The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

ftjB^Johiison)Johnson&Co's~^g^ PURE UNCOLOUBED TEA Is now preferred to all others. Sold in Packets by Agents in every Town. SOLE AGENT IN BRECON, HALL, CHEMIST, High Street. NOTICE TO ADVERfISERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All Correspondence and Advertisements to be ad- dressed to the Editor, "Reporter" Ojfice, Buhvarlc, Brecon, on or before Friday morning. The Editor will not undertake to return rejected communications, and wishes his correspondents to understand that whatever is intended jor in- sertion, must be verified by the name and address of the writer.

THE letter which her Majesty the Queen has addressed to a certain railway company in refer- ence to recent railway accidents will, we trust, be attended with more beneficial results than hundreds of newspaper articles which have been written upon the same subject. Since the first railway accident that ever occurred, numerous, and ofttimes practical, have been the suggestions which newspapers have thrown out upon the sub- ject, but still few, if any, precautions have been adopted, and we are never surprised to hear of a "terrible collision" or "awful catastrophe" on a railway. To take but one instance: several months ago Mr. Briggs was murdered on the North London Railway. There was not a single paper, we suppose, that did not comment upon the necessity of communication between passengers and guards. The murderer was pursued, captured, executed, and the excitement died away. Now, we will venture to say that not a single line of railway has at this present moment the means of communication between guard and passengers; and we shall probably hear no more of the matter until somebody else has their throat cut or their head smashed the usual ten day's article writing will be renewed, and then all sink into oblivion again. We think it, therefore, a fitting opportunity, while there is for a moment a lull from accidents (though, ere these words be printed, some railway line may be covered with scalded and mangled bodies), to again call attention to the recklessness of railway companies, especially when the letter of her Majesty has provided us with a text. Now the Queen's letter simply points out two matters of fact, and then draws an inference from them which can scarcely be disputed. The Queen states that she herself often travels for long dis- tances by rail, and that there is never, owing to the precautions taken for a royal train, the possi- bility of an accident. The second fact to which her Majesty's letter adverts is the repeated occurence of accidents to trains which are not royal," and the simple and natural conclusion drawn from these two facts is, that it is possible to prevent accidents, or at least to reduce them to a minimum The Queen's letter alludes to the means whereby this may be effected when she speaks of the ex- traordinary precautions" which are taken when she is travelling by rail. Now this is just the whole truth of the;matter. -I' Extraordinary precautions" are not, in ordinary cases, taken by railway companies, and the want of such precautions is the real cause of most accidents. For instance, if there were an absolute rule that no train should be allowed to leave or pass one station until a telegram had been received from the next station announcing the safe departure of the previous train from it, it would become a matter of impossibility for one train to run into another. Stations are so numerous that, except in cases of absolute danger, such an arrangement could not be productive of any inconvenient detention of trains, Again, take the question of pointsmen upon the various lines and junctions. These men are miserably paid and greatly overworked. In the army a sentry is relieved every two hours. Why should it not be so with pointsmen ? And why should not these, who have the charge of so many lives in their hands, be men of some social position and standing ? and thus the spot would become an honourable one, to which a still better class of men would aspire. The question of luggage trains is another which calls for special attention. The great X majority of recent accidents have been, either directly or indirectly, connected with lug- gage trains. If there were a separate line of rails for luggage traffic there would be an end to these accidents, so far as heavy luggage trains are concerned. There is also the class of accidents occasioned by mad, drunken, or depraved persons, to those who happen to be their fellow travellers. Now, we need not recount all the plans of communication between passengers and guard which have been proposed. The only objection to them is that they entail a certain additional expense upon the company; and that, we believe, is the only reason why some or other of these plans has not been long since adopted. Thus, as we run hastily over the list of various causes of accidents, any one can easily suggest plain and simple remedies against which the only plea, that can be urged is that they entail expense upon the companies; and rather than that this expense should be incurred, thousands of lives are; every day endangered. Quos Detts vult perdere prius dementat" (whom the Deity wishes to destroy he first makes mad) said the Latins; and it would seem as if Provi- dence were adopting this course with railway companies—for, surely; they must be of weak intellect who endanger number of lives, and run the risk of incurring heavy damages, rather than meet a small extra outlay. Now that Parliament is about to assemble, we sincerely trust that the question will receive careful consideration, and such reforms be forced upon railways as the parsi- monious and mistaken economy of the Directors has hitherto withheld.

COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS; These Sessions were held on Saturday last at the Shire Hall, in this town, before the Rev. W. J. Williams, James Williams, coroner, and E. Williams, Esqrs. Thomas Davies, was summoned, charged with having a gaff in.his possession, and also with using the said gaff with intent to take salmon. Mr. T. B. Bishop appeared for the Association. Prisoner admitted having the gaff in his possession, but denied using the same. The bench informed him that he was equally liable for having it in his pos- session as though he used it. Fined £1, including costs. David Prothero, was summoned, charged with having a gaff in his possession and using the styne for the purpose of taking salmon. Mr. T. B. Bishop appeared for the association, and Mr. Games defended the prisoner. Thomas Harris, a river watcher, deposed, that he was on duty on the river Usk, in the parish of Trallong, on the 7th of January last, when he saw the prisoner throwing stones into the river, and af- terwards using a gaff; he (witness) called out to him all right, Prothero, he then ran away towards some other men who were in the field watching witness, he went back to fetch the gaft immedi- ately, he was about 20 yards from Prothero when he threw it into the river, he followed them all for about 100 yards and they threatened to break his head, there were a great many men employed in the neighbourhood at a Railway bridge. William Davies, laborer, deposed, that he work- ed at a Railway bridge, near Aberbran, the work had been stopped for a few days during Christmas, on the day in question he went in company with the prisoner and others to Aberbran farm house,, to see if the foreman was at home, they wanted to know something about the work, Prothero was one who went in to enquire at the house if the fore- man was there, they all went on before Prothero, who remained in the farm yard, when they were about forty yards from the house they heard Pro- thero running after them, and Harris called out to him "all right." They were on the road when Harris came up to them and said, all right, Prothero, I got you." Prothero was coming after them with his hands in his pockets, they were then about 100 yards from the river, he was certain that Prothero could not go to the river, nor half way to it during the time that he was behind them. Harris went on in the direction of Penpont and did not go back to the river, neither did he appear to have been in the river. Their Worships having consulted together for some time, dismis- sed the charge. David Moses, Cilcwm, was summoned by —— Pritchard, bailiff in the employ of the Rev. W. J. Williams, Coity, charged with assaulting him on the 16th day of January last. Mr. T. B. Bishop appeared for the defendant. Mr. Pritchard deposed, that on the day in question he was at the farm which Moses was about having, when he went to the beast house he found Moses there shearing the heads of the calves, witness asked him what he was doing, he said, and asked him (witness) if he never did so, he said no, they then had some conversation about the keop for the cattle, and such like, and they went into the garden together, the gate was off its hinges, and he told Moses that that was the third time for him to replace it after him, and for him not to take it off again or he would get a policeman to take his cattle to pound if he allowed them to stray all over the land Moses then took hold of his whiskers, and pulled him for 6 or 8 yards, and af- terwards struck him down, he had acquainted his employer of what had taken place, and that he was afraid of going there again while.Moses was there. Bound over to keep the peace for 6 months, in the sum of £50, on his own recognizance. David Morris, John Prothero, Thomas Thomp- son, and David Prothero, were summoned by John David James, charged with killing salmon on the 8th of January last. Mr. T. B. Bishop ap- peared for the association, and Mr. W. Games for the defendants. J. D. James, deposed, that he was a river watch- er, he was on duty on the night of Sunday, the 8th of January last, at Newton pool, he was in Mrs. Gwynne Holford's field, he saw Morris there, he (Morris) ran down towards the old garden and cried out that the keepers were coming, witness saw two men in the river with a salmon each, he met David Prothero on the weir, when he went after the other two, David Prothero cried out John, John, the keepers are coming, they went across towards the Gwttws, and he followed them, they entered the ropemakers house, and when he got there the door was locked, he recognised them all, he went back after the fish and found that Alfred Beswick had got them in Martin's house on Mill Green, he afterwards saw Morris, Prothero, and Thompson that night in the Nag's Head, but they had changed their clothes, he saw a woman of the name of Betsy Havard, who lives at Mill Green, he did not ask her who the men were, he also had some conversation with Robert Richarth on the following morning, but did not tell him that he could not swear to John Prothero. Alfred Beswick, deposed, that he was with James on Sunday night, the 8th of January last, they were near the railway cutting on Mrs. Gwynne, Holford's field, he saw Morris by the gate and spoke to him, he saw two men in the river with a fish each, he saw David Prothero coming off the weir, and said to him, all right Prothero, who cried out, John, John, the keepers are coming, James was before him, and followed them through the river, he (witness) went and got the fish, he saw Prothero, Morris, and Thompson, in the Nag's Head that night afterwards, but they had changed their clothes, he saw Betsy Havard that night, and asked her who the men were that were after the fish, she said that there were a lot after them the night before about eleven o'clock, but she did not know who they were, he told her that if she did know who they were she would not tell them. The Chairman complimented the boy for the very straightforward and distinct manner in which he gave his evidence. Elizabeth Havard, said, that John David James and Alfred Beswick came to her house on the night in question, and enquired for a keeper who was lodging with her, they also asked her if she saw anyone go that way that night, she said she had i not. Robert Richards, deposed, that he met John David James on the morning of Monday, the 9th of January last, on the, Watton turnpike bridge, and when speaking of the men who were after the salmon on the previous night, James said, that he knew all except John Prothero, that he could not swear to him. Mr. Games addressed their Wor- ships at some length, when Morris was discharged, and the others were fined £1 each, including costs. Thomas Lewis, William Davies, William Dar- ling, and Thomas Bellow, were summoned, charged with disturbing salmon while on their beds spawn- ing. James Edwards, deposed, that he was a river watcher, he was on duty on the Bran river on the 17th of Jan. last, he saw the four prisoners stoneing the river. .All denied the offence excepting Davies, who ad- mitted that he was the only one who threw a stone, and he only threw one at another man that was on the other side of the water, and could call on him as witness. William Price, Mason, deposed, that he saw the four prisoners on the day in question, he was working at the Mill, Aberbran, he was on the other side of the river when Davies threw a stone at him, he did not see anyone throw a stone into the river. The case was dismissed.

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. These Sessions were held on Tuesday last, before John Williams and Joseph Joseph, Esqrs. IMPORTANT TOLL CASE.- VVizz,inm Russell, collector at the Watton Turnpike Gate, Brecon, was summoned by the Rev. Phillip Morgan, (rector of Llanhamlach, near Brecon,) charged with illegally demanding toll. Mr. Morgan, having been sworn, stated that he resided at Aberdeen, in the parish of Defynnock, and rector of the above named place. On Sunday, the 15th day of January, he was proceeding from his residence to do duty at Llanhamlach, and pass- ed through Llanvaes and the Tarrall gate free, but the defendant refused him to pass without pay- ment. He done so under protest, and had sum- moned him. Examined by the defendant: the Watton gate is not in my parish, nor either of the other gates through which he passed. He had a right to go through any gate that leads to his parish church. Mr. Williams, solicitor, who appeared for com- plainant, pointed out Lord Campbell's decision on this matter, in which a similar conviction took place, and was upheld by his decision, that any minister attending to his duties .even passing through a gate in another parish was exempt. The Magistrates said that they could not dispute such an authority, and must convict, the complainant said he did not wish for a heavy penalty, only that they must be convinced of their error. The de- fendant said he must bow to their decision, but he was guided under the Turnpike Act, and thought that would shew he was entitled to the toll, as the gate was out of the rector's parish.—Fined 6d. and costs, in all Xi and 6d. Thomas Pritchard, whose case stood adjourned from last week, in order to give him an opportu- nity of producing a witness named Smiles, (but who did not appear,) was charged by Thomas Harris, one of the river watchers, with disturbing salmon on their spawning beds. Thomas Harris, on being sworn, stated that about half-past seven o'clock on the morning of the 13th inst., he was on duty, and went up the river so far as Cilwhilbert mill, on his return he saw the defendant and three others by the river. The defendant threw a stone as big as his head into the river, at the place where a salmon was spawning, and heard him say to one of his compan- ions, d- him I nearly cut him in two, he meant the salmon. He then went up to him, and charged him with the offence, when he begged of him not to say a word about it, and offered him beer which he refused. Their Worships said there was a former conviction against Pritchard, and they must mark the offence, by fining him XI including costs, allowed a week to pay. Samuel Coolc was charged with taking unclean salmon from the river, on Sunday the 22nd inst. Defendant admitted the charge, and begged of their Worships to be lenient with him, as it was his first offence. Their Worships cautioned him as to the future.—Fined 10s. including costs, or 14 days imprisonment—paid. Evan Thomas and James Thomfts were charged with taking unseasonable salmon from the river Usk, on Sunday, the 22nd inst. John Jones, river watcher, deposed that on Sun- day, the 22nd inst., he was on duty near Newton Pool, about four o'clock in the afternoon, when he saw the defendants on the other side of the river. He saw Evan Thomas take a fish out of the river with a gaff hook, and hand it to his brother, who put it into the hedge. He then cried out to Alfred Beswick who was below him watching also, to go to the hedge where Thomas had put the fish. He done "0 and there found it. Alfred Beswick deposed that on the day named, he was with the last witness, who called to him after a time, and told him to go t o the hedge and he would find a fish. He did so' and found the fish produced alive. He left it there and followed the two defendants up the river. He went up to James Thomas and asked to be allowed to be search when he threatened to knock a hole through him. This witness was asked several irrevelant questions by the defendants, but his evidence was unshaken. Defandants then called on their behalf, Rees Morgan, who stated that on the day in question, he saw a person named David Prothero, take a fish from the river,, and throw it into a ditch near the river. He believed it to be the same fish as produced, he would swear it was the same. Mr. Bishop contended that even if it was the same fish, it was found in the possession of the defandants, besides, Beswick had sworn to having seen one of them take it. In reply to the magis- trates, James Thomas said he found the fish dead by the river. The magistrates said that they con- sidered the case proved, but being their first offence they would fine them 10s. each, including costs. Evan Thomas made use of a threat to young Bes- wick, on which the magistrates ordered him back and bound him over in the sum of £10, to keep the peace for 6 months. William Williams, plasterer, was charged with assaulting Michael Donahoue. The case origin- ated through snowballing and the magistrates re- commended the parties to settle it, this was declined, and the case proceeded. Complainant on being sworn, stated that on Friday last, he and his father was proceeding down the Watton, and when by the Captain's Walks, they'and the horse were snowballed. He was be- hind the cart, and desired the defendant to be quiet, when he again threw one at him, and on remonstrating with him, he was struck by him in the face, until the blood flew about. He denied having kicked the defendant first. Mrs Jones, hall-keeper, deposed that on the day in question, there were a lot of men and boys throwing snowballs at all who passed. She did not see the defendant throw one at complainant, but in a shortt time she saw them fighting, and complainant was all over blood, but she did not know who struck first. James Brickley deposed that on the day in ques- tion, he saw the complainant and his father go down the Watton, when some snowballs were thrown at them. The complainant went up to Williams and threatened to give him a touch of hand and foot, and kicked at Williams. Witness then told him to give him a few smacks for his impudence, which he did, but not until he had been kicked first. William Davies, was called by defendant, and stated that he saw the whole affair. Complainant was struck by a snowball, but by whom it was im- possible to say, as they were in fact, all snowball- ing one another. Complainant went up to Williams and squared away at him, challenging him to fight, he told him to fetch his father, as he would not be so mean himself to fight him. He then kicked at the defendant, who struck him in return. John Griffiths corroborated the last witness's evidence, after which the magistrates said the evi- dence was so conflicting, that they could not con- vict, it was evident that the lad had been struck with a snowball by some one, but that the defend- ant was the party, there was not sufficient evidence to prove, it had also been sworn that the complain- ant had committed the first assault. They should therefore dismiss the case, complainant to pay costs.

TOBIAS WILLIAMS'S CHARITY. On Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock p.m. a ser- mon was preached in the Priory Church, by the Rev. Herbert Williams, vicar of Brecon, the Rev. gentleman preached a very appropriate sermon, from Luke ii chapter and 22 verse, at the close of which Mr. Watkin Williams Sub-Agent to the Marquis of Caiuden, and Mr. Aneurin George churchwarden, distributed 40 six-penny loaves supplied by Mr. William Evans grocer, There is also given in the parish of Llanspyddicl, by the rector of that parish six towpenny loaves every week; according to the Donor's request it should be 12 penny loaves, but at that time, in the year 1663, the penny loaves were much larger than at ii present. This charity is paid by the Marquis of ii Camden, and is charged upon his Lordship's farm, u called Courtgilbert in the parish of Llanspyddid. I

BUILTH PETTY SESSIONS. These Sessions were held on Monday, before H G. Howell, and J. Vaughan, Esqrs. W. Macdunald, of the Miners' Arms, Beerhouse Llanwrtyd, appeared to a, summons, charged with keeping his house open for the sale of beer during prohibited hours on Sunday the 22nd instant, at 4 in the afternoon, which was proved by P.C. Evans. Defendant called two miners as witnessed Fined £5 and costs, this being, the 4th offence within the last twelve months. ,:+- Before I-I. G. Howell, Thomas Williams uni J. Vaughan, Esqrs. James Preece and John Smith, railway laborers at Llangattock, were brought up in custody, charged on warrant with using a gun and dog for the purpose of killing game, on the Cilmery land, without permission, on Thursday the 26th instant. George Brown, keeper to Captain Christie, Cil- merry, proved the offence, and stated that he tried to take the gun from Preece, and in the scuffle the both barrels were discharged, and through the other defendant coming to Preece's assistance he failed to take the gun. Preece was fined £2 and costs, or in default 1 month imprisonment, Smith was fined 30s. and 12s 6d. cost, or twenty one days imprisonment. Preece paid, but Smith, in default, was locked up. David Thomas, jun., Builth, who had lately been engaged as shopman at the Co's. shop, Cefnybedd, was charged, with embezzling certain sums of monies and goods, the property of John Morton, his master. Neither party appearing the case was dismissed..

PRISON POETRY. [We insert the following lines as a specimen of pri- son poetry. They will doubtless be pursued with some degree of curiosity, when the reader is informed that the author is no other than the youth who penned the "Laverno Letters," in connection with the Gaer Will case.—ED ]

THE TWENTY-FIFTH OF DECEMBER. HAIL! ye merry bells that chime so loudly, By distance mellow'd to so sweet a lay, Thrilling through the soul till like the ocean, Ev'ry breast is swelling with emotion Peal on, peal long your lively Christmas song, Gladdening the hearts of the world's strange throng. For, surely, high and low have some joy found, To make their hearts at Christmas gladly bound, (At least, I'll have it so, that I may say, The world without is joyous, free and gay.) Rich, formally greeting, welcome assure, Warm hearted yeoman greets you at his door And tradesmen with a friendly, smiling face, Welcomes with free, sincere, and manly grace. Light, airy forms shall tread the pliant board, Excited by the scene, soon re-assured. Accepts the proffer'd hand, and whirls along, Swiftly mingling with the motley throng, And all (no matter to what sphere they cling,) Enter with fervour in the merry ring.. But why describe that in which I have no hand ? I'm an outcast from thee, 0 gay and happy land F Like misers' riches, hidden deep beneath the turf I'm buried far away from the hills of my birth; Besides, it has been spoken of before, By many honoured bards in ancient lore, j So I'll not repeat a tale, so often told, Another scene, less harp'd upon, behold I The hour is noon, and in a lonely cell, A more lone youth doth sadly, drooping dwell. Before him is served up his Christmas fare, He heeds it, but 'tis with a vacant stare There gathers in his ej e a glistening tear, With deep sigh exclaiming What sad, sad cheer 'Tis true I have enough that's good to eat; But where are the warm hearts who used to greet, And welcome me with loving, open arms, To fill my soul with the endearing charms Of family meeting ? There is none! A thorn Now rankles all, in this poor breast forlorn. For I can think but on my mother dear, And noble father, whom I ought to cheer, And on those days when 'neath the holly tree I've passed so many hours in social glee. Oh for my childhood's innocence and bliss, Dear father's fondling, and my mother's kiss. How sad my Christmas now to those of yore Those fleeting joys that J shall taste no more I feel their loss, but cannot that express. Ah pitying heaven! mine is sore distress It may be folly thus to think and weep, But surely better this than passion deep ? Better to smear my eyes with moisten'd palm Than brood in anger, growing sternly ealm Cherishing hopes future with envenom'd eye, Revengful, caring for no earthly tie ? Yes, better far, bend meekly to the rod, V And seek the tender mercies of my God. Later in the day, as even' closed around, The youth sat there, his gaze bent on the ground, His thoughts were troubled, and he anxious grew, Around he many furtive glances threw. Just then the wind upon its pinions brought A gently swelling sound, the youth's ear caught; Thrill'd by the notes, so unexpected sent, He to his pent up feelings thus gave vent. Hist! what's that ? music wafted on the air ? How sweet the sound! ah! gladsome hearts are there! All, all are happy 'mid joy's extatic bliss, Neath mistletoe exchanging many a kiss. Merrily they trip it to thht lively sound, And whirl enchanted in the giddy round. Oh how I reel; not in the festive dance But sinking, fainting in a deathlike trance. Cease, cease my throbbing heart! oh cease, be still Peace, or else you would this hapless victim kill, By bursting now the tender web of life, And end at once his grief and mental strife." He paused and press'd his; brow to calm his thought, Which action the desired blessing brought, And faintly siehintf, as excitement ceased He murmur'd, This is folly, at the least: Thus to yield to silly fancy's pleasure, Whilst I have gain'd far more than earthly treasure In privilege to soar on prayer's bright pinion, To the Son of man's all hallowed dominion. Yes, heaven alone for joy I look to thee And bowing low, he bends submissive knee But stay the curtain falls. We've no right there lis God's communion—the holy hour of prayer. ■O N, EDWIN T. GILL. Pentonville, Christmas Day, 1863.

AN APPRENTICE WANTED. A SITUATION is open for an intelligent Youth, I who wishes to apprentice himself to the Print- ing Business. Premium required.—Apply at the Office of this Paper, Bulwark. Printed and Published by DAVID WILLIAMS, at his residence on the Bulwark, in the Chapelry of Saint Mary, in the Parish of Saint John the Evangelist, in the County of Brecon.—SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1865. •J-