Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald and North and South Wales Independent

THE LATE CARNARVONSHIRE ELEC- TION. SIR,—If defeated candidates will insist upon adding to the poignancy of disappointment by making the matter before the electors to be a choice of persons and not of principles, they have themselves to thank for it. It is clear that the electors have looked upon the matter in another light, and have put principles to the fore. When- ever the House of Penrhyn has had occasion to place before the people in a simple light its claims to their respect, the call has always been responded to in a manner satisfactory to their highest aspirations, to the honour alike of itself, and of the discernment and appreciation of those appealed to. The scion of that house, has, there- fore, no right to take political defeat as a matter of personal disrespect. The electors have a right to complain of the manner in which the Hon. Mr Pennant stultifies the whole of their former at- titude towards either himself or his noble father, in the point of personal respect. Mr Pennant fails to identify the true sentiments of the people in the torrent of political indignation which has swept so many Tory representatives off the stage, throughout the length and breadth of the land. The tone of extreme spitefulness he assumes in his valedictory address ill becomes the heir of a noble house in this free land of Britain, and contains sentiments scarcely becoming one who respects the institutions of his country, and the undoubted rights of its free citizens. Had it emanated from a Russian noble to the newly emancipated villains and serfs on his estates, whose persons, soul and body, he but very ) recently could claim as legal property, and whose manumission he heartily abominates and vainly regrets, it could scarcely have showed a spirit more unavailingly domineering, receiving a disappoint- ment with spiteful hauteur. It is copied into several English newspapers as something unique in the history of electioneering incidents. This cannot be wondered at, for the language of this address is most unprecedented. A more auda- cious libel on a whole community it was never my fortune to see compressed into such a few words. The reader will notice the complete sweep of the concluding words Pw-eJJwst in ¡ falseJiood Carnarvonshire stands throughout this electoral contest. Eleven hun- dred and forty-three voters have, by their deception, endeavoured to prove that in this county the ward of a Welshman can no longer be trusted." I have italicised the libel. Anyone would have imagined from this language, who did not already know the fact to be otherwise, that the Hon. Mr Pennant met with smiling faces only in his electioneering tour through the county, and that this universal smiling exterior covered treacherous hearts. Indulging in such a happy dream, what a dreadful awakening to him must have been the declaration of the poll! But the state of mind which could dictate those words is not to be envied. Having been in a state of sublimation during Mr Watkin Williams' triumphant tour through the county,. under the condensing in- fluence of counting the votes, the iron must have entered his very soul. His mind must have been totally over-balanced by feelings akin to despair, for language to describe which we must turn to the pages of "Paradise Lost." The spectacle excites our pity, and we are truly sorry for Mr Pennant. How came he to allow himself to be fed with such false hopes, when all outsiders, judging by external appearances only, knew that his case was well-nigh hopeless. But why does he so extravagantly grieve and fret ? Lord Beaconsfield, under whose banner he fought, has had a greater fall than he, and we have not yet heard the wail of his lamentations. Perhaps we may yet. I wonder what form will it take. Will he charge the nation with unmitigated deceit; or will he coin new phrases of supremest contempt as he retires to Cyprus? W'H he assume the whole political controversy, ai i fov*vi.- it in his own person, and Napoleon-like p .rt "'it his unavailing wrath in the words-" -U iio is Albion ?" I But to this precious address of Mr n;lnt. X- 1- 0ffe-- -t hi ing Dsset-tÎon, that" eléven hundred voWa 3 by their deception proved that in this c -nty t1;, worti of a WeKtanan can no longer be ■n;*tsdr None! Are we to look for it, the! it. the; columns of those subsidized prints whi< their inspiration from Penrhyn Castlf i h,t,j testimony we must utterly reject, for veasors which need not be now cited, but whic^i theless are notorious. Must we take some occult reports of Mr Pennant's committees and canvassers ? First, they must be produced and scrutinized. They are not yet in any precise form before the court of public opinion to which Mr Pennant has addressed the denunciation of his countrymen. When they are produced many pertinent ques- tions will arise. Who are these committeemen ? In what relation do they personally stand to the Penrhyn Innuence ? Who were these canvassers ? What were the terms of their remuneration? &c., &c. I know that his retained solicitors were to be counted by the score. Of this I do not com- plain; it was their good fortune. But taking this fact as data in the matter of expense, may we not judge that the number of paid canvassers must be set down by the 'hundred ? We do not complain of this; far otherwise, we laugh at it as a mistake in tactics leading to natural results— the reports of sllclt canvassers cannot be trustworthy. We said," the generals of the opposite side will be led to commit the dangerous blunder of over- confidence, and of under-rating our forces." But if Mr Pennant offers their evidence to the court he has appealed to, that court cannot possibly re- ceive their testimony by any known rule of juris- prudence or any law of evidence. Then, there r remains for the consideration of the public tico great facts, as sound premises from which they can draw infallible conclusions. The first is-the electors of Carnarvonshire have, by secret ballot, rejected Mr Pennant's candidature by a majority of elet,eit hundred The second is—Mr Pennant's own admission, that he was disap- pointed—nay, deceived by eleven hundred and forty-three votes How came this ? We may be assured that in the polling booth the people voted according to the reasons there and then acting on their convictions. For in that sacred place there could be present no other influence. Did these people then, previous to the ballot, promise their votes to Mr Pennant, and so deceive him ? If they did not, then his own canvassers must have deceived him, But if they did, then some pres- sure must have been put upon them to extort their promises. Otherwise, if the promises had been voluntarily made according to the inclina- tion of their consciences, there is no possibility of accounting for the non-performance of them. We cannot escape one of these two conclusions either the canvassers deceived Mr Pennant, or they extorted unwilling promises. If the first supposition be correct, then Mr Pennant's slander of his countrymen is gratuitous and groundless. If the second supposition be the true solution, then will come the question What is the value of extorted promises:" I use the word" extorted advisedly, for if they were obtained by acting on the minds of the electors through hope or fear, by threats or promises, either directly, in so many words, or by implication, they were extorted. Then, what is the value of such promises—what is the legal or moral binding force of them ? Let me put the proposition in a tangible form. If a man, by any undue influence of whatever kind, be induced to sign a bond for, say 101, would that man be bound legally to pay such a bond ? No, emphatically, no. For on proof of the illegal and undue pressure being put upon him to produce his signature,, the law would relieve him of his forced liability. But, would he not be bound in equity, or by the principles of moral right, to pay it ? Again, the answer must be clearly a decision no. But, it may be objected, the promise was j made, and unless it be performed is broken, and moral guilt lies." So was the bond signed, and no moral guilt lies in refusing an inequitable pay- ment. The act of extortion in equity, as well as law, annuls the promise. In the same manner would the merit of a virtuous action be lost if performed under compulsion. But our extorting canvassers appeal to religion, and quote Scrip- tures. They take a verse from the xv. Psalm on their irreverent lips, and say, the righteous man "sweareth to his own heart, and changeth not." Well, Satan can quote Scripture, but does so always to pervert it. The text so quoted does not say anything about the oath being extorted. It must mean a free and voluntary oath, which, though a contingent unknown at the time of making the oath may eventually make the conse- quences hurtful to the giver, who, if he be a righteous man, would still keep it. There is a corollary to this [answer, which is also most pefti* nent to the matter in hand. The political vote is given to a man in trust for the good of his country. If he gives it in a manner which his conscience tells him is not for the good of his country, moral guilt lies. If a promise is ex- torted from him to give it contrary to his con- viction of what would be the right use of that trust, he cannot perform that promise without moral guilt. The extortion in this case annuls the promise. So also bv equitv as well as by statutory law does a bribe annul a vote: but a promise ex- torted, and not kept, does not annul a Tote. I am well aware, Mr Editor, that a certain class-of persons do not like this casuistry concerning forced bonds or extorted promises, and always raise a howl when the subject is approached judicially. Well, let them do something besides howling; let them disprove this argument. But if, as I strongly ap- prehend, they will find themselves unable to perform that task, then let them do the next best thing—let them call aloud for an Act of Parlia- ment to suppress canvassing in any form. l: ntil this last election I had no conception how much people could be annoyed, threatened, and brow- beaten by unprincipled canvassing. Many an honourable landlord who wished the success of his own particular candidate would be surprised and horrified if he knew how his name and authority was bandied about and used by agents, who, I am sure, such a landlord as I am describing, would entirely repudiate and disown, were he made aware of the ugly facts within my own personal ken. Let them suppress canvassing. I should be well content in the long run to let the result depend upon the enlightenment of the people. I challenge them to go further still;—let us have in the counties a household and a ratepaying franchise. But, sir, if I am correct in my estimate, the promise-extorters are the parties who would mostly object to these equitable measures. It has come prominently before the course of my observation, during the last fortnight espe- cially, that the parties who indulge in the pro- pensity of forcing votes are those who have no faith in the honest political convictions of the people. Being most strange to the habits of thought, and to the growing enl:ghtenment of the steady middle and lower classes, the old notion still clings to them that the people know very little of politics, and have no strong convictions. This election has a lesson for such. If a ray of light can possibly penetrate tieir sublime ex- clusion—their balloon life, surely it will do so now. Let them consider a few com-non sense proposi- tions. Why should a tenant run the risk of dis- obliging a kind and equitable landlord ? Why should a workman run counttr to the wishes of his constant and considerate employer; or a tradesman find himself unable, jut not unwilling, I to oblige an excellent customer? You may rest assured that neither of then would wantonly commit such folly. Yet, such people find them- selves in circumstances when tley are obliged to do it from their conscientious adherence to firm principles. They must be acting under a stern sense of duty. Instead of beiig a reproach, that must redound to the credit of our people. The reproach is, that it is possible t< think otherwise- that the Legislature should give people the electoral franchise, and that t is sought to be filched from them by unworthyneans; that when they use it despite 'of every caolery and scheme- ing, they should be. charged in vhole communities with being perjured men. Thee is the reproach, there the wickedness.. The present election has beer rife in wholesome lessons, as well as in striking iicidents. One of the most prominent of such essons is the uni- versality and depth of political convictions. I will rest satisfied with occupyng your valuable space with only one notable instance of the ii •- .O/fcL Vbern lives in a noefc worthy ana '•'•i.etligoot Tvoriiin^ marc. ^'h< is by -trac1* •^arpenkr. As he w j^rson-dsy t", M<J, f wu! Touch iV <»t'Wsablc duua-t^r. it# has t vote fi.i- .It}:. so ittiMsh 4* rV-1 the dljli: ection, tha ihqwgh hi, trf.'r-v of | in* ciiiid•••«. Uy ft clr "f r:. lira "he 'jk tUe ] first; trnin fiT, the day of :-l H, came and ] d hi3 vote, am1, returned by foe next iraiu, -> ,vhai I' s:"ü, ..v\t.h t«ru*3, w& his nw;i!riilu< iloille', bvit *vit-h a • ie.v' conscience* This little incident :q>eaks V('l',Y>H' It such asser- tions as inal uuder our present onsideration in tones more telling than the false Aarges against his class. It would appear to ne, sir, that our upper classes have but an exeeedhgly faint con- ception of the deep convictions and force of character—presenting rich veins a, that valuable metal—which lie in the varied stata of human society beneath them, and which 1 reality form the stamina and the strength of ou country. \rx. POI'ULI. April 14th, 1880. « STUBBORN HERETIC." SIR,—The only thing I can respecin "T. G.O." is the candour with which he owns tiat he took the strange notice of Carnarvon Mision second- hand from a Protestant paper, and hat neither himself nor the editor of the latter as able to say when, or where, it appeared. Two respectable journals are mentioned as likely to hae contained the original, and that about ten years go, when I was not in charge of this mission, -am sure I will not stultify myself by asking the hrd-worked editors to rummage their musty files n a wild- goose's chase for it. "T. G. O:"s itter was calculated to make people think it was of recent date. Having signally failed to esablisli its authenticity, he tries to obtain credit fo it in an indirect way by adducing similar stuff [irportin g to come from the notes of the Catholic iible. If lie will let me inspect the book at your office, or elsewhere, I will give the readers of the 'Herald' my opinion of it. I have spent years in tie study of Catholic Theology, -,i the hke I nf,"r came j across in any Catholic i. Bfy? • i. i- uses language calculated i.) .e tiunk, that the notes are from L v: \*ion in general use with Atjiolic*. I t nn.^eally declare this to be a do.v .right A*rrt J, au t N • just assertion. Thebes :n;'our -i^&inat fs however, is truth. I re -equest VUG V'V.! insert the genuine not ;ri He Catholic bearing the imprimati o4: CMlmr 1 "L Matt. xiii. 20, nowbei< • n;< "We are taught by is* -'1^ not to c<¡t of too hastily a fallen br >e; r'->. vftuwer Lt m. be to-day, to-morrow ■- muvp;v!iaps!cf.e"h3,»error J and embrace the truth JerMi*U rn-CL; exhorts us to bear wi .i iu'idels u, d heretics, not OR our own account ù.¡1y, as voiced won .ire frequently of use to the irtuois. ea their i account: for sometim tin' pc-on* who have been corrupted and perveried. ••••ill vtwu to tite. r»alhs of virtue and truth. Let, rl,a *fov J»o: > gro until the harvest, i.e., -he d:, judgment, when the power of rectifyiJ J. mc- vr's error f-Uatl U- no more.—St Augus i C- I )), Tuo. St tine affirms that no oi u difoid e compelled b < force to uniformity OF T IS belief thosefwh » dissent from us mu a /-erst A "1 words, overcome by argumei; !oii an; need l. reason.-St Thomas V uats. Ye .r • uly, J. U f .1')', CathoHc Priest o; iJar-r.-ir-m. I DOLGELLEY iiOA .1 Of (:) SIR,—As a ratepaye- l'e¡. *•-> tl" Her, Gymro" for his lett«-i ••n chi subject, which appeared in the column ••„ cor. emporar} a Jew- weeks since, as I think 1. has i -ndf-ied a ver important service to r:t;>nbi;c b$showing that this body of gentlen r. EVE oost tí; ••IKS of the ratepayers fa; -•c :><" ia- reduced 'he I cost of out-relief, in comparison with 1",3 as to be "saving loOOJ a year!" I thank "Hen Gymro" for "teaching me that word." The editor of the newspaper in which the letter appears has also a good reason for feeling indebted to "Hen Gymro" for a useful lesson, which was evidently much needed,-never to rush into print to attack a body )f men with whose duties he is very imperfectly acquainted, and, with the manner in which they have dis- charged such duties he is only h¿jf informed. The letter referred to is a laughable and an instructive commentary on the abase which has lately been levelled at the guardians, who have been represented as sinners above all other | guardians dwelling in England, and than most of those dwelling in Wales,—as those who riot in the waste of public money wrung remorselessly from the oppressed ratepayers, and as those who heap out-relief with indiscrimate profession on any and every applicant. Now, I could easily collect a large number of faeta from the column- of the newspaper indicated to prove the contrary of what its editor asserts; but I prefer othei and reliable sources of informatkfi. These show that the guardians exercise a very careful super- vision in the matter of cut-relief, and that they are the reverse of prodigal in granting allowances to applicants. On subject other thaJ\ out-relief, SOIZ\e decisions seem to indicate that a spirit of stinginess occasionally rules, so that if the guard- ians 46 err, their failings may be said" to lean to virtue's si so far as the ratepayers are concerned, although the ultimate effect may perhaps^ be to cripple efficiency. This, however, has not been done- so far, but, orj the contrary, it appears to have been increased. The following statement, from the published accswmts, shows the amount of out-relief paid during the past seven years J "j.:J, o,2;591874, o,2ol 1*7-), 4,8^7/ 187(5, 4,->18 £ 1877, 1878, o,7-">o/; an&an 18ïn, This statement proves that the guardians must have laboured systejaatically to reduce the expenditure for out-relief,-as there is a decrease from year to year, and it is no small- satisfaction to the ratepayeas that ths- guardians have been so successful. This result sould only 'have been brought about by a large amount of thought, labour,, and attention, which merit the hearty thanks of all. But the one-sided critic alluded to Ignores this result, and would fain eprsuade the public that the guardians aare only saving "a paltry 101 a year.*7 Is .this statement fair criticism ? Is 1,6001 a year a paltry saving ? Let the ratepayer judge. They, however, are justly indignant at the refleetions cast upon the guardians, who, with their officers, (I am informed by those practically acquainted with such matters) will compare fovourably with, those of any union for integrity, capacity, and efficiency. I am con- vinced tht we may be justly proud of our board of guardias, and that they will continue their valuable anvices is the earnest desire of AXOTHER OLD WELSHMAN Dolgelley, April, 1880.

MR DOUGLAS PENNAXT'S DEFEAT. The Echo' says :-Great allowances must be made to people who are smarting under a sense of defeat, but the Hon. G. S. Douglas Pennant, eldest son of Lord Penrhyn, and late Conservative member for Carnarvonshire, has exceeded the utmost limits of political license ia his retiring. i address. He declares that Carnarvonshire, through. the teaching of those who should have known, better, stands foremost in falsehood,. and owes that position she will henceforth occupy in the eyes of the world to the deception of 1143 voters, who- < have endeavoured to prore that the word of a. Welshman can no longer be trusted. Mr Douglas. Pennant, doubtless, trusted to the reports of his. agents, reports which are notoriously untrust- ¡ worthy,. seeing that paid canvassers have the greatest temptation to manufacture fictitious pro- mises when they cannot obtain real ones. But, even assuming it to be true that a large number of electors promised one way, and voted the other, it. follows that Mr Douglas Pennant relied upon the power of the landlords to coerce the electors into j voting against their own convictions. It is notorious that the vast majority of Welshmen are Liberals, and it is equally notorious that the Tory agents made strenuous endeavours to delude them into the belief that the ballot was not secret. If large promises were made to Mr Douglas Pennant, they were made solely through feax. And now that he. has been defeated, the man whose only hope lay in enforced promises turns round and insults the con- stituency he lately represented, because terrorism has failed to accomplish its work» The ballot was jr.yr-rs against candidates who* oii r ..r thrust, in hu-o'oia tyranny rather than in. «ppeah» to thr r,:tui.->ns of the electors. Which is-. the grem,, the or voter who, to avoid eviction or loss of • • l.,oynaentt allows a promise to iioh he does not kAP.n. iunl vho, soiuv-.ag that ne is violating Ih • 'Ttconacienw. his position to wring such c1 promise • .ji his reluctant tenant or work- man i*

TrlE LIBERALITY OF ilRW.R. GRACE AND THE IRISH FAMINE. The honoured name of Mr W. R. Grace, of the firm of Messrs Grace Brothers, and Company, of New York, and Callao, is well known, not only in England, but in Wales. It is but recently we noticed the liberality of that gentleman, to the amount of 50t in aid of a chapel in North Wales. We notice in the New York Herald' of 17th March, another notice of his special liberality in favour of the Irish Famine. The following is the extract THE CARGO OF THE CONSTELLATION. It has ceased to be a matter of doubt that the ship furnished by the Secretary of the Navy, in pur- suance of the joint resolution of Congrees, for the free conveyance to Ireland ot American contribu- tions of food, will have a full cargo within a few days. This splendid success is in great part due to the eminent, benevolent but modest and anony- mous citizen of New York who set the ball in mo- tion by offering to pay for one-fourth of the cargo of the Constellation provided the other three- fourths were made up. The Herald' offered to de- fray the cost of another one-fourth on the same condition; We have not had a doubt that the con- dition would be complied with. It is now certain that a full cargo will be supplied, and we accept for the anonymous citizen who started this move- ment and for ourselves the obligation to furnish our respective quotas without awaiting the final fulfil- ment of the proposed condition. Enough is assured to make the offer binding, and in behalf of the citi- zen who permitted us to guarantee nisgooa laltll ana, v -ponsibility and in our own behalf we announce • itthe first two offers have ceased to be conditional. e anonymous gentleman will supply one-fourth the cargo and the Herald' another one-fourth "thout awaiting further pledges or contributions. We make this announcement in consequence of generous offer which came to us yesterday. Mr H. R. Grace permits us to say that he -'ill furnish one quarter of the whole .q,rgo required to load the Constellation, and ith three-fourths of a full cargo assured there can he no doubt as to the residue. Mr Grace offers to render an additional service, which enhances the .tlue of his gift. He is a leading shipping mer- hant, who perfectly understands all the requisites If netting a cargo safely on board a ship. He Jers the services of his experienced shipping erks, giving their time without compensation to attend to the shipment of such donations ps may .-e received. Assistance of this kind is invaluable. t insures a proper lading of the vessel with a view o the safety of the voyage and the undamaged reservation of the cargo. The government officers t the Navy Yard and in command of the Constell- ..tion have" little experience in matters so foreign io their ordinary duties as the freighting of a ship with provisions, and they will gladly avail them- selves of the services of mercantile experts to whom this kind of business is familiar. Besides his own munificent contribution, Mr Grace announces that lie is authorized by Mr Henry L. Hoguet, president of the Industrial i Savings Bank, to offer one hundred ban-els of ■ :;eed potatoes towards the cargo of the Constell- Üion. There is no longer any doubt that the cargo will be speedily made up. and that the Constellation will soon sail under Government colours on her jiission of mercy. MR W. R. GRACE'S CONTRIBUTION. I I 87, Wall Street, New York, j March 16th, 1880. 1 To the Editor of the Herald' Animated by a desire to emulate in a small de- gree the enterprise and generosity of your paper in having worked up so grand a result for Irish relief, 1 beg to offer to furnish one quarter of the whole cargo required to load the United States steamship Constellation, and further to give the time of my shipping clerks to classify and attend to the shipment of such donations as may be re- ceived by you—thus in part relieving you from the labour necessary to get this vessel's cargo along- side of her and delivered in such shape as will make its proper storage in the vessel easy of accomplish- ment. With much respect, I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, » W. R. GRACE. A large number of Welshmen, connected with shipping in the Principality will rejoice to learn that Mr Grace has so disinterestedly taken such a prominent part with other American gentlemen in the relief of the distressiag affaire of the Irish people. < <—

DENBIGH, TOWS COUNCIL* The town council met on Monday, when there were present the mayor (Mr E. T. Jones), Alder- I man T. J. Williams, Councillors William Morris, Dr Caithness, Evan Thomas, Robert Parry, John Lloyd, John Davies, W. T. Foulkes. THE DRAINAGE SCHEME. The town clerk read a letter from Mr Hugh Hughes, drainage contractor, offering to deviate the drain at Barker's Well at an extra charge of -is oa a yard. Mr Morris wished to know why it was proposed to deviate the drain' at the point in question. The mayor said the proposed deviation was in- order to avoid the payment of compensation to the owner of property through which it was originally intended to pass. The surveyor said that the piece of drainage in question would be 23H yards long now, instead of 205 as first proposed. Mr Moms wished to know if the payment of compensation had. been. foreseen, and if so why it had not been foresees. He proposed that the II matter should be left with the committee, and this was agreed to, it being stated that the cost of the deviatioa would amount Do 29/ 10s, I Mr John Lloyd wished to know if there were any other cases of payment of compensation. The Mayor: Yes. in HenU-^n-street. Mr Lloyd Then I think we ought to have time to consider them tboroughly- A bill was received for surveyor^ charges for ourveying property in Red-lane in connection with th*3 drainage scheme. The amount charged was iwo guineas, and the mayor asked the town clerk if the couneii were liable for it. The town clerk said the council had given notice b,treat with the owner of th 3 property referred to, and therefore they were liable. The matter was left over to the next council meeting. Mr Morris:: The ratepayers ar-s on the gm vive respecting this drainage scheme, and would like to know how it is getting on. The Mayor: We have not been obliged toeaU the chief-engineer once. We have gone throagh the most difficult part, and I think we have done it effectually. The cutting through: Red-lane has been a very difficult one, being in one part 23 feet deep. The water now runs through it. The town clerk suggested that it would be ad- visable to get a list of the owners of property they had still to pass through, and wait on and treat with them rather than leave them to submit the matter to surveyors and architects, and thus incur expenses which they might perhaps easily avoid by treating privately. The mayor was of opinion that it was desirable to adopt the town clerk's suggestion. Mr Morris Did not you say two minutes ago that property owners could not tell the extent of the damage until the drains were formed ? The Mayor: It is the value of the land princi- pally. It will not interfere with the value 01 the surface. It will merely be a sewer there, which is not so very agreeable in any place, but where it is a necessity it cannot be avoided. Mr Lloyd moved the adoption of the town clerk's suggestion. This was seconded and agreed to, the drainage committee been instructed to carry out the resolu- tion. THE STATE OF THE ROADS. Dr Caithness drew attention to the state of the roads in the borough, and moved a resolution on the subject. He said that was perhaps not the most fortunate time to bring that matter forward, owing to the continuance of fine weather, but he was sure it was in the minds of all of them what the roads of Denbigh were in rainy weather. He felt that the state of the roads in rainy weather was a nuisance getting almost intolerable, and that the town: w&s getting notorious for its mud in wet weather, and its dust in dry weather. His idea in bringing the subject before them was to see if they could not apply some remedy to the roads, and was sure they would all join with him in apjplying a remedy if they could devise one. There were very few men in Denbigh who had oc- casion to walk through the streets moae than he had, and his practical experience showed that the roads as a rule were most uncomf'V>*»*,i't> and dirty ios ti., ^ji.Li'eine. The road metalling at preb-A;.L used was crushed to amull pieces in two or three days, and ultimately it was reduced to dust and sand. That was a thing which ought not to be, and his opinion: was that they wanted a harder stone. The road metal ought to be pressed down so as t.) make a good firm road,and ought not to be broken into dust. Some few weeks ago he noticed the road metalling in Henllan-street. He did not know where the stone came from, but he eouid see it was very soft. He had made inquiry and he found that the Penmaenmawr stone had been ap- plied for the purpose, and made a first-class road without much mud and dust, and was much cheaper in the end. He had brought that subject forward to ask them to make an experiment with the piece of road from the railway bridge to the road leading to the railway station. That would be a very good test, and they would then be able to contrast the expenditure. When once Pen- rnaenmawr stoneXwas laid it did not require to be interfered with for about three yeiirs. The present stone required to be touched up three times in the season. He moved a resolution that an experi- ment should be made with the Penmaenmawr stone at the place he had mentioned, with the view of seeing whether the state of the Denbigh roads could not be improved. The Mayor: Have you got any scale of prices ? Dr Caithness said Penmaenmawr stone would cost 8s a tocljat the Denbigh station, and the pre- sent stone cost 3s M including breaking and cart- age. When they took it into consideraticn that Penm aenmawr stone would last three years they wrould see its advantage in cleanliness and dura- bility. The surveyor confirmed Dr Caithness^statement as to the cost of the two kind of stone. He agreed that Penmaenmawr stone did not go to powder, but said it wore round. The stone at present used: A-as crushed to powder directly, and when it got tvet it became mud which had to be scraped tway. Mr Foulkes: What would he the cost of spread- ing this new stone aU over the roads? Dr Caithness: I do not propose to spread it all over the country. Mr John Davies said there were plenty of rocks in the neighbourhood of Denbigh, and the people who owned and worked them were ratepayers in the town. He was of opinion that theycould not do better than purchase the stone, as they had been doing hitherto. He was certain Penmaen- itiawr stone would not last three years, and that it vvas as dirty as other stone. He had seen it at Bettwsycoed, and that it were exactly like the Denbigh stone. If the latter stone was put down tt the proper time it would sink and make a hard surface. Dr CaithnesR said that Mr Davies' experience went against the experience of the most eminent engineers in the country. He wished the Penmaen- inawr stone putting on the roads where there was the most traffic. Mr Parry asked what the difference of price be- tween the two kinds of stone when laid upon the streets. The Surveyor: Three shillings to 3s 6d a ton. Mr Parry How much longer would the Pen- loaenmawr stone last than the stone we use at present ? The Surveyor: About three years. I know it for a fact. Mr Morris said that was a most important matter. The streets had been much better years ago than they had during the last year or two. Mr Davies, of Lodge, had said he would give the council the benefit of his experience inroad making, and be begged to propose that the matter should be deferred, and the surveyor ordered to report on the matter at the next meeting after taking the opinion of Mr Davies, of Lodge. Mr John Davies: I propose that it be left over until we want stone to put on the roads, which will be in about six months. The Surveyor: We want it now. Mr Davies: We have bad drains constructed and the streets dug up, and our roads are nothing now to what they will be in twelve months after they have settled. Dr Caithness: I am speaking of the state of the roads before they were dug up. Mr Davies: Our streets used to be as good as any in North Wales. Mr Parry thought they ought clearly to see a benefit before they made a change. As far as he understood the surveyor he did not see that they would be at all benefited by making the change proposed. Mr Morris: Have you any objection to my pro- position that the matter be deferred for further consideration ? Mr Parry: I second that. Alderman T. J. Williams: Rather than it shall go abroad that Denbigh is the most filthy town in North Wales as regards the streets, I, as a resident, feel bound to say that although the streets are not n as good a state as we should like, they are not so bad as has been represented. We must take it into consideration that Denbi gh is one of those towns where there is a fair held in I the streets. You go to Wrexham, Carnarvon; Pwllheli, Bangor, Chester, and those places, and you will find Ithey have; their: smithfields. The cause of our streets being cut up so much is the fairs which are held on the middle of the town. Of course the matter will be rectified soon, and I am sure we shall all be glad of it. Mr Morris: Dr Caithness does not refer to the state of the roads for one day. It is a continuous objection. Mr Foulkes proposed that the question should be deferred sine die, and said he was certain Mr Davies, of Lodge, would not take the trouble to. bother about the roads. Mr John Davies seconded this amendment. Mr Parry said he would support the amendment, and withdraw from Mr Morri-s" proposition, as it J would look as if the surveyor did not understand his business if he went to ask the opinion of Mr Davies, of Lodge. Mr Foulkes' amtendment was earned. THE EXAMINATION OF A On the motion of Mr Morris it was resolved that two members of the council should attend regularl v on every day ot meeting at half-pas; two o'clock to audit the account.?, which under the present sysiftm, Mr Morris' contends are unproperly audited. THE SITPLT OF WATER TO THE IRJBEN AND YSGl-BOR WEN. The town clerk read a letter from the Water Company saying they did not feel justified in beariDg the expense of laying pipes frcpa the Fron to the Green for the conveyance of water. If the corporation would lay the pipes they could come to terms as to tne supply of water. A stand .pipe fixed near Major Casson's house would suffice for the houses at Ysgubor Wen. According to their Act they were not obliged to extend their pipes further than 200 yards from the bottom of Vale- street. At Henllan they were in great distress for want of water, as he had been informed. There were also complaints of the want of water in the top part of the town, The Mayor: The water is on every day, and those who have cisterns can retain it. > Mr Morris: There are plenty of poor people who have no cisterns. What are the poor people to do, who have no vessels hold the water r The town clerk said the Corporation were bound to supply all the district with water under the Public Health Act. They could sither make water- works, sink wells, or contract for the supply. The matter was referred to the eommittee. THE REMOVAL OF NIGST SOIL. Some discussion took place on a proposition to provide a horse and cart for the removal of night soil, and for the watering of the streets. Alderman T. J. Williams was strongly in Savour of the pro- posal, which lie said had been mooted by Alderman Thomas Gee, who was absent. There was great difficulty at present in getting the night soil'and rubbish removed. Dr Caithness was also in favour of the proposition. After some remarks-from Mr Morris, Mr Foulkes, c and Mr John Davies in favour of the continuance of the present' system of removal of ^ight soil by farmers, the question was left over till the next meeting. M3DICAL REPORT. Dr Griffith W. Roberts, the medical officer, re- ported as fo.kiws:—In presenting my monthly re- port, for the month ending March, I regret to state that there has beep. a great in ci ease in the death rate, arising, from infantile diseases —whooping cough, chest affections, and convulsions. During the month there have been 2ti deaths, 7 of which occurred at the asylum, leaving the deaths in the borough proper at 22, being at the annual rate of 37'7 per 1000. According to a resolution passed I have examined the water supply of Henllan, and find it is derived from ten different sources, each being some distance from the village, which is a very great inconvenience to the inhabitants. They have to carry water in all weathers from these wells. The principal wells are three in number, namely, Pandy, Low Wilkin, and Bryn, The sup- ply in these wells is ample during several months of the year, but in summer they become very low, and them is a certain amountlof scarcity of water which, I should say, is not very pure. It would naturally contain much as sand, clay, cyanic substances. However, the water due preset, time is of very excellent quality and free from organic matter. The providing 0f the village with a constant supply of pure water can be done by bringing the water from "LeI, o: laying,pipes to join the Llanefydd water comphn 's pipes when they are laying theirs to Trefriant. Mr Morris repeated his complaint as to the de- ficiency of the Henllan water supply, and said he spoke on the authority of MrTownsheDdMaiu-mw- ing. Mr Foulkes said the Henllan children, had been carrying water for thirty or forty years from those wclis, and the exercise both did them good and kept them oat of mischief. The best way to do wauld be to leave the question alone until the drainage wae completed. There was-a sum of 13l or 15/ in hand to erect a fountain in memory of Dr Fierce. That had nothing to do with the water- works, however. Alderman T. J. Williams: Dr Pierce is alive. Mr Foulkes: I don't know what it is. 1 suppose it is meant as an honour. The further consideration of this subject was also deferred. The other business was of a routine character.

EGLWYSFACH. LITERARY SOCIETY.-The winter session of the debating class of the above society has been brought to a close, after a good run, as a sports- man would say. Papers have been read (Welsh and English alternately) on the following among other subjects: Causes of Bad Trade; Capital punishment; Origin of writing Forms of Govern- ment; War; Farming Gardening Origin of the Ancient Britons, iSrc. Mr II. D. Pochin, of Bodnant Hall, has very much assisted the reading-room with newspapers, magazines, &c. And he is about to erect in the village a more suitable building for the society and for public meetings, &c.

LLANGEFNI. THE COUNTY COURT. Before Mr Horatio Lloyd, judge. PRICE JONES, CATTLE DEALER, ARERGELE, V. LONDON AKD NORTH-WESTERN COMPANY. This was an action to recover from the railway company the sum of 28110s, damages for delay in transit of the plaintiff's cattle from Llanfair P. G. station to Harrow, whereby the plaintiff lost their sa!e at a fair held at Kensington-on-Thames, and was compelled to dispose of them at Canterbury. Mr S. R. Dew apjieared for the plaintiff, and Mr Preston represented the company. The case was tried before a jury, and lasted four hours, the jury at length finding for the plaintiff for 21110s. part of the claim, and for the defendant upon the balance, Mr Preston's application for the costs of a number of witnesses from Canterbury in relation to this latter part of the claim being granted. JOHN JONES, LLANERCIIVMEDD, AND WIFE, V. ANN ROBERTS, GORS, LLAXDDErSANT. —A CLERGYMAN'S WILL-MAKING. This was a plaint in equity for an account and administration of the estate of the late Mr Thomas Roberts of Gors, by the plaintiffs, the estate com- prising a sum of 1 in the National Provincial Bank of England at Holyhead, and furniture, and farming stock at Gors valued at another 1001. Mr J. B. Allan son, of Carnarvon, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr John Glynne Jones, of Bangor, for the defendant. The will, which was prepared by a clergyman, contained a bequest of all the pro- perty left by the deceased to his wife for her life, but in the event of her re-marriage, the widow was to lose and forfeit all claim to the estate, and the property was to revert to the plaintiffs or their children after her re-marriage or death. It was contended that the defendant refused to allow the plaintiffs to see the will, or to have any account of the estate, and had drawn a sum of 50l out of the bank. Mr Jones contended that under the precise words of the will, which were peculiarly unintelligible and ambiguous, the plaintiffs had no claim. His Honour, however, decided otherwise, but directed the further argument of the case to stand over till the next Holyhead court. A TREFDRARTII WILL CASK. John Hughes and wife, v. John Davies, Liverpool Arms, Llangefni, and Owen Pritchard, Lledwigan- street, Llangefm.- Mr J. B. Allanson, for the plaintiffs, claimed payment of a sum of 50Z, alleged to be due from the defendants as trustees under the will of the late Mr Hugh Rowlands, of Ty- mawr, Trefdraeth, farmer, who died on the 9th of March, 1876, in respect of the plaintiffs' share of the residuary estate. As the accounts were volu- minous, he applied for a reference to the registrar of the court, or to some other legal centleman, but this being objected to, the case was ordered to stand over for further hearing at the next Llan gefni County Court. A LATE SITTING. His Honour did not rise until eight o'clock in the evening, the court having sat continuously from one o'clock. Mr Horatio Lloyd and his bar certainly do their best to keep down arrears of work by long and late sittings.