The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

TO ADVERTISERS. ALL ADVERTISEMENTS sent to the ABER- YSTWYTH TIMES are also inserted, without extra charge, in the CAMBRIAN NEWS AND MERI- ONETHSHIRE STANDARD, and thus find their way to a large circle of readers in Merionethshire and Carnarvonshire, as well as Cardiganshire. Advertisements should be sent, not later than Thursday evening if intended for publication in the current week, to the Publisher, PHILIP WILLIAMS 12, Bridge-street, Aberystwyth NOTICES. This paper is registered for transmission abroad. To CORRESPONDENTS. -We must request those who kindly furnish us with report of local events (which we are always glad to receive) to send their communicationa to the office as early as possible. ANOTHER CHURCHMAN.- We must adhere to the notice given last week, that no more correspondence on the subject can be published.

TOWYN. SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE.—Mr W. J. Sellis, dentist, of this town, has, with his usual liberality, distributed a quantity of meat, bread, tea, and sugar, to the most deserving poor. Each recipient had a joint of mutton, a loaf, a quarter of a pound of tea, a nd half a pound of sugar. Major Coney, as usual, gave away a quantity of coals; and Mr Thomas Edwards, high bailiff, meat, coals, tea, &c.

SATLIBDAY, JANUABY 1st, 1870. As we go to press the year 1869 is quickly passing away, and we in Wales can hardly let it go without thinking of the great victories in the cause of justice and progress which it has seen accomplished or consummated. We cannot stop even to summarize them, but they will spring unbidden to every memory. Prominent amongst them stands the victory of religious equality in Ireland, for which 1869 will always be remark- able and to our readers it will have a special in- terest as the first year within living memory when Wales was properly represented in Parliament, and when Welsh members began to make them- selves famous.—Interesting news from France. At last M. OLLIVIER has been entrusted with the formation of a ministry. This means, or seems to mean, that a ministry chosen by the EMPEROR is to be exchanged for one reflect- ing the will of the parliamentary majority.—From Rome we hear of another meeting of the Council, at which "philo- sophical heterodoxy" was discussed as if a discussion in St. Peter's could affect the march of science!— and of the defection of an eminent prelate, the Archbishop of PRAGUE, from the Opposition.—The trial of TRAUPMANN has been proceeding during the week, but we have not heard the result.—Satisfactory news from New Zealand the rebels are said to have been com- pletely defeated, and an end to the war is anticipated.— Dr. TEMPLE was enthroned on Wednesday, and preached an earnest and eloquent sermon. The clergy have received him with an address of welcome, and very soon, no doubt, he will be about the best esteemed, as he will be quite the most worthy, of all the Bench. I

THE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN IN MERIONETHSHIRE. There is to be a battle after all. The conservatives, with a courage which does them infinite honour, have resolved to fight, although they know they cannot win. They are acting, we suppose, on the principle that He who fights and runs away May live to fight another day, while he who never fights at all has no chance of succeed- ing at any time. Not for one moment do we wish to sug- gest that the gallant colonel has any idea of running away; although we must frankly confess that our surprise will not be great, if, before the polling day, finding his chances hopeless, he follows the graceful example of his prede- cessor in the same field, and saves the pockets of his friends and opponents by a well-timed retreat. It will be better, perhaps, for Colonel TOTTENHAM to go to the poll, for only by an actual fight in the booths can the conserva- tives be convinced that their long reign is over in Merion- ethshire, and that future contests will be useless. The liberals, therefore, must bend all their energies to secure an overwhelming victory. It will not only be an excel- lent way of showing honour and gratitude to the memory of their late member, and of giving great encouragement to the cause of liberalism all over the Principality, but it will save them an immense amount of trouble in the future. Above all things, the liberals must take care not to rely upon past success, lest they should find themselves bitterly disap- pointed. Upon some such hope as that the conservatives must be relying. They fondly imagine, perhaps, that the en- thusiasm of the last election has its re-action in something like indifference, through which the seat may be regained. They must be taught their mistake in a perfectly decisive manner, or we shall have reason to fear for the future of liberalism, not only in Merionethshire, but in the whole of Wales. Merionethshire may be said to hare led to the great liberal victories of 1868 she must now confirm her title to the gratitude of the Principality, by confirming those victories and giving the conservatives a disastrous defeat. The fight is a noble one, one in which any men may well be proud to take part; for we cannot too often repeat that it is not merely a struggle against the evils of conservatism. It is a struggle against the influences of property and wealth, whether legally or illegally employed, and in support of political freedom and the right to political representation. To call it anything else is sheer folly. Everybody knows that the bulk of the electors are liberals of the most decided type-Welsh non- conformist liberals, men whose interest it is, above almost all other men, to be governed by a liberal administration and to say that these men, of their own free well, would elect representatives who are opposed to religious equality, to free education, to almost everything which they hold dear, and which is necessary for their welfare, is almost more, we imagine, than the conservatives will dare to do. The addresses of the two candidates are before our readers, and they present the same curious contrast as that which we have before noticed in similar documents. Mr HOLLAND leaves us in little doubt as to the policy which he will pursue. He is a liberal, and he tells us so in plain language, showing no uneasy anxiety to catch the votes, of undecided conservatives by ambiguous utterances. CoL TOTTENHAM, on the other hand, speaks indeed of conservatism, but links it with the phrase enlightened progress," to make it look as like the liberal ideal of the -constituency as possible. He talks, too, about "advance- ment," using a word which sounds well in radical ears, as if it were a war-cry of conservatism; he is anxious to do equal justice to landlord and tenant;" and the gallant colonel even ventures far enough into the dangerous domain of his opponents, to hint, to hungry ratepayers, at a judicious reduction of the national expenditure. But it won't do. The phrases have been used up, and, if they caught men with their harmless guile in days long since gone by, they will fail of their purpose now. Let us be just, however. CoL TOTTENHAM, we have no doubt, is an honest gentleman, and, as far as he himself is con- cerned, adopts the language of his address in all sincerity, believing, with the delusion to which men are liable, that his own obstructive principles are the best, and that standing still means the most enlightened progress com- patible with the interests of the country. The history of the last forty years is all against him, but, happily for his own comfort, conservatism looks above facts and takes its stand upon a grand theory-the theory of leaving things alone, of never disturbing the old, unjust system in politics and religion which has grown up in the course of centuries, and which, being venerable, is therefore in- capable of improvement. Our readers hardly need that we should recal any of the facts of recent history, to confute Colonel TOTTENHAM'S well-inten- tioned promises. Do we not all remember how gallantly his party have fought against religious and political equality? How it has only been in a long series of contests that Dissenters have been relieved from the most iniquitous disabilities, that church rates have been abolished, that the national universities and primary schools have been partially freed from religious exclusive- ness, and that the people have been admitted to a share in the government of the country? We cannot, and indeed there is no need to, go into details but one word which Colonel TOTTENHAM employs is full of suggestiveness to the intelligent reader. He promises to support a judicious reduction" of the national expenditure. Now everybody knows what that means in the mouth of a con- servative it means no reduction at all, for the time for a judicious" reduction never comes in the reign of a con- servative ministry. The history of Mr GLADSTONE'S and Mr DISRAELI'S economy is familiar to all men. Mr GLADSTONE'S management of the finances resulted in national prosperity and relief in the heavy burden of taxation; Mr DIS&AEU'S in the reverse; and it will ever be so. As far as the present Government is concerned, certainly no administration within living memory has approached the difficult task of reduction with half as much discretion or a tenth as much determination as Mr GLADSTONE and his colleagues. Most undeniably, if what the electors want is a lighter pressure of rates and taxes, they will look to Mr GLADSTONE, and earnestly hope to be delivered from Mr DISRAELI. Of Mr HOLLAND'S qualifications little need be said. He is, in short, an earnest, practical, temperate liberal, who will well represent local interests as well as the interests of his party. His address shows that Mr HOLLAND sympa- thdefs with the liberal movements of the day, and that on seen questions as the separation of church and state his opinions harmonize with those of the great body of his future constituents. Mr HOLLAND avoids the mistake of advocating a rash policy, but he believes the work of the church would be better dene were ■she unfettered by the state." He is in favour of the ballot and the prohibition of the sale of intoxicating drink on Sunday, two subjects which excite especial interest in Wales; and last, but most important of all, he will give his heartiest support to Mr GLADSTONE'S administration." Mr HOLLAND, we believe, has only consented to become a candidate at the earnest solicitation of the leaders of the party, and will go to parliament for the sole purpose of serving the constitu- ency and promoting the principles of liberalism. He has been so well known for many years in the county that his abilities as a man of business and his active support of movements for the public good require no notice from us; and we heartily congratulate the liberals of Merioneth- shire that they have the prospect of being represented by so excellent a successor to the late Mr WILLIAMS. That they will be represented by Mr HOLLAND, we cannot doubt for a moment. If any feeling of disappointment has existed, as it naturally would in some instances, at the retirement of Mr CHARLES EDWARDS and Mr MORGAN LLOTD, the announcement of conservative opposition will immediately silence it, and unite the liberals as one man in defence of that political position which they gained after such gallant struggles. Mr EDWARDS and Mr LLOYD, whose graceful acquiescence in the choice of Mr HOLLAND deserves the highest praise, will, we are sure, be the first to help the new candidate. The question, whether a follower of Mr GLADSTONE'S shall be elected, or a member of the disorganized party of ob- struction which knows no leader, has only to be asked to be answered in the most unmistakable manner. Welsh- men are looking forward to great ecclesiastical changes: is it likely that they will support the party which opposes change? They hope to see Ireland governed with justice, and some of the legislation which is applied to the ques- tion of land tenure there also adapted to the requirements of Wales are we to suppose that they will choose a re- presentative from whom nothing of the kind can be ex- pected ? Are we, in a word, to imagine that the Liberals of Merionethshire will stultify themselves, and cover their cause with shame, by allowing the seat which, at infinite pains, they have wrested from the conservatives, to be regained by Col. TOTTENHAM ? The idea is absurd. The feeling which animated the thousands who gathered round the grave of the late member last week will take a new shape, and Mr HOLLAND will be elected with an enthusiasm hardly equaled even when Mr WILLIAMS was the liberal candidate.

THE WELSH FASTING GIRL. The jury have returned a very proper verdict in the case of the Welsh Fasting Girl. Of course, we pronounce no opinion as to the guilt or innocence of Mr and Mrs JACOB but when a child of twelve dies of starvation, and the parents abstain from administering food, there is a good prima facie case for further judicial enquiry. We give in another column a report of the evidence produced at the inquest, and the father's statement will be read with much interest. He repeats the story of the two years' fast, with details which it is necessary, for the sake of decency, to summarize in a line or two and if we are to believe him, SARAH JACOB existed from October, 1867, to December, 1869, without taking any sustenance. Not only is the story incredible, but the result of the watch and the post mortem examination both prove that food had been taken. The girl was well-nourished, and had evidently eaten as much and as regularly as her peculiar condition of body required. How the food was conveyed to her we have, as yet, no evidence to show; but one trivial incident which occurred during the investigation, taken in connection with a discovery made by the doctors, seems to point to a certain amount of cunning on the part of the child. A bottle of scent, lent by one of the nurses, was lost or concealed by the girl, and afterwards found in the bed by her father; and under her arm the medical men discovered a cavity sufficient to conceal a half-pint bottle. These, no doubt, are trivial facts, but they may perhaps help in any further investigations, and, at least, they indi- cate one method by which the fraud may have been success- fully conducted for so long a period; especially when the additional fact, that visitors had been carefully prevented from too close an examination, is borne in mind. The method of the deception, however, is of comparatively little importance and opinions differ very widely as to the importance of exposing the fraud. Some of our con- temporaries contend that the alleged existence of a fasting girl was beneath the notice of men of science. The story, it is said, was so undeniably fictitious, that science only lent an apparent sanction to it by interfering to expose it. The same papers which adopt this line of criticism, and loudly condemn the medical men and the committee, at the same time lament the ignorance of physical laws which has ended in the sacrifice of the girl's life. It should be remembered, however, that the story was widely believed, and gained fresh credence every day, and might never have been disproved if some such course as that which is so strongly condemned had not been adopted. Belief in it was not confined to the ignorant, for the clergyman of the parish had expressed something like faith in the absurd fabrication, and it was evidently desirable to expose the fraud, in order that the knowledge of physical laws might be extended. It is not at all im- possible that some who believed the story before will con- tinue to believe it now, for there are minds from which no amount of evidence can remove a preconceived opinion; but many, we should hope, will be disabused of the superstition that a human being can exist without sustenance; and as one superstitious belief leads on to another, and all superstition is firuitful of evil, SARAH JACOB'S death may prove useful to society, as her life proved harmful. Still it is sad that the en- quiry should have ended tragically; and it is impossible to avoid a feeling of regret that more careful arrangements were not made to preserve the girl's life. Some of the surgeons endeavoured at the last to persuade her friends to administer food; but we are driven to the conclusion that the medical men, since they knew the in- evitable result of protracted fasting, cannot be held en- tirely blameless. The whole story, indeed, is a wretched episode in this "age of enlightenment." The spectacle of the diseased child, dressed as a bride, and exhibited by her parents for a show; the wide-spread belief in the su- perstition, and the morbid taste which led crowds of gaping visitors to gaze at the unwholesome spectacle; and last of all, the dogged persistence of the father and mother, and the want of care, which, combined, led to the girl's death, make up a story that will hardly be credited, we should hope, half a century to come. Car- marthenshire, we are afraid, must be classed with the most unenlightened parts of the country. It is there that, according to the Welshman, a murderer is shielded, either out of personal fear or mistaken views of morality; and there superstition keeps up for two years belief in a "fasting girl," whose life is sacrificed at last in the ex- posure of the fraud. Carmarthenshire seems to be the dark spot on the face of the Principality:

Local and District News. RAILWAY TIME TABLES.—There are no alterations in the Cambrian or Great Western train arrangements this month. BANGOR ORDINATION.—The Lord Bishop of Bangor held an ordination at his cathedral on Sunday week, and the following were admitted to the holy rite :-Deacons: John Hughes, B.A., Clare College, Cambridge; John Lewis B.A., Emmanuel College, Cambridge John Jen- kins, St. Bees College, Cumberland Watkin Davies, St. David's College, Lampeter. Priests: Richard Foulkes Jones, B.A., Jesus College, Oxford; Evan Evans, Queen's College, Birmingham; John Morgan, B.A., Sidney Sus- sex College, Cambridge; George Hopkins Parry, St. Bees College; Griffith Jones, St. Bees College Owen Jones, St. Bees College. BANKRUPTS.—The following announcements appear in the Gazette:-Rider, Job, Shrewsbury, innkeeper, Jan. 10, at 10: sol., Mr Craig, Shrewsbury; off. assig., Mr Peele. Roberts, Edward, Shrewsbury, Jan. 10, at 10 30: soL, Mr Kough, Shrewsbury: off. assig., Mr Peele. Lover, John, Hadley, Salop, serjeant-major of the South Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry, Jan. 14, at 11: sol., Mr Marcy, Wellington; off. assig., Mr Newill. Evans, David, Machynlleth, attorney's clerk, Dec. 31, at 11: sols., Messrs Evans and Lockett, Liverpool; off. assig., Mr Turner. Lloyd, Robert, Dolgelley, blacksmith, Jan. 4, at 11: soL, Mr Williams, Dolgelley; off. assig., Mr Walker. Pryce, Edward, Welshpool, Dec. 31;at 12: sols., Messrs Evans and Lockett, Liverpool, and Messrs Howell and Co., Welshpool; off. assig., Mr Turner. Smith, Walter, Broadstone, Salop, tailor, Dec. 22, at 10: sol., Mr Wey- man, Ludlow: off. assig., Mr Williams. Wall, Edwin, Much Wenlock, market gardener, Jan. 12, at 12 sol., Mr Leake, Shiffnal; off. assig., the Registrar. Eardley, Thomas, Newport, Shropshire, saddler, Jan. 8, at 10: sol., Mr Walker, Wellington; off. assig., Mr Liddle. THE REPRESENTATION OF MERIONETH. SHIRE. A correspondent writing last Tuesday, sayh—"On Wed- neiday circulars wereissu4 bearing the signature of Lieut- Colonel Tottenham, president of the Merionethshire Constitutional Association, calling upon the electors not to pledge themselves, as in a few days the name of a Conser- vative candidate would be announced. On Monday, a meeting of the Constitutional party was held at the Royal Golden Lion Hotel, for the purpose of deciding upon the action to be taken by the conservatives. The attendance included Sir Watkin Williams Wvnn, the Hon. C. H. Wynn, Lieut.-Colonel Tottenham, Mr Hugh John Ellis Nanney (Gwynfryn), Capt. L. H. Thomas (Caerfynnon), Mr W. P. Jones (Bodweni), Mr C. Jones (Caesfaen), Mr Webster (Aberdovey), Mr Edmonds (Bodowen), Major Johnson (Tanybwlch), Mr J. E. Parry (Glynn Hall), Mr T.Ellis (Bala), Mr J, Wiitfws (Gwenwefin), MR A.: Passingham, &c. Mr Griffith Jones Williams and Mr John Humphrey Jones, the Conservative agents, were also present. The result of this meeting seems to have been that Col. Tottenham was induced to come forward, for on Wednes- day the gallant colonel issued an address, which will be found in our advertising columns. We have commented upon the address elsewhere, and here need only say that, as the liberals have gained considerably on the register since Mr Wynne was compelled to retire by the over- whelming chances of his opponent, Colonel Tottenham can hardly hope to escape a signal defeat, and the only object he can have in coming forward is in view of some mythical conservative re-action in the distant future. Mr Holland is a man of such sterling worth, that he will collect about him all the enthusiasm which carried the late member so successfully into Parliament. The Globe has the following paragraph:—" We are happy to be enabled to state that Colonel Tottenham, of Plas Berwyn, Llangollen, the chairman of the County Conservative Association for Merionethshire, has been by the conservative party unanimously invited to stand for the county, which he has consented to do. Colonel Totten- ham's high position and popularity in the county leads us to expect that the county will be rescued from the hands of the liberal party." How like a conservative paper, to expect that a man's "high position and popularity will succeed against the political convictions of the consti- tuency We are led to expect that the gallant colonel will rue the day when he accepted the invitation of the conservatives. HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. The Idris-side Harriers meet on Monday, Jan. 3rd. Llanelltyd Bridge Friday, Jan. 7th. Rhydymaen Bridge Monday, Jan. 10th Cefnrowen Friday, Jan. 14th Cwmblaenglyn At 10. The Vale of Ayron (Capt. Vaughan's) Hounds meet on Monday, Jan. 3rd .Llanayron Friday, Jan. 7th Falcondale At 10.30. The North Montgomery Harriers meet 6n Friday, Jan. 7th Cyfronydd Tuesday, Jan. 11th Trefnanney Friday, Jan. 14th Cynhinfa Tuesday, Jan. 18th Pontscourhyd Friday, Jan. 21st Gwernamlog At 11. f J i i

ABERYSTWYTH. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING, FRIDAY.-Present: T. O. Morgan, Esq. (in the chair), Alderman T. Jones, Councillors J. Pell, D. Williams, Richard Jones (Marine-terrace), G. T. Smith, Richard Morris, and J. Rees Mr Parry, town clerk, Mr Atwood, solicitor, and Mr J. W. Szlumper, C.E., were also present. The CLERK read the minutes of the last meeting. The CHAIRMAN said the first business on the paper was to receive the report of Mr J. W, Szlumper on the slaughterhouse, and to take into consideration certain pro- posed improvements and additions in connection therewith. Mr SZLUMPER said he was not aware until this morning that a meeting was to be held. The Slaughterhouse Com- mittee met a week ago and found everything going on satisfactorily. The committee thought it would be desirable for a plain house to be erected for the person in charge of the yard.—In answer to the chairman, Mr Szlumper said he had not prepared a formal report the committee thought a plain house would be sufficient. Mr PELL said it was proposed to have the house erected on the corner near the town people driving cattle into the yard would have no trouble in making the person in charge hear. Mr REES suggested that plans of the proposed buildings should be drawn out. Mr ATWOOD said the plans had better first be laid before the Slaughter-house Committee. Mr SZLUMPER was accordingly authorized to prepare a plan and estimate of the proposed building and submit the same to the committee. Mr PELL did not think the proposed building would cost more than 2120 or £160. Mr SZLUMPER thought it would cost £200. APPLICATION FOR BUILDING LEASE. The next business was to take into consideration an application for the granting of a building lease of a piece of land (part of Morfa Mawr) adjoining the slaughter- house yard, and lands belonging to the Manchester and Milford Railway Company. Mr DURIE said he required about an acre of land for the erection of a foundry. The TOWN CLERK was anxious to know whether the value of the property would not be interfered with by sell- ing this land to Mr Durie. Mr SZLUMPER did not think it would in any way interfere with the value of the adjoining property. Mr PELL agreed with the remarks of Mr Szlumper. Mr Durie retired, and the Council discussed the matter in private, and on Mr Durie's again entering the room, The CHAIRMAN said the Council had entertained the application and they wished to know whether Mr Durie was prepared to make them an offer, and whether he was prepared to build. Mr DURIE said they did intend to build, and with regard to the offer he and his partner Mr Davies were not willing to pay much more than 230 per annum. The CLERK said that was too little. Ald. JONES wished to know whether Mr Durie was really prepared to build; if so, he (Mr Jones) thought Mr Durie would come to the terms decided upon by the Council. If Mr Durie was not prepared to give a final answer to-day, he would be allowed a day or two to con- sider the matter. The CLERK said they had looked upon this piece of ground with great affection, and after a time it would be- come most valuable; however, as they would rather let the land in large plots than small pieces, they had fixed the piece of land at PAO per annum. Mr DURIE said he would not like to give an answer at once, as the price was considerably higher than what he and his partner had fixed upon. He should like him to consider it. The CLERK said the Council were not bound to that offer. Mr SMITH said they were not bound to be of the same opinion in a week's time, but most likely Mr Durie would find them the same. This matter was then adjourned for a week. EXCHANGE WITH SIR PRYsE PRYSE. The CLERK stated that this matter had been settled. After some further discussion the business terminated.

LAMPETER. POLICE BUSINESS, 18th ult.—Before the Very Rev. .Dean mewellin, ~W. Jones, Esq., J. B. Harford, Esq., and Thomas J. Hughes, Esq. Vagrancy.—John Cross and Thomas Small, two tramps, were brought up charged with begging at Lampeter on the preceding ni^ht. —Discharged. 24th ult.—Before W. Jones, Esq., Glandewy. Charge of Arson. A tramp, who gave his name as George Dowson, was brought up in custody of Sergeant Roberts, charged with having set fire to the outbuildings at Gylfachwen Silian, the property of Mr John Hughes, Pantgasy.—The prisoner, it appears, gave himself up to the constable on the same day, and stated that he took leave to enter one of the houses to shelter for the night, and somehow his matches caught fire, but that it was not wilful, and that he was sorry for it and endeavoured his best to put the fire out but failed. He repeated the same statement before the magistrates. -Discharged. 29th ult.—Before the Very Rev. Dean Llewellin. Dantage.-Two tramps, who gave the names of John Edwards and Thomas Oakley, were brought up in custody ofP.S. Roberts and P.C. Stephens, charged with break- ing the shop window of Mrs Thomas, grocer, Lampeter, and stealing therefrom a quantity of biscuits.—They were apprehended on the spot. -Committed for trial at the next quarter sessions.

BALA. NORTH WALES TONIC SOL-FA UNION. On Thursday and Friday, the 30th and 31st ult., the conference of this Union was held at Bala. The Council, consisting of gentlemen from various parts of North Wales, met at one p.m. in the vestry-room of the Calvinistic Methodist chapel; the president of the Union, the Rev. J. Roberts (Ieuan Gwyllt), Vron, in the chair. It was resolved, That the year of the Union terminate on the 31st day of March in each year, and that the statistics of candidates and the various degrees of certifi- cates attained by the members, together with the number of teachers, be made up to that date and sent to the general secretary by the 11th of April." That the General Council is to meet at Rhyl on the 23rd of April next, at eleven a.m." "That the first festival of the Union be held at Rhyl, on the 1st day of July, 1870, and that none but those who have taken the elementary certificate and above will re- ceive tickets from the superintendents of the various dis- tricts to entitle them to take part in the singing." "That the general committee are to meet. at Rhyl on the evening before the festival, which is to consist of two meetings-in the morning at eleven, and three in the afternoon." In reply to applications made, it was resolved, "That English classes be permitted to join the Union on the same terms as the Welsh, and that honorary mem- bers be received to the Union on payment of an annual subscription of 5s. and above." In the evening at six o'clock the general committee met. The secretary having read over the resolutions of the previous meeting, it was resolved that the members of the council remain in office until the festival, and that the following Congregational tunes, from Ieuan Gwyllt's tune book, be sung by the whole choir Liangoedmor," "Berlin," ."Joanna," "Melindwr," "Emyn Nwyrol;" and from Messrs Stephen and Jones's book: "Ewing," Mount of Olives," and "Iorddonen;" the pieces in the No. 12 Christmas part of the Cerddor Tonic Sol-fa," Jerusalem fy nghartref gwiw," and Pwy una gyda ni yn y gin." The following are the officers :—President: The Rev. J. Roberts(I. Gwyllt); Treasurer Mr Joseph Owen, M.C., Rhyl; Secretary: Mr D. P. Williams, M.C., Denbigh. Committee:—The Revs. R. Roberts, Carneddi, T. J. Wheldon, B.A., Drefnewydd, Michael Jones, Flint, R. Lewis, Bontnewydd, and J. Jones, Rhydymain, Miss Marsh, Carno, Messrs E. Roberts, Liverpool, R. E. Jones (Tanad), Trelogan, O. Owens, A.C., Llaniestyn, J. Richards, M.C- (Isalaw), Bangor, B. M. Williams, M.C., Ruthin, J. Roberts, M.C., Menai Bridge, J. Jones, Festiniog, J. Thomas, B.A., Bangor, J. H. Pritchard, Bala, J. D. Jones, Cemmaes, Mont., W. Roberts, Cefn- du, Mont., H. Ll. Jones, Corris, H. Griffiths, Rhosllaner- chrugog, J. W. Roberts, Nevin, G. P. Griffiths, Llan- beiis, J. Wilson, Carno, and J. Owen, Rhosbeirio. On Friday meetings were to be held at ten, two, and siy, ■;p,oj., and papers to be read. 1, :ow ""JJ" ,y-

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. BIRTHS. 24th ult., the"wife of Mr E. W. GRIFFITHS, timber mer- chant, Machynlleth, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. 22nd ult., at Llandrillo Church, by the Rev. J. Owen, JOHN J. JONES,jEsq., Plascaptain, Whitford, to JEANETTE ANNE, fourth daughter of the late D. EVANS, Esq., Hendwr, Llandrillo. 24th ult., at Carno Church, Montgomeryshire, by the Rev. J. Hughes, MrJoHN HUMPHREYS, Gilvach-hir, Llan- wnog, to Miss JANE LLOYD, Pentre'r-ne, Carno. 24th ult., at Llanaber Church, by the Rev. Owen Jones, curate, Mr H. W. WILLIAMS, chemist and druggist, Bar- mouth, to ANN, second daughter of Capt. J'OHN WILLIAMS, schooner Ellen, Barmouth. 25th ult., at the Tabernacle Chapel, Aberystwyth, by the Deputy-Registrar, Mr Philip Williams, Mr DAVID MORGANS, to SARAH EVANS, both of Aberystwyth. 25th ult., at the Registrar's Office, Aberystwyth, Mr DAVID EVANS, of Camddwrfach, to MARY HUGHES, Hirnant. 25th ult, at the Welsh Independent Chapel, Grove-st., Liverpool, by the Rev. R. Trevor Jones, Meifod, Mr WM. WILLIAMS, son of Mr John Williams, farmer, Pont- Robert, to MARY, eldest daughter of E. EDWARDS, Esq., Edge-hill, Liverpool. 28th ult., at the Registrar's Office, Mr WM. DAVIES, of Aberhirnant, to ELIZABETH OWENS, Tynant-Rhostie. 28th ult., at the Registrar's Office, Mr DAVID DAVIES, Nantycenin, to MARGARET JENKINS, Glangors. 29th ult., at Pengarn Chapel, by the Registrar, Mr RICHARD LEWIS, to ELIZA JAMES, both of Bowstreet, near Aberystwyth. DEATHS. 14th ult., aged 30, Mr J. HUGHES, Penystryt, Glyn. 15th ult., aged 71, Mr S. JONES, Penybryn, Garth Tyn- ddol, Glyn. 16th'ult., aged 90, at North Terrace-villa, Pwllheli, Mrs ELLINOR OWEN. 19th, JONATHAN DAVIES, Esq., Felindre, Cellan, near Lampeter. 19th ult, aged 82, Mrs JEFFREYS, relict of the late Geo. Jeffreys, Esq., Dovey Castle, near Machynlleth. 20th ult., Mr THOS. LLOYD, Penarlas, near Llanfyllin. 20th ult., at Liverpool, MARY JANE, fourth daughter of the late THOS. BIBBY, Esq., of Llanfyllin. 21st ult., aged 82, Mr JOHN DAVIES, late linen weaver, Newtown. 22nd ult., aged 53, at Melinddol, Llanfair-Caereinion, Mr MENLOVE. 22nd ult., CATHERINE, daughter of Mr R. DAVIES, Glan- hafon-fawr, LIa, n, 23rd ult., aged 70, Mrs DAVIES, Compass Inn, Llanfyllin: 23rd ult., aged 5 months, EDWARD ALFRED, son of Mr T. WILLIAMS, tanner and currier, Llanfyllin. 23rd ult., aged 35, Mr THOMAS JONES, The Green, Llan- fyllin. 24th ult., aged 20, CATHERINE ELIZABETH DAVIES, of Glanhafon-fawr, near Llanrhaiadr-Mcchnant. 24th ult., aged 86, Mr J. EVANS, carpenter and wheel- wright, of The Green, Caersws. 27th ult., aged 68, at her residence, the College Tavern, High-street, Pwllheli, Mrs ELEANOR ROBERTS.

PORTMADOC. ARRIVED.—Topaz, Roberts; Jane Catherine, Thomas; George Casson, Parry; Eliza Blake, Roberts; Fire Brick, Jones; Mariner, Jones. SAILED.—Anghared, Vaughan; Velocity, Jones.

A frightful accident occurred at the New Theatre Royal, Bristol, on Monday night. The Christmas pantomime of Robinson Crusoe" was to be produced, and there was a tremendous crush to the pit and gallery, the entrance to which is approached on a declivity from the roadway. In the struggle to get near the doors, large numbers of per. sons were thrown down and trampled upon Sevented dead bodies were taken out. A cry of "Fire" was raise and the police-constable on duty states that he cried Fire" after he saw people thrown down, in order to in- duce others to retreat, which they did. The performance was proceeded with, the manager being fearful of creating a fresh panic if he attempted to close the theatre. The Tea imported by Messrs Horniman is STRONG & DELICIOUS, because it consists only of choice young leaves. It is WHOLESOME, because the leaf is not coloured by the Chinese with the usual mineral' facing' powders. These ADVANTAGES secure a general preference. Genuine packets are signed WH & FJ HORNIMAN & Co.' For list of Local Agents refer to advertisement. THE ROOT OF IRISH EVIL.It used to be said that the Irish people were unwise in relying on the potato. Their reliance on 'taturs was foolish enough, but still more fool- ish is their faith in agitators.-Punch. About the most infamous bad meat case that has yet been made public was heard before the Chorley magis- trates last week. The defendant, Robert Chadwick, a butcher of that neighbourhood, had purchased for "what he could make of it" the carcase of a cow that had been bitten by a mad dog, had shown all the symptoms of hy- drophobia, but had been "stuck" just as it was about to die. This carcase Chadwick had dressed for human food, and was about to send it to Preston. The veterinary sur- geons who had examined the meat said it showed traces that the animal had suffered from hydrophobia. The magistrates very properly declined to impose a fine, and sent the defendant to prison for three months, with hard labour. MISTLETOE.—When the leaves are rotting on the ground, and the fruit has been converted into cider, the orchards nf Herefordshire and Worcestershire still retain something of their verdant hue, and are green w-Ah wLatseems at first to be untimely foliage. But mistletoe cannot be unseason- able at Christmas, and there are those who would be glad to have it in season "all the year round." The supply from the West Midland Counties is practically inexhaust- ible, for it has been calculated that from 30 to 90 per cent. of the apple-trees are infested by this parasite, two or three boughs of which may sometimes be seen dependent from some old cankered limb. Its presence is at once the cause and the sign of incipient decay. The entire existence of this parasite is full of interest, even though the mystery of its birth has been removed. Modern research confirms the accuracy of the old distich which expresses thus its origin: The thrash, when he pollutes the bough, Sows for himself the eeeds of woe; and perhaps the increase of mistletoe may be partly attri- butable to the disuse of its product (bird-lime), and the greater immunity which thrushes in consequence enjoy. From Herefordshire and Worcestershire between 200 and 300 tons of mistletoe are annually exported, and during the present week nearly every train from the West Mid- land district bears with it a truck-load of branches, fraught with we know not what romance, and bright with berries wherein is contained the destiny of the coming year.- Nature. MODERN INVENTION.-Ilat great invention the Chrono- qi aph," which times all the principal events of the day ana has revolutionized and superseded the clumsy old- fashioned Stop-watch," seems likely to be eclipsed in fame by that still greater and more useful invention the Keyless Watch." The fact of no key being required ren- ders these Watches indispensable to the traveler, the nervous, and invalids. The enormous number sent even by post to all parts of the world is a convincing proof of their great utility. The prices at which they are sold range from 5 to 100 guineas. Thousands of them are manufactured by Mr J. W. BENSON, of Old Bond-street, and of the Steam Factory, Ludgate Hill, London, who sends post free for 2d. a most interesting historical pamphlet upon watch- making. EXTRAORDINARY CURE OF A COUGH BY POWELL'S BAL- SAM OF ANISEED. Her Majesty's Gun Boat, 'Netley,' Wick, North East Coast of Scotland, 7th September, 1868.Dear Sir,—Having had a most distressing and severe cough, which caused me many sleepless nights and restless days, I was recommended by his Lordship, the Earl of Caithness, to try your most invaluable Balsam of Aniseed, and I can assure you, with the first dose I found immediate relief, even without having to suspend my various duties and the first small bottle completely cured me; therefore I have the greatest confidence in fully re- commending it to the million.—Most respectfully yours, W. LINZELL, H.M.G.B. 'Netley.'—To Mr Powell. POWELL'S BALSAM OF ANISEED can be had of all Chemists. In Bottles at Is. lid. and 2s. 3d.—Warehouse: 16, Black- friars-road, London.—Ask for PoWELL's BALSAM OF ANISEED." GAME.—The following is an extract from Mr Wilson's address to the Lord Advocate, at his recent interview with the deputation from Scotland :—" His lordship might be aware that there was what he might call a taunt with which they were constantly met, when they complained of the grievances under which they laboured and the evils that resulted from the operation of the Game Laws. The taunt was this—' But you go and sign leases in which you bind yourselves to preserve the game; and you have your- selves to blame for that.' Well, that just led him to impress upon his lordship that the case was one in which they required to get redress by public means. The farmers really could not defend themselves. If farmers were to prosecute the business of farming, they must have land to farm. But now that the matter had been agitated, these reservations as to the preservation of game were becoming so universal, he might say, that he believed it would not be long till not a lease in Scotland would be granted unless it had such a reservation. If a farmer, then, refused to give such a reservation, he would lose the farm he had occupied, and he would not get another. He must either sign that or turn his attention to some other means of livelihood, or go to the colonies. He could not help him- self under present circumstances. It was therefore quite gratuitous to say that the farmers were to blame for putting their names to their leases, and agreeing to the reservation regarding game that was required by the land- lord,"

FROM HORACE. Along the Sacred Road I strolled one day, Deep in some bagatelle (you know my way), Wherrup comes one whose name I scarcely know. The dearest of dear fellows, how d'ye do?' He grasped my hand. Well, thanks; the same to you.' Then as he still kept walking by my side, To cut things short, You've no commands ?' I cried. < ,ou 8k0uld know me I'm a man of lore.' Sir, I'm your humble servant all the more.' All in a fret to make him let me go, I now walk fast, now loiter and walk slow. Now whisper to my servant, while the sweat Ran down so fast, my very feet were wet. 'Oh, had I but a temper worth the name, Like yours, Bolanus inly I exclaim, While he keeps running on at a hand trot About the town, the streets, I know not what. He paused for breath; I falteringlv strike in, Have you a mother ? have you kith or kin To whom your life is precious ?' Not a soul— My line's extinct: I have interred the whole.' o happy they! (so into thought I fell), After life's endless babble they sleep well. My turn is next; dispatch me; for the weird Has come to pass which I so long have feared; The fatal weird a Sabine beldame pang All in my nursery days, when life was young. No sword nor poisoner e'er shall take him off, Nor gout, nor pleurisy, nor racking cough A babbling tongue shall kill him let him fly All talkers, as he wishes not to die. Conington.

About the World. The Paris papers announce the death, a few days ago, of a woman well known to frequenters of the Luxem- bourg Garden by the name of the Fiancee de l'Orme. For nearly thirty years she has not failed, whatever the weather might be, to seat herself on the same bench in the garden from mid-day to five o'clock in the afternoon. When any one attempted to enter into conversation with her she would answer imperturbably, "Will he not come? he promised me he would." Her desertion by her lover deprived her of her senses many years ago. Five Jews, named Moses Schneider, Mayor Brecher, Abraham Moses Schneier, Joseph Landau, and Moses Feldmann, have just been tried for the murder of 4braham Feldmann, son of the latter, at Tarnopol, in Galicia. It appears that the deceased had made an offer of marriage to a Christian girl, and that she had accepted him on his promising to become a Christian also. Having heard of this promise, the accused men assembled in the house of Moses Feldmann and warmly upbraided young Feldmann for his apostacy. The latter, however, remained obstin- ate, and during the altercation the father threw a sling rope round his neck and pulled at it with the other men until his son was strangled. Hannah Feldmann, the mother of the deceased, who was absent at the time, showed much grief at the death of her son, but was soon pacified by her husband representing the murder as a re- ligious sacrifice, and passed the rest of the evening with him in prayer. The case was clearly proved against the defendants. Moses Feldmann and Mayer Brecher were sentenced to be hanged, and the other three to ten years' imprisonment, with hard labour. A Valparaiso merchant, being challenged to fight a duel, has invented a new mode of duelling, which, if adopted, may be made to satisfy injured honour, without risk of wounding the body of either party. He wrote to his an- tagonist, an officer, the following laconic letter: I have no desire whatever to kill you, and still less do I de- sire to be killed myself. Here is what I propose. Go to the nearest wood. Choose a tree about as stout as my- self, place yourself fifty, thirty, or even fifteen steps from it—just as you like—and then fire bravely on the tree. If you hit it, I will admit that I was in the wrong, and will offer you an apology. In the contrary case, I shall be ready to receive yours." The officer, who was not of the fire-eating American type, saw equally the fairness of the proposal and its humour; and the quarrel ended-as all such disputes should-in a little dinner, and a recon- ciliation. We have heard a good deal in this country of circumlo- cution, red tape, and official ceremony. We may, how- ever, be consoled by the knowledge that other govern- ments suffer from circumlocution equally with our own. In the French colony of Tahiti there is a little establish- ment where an engineer is installed as the presiding genius of a Board of Works. In his own person he fulfils the duties of chief of the service, general surveyor of works, overseer, shopman, and book-keeper. As an overseer he one day required a pound of nails, and to obtain what he wanted had to go through a most elaborate process. He took a sheet of paper, carefully numbered and dated it, and then wrote:—" To the General Surveyor of Works.— The overseer of this section begs to inform you that he re- es a pound of nails." Then, taking another sheet of paper, he again began :—" I have the honour of forward- ing to the chief of the service of the Board of Works the demand of the overseer," &c., &c. These two letters written, he began a third:—"I approve the demand of the overseer of the section, &c., forwarded by," &c. A fourth sheet of paper was then taken out, and a letter to the following effect written To the overseer of the section of, &c.-I have the pleasure of returning your demand approved by the chief of the service." After that came a fifth sheet of official paper, To Mr Shop- man.—Please kindly to deliver a pound of nails according to my demand, approved of on the instant." But even this was not all. As shopman the.same individual wasbound to write, To the book-keeper of the works.—I have de- livered to the demand of the overseer approved on the instant, a pound of nails." In the evening this cor- respondence had to be copied out threefold and forwarded to the head office. Now the evident calculation suggested by this little feat of bureaucracy is that the pound of nails was worth about three halfpence, while, counting an hour's office work as worth no more than fivepence, the result would be that the writing for the pound of nails cost about six times their value. Father Hyacinthe lectured at New York on the 9th ultimo, to an immense and enthusiastic audience. In beginning his lecture, which was on The Movement of Life," he said- I, too, require to give some explanation of my presence here to-night. I came to seek in this country a few weeks of repose between the struggles of yester eve and those of the morrow. I came resolved to be silent; I came to behold that grand nature bearing an impress of the Deity, the more profound as the hand of man is less apparent upon it. I came to look upon that young and vigorous nation, which if it weakens not will realize in the future the greatest and the last intentions of God on the earth. I came here to listen, and not to speak. It happened, however, that in this cosmoDolitan city I found France, and was appealed to by charitable men in behalf of suffering France. The mem- bers of the Societe Franpaise de Bienfaisance asked me to come to aid (now that a severe winter is about to set in) my suffering compatriots in New York. The French population in this great city is not numerous, but its memories are many and glorious. Since the time of Washington and Lafayette no cloud has dark. ened the friendship of the two countries they respectively repre- sent. I should have shown but a slender sympathy for France had I not responded to the appeal made to me on behalf of its suffering children. Further on, he said— Love expresses itself by means the most foreign to it. In man it is, as I before said, at the root of every act-the heart is at the foundation of all. Let us then be men of heart. Let us bear oar hearts into civil life, into social life, into domestic life. Let us be men of heart in city and in State. Let us love country, family, loyalty, probity. Let us love the Church of Christ, but not as the church of any particular sect. Let us respect the letter, but not as an extinguisher—the letter kills, the spirit gives life. (Loud applause.) Let us then, I repeat, start as men of heart. Your great poet Longfellow, whose acquaintance it was my great privilege to make a few days ago, has written in one of his verses-the force of which is but poorly rendered in French —lines which have been my motto through life:— Let us then be up and doing, With a heart for any fate. Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labour and to wait." (Tremendous applause.) Now I would speak of the direction to be given to life, and of the region it should traverse. We have often heard of two roads opening before each man, each diverging from the other. Humanity has hesitated between the two for centuries. Shall heaven or earth be chosen ? Shall man give to his existence an impulse that will separate him from the world that bears him and tear it from all that the Creator has made its basis—family, affections, interests, sufferings; or shall he cast away all idea of loving heaven, and concentrate upon earth his faith, his hope, his love ? Man, I say, hesitates between the two roads, and the most rash rush to one or the other. Materialists say that heaven is nothing, and see but the earth, giving themselves to that dust which forms our planet, and to that troublous and fleeting hour, life. Mystical minds (and no one respects earnest minds more than I do), false mystical minds set aside all earthy duties and enjoyments—change life into an aspiration toward heaven, instead of striving to merit that heaven. They seek to scale their way into heaven in hot haste. Now, my experience has convinced me that between these two roads there is a third opened for the greatest moral and religious progress man can make, and trodden by men who can reconcile heaven and earth-the present life with a future exibtence-a task to be accomplished in these times as it was accomplished by Christ dying on the cross to reconcile the things of heaven to the things of earth. And he concluded- The foundation of your people is the Bible, the book that speaks 9f God, the living word of Jesus Christ. In an admirable manifesto from your President, there shines through his words the Chiistian faith. A belief in Jesus is at the root of this nation. May Jesus Christ protect your country and develop old Europe, preparing, amid strife, unity and religious and material prosperity. And when I return, I shall tell Europe that I have found here liberty associated with Christianity, and have been among a people who do not think that to be free they must be parted from God. (Great applause.) It took the jury less than ten minutes to find the ver- dict of Not Guilty" in the Overend-Gurney case, and then ensued a scene in court of a most extraordinary nature. It is thus described by the reporter of the Times The most enthusiastic cheers burst from the crowded audience, which it was in vain endeavoured to pre- vent. In vain the Lord Chief Justice held up his hand, and the officers of the court shouted for silence. The cheers drowned all other sounds, and became each moment louder and louder, until they became almost deafen- ing in effect. Peal after peal of cheers succeeded, and the whole scene was one of the wildest excitement. The cheers were caught up by the vast crowd without waiting for the verdict, and the echoes of their cheers seemed to arouse fresh enthusiasm in the audience, and they broke out into cheers louder than before. Mean- while the scene in court was most impressive. The effect of the verdict upon the defendants and their friends was almost electrical. Some started to their feet and shook each other's hands warmly, and uttered exclamations of joy -and delight, which, however, were inaudible amid the thunder of those frantic cheers which drowned all other sounds. Some seemed overwhelmed with emotion, and more than one burst into tears. The leading counsel present, the Solicitor-General and Sir J. Karslake, had their hands seized and warmly pressed by their grateful clients, and all this being observed by the vast crowd—all upstanding and cheering—only added to the excitement, nd elicited s.tiH_lauder burets of chewing, At last the J violent excitement so far calmed down that the cheers ceased, only to be renewed outside, however, when the de. fendants appeared; and they then received an ovation strangely contrasting with the howls of execration which were heard at the Mansion House when, amid much popular excitement, they were committed." The Pall Mall Gazette says :— Mr Lowe, in his letter which appeared in our impression of tj?at the*e is no arrangement that we are to pay our taxes in advance" on the 1st of January next. Thia M^Tnwo61^ J be very gratifying but that, unfortunately, H g • ? on cIear'y to explain the nature of the arrange- ment the existence of which he denies. No question he savs Febraarc hA. tb.6 widow oI » taxpayer who dies in February, having paid his income tax in the month of Janttarv can claim repayment of the amount overpaid by her husband' because the taxes which fall due in January, 1870 the lanrif tax, the house tax, and schedules A, B, and D of the income tax en^MApri?'ye»F>,begiDBing ApriI' lm> &nd w;n i™ i j L tlus year> continues," nine months Ve^trnpCiff0re "^Portion of these taxes is demanded.' Very true, but it is none the less true that the taxuaver mav himself expire on the 2nd of January, havinj? on the 1st of fKof, month Paid these taxes in full fo Ahf Sent financ^v^ onarter h ,1 °f Mar,?.h' }87?> or> in otherwords, paid them one bittprpfl hi ?nc?; his Iast moments having also been em- bittered by paying in advance for the whole year, en dine the 31st ofpecember, 1870, assessed taxes on his faithful d^fnd otW SathS?dwaerti™SiWhiCh Certrly lo°ks like "MmtT rf t0 pay our taxes in advance." It is iust helrt h might, in the innocence of her nf+w herself enatled to a return of at least that portion entUncth'f^n nf m byuthe deceasedforthe unexhausted quarter T^vwBb-,1? March next. At the same time she ought, as Mr fViiT aio P011]ta °nt, to remember that in consequence of wflment' whi,ch, does not> yet does, exist, the com been remodfiW r°Peal«d' al?d the taxes on locomotion have hastaken niacin JL ? uWea, the great reduction that F PNCE of bread, and the great reduction he fnlPr «^PhCe °ab fareS" PerhaP8 ^e discover ovL ? d tea's a 'umour of the latter, she will be better able to apprecIate the cODsolation offered by Mr Lowe, and to understand his explanation. The Sacred College has just lost, by the death of Car- dinal Pentini, one of the most liberal and enlightened of its members. Born in 1797, the deceased passed his youth at the Court of Sweden, and was present, in the ranks of the allies, at the battle of Leipsic. At Rome, his integrity, honour, and singular independence won him: universal esteem and it was commonly said he would rather be torn in pieces than sanction an act of injustice. He was the only cardinal who had the courage to protest against the canonization of Pierre d'Arbues, declaring, when the proposition was put to the vote, that he would be ashamed to inscribe on the roll of saints the name of a grand in- quisitor, infamous for his severity, who had burnt or con* demned to destruction 60,000 persons. The Pope resented this speech as a public insult, and retorted on the cardinal that his paralytic stroke had taken away his senses. Cardinal Pentini never appeared again at the Vatican, but retired to his beautiful classic villa, the Pocaterra, at Fras- cati, where he has tranquilly expired. -n ^7 -Dartfor<i county court, last week, the Rev.. i Murray, the rector of Stone, was sued by a grocer named Hughes for an assault on the latter's son. The boy, who is about thirteen years of age it seems, had imagined himself in love with a little girl named Constance Griffiths, who sat in the next pew to him at church, and had written to her the following letter, composed with the assistance of another lad and his sister:—" From one who loves you. Dear Consey,-I write these few lines to you, hoping to find you quite well. I wish to see you, hoping I not be long to my wish is grattified. If not, please to drop me a line or so, as I am anxious to know the answer. Excuse bad writing. With best love, believe me your affectionate lover and well-wisher, W. H. Miss Griffiths, the Old Rectory, Stone." This letter happened to fall into the hands of Mrs Clark, the girl's aunt. She showed it to the- rector, who at once went to the national school, which the boy attends, took him to the rectory, beat him severely with a cane, and then took him home to his father, telling the latter that his son had sent an "abominable letter" to a young lady, for which he had beaten him. The father, finding the lad had been severely punished, sent him next day to a surgeon, who stated in evidence that the lad was severely marked. For the defendant it was urged that he had the power as trustee of the school and the clergyman of the parish to punish the boy, and that he had not ex. ceeded his duty. He also said he thought the insult lay in the fact of the lad being only a grocer's boy, while Miss Griffiths was a young lady. The judge, in summing up, said there was no legal justification whatever, and the jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff for 210, the full amount claimed, and costs. The Court of Assizes of Tlemeen, in Algeria, has just tried a native named Mohammed Ben Theif for robbing his master, M. Dreveton, a colonist residing at Nemours. The accused did not deny the theft, as the stolen property was found entire on him, but he gave this singular explan- ation of his conduct:—" I had been," he said, about one month in my place, when one morning, in sweeping out the office, I was tempted by theJ devil, and, opening a drawer, I took three pairs of silver ankle bracelets; I carried them to my mother, who scolded me, and recom- mended me to restore them to my employer. Her reproaches afflicted me greatly, and I was carrying back the produce of the theft when I reflected that no one knew anything of it, and that if I gave up the ornaments I might be dismissed, so I kept them, unknown to my mother. Some days later I came to tell M. Dreveton that his horse was ready. He went out for a moment, leaving his secretary open. I saw some gold, and the same devil that prompted me before was standing by, and again impelled me, and I took a handful of coin. My master returned immediately and locked the drawer, and I, not knowing where to conceal the money, closed my hand, and had it still full of gold while I held the stirrup for him to mount. I was surprised to find afterwards that I had taken only 220fr. However, the devil who tempted me was alone guilty—I was but his agent." The court did not adopt the views of Mohammed as to the real culprit, and sentenced him to five years' imprisonment.

Sporting Intelligence. DEATH OF LOCKYER.On Wednesday afternoon week Thomas Lockyer, the celebrated wicket-keeper, expired at Croydon. As the name of Lockyer is so identified with Surrey—nay with universal—cricket, we are sure that any details of his exploits in that special department in which he stood almost without a rival, would be wearisome. On his retirement from public service in 1867, the Surrey Club gave him a benefit on the 26th of August and fol- lowing days. The very large attendance at the Oval during the progress of the match was a sufficient proof of the high estimation in which Lockyer was held, both in his public and private capacity. The deceased, we believe, was born on the 1st of November, 1828. The cause. of his death was consumption. We understand that he will be buried on Thursday next, at Broad Green Church, Croydon. THE UPPBR SEVERN AND YERNXEW.—Ever since the middle of September there has been good traveling water for the salmon, without any very heavy floods up tall the past week. There was an unusual number of early-spawning fish, many of which have now dropped back again as kelts. Of late it has been difficult to say what quantity of fish were in the water, owing to the flooded state of the rivers. On Saturday last, about midnight, the flood reached its highest, and was only a few inches short of the memorable flood of Feb. 1, 1868. The village of Meifod, on the Verniew, was completely under water on Saturday and up till Sunday morning, the villagers having to retreat upstairs to their bedrooms; and many a poor wight had to go without his Sunday dinner in consequence of the flood. About the confluence of the Severn and Verniew there was an immense tract of land under water, presenting the appearance of an inland sea. Should we get some frost to reduce the size of the rivers I expect to see a great quantity of fish on the redds. They have had the opportunity now of going where they pleased, and in some instances it has pleased them to go where they had much better not have gone. Water bailiffs are now busy hunting the ditches and hollows for any fish that may be left stranded by the flood. These heavy floods do great injury to the fishery, the impetuous rush of waters carry. ing away large masses of gravel, and either burying the ova too deep to vivify, or sweeping it away bodily, to be gobbled up by hungry trout or rough fish.-A., in the Field. GOGERDDAN FOXHOUNDS. The following letter has been addressed to the Editor of the Field:- SIB,—I have not seen any accounts of the doings of the above pack this season. The sport up to this time has been far above the average, and includes some of the best runs they have had for years; but, not to go too far back, I will merely give you the result of the last few runs. Wednesday; Dec. 8.—Met at Llanrhystyd, and found immediately a brace of foxes in a thick plantation close by. After several ineffectual attempts, one fox broke off towards Attwyd, which after some pretty hunting was killed. Another could not be found on that day. Dec. 11.—At Penglais Finger-post. Found at Cronis, and had about an hour and a half excellent hunting, but were eventually beaten by changing foxes. After a good lunch at Gogerddan, found at two o'clock a fox in Oak-wood Gorse, and had a good hunting run of two hours by Cefncoed, Goginan, and Craigddu, to a mountain rock, where it is likely he went to* ground, as we could make him no further. Tuesday, 14th.-Met at Ynyshyr, where Capt. Cozens, the hospitable owner, provided an excellent breakfast for all comers. Found a very fine old dog fox at Pantglas, and, after an excellent mountain run of two hours and a quarter, killed him at the bottom of Cefnmaesmor Wood. It was curious to see this fox during the last quarter of an hour climbing into the ivy on the steep rock where he was killed, and it was very lucky that none of the hounds, broke their necks. Friday, 17th, was the run of the season. The meet waa. Maesnewydd, but we did not find till we got to Caehanal Gorse; broke at once with a capital start at him, and raced him at a great pace to the sea rocks, when luckily he turned short back without going into them. He then put his head straight for Gogerddan, crossing the lawn by the Lodge gate, on through Fir Wood to Elgar, over that crossing the Leny river near Penpompren, and killed him, dead beat, in Taliesin Wood, after a very fine and fast run of two hours and five minutes, with only two very trifling checks. The fox (an old dog) was a wonderful animal to stand up as long as he did, as the pace was first- rate from beginning to end. NIMBOD.

A silver mine has been discovered at Nantlle, Carnar- vonshire. Captain Ridge, of Llanidloes, speaks highly of its prospects. The result of -the meeting at Wrexham, on the subject of Mr Mainwaring's proposal to remove the Quarter Sessions from that town, was. the appoinment of a deputation to wait upon the Court and present » memorial against the removal It is hardly likely that the proposal will be carried. Printed at the Caxton Steam Printing Works, Oswald-read, o, westry, bv ASKRW ROBERTS, EDWASU WOOOAU, and HENBY VENA?»ES, and Published at 12, Bridge-street, AberT8*^ wyth, by i'æL¡P WILLIAMS. Saturday, January att t.