The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

BIRTH. DE WINTON.-At Maesderwen, Nov. 29, the wife of W. de Winton, Esq., Mayor of Brecon, of a son. MARRIAGES. GRIFFITHS—JONES.'—At Llanwrtyd, recently, in the presence of Mr. Owen, registrar, the Rev. D. Griffiths, Congregational minister, Troedrhiwdalar, to Miss S. Jones, daughter of Mr. Jones, draper, Llanwrtyd. HOSKINS—J ONES.—At Llanwrthney, Carmarthenshire, November 23 (by license), Mr. David Hoskins, brewer, Neath, to Miss Sarah Jones, of Llanwrthney. ProCE-PRICE.-At the Register Office, Brecon,Novem- ber 28, before Mr. Evans, registrar, Roderick Price, Cefncyrnog, Llandilofane, to Ann Price, Cefngof, Llywell. PHYAXII —WILLIAMS.—At Battle Church, Nov. 27, by the Rev. J. Lane Davies, vicar, Mr. Hebrew Phyall, to Miss Margaret Williams, both of the village of Battle. SMITH—POWELL.—At Battle Church (by license), Nov. 27, by the Rev. J. Lane Davies, vicar, Mr. David Smith, of Greenway, near Brecon, to Sibyl, only daughter of the late Mr. Powell, of Battle-fawr, in the parish of Battle. DEATHS. CLARKE-At Neath, November 22, of croup, Francis, the beloved child of Mr. John Clarke, coach-builder, aged 14 months. KETTLE—At Ship Street, Brecon, December 4, after a short illness, Ellen, wife of Mr. Albert Kettle, grocer, in her 40th year, POWELL.-At the residence of his son, Mr. John Powell, clothier, James-street, Ebbw Vale, Mr. Edward Powell, late of Llanwrthwl, near Rhayader, aged 83 years.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY Brecon Borough Petty Sessions. Builth and Ystradgunlais Petty Sessions. Builth Fair. Neath Watch Committee Meeting. WEDNESDAY.Hereford Fair. FRIDAY Llangadock and Presteign Fairs. SATURDAY Brecon County Petty Sessions.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. THE BBECONSHIBE HARRIERS WILL MEET TUESDAY, December 8, at Aberoiway. FRIDAY, December 11, at Cwm Forrest. Each day at 11 o'clock.

NOTICES. OUR ALMANACK.— With our first issue in the New Year will be presented gratis with each copy of the Paper a copy of our usual Sheet Almanack, printed on toned paper, and illustrated by a superb engraving of the Middle Temple Library, with descriptive letterpress, and a variety of useful, local. and general information, in addition to the calendar. As the demand will be very large, casual subscribers are requested to give their orders early, in order to avoid disappointment. Correspondents are in all cases required to give their names and addresses (not necessarily for publication), as a guarantee of good faith. No notice can be taken of communications sent to uslanonymously. Our friends and correspondents will much oblige us, as well as avert the chance of disappointment to themselves, by forwarding their advertisements and ii ews copy, AS EARLY IN THE WEEK AS POSSIBLE. Interesting re- ports are often curtailed, or omitted altogether, in con- sequence of inattention to this rule. Communications, to insure insertion, should reach the Office NOT LATER THAN THURSDAYS. We insert notices of Births, Marriages, and Deaths, FREE OF CHARGE (except marriages containing the words iVo Cards," which are charged 2s. 6d. each), and should, therefore, be obliged if the friends of the persons concerned, who wish such announcements to appear in our columns, would forward them direct to the Office, with full address attached. By these means greater accuracy of detail can be insured than is other- wise possible. Our publication is so often delayed by the late arrival of advertisements that ice have found it necessary to matte a rule that all advertisements which reach us after ten o'clock- on the morning of publication (Friday) shall be charged twenty per cent. in addition to the usual scale pr ice. 1. R.—6th July, 1852.

THE RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTRY. RUMOURS nave of late been afloat that ministers would resign before the meeting of Parliament; and the announcement which appeared in the daily journals of Thursday put an end to all doubt upon the point, while it showed that there had been some foundation for the reports circulated. In announcing his decision to his supporters, Mr. Disraeli-after an almost apology for the method adopted of communi- cating his decision to them, and a brief reference to the course taken by the Government in regard to the Irish Church question-proceeds to say: Although the general election has elicited, in the decision of numerous and vast constituencies, an expression of feeling which in a remarkable degree has justified their anticipations, and which, in dealing with the question in controversy, no wise statesman would disregard, it is now clear that the present Administration cannot expect to command the confidence of the newly-elected House of Commons. Under these circumstances, her Majesty's Ministers have felt it due to their own honour, and to the policy they support, not to retain office unnecessarily for a single day. They hold it to be more consistent with .the attitude they have assumed, and with the convenience of public business at this season, as' well as more conducive to the just influence of the Conservative party, at onde to tender the resignation of their offices to her Majesty, rather than to wait for the assembling of a Parliament in which, in the present aspect of affairs, they are sensible that they must be in a minority. In thus acting, her Majesty's Government have seen no cause to modify those opinions upon which they deemed it their duty to found their counsel to the Sovereign on the question of the disestablishment and disendowment of the Church. They remain convinced that the proposition of Mr. Gladstone is wrong in principle, probably impracticable in conduct, and, if practicable, would be disas- trous in its effects. While ready at all times to give a fair consideration and willing aid to any plan for the improvement of the Church in Ireland-to the policy which they opposed last session, rife, as they believe it to be, with many calamities to society and the State, they will continue, in whatever position they occupy, to offer an uncompromising resistance." By taking this course Mr. Disraeli has utterly falsified the predictions of those who said that the Government would obstinately contend for every inch of ground, and retain office to the very last-even if its chief did not perform another remarkable gyration, and himself bring in a measure to] disestablish the Irish Church, thus defying and outwitting the Liberal party. In the method of procedure which he has adopted, Mr. Disraeli has not consulted prece- dents, but has acted in a manner which is, like himself, unique. In whatever light it may be looked at we conceive that he has taken by far the wisest course that was open to him. If he had allowed events to take their own course, and shape their own ends, the consequence would have been that the spirit of party feeling would have been roused to its uttermost by the moving, when Parliament assembled, of a vote of want of confidence or some such measure, and by a protracted debate, terminating most probably in the resignation of the ministry. It has been said of Mr. Disraeli that, like an Englishman, he does not know when he is beaten. In the present instance no such remark can be made. The right hon. gentleman has been obliged to admit that in the battle which has been fought, his party has been worsted, and he has taken the most dignified, though unofficial, step that it was possible for him to take. It will also be greatly to the convenience of public business," as well as- notwithstanding what has been said to the contrary—"more conducive to the just influence of the Conservative party." The Conservatives are still a great party, and without the seeds of dissension have been sown amongst its ranks —and assertions to that effect have not been wanting-they will still be able to offer a very powerful opposition to any measure that may be introduced by a Liberal Government. The result of the election will, however, give the Liberals a majority of something like 110, and if they present a firm and compact front to the enemy they will be in a position to carry all before them, and pass almost any measure they please. There can hardly be a doubt as to Mr. Gladstone being the person who will be en- trusted with the formation of a new Adminis- tration. His claims-even if it be only as the originator of the motion which led to an appeal to the country-cannot be overlooked; but those who are to assist him in the conduct of affairs cannot be named with any certainty, though a tolerably good guess can be made as to some of them. The resignation of the Con- servative ministry will, however, have a two- fold effect. It will not merely strengthen their power as a party; but it will be as great, if not a greater advantage, to the Liberal party. It will afford time for Mr. Gladstone to work out the details of his Irish policy. Connected with the disestablishment of the Irish Church, the land question, &c., there are not a few difficult problems to be solved and Gordiay. knots to be untied. When the disestablishment and disendowment of the Irish Church have been resolved upon-as in all probability will be the case, notwithstanding the strenuous opposition of Conservatives in both Houses- the question of the disposal of its funds will have to be decided, its status fixed, and so on. Without depreciating in the least the great ability of the right hon. member for Greenwich, we believe that these questions will task his utmost skill and ingenuity. Owing, however, to the resignation, the session before Christmas will probably be purely a formal one, destitute of a Queen's Speech at its opening, and occupied with the usual declarations on the part of members, and the providing for the re-election of those who take office under Mr. Gladstone. All formalities having been gone through, and a little breathing time afforded the new ministers to look around them, and make all necessary arrangements, then will come the commencement of business in earnest in February, and the great battle for or against disestablishment and disendowment in Ireland will be fought.

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD FOR 1869. A general meeting of the council was held at the Castle Hotel, Brecon, on Thursday. The Rev. J. Griffiths, rector of Neath, presided, and there were also present J. Johnes, Esq. (Dolaucothy), Nefydd, Gahebydd, Pedr Mostyn Williams, Esq,, E. W. Gee, Esq, Joseph Joseph, Esq., James Williams, Esq., W. Roberts, Esq. (local secretary), &c. The Mayor and ex-Mayor and the other local members, were unavoidably absent. The principal business at the meeting was the election of a general secretary for the Eisteddfod, to take the place of Mr. J. P. Wil- liams, of Rhyl, deceased. There were twenty-eight applications for the office, including men of high position, and distinguished for literary attainments. Some time since, however, a general feeling had been expressed that Mr. Pedr Mostyn Williams should take the secretaryship, but he had then declined. The same desire was now expressed, and Mr. Williams kindly consented to accept the post. Mr. Williams has already commenced his duties, and we understand that his private address will be No. 9, Prince's Street, Chester Road, Man- chester. It was decided to hold the next Eistedd- fod in the first week in August next, when gentlemen of position in the county will be requested to act as presidents. A conversazione will be held on the Monday evening to open the exhibition of works of art and industry, and the Eisteddfod proper will commence on Tuesday morning, and be held on that and the three successive days. We append the subjects for prizes, and the amounts to be given, at the forthcoming Eisteddfod 1. For the best account, historical and architectural, of the castles in the county of Carmarthen (in English), shewing whether they were erected upon encampments of prior date, by whom originally built, by whom subsequently held, and the several warlike transactions in which they formed either points of attack or defence, and the legends and traditions connected with them. Prize, £ 40; presented by John Johnes, Esq., Dolaucothy, Carmarthenshire. 2. For the best treatise, in English, on the mineral springs of Brecknockshire and Llandrindod, including the most accurate analysis. Prize, £25. 3. For the best biographical account, in Welsh or English, of the eminent men of Breconshire. Prize, f,15, and medal. 4. For the fullest catalogue of manuscripts (English and Welsh) extant in Wales, specifying the age, author, and sub- ject of each. Prize, £ 15 15s., and medal. 5. For the best account of the different varieties of the colloquial Welsh language in the Principality. Prize £ 5 5s., and medal. 6. For the best critical and biographical essay, in Welsh, on Vieai Pritchard, Llanymddyfir, author of Canwyll y Cymry" (The Welshman's Candle). 7. For the best history (in English) of Brecknock and its Castle, Priory, College, &c. Prize, £ 10 10s., and medal. 8. For the best say, in Welsh or English, on "The old customs, superstitions, and traditions of Brecknockshire, relating chiefly to witchcraft, charms, fortune-telling," &c. Prize, £ 5 5s. 9. For the best description of the ancient weddings, bid- dings, and funerals of South Wales. Prize, ze5 5s. 10. For the best treatise in Welsh on the system of farming best adapted for the upland farms of Breconshire, how they can be most usefully and profitably cultivated, and if any breed of sheep could be advantageously introduced. Prize, £ 5 5s., and a medal. 11. For the best English essay on the Mines and Miners of Wales, the last of the series of geological subjects-proposed by Professor Ramsay. Prize, £ 10 10s. and medal. POETRY. 1. The Chair Prize, for the best Awdl, not exceeding 1,000 lines, on Elijah (Elias y thesbiad). Prize, £20, and the Bardic Chair of Wales for 1869. 2. For the best Welsh Pryddest on any subject, chosen by the competitor, provided the subject be a Welsh character. Prize, f,20 and medal. 3. For the best pastoral song, in Welsh, founded on some Welsh treatise. Prize, £5 5s. and a medal. 4. For the best descriptive poem, in Welsh or English, on the Natural Beauties of Brecknockshire. Prize, £ 5 5s. and medal. 5. For the best elegy, in any metre, on "Rhydderchofon," the late secretary o Yr Eisteddfod. Prize, £5 5s. and medal. 6. For the best stanza (Englyn) on Y Niwl. Prize, £ 1 ls. 7. For the best stanzas (Englynion) on "Bannau Brychei- niog." Prize, E2 2s. The musical subjects and prizes will be arranged by Mr. Brindley Richards, and will be published shortly.

BRECON COUNTY COURT. FRIDAY,—Before THOMAS FALCONER, Esq., Judge. The number of causes entered for hearing to-day was below the usual number, and they were mostly of a trivial character. The Registrar, Mr. S. B. Evans, disposed of a number of the undisputed cases. The following was the only case of any importance. It occupied the attention of the Court a considerable time, but was not of much interest, except to the parties concerned. PRITCHARD v. REES MORGAN.-This was a claim brought by the plaintiff, who is a carpenter living at Llangorse, to recover 910 odd, balance of account for labour done. Mr. Bishop was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Games for the defendant.—Mr. Games admitted that 15s. 7d. was due to the plaintiff.-The plaintiff stated that he was employed (in the year 1865) to dry some work for Mr. William Morgan to his house-to build a house the amount of his bill was X27 Is. he had had money on account, but Mr. William Morgan died before all was paid he had not delivered a bill to William Morgan after the death of the latter Reee Morgan and Thomas Morgan came into the property, and he delivered a bill to both of them they said they would settle it saw them several times afterwards, and they said they would settle it.—Cross-examined by Mr. Games: The agreement was by the week, and I entered the accounts by the day I did not borrow money of William Morgan to buy some timber at Newport; did not borrow X2 of him to purchase the materials for Mrs. Thomas's coffin I had the money for wages; William Morgan did not tell me he had over- paid me, and I did not consequently refuse to go on with the work I do not remember telling Morris on the day of the death of William Morgan that we were about square, nor on the day of the funeral that it was only a matter of X2 or 13 between us could not say how soon it was after William Mor- gan's death that I delivered my account it was a long time before this action was brought; it was more than six months ago did not allow two years and more to expire from the death of William Morgan before I sent it in.—Mr. Bishop then called Rees Morgan, the defendant, to show that he had dealt with his cousin, William Morgan's property. He said Thomas Morgan and himself had paid deceased's debts the timber was sold for X95, and of this sum he sent Y,20 to his brother David.— Cross-examined by Mr. Games Did not recollect plaintiff applying to him for the money on the night of the funeral plaintiff told him that there was about X2 or X3 owing to him at farthest; could not say exactly when plaintiff sent in his bill from infor- mation he received he objected to pay it; Mrs. Pritchard made the application to him for payment, and he told her if the bill was right he. would pay it. -By Mr. Bishop Did not remember telling plain- tiff's wife that he had no money in, and that as soon as he got it he would pay.—The wife of the plaintiff was next called, and said she had several times gone to Rees Morgan for payment of the money; the first time he said he would pay after he had looked over the books, and afterwards he told her the money was swallowed up, and as soon as it came in he would pay.—By Mr. Games: Applied for payment in about a fortnight after the death of William Morgan.—The son of the plaintiff was also called, and deposed to putting down the amounts daily in the book pro- duced.—His Honour looked at the book, and very much questioned whether the last items had not been copied off something else, and put down at one time. —This was afterwards admitted to be the case by j the plaintiff himself.-Mr. Games, on the part of the defendant, called Mr. Morris, a mason, of Llangorse, who had been at work on the same house as the plaintiff, and who had been employed by William Morgan to keep an account of the plaintiff's time this he did, and gave the items to William Morgan every week or fortnight he believed the book pro- duced by Mr. Games to be a faithful transcript of what he had given William Morgan.His Honour said he placed no faith at all in the book produced by Mr. Bishop, it evidently not being the original account. He thought the sum stated by the plaintiff as owing would be about right, and he therefore gave I udgment for the plaintiff for £ 3,

BRECON POLICE INTELLIGENCE. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY, before LEWIS HUGHES, Esq., JAMES POWELL, Esq., and the Rev. REES PRICE. A NOTORIOUS POACHFR.-Evan Williams, laborer, Baileyglaes, was charged with unlawfully having in his possession an unclean and unseasonable salmon, at Aberyskir, on the 11th November. Defendant did not appear, and service of summons was proved. —Thomas Adams stated he was a river-watcher on Wednesday, the 11th November, be saw the defen- dant pull a salmon out of the river Yskir by means of a stick, with a gaff at the end, and kick it after he got it out; witness went towards defendant, and as soon as he saw him defendant threw the fish back into the river witness afterwards got out the fish it was a hen fisb, and full of spawn.—It was stated by Mr. Beswick that the defendant had been four times convicted in the county, and four times in the borough, for similar offences against the Salmon Fishery Act, and had only just come out of prison.— He was again sentenced to six months' hard labour. CHARGE OF TRFSPASS.-The case of Richard Dance v. Charles White, which had been adjourned from last petty sessions day, in consequence of the non-attendance of Mr. Henry de Winton, was now withdrawn upon payment of the costs by the defendant. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS, MONDAY, before W. DE WINTON, Esq. (Mayor), P. BRIGHT, Esq. (ex-Mayor), JOSEPH JOSEPH, Esq., JOHN PROTHERO, Esq., JOHN DAVIES, Esq., and JAMES WILLIAMS, Esq. LARCENY.—John McDinna, 10, Patrick Fury, 12, and Henry Cooper, 9 years of age, were charged with stealing 9s. 7|d., the property of Mrs. Bayliss, of Llanvaes.—The prosecutrix stated that she has a stand in the market, and sells sweets on Saturday she was at her stall, and had money in a box on the stand about eight o'clock in the evening she saw it safe she did not know then how much was in the box she was about to lock the box to send home, and found it was gone; she then gave information to the police.-P.C. Davies (No. 2) said he met the prosecutrix on Saturday evening by the bridge she told him of her loss, and gave him the lid of the box; saw the three prisoners together shortly after, and they separated when they saw witness; McDinna turned into one of the recesses of the bridge; witness spoke to Fury, who said he had nothing about him witneis found he had some coppers on him, and he took both itito custody; going up Ship-street Fury threw 2s. or 2s. 6d. worth of coppers on the pave- ment be picked them up, and McDinna then threw a lot on the ground; he took them to the station, and there McDinna told him he had hidden some money in the recess on the bridge; Poyntz and he found Cooper at his parents' house he said he bad hidden his money in a heap of dirt in Silver-street; afterwards found Is. 11 d. in the recess of the bridge 2 and Is. llfd. in the dirt; Cooper acknowledged 2 taking the box, and said they divided the money.— The prisoners pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to seven days' imprisonment, and to be once whipped. The Bench gave the parents of the children a caution as to looking after them. ALLEGED ASSAULT AND BATTERY OF A DETECTIVE. Charles John Lewis was charged under the 24th and 25th Vic., c. 100, sec. 42, with an aggravated assault and battery upon Robert Williams, on the 19th November. The case had been adjourned from Friday last. Mr. Games appeared to prosecute, and Mr. A. Cheese, of Hay, for the defence. The facts having been stated by Mr. Games, Robert Williams deposed I reside in Mill-street, Brecon; I recollect the 18th of this month I was at the top of Castle-street about half-past twelve o'clock at night no one was with me at that time I saw a crowd of men coming up from Wheat-street; there were about two dozen of them; they came close up to me it was dark—I cannot tell whether the gas was lighted it was light enough for me to see the men three or four men came up to me and asked me if I belonged to the yellow and blue pri- soner was by; I told them to go away and not bother me they did not go away, but prisoner came close to me, and lifted his stick up he said, This is the who struck me the other night he then made a hit at me with his stick it was a black stick, and a heavy one the blow was aimed at mv head I guarded the blow two or three times with my arm, and prevented the blows being struck I then pulled a little stick out of my pocket it was the same thickness as a cane; I said, "You had better not hit me with that or else I will give you this;" I put myself in self defence there was no lead in the stick that I had the stick was knocked out of my hand it was three feet long I had not used it at all; I tried to make my escape from them by run- ning, and I received a blow upon my head I had not proceeded more than five or six yards when I was struck it was John Lewis who struck me he had his stick in his hand when following me the blow made me fall down; I next recollect P.C. Davies (No. 2) picking me up I was senseless when I fell, and do not know how long I had been there I was picked up by a butcher's door in the Struet I walked with Davies to the station, and afterwards went to the Queen's Head, where I was examined by Dr. Talfourd Jones my hat was on when I received the blow the hat was a soft one I cannot tell whether it was knocked off; I had it when I returned to con- sciousness I was struck on the right side of the head it bled a good deal, and I suffered much pain then and several days after to my knowledge I never saw Lewis before that night to know him, and am sure I never struck him I was never in the Bull Inn. By Mr. Cheese I have been in the street where the Bull Inn is this was a small cane, and a little handle on one end it had not a knot at the end I carry it with me to walk with. Mr. Cheese Do you wish the magistrates to believe that you carry your walking-stick in your pocket ?—Witness: I wish them to believe the truth. (Laughter.) Witness continued I did not strike Lewis with it; I did not strike Lewis at all that night; there was a crowd close to me when I ran away I ran away backwards till I got the blow Lewis was in front of me I did not receive the blow from behind, but from the front—sideways it was Lewis' right hand struck the blow I recollect the act of falling I fell on the pavement; I was running sideways I had no quarrel with Lewis the day before I know the Wheatsheaf Inn I had no row with any one there; I said to Lewis, My dear fellow, I never saw you before I had not fought with Lewis the previous day I had a little row at the Victoria Inn the Satur- day night before it came to blows one blow was struck, which I received I did not return it, and it ended in that way that is all the row I had. Mr. Cheese Will you allow me to ask for what particular purpose you came here ? Witness I do not wish you to ask. Mr. Cheese It is a natural question to ask.— What purpose or object had you ? Witness Well, I can answer it if it comes to the push. Will you tell me for what purpose you were here ? —Yes, sir. How were you employed?—I was employed by authorities. By what authorities — the Queen ?-Yes, sir. (Laughter.) Specially ?-No, not specially. Who brought the message from the Queen to you? —Mr. Cobb had me here I was employed to look after some of this vile work that was going on. (Laughter.) You were employed by the Liberal party to detect bribery ?—Yes, sir. Witness continued I have not, that I am aware of, challenged any one to fight since I have been in Brecon; I might have challenged the manafter hitting me on Saturday night, but no one else when I used the words, "I'll give you this," I should perhaps have used the stick in self defence; I know Mr. Jones' brewery in this town; I was sober when I was there, and not the worse for drink I can't tell what night I was at the Brewery; I have been there two or three times I was turned out of the Victoria public-house on the Saturday night I have mentioned I may have been requested to leave other public- houses, but I cannot say positively I do not know the Black Lion Inn I do not recollect being in a public-house and the landlord catching hold of me and putting me out; if I had bet-n so treated I should recollect it. (Laughter.) By Mr. Games I was not marked on the bead by the blow at the Victoria the Victoria is a Conser- vative house did not fall down when I was backing till I received the blow from Lewis. Supt. Lee, in reply to the Mayor, said Lewis was not sworn in at this time as a special constable he was at the fair, but it was over then Mr. Philip Edwards deposed I live at Pendre, in this town on the morning of the 19th I was going home at one o'clock something attracted my atten- tion by Mr. Edwards's, the butcher's shop there were two or three dozen men there I stood on the opposite side, by Mr. Snead's bank; I observed a man with his back to Mr. Edwards's door staggering; there is a lamp just above the door, and I could see the man well, although persons were between us I never saw the man before I know him now; it is Robert Williams I saw Lewis, the defendant, in the street with Mr. William Games I went up to him he was about half-a-dozen yards from where the .man was; Mr; Games was prevailing upon Lewis not to use the stick he said, Pray don't use the stick Lewis had a short black stick in his hand; there was a round knob at one end I asked Lewis who the man was—meaning the man at Edwards's door; he was up then; Lewis replied, "Some strange beggar that's come to town;" I begged him not to use the stick it looked a formidable thing Lewis appeared rather excited; I did not know what the consequences might be he said, II I'd do anything for you, Edwards," and that he had been struck by Williams he said, Why should- he hit me the other night ?" Mr. Games tapped him on the left arm, and begged of Lewis not to use the stick, as he did not know what the consequences would be; Lewis was still in an excited state; he told Mr. Games to let him alone, stood back a little, raised the stick, and said, "I'll strike you if you do not let me alone I then left. Dr. John Talfourd Jones said On the morning of the 19th I was called upon to attend the com- plainant, and found him at the Queen's Head he was sitting down, and a woman was supporting his head; the right side of his head and his face were covered with blood there was a wound on the right side of the head, from which the blood was very freely flowing; the wound admitted the tip of my little finger it was a slightly lacerated and contused wound, of a somewhat punctured nature; what I mean by lacerated was that the edges were jagged the wound penetrated the scalp I had considerable difficulty in checking the bleeding, which I did by stitching the wound up the man was rather faint at the time from loss of blood I Have attended the man since up till last Friday, and the wound is progress- ing very favourably; I should think he would have suffered much from a wound of that description; I heard the evidence with regard to the stick; the object most likely to produce such a wound would be something angular, but a stick with a piece of lead, or any other matter at the end, might produce it; I should give a preference to the former. By Mr. Cheese It was not a blow produced by a fall the loss of such a large quantity of blood would not be an advantage it is possible that serious things might occur even now; there is this pecu- liarity about wounds on the head, that they may not appear to be of serious. consequence at the time, and not till after some time had elapsed. This was the case for the prosecution, and Mr. Cheese then addressed the Bench for the defence. He said from the manner in which the case had been opened he thought it was to be one of some thing more than a common assault, Mr. Games had pointed out the law-that they could send the pri- soner for trial at the quarter sessions but be asked them whether there had been any evidence to show that there had been anything more than a common assault. He failed to see anything of the sort. But he was happy to say that he should not permit con- viction of a common assault to pass unless it be made in opposition to the strongest possible testimony. They were, no doubt, aware that in olden times no person could be convicted of any offence without there was evidence corroborative of the testimony of the complainant. They had had no corroborative testimony. The person who had been called to sup- port the case had stated that he saw the complainant staggering against the wall, and in an entirely different position to that in which the complainant had put himself. There were a number of persons round at the time, and yet the only corroborative evidence was that defendant had a stick in his hand, and that he was rather excited. The defendant said the complainant had hit him on the previous night. There was a crowd of persons by, and Mr. Games had been spoken of as one of them He would know the persons of the town who were by, and the com- plainant had every possible opportunity of having some one or more persons to corroborate his testi- mony. That, however, had not been done. It was the duty of every person who charged another with a criminal offence to make out the case. He might content himself with taking up that position but he was determined to carry it further. The magis- trates, he felt sure, would forget the series of rows that had taken place in the town, and the excitement of the election had now gone by. He intended to call before them several persons who were present and saw what took place, and they would deny entirely the evidence given by the complainant. The question had been put by him as to whether Lewis and Williams had bad any sort of fight or tussle. From the evidence of the prosecution they would imply that Lewis considered there had been a row previously. On the other hand, the complainant had denied on his oath that anything of the kind had taken place. He (Mr. Cheese) would call evidence to prove that they had been engaged in fighting. If he proved this to them, and that Williams struck the first blow, he should contend that Lewis, in hot blood, had a right to return it. After some further observations Mr. Cheese called the following wit- nesses William Bell, jun., deposed: I live in I-ligb-street; I recollect the 19th November; I saw the complainant early that morning, and also the defendant; I should say it was 1 a.m.; I was speaking to defendant three or four yards from Mr. Evans', the gunsmith's door I saw the prosecutor coming towards us from the direction of the Struet; he came up to us, and I said to Lewis, "That's the fellow, I suppose, that they call the detective;" Lewis asked him Are you as good a man now as when you struck me?" prosecutor said Yes, I am;" witb that he attempted to strike Lewis with his stick; he raised his stick over his left shoulder, and attempted to strike Lewis; Lewis warded it off with his stick whether it struck prosecutor I could not say, because of the crowd as soon as he struck Lewis Williams turned and ran away Lewis never raised his hand before complainant struck him in the manner described; Lewis followed complainant, and we ran after I ran in front of Lewis; when be got as far as the viaduct that crosses the Struet a person whom I do not know struck complainant with a stick Lewis was at that time behind me Lewis was not the man that struck him then as soon as he was struck by the man under the bridge he turned short to his right and came in front of Lewis; Lewis made a rush at him, and he tried to evade Lewis again by turning short to his left; he slipped on the pavement, and fell against the doorstep of Mr. Edwards, the butcher; it was a nasty fall-a heavy fall; he got up immediately-in a second or so, and leant with his back to Mr. Edwards' door; I did not see him struck by anybody; I went away shortly afterwards, in company with Lewis I recollect Mr. William Edwards, Pendre, coming there complainant was then partly against Mr. Edwards' door; 1 do not know what part of complainant was struck I saw complainant about ten minutes or a quarter of an hour afterwards; he was coming over the Castle bridge, and someone was with him at least fifty persons were present when the blow was struck. By Mr. Games I was doing nothing at this time; was not engaged as messenger or constable next day; I have been in the army; was there three or four months, and bought my discharge. Mr. Games Did your father know you were out? Mr. Cheese His mother did. (Laughter.) Witness continued: When I came home I was informed there was more than one detective employed to watch the proceedings of the Conservatives, and the prosecutor was pointed out as one of these Lewis bad a stick in his band it had not a knob I had no intention, in making the observation I did, to bring anything about. Mr. Games Did Lewis approach Williams mildly when he said You are the fellow that struck me the other night?"—He did not seem in a fearful rage. Was he in a rage?—Oh, no, not at all. (Laughter.) Did he not say that he had not seen Lewis before?- I did not hear him. You will not swear he did not ? —No; I was about a yard and a half from them. Were you sober?—Decidedly. Were you excited? --I was not do not know any of those present. You mean to say that Williams struck Lewis although there were all these persons round ?—Yes. He struck without any cause?—I have given you the cause. Lewis simply asked him if he were the fellow that, struck him the other night?—Yes. You want the Court to believe that only this was said, and that then Williams struck Lewis ?—Some couple of words passed, but what they were I do not know there was a great talk and hullabaloo. Certain things then might have occurred which you did not see?- Oh yes, many; Williams ran away, when Lewis made towards him, and Lewis followed him I ran in front of Lewis—for curiosity sake (laughter); 1 did not take an active part in the affair-no more than looking on I went to see what came of the row I knew it would end in a row when Williams struck Lewis I did not try to trip Williams up; we were chasing him, but should not have stopped him if Lewis had not; we chased him as far as the viaduct; there is a lamp there, and it lights under the viaduct, but there was a shade from the viaduct on the street the light from the lamp did not give sufficient light to see all that took place. You did not wish to see all perhaps?—I did not know that anything was going to come of it, or I should have made closer observation I do not know who it was struck the blow; I was about five or six yards away at the time, and three or four yards from Lewis. When you got hold of your prey, who was present? —The prey was not seized. Didn't Lewis make a rush at him ?—Yes, but Williams evaded him; Lewis had a stick at this time the crowd came up, and Williams had then fallen down on the pavement. After the man was struck down you became quiet?— I was not so outrageous (laughter); there were as many Liberals as Conservatives there I did not get Williams any water when he got up; I did not examine his head—he had his hat on I thought he shammed because he was frightened at Lewis. By the Mayor: I did not see any marks of blood I met him afterwards, and did not see any. By Mr. Games I had seen him on Monday; I had no ill-will towards him he did not back from the crowd with the stick in his hand-not for three yards; he did for about three steps he was making ready for a good start. Mr. Games And you were making ready for an attack upon him. Witness Decidedly not. Mr. Games When the man turned round did you see no blow struck?—Witness Lewis made a blow at him, and missed him. Mr. Games Did he fall then ?--Witness: No, sir. By Mr. Cheese When I made the observation I did not know that there was any bad feeling between Lewis and Williams I did not encourage the row between the men I positively swear Williams struck the first blow; Williams did not fall from any blow that Lewis struck, that I saw. Mr. Joseph Did you see a policeman there ?- Witness No. Rees Price, carpenter, living in Brecon, said I remember the 19th November I saw complainant and defendant that morning at the top of Castle, street, about half-past twelve o'clock 1 was in the centre of the road near Lewis when the complainant came up; Lewis said, Old boy, what did you strike me for last night are you as good a man now as you were then;" the complainant struck Lewis on the head, and then ran away I think Lewis had a stick; about a dozen persons followed crying, Catch him," and others came after Williams ran about thirty yards to the Black Cock Inn I saw the crowd stop; when I came up I saw Williams fall near to Mr. Edwards' door; he was staggering up against the wall; I believe there is a small step at Mr. Edwards' door; I cannot say when he got up, as another row started; three or four minutes afterwards I saw P.C. Davies asking him to come away, and 'beV went away together I positively swear that Williams struck Lewis first of all. By 14r. Games I was with John Lewis, the mason there were about a dozen more coming up the street; I saw them on the top of Castle-street, and went up to them; I saw them when I was at the top of Bell-lane; I cannot say how long they might have been there cannot say what they were doing before I got up. or whether Lewis struck Wil- liams; did not hear Bell say to Lewis, "That's the fellow they call the detective;" Lewis might have been within three yards of Williams when I got up a great many persons were there-simply standing I do not remember seeing a stick in Lewis' hand; I did not observe all that passed—it would have taken all my time did not hear Williams say to Lewis that he had not seen him before I recollect what Lewis said, because he spoke much loader when the crowd stopped near the Black Cock Inn I saw Wil- liams near Mri Edwards' door he staggered before he fell I did not see Lewis there, nor Mr, Edwards, Pendre. John Lewis, a mason, living in Brecon, said I remember the morning of the 19th November'; about one o'clock I saw Lewis and complainant at the top of Castle-street; I heard Lewis say to Williams, "Are you as good a man to-night as what you were the other night;" complainant replied, I am," and then struck Lewis and ran away; he ran before Lewis could return the blow; Lewis and the crowd then ran after him as far as Mr. Thomas Edwards, the butcher; I was near the last of the crowd; when I got up I saw Williams at Mr. Edwards', standing up against the wall; I did not see him fall; there was another row there, and I saw no more I am certain that Williams struck Lewis first of all; I did not see Lewis strike Williams at all. By Mr. Games I was a special constable Rees Price was with me on the top of Bell-lane while standing there we saw a crowd on top of Castle- street, and there was a row a great deal might have been said and done before we got up; I cannot say who were at the top of Castle-street; I cannot say whether Williams was in the road or on the pave- ment the first thing I saw was Lewis going up to Williams I saw a person named Bell there Lewis went up in front of Williams as close as he could get to him he asked him whether he was as good a man then as the other night; I cannot say whether Lewis had a stick or not; he might have had one without my noticing it; Williams said, H I am;" that was all; did not hear him say, My dear fellow, I never saw you before;" did not hear Lewis say he was struck the other night at the Bull inn did not see any one on the side of the complainant; Williams struck Lewis with something on the head, he told parties he had been struck I was two yards from him there were more between me and Lewis —a dozen, perhaps they were both in the crowd, and I cannot tell whether Lewis had his back to me; there was no one could stand quietly in the same place; the crowd consisted of about a couple of dozen, and all chased this man I can't say who was first after the complainant; Lewis chased him, but I cannot say whether he was next to Williams I was about 12 yards behind Williams turned round and ran he did not back any way, but as soon as he was struck he took to his heels I do not know whether the man was struck to the ground at the Black Cock we stopped there because it was said the man was wounded; I cannot say how he was wounded the next thing I saw the man up against Edwards's door; when there he appeared as if he had been abused I saw John Lewis there did not see the stick; did not see Mr. Edwards, Pendre; I was about 12 yards behind when they stopped at the Black Cock I did not go under the viaduct, nor did I see anyone there I saw Bell in the chase; whether he was before Lewis or not I cannot say I did not speak to the man my time was up at 12. Mr. Cheese Did you see Williams strike Lewis on top of Castle-street ? Witness No, I did not. Mr. Cheese But if he did you could have seen him ? Witness I could. David Price, brother of Rees Price, said I was in the streets early in the morning of the 19th, and saw complainant and defendant on top of Castle- street this was about half-past twelve or one o'clock I heard John Lewis speak to complainant; he said, Are you the same man to-night as you were last night ?" I think complainant said" I am;" the complainant then hit defendant; he had some- thing in his hand, but I cannot tell what; it was with that something that he struck him the com- plainant then ran away as hard as he could he struck Lewis opposite Mr. Evans the gunsmith's door; I am quite certain that Lewis did not strike Williams; a lot of people followed Williams, and I went too they stopped opposite Mr. Edwards the butcher's door; when I got up I first saw Williams against the wall; there was a large crowd around. By Mr. Morgan: I was with the apprentice, Walwyn Wade I was coming from over the Castle bridge, and saw a crowd on top of Castle- street; the complainant and defendant were talking to- gether when I went up there were a number of persons between me and complainant I was five yards off, and there might have been four or five persons between us I could not see what was done when the people were in front of me; there was a stick in Lewis's hand; it was about two or three feet long, and as thick as my two fingers I did not see anything at the end of it; Lewis had his stick on his shoulder I had no difficulty in seeing it; could not say who was first after Williams when he ran away I can't exactly say what Williams said to Lewis; the people went as far as Mr. Edwards's I did not see anyone farther the crowd began to stop at the Black Cock I could not see whether the man was bleeding; did not see him fall; did not see anyone take him away some one might have gone as far as the viaduct. By Mr. Cheese Williams ran away before Lewis ad time to strike him. Walwyn Wade, apprentice toJMr. Rees Price, gave evidence of the same character as the previous witness. In cross-examination he said he and the other two witnesses, who were the sons of Mr. Rees Price, had not been speaking together about what they were to say he could not say where Williams came from; Lewis and a number of others came from the Bell; witness was crying out the colours (laughter); he was not near enough to hear all, and several persons were between him and Lewis Lewis had a stick; did not know its colour, nor where he had it; he could see between the persons Lewis could not have struck Williams without witness seeing; did not see anyone attempt to take his part; Williams backed away with his face towards Lewis Williams was backing because he was frightened they were not told that Williams was there the man did not back ten yards could not see if Lewis followed because of the crowd he understood the man was wounded, but he did not knovi how. By Mr. Cheese Lewis did not strike Williams by Mr. Evans' shop I was crying yellow and blue the other colour was not cried the others were about the place. Mr. Cheese then called the following witness to contradict the statement of the complainant that he had not been fighting with Lewis before this occur- rence. Thomas Williams, labourer, said On the night of the 17th I saw Robert Williams; I had a row with a man named Thomas Price by the Sun; Williams came on, and was going to strike me, and Lewis came up and said, Don't go all at one chap- one at a time Williams then struck. Lewis I was took away one side. By Mr. Games The fight took place at ten or half-past the first fair night; we had three rounds: my, sweetheart took me away (laughter); I had never seen Mr. Williams before I was first spoken to t £ -day about this matter; I was taken to Mr. Thomas office Mr. James Williams took me there: he asked me if I had a fight on top of Ship-street; I was not asked to recollect certain things I had a drop of beer, but I was not all gone (laughter) I was pretty well; I was well enough to fight with Price. Mr. Games You were more than three sheets in the wind ? Witness Oh, ay (laughter) I recollected the fight before Mr. Williams spoke to me. By Mr. Cheese I have spoken the truth at any rate, whoever spoke to me. Mr. Cheese You know that the man Williams lodged with Price ? .4- Witness I dare say that it was it. (Laughter.) Mr. Cheese He is called Ginger, is he. (Laugh- ter.) At the request of the ex-Mayor. P.C. W. Davies (No. 2) was called. He said he found Robert Williams near the Black Cock Inn, standing up bleeding; he took him up the Struet to the station-house by way of the Bull's Head Inn he informed Superintendent Lee of the state the man was in, and examined his head Superintendent Lee told him fo take the man home; he said he could go by himself; the man did not complain at all, nor say that he had been assaulted. By Mr. Cheese Williams lodged in the house of a man named Price, who is called Ginger (laughter) Williams was not sober. Mr. Joseph: Might not the loss of blood have caused him to be in the state he was ? Witness He bled a good deal; I cannot say if he smelt of drink. Mr. Prothero You could not say whether his state was the effect of drink or the fall ? Witness I can't say he did not speak clearly. The ex-Mayor: Do you think you could have spoken clearly if you had had such a crack on the head P Witness I can't say about that, sir. Dr. Talfourd Jones, in reply to the Bench, said he