The Welshman

THE LONDON MAIL.—On and after Wednesday next the mail will be sorted in the train en route. No delay will therefore occur in the chief offices, with one or two exceptions which will shortly be done away with. At present there will be no altera- tion in the arrival and departure of the mail from the principal towns. We shall not however have long to wait for the full advantages of a travelling post-office in an earlier delivery of the London mail and a later departure of the up-mail.

WELSH LIBERAL BANQUET. A desire has very generally prevailed amongst persons interested in Welsh politics that some public demonstration should be made to celebrate the re- markable success of the Liberal party in Wales during the late election, and a meeting was con- vened for the consideration of the matter. It was resolved that the twenty-three Liberal members re- turned by Welsh constituencies should be invited to a public banquet. In pursuance of this resolve a banquet was given on Wednesday at the Free- mason's Tavern. The Right Hon. H. A. Bruce was expected to preside, but owing to the fact that he had received the Queen's command to attend her at Osborne, he was unable to attend. The following is the letter sent by the Home Secretary:- 1, Queen's Gate, Feb. 22. My dear Mr Owen-I regret to inform you that, having received the Queen's commands to attend her Majesty at Osborne, I am unable to undertake the pleasant and honourable task of presiding over the dinner given in honour of the Welsh Liberal members, and of the signal triumph of Liberal prin- ciples in Wales at the recent general elections. « I regret this the more as I was desirous of show- ing that my recent rejection by a Welsh constituency had not in the slightest degree diminished my interest in the affairs of the Principality, nor my desire to promote the welfare of its inhabitants I am very sorry thus to put the committee to the inevitable inconvenience of providing a new chairman, and still more so for my absence from a gathering of my countrymen on an occasion of so much interest to the Principality. « I am, yours very truly, H. A. BRUCE. Hugh Owen, Esq." ?§???°'? the company consisted almost birth °rpro; nertv with the Principality' lhe purly national cchhaarraacctteer r of the demonstration may be jdg?d from the fact that the list of stewards compnsed 22 gentlemen of the name of Williams, 14 of the name ?ofMDr avies '??Davis?an?d ?? 01 of Davies or Davis, and 14 of the name of Jones. Mr Knatchbull-Hugessen the Under Secretary for che Home Department, presid^ of tb twenty. three Liberal members invite the foUowing were present-Sir J. Hanmer, M?.J-. ? C. R. M Talbot, M.P., Sir T. Lloyd, M.P., Sir J. ^Ramaddeenn M.P., Colonel Edwards, M.P., Colonel Stepney?. ?-  Stuart, M.P Mr Tracy, M.P., Mr H. W. V. M.P Mr H. Richard, M.P, Mr E. M. Richard, M.P., Mr Bulkeley, M.P., Mr Hughes, M.P., Mr Morgan, M.P., Mr W. Williams, M.P., Mr Jones Parry, M.P., Mr Sartoris, M.P., Mr Dillwyn, M.P., Lord R. Grosvenor, M.P.. Mr W. 0. Stanley, M.P., Mr S. Morley, M.P., Mr Whalley, M.P. The following were also present: Sir Whalley, M. PM. P., Mr Miall, Mr Robinson, Mr Wyatt, Mr W. A. Rutson, and Mr T. Parry. The guests, ac- cording to the Daily Telegraph numbered three hundred and nftv The following gentlemen were amongst the stewards:-Mr James Bagnall, Carmarthen Mr James ST l"anellv Mr David Davies, Llandinam Dr ??nn &vLi.,Swansea Mr H. D. Davies, Car- ? digan T? homas Harries, Cardigan Mr J. L. G. P. Lewis Henllan, Narberth Mr John Matthews, Mayor o?f ?Aberys?tw"?ith ? Mr Thomas Moms, Blaenywern, of r AAbU ery » Mr Lewis Morris, Carmarthen Mr ? ??o?' Thorn HiH, Llanellj; Mr Robert Parnan, London? John Parry, Ffynon E. r L. Pofry™se Dr Thomas Price, Ph.D., Aberdare; [CJio'l. 'E L?. Frry?ae Lord-Li eutenant of Cardiganshire Mr Brinjby Rich- ards, Kensington, London Mr J. B. Roge armar. t hen Mr William Rosser, Llanelly; Mr ?J?. Cowell St epney, Llanelly Mr W. Terrell, Tenby^P^or, Mr J. Tbo mas, Carmarthen Mr John Thomas,   or, Car- digan Mr B. T. Williams, Temple, London Mr J. Oar veil Williams, London Mr C. T. Wilson, Mayor of Sw ansea. The health of The Queen" having been cordially responded to, the toasts of The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the other members of the Royal Family," followed. The toast of the "Army, Navy, and Volunteers" was coupled with the names of Col. Stepney, Mr Tracey, and Mr Dillwyn. Mr Dillwyn, in responding, said that he had been con- nected with the Volunteer force ever since its formation, and he believed it to be the most constitutional body of reserve which this or any other country ever possessed. He alluded especially to Wales, and more particularly to Glamorganshire, which county, he said, had raised a larger body of volunteers than any other county in the United Kingdom, except Middlesex. (Cheers). Mr S. Morley, M.P., in rising to propose the toast of the Clergy of all Denominations," congratulated the meeting and the country generally on the progress which the clergy had made. Unfounded aspersions had been cast upon the clergy, but no class sympathised more strongly with their people than did the clergy; and the ministers of Wales would ever live in the affec- tions of those among whom they ministered (cheers.) Nothing could be more acceptable to him than to pro- propose the health of men, a large number of whom it was his happiness to know, with very many of whom he was in intimate correspondence, and towards whom he felt deep respect (cheers.) The toast was drunk with all the honours. The Rev Mr Allen (Church of England) in respond- ing to the toast said he rejoiced as an Englishman to be present on such an occasion as this, not simply because it was a Liberal banquet, but because it was a banquet to Welshmen, of whose character he had formed the very highest opinion. When he was asked to reply to this toast he doubted whether he should refer to politi- cal subjects, and he came to the conclusion it would be becoming in him to do so. He was informed it was not a very easy task in some parts of Wales to be a Liberal, and he could assure them that it was not an easy task in England or in London to be a Liberal clergyman. (Hear hear.) But he felt they all desired that no man should try to coerce the conscience or opinions of others. (Cheers.) the Kev Mr Davis, as a representative of Dissenting ministers, congratulated the meeting upon the vast vic- tory that had been achieved for the Liberal cause in Wales, and upon the unanimity which the Liberals of the Principality bad displayed. (Cheers.) Mr Miall, who rose to propose the toast of the Houses of Lords and Commons," was received with loud cheers. With regard to the House of Lords he would say, that when the peers exerted themselves, they were as competent as any men to transact the business which came before them. He thought that that day was intended to celebrate the fact that Wales had found her tongue. (Cheers.) True it was she had as yet spoken but imperfectly, aud in syllables- (laughter) but he had not the smallest doubt she would by and bye make herself thoroughly Lliberal. (Cheers.) Wales was Liberal, but had not sufficiently manifested her liberality but he believed her voice, after the next general election, would be far more potent than it had heretofore been. (Loud cheers.) There was (pointing to Mr Richard, M.P.) one representative of Noncon- formity present that evening—(cheers and cries of Two ")-and it would be their duty to support those members in the House of Commons with all the power they possessed. (Loud cheers.) Lord R. Grosvenor, in returning thanks for both Houses, paid a high tribute to the capacity of the House of Lords for the work, and proceeded to say the House of Commons was looked on as a reflex of the people of England, and although the increased wealth and intelli- gence had been enormous, yet they would all admit that the House of Commons had not retrograded (cheers). Mr W. O. Stanley, M.P., proposed the toast of Her Majesty's Ministers (cheers). Mr Gladstone had been chosen by the nation, and had surrounded himself with men capable of carrying out those Liberal princi- pleswhich he had so boldly enunciated (cheers). The Chairman, in returning thanks, said that if he had reason before to regret the absence of his right hon. friend, he had still more reason to regret that absence now, as his right hon. friend was far more competent than he was to respond to the toast of Her Majesty's Ministers." Of the Government it was not for him to say much. He would only say that he confidently believed in their determination to do their duty in carrying out those liberal principles under which they had been returned with such a triumphant majority by the country, and to that majo- rity the people of Wales had largely contributed (hear, hear.) Her Majesty's Ministers had succeeded to office at a moment of gioat diffiCUlty-) auCt nUou III was of the utmost importance that men of the highest ability should be at the helm. The basis of the prin- ciples proposed by the Liberals at the election, and of the creed professed by Mr Gladstone, was equal justice to all classes and every faith. Referring to the more immediate business of the evening, the hon. chairman expressed the greatest pleasure in proposing The Liberal members returned at the last election for North and South Wales." He heartily congratulated the prin- cipality upon the great victory it had won in both north and south. The Liberals of that part of the king- dom had had to contend against great wealth they had had opposed to them territorial magnates they had had to fight with associations many of which were dear to Welshmen, and which they could not shake off without difficulty, but which they had shaken off because they were determined above all and I beyond all that they would assert the free ex- pression of Liberal opinions, and send a majority of Liberal representatives to Parliament. They had sent to the House of Commons men to represent those prin- ciples, and he was confident they would do their duty. (Hear, hear.) He thought that the new ones would find in the old members a good example. (Hear, hear.) If Wales continued to progress in Liberal principles as it had done during the last few general electionr the time would come when no Tories would be able to suc- ceed in storming their ancient fastnesses. (Hear, hear.) He deeply regretted he could not, in the words of a song which was to follow, "show himself a Welsh. man;" but at all events he trusted he could show him- self a Liberal. (Cheers.) In another of the songs which had been sung that evening he found the words Comrades, keep close order-" (Hear, hear.) It was very necessary tney snouiu uo mm 111 mc puutiuai ugns which was approaching. It was not now the Saxons who had to fly, but who would, hand in band, march with them. Their community of interests bound them together. Hand in hand they must march against the strongholds of intolerance and bigotry. It was neces- sary that there should be an united phalanx of English, Scotch, Irish, and Welsh. (Hear, hear.) The cause which they had to fight was so holy and good, that by their united efforts and the blessing of God it would completely triumph. (Loud cheers). Mr Talbot, M.P., in replying to the toast, said he was one of the oldest members in the House of Commons who had passed through the ordeal of the Reform Act of 1882. There were not half a dozen of the members who could say that they had sat in that House since 1829. Forty years long was he grieved with this gene- iation- (laughter and cheers)—and he was glad they were now going to reap the result of the seed which had so long been sown (cheers). It was with great regret he found that his right hon. friend, Mr Bruce, was not able to be present at that festive meeting as he might say that when he first came forward as a candidate in Wales, he could not get any gentleman to propose him until at last the father of Mr Bruoe came forward and did so (hear, hear). As to the last general election, he thought they had not done so badly, although he did not mean to say he hoped they would not do better at the next. Vast progress had been made in Liberal opinions in Wales of late years, and he had the satisfac- tion of being able to say that in Glamorganshire, which he represented, the six mombers returned on the right side And so it might be said of the entire principality. He congratulated the Liberals of Wales on the eleva- tion of the right hon. gentleman, who was to have been their chairman, to the high post which he now held. He had known him since he was in long clothes. (Laughter). He was a man of clear intellect and vigorous understanding, and one who had not yet arrived at the age when one was inclined to look at these struggles with a benevolent smile. There was one black spot, and that was tLat he was obliged to go to Scotland for a seat (hear, hear). Still, he looked upon the fact of his being so returned as a great tribute to the reform of last session, because they saw that he was a man who was returned solely on account of his known character and talents. In former days this would not have been. This, therefore, was a matter for congratulation. They had heard, however, in the letter of his right hon. friend, that no feeling of displeasure rankled in his mind, and he was sure if he were with them that evening he would express pride at the result which had been achieved in Wales (hear, hear). It must be their business as Liberal members of Wales to give him all the support they could. They must recol- lect that such a meeting as this was but as the means to the end. He trusted they would live to reap the har. vest they bad sown, and that not only for the benefit of Wales, but of the whole kingdom (cheers.) Sir J. Hanmer J.P., in responding for North Wales, said the constituency be represented bad never within the memory of man returned a Tory; and of this he was perfectly certain, that they would gladly give their support to the Liberal Government with vigour and energy. (Cheers.) Sir John Ramsden, M.P., proposed the toast of The Manufacturing and Commercirl Interests of the Principality" He could not point to a brighter page in the history of their party than that whn recorded the victory it had won in the cause of commercial free- dom (Cheers.) It was the Liberals who might fairly claim credit for and rejoice over the great prosperity which Liberal principles had established by free trade. He would, therefore ask them to be true to those great principles. (Cheers.) Mr Vivian, who was received with loud and pro. longed cheers, roso to respond to the toast. He said that it was in consequence of the trade and commerce of Wales that the scale of Liberalism turned so much in «avour. As far as trade was concerned, Wales held highest position of any place in the world—its cop- per ore trade and its tin plate trade comprehended nine- tenths of the whole of the trade of the world in those branches, while its coal trade had attracted the atten- tion of the whole civilized word, operating as it did, in propelling the entire trade by sea, and by rail, of the uni verse. This was a proud position for Welshmen to hold, and one which he had no doubt they would continue to hold to the end. Politically speaking, they had shown, during the last election, what they could do, and he had no doubt that on the next occasion, wnen a similar ex- pression was required, that opinion would be even still more decided and pronounced (cheers). Mr Watkin Williams, M.P., :in proposing the health of the chairman, said he thought the Welsh members had something to complain of as to the great I Church question being brought forward solely with regard to Ireland, as the issue raised was really an Im- perial issue, and one that applied to every part of the United Kingdom- (cheers) -and unless the Govern- ment were prepared to carry out the principle they propounded universally, he did not see how they could, by-and-bye, meet the claim that would be made by the Roman Catholics for separate endownment, as that would seem logically to follow from going no further than the disestablishment and disendowment of the Church in Ireland (hear, hear.) The Welsh members would support the Government, but they would give them an independent support, and thus endeavour to keep them up to the mark (cheer.) The toast was drunk amid cheers. The Chairman having briefly replied, the "Agricul- turist Interest of the Principality," was proposed by Mr Lloyd, M.P.. and responded to by Sir Thomas Lloyd, M.P. Mr E. M. Richards, M.P., who was received with loud cheeering, proposed the toast of the Welsh Liberal Press." The hon. gentleman said nothing could be more in accordance with his feelings than the task he had been asked that evening to perform. Welsh newpaperg were divided into two classes-viz., those published in the English language, and those published in Welsh. He felt a special interest, in the latter, and it might be news to many present that a large current literature did exist in Wales, and that between thirty and forty weekly periodicals were printed, and that not one, ex- cept the feeblest of them was Tory. (Cheers.) With regard to the late Liberal victory at the last election, if he were asked how that victory had been won, he should say by the power of the popular element. (Hear, hear.) The landlord influence had been just as active at the elections as at any prior ones but then the people themselves came to the front, and asserted their Liberality by choosing their own members. The land- lords in Wales were very angry at their defeat, and the language they used was like the language of an- other assembly of defeated heroes recorded in Miltons Paradise Lost. (Laughter.) They also had been excluded from even a pleasanter place than the House of Commons. The reason the landlords assigned for their defeat was that they had been taken by surprise. He had no doubt they were, but they would find at the next election that their overthrow would be still more complete. (Cheers.) It had been said that the Dissenting Churches in Wales had brought pressure to bear, but he was there to give that state- ment a most emphatic denial. (Loud cheers). No doubt, persons found themselves surrounded with a public opinion which they could not prevent, and which they ought not to try to prevedt. (Cheers). But there was a screw- (cheers) -and if the Tory landlords of Wales intended to avail themselves of their powers to oppress their poor tenants they were provoking a power which would recoil upon themselves—(cheers)—and which would make a clean sweep of them altogether. (Renewed cheers). From the very first, the Tory members of Wales had been against any proposal lor advance- ment in justice and humanity. They opposed reform in the criminal law they were against the abolition of West Indian slavery; they were against the Re- form Bill of 1832; they were against the repeal of the Corn Laws, and they were against the aboli- tion :of the taxation on knowledge. (Hear, hear.) Therefore the people said to them, You may be respectable gentlemen, but 'never more be officers of mine' (cheers). Here Mr Richard read a letter which he had just received, stating that at the burial of the late lamented Mr Rees, the incumbent of the parish had ab- solutely refused to let one of the large number of Dis- senting ministers present address the people—(loud cries of Shame! )-and he (Mr Richard) now engaged the noble lords and hon. and right hon. gentlemen who were around him to support the measure which would soon be brought into the House of Commons for ex- tending to England and Wales what had already been given to Ireland and Scotland-the right of performing religious services over their deceased members in their narish churchyard (loud cheers) The toast was responded to Mr j. uoeas, and the Rev. D. M. Evans. The other toasts were "The Bar," by Mr E. M. Richards, acknowledged by Mr O. Morgan; The Liverpool Reform Association and the Electoral Asso- ciation of North and South Wales," given by Mr Bulkeley Hughes, and responded to by Mr Wm. Williams. The concluding toasts were those of the chairman, the stewards, and the ladies. The musical arrangements were especially interesting, the programme being under the discretion of Mr Brinley Richards, who kindly gave his gratuitous services on the occasion, and played a grand fantasia on Welsh national airs on the pianoforte. Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Watts, Mr Joseph Parry, Mr Ellis Roberts, and H. V. Lewis also contributed their efforts to the musical success of the evening.

DISTRICT NEWS. MARQUIS OF BUTE.-Lorcl Bute had the honour to be admitted to a private audience by the Pope on the 9th instant. On Ash- Wednesday he received the ashes from the hand of his Holiness in the Sixtine Chapel, and on the following day was permitted, by a special favour, to hear the Pope's Mass in the private oratory of the Vati- can, on which occasion the Sovereign Pontiff gave him the sacraments of confirmation and the holy eucharist. Lord Bute having made an offering of Xl,200 to the Peter's Pence Fund, Pius IX. presented him with a reliquary of great value, which is described in a letter from Rome as a truly royal gift." Tablet. THE REPRESENTATION OF THE IXADNORSHIRE BOROUGHS.—The nomination for the representation of the boroughs took place at New Radnor on Tuesday. The vacancy has been caused by the retirement of Mr Green-Price to make room for the Marquis of Harting- ton, the Postmaster-General, who is opposed by Mr G. H Phillips, of Abbey Cwmhir, a local Conservative. The Rev Sir Gilbert Lewis, brother to the late Sir G. C. Lewis, nominated, and Captain Corbett, of Presteigne, seconded, the Marquis of Hartington and Mr Phillips, was proposed by Captain Beavan, and seconded by Mr Edwards. The Marquis of Hartington, who was enthu- siastically received, said, in the course of a lengthy address, that there had been no attempt whatever at dictation on the part of Mr Green-Price or any other person with regard to the course which was being pursued. A Liberal Government was now in power, and he thought that they might look with confidence to the future prospects of the country. In alluding to the foreign policy of the late Government, the Marquis of Hartington mentioned the services rendered to his party by Lord Stanley, whom he characterised as a wise and sagacious statesman. He was, however, quite sure that Lord Stanley would be the last to claim those extravagant eulogies his friends were so fond of heaping upon him. Lord Stanley's successors had found two difficult questions in an entirely unsettled state, the relations between Turkey and Greece being such as might have led to war at any moment, while the settlement of the ques- tion between England and America, for which Lord Stanley had received so much credit from his friends, was just as far off as ever. It was true that a convention had been agreed upon between Lord Stanley and the American Minister, but that convention proved to be worthless; and he thought it was a little premature on the part of the late Government to talk of having settled this long-standing quarrel when, in fact, it was no nearer settlement than before. Lord Hartington then, after alluding to the excessive expenditure of the Conservative Government, expressed his conviction that there will be a considerable reduction in the en- suing year-a reduction that would be the more im- portant when the principles upon which it would be effected were considered. With regard to the great abuses that exist in our electoral system, the Marquis said that the present Government are of opinion that it is time to inquire whether some system cannot be devised by which these evils might be, to a great ex- tent, removed and it is their intention to institute a full inquiry into the mode of conducting elections at an early period. The advocates of the ballot felt confident that the result would lead to e adoption of the ballot; and if, after a fu. and impartial inquiry, the ballot should appear to offm advantages presented by no other system, there would be I- froh" The noble lord .u.V VUJ\;ClJ.lVJl lIV LlIO il,UV1'1I1VJ.L \J.I.VA.t.J'j- then referred to the subject of the Irish Church, fmymg that the result of the general election proyd tha,j;he country had pronounced in favour of the policy advoca- ted by Mr Gladstone and the Liberal party. Parliament would, however, be occupied by long and repeated de- bates on the subject; and even when the Government had succeeded in carrying the measure, it would be no easy task to effect the disestablishment of a Church that had existed for so many centuries. He believed that no Government had ever undertaken a more arduous and difficult task than that which would be brought forward on Monday next by Mr Gladstone. Mr Phillips also ad- dressed the electors, avowing himself an advocate of Conservative measures, and a staunch upholder of Church of State. A show of hands resulted in favour of the Marquis of Hartington by a large majority and a poll being demanded on behalf of Mr Phillips, it was fixed for Thursday.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. A special meeting of the proprietors of this company was held at the offices, Paddington, on Wednesday t afternoon. Sir Daniel Gooch, M.P., in the chair. The Chairman said that the meeting had been called for the purpose of obtaining the assent of the shareholders to the provisions of a bill to be brought into Parliament during the present session, "for conferring further powers on the Gieat Western Railway Company in rela- tion to their own undertakings and the undertakings of other companies and for other purposes," and be would shortly call their attention to those matters which would put the meeting in possession of the objects they had in view. The first clause sought for powers to be given to the company for constructing a siding into their Burrows Lodge property at Swansea, and so to con- nect it with their main line. The next was the ex- pe-iiency of the company being empowered to make a railway of two miles in length, near Dolgelly, to connect the Bala and Doluelly undertaking with the branch line to Pen Maen Pool of the Aberystwith and Welsh coast line of the Cambrian Railways Company. The little link between these lines had not been carried out, owing to a want of means and therefore it was proposed that the Great Western Company should step in, if the line was not constructed within the next few months, and complete the undertaking them- selves at a cost not exceeding £ 14,000 or £ 15,000. The next clause was to acquire a small piece of land at Barmouth, whereon to erect an engine-house; the next, certain lands at Leominster, in connection with the Shrewsbury and Hereford Railway, and re- quired for additional station accommodation; the next recited the expediency of further time being given to the company for the construction of three small rail- ways near IIalesowen, and for the purchase of lands for the purpose of forming a curve in connection with railways near Cardiff, and in the Ely Valley, Glamorganshire; and others related to the desirability of having the memoranda of an agreement between the Metropolitan Railway Company and the Great Western confirmed, as also the agreement between the company and the Milford Company; and those of the Wellington and Drayton Company, the Nantwich and Market Drayton Company, the Stourbridge Company, and the Tenbury and Bewdley I Company. A further clause asked for powers to be given to the company to acquire certain Crown lands in the forest of Bewdley, the Commissioner of Woods and Forests having agreed to accept a rent-charge in pay- ment and other clauses recited the expediency of the Midland, the North-Western, and the Mid-Wales compa- nies being empowered to use the Great Western Barton Station at Hereford; the desirability of the company being allowed to apply a portion of its capital to the purposes of the Wenlock, the Vale of Llangollen, the Llangollen and Corwen, the Corwsn and Bala, and the Bala and Dolgelly Railways, and the expediency of its being empowered to exercise borrowing powers in con- nection with the Stourbridge, the Wellington and Severn Junction, the Wellington, the Nantwich, the Leominster and Kington, the East Somerset, the Corwen and Bala, the Vale of Llangollen, the Llangollen and Corwen, and the Bewdley Companies respectively. All these latter companies, which formed part of the main system, had separate mortgages under their sails, ror which the Great Western were responsible and, it was believed, by having them under the Great Western seal instead, a great advantage would be conferred on the shareholders. Another clause asked for powers to enable the Great Western and the Hammersmith and City Railway Company to exercise in their own names, jointly or severally, the power of raising money by mortgage, and the remaining clauses related to the expediency of provision being made for the substi- tution of Great Western debenture stock for the Chip- ping Norton branch shares or stockof the company, and the Stratford Canal annuities and rent charges—the ob- ject of this being to get rid of them as separate com- panies on the Great Western books. The Chairman said that the most important clause for the considera- tion of the meeting was that numbered 56, which he would read in extemo: And whereas, by the Great Western Railway Powers Act, 1866 it was provided that the company, subject to the sanction and approval of at least three-fourths of the votes of the shareholders of the company present in person or by proxy at general meet- ing specially convened for the purpose, might consolidate or ronvert into one ordinary stock all or any of the ordi- nary stocks of the respective sections of the company, and that such consolidation or conversion should be on such conditions as might be agreed upon, and subject to the other provisions contained in the said Act; and it is desirable, and would be for the advantage of the company and of the respective sections of the proprietors of the company, that in the event of the above consolidation or conversion being carried into effect, the preference or guaranteed shares or stocks in the respective sections of the company, or some of them, should be consolidated as hereinafter provided therefore the company may, j in the event aforesaid, with the consent in writiiiv of f. V. -VI,; 1. each of any two or more separate classes or denomina- tions of preference or guaranteed shares or stocks in the respective sections of the company, consolidate or con- vert Euch separate classes of denominations, in respect of which such consent has been given, into other classes or denominations of preference or guaranteed stock and every such consolidation or conversion may be in accordance with and upon such terms and conditions as are approved of by the company, and consented to in the manner hereinbefore provided by the holders of the shares or stock which are the subject of the consoli- dation or conversion and every new or consolidated class or denomination of preference or guaranteed stock shall be distinguished by such appropriate name or designation as the company think fit: pro- vided always, that no such consolidation or conver- sion shall take effect unless and until the same has been approved of by at least three-fourths of the votes of the shareholders present in person or by proxy at a general meeting of the company specially convened for the purpose." This clause, if agreed on, would enable the company to conso- lidate and put into proper position all the different varieties of stock, as a means of economy, and for the better working of the company. In conclusion, the Chairman said that, as the directors had had that morning an opportunity of looking through the ac- counts for the past half-year, it had been thought desirable that he should mention what dividends the shareholders might expect to hear declared at the regular half-yearly meeting to be held next month On the Great Western South Wales ordinary stock the divi- dend most likely would he at the rate of X3 5s per cent; on the Great Western original stock at the rate of 11 10s per cent; Great Western (West Midland—New- port) at the rate of lis 6d per cent and on the Great Western (West Midland—Oxford), at the rate of 15s per cent. per annum; besides which a balance of C17,000 would be carried over as before. The bill would have to be submitted to the share- holders who might be present at the forthcoming half-yearly meeting for their sanction but with re- gard to the present meeting he would move that the saoction of the company be given to the proposals therein contained. 3lr Wood deputy-chairman, seconded the motion. Nr Parsons inquired if the Shrewsbury and Chester preference stock would be affected by clause 56. He wished for a distinct pledge that such shares should not be interfered with. Mr Young, solicitor said, their rights would remain intact. jtfr Yool, approved of the clauses in the new bill. He felt it to be impossible for the company to carry out any arrangement for getting rid of the sectional inte- rests unless there was some distinct power given them, and therefore he hoped the bill would receive the sanc- tion of Parliament. He then said it was desirable that the company should have their stocks converted, so that they might be dealt with with greater facility. The Chairman, in reply, said the company intended to do nothing that would affect the Chester and Shrewsbiiry stock. He agreed with Mr Yool that the amalgamation of the stock would require a vast (leal of consideration. They sought to take a general power rather than other- wise. The company was doing all it could gradually to convert its debentures into debenture stock, and the shareholders could not feel too strongly the advisability of their getting the small stocks annihilated and con- verted. Those small stocks were scarcely recognised in the market, and were generally unsaleable. If con- verted, their value would be increased, and their holders benefited. After some discussion, the resolution was unanimousl y adopted. The Chairman said that the approval of the share- holders was also solicited to a bill promoted by the Bristol Harbour Railway Company, for an extension of capital for carrying out a line from the Great Western Station at Bristol down to the flat which connected the railways with the shipping of that port. The Bristol and Exeter Company and themselves were joint owners of the property and, although the capital was guaranteed by both oi them, the original amount was found to be insufficient, partly from their having to purchase many expensive properties in the town through which the line would have to pass. The amount required was £ 50,000, with borrowing powers to the extent of LIG,000. A resolution approving of the bill was adopted. In reply to a question, The Chairman said that the directors were negotiating with the authorities of the Tost Office in regard to tho Irish mail. A vote of thanks to the directors and officers brought the proceedings to a close.

The annual report of the Ballot Society, which was adopted at a meeting of the executive committee, on Tuesday, states that the necessity for the ballot is now made evident to thousands who were not before con- vinced that it has been determined to enlarge the council and executive committee, to raise a fund of XI,000, to call a conference of friends from the various constituencies, and to make renewed exertions in behalf of the movement for the adoption of the ballot. b t r Count Plater, the well-known Polish patriot, has just I died in Switzerland. Mr Bright's opinion carries greater weight in the t United States than that of any other living Englishman. but we doubt whether his views on capital punishment will be received with the customary degree of respect by his American friends. The very large number of murders committed in one year in the city of ?ew York is ascribed by the citizens to the impossibility of bringing any of the murdcrer to the gallows. Hence lynch law was lately seriously threatened by the people. It may almost be said that practically capital punishment in New York is abolished, and the result is that no one is safe in the stricte—th?t at this very moment the city is agitated by tbc murder of a gen- tleman on his own doors'ep in broad dnybght, :<nd ck'se to a thoroughfare as much frequented as llegeiit-strect. The real security for human life," writes .Mr Bright to his Chicago friend, is to be found in a reverence for it." But what if the criminal class have no reverence for it P A New York rowdy laughs at any punishment short of the gallows, for there is always a chance of ob- taining a pardon from the governor. The soundness of Mr Bright's opinions on the main question we arc not now discussing, but it seems clear that the argument he has at present chosen is completely upset by the ex- perience of the people to whom it is addressed. The following items of gossip appear in the Owl The Prince of Wales will prolong his absence from this country until the first week in May. As the difficulty between Turkey and Greece is now settled, the Prince will resume his project of paying visits to the Sultan and the King of Greece, provided that diplomatic relations are speedily re-established between the two couritries.)Ir Layard, Chief Commissioner of Works, has sanctioned a proposition for carrying an iron railing seven feet high round the Regent's Park in lieu of the present dwarf fence. The rails will be of the ordinary common spike, and consequently extremely ugly. Mr Thring, well known for some years past as the able draughtsman of most of the principal bills introduced by the Government, has been appointed to the post of Parliamentary Counsel, at a salary of X2,500 a year. Mr Jenkins, who has lately done much valuable work as "junior" to Mr Thring, has been appointed his per- manent assistant at X-1,200 & year. To these gentle- men will in future be confided the draughting of all measures to be submitted to Parliament by the Govern- ment. The pictures of the late Mr Philips are to be exhibited at the Cosmopolitan Club prior to their sale, which will take place shortly.- -NVe are informed that the new Marlborough Club will be partially opened to members early next week. Five hundred additional members were on Tuesday added to the Junior Carlton Club. This raises the total number of the club to two thousand, but the number of candidates is still large. The City Carlton Club, founded only last year, has more than completed its numbers. CONSECRATION OF THREE BisHops. -On Wednes- day morning a ceremony of a very imposing and inter- esting character as witnessed in Westminster Abbey such a scene, indeed, has never been witnessed there before, for although on one occasion five bishops were consecrated within its walls on one day, there never was such an array of prelate and church dignitaries to take their share in the setting apart of chief pastors of the Church. Dr Wordsworth, until lately Archdeacon of Westminster, was to be consecrated to the bishopric of Lincoln in the place of Dr John Jackson, now Bishop of London, and as a mark of respect to him both Houses of Convocation now in session" suspended their sittings that they might be present at the service. Con- sequently, amongst the large number of bishops who were present there was some departure from the usual attire, and while some wore the ordinary episcopal habit, others appeared in the more gorgeous Convoca- tion robes. Of the Lower House of Convocation, the deans and doctors of divinity wore their crimson and scarlet robes, whilst other proctors wore their black and red, black and white, and simple black hoods. The other bishops to be consecrated were the Rev J. F. Turner, late rector of North Tidworth (a son of the late Lord Justice Turner), who has been appointed to the Australian bishopric of Grafton and Armidale, in the place of Dr Sawvear, who was accidentally drowned, and the Rev T. G. Hatchard, late rector of St. JNicnoias, Guildford, who has been appointed to the bishopric of Mauritius, vacant by the resignation of tile Right Rev. Dr V. W. Ryan. The procession consisted of his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Lichfield, the Bishop of Bangor, the Bishop of Rochester, Bishop Ryan, and other prelates the Prolocutor of the Lower House of Convocation, ac- companied by the Dean of Westminster, the Dean of Canterbury, the Archdeacon of Taunton, the Warden of All Souls' College, Oxford, Dr Jebb, and a large number of other gentlemen, the Vicar-General, and other legal officials. There was a full choral service, the sermon being preached by the Venerable E pL»i;r- steth, D.D., Archdeacon of Buckingham fhe bishops nominate were afterwards present to the Archbishop Canterbury ,lftn Laudo..t'.c i-Luiy Ui'in- munion' was afterwards celebrated, and with this the proceedings of the day terminated. ASSOCIATED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. —TUESDAY.— This morning the annual meeting of the delegates of the Associated Chambers of Commerce commenced at the Westminster Palace Hotel., Mr Sampson T. Lloyd in the chair. There was a very large attendance of members. The subjects for discussion are upwards of forty, and include bankruptcy law reform, treates of commerce with Spain and Portugal, United States tariff, Canadian tariff, collection of the income and assessed taxes by the Inland Revenue, income tax, assessment and colllection of taxes, county courts amendment, &c. The report was read and the chairman congratulated the meeting on the tenth year of its existence. They had thirty- seven chambers associated together, and unlike some other public bodies, they had a balance in the hands of the treasurer. Mr Phillips, of Bristol, moved the fol- lowing resolution on bankruptcy law reform That the commercial community having endeavoured for the last ten years past to obtain a satisfactory reform in the bankruptcy law, and this association as well as other commercial bodies, having repeatedly expressed opinions in favour of the bankruptcy law of Scotland without success, which want of success is attributable to the question being left in the hands of the Government for the time being resolved that this association do autho- rize and request some independent members of the Com- mons House of Parliament to bring in a bill for carrying into effect the desires of the commercial community in this respect, viz. the adoption of the Scotch system, as established under the Act of 1856, as nearly as circum- stances will permit, and that in pursuance of this object the bill brought into the House of Lords by the late Lord Chancellor, Lord Cairns, be referred to the mem- bers who may be selected for the purpose. That some private members be requested to bring in a bill as above described, and that a committee of this association be appointed, empowered, and requested to render them all the assistance in their power, in the name, and on the behalf of the association." Discussion followed the resolution. The resolution was adopted, as were also two others, one recommending that any bill brought in should be made applicable to Ireland as well as to England and the other expressing an opinion that the abolition of imprisonment for debt is uncalled for and inexpedient." THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.—The subject which oc- cupied the attention of the Royal Geographical Society on Monday night is one in which not only men of science but the general public take considerable interest. Almost exactly one hundred years ago, the Ilojal Society was urging upon George III., the importance of sending out a well fitted expedition to the Friendly Isles to take part in the observation of the passage of the planet Venus across the face of the Sun-the object of the observation being the determination of the sun s distance. The application resulted eventually in the appointment of Captain Cook (then lieutenant) to the command, and it was with this mission that he set out upon the first of his three celebrated voyages. At pre- sent, the world of Science is again engaged in preparing for similar expeditions. The Astronomer Royal is at work examining the astronomical requirements to be fulfilled. Opticians are testing the claims of rival modes of observation. Geographers are looking up the accounts which voyagers have given us of some of those un- tenanted nooks and corners of the earth, which unfor- tunately are nearly always the best places for see- in" the phenomena to be observed on such ocaasions. For reasons which we have not here space to explain, the visits of Venus to the Sun's disc take place in pairs and astronomers, taking time by the forelock," are now dealing at once with both the coming visits, In each case, most unfortunately, the peculiarity we have just mentioned is strikingly manifested. Speaking of the first, the Astronomer Royal says that the best sta tion for observing one of the most important phenomena is Kerguelen's Island. Now this place has been empha- tically called" The Island of Desolation- Itsch,dlfcfc^ is so repulsive that our Government may net care to station Observers there. Another equaUy ?Pg? observation ought to be made from the Antarctic  nent, respecting which Mr Airy remar,ks it is not to be entertained in our thoughts without the most absolute necessity." As to the se^on Venus to the Sun' s disc, the wretched Island of JiJl esoilaautioonn a^h, comes in as the best /4ation for -»»*»» £ oWvatio, the" "ex't Bcrmoothes" are  tioned as a proper pl?e for another  the Antarctic Continent is altogether the ost Ult- able place for a third As only four. Important observations have to be made, it wIll be  that our men of science .no "cabin'd. Cl'l d, confin'd" in a most painful and un^!1C as respects the 8cenes of their lmurr o]a^urs. On Monday night, '=? Sraff-C.miuander jl. L. E. Davis boldly "entertained in bis thoughts the terrible Antartic Continent as a mopi r pi. c torob- serving bo? p?age., but with more especial r. ereucc to the ?cond He?had accompanied S.r the famous voyage to the Antartic Seas in  Commander bad carried the Lnghsh • „ to a more southerly latitude than had ever before been reached, and he was thus singularly well fitted to express an opinion as to the possibility of making the Southern Continent the scene of scientific labours.— JJany News. HORSES SOLD FOB A PENNY EACH. — An Orange paper (N.S.W.) states that at the Blayney pound ]30 horses were sold at Id per bead, Surely the minimum price was then reached. On some runs of the adjoin- ing colony wild horses have become ench a nuisance that devices for trapping them at their favourite watering-places have been resorted to. When seenred, the branded ones are returned to their owners, or im- pounded the unbranded ones are shot and skinned, the skins selling at 4s each, and the hair at Is 6d per lb in Sydney. One squatter is mentioned who has, with two of his nighbours, thus shot over 1,500 horees withiu the last twelve months.—Melbourne Argut, January 4th. P A IÚ S. TCESDA Y The Pllbltr of this evening con- tains an article, to the effect that despatches have been exchang^ ed between Paris and Brussels, and that the FrenchGovernment, before taking any steps in tbe matter will wait to see what. use the Belgian Govern- ment intends to make of the new powers accorded to it. The semi-official press has received orders to deny the presence in this city of M. de la Gueronniers, French Minister to Beluium, but it appears that that diplo- matist was received by the Emperor this afternoon. The debate on the budget of the city of Paris was opened by M. GaTiliur- Pages. It may be observed that vast numbers of workmen have been of late yean attracted to Paris by the high wages given for a day Is labour, but the same Prefecture which accordt these wages taxes all the necessaries of life a the gates of the city, and, in fact, half the money paid to the labiurer returns to the city of Paris. As regards the complaint made by M. Garnier-Pages of the poor being more heaniy mulcted than the rich it may be sufficient to state that the duty on wine is one of the chief items in the revenoe of the city, and that the Chateau Yquem of the mil- lionaire pays no heavier an entry than the wino of Surcne, which was considered very fair in the time of Henry IV., but which is voted detestable now. Much to the surprise of the Opposition, no Government orator rose to answer M. Garnier-Pages the consequence was that M Picard, another member for Paris, rose and continued the attack with great spirit, singling ont the irregular manner in which the city had raised money by means of delegation bonds or bills drawn by the con- tractors and accepted by the city, and on which the Credit Foncier advanced money. One of the principal reasons of the outcry of the Opposition against the Prefect of the Seine is the utter irresponsibility which he seems to enjoy.—There was a stormy meeting of the shareholders of the Credit Foncier yesterday, when it was agreed to accept the 36,000,000 francs offered by the former directors, on condition of receiving a receipt in full. The share of the Messrs. Pereire amounts to 12,000,000 francs; the invectives indulged in by the shareholders at the mention of their name must have been very galling to gentlemen who sit in the Corpa Legislatiff as official candidates, and are considered as pillars of the Second Empire. The fact of these gentle- men condoning is in itself a grave accusation.

LOCAL MARKETS. CARMARTHEN CORN MARKETS FOR THE WEEK. END- ING FEBRU ARY 20, 1869.-We have still to report a pre- ponderance uf wet weather. The transactions in agri- cultural produce have been small during the past week; there is no change to note in the prices of grain, except- ing samples for seed purposes, which are quoted 3d to 6d per bushel higher. Cask butter considerably de- clined in prices, cheese firm at last quotations. For the past week up to the present date we quote- Wheat 6s 3d to 6s 6d per 64lbs. Barley 4s 3d to 4s 6d per 541bs. oats 2s 9d to 3s 6d per 40lbs. CASK BUTTEE.—14|d to lod per lb. CHEESE—32s to 33s per cwt. CARMARTHEN CORN MARKET.—The official return for the week ending on Saturday shows that the only corn sold was oats, and of that 120 qr. 4 bushels, at an average of 91 3s per quarter, the prices ranging about 2s 10 per bushel.

CARMARTHENSRIRE INFIRMARY. House Surgeon's Report for the week ending Feb. IN-DOOR PATIENTS. Remaining by last Report 25 i jg Admitted since 1 » Died  2 Died O} Discharged 2 2 Remaining 24 OUT-PATIENTS. remaining by last Report 164 Inn Admitted since 35 ) Ð'V ?Died U .?. ?n??ed J} 2f' C. A BRIGSTOCKB, House Surgeon, MEDICAL OFFICERS FOR THE WED: :-Phyrician, Dr. I Lewis surgeon, Mr Rowlands. COMMITTEE.-Rev H. W Joneø, ebairman, MESM G. Spurrell, G. Bagnall, James Bagnall, J. N. Roberti, D. Lloyd, Dr. Lewis, anditbe Rev L. M. Jones. HOWELL HOWELLS, Secretary.

LLUNTING APPOINTMENTS. -77;- vrill meat on The Vale of oAf yrMoajr^ch Paj t ^An;y ^in^ /and on Friday Tuesday, 2nd of March, at Al?yrodin, and on i?riday 5th of March, at Monachty each day at 10.30. a.m. The Pembrokeshire l^ox^ douna^ s will meet on Monday, March 1st, at Triffieton Bridge and on Thursday, March March St. Botolph's,-eacb day at 10.30. a.». 4th, at St. Bctdp'' '?"??[ meet on Monday, at Coedmore, and on Tbursday, &t Starr j each day at 10.30. a.m. 10.30.    meet on Monday, at Abercerdinnen, and on Thursday, at Moyddoyn each day at 10. 30, a.m. Mr. Powell's Hounds will °°Tuesday, March 2nd, at Laugharne, Cross Roa^ ds\, and Friday, March 5th at Whitland Abbey,-each day at 10.30. a.m. ;ihe South Pcmbrokesbire ?. meet 0n Tuesday, March 2nd, at Norchard Gate; on Frid&Y, March 5th, at Angle Vïllage, -each -l0-30- a.m. Mr Lloyd Pro. Harriers will meet on Wedne?Uyp March 3rd, at Laugharne Ihursday, th, at Treventy each day at 11 o clock. 

BIRTHS. THOMAS -On the 20th inst., at Tiefi Castle, Lampeter tbe wife of Richard Thomas, Esq,, o  LASCELLES.—On the 23rd inst., at NRrberth, the wife of A. H. Lascelles, Esq., solicitor, of a  GEORGE.-On the 20th f at sahs-npo" North West Provinces, India, the wife of Robert J. George, C.E., of a son. MARRIAGES. Ux?wooD.-HuGH?-On the 24th mat., at at Mary's Church, Haverforclwest, by the &v T. Aults, Sidney Edward Underwood, Esq.^ofMajesty's 82nd Regiment, to Elizabeth Catherine, eldest daughter of the late Rev Richard Jones Gwynne Hnghes of Tn- gib, Ll.ndilo Carmarthensbire. g ?,. Ey!ss.-REEs.-On tbe 23rd inst., at Hawen, Cardi-   in the presence of M r John Morgan, Registrar, Mr John EnDS, Nanty, to Miss Margaret Rees, Llwynoordinen, both of the parish of Troedyraur ? j? „ th. R? E. 0. .rf ?tht ?r?A? 9th inst jy the Bey E. O. Phillip4, vicar of Aberystwith, assisted by J. Phillips, vicar of A^erySj V the Rev Thomas Brans, Lewis, brother of the br eldest daughter Of vicar of Llanrbysted, to Mary Ann MeldJest daughter of the l«t„ ItoWohn the 218t inst., at BJaenW8on, St DogmelK by the Rev Isaac Thomas, BlaeWiLun, Mr John Edwards, marii to Miss Mary Isaac, the js/sisr Arrive, Grocer, Bridge-street, Cardigan. DEATHS. BitODRIBB.-OLI the 21st inst., at Bridge-stme4 in this town, aged 27 years? Joi?ePh, fourth ;on of Mr Brodribb, schoolmaster. THOMAS.—On the 1 ith inst., aged 56 years, after a lonJ g illness, Mary, the beloved wife of theK« J. Tho- mas, Saron, Llandy bie j the departed has been a. faithful member of a Christian church for --Y Years, and was very muchret3pected by all of her numerous anu"la' tances. JONES.-On the 11th inst., Mary, the beloyed wife of H, John JODes, Glantowy, aged 41 years^^ Blizftbetb DAYIEs-Ün tbe 16th inst., in tbis town, Elizabeth Davies, 'd.? the late Rees Da.ies, smitb, of this town, aged 28 years. EVANS —On the ,?b inst., at Stokes Croft, Bristol, much regretted, Mr T. T Evans, commercial traveller, late of Carmarthen. the Mn-i EuWARDS-On the 22nd inst., at the Vicarage,  W«n«r«nn c"°;nheMb,re:  JONES.-OO tbe 181b inst David Jones, of the Black Lion Inn, Aberayron, aged ?7. For many years carrier bctwpen this place and C3Tmarthen, Pencader, and TSl-Chl the 22nd i»L, El.?  JONEs.-On the 2211.1 inst., Buddenly, Elizabftb wife of the above Aged 45 year?, leaving a family 01 7 children unprovided for. WiLLiNGC?AMP.-On the 20th inst., at i«n«>edmore, Cardiganshire, in ber 96th year, 0f Rushall, Yen. Archdeacon Millingchamp, D?D-Recto?'  Wilts, and 20 years Chaplain of Fort St Gaorge, Madias.Mprrion Court, GKUFir?.-O? Lbe 19th .n.t. ion Court, near Pembrnke. R?'? Amabel Caroljijnnee y/oungest daughter of Mr LL Griffiths, aged 11 months. B,??.. On o4 ^f e th, e lj1 ate fT MM rr James Be vans, sen., fordwest, relict of the late Mr j?'? Be?na, 8.n. watchmaker, aged 7S lears. WILLIAMS.—Mr Thomas Williams, at hia residence, after a long illness, at the Black Horse, Adpar, Ntw. c:a?stle-E?mlyn, aged ?????????

having laid before the trustees the desirability of havind a branch line to the harbour from the Manchester ang Milford Railway, and inquired whether they would afford any pecuniary aid to such an object. Resolved, That ih the event of Mr Taylor completing such a line, H,p sum of 1200 be given on the completion of the same. And on the condition that the trustees have every power over the line for the purpose of the cartage of all materials for the maintenance, and repair of the pier, and all Works connected with the harbour." Resolved, that a committee consisting of Messrs Parry, T. Jones L. L. Pugh, H. E. Taylor, J. Davies, and F. R. Roberts be formed for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken with regard to the construction of a siding, leading from the Henblas quarry to the present line, and that they inspect the quarry, and report thereon at the next meeting, and that they put them- selves in communication with the respective owners, of Henblas quarry, and Ty'nygraig, and also Ystrad- meurig quarry." Resolved, "That the meeting be ad- journed to the 4th of March."