Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

:UiJ; -=-C'iir I THE INDEPENOfc^CE OP THE BEXCH. BARON BRAMWEI.L has been taken to task severely for having told a Welsh jury "a bit of his mind." The fact was, that the jury acquitted a prisoner charged with em- bezzlement, in defiauce of the most conclusive proor,3, which could have left no doubt whatever in auy hearer. Was it an honest acquittal, through ignorance, or was there a motive for it ? The j'ldge could not. charge them with ignorance, and naturally sought for the motive. It was suggested that a Welsh jury is very "ikational" in its sympathies, and sometimes will not convict a Welshman of an ulTence committed against an Englishman. The judge accordingly told the jury that they had not done their duty, and the prosecutor that he should take warn- ing, and not tiuit his property where juries will give him no protiction. This is the substance of the offence. It is to be observed that none of tha assailants of judge ven- ture to assert that the acquittal was an honest oue they admit that the verdict was against evident, and only deny the allescdcacse of it, which, they say, wis not sym- pathy for a Welshman who had robbed an Englishman, but certain sectarian sympathies for a brother dissenter, growing out of some local squibblea. We suspect this latter to be the true cause, for neither clanship uor anti- pathy has been found in practice to iinpede the general course of justice in the principality. This must have been an exceptional case. But surely the Judge could not see a verdict given from manifestly improper motives, in the face of the most con- elusive and unshaken proof, without rebuking the ju ry for a violation of their du y. They had solemnly sworn "truly to try, and a true verdict to give according to the evi- dence;" and if a false verdict were permitted to pass with- out, the consequences to the public might be very serious. It is said, by the democratic newspapers, that juries have a right to return what verdicts they please, and that judges have no right to censure them. But juries are not irre- sponsible misconduct on their part may be properly rebuked by those who witness or by those who read of it and the Judge shares this right with the rest-of the public with the added advantage of better knowledge of the inci- dents. The Home Seoretary reminded the House of com- mons that the conduct of judges should not be subjected to unnecessary criticism by the authorities, as it would des- troy their independence and the objection applies equally to the growing tendency of criticism by the Press. All men have not the moral courage of Baron Bramwell; and if every act of R judge iq to he the subject of leading ar- ticles, spiced for the palates of the multitude, sLJmejude, more sensitive, shrinking from such assaults, may be guid- ed too much by fear of offence and dre id of unpopularity. It was perhaps, going a little too far to warn Englishmen against Welsh juries but it was not exceeding the bounds of duty to rebuke a jury for the wrong doing—the Judge would have neglected his duty had he not done so. There is another moral of this incident which it would be as well to suggest. Of late there has been a marked tendency in juries to forget the obligation of their oaths and to permit their verdicts to be influenced by motives foreign to the question of guilt or innocence. Memorable instances were the acquitals of Bernard and Guernsey. The democratic press has, not untruly, claimed for itself the credit of having brought about those verdicts by its exhortations and encouragements to the juries to violate their oath. Success in those cases has emboldened to a repetition of the process. We have seeu the like efforts made by the same journals to induce juries to say that a giirickceper may be murdered with impunity by the thief who come; to steal the property the keeper was appointed to protect. From the same quarter comes now the outcry against the juJge for rebuking a jury that wrongfully ac- quitted a man because of some sectarian connection with him. This is but the beginning of the system prevalent in America, of which we sometime ago presented to our readers so startling an instance, where a judge told the jury that if "the people" approved the murder for which he was to be tried, their most prudent course would be to throw out the bill, because Vox populi vox IJet." We shall come to that if the practice is not nipped in the bud, and we may not be so far from it as our national self-sm- ficiency may make us willing to believe.— The Law Times

LOVE, JEALOUSY, AND ATTEMPTED MURDER.—The Court of Assizes of Ardonnes a few days ago tried a peasait named Haguettc, of Flize, for an attempt at murder. Twelve years back, when he was only 17 years of age, he paid remarkablo attention to a little girl named Lebas, then only twelve years old, daughter of a farmor of the village, and as they both grew older, he be- gan to regard her as his future wife. For sometime, the girl's parents made no objection to his visiting her, but when, some months back, he began to talk of mar- riage, they resolved to break off with him, because he was idle, and because, also, the girl being destined to come into possession of some property, they thought that she might aspire to a person in a better station in EO- ciety. The girl herself, though she had readily received the young man's addresses, consented without difficulty to reject him. Deing much attached to the girl, he was plunged into despair at thi3 decision, and constantly way- laid her for the purpose of supiicating her to accept him as her lover but she always refused. He made repeat- ed threats of vengeance against her and her familv, but they were not regarded. At length, on the Gch of March last, a gendarme of the neighbouring village, whom the parents had se!ectod as the girl's husband, pai l her a visit; and whilst he wa3 in the house, Haguette, in a state of great agitation, flung open the window and cried out, You shall regret t us." The next day, the girl ascended to a hayloft to take some hay for the oxen the prisoner followed her unobserved into the hayloft, ear- rying with him a double-barrelled gun, and suddeniy i clasping her round the waist he implored her to fly with him. She refused; he repeated his prayer, and intima- tsd that if she did not comply with it he would kill her. The girl, however, broke fnm him, and he fired the gun at her twice, but without hitting her. Tha girl's mo- ther, however, who at the moment happened to enter the hayloft, was slightly wounded in the hand by some slugs from the sjcond discharge. The man took to flight but was afterwards captured. In his defence all that he could say was that he was maddened by love and jeal- ousy. Tha jury declare 1 him guilty, with extenuatincr circumstances, and the court sentenced him to seven years hard labour. THE WATERLOO-BRIDGE MYSTERY.—The Waterloo- bridge mystery, which so long ago died a natural death, has been resuscitated at Plaistow amid the greatest ex: citement; although the matter is in the hands of the po- lice, it is not regarded with any degree of interest by that body. Of tw,j things there is not the slightest doubt —1st. That a woman has made a confession, and 2nd. That she points out a person, by whom, she alleges, she was employed. As nearly as can he gathered, the fol- lowing are the only reliable circumstances :-For some years past an old Irish woman has sold fruit in and about Plaistow and the neighbourhood of the Barking- road. Latterly she had a fruit stall on the Iron-bridge, crossing the Creek, and still more lately, in consequence of a hail with the toll-keeper, she had one at the foot of the Barking-road railway station bridge. This woman was known as "Old Biddy." and it is by her and through her that the Waterloo-bridge mystery has been revived. A day or two since she was taken seriously ill, and a person was employed to nurse her at her house, in the Lower Marsh Plaistow. On Saturday she became very much worse and said she could not rest until she had made a confession. A priest was sent for and upon his arrival the nurse was desired to quit the room. This she did but actuated by womanly curiosity applied her car to the key-hole, and was there caught by the holy father. However, she hoard sufficient to warrant her in apply- ing to the police, and two constables visited Old Bid- dy." This woman says, that upon the night of the mys- terious occurrence, she was employed by two men to carry the carpet bag, which she describes minutely, and she herself launched it from Waterloo-bridge, and re- ceived for doing so two sovereigns. She even mentions the names of those men, and says that one is since dead. As in the present stage of the affair it would he extre. mely injudicious to give them, these names are with- held, though known to our informant. The general opin- ion is that the matter should be strictly investigated, and the person accused should be faced with the accuser. One fact may be added, that this Old Biddy" is not unlike the vague description given of the bridge visitor by the toll-keeper-shc having a mole (peculiar) on her face, and generally answering the description. She has been visited by two physicians. The police are engaged making enquiries and it ia mooted that the Waterloo- bridge toll-keeper will be taken to see Old Biddy. Sun. A SLIGHT GEOGRAPHICAL MISTAKE.—A vessel be- longing to a party on the West Coast was on a South American voyage when the master died. The mate then took the command, and cruised about, the only intelli- gence which the owner received of his eccentric move- ments being in the shape of bills drawn upon him at various ports for disbursements, but which were not ac- cepted. One day the owner called on a friend, with a countenance decked with smiles, and said, I have got the fellow now !—here is a letter from him, dated Islay, and I'll be off there in the first steamer, and pack him about his business." He departed with a joyful visage, and revolving schemes of vengeance, but in a short time returned, quite chapfallen. He had discovered that the Islay in question was in Peru MAZZINI ON SLAVERY.—The following letter from Mazzini, says the New York Tribunes was received a few days ago by the principal of a private school in the vicinity of this city" London, March 21, 1859. « Dear Sir,—I beg to apologise for being so late in ac- knowledging the receipt of 112 dols. 9 c. subscribed by you aud others at the end of the lectures delivered at your institution by my friend lime. Jesse White Marie to- wards our Italian school, &c. I am very much pleased at my honoured friend's first success and response to her efforts in the United States, coming from Young Italy looks for sympathy and support in her approaching struggle, and my thanks are the thanks of all the mem- bers, both teachers and pupils, of our Italian school. We are fighting the same sacred battle for Freedom and the emancipation of the oppressed -YOII, sir, against ne- groe, and wo against white slavery. The cause is truly identical; for, depend upon it, the day in which we shall succeed in binding in one freely accepted compact twenty-six millions of Italians, we shall give, what we cannot now, an active support to tho cause you pursue. We are both servants of the God who igays before Me there is no Master, no Slave, no Man, no Woman, but only human nature, which must be everywhere respon- sible, therefore free. May God bleaa your efforts and ours. May the day soon arise in which the word bondage will disappear from our living languages, and only point out a historical record. And, meanwhile, let the knowledge that we, all combatants under the same flag, through time and space, commune in love and faith, strengthen one another against the the unavoidable suffering which we must meet on the way, Believe me, my dear Sir, yery gratefully yours.—JOSEPH MAZZINI. Carl Formes, the German basso, after a very successful career in in the United States, is about to return to this country,

I DISTRICT NEWS. I -? t ADWY'R CLAWDD EISTEDDFOD. This Eisteddfvd, which is held annually under the pa- of W. Low, Esq, Llofft-wen, took place on Good Friday. The weather being all that was desirable, there was no difficulty in collecting together large audience4. The first moating, which was held at Salem Chapel, Coedpoeth, commenced at one o'clock at noon, but long before that time the chapel was densely crowded by a respectable audience. The chair was occupied by Mr. I Low, who opened the proceedings of the day and spoke to the following eSect: — Respected Friends,—To see so many of you met to- gether at this our annual local Eisteddfod is a proof of the continued interest taken by you in the proceedings ex- pected to take place this day. I fully hope that the reo suits will be such as to stimulate each and all of you to take a still more active part in the assoeiation. and thus encourage the committpe, who make the necessary ar- rangements for the holding of these meetings, to improve and expand the objects, which it is desired shaull be at- tained, by the holding of these annual assemblings. I believe I speak the sentiments of the committee when I state that they have a desire to i-nititc or put this Etiseddfod on nn equality with the great Welsh national Eisteddfods held annually in different part. of the Principality. As our schools in general prepares the young man for entering at once the active pursuits of public life, or prepares him, if he has higher aim, for entering our learned Universities,—so this, and such-like local Eisteddfods, is the school for young poetic talent, whereby a successful competitor is eucouiagevl to appear before the general public and to come forward and com- pete with eminent bards, his country well knew, at the great national gathering (cheers) but as well as el- couragement to poetic talent, this meeting has other ob- jects, viz., whatever can be considered ent >rtuining, useful, and beneficial to the working community uf this district and neighbourhood. This Eisteddfod may, in truth, be termed a working man's useful and entertaining knowledge association—carried out by competing for essays and poems, upon subjects having a practical ten- dency. to benefit the social, the home condition of the working man. This association is yet in its inrlllcy-it is but a few years since it was first commenced in this locality; friends must, therefore, please to bear this in mind when criticising our day's work. I hope year by year each meeting will improve, and I trust this one will be an improvement 011 those that are passed. How feeble, to make the comparison, in body and mind is man in infancy—how strong in body when in the full vigour of health. How noble is man with a well cultivated and intellectual mind In the course of next month a similar meeting to this is proposed to be held in tho town of Wrexham. I believe the idea of holding an Eisteddfod there suggested itself from the continued an- nual success that ours has hitherto attained; whether this is so or not, I have no doubt but that the promoters of the Wrexham Eisteddfod • fully believe and are con- fident that good results will spring from their meeting. Let us, therefore, wish well to them. If we consider ours beneficial to this locality, we cannot but rejoice when we hear of others being started having the same objects as ours in view. Healthy competition is of great benefit; I would, therefore, warn the leaders of this dis- trict not to be found behindhand let them not be out- stripped in the onward progress of the age by their more active neighbours. As the Adwy and Coedpoeth have been first as regards time in these associations, let them keep ahead and show an example worthy for the neigh- bourhood to follow (cheers.) And whilst calling upon the committee in particular not to be found sleeping in the duties they hud undertaken, I may be allowed in all kindness to say a few words upon what I think has been a mistake committed by them in arranging the proceed- ings for this year's meeting, and if it is so, by having it pointed out to them they will be enabled to keep clear of it another time. If we are really desirous to extend and fully promote tbe benefits attainable by these Eisteddfods, all our energies, all our financial resources, are required for this particular purpose, and if we have any money to spare after paying for the different prizes to be competed for, I think one of the most important objects it could be expended iu would be to increase the library for the use of the people in the district, so as to encourage in them a taste for reading by selecting such works as will be both interesting and instructive. To detail the benefits that might be derived from a large, well selected, and continuously increasing library, would require much longer time than can be spared from the proper business of to-day. Now, to obtain any funds for such a purpose, requires not only all the energies of each individual member of the committee, but of all friends of the cause, and I am not afraid that the efforts made by all, that we shall fall short of obtaining the amount of money necessary to offer as prizes, so as to make the association of that really beneficial character which we are all most desirous it should be. I find on referring to the programme of the day's proceedings that 19 prices have been offered for competition 6 prizes for essays; o for poems 4 for competition in singing; 2 reading and two prizes for competition in handicraft. Three of the essays I am sorry to say have not been competed for, two of these were to have been adjudica- ted upon at this forenoon meeting, the other at the even- ing meeting. My opinion of the reasons why those es- says have not been competed for I shall give when I have the pleasure of addressing you at the evening meeting. Certain changes have been made this year in competing for reading, viz., the reading is confined to lads under 15 years of age, and to girls undar 12 for the first time a certain work of handicraft has been offere), and I understand will be presented for co mpetition. Two of the prizes are restricted to tho competition of the ladies. (Loud cheers.) After an aathem by the choir, a reading competition took place among girls, to tho best of whom a prize was given. A prize of 5s. for singing a duett was then contested for. While the adjudicators were occupied in discussing the merits and demerits of the singers, Mr, Edward Davies, (1.)10 Trefaldwyn) read his adjudication on the Stanzas to the letter-carrier." Six composi- tions had come to hand, among which was one to the letter-carrier of the district—Mr. Gomer Jones—and composed sometimes every other stanza, and sometimes every other couplet of lines, in English and Welsh, and if we could rightly judge from the specimens read, the author must be imitating the interludes of Twm o'r Nant, or Jack Glan y gors. The first prize was awarded to 44 Rowland Hill," who proved to be Mr. Lewis Jones, (Rhuddenfab) of this towrr; and the second prize to Mr. William Jones, Wern; who answered to the fictitious name of "Rhys Grychog," and were decorated with 4* red and blue," in complimentary terms by the chair- man. Mr. William Edwards, (Gwilym Gwynedd) who together with the Rev. S. Evans, Llandegla, acted a3 adjudicator of the singing then gave his critical obser- vations on the singing of the duett, anc1 briefly dwelt on the difficulties singers were exposed to, and had to con- tend in selecting pieces for such an occasion. He gave credit not only for the good taste evinced in the select- ions of the piece, but also for the able manner in which it was sung to Messrs. S. Roberts and R. Evans. The Rev. W. Lloyd then read his adjudication. on "the ad- vantages of hand-writing," Three only had come to hand—the best being E. Z." Mr. Ellis, schoolmaster, libosllauerchrugog, responded to the call of E. Z. and received the prize. The next contest was rather a severe one, when about six contended for an award for singing an English song; owing to a misunderstanding between the adj udicators, Mr S. Roberts, Brymbo, and Mr Jones, organist of the Brymbo church, again sang their respec- tive pieces—viz The mother's farewell to her child," and the Slave Ship," both of which pieces were well performed, and the prize was divided between them. It was then announced that in the evening, a gentleman present in the afternoon, would award two prizes, one Confined to those above 15 years of age, and the other confined to boys under 15 years of age—on the best stanzas on "temperance and the sabbath school." Mr. J. Williams, (Glanmor) then addressed the meeting, and dwelt on the amusements of the Romans, which consist- ed mainly of beast-fighting, and the state of civilization among them then contrasted with it the state of the civilization of the Grecians, among whom prevailed the more manly recreation of foot-racc ar.d other Olympic games. He then animadverted on the fact that the great hobby of the Welsh had been poetry, literature, and music, and all knew the happy effects it had produced, when the morality and civilization of the Principality would bear comparison with that of any count!y, and concluded with an englyn to the chairman, which ter- minated tho first meeting. At four o'clock, tea was on the table at Adwy chapel, whither thronged the weary and the thirsty, and ample justice was done to the pre- parations there made, the whole of this affair passing off with great satisfaction. At six o CIOCK tne cnair was again taken by Mr. Low, who spoke on the subjects which had been already an- nounced to be competed for, and especially the two es- says on the mineral resources of the neighbourhood, and expressed his surprise that no one had taken the subject in hand. He accounted for this by the fact that they were to be written in English, and confined to the work- ing classes; however he was glad the subjects would be open again for competition though their meetings were chiefly composed of working men, from what he knew of the colliers of this district, there was no want of abil- ity on their part to write upon the subjects, if it were so presented to them as to encourage them to do so. The successful working of collieries depended as much on the men as it did on the masters, and what would be remun- eration to the one would be to the other. (cheers.) He had in a previous meeting mentioned the desirability of forming an institution for developing the resources of this neighbourhood, and imparting to the inhabitants scientific instruction based on principles that would greatly facilitate their self-improvement, and qualify them as scientific workmen. The thing was then taken up with spirit, and 400 shares taken with a prom- ise of 200 more, he hoped t'at the thing would not be left alone to die, but carried on with energy, and it would be found to be of great benefit, not only to the recipients of of this instruction, but by their practical working out of the same, confer a boon on the whole district, and per- haps on the nation at large. He then expatiated on the advantages of people's colleges. In referring to the elegies for which awards would be given, he paid a high compliment to the memory of the departed, and said their names would be honourably handed down to posterity by one of their country's bards, (loud cheers.) The first contest in the evening's meeting was the recital of Hiraethog's Battle of Trefalgar when nine competitors came forward an anthem by the choir was next given to enable the adjudicators time to con- sult the reading, when Mr Williams (Glanmor) after some valuable hints on reading, declared John Davies, son to lolo Trefaldwyn the best. The chairman in giving the prize, addressed the boys in encouraging terms, that their success in life depended upon their own unswerving exertions. The Rev. W. Lloyd was next called upon to read Hwfa Mon's adjudication on the I elegy to the late Mr. Robert Jones, who met his death ) by an accident in the Brymbo colliery. The adjudica- i tiou contained valuable suggestions to those engaged in verse composition, together with a sketch of what an elegy should be. Four compositions bad come to hand. The merits and demerits were depicted, hut Ecinivg- yddaddfwynder" and Al ab Gofid" were equal, the prize was therefore divided between Af r. Lewis Jones, Wrexham, and Mr. Edward Davies, Adwy. The chair- man then announced that the next priz j would be given for the "making, washing, ironing, and folding of a fine shir' and made several quaint observations oa the subject of the prize. Mr. E. Davies, who spoke for the lady adjudicators, said as the shirt was the only one there could be no competition. It was not without faults either, but as an encouragement to the jindustry of the maker, the priza was divided, and the shirt returned. The maker was Emma Evans, domestic at the Rev. J. Davies, Adwy. An English duet was next sung, the Rev. S Evans, Llandegla, awarded the prizo-.to Messrs. Thomas Jones, and John Lloyd. Mr. E. Davids, read his adjudication on the stanza to the back-biter." Coel Coedebog" was the best, but did not answer to his name. The Rev. W. Lloyd read his adjudication on the essay modesty," confined to the fair sex. Three compositions had come to hand, signed Fanny, My- fanny, and Frances. The last two being equal, the prize was divided, Miss Elizabeth Edwards, being Frances," and Miss Margaret Roberts, Henllan, being Myfanwy," The prizes which were announced iu the afternoon, which were the gift of Mr. Pierce Wrexham, where then awarded to Milton," Mr. John Edwards, Coedpoeth, and Baeligen dan 15 oed who did not answer to his name A long and fatiguing contest took place between nine singers of a Welsh song and at the suggestion of the adjudicators two ru-sang their pieces' wlliuli was as good as eleven,ill for 2s 6d. Among the various songs sang were .1 Morta Rhudllan" Hen Fibl mawr fy Slam," &e. &c. Mr. Scth Roberts was declared to be the best, to whom the prize was given. A voice [from one who lost]—" A great pity the prize was not 15, and the adjudicators a little more compet- ent," which was soon put down by cries of chair 44 order and hisses." Hwfa Mon's adjudication on the elegy to the late Mr. Chaloner, Wern,—two compositions had come to hand, the successful competitor being Gwernydd," who prov- ed to be Mr. Lewis Jones, Wrexham. The best speci- men of the Lord's Prayer in Caligraphy," written by boys, was the next subject brought forward, when Mr. Evans, Minera cottage, read a very instructive adjudica- tion on the five specimens sent in, and the prize was given to John Davies. lolo Trefaldwyn next read his adjudication on the poems come to hand on The Garden of Gethsemane." Twenty nine poems on the subject had come to hand, of which Ifor's," was the best, who was represented by Mr. Evans, Minera cot- tage, Ifur being Mr. N. Jones, (Cynhafal) Holywell. On the motion of the Rev. W. Lloyd, seconded by Mr. Evans, a vote of thanks to the chairman for his very able conduct in presiding over the proceedings of the day was given. and received amidst great applause when Mr. Williams, (Glanmor) read the following eng- lynion to the worthy gentleman. Mor rheidiol a maer i'r Adwy—yw Low, A'i law o gynorthwy ™^ Nid ydyw yu gredadwy   un maer rowy. Y bu yn Nghaer un maer mw y Mewn ?noes y mae 'n anhawdd-dethol Neb doethach ei 'madrawdd Mac 'n glaiu o w-irth Mwnglawdd, Ydy,v er clod Auwy 'r ClawJd. The chairman appropriately responded, and expressed a hope to meet them that day twelve months. An ex- pression of thanks to the choir, and an anthem by them terminated the proceedings. HOLT. I BAPTIST CHAPEL.-For some time past the cause in this place had been in a drooping condition. Once a flourishing interest existed there. Through various ad- verse causes a time of declension blighted it. The con- gregation decreased to an average of six, the Sunday School was broken up, the members were scattered and become careless in short, there was every prospect of the neat chapel being entirely deserted. In October last, Mr A-shworth, late of Bury Lane, accepted an in- vitation to the pastorate of the Baptist Chapel, Chester- street, Wrexham. He finding the cause at Holt de- pressed and neglected determined to adopt means for its restoration. Regular sermons were instituted, and after a time a Sunday School was soon re-formed which now numbers forty attendants, things in general soon as. sumed a more pleasing aspect. Old friends returned and rallied round the rising cause. To concentrate the interest taken in its prosperity a tea meeting was determined to be held. This came off on Good Friday. The day was most favourable for the occasion, and some thirty friends from Wrexham rode down to Holt where they spent a happy time on the winding banks of the Dce or in boats on its smooth waters. About 150 par- took in the evening of a delicious tea provided by Mr Rideout, of Wrexham. The tables having been removed preparations were made for a public meeting, Mr Wool- lam, of Farndon, was called to the chair. Addresses of a highly interesting, instructive, and practical character were delivered by Mr Ede, Bersham; Rev. J. G. Short, the Rev. Mr. Ashworth, Wrexham and by Mr Edwards, (Xew Connection.) Alter a vote of thanks to the chair- man and to the friends who had provided and made the tea, the meeting broke up, every one appearing much pleased--many regretting that Good Friday did not come oftener than once a year. OSWESTRY. WELSH INDEPENDENTS.—On Sunday last, the ser- vices in connection with the anniversary of the Welsh Independent Chapel, were held in this town. The Pri- mitive Methodist Chapel, was kindly lent for the occa- sion, as it was conjectured, and that rightly, that the Welsh Independent chapel would not be large enough to to hold the congregatiol1 that would assemble. The ministers present on the occasion, and that took part in the services were-The Rev. T. E. Evans, Rlios; the Rev. D. Roberts, Carnarvon; and the Rev. W. Roberts, Penybont-fawr In the afternoon, a sermon in Eng- lish was preached in the Old Chapel by the Rev Mr Evans, of Rhos. The collections made amounted to up- wards of zCG CHURCHWARDENS.—On Monday last a vestry meeting was held in the parish church in this town for the pur- pose of appointing church wardens for the ensuing year. The wardens for the past year had given the greatest satisfaction in the performance of their duty, and at the present time are carrying out some desirable and neces- sary improvements in the church, and they have there- fore been very wisely and properly re-appointed. The appointments for the ensuing year arc as follows:- Yicar'3 warden for the town, Mr George Lewis, sta- tioner, and for the pariah Mr A. Peate, each fur the third time. Peoples' warden for the town Mr Maurice Roberts, draper; for the parish, Mr John Clarke,—each for the second time. For Trinity Church, Mr W. Mor- ris, builder, was re-appointed, and Mr George Lewis, stationer, was also chosen. ST. ASAPH. DEADLY CONFLICT BETWEEN A DOG AND AN OTTER. —A few days ago, one of the stone-cutters engaged at the Bodelwiddan Church, near St Asaph, was taking a walk in some fields, belonging to Tyddyn Issa farm, ac- companied by a dog, of the cross-bred Terrier breed. The dog was hunting along a small rivulet, which ran at the bottom of a field,. when a large male otter made his appearance, running along the course of the brook. The man was frightened, never having seen such an animal before; but the dog immediately attacked him, when a fierce battle ensued, the otter dragging the dog to a small pool, about three or four feet deep, evidently with the intention of drowning him. The man pre- vented this by laying hold of the dog, and dragged them both out fastened together when again on terra firma, they fought desperately for half an hour, mutually se- parating to draw breath; then the otter took advantage of this pause, and made for the brook again. The dog by this time was dreadfully lacerated—his nsse and lips cut through and otherwise bruised. The man perceiv- ing this, took up a hego stake, and gave the otter a finishing blow on the head. Ille dog then went at him again, the man occasionally assisting with his stick, and between them both the otter was killed, after an hour's hard fighting. It was a formidable looking animal, and measured from the nose to the tail, 4 feet 10 inches, 24 in girth and 25 in length. The skin has been stuffed by Air Henry Robertson, St. Asapb, and has attracted hosts of tho curious to see it. The writer has seen many otters, both at home and abroad, but never yet met with a finer. At this season of the year they ramble about a good deal in search of mates, and this accounts for his appearance in the vicinity. EYTOX. PIGEON* SHOOTING MATCH.—This match came off at Mr Smith's, the Fox and Hounds Inn, Eyton, on Sa. turday last. The parties were Mr T. Samuels, of Wrex- ham, and Mr Brookfield, a gentleman from Manchester. It was for XG a side. There was a pretty good muster on the ground. Before the time fixed for the match ar- ri ved, several first-rate games of quoits were played, in which a good deal of skill was displayed. A very ex- cellent dinner was also prepared by the worthy host and hostess, to which a goodly number sat down, prepara- tory to their going to the trap. This was placed in the centre of a field adjoining the Inn. Owing to a disap- pointment which was not known until too late to be remedied, the number of old pigeons was rather scant, and it was agreed that each party should have five. Mr Samuels won the first toss, but failed in bringing down his bird. Mr Brookfield then tried his luck, but unfor- tunately his gun missed fire, He claimed the right of having another pigeon, (paying for it himself) but this being objected to as contrary to the rules, it was resolved that the match should begin again. Each party then went to work in good earnest, but only killed two birds out of the five shots thus making the scores equal. Four more birds were then produced, the whole of which were knocked over, when it was decided to divide the stakes—eight birds being killed out of the fourteen shot at. After this there was a sweepstakes for which eight competitors entered but the birds being young ones it was found almost impossible to get some of them on the wing which had the effect of considerably marring the sport. Whilst the stakes were being shot for, a number of foot races took place, some of which caused a good deal of amusement. We may add that everything was carried out with good feeling and order. Another match is likely to take place soon, the particulars of which will shortly be made public. I GWERSYLLT. VESTRY MEETING.—The annual vestry for this parish was held on Easter Monday, when there was a full and very respectable attendance, comprising nearly all tLe principal ratepayers, the Rev. J. Jones in the chair. Mr. Penson, of Summer-hill, and Mr, W. B. Kewley, were appointed churchwardens for the present year, and a church-rate of three half-pence in the pound was granted unanimously. A long discussion was held in relation to tho highways, and ultimately it was resolved to am- algamate with several other adjoining parishes and town- l ships, and to appoint a surveyor for the whole of them.

I CO •: ••irONDB r- I LOCAL GOSSIP. I To the Editor of the Denbighshire Advertiser. Sir, —I alway s read with very great delight your weekly report of the proceedings' of the Board of Guard- ians, particularly since Captain M'Coy has taken to put the medical gentlemen through their f-icings. The many smart assaults the Captain has already made upon the too co-nmon practice of visiting their patients by proxy, have alrc "ty won for him not a few supporters, as we see by th. fact of his being returned for three townships, and should his popularity thus go on increasing wo must net he surprised to find him returned f.)r cv"ry township in the Union—Ruabon and all. People in all grades of society when they have a little business to perform al- ways like to transact it with the principal and not with the subs, and I dare say the paupers in the Workhouse feel better satisfied when they are visited by the medical officer himself than by his assistants. But the best ser- v.ee perf )rmed by CAptain M'Coy has been in the vac- cination department, and rooting out the propensities whieh some of the medical officers have shown for visit- ing their patients after they had taken their departure to another world, and reporting them to be better." The Captain is a great advocate for vaccination, but he ob- jects most strenuously on economical grounds, I pre. sume, to the thing being done twice. I am told that they are working our Town Councillors so hard that many ot them are ready to accept the Chil- tern Hundreds, if such a privilege were only associated with the Municipal Act. What with the innumerable commit'ees, and now the Local Government Board, our representatives in the town council have heavier duties to perfom than our representatives in parliament. There have certainly been no deaths yet in the municipal body corporate; but I believe twenty-five per cent, are com- monly found on the sick list. We iniy yet live to see the offies going a begging. It is rumoured that we are to have another deputation to the Town Council. What the particular grievance is I have not learnt, but I am credibly informed that they will have some nuts to crack that will give them more trouble than the half dozen bags given them on a former occasion by Mr. Davenport. I see there is a Sergeant Major Jervice going to at- tend Mr. Lewis's vaults f jr the purpose of teaching the A 1 troop of the Denbighshire Yeomanry the new sword exercise. There has been a good deal of speculation as to whether the gallant Yeomanry are to take their hor- ses down to the vaults, but I believe it is usual with the Denbighshire Yeomanry to practice the sword exercise on foot only. Many of the corps are anxious to know what can be the meaning of this new sword exercise, and whether the acquiring of it has been rendered neces- sary by the prospect of a European war. Many of the corps are solicitous to know whether they are to take sides with the Austrians or the Sardinians. Earl Derby by declaring that we ought to be prepared to take either sides according to circumstances, has thrown our war politics into such inextricable confusion that it is no wonder the Denbighshire Yeomanry should be a little perplexed. For myself, I am for England being neutral —but I am afraid this new sword exercise means mis- chief. Something was said at the dinner which took place at the Feathers lrln, on the first of March last, about set- ting up a water fountain in some suitable corner of the town to be called St. David's fountain." I am aware that gentlemen in after dinner speeches often indulge in airy nothings. Still, I think there is feasability in the idea of a fountain for the old town, and I should be very glad to subscribe my mite towards so desirable an object. The summer is now at hand, and if it be done at all it were better that it should be done quickly. FRANK FLIPPERTY. WREXHAM EISTEDDFOD. To the Editor of the Denbighshire Advertiser. Sir,—I had been told that the Welsh harp was the national instrument of Wales, but on looking over the programme of this so-called Eisteddfod I find it careful- ly excluded. What are these people driving at ? Are they ashamed of themselves as Welshmen ? Or is it their WiSl to turn apes of some other nation ori ape is an unsatisfactory animal at best. I have no great ob- jection to the monkey in its natural form, but it becomes simply ridiculous when dressed like a man. Nothing can be correct or beautiful unless it is true to nature. Trim your box-tree into a "Cockeril" and you spcil a bush without making a fowl. Transform a Welshman into an Englishman if you can. The inevitable produce will be an ape. What is all this attempt to improve upon na- ture ? I had thought the days of retouching God's works" had gone by. When a lad, I remember an ancient lady who used to ride weekly to market on an old mare which had been "improved upon" by having had her ears cropped like a terrier,—her mane clipped short, so as to stand-on-end like the prickles of a perch in a rage-while the tail which had been docked and shaved stool out like a bar- ber's pole. Now, I never admired the mare, and for this reason, because she was not natural. Though her cars were cropped, she was not a terrier—the ridge on her neck did not make her a perch—while the pole behind did not make her a barber, after all. A good looking mare was spoiled, and no other advantage obtained in ex- change. Now, it appears to ma that the Wrexham peo- S pie wish to reform the old Welsh Eisteddfod in pretty much this sam3 way. They dock off the Gorsedd, clip away the vestments, shave the harp, and after sticking up a pole behind, with a religious advertisement on, complacently oxclaim Don't she look nice and natural?" Very, say 1. But what is she ? Certainly not a We h Eisteddfod. Instead of the Welsh harp we are to have a Grand contest of choirs on Handel's beautiful and sublime Hallelujah chorus." What has Handel to d;) with an exhibition of national genius I should like to know ? It is fine music no d iiibt, and can be heard any day in England for a shilling, properly performed. Are people, after coming all the way down to Wrexham, to hear nothing except what they can hear better and cheaper at home ? Give us something," they will say, "that is peculiar to Wales and cannot be got elsewhere. La. ùlachc cannot sing "Y Gadly's" —Mario cannot accomplish "Y Gwenith Gwyn," -J enny Liud, herself, cannot give us"Yr Aderyn pur." Handel is finer no doubt than those simple airs, but never mind that, we can hear Han- del at home—give us some of your native melodies. We want to hear how you Welsh people sing your own Welsh airs. If we went to Germany we would not want to see how well Germans could ape Welsh people; and w hen we come to Wales we want to see you as God made you, and rot to witness your attempts at aping the manners, or murdering the productions of other nations. 1 Tho reason why Englishmen were so plea3ed with the meeting at Llangollen was that it was what it professed to be—a real, natural, Welsh. Eisteddfod. Yours truly, DLAT LOL. RHOSLLANERCIIRUGOG COLLIERIES. To the Editor of the Denbighshire Advertiser Sir,— We read in your paper of Saturday last a letter signed by R. Cadwaladr," the manager of the Brandy Colliery. Our general character as laid down by him is everything but fair. Hjwever, tha pudding must be tasted before it can be eaten, and pronounced good or bad, and this being the case, we shrill leave our charac ter in other hands than those of Mr. It. Cadwaladr. This individual has the face to say that ho offered us every- thing that is fair, and that the evil lies with us. But this is not the case, and we are determined not to be duped by fair promises as we were some time ago. As to the rake and basket" being used in the other pits in the district, we do not deny it. We have to say that we are as ready to use the rake and basket as any one else, only let us have the sama plan of working as they have, and not in stalls" of some five or six yards wide. We offered Mr. R. Cadwaladr to work No- G and use the rake and basket should he allow us work it in what we call long work," and not in that foolish way called "stalls." Our coal is too thin to be worked in that way. Again, he asserts that we aro to use the rake and basket owing: to our sending up some 20 tJllS of dirt weekly. Well, Sir, this dirt is nothing more nor less than that fine slack which covers some roods of good land about the work. This slack is sold to us as house coal, and is also burnt by the company and made into beautiful coke. So much Mr. Editor for the dirt Mr. Cadwaladr knows well that the poor colliers of this dis- trict were having their house coal gratis, but since his coming they are charged half l-rice. and now what hc calls dirt" is sold to the poor collier for house coal!! He wants the people of this district to believe that we earned last year 4s. a day (upon an average of course) the salary of all the staff to be adlcl up to make the wages of the poor collier. But let us go to the test of this assertion, and let justice proclaim its "yes" or "no." We get for the cutting of a ton of coal 2a. 3d., and a man cannot get out more, as the work is going on at present, than two tons a day from the pit. Fur this price we must find our own candles and powder and con- sequently the 43. is above the mark, and to prove this statement we are ready to produce our 44 paying bills" against Mr. Cadwaladr's account books, and by them we are ready to stand or fall. Mr. Cadwaladr speaks of turning the fines into charities-a nice way of dealing with the matter; but, however, instead ot being too hasty, we canvassed the Rhos to find out the fines turned into charities," and alas 1 we found out one in- stance, if instance at all. A man, with a wife and three children, got hurt some time ago and after playing" 25 weeks he received out of the charities (?) 2 pints of milk and 2 small dishes of pudding Lastly, Mr. Editor, you are not to hide us under the ballot any more because if you do the screw cannot be upon us, therefore, in the name and for our fellow workmen we subscribe ourselves, yours respectfully, WILLIAM CALLE, Rhos, April 26, 1859. ABKAHAM FEANCIS. "THE WREXEAM VOLUNTEERS." To the Editor of the Denbighshire Advertiser. Sir,Now that foreign despots are up ill aiins, res- trained by no principle, honour, or justice, it behoves us (although loving peace as we all in England do) to pre- pare ourselves against possible, indeed probable ag- gression. Ultimately, it will be next to impossible for this country to avoid collision with some or other or the foreign, arbitrary and belligerent powers. Either abroad or at home we feel the shock of war, perhaps both. It is high time that the men of the middle classes of this country should be instructed in the use of arms and in all military movements and operations. The militia for the most part consists of the labouring population and is well represented by honest, stalwart, agriculturists. The young men of our towns following trades and professions ought now to come out as volunteers, and prepare them- selves under the proper authorities and instructors for the efficient performance of military duty. In fact, whether in a state of war or peace, every young man should be taught, as a part of his necessary training, how to de- fend himself, and in conjunction with his, countrymen, the land of hia birth. Who is to organize the Wrexham V oluntecrs ? PAX.

I MARKETS. I WREXHAM MARKET.—THURSDATJ I ■ M <.<Y. *.CL Wheat White 73—76 ?ed Wheat 7 0 — 7 a Malting Bailey. < 9 5 0 Oats. 3 4 3 8 Potatoes (per measure) 1 6 a 0 Flukes 3 0 S 3 Butter 1 2 1 a Ktffcs 8, for sixpence. Fowls, per couple 3 5 4 0 I OSWESTRY CORN MARKET, WEDNESDAY. I Wheat, 5s 9d to 68, barley, 4s 6d to 5a Od oats 3s Od j to 3s 6d. I ELLESMEll!<: CORN MARKET.—TUESDAY. White wheat, 75 1,5 0s Od to Os Od red ditto 59 8d to 63 3d; barley, 3Sots, 4s 6d to 5s Od oats, 501be, 3:3 6d to 4s 8d potatoes, per 90Ibs, 2s Od to 2s 3d* MARK LANE.—MONDAY. Fresh up ti-ddy, a very moderate supply of wheat came to hind both from Essex and Kent. The watlike rum- ours afloat, added to the small show of samples, indnced the factors to hold all kinds at an advance in the quotations realised on Monday last of from 3s to 4i per qr. Millers, however, showed very little disposition to operate yet in most instances, 2'1 to 3s per qr more money was realised by the holders. The amount of business doing in foreign wheat, the show of which was seasonably good, was by no means extensive. However, fine samples may be contid- eied fully 2s per qr higher than on that day se'nni^ht. I a- ferior parcels were held for a similar advance. We had ra- ther moretinquiry for barley, at fully last week's currency. The malt trade ruled htavy, but no decline took place in prices. Good sound oats were firm, and quite as dear as last week. Inferior samples were dull. Beans were held at 5s advance but the demand was not to say active. 10 the value of peas no change took place. The flour trade was firm, and prices have an upward tendency. LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET.—TUBSDAT. There have been but moderate arrivals daring the past week, and the export has been about 1,406 quarters of wheat to Lisbon. In the trade there has been great activity, both speculators and consumers having taken largely at a smart advance in price, under the impression that war can- not now be averted. At our market this morning there was a very good attendance of both local and country buyers, and wheat met a ready sale both for consumption and to hold over, at an advance of fully 6d per cental on all kinds, in some instances even Ed was obtained. Flour also was in strong demand, and 9d dearer since this day week. Oats were in improved demand, and were 2d per cental higher; but oatmeal, in consequence of the very small quantity offering, could not be bought under an ad- vance of 10d per 1001b. Barley and beans both held for 2d more money. Indian corn was not in much inquiry but where sales occurred, 2.1 more money was obtained. Galatz, 6s 4d. Ibraila and mixed American, 6s Id to 6:1 3d; Egyptian, 611 ld. to 6s 4d.; and prime white Americau 7s 9 per cental. GLASGOW CORN MARKET.—MONDAY. The market was very firm to-day. There was a large business done on Saturday at an advance of 3s to 4s per quarter on wheat, Is to 2s per sack on flour, Is on barley, and 6d on oats. LEEDS CORN MARKET.—TUESDAY. Wheat met a fair demand, at 3s to 4s advance on Fri- day for Has reds, but secondary whites did not sell so free- ly and scarcely made the above improvement. Other ar- ticles unaltered. MARK LANE CORN MARKET.—WEDNESDAY. ,,& A very limited supply of home grown wheat was on sale to-day. Owing to the prospect of a Continental war, hooie-grown wheats were Is to 2s per quarter dearer, with a fair demand. Foreign wheat was held at 2s to 3 per quarter more money, and some parcels were taken on speculation. Floating cargoes of grain produced more money. Barley was in improved request, and rather dearer. In the value of malt no change took place. Oettl were firm, and held for more money. The imports are on a fair average scale. Beans and peas were firm in price. The flour trade was active. Towu-made qualities sold at 40s to 42s per 28 lb. LIVERPOOL CATTLE MKARET.—MONDAY. The supply of stock was much less than on last Mona day. A very good demand for both castle and sheep at the full prices of last market. Beef 5d to 7ld.; mutton, 7Jd to OJ. Numbers at market. Cattle, 1339; sheep, 4520. LONDON CATTLE MARKET.—MONDAY. To-day's market was but moderately supplied with each kind of foreign stock, the general quality of which was only middling. About an average supply of Beasts waa derived from our own grazing districts, in good condition indeed, this was one of the best markets for Beef held for some weeks past. Owing in some measure to .the holi- days, and the change in the weather, the Beef trade ruled heavy, :.nd prices gave way, compared with Monday last, from 2d to 4d per 81b. The general top figure for Scots, Shorthorns, and crosses from other parts of England, 220 of various breeds; from Scotland, 380 Scots and crosses and from Ireland, 90 Oxen and Heifers. We were tol- erably well, not to say heavily supplied with most kinds of Sheep. All breeds met a very dull inquiry, and the quotations gave way 2d to 4 per 81b. The general top figure for old Downs was 5" 8d per 81b. Lambs were in moderate supply and sluggish request, about Thursday's decline in value. Prices ranged from 5s 4d to 63 4d per 81b. Although the supply of Calve. was very limited, the Veal trade ruled heavy, and the quotations gave way 2d per Slb. The Pork trade was heavy. In prices however, no change took place. LONDON PRODUCE MARKET.—MONDAY. The market was quiet for both sugar and coffee during the holidays. Tea firm, with a limited demand. Tallow at 67s ou the spot up to 68s delivery end of the year. Linseed oil at 28s 9d. Scotch pig-iron at 503 9d to rib Banca tin at 12Gs 1,600 bags saltpetre (to arrive) sold up to 43s. About 80,000 bags rice sold since Friday at 3d to 6d advance. Spirits of turpentiue sold at 441 6d to 45s 6d. Linseed oil advanced Is and Galipoli firm at E47. LIVERPOOL PRODUCE MARKET.—TUESDAY. The transactions in sugar comprise 1,000 bags clayed Manilla, at 38s 6d 1,800 bags Ceara, in bond, at 23s and a cargo (180 tons) of Maceio, for an outport, at 26a 3d per cwt lauded. Oi rum, 50 puncheons Demerara have found buyers without change. The public sales of Ceylon coffee went off with fair spirit, at previous rates, 90 tiercea and 50 barrels and bags plantation realising chiefly 75s to 80s 6d., up to 84s for pea berry, aud 700 bags native 57a for sould a 3mall parcel of ordinary Rio is also reported at 47s per cwt. There continues a steady market for rice. and a large business has been doue at extreme rates 3,800 bags Bengal are reported at 9s 6 to lis 6d, besides 4,000 ba?s to arrive, and 12,900 bags Larong and old Necranin at 8s per cwt. Rather more disposition was shown to day to do business in jute, and including some parcels by auc- tion, 1,850 bales have changed hands at L12 15s to Llg 15*; 600 bales Manilla hemp also realised L24 per too. We have further to notice 50 bags saltpetre at 44s for 4t per cent; 500 bags sago flour at 14s 9J to 15j per CWt., besides 0,000 bags of which the price has not transpired.- Valonia, GO tons, at 15s Od. Snumac, 100 bags Palermo, I lsg(l to 12s Ashes, 30 barrels pots, 50s Od for 1858 Lucca oil, a few casks, at 5s 1J. Gum. 12 chests sorts 45s. Tallow yerv firm, at 58s for P. Y.C. Brimstone, 20 tons third?, £7 15s Rosin, 300 barrels common, 4a Spirits turpentine, small sales, 43s per cwt. GLASGOW PIG IRON MARKET.—MOW&AY. Our market was firm to-day, and a good deal of business done at 51s cash, and 51s 6d three months open. Nos 1 and 3 G.('B ols 6J. LONDON WOOL MARKET.—MONDAY. lOwing to the approaching elections the commencement of the next public wool sales has been postponed till the 5tll of May. By private contract very little business it doing in any kind of wool, and prices are welt supported Last week's imports were 3392 bales from South Aull- tralia. HOP MARKET.—MONDAY. Since our last report new hops have found buyers to a moderate extent, at full prices. A fair business is doing in yearlings but all other hops are a dnll inquiry. Price* per cwt.;—Mid. and East Kent pockets, 84s to 147a; Weald of Kent, 60s to 83s; Sussex, 63s to 75s. LONDON SEED MARKET.—MONDAY. The retail demaad for Seeds in this market is now draw- ing to a close, and this morning there was a very limited. inquiry for Seeds of all descriptions. Fine qualities of English Seeds are still in request, but all othr qualities meet no attention. White Seed is in scanty supply, and obtains hib. rates. Canaryseed was without change thia morning. LONDON TALLOW MARKET.—MONDAY. Great firmness continues to prevail in our market, and prices are still on the advance. To-day, P Y G, on the spot, is quoted at 56s 6d per cwt. Town Tallow, 67. 3d. net cash. Rough Fat 3s per 81b. LEADENHALL LEATHER MARKET. For all kinds of Leather we continue to have an active demand, at the extreme rates of last week. tu, in some isk. stances au advance of 1J. per lb. The supplies have been very moderate. LONDON MANURE MARKET. MormtT. There were no imports of Peruvian Guano into London I last week. PRICES CUItRENT OP GUANO. Peruvian Guano (per ton, for 30 tons) £ 12 I Do. do. (under 30 tona).. £ 13 NEWGATE AND LEADENIIALL,MONDAY. Per. 81bs. by the carcase. a. Q; s.a. Inferior beef 3 4to3 6 Middling do. 3 8 3 10 i Prime large do. 4 0 4 2 Do. small ditto 4 4 4 8 Veal 3 10 4 10 8. a.. Inferior mutton tSto?? Middling do. ? 4 § IJ'riino ditto 4 8 ?M t Large pork 3 4 38 1 Siiiall pork 3 10 1 g I LONDON PRODUCE MARKET—THURSDAY. Sugar vcrv dull, rates ratiier lowfir, Coffee i very flat, parcels at auction all withdrawn. Tea-rather more business, at previous terms. Rice—higher, de- mand large. Saltpetere brisk and advancing. Tallow- much firmer. I LONDON CATTliK MARKET—THURSDAY. Trade brisk at Monday a prices. Beef 49 4d to 4a 10d Mutton, 4s 10 to 5a 10 veal, 48 6J to 5? 64, pork 3a 8d to 4s 8d i lamb 5s 6d to 63 64 per 81be. BeMta 67<L cows 140, sheep and lambs 5,670. Arnv&la: 110,Q beasts 52, sheep 630. and calves 38.

BANKITUPTS,- FitiDAV. R. Blackburn, London-wall and Spenoer-roid, Stoka Newington, tailor W. Willsher, Maidstone, lioennd via, tualler; I. G. Caspar, Close and St. Simon's, Norwich shoe manufacturer; W. N. Wyna, Greenwich, auctioneerx J. Latch, Bristol, shipbroker, M. aud J, Benton, Leecla, joiners. BANKRUPTS.—Tuesday. < H. Birks. Sheffield, grocer; H. Hicks, King DaVid-lane, Shadwell, glass-cutter,