The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

PROTRACTED CASE OF ARBITRATION. SIR,-Unde,r the above heading in the Aberystwyth Observer of Saturday last appears a most unfair axd inaccurate statement of what took place before certain. arbitrators at a recent'referenceto arbitration here. Such statement evidently was furnished bya friend of the defendant's, Thomas Davies, a builder here, and is on the face of it one-sided, as the names of the witnesses for the defendant alone are given. I will not imitate the bad taste -of the writer of such a statement (where the decision still remains with the arbitrators) by going into the case otherwise than simply remarking on its falsity. Your readers can judge -for themselves when I say- I. -.N 0 reporter was presenodumng the hearing. 2.-Nor was any umpire. 3.—No receipt for .£27 was produced, neither did -the defendant oleiim -£70 as alleged in such statement: in the Observer. 4.—The case was not complicated, hut lies in-a nut- shell, and was simply referred to arbitration to save expense. I will enlyadt that the sworn written evidence is before the arbitrators, and I confidently look for their decision upon that and:that alone. -I am, sir, yours, &c., JAMES H. RAVENHILL, Attorney for the Plaintiff, Rees Bees.

MERCHANT SEAMEEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM, SNARESBROOK, ESSEX, N.E., LONDON. DEA.U SIR,-Will you kindly allow me a space in your journal to thank and congratulate the-subscribers and contributors at Aberystwyth to tie above noble institu- tion, and more especially to may London friends—the Messrs RevertcGoddard, Jonec, Price, and Co., Clements- lane-who kindly assisted the writer throughout to get the orphan boy, Wiiliam Walter Thomas, admitted within its walls, after a severe contest *f four 8uccessiveelections at London over a period of two years. He was one of six successful candidates elected in August, 1869, and polled at the time 1,168 votes against sixty competitors. He was the only Welsh boy among the number, and would have been admitted at the time, bufrflinfortunately a malignant fever broke out !R London, and consequently his admission was deferred until Tuesday-last, when he was admitted to be educated, fed, and clothed Pantit fourteen years of age. The writer has no connexion whatever with the little boy, but took the task in hand at a cemsiderable expense and labour, purely frem sympathy for the widow and her four fatherless children—whose father was William Thomas, captain of the new schooner "Ida," of this port, which was lost at sea with aH her crew insJaixaary, 1862, leaving his family wholly unprovided for. It is to be hoped that the fearful shipwrecks and loss of life that we almost daily xeajd <sf wMawaken the sympathy of some other benevolent persons to join the good cause of supporting such a worthy institution as the Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum, which At present gives a home to and educates upwards of 4C0; fatherless children of both sexes. The present subscribers at Aberystwyth are as undernamed, and I hope that many more may be added to the number, having been one ijnyselfefor a number of years (Mr Thomas Jones was the first from Aberystwyth to sup- port the good cause) Mr Thomas Jones, Rpewalk, life governor. 910 -10 0 Mr John Davies, harbour master 10 10 0 Captain Richard Delahoyde „ 5 5 0 Rv. E. O. Phillips annual subscriber 110 Mr J. Watkins, wine merchant, 11 .1 1 0 Messrs Thomas and Roberts, merchants „ 110 Mrs Gwen Evans, Customhouse-street 110 Mrs Rowlands, North-parade 110 Mrs Dr Jones, Graigoch House -110 Mr Richard Jones, 19, Marine-terrace 0 10 6 Mr David Roberts, The Grreen „ 0 10 6 Captain Peter Owens, "Severn," donation. 110 „ Richard James, "Resolute," 1 1 ,0 Richard Watkins, "AulleTane," 0 10 6 Mr J. F. Evans, jun. 0 10 6 A friend to the cause 0 10 6 By inserting the foregoing in your next number, you will greatly oblige yours truly, JOHN DAVIES, Aberystwyth, 18, Marine-terrace, Harbour Master. 24th February, 1870.

MR WILSON PATTEN'S ACT, 1854, AND ITS REPEAL. SIR,- You will render service at once to historic truth and to social ameliorative legislation, if you will kindly insert the following resume in your journal. We are, Sir, yours truly, ROBERT WHITWOSTH, ) T. A. STOWELL, M.A., > Hon. Sees. EDWARD WHITWBLL, ) Central Association for Stopping the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sunday. Offices: 43, Market-street, Manchester. "As an attempt is made to discourage legislation on the liquor traffic by statements of the alleged failure and repeal of the Sunday-closing Act of 1854, a synopsis of the leading facts will be of use:— "The select committee of the House of Commons which sat in 1853-4 to inquire into public-houses, recommended that they should be closed during the whole of Sunday, with the exception of four hours, viz., from one to two and from six to nine, p.m., Mr Wilson Patten at once brought in a Bill to carry out their suggestions, and after passing both Houses and receiving the royal assent, it came into force in August, 1854. In order to stave off opposition, its terms had been relaxed, allowing public- houses to remain open from one to half-past two, and from six to ten p.m. During the following autumn and winter months, great efforts were made by a portion of the licensed victuallers to get up an agitation against this measure, but with so little success that their representa- tive in parliament, Mr Berkeley, met with no support; and Sir George Grey, then Home Secretary, said that the public feeling of the country was in favour of entire Sun- day closing rather than of a return to the laxer arrange- ment. It was then resolved by Mr Berkeley and his friends to ask for a committee of inquiry into the Act of 1854, and to this proposal the friends of the Act agreed, conscious that inquiry would reveal its merits. They were assured, at the same time, that the inquiry should be full and impartial. When, however, it was found that Mr Berkley (who had coarsely denounced the Act) was appointed chairman of the committee, and that nearly all the members of it were either hostile or indifferent, the fears of its friends were aroused, and a mass of evidence was soon collected, showing the favourable results of the Act in all parts of the kingdom. London witnesses were first examined, and all the magistrates examined testified to the useful operation of the measure. Sir Richard Mayne adduced statistics to show that drunkenness had been largely diminished by it. But in answer to leading questions, some of the witnesses said they thought that the time of opening might be extended without harm; and great weight was laid in evidence that excursionists had been inconvenienced by having to go home without getting drink at the public-house. One country witness was next examined, Capt. Meredith, the chief-constable of Wilts, whose evidence was strongly for the Act; and then, to the astonishment of all, the committee agreed to close its labours, and make a report advising some extension of the hours of sale. Mr Berkeley immediately brought in a Bill, repealing the Act of 1854, but re-imposing a portion of its restrictions, the effect being to allow public-houses to remain open from five to eleven o'clock, a gain of two hours to the liquor vendor. This Bill quickly passed through both Houses, and, receiving the royal assent, took effect about a year after its predecessor came into operation. Why so clear a breach of faith and mockery of an inquiry should have been even so far successful, lis to be explained by a reference to another series of inci- dents which have since been persistently confused with the Sunday closing of public-houses. Early in the samfe'sis- sion of 1855, Lord Robert GrosVenor (now Lord Ebury) brought in a Bill to restrict Sunday trading; and soon after it had been read a second time by a large majority in the House of Commons, the small traders- ho would have been affected by it-commenced a violentopposition to it, and, having assembled for several Sundays in Hyde Park, and committed numerous outrages (which have been magnified into riots), Lor& Robert Grosvescr abandoned his measure. Although these displays of mobism had nothing to do with the sale of liquor on Sunday, the enemies of the Act of Q854 took advantege of them to represent the danger of imposing upon the populace un- palatable restrictions; and under the panic thus excited, they were able to ktrry through the ipart-repealing Bill drawn up after the select committee had stopped on the threshold of its inquiry. Under otkertircumstatice.S such cotduct would have been impossible, and the injustice then done to the sober interests of the country yet awaits legislative acknowledgment and redness."

SIR WATKÆN AND HIS BÄLA TENANTRY. Stit,Having noticed in your issue of last week the translation of a letter from Thomas Jones, Deildref, Llanuwchliyr., which appeareli tin Y Dydd of the 11th., inst., I think it but right that your readers should also see the translation of a letter in answer to the same which was sent te the editor of Y Brdd on the 12th inst., but which has ^xot appeared in the columns of that paper. Yours, &c., A SUBSCRIBER. [TRANSLATION.] To the Editor of Y Dydd. SIR, --I was surprised tc see in YDydd of the ltth Snst., •an announcement from Thomas Jones, Deildref, Llan- uwchUvn, that the contents of the address which was sent to Sir Watkin were not fully explained to him, and since it was I who took the same to Thomas Jones, I consider it my duty to explain the particulars through the columns of Y Dydd. Thus it was: I went there and found him and his wife alone in the house. After the usual saluta- tions, I told him that some of Sir Watkin's tenants had determined upon sending a letter to him expressing their sympathy at the disrespect which was shown him at Bala on the polling day. I took the letter from my pocket, and reached it to him (a correct copy of which was sent to Sir Watkin), and as far as I could understand, he read the letter every Word, and did not ask me to explain any- thing to him. He desired his wife to reach the ipen. and ink, and said he should have been very sorry if this ad- dress had been sent to Sir Watkin without his having put his name to it. He thanked me warmly for coming there, and said he was sorry I should have had the trouble. These are the simple facts as to the signing of the address .1 by Thomas Jones, Deildref, LlanuwchUyn. -I am, &c., THOMAS WILLIAMS. Rhydsarn, Llanuwchllyn, 12th Feb., 1870. The letter has since appeared in Y Dydd.-ED.

THE ABERYSTWYTH CONFERENCE AND THE BIBLE. [The following letter appeared in the Osvmtry ÁdveTtiJ gIB)_:We have just had the official announcement at the opening of Parliament, that the Government intend during the present session to bring in a comprehensive measure of education, ample enough, we hope, in its pro- visions, to satisfy the whole nation and throw the further discussion of this important question far into futurity. In due time we shall be fully acquainted with the nature of the Bill and judge for ourselves whether it bears the impress of the Manchester Union or the Birmingham League—or most likely, as is conjectured in influential quarters, stands in its relations to these rival schemes somewhat like a child to its parents, bearing a little resemblance to both. There is now no doubt that when the time arrives for its introduction we shall see a Bill conceived in the spirit of satisfying existing institutions by a modification not too revolutionary in its character, and providing suplementary ones to render complete what appears wanting. Whenever the country is in a state of ferment and agitation from any cause whater, all wise statesmen feel the throbbiugs of the national pulse, and then like skilful physicians prescribe accordingly; in all likelihood, then, the framers of this Bill have been keenly watching the attitude of the nation during the few last eventful months, taking cognizance of public meetings, organizations and agitations of any kind bearing on this topic, endeavouring, like sheriffs with the candidates on nomination days, to decide which scheme meets with the greatest number -of sup- porters. Among the various meetings held in the country, and supposed by their magnitude and importance to represent national feeling relative to education, that recently held in Aberystwyth arrived in its verdict at the greatest extreme, viz.: the total exclusion of, not only religious teaching, but also the Bible altogether. Now this conclusion, I conceive, arises from two principal reasons. 1st. The Welsh dissenters may have unbounded con- fidence in their excellent Sunday schools as proper and sufficient mediums of religious instruction. 2nd. Welsh dissent has suffered from the present state of things. Though it forms such an overwhelming majority of Welshmen, yet the chief provision made for the education of its children has been the so-called-national system with its dogmatic religious teaching, which system, with all due respect to it, certainly does not harmonize with the feelings of this majority; hence, as victims, Welsh dissenters wish in future to abolish entirely what has proved a stumbling block. Concerning the first of these reasons, the excellence of Sunday schools connected with the dissenting bodies must be conceded by every one. The interest shewn by old and young in this important institution, the familiarity of the Welsto from Anglesea to Pembrokeshire with biblical lore, are facts beyond dispute. But this happy state of things does not apply to the whole country-Sunday schools are not everywhere so successful. There is therefore need in many instances that religious instruction be provided in the day school, and even granting that the Sunday school system everywhere is in a condition to give the required amount of knowledge, it is the duty of the schoolmaster as a public teacher, aiming to inculcate every necessary item of instruction in the mind of his pupils—it is his bounden duty to ascertain that those committed to his charge are acquainted with the leading facts and incidents related in the Bible. Surely it is ignorance as gross which knows nothing of Elijah and his antecedents, as that never heard of the eighth Henry and his six wives. Again, in his capacity as a teacher of morals the schoolmaster should discover the mind of his pupils on this point and supply what appears: lacking. Proportionally to what is done in Sunday schools, so will his task be one of examination or supplementary information. The excellence then of the Sunday schools and their adoption as means of religious teaching are not sufficient reasons for the exclusion of the Bible from our day school system. On the other cause which may have led the con- ference at Aberystwyth to its decision, viz.: the injury done to Welsh dissent by the presence of a system adverse to its doctrines, even though partially mitigated by a conscience clause-to rush from one extreme to another indicates equal folly. The grievance ^certainly was mischievous, but this manner of remedying it argues policy unwise and rash. To put the axe to the tree and fell it is certainly a rude remedy—this is jnst what the people did in the French revolution. To correct the abuses and excesses committed in the name, and under the guise, of religion, they banished religion altogether, and set up on the altars of devotion as their future goddess—liberty. No, let us not cut it down; rather let us lop off the rotten branches, that it may afterwards thrive and become healthy. If the Welsh dissenters have suffered from a system which has administered religious teaching not in accordance with their tenets, this again is no reason why the Bible should be prohibited from entering the day school. There is a medium between abolition and sectarianism, which, while it will spare us as a Protestant nation the disgrace of totally banishing from our educational establishments that book, ever England's glory, the brightest jewel in tier crown, shall also satisfy the demands of all, yet in reality favour none exclusively— but impart religious instruction to the children of a religious nation, in a truely national sense. This system is, and has been invariably the one pursued by the British and Foreign School Society, which makes the reading of the scriptures a condition of school routine. By this method the teacher is able to discover the actual By this method the teacher is able to discover the actual knowledge of his scholars in scripture history and biblical truths, to supply missing links and so render the whole chain complete. Morality, virtue, and religious knowledge can thus be taught without inclination towards any particular "ism" whatever, while from its comprehensive- ness and catholicity it is worthy of being termed a national scheme. Why cannot the denominationalists be satisfied with this in the Government scheme about to be revealed? They could in their exclusive meetings and institutions, snatch hold of the religious instruction thus imparted, bear it to their own particular corner, and there weave it into their own favourite ism." In conclusion-whilst sympathizing with the causes enumerated above, which possibly might have led to the verdict at Aberystwyth, I cannot but humbly, yet earnestly, protest against the proposed remedy. It should however in fairness be stated that the Calvinistic Methodists through their ministerial and lay representatives disapproved of the course taken by the majority—advocating the retention of the Bible, I Apologizing for the space taken up in your valuable paper. I am, &ear Sit, very truly yours, WILLIAM F. FACER, Caersws British Schools. [Our correspondent, whose letter was crowded out last week, lias made a mistake as to the resolution passed at the conference as to the admission of the Bible to Government schools. That resolution did not exclude the Biè, but was to the following effect:—" But that this drtcs not mean to impose or exclude the reading of the Bible in our schools."—ED. ]

PtoUattMHlSL The very extensive distillery now being erected at Bel- fast, with all recent improvements for the manufacture of Irfeh whisky, by Messrs DUNVILLE & Co., who have gained a world-wide celebrity for thei fine old Irish Whisky, is to np called The Royal Irish Distillery." The United States Government has always shown a praiseworthy liberality in rewarding services Tendered to American vessels in distress at sea. In November last the crew of the American ship Joseph Holmes was rescued off Holyhead, under very hazardous circumstances, by the Liverpool steamtug Iron King, and the service has just been acknowledged by the presentation of 600 dollars to the captain and crew of the tug. 200 esllars have also been awarded to the crew of a London and North-Western Railway Company's steamer, whoreni--3red aid on the occasion.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE WEDSH PRESBYTERIANS. -At the annual meeting of the Welsh Presbyterians held in South wait on W ednesday night, one of the singers an- nounced tfeat he pToposed to substitute another song TCT The Cambrian Pimae" which was to have been sung, fearing that it miafht under existing circumstances efccit an unf&wmrable feeing for the Prince of Wales. Mr Watkim Williams, M.P. for Denbigh, chairman crfthe meeting, said that the course pursued by his royal high- ness left not a -shai ow of doubt that the imputationtTmade against liim were untrue. Upon the authority of Experi- enced members of the bar Who were present when the prince made his statement in 'court, he was afolfe to tell them that no doubt was lMt cpon the minds of those that heard his manly and straightforward evidence that the charges were: entirely groundless, and he (the speaker) was fully convinced that they were without a shadow of founda- tion. (Loud-and continued cheering). LUXURIANT AND HAIR.—Mrs S. A. Allen's 81 Worlil's Iilair Restorer or Dressing" sever fails to quickly'restore Gray or Faded Hair to its youthful colour and beauty, and with the first application a beautiful gloss and delightful fragrance is given to the Hair. It stops Hair from falling off. It prevents baldness. It .promotes luxuriant growth. It causes the Hair to grow thick and strong. It removes all dandwiff. It contains neither oil nor dye. In large bottles-Price Six Shillings. Sold by all Chemists: and Perfumers. For Children s Hair, Mrs Allen's "Zylobalsamum" far exceeds any pomsade or hair oil, and is a delightful Eair Dressing it is a dictinet and separate preparation from the Restorer and its use not required without it. Depot, 266, High Holborn, London. Bold by Mr W. H. Turner, Chemist Church-street, Oswestry CASE AT THE BIRMINGHAM COUNTY COURT, WEDNSB- DAY. —-In re Thomas Allen, Shrewsbury, hop merchant and-commission agent.—This was an adjourned last exa- mination and discharge, transferred from the Bankruptcy Court, owing to the Registrar, under the new Act, having no power to try opposed cases. Mr Griffin appeared for the bankrupt,iand Mr Rowlands for the opposing creditors. The bankrupt was opposed on the ground that he had purchased hops from a Mr Mountain, giving a bill of sale for them, and that before the bill was met he had dis- posed of the-hops, not in the ordinary way of trade, but by pawning them. The bankrupt was examined as to the purchases of hops which he had made, and as to his deal- ings with Messrs Peplow and Shuker, hop merchants, from whom he obtained money on the hops. The case was adjourned till the 16th of March, that a member of the firm last mentioned might be present. 'HOLLOWAY'S OINTMBST AND PILLS.—Gout, Rheuma- tism Sciatica.—These maladies are always more or less connected with disorder or disease of the digestive organs, hence the facility with which they yield to xiol- loway's remedies. Temporary alleviation^ immediately follows the proper application of this soothing Ointment, while the Pills, taken internally, reduce the digestive functions to order and avert all inflammatory tendencies. Nervous invalids will derive ease and consolation from the influence of these medicaments, which are free from mercury and all noxious ingredients. Holloway's cele- brated Ointment and Pills present, at a trifling outlay, the means of preserving the health or uprooting diseases which have assailed the body through accident, luxury, indole nee., or other causes. SOMETHING TO BE READ AND REMEMBERED.-The con- sumption of Lucifer Matches in Great Britian and Ireland exceeds, it is estimated, one hundred millions daily. Bearing in mind the-reckless manner in which Lucifer Matches are used, it would probably be within the mark to assume that two or three out of- every hundred a,re care- lessly dropt, or not readily lighting, thrown away, although still 'retaining their combustible properties but sup- pose-that only one match out of every hundred is thus dealt with, we have the appalling fact that one million of matches are thus scattered in dwellings, ware- houses, workshops, and-staWes: in short, wherever Lucifer Matches are used, and without doubt are every often the cause of conflagrations reported in the newspapers-" origin of fire unknown." Lucifer Matches cannot be dispensed with, and it would. be-utopian to expect that the careless use df them will cease but it now: possible to guard against the danger resulting from any number thus heedlessly wasted by using only the Patent Special Safety, which light only on the Box, manufactured by Bryant and May, London. ARCHDEACON ALLEN ON THE PROPOSED REVISION OR THE BIBLE.—The Ven. Archdeacon of Salop writes as follows to The Times: !Sir, -Will you allow me a few words on the desired alterations of the English text of our Bibles'? All the arguments against alterations are admirably answered in the preface of the translators. What is desired is vthat in -the margin should be printed such words as would seem 'to nine out of ten competent scholars, if empannelled as a jury to be amendments. These may ;be classed under tfour heads—1. The change of some words that have a coarser sound now than they had 260 years ago. 2. The -use of the same name in the Old and New Testaments -to designate the same person, as Joshua, Acts vii.,45, Hebrews iv., 8. 3. The omission of a very if ew words that modern criticism has shown to be not part of the original text. 4. Some slight amendments of the translation, particularly changing the English word where the word inrthe original is changed, as light (John i., a, and v., 35), and the reverse. Most people wish that skins could be read for bottles (Matthew ix., 17). The italics (Matthew xx., 23) give a Socinian meaning to our Saviour's words which is not borne out by the original. The late Bishop Lonsdale, a great authority on this matter, once said to me that there was scarcely a chapter in the New Testament in which an attentive reader of the Greek would not see a place where more force would be added to the meaning by a closer rendering of the ori- ginal. The -smallest alteration that will give the unin- struoted reader a clearer view of the truth revealed to us cannot, as I think, be withheld. A conscientious reader of the Second Lesson for Trinity Sunday evening must feel that he is acting as if truth could be supported by falsehood, when he knows that the weight of evidence is against the genuineness of 1 John, v., 7." THE RET. A. S. PRIOR AND HIS CONGREGATION.—THE Bisiior OF LICHFIELT). ON THE SURPLICE.—A difference which has been been for some time existing between the parishioners of St. George's, Wolverhampton, and their vicar, the Rev. A. S. Prior (formerly of Whitchurch), who persists in wearing the surplice, was referred some time ago to the bishop of the diocese of Lichfield, whose decision supported Mr Prior in the course which he was taking, in respect of the surplice in particular. The con- gregation will not, however, have the surplice, and con- tinues regularly every Sunday, as Mr Prior enters the pulpit attired in it, to leave the church. The bishop has circulated a pastoral letter to the parishioners, in which he reasserted that Mr Prior has a right, now fully estab- lished by law, to use the surplice through all the ministra- tions in chureh. His previous award, strengthened as it now is by the recent judgment of the Court of Arches, Dr Selwyn hopes may be accepted by all. His lordship then goes on as follows:—" I request-what I have a right to demand—that the unseemly demonstrations by which a portion of the congregation ki6ve4&ewn their dissxtisfacti(,.n may not again violate the sanctity of the House of God. As it would have been my duty to restrain the Rev. A. S. Prior from transgressions of the law, se also it is my duty to protect him in the lawful exercise of his ministry. I cannot allow libellous and unfounded charges and im- putations to be circulated against him without warning the authors of them that they are breaking the laws both of God and man. I have carefully investigated the charges against him, and have pronounced them to be groundless!" A few nights ago a meeting, attended by upwards of 150 people, was held in St. George's school- room, to consider Mr Prior's conduct. The Chairman spoke of the continual feeling in the parish in opposition to the use of the surplice; and read a protest which had been circulated complaining of its use. This protest the Chairman said had been signed by 1,800 parishioners and pew holders, Churchmen and Protestant Nonconformists. Mr Mead was about to explain what had taken place since the new year's sermon of the vicar, with a view to induce the vicar to postpone for a time the wearing of the surplice, when Mr Smith, barrister, who said that Mr Prior had told him that, having chambers in Queen-street, he stood in the relation of a parishioner, rose to a point of order, desiring that the bishop's pastoral might be read at that point in the proceedings. The interruption led to much opposition, and the Chairman promised to hear Mr Smith after Mr Mead had spoken. With this Mr Smith was not satisfied, and for some time tried to get a hearing. This greatly irritated the meeting, and at length the door was opened, and men and women prepared to eject Mr Smith. The Chairman and others interposed, and Mr Smith walked to the top of the room, consulted with the pro- moters of the meeting, and ultimately sat down near the platform. Order was now restored, and Mr Mead con- cluded his speech, asserting that he and Mr Matthews and others had done everything in their power to bring about reconciliation, but they had failed through no fault of their own. Now, as they had told Mr Prior, they believed there would be war to the knife. "Mr Matthews con- firmed Mr Mead's statement.—It was subsequently resolved that a copy of the protest should be sent to the Bishop, and that a committee be appointed to prepare a reply to the pastoral letter addressed to the parishioners by the Lord Bishop of Lichfield,

A CURIOUS POLITICAL EPISODE IN MERIONETHSHIRE. Some time ago we inserted an address to Sir WATKIN WYNN from his tenantry in the polling district of Bala, reprobating the conduct of the "radical rabble" which pelted the hon. baronet with rotten eggs, and assuring him that they voted tor the conservative candidate, Colonel TOTTENHAM, "heartily, and of their own free will." We refrained from commenting upon this remarkable docu- ment at the time of its appearance, because we believed that our readers, who were acquainted with the circum- stances of the case, would be able, without our assistance, to estimate the value of such an address from a body of Welsh nonconformists. The conservative press, however, has attempted to make capital out of the document, for the purpose of throwing discredit upon the alleged want of political independence amongst a certain portion of the tenant farmers of Wales. It may be well, therefore, to state a few facts that will place the affair in a clearer light before the public and in doing this we must briefly recapitulate some important particulars with which many of our leaders are well acquainted. At the recent election for Merionethshire twoc&ndidates appealed to the constitu- ency Mr HOLLAND, who appeared as the advocate of civil and religious liberty, and Col. TOTTENHAM, a con- servative, in whose eyes, to put the matter as mildly as possible, the claims of the Church of England were para- mount to the claims of dissent apart from all questions as to the creed of the majority of the constituency. The colonel was supported by most of the landlords of the county, including Sir WATKIN, while Mr HOLLAND had to rely upca the fact that the great bulk of the con- stituency were nonconformists and strong liberals. In the neighbourhood of Bala there are two large estates, one belonging toSir WATKIN and the other to Mr PRICE, of Rhiwlas, on both of which the tenants, who are almost all dissenters,'aave been in the habit of voting for the con- servative^oandidate. By the liberal party it was always alleg-ed tb*t this apparently inconsistent oonduct was due to what euphemistically termed "territorial influence," or, at my rate, to a fear en the part of the tenants that if they voted against the conservatives they would suffer in their trordly estate. Of course the allegation was denied, andtfee denial, perhaps, was believed by a certain portion of the public. At the last election, however, the tenants on One of these estates had an opportunity, for the first time in their lives, of showing whether the liberal version of their former conduct was correct. Mr PRICE, of Kfciwlas, clearly and emphatically encouraged his tenants to vote according to their own wishes, and not to consult his opinion in a matter which-concerned them alone. The result was that, with few exceptions, Mr PRICE'S tenantry went over to the liberal ranks, although—and this is a notable point-he himself voted for Col. TOTTENHAM, and it could not be alleged that they followed their landlord to the poll On the other estate, where also the tenants are nonconformists almost to a man, cere was not taken to let them know that they might vote as they pleased, and with only two exceptions they figure amongst Colonel TOTTENHAM'S supporters. Of course attention was called to this remarkable contrast, and the Liberals may be easily excused for refusing to believe that a hundred Welsh dissenters, many of them members and some of them office bearers of dissenting churches, voted for a conservative churchman of their own free will. When the allegation of former years had been so signally con- firmed in the case of Mr PRICE'S tenantry, it was useless, of course, for the conservatives to meet it again with a simple denial; but, as we have -stated, an address to Sir WATKIN, signed by a number cf his tenants, appeared in the newspapers, asserting that they heartily" sup- ported Colonel TOTTENHAM. We confess that we cannot see the value of such an address, for, presupposing, as the facts warrant us in doing, that these men voted against their convictions to please their landlord, it is only natural that they should sign the address with the same motive. But we have enquired into the facts of the case, and the results are said to be these. The address was written in English a fact that as evident on the face of the document. English is a language which many of the tenants do not understand, and some of them, at any rate, if not the great majority, signed it under the impression that they were simply expressing their abhor- rence of the rough treatment to which Sir WATKIN, we regret to say, was subjected at Bala. One of them has written to a contemporary, to state that he knew nothing of the allegation of his "hearty" support of Colonel TOTTENHAM, and we are assured that he represents many of his fellows. It should also be observed that the names of onlytwo-thirds of the tenantry are appended to the address; the inference that the remaining third-some of whom, we understand, were asked to sign and refused-wouldnot con- sent to say that they voted according to their own choice, is irresistible. Of those who did sign several are well known liberals, and one, a contemporary says, actually voted for Mr HOLLAND If this is true-and we suppose it is, as the name is given—the theory that the tenants imagined they were only signing an address of sympathy, and a protest against rotten eggs, is very much strengthened. We could give isolated cases in which men whose names appear on the address have asserted that they voted under coercion, but that appears quite unnecessary. We have confined ourselves to a simple statement of actual facts and most palpable inferences, and shall leave it to the public to pass judgment. We cannot help regretting that Sir WATKIN should be misled by documents like that to which we have alluded, because we refuse to believe that the hon baronet would knowingly inflict all this misery upon his tenants. He has grown up in the midst of the bad old system, in which landlord and tenant were expected to vote together, and all that is really necessary, we hope, is to show him that a serious wrong is inflicted upon the tenantry, to lead him to follow the example of Mr PRICE, Since the foregoing remarks were written we have re- ceived a communication with reference to the letter of the tenant referred to above. The writer of the communication gives, he says, "the simple facts as to the signing of the address" by the person in question. Whatever may be the circumstances of the case with regard to the address, the con- duct of the tenants carries its own condemnation, and shows what a weak and flabby thing "religion" may become. The disgrace of these members of Methodist and Independent churches is bitter enough we shall not attempt to aggravate it. While we are engaged in this most unpleasant task of calling attention to the unwholesome political condition of some parts of Wales, let us mention another matter, to which we have been requested to refer. We shall simply relate the facts as they are narrated by one of our Welsh contemporaries, and withhold all comment until an oppor- tunity has been given of explaining them. The story told belo* hoA appeared in more than one newspaper, but we have taken care to inquire into its truthfulness before we complied with the request of a correspondent, to transfer it to our columns. The main facts, we are assured, are correct; and, if there is no satisfactory explanation, Sir WATKIN, we believe, will be surprised to hear that one of the families on his Merionethshire estate has been left to live in such miserable circumstances. Here is the tale, as told by our contemporary:— In the election of 1868 the conservative candidate retired from the field, but Thomas Rowland of Hafod yr Haidd, refused to promise to vote for him. Rowland lived in a very poor house. In the midst of a storm one night the following winter, the house fell in helter-skelter when three or four women were lying ill there of a fever, and the old man was the only healthv person in the house. They were placed for shelter in the stable, from which the mare was taken to a neighbour's stable. In that stable Thomas Rowland lived until lately, and it was in the loft that he and the rest of the family slept, A man could not stand erect in the loft, which measures but four feet from the ridge- board to the floor, and the floor is level with the eaves. The mare was housed at Nantydeilian, a farm about a mile from there, until lately, which was a source of much inconvenience. In the stable at Hafod yr Haidd was made the butter, the cheese, and often were fed the pigs. on account of the inconvenience of the buildings. The stable was about four yards by three, and in the corners neither the husband nor wife could stand erect. A chimney of rough boards nailed together carried some of the smoke out, whmt much of it was very loath to part company with Thomas Rowland and his wife. About two months ago Thomas Rowland left the old stable, that the mare might return to her own house, instead of lodging at a neighbour's. Thomas Rowland now lives in a penty, called Tynywem, situate on a neighbouring farm. There is brisk building on Sir Watkin's estate in Lnainrchllyn, but not at Hafod vr Haidd. There is a new house at Twr Mawr, Blaenrhiw, Coedtalog, and Lon; and they are busily building at Rhydsarn, and tens of places which it would be useless to name. But Thomas Rowland is the ob- stinate Jonah of the election of 1868: therefore his stable must be made kitchen, dairy, and pigsty all in one. When Thomas Rowland mentions his grievance the only answer that he receives is that I I the land will be taken up if he is tired of it." We have given the facts, without several of our contem- porary's comments, and now await an explanation. -Os- westry Advertizer.

The Bishop of Chichester is dead. Mr Bright is gradually recovering. The Cork Constitution says the revenue officials have seized a large quantity of ammunition. ADVICE TO Mo,-HEMS.-Are you broken of your rest by a sick child, suffering with the pain of cutting teeth; go at once to a chemist ana get a bottle of Mrs Winslow's Sooth- ing Syrup. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately it is perfectly harmless; it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a button." It has been long in use in America, and is highly recommended by medical men. It is very pleasant to take; it soothes the child; it softens the gums, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates the bowels, and is the best known remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea, whether arising from teething or other causes, Be sure and ask for Mrs Winslow's Soothing Syrup. No mother should be without it.—Sold by all Medicine Dealers at lB. d. per bottle, London Depot, 205, High Holborn.

MACHYNLLETH. THE GUARDIANS AND THE PRESS.—At the last Board of Guardians it was resolved that the future meeti ngs of the Board be open to reporters. "Two BROTHERS AND AN UNCLE."—A Welsh lecture; having this title as its subject, was delivered in the schoolroom of the Maengwyn-street Chapel, on Wednes- day week, by the Rev. John Davies, Nerquis. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. F. Jones, B.A., who presided over a large audience. VAGABONDAGE. -On Wednesday week two tramps, giving the names of Thomas Barnett and John Taylor, were brought before C. F. Thruston, Esq., charged by P.C. Richard Thomas with begging in the village of Darowen, on the 15th instant. Barnett was committed for a month, and his colleague for thirteen days, when he will make his re-appearance at the petty sessions, to answer a charge of felony. A PROPOSED EISTEDDFOD.—Arrangements are actively f>rogressing with a view to the holding of a grand eistedd- fod in Machynlleth on the 28th of July next. A com- mittee, with Dr D. R. Pughe and Mr Richard Jones (merchant) as chairmen; Mr Hugh Jones (the Schools) and Mr Evan Williams, Maengwyn-street, as secretaries and Mr Edward Rees (druggist) as treasurer—have an- nounced a programme in which prizes to the amount of nearly JE50 are offered as awards, the whole, with about half a dozen exceptions, being open to the world." The highest prize in the literary portion of the programme is offered for an English or Welsh essay upon The physical features, produce, and commerce of Montgomeryshire," and the principal prize in the whole programme is one of £ 7, for a choir not numbering less than thirty, who shall sing Gweddi Gwraig y Meddwyn" (Pencerdd America), a prize of £4 being offered on the same terms for the singing of "And the glory of the Lord." A prize is also -offered for the best brass band, and a guinea for the best water-colour drawing of Plas Machynlleth, the seat of Earl Vane. The conductor will be Mynvddog, and bards well known in the Principality will act as judges. The patronage of Earl Vane has been solicited by the com- mittee, and most of the leading gentry of the locality have kindly promised their assistance.

THE SANITARY CONDITION OF THE TOWN. The following report has been the result of Mr Szlumper's en- quiry into the existing drainage and water supply of Mach- ynlleth. At the last meeting of the Board of Guardians, it was resolved-" That a special meeting be held for the purpose of considering the report, and that the owners of property in the town and liberties of Machynllc-th are invited and particularly requested to attend." The cost attending the present report has, we should add, been subscribed by the owners of property, and. not by the Guardians as a body. Aberystwyth, February 15th, 1870.-To the Board of Guard- ians of the Machynlleth Union.-Gentlemen.-In accordance with your instructions, directing me to report upon the present state of the drainage of the town of Machynlleth, and to prepare estimates for improved drainage and water supply, I beg to state that I have, accordingly, made a survey of your town with that view. Its present drainage consists of imperfect small shallow drains, which empty themselves into the Garsiwn open ditch. This ditch or open sewer is so flat and circuitous that the sewage matter and other filth remains in it close under the Garsiwn Cottages, where, already, one of the most vital principles of health is violated, viz., ventilation; so that it is not at all sur- prising that disease should have there broken out in the form it has. The Garsiwn ditch falls into the River Dovey about 11 mile below the town, and but very little of the filth which first falle into it ever reaches its outfall. I have taken considerable care in looking for a new outfall as the Garsiwn ditch should cer- tainly never be used as a sewer, and I propose that for that pur- pose it should be abandoned. The natural drain of the country being the Eiver Dovey, it is into this river direct that any new outfall should be made, unless a system of utilizing the sewage should be adopted, which at present I am not prepared to recom- mend. I have therefore selected, as the point of outiall into the River Dovey, that shown on the accompanying drawing No. 2, which is the nearest point to the town where a sufficient fall could be obtained, and it is so arranged that all the sewage should be brought to this one outfalL The whole length of the outfall I propose shall be covered, and as glazed stoneware pipes make the best as well as the cheapest sewers, I propose that in all cases they should be used. The sewers which I propose to make, and for which I have prepared estimates, are all shown by red lines on the accompanying drawing, No. 1. The main drain or sewer commences at the top of Maengwyn-street, running through the entire length of that street, crossing Penrallt-street, going through Garsiwn-lane, and thence taking the line of out- fall into the River Dovey, as shown on accompanying plan No. 1. The branch drains are as follows1. A drain commencing at the bottom of Pentrerhedyn, joining the main drain, close to where it passes the Town Hall. 2. A drain commencing at the top part of Penrallt-street, near Maesglas, and joining the main drain at the top of Garsiwn-lane. S. A drain commencing near those clo-ely packed cottages in Pwll-llan-lane, running in front of Garsiwn Cottages, joining the main drain near the bot- tom of Garsiwn-lane. 4. A drain commencing in Penrallt-street, at the bottom of Tanrailt-street, running along the road to the railway station; and when nearly opposite the National Schools, turning across the field, and joining the main drain, as shown on accompanying drawing, No. 1. These drains are laid out so that every court and alley can be drained into them, their sizes are all marked on the plan, and their depths on the sections, draw- ings No. 3 and 4. The cost of these works, including all neces- sary ventilators and gulleys, I estimate at £ 1,815. A perfect system of drainage is worse than useless without a bountiful water supply; and such water supply should be made available for household and drinking purposes as well as for the flushing of sewers, I have therefore searched for ihe best source; the present season of the year is, however, very unfavourable for such an investigation; provided, upon an analysis, the water proves good, I believe the best supply is to be obtained from Pandybach Brook, about 1! mile from the tollgate, from whence I would bring the water by gravitation through a six-inch glazed stoneware pipe into a reservoir, to be constructed about six hundred and fifty yards above the tollgate, by the roadside, and at a sufficient level to supply the tops of the highest houses in the town, from which reservoir it should be distributed by iron pipes through every street in the town, thus giving every closely packed court and lane that most necessary requisite of health, a bountiful supply of good water. The cost of this, in- cluding the pipe line from Pandybach Brook, the construction of the distributing reservoir, and the laying of the ca-t-iron main water pipes, as shown on drawing No. 2,1 estimate at tl,898, which added to the estimate for drainage works, amounts to the sum of S3,718. I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, JAKES W. SZLUMPEE, M. Inst C.E."

NEWTOWN. DRUNKENNESS.—On Monday a man giving the name of Wm. Brooks, was brought before Major Drew, charged with being drunk and riotous, and with assaulting the police. The prisoner was making a great row at the Queen's Head on Saturday night, and the assistance of P.C. Brown had to be called in to get him out of the house. Whilst Brown was removing him, he turned upon Brown and assaulted him.—The prisoner was remanded. THE WORKING MEN'S INSTITUTR.—On Monday evening Mr David Davies, of Llandinam, gave his narrative lecture of his recent visit to the East, in the Public Rooms, in aid of the funds of the Working Men's Institute. The lecture, a resumS of what has already appeared in our columns, attracted a very large audience, which was presided over by the Rev. John Edwards, rector of Newtown. At the close, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Davies for his kindness. The pro- spects of the institution are most encouraging and favour- able. A project is on foot for the establishment of a cricket club during the summer months. THE POST-OFFICE TELEGRAPH.—The extension of the telegraph to the Post-Office in Broad-street is being rapidly progressed with, and through communication between the railway station and the town will be es- tablished in the course of this week. The route taken has been up the Back-lane. In connection with the work, an accident of a very awkward character, but fortunately unattended with any serious results, occurred yesterday morning. The wires, it appears, are attached to the chimney of the Post-Office, and owing to the insufficiency of the supports to bear the great weight and strain, the side of the chimney to which the wires were connected collapsed, and the bricks and debris came clattering down into the street. Although it was in the height of a busy fair, fortunately no one happened to be standing near, but a fine bull which was tethered close to the front of the Post-Office was the recipient of a few bricks. Alarmed by the unusual shower which came scattering about his flanks, the terrified animal bolted in hot haste up the street, and after having allayed his excitement by upsetting a couple fat drovers who happened to stand in his way, he was secured without doing any great mischief.

CORWEN. SEBIOOS ACCIDENT AT PENNABTH SLATE QUARRY.—ON Monday morning last an accident of a serious nature oc- curred at this quarry to a man named John Hughes, a native of Glynceiriog. He was engaged in angering a hole for blasting a piece of the rock, when a portion of it gave way and fell upon him, and brought him with it to the ground. Dr Walker soon arrived on the spot, and medical aid was at once rendered to the unfortunate man, who, we are sorry to hear, remains in a precarious state.

WREXHAM. QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL. The usual quarterly meeting of the Town Council was held on Tuesday the 22nd, when there were present, the Mayor (W. Rowland, Esq.); Aldermen Bury, Jones, and Walker Council- lors Bayley, John Davies, Hugh Davies, Low, W. Thomas, Wm. Snape, Mnrless, T. Eyton Jones, Lloyd. THE KTIJTia. The MAYOR informed the Council that Mr Lewis, solicitor, had called upon him and informed him that the Lord Lieutenant had been summoned to London for a consultation with reference to the militia, and he thought if Mr Whalley were to go up and urge the claims of Wrexham as a place for the assembling of the militia he would most likely be successful. The Town Clerk was instructed to write to Mr Whalley. THE OBAKKAB acixool" Alderman Jonss called attention to the Act of Parliament passed with regard to grammar schools, to provide schemes for all endowed schools, and said the Wrexham School would come within the powers of that Act. He had endeavoured to approach the commissioners through their local member, but the thing proceeded very slowly. He thought the Council might stimulate them to action. He begged to propose, therefore, that the Town Clerk apprise the commissioners of the existence of the Grammar School, with an endowment of some small value, and that the town would be glad to hail from their hands a scheme for the management of the school. Mr WILLIAMS seconded the motion, which was agreed to. MONTHLY MEETING OF THE LOCAL BOARD. A meeting of the Local Board followed, at which the same members were present. THE GAS QUESTION. The Town CLERK said he perhaps ought te apologize in not being present at the special meeting of the Gas Committee, but he had three or four appointments with the chief clerk in Lon- don, and could not possibly be present. He said that he saw the legality of the meeting had been called into question the fact was the Mayor could call a meeting at any time, and the notice calling that meeting was signed by the Mayor and himself. Alderman Boar observed that the Mayor never said anything about having signed the notice. The M. YOR s tid he had so many things to sign that day that he forgot that the notice was one of them. COST OF OPPOSING THE GAS BILL. Alderman Euny asked who was to pay for the opposition to the Gas Company's Bill ? He stated without fear of contradiction that no party had any right to spend the rates of the borough for such a purpose. Alderman JONES said there were two points in the Gas Bill he did not agree with —that was the price of gas and the power. He thought the Gas Company might have been conciliatory enough to have given way on these points. Still he did not agree with spending the money of the ratepayers in opposing the Bill. Mr Low spoke against opposi ng the Bill, and a discussion took place, and after the TOWN CLE Rx had shown that a borough had a right to spend the x. ates in opposing any Bill that might be detrimental to the interests of the town, resulted as at former meetings, the same three voting against the opposing of the B ll, namely, Alderman Bnry, and Councillors Williams anxi | Low,