The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

tntrat. Mr T. Creswick, R.A., is dead. The 11th inst. is definitely fixed for Mr Bright's address to his constituents. Gold has been discovered in Craggie Glen, near Inver- ness, the property of Mr Mackintosh, M.P. Several wrecks were reported last week, with consider- able loss of life. A governess at Doncaster, whose mind had been affected by unrequited love, drowned herself last week. The recently-elected President of the Swiss Confedera- tion, M. Rufty, died last week. It is estimated that the fetes at the opening of the Suez Canal have cost the Khedive 21,320,000. The Morning Herald has ceased to appear. The Stan- dard (the alter ego of the Herald) is now the only daily London representative of conservatism. Readers of a contemporary were startled the other day by the heading, Ball of the Society of Friends;" but a second line put matters right-" of Foreigners in Distress." The Melbourne Argus says the proposed colonial confer- ence in London finds little favour out there. The colonists are, on the whole, well satisfied with things as they are. The suspension was announced last week of Mr Henry H. Severs, merchant in the China trade, of 57, Grace- church-street, London, with liabilities estimated at be- tween 2200,000 and 2300,000, of which about £ 30,000 is un- secured. The Duke of Sutherland's factor has declined to grant new licences for the Kildonan diggings, and has notified that on the expiry of those current the diggers must re- move their tents and leave the locality. On Tuesday week a female leopard in Wombwell's Menagerie, at present in Edinburgh, seized another of the same sex by the throat, killing her almost instantaneously. The circumstance caused great excitement among the spectators. The performer luckily left the den a few minutes before the occurrence. The president of the Poor-law Board paid a visit on Christmas Day which perhaps those in his high place might with public advantage pay more frequently. With- out announcement he presented himself at the Marylebone Workhouse at the paupers' dinner hour, and saw with his own eyes whether the poor were well cared for, and even treated at this season of general rejoicing with a little more than customary generosity. On Tuesday morning week, two engines, with a snow plough and van full of surfacemen, left Aberdeen to clear the Great North of Scotland Railway of snow. About two miles from Huntly the snow plough broke, and both the engines were thrown down an embankment sixty feet deep. Four men who were upon them were killed, and one escaped. The men in the van were not injured. Mr Edmunds (proprietor of Wombwell's menagerie) was summoned at Liverpool last week for cruelly illtreating a rabbit by making its tortures, while consumed by a serpent, one of the features of his exhibition. The prosecution broke down, as a rabbit could not be proved to be a domesticated animal; and the magistrate remarked that he was not satisfied that cruelty under such circumstances was con- templated by the Act. Mr MacGarel, who has large property in the county Antrim, has adopted a course which his tenantry say would, if it were generally followed, remove all necessity for legislation on the land question. He writes-" I have instructed my agent, Mr Nelson, to make known to my tenantry that I will grant them leases of twenty-one years at their present rents. An alarming accident occurred at Croydon Theatre on Wednesday week, during the pantomime. The colum- bine, Miss Arnauld, accidentally placed herself too near a gas jet, and was quickly enveloped in flames. An over- coat was promptly thrown over her and the fire ex- tinguished, but not before the unfortunate danseuse was severely burnt. The theatre during these few moments presented a scene of the wildest excitement. Archdeacon Denison has addressed a letter to the pro- locutor of the lower house of Convocation, intimating his intention of introducing next session a resolution that the house is constrained to express its deep regret that the I nomination, election, confirmation, and consecration of Dr Temple have been judged to be things lawful to be done, and on behalf of that church records its protest. The success of Mr Benson's Brotherhood, at Cowley, has led to the formation of another similar society. It is to be located at Stoke, in Staffordshire, and at the head of it will be the Rev. Luke Rivington, son of the well-known church publisher, and until now a curate and the principal preacher at All Saints', Margate-street. The society will be called the Brotherhood of the Holy Ghost, and will be essentially a preaching order. -Northern Express. The Dublin Evening Mail publishes a correspondence between the Irish Government and Mr John Madden, of Hilton Park, Clones. Mr Madden is removed from the offices of high sheriff and deputy-lieutenant, and from the commission of the peace, for writing a letter to the executive, which is described by the chief secretary as using language of studied insult to the Government of the Queen. A strange affair has occurred at Cheltenham. Three weeks ago a married couple, named Weller, who had been in a situation in London, removed to Cheltenham, and took to the business of the late Mr Fluck, a greengrocer. On Wednesday week the neighbours were alarmed at seeing the shop unopened, and, as no answer was given to the repeated knocks, at eleven o'clock the door was burst open. A pan of charcoal was found in the bedroom, Mrs Weller dead in bed, and her husband in a dying state. The man died soon afterwards. The members of the various Preston lodges of the Inde- pendent Order of Oddfellows, M. U., having resolved not to pay the advanceed fee (from 2s. to 3s. per head per year) demanded by the members of the medical profession in that town, have, after some weeks' agitation, brought the matter to an end by the appointment of a medical officer of their own. He will enter upon his duties imme- diately. The members of other societies in the district- Druids, Shepherds, Mechanics, &c.-numbering about 2,500—have combined for the same purpose. M. de Lesseps telegraphed from Ismailia on the 27th of December that the Stirling, of Glasgow, for Bombay, had passed safely through the canal in twelve hours, and that other British steamers were following in her wake. Mr Lange, who represents the Canal Company in England, reports that considerable progress has been made in re- moving the inequalities in the depth of the canal since the day of inauguration. He contiadicts the rumours that the canal is to be closed to blow up the piece of rock be- tween Ismailia and Suez, the working having already re- moved a considerable portion of the obstruction. Owing to the large number of candidates who have passed their examination, and are waiting for direct com- missions, compared with the small number of vacancies which can be filled up, no examination for direct com- missions will be held until further notice. Special consideration will be given to the cases of those candidates who, in ordinary course, would have been examined upon the next occasion, and who. owing to the postponement of the examination, will have exceeded the limit of age laid down by the regulations. Another fatal velocipede accident is reported. Two boys were riding in a four-wheeled velocipede in Salford, and five other boys were pushing it about the street. As a lurry was passing the place they gave the velocipede a strong push forward, and a boy named Jordan, who had the guiding handle, having in mistake turned it the wrong way, the velocipede ran against one of the horses, which took fright and ran away. The lurry passed over the velocipede, smashing it, and Jordan fell under the hind wheel, which crushed him shockingly. He died in five minutes. The other boy was not hurt. On Wednesday afternoon a kitchen boiler exploded at the residence of Mr Charles Royle, Didsbury, and as the result of the accident his wife, Mrs Royle, was killed in- stantly, whilst one of her daughters was seriously injured. At the inquest Mr John Hughes, a builder, said he had examined the boiler, and his opinion was that the water in the cistern and the pipes had been frozen, and that upon its thawing it rushed down into the boiler, suddenly generating steam, and causing the explosion. In reply to a juryman, the witness said both the supply and return pipes were equally exposed to the frost. The Coroner It is necessary that the public should know how to act. Do you think that keeping up a good fire is the best thing ? Witness said it would have been safe to have a large fire day and night, to keep up the circulation of the water. The foreman, speaking as a practical man, said the cistern was not equal to its work. The relations between the police and the public in Upper Sindh appear to be of an unpleasant character, if we may judge from an account given by the Indian papers of the means lately employed by that body to extract informa- tion from a man accused of murder. The prisoner's legs, we are told, were muffled with cloth steeped in oil, and the police then set fire to the wrappings. Nothing, how- ever, can have exceeded the attention paid to the criminal when a confession had been obtained by this persuasive method. He was carried to a medical officer, who ampu- tated his limbs that his life might be saved, in order that he might be subsequently executed at the same time we would counsel a little moderation of zeal in future. -Pall Mall Gazette. An old woman named Hannah Harrup, sixty-six years of age, living at Middle Rainton, Northumberland, had been on a visit to some friends at Coxhoe, and on Monday week started off to walk home, a distance of twelve miles across country, in company with her married sister. The roads were blocked up with snow, and the two women arrived at Sherburn, having completed about eight miles of their journey, at about six o'clock. They were then very much fatigued, and Harrup had a fit; but, after having taken some tea, they continued their journey. Shortly after leaving Sherburn, Harrup appeared to lose the use of her limbs, and sank down on the snow. Her sister went for aid back to Sherburn, and, failing to ob- tain assistance there, she went to the house of a constable rat Lower Pittington, where she arrived as late as half-past 'one on Tuesday morning. A litter was then procured, and Harrup was taken to a neighbouring public-house, but she was then dead. Another of those scoundrels, who bv mock advertise- ments extort money from the pockets of the needy, under the pretence of finding them money or employment, has been arrested. His name is Alexis Ensor, alias Rinedson, a native of Belgium. The prosecutrix, Marguerite Loutz, a Belgian lady, saw an advertisement in a Belgian paper for a governess to the two children of the Baroness de Fontieres, letters to be addressed to M. Rinedson, Great General Agency Office, 41, Royal-street, Lambeth." She replied, and received a letter from the prisoner accepting her services at a salary of J:60 a year, directing her to come to England on December 26th, and asking her to remit sixteen francs in Belgian postage stamps for costs. The lady sent the stamps and came herself, only to find that the prisoner had flitted, and that there was no "Baroness de Fontieres, of Blackheath Castle." The advertiser, however, was traced, and on his apprehension there were discovered in his lodgings a large number of letters from all parts of the Continent, addressed to the prisoner, and apparently concerning similar transactions He was remanded.

LIBERAL MEETING AT LLANUWCHLLYN. On Monday evening last a numerous and influential meeting to support the candidature of Mr Holland was held at the British School, Llanuwchllyn. J. Jones, Esq., Vrondderw, presided. In his opening address he remarked that some of them might think that his visit to them was similar to that of the storm bird to the sea voyagers, when the wind was high and the storm brewing, and most of the passengers left the deck. It was a grand sight to those who could stand out to witness it, though a time of danger and anxiety. It was then that the captain and those under his command showed what stuff they were made of, and how they kept steady to their course, and direct against the wind. An inexperienced voyager may suggest to the captain to turn round and sail with the wind, being much mere easy but the captain would object and say it was too much of a risk to turn round, whereby the vessel might be capsized and all perish. He (the speaker) would say to the electors of Llanuwchllyn, whatever point the wind blows from, stick to your convic- tions and principles. (Cheers.) You may have to contend i with difficulties, and travel more slowly, but stick to what is right let your course be straight and upright towards God aud man. (Cheers.) If any man induce you who are thorough liberals to poll as conservatives, you will act the liar before your Maker to please a frail human being. This was a most important aspect of the question, and deserved their most serious consideration, and that of those who would tempt them to -such misdeeds. As some people could not find anything to say against the character or principles of the liberal candidate, they circulated every kind of story, however unfounded, about him. Among other stories it was stated that Mr Holland was an Irishman. His ancestors had lived at Meini Holland, Dyffryn, which was held by them, and which Mr Holland had had the opportunity of purchasing, so he has Welsh ¡blood in his veins, and a portion of English and Scotch as well, for all the chairman knew. He had no Irish blood in him. The speaker referred to the liberality and kind- ness shown by Mr Holland to churchmen and dissenters. The Rev. MICHAEL D. JONES, Bala, proposed—"That 'this meeting, whilst feeling deep sorrow at the event that has occasioned the present contest, pledges itself to sup- port every effort made to unite the liberal party in the county, and to secure united action;" and called attention to the addresses of the two candidates, which he com- pared and criticized, and said Colonel Tottenham, with the principles set forth by him, could not represent the county of Merioneth fairly, or the large parish of Llan- uwchllyn, the people of which were almost all liberals. It would be difficult to find six genuine tories in the whole parish. (Cheers.) The speaker referred to the battles of freedom fought so gallantly and successfully under the late Mr Williams, which told upon the adjoining counties and Wales generally, and hoped the electors of Llanuwch- llyn would support Mr Holland, and so continue this good work. Their opponents had not the courage at present to make a direct threat to the tenants, but there were many indirect ways whereby they were frightened and misled. He wished them to be on the guard and follow their con- victions and the truth. Colonel Tottenham said nothing about the ballot, which was the great want of this parish, the only safe means of defending the tenants in the exercise of the franchise; while Mr Holland was in favour of it, and therefore deserved their support. And he did not think any local qualities should be considered in any aspirant for parliamentary honours, though in this respect Mr Holland would compare most favourably with his opponent; but they were chiefly to be judged by their principles. (Cheers.) He hardly thought the Government were doing right in sending regiments of soldiers to Ireland to support the laws, while, in Wales, the legal right of the tenant to his vote was interfered with, and no one called to account or punished in any way. This was not right. (Cheers.) Mr GRIFFITH JONES, Bala, seconded the resolution (which was carried nem. con.), and said the principles of Mr Holland and the liberals were those of civil and religious liberty, which were firm and eternal, never varying. They were not advocating the fancies and imaginations of men, but principles. They were founded upon justice and truth, and bore upon every man the same, whatever his station or position, as the sun shone upon all. And all enlightened men like Mr Gladstone formed laws upon these principles, paying tribute only to a man as a man. Mr Holland had lived the principles rr -contained in his address, and they might Well send him as their representative to Parliament to carry them out. < The measures introduced by Mr Gladstone and the liberal partv tended to elevate the character of humanity, inde- pendently of rank or position. In this they were following the principles of the Gospel, as taught by our .Saviour, who gave ear to the poor, the blind, the indigent, Ac., and always left them better off than he found them. The principles of freedom tended to elevate them as farmers, in their daily occupation, while oppression cramped them in spirit and mind; and for these and many other reasons he hoped the electors would be united, and support Mr Holland. The Rev. TJIOMAS JONES, in an able speech, supported the resolution, and answered the objections and misrepre- sentations .which had been made to the farmers, and en- couraged" them to abide by the truth and their conscien- tiousconvictions. The CHAIRMAN said Mr Price, he was happy .to say, had given him permission to tell his (Mr Price's) tenants that he encouraged his tenants to vote according to their own opinions. (Cheers.) In response to a call by the Rev. M. D. JoNES, .three .cheers were heartily-given for Mr Price. Mr EVAN JONES, Bala, proposed, That, in the opinion of this meeting, Samuel Holland, Esq., is a fit and proper person to represent this county in Parliament, and pledges itself to use every legitimate means to secure his triumph- ant return." He said that the sympathy of the Llan- uwchllyn farmers was evidently with the principles of liberalism—(cheers)—and they deeply sympathised with the evicted tenants of Cardiganshire—(cheers)—and it was impossible to restrain this strong sympathy with liberty and honesty much longer. It was only the welfare of the wife and family that prevented an outburst, but even now it was on full stretch, and it was not wise to challenge it much longer. (Cheers.) The speaker then referred to the large expenditure instigated by the conservatives in con- nection with ships, &c., and said it was the liberals who reduced taxation and brought in reforms which in their effects would be felt by every farmer. (Cheers.) Mr Holland had long been in the county, and was a large em- ployer of labour, knew the wants of the people, and would be a. supporter of an economical government, while his opponent, being a soldier, would not be likely to support reduction in the army estimates, &c. (Cheers.) In seconding the resolution, Mr SIMON JONES, who was warmly applauded, spoke to this effect-While the sun did not set upon the territory of Queen Victoria, there was no part thereof which should be more dear to her than the inhabitants of Wales. There were none more industrious, economical, loyal, and peaceable than the Welsh or any that more sincerely loved her comfort, her crown, and her government than the Welsh people. (Cheers.) Moses (the late Mr D. Williams) led the Merionethshire con- stituency through the Red Sea-most successfully the battle of freedom trom Egypt's bondage was fought and won. They mourned their leader while the work was not finished but they must take fresh couraae and buckle up for another encounter, and they were ready for the battle, for their rights and principles. (Great cheering.) They had many battles to fight, .and they did not like Colonel Tottenham, soldier though he was, to be their leader. They would have Mr Holland with Gladstone and Bright —(cheers)—and under their banner success was sure. Mr Jones proceeded -I will just enumerate the battles we have to fight. The first is the battle for the education of the nation. We must give no quarter, and allow no denomi- national catechism, be it ever so good, but good secular and free education to every child. (Cheers.) Again we must fight for just taxation. We must fight against use- less expenditure-the great waste of money by the govern- ment in such cases as where they sold vessels of war for £ 24,000 and actually rebought the copper off the same for C32,000, whereby the purchasers realised 28,000 and had tke ships in the bargain. And what a handsome sum is devoted yearly for the army and navy—this sum is spent for polishing boots, brushing their clothes, and keeping bright the sword. What would they think of paying a husbandman 5s. a day for brightening bis scythe and never cutting a straw ? What a waste what a shame Half the estimated sum would be quite enough, and too much for such child's play (Cheers.) Again we have to fight the battle of freedom against oppression, right against wrong, justice against injustice and unfairness. Then we have the battle of religious equality to fight, and the question of the Irish land tenure to settle, which has been the cause of rivers of blood flowing. The right of the Irish tenant has not been duly respected. On this and the other questions I have no hesitation in saying that Mr Holland is by far the best man for us. (Cheers.) I trust the electors of Merioneth will vote as free men according to their honest convictions for the good of the country, which I feel sure would result in a triumphant majority for Mr Holland. (Deafening cheers.) The resolution was supported by the Rev. R. M. THOMAS, Llanuwchllyn. It was proposed by Mr JOHN JONES, and seconded by Mr IOBWERTH JONES—"That this meeting exposes its sincere thanks for the able manner in which Qup respected chairman has performed his duties." Carried With ac- clamation. Meetings were also held at Llidiardau, Llawrbettws, and Llandderfel. LIBERAL MEETING AT ABERDOVEY. On Wednesday evening, Mr Holland addressed a large meeting of electors at the Market Hall, Aberdovey. Mr Charles Edwards presided, and amongst his immediate supporters had Mr Morgan Lloyd, Mr Edward Breese, Dr Pugh, Mr J. Hughes Jones, timber merchant, the Rev. Francis Jones, the Rev. Robert Owen, Mr Thomas Rees, Mr John Owen, &c., &c. Mr Charles Edwards, having briefly alluded to the objects of the meeting, and expressed the pleasure he felt in presiding over such a large attendance, called upon Mr J. HUGHES JONES, the chairman of the Local Com- mittee, who, in Welsh, said that a little better than twelve months ago, the electors had met in the same room in support of the veteran leader and pioneer of the liberal cause inlthe county, Mr David Williams, a gentleman whose loss they all deeply felt and regretted. They had now met to do the same honour to that gentleman who had been unanimously fixed upon as his successor, Mr Samuel Holland. (Cheers.) They had two candidates before them-Colonel Tottenham and Mr Holland. Personally he knew nothing of the first, and he thought that in this part of the county comparatively nothing was known of the gallant colonel, whose address had been issued in the conservative interest. Therefore they had nothing to deal with save the address which he had put out, and that must guide them as to what the political opinions of the gallant gentleman were, and whom and what measures he was ready to support, assuming, which was most improbable, that he should sit in the House of Commons as the county member in the room of the late Mr David Williams, and that they should once more behold the sorry spectacle of a tory member misrepresenting a liberal constituency. (Applause.) Colonel Tottenham was pledged to oppose the liberal Government in every possible manner, and especially with regard to the separation of Church and State, a connection which he termed the glory of the English constitution!" He expressed, too, a desire to deal with the Irish Land question-to settle it satisfactorily between landlord and tenant. But, as an Irish landlord, could they doubt to whom Colonel Tottenham would give the best share, and who would fare the better, the land- lord or the tenant? (Hear, hear.) Colonel Tottenham, speaking about education, hoped "that he should never see the time when religious teaching shall be excluded from our public schools." They were too well aware to what teach- ing Colonel Tottenham alluded; they had an admirable example of what he meant in the course which had been adopted in the National Schools of the country. (Hear, hear.) The judicious reduction of the expenditure too was named in Colonel Tottenham's address; he wished to "lessen the national expenditure," but judging from past and bitter experience of the legislation of the tory Govern- ment, could this be reasonably expected ? (No, no,) With this he threw out a bait for the farmers by stating that he should like to reduce the assessed taxes which pressed heavily upon them;" but did the assessed taxes press greatly upon the agricultural interest? No, and more than that a liberal policy had always rendered them less heavy and burdensome to the farmers. (Hear, hear.) In com- parison with the above, let them take the address which had been issued, and would be supported by Mr Holland, the gentlemanin support of whose candidature the meeting had assembled. The first and most important feature in that address was the announcement that he will give his heartiest support to Mr Gladstone's Government, which was the very thing which they, as liberals, wanted and prayed for. In the address of Colonel Tottenham no mention was made of the leader of the Conservative party, Mr Disraeli; could it be that Col. Tottenham was ashamed of the acknowledged leader of the tory party, or under whose banner would he tight ? As regards the Irish land question, the electors of Merionethshire would, he felt certain, prefer to leave its satisfactory adjustment in the hands of the party whom Mr Holland was pledged to support, in preference to its being in the hands of the tory government, who would have the support of Col. Tottenham. (Hear, hear.) The same, too, with the im- portant question of education; that would be better dealt with by the liberal government, who, in Mr Holland, a gentleman who would not support that "religious teach- ing" which Col. Tottenham advocated, would have a strong supporter. The Ballot came next, and, with the church and state question, constituted the most important subject of the day, and to which the immediate attention of the legislature must be drawn; and this question Mr Holland had pledged himself to support to the utmost of his power, as being a measure which had become a neces- sity in Wales, and especially on account of what had trans- pired since the last election. (Hear, hear.) Taking all these matters into consideration, as well as the manner in which he intended to deal with the connection between church and state, he had not the slightest hesitation in saying that Mr Holland was the man upon whom the choice of the electors must fall, by a very numerous and decided majority on the day of polling. He called upon all present to support Mr Holland, the gentleman upon whom the unanimous choice of the liberal party in Merionethshire had fallen, as the best man to whom the interests of the county could be entrusted in Parliament, and by their action to return him at the head of the poll, by an overwhelming majority, and show the Tories that their power had for ever gone away from Merionethshire, and that true liberal principles-the principles of the majority of the electors, had triumphed over the wrong and the political injustice of ages past. (Cheers.) The Rev. FRANCIS JONES moved "That this meeting deeply regrets the death of the late member, Mr David Williams, who was the pioneer of the liberal cause in this county, and sincerely sympathizes with the family of the late member." This was seconded by Mr Edward Davies, and it hav- ing been unanimously adopted, the Chairman called upon Mr Morgan Lloyd to move the second resolution. Mr MORGAN LLOYD, who was cordialiy received, ad- dressed the meeting in Welsh. He said that he bad been requested to propose the second resolution which was as follows :—"That it is the unanimous opinion of this meet- ting, that the liberal constituency of Merionethshire can- not be represented but by a member holding similar views to the great body of the constituency," or, in other words that the principles advocated and supported by the meet- ing were decidedly liberal principles, and that as liberal electors, they declared themselves to be utterly and unani- mously opposed to those principles and sentiments which had their exponent and representative in the person of the tory candidate for the representation of liberal Merioneth- shire-Col. Tottenham. A wide, impassable gulf lay be- tween the principles which were enunciated by the conser- vatives, and those whith were professed, and, as far as possible, consistently observed and carried into effect by the great liberal party. An old tory idea, one which had long reigned paramount and undisturbed-happily now well nigh exploded and rapidly dying a natural death, was that a select few, fortunately blessed with this world's gear in abundance and plenty, were to override the opinion and principles of the majority, dictating, without consulting in the least degree the political sentiments or convictions of the mass of the electors who the representative of the county should be. Until very recently Merionethshire- a true liberal county with many of the adjoining counties, suffered under this species of tyranny and oppression at the hands of a few of the great territorial proprietors, who quietly settled the representation of the county amongst themselves, a state of things which had been allowed to exist almost undisturbed and unquestioned, until Mr Williams gallantly came forward to fight the battle of the people, to give the electors the power of choosing for them- selves. Three battles were fought by their late member two were unsuccessful, spurring the party on to greater efforts, which were at the last election crowned with a glorious success in the triumphant unopposed return of Mr David Williams. (Cheers.) At the last election the tories for the first time, learned what the power and influence of the people were, and quietly laying down their arms they suffered an ignoble defeat. After such an ignominious ter- mination to the last fight, he was certainly of opinion, and this was shared by other sensible persons, that no con- servative would venture to come forward in the vain effort to reclaim the county, and throw away his money in a useless and losing contest, as the present, so far as the tories were concerned, was most unmistakably. (Hear, hear.) But, although barely a year had elapsed since the last election-in the result of which the tories ought, as sensible people, to have learned wisdom and dis- cretion—they had, after a great deal of trouble and diffi- culty succeeded in getting a gentleman so courageous, and, need he add so foolish and unadvised as to come forward and fight a losing fight in the interests of the conservative party—in the interests of the tory clique, who were in a most decided minority. (Applause.) The liberals, after a hard up-hill struggle won the battle at the last election, and now the conservatives were doing their utmost to revert to the old and unsatisfactory state of affairs by taking- the representation of the county out of the hands of the majority of the electors, and sending up to St. Stephens a conservative gentleman sitting as a conserva- tive member for a liberal county Were the electors willing to allow this ? ("No, no.") Did they, after en- joying a brief year of quiet and peace, after long and arduous political warfare, intend that all their previous exertions should be lost, and that the tories should again rule the county ? (" No, no.") No, but the electors must be watchful; they must exercise every possible care, be unanimous, or that which they had gained with eo much trouble would fall back again into the hands of the tory party. For the gallant colonel who had announced himself as the conservative candidate he had every respect and regard. He was an old personal friend, with whom he had enjoyed many years of friendship and intimacy, and against whose character as a gentleman not a single word could be said—(hear, hear)—and even if there could be anything said which might not be complimentary to the gallant colonel, abuse and personal allusions would do no good to the cause of liberalism. In the contest they had to deal not as between man and man, but between principle and principle. Colonel Tottenham came for- ward seeking to undo what the electors had done at the late election; to support principles and a policy which the electors had already condemned in the return of Mr David Williams. But, said some person, "Why do you say so much about liberalism and toryism what is the difference between them ?" Well, as they must know, there was a difference—(laughter)—and the distinction was very simple, easy, and ready of explanation-liberalism was light, toryism was darkness. (Hear, bear.) Liberalism meant freedom and liberty—toryism, bonds and slavery. (Hear, hear.) Liberalism meant go forward, progress with the a,-e"-toryism "keep as you are, live in darkness." The principles of the two were utterly distinct and opposed to each other; there could not be the least accordance or similarity. Now, in Wales, what were the feelings of the people on the subject ? Did they prefer to return into darkness after a brief sojourn in the light? Would they stand still or progress with the age? Were they willing again t<? wear the fetters of toryism, or did they prefer the freedom .of liberalism ? (Cheers.) For generations the Welsh had been content, as a nation, to sit quietly, watch others progressing, keeping in the back- ground agdallovnpg others to gejt the advantage of them, and not JMfogressing at all with the age and times in which they livM. But recently a great and important change had taken place, and the delay of centuries was being rapidly made up in the great progress which began to evmce itself throughout the length and breadth of the Principality. To what was this change, this progress, traceable but to education ? Education was one of the great subjects of the age, and on this point lay the main and very essential distinction between liberal and tory principles. The latter wished to keep the people in dark- ness, the former sought their advancement, welfare, and progress. What had Mr Gladstone to do with darkness ? Mr Gladstone was one of the wisest men in statemanship that had ever been known, and his policy was most en- lightened and liberal. He was a man that looked at every- thing in its own light, was not tied to old customs or opinions, and, when he saw that a change was needed and called for, after careful study and forethought under his able guidance the change was made, and always for the better. (Hear, hear,) When a change was needed he dealt with it as though it were an old house; he utterly pulled it down, and, in rebuilding it, it was not the old structure to rise, but from its ruins sprang up a magnifi- cent palace. Need he remind them of the disestablishment and disendowment of the Irish Church. (Cheers.) Who but Mr Gladstone would ever have entertained the idea of carrying out that great principle which had been manifested in the Irish Church question. Then again, look at him as a financier. People grumbled about taxation, about the national expenditure. Mr Gladstone, during the years that he had held the reins of Government, had done more to lessen taxation, to liquidate the national debt, than—any tory he was about to say, but, unfortunately, they contrived to increase both very ma- terially-but than any liberal minister who had preceded him. Taking all these matters into consideration, could it be surprising that Mr Holland should declare himself a sup- porter of Mr Gladstone's policy. (Cheers.) He was cer- tain that the feelings of the constituency of Merioneth- shire were unmistakably in favour of Mr Gladstone, and in favour of that gentleman who had come forward to solicit their suffrages as a supporter of Mr Gladstone. Most of the preceding speakers had alluded to the question of education, which was one of the most important sub- jects to which attention could be drawn. It was highly necessary and desirable that every child should have the opportunity of a good education being brought within its reach. With a system of national education- who could say what latent talent in the Welsh might be brought to light. Who could say but that a Welsh Shakespeare, a Welsh Milton, or even a second Twm o'r Nant," might spring out of the future generations. Another great and important subject was the ballot. (Cheers.) Perhaps many of those whom he addressed might not need the ballot- very likely they were, fortunately, free and independent electors," in the true, not in the now accepted, sense of the term-but of the ballot he regretted to say that a great many persons stood in much need. For a long time he did not believe in the ballot, hoping that people would be able to do without it, and thinking that it would be much better to see men going openly to poll, and not afraid of anyone. But, on the other side, it was not fair or honest to enforce people to choose between their daily bread and the sacrifice of their political opinions and convictions. (Cheers.) Hundreds of farmers in Wales had to choose between one and the other—had either to give up their farms for not voting with their landlord, or record their votes against their own opinions and feelings with their landlords. (Shame.) Was this fair? Was it honest on the part of the landlords? No, and its only remedy was in the adoption of the ballot. In the coming contest he would ask them to be united, not to listen or give credence to the idle gossip which the tories whispered, on their way from house to house, from street corner to street corner. Why did they not face the light of day ? Why keep their candle under a bushel, and not act as the liberals, who, in public meeting, openly spoke in support of their princi- ples ? and what they said openly they were prepared to stick to and uphold. If the tories came to them asking for their support, let them say, "Come to our Town Hall, and let us have a public meeting; let us hear what you have got to say; and if we think you are right, we will help you with our votes-if we think you are wrong, then the liberal candidate, Mr Holland, shall be our man." (Cheers.) The motion was seconded by the Rev. ROBERT OWEN, and carried. Mr SAMUEL HOLLAND, who was loudly cheered on presenting himself, said—Ladies and Gentlemen, I am sure I have very great pleasure in appearing here this evening, as I think that, from the very favourable re- ception which you have been pleased to give me, there is every chance of my success, and of my return to Parlia- ment as the member for your county. (Cheers.) After the very flattering remarks which have been made by those gentlemen who have addressed you, I am rather afraid that your expectations may be raised too high, that you may be disappointed in me, for I can hardly expect to come up to the high expectations which various gentlemen have led you to entertain of me, should I be chosen as your representative. However, I can only say that should it please you to send me to Parliament, I will certainly do all that I possibly can; I will exert myself to the utmost in support of your interests and welfare, and in the inter- ests and advancement of the county generally. As I have ^y address, I shall support those measures which Mr Gladstone will bring forward, for I feel satisfied from what he] has done injpast legislation, that measures will be introduced by him of great importance to the welfare and progress of this great country; and, if I am sent as your representative, I shall support him in every possible way. (Cheers.) There are many measures which are now under the consideration of the legislature, but the one great question is the land question in Ireland. This is a subject which has long been under discussion and con- sideration, both in and out of the House and I have no aouDt that the Ministry is prepared to bring forward a measure which will, I think, conduce satisfactorily and finally to the settlement of that question. No doubt the measure will, when it is brought before the House, have to undergo much alteration, but it will, I think, meet the wishes of both tenant and landlord, and in some degree pacify the Irish people. As to settling every public question which may arise in Ireland, that, I believe, can- not well be done, as a question of some nature will always arise under whatever administration we may be; but I think Mr Gladstone will do everything that can possibly be done which will tend to the welfare and prosperity of the Irish, and in this he will have my hearty and cordial support. (Applause.) Speaking of the ballot, I am cer- tainly in favour of that. (Cheers.) Some years ago I did not think that the ballot would exactly suit this county, but with experience I have learned wisdom, and in conse- quence of seeing how persons have, and are yet, I regret to say, being oppressed, intimidated, and coerced, I think it is quite necessary and expedient that some Bill should be brought forward in order to protect the voter. (Cheers ) If all gentlemen acted such as a few in this county-con- servatives I allude to-are acting at the present time, there would be no occasion for the ballot. There are, and I am glad to state this fact publicly, several conservative gentle- men, who have written to me personally or communicated with my friends, stating that their tenants and workpeople are perfectly at liberty to vote as they choose, and that the interests of the landlords are not to be regarded in the least. (Cheers.) If all landlords, and all employers of labour, would act in this straightforward, noble manner, the ballot would not be needed, but I am sorry to say that there are many upon whom the franchise has been conferred, who cannot use it as their feelings prompt them, but must vote as their landlords make them. (Shame.) This being the case-so long as this in- iquitous, oppressive course is permitted to prevail, we have but one remedy, and that remedy is the ballot. (Cheers.) The adoption of the ballot is rapidly gaining ground, and every time that Mr Berkeley has brought forward his motion relating to the ballot in parliament, he has gathered round him a greater number of supporters, and very likely in this next session, certainly, I should think, during this year, that Bill for the adoption of the ballot will become law. (Applause.) The address which Col. Tottenham has issued to you, has been already com- mented upon in detail by one or other of my friends who have previously addressed you, but there are just a few remarks on it upon which I should like to make brief com- ment, and call your attention to what he there states. In that address he tells us that slate quarries and mines are not rated. With regard to this point he is mistaken, for slate quarries are rated, while mines are not, nor are plantations. Now, I think that all property of this kind should be made to bear an equal share in the burden of supporting the poor. A Bill, having this object in view, will be brought forward, and should I have the honour of representing this county, to that Bill I shall give my sup- port. (Applause.) Such a Bill would have been intro- duced at the last session, but the Irish Church question took up so much of the time of the House, that the measure could not be proceeded with. However, I may correct Col. Tottenham on this point, for slate quarries are rated, mines are not, nor are plantations, and, as I said before, I think that it is only fair and right that all should bear their share of the burden of supporting the poor. I hear that something is being said by our friends who happen to be opposed to us politically, about the taxes on horses. This, I think, calls for explanation. The farmers are really called upon to pay less than they did before, and when you understand and enquire into this matter, you will find that such is the case. Should I be honoured by being retured as your member, all that I can say and pro- mise is that I will support Mr Gladstone in every possible way, and also, that I will support every good measure which may be introduced by the other side. (Applause.) Good measures may be brought forward by the conserva- tives, and these will at all times have my consideration, hearty co-operation, and support. If I am honoured by your votes with a seat in Parliament, I shall always be glad and ready to come down amongst you, and render an account of my stewardship; and, if I fail to give satis- faction, or to merit your support, then I will willingly re- sign the seat into your hands again. (Cheers.) I was not particularly desirous of coming out to fight your battle in my own interest; I thought to remain in the quiet and peace of my own home; but as it was your wish that I should stand as the Liberal candidate. I have done so. If it should be that I am returned, I will do my utmost to carry out the wishes of the constituency which has sent me as their representative, and to promote in every way the interests of the county of Merioneth. (Applause.) I have been a working man all my life, and have always taken a deep interest in the affairs of the county, and in the welfare of its inhabitants. I have, I hope and feel, a little work left in me yet, and this I will use to your bene- fit. (Applause.) Before concluding, I will just allude to another portion of Col. Tottenham's address, where he makes mention of his having assisted in the extension of railway communication in the county. (Oh oh !) Well, ladies and gentlemen, I must confess my utter ignorance of what he has done for the railways of this county. I know that he is connected with a railway between Llan- gollen and Corwen, a very small length, but from what I can learn, instead of helping railways, he has consistently opposed them at their outset. I think that if we open up the question of railways in Merionethshire, you will find that i have done a great deal more, and that I have a much greater stake at interest in them than Col. Tottenham has or ever had. (Applause.) It will be my pleasure at all times to hear from you any suggestions which you may care to make to me, should I be your representative, and I need hardly assure you they shall have my earnest attention. (Loud cheers.) Mr CHARLES EDWARDS said that the next resolution had been entrusted to him. The resolution was a most important one, naming, as it did, the representative who had been chosen by the liberal party, and to whom that party throughout the county ought to give their most unanimous and hearty support and sympathy. Mr Samuel Holland had expressed his opinions to them very fairly, fully and openly, and now the meeting would be called upon to express their opinion that he was a fit and proper person to represent them in the House of Commons. They had worked hard for many years to win the county from the conservatives, and now they must take every care and precaution that the tories did not again get the upper hand, and that a conservative member should not again misrepresent the liberal constituency of Merioneth- shire. (Applause.) The Reform Bill of 1865 was brought in by Mr Gladstone, and a very moderate measure of reform it was. He, at that time occupied a seat in the House, and had the pleasure and honour of supporting Mr Gladstone, on every division in that session. In 1866, by the machinations of Mr Disraeli the Bill was thrown out, Mr Gladstone resigned, and Mr Disraeli took upon him- self the reins of office. The liberals and conservatives changed sides, and with what result ? The conservatives at once brought in a sweeping measure of reform, one so sweeping that the liberals would not have thought of introducing such a Bill. That Bill, however, the liberals were determined to pass, and they passed it, thus giving a great extension of the frarfchise. In 1868, the opinion of the county—of the extended franchise-was taken on behalf of Mr David Williams, who, after two defeats, achieved a glorious victory. They were told that the liberals would turn the country upside down, but was it not the reverse? He contended that the conservatives had always been a party of obstruction, and when they came to choose a representative for Merionethshire, it behoved them to look matters well in the face, and see who would be their best representative, Mr Holland, or Mr Tottenham; whom they would choose, Mr Gladstone or Mr Disraeli? If they thought that the policy of Mr Gladstone was the true and wise one, then they asked them to support Mr Holland, who had avowed himself as a supporter of Mr Gladstone. The liberal party had no wish to coerce or intimidate the voters they set their principles plainly before the con- tituency at the public meetings, and there they were ready to give advice and accept assistance. It was the desire of the liberal party to see the election of Mr Holland a triumphant one, and that his return would be by a very large majority there could be no doubt. Mr Holland had stated that he would support the ballot. He (Mr Edwards) was very glad to learn this. On two divisions he had voted with Mr Grantley Berkeley in support of his motion, for he believed that they would never have a true, honest exercise of the franchise in the country with- out the ballot. (Cheers.) He had much pleasure in pro- posing the resolution to the meeting, knowing that Mr Holland was worthy the honour they were about to be- stow upon him-an honour which, he trusted, he might long live to enjoy. He moved-" That this meeting is of opinion that Mr Samuel Holland is a fit and proper person to represent this county in Parliament, and pledges itself to give him its warmest and most earnest support." (Cheers.) The motion was seconded by Dr PUGHE, and carried with much cheering. Mr BREESE said—It is with much pleasure that I find myself called upon to propose that we give the honourable gentleman, who has occupied the chair this evening, our hearty thanks for his services in the chair. I, for one, am extremely glad and proud to see a gentleman of his posi- tion and influence in the county coming over at great per- sonal inconvenience to support that cause, which, in com- mon with us, he has so much at heart. His presence and that of Mr Morgan Lloyd at this meeting has done much to cement the cause-or, at least, what were supposed to be the scattered fragments of the liberal cause, for I am sure that, after this meeting, it can and will no more be said that there is any other feeling than that of the strongest unanimity in the libaral ranks; that we have one decided voice, one determination, and that is to send Mr Holland as the representative of the liberal electors of the county to the Commons' House of Parliament—(cheers)— and by a very large majority. (Cheers.) In seconding the vote of thanks, Mr HOLLAND said—I wish to make one remark, that I hope that this election will be conducted as quietly as possible, and I do trust that there may be no riot or disturbance. You enjoy your own opinions let our opponents enjoy theirs, and respect them, and let them say what they wish to say. Don't let us exclaim against them, or make use of any offensive and annoying or insulting expressions. Let a new era commence with regard to electioneering, and let this election pass over in peace and quiet. (Cheers.) Mr CHARLES EDWARDS having acknowledged the com- pliment, the meeting terminated shortly after ten o'clock. (From, a Correspondent.) DOLGELLEY, Tuesday. The ill-advised and evidently impotent attempt of Lieut.-Col. Tottenham, in coming forward as the Tory champion, has somewhat startled the more prudent of that eminently respectable but slightly 'stupid party.' You stated last week that The People had a chance of an unopposed return of the gentleman they delighted to honour; but the landlords have at last bagged a victim, and, it is whispered, have promised £1,500 to assist in ex- hibiting him, leaving the rest to Providence- and their agents! And doubtless the agents will do their worst, but as Mr David Davies in his memorable canvass of Cardiganshire remarked, the screw can only bear a certain strain; put too much upon it and the threads will break." The Welsh Evictions' will be the dead weight the gallant, but rash, colonel's friends will have to fear, and the tenant-farmer need not be alarmed—agents may threaten, political parsons may talk of going with the landlord," and ladies may cajole no evictions will follow this elec- tion, depend upon it-the spirit may be willing, but the flesh will prove very weak. Mr Lewis Williams, as you said last week, was too far- seeing a man to rise to the Tory bait; but a soldier rushes in where a banker fears to tread; and we have at least a show of opposition. The soldier may go to the poll, de- pending not on the honest wishes of the people, but on the landlord-power; but, if he really is so unwise as to fight to the death, his fall will be a severe ene. Merioneth- shire is a pre-eminently Liberal county, and a Tory ad- dress to the Free and Independent Electors" is either a farce or an insult. The Tories had far better give up the game, for they can only make a show of success by wound- ing the tender consciences of yearly tenants. But it is well to be prepared, even if the opposition is a farce; so the Liberals have their eyes wide open. Meetings have been held already at Festiniog and Blaenau, and on Wednesday night one will take place at Aberdovey. On Thursday there will be a meeting at Towyn (at mid-day), and in the evening at Abergynolwyn; on Friday evening at Corwen, and at mid-day on Saturday at Corris. Next week meetings are arranged for Bala, Dolgelley, and Dinas Mawddwy. Mr Holland will attend all these meetings. We con- gratulate the electors on their choiee of a candidate. Mr Holland has had nearly half-a-eentury's residence in the county-is one of the largest employers of labour amongst us, never having less than 500 or 600 Welshmen in his ser- vice. He is related to some of the leading liberals of the day, and has always maintained his character as a truly Christian gentleman, and one of whom any constituency may be proud. There is not a word to be said against CoL Tottenham— as an officer of militia or as a private gentleman: nor is there a word to be said in his favour, politically, to such a constituency as Merionethshire. If his opposition is serious, so much the better for the Liberal party, for the result will be such a victory as must for ever shut up Toryism in the county. Notice is given in the Gazette that the writ for the election of a member, in succession to the late Mr David Williams, will be issued to-morrow, and the nomination is said to be fixed for Wednesday, the 12th, and the election, if Col. Tottenham goes to the poll, for the fol- lowing Saturday. DEAR SrR,The conservatives in this district have been influencing several of the electors in favour of Colonel Tottenham by asserting that Mr Holland is an Irishman. From my knowledge of Mr Holland since my boyhood, I felt safe in contradicting the bold assertion but to make doubly sure, I wrote to ask the Rev. Mr Ambrose, and herewith send you his confirmative reply No wonder if the next attempt will be to deny that Mr Ambrose is a Welshman either.—Yours truly, O. DAVIES HUGHES. Mr Holland's Committee Room, Temple Buildings, Corwen, 1st January, 1870. Portmadoc, Dec. 31st, 1869. My Dear Sir,—I was going to express my surprise that the conservatives are bold enough to assert that Mr Holland is an Irishman But experience has taught me not to be surprised at anything promulgated by the Tories during the election season. After making an Irishman of Mr Holland, it would not astonish me to hear that they will attempt to make a Welshman of Col. Tottenham. Mr Holland is a Welshman, and his ancestors are long since well-known in Merionethshire. If you wish it, I will send you his pedigree. He came to Festiniog when a mere lad with his father, a Liverpool merchant, who had taken a part of the Molbryn to open a slate quarry. He has been here ever since, and is at this moment one of the most honourable of Cymru's sons. He speaks the lan- guage, and perfectly understands the wants of the people. He is one of the most upright men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. From my personal knowledge of him for thirty-four years, I can assure you that he has maintained his high position without a commercial or moral stain. He is highly respected and admired by all who know him. He is also an old veteran in the liberal cause. As a philanthropist, he has always manifested intense interest in the elevation of the working class. As it is probable that the question of education will soon come before Par- liament, it will be a happy thing for the friends of free education in Wales to find themselves represented in Parliament by a gentleman so thoroughly devoted to their best interests. I have long looked upon Mr Holland as a most suitable person to represent a Welsh or any other constituency in his country's senate, and I am pleased to find that he has reconsidered his objection to become a candidate. I am only sorry that I have no vote to record in his favour,—I remain, dear sir, yours truly, W. AMBROSE. O. Davies Hughes, Esq.

MAILS FOR AUSTRALIA.—The next mails for Australia will be despatched from London, via Southampton, on the morning of Saturday, the 22nd January; via Marseilles, on the evening of Friday, the 28th January.

THE PANTIN TRAGEDY. The trial of Traupmann resulted last week in his con- demnation to death. The following is a specimen of the conduct of criminal trials in France The President: Where did the knife come from that was found in Gustave's throat ?—Answer: One of the accomplices brought it with him. The President: Who dng the grave?—Answer: The accom- plice. The President: What! but you admit you bought the spade and pickaxe ?—Answer: I did, but to give them to the accom- plice. The President: Well, and you. What were you doing all that while ?-Answer: I was there looking on. The President: You did not help in digging the grave ?-An- swer: No. The President: What I you remained standing there doing nothing?—Answer: I did. The President: This is strange. A very singular accomplice, who kills a man, robs him, and leaves you all the plunder 1 Come, come, no one will believe in the existence of these accomplices. Well, on the 19th. you bought another pickaxe and spade to murder Madame Kinck and her children. To whom did you give them ?-Answer: I gave them to the accomplices. The President: Tell us what occurred on the evening of the 19th? Answer: In the evening, at about eleven o'clock, I told Madame Kinck that I was going to take her to her husband. We got into a hackney-coach, and drove to the Qnatre Chemins. First I made the mother and the two younger children get down. We went on towards Pantin. The two men passed close by us. One of them took hold of the mother, flung her to the ground, and killed her. The oldest of the accomplices seized the child. I said I would not allow the little girl to be killed; but they did not listen to me, and killed both the girl and boy. I then went to fetch the other children. The accomplices strangled them one after the other. We then dug the grave to bury them, and remained some time after to arrange the earth and mark the furrows. The President: Yes. That is your version. But in November last you gave a very different account.-Answer: I admit all that, but I told a lie. The President then minutely recapitulated the cirumstances of the six murders, and again asked the prisoner if he ha.1 done it at all-and he repeated that it was all done by the accomplices. The Daily News gives the following summary of the cases:— Jean Kinck was a tradesman at Roubaix, who had a little fortune by his wife, and had added to it so as at last to contemplate retirement from business. He had a small property in Alsace, and was going to buy some adjacent land to add to it. He had had a young workman named Traupmann, an Alsatian, in his establishment, and on going to see his property and buy some more in August last, he arranged to meet this workman at Bolwiller-station on August 25. Traupmann and Kinck met on the day appointed and went together in the omnibus to Soultz, where Kinck left his luggage. They had something to eat at a baker's, and then went on to Watwiller. There they bought a bottle of wine, and continued their walk to the Castle of Herrenfluck. On the way Traupmann drank some of the wine, and then put some prussic acid into the bottle. On the top of a hill he asked Kinck to drink Kinck did so, and dropped down dead, when Traupmann robbed and buried him. He then went to his home at Cer- nay and began a correspondence with the Kinck family. He had got from the body of the elder Kinck some notes and cheques, and these cheques he filled up—one for 5,500 francs, the other for 500 francs, sending the former to Rou- baix, with directions that the money should be sent for Jean Kinck to the Post-office at Guebwiller. The money was duly sent, but Traupmann, being known not to be Kinck, failed to get it. He then went to Roubaix to see Madame Kinck, took her the 500 franc cheque, and pre- tending to be sent by the elder Kinck, asked in his name that Gustave, the eldest son, should go and fetch the money from Guebwiller, and go on with it to Paris. Gustave went, failed to get the money, and went on to Paris with- out it, expecting to meet his father there. He was met by Traupmann, who said he was commissioned to take him to his father, He took him to an hotel, where Gustave wrote to inform his mother of his safe arrival at Paris, and to tell her to follow with the other children—their idea being that Jean Kinck had been in Paris making arange- ments for their removal to the capital, which removal Madame Kinck much desired. As soon as this letter was written they took a conveyance to Villette, and got down to walk to Pantin. In the middle of the Pantin field, Traupmann fell behind Gustave Kinck, drew a table knife with which he was prepared, and stabbed the poor boy in the back. He fell dead without a struggle, and Traupmann took his watch and money, and buried him. On Sunday night, the 19th September, Madame Kinck and her family arrived in Paris, in obedience to the summons in Gustave's letter. Traupmann met them as they expected, for he had corresponded with them in Jean Kinck's name, under pre- tence that Kinck had sprained his wrist and could not write. He engaged a cab to take them to the elder Kinck the cab stopped, as the cabman testified, near the Pantin field, and Madame Kinck and the little girl and boy got out to walk across the field, leaving the others in the cab. In about twenty minutes Traupmann came back alone, dismissed the cabman, and took away the other children. He had stabbed the mother from behind just as he had stabbed Gustave, and had then despatched the two chil- dren before he returned for the other three. When he got these three near the place where the bodies were lying, he made them wait on some pretence, and led them for- ward one by one, putting a handkerchief round their necks, and strangling them in the darkness before they could utter a cry. He then disfigured the bodies, buried them, and decamped. Very soon his father got a letter enclos- ing 100 francs, and telling him that he (Traupmann) had become possessed of 300, of which he sent home a third part. When he was arrested at Havre, something less than 200 francs was found on him, so that the 300 francs and some papers he could make no use of were all he appears to have gained by the massacre of a father and mother, and their family of six children.

The police have been instituting prosecutions for Christ- mas lotteries. The Daily Telegraph says there is no ground whatever for the statement that the Treasury authorities intend prosecuting in the case of the Welsh Fasting GirL THE NEW BANKRUPTCY ACT. —The Daily News says- The essence of the new Bankruptcy Act lies in consti- tuting the creditors the body by which the bankrupt's estate is to be administered and distributed. The Court is to act with a view to aid them in their task, and to watch that everything is done in due form. A meeting of the creditors is to be summoned immediately after the debtor has been adjudicated a bankrupt. At this meeting a trustee and a committee of supervision are to be elected. The law empowers the trustee to exercise the widest dis- cretion in dealing with the estate. His powers in this respect are almost arbitrary. Only in certain specified cases must he take counsel with the committee. As a check upon rashness and improper dealing, it is provided that the trustee must get a formal discharge from the creditors before he can be freed from personal responsi- bility. Nor will a bankrupt escape so easily in the future as in the past. No longer will the reckless or roguish trader be able to give that mockery of legal satisfaction which consists in paying dividends of a fraction of a penny in the pound. The minimum dividend is fixed at ten shillings. Till this is paid the bankruptcy will not ter- minate, nor will the bankrupt rest secure in the enjoyment of his subsequent earnings. The mere prospect of this condition has already terrified many traders; hence the rush to become bankrupts on their own petitions under the old law, and thereby avoid the chastisement in store for such as they. Unavoidable calamity and misfortune some- times compel men to suspend payment; but the rule has been for dishonest traders and profligate spendthrifts to take advantage of the laxity of the law to the detriment of their creditors. They have done this without under- going exposure in open court. The instrument they have employed is called a composition deed. To composition 1()n deeds of the old and convenient kind the law has now put an end. A composition will not be valid, unless it has the assent of the creditors assembled in general meeting, and the confirmation of a second meeting held within fourteen, and not sooner than seven days after the date of the first. At these meetings the debtor is to attend, answer ques- tions, and present a statement of his affairs. Should he omit the name of any creditor from the list furnished by him, that creditor will not be bound by the proceedings of the meeting, but will have a claim for the entire amount due to him. DEATH OF THE MAYOR OF WELSHPOOL.—It is with the deepest regret that we have to record the death of Mr Griffith Parker, the mayor of Welshpool. Mr Parker was unable to attend the last meeting of the Local Board of Health, being confined to his room by an illness, which, however, was not looked upon as being likely to prove of a more than temporary character but medical skill failed to overcome the complaint, Mr Parker gradually sank, and he expired at one o'clock on last Saturday afternoon, aged sixty-four. Mr Parker was highly respected in public and private life. He was a shrewd and persevering man of business as a tradesman he attained a leading position, and he amassed a handsome fortune. He was an earnest supporter of everything calculated to improve the town and to advance the interests of its inhabitants, and he rendered substantial aid to all movements connected with the well-being of Montgomeryshire. Of the Cam- brian Flannel Company he was an active director. He occupied a seat in the Municipal Council for more than thirty years, he was for a long period an alderman of the borough, and in November last he was chosen mayor. In political life Mr Parker was a liberal; and his adherence to the liberal party, though characteristically steadfast, was at all times exhibited with moderation and a respect for those with whose views he might happen to differ. He was in religious matters a staunch nonconformist, and a firm and consistent supporter of Congregationalism. The late Mayor's rigid adherence to the religious principles which he had professed from early life was made patent to all the world in connection with his attendance at his usual place of worship on the Sunday following his eleva- tion to the mayoralty. This honourable consistency illus- trated the character of the man and his own words upon the subject were these :I have been what I believe to be a consistent nonconformist for forty years and if I had consented to relinquish my principles upon my elevation to office, I should have done what to myself would ever have been the cause of the deepest regret, and made me feel less than a man." The sincerity and candour of this declaration are above misapprehension, and the boldness with which he maintains the principles enunciated in it will ever be regarded as an example for emulation among the religious body of which the late Mr Parker was an ornament and a support. All the shops in Welshpool are partially closed in testimony of the respect of the inhabit- ants for the memory of their late Mayor, aud expressive of sympathy with his bereaved family. On Tuesday, at the commencement of the Borough Petty Sessions, held at the Town Hall, Mr E. T. D. Harrison, ex-mayor, the presid- ing magistrate, said-I cannot allow the business to pro- ceed without taking the opportunity of expressing the very great regret which I feel at the loss we have sustained in the death of our chief magistrate. I most deeply sympathize with the family of the late Mayor in the heavy affliction with which it has pleased the Almighty to visit them. It has always been my anxious and earnest wish to pay the late Mayor every possible respect, and nobody regrets his death more sincerely than I do.—Mr Alder- man Bowen, the other magistrate on the bench, desired to express his fullest concurrence in the remarks of Air Har- rison,