The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE COUNTY OF BRECON. GENLLEMEN, Allow me to express the deep sense of gra- titude I feel, for the high honor you have this day conferred upon me, in again, and for the third time, electing me your Representative in Parliament. I am indeed proud of the distinction you have unanimously conceded me, and most sincerely trust, by a faithful and conscientious discharge of the important duties, with which I have been en- trusted, to prove that your confidence will'neither be regretted nor misplaced. Again thanking you for your kindness and support. I have the honor to remain, Gentlemen, Your obliged and. faithful Servant, GODFREY C. MORGAN. Mansion House, Brecon, 18th July, 1865.

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS AND CORRESPONDENTS. All Correspondence and Advertisements to be- ad- dressed to the Editor, Reporter" Office, Bulwark, 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.

A MYSTERY which has for years cast its shadow over the popular mind, has at length been solved to the satisfaction of the majority of the public. Constance Kent has confessed her guilt of the crime known as the Road murder, and that she alone was the perpetrator of that cruel deed. On this cofession, repeated again and again with renewed emphasis, she has now been sentenced to receive the punishment the law allots to the crime; and whatever measure of justice mingled with mercy may be eventu- ally meted out to her, the case is set at rest so far as human judgement and human law are, bound to deal with it. Anything more startling and more horrible than the circumstances ascertained by Con- stance Kents's confession, can scarcely be con- ceived. In fact, the extreme improbability and enormity of such a crime committed in such a manner had induced many to scout the idea that it could have been perpetrated by the unhappy girl, to whom many suspicious cir- cumstances pointed as the guilty person. Even now--when in the most solemn manner and in face of the dreadful penalty she will still have to suffer if the capital punishment should be mitigated, she has repeated her vol- untary self-accusation and bowed to the sen- tence of the law-there are to be found believers in the innocence, who bash their conviction chiefly on the unlikelihood that she a young girl of sixteen or seventeen, could have com- mitted the crime unfortunately, we need not search far through the criminal annals of this or any other country to find that the indulgence of evil passions, and the consequent tendency to crime, are not confined within any particular limits of age, but may be, and frequently have been, observed to operate as strongly at fifteen as at fifty. There was, therefore no moral im- possibilty involved in the hypqthesis that Francis Saville Kent had been murdered by his sister. Far more could be said to maintain the physical impossibility that such a supposi- tion could be the correct one. The public were indisposed to accept the theory that a young girl of sixteen had, alone and unaided, been able to steal in the night to her brother's bed, and remove him from the side of his sleeping nurse-to carry him from the house, opening doors and windows, without raising an alarm; and then, with heart of adamant and nerves of steel, to butcher him in cold blood. But as regarded the demoniac cruelty involved in the deed, it was equally atrocious by whom- soever committed, whether the murderer were young or old; and it might have been urged ? that an older person, who had determined to- get rid of the child, would have done so in some more subtle and equally effectual manner. Again, Constance Kent was, even at sixteen, a girl of well-developed frame and strong physical powers-sufficiently rebus fc to have been able to execute the murderous task alone. As to the necessary motive for the crime, if no sufficient reason could be advanced in support of the theory of her guilt, neither was there the shadow of evidence to prove that any one else had any purpose whatever to serve by per- petiHting the deed. So, in the absençe ,;of.any- thing like clear and complete evidence, 'stood the question as regarded probability or impro- bability of her guilt prior to the porio'd' when she first came forward to make a free and full confession. The motive alleged by Constance Kent as her sole inducement to the crime, was one peculiarly liable to operate on the mind of a girl of impulsive temperament, and strong passions unregulated, as it would appear, by any careful training. She was intensely jealous of the position occupied in the house- hold by her stepmother, who had once been her own governess; she had, as she thought received slight and injury at her hands, and was determined to revenge herself upon her. The only opportunity that offered itself to the girl to carry out this intention, was that afforded by the affection of the stepmother for her own child Francis Kent. She did not shrink from the brutal murder of this child to effect her revengeful purpose. It is satisfactory, in view of the doubts that are even now occasionally expressed, as to whether Constance Kent's confession may be received with implicit reliance, to observe that even if that confession had been set aside, and the trial proceeded, there was a considerable quantity of evidence to be advanced to prove her guilt. The evidence, especially respecting the missing nightdress, would have gone far in support of the theory of the prosecution and there were other circumstances, not brought out at the early examinations, which collectively would have tended strongly to support this view of the case. It was no secret that the detectives employed to investigate the facts at the time, where strongly of opinion that they borne a most suspicious aspect as regarded Constance Kent; and there has been published within the last few days a letter addressed by Inspector "Whicher to the superintendent of the Bristol police, which bears date November 23, 1860, and shows most forcibly the conviction then held by this experienced member of the force-a conviction is now proved to have been thoroughly justified. We need not now dwell on the circumstances which led to the confession; and the influences brought to bear upon the girl in order to induce her to make it. Our own opinion respecting these circumstances is, that the 'members of the religious establishment in which Miss Kent had been placed were bound by the highest duty to exhort and to press her to confess the crime, if she were really guilty. It is to their credit that their teaching and their abvice have brought a young woman, who showed herself formerly capable of perpe- trating the most atrocious deed with the greatest secrecy, and, apparently the most utter indiffe- rence, to a sense of the enormity of her. guilt, and a desire to make all the reparation she can before God and man by repentance and a full confession. It is not at all likely that Constance Kent will now suffer the extreme penalty of her crime. Her youth at the time it was commit- ed, her confession and demeanour now, are extenuating circumstances of such a nature as to overcome the desire for justice'without mercy, that might otherwise 'be very widely flit. No doubt, a certain section of the public will wel- come this case as another instance tending to weaken the general principle of capital pun- ishment but even upholders of that principle will be glad to see it waived, under the pecu- liar and exceptional circumstances attending the history of the Road murder. In the meantime it is gratifying to find at- tention is being called to the case of the nurse- maid, who was so unjustly accused; and to that of the brother, .whose prospects have been so seriously prejudiced by the circumstances of the crime. In the case of the nursemaid, it is proposed to raise a fund by volunta.y con- tributions, with which to purchase for her an annuity; wh 1st the attention of the Govern- ment is sought to be directed to the desirability of the brother having an appointment given him in the public service..

BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS. These Sessions were held on Monday last, at the Town Hall, before George Cansick, Esq., inlayor,, James Williams, and Joseph Joseph, Esqrs. Thomas Harris, river watcher, was summoned by P.C Poyntz, charged with being drunk and riotous,' but did not appear. P.C. Williams proved the service of the summons. A warrant was or- dered for his apprehension. William Thomas, bill poster, was summoned for non-payment of costs, in the case of wilful damage by covering bills and taking them down. -Ordered to pay 5s. per week. Mr. T. C. Perks was summoned by Mr. James Hall, assistant overseer for the parish of St. Mary, charged with non-payment of poor rate, amounting to £ l 2s. 4d. Mr. T. B. Bishop, appeared for the parish, and Mr. W. Games for Mr. Perks. The court then adjourned until 4 o'clock. Mr. Hall, assistant overseer, deposed that the rate was made on the 13th of May last, and pro- perty published he applied for the amount due he applied to Mr. Perks himself; Mr. Perks said that he would not pay, because he was not liable, inasmuch as the premises were not occupied. Mrs. Ann Williams, Glamorgan street, deposed that she was engaged as housekeeper at the house where Mr. Armstrong formerly lived Mr. Perks occupied the house at present she had cooked and boiled the kettle for him she made the bed, but she did not know who slept there she boiled the kettle at her own house, she also did the cook- ing at her own house Mr. Perks did eat all that she cooked at his own house. Mr. Hall was re-examined and stated that Mr. Perks called with him and said that if he did not get possession by the 25th, he woulti take posses- sion of everything on the premises. Mr. Perks deposed that he lived at Slwch Villa, he left on the 27th of May Mr. Bass came in possession of Slwch Villa, on the 15th of May he slept at the house on the 29th of May he could not go there in consequence of the tradesmen being there his family came home on Monday last, and it was in his occupation at present it was not in a fit state to be occupied, and his family were away. After a great deal ,of arguing between the advo- cates, Mr. Games contending that his client was not liable to the whole of the rate if he was to a portion of it. Their worships after a short deli- beration, decided that the rate should be appor- tioned from the 29th May, amounting to 18s. 4d. Each to pay their own cost. Eleanor Beavan was summoned by Catherine Watkins, charged with an assault and battery, Mr. T. B. Bishop appeared for the complainaii It. and Mr. W. Games for the defendant. It appeared from the evidence that both parties had been throwing water at each other, and the defendant threw a shovel of hot ashes at complain- ant.—Fined 5s. and cost. Allowed a week to pay. Thomas Harris, river watcher, here appeared, and admitted the charge preferred against him by P.C. Poyntz. Mr. T. B. Bishop appeared for him. P.C. Poyntz deposed that on the night in ques- tion, he heard a great noise in the Boar's head when he got near there he saw Harris come out and another person with him he was making use of very bad language, and bid him (Poyntz) defi- ance the other person did all he could to get him home, and when they got near the house, he stopped and again challenged him (Poyntz.)—Fined £ l and costs, or 14 days imprisonment.

BRECONSHIRE ASSIZES. The following is a list of prisoners for trial at the Brecon Assizes, commencing this day. .1 Howell Jones, 18, blacksmith, on bail, is charged with wilful and corrupt perjury, at a petty sessions. held at Defynnock, before certain Justices, 23rd of February, 1865. David Watkins, 30, farmer, on bail, is charged with wilful and corrupt perjury, at a petty sessions, held at Defynnock, before certain Justices, 25th of August, 1864. Harriet Davies, 30, is charged with wilful and corrupt perjury, at a petty sessions, held at Hay, before certain Justices, 16th of March, 1865. William Oakley, 29, labourer, is charged with wilful and corrupt perjury, at a petty sessions, held at Hav, before certain Justices, 25th of March, 1865. David Jones, 19, labourer, is charged with maliciously stabbing and wounding Roger Prosser and John Prosser, with intent to maim, and do them some grievous bodily harm, at Llansaintfread, 16th of May, 1865. Samuel Howells, 34, labourer, John Samuel, 19, and Thomas Samuel, 17, smith, on bail, are charged with feloniously killing and slaying one John Kirby, 17, ay at Tavern-y-garreg, in the parish of Defynnock, and who died from certain wounds inflicted by them, on the 30th of April, 1865. William Morgan, 61, collier, is charged with attempting to commit an unnatural crime, at Llan- gynider, 2nd of July, 1865. Thomas Pollard, 30, sailor, is charged with stealing one waistcoat, of the value of 18., the property of Richard Chapman, at Llanfair-ary-bryn

SUDDEN DEATH. On Wednesday evening last, James Williams, Esq., coroner, held an inquest on the body of Es- ther Jones, of Llanfaes, in this town, who was found dead in her bed on the morning of Tuesday last. It appeared from the evidence that the de- ceased went to bed in her usual state of health on Monday night, and on Tuesday morning, between, 5 and 6 o'clock, she got up to call her son and re- turned back to bed, shortly afterwards her husband heard her groan and almost immediately ex- pired without uttering a word. The jury, Mr. Rees Williams, foreman, returned a verdict of "died from natural causes." The deceased was 67 years of age.

CRICKET MATCH. BRECON V. WYE-SIDE. The return match between Brecon and Wye- side, was played at Boughrood, on Wednesday last, the former won after a very pleasant game by 20 runs. The Rev. H. De Winton, most hospitably provided dinner.

I' BRECON. 1st Innings. W. W. Morris, c W. Jones, b Vaughan 8 P. Lloyd, b Vaughan 4 E. Wright, not out 28 E. B. Thomas, b Vaughan 1 G. Griffiths, b Vaughan 0 W. E. Thomas, b. Vaughan 0 E. II. Thomas, c De Winton b Faber 0 H. Taylor, c. Cheese, b Vaughan. 1 E. Holcombe, b Faber 0 T. K. Morris, b Vaughan 0 I J. C. B. Morris, absent 0 Extras 14 Total. 55 2nd Innings. b Vaughan 4 b Vaughan 9 c Baskerville 0 c Cheese, b Vaughan 11 b Faber 25 b Faber 0 not out 9 c Cheese, b Faber. G b Faber 0 caught De Winton b Vaughan 1 c Faber b Vaughan 1 Extras 9 Total 75

WYE-SIDE. 1st Innings. Rev. H. De Winton, b P. Lloyd. 4 H. De Winton, c Griffiths b Lloyd 9 E. H. Cheese, b J. C. B. Morris 5 E. B. Faber, b J. C. B. Morris 6 W. Baskerville, c Holcombe b Lloyd 2 A. G. C. Liddell, b Lloyd 5 A. P. Vaughan, 1 b w, b Lloyd 4 Rev. W. P. Jones, 1 b w, b Lloyd 7 W. Stall, c Taylor, b Thomas 2 C Thomas, b Lloyd 0 D. Armstrong, not out 1 Extras 14 Total 59 2nd Innings. b P. Lloyd 13 b P. Lloyd l c Thomas, bJ Morris 3 bJ. C. B. Morris 4 c Thomas; b Lloyd 1 b P. Lloyd 8 b P. Lloyd 7 b P. Lloyd 0 b P. Lloyd 0 not out 1 b P. Lloyd 4 Extras 8 -7 Total.51

DEVYNNOCK PETTY SESSIONS. These Sessions were held on Thursday last, at the above place, before Howell Powell, and Wm. Rees, esqs. Henry Thomas, Coach & Horses, Senny Bridge, was summoned by the police, charged with keep- ing his house open for the sale of beer durino- prohibited hours, on Sunday the 9th instant fined 5s. and costs. Bees Thomas, Abercamlais Arms, was charged with a similar offence, fined 5s. and costs. He was also charged with wilfully and knowingly per- mitting drunkenness on his licensed premises, on Sunday the 9th inst., fined. 10s. and costs. John Hughes, farm servant, Graigcoch, was summoned by Ann Lewis, charged with being the putative father of her illegitimate male child, an order was made for Is 6d per week with costs.

NEGRO TREATMENT IN AMERICA. The negro difficulty in America is- as irrepressi- ble" under the newrégime as under the old The black man, whether enslaved or free, seems to be the destined source of disquiet to his white brother. What increases the difficulty of the federal Go- vernment in dealing with him is the small amount of aid the negroes render in protecting themselves. Whether, it be owing to slavery or to natural tem- perament, they are singularly wanting in resent- ment. They submit to the most brutal injuries with a passiveness that is pitiable. Much of their security must always depend on their own courage and determination The negroes, however, are not only wanting in these qualities themselves, but they are living in the midst of enemies unusually fierce, aggressive, and lawless, and in a country the extent and natural features of which render the work of internal police unusually difficult. If they were surrounded by sympathetic, considerate friends ready to help them across the threshold of civilization, their progress would doubtless be very rapid; but they are not, and the danger is that if they are met on their first entrance on a life of freedom by kicks, cuffs, robbery, and ill-usage from all around them, they will sink into apathy, and either remain degraded and barbarous, or vanish off the earth, as the Indians have done.

A SURGEON CHARGED WITH POISONING At Ashburton, on Tuesday, Charles Gordon Sprague, surgeon, was accused of haying put atro- pine—a cerebral spinal poison into a rabbit- pie, with the intention of murdering his wife James Chalker, his_ father-in-law and Sarah Chalker, his mother-in-law. The evidence goes to show that these persons and a servant in the house were made violently ill by a pie, that they all vomited, that atropine was found by Professor Herapath in the pie, that Mr. Sprague had pur- chased on the 2nd of June, ten grains of atropine, and that he would, by surviving his wife, father- in-law, and mother-in-law, obtain a life interest in certain property. Harriet French, who had lived five years as a servant in the house, also deposed that Mr. Sprague had said to her, I wouldn't care if they were all poisoned. If I were to poison them, I shouldn't be took up nor hung, for I have been in an asylum." On the other hand Mrs. Chalker declares that this witness told lies, and evidently does not believe or join in the charge. The defendant is a young man, only 24 years of age, and ,of a fair reputation, who bore the exami- nation without any appearance of apprehension, and himself cross-examined the medical witnesses to prove that the meat was putrid. A contem- porary points out that we have had a remarkable succession of medical poisoners Tawell, Palmer, Smethurst, ?nd Pritchird, were all in the medical profession, and Sprague must now be added to the list.

On the 25th inst., by license, at Llanspyddid church, Mr. Albert Richard Millard, of the Bre- conshire Constabulary, to Miss Sarah, youngest daughter of Mr. Thoms Scammel, Park side, Penpont.

BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY. HEREFORD, HAY, AND BRECON SECTION. TIME TABLE FOR JULY. DOWN TRAINS. j1 & 2 1 & 21 & 2 1,2,3. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Hereford depJ 9 45 12 45 2 50 8 0 Credenhill I 9 57 3 2 8 12 Moorhainpton 11.0 81258 3 12 8,25 Kinnersley 110 18 3, 20 8 35 Eardisley JlO 25 1 10 3 25 8 40 Whitney 10 32 1 16 3 33 8 50 Hay !l0 40 1 25 3 43 9 0 Glasbury 10 50 1 37 3 55 9 10 Three Cocks Junction. 10 55 1 42 4 0 9 16 Talgarth 11 8 1 52 4 8 9 24 Talyllyn Junction 11 22 2 5 4 22 9 40 Brecon arr. 11 40 2 15 4 35 9 50 Dowlais 12 20 3 45 5 25 Merthyr (by coach).■■ 1 15 4 30 6 15 Merthyr (by coub) 1 15 4 30 6 15 UP TRAINS. ]'2'3'1 & 2 1 & 2|1' 2' 3* a,m* a-m- a-m-! P-m- Merthyr (by coach) 7 Oil oj 3 0 Dowlais 8 15 12 0; 4 0 Brecon.. dep. 7 0 10 15 1 10 5 30 Talyllyn Junction 7 10 io 25 1 20 5- 40 Talgarth 7 2210 38 1 35 5 55 Three Cocks Junction. 7 3010 45 1 42 6 5 Glasbury 7 35 11 0 1 47 6' 10 Hay 7 45|ll 20 1 56 6 25 Whitney 7 55jll 28 2 3 6 35 Eardisley 8 311 35 2 10 6'42 Kinnersiey 8 10:11 40 6t47 Moorhampton 8 22jll 50 2 24 6 57 Credenhill 8 35 12 0 7.10 Hereford arr. 8 45 12 10 2 40 7 25 Sunday Trains will leave Brecon for Hereford at 9-15 a.m., arriving at Hereford at 11-ff a.m. and another at 5-30 p.m., arriving at 7-15 p.m. Return Trains will leave Hereford at 12 p.m., arriving in Brecon at 2-0 p.m., and another will leave Hereford at 7-30 p.m., arriving at Brecon at 9-15 p.m.

BRECON AND MERTHYR SECTION. DOWN TRAINS WEEK DAYS. STATIONS. 1, 2, and 3 Class. A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. Brecon dep. 6 5011 0 4 10 Talyllyn • 7 Oil 25 3 0 4 25 6 40 Talybont 7 1511 35 3 15 4 35 6 55 Dolygaer 7 5012 10 3 35 5 15 7 30 Dolygaer 7 5012 10 3 35 5 15 7 30 Pant arr. 8 012 20 3 45 5 25 7 40 Merthyr, by Coach 8 45 115 4 30 615 8 25 UP TRAINS. STATIONS. TTand 3 Class. STATIONS. 1 WEEK DAYS. A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. Merthyr, by Coach 7 Oil 0| 11 30 3 0 4 40 Dowlais or Pant. 8 15 12 0112 40 4 0 5 45 Dolygaer 8 2512 15 12 50 4 10 5 55 Talybont 9 012 451 1 20 4 35 6 30 Talyllyn 9 15 1 ol 1 30 4 50 6 45 Brecon, arr. 9 25 1 40 6 55 MARKET TICKETS are issued to the nearest Market Towns.—To Hereford on Wednesdays and Saturdays, by the 7-0 and 10-15 a.m. Up Trains, on which days a Market Train will leave Hereford at 4-30 p.m., calling at all Stations, and arriving at Hay at 6.15 p.m.; to Hay on Thursdays, by the 9-45 a.m. Down Train and 7-0 a.m. and 10-15 Up Trains and to Brecon on Saturdays by the 8-15 a.m. Up Train. These Tickets will be available to return by any Train advertised to stop at the Station at which the Ticket is issued. SUNDAY TRAINS will run on this Line each Sunday at 8.30 a.m., and 4-0 p.m., from Brecon, and 9-45 a.m. and 7-0 p.m. from Dowlais. Tickets will be issued by these Trains at Single Fare for the Double Journey, available on the day of issue only.

MID-WALES RAILWAY. Mid-Wales Railway. (Brecon andl/ I Merthyr. | tt'JL'A.TIUJMfcs. UP TRAINS. a.m. p. m. Mer.(coach)d. 7 Oil "o 3 0 Dowlais 8 1512 0 4 0 Dolygaer 8 2512 15 4 10 Talybont 9 012 45 4 35 Talyllyn J. ar. 9 15 1,0 4 40 OlassesonMd-1,2, 3. 1,2,3. 1,2,3. 1,2,2 l',2,3 WalesRailwa a.m. mixed p.m. p.m.ip. m. Brecon.dep 7 10 9 25 1 0 2 30j4 50 TalyllynJ.arr 7 20 9 35 1 10 2 45;& 0 TalyllynJuc.d "20 9 50 1 10|3 5j^ 0 Trefinon 7 25 10 0 1 15j3 20 5 5 Talgarth 7 35.10 25 1 25,3 50!5: 15 3 Cocks Juc.d. 7 4210 35 1 3oj4 0 5 20 3Cocks Juc.d. 7 42,11 0 ~42 4 5 5 20 Boughrood. 7 5011 10 1 50 4 20 5 30 Erwood 8 311 35 2 0 4 35 5 40 Builth (Wells) 8 2012 0 2 15 5 10 5 55 Newbridge. 8 33 12 30 2 305 30& 10 poldowlod 8 4312 50 2 40 6 20 Rhayader 8 55 1 35 2 50 6 10 6 30 Pantydwr 9 13 2 0 3 5 6 50 Tylwch 9 23 2 15 7 0 Llanidloes arr. 9 40. 2 25 3 20 7. 10 940 2 25 3 201 7. 10 Mer7,r& Mid-Wales Railway. I SXAXIU-IN fc>. DOWN TRAINS.. ex. Classes on Mid-1,2,3.1,2,3.1,2,3 1,2,5 1,2,3 Wales Railway, mixed a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Llanidloes dep. 6 50 8 55 1 0 4 IS 5 15 Tylwch 7 0 9.2 1 74 22 5 30 Pantydwr 7 25 9 15:1 204 3!: 5, 50 Rhayader 7 45 9 30il 35 4 50 6 40 Doldowlod 8 10 9 40jl 45 5 0 7 1*> Newbridge 8 30; 9 50(2 0 5 10 7 35 Builth (Wells). 8 5010 5j2 155 25 8 20 Erwood 110 25 2 305 408 40 Boughrood 10 35 2 40 5 55 9 0 3 Cocks June. !10 45 2 45 6 5 9 3 Cocks J uc. dep. iIo~45i2 45 6 5 -i)- 1-6 Talgarth 10 5312 50 6 13 9 2 Trefinon ill 3 6 251 Talyllyn Juc. ar 11 10 3 5 6 309J2 Talyllyn Juc.dep ill 10 3 5 6 30 9 4JJ Brecon arr \n 20 3 15 6 40 Talyllyn Juc.dep ..TjTT~25 3 5 (Tit) • • iTalybont 11 35 3 15 6 55 — 'Dolygaer 112 10 3 35 7 30 — Dowlais (for Mer |12 20 3 45 7 40 •••

SAUSAGES, SAUSAGES, SAUSAGES I PURE PORK SAUSAGES AT J. BATHER'S,' THEWA TTO -=. t Printed and Published by DAVID WILLJASI:Y his residence on the Bulwark, in ^e Chap of Saint Mary, in the Parish of Saint <tot^^ Evangelist, in the County of Brecon.-—SAT JULY 29, 1865.