Monmouthshire Merlin

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Correspondents sending letters fer insertion should send also their names and addressp-s-not necessarily for publication. No notice will be taken of com- munications when this requirement is not complied with. Letters and other matters intended for pub- lication should bt addressed to The Editor," not to any person connected with the office, by name. As a rule, we do not undertake to return manuscripts deemed unsuitable for publication nor can we engage to inform writers whether their communications are considered eligible for publication or not, otherwise than in our Notices to Correspondents."

NEWPORT, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1371. WATCHING tke pi ogress and praying for the end of the terrible struggle in which France has suffered such unmitigated disaster, Europe now ponders the question—Will the armistice' lead to peace ? When that armistice was first arranged between M. EAVRE and COUNT BIS- MARK, it was confidently hoped that the bitter end" had at last arrived, and that peace was all but assured. Subsequently, however, the prospect became over-clouded. Dissensions broke out between the Government of National Defence in Paris and the Delegation at Bor- deaux and while the iealousies of rival chiefs and conflicting parties threatened to involve unhappy France in utter ruin, the attitude of the German authorities at Versailles helped to aggravate the rupture between the two sections of the Provisional Government, and to in- tensify GAMEETTA'S antagonism to the recent Z" acts of his Paris colleagues. GAMBETTA, on receiving the unexpected news of the capitula- tion of the capital, the arrangement of an armistice, and the resolve to convene a National Assembly, was for a moment at a loss what to do or say under so great a misfortune. His nrst impulse was to resign himself and the Republic as lost. Unfortunately he paused; then came a revulsion of feeling his drooping hopes revived, his ambition re-asserted itself, and, while not venturing at once to repudiate the armistice and set the decrees of the Paris Government altogether at defiance, he promul- gated a strong protest against the capitulation, and accepted the armistice only as affording time and opportunity for France to prepare for a renewal of the struggle. At the same time, by a decree madder than ever disgraced even the most reckless adventurer of. revolu- tionary times, he willed" that from the National Assembly to be convoked in accord- ance with the convention, all Ministers, Sena- tors, Councillors of State, and Prefects under the Empire, as well as all candidates at elections to the Legislative Body during the same period, should be excluded. This, from M. GAMBETTA, is a curious interpretation of the Republican legend" Liberté, egaliie, fraternite" His notions about electoral liberty and popular rights must have undergone a revolutionary reaction since the not distant day when the Imperial violations of that liberty and those rights was the favourite theme of his fiery eloquence in the Tribune. But the Deputy had forgotten himself in the Dictator. He had lost sight of France, her sufferings, and her needs. He saw nothing but the Republic and GAMBETTA—" one and indivisible." In his endeavour to secure and perpetuate that union, he resorted to an outrageous usurpation which was less a proof of strength than a confession of weakness. That he should, single-handed, dare to dispute and over-ride the decrees of the rest of his colleagues may appear <m the face of it an evidence of power but it is more palpably a betraval of weakness and cowardice that he should attempt to tbrust the Kepublic upon France by arbitrarily disfranchising the great majority of all the men who have figured in parliamentary or official life during the last eighteen years. A more outrageous act of presumption has seldom been perpe- trated. It is an act, however, that shows per- haps more clearly than anything else could do, how very litUe real confidence even GAMBETTA himself has in the strength of that Republican party to which it is his boast to belong, and which he would fain have it believed comprises the majority of Frenchmen, and is the future ^°pe of France. So thoroughly Republican is Franee at heart that, notwithstanding his thorough purgation of Imperialism from every grade of Parisian and provincial officialism, it cannot be trusted to elect a Republican As- sembly Although he had all the advantages of possession on his side—advantages which lie and his creatures were not likely to neglect -he was still fearful lest the elections, if allowed f 'ill freedom, should result in a na- tional verdict adverse to his own personal am- bition. To prevent this and ensure the estab- lishment of the Republic, he decreed that Republicans alone should be elected It is, of course impossible to suppose that GAMBETTA would' be able t° ei1 °re« his insane decree. Even if COUNT BLS*A*D the Paris Govern- ment did not interpose to prevent it* execu- tion, the French neo$''> 18 jf dePth of :r;isfonune to Mch int; l^v^Wicn^ould xwt ViQ.it to ?.<? i-'nee with their electoral rights. But M. BiSMARK, by the second article of his convention with M. FAVRE, stipulated for the convocation of a freely-elected assembly," a stipulation upon which he would doubtless insist, nor would he recognise as legal an Assembly constituted under less open conditions. Is it surprising, then, that M. FAVRE and his colleagues of the Paris Government retort upon M. GAMBETTA by formally declaring his decree" touching the elections null and void ? GAMPETTA, how- ever, refused to be thus extinguished. He first showed a disposition to persist in his as- sumption of independent powers and in his desperate game of war a Voutranoe. Thus the conflict of authority between the Govern- ment in Paris and the Delegation at Bordeaux became daily more embittered, and threatened to defeat the principal object of the armistice- namely, the election of an Assembly faithfully representing the French nation, and competent in the national nam:) to decide the vital ques- tion of peace or war. The difficulty has, however, now been removed. GAMBETTA has resigned—Frenchmen breathe more freely— and the spirit in which the elections have been conducted justifies the hope that peace will follow. Yet, it must be confessed that the Dictator at Bordeaux was not the only one to be held responsible for this unfortunate state of affairs. COUNT BISMARK was far from blame- less. Had he been careful to prevent, or, if unable to prevent, had he been prompt to con- tradict, the wildly-impossible demands put for- ward as those upon which Germany would make peace, GAMBETTA would have been de- prived of the one impulse whose sudden im- petuosity gave new life to his expiring in- fluence. Without the encouragement afforded him at the very crisis of his bewilderment by the spirit of indignant defiance which the publication of the alleged German demands evoked, he would in all probability have quietly acquiesced in the BISMARK-FAVRE convention. Seeing, however, an opportunity of turning the na- tional feeling to his own purpose and to the prejudice of his Paris colleagues, he unscru- pulously seized it, careless of the catastrophe it might provoke, or the national ruin that might follow. The consequences cannot but be unfortunate for France in the most favour- able event. An Assembly elected under cir- cumstances of such aggravated misfortune and amid efforts to repress revolutionary factions, cannot be a fair reflex of the national mind. Still, although the folly of the Bordeaux Irreconcileable may mar the representative completeness of the Assembly new convoked, it may possibly have a happier issue. It may so excite the disgust and alarm of the great mass of the French people as to destroy GAMBETTA'S last ehance of perpetuating the new Republic. But before that issue can be tried, there is another that must be decided. The first question for the National Assembly, whatever its character-Imperialist, Legiti- mist, or Republican-is, peace or war ? The answer is with Germany, not with France. if the victor will bring his demands within the limits of the reasonable and the possible, the vanquished will, we have little doubt, be quite ready to sign a peace the terms of which shall not insult too glaringly the national honour.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY. NARRO W GAUGE FROM SWINDON TO MILFORD. We are informed, upon authority we think reliable, that the Directors of the Great Western Hallway Company seriously contsm- plate laying before the next meeting of pro- prietors, a scheme for the construction of a narrow gauge over the whole of their line from Swindon to Milford. That the subject has lately engaged the attention of the Direc- tors is well known, and it is equally well understood that they have been consulting their chief officers as to the feasibility of adopting this method-of meeting the require- ments of the South Wales traffic. We notice that the Bristol Daily Post of -this morning confirms the information we give above, and we print below an article from the Railway Times of Saturday last, showing that the demands of the trading community for better accommodation than now exists could not, under any circumstances, be long disregarded. Every well-wisher to this dis- trict would hail with satisfaction the introduc- tion of the narrow gauge on the Great Western line and experienced men see in the scheme, not merely increased accommodation for the trading classes, but satisfactory remuneration for the Company :— The Board has recently had under consideration a number of memorials from Llanelly, Swansea, Neath, Cardiff, Newport, Aberdare, Bridgend, the Ely and Ogrnore Valleys, and other places connected with South Wales, the burden of which is that the colliery proprietors, ironmasters, and others connected with th-sse districts would be enabled, at a good profit to themselves, as well as to the company, to send large quantities of their produce ta the north where they favoured with unbroken narrow gauge communication. This suggested alteration involves either the laying down of the mixed gauge or the conversion of the broad into the narrow throughout the whole length of the South Wales from Milford Haven to Gloucester. These memorialists, it appears, desire strongly to represent that the early adoption of the narrow gauge along the whole of the South Wales is imperatively called for by the necessities of these districts," the producers and freighters being of opinion that they could transact a larger and much more profitable business were they enabled, by the introduction of 1 an unbroken gauge, to compete with the traffic which concentres on the Mersey, as well as with that in which Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and the whole of the manufacturing districts are interested. The attention of the Board is naturally seriously directed to the suggestion, and expectations appear to be entertained that a representation on the subject may be submitted to the proprietors at the ensuing half-yearly meeting. If the change must be effected, and the decision can be made on no other grounds than increase of revenue to the Company, we trust that no small or temporary measure of relief may be resorted to. Whether a third rail is to be laid down, or one of those existing merely placed a few inches nearer to the other (which must be the most economical method at all events, as well as render a duplication of working stock unnecessary), Iwe are satisfied that the directors will not approach a decision until they have fully considered the matter, in all its multifarious as- pects, and so entitled themselves to speak with autho- rity to their proprietors on the subject.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS, MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS.—Monday, February 13, 8 mile stone Grosmont Road; Thursday, February 16, Peuyclawdd Wood Monday, February 20, Hilstou Park Thursday, February 23, Half way House, Tally- coed—at 10.30. HON. G. MORGANS HOUNDS.—Monday, February 13 The Kennel, The Heath-at 11 o'clock. TREDEGAR HARRIERS.—Wednesday, February 15, L1"L ^D CHEPSTOW HOUNDS.—Tuesday, February 14, Portskewitt; Friday, February 17, Devauden—at half-past 10 o clock.

NEWPORT INFIRMARY AND DISPENSARY. I WEEK ENDING FEB, 4. I Patients attended at the Dispensary 234 I Patients attended at their homes 76 I Patients in the Infirmary during- the week 12 I Patients in the Infirmary during- the week 12 ) J. CHEESE, Esq., M.D., Surgeon for the week. I RICHARD FETCH, House Surgeon.

NEWPORT SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ENTERED OUTWARDS. February 7.-Emily Burnyeat, 127, Bayes, Barce- lona and Constantinople, T. Wilks & Co; Gilda, 205, Guelfo, Genoa, T. Beynon & Co Rosa Bonheur, 153, James, Smyrna, Jones Bros. & Co Jones Brothers, 174, Merton, Africa, Banana., Jones Bros. & Co Cattarina, 366, Maresca, Venice, Jones Bros. & Co Rippling Wave, 117, Roberts, Genoa, Jones Bros. & Co Arlington, 631, Costello, Galveston, J. N. Knapp & Co Rival, 9S2, Doane, New Orleans, J. N. Knapp & Co Hans Gude, 285, Due, Malta and Odessa, John Moses & Co Sarah Ann Widdup, 119, Poole, San- tander and Seville, J. Berrill & Co Mary Ann, 257, Pugsley, Vera Cruz, J. N Knapp & Co. February 8. — Maria E. Luigia, 372, Brindisi, Stagno, D. Bordessa & Ce. February 9.—Schmidborn, 227, Duncombe, Rotter- dam, via Maryport, T. Beynon & Cc-. Lena, 175, Porto Rico, R. Gething Jun., & Co Virginia, 294, Hulman, Rio Janeiro, 7ohn Moses & Co. Wild Wave, 278, Brown, Malta, Jones Bros. Bessie Whinnay, 153, Hodsoa, Palma and Constantinople, J. Berrill & Co. Marie, 113, Couton, Hennebon, R. W. Stone- house John Wigneli, 141, ReskilL Gibraltar, J. Ber- rill & Co. Jane F. Woodall, 144, Young, Barcelona, J. BerriU &, Co. CLEARED. February 7.—Stewart Lane, Aden, 1,600 coal, Risca Colliery Co Margherita, fl rindisi and Odessa, 617 coal, L. A. Homfray & Co. February 8.—Edgworth (s.s), Malaga, 780 coal, J. Vipond & Co.; August Havannah, 550 coal, Ebbw Vale Co. February 9.—Fiducia, Genoa., 543 coal, L. A. Hem- fray; Anglo-Norman, St. Lucia, 410 coal, Risca Coal Co.

FIRST MON. VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY. Week ending February 18th, 1871. MoyDAsr.—The Adjutant will attend drill at 7-30 p.m. and resume the examination of candidates for pro- motion. TUESDAY AND FRIDAY.—Oncers class at 4 p.m., car- bine and company drill for efficients of all ranks at 7.30 p. ia., waist belts to be worn guard mounting at 8 ,p. m. Heavy gun drill (garrison and siege carriages), field gun drill, carbine and squad drill for recruits every night during the week at 7.30 o'clock. WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.—-Special squads will be formed and drilled by the Brigade Sergeant-Major at7.3O p. i-n. of such nen-commissioned officers and gunners as wish to qualify for promotion. Band practice as directed by Band Master Lisle.

THIRD MON RI.FLE VOLUNTEERS. Week ending February 18lh, 1871. MOND'AY. -Company drill at 8 p.m. 'I'uEsDAy.-Adjutallt's jrreliniiiiary examination for sergeants at 7.15. W'EDKESUAY.—Recruits drill at 8 p.m. THURSDAY.—Recruits drill at 8 p.m. FRIDAY.—Company drill at 8 p.m.

CHEPSTOW. RAILWAY ACCIDENT.—On Monday last, just afte the up express, which left Chepstow at 6 30 a. m., had crossed the tubular bridge, the passengers were thrown into great consternation by the train being all of a sudden brought to a staud-still, which caused a great shaking, but happily there was no injury to life or limb. The cause of this was the falling of some ten or twelve tons of rock aud earth on to the rails. The engine surmounted this and then stopped, the car- riages not being thrown off the line. W orkmen were at once sent for and the debris was removed, and the train sped on its journey, after about two hours' delay.

HOUSE OF LOEDS. After a lapse of many years her Majesty has again taken her place in Westminster Hall, and yesterday afternoon she personally opened the third session of the eighth Parliament of the present reign, in the presence of one of the largest and most brilliant gatherings ever seen in the House. At ten minutes past two o'clock the Queen entered the House, all the right of the Throne, preceded by the heralds and the mace-bearers, and accompanied by Prince Arthur and the Princesses Louise and Beatrice. The Marquis of Winchester, who carried the Crown upon a velvet cushion, was in attendance upon her Majesty, as were the Deputy Grand Chamberlain, and several other high officers of State. The Queen, attired in a black velvet robe trimmed with white, and a small widow's cap, also a small tiara of diamonds, at once took her seat upon the Throne, which was covered with a large white robe, and graciously signified her pleasure that all present should resume their seats. Her Majesty's faithful Commons were summoned from the Lower House, and the Speaker, accompanied by the Sergeant-at-Arms bearing the mace, speedily appeared at the bar. The Lord Jhancellor, standing on the steps of the throne on the rihgt of her Majesty, then said—" I am commanded by the Queen to read the speech of her Majesty. Wherefore, in her Majesty's name, and in her Majesty's own words, I now proceed to read it."

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, At an epoch of such moment to the future fortunes of Europe, I am especially desirous to avail myself of your counsels. The war which broke out in the month of July be- tween Fr&nce and Germany has raged until within the last few days, with uniutermitted, and likewise with unexampled force, and its ravages may be re- newed after but a few days more, unless moderation and forethought, prevailing over all impediments, shall sway the counsels of both the parties whose well being is so vitally concerned. At the time when you separated I promised a con- stant attention to the subject of neutral obligations and I undertook to use my best endeavours to prevent the enlargement of the area of the war, and to contri- bute, if opportunity should offer, to the restoration of an early and honourable peace. In accordance with the first of these declarations, I have maintained the rights, and strictly discharged the duties of neutrality The sphere cf the war has not been extended beyond the two countries originally engaged. Cherishing with care the cordiality of my relations with each belligerent, I have forborne from whatever might have been construed as gratuitous or unwar- ranted interferences between parties neither of whom had shewn readiness to propose terms of accom- modation such as bear promise of acceptance by the other. I have been enabled on more than one occasion to contribute towal ds placing the representatives of the two contending countries in contidential communica- tion, but until famine compelled the surrender of Paris no futher result had been obtained. The armistice now being employed for the convoca- tion of an Assembly in France has brought about a pause in the constant accumulation on both sides of human suffering, and has re-kindled the hope of a complete accommodation. I pray that this suspension may result in a peace compatible for the two great and brave nations involved, with security and with honour, and likely therefore to command the approval of Europe, and to give reasonable hopes of a long dura- tion. It has been with concern that I have found myself unable to accredit my ambassador in a formal manner to the Government of Defence, which has subsisted in France since the revolution in September, but neither the harmony nor the efficiency of the corre- spondence of the two States has been in the smallest degree inpaired. The King of Prussia has accepted the title of Emperor of Germany, at the instance of the chief authorities of the nation. I have offered my congratulations on an event which bears testimony to the solidity and independence of Germany, and which, I trust, may be found con- ducive to the stability of the European system. 1 have endeavoured, in correspondence with other Powers of Europe, to uphold the sanctity of Treaties, and to remove any misapprehension as to the binding character of their obligations. ° It was agreed by the Powers which had been parties to the treaty of 1856, that a Conference should meet in London. This Conference has now been for some time engaged in its labours, and I confidently trust that the result of its deliberations will be to up hold both the principles of public right and the general policy of the Treaty, and at the same time, by the revision of some of its conditions in a fair and con- ciliatory spirit, to exhibit a cordial co-operation among the Powers with regard to the Levant. ° I greatly regret that my earnest efforts have failed to procure the presence at the Conference of any representative of France, which was one of the chief parties to the Treaty of 1856, and which must ever be regarded as a principal and indispensable member of the great commonwealth of Europe. At different times several questions of importance have arisen, which are not yet adjusted, and which materially affect the relations between the United States, the territories, and people of British North America; one cf them in particular, which concerns the fisheries, calls for early settlement, lest the possible indiscretion of individual should impair that neigh- bourly understanding which it is on all grounds so desirable to cherish and maintain. I havertherefore, engaged in amicable communications with the Presi- dent of the United States. In order to determine the most convenient mode of treatment for these matters, 1 have suggested the appointment of a joint commis- sion, audi have agreed to a proposal of the President that his commission shall be authorised at the same time aud in the same manner to resume the consider- ation of the American claims growing out of the cir- cumstances of the late war. This arrangement will, by common consent, include all claims for compen- sation which have been made, or may be made by each Government, or by its citizens, upon he other. The establishment of a Prince of the House of Savoy on the throne of Spain, by the free choice of the popularly elected representatives of the Spanish nation will, I trust, ensure for a country, which has passed with so much temperance and self control through a prolonged and a trying crisis, the blessings of a stable Government. I am unhappily not able to state that the inquiry which was instituted by the Government of Greece into the history of the shocking murders perpetrated during the last spring at Delessi, has reached a ter- mination answerable, in all respects, to my just ex- pectations but I shall not desist from my endeavours to secure the complete attainment of the object of the inquiry. Some valuable results have in the meantime been obtained, by the exposure and repression of a lawless and corrupting system which has too long afflicted the Greek peninsula. ° The anxiety which the massacre at Tien-Tsien on the 21st of June last called forth, has happily been dispelled, and while it will be my earnest endeavour to provide for the security of my subjects, and their trade in those remote quarters, I count on your con- currence in the policy which I have adopted, of recog- nising the Chinese Goverment to be dealt with iu its relations with this country in a conciliatory and for- bearing spirit. The Parliamentary recess has been one of anxious interest, in regard to Foreign Affairs, but I rejoice to acquaint you that my relations are as heretofore- friendship and good understanding with the Sove- reigns and States of the civilised world. Papers illustrative of the conduct of my Govern- ment, in relation to the several matters on which I now have summarily touched, will be duly laid before you. In turning to domestic affairs, I have first to inform you that I have approved of a marriage between my daughter, Princess Louise, and the Marquis of Lorne, and I have declared my consent to this uniou in Council. ———- GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, The revenue of the country flourishes, and the condition of trade and indusfry, may though with partial drawbacks, be declared satisfactory. The estimates for the coming year will be promptly laid before you. My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, The lessons of military experience afforded by the present war have been numerous and important The time appears appropriate for turning such lessons to account by efforts more decisive than here- tofore, at practical improvement. In attempting this you will not fail to bear in mind the special features in the position of this country so favourable to the freedom and security of the people; and if the changes from a less to a more effective and lasting system ot defensive military preparation shall be found, to mrolve, at least, for a time, an increase of various charges, your prudence and patriotism will not grudge the cost as long as you are satisfied that 1 the end is important and the means judicious. No time will be lost in laying before you a Bill for the better regulation of the army, and the auxiliary land 1 forces of the Crown, and I hardly need commend it to your anxious and impartial consideration. t 1 trust that the powerful interest at present at taching to affairs abroad, and to military questions wil not greatly abate the energy with which you have heretofore, applied yourselves to the work of general improvement in our domestic legislation. 1 commend anew to your attention several measures on subjects which I desired to be brought before you during the last session of Parliament, but which the time remaining at your disposal after you had dealt with tlu principal subjects of the year, was not found sufficient to carry to a tinal issue. I refer especially to the bills on religious tests in the universities of Oxford and Cambridge on ecclesiastical titles on the disabilities of trade combinations on the courts of Justice and Appeal; on the adjustment of local burdens and all licensing of houses for the sale of intoxicating liquors. The inquiries made by a committee of the Commons i°U&<j'1 now completed, the measure will be placed before you on an early day for the establish- ment of seciet voting. The proposal is anxiously expected in Scotland for the adjustment of primary education, with reference to the training of the young in schools on a national scale and basis. That portion of the country has especial ciauns on the favourable consideration of Parliament, and I trust the year may not pass by without yojr having disposed of this question by the enactment of a just and effective law. Ihe condition of lielann with reference to a agrarian crime, has iu general afforded a gratifying contrast with the state of the Island in the preceding -winter but there have been painful, though very partial 1 1'5' exceptions. To secure the best results for the great measures of the two last sessions which have so recently passed into operation, and which involves such direct and pressing claims upon the attention of all classes of the community, a period of calm is to be desired, and I have though it wise to refrain from suggesting to you at the present juncture the discussion of any political question likely to become the subject of new and serious controversy in that country. The burdens devolving upon oou, as the great council of the nation, and of this ancient and ex- tended empire, and must long continue to be, weighty; but you labour for a country whose laws and institu- tions have stood the test of tfme, and whose people earnestly attached to them and desiring their conti- nuance, will unite with their sovereign in invoking upon all your designs the favour and aid of lhe Most High. Her Majesty then quitted the throne, and, ad- vancing to tae woolsack, gave her hand to the Princess of ales, Princess Christian, and the Princess of Teak to kiss, and afterwaras to the Prince of Wales and the Deputy Grand Chamberlain. The Queen then left-the House, the brilliant assem- blage began to disperse, and the sitting was suspended until five o'clock. On their Lordships re-assembling, the Marquess of Westminster moved, the address in answer to the Royal Sjieec'i, the Earl of Hoseberry seconded it, and congratulatory remarks were passed by the Earl of Richmond, Earl Granville, and others. In the House of Commons the Address, in answer to the bpeech from the Throne, was moved by Major Hamilton and seconded by Mr. Morley, after which Mr. Disraeli freely commented 011 the policy of the (joveinmwiiL, both foreign and domestic, but the right hon. gentleman did not move any amendment. Mr. Gladstone replied, and after a protest had been entered by Mr. rsewdegate against the policy which had been avowed by the head of the Government with respect to the maintenance of the temporal and spiritual authority of the Pope, the Address was agreed to ess 0 with the usual formalities. The House adjourned at 9.5.

LATEST WAR TEWS. GERMAN DESPATCHES. IMPERIAL HE ID-QUARTERS, VERSAILLES, WEDNESDAY. Geneial Van Treskow reports from Bourogne that the detached forts built on the rocks at Haut Perches and Basse Perches, before Belfort, were captured to- day to effect with the trenches-which had been partly constructed also in the rock, and which in the present thaw were under water—had to be blown up, WILHELMSTTOHE, TUESDAY. The Emperor Napoleon, in view of the elections has issued a proclamation to the French people. THE ELECTIONS. P T ,v i LILLE, THURSDAY 11 the elections of the Department du Nord the results m round numbers are as follows :-M Thiera 1 8?o T 3f"°i 7,700 LTiateau, 1,800 Irelon, 2,O00 Armentires 000 Ceysong, 2,S0J. The triumph of M. Thiers is' certain' mi LILLE, THURSDAY, 5.5 P.M. he results known up to the present in the North show that about 150,000 votes have been given to the with wS 6S ?Gd ThlerS' as comP^ed with 50,000 given in favour of the Republicans At feteenvorde M. Thiers obtained 26,000 votes, and the r^:inS elghfcy-f At Lann°y> the proportion is five to one m favour of the Thiers' party at Bassel, fifteen to one; at MervilIe and Ha.zelbrouch, eight to one. MM. Thiers, Pouyer-Quertie^Z^ have been elected by^ this c pttmen £ S f the National As,ably. majority in the the town, but in the country not one 01 their Cciucli(l;it0s was clocted.

During the siege of the St. Denis Forts, and the city of St. Denis, the statue of the patron of the town, marvellous to relate, had his head struck clean off by a bomb. As the original saint is supposed to fu ^1 °r<iSSr x,3, river with Jlis head under his arm, the head of the statue might be placed in a similar position. r A Liverpool steam-tug cruizer arrived at Liverpool on Wednesday, with a disabled steamer in tow from St. Vincent, distant nearly 3,000 miles. FALMOUTH, FEB. S.-The Ceres, s., from Grimsby to Poti and Batoun, left Falmouth yesterday, after repairing, but put back to-day, with loss of propeller. She has a spare propeller on board, and it is recom- mended that she be placed on the beach. The Bertha and Leontine, from Bilboa to Cardiff, has gone ashore at Mullion crew at Falmouth. DUNVILLE and Co., Belfast, are the largest holders of whisky in the world. Their Old Irish Whisky is recom mended by the medical profession in preference to Frenct brandy. Supplied in casks and cases for home use or ex portation. Quotations on application to Messrs. Du, VILLE and Co" Royar Irish Distilleries, Belfast. lyiNAHAN s LL WHISKY. This celebrated and most delicious old mellow spirit is the very CREAM OF IRISH WHISKIES, in quality unrivalled, perfectly pure, and more wholesome than the finest Cognac Brandy. Note the words "Kinahan's LL" on seal, label and cork. Wholesale Depot, 6A, Great Titchfield Street, Oxford Street, W. [16,006 For about 100 years after its first introduction into this country, tea was sold at sixty shillings per pound.—This fact will doubtless startle many of our fair readers, who are so accustomed to the extremely moderate cost at which our now national beverage can be obtained it is of the utmost importance, hosverer, that good quality, as well as cheapness should be secured, consequently the public give preference to HornLman's Pure. Tea, which is distinguished for its uniform great strength, delicious flavour, and real chenpness.-Supplied only in packets. Agents in this locality are advertised in our columns. The London School Board have revived, on the motion of Mr. Hepworth Dixon, H That it is highly desirable that means should be provided for physical training, exercise, and drill in public schools estab- lished under the authority of the boaru." An amend- ment of Mr. Lucraft, which would have omitted. t the word drill from the resolution, was nega- tived.—Medical Timet and Gazette.

ADVERTISEMENT AGENTS WANTED to REPRESENT an Old-Established Weekly Mechanical and Manufacturer's Newspaper, also a Directory of Manufacturers. Liberal Commission to an experienced person having a connection with Manufac- turers.-Address RAMSDALE, THORNE, and Co., 85, Gracechurch-street, London, E.C. [16,034 CORRESPONDENTS and"CONTRIBU- C TORS wanted for and oU ostablished Weekly Mechanical Newspaper. Address RAMSDALE, THORNE and Co., 85, Gracechurch-street, London, E.C. NOTICE. [Announcements of Births and Marriages are charged ONE SHILLING each, and prepayment is required.— Any addition to obituary notices renders them liable to a like charge.J

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. .0 CO-OPERATIVE LOAN SOCIETY.—The sixth annual report of the Newport and Pillgwenlly Co- Operative Loan Society, which holds its meetings at the Temperance Hall, has just been published, and shows the Society to be in a highly prosperous and rapidly improving condition. The capital having in- creased during the year as much as 30 per cent. The amount of cash advanced in loans during the same period was £ 2,255, or an increase on the previous year of 18 per cent. The interest paid on the capital of the Society for the year (including working expenses) was at the rate of 10 per cent- per annum. It has been decided to grant an annual donation of £ 1 Is. to the Newport Infirmary and Dispensary. SHIPPING DISASTERS.—The following entries were made in the Loss Book at Lloyd's, on the 4th of February :-The Fantome, of Newport, from the West Indies to Gloucester, sprung a leak, and was aban- doned thirty miles north-east of Terceira crew saved. --The Messa Elizabeth, barque, of and for Danzig from Newport, with coal, has gone ashore off the Grenaa Mill the salvage was to be commenced, weather permitting, on the 31st ult. SERIOUS ILLNESS OF MRS. BRUCE.—The Right Hon. Mr. Bruce arrived in Bristol on Tuesday by the mid-day express train from London, having been summoned on account of the dangerous illness of Mrs. Bruce. That lady whilst on a visit to her sister, Mrs. Philip W. Miles, at Kingsweston Park, was seized with an illness, which on Monday assumed a very alarming chat,atter. The right hon. gentleman, on reaching the Bristol terminus, .proceeded in Mr. Miles's carriage direct to the park. Dr. Marshall and Mr. Swayne, consider that the coadition of their patient had somewhat improved from that of the previous day. The Bristol Post on Thursday states that the health of Mrs. Bruce is still improving. LOCAL LAW C VSE.—The South Wales and Great Western Direct Railway scheme was abandoned a short time since, but the JBoard of Trade refused to cancel the bond until the company had been properly wound up, under the supervision of the Conrt of Chancery. To this end the bondsmen obtained a winding-up order a few days before the expiration of Hilary Term and on Wednesday an application was made to Mr. Leman, chief clerk in Vice-Chancellor Bacon's chambers, for an order against Messrs. Har- greaves and Co., the late solicitors of the company, to deliver up all books and documents in their possession to the official lu^mdatoi. -Messrs, H&rgreaves ex- plained that they iiad carried the Bill t'krouo-h Par- liament, and that the only documents is their°posses- sion were plans of the railway and briefs. They had not yet been paid their law charges and expenses, but would receive £ 2.400 in satisfaction of all claims, on the Board of Trade bond being cancelled. The chief clerk said the liquidator was entitled to all books which would facilitate the winding up but he could not make an order on the vague information which had been supplied. He would grant an adjournment, and in the meantime the liquidator would make an inspection, and ascertain what books he would require that being without prejudice to any lien which the solicitors might possess. NEWPOLU^ CATTLE MARKET, WEDNESDAY. There was a, limited supply of sheep at to-day's mar- ket, but the number of beasts or- effer was above the average. Trade was brisk, and a slight advance in prices was the result, which was, however, sparingly given by buyers. For best quality mutton (legs) 8fd. to 9d. per lib. was given for inferior quality the prices ranged from 7 £ d to 84J.. per lb. Beef sold at from 7Ad to 8id. per lb. Pigs were plentiful, but dear, the average price for pork being 10s. 6d per score r NEWPORT SCHOOL BOARD.-The first meeting of this Board is, we hear, to be held on Thursday next. In conformity with the Act of Parliament, the first business will be the elect-ion of a Chairman' and Vice-Chairman. SKIP ,ON FIRE. — The hrigantine, Vew Har- molt! lying at the Liverpool Wharf, narrowly escaped destruction by fire on Wednesday night. The out- break was discovered by P.«. Winmill whilst on bis rounds through the Blaina Wharf, and he at once attempted to arouse the crew by throwing stones on deck, bt.t failing in his object, he hastened to the po- lice station for the tire engine and assistance. In a very short time the engine was got to work and the fire fortunately was extinguished before any great- amount of damage was done. The Captain appears to have been on board asleep at the time the fire was discovered. WYE VALLEY RAILWAY BILL.—This Bill, which is to extend the time granted to the Wye Rail- way Company for making a Railway from the South Wales ;Line to the ColefoFd, Monmouth, Usk, and Ponty.pool Railway, came before Mr. Robinson, the examiner for standing orders, on Monday, but it appear- ing that the notice had not been inserted in some of the local papers within the time required by Parlia- ment, the Examiner declared that the standing orders I had not been complied with. The period limited by the existing Act for the completion of the railway is the 10th of August, 1871, so that unless the Standing Orders Committee listen to any appeal that may be made to them on the subject and allow the Bill to proceed, the works cannot be proceeded with after I August, and until a new Bill is passed next year. BHI-ETOL AND SOUTH WALES RAILWAY WAGON COMPANY (LIMITED.)—The following is the report of the directors, to be presented at the half-yearly meet- ing of the company The directors have the pleasure, in submitting their 20th half-yearly report and statement of accounts, to announce that the re- j suit will enable them to recommend the usual divi- dend, as the revenue account shows a disposable balance ef E8,673 17s. 9d., after carrying £ 1,28314s. 8d. to the depreciation fund, being at the rate of five per cent. per annum on the cost of wagons for hire. Out of this balance the directors recommend a dividend should be declared, at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum, and that the sum of S500 should be carried to the contingent fund, leaving a balance of £689 2s. 9d. to be carried to the current half-year's account. The rolling stock now belonging to the eompany consists of 6,954 wagons and carriages, being an increase of 68 during the half-year, after deducting 397 sold and redeemed." MONMOUTH STEEPLE CHASES will come off on Friday next, and a good day's sport is anticipated all that is required to make things pleasant is a fine day. The course is in a beautiful situation and close to the town, and every fence can be seen from the stand and enclosure. Cheap return tickets will be issued for the trains leaving Newport at 7.0 and 10.10 a. m., and a special train will leave Monmiouth, for Newport and intermediate stations, at 7.30 p.m. The first chase will be set for half-past one o'clock THE LATE BUD OF HOPE CONCERT. A correspondent requests us to state, in correction of an error, that the age of Miss Lewis, who sang, at this concert on Monday, is 13^, and that of Miss G. Lewis, 12 years DOCK JSTAVFIES ON STRIKE.—On Wednesday, the men working at the Alexandra Docks struck work in consequence of a misunderstanding as to the time allowed for dinner, and refused to go on again until some satisfactory settlement had been agreed to. It appears that lialf-an-hour was all that had been allowed under an agreement which expired on Wed- nesday, and the men consequently took an hour, but this did not meet with the approval of the gaffers," so they ordered the men on at the expiration of the half-hour, and thereby caused a temporary strike. RAILWAY FOG SIGNALS.—A new fog signal invented by Dr. Pratt, of Newport, was tried by the managers of the Monmouthshire Railway Company on Thursday, and was found to work most effectually. It is a simply-contrived apparatus of rather unsightly appearance, and is fastened to the front of an engine Near to the signal post a knife is lixed which cuts a wire attached to this little machine, and the whistle is sounded directly. ROBBERY OF £80 IN NOTES.—On Monday night the landlord of the Rifleman Inn, Gran ville-street, found that a quantity of money, amounting to about £80 in notes, had been stolen from his bedroom, whilst the family were all busily engaged in the business. Informa- tion was given to the police, and,this (Friday) morning, James Tullon, Eliza Tullon (his wife), and Ann Haynes, were brought before T. Gratrex and E. J. Phillips, Esqrs., charged with being concerned in the robbery, but as the Superintendent was not prepared to go into the case, they were remanded until Monday.

THE NEW SHERIFFS. The following is a list of Sheriffs in this district appointed by Her Majesty in Council for the present year I MONMOUTHSHIRE.—Thomas Cordes, of Brynglas, near Newport, Esq. GLAMORG.NSHIRE. V aughall Haaning .Lee, of Lanelay, near Pontypridd, Esq. HEREFORDSHIRE—Stephen Robinson, of Lynhales, near Kington, Esq. GLOUCESTERSHIRE.—William Playne, of Longfords, Minchinhampton, Esq. BR.ECONSHIRE. Thomag John Evans, of Tymawr- yn-y-Glyn, Esq.

NEWPORT BOROUGH POLICE—WEDNESDAY. (Magistrates W. WILLIAMS, Esq., Chairman and T. BEYNON*, Esq.) T. Esq.) A BATCH OF DRUNKARDS. — Sarah Ann Davis, Owen Morris, Mary Thonus, John Spiers, and Mar- garet Carroll, were severally convicted of being drunk and creating disturbances in the public streets. Fined 5s. each. John Thomas, for an aggravated offence of a similar nature, was fined 10s., or in default 14 days and John Partridge, also charged with drunken- ness, was cautioned and dismissed. A SAILOR GARROTTED.-Thomas Frazer and Archi- bald Maclutyre, two sailors, were charged with stealing a shirt the property of Henry Haynes, mate of the Sarah, a Cumberland coasting vessel. Prose- cutor did not appear, but from the evidence of P.C. Longville and a boy named Morrison it seems that on Monday afternoon as Haynes was walking along a. street near the dock, with a bundle under his, arm he was attacked by the prisoners. OiiB- throttled him whilst the other secured the bundle, and they then made off. The boy saw the prisoners conceal them- selves in a. closet at the back of his mother's premises, and after they came out one of them threw a red shirt (produced) over a wall. The prisoners denied having had anything to do with a robbery, and said their vessel was off to America that afternoon. The magistrates considered there was sufficient evidence to justify further enquiry, and the case was remanded until Friday Albert Frome, a foreign sailor, charged with desert- ing his ship was also remanded until Friday.

SEVENTH MON. RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. Week ending February 18th, 1871. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY.—OScers and non-commissioned officers drill at 7.30 p.m. recruits squad drill at 8 p m. TUESDAY AND FRIDAY.—Rifle exercise and company drill at 7.30 p.m. Band practice as usual. MEMO.—Young men desirous of joining the corps are invited to do so at once, in order that they may learn the new rifle exercise, with the Snider, before the target practice commences.

CARDIFF. CARBIFF IMPROVEMENT BILL.-A special meeting of the Coaporation was held at the Town-liall on Tues- day, to take into consideration the various clauses of the Cardiff Improvement Bill, and to decide whether action sheuld be taken upon it at the forthcoming ses- comln sion of Parliament, or whether the Bill should be abandoned. The Mayor presided. There was at the former meeting of the Council a feeling expressed that it would be desirable to abandon the present measure for twelve months, and in the meantime to gain the consent of the inhabitants of Canton and Roath so as to make tke municipal boundaries of the borough co- extensive with the. Parliamentary boundaries. The Mayor, however, at the opening of the meeting, asked for an expression of opinion whether it was desirable to proceed with the measure or not, and the general feeling then was that the Bill should be proceeded with. The clauses were then discussed seriatim, and the first one that caused much discussion was the divi- sion of the town into an increased number of wards and it was resolved that the town should be divided into six wards, but that the number of councillors and aldermen should remain as at present. The clause referring to the removal of the turnpike gates was referred to a committee, as the County Roads Board had given a notice to take that proposition into consi- deration at their next meeting, with a view probably to oppose it, and it was thought desirable that this question should be discussed in private. Several other clauses were discussed, especially those relating to the purchase of any portion of the tolls of the Canton Market Company, and of the extension of the slaughter-houses, notice having been sent by the Can- ton Market Company of their intention to oppose the Bill, but no alteration was made in the Bill which was then referred to a committee to alter it in those minor points of detail which were discussed and altered at the meeting. The Bill as it stood would be the Bill that would be taken before Parliament. The meeting then separated. ° STATE OF TRADE.-In the steam coal trade quietude continues to prevail, and, until the question of peace or war is decided, there is no likelihood of a favour- able change. The exports last month reached 207,640 tons, as compared with 214,803 tons in January 1870, showing a decrease of 7,163 tons. The falling off in French requirements far more than accounted for this decrease. The house coal collieries have been fairly kept employed with the coasting and local orders. The shipments coastwise in January were 79,300 tons, against 58,362 tons in the corres- ponding month of last year, showing the large in- crease of nearly 21,000 tons. The iron trade is dull, and the low prices which prevail, more especially for rails, have necessitated notices to be given of a re- duction in wages. 13,921 tons were exported in January, of which New York took 3,608 tons, New Orleans 3,228 tons, Galveston 1,504 tons, and St. Nazaire 1,146 tons.

MAESYCWMWR. MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT.—On Monday evening a most agreeable entertainment (one of a series) was given at the Angel Inn Assembly-room, which was tilled to overflowing with a well pleased and enthusi- astic audience- Mr. A. T. Pullin presided and intro- duced a lengthy but well selected programme. The singing af Master Williams, aged 13, who now made his first appearance in public, was much admired; and Mr. Williams' selections on the harp were thoroughly appreciated. At the close of the evening a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the Chairman and those who took part in the programme.

THE MERLIN IS NOW PUBLISHED TWICE A WEEK, Viz., ON TUESDAY & FRIDAY EVENINGS. Previously possessing an extensive advertising con- nection, and a list of subscribers gathered principally from among the influential circles, its circulation has been augmented, since the change, by a large accession of readers of all classes. Every subscriber to the Friday's paper receives that of Tuesday as well, and the circulation of the Tuesday's paper now exceeds the previous issue of the Friday's. The eligibility of the MERLIN as an advertising medium will thus be apparent. The charges for advertisements have recently been revised. The following is an extract from the scale adopted for Friday's paper :— Per inch—13 times at Is. Sd. 26 times at Is. 2d. and 52 times at lOd., each insertion. Advertisements are inserted in the Tuesday's Paper at Three-quarters of the prices charged for insertion in the Friday's Paper. Advertisements in both Papers are inserted on the Tuesday at half the price charged on Friday. For example :—If an Adver- tisement inserted on Friday cost 4s., the same Advertisement iE sorted on Tuesday only would cost 3s. if inserted on Tuesday and Friday, the charge for both would be 6s. A substantial advan- tage is thus offered to Advertisers in both Papers. PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS. Advertisements of the undermentioned classes HOUSES TO BE LET. SITUATIONS VACANT. HOUSES WAITED. SITUATIONS WANTED. A PARTMKNTS TO BE LET. ARTICLES LOST. APARTMENTS WANTED. ARTICLES FOUND. MONEY WANTED. MISCELLANEOUS WANTS, May, if paid for prior to insertion, appear in the MERLIN at the prices under-stated s. d. Above 10 and not exceeding 20 words. 0 6 „ 20 „ „ 30" 0 9 „ 30 „ „ 40 „ 1 0 „ 40 „ 50" 1 3 „ 50 „ 60" 1 6 And so on for each additional 10 words. This tcale applies only to Prepaid Advertisements of the classes enumerated above. Remittances may be made in postage stamps. Consecutive Insertions will be charged s,3 follows :— One Three Six Insertion. Insertions. Insertions. 26 words. 6d. Is. Od. Is. 6d. 20 „ 9el. Is. 6d. 2s. 3d. 40 „ ••• Is. Od. 2s. Od. 3s. Od. 50 • Is. 3d. 2s. 6d. 3s. 9d. 60 ••• Is. 6d. 3s. Od. 4s. 6d. Advertisers and persons wishing to become Sub- scribers are requested to address the Publisher at the Office, 15, Commercial-street, Newport, Mon.

MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL. Week ending Feb 4, 1871 g,067 5 8 Corresponding 'wESTER^ • GITEAT WESTERIN. Week ending Feb. 5, 1871 g5,797 0 0 Corresponding week, 1870 ° ° BRECON AND MERTHYR. Week ending Feb. 5, 1871 £ 1 076 8 2 Corresponding week, 1870 TAFF VALE. Week ending Feb. 4, 1871 ig 5 Corresponding week, 1870 „ PENARTH HARBOUR, DOCK, & Week endiugFeb. 4,1871 ri'dAH 2 6 Corresponding week, 1870