The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

CARDIGAN. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS.—At the magistrates' meet- ing, held. at the Council Chamber, Cardigan, on Monday last, before Messrs John Thomas (mayor), and Thomas Davies, Mr Finucane, officerof excise, summoned Elizabeth Tucker, of St. Dogmell's, for selling beer without a licence. The case was proved, and defendant was fined 25.

LLANBADARN. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY.—Before J. G. W. Bonsall, Esq., and J. Evans, Esq. Refusing to Quit.-J ohn Thomas was charged by Job Silvanus with refusing to quit a room which he occupied under complainant.—Complainant stated that defendant rented a room from him at 5s. per week. Witness served defendant with a notice to quit the premises on the 2nd December, but this had not been complied with.—P.C. Thomas proved serving defendant with a summons to attend to-day's meeting.—The Bench granted an eject- ment order, to be carried out in twenty-one days, unless the defendant left the premises in the meantime. Refusing to Maintain Parents. -Thomas Jones, a car- penter, was charged by Mr J. LL Griffiths, relieving officer of the Aberystwyth Union, with refusing to support his mother, who had become chargeable to the common fund of the union. The Bench ordered defendant to pay Is. per month.—There was a similar charge against Wm. Davies, who, it was stated, possessed a house on Marine- terrace. Defendant was ordered to pay Is. per week towards the support of his mother.—A similar charge was made against Edward Jenkins and William Jenkins. Mr Griffiths stated that the mother of the defendants received A- .L1. m'I. ..11_ ■n. pci wee*. Hum ui« umon. xne aeienaant jsawara Jenkins was ordered to pay 2s. per week towards the sup- port of his mother, but no order was made with reference to his brother William.-Edward Edwards, a farm servant in the receipt of 213 per annum, was summoned for refusing to support his mother. An order of Is. 6d. per week was made by the Bench. A Wife Dwerter. -John Davies, now residing at Crewe, was charged with deserting his wife and leaving her chargeable to the Aberystwyth Union.—It was stated that defendant was in receipt of 18s. per week his wife had been chargeable to the amount of 21s., and there were other costs owing to a warrant having been issued for his apprehension.—The Bench made an order that defendant pay 2s. per week.

TRE'RDDOL. WESLEYAN MEETING.—The Wesleyan connection in this place held their anniversary meeting on Christmas Day. The day's proceedings were carried out in the fol- lowing order. At three p.m. upwards of five hundred partook of tea in the chapel. There is usually a very large gathering at this annual meeting, but the gathering last Christmas Day far exceeded any previous one, not only in point of number but also in importance. This may be attributed to the great expectations indulged in to hear a lecture on the Faculties of the Soul," by the Rev. Thomas Jones, D.D., St. David's. Another circumstance no doubt very materially contributed much to the success of the meeting, viz., that H. C. Fryer, Esq., of Lodge Park, had kindly promised to preside over the six o'clock meeting. At the appointed time the rev. lecturer ascended the platform, and was soon followed by the much-esteemed chairman, who was loudly applauded on entering on his ..1nhr Aftor omincr flirrnKrVi fVip 1Hm1 frnnmilarips inmrtant 15V1"0 — O— to such occasions, the Chairman, in a few but appropriate remarks, called upon the rev. doctor to deliver his lecture. It would be quite impossible to do anything like justice if an attempt were made to give an outline of this very able lecture. Suffice it to say that it was most edifying and altogether very instructive, and incomparably above what are now-a-days delivered as lectures in different parts of the Principality. The lecture was well-arranged and delivered in a masterly style, quite worthy of the talented and eminent preacher. At the termination of the lecture, which lasted nearly two hours, the usual votes of thanks were proposed and seconded. The Rev. D. Young, the resident minister, in seconding a vote of thanks to the chairman, dwelt at some length on the many good qualities possessed by him; his willingness at all times to render every possible assistance in his power, everything that had for its object the well-being of his fellow-creatures. A vote of cordial and heartfelt thanks was accorded to Mrs Fryer for the great and uniform kindness which they as a religious body had always received at her hands. It will be very gratifying to the friends of Wesleyanism generally to know that great success has attended the efforts of this religious community, and that the cause is in a satisfactory and promising condition. The Rev. D. Young, with the Rev. F. Gwynne, assisted by other friends, were untiring in their efforts to carry out the day's proceedings satisfac- torily.-Communicated.

MACHYNLLETH. PLYGAIN.—The Welsh service termed "plygain"was held in the parish church on Christmas morning, com- mencing at five o'clock. The congregation was very large, the church being quite full. The Rev. G. Griffiths read the service, and preached a most impressive sermon from St. John, iv., 29, which was listened to with marked at- tention throughout. The choir sang several Christmas pieces, one being an anthem from St. Luke, ii., 8 to 14; several good carols were also sung. TEA PARTY AND LECTURE.—On Christmas day the Wesleyans in this town had a tea party at the Town Hall, which was well filled. The following ladies gave trays gratuitously, viz., Mrs Jenkins, Mrs Owen, Lion Hotel, Mrs Lewis Williams, Mrs Owen Pughe, Mrs John Hughes, draper, Mrs Rd. Ellis, grocer, Mrs D. Evans, grocer, Mrs Jos. Hughes, watchmaker, Mrs Ann Owen, Mrs Rowland Wood, and Mrs Reese Evans, grocer. In the evening a lecture was delivered in the chapel by the Rev. Owen Owens, the subject being Knowledge and its advantages." The chair was occupied by Mr Jenkins, tanner. The attendance was not so numerous as might have been expected, but the lecture was very instructive and interesting, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audi- ence. The choir sang several pieces during the evening in a very pleasing manner. CHRISTMAS CHARITIES. -On Friday week the usual Christ- mas distribution of charities, by the clergy and church- wardens, took place in the parish church. There were, as usual, a large number of recipients, and about £ 7 was given away in sums varying from one shilling to half a crown. On the same day, at the Vane Hall, beef and bread were distributed, being the Countess Vane's annual gift to the aged poor of the town. Upwards of a hundred, all above sixty years of age, received each a good piece of meat and a loaf of bread. The distribution was conducted by Mr Gillart, Llynlloedd, and Miss Jones, Vane Infant School. The following also were present:—The Rev. G. Griffiths, the Rev. J. M. Jones, Mrs Griffiths, the Rectory, and the Misses Griffiths, Miss C. Hughes, The Cottage, Mrs Gillart, and Mrs Wood. CHURCH DECORATION.—The parish church was beauti- fully decorated for Christmas by some of the lady mem- bers of the congregation, and the work when completed was most creditable both to their good taste and their artistic skill. Appropriate scripture texts worked in various designs, and surrounded by a profusion of holly leaves in borders, wreaths, &c., were displayed in different parts of the building, the whole presenting a very pretty sight. The following were the ladies that undertook the decoration, each being allotted a certain part to adorn Mrs Jones, FronygO-, Miss Jones, Miss Kerr, Mrs Griffiths, The Rectory, and Miss Jones, Vane Infant School. The following also rendered valuable assistance: —The Rev. J. M. Jone3, Mr Morgan, the Misses Griffiths, Mr J. Gillart, and Mr Johnstone.

LLANDRILLO. THE PARISH CHURCH. -Two services were held at the Parish Church, on Christmas Day; the Rev. J. Wynne, B. A., and the Rev. J. Owen, officiated. The church was beautifully decorated with holly, ivy, and other ever- greens, with scriptural texts, &c., worked by the follow- ing ladies:-The Misses Janes, Cilan; Misses Roberts, Branasisa; Miss Hughes, Tynewydd; Miss Adams, Tydynllan Miss Wynne and Miss Toppin, Branas-lodge Mrs Roberts and Miss Price, Llawrcilan Mrs Griffiths, Llandrillo who were also assisted by the Rev. J. Owen, curate, and Mr D. L. Evans, schoolmaster. Several good carols were sung by the choir, under the leadership of Mr W. T. Evans. LITERARY MEETING. --On Christmas Day a meeting was held at two o'clock, at Rhos chapel, in connection with the Calvinistic Methodist Sunday School. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. E. Evans, who delivered a suit- able address on The Sunday School." Then followed an examination of the children m the 3rd and 4th chapters of the Mother's Catechism: 1st, Emma Smith 2nd, J. C. Williams. Examination ef youths under twenty years of age in Charles's Catechism: 1st, Sarah Morris, Llawrcilan; 2nd, John Foulkes, Glyn. Both classes were examined by Mr Ellis Jones. Mr Humphrey Williams delivered his adjudication on the answers to questions on the History of Christ:" lot, T. Evans 2nd, John Owen. The adju- dication of the Rev. E. Evans on answers to questions on 3rd chap. St. John: 1st, John Roberts, Tynygroes; 2nd, Robert Evans, Llechwedd. The meeting ended with prayer by the Rev. W. Williams, Corwen. Tea was provided at the Union Schoolroom for the members of the Sunday school; the following ladies presided at the tables:—Mrs Williams, Tynycoed; Mrs Roberts, Llawrcilan; Mrs S. Roberts, Tydraw Mrs Williams, Blaenycwm Mrs A. Hughes, LW 5 Mrs Davies, Tyddynfamaeth; Mrs J. Hughes! Llan; Mrs Evans, Moeiisgoedwig-ucha; Mrs Hughes, Glyn Mrs Jones, Tynypark. At six o'clock a meeting was held in the schoolroom, which was beautifully de- corated with evergreens and suitable mottoes for the occasion. The subjects for competition at this meeting were open to the district of Llandrillo only. The committee bearing in mind that the neighbourhood in which it was held was inhabited mainly by agriculturists, treatises in connection with farming were announced in the pro- gramme. The chairman was Mr Jones, tea merchant, Liverpool," who opened the meeting with an eloquent address. Conductor, Mr Jarrett, jun., Plasynfardre. The programme was as follows: —The choir sang, "Mor weddaidd ar y Mynyddoedd;" adjudication of Mr Jarrett, jun., on the best handwriting of the Tenth Command. ment: 1st, Lewis Owen Smith; song by Gwrtheyrn, Clywch floedd fechgyn Mr Ellis Jones's adjudication on the treatises, "History of Moses:" 1st, Master E. Roberts, 2nd, Master Thomas Evans the best solo sinoer of "Cwymp Llywelyn," judge, Gwrtheyrn: 1st, Sir Humphrey Williams, Cwm; the best treatise on the "History of Esther:" 1st, Miss M. Williams, Blaeny- cwm Ardderchog wlad y bryniau," by the choir; adju- dication of the Rev. C. Roberts on the Jewish Festivals 1st, Mr R: Davieg, Blaendre, 2nd, Mr Ellis Evans, jun.; song by Gwrtheyrn, The Feniansthe adjudication of Mr Roberts, Tynewydd, on the treatises on -the Journeyftigs of the Israelites:" 1st, Miss "Elizabeth Evans, 2nd, Miss M. Williams, Blaenycwm; choir com- petition in singing Herdelberg 1st, Llan choir, under the leadership of Mr D. Davies; the adjudication of Mrs Williams, Tynycoed, and Mrs Roberts, Llawrcilan, on the treatises "The best way of making butter and cheese:" lst, Miss Williams, Blaenycwm, 2nd, Mrs Ellis Jones; singing in the tonic sol-fa at sight; 1st, Mr Henry Davies, Branas, 2nd, Miss J. Ellis; the adjudication on the principal essay, by the Rev. J. Williams, The best method of farming in the vale of Edeyrnion1st, Mr Hugh Roberts, Bryn, 2nd, Mr J. Jones, Llechweddcilan; song by Gwrtheyrn, Y dant Colledig;" for the best translation of a piece on Education:" 1st, Miss Williams, Blaenycwm, 2nd, Master John Owen Smith Gwrtheyrn's adjudication on the Poetry to the "Year:" 1st, Master J. Hughes; the choir sang the anthem, Cydganwn ag angylion glan." The meeting throughout was a great success. The well-known vocalist, Gwrtheyrn, had been engaged for the occasion, and he was most enthusiastically encored each time he sang. The usual vote of thanks was given to the chairman ana conductor.

PENIARTH. RENT AUDIT.-The half-yearly rent audit of this estate took place on Wednesday and Thursday, the 22nd and 23rd ult., when it is pleasing to observe that not one farthing was left in arrears. At its close the tenants adjourned to the hall, which was tastefully decorated, and rtook of a sumptuous repast, under the presidency of O. Wynne, Esq., assisted by the trustworthy agent, Mr Evan Rowlands. The cloths having been removed, and the usual loyal toasts disposed of, the health of their excellent landlord, W. W. E. Wynne, Esq., was most cordially drunk, with musical honours. Several other toasts followed, including W. R. M. Wynne, Esq. (who is at present in the West Indies), O. S. Wynne, Esq., Mr Evan Rowland, &c., and the company dispersed after having enjoyed a most pleasant evening. The excellent arrangements of Mr Joseph Wrigley, the butler, for the reception and comfort of the tenants, were well carried out and highly appreciated. On Christmas Day, as usual, all the workmen employed on the estate were invited by the worthy squire to spend the day at this fine old mansion. Although, we regret to say, Mr Wynne was suffering from a severe attack of bronchitis, which necessitated his keeping to his bed, he desired Mr Wrigley to inform the guests that his illness was not to mar their pleasure. After supper dancing commenced and was kept up with great spirit till 11'45, when all separated, greatly pleased with their day's enjoyment.

SOLUTION OF LAST WEEK'S DOUBLE ACROSTIC.— "Helvetia," and" Hihernia." The crosa lierhts 'we i- H ogart H E 1 I L im B V in E E leano R (King Henry VI.) T rai N I cen I A drian A (Comedy of Errora.) I

General. Mr Bright is expected to address his constituents about the 10th or 11th of January. Mr Holroyd, who has been one of the judges in Bank- ruptcy since 1831 has retired. A convict has died at Portland from the effects of flog- ging. No blame is attached to anyone. The Duchess of Argyll is now considered to be out of danger from her late attack, and to be making favourable progress towards recovery. Lord Albert Pelham Clinton earned 250 for his credi, tors by walking ten miles in two hours at Hackney Wick- in the presence of a select circle of friends." Mr D. Tallerman, 31, Norton Folgate, writes to the papers to say that he is ready to give any information re- specting Australian meat, and the establishment of the agency (at the above address) is always open for inspec- tion. The infant daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales was christened last week at Marlborough House. The ceremony was performed by the Bishop of London, and the infant Princess received the names of Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria. Mr Joseph Rundle, for many years storekeeper of Par Consols Mine, in Cornwall, has died at St. Blazey. During the whole course of his life, which lasted 81 years, he never slept one night out of the parish in which he was born. The United States Congress has adopted a resolution authorising the President to make such preparations for the reception of the body of Mr George Peabody "as are merited by his glorious deeds, and in a manner com- mensurate with the justice, magnanimity, and dignity of a great people." A shocking murder occurred in Scotland on Tuesday night week. John Miller, an old man, who kept the Blackhill toll-bar, near Dunblane, was attacked by some persons and beaten to death with a crow-bar. Plunder was the object, as the house was rifled of all that was Suable. The heart of King Richard I. of England, which had until now been preserved in the treasury of the cathedral of Rouen, has just been placed in the tomb recently erected for that sovereign in the choir of the building, thus realiz- ing the last wish uttered by Coeur de Lion. The leaden plate on the urn bears the inscription, Hie jacet cor Ricardi, regis Anglorum." An actor dropped down dead on the stage the other day in the German theatre at Amsterdam, while playing the part of Menelas, in La Belle Helene." The public at first laughed at seeing him fall from his seat, thinking that it was a comic incident of the piece, but their mirth was changed to a chill of horror on seeing him carried out, and on learning that he had expired. The responsibility of declaring O'Donovan Rossa's election void will not not be imposed upon any of the election judges. It is stated that Mr Heron, the so-called defeated candidate, has resolved to leave the matter with the House of Commons; and the House, it is further alleged, will go through the form of summoning Rossa to the Bar, and of afterwards issuing a new writ for County Tipperary. Mr Gladstone was lately asked by the Greenwich Advanced Liberal Association whether it was his intention to address his constituents before the meeting of Parlia- ment. Through his private secretary, Mr Gladstone has replied that his pressing duties are of such a nature as altogether to preclude the possibility of his having that satisfaction. The two "lady swindlers who passed themselves off at Scarborough a few months since as ladies of fortune, and who obtained a quantity of goods from shops in the town under false pretences, have been tried at the quarter ses- sions of that borough, found guilty, and sentenced to undergo eight months' imprisonment each. The women, whose names are Mary and Jean Trutch, were, it tran- spired, of a respectable family, and they possessed an income of 220 a year each, left them by a brother-one Dr Trutch. A very curious accident occurred last week in Sheffield. Mr and Mrs Hobson, of Ecclesfield, were pro- ceeding up Gibraltar-street in a phaeton, when they were met by a drove of bullocks. One of the herd made a tremendous charge at the carriage, and getting its horns entangled with the wheels, completely overturned the vehicle, throwing Mr 'and Mrs Hobson to the ground. The horse at once started off at a gallop, but was stopped by a person who was passing. Neither of the persons thrown out of the carriage was injured. Mr Lowe has thought it desirable to make an explana- tion in reference to. the new system of collecting the income and other taxes. He points out that the arrange- ments which commence with the new year do not, as has been very generally alleged, involve the payment of taxes in advance. Those taxes which are to be collected in January were imposed in respect of the year beginning April, 1869, and ending April, 1870. Mr Lowe says the hardship, such as it is, consists in requiring all the taxes to be paid at the same time. It must, however, be re- membered, he adds, that for this hardship the public has had an ample equivalent in the shape of a reduced income tax and the remission of various charges. There is a foolish prejudice among poor people in favour of herbalists. Many patronise these quacks because their nostrums are cheap, forgetting the risk they run in en- trusting their lives to thesQ unskilled and too often unscru- pulous charlatans. A fatal case has occurred at Man- chester. A woman, who had complained of being ill and having "pains all over," went to a herbalist named Bruce. This man gave her a bottle of medicine, which he said would cure her in a week, but it had just a contrary effect, for the woman died within that time. Upon the medical evidence given at the inquest, the jury found that the woman had died from want of medical aid, accelerated by the medicine given by Bruce, ;the herbalist, whose conduct they severely censured. As the restoration of the names of Messrs Schneider and Fenwick-the rich Liberals unseated for bribery at Lan- caster-to the commission of the peace was, we (Spectator) believe, first noticed and condemned in our own columns, we are happy to state that in deference either to the protests of the Press, or more probably to the more pow- erful protests of some leading minister's conscience, that great mistake has been corrected by a second removal of their names from that Commission. It will be simply useless for Parliament to legislate against bribery, and for the Press to condemn it as disgraceful, if the leading men of both parties do not combine to enforce that opinion by those official actions which speak far more powerfully than any words. An extraordinary charge of murder was tried at the Liverpool assizes. The prisoner, a middle-aged man, named Brown, was a farmer at Skelmersdale, and had the reputation among: his neighbours of being highly religious; and on the day the crime witli whioh hp Wv charged was committed he publicly laid the foundation stone of a Methodist chapel. On his way home he went into a pub- lic house, where he remained drinking with Ashton, the deceased, and another man, until a late hour. Ashton went home with Brown, and early next morning the latter went and told three Irishmen, who were sleeping in the barn, that someone had been in his cellar and drunk his beer. On entering the house, the Irishmen found Ashton lying on the floor, besmeared with blood, and begging to be taken to a place "where he could die upon some straw. He expired a few hours afterwards. The evidence showed that he had been beaten in a most inhuman manner by the prisoner, and apparently without any provocation. Brown was found guilty of manslaughter, and sentenced to ten years' penal servitude. A shocking suicide and attempt at murder occurred on Wednesday week. at Ewell, near Epsom. A carter named Spooner, employed at Henderson's flour mills, had arisen at about three o'clock in the morning to drive a waggon to London. His wife remained in bed, but a woman named Richardson who lived with them, arose to prepare the breakfast. Mrs Richardson had formerly lived with a man named Hug^ett, at Rotherhithe, and although re- peatedly entreated to return to him always refused to do so. Mrs Richardson lighted some wood in the grate, and then went into an outhouse for coals. She there found Huggett, and being alarmed, ran back into the house screaming. Huggett followed, but on entering the room was seized by Spooner. Huggett threw a small bag of gunpowder on the fire, the effect of which was to blow the house to pieces, and seriously injure Spooner and another inmate in an adjoining room. The woman seems to have escaped by running at the beginning of the scuffle into the street. The house was a complete wreck, but Mrs Spooner, with her two children upstairs and a lodger, escaped with trifling injuries. The author of the mischief ■tabbed himself and died in a few hours afterwards. The motive of the outrage was said to be jealousy, and the suicide confessed that he had obtained.-some blasting ex- plosive by breaking into the powder mills at Ewell Marsh. We learn from the Canadian papers that Miss Rye's Home for Children at Niagara was formally opened on the 1st inst. A number of invitations had been sent to those interested in ,the work, and the, attendance of visitors in response was highly satisfactory. In the course of some remarks explaining the objects, of the Home, Miss Rye said it was not the lack of money that prevented a larger flow of young emigrants to Canada. The British public only wanted to see that a suitable outlet could be had for its homeless little ones, and the- means of sending and maintaining them for a time would not be wanting. More than a hundred thousand could be had at once if the colony could find homes for them. Miss Rye said she did not ask the people of Canada for money, but for their sympathy and moral support in finding places for the orphan chil- dren. The arrangements of the Home and the appearance of the children seemed to have created a very favourable impression upon the visitors. Christmas day has this year been marked by an appal- ling calamity, the death of a mother and five children by fire. In the topmost story of a lodging-house, in one of the crowded streets of St. Pancras, a poor woman, who had only been confined on the Sunday before, lay helpless and untended: her nurse had gone out, but four of her own children and another who had been brought in to play with them were in the room with her. A fire broke out in the 'L 1. -1- 'L ..8..1. L_ __L- _1_ _11 11 11 room just Deneain ners, tne icenants ot wmcn nad. gone out, leaving their door locked, and by the time it was dis- covered it had filled the staircase leading to the rooms above with smoke, so that it could not be ascended. No one seems to have heard any outcry, and it is supposed that the poor woman and the little ones were suffocated before the flames reached them. It may be hoped so. The repoit leaves the impression that if any one who had had experience of fires, and knew the best way of passing through smoke, had made a courageous attempt, the family might have been saved. When the fire-escape arrived the flames had acquired such ascendancy that the apparatus no sooner touched the building than it caught fire. The alarm was given at 8*20, and in a few minutes an abundant supply of the water of the New River Com- pany' was afforded; but under the present wretched arrangements this was of no use without an engine, and the first engine did not arrive until half an hour had elapsed, and was not at work until ten minutes after that. With a high pressure water service the water would, in this case, have been poured upon the house half an hour before it was or could be. Mr Stanton, the American statesman, is dead. The Rev. James Kelly has carried out his expressed in- tention of appealing to the full Court against the recent decision of Lord Penzance. It is expected that the case will be argued next term. The shifting of a bog is reported from Ballylongford, County Kerry. The bog, which covered over 200 acres, moved to a distance of nearly half a mile inland, creating great consternation in the neighbourhood. Several cabins were thrown down, and cattle and horses were lost. A lake took the place of the bog. The inhabitants on the skirts of the morass barely escaped, the motion of the bog being sudden and unexpected. The Times supports Mr Odger for Southwark. His rivals would bring nothing new to the House of Commons, while he himself would be able to present to the House upon a great variety of questions new views, frequently- most frequently, indeed-erroneous views, but still views which ought to be weighed and considered, for they are entertained by thousands of his countrymen. King Victor Emmanuel has not, according to the Correspondencia, consented to the Duke of Genoa being elected King of Spain. He has, the Madrid journal says, made the acceptance of the crown by his nephew contin- gent upon the result of the elections yet to be decided, as he does not consider the amount of support which the candidature has hitherto obtained in the Cortes sufficient. A correspondent of the Dumfries Standard mentions a curious freak on the part of a sheep-dog belonging to Mrs Shaw, Craigend, Balmaclellan. The animal had pups, which were drowned, and to assuage her grief she adopted a pig, giving it suck as if it had been her own offspring. The pig jumps, bites, and worries the dog like a whelp, and is quite frisky, lively, and fat. All Englishmen will be glad to learn that the Harvard crew have published a statement in the New York papers disclaiming some of the apologies that have been put forth in their behalf. In this document they state:—" We wish to say that we received the best of treatment from the English people, and were fairly beaten in the race. The only member of the crew who does not sign this paper, Mr Simmons, is in Europe, and we have not had time to procure his signature." The Paris Patrie takes some of its French contem- poraries to task for bestowing too much attention upon the speech recently delivered by Mr Otway to his constituents. That speech, the Patrie says, had nb greater governmental value than the remarks of a head clerk in one of the French ministries. "Moreover," it adds, "the Hon. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs merely talked upon insignificant matters, as, for instance, when he spoke of the continuance of the cordial alliance between France and England, and declared that the present English Ministry was actuated by the best sentiments to Ireland." What is described as the most enthusiastic tenant-right demonstration yet held in Ulster took place in the Coleraine Town Hall, on the 22nd. Resolutions were passed to the effect that no legislation can be satisfactory unless it ensures the tenant the full value of his interest in the soil, including improvements made by himself or in- herited from his predecessors, also securing him, in the case of the termination of his tenancy without his own consent, consequential damages for the right to continued occupancy while paying a fair rent. A resolution was also passed suggesting to the Government the consideration of Mr John Bright's plan of a Peasant Proprietorship. The Pall Mall Gazette says—" In these days we have no illusion left, not even ghosts. A correspondent sends us an explanation of the spectral axe at the Tower, which is, we are sorry to say, shockingly simple and prosaic. There is, it seems, in one of the towers of that fortress a peculiar old loophole, somewhat resembling in shape the capital letter T with the arms shortened. This loophole is in the wall of a closet, outside which there is another wall. When the outer wall is in shadow, and the gas lighted in the closet, a light is thrown on to the outer wall through the loophole, which, from its peculiar shape, makes the thrown light bear a resemblance to a battle-axe." For a month past party feeling has now been very strong among the students of Aberdeen University, in respect to the election of a Lord Rector. The gentlemen nominated for the office were Mr Grant Duff (the rector for the past three years), and Sir William Stirling Maxwell, and at the election it was found that the four nations were equally divided for the candidates, two being for Mr Grant Duff and two for Sir William Stirling MaxwelL In these cir- cumstances the decision lies with the Chancellor of the University, the Duke of Richmond, who must give his casting vote within thirty days. Apart from the equality of the nations Mr Grant Duff had, by a small number, the majority of votes. A London correspondent says: The report which has appeared in a Conservative paper of one of the principal cities of the kingdom that Lord Derby has definitely de- clined to take the leadership of the Conservative party in the House of Lords, and will hold himself aloof from politics for a time, is entirely incorrect. Lord Derby, I can state positively, has not declined. The matter is still under his consideration, and, though I cannot say more than this, I may mention that your readers need not be surprised if hereafter he should accept the post which a very large portion of his own party are anxious that he should occupy. Such being the state of the negotiation, the further report that either the Duke of Marlborough, the Duke of Abercorn, or the Duke of Richmond will take the leadership, falls to the ground."

REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORN TRADE. (From the Mark Lane Express.) We were in hopes to have finished the year without noting any prominent disaster, but events have run ex- tremely contrary. The floods have, with increased rain, reached to alarming dimensions, sweeping away cattle, stacks, and homesteads, and threatening many cities by the volumes of water passing into cellars and the lower storeys of many a comfortable home.. It is indeed a sad introduction to the usual festivities of Christmas. Lancashire, Wales, Gloucestershire, the Midland counties, and Yorkshire, seem to have suffered most, and thousands of acres on the banks of swollen rivers have told the dismal tale. Much of the young wheat will doubtless have to be sown again, and where it is left with the hope of righting itself there must be a very doubtful issue. Although, as regards the season, business was expected to be dull, the depression of prices has been oo great that the slightest occasion cannot fail to have influence, and as the foreign occasion cannot fail to have influence, and as the foreign imports have fallen off, and farmers, by their more limited show of samples, evince their reluctance to sell at the present unremunerating rates, we have to announce an improvement generally, amounting to about Is. per qr. We think that as the shortened home supplies settle the question as to the ability pf growers to meet the Christmas claims, and foreign importers are equally on the look out for something to make up the recent heavy losses, markets may further harden as the New Year breaks upon us. Foreign markets show little change in the value of wheat; Belgium has, indeed, noted Is. decline, but her influence is small; while France, Germany, and Russia make scarcely any difference in the quotations. The sales of English wheat noted last week were 49,868 qrs. at 43s. 10d., against 60,383 qrs. at 49s. 5d. in 1868. The imports into the Kingdom for the week ending 18th of December were 1,060,661 cwts. wheat, and 146,700 cwts. flour.

LUXURIANT AND BEAUTIFUL HAIR.—Mrs S. A. Allen's "World's Hair Restorer or Dressing" never fails to quickly restore Gray or Faded Hair to its youthful colour and beauty, and with the first application a beautiful gloss and delightful fragrance is given to the Hair. It stops Hair from falling off. It prevents baldness. It promotes luxuriant growth. It causes the Hair to grow thick and strong. It removes all dandruff. It contains neither oil nor dye. In large bottles-Price Six Shillings. Sold by all Chemists and Perfumers. For Children's Hair, Mrs Allen's "Zylobalsamum" far exceeds any pomade or hair oil, and is a delightful Hair Dressing; it is a distinct and separate preparation from the Restorer and its use not required without it. Dep6t, 266, High Holborn, London. Sold by Mr W. H. Turner, Chemist, Church-street, Oswestry. ADVICE TO MOl'HERS.-Are you broken of your rest by a sick child, suffering with the pain of cutting teeth; go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs Winslow's Sooth- ing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately it is perfectly harmless; it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a button." It has been long in use in America, and is highly recommended by medical men. It is very pleasant to take; it soothes the child; it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes. Be sure and ask for Mrs Winslow's Soothing Syrup. No mother should be without it.—Sold by all Medicine Dealers at Is. lid. per bottle. London Depot, 205, High Holborn. SOMETHING TO BE READ AND REMEMBERED.—The con- sumption of Lucifer Matches in Great Britain and Ireland exceeds, it is estimated, one hundred millions daily. Bearing in mind the reckless manner in which Lucifer Matches are used, it would propably be within the mark to assume that two or three out of every hundred are care- lessly dropt, or, not readily lighting, thrown away, although still retaining their combustible properties; but suppose that only one match out of every hundred is thus dealt with, we have the appalling fact that one million of matches are thus daily scattered in dwellings, warehouses, workshops, and stables: in short, wherever Lucifer Matches are used, and without doubt are very often the cause of conflagration, reported in the newspapers—"origin of fire unknown." Lucifer Matches cannot be dispensed with, and it would be Utopian to expect that the careless use of them will ceaseout it is now possible to guard against the danger resulting from any number thus heedlessly wasted by using only the Patent Special Safety, which Light only on tne box, manufactured by Bryant and May, London. EXTRAORDINARY PETITION. To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury. The humble petition of Ralph Griffith, Esq., High Sheriff of the county of Flint, for the present year, 1769, concerning the execution of E. Edwards, for burglary; Sheweth—That your petitioner was at great difficulty and expense by himself, his clerks, and other messengers and agents he employed, in joumies to Liverpool and Shrews- bury, to hire an executioner; the convict being a native of Wales, it was almost impossible to procure any of that country to undertake the execution. Travelling and other expenses on that occasion, 215 Jos. A man at Salop en- gaged to do this business. Gave him in part 25 5s. Two men for conducting him, and for their search of him on his deserting from them on the road, and charges for en- quiring for another executioner, 24 10s.— £ 9 15s. After much trouble and expense, John Babington, a convict in the same prison with Edwards, was, by means of his wife, prevailed upon to execute his fellow-prisoner. Gave to the wife B6 6s, and to Ba.bington £6 6s.— £ 12 12s. Paid for erecting a gallows, materials, and labour, a business very difficult to be done in this country, £ 4 12s. For the hire of a cart to convey the body, a coffin, and for the burial, 22 10s.; and for other assistance,-trouble, and petty expenses on the occasion, at least £ 5— £ 710s. Which humbly hope your lordships will please to allow your pe- titioner, who," kc,

Ecclesiastical, The Church Herald says that several members of the Anglican communion have, in consequence of the recent decision of the Privy Council in the Mackonochie case, sought refuge in the Roman Church; but the Roman clergy are in no hurry to receive them, and in several cases have refused to do so until the candidates shall have had sufficient time to consider the steps they wish to take. The Times announces that the Government have con- sented to the request of the Archbishop of Canterbury for the appointment of a suffragan. The Archbishop (it is added) is anxious it should be known that this application has been made quite independently of his present illness, and that no further step will be taken for several months, in order to ascertain whether his Grace's recoveryis as complete as there is now every reason to hope." PW Sft 7et the .Dean 311(1 Chapter of Chnst Church, Oxford, unanimously elected the Rev. PrebendaryMackarness to the see of Oxford, in succession ThJllE fr06!, ueC? £ fcl? to Winchester. lhe bishop-elect will be the jumor prelate until a vacanc-y Qu"erbu'* Yort- Durham, or Winchester. The Rev. W. S Chapman, a Baptist minister in Not- Mam'^aS ?u £ llclJ adn}ltted, together with his wife, to the rite of Confirmation, which was administered PhfJwf'8 (?rd^nation sermon, preached by Chancellor Massingbird, m Lincoln Cathedra^ on Sunday week. Subsequently he partook, for the first time, of the Holy Communion with the newly-ordained clergy and the rest of the congregation. Mr Chapman has resigned his post at Nottingham, and is studying at Oxford with a view to ordination. The churchwardens of Colwick, Notts, have sought ther advice of the Bishop of Lincoln in reference to the moni- tion of the Rev. Dr Bedford, rector of that parish, as to enforcing' attendance upon the ritualistic services of his church. The bishop says the 90th canon is more than 250 years old, and cannot be legally enforced under pen- alty. He therefore leaves it to the "enlightened con- science and hearty goodwill" of the churchwardens to act as they think best in the matter. i^uT f"9ir k.ee> of Manchester, died on the 24th ult. The following is the notice of the deceased pre- late, which appears in "Men of the Time" The Bishop of Manchester, the Right Rev. James Prince Lee, D.D., son of the late Mr Stephen Lee, secretary and librarian to the Royal Society, born in 1804, was educated at St. Paul s School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he obtained a Craven Scholarship graduated B.A. in high honours in 1828, and became a Fellow. He was Assistant +Rugby ?ch°ol, under the late Dr Arnold, and Head Master of King Edward's Grammar School at Bir- mingham from 1838 till 1848, when he was appointed to the newly-erected see of Manchester, with an income of £4,600 a year, and the alternate patronage of 37 li ings. v' The Speaker of the House of Commons delivered » speech at Newark, the other day, at a meeting to promote the erection of a new church in the town. Referring to ritualism, and various measures which have been pro- posed for its suppression, the right hon. gentleman said: —For myself I do not wish to see any further legislation. 1 should be glad if it can be avoided. I should be glad to trust to the moderation of all parties. I hope we may yet meet upon the basis and formularies of the Chuch of England. I would .not willingly abridge one jot or tittle, of the liberty of opinion now conceded to all within the pale of our church. If, by the assistance of the bishops and the brethren in high places, this satisfactory object can be gained, then, indeed, it will be well with all of us, and well with the Church of England." According to a correspondent of the New Free Preo of Vienna, a scene of an extraordinary character has already occurred in the Council. In one of the sittings, a Croatian Bishop rose to propose that the paragraph in the articles as to the dispatch of business, imposed by the Pope, which renders it necessary for every resolution to be submitted to a special commission before it can be dis- cussed by the Council, should be simply struck out. He brought forward several weighty arguments in support of his motion, but as soon as he began to warm with his speech Cardinal de Luca, who presided, interrupted him, and on his continuing his address rang the bell violently. Cardinal Simor, the Primate of Hungary, rose to support his South Slavonian colleague, but he too was silenced by the cardinal's bell. On seeing this, Msgnr. Dupanloup, the Bishop of Orleans, seized his h* in great anger and left the hall, followed by«everal of his countrymen. The fact that three nations were concerned in the matter has made an unpleasant impression on the Vatican. The Bishop of Orleans forwards to the French papers the following letter which he has addressed to the Tabid newspaper Rome, Dec. 18th.—Sir,—I have just re- ceived communication of a long article extracted frolm your number of Dec. 4th, in which you transgress some- what too glaringly the limits of fair controversy (de toutt polemique honnete). Such a course is beneath discussion; yet there are two words which I cannot leave unanswered. You talk, sir, about my servility' and my 'tyranny.' to my servility, I will confine myself to observing that up to the present time it is utterly unknown to the French Government and to the enemies of the Church. As re- gards the 'tyranny' which hinders others from I think' ing' and 'speaking,' it has consisted for me in speaking last after a whole year's patience and silence. And when, extending insult to others besides myself, you say of t' Catholics whom you oppose that, whilst they proclaim the right of heretics to teach error, they refuse to their brethren the liberty of confessing the truth,' permit me to" inform you that you gave utterance to sheer calumny* Although all the world knows the connection of Monsig" neur Manning with your paper, I hasten to add that I da" not hold him responsible for such excesses.—Receive &c., + FELIx, Bishop of Orleans." Archdeacon Denison's crowning act of presumptuous folly in connection with the Temple controversy fittingly made public on the day when the Bishop Exeter was solemnly consecrated to his office. This m<>^ Erofane of all the productions of the Archdeacon is headed y the passage of Scripture, Lay hands suddenly on n» man; neither be partaker of other men's sins." Then ft"" lows an invocation of the Trinity, and this title Declaration and Protest of George Anthony Denisoø, M.A., Vicar of East Brent, Archdeacon of Taunto»j read in the Parish Church of East Brent, at morning evening prayer, fourth Sunday in Advent, December 1, 1869." After reciting in a ridiculously bombastic the various hackneyed charges" against Dr Temple, "declaration" proceeds:—"Now I, George Anthon? Denison, M.A., Vicar of East Brent, Archdeacon °* Taunton, remembering The Judgment to come, and tb* debt of love and faithfulness in Christ which I owe to people of this place, and to the clergy arwli people of Archdeaconry of Taunton, do hereby," in the face of and of this congregation, make this my solemn declaration and protest against the consecration of the said Dr to the office and work of a bishop in the Church of G°^i wheresoever, whensoever, and by whomsoever had done." The John Bull says :Some persons imagine that the opposition to Dr Temple will now cease. Such might the case if it had anything of a personal character in but this is not so. We learn on the best authority as Dr Temple made no declaration, and as the protes" were so weighty and numerous, the grayest doubts rest, & the opinion of many best able to judge, as to the cano icity of his consecration, and of the validity of the ordejo which he may confer. We understand that the questi^ of his right to hold a seat at all in Convocation will P* questioned; and certainly many bishops will decline unite with him in committees and other private bus Churchmen should also be alert to prevent any surprise & placing Dr Temple on the list of vice-presidents of S. P. G. We believe that no lapse of time can make Temple a rightful bishop, according to church princip^, and church law; and that nothing but a public retractation of the essay will enable orthodox, bishop? W hold communion with him." Bishop Trower has the invitation of the Town Council to be present a$^ banquet. In his letter declining the invitation he say "Bishop Trower regards the consecration of that prefc^f (under his present circumstances) as perhaps the sin with respect to the duty of fidelity to revealed tn** £ in which the Church of England has been involved the Reformation, and is, therefore, constrained, notwi^ standing his hearty respect for the Mayor and' Corp0?*! tion of Exeter, to deeline being present at a fesfe* gathering in celebration of this event."

TO BISHOP TROWER.. (From Punch.) I wish I knew for certain, Bishop Trower; How to pronounce your venerable name- Whether it rhymes with spiritual power, Or, which of course would be about the same. It sounds as gently as a summer shower:— Or whether you pronounce it lower, slower, And make it Trower t My ignorance may stamp me as a noodle, And may unfit me for my present task; But rm afraid to ask, However much I wish, Your worthy secretaries, Mr Fish And Mr Boodle I < 0 Bishop Temple's would-be overthrower- i 0 Bishop Trower- j There may be troth in much that you maintainecfr f But in your case there is this serious 1Iaw- You choose to act against our English law For this, among the rest, were you ordained ? Besides, another matter you forget; No one has made yon yet, The Master of the Temple," Doctor Trower I True, once upon a time- And this is Dr Temple's only crime- He wrote an article-Itwas one of seven:- And though of heresy it gives no sign, t No trace of schism you could, well define, But spoke, as good men speak, of earth and heaTOB^ t Against that article you take your stand. < Remember, good divine, That with the self-same hand Which wrote the one, he signed the Thirty-nine t As for his life, that happens to be known, And is at least as noble as your own. Fathers and mothers know what he has done For many a dear and well-beloved son; How many a lad has learnt to be a man la Arnold's school, on Arnold's Christian plan^ Now, in the ancient city of the West, Through no ambitious yearnings of his own, But in obedience to a high behest, He takes his place upon the Bishop's throne Semper Fidelia," says the proud old scroll Of the cathedral city, where, to-day,— Whatever Trower, Fish, and Boodle say- Men write the name of Temple on the roll:— .,Se,ntperFidelisl" Faithful to the last, If we may juJge his future from his past I O, orthodoxy's flower 1 O, Reverend Doctor Trower! ffl If still your ardent spirit it should vex W Thus to see Temple Bishop by the Exe, 11 Your course is clear: you can resign, and be- What ?—an Ex-Bialiop, sir, as much as he. A