The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

gUwut flit World. The Florence Diritto states that Dr Cumming, "that eccentric Englishman," has just been "converted to Cath- olicism;" and it is added that "Pius IX. recently sent a letter of congratulation, through the Archbishop of West- minster, to the new convert." Apropos of the depredations of some light-fingered gentry, the Figaro, which seems to pride itself on its mastery of the English language, recommends that the Prefect of Police should follow the example of the author- ities in England, who cause to be inscribed in all public places the warning, "Take care to pick pockets!" Dr Newman has declared himself opposed to the defini- tion of the dogma of Papal Infallibility. He writes to the Standard to deny that in a letter to Dr Ullathome he had "stigmatized the promoters of Papal Infallibility as an insolent, aggressive factionand he adds—"That I deep- ly deplore the policy, the spirit, the measures of various persons, lay and ecclesiastical, who are urging the defini- tion of that theological opinion, I have neither intention nor wish to deny; just the contrary. But, on the other hand, I have a firm belief, and have had all along, that a Greater Power than that of any man or set of men will overrule the deliberations of the Council to the determin- ation of Catholic and Apostolic truth, and that what its Fathers eventually proclaim with one voice will be the Word of God." When the Fenians have no one else to shoot at they take to shooting one another. The ex-secretary of the Fenian Senate in America has been charged before a New York police-court with shooting at Mr Patrick Meehan, President of the Fenian Senate, who is also editor of a paper called the Irish American. The occurrence took place nor the Broadway. Mr Meehan, while walking with a friend after leaving the Fenian headquarters, was suddenly fired at from behind, and injured in the neck, the wound being considered dangerous. His assailant, who was immediately in the rear, was at once arrested with a five-barreled revolver in his hand, one chamber of which was empty. He has been committed for trial. How signally the Conservatives have failed in their attempt to make capital out of Lord Granville's colonial policy is shown by the reply of the New Zealand Govern- ment to his lordship's despatch. Mr Fox, the head of the Administration, denies the necessity for holding a Colonial Conference. According to him the time for making pre- parations with a view to ultimate separation and inde- pendence has not yet arrived. He thinks that the colonists m London who have enunciated this opinion have strangely misread the signs of the times. The position now held by New Zealand is one which she values and is resolved to maintain. Any action taken for the purpose of altering or modifying it would, Mr Fox thinks, be a great calamity. y- Nor is the circular which Lord Granville addressed to the several colonies a document which receives any animad- version at the hands of Mr Fox. On the contrary, he refers to it in language which its framer justly describes as courteous and must certainly have perused with satis- faction. That document appears to Mr Fox and his col- leagues "to have been composed in a spirit friendly to the colonies, and consistent with the proper relations of the Home and Colonial Governments." Lord Smith is dead! Our authority for this melancholy announcement is Le Gaulois, ,which informs us that "while the notabilities of Paris were pressing into the church of St. Clotilde, at the funeral of Count de Montalembert, another solemn procession was proceeding towards the church of St. Philippe du Roule. The deceased was an extremely rich English lord, famous in the quarter in which he resided for his bounties. Although of an ancient and illustrious family chartering the lilies of France upon a field gules, Lord Schmitt had given to our Democratic country a laudable example of contempt for social prejudices by his marriage with a young workwoman of very modest position." Bishop Wilberforce vindicates himself, in a letter to the Times, from the charge of intolerance, which, he alleges, was brought against him by Mr Winterbotham, in his speech in the House of Commons this week on education. The Bishop concludes a long letter as follows :— I am truly and earnestly attached, by conviction and affec- tion, to the communion of the Church of England but this implies no hostility to those who differ from her. I have now been forty-two years in her ministry, and I have never had any controversy with our Dissenting brethren. My earliest educa- tion led me, even where we differ from them, to respect them, and, as to matters in which we agree, to rejoice ungrudgingly in the f:ood God has enabled them to do. I have honoured friends in heir ranks, and have gladly joined whenever I could in common works with them; and I cannot, without an earnest protest, allow myself to be classed among those who think that Dissent, like vIlS cattle plague, ought to be stamped out,' or see my name used to stir up strife where I long for brotherly forbearance and regard. A London correspondent says-" Then Mr Fortescue rose to propose his Coercion Bill. He made a most awful blunder at the outset, when he said that his Bill was de- signed for the protection of life and, above all, of property in Ireland. How the House laughed Nothing could be more unfortunate. There was a half-truth about this ex- quisite bull which made it very enjoyable." Mrs Butler, wife of the Rev. G. Butler, principal of Liverpool College, and secretary of the Ladies' National "Association for the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Act, addressed a large meeting of men, specially invited, at Liverpool, last week. She denounced the Bill, and in the course of her remarks quoted a reference to Wat Tyler which had been made in connection with this question. In conclusion ilhe said- In our days he would be a blind and foolish man, and an enemy to a good cause who should take vengeance into his own hands, or work upon the violent feelings of his fellows to win a victory which may be won by combined lawful and righteous endeavour undertaken in the strength of God. Nevertheless, I will say that whatever was righteous and noble in Wat Tyler's anger, I desire to see aroused in the men of England now. For what was the outrage which called forth Tyler's wrath compared with the outrages which 18,000 Englishwomen have been sub- jected to, and to which hundreds are at this very day being sub- iected ? I will tell you the story of Tyler. [The speaker, after iriefly relating the incidents of that insurrection, and the violent death of the author, saidl-Thus it is ever that blood calls for blood. Nevertheless, I should think that manliness had become extinct in the breasts of Englishmen if they can see such outrages perpetrated on helpless women as those which moved Wat Tyler's wrath, and not use the power which men re- presented in Parliament possess to cause these outrages to cease for ever from our land. This power is yours. The cause I ad- vocate before you is too righteous, too holy a one to need the help of an arm of flesh in the literal sense. Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord."

Sipyn a nb tth. The carrying out of Mr Walpole's Factory Act will, it is said, cause the discharge of 160 girls at Dowlais. It is in contemplation to hold a Sunday School Children's Festival at Chester at Easter. It is rumoured that Mr Scudamore of post-office fame and formerly of Oswestry, is to be knighted. The Dowager Lady Erskine has appointed the Rev. Henry Rees, B.A., of Cambridge, vicar of Conway. A committee has been appointed to «enquir6 into the question of obtaining a water supply for HolywelL Robert Roberts, confined in Bangor lock-up on a charge of theft, committed suicide last week by hanging himself with a neckerchief. A contemporary is disgusted because some wicked Welsh nonconformists had a petition against the religious clauses of the Education Bill signed on Sunday! The Rev. John Owen, rector of Llaneilian, where he had officiated, first as curate and then as rector, for fifty- three years, is dead. A child six years old left alone in the house- by its parents, named Wright, at Bridgnorth last week, was burnt to death. Amongst the benefactions to the Salop Infirmary we see the following:—Mr W. J. Parker, Traethllawn, Welshpool, 221 19s. 6d. The Festiniog Railway is becoming very popular. It has been visited recently by engineers from various parts of the world, and a French commission, it is said, is about to inspect it. General Lord Napier of Magdala, commander-in-chief of the army in India, crossed over from Dover to Calais, attended by Colonel Dillon, C.B., his military secretary, on Friday evening, en route for India, via Marseilles. The Railway Times says—" The intention is attributed to Dr Stronsburg," a gentleman who is largely identified with the mining interests of Montgomeryshire, a conti- nental railway king, to establish a banking house at St. Petersburg, under the style and title of Avenarius and Company." A day or two ago a man was consigned to the Crewe lock-up on the charge of attempting to swindle an hotel keeper by passing himself off as a commercial traveler. In the cell he tried to strangle himself with a rug, but was dis- covered in time to prevent fatal consequences. The Volant, from Galveston at Liverpool, has ran into the Carnarvon Bay Lightship, receiving damage to rails, &c. The captain states that he did not know -a lightship had been placed there,, and thought her a Jsug hove to. The weather was thick,: iand the lights in the. lightship were not made out till close alongside. At a meeting of the -Shrewsbury Improvement Com- mittee last week, a -communication received by the Town Clerk requesting"the Council to petition Parliament against the sale of intoxicating liquors on the Sunday was ordered to lie on the table, Mr Craig remarking that it had been ascertained that stopping the sale of such drinks on the Sunday in Scotland had increased drunkenness instead of diminishing it. The eccentric Dr Price, of Pontypridd, was placed on his trial at the Glamorganshire assizes, on a charge of manslaughter, it being alleged against him that, through unskilful treatment, be had caused the- death of a man named Thomas Price, who, suffering from a tumour on his knee, applied to the doctor for advice. After two or three medical witnesses for the prosecution had been ex- amined, the Lord Chief Justice pointed out that the evidence was conflicting, and directed the jury-to acquit the defendant. Mr Churton, county coroner, held an inquest at Saughall, near Chester, on Thursday evening, upon the body of Joseph Challoner, the son of a bricksetter, living at Chester, who met with his death under the following circumstances On Wednesday deceased went with another boy named Grimes-to shoot crows in the fields at Saughall, borrowing a gun for the purpose from a Mr Charnley. The deceased was walking behind Grimes, who had the gun over his shoulder, when it went off, the charge lodging in deceased's head. The roof of the sealp was blown off, and the poor boy died almost instan- taneously. A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned. A eurious action was tried at the Carmarthenshire assizes. For twenty-nine years a Mr Thomas Jones had kept a school at Ferryside. It was the only school in the village, until, in 1855, the church people of the district set up a national school, and thereupon Mr Thomas Jones, of course, ceased to teach any but nonconformist scholars. In the latter part of last year, Mr Jones, having reached the ripe age of eighty, accepted ati. offer of the British School Committee to buy his schoolhouse for J630, in order that a really efficient unsectarian school might be established in the village. Thereupon a Captain Cross, being a member of the establishment, and hostile to dissent, laid claim to the schoolroom on behalf of the parish. This claim he asserted in a truly warlike manner. One afternoon, when the scholars were at dinner, he, accompanied by a band of sturdy workmen, set about razing the schoolhouse to the ground. They finished the job leisurely next day, and then became defendants in the action to which we refer. Fortunately for both parties, the judge interposed and put an end to further litigation by persuading the gallant soldier to pay 2120 for the piece of ground which he claimed. A rhymester, in the North Wales Chronicle versifies the abuse which it is now the fashion of Conservative papers to heap upon Dissent. Here are his concluding lines: the "they" in the commencement refers to the preachers— At elections they're loud, and work hard with the screw," 'Gainst the Church every engine they ply; For her loaves and her fishes, her dignities too, Are their envy, their craving, their cry. And the Cymry no more are a church-loving band, In the Church they no longer are found But Dissenters with Atheists join hand in hand, Shouting Down with her down to the ground So when strangers enquire why Dissent is so strong, For the reason you've not far to search Foreign bishops have sat on the Welsh nest so long, That they've addled the egg of the Church," But a new era now is beginning atlast, Under Gladstone's more generous sway; While the night we may hope has at length nearly passed, And will brighten again into day. This is the sort of stuff that respectable Conservatives are regaled with A remarkable case was brought before the Denbigh borough magistrates last weeek. The heading in the reports is "Martin Smith v. and the blank is explained in Mr Smith's statement. It appears that somebody had been accusing him of dismissing a man from employment on the railway for voting for Mr Mainwaring at the last election. Mr Smith was indignant at the charge and took out a summons against "somebody," who subsequently discovered that the tale was entirely untrue, withdrew it, and apologized. In consideration of this Mr Smith withheld the defendant's name, and only showed the apology to a number of his friends and to the magis- trates. After making this statement Mr Smith went on to say that he had discovered that Hughes-the man who was said to have been turned off, and who is now dead- had tried to make himself a political martyr; and the means offered for this purpose," added Mr Smith, "cer- tainly strike me as most extraordinary and almost incred- ible." Some kind of committee, he said, sat in Swan-lane, and there received statements from persons who held them- selves out as political martyrs, and whose anxiety, of course, was to get a pull at the money. In this way, un- founded charges were made against gentlemen without giving them an opportunity of defending themselves. Mr Smith concluded by characterizing these proceedings as "a base and vile conspiracy against the respectability of the town." Now this statement is very plausible, and Mr Smith, no doubt, is really indignant; but the committee have yet to tell their tale, and then perhaps matters will bear a different complexion. At the Conference at Aber- ystwyth the abuses to which the Evictions Fund would be exposed were fully realized, and careful arrangements were made to guard against them. The necessity of informing gentlemen of charges that are brought against them was insisted upon at the Aberystwyth Conference, and as Mr Smith is no doubt right in supposing that many persons will try to make money out of the fund, great care ought to be exercised in investigating the cases which are brought before the committee, and in believing the reports which are circulated. The movement cannot be carried on without serious abuses; but who is responsible ? Not the promoters of the Fund, surely, but those landlords -we hope they are very few-who have attempted to intimidate their tenants. The Rev. W. Walshair How, in a letter to the Guardian, expresses himself as thankful and hopeful with respect to the Irish Church. When the measure of the Government was introduced on March 1st, 1869," he says, it was a matter of deep thankfulness to many of us to find the principles (of perfect liberty and self-government, as against Eras, tian views) we had distinctly advocated recognized in the great speech in which the measure was sketched out." Now that the year has passed, and the work of recon- struction has been vigorously taken in hand, Mr How asks How has the liberty accorded to self-organization been used," and "How far may we look forward to a hearty union of the two branches of the church in all spiritual and ecclesiastical spheres, when the outward conditions shall have become so different and the rev. gentle- man thinks we may return a very hopeful answer to the questions." He remarks, on the subject of voting by orders, that the Duke of Abercorn's compromise has most happily and satisfactorily settled a question which threatened almost a disruption, and has preserved episco- pacy in substance as well as in name." As to the commu- nicant test for the delegates, Mr How says, "Strong as are the objections to a communicant test in itself, these are infinitely outweighed by the evil of allowing a church to be governed by men who have given no practical proof of their fitness for such grave responsibilities," and he en- forces the remark by stating that Presbyterians and Plymouth Brethren were chosen as members of the pro- visional body, to frame a constitution for the church. With regard to the method of dealing with doctrinal questions, Mr How asks, with some diffidence, whether this is so vital a point as some make it. He points to the facts adduced by Archdeacon Churton, as showing that from the first the laity have been admitted to church councils in which doctrinal questions were discussed, and observes that the desirability of not making this question an articulus stantis vel cadentis ecclesise is increased by the corrective to hasty or unsound decisions supplied by the episcopal veto. In conclusion Mr How offers the Irish Church hearty and thankful sympathy, and ex- presses a belief that, though there are many who deprecate the act which dethrones and sets free, the English and Irish Churches together may show to the doubters that there are bonds to hold churches in one, and to bind brethren together in spiritual union, stronger than any which are forged by State favour or rivetted by establish- ment."

TROUT FISHING IN NORTH WALES. We extract the following from the Field :-T. T. P. in his answer to C. E. A.'s inquiries respecting open trout fishing in North Wales, has omitted to mention as worthy tf notice Bala and its neighbourhood. If C. E. A. wishes o have good fishing and comfortable quarters, let him by all means try Bala. He can stay during his piscatorial visit at the White? Lion Royal Hotel, where he will find -I speak from experience-every accomodation, every attention, arnL-every comfort. The proprietor of the hotel has a boat also on the lake, which abounds with trout and other fish. Besides the lake, there are the Dee, the Tre- werin, and about half a dozen small streams running into the lake at the top, near a village called Llanuwchllyn, about three miles from Bela on the Dolgelley road, liter- ally teeming with trout. I may add that there are many small lakes to the tune. of a mile in circumference in the neighbourhood of Bala, in which excellent fishing may be obtained, as, for-example, the Arennig Lake, at the foot of a mountain of that came, where trout from a ilb. to 21b. may on a favourable day be caught; and especially ought I to call attention to Llyn Morwynion, where I have fished myself from Bala, and had capital sport. Llyn Morwynion wy 10 lies between Bala and Yfestiniog. As an edible, I believe the Llyn Morwynion. trout are considered great delicacies, and far superior to any other fish in Wales. Accommodation will be found on the banks. I most strongly recommend C. E. A. to go and try Bala for a few weeks, feeling assured that if he doesfbe will ever afterwards, as long as he is a disciple of Old Izaak, and follows his piscatorial calling, continue to pay it an annual visit.-CoCH-Y-BONDDu. C. E. A., will find pretty good open trout fishing in the Banw (or southern branch of Verniew) and in the Verniew proper; and they are pretty easy of access. If he feels disposed to try these rivers he should take train to Welshpool, a first-class station on the Cambrian Railway, ana make his quarters at Llanfair and Can Office. Welshpool is eight miles from Llanfair, and a conveyance leaves the station for Llanfair once or twice a day. He will find comfortable quarters at the Cross Foxes and the Goat, in the little town of Llanfair, within a stone's throw of the Banw. After staying here for a few days he should fish the river up to Can Office, eight or nine miles. (The mail cart will take up any luggage he may wish to forward.) The Can Office Inn he will find a most comfort- able establishment. The river runs at the back of the house. When here he should not fail to fish the Nantyriera tribu- tary, a romantic rocky trout stream, only a few hundred yards from the inn. I have seen some very good baskets of fish taken in this river. The fishing is not very easy. The boulders are very slippery and very hard, as C. E. A. will probably find to his cost. When at the Can Offipe, if he does not mind a walk of about four miles, he should walk across to the Verniew, where he will get his best fishing, but he will have to return to Can Office at night as there is no accommodation in the neighbourhood. The end of April and the beginning of May is the best time to fish these rivers, especially if there should be rain to raise the water.—A. RACING FIXTURES. B,tngor April 1 Bridgnorth April 5 Tenbury I April G Liverpool Hunt April 9 Tivyside April 20 ——

I (6tUmt1. The Nation says it despises, and spits upon, and defies a tyranny so infamous as the Government Peace Preservation Bill. The Mines Regulations Bill is not likely to go into committee before Easter, A commission appointed by the Russian Government has re- ported in favour of erecting a theatre for the people. A large first edition of Garibaldi's Rule of the Monk" having been exhausted, a second edition is now in the press. The Tower (Thames) Subway is now completed, and will be opened for traffic very shortly. The missing Cunard steamer Samaria arrived off Queenstown on Saturday, under sail, her shaft being broken. The Marquis of Ailsa, who was injured by a fall in the hunting field a short time ago, is dead. The railway trains over Mont Cenis recently ceased running for the time owing to the heavy drifts of snow. Mr Bright has gone to Brighton, and his health has so far im- proved that it is hoped he will be able to resume his official duties after Easter. Spinasa, convicted of the murder of a London prostitute, and Susannah Hyde, who killed her infant child at Tetsworth, have been reprieved. Connecticut proposes to pass a law restricting people from procuring divorces until they have been married at least two weeks. A disused pump in Marylebone has been mistaken by num- bers of persons for a pillar letter-box, and used accordingly! It is to be removed. The prosecution of Sir Henry Edwards on a charge of bribery at the Beverley election has been postponed until the Lammas Assizes. A Vermont editor has invented a new method of rousing de- linquent subscribers to a sense of their duty. He writes an obituary notice of them. The negro senator for Mississippi, the successor to Mr Jeffer- son Davis, delivered his maiden speech in the Senate last week in favour of universal amnesty and universal suffrage. A great fire took place on Wednesday night at the works of Mr G. Dowler, Aston, Birmingham, and property to the esti- mated value of zel5,000 was destroyed. The sentence of death lately passed by the Lord Justice- Clerk upon a man named William Cunningham, for the murder of his paramour at Glasgow, has been commuted at the instance of the Home Secretary. The Hexham Farmers' Club—one of the most influential societies of the kind in the North of England has passed a resolution by a majority of four, in favour of the total abolition of the Game Laws. On Friday week a farmer named Lucey, living at Macroom, county Cork, was found dead in the road. He is supposed to have been murdered by some persons with whom he had had an altercation a few minutes previously. On the 2nd instant some cotton-dyeing works near Boston, America, caught fire, and six women, who were in an upper room, and could not be rescued, were burnt so dreadfully as to be quite unrecognizable as human bodies. An atrocious murder was committed at Ravenna on Saturday. General Escoffier had displeased an inspector of police, named Galtonea. The latter, in revenge, called on the general, and assassinated him in his room. Much excitement was occasioned in Rotherham the other morning by a mad dog being at large.' After a smart chase the animal was killed by a policeman, but not before several children were bitten by it. The House of Representatives of the United States has passed a Bill admitting Texas into the Uifion. The treaty for the an- nexation of San Domingo to the Union has been reported against by the Senate's committee on foreign relations. It is stated that the magistrate who had to investigate the case judicially finds that the death of the Infante Don Henry was accidental. "It took place while he was trying his pistol." Suppose another Prince had not shot at him ? The arbitrators to whom the dispute between the ex-Queen Isabella and her husband was referred have made an arrange- ment (the Moniteur says), by which Don Francis d'Assises is to "travel for a year in foreign parts." In a breach of promise case at Cork assizes the young lady admitted that she never loved the defendant, but he often told her he had such winning ways that he would succeed in making her fond of him. She got £ 250 damages. The other day, at Gainsborough, a servant girl named Mary Jane Robinson, poisoned herself with Bottle's vermin killer, after a quarrel with her lover. She left a letter, requesting that his portrait should be buried with her. L'Opinion Rationale notices with satisfaction the progress of the recently inaugurated movement in Strasbourg, in favour of free compulsory primary education, and warmly invites all France to follow so excellent an example. By the advice of Professor Fawcett, M.P., and at the earnest solicitation of many persons in Bristol, Mr Odger has agreed to submit his candidature, with that of Messrs Hodgson and Robin- son, to the test of a preliminary ballot. A great conservative demonstration was held in Cardiff on Wednesday week about 5,000 persons being present. Col. Hill, president of the Cardiff Constitutional Association, pre- sided. Mr Giffard, Q.C., advocated the formation of.conservative associations. A statement has been issued by Mr Scudamore showing that in the week ending February 12 the number of messages for- warded from postal telegraph stations in the United. Kingdom was 128,872, while in the week ending March 5 the number had risen to 147,206. A fatal collision took place early on Thursday morning, about thirty miles off the Needles. The steamer Mary, of Grimsby, laden with corn for London, ran into the South Western Com- pany's steamship Normandy, while on her voyage from South- ampton to the Channel Islands. Several of the crew and passengers were lost; the rest were saved in the boats. The tone of the Irish provincial press on the proposed measure for the better security of life and property in that country, is generally favourable to the Government propositions. Excep- tion is taken to some of the details, but on the whole credit is given to the Ministry for having honestly endeavoured to grap- ple with a great and notorious eviL Jeremiah Nolan, farmer and under agent, was fired at last week on a farm near Ust awel, county Kerry. Two strange men found him on the farm, and each fired a revolver without effect. Nolan's son came up, and the assassins decamped. Two strange men were arrested in Listowel on suspicion. At one of the metropolitan poliee courts, last week, a Jew named Morris Emmanuel was fined £ 50 for keeping a gambling house. There were nearly twenty other defendants, charged with aiding, and with haunting the house, but, with the excep- tion of the money-taker, who was fined Zio, they were all let off with a caution. The Spanish Government has taken a very decided step with respect to the clergy, having decreed that they must all take the oath of loyalty to the constitution within the next two months. The clergy are notoriously bitter opponents of the new order of things, so that this decree will cause a great conflict between their consciences and their worldly interests. From an official statement it appears that the receipts of the Suez Cinal from the opening to the end of February amounted to 908,599 francs ( £ 36,343), and that the traffic, which in Jan- uary was at the rate of one vessel every other day, was in February at the rate of one Vessel every day. During the first fortnight of this month 29 vessels passed through the Canal. The other day in a London police court, while a woman was making a rambling statement of the ill-usage she had suffered from a neighbour, a solicitor in the case observed that she was making an omnium gatherum kind of complaint. The woman turned round indignantly, and said to the magistrate, "No, your worship, I never used no such words I ain't given to baa language." A notable, in the person of Mr Henry Dixon, has been called to his last resting-ploce. Although not a practical sportsman, he was an accomplished writer on the stud and the farm, and his lucubrations in the Sporting Magazine and other publications were always read with interest-" Dick Christian's Lectures," "The Post and the Paddock," "Silk and Scarlet," "Saddle and Sirloin," being amongst his numerous works. Advices from Rome mention that on the 18th instant a Mass was celebrated in the church of Santa Maria Transpontina for the repose of the soul of the late Count de Montalembert. It is stated that a service, at which Mgr. Dupanloup would have officiated, was originally intended, but that it was forbidden by the Pope. An unpleasant impression having thereby been pro- duced, his Holiness ordered a mass to be performed by an Italian bishop, and was himself present at the ceremony. An almost miraculous instance of escape from a violent death occurred at West Chiverton Mine, near Truro, a few days ago. A young man, named John Mewton, was cleaning the engine, when his clothing was caught by some of the working gear, and he was completely stripped, every article of clothing being torn away except his shirt collar, his boots, and his stockings. Not- withstanding this, he succeeded in extricating himself from the machinery with no injury beyond sundry bruises. Mr Disraeli has given notice that, in committee on the Irish Land Bill, he will move to omit the qualification relative to the holding of land for cottages or lands not exceeding half an acre. In the clause relating to compensation, he proposes to reduce the amount of compensation in respect of unexhausted improve- ments to five, four, two, and one year's value. Another amend- ment limits the right to compensation for improvements made to twenty years before the making of the claim, the date at pre.- sent proposed being the passing of the Bill. The Wicklow peerage case has become one of the most sensa- tional and interesting judicial enquiries we have had for some time. Mary Best has been examined, -and now says that on leaving the workhouse she took with her a baby, not her own, which was given her' in place of that she parted with, as she alleges, to Mrs Howard. On the other hand, strong evidence is given that Mrs Howard was not absent from her husband's vicarage, at Longley, during the week she is said to have been at Liverpool. The case is concluded, and judgment deferred.

DENBIGHSHIRE ASSIZES. The commission was opened on Saturday last at the Town Hall, Ruthin, before Mr Baron Channell, who was attended by the High Sheriff, J. R. Heaton, Esq., together-with the usual escort of javelin men. The court was then formally adjourned until Monday morning. On Sunday morning his lordship attended divine service at St. Peter's Church, when the assize sermon was preached by the Rev. Charles Heaton, sheriff's chaplain. The court was opened on Monday morning at ten o'clock, when the following gentlemen were sworn on the grand jury; Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., M.P. (foreman), Mr Thomas Hughes, Ystrad, Mr Thomas Mainwaring, Gallt- faenan, Mr J. Jones Ffoulkes, Erriviatt, Mr Simon Yorke, Erddig, Mr H. R. Hughes, Kinmel, Mr B. W. Wynn, Mr T. Lloyd Fitzhugh, Plaspower, Mr J. Price, Llanrhaiadr Hall, Mr Whitehall Dod, Llanerch Park, Mr W. Cornwallis West, Ruthin Castle, Mr Edmund Peel, Brynypys, Mr H. R. Sandbach, Hafodunos, Mr B. O. T. Griffith, Trevalyn, Mr B. J. Cooke, Colomendy, Mr W. Chambers, Mr J. H. Chambers, Mr James Maurice, Ruthin, Mr R. O. Moulsdall, Llanrwst, Mr J. H. Foulkee, Llay Hall, Mr H. R. Hughes, Ystrad, Mr R. W. Price, Llanrhaiadr Hall, Mr S. P. Hope, MarchwieL His LORDSHIP, in his charge to the grand jury, con- gratulated them upon the lightness of the calendar and the decrease of crime in the county. FELONIOUSLY WOUNDING AT WREXHAM. Amelia Peters (27), a native of Oswestry, was indicted for maliciously and feloniously wounding one John Jones, at Wrexham, on the 19th of February. Mr Swetenham for the prosecution prisoner was undefended. -John Jones, living in Erddig-road, Wrexham, said: On the 19th of February he was in company with a man named Thomas, and as he was going up Henblas- street he met the prisoner and several men. Heard one of the men tell Henry Killett, who was with the prisoner, to put a knife out of his hand. Killett said the first man who struck him he would hit with the knife. Some of the men appeared to be wanting to strike Killett. Prisoner said, Give me the knife and I will run it into some of their hearts." Prisoner then took the knife and struck witness in the muscle of the right arm. Witness did not do anything to the prisoner or Killett. Witness went to the police station and gave prisoner into custody. Whilst at the police-station prisoner asked witness to for- give her f.)r her child's sake.-By,his Lordship The par- ties appeared to be the worse for liquor.—Thomas Wilcox heard the row on the 19th of February. One of the men had been with the woman. When opposite Pierce Cooper's workshop witness heard someone have a slap in the face. Went up to the place and saw Killett pull out a knife and say, "The first who stikes me shall have that." One of the three men challenged Killett to fight. The party then walked up Chester-street, and Killett was asked to put up the knife; witness said he would inform the police if Killett used the knife. Prisoner afterwards took the knife off Killett, and struck Jones. The knife was taken out of prisoner's hand by witness. Henry KiHett said he was speaking to the prisoner on the night of the 19th Feb., by Evans's vaults. A number of men came up and commenced ill-using the prisoner, and wit- ness saw one of the persons deliberately strike pri- soner in the face. Witness had a knife and some bread and cheese in his hand; prisoner took the knife out of wit- ness's hand, and said-" I will keep them back." Pri- soner then ran after the last man who struck her.- His lordship having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty of the charge of unlawfully wounding."—Pri- soner was sentenced to six caltndar months' imprisonment, with hard labour. HOUSE-BREAKING AT LLANSANNAN. Wm. Jones, alias Ed. Edwards (21), was indicted with having, on the 28th November, 1869, broken into the dwelling-house of John Robin, and stolen therefrom a watch, value 30s., a linen jacket, valued at 2s. 6d., a waistcoat, a pair of boots, and R18 12s. 6d., the goods and money of one John Evans. A second indictment charged prisoner with breaking into the dwelling-house of Henry Williams, in the parish of Llanefydd, and stealing a number of articles, and 14s. in money, the property of David Jones.—Prisoner pleaded guilty, and also guilty to three previous convictions.—He was sentenced to seven years' penal servitude. NO TRUE BILL Against Richd. Davies and Roger Edwards, for having, on the 19th of October, 1869, unlawfully conspired to fraudulently obtain, by false pretences, from David John- son and others, the sum of 18s. 4d.-rrhe Foreman of the 2 grand jury stated to his lordship that the reason they were unable to find a true bill in this case was owing to the tickets of two sales of hay not being produced. Sir Watkin believed the tickets had been given to the magis- trates' clerk at Wrexham. This being the case, the grand jury recommended that the prosecution costs be disal- lowed. His lordship concurred with the view the grand jury had taken, and the costs were disallowed. CHARGE OF STEALING RABBIT TRAPS. John Jones surrendered his bail on the charge of stealing eighteen rabbit traps, in the parish of Efenechtyd, the property of Frederick Elkington. Mr Horatio Lloyd for the prosecution'; Mr M'Intyre for the defendant.—The jury returned a verdict of not guilty. ASSAULT AND ROBBERY AT RUABON. Patrick Cook, 21, was charged with feloniously assault- ing one Wm. Griffiths, at Ruabon, and robbing him of Is. 3d., on the 21st of August, 1869. Mr Horatio Lloyd for the prosecution; prisoner was undefended. Mr Horatio Lloyd having addressed the jury, Wm. Griffiths was called, and stated that he went to Wrexham market on the night of the 21st August, 1869. Witness left Wrexham about nine o'clock, and as passing the reservoir met the prisoner and another man. Prisoner asked for a match and witness put his hand into his pocked to get one. Whilst his hand was in his pocket the prisoner struck witness a blow in the mouth the other man kicked wit- ness behind and he fell down. Witness then called out murder and the person who was with prisoner put his hand on witness's mouth, whilst the prisoner searched witness's pocket and took out Is. 3d. and a tobacco box. Prisoner and the other man then ran away. The men went in the direction of Wrexham. Enoch Parry and Wm. Jones came up directly after the prisoner and the other man had gone. These parties came from the opposite direction to that which the prisoner ran. Parry and Jones ran after the prisoner and they afterwards came back and helped witness home. Witness afterwards saw prisoner in the custody of P.C. Jones. -Enoch Parry said he was passing the Wrexham reservoir about one o'clock on the morning of the 21st August, when he heard a man calling out, and directly afterwards met with the last witness, who had his trousers a.nd waistcoat open. When witness went up to prosecutor he complained of having been robbed. Witness afterwards went in the direction of Wrexham to look for the prisoner, but failed to find him. Witness saw the prisoner and another person in the Rhos the same afternoon, when witness and others conversed with him for about a quarter of an hour, after which prisoner and the person who was with him left, going in the direction of Wrexham; in about five minutes after prisoner and the other person left, witness heard the cries of murder.—William Jones, a collier, who was in company with the last witness, gave corroborative evidence. -P.C. John Jones saw the prisoner at the Rhos on the Saturday night after Griffiths laid the complaint. Witness charged prisoner with robbing William Griffiths. Prisoner was very violent when apprehended, and assist- ance had to be obtained to take him into custody.—After some remarks on the case by his lordship, the jury returned a verdict of guilty.—Sentenced deferred. SHEEP STEALING. John Wynn, 23, was indicted for stealing sheep, the pro- perty of George Clarke, in the parish of Gresford, on the 8th of January, 1870.-Prisoner pleaded guilty. —Mr M'Intyre held the brief for the prosecution.—Prisoner was sentenced to nine calendar months' imprisonment, with hard labour. The grand jury returned no true bill against William Roberts, for stealing a lamb, the property of Samuel Williams, in the parish of Llanrwst, on the 26th October, 1869.

A curious case was heard before the Wakefield magistrates last week. A man named Fincher was charged with assaulting Fanny Lamb, a domestic servant. According to the girl's state- ment Fincher, whom she had never seen before, accosted her and said she was his wife. One day he caught her by the hand and dragged her some distance along the street, and at another time he came to the house where she lived, with a cart, to carry her off. The man declared that Fanny was his wife,. and pro- duced a pocket-book with her signature, which was very like the signature to the information. The Bench told him that whether she was his wife or not he had no right to assault her, and sent him to prison for six weeks in default of finding sureties. He said he knew nobody in the town except Fanny. The report of the Parliamentary and Municipal Election Com- mittee recommends the adoption of the ballot, and the com- .mittee express their opinion that in order to secure the benefits to be anticipated from the introduction of the ballot, it is necessary that the secrecy of the vote should be inviolable, except when the voter has been found guilty of bribery or the vote has been adjudged invalid. The committee report that county elections have been in the main free from bribery that the prohibition of the employment of paid agents appears im- possible that the disadvantages of abolishing the public nomi- p ossi nations and of closing public houses on nomination days would outweigh the advantages. They think the law relating to com- pensation for damage done by election mobs should be amended. Further, they suggest that every payment made in connection with an election, and not included in the return of expenses, should be declared to be corrupt. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND.—The schedules of prizes for horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and agricultural implements to be offered at the annual show to take place at Oxford, in July next, have just been issued. The council give notice that entries of agricul- tural implements must be made on or before the 1st of May, and entries in the cattle and other classes on or before the 1st of June. The following are the amounts offered in the various classes :— First Second Third Total Horses £ 450 £ 275 £ 130 £ 855 Cattle. 597 361 95.1053 Sheep. 520 155 115 790 Pigs 190 85 275 Implements 295 Total £ 1757 £ 876 £ 340 £ 3268 THE RAILWAY DIVIDENDS.-The half-yearly reports of the principal railways being now issued, a comparison of their value as investments, calculated upon the dividends paid may be of interest. It appears in the following table :— Dividend per cent. Per cent. per ann. per ann. Great Northern at 1191 paying n equals £ 6 9 9 London and North-Western „ 1231 „ 7 „ 5 13 4 North-Easteru (Berwick) „ 128J „ 71 „ 5 12 10 Lancashire and Yorkshire „ 125j „ G| „ 5 7 7 Midland 12oj „ 6| „ 5 7 2 Great Western „ 66^ „ £ 3 4 6 „ 4 17 4 Working the sum in another way, and taking for the purpose of comparison the line which stands lowest in the list-Great Westerns as compared with Midlands are worth 621; as comparep with Lancashire and Yorkshires, 59|; with North Easterns, 57i; with London and North- Westerns, 56§; and with Great Northerns, 49J. The others vary in proportion upon a similar comparison.

CORN, ttc. LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET. -TUESDAY. There has been a good attendance of millers, and al- though the market opened with dulness, a fair business was ultimately done in Wheat, chiefly in white descrip- tions, at TWOPENCE to THREEPENCE per cental DECLINE on the week. Flour quiet, at a reduction of 6d. per barrel and Is. per sack. Beans 3d. per qr. in buyers' favour. Indian Corn in improved request at Friday's decline. Oats and Oatmeal without alteration. LONDON, MONDAY.—Last week's supplies were moderate. Exports: 370 qrs. Wheat, 290 qrs. Oats. English Wheat 5,440 qrs., foreign 11,410 qrs. Though there was but a small show of samples this morning from Essex and Kent, yet the trade was slow at ONE SHILLING DECLINE. The demand for foreign was very limited, Russian and American sorts being fully Is. under last Monday's rates. Country Flour 22,903 sacks, foreign 512 sacks 11,314 brls. To have sold country flour freely, it would have been necessary to accept less money, and we hear it was occasionally taken. Barrels were placed on terms rather more favourable to buyers. Town qualities were unchanged in value. Maize 14,291 qrs. There was a great demand for this grain at previous prices. British Barley 1,350 qrs., foreign 13,844 qrs. The best malting sorts were fully as dear, fresh heavy foreign also maintained its price; but low grinding was a less ready sale. In Malt but little was passing at previous prices. English Oats 883 qrs., foreign 16,019 qrs. Fresh corn maintained its value without an active demand, while granary sorts were very difficult to sell. Native Beans 852 qrs., foreign 2,689 qrs. Some fine hard qualities were rather higher. English Peas 460 qrs., foreign none. All sorts were firm. OUKBENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. Shillings 11" qr. Wheat, Essex and Kent (white), old 45 to 49 Ditto, ditto new 39 48 Wheat, F.^sex and Kent (red) old 44 45 Ditto, ditto new 87 43 Wheat, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Yorkshire trod) old 45 46 Ditto, ditto ditto new 37 48 Barley 25 40 Beans .33 43 Oats, Encrlish feed 18 20 Flour, per sack of 2801b, Town, Households, 37s. to 43s. MOLD, WEDNESDAY.—Wheat, 13s. 6d. to 14s. 6d.; barley, 12s. Od. to 13s. Od. oats, 8s. Od.; butter, 0s. Od. to Is. 7d.; tub butter, Is. 2d. WKEXTIAM, THURSDAY.—The following were the quotations: White Wheat, 63. 3d. to 63. 6d. per bushel of 751b; Red Wheat" Os, Od. to Os. 0,1. ditto; Malting Barley, 5s. 21. to 5s. 7d. per 38 quarts; Grinding ditto, 4s. Od. to 4s. 6d. per bushel of 641b; Oats, 3s. 2d. to 43. Od. per 461b; Potatoes, 2s. 4d. to 3s. OJ. per mea- sure; Butter, Is. 3d. to Is. 5d. per Ib; Eggs, 14 and 16 for Is.; Fowls, 2s. 6d. to 4s. Od. per couple. WELSHPOOL, ?doNDA Y.- Quotations: -Wheat (per BOlbs.) 6 s. 4d. to 6s. 6d.; old ditto, Os. Od. to Os. Od. Barley (per 40 qts.), 5s. Od. to 5s. 6d.; Oats, (per bag), 14s. to 18s. Od.; Eggs, 18 for Is.; Buttor, Is. 2d. to Is. 31. per lb.; Fowls, 3s. 61. to 5s Oil. per couple Ducks, 4s. Od. to 5s. 01. Potatoes, 3s. Od. to 3a. 6d. per bushel

CATTLE. NOTTINGHAM, SATURDAY.—The show of beef at our market was tolerable, but there was only a limited amount of business done, at prices ranging from 6!d. to 7d. per lb. Mutton changed hands at little more money. Pork and veal scarce, and high in price. METROPOLITAN, MONDAY.-The total imports of foreign stock into London last week amounted to 7,177 head. With large arrivals of both English and foreign stock at this morning's market, and the return of warmer weather, the cattle trade has again become much depressed, and prices have further receded. The general quality of the stock was not good, and the dead-meat trade being particularly heavy, butchers showed little disposition to operate. From Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and Cambridgeshire we received about 1,200 Scots and crosses; from other parts of England, 500 of various breeds; from Scotland, 275 Scots and crosses; and from Ireland, 500 head. The market was well supplied with sheep, a large proportion of which was shorn. Trade, however, ruled very dull for all breeds, and fine mutton gave way 2d., while inferior animals were quite 4d. per 81b lower. Best Southdowns in the wool occasionally made 5s. 10d., while choice shorn half-bred wethers sold at 5s. The Lamb trade was dull, at prices varying from 7s. 6d. to 8s. per 81b. The Calf trade was depressed, except for choice small animals. Pigs were un- altered in value. LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.—The stock on offer consisted of 1,900 beasts and 4,487 sheep. There was a great f alii rig-off in the sup- ply of both beasts and sheep. Prices advanced about ]5s. a beast, and 4s. per head on sheep. A slow demand, and buyers not numerous. A good clearance made. Quotations:—Best beasts, 6id. to 7 £ d.; second best, 6d. to 6 £ d.; inferior, 4d. to 5d.; sheep, 7!d. to 9!d.; foreign ditto, 6d. to 74d. per lb.

MISCELLANEO US. LONDON PROVISION, MONDAY.—The arrivals last week from Ire'and were 114 firkins Butter and 3,335 bales Bacon, and from foreign ports 20,314 packages Butter and 1,530 bales and 294 boxes Bacon. The Butter markets exhibited little change during the week. Finest foreign met a steady demand. Best Dutch, 126s. to 128s. The Bacon market remained quiet without change in value, the dealers only purchasing for immediate consumption. LONDON HOP, MONDAY.—Our market remains without any change, and prices of new English continue to be well maintain- ed, but there is very little tiade moving in other descriptions. The quotations of choice new foreign and American are unalter- ed, but, owing to the want of business, must be considered merely nominal. Yearlings show no improvement, being still unnoticed. Imports for the week ending 19th March, 2,004 bales, against 3,255 the prevous week. New York adviccs to the 5th inst. report the market as dull, but the continued large ex- ports to Europe keep prices tolerably firm. Mid and East Kent £ 7 0 £ 9 5 £ 12 12 Wealds 6 0 7 0 8 0 Sussex. 5 12 6 6 6 18 Bavarians 6 6. 7 7. 9 0 French 5 0 5 15 6 10 Americans 4 5. 5 5. 6 0 Yearlings. 1 10 2 10 3 15 LONDON SEED, MONDAY.-English Cloverseed still comes forward in very small parcels. Fine qualities brought high prices, and good samples of red foreign realised somewhat more money. White Cloverseed remains high. Fine English Trefoil brought rather higher prices, and all foreign qualities were firm, and slightly dearer. In Mustardseed there was no change to quote. Canaryseed realised former quotations readily. LONDON WOOL, MONDAY.—Although the transactions in English wool have not been numerous, there is a steady tone pervading the market, and prices are fairly sustained. Good hoggs are in most request, while inferior and medium wools have been altogether neglected. Shearing is now making rapid progress, and the new clip is expected in the market at an early date. CURRFVT PRICES OF ENGLISH WOOL. S. d. to S. d. FLEECES— Southdown hoggets .perlb. 1 O 11 Ha.lf-bred ditto; 14 1 5 Kent fleeces „ 18 1 8i Southd'n ewes and wethers „ 10 1 l| Leicester ditto „ 1 2 £ 1 s| SORTs-Com bing. 1 4 1 4 Clothing 14 1 41 HALIFAX WOOL & WORSTED, SATURDAY—The market shows no signs of imp'ioveaient whatever. The demand for wool is still below an average, and prices continue to exhibit a drooping tendency. In yarns, standing machinery is on the increase, and this branch remains in a very flat state. The piece department is far from showing any sigas of activity, but, for the producer, it is more favourable than the yarn branch, both as regards price and weight of business. LONDON POTATO, MONDAY.—These markets have been moderately supplied with Potatoes. The trade has been quiet at abcut previous quotations. English Shaws 120s. to ISOs. per ton. English Regents 75s. to 110s. „ Scotch Regents 75s. to 110s. „ Scotch Rocks 70s. to. 75s. French 60s. to 70s. BIRMINGHAM HIDE AND SKIN MARKET, SATDRDAT.- Hides: 951b. and upwards, 4d. to Od. per lb; 851b. to 941b., 4d. to Od. per-lb.; 751b. to 841b.. 4d. to Od. per lb.; 651b. to 741b., 3Jd. to Od. per lb; 561b to 641b, 3|d. to Od per lb 551bs and under, 3f d to Od. per lb.; cows, 3Jd. to 01. per lb.; bulls, Sd. per lb.: flawed and irregular, 3d. to 01. per lb.; horse, 7s. OJ. to 13s. 6d. each. Calf: 171b. and upwards, 6d. per lb.; 121b. to 161b., nd. per lb 91b. to 111b., 8d. per th.; light, 7!d. per lb.; flawed and irregu- lar. 5Jd. per lb. Wools, A 1,8s. 3d.; A, 6s. 5d.; B, 4s. lid. Pelts, Is. 41d. WOLVERHAMPTON HIDE, SKIN, & FAT MARKET, SATUR- DAY.—Hides: 951bs. and upwards, 41d. per lb.; 85lbs. to 941bs, Sid. to Od. per lb.; 751bs. to 841bs., Sd. to Od. per lb.; 651bs. to 741hs.. Sd. per m. 561bs. to 641bs., 33d. per lb. 551bs. and under, 3jd. Cows, 651bs. and upwards. Sid. to Od. per lb.; 641bs. and under, 33d per tl); bulls, 2d. to 2id per lb; flawed and irregular, 3ijd. to Od. per lb; kips, 2d. to 4id. per th; horse, 23. 6d. to 13s. 3d. each. Calf: 171bs. and upwards, 5d. per lb.; 121bs. to 161bs, 7±d. per lb; 91bs. to lllbs., 7id. per lb.; light, 7d. per lb.; flawed and irregu- lar, 5d. per lb. Wools, 4s. Id. to 6s. 4d. each. Pelts, Is. 3Jd. Fat 3^1. to 3jjd. LONDON PRODUCE.—SATURDAY. SUGAR.—There has been a brisk inquiry to-day, but stiffer rates being generally asked, it has not transpired that much business has been done. Some pareels of clayed and unclayed Manilla have changed hands, but the particulars do not transpire. COFFEE.—The improved tone noticed yesterday is maintained, and there has been a better inquiry for native kinds, of which 1,000 bags have been sold, but the price does not transpire. Of Plantation 200 casks have been sold. RICE.-There has been more inquiry for floating cargoes, and one was reported to have been sold, but the report was contra- dicted. The tone of the market is steadier. SALTPETRE is very firm, and in steady request, but the only sale that has transpired is 250 bags Bengal, old import, 41 per cent., at 21s. per cwt. PEPPER.-There has been some inquiry, but without resulting in business. METALS.—Copper is flat; quotations nominally the same as those at which business was reported yesterday. Spelter, £17 10s., and Straits tin, X119 10s. per ton. OILS.-Linseed oil continues flat, at 32s. to 33s.; London, 32s., sellers Hull, spot and month. COCOA-NUT OIL inactive. 42s. Ceylon 46s. 6d. Cochin. TURPENTINE is dull, and offers at 80s. 3d. for Anjerican refined. PETROLEUM drooping, and quoted Is. 9jd. to Is. Wid., accord- ing to test. TALLOW.—The market continues flat, at 46s. spot, 46s. month, 45s. 3d. June, 46s. last three months.

REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORN TRADE. (jFrom, the Mark Lane Express.) The past week was divided by winter and spring, the sterner season taking the first choice so that for the last few days we have had all Nature stirring herself to make up for lost time. The opening buds, the verdure of the grass, alike tell the tale, and the Lent corn already sown will very quickly show itself; but there is a good deal yet to be done, and the heavy rains, should they continue, will be a hindrance to the completion of the work. In France they are much earlier, and write that the work is nearly over. We hear of no general complaints of the wheat plant, which, though small, has yet time to recover; but there is some outcry on the Continent, backed by specula- tion, after a period of great stagnation; though this is mostly confined to parts of Germany. The Italian States write favourably, with calm markets, and our late gradual advance has had its influence in many places, Dantzic and Hungary being again dearer while our own markets note a full average rise of Is.—some even more. Still the week closed heavily, the suddenness of the change making buy- ers pause, till they more clearly see how matters ai e likely to turn; although the base yet being a very low price seems anything but dangerous. At Odessa financial difficulties, brought on by excessive supplies of wheat, for which there was no vent, are likely to have an influence on the high rates which have been ruling there; and, if so, at open water there will very likely be some forced ship- ments but these may be long on the voyage, and see very different markets at Marseilles or London by their arrival. But it is marvelous to note a further rise of 2 to 3 cents. per bushel on Indian corn at New York, coupled with a decline of 2 cents on wheat; as this shows that in the New World, as well as in the Old, how prone people are to drive on in the ordinary ruts of custom. Nevertheless, Ol" would think that the free use of bread by the negroes must greatly increase the demand, especially when there is so much less to pay, and more nutrition as well. We shall see," as the French have it, and perhaps before long.. If some of the French markets still show a rise of Is. per qr., as well as those of Belgium, Paris has found less activity in flour as well as wheat. In Holland they have been perfectly in calm. Our granaries continue to feel the benefit of lessened arrivals from abroad, there being a constant though gradual outflow into consumption. The sales of English wheat noted last week were 66 475 qrs. at 40s. 9d., against 56,208 qrs. at 48s. 10d. in 1869! HT t ™A>0rtS in^.the KinSdom for the week ending March 12th were 285,834 cwts. wheat, and 46,627 cwts. flour.

THE WELSH IRON, TIN-PLATE, AND COAL TRADES While complaints are freely circulated in and about other iron-making centres of the continued quietude in the iron trade, it is very satisfactory to find that the depres- sion is but little, if at all felt in this district. At most of the Welsh works not only is the usual activity evinced, but at some of them preparations ate being made for the em- ployment of additional hands, and extending operations. From this, then, it is clear that makers are well placed for contracts for some time to come, and, further, that they anticipate an increased demand upon their productive capacity. This briskness is chiefly confined to the manu- facture of railway material, which is the great forte of the works of the district. Although the orders from Russia have not reached this country to the extent, or so early, as was generally anticipated, some of the large works here have had consigned to them two or three important con- tracts, the execution of which will keep them going for sometime; and clearances are about commencing to the Northern ports. From all parts of South Wales a healthy and animated state of things is reported. Only a few engagements have yet been entered into on home account, but it is believed that the railway companies must soon now embark in more extensive speculations, as they can have no object in withholding orders any longer. Makers, therefore, look upon this as a good and sure source of employment while the foreign demand is matu- ring. In any other descriptions than railway iron it cannot be said that there is much doing. In the tin-plate trade there is increasing firmness. At the works employment is much more regular and ani- mated than has been the case for some time past. With the price of tin advancing, makers will use every effort to establish higher prices for plates, and with every prospect of success, as the American demand is increasing. In connection with the steam coal trade there is little- fresh to report. Proprietors continue to keep their pita regularly employed, and clearances to the Mediterranean and South American ports are carried on as rapidly as possible. At some of the ports merchants complain of a want of shipping accommodation. The opinion is be- coming more and more general that no strike will be resorted to, but that the men will accept the advance on the 1st of May next. In house qualities, on coasting- account, there is a slightly improved inquiry.

IMPORTANT LETTER FROM THE EMPEROR ON LIBERTY. Paris, March 22. The Emperor has addressed the following letter to M. Ollivier I think it opportune, under present circum- stances, to adopt all reforms required by the Constitutional Government of the Empire, in order to put an end to the- immoderate desire for change which prevails in certain minds, and unsettles opinion by creating instability. The- first place I accord to those reforms which refer to the Constitution and the prerogatives of the Senate. The Constitution of 1852 had, above all things, to provide the Government with the means of establishing authority and order, but it was necessary that it should remain pre- fectible as long as the state of the country would not permit the establishment of public liberties on solid bases. At the present time, when successive changes have gradually created a constitutional regime, in harmony with the bases laid down in the Plebiscite, it is important to replace in the domaili of law all that more specially has reference to the preservation of legislative order, to impress a definite character upon the latest reforms, to place the Constitution above all contro- versy, and to call upon the Senate-that grand body which contains so many brilliant men-to lend to the new regime their most efficacious concurrence. I therefore re- questyou to come to an understanding with your colleagues, and lay before me the draft of a Senatus Consultum which shall firmly fix the fundamental dispositions derived from the Plebiscite of 1852, and which shall divide the legislative power between the two Chambers, and restore to the nation that portion of constituent power it had dele- gated to me."

A ROYAL VISIT TO MERIONETHSHIRE. We understand, upon good authority, that there is great probability of her Majesty spending a portion of the en- suing season in Merionethshire. Enquiries are being made by a gentleman connected with the royal household, with a view to the engagement of a suitable residence for royalty in the neighbourhood of Dolgelley and Barmouth. Caerddeon, late the residence of Col. Corbett, M.P., a large mansion situate midway between Dolgelley and Barmouth, and commanding a splendid view of the estuary of the Mawddach and of Cardigan Bay, with a magnificent. back and foreground of some of the finest mountain scenery of which the Principality can boast, is spoken of as the spot most favourable for selection. There is a private chapel attached to the house, which is the property of Dr- Jelf, of King's College, London. The visit, it is under- stood, will be of a most private character.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. AUSTRALIA. Melbourne, Feb. 28. The steamship Avoca takes with her to Galle 109,750 oz. of gold and R61,875 in sovereigns. The Socatrine also- sailed with 1,750 oz. and the Anglesey with 2,750 oz. T T. Sydney Feb. 28. The New Line of Steamers between this port and. England via Honululu and San Francisco will commence running on the 26th March. Mr Robeston the late Premier has resigned his seat in the Legislative Assembly. Adelaide, March 1. Parliament has been prorogued pending the dissolution. Melbourne, March 1. Parliament has re-opened. The position of the Ministry was considered strong. The 14th Regiment sailed for England on the 10th of March. Business was dull; but the stock of goods large. RENEWED HOSTILITIES IN NEW ZEALAND. Sydney, Feb. 28. Intelligence from New Zealand reports great de- pression among the colonists. Hostilities had recommenced and several skirmishes had taken place. Rome, March 21. The Pope held a secret consistory to-day at which nine- teen Bishops were nominated. STRIKE AT CRUZOT. Cruzot, March 22nd. 1 he miners of two of the principal pits struck work at noon yesterday, upon signal given by three workmen. The greater portion of the men still remain on strike, but work has not been interrupted. No complaints or request for increase of wages preceded the strike, which is sup- posed therefore to have a political character and to be promoted by foreign agents.

TRAFFIC RETURNS. 1.870. Great Western ") £ 72,903 West Midland 1869. South Wales £ 70,031 1870. London and North Western ") £ 121,545 Shrewsbury and Hereford 1869 Shropshire Union ) £ 114,968 Shropshire Union ) 2114,968 nor the week ending March 13th. BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY (601 miles open).- Passengers, parcels, &c., 2141 15s. lOd. goods and live stock, £ 969 12s. lOd.; total, £ 1,111 8s. 8d.; £ 18 5s. lid. per mile per week. Corresponding week last year (59 miles open).—Passengers, &c., £ 115 17s. 3d.; goods, &c., 2839 6s. 5d.; total, £996 3s. 8d.; 216 14s. 10d. V mile Iff week. Increase, 2115 5s. Od. Aggregate from 1st January 1870, 210,750 5s. 3d.; ditto, last year, 28,892 lis. Od.; Increase, 21,857 14s. 3d. For the week ending March 20th. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS (178 miles open).—Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, 21,127;mer- chandise, minerals, and cattle, 21,181. Total for the week, 22,308. Aggregate, to this date, 226,106. Corre- spondingweek in last year (176 miles open).—Passengers, &c., 2980; merchandise, &c., 21,254; total 22,234 aggregate, to this date, 225,496.

THE TRIAL OF PIERRE BONAPARTE. The trial of Prince Pierre Bonaparte commenced on Monday at Tours, before the High Court of Justice. In reply to questions put to him, the accused gave the same account of the occurrence at Auteuil as he had previously given to the Juge d'Instruction. He furthermore stated that he always carried a revolver in his pocket, and that he fired at M. de Fonvielle because M. de Fonvielle en- deavoured to fire at him. He reloaded his pistol because he believed himself in danger from persons outside. In consequence of the absence of 'one of the jurymen the trial of the Prince was not resumed on Tuesday, un- til 11 20 a.m. The President demanded the prisoner to explain the meaning of the phrase he had used-" My left arm was half raised in an energetic manner.The prisoner replied that he was not threatening, but was merely emphasizing his words.-The interior of the court- was greatly crowded. The town was tranquil. The re- port that the President and the Court had dined with the prisoner is untrue.

The trial of the first batch of Yorkshire rioters was con- cluded on Tuesday at York assizes. Isaac Bullock and William Beevers were sentenced to eighteen months' im- prisonment, and John Beevers, George Darby, and Joseph Tipping to seven years' penal servitude. The Select Committee of local taxation sat again on Tuesday.Mr Goschen in the chair. The evidence taken had reference to the mode of rating in Hampshire. Three other committees were sitting yesterday, viz., Compulsory Pilotage, Scotch Poor-Law, and Salmon Fisheries. In salmon fisheries, Mr Walpole gave the committee out- lines of a new scheme of local conservation by means of election of fishery boards. At the Queen's drawing room on Tuesday, in addition to Princess Louise and Princess Beatrice, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince and Princess Christian, Prince and Princess Teck, her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, and his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, and other members of the Royal Family were present. The presentations were numerous.

RUNS WITH SIR WATKIN'S HOUNDS. These hounds met at Hinton Hall, near Whitchurch, on Wednesday week. A fox was found, which proceeded in the direction of the town, entering the rectory fields, where it earthed. A number of fox terriers were then fetched, but only one bitch belonging to Mr R. Venables would would face the animal. She soon unearthed the fox, which was shortly after killed. Mr Poole, of Mar- bury Hall, was so pleased with the dog, that he bought her at once and a collection was also made amongst the huntsmen for a testimonial to Mr Venables. On Saturday the meet was at Hardwick Hall, the morn- ing being beautifully fine, and the attendance very large. Sir Watkin, as usual, was punctual to time, and Rey- nard was soon found in the plantation adjoining the hall. He was on foot at once, and made off in the direction of the Duke's Wood, but turned off to the left before reach- ing it, and went at a racing pace through Plas Thomas, Kilhendre, Sodyllt, to Coed-y-rallt, where he went to earth, after a very fast run without the slightest check of thirty minutes. Of course, the pace told on the field, and the number up when the fax went to ground was not large amongst those in the first flight we noticed Capt. H. Cotton, Hon. R. S. Cotton, Captain Sitwell, Mr E. Peel, Mr Ringald, Mr Cotton (Knolton Hall), Mr Walker (Chester), Mr Rider, Mr T. Jackson (Perry Moor), and last thought not least, Mr Payne, the huntsman, who was with his pets throughout. In a short time a second fox was found, but unfortunately it proved a weak vixen, which was killed after a run of ten minutes in a hovel near Sodyllt. Blakeswood being drawn blank, the hounds were trotted off to Lightwood Green, where a brace were discovered at home; and the pack were soon at the heels of one who took a line for Gredington, but, making a ring, came back again, ran through the wood to a small planta- tion near Lightwood Green, where he was lost. Like the first run, this was also very fast, and by this time everyone had had enough and the sportsmen separated with ex- pressions of thanks- to Sir Watkin for providing such an excellent day's sport. ¡