Monmouthshire Merlin

THE Ito redin, NEWPORT, SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 1868. THE legal steps necessary to give effect to the recent HE ega s e.. judgment upon Ritualism follow each other in due •ourse The Order in Council in the MACKONOCHIE case has been issued, and it will soon be witnessed who will and who will not conform to the law, as authoritatively laid down. In the order the particulars of the case, together with the judgment read by Lord CAIRNS, are set forth. It is then added that "her MAJESTY having taken the said report into considera- tion, was pleased, by and with the advice of her Privy Council, to approve thereof, and of what is therein recommended, and to order, as it is hereby ordered, that the same be duly and punctually observed, com- plied with, and carried into execution. Whereof all persons whom it may concern are to take notice and govern themselves accordingly." The temper exhibited by the more advanced Ritualists at the meeting in London last week, fully warrants a doubt if they will be prepared to obey this injunction. That they will not feel bound to do so npon religious grounds, may be inferred from the fact that on Sunday last many of them used a litany of reparation for the dishonour offered to the Sacrament." This appeal from the alleged perversity, if not impiety, of the earthly tribunal which claims to have supreme authority in Ecclesiastical matters, to the Most High, implies that the law of Heaven has been outraged by the Judicial Committee, andthat-if the Ritualists be right-upon a subject of the gravest and most Sacred character. The resolution passed at the meet- ing of the Ritual party last week, while it owned a certain allegiance to the QUEEN and Constitution, and some amount of obligation to observe the laws of the State, yet referred to the claims of the Al- mighty as supreme. Now, it appears to us that men who place the matter upon this high religious ground are obliged, by a regard for consistency, to repudiate the judgment, and either go on teaching by sym- bolism doctrines denounced by the Church to which they belong, and thus become martyrs to their con- scientious convictions-or voluntarily to leave a Church in which they can no longer find free scope for their pronounced Ceremonialism. To remain and conform, either upon the plea that the Evangelical party may gradually be brought to their way of thinking and acting, or upon the pretence of more effectively promoting the severance of the Church from the State, is to descend to a compromise upon a vital question, and to accept the low ground of expediency while professing to be actuated by the highest reli- gious considerations. For some years the Ritualists were regarded as having before them an object scarcely worthier than that of effecting elaborate im- provements in Church decoration and Clerical attire. Later developments, however, roused the suspicion and the indignation of men who witnessed in the changes introduced the ill-concealed features of Popery and the result has been that the innovators have been obliged to admit that novelties first deemed comparatively unimportant variations of Clerical cos- tume, were really retrogressive steps towards a system of Sacerdotalism from which the people of England long since resolutely freed themselves. To say nothing of the insincere stealthiness which has marked the progress of Ritualistic innovations, we may affirm that the time has now fully come when men who Wish to obtain credit for consistency should calmly, but resolutely, shape their course. The law upon some of the principal manifestations of Ritualism has been distinctly enunciated and that law is against the innovators. The subjects upon which the Judicial Committee's deliverance has been given are so mo- mentous, that a "litany of reparation" has had to be offered on account of it. What, then, ought the Ritualists who take this high ground, to do ? Either to leave the Church and seek a sphere in which their proclivities may find congenial exercise—or to remain, go on with their posturising and candle-lighting, and thus subject themselves to the pains and penalties which are likely to fall upon the contumacious. Many clergymen, however, as the newspapers in- form us, are not prepared for this alternative. They have consequently declined to follow the advice of Mr. BEXNETT, of Frome, to set at defiance the judg- ment of the Privy Council. At All Saints, Lambeth, for example, there was a compliance with the terms of the judgment, accompanied by a protest against it. This, in the abstract, was a harmless proceeding enough but Dr. LEE, who officiated on the occasion, took care to hold forth verbally the doctrine which the Judgment bad precluded him from teaching by symbolism. There was, we are told, no procession- the banners which had long been in use were done away with, and the coloured vestments were not ex- hibited but Dr. LEE preached in support of the Real Presence, and announced the doctrine of Tran- substantion, without reserve." At St. Mary Magda- lene, Munster-square, London at St. Peter's, Ply- mouth at St. Michael's, Folkstone, and other Churches, the candles were not lit as before and even the redoubtable Archdeacon DENISOX, who occu- pied the chair at the meeting in London, has publicly declared his intention to obey the ruling of the Judi. cial Committee. But the Archdeacon is distinguish- able, in at least one important point, from the Clerical disturbers with whom he has hitherto acted. He does not see, with Mr. MACKONOCHIE, that he is in danger, in remaining in the English Church after the recent de- cision, of being called upon "to break his ordination vows on matters which to the world look trivial, though to him essential, and that by a Court which has no spiritual jurisdiction over him." In preference to uttering such rhodomontade as this while yet re- solving to remain in a Church where his conscience would be so seriously imperilled, the outspoken Arch- deacon announces that he will enter into no league with the law-breakers. To his mind the judgment involves no vital matter of faith hence obedience may be rendered without a sacrifice of principle. The law, he maintains, has decided against the Ritualists, not upon a matter of faith, but of ceremonial; and although doubtless aware that the Ritualists' position would, if brought to the test, be as untenable with respect to doctrine as it has now been proved to be with reference to ceremonies, he yet contends that his position in the Church is virtually unassailed. If, says the Archdeacon, the Bishops and Clergy were forbidden by law to teach primitive and Catholic doctrine, they could unite in leaving their present position but he holds that the liberty to teach that doctrine is not denied and this being the case, he will retain his position, and obey the law. In one respect like Dr. LEE, he will cease to teach unsound doctrine by symbolism, but will proclaim it from his pulpit. But, unlike Mr. BENNETT and the fifty clergymen who are said to acknowledge his lead, he decjines to hold a position in the Church by law, while yet refusing to submit to the law. The Archdeacon, however, seems to assume that, although certain rites have been legally condemned, he may consistently maintain his position in a Protestant Church and teach any "primitive and Catholic" doc- trine which has not been the subject of a prohibitory judgment. In his opinion, the time for leaving the Church will not have come until a legal prohibition te teach "primitive and Catholic" doctrine shall have been pronounced. Now we suppose the Arch- deacon includes under the term "primitive and Catholic doctrine" the kind of teaching adopted by Dr. LEE on Sunday last—viz., the doc- trines of Transubstantiation, the Real Presence, &c. If so, the conclusion to which he has come amounts to this—that although he may not now teach these doc- trines by the symbolic method, he will do so from his pulpit until he is forbidden. Looked at in the light of the Articles and Canons of the Church, this is remark- ably like a subterfuge. No doubt can be entertained as to these dogmas being denounced by the standards of Church doctrine and men who adopt the shifty expedient resorted to by the ARCHDEACON, Dr LEE, and others, are not really less disobedient, but only less defiant of authority, than those who continue the obnoxious ceremonies. We do not regret that there are marked signs of disagreement among the Ritualists but it is obser- vable that those who defy as well as those who re- spect the judgment mean to continue in the Church. How long their practical contempt for the law will be permitted, remains to be seen. It will be de- plorable indeed if the Church cannot purge herself of men who avow their intention to employ the op- portunity which the clerical office affords for corrupt- ing her doctrine and setting at naught her law. u-

THE MAYOR of NEWPORT feels himself aggrieved at the criticisms which have been expressed upon his conduct at the last Borough election. While His WORSHIP does not deny that as a public functionary his conduct is fairly amenable to remark, he com- plains that the adverse criticisms of the last few weeks have brought about a distraction of mind which pre- cludes a tranquil discharge of his duties. He con- sequently threatens resignation if his censors do not hold their peace, and more than hints at seek- ing protection from them. This is rather an unhappy way of meeting the candid criticisms of the public in the first place, it has the disadvantage of being too vague for any practical purpose and next, it is less pertinent and less dignified than a substantial defence. The MAYOR surely cannot be surprised that Con- servatives whose lives were imperilled, and whose property was destroyed, by a lawless mob, should have looked anxiously to the constituted authorities for protection-and that, failing to obtain it, they should feel themselves doubly injured. It can astonish no one that men who have suffered thus should wish to see the ringleaders in the riot brought to justice-and that it would have been more assuring to the injured if a reward for the apprehension of their assailants had been offered without tardiness and without the need for a memorial to that effect. Surely the autho- rities of a borough should be even more desirous than the general public to avert for the future a state of things in which the inhabitants may have their lives jeopardised and their property destroyed without protection or redress. The Conservatives of Newport are entitled to the best guarantee that official vigilance and forethought oan afford, that they shall not again be subjected to danger and injury for the exercise of a Constitutional right.

luaiiiitg topics. The following observations of the Times on the principles which have been enunciated in the judg- ments given on Election Petitions are well worthy of perusal. A deep interest is felt in the result of recent legislation designed to suppress bribery and corrup- tion and the Petitions which are now being adju- dicated upon afford opportunity for testing it. The country is indebted to a Conservative Administration for a measure which, as already appears, is likely to prove a wholesome check upon mal-practices at Elec- tions. Past prevalence of corruption will have pre- pared Conservatives and Liberals alike to bear the pinch of a measure which is far-reaching enough to un- seat a member wholly innocent of mis-doing, if bribery or other improper acts be proved against his acknow- ledged supporters. The writer in the Times says- "We see no ground in the evidence reported to ques- tion the sincerity and propriety of the modified ac- quittal of Sir Henry Stracey. But Baron Martin, while dismissing the accusation of personal bribery, has decided that bribery by agency has been proved against him. He disavowed any suspicion that Sir ,,a Henry Stracey had instructed men like Hunt and Hardiment to bribe on his behalf but he came to the conclusion that they yet had an implied authority from him, or from those who were entitled to use his name, and he held that a candidate is responsible to the extent of his seat—though not responsible crimi- nally,—for the acts of persons who may be presumed, from the candidate's conduct, to have been so em- ployed or recognized by him generally as acting on his behalf. The relation, as he put it, rather the re- lation between a master and servant than between a principal and agent, and it follows that the candidate must suffer for the wrong doings of his coadjutors, however clearly he can prove his own admonitions to them to abstain from illegalities. In such a proposi- tion there is nothing inconsistent with the inferences drawn by Mr. Justice Willes, in the Windsor case, against the liability of Mr. Eykyn for the unlawful acts of several persons, though committed in his in- terest. There, no proof of authority to act for the candidate existed. In the Norwich case there was a sufficient presumption of authority having been given, not, indeed, by the candidate, but by some one or other who directly, or indirectly, held from him a general authority to act for him. Baron Martin's principle amounts to this,—that as soon as this chain of connexion between a candidate and a person who bribes can be made out, however many the links, any act of the latter is as effectual for invalidating an election as an equivalent act of the candidate himself. This goes beyond what was laid down by Mr. Justice Willes on the subject of agency, but there is no con- tradiction in it to anything which he did lay down.— The principle is both just and expedient, however surprising its clear exposition may seem to election agents. Bribery is a wrong to the rival candidate and to honest electors. The candidate who benefits by it may be innocent of it; but he it is who benefits, while his opponents lose, and he has been the cause and motive, however innocent, for its employment. It is just that of two innocent parties the one who is the cause of the injustice should as far as possible be made to bear the penalty, or, at any rate, not be al- lowed to keep the advantage gained improperly over the other. Still more assuredly is it expedient to let it be popularly understood that there is a unity of re- sponsibility about all electioneering acts, and to render it as certain as possible that every unlawful deed will rebound on the cause and person for whose advantage it was done or suggested. The still more recent deci- sion by Judge Keogh, on the Drogheda Petition, con- veys the same salutary lesson, though the text is dis- similar. In the Drogheda case, there was, indeed, evidence which appeared to connect Mr. Whitworth personally with the scenes of violence. But even on the assumption that he had proved his total absence of intentional connexion with the riot, the fact that he had accepted the support of the priests who excited it, and had not practically repudiated their acts of inti- midation, would have brought his conduct within the principle. A candidate does not commonly soil his own hands with bribery in England, nor does he often positively instigate to a breach of the peace in Ireland but he employs and retains agents and followers, who do both. A few examples in which the candidate is held accountable for such friendly zeal will at least make him wary m choosing his acquaintances, if it do not disincline them for destroying their friend's hope of success, under the pretence of serving him. We are not without hopes that the warning may have an effect on them. We doubt the vitality, at all events in England, of enough political enthusiasm to defray the cost of wholesale corruption when, as Baron Mar- tin showed, the jealousy of a single voter at discover- ing that a neighbour has received a half-crown more than himself, will make the whole expenditure useless by unseating the member, however pure his own con- duct, for whose return it was incurred. In Ireland, perhaps, the'eharms of a street riot may hold out more obstinately against the demonstration of the fatal effects of that sort of enjoyment to the cause which it affects to aid. But priests will hardly be found deli- berately inflaming passions when they know that the effect must be to spoil irretrievably the chance of their own nominee, and by their help a habit may be en- couraged even in Ireland of postponing the luxury of a faction fight to a more convenient season. The moral of the Drogheda and Norwich trials is not so far-fetched that it ought to be hard to learn and apply. It is, that the most trustworthy proof of honesty and fair dealing in a candidate is, in the view of a Judge of Election Petitions, the absence of fla- grant dishonesty and violence in his adherents. The probable effect of the recent judgment upon the Ritualists as a body continues to be discussed by the Press. Very different views are entertained as to the meeting held last week in London but this much seems certain, judging from subsequent events —that its resolutions bnt very faintly, if at all, foreshadow the results which are likely to follow The Pall Mall Budget estimates its value thus: "The net result of the meeting is simply this, that a certain number of clergymen are very much dissatisfied at the existing state of the law in respect to ecclesias- tical matters that in particular they are specially dissatisfied with the judgment in the case of Martin v. Mackonochie; that they do not recognize it as possessing any moral value; and that they would not take the responsibility of making general recommen- dation to the clergy at large as to the course which they ought to take in respect of resisting or submit- ting to the decision of the Court. This is rather an ignominious position to take up, as it affirms abso- lutely nothing which was not generally notorious be. fore, namely, that a section of the clergy are greatly dissatisfied with the existing state of things. It was hardly worth while to call a meeting to tell of that. It must, however, be admitted at the same time that the unwonted and exceptional moderation of Arch. deacon Denison, who .has not as a rule been ac- customed to play the part of a peace-maker, was the principal cause which restrained the meeting from adopting a resolution which either meant nothing or meant a recommendation to resist, which might, and very probably would, have led to a small clerical rebellion. < "Taken as a whole, the result of the meeting appears to us to be that the public know just as much and just as little about the course which will be taken by the Ritualists as they did before it was held. We should be inclined to gather from the tone of the speeches that a few here and there will resist, but that the great bulk of the party will content themselves with protesting and going about their business till some more serious question arises. It is perfectly obvious that this, from their point of view, is the most rational course. To say, the ceremony now forbidden is one to which we were attached and which we believed to be good in various ways, but it involves no point of doctrine, and we will give it up rather than make it the occasion of schism, is to us perfetly atraightforward and intelligble language. When a distinct question of doctrine arises and is determined against the Ritualists, their course will be plain in the other direction. Such a case would certainly occur if the prosecution against Mr. Bennett were to result in the condemnation of the views which he holds but Archdeacon Denison and Mr. Wood appear to us to have common sense distinctly on their side when they say that the case has not as yet arisen. It must at the same time, be admitted that this way of regarding the matter, however sensible in itself, is not alto- gether consistent with the extreme importance which the Ritualists have always attached to ceremonies. It is foolish to attach great importance to a lighted candle, but if you choose to take your stand upon the principle of symbolism, if you preach for years to a congregation to the effect that the doctrine of the Real Presence is the doctrine of the Church, and that it is symbolized by lighted candles to which you trium- phantly point in proof of your assertion-it must be difficult to be confident about the doctrine after the lights had been blpwn out by the law. It may well be the case that Mr. Orby Shipley wonld feel it very awkward to be asked by his congregation this ques- —You tell me to believe in the Real Presence. I quite understand that your private opinion is in favour of it, but if it is not only your opinion, but the doctrine of the Church, why did the highest Church authorities force you to put out the lights which, as you always told me, were the symbol of its truth ? You believe the doctrine, and you light the candles. The Church blows out the candles. What does that mean ? Is there no symbol in that ? It is very difficult to be rational by bits. If you will preach by symbols and ceremonials, you must take it both ways. The re- moval of your symbol will be regarded as pulling down your fltg and when you say, after all it is merely a ceremony, edifying no doubt, but unessen- tial, the answer will be, that is not the light in which you have been teaching us for all these years to regard ceremonies. Whether the common sense of Archdeacon Denison will prove to be a little too sensible for the principles of the Ritualist party in general remains to be seen. It certainly is common sense, but there are cases in which that is no recom- mendation.

pal uttUigeUtt. THE BANQUET TO MR HoMFRAY.—We hear that the tickets for this banquet are being rapidly taken. The number remaining are obtainable at Mr C. H. Oliver's, Commercial-street. PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED.—From, the London Gazatte. Henry Greene and William Pitman Davis, ^Newport, Monmouthshire, ironmongers. FORTHCOMING MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE—Mr. Layard, the First Commissioner of Works, is shortly to be married to Miss Guest, daughter of Lady Charlotte Guest. WEST OF ENGLAND AND SOUTH WALES DISTRICT BANK The thirty-forth annual general meeting of the proprietors of the West of England and South Wales District Bank, was held at the Banking-house of the company in Bristol, on Friday, the loth day of January, 1869, Jerom Murch, Esq., chairman of the Board of Directors, in the chair. From the report we take the following The directors have again to report that the general business of the bank is satisfac- tory,but that in consequenceof the long-continued low rate of interest the profits have been small. At the close of the halfyear ending the 30th of June a divi- dend at the rate of eight per cent. per annum, free of income-tax, was paid; and the directors are now enabled to declare a dividend at the same rate for the half-year ending the 31st of December, also free of income tax. Anxious to reduce the expenses of the bank without diminishing the efficiency of its service, the directors at Michaelmas last closed the branch at Midsomer Norton, having previously arranged that the best accounts should be transferred to the head office at Bristol and the branch at Bath, both being not too distant from Midsomer Norton. About the same time theyalso dispensed with the office of manager at Clifton, in consequence of its contiguity to the head office. The directors who retire by rotation are Mr. William Tombs, Mr. George Hare Leonard, and Mr. Joseph Coates, who are eligible and offer them- selves for re-election, and it will be the duty of the annual meeting to fill up these vacancies." The statement of account appended showed that the reserve fund at 31st December, 1868, amounted to £ 100,258. 16. 3. The report was adopted,the retiring directors were re-elected, and ithe k usual j votes of thanks were passot < 4 A Cardiff paper announces that Lord Stanley and j Mr. Gathorne Hardy, ex-minsters, have accepted in- ] vitations to the forthcoming banquet to Mr. Giffard, 1 at Cardiff Drill Hall. The ex-Prime Minister, it is j said, is also expected. RAIN-FALL AT NEWPORT, MON., DURING THE YEAR 1868;- Inches. I Inches. January 6.44 July.30 Inches. Inches. January 6.44 July 30 February. 2.58 August 5.34 March 3.04 September 4.93 N April 2.23 October. 2.46 May 2.05 November 3.75 June 36 December 7.20 -Measured by one of Negretti and Zambras's 5-inch guages placed one foot above the surface of the ground, and at the sea level. VESTRY MEETING.—On Thursday, a meeting of the ratepayers of the borough of Newport and parish of St. Woolos was held at the vestry of the parish church, for the election of members of the Burial Board and other business. Mr. T. Woollett occupied the chair, and among the others present were Messrs. J. Northcott, T. Jones, J. S. Stone, R. G. Cullum, J. Salter, T. Richards, Gould, W. N. Johns, Greene, W. Finch, W. Dawson, W. Vaughan, R. C. Jenkins, &c. The minutes of the past and notice of the present meeting having been read, the election for the parish was proceeded with-The Rev. Canon Hawkins, Mr. S. Homfray, and Mr H. J. Davis being re-elected. For the borough, Messrs T. M. Llewellin and R. G. Culluni were re-elected, and Mr J. Moses was ap- pointed in the place of Mr W. Evans, who had ex- pressed a wish not to be again nominated.—Messrs T. Latch and C.W. Slade were re-elected auditors for the parish and borough, a memorandum being at the same time being ordered to be entered on the books to the effect that at future meetings the auditors be requested to be present, according to Act of Parliament.—In accordance with the regulations of the Poor Law Board copies of the accounts for the half year ending Sept. 29th, 18G8, were laid before the meeting by the overseers of the borough and parish respectively. Some conversation took place as to where the accounts and vestry minutes should be kept Mr Northcott observing that minute books of thirty q years ago had been missing, and that he had now in his possession a cartload of vestry books which had come into the overseers' hands through the defalca- tions of Mr. Baker. The balance sheets now pre- sented were ordered to be deposited in the strong box at the vestry, and the question of appointing a vestry clerk, into whose custody the various documents might be entrusted was deferred to a future meeting the Chairman promising meanwhile to apply to the Vestry Clerk of Abergavenny, whom, he said, he knew, as to the duties of his office, his salary, and the terms of his engagement, whether for life or otherwise—Mr. T. Jones and other gentlemen objecting to any further vested interests" being thrown on the public funds.—A copy of the accounts (which are open to the ratepayer's inspec- tion). was ordered to be lodged with the assistant overseers.—Mr. J. S. Stone again introduced the ques- tion of the duty of the assistant overseers to call a meeting of ratepayers to nominate gentlemen for the office of overseers and guardians. The Chairman said that the appointment was with the magistrates, who were in no wise buond by the recommendation of the vestry. The ratepayers present generally thought that the magistrates would have regard to the wishes of the vestry in their selection of gentlemen for the office of overseers- It was also intimated by Mr. Stone, that the calling of vestry meetings for the purpose of nominating gentlemen, was the custom of the coun- try, although it had not been the practice in New- port for some 18 or 19 years. Ultimately, it was re- solved that a meeting of ratepayers be called, at the proper time, to make the nomination-a remark being made by Mr. Stone that the auditor had ex- pressed surprise that this course had not for so long a period been pursued at Newport. The meeting ter- minated with votes of thanks to the overseers for their accounts, and to the Chairman, for his efficient services. VOLUNTEER APPOINTMENTS FOR NEXT WEEK.— Third Mon. Rifles.—Monday—Company drill at 8 p.m. Tuesday—Recruit's drill at 8 p.m. Wednesday -Officers' and Non-commissioned Officers' drill at 7.30 p.m. Thursday—Recruit's drill at 8 p.m. Friday- Company drill at 8 p.m. Francis Allfrey, Commandant, 3rd Mon. R.V.—Seventh Mon. Rifles. —Monday—Squad drill at 7.30 p.m. Tuesday—The corps to parade in uniform at 7.15 p.m. for a march out. A full muster is requested. The band to at- tend. Thursday—Squad drill at 7.30 p.m. Friday -Spring drill at 7.30 p.m. Band practice as usual. Orderlies Sergeants M. Giddings and J. Jones Cor- porals E. Walters and D. Francis. Officer for duty- Captain W. H. Williams. By order of the Captain Commandant. J. Pritchard, sergeant-major. CATTLE LAfARKET. -The supply of beasts on Wed- nesday was principally store, there was a fair average attendance of buyers and dealers, but trade was not at all brisk. There was not so large supply of Irish sheep as is usually the case, not more than 400 having been brought over by the Cork Steamship Company on the previous day but this is accounted for by the fact of several fairs being held this week in the neigh- bourhood of Cork. Some capital pigs were on offer, 9 and great numbers changed hands. The following are this weeks quotations :—Beef 64d to 7d per lb. mut- ton, 5el to 6d per lb, and veal, 7d to 8d per lb. Pigs. 10s. 6d to lis per score. MR. BASIL Yousa.-We are glad to observe that the directors of the Athenaeum and Mechanic's Insti- tution have again engaged the celebrated characterist Mr Basil Young, who will appear on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at the Victoria Hall This celebrated artist never fails to delight the large audience which always greet him on his appearance in Newport, and we trust to see the Victoria Hall filled on this occasion.

MR, CHARLES DICKENS AT NEWPORT. When the announcement first appeared that Mr. Charles Dickens was about to visit Newport, we expe- rienced a grateful thrill in prospect of the pleasure to be derived from listening to the gifted author's own interpretation of some, at least, of the characters which have sprung from his creative genius. The feeling we believed to be shared by hundreds of those who^ through his writings, have been familiarised with the various phases of human life, depicted with such exquisite skill, so true to nature—revealing too, with such marvellous fidelity, the secret, complex workings, which develop into acts of good or ill. That this was the case, was amply proved by the vast num- ber who thronged the spacious assembly-room, at the Victoria Hall, on Thursday evening, to welcome Mr. Dickens with a hearty and enthusiastic greeting on his first, and it is presumed his only, appearance in this town. The audience cemprised all grades of society— the affluent and those iu humbler walks—the culti- vated and those who boast of but little learning and was thus illustrative of the universality of the power wielded by the great novelist; for it is the rare cha- racteristic of his productions that in their influence they overleap all class distinctions, appealing to hu- manity, as such, whether luxuriating in ducal splen- dour, or tenanting the peasant's cot. The scenes he pourtrays realise the incidents of (daily life the personages he summons on the stage-the sentiments they utter, and the language in which these are clothed—the motives by which they are prompted—the passions by which they are stirred, and the actions they perform, are but the mirroring forth of what is ever seen, and heard, and expe- rienced in the ordinary world of mortals. They are neither elfish sprites nor heroes of romance. Hence I these life dramas appeal to all—and all alike are moved to laughter by the inimitable Sam Weller roused to indignation at the atrocities of a Sykes, or the malicious vindictiveness of the wretch Quilp- bathed in tenderness over the hardships, yet patient goolnes of Little Nell. For that reason, in these and the innumerable host of his other diversified crea- tions, Mr. Dickens, through his works is, and ever will be, a welcome and profitable companion, not only in every English home, but at every fireside, no matter how far beyond the seas, where the English language is not unknown. No marvel, therefore, that popular ovations await him on all occasions of his public ap- pearance, which, since he inaugurated his readings, have been not unfrequent. The selections which comprised his programme on Thursday were The Christmas Carol," and" The Trial from Pickwick." It might not be always well for an author to hazard the rendering in public of his own productions. With Mr. Charles Dickens, however, the venture is not only safe, but, if possible, enhances his fame-the touching incidents of the "Christmas Carol," becom- ing increasingly pathetic as rendered by the author. Possessed of wondrous facial power capable of most varied expression—a voice cultured to every range of modulation, and superadded thereto histrionic ability of a high order, Mr. Dickens has a rare gift of render- ing conversations so as easily to distinguish the several speakers with marvellous distinctness. Probably there were few, if any, present who were unfamiliar with the "Carol," yet throughout, the reading was listened to with almost breathless silence, and the feeling of suspense which was occasionally excited as the narrative proceeded, waxed well-nigh painful. Besides being replete with thrilling episodes, the story abounds with stern moral teachings which none may safely disregard and the passages wherein these lessons were conveyed were delivered with a marked emphasis which made them the more impressive. Scrooge, the grasping, austere old man, who could see nothing merry about Christmas, and begrudged his ill-paid clerk, Bob Cratchit, a holiday, sneer. ing at the idea of festive enjoyment, became a reality; and the gradations through which he was brought to a change of feeling for the better, by the ghosts of a past and present Christmas, and the iismal foreshadowing of one to come, was a fine piece of acting, rather -than reading. Equally felicitous were the representations of Cratchit's enjoyment in his humble home, the mirth of the Christmas party, the subdued, yet full, joy of Tiny Tim, the crippled child, as they wished "a merry c Christmas" to old Scrooge, and envied him not his gold, bnt yearned that he could share their happiness. t And when Scrooge, as in a dream, gets a glimpse of this scene, and through its influence and that of his other visions, his iciness thaws, and, yearning after the pleasure which follows the performance of a good deed, be resolves upon contributing to give the Cratchits a really merry Christmas, and withal to increase Bob's salary," the interest of the story reaches its climax, and especially as rendered by Mr. Dickens—every one within hearing is in fit mood for uniting in Tiny Tim's invocation, "God bless every one." Of course the "Trial" is of a lighter description, and illustrated Mr. Dickens's power of pourtraying humourous equally as well as touching and pathetic, scenes. The speech of Sergeant Buzfuz, the grave interpolations of the learned judge, the peculiarities of the several witnesses, of both sexes, were irresistibly comic, and Sam Weller's idiosyncracies brought down roars of laughter, which were louder still, when, after the verdict against the benevolent Pickwick, duped by the designing widow, Mrs Bardell, Old Weller burst into a passionate remonstrance with his son for not having secured a halibi." At the close, as indeed frequently through- out the evening, Mr. Dickens was hailed with loud acclamation. We opine that but few were present who did not regret that when Mr. Charles Dickens bowed his acknowledgment, it was, to a Newport audience, his last farewell. The arrangements as to the seats were admirably carried out by Mr. Newman, and the whole of the company were accommodated without the slightest confusion.

NEWPORT SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. The annual meeting of the teachers connected with the Newport Sunday School Union was held at Dock- street Chapel School-room, on Monday evening. About seventy sat down to tea, the arrangements of which were admirably carried out. Subsequently the usual business meeting was held, and the number present was considerably increased. Mr J. Cole, pre- sident for the past year, took the chair. After sing- ing, and prayer being offered by Mr. C. Lewis, the various reports were submitted to the teachers. The Committee stated that though, in presenting their thirty-sixth annual report, they had nothing of an extraordinary character to which to give special prominence in their record of last year's proceedings, they believed that each school had peacefully and prosperously pursued its labours of love. Urging the teachers to send as representatives at the Committee those who would be likely to prove regular atten- dants, the Committee then noticed the limited at- tendance of teachers at the monthly united prayer meeting, and suggested that it be held in future on the second Sunday in each month; After a detailed notice of the Whitsuntide festivities, the Committee continlled-" On the 23rd March, the Rev. Thomas Mann, of Trowbridge, gave a missionary lecture, il- lustrated by a panorama, to the schools of the town, at the ictoria Hall, kindly lent for the occasion, and, after paying all expenses, a balance of £5 14s was divided between the funds of the Union and the Lon- don Missionary Society. And on 27th May, the Rev. David Thomas, B.A., of Highury Chapel, Bristol, kindly complied with the invitation of your Com- mittee, ancl4delivered a sermon at the Commercial- street Baptist Chapel to the teachers and friends of Sunday Schools connected with the Union the at- attendance of teachers was much smaller than ex- pected, but those present were impressed by the ear- nest and solemn address, respecting the importance of the teacher's work-the conversion of a child-how it may be more valuable than the adult-in the child's life-long service and influence. The collection made at the close amounted to X4 4s 2d for the funds of the Sunday School Union. Your Committee have at se- veral meetings taken into consideration the question of a Young Men's Christian Association, and after much conversation, 'it was the unanimous opinion That a Young Men's Bible Class, to be held on Sun- day afternoons, was very desirable, to claim the at- tention of the numerous young men not connected with any of our Sunday Schools, such a class to be unsectarian, and meet in some place unconnected with a chapel." Your Committee intend further to consider the subject at the annual meeting, when it is hoped all the arrangements will be made, and a gentleman appointed to preside at the class who will successfully carry on a work so necessary and important to young men just starting in life." In conclusion, the Com- mittee called the special attention of the Superinten- dents and Secretaries to a valuable suggestion made by the Parent Union, that on a scholar changing his resi- dence from one town to another the officers of the Parent Union should be informed of his name and address, that he may be communicated with, through the officers of the Branch Union in the town whither he has gone, and, if possible, induced to continue his attendance at some.Sunday,School. Thelobli,gations ofitlie Union to the Dock-street Chapel friends for the use of their rooms for the meetings of the past year were also expressed. From the financial statement it appeared that the Union commenced the year with a balance in hand Z io, V- "^iudmg which, the total receipts had been £ 24 1 os. 81., and after paying all demands and remitting £2 2s. (annual subscription) to the parent Union, there remained a balance of 17s. 6d. „ The Visitors (Messrs. J. F. Fawckner and E. J. Smith) reported that the schools were progressing sa- tisfactorily, the attendance both of scholars and teachers being quite equal to, if not in excess, of former years. Among the new features introduced into some of the schools, were—The appointment of a special visitor to the homes of the children, to en- quire after absentees and to hold converse with the parents the establishment of teachers' prayer meet- ings at which the scholars were present; and the circulation of monthly religious periodicals. With regard to the feature first mentioned, the Visitors stated that it had not been sufficiently long in opera- tion to enable them fairly to report thereon. In another part of their report the Visitors recommended the establishment of special meetings, to which the parents of the children should be invited. The re- port closed with a few words of exhortation to ear- nestness and continuance in well doing. The reports having been adopted, the hon. secre- taries, Messrs. W. B. Graham and H. L. Daw, were re-appointed as was also the deputy-chairman and treasurer, Mr. H. Collier-to all of whom thanks were accorded for their past services. A discussion ensued as to the formation of a Young Men's Class, as suggested in the Committee's report and ultimately the matter was referred back to the committee, with a view of searching out a suitable teacher, and also to ascertain the views of the youag men themselves on the subject. ° Mr. C. Lewis was elected president for the ensuing year; and as the evening was now far advanced, the delivery of a valedictory address by the retiring pre- sident, Mr. J. Cole, was postponed till Monday week, when it was proposed to be given at Dock- street School-room. The usual votes of thanks [to the ladies, &c. having been given, the meeting terminated with de- votional exercises.

RUN WITH THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS. The Monmouthshire hounds met on Friday the 15th, at Coldbrook Park. After drawing Little Skyrrid, Llanthewy, and other coverts blank, went to Bailea, where a fox was found immediatelv, and went a good ring through Gunter's Wood, Little Grange and then returned to Baiiea, where another fox was on foot, and two foxes broke at the waste uearly y together. Hounds settled to one, which went much the same line as before, as far as Grange Wood where he turned to the right and crossed the Trotty at Pontv- ruchen, then up towards Talycoed, to the right through the Onion Wood, over the lane to the dingle towards Newcastle, where darkness came on, and though the fox was dodging about dead beat close before the hounds, it was too dark to kill him at 5 30 Found soon after two o'clock. On Monday met at Suspension Bridge. Found in Trostry Wood. Run twice through Coed-y-Brunydd • a ringing fox finally run into him in an old quarry at Coed-y-Ringoed, Went on to the Lump Wood; found a vixen, which m about 20 minutes went to ground in hmnuf«e"rii e. toP of Llancayo hill, j ust before the hounds. The terrier got in, and the hounds had not left ten minutes to draw Lady Hill, when a halloa brought them back, and it was found that the terrier had bolted two foxes, the vixen and a dog. On the latter the hounds were laid on at once, and he afforded an excellent hunting run, skirting Llancayo Orles, then through New Barn Wood, over Cefntilla, and on to within two fields of Raglan-road station turned back here, and ran half a circle back to Cold Harbour, then across the little enclosures and thick fences at Gwhelog, which hindered the hounds sadly with a sinking fox. He then run the lane some distance to 1 the common, but was held on by the master to the 1 Camp. It being dark and the scent very bad, he was finally reluctantly given up in Llancayo Wood, below the earth from whence he was bolted. Ground ex- ceedingly heavy, and falls plentiful.

CANADIAN EMIGRATION. (To the Editor of the Monmoutltshire Merlin.) > the last mail I am informed that the government of Ontario has determined to make a ^ree Grant of 200 Acres to every bona fide Settler. Xhis will be an immense boon to the working classes >1 Great Britain about to emigrate to Canada, hi™ w ? wo"ld say-Club together-Pay in some- V G SOON L ,0? £ P AS MUC}L AS P^ME— hrnntrh T, w ( by steamer £ 7) is raised, take a London Liv S°T ^er the begining 0f April from London, Liwpool, Glasgow, or Cork, to Toronto, Jamfiton, London or any place West of Kingston. Get employment, which is easy enough, at 16s. md upwards per week, and all found-Save-after, say 12 months, go to the Hon. Mr. Richards at l oronto, and claim the 200 acres After 5 years you will get on confortably, and by ndustry, care, and perseverance, a good provision for Did age. Abstain altogether, if possible,—but especially from he whiskey-and join yourself, on landing, to some Jhurch or Chapel. I feel, through the liberality of the Ontario and Dther Governments Canada will be the best place for the poor man to emigrate to. We have in St. Paul's, Clerkenwell, London,' carried on, with great sucuess, a Society based on the sound principles of "Self-help and Mutual help." There are already 284 members, representing nearly LOOO persons. Should any friends be inclined to help these poor and deserving families to emigrate to Canada, I shall be most thankful for anv assistance. 9 Roping these observations may be profitable to llitending emigrants, I remain, Sir, your obedient Servant, A. STYLEMAN HERRING. A N i t. i ti T President and Incumbent. » Colebrooke Row, London, N. Jan. 14th, 1869.

THE CHAMBER OF AGRICULTURE. (To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin.) SIR,-In your report of the Monmouthshire Cham- ber of Agriculture at Monmouth, I am made to say that It was rather an interesting fact to know that the majority of the electors were interested in the rating of personal property. It was a pity they had not known that fact befora the election or they might jessed a different result What 1 said was, -^at the majority of county electors were interested m the rating of personal property. It is a pity we (the Chamber) had not got into working order before the election had we done so we should probably have had the opinions of our members on that subject, but now we know not what those opinions are. Please insert this in your next. Yours obodiently, MI R- STRATTOX, Jun. The Duffryn, January 20tli. [We find, upon examination, that a sentence was omitted in our report, which somewhat altered the sense.—Ed. M. M.]

GLOUCESTER CORN MARKET. We continue to have good supplies of English wheat at this and the neighbouring markets, for which there is a ready sale at 2s. per qr less money foreign sells in retail at a reduction of Is to 2s per qr. Malting barley is less inquired after, and Is per qr cheaper ^grinding is much pressed, and 2s per qr lower. Values of maize have given way 2s per qr. Oats fully as dear. Beans and peas about maintain late currencies. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET. Theiewas a short supply of beasts, and consequen Iy trade was rather brisk. Prices for all kinds were quite as good as on Monday, and in a few instances were exceeded. There was a fair average supply of sheep the demand was pretty good, and Monday's quotations were well supported. Calves were, on the average, rather lower still for choice qualities prices were very high. LONDON PRODUCE MARKET, Sugar continues in good demand, and brings fully previous worth. In auction Porto Rico sold at 32s; to 36?. Refined wanted brown lump, 43s. Coffee Market in a quiet state, and floating car- goes of Rio offering at rather lower terms. ifeTea sustains previous worth still transactions are only of limited amount. Rice is held for previous value, but few parcels are selling. Cotton There is an improved demand, at an advance of d. per lb. Tallow Market firm. P. Y. C., 48s. to 4Ss. 3d. en the spot. — CORK BUTTER MARKET. Firsts, 145s; Seconds, 143s; Tnirds, 127s; Fourths, 114s Fifths, 109a Sixths, 97s. Mild cured: Firsts, 14Ss Seconds, 148s Thirds, 131s. 2G6 firkins in the market. COMMERCIAL NEWS. Ox 'CHANGE -Tallow dearer at 48s. 3d. on ths spot. Linseed oil, 27s. 9d. to 28s: Tin firm; Straits old at £ 115. Copper firm, and business done at £74 Jo X74 10s. for Chili. t

T T°C^L ^KBUPTS.—(E^JteLondon Gazatte.)— John i3eale, Skewan, near Xeath, Glamorganshire, grocer, Jan. 27, Bristol.—Patrick Farral, Pendoylan- street, Newtown, Cardiff, Glamorganshire, publican, Jan. 26, Cardiff.—Richard Short, Bolt-street, St. Wooios, Monmouthshire, beerhouse-keeper Jan. 29, Newport.—Thomas Walker, Albion-road, Poqiypool, Monmouthshire, late innkeeper Jan. 29, BMtol.- John White, Dolphin-street, Newport, Monmouth- snire, journeyman butcher Jan. 29, Newport. A CAPTAIN AND HIS "IFE DROWNED.—A very sad accident occurred in the Floating Harbour, Bristol, on Tuesday night. Captain and Mrs. Rimmer were crossing a plank to reach the schooner Jl/ctry Nixon, which arrived on Saturday last from Leghorn, when it is supposed, from the darkness of the night, the lady fell into the water. Her husband, it is further conjectured, attempted to rescue her, and both were unfortunately drowned. Nothing was known of the occurrence until Wednesday morning, when the body of Mrs Rimmer was discovered floating on the surface of the water. A search was then made for her hus- band, and his body was found between the vessel and the harbour wall.

THE TREDEGAR HOUNDS. WILL MEET OX Wednesday Feb. 3 Marshfield Friday 11 5 Llanrumney At Twelve o'clock LLANGIBBY AND CHEPSTOW HOUNDS WILL MEET OX Monday Jan. 25 Ruperra Castle (by invitation.) Friday 29 Hays' Gate, St Pierre Tuesday, Feb. 2.Forester's Oak (Went- wood) Friday „ 5.Usk Toll Bar, Ponty- pool-road At half-past ten o'clock. MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS. WILL MEET OX Tuesday Jan. 26 9th Milestone, Grosmont road Friday 29 Llansoy Cross Roads Monday Feb. 1 Swan Inn, Clytha Thursday" 4 Newcastle Village At half-past Ten.

MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CASAL. Week ending Jan. 16, 1S69 £2,ï25 15 I Corresponding week, 1S68 £ 2,562 0 7 TAFF VALE. Week ending Jan. 16, 1S69 £ 6,3S3 11 5 Corresponding week, 1868 £5,502 17 10 PENARTH HARBOUR, DOCK, & RAILWAY. Week ending Jan. 16, 1869 zEI,259 11 0 Corresponding week, 1868 X551 1 5 GREAT WESTERN. Week ending Jan. 17,1869 £ 6S,311 0 0 Corresponding week, 1868 £ 63,663 0 0 BRECON AND MERTHYR. Week ending J an 17, 1 SOS X879 6 2 Corresponding week, 1867 X812 11 9

MARRIAGES. On the 12th inst., at the Parish Church, Alne7 by the Rev. W. Braithwaite, vicar, the Rev. John Williams, curate of Poppleton, second son of Mr. Henry Williams, of Llanthewy Vach, in this county, to Rosanne, daughter of the late Thomas Flawith, Esq., Youlton Hall, Yorkshire. On the 14th inst., at St. Luke's, Cheltenham, by she Rev. Charles John Martyn, Thomas Guthrie Fair- weather, Esq., to Marie, only daughter of Robert lames Collett, Esq., of Monmouth. DEATHS. On the 18th inst., at Capel-street, Pill, Mr. Charles Davis, late of the Dock Hotel, Newport, aged 55 (ears-deeply regretted. On the 20th inst., at Blaenavon, Mr. Joseph Bank- roft, forgeman, aged 30 years. On the 13th instant, at Lewis-street, Newport, ieeply regretted, Mrs Christiana Densy Berlyn, aged 30 years. On the 18th instant, at Gold Tops, Newport, Eliza- ueth Lucy Ann, daughter of Mr. Reeves, aged seven Y'ears. On the 20th instant, at Risca, Mr. David Daniels, tged 24 years. On the 20th inst., at Francis street, Mr. Charles itchard, aged 38 years,