The Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette and Merthyr Guardian

The foreign news of the week is without importance. The cxcitcllwllt lalely caused by the apprehension and imprisonment of Mr M'I.EOD lias in some measure subsided, and it is now thought that the question will be settled to the satisfaction of this country. A joint com- mission was expected to be nominated to survey the north cast boundary, the result of whoso labours it is hoped will terminate satisfactorily a question which has long been a fertile source of heals and animosities between the inhabitants of New Brunswick and those of the State of M aine, and consequently has in some degree disturbed the amicable relations of the respectiv e governments of England and tli■ • United States

We beg to call the attention of our readers to two letters which appear in our colllmns 011 Ihe subject of the laIc seandalnll desecratioH of the parish church of Merthyr Tvdvil, iu adjourning a meeting for the consideration of the proposed bill for the appointment of t magis- trate from the vestry room to the ciiiiicii, ivitiell was tllIUi converted for the time into an arena for the indulgence of th. worst alld wildest pas- sions, and by which its sanctity was violaled in defiance of all law and in utter disregard of every feeling of religion.

SWANSEA. 011 Sunday last a sermon was preached in the parish church of Swansea, by the Kev. Doctor Hewson, vicar, in aid of the National Society for the Education of the Pnor in the Principles of the Established Church, and a co 11 re* ion made to the amount of £ 21 13s for that purpose. SWANSEA SPIlING ASSIZE*. On Thursday last, the Honourable Sir Thoma Coltnian, one of her .Majesty's Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, arrived at Swansea, escorted hv the High Sheriff, Joseph Martin, Esq., the javelin men, and a numerous and highly respectable retinue. His lordship immediately proceeded to the Hall, "I where the commission was opened. The Court was then adjourned to Friday. The Sheriff's ordinary at the Mackworth Arms was very well attended upwards of fifty gentlemen sat down to an excellent entertainment. His lortlsitip was to attend Divine Service at Saint Mary's Church, Friday. The Rev. Thomas Bowen was to read the service, and the Sheriff's chaplain, the Rev. Wm llew.son, D.D.. preach the assize sermon. In our next we will present our readers with a very full report of all the trials. .#,I'#ØI,I.

LA NTT WIT MAJOR. William Williams, the younger (the son of William Williams, the notorious thief, mentioned in our last, as having for some time past infested the neighbour hood of Lantwit Major) was, on Saturday last, com- mitted by the Cowbridge magistrates, for aiding and assisting his father in breaking into the barn of David Meredith, of the Moorlands Ground, and stealing corn therefrom, allll also for having on the same night, stolen one goose, the property of Job Reynolds, of theabovementionedpart.sh Such depredations have been carried on tor these years past, that a goose is now a "rara ttvis" in that vicinity. A bunch of false keys and picklocks were found in the possession of the prisoners, which were found to open several barns and malthouses. On .Monday last the remains of Revan Morgan. Esq., were interred in Colweston Church, lie was followed to the grave by upwards of ;{ÜO of the Odd Fello%vs,!of society he had long Iwen a memhr. and was IIInch beloved aud sincerely regretted by all the brethren. '11"'1"

GELLYOAER. On Friday evening last, Feb. 19th, a haulier in the employ of Robert Beaumont, Esq., lop I!ii 1 Colliery, was crushed between the trams and side of the level. The poor fellow was carried home and is now under the care of i\! r Strange, surgeon, and in a fair way of recovery. On Saturday last, a collier in the employ of Messrs Duncan and Co., coal proprietors, Lancyach Col- iiery, iiiet with all accident by a fall of about 25 cwt. of coal (in his back. The poor man was carried home, and is now under the care of Mr Strange, aud is in a fair way of recovery.

MERTHYR. We have the satisfaction of announcing that Wm. Thomas, Esq of Court House, to whom the town of Merthyr is indebted for a Market House, has been applied to by many influential parties to cause a supply of water to be brought by pipes to every house requiring it, so that every householder who wishes for a regular and constant supply of that first necessary of life, will be able to procure it at a reasonable expense. We hope soon to be able to give farther particulars on this interesting subject. We understand Mr Wyatt has been written to to undertake the business. LAUGHING GAS -We have much pleasqro ill SPeitl- by Mr Partridge's advcrtisincnt, that an opportunity will be afforded to our readers during the next week only, of experiencing the delightful sensations pro- duecd by this gas, as well as witnessing its highly humorous effects upon others, when breathed into the lungs. Its public exhibition has met with the most marked approbation, and has astonished and delighted thousands of persons in all the larger cities and towns of the united kingdom- It affects individuals in very opposite ways In some it produces excessive laughter and good humour: the most energetic and expressive theatrical attitudes and language: gym nastic feats of leaping, dancing, boving, cto In others the most delightful and thrilling sensations of pleasure in body and mind, without being followed by the depression and languor which invariably succeed the eKpiteuient produced by intoxicating liquors. We have bad repeated occasions to mention the slaughter of fat cattle and pigs, but we do not remcm- ber recording that of a bear in this town. Such an event, however, occurred Oil Thursdav last, when a fine young bear, which had been put up to latten for the last nine weeks, fell a victim to the refinement of the times, his greaso being a desideratum for the toilet of our elegantes, who will now have an opportunity of Supplying themselves with some of the genuine bear's greaso, by applying to the proprietor, IVjr Daniel Davis, hair dresser, High Street. The intended execution becoming known a number of persons assembled to witness it. Bruin behaved with becoming dignity on the i..oui-tiful occasion, allll died what is called "game." His body will be exhibited for a few days, and will then uudcrgo tho operation of dissection. MERTIIYR Nw CHURCH. It will be perceived from an advertisement that the committee for the new church have advertiseil for plaiig and estimates,to he delivered by the 25tij of next lIIollth, for building Un- church. MERTIIYR TYDVIL UNION—It will be seen by an advertisement that the election of poor law guar 'lians for this union will t.ike place on the 25th March The last day for receving nominations is the 10th March. If jitore (iiiii the required number are nomi nated, the clerk of the union will issue voting papers, and collect the same on the 23rd. It will be seen b vaiiadvertiscitiolittilit MrThoinas Stephens, who was many years with Mr Morgan, druggist, h is purchased his busiiiess, ittiti intends car- rying it on ill the same place. We pcrceive also that Air D. Griffiths, who Was a long time iu the employ of Mrs Jenkins, druggist, in this towlI, has commenced business in that line at a shop next door to the New Inn, High Street. IMMENSE TROUT.—An immense trout was caught last Monday, in Coedcar Pit Pond the dimensions of this fine fish were:—length, 25^ inches; girth, 13, width of tail, 7; and it weighed 0] lbs.

itlonmoutfttflitrc. rfr MON MOUTH Sill It K ELECTION. The following remarks on this election appeared in the Morning Herald a few davs since — As to Monmouthshire, the seat, of which a sound conservative is now in possession, was possessed ever since the Reform Act by the whig interest, yet a re- spectable conservative of hereditary claims uponpopu lar support had but to show himself to drive away the whig candidate, ill "double quick" time from the fie'd which he had expected to rido over in the unsullied plumage aud gay caparison of a victor with whom nobody dares to dispute the prize whose gauntlet no adventurous knight dares to take up. this fond speculation of all uncontested triulllpll-of the easy acquisition of such honours as attach to the Sine pulvere palmd was as visionary as Lord Melbourne's dreain. It has vanished and though Mr Haubury Tracv did not win the fight, be may ellllsolchis misfortune with the lludibrastic g'ory of having won the race- And when the fiht hecomes a chase, He wins the tight who wins the race." In that way the scion of the House of Tracy might dispute the palm of superior speed with any harc in South Wales, for he has established for himself the lame of unrivalled fleeiness — And not a star but shines too bright For him who takes such timelc-ss Uiglu." ,# NEWPORT. Ntr MOIIC.AN'S IIQUI)-IS Will InCCt Oil Aloti(i,iy March 1st, at Duffryn XVe(liies(lay 3,1, it Friday 6,11, at Marshfield. E.-teli (lky -,it li;ilf I)ast t,l,-veii o'clock. ,ø" TREDEGAR. DINNER AT THE TKEUKGVU ARMS.—Mrs Thomas, widow ef the late reslwcted i\lr Daniel Thomas, of tht' Tredegar Arms, will give a public dinner on the 17th (If Nliirelk next. Saiul llomfray, E-'q., High Sheriff of the county of Monmouth, and Samuel Jones Phillips. Esq., Under Sheriff, have kindly consented to act as chairm in and vicechairiiiau on the occasion, and we earnestly hope that the company will be as numerous as we are certain that it will be respectable.

Bvcrowtfurr. BIIBCKNOCK INFIRMARY.—Feb. lGtli. I". Out. Patients remaining last week. 6 2S Admitted since 0 7 III. Out. C, 35 ('tired and Believed 0 5 Dead • 0 (I 0 5 Remaining 0 30 Physieiatl for the ensuing week I)i- I,uc;i- Surgeon ditto ditto Mr Armstrong. THE WKLSII MINSI'IIKL FAMILY.—The admirers of native talent will be gratified to learn (hat the young I iughe and his hrotl1l'I';O¡ are pursuing a very successful career in the United States. Wo have already "otic(,(1 their reception in New York, and from the following paragraph in the United Stales Gazette of the loth ult., we inter that they have been equally successful at Philadelphia: — "Tup MASTKKS fh:C¡IH:S. Tilesl' little fellows are engaged for the remainder of this week, this and to morrow evenings, at the museum. It is superfluous to add any I'mther encomium upon their worth, for that we consider is already established as there are above two tllons,llI" living testimonials mid advertisements of their wonderful musical talent who have witnessed their delightfu' [1..rforma1Icl'ssilwo i heir sojourn with us. We sa v.' come one, come all,' this evening, as they leave for Baltimore next Monday to fulfil their engagements there."—Silurian.

FAIRS FOR MARCH. Ulmllorgallshire Auhrey Arms, near Co.vbriilge, Monday S; Cardiff, Wednesday 10 Cowbridge, 'Tuesday 23 Gower Inn, K.ilvrough, Saturday '20 Llangefelach, Monday 1; Merthyr Tydvil, Thursday 18; Morristown. Monday 29- Monmouthshire.—Abergavenny, Tuesday 16 Breeunshire—Brecon, Wednesday 3; Pontnedd fechan, Saturday 13; 'Talgarth, Friday 1*2. Carmarthenshire—(boss Inn. Tuesffay 23 Llan- dovery, Friday 19; Llangadock, Friday U New Castle in Enilyn. Tuesday !23. Cardjyanshire—Lianarth, Friday 10 Tregaron, Tuesday 16 Pembrokeshire — Maenclochog. WEDNESDAY 10; Narberth, Monday 2-2; St. David's, Friday ITF. TO LL/ruros (THE MODERN). Nid cipnmaint BleJilt/n u'i dnvst." While wander "wolves in search of prey." With dread all clean beasts see them pass; But ilonkics merely have to bray, Atid safely r sts each foul Jack Ass. .## Y. Iil.A t I'O. MUlWlm AT RUT)IIN.-We stated last week, on the authority of the Carnarvon Herald, that a game- keeper, in the service of AIR Edward Lloyd, of Ithag- gatt, named Evan Evans, HAD disappeared, and was supposed to have been murdered by a tailor, named Edward Chubb. In searching the house of Chuhh clothes were found with blood upon them, which cor- responded with the description given by the wife of Elans of the clothes he wore at the time of his disap- pearance. Bnt there being no evidence on which to charge hint with the murder, he was committed on a charge of sheep stealing, a quantity of sheep skins having heen found in liis house It appears that the wife 01 the prisoner had subsequently stated, tnat on his return home on the evening of the keeper's dis- appearance, he told her that he had settled Evans," that he had called him out on the Saturday night in way before spoken of, and had led him about two mites from his house, pretending to show him some snares that had been set; that during the walk he had tried to shottt hill) from behind no less than three times, but that each time his pistol missed fire, and that the game P, keeper being deaf, did not hear the noise, and mistook the flashing in the pan for a gleam of lightning; that having failed in these attempts he led him to the bank of a certain slate quarry, which he described, and having told him to look about for the wires, struck him with the pisto) from behind, and thrust him over into the water; that there was a fall of '25 yards to the water, and that the pool was six yards deep. In con- sequence of this statement the pool referred to was submitted to a rigorous search, and several men were employed for four hours in breaking up the ice, which had accumulated over it. A small boat used for fishing (a coracle) was then let down by which means the body was soon discovered, but the boat not being strong enough to raise it, another man was let down by ropes, who succeeded in bringing the body up. An inquest was held on the body on Monday and Tuesday, at which the evidence of 35 witnesses was received but beyond the statement of the wife of the prisoner regarding what he had said to her, there was nothing elicited, except evidence of a circumstantial character. The testimony of these witnesses, although far from conclusive as to the guilt of the prisoner, was quite sufficient in the minds of the jurors to justify their verdict of Wilful Murder against Edward Chubb, which they returned accordingly. I have successfully directed many of my friends possessing game preserves to plant the Halesia (snow drop tree) in their "ood. Phea- sants are particularly fond of the berry, and thrive upon it; and the plant during the winter will afford abundance of food, so as to prevent them straying abroad to the profit of the poacher. There is no shrub better suited to all xoils. The back woods of North America abound with it, and it affords food to birds when nothing else can be procured. What has hitherto only been considered an ornamental shrub, wijl, if my suggestions are attended to, become an object well worth the nurseryman's attention. The oerry « hen ripe is greedily devoured by all kinds of poultry. My shrubs are very soon I cleared of them.—Gardeners' Chronicle.

CORRESPONDENCE. BRAWLING IN CHURCHES. TO RUN EDITORS OF THE GAZETTE ft GUAIIIHAN OiiNTLEMEN,—The shameful meeting mentioned in your last, as having been held in Merthyr Church. causes me now to address you on the subject, giving a slight account, of the law to be put in force against the desecrators of the House of God. The sanctity of places dedicated to the Almighty II as al wa" been protected from violation,and the Courts Christian ave always taken cognizance, not only of actnal breaches of the peace, but also of violent and abusive language, when used in a sacrelI editice For the sup- pression of these enormities the 5th and 6th of Ed. VI was passed, and is still unrepealed. Mere quarrel- some words, not to be regarded elsewhere, are punish- able if occurring in sacred places. (I Hawk. P.C.) Liy section 1. of c. 4, of the above statute. it is enacted That if any person shall by words only, quarrel, chide, or brawl in any church, or churchyard, it sliill be lawful for the ordinary of the place, by two wit- nesses, to punish either layman or clerk." This statute was passed to repress the violation of sacred edifices, but the act did not create the offeuce, as it subsisted by the common law before the statute was enacted, and in the year 1415, Lord Strange, hi.s wife, and others, were made to do penance, and fined, for this oilence. A party, therefore, may pro ceed either on the common law or the statute. (Hutchins v. Dun ford, 1 Phil. '283.) If you proceed under the statute, two witnesses are required, but otherwise at common law. Words of a passionate tenor, though expressedwitttout any tone of passion, are helll to be within the statute. (Cox v. Guodain, '2 Hag. 138 ) No meeting shall be held of a riotous nature in a church nor yet shall indecorous behaviour be allowell in a vestry. (3 Ucty. 3.51), S-c-) tupro ceedingon this section the ordinary may use a convic- tion at common law, so that i iiiiiii may be convicted in the Temporal Courts, and punished in the Spiritual. (1 Burr. '243) Even brawling ill a vestry, attended by only five persons, and not attached to the church, but standing within the churchyard, was lielil to be within the statute. (3 Hag I(i9.) By '27 George III., c 44, it is enacted, that no suit shall he hrought in any Ecclesiastical Court for striking or brawling in ar.y church or churchyard, after the expiration of eight calendar months the time when the offence was committed. No prohibition lies in proceedings under statute. As the object of the statute, as well as the general law, is to protect the sanctity of places set apart for the worship of the Supreme Being, and the repose of the dead, in which nothing but religious awe and good will between men should prevail, it is no part of the inquiry, where more than oue person is implicated in the transaction, which is most to blame or which began.—l1 aimer v ""tli,y, 2 Aci(l. 1-14, 2 Lee, 514. p T))eo!.jectufthe statute is not to protect individuals from personal offence, but to guard the place from profanation, and to preserve decency. (Austen v Dagger, 3 PIÚlimore, 1-2()). The motives of the promoter must not he vin- dictive but from a regard for the sanctity of religion, but the presumption will always be that he proceeds on honest motives until strong proof of the contrary be shewn. (3 Hag. Sti'J ) Nor is it any defence under the statute to shew that the promoter was the aggressor. (Ifuet V. Dash, '2 Lee, 514) The court has power to fine to any reasonable amount, in adlli- tion to the usual punishment, but generally nomine expensarum. The statute 5 and (i Edward VI not having directed who shall prosecute, any partv what- soever may do so. 514.) The Ecclesiastical Courts are inclined to admit suits of this kind, for it is as necessary now as the lt,v %vas made to prevent the profanation of sacred places, and to repress such conduct at meetings, where party and passion ought to find no plact" (Sir John NicfiolPs judgment in Lee v. Mathews, 3 Hag. 170 ) As to the costs in suits for brawling or chiding the expenses arc to bt borne by the offender, but the court has discretion to mitigate. Any public notices, except what are strictly ecclesiastical, are prohibited from being lead or pub- lished in churches by 1 Vic c. 45. The above observations are al ) our service,nd if vou think them of any service, iu repressing such cnormi ties as were reported in your last, you will, perhaps, insert them in your next. I could have wished to have been more diffuse on this important subject; but the limited columns of a newspaper lorbid it. In conclu- sion ( Gan ouly express a hope that the transactiolls in Merthyr church wiii n »t be allowed to pass un noticedhy our ordinary and others, whose duty it is to guard and protect the edifices set apart for the worship of'our nod, 1 remain, Gentlemen, yours obediently, Colhough Point, Feb, 24'Ji, LS11. D. C. L. TO THE EDITORS Of 11112 GAZETTE & GII AUDI \N. GUNTUCMHN, — With very deep pain and concern have I read in your paper the report of the proceed ings which link place in your Parish Church — proceedings illegal in themselves, anù alt ogether disgraceful to the parties concerned. ^It might have been hoped that the prosecution which was commenced against a churchwarden of Merthvr ten years ago, in 1831, and which was dropped in consequence of his public acknowledgment of sorrow and regret for his conduct, might have operated to prevent a repetition of similar enormities, and that common decency would have restrained the assem- bling in tlae House of Prayer for such purposes, or, when assembled, would have restrained the individuals present from outrage and violence, that would not have heen endured in a playhouse. In 1831, Mr Joseph Coffin, one of the churchwar- dens, permitted a public meeting to be lielil in the Church, whi. h had been convened for the considera- tion ol the subject of Reform. At this meeting much occurred that was tumultuous and indecorous, both in the use of improper language, as well as in the mani- festation (It opinion —one common feeling of offence was created among all the well thinking people of the country, aud a prosecution was loudly called for by the public voice. Proceedings were accordingly instituted in the Episcopal Consistory Court of LlamlalY against Mr Joseph Cofhn, in the brat instance, for having so far olate(I his duty as churchwarden as to consent to the meeting being held within the sacred edifice. An opinion had been obtained from Dr Lushington on the subject, which 1 have seen, and a portion of which I wiil transcribe l £ states as follows: — It 4 am of opinion that, provided it can be proved by evidence, tint Mr Collin gave permission for the meeting to be held in the church, and was present thereat, he may be prosecuted in the Consistorial Court for so doing. There must also be evidence generally, not particularly, of what passed at t.h meeting. The proceedings must he by articles, with which the citation must correspond, and the offence charged should be, not merely a breach of the 88th canon, but also generally for allowing persons to in. ct in the church, for purposes not consistent with the uses for which it is appropriated. If the necessary evidence be adduced, 1 am of opinion that such pro secution must be successful. "Jan. 31, 1831." S. LUSIUNGTON. Alarmed at this clear testimony, and persuaded of the illegality of his conduct, of which he was not conscious before, Mr Coflin, with perfect readiness and candour, consented to make an apology, and publicly to express his regret that he had assented 10 the meeting being held in the church. This .< apolog. appeared in the newspapers, duly signed by Air Collin, and it is dated Merthyr Tydvil, ifiih February, 18:H. Tlw measure satisfied the prosecutor and the pro- ceedings were withdrawn. As the very words of this document may be satis- factory to your readers, I will here supply them — APOLOOY. 1, JOSEPH COFFIN, one of the churchwardens of the parish of Merthyr Tydvil, am anxious to take this public opportunity of testifying my regret, that any tiling should have induced me to give my consent to a meeting being held in the PARISH CHURCH. for the purpose of taking into consideration the pro- priety of pelitioning. Parliament on the subject of Reform, a purpose inconsistent with the uses for which such sacred edifices are appropriated. "1 was not aware at the time of my doing wrong, having given my consent hastily and without proper consideration. I did not intend the least oftence; but feeling I have transgressed the duties of my office, I readily declare my sorrow for having so done, and I sincerely lament, that, under any circumstances, topics should have been agitated, and language used, wholly at variance with the sacred object for which the Church was designed. I lament that a Building, SOLEMNLY CONSECRATED AND SET APAltT FOR CHRIS- TIAN WORSHIP AND INSTRUCTION, should have been converted into a theatre for public debate and contro- versy) and that politics and secular matters should have been discussed in a place, where religious feeling and unanimity should prevail, and party and passion have no share. (Signed) "J:ISEPH COFFIS." Having laid these documents before you, I shall conclude with again expressing my regret that such scenes should be permitted within a building dedicated to holy purposes only. I am, Gentlemen, yours, A. CHURCHMAN. ",#'I.##.

ETYMOLOGY. TO THE EDITOR-* OF THE GAZETTE AN,) GUARDIAN "Truth, though hewn like the mangled body of Osiris,ino a thousand parts, and scattered to the four winds, will be gathered limb by limb, and moulded into an immortal feature cf loveliness and perfection." GI;NTLF-V,FN,- WiSit ill, to render as condensed as possible my conclusive communication, 1 have the honour to address to you, as separate and distinct propositions, divested from all particulars, certain probabilities alluded to in my last, and deduced from the analogy of natural, astronomical, and his torical scattered documents. If the summary ot suv iiu utile opinions and my own reflections on the .subject are here presented under the interrogativ< form, and as a series of inquiries, it is b-jcause 1 proless to be a zealous eclectic communicator, and not at all a stia' pedagoguic dictator. Does there not often, and might there not oftener exist iu spoken words a certain relationship between the sounds of which they are made up, and the things which they are to exl)rt-ss Are we not sometimes struck with. and surprised at the energy ot certain expressions or superiority oi a language, without exactly being able to say why ? Felix qui potmit rorum cognoscere causas Is not such a pleasurable sensation, the known effect of an unknown cause, the result of the imitative power (if 8ign, and of their latent adequateness to represent thing's: Qua:nrLun nominulU proprielatt'UJ ex rebus ipsis innatam esse."—(Plato.) Is not the compound sound st a specimen of the I adequateness just mentioned? Is not, for example, s directly obtained by the material contact of the teeth, which, preventing the eniission of the vocal air. becomes an obstacle to its motion. And, besides, is not the sound t again produced by the agency of the same organ, which is the hardest alld most fixed of all the parts of the human vocal instrument? Is there not theu a relationship Iwtween st and the idea of fixity, or comparatively motionless resistance, as, tor example, in the f 'n^lish, Latin, French, and I la Iian lollowiug words, each ot them ha\ nig a different meaning, but containing a common idea of fixlt% stand, statua, stalle, .strrzione ? (Nomina verbaque non posita fortuko bed quadarn vi et ratione facta su nt.) Can we, on the other hand, finil any analogy between spoken and wiitten signs? Do we not remark I bat there is not the least resemblance between the drafts and the sounds; unless we consider the signs ft, 0, i, s, as having a laint graphic relation with their correlative sounds } Are we not even compelled to acknowledge that in our modern alphabetical systems the lIIost absurj method has been introduced? Have we not, for example, in the Hnglish and French languages more than one sign for one identical sound, and, rice versa, more than one sound for one identical sign ? Can we, amongst the antients, find more analogy between the linear and sonorous letters" Did not the Mexicans paint things without reprcjj senting sounds? Were not the knotty colon red strings of the Peruvians called qnipos, originally applied to numeration, and subsequently to the recording of g-reat events, entirely unconnected with the power of sounds, although related to colour;-? Were not the Egyptian hieroglyphics, according to the opinion of a countryman ot mine, Champollion connected with letters, but without any analogy with the sounds themselves ? Was not the essence of the Egyptian mysteries a certain application of figurative names to tilings but not to sounds ? Did not the Ethiopians, a long while before the Hgvpiians, mak, use of these figures, not as vocal notes -ep), but as the representatives otthe things deoportis adtisli profert quosdatu lihros litteris ignora- bilious praenotatos partial figuris cujusmodi anim.i- lium concepti seraiouis compendiosa verba sugger- entes." Can we no!, then, lint-I a nation possessed of a more philosophical system, and using an alphabet of literature more analogous to the alphabet of nature Is there not oil the surface of our globe a spot more favourable than any other (o the contemplation ot the .,t)rks of the Almighty, a table Ian 1 far distant on every side from the liquid plain; a spot free from periodical inundations, dislocations, and volcanic eruptions, in fact, a fortunate spot wbae first rose the precious stem of human knowledge If we examine some fundamental facts concerning the correlative sciences, astronomy, geology, and geography, shall we not find tiIat the table laud alluded to must have been the central part of Asia, from about the 4SQ to the 00° of north latitude ? Was not there a noble race ot men entitled to our veneration, in consequence of their having acquired, through a long series of centuries, a profound knowledge, the offspring of a lengthened meditation, and the result of their happy geographical ? Is there not amongst the precious archaeological relations of the most celebrated Chinese travellers a very curious document concerning Siberian tribes (called in China Chc-Goei). who lived near the river Amur, and usetl pieces of wood (sprigs) to express their ideas? If some analogy can be traced between art and nature, is it not amongst men so favourably situated ? Alter many attacks and aggressions made against thelll by northern tribes were they not obliged to abandon their pennies, and wander through the adjacent countries? Did they not emigrate in two different directions, south west and north w est ? Were not, then, two large distinct tamiles formed, the Inda Arabic-Ethiopian and the ludo Germanic II yperborean lias not the latter preserved its identity for a great many centuries, and exhibited, as tar as possible, its o.igilial type,.? Did not the emigration from Asia of these wander ing descendants of the first learned bocielY take place at two different periods, the first, fifteen centuries, and the second six centuries T)I. c \Vas not this the cause of the Siberian family being divided into two branches known under the denomin- ations of Gauls and Kimris? Did not the emigrating vanguard, confusedly crossingtheextensne forest of Hercynia, become, during a long peregrination through wildernesses, very inferior in every respect ? Did they not, at last, put an end to their wandering life, and settle in the continental and insular parts of Western h'urope. Did not the second emigration, more orderly con ducted, follow the same direction, and did not then the Kimris, led by llesus, bring amongst the Gauls (Galls), their Hneient countrymen, some remains of the primitive sacerdotal, philosophical, and legisla- lative institutions of their mother country, Central Asia 1 Were not pieces of ivccd (sprigs, twigs) used by the (Jallo-Ivituric r;u;e, as symbols of sonorous letters ? Were not th: natural signs (trees and plants) possessed of qualities analogous to the sounds they stood for? Was not the sound a, for example, which is a free, uninterrupted, open sound, representing of itself an idea of tendency forwards, of proceeding, —was not a represented by the fir tree, whose length •<uvl straiglitnosu are ch^racteristical signs, as well as the sound a. of direct tendency, continuance, &c. ? Was not the sound e the reverse of a, that is an interrupted one, represented by the white poplar, whose quivering leaves are symbols of a broken, interrupted motion ? Was not the yew tree used for i: the furze for o the heath for u the birch tree for b, &c. ? Was not the iaiter substituted for the original one, the palm tree ? Do we not perceive in such a system a threefold analogy ? Did not the descendants of tlje learned, unfortu- nate, wise, quiet, and sober primitive central Asiatic society preserve a profound respect for the alphabet of nature, handed to them by their veuerable forefathers? not., with them, four things very different, the thing, the thought, the sound, and the note, brought to one focus, the alphabet, of nature 1 W ere not in the time of general confusion, dis- persion, and destruction, a f. w minds, conteinplators of nature, fond of solitude and of meditation, the depositaries of the authentic transcripts of the literal signs of the Noachidoe ? Was not a name given to those men ulio could read in the volumes of nature and literature? Did not the Peruvians, of whom I have already spoken, give the name, of qnipucamajtu to those who took care of their qnipns Was not the denomination adequate to their office ? Was not then also, the name Derwydd given to those Indian literate men who could read the natural alphabet ? Does not Derwydd mean, to read notes, tokens, signs, Itiirks Darllen, to read —derll/dd, reader—arwydd mark, token, note — draen, prickle — gwydd, wood — ar- wyddo, significant—drwyddo, profound scholar? Were not groves and rivulets the objects in nature the most in harmony with their contemplative minds? 0 iiem,is! 0 fontcs! Solidumquc areiiie." Is it fair to judge of the generality of the Druids by the deceits, crafts, and barbarous customs intro dueed through corruption by some of them, and by the extravagant, imaginative, and mental intoxication of their bardic followers? Did Julius Caisar, who slew upwards a million of men, and his successors, less clever but not less barbarous than he, attempted to destroy and succeeded in exterminating Druiiism, in order to introduce religious virtue, or was it n >t because they knew that the moral influence of the Druids was the greatest obstacle to the triumph of their selfish sensual vanity ? Can we take a retrospective view of our own affairs without perceiving that we must be very indulgent and just towards o' hers? Have we forgotten that the numerous garrison of Jerusalem was put to the sword, and all the inha- bitants, themselves, massacred ? Have we forgotten that the crusaders wore crosses (cross bearers) ? Have we forgotten the massacre of the Aibigenses Must we condemn Christianity and her venerable ministers because fanatism now and then lias dis- played her most sanguinary exhibition? Having nothing to do with Druidism nor Drujs; naving never had any conversation on tiie subject with men assuming such a title, my humble opinions are the offsprings of an unprejudiced mind, and I now conclude, taking the liberty to intimate that, being horn and having been brought up in Paris (now the '.yapi..J ol France), originally Lwtweddi the chief place of the Kimris Pariii tribe, I am directly allied to Welsh people; they belong to the Kitnri-ltomano- Saxon branch, and I to the Ki;nri-fiomano-Geniia;i one. I subscribe myself, Gentlemen, Your's truly, J. l) E BOVEI E, Instituteur Franrais. .I'2"ø.XóM ATTEMPT TO POISON N ii R (From the Standard's Correspondent.) f Considerable sensation has been excited in Worces- ter within the last few days by the discovery of an attempt to poison the family of the Rev Jos- pli Webster, residing at Merriman's Iiiii, near Wor- cester. The reverend f'lIll¡'III,\1I is tue incumbent of the neighbouring parsh of ¡¡¡,dip, but has been residing in the immediate vicinity of W orcesfer till a new bouse could be built upon his living. Oil Friday last, after be and Mrs Webster, their children, and servants, iii.-i(i ill number, had partaken of soiiii! soup, the most violent and sv,iii,to,yls presented themselves. No suspicion of poison was at lirst entcrtaiued but I'xcr,wi:ltill", pain and violent retelling being experienced in turn by all the mem- bers of the family, a medic il lIIall was sent for. '1110 messenger was ill suco agony, being himself one of the sufferers, as hardly to be able to announce his eiranil. III the interim Mr Webster Ind administered to each of the intended victims copious doses of salt and water; and, on the surgeoll's arrival, he pro- nounced that but for this opportulle precaution more than one life would have IW(,1I sacrificed 'The stomach pump was put ill requisition, 111111 with tt, happiest as to the children of the family; hut serious apprehensions were, euteetaine I respecting !%I i-s W eb- ster and the female servants, who hail partaken inoro plentifully of the soup. 'The remainder was Ilstalilly analysed, and the presence of arsenic detected in it to a very great extent. \h..t, ailds a darker colouring t,) the whole I ransact iOIl is, that within the last tew mouths Mr Webster It is lost two valuable dots, 011"" noble Newfound lalld, uoth of which had unqestiouabl\r been poisoned. 'The painful inference therefore isthafc the last occurrence is a part only of a deeply laid ami most diabolical act- 11inlip is a village wdiere there are mauv HOlllani-t, hilt the best understanding has prevailed between tin; incumbent and his fiock I he attempt, therefore, to destroy him and his family cannot be traced to any religious fee ings. Lord Southwell, the Roman Catholic proprietor of liinlip. was, with two other magistrates at Mr Webster's cottage the whole of Saturday morning, anxiously endeavouring to discover the perpetrators ot this deed of wickedness. A clue, to which it would be iinpru lent to allude further lias he\'1I discovert if, which, it is Imped, will lead to the ddeclioll of thu offender. A reward of £100 has been offered for tli'ediscovery of the actual perpetrator, alld all application wil be made to obtain the Queen's pardon for an ac- complice. The report at present is, that the water of a well oil the premises has been found to be highly impregnated with arsenic, and that party hitherto unsuspected had been heard a (PIV weeks ago to observe that the dogs had gone first, and that the master would follow but fhi latter point »ants continuation. One of the servants who l,a,1 been the greatest sufferer is now ^Friday evening) pronounced out of danger. Mr Webster, it is hoped, will be able to take his duty oil Sutid.iy as usual.

TRSTIMOMVLS OF IIESPECR TO inhabitants of Pershore have raisetl by subscription nearly £1'20 for purchasing plate mid which has been presented, ill testimony of their high esteem and regard, to the Rev. JollII Foley and the Rev..John Palmer. The rev. gentlemen have been curates of Pershoie, the former eleven alld the latter nine years. IV Palmer is now removed to Claines.— fVorccst(rshirc Guardian. GLOICESTEK MesIc MEETING.— We understand that the followillg gentlemen have rouse ite l to act as Stewards at our Musical Festival next autumn The iloiiiiii(I Very Rev the Dean of Glou- cester Sir M. II. H. lieach, Rart, the (JOII Augustus Moretou, Ni 1). the Hon and Rev C. Ha (hurst; W. L Lawrence. Esq., alld (he liev Dr Claxson.—Gloucestershire Chronicle. HKIDCEWATER POOR LAW UNION. (From the Times ) In the latter end of August, 183(5, the Poor Law Commissioners' dietary was introduc ed into the Bridgewaier Union Workhouse. The inmates were then returned as being" generally lipaltliy. On the 2:Jtll of October the medical return was-" There is much sickness among the children and the old people. There are 33 cases under the care of ifie medical gentleman; t)6 inmates ill the house." On that day the medical officer wrote to the board stating that the dietary was producing disease among the inmates of the workhouse. lie was told that the general dietary was no concern of his; that he was to attend to the sick, and that onlv. The members of the visiting committtee made a similar representation to the board of guardians, stating the additional fact that the house was become infectious, and it was highly dangerous to send any more persons into it. These gentlemen were told that the law must be carried out, that the dietary, having been fixed by the Poor LIW Com- missioners, must be abided by and that as there was room in the house, fresh applicants must be sent there. This destructive system was continued in the face of these representations, and the nu- merous entries in the dead. book from the 2fn}) of October, 183ft, to the -21st of Apiil, 1837, when a vast number of helpless persons had been tle- stroyed, of those who were then lying ill ten died in the course 01 the year. These facts were proved by a vast luass of evidence given before a "elect committee of the House of Lords, which committee dill not choose to report on the same on the pi "a of there being a difference of opinion in the committee." GEOLOGY OF THE MOON -(Front a Dublin Cor- respondent.). Dr Robinson, of Armagh, observes thai the sharpness of the recks and peaks in ilic moon is quite surprising; and that this fact alone would show that air and water are absent. He a so sta es that no volcanic aoiiun is now at work in the moon, nor has been Mi'.ce thejuveutinn of One of its mountains is nearly 17,t:lJO feet ill height above the plain from which il rises. Gencra'ly, bow- ever, ihey are ahont G,)00 feet. FAIIM YAUD MANURE.— A correspondent, at Lowcsioft thus intimates :—" A few weeks since I observed a letter in your paper upon the subject of fai-iii yard manure, recommending- the yards to be laid hollowing, ill order to retain all the moisture, not only fiom the- manure itself, but what f,1: I., from the 1OUrls also. Now, 1 believe it is a we'l kuo.vn fact that such pai Is of uny farm yard as constantly retain a great quantity of liquid, saturate aud maleiiaTy injure the manure in that particular spot I have constantly found, that manure from a yard lying dry is much better in quality, mo;c par- ticularly so when made in open sheds siii rounding such farm yards, for the cat lie to lodge under cover. Nevertheless, I woulrlllol suffer the drain cf a farm yard to escape into stagnant po ids or running drains but have a reservoir or cistern, from whence it could be taken in one of Mr Crosskill's liquid manure carts, alld profitably applied to any part of the farm, as opportunity otfl'l's.Panlte¡"s Join ,tal.

BIRTHS. On the lfith inst., at Clytha House, Monmouthshire, the ladv of William Jones, Esq, of a son and heir. On Feb. 23, the wife of Mr Wm. Strange, surgeon, Lanvahon. of a daughter. On the 21st iust., at Oakwood, .rrs D. Smith, of a daughter. D S. Feb. 19, at Ball's Park, near Hertford, the seat of his son in law, Captain To.vnshend, R.N Hear Admiral Lord George Stuart, IMS. His lordship was the youngest son of the late Marquess of Bute, by his first, wife the Hon. Charlotte Jane Windsor, and was in his filst year. At Damascus, in Syria, on the 25tii of January, Brigadier General Edward Michell, of the i'eval A-r- tillery. one of the most distinguished officers in the British Army. He was brother of the lilt" Rev William Michell. Vicar of fjlantrlssent. in this county. On the 22d instant, limily. only daughter of William GilUevtson. Esq., of Cwm Avon, in the County of Mamorgan, aged one year and five months. Suddenly, aged two months, Frederick William, son of Mr E. f. Smith, of Cvfarthfa Works. Last week, aed 82, at Caerphilly, in this county, Ann, relict of the late Mr Thomas Williams, of Ton y Felin Flannel Manufactory, Oacrphi'ilv. She was a member of the Calvinistic Methodists for the last tifly years, and truly speaking died a piom Christian. On the 18th instant, aged one year, Mary Frances, youngest daughter of Mr William Williams, brewer, CarditT. At Usk, Miss Elizabeth Kinsey, aged 70. sister of the late tieneral Kinsey. On the 11th instant, at St. Helicv's Jersey, the Rev. II. M. B. Barnes, eldest and ocly surviving son of the late IJev H. Barnes, formerly of the Forte, and of Ganerew House, near ;\lonmo-lIth. On Tuesday last, Mr Richard Ashfield, of Pilgwenlly, Monmouthshire, butcher. On the 22it inst., Mr Henry Chalinder, postmaster of I.Janeny. aged 37 years. Respected by a large circle of friends, and deeply lamented by his relatives.

It is currelltly reporteli thai her Majesty and Prince Albert will visit Shrewsbury in Mav next, when the will be reviewed by the Itoyal pnriy on the race course. The Duchess of Sutherland t'll))(! 1)1'('ViOLISly to dined at the Royal t ible previously to leaving the Court on Monday, on her return to Lilleshall; and it is inferred that should the anticipated visit he made, the sent of his grace will be selected for the (if the Queen. Iler Majesty and Prince Albert are likewise expected in Hereford, to be pre- sent at a revi .w._Aris's Birmingham Gazette. On Saturday moruillg. his Royal Highness Prince Albert accompanied by his equerry, Colonel Wilde, attended at the offices of the Dnchy of Cornwall, Somerset House, for the purpose of examining the accounts of the revenues of the duchy for the past year, and of passing the same. His Koval Highness, who appeared in excellent health, was received by the Marquess of Hertford and the other heads of the department,and was engaged from ha'f-pnst 1*2 until half past two o'clock. THK I.vric ACCIDENT TO PIIINCE ALBKKT.—When Prince Albei t broke through the ice on the lake in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, one day last week, his Itoyal Highness's situation was far more perilous than the public were led to imagine; and, had not her M ajesty and the Hon. Miss Murray been fortunately close to the spot at the time, there is very little doubt that the result would have proved latal to the Prince. The water where the ice broke was upwards of seven feet in depth, although close to the shore, and the sides of the bank afford -d him no footing to enable Iiiiii to liilii,,Clf without assistance. The Prince was in the water for upwards of three minutes, and went, twice under before lie could giasp the hand of her Majesty. Tne Hon. Mr Murray, the master of the household, who was skating at a distant part of the gardens, hearing the screams of a female (which were tho-e of Miss Murray) hastened to the spot from whence they proceeded.where he arrived just as the Prince had been dragged on dry ground by the Queen. It was supposed by the Prince that, during the time his Royal Highness was immersed, he must have swal- lowed upwards of a pint of water..—• Jlomi ng Herald l'itIN(,'F (,L,)It(;F IF ('ANIIIIIIDGF.-Al);ii,titi(,iit.,i iii one of the Itoval Palaces will, it is said, be shortly assigned to his Royal Highness. Mr Leslie, the Academician, is, we learn, engaged on a picture of the Royal Christening—to for in a compinion to his fine picture of the Coronation. His Majesty the King of the Belgians left Huck- ingliam Palace on Monday morning, on his return to ficlgiuni. We are authorised to contradict n statement that has appeared in this and several other papers, that Lord Cardigan had assigned over his property, and paid heavy charges respecting it, statement being who Iv devoid of truth, and without foundation.— Morning Post. Lord Fitzroy Lennox, second son of the Duke of Richmond, has just removed from the .J3,1 Regiment to t e Marquess of Londonderry's tine corps, the lOtli Huss.irs The fluid Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Bart, M P., gave lii-4 first parliamentary dinner this season on Saturday last at his mansion in Whitehall Gardens. Lord Stanley Sir James Graham. Hart., Sir Henry I iardingo, Viscount Sainton, Lord Ashley, Lord Eiiot, fit. Hon. Jos. I'lall!:1, Hon. Charles Watkin Williams Wymi, Sir Edward Sugden, Sir 'I iji)ill:ts Freiiiiiit!(,, Bart., Sir Francis flui,,I,-tt, li;irt., Sir George Clerk, Sir Win. Follett, Sir Frederick Pollock, Rt. Hon. Sir Stratford Canning, Rt. Hon Edward Kuatchbull, Rt lion. Henry Goulburn, Mr II. Baring, IV. Hon. J. C. Herries Viscount Mahou, Mr Pemberton, Mr Win. Gladstone, Right Hon. Thomas Lefroy, and Mr Sergeant Jackson, were among the right hon. baronet's guests. The Right Hon the Speaker gave his third parlia- mentary dinner on Saturday evening, in Eaton Square when the following members of the House of Com- mons dined with the ri^ht lion, gentleman :—Viscount Clements, Mr W. Kvans, Mr Tufnel, Mr Edward llorsin.in, Mr Thomas Hobhouse, Mr Maurice O'Con- nell. iVlr P- Mildmay, Mr Leader, Mr D. Dundas, Mr Pryine, Mr Evre, Mr Ewart, Mr Dennistoun, Mr French, Mr Brotherton, Col. Sal wey, Mr Barnard, Mr Redington, Mr Tancred, Mr James, Mr John Jems, Mr Hutt, Mr Etwall, and Mr Fitzpatriek. Mr Leake has been appointed principal clerk assis- tant to the Secretaries of the Treasury, in the place of the late Mr Crafer. Mr Leake, who h:» been for many years in the Treasury, was one of Earl Grey's private secretaries during that statesman's premiership. Mr Boyd succeeds Mr Leake as a chief division clerk in the Treasury. ELECTION PF.TlTloss-The Geneial Committee on Election Petitions met on Monday, at one o'clock, for tl.e purpose of nominating panels from which select committees for the trial of election petitions will selected. TEwKEsnuRY, Tho Hon. Henry Tracy intends coming forward as a candidate at Ilw lIext election for this borough, in conjunction with Mr Martin. Cheltenham Examiner- Toe Hon. George Went worth Fitzwilliain, second surviving sou of the Earl Fitz;, iiii:tlii, has been elected member for the nomination borough of Richmond, in place of Mr A. Speirs, resigned. The re appointment of the select committee of last year has caused some stir among the bitikiiig itilcrest. Delegates from the various banks, consequently, are expected in tewlI, and head quarters have been I)- gaged, where delibera1 ions may take place, and unity of action be secured.—Times. We regret to hear that Mr Calcraft, the member for Warehaui, is labouring under a severe attack of the scarlet fever. An ofticial report of the decease of Lieutenant Colonel John James Snodgrass, Deputy Quartermaster General upon the Staff of the Army in British North America, reached town on Tuesday last, the ioth inst This melancholy event occurred at Halifax, Novia Scotia, OIJ the 14th ult., afler a protracted illness. We have to announce the death of Mr Chitty. the eminent special pleader, which took place on Wed- lIeslby week. lie had (lotic great service to his s, profession,not ollly by the many lahorious allli learned works which have become indispensable aoxi iaries to every legal student and practitioner, but by the education of several distinguished lawyers who hive for many years been the ornament of the bar and the bench. His private manners were most agreeable and amiable, and his memory will long be affection iitely clicridled by the friends and pupils wllo enjoyed his intimacy. The celebrated lawyer, Chauvean Lagarde, died in Paris on Saturday, in the 76th year of hit age. Du- ring the reign of terror, be defended, before the revo- lutionary tribunal, General Miranda, Brissot de Warville, Charlotte Corday, and Queen Marie lutionary tribunal, General Miranda, Brissot de Warville, Charlotte Corday, and Queen Marie Antoinette.

CARDIFF. GLAMONOANSHITIE AND MONMOUTHSIIIHE INFIKMAHY AND DISI'ENSAIIV, CARDIFF. Abstract of House Surgeon's Report to the Weekly Board, from Feb. 15111, to February 23d, JS41, inclusive IN-DOOII I" A'I'l K I* It(-In;l ill(,.(] by last Report, 4; Admitted since, 0 4. Discharged, 0—Cured and Relieved, 2—2; Died. 0—0, Remaining, 2. Our-Dooit PATIENTS.—Remained by last Report, 121; Admitted since, I Î-I: Discharged and Relieved, 7—12- Died, 3 Remaining, 126. Medical Oj/iccrs for the Week. — Physician, Dr. Moore, Consulting Surgeon, Mr Reece,—Surgeon, Mr Davis,—Visitors, Rev. J. C. Campbell and Mr Daw. THOS. JACOB, House Surgeon. The Marquess of Bute, with that public spirit and attention to the duties of his high station for which he is proverbial, arrived at Cardiff Castle, on Tuesday, the 2:kl instant, for the purpose of attending her Majesty s judge (Mr Justice Coltnian) at the ensuin assizes at Swansea. II is lordship went nn Thursday evening, to Gnoll Castle, preparatory to his lordship's attendance at the Swansea Assizes His lordship is expectftI to return to Canlilf this day. We are sorry to record the death of Rear Admiral Lord George Stuart, which took place rather suddenly on the 19th instant, at Ball's Park, Hertford, the seat of his son in law, Captain Townshend. The deceased lord was sixth son of John first Marquess of Bute, grandfather of the present marquess, by the Hon Charlotte Windsor, eldest daughter and co heir of Herbert, last Viscount Windsor, and was horn the 4th March, 1780, and was married 7th October, 1S00, to Miss Jane Stewart. daughter of the late Major General James Stewart, by whom his lordship had issue a son and two daughters-nallldy, Elizaheth Jane, horn 18tli July, 1803, married to Captain Townshend, eldest son of Lord John Townshend; Emily Frances, horn 7th February, ISOC), married in 1831, to the Hon. Charles Abbott, who died in 1838; and the Hon. Henry Stutrt, horned January, I KOH, UII- maried. The deceased lord was a rear admiral in the navy, into which service he entered at the early age of 14 years. His C(litililtslii()Il I)earsdtte;tsfoiiows. Lieutenant, 2ist March, ISSJl; Commander, 22d April, 1802; captain, 3d March, 1804; and rear admiral, loth January, 1837. Ilis lordship, wilen commanding L' Aiulable, in 1809, captured, alter a long chase, and a running light, the Iris, French ship, of 22 guns and, in the same year, when in the command of a small squadron at the mouth of the Elbe, landed and defeated a superior force of the 1 enemy, and destroyed their batteries at Gessendorf. In Juue, 1815. in consideration of his services, he I was nominated a companion of the most iion. order of the Bath. The Bute Docks, we are happy to find, will be opened on Monday next. Robert Stephenson, Esq.. the engineer, is now at Cardiff, as well as Richard Lambert Jones, Esq., who, we understand, is en- gaged in laying out the wharfs CARDIFF NKW CHURCH.—We are happy to find that Saint Mary's Church will immediately he pro- ceeded with. The delay that has hitherto arisen has been occasioned by the necessity of the amount of the contract for the erection of the church being deposited with the Queen's commissioners, before I he commencement of the Mr Foster, the architect, is expected at Cardiff, on Tuesday next. By the death of the Bev James Jane, the Rectory ol Remenham, Berkshire, is vacant It is in tlae gifl IIf the Principal au II Fellows of Jesus College, Oxford. The Hector and Fellows of Exeter College, Ox- ford, have presented the Rev George Dawson, Fellow of their society, to the Rectory of VVoodieigh, Devon- shire. By the death of Miss Fust, her large estate iu the hundred of Bei keley, and county of Gloucester, have come into the possession of Sir Herbert J timer, of Doctors' CUIllIlIOIIS.

and agreed to by a majority of the ratepayers in vestry W;ls entirely overthrown, it will be necessary to recapitulate some of the leading points of the case, as reviewed and brought fortvard by the Lord Chief Justice himself, from which it will be found that although in the particular instance of Brainirt-e the rate is quashed, yet it was quashed only upon cut ittforinality of the Churchwardens in the mode of laying and exacting it, and not upon the broad merits of the right to lay and exact a rate against the role of the majority of ratepayers, if fleed were. This right has been now recognised, on the contrary, by the highest law tribunals of the empire, that is, by the Courts of Queen's Bench, Com.noil Pleas, and Exchequer. The facts are simply these. The church of Braintree standing in want of repairs, a vestry Was called and a rate proposed as usual for that Object by the Churchwardens, wlii h was refused by a majority of the parishioners on being carried to the vote. In this circumstance, and the qutfion of church repairs not admitting of Hindi longer postponement, the Churchwardens Undertook of themselves, and without summoning another meeting f«o lay and to ellforce tile rale. The parishioners, or some of them, continuing recusant, they were cited for contumacy before the Fcclesiaslic.il Court, from whence arose the application of the defendants to the Court of Queen's Bench for an inhibition to issue against further proceedings in that Court, and, as we have seen, a further appeal from the judgment of that Court to the conjoint Courts sitting in error. Such is briefly, a recapitulation of all such lead ng facts as are necessary to a fair under- lead fat- standing of the merits. Two questions naturally suggest themselves for solution to the public interested, as to the Court which had to decide. The first was as to the right of refusal of a Church Rate at all. The second, how, in what shape, and bv what process a rate may be made and enforced, if necessary. Oil the first bead Chief Justice TINDAL, is both intelligible and conclusive, as here may be seen:— "The learned Chief Justice having thus slated the general result of their lordships' deli- beration upon the case. proceeded to state that the actual parishioners of every parish were bound to repair the church, not by any particular I ecclesiastical injunction, but by the general common I law of the land, and that the liability to make I Such repair Yeas a duty which they could not I legally decline to perform. When the parisli- I loners, therefore, were assembled in vestry, I the only question upon which they could deli- I berate was—not whether they should repair the I church at all (for upon that point they were I concluded by the COIIIIIIIIII law of the land); I but how, when and in what manner their dllty I Was to be performed. They had no more power I to relieve themselves from the duty itself (iian I to refuse to contribute to the repair of bridges I and highways in which the public has a c-ottitijoii I interest, and which the law for that reason had I immeiiiorially decided that the public were I bound to repair." I This dictum is, we apprehend, sufficiently I clear and explicit upon the imperative obliea- I tion under which the parish lies to "repair the I church," which is not moreover an obligation I arising so much out of any particular eccle- I siastical injunction," but one imposed by the I getier;kl common law of :he lanll," which can I '10 more be slighted or evaded than the repair I of bridges and highways," for which the public I are rated, and can be summarily compelled to I contribute. This statement, as laid down by I the learned judge, will take a great many I people by surprise, for it has Leell a very I common opinion, and the misconception has I intentionally promoted by dishonest I political partizans, that the claim to Church I Kates was purely ecclesiastic in respect of obli- I gation no origin. I On the second head, the Chief Justice was no I less decided- He ruled that the Braintree Rate I \all illegal, because the Churchwardens had I laid it wilhout I;oing to a VC's'ry that is, they I they had laid it of their own will. lint if I tlif-v had only gone to a vestry, even although I tLe majority was against the rate, the rate so I likid by the minority would not have been the I legal, and compulsory upon the parish. I Such is the law as more than hinted by his I lordtlll;p, who did not more formally pronounce I it only because, as lid said, there was no case I before Itiiu. After showing that the Chiirch- I Wardens were not justified in making a rate I Subsequently to a vestry meeting, and not there I Hud then after refusal by such meeting, he I proceeds iuferentially and incidentally to point I out that the judgment would have been other- I wise had the rate been laid at a vestry meet- I itig, even if against the vote of a majority of such I vestry meeting. Tiiit )s,,ts the obligitioik to re- I Pair the church is contracted under the common I laiv of the land, the parish cannot, and ought I hot, to be able to escape the consequences by I ally coutumacious will of a majority. Hertl are I tlie words of the Chief Justice :— I "They could not, however, help observing I tlut there was a great and obvious difference I bttween the case of a rate made by the Church- I Hardens and minority of a vestry meeting convened I for the purpose, and the case of a rate made by the I Churchwardens without any meeting, alone, and at I a future time. Upon the validity of a rali> made ■ at a meeting by the Churchwardens and the I .illority the Court would say nothing at I present. They reserved to themselves, however, I the Cull right to deride that question, according I to the best of their judgment, whenever the ■ question should a:V-se such a question was not, I bowevfr, included in the matters to be decided I upon the present reco»d. It was true that the Chu)-chmarde)is winy be co)itl)i;lled to cause the ■ church to be repaired, and that they had the power I to compel the parishioners to make the necessary ■ rate fur lhe pllrpoie. It was also true that the ■ Ecclesiastical Court possessed exclusive ittris- I dictiots ti) inquire into the necessity of the rate, ■ and may eompellhe Churchwardens to make it I 411(1 the par.shioners to pay it, if legally made. I 'l'helle Courts, however, had of course no power I to enforce a rate which, being made like the Prt:seiit, without due authority, was illegal and ■ "oid in itself- This illegality being apparent ■ "Pou the face of the rate, the Court was unani- ■ "lously of opinion that the writ of proia. bi tioll I "lay well go to gtop the proceedings." As we shall, probably, have occasion to revert "Ottte subject we shall now conclude with citing h¡1I lordship's opinions on the powers possessed I by the Ecclesiastical Court, to enforce the rate \¡en made:— "But this was ikot so for all the powers of ■ \\it! spiritual court to compel the reparation of the Cufcb were left untouched by the presur ■ ^e< ision. That Court still possessed the power of compelling the churchwardens to make the ■ rate or cause it to be made, and of compelling the parishioners to pay it when made according Co lw. Such parties as refused to join in the rate or to pay i' may be compelled to do so by ecclesiastical censure, that is by excommunica- tion, which since the 53d George I U means imprisonment of !lie recusant pariies."