The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

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The House of Stepney. FOUR CENTURIES OF PUBLIC SERVICE. Mr Arthur Mee writes as follows in the Western JJail of Friday — The old and honourable house of Stepney is re-called (Isewhero in these columns to- day. It is here my purpose to say a word about the family and their long and interesting connection with Wales. Their history, more fully related by the late Robert Harrison, disproves in itself the ridiculous plea. advanced by certain obscure extr3mists that gentle birth and the possession of ample means unfit men for the performance of their duty to their fellows. The Stepneys first came to Wales from London about the middle of the sixteenth century, when Alban Stepney married a flaverfoidwest lady, and at once commenced to do useful service by representing certain Welsh constituencies in three successive Parliaments of Queen Elizabeth, and also serving as sheriff for the counties of Pembroke and Carmarthen. His son and grandson only enjoyed their inheritance for a brief period but the former was made a baronet in 1621. In the same year his brother had the good fortune to save King James the First from a watery grave. The same gentleman was subsequently cup- bearer to the First Charles. In the reign of this unfortunate Monarch Alban Stepney was third baronet, and also served his country to tha best of his ability. During the Civil War he loyally sided with his King, and had to suffer for it, like many another, both in person and estate. The fourth baronet married Juetinu, daughter of the famous Vandyck and Justina's mother was a direct descendant of the Ruthven who aided and abetted in the murder of Rizzio, to which we alluded a week or two ago. Justina bore to her lord a. son and three daughters, iwo cousins of the fourth baronet were Charles and George Stepney. The former died on the battlefield the latter wae known as a scholar, poet, and diplomat, and was interred in Westminster Abbey. Sir Thomas Stepney, fifth bare net, and grandton of Vandyck, married a Vaughan, and so became possessor of estates at Llanelly. Dear, worthy, and honest iSir Thomas," writes a friend of this baronet, who was sheriff of Pembrokeshire, and also represented Carmarthenshire in Parliament. The life of the sixth of the line was very short, and then we came to the life of the seventh baronet, Sir Thomas, one of the most interesting figures in the history of the house. Llanelly had even then been long famous for its coal, and a couple of centuries before oldLeland had made quaint reference to the fact. Sir Thomas set himself with great assiduity to improve his estate and develop the neighbourhood as far as lay in his power. He paid special attention to his coal works and fisheries, and constructed a new kind of vessel, called by his correspondents busses," to convey the fish. Sir Thomas seemed to have introduced his coal to the JLondon market, and was altogether a man in advance of his time, Tradition has it that Sir Thomas was not only an active and enligtened, but a most amiable and approachable man. There is a beantiful tribute to him in John Wesley's Diary. Wesley, whose keeness of perception was equalled only by his notability of character, visited the tin-plate town of after years many a time, and these are two extracts from that wonderful work, his Journal," too little known nowadays "Thursday. 17th Angust, 1769. I preached in the evening at Llanelly. The behaviour of Sir Thomas Stepney's servants here, four or five of whom belonged to the Society,' has removed all prejudice from him, as woll as from most of the town. Indeed, they are a pattern to all of their rank, truly adorning the doctrine of God," Three years letter we have this sad but noteworthy remark; "I went on to Llanelly. But what a change was there! Sir Thomas btepney, the lather ot the poor, was dead Cut down in the strength of his years 11" The death of Sir Thomas must have been a blow-4;o LlaneHy in more ways than one. His successors seom for a long time to have taken little or no interest in the place, and the fino old family mansion sank for a while into worse than decay. The eighth I baronot sat for Monmouthshire for one and twen ty years. He was also entrusted with diplomatic missions abroad, which he carried oat with honour and success. Sir Thomas was succeeded by bis brother, an intimate friend of Charles James Fox, and who was besides a born courtier, serving the Duke o' York as groom of the chamber lor 35 years, without other fee or reward than the sincere 110gard of his Roy nl master, With him the title died out, but it was revived many years later in favour of his descendant, Colonel Stepney, a gallant old Peninsular hero, whoso memory is still green at Llanelly. He was the son of Captain Coweil, who had a tine military record, serving through the Irish Rebellion, and witnessing the horrors of that miserable time. When Colone (afterwards Sir John) Stepney was a boy he and his brother were walking with their nurse, when George III. stopped to inquire about their parents. One of the little rascals got possession of the King's whip and slashed the Royal legs with it. The horror-stricken nurse was rushing forward, when good-natured old George remarked, Eh, what! what let him alone, let him alone. Everybody likes to have a cut at the King." The little boy who cut at the King after- wards cut valiantly at his Majesty's enemies and he had a splendid career in the Peninsula. A record of his exciting oxper- iences was printed for private circulation. Sir John was a bluff old soldier, full of strange oaths, and charmingly devoid of all pomposity and nonsense. He resided at Llanelly for some time, and a friend of mine recollects as a little girl the old warrior pursuing her for making a raid on one of his mulberry trees. Many anecdotes are told of lim. At a local flower show the French flag was displayed among other bunting. The old hero saw it. What the blanketty blank is that rag doing there ? Take it down at once And the tricolour disappeared. Sir John, like so many of his ancestors, sat in Parliament, but chiefiy as a silent member, which, no doubt, was as well, for had he spoken, his addresses might have been adorned by expressions better adapted to the tented tield than to the floor of St Stephen's. He died in 1877, and was suc- ceeded by the present baronet. Sir Arthur COTCII Stepney, born in 1834, was for many yeais a clerk in the Foreign Office. As a younger son he had little hope of succeeding to the estate, but one after another his brothers predeceased him, in- cludif-g the dashing Captain Coweil, of the Guards, who fell at Inkerman. Sir Arthur sat for time in Parliament as member for the Carmarthen Boroughs. He first stood in 1574 as a Liberal, but was beaten by a Conservative, the late much-respected Charles Nevill. On Mr Nevill accepting the Chiltern Hundreds Sir Arthur Stepney was returned unopposed, but followed Mr Nevill to the Chiiterns in 1878. Eight years after Sir Arthur won the Home Rule election as a Gladstouiau-Liberal, and held the seat for six years, but he was much of his time abroad, and at length resigned in 1892. Sir Arthur Stepney is a great traveller, a kindly, genial man, of refined tastes, unostentatious, and generous to a fault. In 1875 he married Margaret, daughter of the secoud Lord de Tabley, by whom he has one daughter. Lady Stepney—an intimate friend of the Gladstones—and Miss Stepney are now familiar figures at Llanelly, where their interest in the tenantry, their sympathy with local matters, and their kindliness of disposition have won all hearts. Miss Stepney is said to have sat for the dainty little maid in Millais' well-known painting, Cherry Ripe."

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Sale of Property and Gas Shares at Carmarthen. On Saturday, at St. Mary's Auction Mart, Car- marthen, Mr Vincent Howell Thomas (of the firm of Messrs J. Howell Thomas and Sen, auctioneers) sold 12 Carmarthen Gas Company's shares of £25 each, to Mr Owen, rate collector, Carmarthen, for £23 each, the total price being X396. On the same afternoon, et the same plaoe, Mr Vincent Howell Thomas disposed ICot the following local freehold property by auction 14, The Parade, rented at £25 by Mr "YV. S. Phillips, £ 125, Mr J. B. Arthur, merchant, Priory.atreet, who also paid X-510 for 16, The Parade, which is in the occupation of Mr Gower Griffith5 a 47ift. yard on the Quay, rented under a lease of 21 years to Mr Thomas Dalies, slate merchant, and four houses on the Quay, each rented at 2s. 3<1. a v»etk, were purchased bv Mr Thomas Davies, slate merchant, for £ 530 a yard and small garden in Little Bridge-street, rented at X4 48. were sold to the tenant, Mr 1hoffias Dluie and two shops and premises in lled-street, known as Market llall, and rented at £:)0 to Messrs D and LI. Joins, drover?, were sold to the tenants for £ 1.125. Mr J. F. Morris, Car- marthen. was the tolicitor. On the same occasion 13 lots of freeh'dd property in Johnstown, Carmar- then, owned by Mr S. Phillips, The PftTade, Carmarthen, were off;,r"d by auction. Park Royal Oak, accommodation land, being the first of the Upper File Fields, rpnted at £ 25, and 10 building plots on Monument Hill, were withdrawn, Nos. I and 2, Llanstephan-road, dwelling-houses, rented tor £8 10s and £11 per annum, went for zC340 to one of the tenants, Mr D. Jones whilst an adjoin- ing 'garden rented to Mr J. Burgess. Nelson Hotel, tor £2 lOf. was withdrawn. Mr Thomas Walters, Carmarthen, was the solicitor.

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Congregational Assocition of Carmarthen. MEETINGS AT WHITLAND. The annaul meeting of the Congregational Association of Carmarthenshire was held at tho Tabernacle, Whitland, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 19th and 20th May, 1903, under the presidency of the Rev D. ThcmUfe, Llanybii. It was a coincidence that the nietthigs were held on the 29th anniversary of the Qpening of the, Tabernacle Chapel. The CongrogaitrionalMs have no less than 97 with, a membership of 21,000 in the county. Amongst the large number present were: Rev D. Thomas, Llanybri (pros'dent); Rev W. C. Jenkins, Kidwiilly Rev T. Thomas, I. Llanwrda, Llaiigndock (secretaries of the two divisions of the County, which are united in their annual Association); Rev D. R. Davies, Rhydyceisiaid; Rev Stephen Thomas, Elim; Rev T. Dennis Jones, Llanllechyd; Rev J. Evans, Bryn, Llanelly Rev Peter Davies, Puntfceg; Rev J. Eva.n.s, B.A., St. Clears; Rev Cadfwlch Davies, St. Clears; Rev E. Jones, Cana; Ellis Davies, Siloh, Llan- elly Rev J. J. Jones, B.A., Llanelly; Rev D. Jones: Saran, Llanelly; Rev L. P. Evans, Penygraig; Rev T. Thomas, Salem; Rev D. J. Thomas, Carmarthen Rev D. J. Evans, Penygroes; Rev W. Thomas, Whitland (the re.spected pastor of Tabernalle); Rev D. E. Williams, Henllan; Rev J. H. Rees, Burry Port; Rev D. E. Walters, B.A., Llandovery; Rev L. Price, Laugharne; Rev J. Solon Rees, Aberammait Rev Geo. Phillips, Car- mt.rfrnen; Rev M. P. Moses, Llanelly; Rev S. G. Recs, Abeigorlech; Rev D. Ff. Davies, of Newfoundland; Rev J. Davies, Gwer- nogle Rev G. Jones, Llanedi; Rev D. Lewis Giboon; Rev W. Davies, Llandilo; Rev D. G. Williams, St. Clears; Rev L. James, Brynbank; Rev J. Tegryn Phillips, Hebron; Rev R. Gwelfa Roberts, Tabernacle, Llanelly Rev D. Jones (B.), and Rev J. Davies (C.M.) Whitliand; Rev D. Evans (B.), Blaenconin; Rev J. Jones (B.), Ffj-non and others whose names were not, obtainable. There were also present a large number of representatives of the various churches of the county, more especially of tne surrounding districts. The general conference was held at 2.45 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, which having been introduced by the Rev M. P. Moses, the president, the Rev D. Thomas, Llanybri delivered a short pithy address, dwelling chiefly on the success that had attended the spiritual work done by the Rev W. Thomas, Whitland, at Soar and the Tabernacle, during the 48 years he had been pastor of the church, and hoped that all present would attend his Jubilee, meetings, which were fast, approaching, and hoped the rev. gentleman would be spared to them, not only until his jubilee, but, for many years afterwards. THE BIBLE IN DAY SCHOOLS. The Rev J. Evans, Bryn, llaiieII3,, moved that they JUS an association, pass a resolution in favour of bringing the Bible into use at the clay schools. The Rev J. H. Rees, Burry Port seconded. A discussion ensued, 11 which the Rev J. G. Jones, B.A., Llanelly; Rev M. P. Moses, Llanelly; Mr W. Seourfield, Whitland, and others took part. The Rev M. P. Moses moved an amend- ment, "That the Bible be not taught in the day schools, and that things be left, as they are at present." Mr W. Scourfield, W'v;land, in seconding the amendment, sadi that he did so as an old schoolmaster. They should not shirk their duty, and place it on day school matters. It was the duty of the Sunlay Schools, the Churches, and the families. On a division, the amendment was carried by at large majority. The Rev J. Evans gave notice that he would move the subject again next year. The Rev Dennis or.es, Llanllechyd, the secretary of the ngregatiollal Union Pro- vident Society, advocated the claims of the Society, which at present had about 200 members, with funds about t3,000, having since its foundation in 1885 paid about E2,000 to its members. He urged all the young ministers; to join. There, were no entry fees up to 30 years of age, and only £1 per annum above 30, On the motion of the Rev Wm. Thomas, Whitland, seconded by the Rev T. Thomas, Salem, Llandilo, the (association unanimously endorsed the claims of the Society, and urged all to join. LICENSE RENEWALS. The Rev D. E. Williams, Henllan, said that the present Government was kind to its friends, and regretted that they at the asso- ciation coull not speak loud enough for them to hear them. Still, he believed that a reso- lution would do good, in face of what was going on in these days, and that a copy of it should be sent to the Prime Minister, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman. the local mem- bers, and (as suggested from the audience) also to the Lord Chancellor, who most of all needed it. The Rev D. R. Davies, Rhydyceisiaid, seconded, and the folllowing resolution was unanimously carried: "That this conference of the Congregationalists of Carmarthenshire repre-senting 97 churches, comprising 21.000 numbers, at their annual association. held at the Tabernacle, Whitland, May 19th. 1903, offers its most solemn protect against any legislation which will interfere with the hitherto unfettered discretion of licensing magistrates, or create a vested interest, in the liquor license, and hereby challenges Parliament o. appeal to the constituencies on such IPurposes." IMPORTANCE OF CHURCH ^EMBEH- SHIP TO THE HEARERS OF THE GOSPEL. The Rev S. Thomas, Elim, read a very able paper on the above subject, which was most interesting and instructive, and attentively listened to, being one of the most cardinal points the churches in genernl throughout the county ought to consider, in face of the pre- vailing indifference that seems to pervade the rising generation. The Rev W. Thomas, Whitland, moved that the Rev S. Tuomas should print his able and most timely paper for general dis- tribution, when they would be a' Ie to read it in their homes. This was unanimously ingreed to. The Prc.si(Wnt announced that- he had been requested by the Rev Mr Evans, Autioch. Crymmych Arms, near Whitland. who was present, to extend a. most pressing welcome to one and all, to attend I.,ic association for the three counties, namely Carmarthenshire. Pembrokeshire, and Cardiganshire, which will '1-- _1 "1 "I be held at, Antioch, on vveanesuay anci liiurs day, the 10th and 11th June, 1903. The following ministers took part in the services: Rev D'. Jonns, Salem, Llanelly; Rev D. E. Walters, Llandovery; Rev J. J. Jones, Rev J. Evans (Bryn), Rev Davies (Siloh), Lanelly Rev W. Davies, Llandilo; Rev D. m.), Blt.cneonin; Rev .J. H. Burry Port; Rev R. GwyJfa Rol;ciis. Llaih'lly; Rev —. Harries, Bethel, JJau- dovery; Rev T. Thomas, Llanwrda, LJun- gadock Dr B. Davies, Newcastle Einlyii; and at Henllan on Ttesdav evening, Rev M. P. Mo: es, Llanelly; Ind Rov P. Davies. Pant teg. All the meetings were well atten- jdedj excellent s:crmojis being preached.

Llandilo Notes. A photograph tbas is attracting considerable attention is that in the window cf Mr Harris, tho photographer, of the Llandilo cricket team of IS;): or just half a century ago. It has been reproduced from a photo of the old style of photographing on glass, and which had afterwards been coloured. The members of the team in their various get-ups look like a lot of Siberian convicts, but very probably they were a superior team to many of the so-called teams of the present day, who think more of their flannel than their fielding. -:0:- We have already got the reputation of being a god- less lot at Llardilo-or, rather, I should say a non- religious lot—and now we shall soon have the reputation of being a dirty lot, for our Urban Council do not believe that Cleanliness is next to Godliness," and, although our electric lamps are regular eye sores, consequent upon their dirty state, yet despite the fact that we shall soon have the town crowded with visitors, the Council have decided they shall not be cleaned until the visitors have come and gone-and gone after having formed a good opinion of the town. it is a real case of Buinbiedom.

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L L* A N D I L- 0. EARL CAWDOR AND FAMILY arc at present in residence at Golden Grove. WHIT-MONDAY.-—Although there was nothing goinp on in the town on Monday to attract visitors, yet it was fairly full of visitorr. THE VOLUNTEERS.—A contingent of the local Volunteers, uuder the command of Major Williams, left on Saturday for a week's camping at Porthcawl. FOR THE Citurc,it.Nlr D. J. Thomas of Llandto, at present a master in the Llandrindod Iutermed'ate School, intends at the end of this term becomir^ a curate in tha Church of England. DEATH OF MR. DAVIES, IVOR I-IOUSE.-It is a strange coincidence that during the apace of a few years two aien, both drapers, aid both occupants of the Compton House, bth compaiatively young men, should have died each leaving aft. r f.hlr. a. widow and three children to mourn their IOSb. Tae first was Mr Ben Lewis, and the last Mr Df V.es, who after a illness of a few months, succumbed (In Sunday night He was the son of the late Mr Meg n Davies, Cwm Ivor (member of the School Bear(i). Deceased was of a reserved and kindly disposition Much sympathy is felt with his widow and little onts CONGREGATIONAL CYMANFA.—The annual cymanfa ganu of the lecal Independent Churches was held on Monday last at Salem. The conductor was the Rev C. Meudwy Davies. Llanelly. The following churches were represented: Tabem icle, and Crescent- read. Llandilo; Silo, Penvbank; Salem, Capel Isaac, Penirheol, and Lianavrthney.—A children's meeting was held at half-past ten. The chairman was Mr W. Thomas, Corner House, Llandilo. The Rev A\iliiamis, of Llandebie, opened the meeting with prayer. The tunes rehearsed were "Mac Iosu dorbyn (plant," "Bydd caniu yu y m'foedd," "0 sanc- taidd," and "Yr Ymprvroh." In. the afternoon meeting, the chairman Mr J. Harris. Lan. The Rev J. Cadvan Davies offered up prayer. Hymns rehearsed "Cnerfyrddin," "Holstein," "Pcn.vrh.eol," "Bui-ford," "Dia- dem Ifi cl d an, and the anthem "Bydd melus gofio v cvlamod," and that of "Gcruch- afiaeth." Addresses were delivered by Messrs ,i H. Gr,thlis and W. Harries. Tonic Solfa. certificates were presented to members of BrynffynonJ Salem, and Tabernacle choirs, who hal been previously examined by Mr R. Thomas, Ffairfach. At the evening meeting, the Rev J. Thorn-.S, Salem, was- in the chair. The Rev Rees. Pt iiybank, offered prayer. Tile tunes; rehen 1 sed were "01 mbria." "Here- ford," "Prospect," "Trewern." "Rethesda and the two anthems of the afternoon. A solo was sweetly rendered by Miss Davies, Salem. The tinging was above the average. The ehoralisis were ■accc«ipariiied by the Llan dilo String Band.

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wife's among them being Mr Gladstone, who wrote her tl-ie, followinS sympathetic letter Dollis Hill, N.W.. Feb 24. 1891. My dear Lady St,epiiey(-No words can tell you how I am grieved at the deplo- rable intelligence you send me. May God in His mercy minister support to you and Alcy, and to him who does' you wrong the light he siadly needs. Of course, I shall be ever ready to do all that I find to be legitimately in my power, and I think my first duty is to be on the spot. I propose therefore, to be at No. 18, Park-lane (where we are to Jive next year) to- morrow at 12 to meet your solicitor, if you will kindly appoint him there at the time, and pray do you come or not as you think best. I will come to you if I find a note or message to that effect. My wife is not here; you know what her feelings and those. of our children will be. Ever yours affectionately, W. E. GLADSTONE.