES On the 22nd inst., at the Baptist Temple, Newport, by the Rev. Thomas Morris, by license Mr. John Wilson, retired non- commissioned officer from the 4jth, to Ann, eldest daughter of the late Mr David Matthias, pilot, of this port. On the 20th inst., at St. Mary,s church, Aberjravennr bv the Rev. W. Powell, B.A., vicar, Mr. LaAgley SuSSJ' to Miss Anna Maria Powell, both of Abergavenny On the 20th inst., at Cheltenham, by the Rev. F. Close Mr. Thomas Johnson, of Llanaravon Farm, in this county to Emily eldest daughter of Mr. E. Turner, High-street, Cheltenham On the 8th inst., at St. Clears, Robert Spry, voiinsreat 8001 of Robert Stephens Davies Esq., of Stoneliouse, Gloucestershire to Ellen Maria, youngest daughter of Timotbv Powell Penycoed, Carmarthenshire. J r.sq., et DEATHS. On the 21st inst., at Woolwich, Louisa Cbri«t;on «i i i j daughter of the Rev. W. Phelps, oMmet'n sister of Mr. W. T. H. Phelps, of Stow^ffilMn tZ2 0n tbe 10th iust. the ouly child ot deme^ncl!, draper, of this t.own.. On the 20th IDst" Goodnch, Henry, of Mr. Titu. Morgan, shoemaker. On the 22nd inst., at Monmouth nfw o i^„ j.. „ to'ST L0" rel,Ct'"e M'-Thoma. Stefhe^'SThM town. 70- w.?e^beM:8^ri^adLyd"t Farm, Monmouth, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Samuel Stead. On thE' 18th inst. at Cwm Carvon near Monmouth at the advanced age of 85, Mrs. Ann Ellis. On the 21st inst" at Cardiff, Edward Nicholl, son of Mr. W. A. Bradley, aged 14 months. On the 3ni inst., at his residence, Morldale Hall Westmore- land, Jamel Thompson, Esq" .therof Mr. Alder:nan Thomp- son, M.P. for that eounty. M^r^rer^ «' oftl'e Wesleyan communion. She lived dierff KA r for upwards of 25 years a resn^hl He ha<1 bee» •We phu*, »d h* d.m« „ JES2VTeeTTd &2S illness, in the 28th yUr%T™ts^ekSMafte? ?nly.fo,,r days' Machen, who had been for th* Jolm Jack9on, of ment ofW,. iSli1% ln ,he ""l'10'- remains were interred nt tlle above Works. His great number of his relations urch in tlje presence of a On the 13th inst at M? a"dJDU<n«ous friends. ment of the lioDe nn<l „ ^a^er|or<lwest, aged 79, in the enjoy- Price, father of Mr c!°"J n°n °f tlle G°spel, Mr. William svehan, in this county C' BaPtist m»nister' A1^r- brain,1 from'Ybe Effectsf 'a' «°f aP°Plectic affection of tlie dres* tttWirT « ettects of B 8evere lnjlirv occasioned bv ber near Neath Th? hS Previ0U9l.V>Miss Williams of lh.tfn lSram"L "tiW pitahly, sanctified b, deep feeling, of ,i, iy, inj dL°'t« hv the soundest principles of religion, endeimf her to her afflicted family, and an almost unbounded circle of friend, who her loss as one that cannot soon be replaced. S? was the eldest daughter of the late John \ViJiiQ.»D t.- was tlie daughter of Mansel Williams, Esq of nuttVi from one of the n.o.t .,5,Him", heiress of Duffrvii ,manners of her station as co- a^d Thl nffltl w,th readv and discriminating the beeinnf^ If"8 Ca8 y' Yhich freely allowed her to see l! ofg?ver7rank.DeW #n

very such occurrence should further bb a. strong ulus to the promotion of scientific knowledge. ugh science has not yet prevented the occur- be of such calamities; yet, where its monitions e been attended to, it has greatly modified the Is of the mine, considered in connection with vast increase of mining operations since these rovements have been made'; and we may hope t further discoveries will yet materially diminish dangers attendant upon such operstions.