The Principality

MAESTEG. V THE IvORITE FESTIVAL.—The secretary of the I voritcs t our correspondent on this sub- ject, and says that the goat-a gigantic grey one—was sent for by soma •'jovial young, friends, and was permitted to join the procession and" wishes us to publish a report of the proceedings, iu order to convince our readers that the pro- ceedings were not altogether foolish and improper." We publish the speech, though it is too long by half, and ten time's too literally translated, on account of the sen- sible advice it giveson literary matters. Of- the other pro- ceedings we can see no good of inserting the names of a g n £ i$ber of- persons who stood up to announce that they had nothing: to say. This may be very modest, but not very edifying. ,i .The Kev. II; W. Hughes, having been invited to the lodge room, was requested. to, address the meeting on the claims of -ivorism on public patronage." lie delivered the following speech —Sir (addressing the president), in rising to address this crowded audience on tneclaims of yóur society, "I regret that, inasmuch as I have hitherto been uncorrected with the order, I have the dis- .advantage of being unacquainted with its merits. Being tt stran- ger then, and unacquainted with the' particular merits of Ivorism, I •pust-advocate its dam,son genera! grounds. Though I have -hiperlo been unconnected with Ivorism, I am not altogether igno- rant of the nature and character of your public movements. An occasipnal perusal of your, returns enables Jme to know that the ip. e inbers: of the society a.t the present day fjrfhi a considerable por- tion of the Welsh-community and as the cause of Ivorism is continually and rapidly • gaining ground, its positioff i-i the princi- pality will erC long be highly important (hear, hear). I have alwavs been of opiuion that, of all our benevolent institutions, Ivorism"Is five most conducive to the improvement of the social cohditiou'&'Pthe people of Wales having for its object the con- tinuance of the Welsh language, and the. efficiency of the Welsh press, in addition, to its benevolent purposes.. I shall therefore plead for the claims of Ivorism on that account. The Ivorite So- ciety is the only benevolent ins itution in the principality wherein the introduction of foreign languages- is unconstitutional, and wherein the Welsh language-is the sole medium of official trans- actions. During the last ten years (the, time elapsed since Ivor- ism has been established), the noble cause of immortalising the Welsh language has beeu. making a. steady progress; and the in- .-terest taken in it by all classes is so considerable, that its exter- mination is daily becoming more and more impracticable; and if "the other Welsh society was to act the same policy, the perpetuity of the Welsh language would soon be placed beyond the province of ail reasonable doubt (hear, hear). The Ivorites have done much towards the furtherance of the cause, and it is to be hoped that they shall soon be in a condition to do much more (hear). But there is one thing that I must beg to submit to their consi- deration, viz., the necessity of aiming at a greater degree of per- fection in the practical department of their worthy order. It is much to their honour that they are so zealous for the perpetuity of the language, but its purity must not be forgotten. If it is not an unfair question, I beg to ask the vice president what is the meaning of the golden initials Y. L. above his head? The Vice President: Is Lyioydd, sir. When I first entered the room I could not conceive what they could signify. Does itmeanYdw-yj Lyioydd? said I to myself. No, that would be rather too assuming. Well, then, does it mean Ygrifenydd Lyioydd (laughter) ? No, that would be rather too irrelevant. But I perceived at length that it was a corruption of Is Lyioydd. Will the secretary have the goodness to order that the Y. be blotted out, and I. substituted? The Vice-President: It shall be done, sir. True Ivorism ought to be encouraged, and the friends thereof supported in their united efforts to perpetuateth1) beloveci language of the celebrated Ivor Hael, a language which, for complication, copiousness, and simplicity, is allowed by all to be equal to any in the world. The Ivorites, together with other compatriots, have the gratification that they are engaged in an honourable warfare, and may be congratulated on the increasing prospects which ap" pear of final success. Some of our fellow subjects seem to be at, a loss how to account for our proverbial attachment to our lan- guage,but we know how to account for, it well (yes, yes). Our reluctance to sign its death-warrant arises not from our aversion to the administration of justice (no), but rather from our regard for it (yes, yes) for we are prepared to prove that a more honest creature than the Welsh language never existed (laughter and cheers). Nor is our love of our language to be attributed to enthusiasm and vain curiosity. The antiquity and independence of the "iaith wen," together with its copiousness and beauty of constructure, are highly worthy the strenuous efforts made in be- half of its preservation and must, justify us in suffering the cen- sure and lampoon that has been heaped upon us for striving for its perpetuity. It would afford me pleasure to furnish the audience with instances of the superiority of the Welsh language, but time would fail me on the present occasion even to give an idea of its many excellencies. I shall, however,, point out a few things in which it is considered to excel other European. languages. As the majority of the audience cannot but be ill versed in philosophy, and especially in the philosophy of languages, our illustrations must have reference to those peculiarities of our native tongue, which are most familiar to common readers. And as one advan- tage of which our language can boast, I will mention that of hav- ing no mute letters in the construction of its words, to which in- convenience some languages are so subjected. The word boat-, swain in the English language is pronounced bosn, five letters out of nine being mute! Colonel is pronounced ciirnel. To have more than half the letters of a word sileot in the pronunciation is bad enough; but to pronounce words with letters of different powers and sounds to those of which they are constructed must be incorrigible. The gross heterogeneity of orthography and pro- nunciation so prevelant and prominent in the literature of good neighbours, is enough to confound us simple Taffies, apj +0 lead us to believe that philosophy and language are contrp^ict terms. Every letter in every word in the Welsh language jlas ltg distinct natural sound; and this saves it from the C'imbersome- ness of a multiplicity of unsounded letters. Another advantage of which we can boast, is the universality of our \a\y of accentua- tion. We have no "exceptions." Every WeLsh word, whether it be short or long, has the accent on the sa, ,ne syllable, viz., the penultimate. The simplicity and uniformity of the pronunciation of the Welsh language is highly characteristic of its radicalness and independence. As unsounded, letters are generally retained for the sake of assertaiuing the etymology of words, which chiefly regulates their accentuation,^ aey cannot but betray the depen- dency of the languages in which they occur. It is not for curiosity's sake alone that we strive-to hand down to posterity such a trea- sure as the Welsh language (no, no). If propriety and expe- diency are to be tak'Sn into account, they must justify our zeal and perseverance 'l the good cause. Our neighbours seem to be disposed to believe chat the gutturalness of the Welsh language is as impolite as its preservation is impolitic; but if both charges could be proved, they would be but weak arguments for its con- demnation. The Welsh language is a kind of a polypus (laughter). The failure of so many attempts to aanihilate it proves it to be-possessed of a living principle which, cannot be destroyed (hear, hear). Great and powerful nation have had the misfortune to survive their literary celebrity—to moan over the remains of their dead languages., and to repine over the relics of their decayed literature but the sons of Gomer can, in spite of repeated conquests and invations, still boast of a living language (bear, hear); and though its enemies conspire to "destroy it, and to make all its memory to perish, it is more, than probable that it will live to visit the solitary tomb of many a inaligaer that sneers at its astounding longevity (protracted cheers). Ivorism is worthy of public patronage, at least, so far as it concerns the Welsh population, insomuch as all the business of the society is transacted in Welsh, the members have the advantage not only of understanding all the affairs of the unity (which is far from be- ing the case with many Welsh members in others societies), but also of undertaking the fulfilment of tl-ie'ofiices of the order, which privilege properly belongs to every member indiscrimi- nately, providing the-necessary qualifications be obtained. Frater- nal relations should have expediency for their principal-purpose. This is the chief motive which ought to lead to their formation, and the chief advantage which is derived therefrom. That society which is best calculated to expedite our progress through the world, has the best claim on our patronage. Ivorism, possessing those merits which appear obviously to substantiate thai claim, should have the benefit. Of the argument. But Ivorism has a claim on public patronage on account of its having for its object the ef- ficiency of the Welsh press, a decision which, it is hoped, will not be less successful than it is commendable. Thougn the Welsh are enthusiastically rttaehed to their language, they have not hitherto been overfond of their press; and were it not for their want of interest in this respect, we might have boasted of a much more complete collection of the fruit-of the genius and muse of our celebrated and learned ancestors. Several important Welsh manuscripts of modern date, as well as several productions by liv- ing authors, remain unpublished. Various attempts were made to effeci; circulations. Some' undertakings of the kind proved suc- cessful. Others, owing to our carelessness for reading, and our unbusinesslike manner of publishing, were abandoned. Our taste for books is, however, improving in proof of which several va- luable works, and of considerable magnitude, lately circulated amongst us,-have found-a hearty reception. Several grammars and dictionaries of the language have been lately published, whilst ethers of a highly interesting character are in course of publica- tion. The united efforts-of-the I vorites on behalf of our press have greatly tendered to facilitate its objects. They have aided I y I in effecting circulations for works already published, especially such as were of a truly Welsh character. They have also taken to some that had actually!failed; Among others of the kind I may mention Henajion Cenedl y Cymry' (The Antiquities of the Welsh Nation). This work having failed to find reception on its own merits hs been, I am told, taken to by the Ivorites with the view of publishing its remaining portion under the patronage of the society. As its -publication has not been re-commenced, I beg to be excused for making a few observations on its gene- ral character. Taking the part of the work that has already gone through print as characteristic of the forthcoming, it cannot but be regretted that a production so inferior in noint of -matter and style should assume the title of a Treatise on the Antiquities of the WeJsh Nation." The history of the ancient Britons, who,- in point of virtue and learning, have occupied an elevated position among European nations from time; immemorial, must be both interesting and instructive, and such as would supply matter for a treatise highly worthy the perusal of intelligent readers but it requires a person of no ordinary acquirements to acquit himself creditably of the important task of accomplishing it. To under- take such a work as this, it is necessary not only that a man should be acquainted with the literature of his own country, but also with that of other nations. Surely the "production alluded to is headed by-a proud title, and dedicated to a distinguished noble- man, and were it not for its utter inability, it might-have-been suc- cessful. It requires something besides assuming title pages, and respectable dedications, to effect circulations now-a-daysia the principality, It is not to our little taste for reading that every failure that has taken place among us is to be attributed. Works of considerable magnitude have been published in Wales with ad- vantage. ft was after the establishment of Ivorism that an elaborate Welsh work went through an edition of some 7,000 copies, and could, in less than a twelvemonth, boast of the honour of being out of print." Another treatise oh the same subject 9 t published in English had a narrow escape from being m the same predicament. The respected author disposed of the whole edition all but two copies, one of which he presented to Mrs. S. and the other he kept for himself. Hooks should not forego the reputation of their authors. As every new book is a stranger, their authors should send their fame before them to prepare their way, lest they should be deemed impostors. The country must have con- fidence.in an Rutllûrin order to effect due circulation for his books. Several valuable works besides Ar'onWYi\on's" Elfer¿ii:uR/¡,f/'ÿdd- (Elements of Arithmetic) failed owing to this disadvantage. When the "Elfenau" first appeared, the name of Arfonwyson was unknown. His flower at that time had scarcely opened, and its beauty and fragrance were unperceived; whilst in subsequent years his name would have prepared the way for a work of a much greater magnitude. The fragmentary production pur- porting to be a treatise on The Antiquities of the Welsh Nation," it is to be hoped, will remain among the ruins, not to attempt farther to impose uoon the kindness of our good people; and should the Ivorites deem it at all ex- pedient to issue a treatise on the subject, let a competent person be engaged for its compilation. Certainly a man cannot be more honourably and more usefully engaged, than in serving his country and his nation, but it becomes a man to consider in what capacity he can render the most efficient service. The Ivorite society is likely to be able ere long to exercise considera- ble influence over the Welsh press, and with a view to this I wish it every prosperity but I trust that they will never become so purblind as to deem everything written by an Ivorite worth pub- lishing. The order can boast of several men of letters," and in my humble opinion no production should be sent forth under its patronage but such as receive the sanction of an appointed com- mittee composed of such persons. Ivorism is a national institu- tion, and ought to receive national support; and if the majority of Welshmen were to join it, the Welsh press would soon become capable of doing wonders (hear, hear).. Hoping to be excused for detaining you, sir, I wish your society every success; and Oes y byd i'r Iaith Gyroraeg."

MONMOUTH. EXECUTION OF THE. CONVICT KELLY. OL (riiOM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) When we consider the inexpediency, injustice, and bar- barity of capital punishment, nay even ifc direct tendency to stimulate the spectators to commit homicide, it is strange to, think that it is still retained in our penal code. The great object of all punishment is the prevention of crime. Death punishment, indeed, fully effects this object as it regards the delinquent; but we are told that the chief purpose of inflict- ing it, in preference to any other milder punishiTie-nt is in order to warn others against crime. Here, then, evidently z-, Y, fails to effect the object designed. It is a, w-eli known fact that death punishment made a complete failure in deterring men from stealing horses, sheep, and frora committing other slight offences for which it was formerly inflicted. Is it rea- sonable then to expect that the spectacle of horror will be more effectual in cases where cv'mies are more atrocious? Will the fear of death turn aside the purpose of the secret assassin, who perhaps confer,,plates his fatal deed to procure him a throne and a see-rtr_e or will it arrest the hand of the infuriate wretch who i§ about to gratify the strongest passion of his soul by giv:aig a fatal blow to his implacable enemy; while it is evidently too feeble to counteract an inclination to the slightest crimes? If it will, it forms a prodigy unparal- leled iv the whole philosophy of man. Murderers are, for the .moat part, either men whose long habits of guilt have har- dened them in reference to the idea of death, and whose furious passions are such as make it indifferent to them or cowardly assassins or poisoners who always think they have taken such precautions as will render discovery impossible. The fear of death, therefore, will very rarely operate so as to deter them from homicide. If you ask the ordinaries of New- gate, witnesses well qualified to judge, what is the effect of capital punishment, by way of example, they will tell you that, very rarely any one suffers at the Old Bailey who has not previously witnessed a similar scene;" that very little fear of death is entertained by hardened malefactors; that when hanging for theft was practised, and the death-warraht had arrived, culprits treated it with levity, saying with 3n in- different air, "players at bowls must expect rubbers. When Bishop and Williams, in 1831, were executed in London, the mob who were spectators, numbering about 30,OOQ, hooted and yelled at them; and, when the drop fell, gave several tremendous cheers!" When, in 1841, iilakesley was exe- cuted, several in the crowd, during the few minutes he strug- gled, expressed gratification at the pain which it was sup- posed he suffered. Miiny other similar instances might be adduced and the conduct of many of the people who came on Monday week to Monmouth, with the intention of wit- nessing deatil inflicted on the murderer Kelly, m'ight be classed with tbei-n-all furnishing a fearful corni-nedtary on thte asserr tion, that public executions are calculated to inspire the spectators with a salutary dread, and thereby deter them from homicide!" Very little attention to the exciting causes of the various emotions of the human mind would convince the advocates of death punishment, that those who attend execu- tions from choice do so in order to gratify the very propen- 6 v sities, the undue exercise of which: such-scenes -are intended to suppress. While the humane and benevolent shrink fro.m the thought of witnessing such barbarity, the destructive propensity of those who are already predisposed to such acts of cruelty are highly 'gratified and fostered at the scene. Those by whom executions are attended, or by whom accounts of them are read most eagerly, are known to feel a peculiar kind of fascination in witnessing theiufiiction of pain. The oftener, therefore, such propensities are excited to action and gratified, the stronger they grow. Capital punishment, therefore, must act upon the spectators as a stimulus to homi- cide, not a warning to deter them from it. Did space permit, we flatter ourselves,, we could make it evident to the meanest capacity, that this fatal punishment has a strong tendency to make men commit not only homicide, but even suicide and could corroborate the fact with a great number of cases in which it has caused this awful effect. s Besides these pernicious tendencies of-death-punishment, it is liable to radical objections on the ground of its injustice. The moment we admit that vice and virtue exist as such according to their very nature, and independently of any circumstances whatever—which we must admit before we can substantiate their existence, save in the brains of capricious men—the moment, we say, that we admit this, we must inevitably come to the conclusion, that if killing a human being by another is in itself a vicious act, the killing of the one by law for killing the other must be a vicious act, and consequently an injustice. Another consideration, which makes d,eath-punishment for murder unjust, is the fact that all murderers are more-or less insane, or labour under the effects of a diseased brain at the time. Were the generality of people more aoquainted with the philosophy, of the human mind, as it. manifests itself by means of organization, this fact would hot appear so strange to them as at present it may. There are, however, thousands of cases on record which could be adduced to substantiate it. Indeed very few murderers are convicted who do not furnish instances which, according to the vulgar notions of insanity, would be construed to a proof of such a staie of mind, were they accurately observed. When we think that long ago we have found a way to trace the causes of all cases of suicides to "temporary insanity," it is strange that we seldom dream that homicide, which is so near akin to it, is traceable to this cause, To future generations, when insanity will be more accurately defined, and when legislators and magistrates will- be better acquainted with the laws of the human mind than at present, it will appear surprising that in the nineteenth century, revengeful death-punishment was inflicted on indi- viduals for crimes committed under evident symptoms of an unsound brain. [Oitr correspondent writes ably and powerfully on the general questipn r but we cannot as yet endorse the opinion couched in his last paragraph.—ED.]

postypool; ■ GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY.—-A' highly interesting geological discovery, has been lately made at the Pentwyh iron works, near Pontypool. While the workmen engaged in one of the mine levels were proceeding with their operations, they en- countered a fossil tree of considerable size; and the attention of Mr. Cadman, the intelligent mining agent of these wor¡1Œ, having been called to it,hedirectecleveryoxertion to be made for its preservation. The surrounding' material was conse-, quently removed with the utmost care; and, every part of the fossil having thus been preserved from injury, its structure was most clearly developed. The stratum in which it was imbedded was a blue siliceous shale, containing iron ore, and forming a moderate angle of inclination with the horizon. The tree Was in an erect position, and perpendicular.to the plane of stratifi- catiün. A thin coating, of coal, .apparently the carbonized bark, enveloped it, which could be readily scraped off* with the nail, and was so friable as to render it impossible to discern the character of the external markings. The internal cast, how- ever, partook of the same nature as the surrounding stratum and, be.neath the. coaly covering, there were evident indications of flutings, or longitudinal striie, the appearance of which was very similar to that presented by decorticated trunks of recent forest trees. The base of the trunk thickened out considerably, and large spreading roots projected on every side." The cir- cumference of the base, immediately above the oj unction with the roots, is six feet, and from thence it diminishes to four feet, in a height of about five feet, beyond which it has not yet been followed. \Ve are decidedly of. opinion, that this tree grew on. the precise spot where it is now found, and consider it to be' a variety of the Sigillarice, of which about forty species have been discovered in the coal measures.-lJ'ade's Weekhi Messenger. J TESTIMONIAL OF RESPECT TO MR. JOHN LEWIS.—On Tues- day evening the 29th ult., ameetmg of an unusually interesting and important nature took place in the large room adjoining the Hanbury Arms Inn, Pontymael, Mr, Wm. Lloyd in the chair, to present a testimonial of respect to Mr. John Lewis, who has always resided in the neighbourhood, and until the last few months has been employed as an operative in the tin works there, but is now about to engage in a work of a higher and more important character, in which he will doubtless be more useful to his country and the world. He has been ac- cepted by the committee of the Baptist College, Bristol, and is to enter on his collegiate studies at the commencement of the ensuing session. The meeting was very numerously attended by his late fellow-worljtven, by whom the testimonial was sot up, and but one spiilt, pervaded them, that of resoect for their iriend who was soon to leave them regret on account of the separation, minglred with rejoicing, because he. was about to, enter upon anobter and higher sphere of action, and -an earnest desire for his_ future well-being, usefulness, and .prosperity, ihe testimonial consisted of a purse containing nearly £ 6, which at first, appears sinall, but when properly viewed, must be considered munificent and large Friday the 25th, the com- mittee was first formed; only three days',subscriptions were obtaim(, and that privately; nor were the contributors those who vere able to give their halfsovereigns or sovereigns, but those to whom the-smallest coin is an object. A series of reso- Tu>i°ns was moved, seconded, and supported, by Messrs. vlacob, Phillips, Lloyd, Jones, Davies, and Smith. The chair- man, in a suitable address, presented the purse. In returning thanks, Mr. Lewis said among other things, Such an expres- sion of your esteein had never once entered my mind. I felt that I was unworthy such an expression of your favour. I always thought I had your best wishes for my comfort and happiness, that you desired my welfare as. I do yours; and that there was a mutual affection existing between us; but such an expression of your good feeling I never dreamed of, and how to return you my thanks I feel at a loss. I feel that you not only show your respect for me, but your sympathy with principles which have been the cause of our separation. You show that you are the friends of liberty;, that you are anx- ious to perpetuate those principles inviolable, by coming for- ward in such a Inuriifieçnt way to testify respect for one who has been the victim of oppression. May you be rewarded by see- ing those principles flourish by having your own liberties ex- tended and your happiness augmented. May Heaven grant that we may meet again in peace, in comfort, prosperity, and enjoyment. Your kindness is peculiarly opportune, not be- cause I am at present in need of pecuniary aid or anticipate such need; but as there are years before me during which time I must fall back upon present supplies, it is impossible to tell what may be required. I shall be at all times to hear of your welfare, and although separated from you, I shall not for- get you, especially shall I not forget your kindness to me here this evening." A vote of thanks to. the chairman for his effi- cient services, was moved by Mr. Smith, which was carried by acclamation, after which the meeting separated. We understand a committee has been formed, and arrange- ments are being made, for the reception of E. Miall, Esq., who is. shortly expected to visit this town as a deputation from the British' Anti-State Church Association. The annual treat given by C. H. Leigh, Esq., to the Church day and Sunday schools came off on Monday last. At two o'clock a pro- cession, consisting of the children of the several Church schools, and a large number of other children of the town, was formed oppo- site the town school-room, headed by thePotnewyuyclcl brass band, which amused the children by a number of pleasing airs, as th ey v moved through the various streets in the town to the church, where they were addressed by several ministers who were present; after which they returned, hungry and fatigued, to the school-room, where they were well supplied with tea and cake.

BKYNMAWfi. THE increase of this place id. building and population is won- derful. A few, years ago there Was nothing here but a wild- waste common now it comprises at least a,000 inhabitants, of whom a,large number dwell iu their own cottages. Where there are So-many houses continually being built, it can hardly be ex- pected that Brynmawr should exhibit the order and cleanliness of long established towns and we believe the streets -arid the drain- age of the place could be improved. We find here many respect- able tradesmed' fast thriving in business, a commodious market- place, with a large hall most convenient for the holding of public meetings, a magistrate's hall, and one of the largest shop build- ings within the whole, of the principality, IT is gratifying in thextreme to find that there is here also ample religious accommodation for the whole of the population at one and the same time. The efforts of the total abstainers in this place are1 unceasing; about a month ago they held their anniversary, which was well at- tended. At -the-public meeting E.' Parry, Esq., of Crickhowel] presided, to the great satisfaction of all present. Mr. Parry is a pledged teetotaller, and takes great interest in the social and moral improvement of the neighbourhood. THE day school established On the British plan is under the care of a competent master, trained at the Borough-road. The number of children in attendance is somewhere about two hun- dred. CWMTILLËRY.- We are glad to learn that the coalpits of John Russell, Esq., of- ttisoa, under-the able superintendence of Mr. Martia at this place, are rapidly progressing. Also the pits: of Thomas Protheroe Price, Esq., of Brecon, under the skilful ma- nagement of the underground surveyor, Mr. Mathew Habakkuk, are going on to the full satisfaction of the noble- adventurer. Happily no accidents or damages of any serious character have happened since the opening of these pits. It is confidently ex- pected, that the Newport coal market will be amply-supplied «i:h coal of superior quality from these pits before manyínqutlls will ex- pire, and that many scores of honest and hard-forking colliers rl,r,,g colliers will find the pits a source of employment for. many years. COMMEMOitATIONOF THE YEAIt 1648.—We understand that the Independents,.of Rehoboth, Brynmawr, and the. Baptists of Blaenau, Gweot, intend to hold meetings at Rehoboth, on the 24th and the 25th inst., in celebration of the year mentioned above, in wliich the cause of Dissent was planted in this neighbourhood. We understand also'that there will be a meeting at the Gelh'r- "grug farmhouse, a place of ancient note and attraction, where the meetings of the Dissenters of the neighbourhood were usually held before they erected chapels for' themselves. Ministers of emi- nence are expecied-to attend. Many'important facts in connexion with the ancieilt Christians of/the district will'be brought, to light by these meetings, which would otherwise have been left buried in oblivion. BEAUFORT.—On Monday, the 28th of August,, the Rechabite club at this place held their anniversary. About half-past one o'clock they marclied iu a regular procession, headed by a band of musicians.. to the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, they were ad- dressed in English by Mr. Loinax, and in Welsh by Mr. J. I Phillips, Bank-y-Felin, Carmarthenshire At three-o'clock a large and respectable party s'atdqwn to tea, and at six in the evening, a public meeting was held at the above-mentioned- chapel. The at- tendance was large, and the speeches delivered on the occasion gave great satisfaction. ■' PENTCAE.-— On Tuesday evening the 29th ult., a public meet- ing-was heldrin;the school-rooms adjoining theWesleyan chapel, m order to explain and enforce the principles of total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks. Mr. Lomax addressed-the audience iu English, and Mr. J. Phillips in Welsh. VICTORIA. IRON -WORKS.—It is rumoured in well-informed cir- cles, that these important works, where the bed of-materials is almost inexhaustible,, are about being settled and,tansferred so as soon to be put in a. most cfficiertt and extensive operation.

CARIARTlI EN. SOMETHING- MORE IMPORTANT THAN CONFIRMkION.-C.. We were sadly perplexed on Saturday evening last, iifcheading the following notice and an advertisement to the same effect, in the (.ai-inai,tlteit "POSTPONEMENT br THE CONFIRMATION-.—The Lord Bishop of the diocese left here for London on Wednesday last,, on business of pressing importance. This has necessitated the postponement of he general confirmation intended to be held this autumn and a partial alteration of the days for holding the visitntioA." We had always been accustomed to suppose that the rite of confirmation was of the .utmost importance, and could not ima- gine what business there could be of a more pressing nature, rearing that we might have over-rated its valuej though we had been told that it would cure rheumatilm and toothache, we', consulted-the-Book-of Common' Prccyer.' But on turning to the Order of Confirmation," we found that the confirmed are required to renounce' the; devil and all his .works; the pomps and vanity of this wicked world and the sinful lusts of the flesh.for themselves. Surely, we thought, nothing can be of more pressing importance than this and yet; the renouncing I 11 of the devi). is actually postponed In proceeding, however, j

POLICE COURT, AUG. 30.—(Before W. Thomas and G. R. Morgan, Esqrs.)—Mary Thomas, Tydfil-street, was charged with throwing ashes to the high road, opposite the park of Cyfarthfa Castle. Fined Is., and costs. Isaac Hoicells was charged by Letitia Morganwith being the father of her illegiti- mate child. An order was made upon him to pay Is. 6d. per 1-woek towards its maintenance.Dal'ÙZDavics, haullier, Dowlais, was charged with assaulting William Morgan. Fined 10s., and costs,——John Morgan, collier, was jeharged with breaking the window of a poor woman at Ppntstorehouse. Fined 2s., and costs; and in default of payment, was commit- ted for 14: clays to Cardiff house of correction-. Elizabeth ,cP4teU, a single woman, was charged with assaulting Jane Daivies. Fined r)d., and costs.——-Mary Collins was charged with assaulting Judith X) a vies. Fitted Is., and costs. ■John Sullivan,, Park-street beer house, powlais, was charged with having his house open for the sale of beer at an illegal hour on ^Sunday, the 27th ult. Fined Is., and costs.-Ann Edwards, of the Blase Furnace beer house, Rhyniizey, was charged with a similar offence. Fined 40s., and costs.- -William Jenkins, White Horse beer house, Dowlais, was fined 10s., and costs, for a like offence.- John Thomas, Reform beer house, Pontstore- ii I rm house, was charged with a similar offence. Fined 10s., and icosts. SEPTEItBrp. 2.-(Before W. Thomas, Esq.)—William Evans was charged with deserting from her Majesty's 11th regiment of foot. Ordered to be committed to Cardiff gaol, to await orders from the Horse Guards. POLICE COURT, SEPTEMBER 4tii.-(Before W. Thomas, Esq.)—The only case brought before the bench this day was that of Catherine Jones, one of the inhabitants of the notorious Cellars, who was charged by Hugh Evans with stealing money from his person; on Sunday. As the prosecutor did not appear against her, she was discharged. Several summonses were granted, after which his worship rose at an early hour. LAST Saturday, being the anniversary of the Firemens' Friendly Society held at the Vulcan, in this town, 200 of the members met in the morning, formed themselves into a pro- cession, and, preceded by a band of music, perambulated the town, and paid a visit to Gwaelod-y-Grarth, the residence of \V. Meyrick, Esq., where they received a handsome present. They then attended Divine service at Ebenezer chapel, when the Rev. Abel Jones preached a most excellent sermon:; after which they partook of an exquisite dinner, provided by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.. The large flag, with the emblem of the Vulcan, and the members .wearing their red scarfs and rosettes, attracted considerable attention. WAUN FAi-t.-This fziir was held on Saturday last, and was well attended. Ponies and cattle sold tolerably well, but sheep were rather slow in demand. Upon the whole it was a brisk fair. DOWLAIS.—The fourth anniversary of the Rechabite club was held at Dowlais on the 28th ult..The members met at the infant school, at three o'clock, and from thence went in proces- sion, around the house of Mr. John Evans, to the Calvinistic I u Methodist chapel, and up to Dowlais church. The Rev. Mr. Kenin read the service, and, in the unavoidable absence of the Rev. E. Jenkins, the rector, the Rev. W. Rowlands, curate of Merthyr, delivered an excellent discourse, expatiating at con- siderable length on the evils caused by intemperance, and on the good effect resulting from total abstinence. The members then returned in prosession to their room, where they partook of that cup which cheers but not inebriates." The company was honoured with the presence of Mr. John Evans, and Mrs. Evans, and the children, Mr. William Evans, and Mrs. Evans, widow of the late Mr. Thomas Evans, Mrs. Jenkins, and several other ladies. At 7, the members again met in the infant school- room, when Mr. Kenin and several others addressed them in very effective speeches. A vote of thanks was given to the committee of the infant school for the loan of the room, after which the meeting separated.