The Welshman

HOUSE OF LORDS.—MONDAY, MARCH 30. The Duke of vv ellmgton gave notice, that on ihurs- day next the Earl of Ilipon would move that the thanks of their Lordships be given to Sir Henry Smith and the Indian Army, for the bravery they had displayed in the battle that was fought on the 28th of January. Lord Kinnaird moved for a Select Committee to enquire into the best means of effecting an uniform system in the management of railways, of diminishing the expenses incurred in procuring Bills, and protecting the rights of parties through whose property they passed. He said he brought forward the motion in no spirit of hostility to railways, the establishment of which he had always encouraged: but he considered that they required to be under controul, and suggested that a board should be appointed in connexion with the Government, with full powers to deal with the subject, and to institute pre- liminary inquiries. He intimated that the plan of effecting this objeot would he a subject for the inquiry of the Committee, if it was appointed. The Earl of Dalhousie said that as the Noble Lord had not developed his plan, he could not pronounce an opinion upon it, but he entertained doubts whether it would be attended with any beneficial results. He should not, however, object to the appointment of the Committee. The Marquis of Breadalhane thought it would be desirable that railways should be under the controul of Parliament. The Marquis of Londonderry said it would be better to leave the matter in the hands of the Government. Lord Wharncliffe expressed his regret that the Govern- ment had not taken the subject up at the commencement of the session. The Duke of Wellington wished to see the law in a state to protect the public against railroad companies. The magistrates should have more jurisdiction over such companies. Lord Hatherton supported the motion, and suggested several important matters for the consideration of the Committee. Lord Campbell, in allusion to the law applicable to railroads, complained that two Bills, which he intro- duced last session, one to repeal the law of deodand, and the other to make railway companies responsible, were hastily thrown out in the Commons. The Earl of Dalhousie did not oppose the motion, but reserved himself for the discussion of the alte- rations proposed by the Noble Lord who had moved for the Committee. The question for the appointment of a Committee was then put and agreed to. The House then adjourned. TUESDAY, MARCH 31. Their Lordships met at Five o'clock. The Marquis of Lansdowne presented a petition from Kerry, in favour of railways in Ireland. The Noble Marquis suggested that it would be desirable that the Admiralty should fix upon some station on the Irish coast for a packet station. The Earl of Ellenborough said that the matter lay with the Treasury and net with the Admiralty. The Marquis of Clanricarde then moved, pursuant to notice, the address to her Majesty on the subject of the report with respect to the New Houses of Parliament. Viscount Canning opposed the motion. The Earl of Redesale supported the motion of the Marquis of Clanricarde for the address. The Marquis of Lansdowne thought the subject ought to be adjourned till the report had been printed. The Duke of Wellington agreed with the Noble Marquis that the subject ought to be adjourned for the present. After some further discussion the subject was ad- journed till after Easter. The House then adjourned.

DEFEAT OF THE SEIKHS, WITH IMMENSE LOSS, AND TERMINATION OF THE WAIt. (From the Morninq Post). I TELEGRAPHIC DISPATCHES. I MARSEILLES, MARCH 29, 1846. On the 10th of February, the English army, com- manded by Sir Hugh Gough and by the Governor-Gene- ral, attacked the Seikhs at Sebraon (the tute de pont of the Seikh forces on this side of the Sutlej), and carried their position after four hours' hard fighting. The Seikhs lost 12,000 men and 65 pieces of artillery. The English had 300 men killed, 13 of whom were offi- cers, and 2,500 wounded, of whom 101 were officers. Her Majesty's 53d and 62d suffered enormously. Ge- neral Dick and Brigadier Taylor are among the dead. This victory was followed, it is said, by an agreement, according to which the Seikhs have engaged to pay, in four yearly instalments, to the Company for the expences of the war, one million and a half of pounds sterling, the payment to be guaranteed by the military occupation of the country.

ARRIVAL OF THE OVERLAND MAIL. (From the Herald.) I We have received by Extraordinary Express, in anti- cipation of the Overland Mail, Bombay, papers of the 3d of March. We refer our readers for full particulars to the ample details we publish below from the Bombay Times. We have received the official dispatches relative to this last great victory. Our advices from China are of no later date than those brought by the last mail. SUMMARY. I (From the Bombay Times of March 3d.) I Another great battle has been fought and victory won. On the 10th ult. the Commander-in-Chief, with a force of about 20,000 men, attacked the Seikhs, 36,000 strong, on our side the river at Hurreekee, and, after a severe and bloody action, defeated them at all points, and drove them across the river. Sixty-seven guns, and all their ammunition and camp equipage, fell into our hands. The pontoon bridge was inadequate to afford them a passage to their own side of the river, and their loss altogether was estimated at 10,000 men. Our casualties amount to 2,383 killed and wounded- including, amongst the former, one Major-Geueral, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Captains, nine Lieutenants, three Ensigns, and 301 non-commissioned Officers, rank and file. The same evening a portion of our troops crossed at Ferozepore by the 14th the whole armv destined for the ad vance on the capital were over and by the 24th in all likelihood Lahore would be in- our hands. It is unlikely we shall attempt anything more this season and it has been intimated by the Governor- General that it is not our intention to annex the Pun- jaub to our dominions, but to compel them to pay the expenses of the war, establish a firm Government, and retire. The whole arrangements of the Sinde army have, since our last, been altered. Sir Charles Napier having received orders to join the Governor-General without delay, quitted Sukkur on the 10th leaving the civil government of Sinde in the hands of General Simp- son—the command of the army devolving on General Hunter. Instead of proceeding to Mithenkote to take up their quarters for the hot season, the troops are now ordered up to within 50 miles of Bahawulpore—a portion of them, as is understood, moving on Ferozepore. The division has been brigaded, and it consists of three Eu- ropean and eight native infantry regiments, with the Belooch battalion-two regiments of regular, and one of irregular cavalry-three troops of horse, and four bat- teries of foot artillery-or, in all, above 15,000 fighting men, with nearly thirty pieces of artillery. The troops from all parts of India continue to move northward-the country generally is very tranquil. We have now on the Sutlej, from Mithenkote to Umballah, an army of above 60,000 men. THE PUNJAUB. I OPERATIONS SUBSEQUENT TO THE 1ST OF FEB.— The siege train was now drawing near to its destination. From Busscau to Moodkee it was escorted by a detach- ment of the 38th Native Infantry under Major Scott. It approached Hurreeke on the 5th, when twelve howit- zers were detached by the Commander-in-Chief instead of pushing on, as was expected, to the Governor-General at Ferozepore. Colonel Wheeler's brigade took up a position near the village of Sunnait, six miles from Loodianah. He had under his command a powerful force, consisting of the 1st Light, and 4th Irregular Cavalry, H. M. 50th, the 24th, 30th, 36th, and 48th X.I., the whole Shekawatte Brigade, with four horse artillery guns-in all probably about 8,000 men. On the 3d, four days after the battle of Aliwal, the force under General Sir Harry Smith marched from Boondrie towards Dur- ruinkote, and made arrangements to rejoin the head- quarters of the Commander-in-Chief at Hurreeke Ghat. Here the enemy continued to maintain themselves in force. Their principal position was right in front of us, on our side of the river it was strongly fortified, armed with 70 pieces of artillery, and defended by above 30,000 well-disciplined troops. A large body of men lay en- camped on the opposite side-a well-constructed bridge of boats maintaining the communication betwixt them. Sir Harry Smith joined the Commander-in-Chief on the 8th, and arrangements were immediately made for an attack on the enemy. So obstinately were the guns de- fended, and so apt to be made use of if recovered for a moment, that two men of each company, exempted from all other duty, were detached from the European regi- ments, and provided with spikes to ram into the vents. The pontoon bridge at Khoonda Ghat, Ferozepore, was in readiness to be used at a moment's warning, when our troops were prepared to cross. Let us now turn to the state of matters at Lahore, where, amidst cruelty, perfidy, and falsehood, a stern and courageous determination not to yield to force of arms continued to manifest itself. The Queen-Mother maintained a restless and uneasy position, unable to see her way, or to control her vassal chiefs. She had learned that a conspiracy had been matured by Goolab Singh to depose her and the infant Maharaja Dhulleep Singh, and throw them into prison. This was to be carried into execution on the return of the army from Feroze- pore, where success against us was considered certain. The descendants of Shere Singh were to be placed upon the throne-the mountain chief exercising all substantial power, and entrusting with authority such Sirdars as might be subservient to his will. To counteract this schM^ the Queen invited Goolab Singh on his arrival to oc #the residence of the late Dhyan Singh; she in- ten to have him and the sons of Shere Singh mur- dered. The Raja declined the other persons "became aware of their danger, and escaped. Goolab Singh is un- derstood about this time to have sent messengers with a view to negotiation with the Governor-General—hoping to cover his designs, or, in case of a reverse, obtain separate terms for himself. He declined to have the customary salute fired on his arrival at the capital. On the 30th—the day of the battle of Aliwal—he appeared at Court, and stated that he was ready to undertake any duty her Majesty might assign him. He was offered money and ammunition, and recommended to proceed to camp; but replied that he had brought abundance of both with him, which would be at the disposal of Govern- ment. He wished to fight the English with his own hill men, and declined being mixed up with the Seikhs, on whose courage no reliance could be placed. His own troops and personal attendants numbered about twelve thousand, with ten pieces of artillery. The conference ended in nothing. The same evening tidings reached of the victory of Sir Harry Smith, and strong detachments were immediately ordered from Lahore to succour their defeated brethren, and reinforce the comp at Hurreeke. The following day the Queen in her helplessness was induced, notwithstanding all that had occurred, to no- minate Goolab Singh Vuzzeer, or Prime Minister. On the 2d February a report was circulated that the Seikhs had retrieved the disaster of the 30th, beaten the British, and recovered a portion of their guns; and as the man by whom the tidings was brought was handsomely re- warded for his pains, other bearers of intelligence equally flattering and fallacious made their appearance in abun- dance. In two days more an intimation from the de- feated General Rugno'or Singh revealed the full amount of their disasters two thousand men out of 24,000 who had been engaged, was all he had been able to collect or keep together, and these were without money, arms, ammunition, or food—their whole artillery were in the hands of the victors. Information soon after arrived, that so disheartened was the grand army under Tej Singh by the disaster experienced by their brethren that it would be difficult to get them to fight unless Goolab Singh showed himself in camp. Evil tidings had ar- rived from the Indus a rebellious chief, at the head of 3,000 men, was ravaging the Dhejarat, and troops were ordered from the remote province of Cashmere to assist the forces of Government likely to be overcome. It soon after appeared that the rebels had taken six guns from the Khalsa forces, for which they were far more than a match. On the 4th of February it was agreed that the British should he openly and formally applied to-that it should be intimated that the troops repented them of what they had done, and were most anxious for an amicable arrangement of differences. To induce the Governor-General to treat with them by a formidable display of strength still reHMdmng, every effort was made to get more troops sent to camp, and to draw on the no th e"t Ion Attock and PesU*wur, for reinforcements ?to?uard Lahore. The Wuzeer continued to wait with anxiety the return of hh ambassadors. Urged to pro- ?eced t?) camp? he persisted in continuing at Lahore, pleading that his departure would be a signal for a rising in the capital. The Governor-General is understood to have declined all separate arrangements, and spurned the idea of cessation of hostilities. Tidings reached about this time of the assemblage of a large force under Sir Charles Napier on the lower Sutlej and the de- fection of the Mooltan Chief who offered at once to sub- mit and hold his dominions onthe same terms under the British as he had done under the Seikh Government. This must have crowned the gloomy foreboding at the capital. About the 8th February every effort was being made for the fortification and defence of Lahore. Having given a short outline of the state of affairs in the Seikh capital up to the 8th of February, we must once more revert to the operations of the British Army, brought down to the junction of Sir Harry Smith on the day just indicated, and ready to give battle to the enemy. The works had been repeatedly surveyed. They con- sisted of formidable entrenchments defended by not fewer than 30,000 men and 70 pieces of artillery. The fortifications had been most skilfully constructed under Colonel Don Hurbon de Alcantara, a Spanish engineer. There was a double line of batteries arranged in a semi- circular form, high ramparts, and deep and wide ditches with holes and banks a triple line of defences of earth and plank, such as a rifle ball could hardly enter, with fascines, redoubts, and epaulements, appeared to defy the efforts of our troops Immediately within they 'were, as in the camp at Ferozcshah, pierced with loaded mines, and everything arranged which skill could plan or perseverance carry out during the four weeks they had occupied their position. A considerable force remained on the other side, with guns so placed as to command and flank the position on this. The arrangements in contemplation had been submitted to the Governor-Ge- neral by the Commander-in-Chief, and met his hearty approval. Two picquets in front of Kodcewallah and the little Sobraon, occupied by the enemy in force during the day only, were ordered to be taken possession of on the night of the 9th, and, though some misconception and delay occurred, by daylight in the morning of the 10th they were in our hands. The battering and field artillery were placed in a semi-circle, embracing within its fire the position of the Seikhs. The cannonade which was meant to have commenced at daybreak was delayed till rays of the sun had dispelled the heavy mist which, hanging over the river and the plain, rendered distant objects obscure. Two brigades under Sir It. Dick meanwhile waited on the margin of the Sutlej to commence the attack on the enemy's right. The 7th or Stacy's Brigade, comprising her Majesty's 50th and 53rd, led on, supported at a distance of two hundred yards by the 6th under Colonel Wilkinson; the 5th under Colonel Ashburnham, forming the reserve, was to ad- vance from the entrenched village of Kodeewallah, leaving one regiment behind, if necessary for its defence. General Gilbert's division, constituting the centre, was deployed for support or attack, its right resting on the village of the little Sobraon, which it partly occupied. On the left, near the village of Guttah, with its right thrown out towards the river, was General Sir Harry Smith s division. The cavalry, under Colonel Cureton, feigned an attack on the ford of Hurreekee, threatening the Seikh horse on the other side. In the rear, between General Gilbert's right and Sir II. Smith's left, Brigadier Campbell occupied a position capable of protecting both. Sir Joseph Thackwcll, with Brigadier Scott, held the remainder of the cavalry in reserve on the left, ready to act as circumstances might demand. At three A.M., the troops advanced to their respective stations, as just described. At daybreak the light field batteries and a brigade of howitzers opened. By half-past six the whole fire of our artillery was developed. Round shot, shells, and rockets followed each other with fearful celerity, and the frequent explosion of ammunition waggons in the enemy's camp showed with what precision they were aimed. At first a few horsemen showed themselves re- connoitring and directing the removal of the baggage across the river by the bridge. Our infantry lay facing tne worKS within cannon range but under cover. The enemy at first scarcely seemed aware of our position, the columns having taken up their ground under night, but were quickly seen lining the whole of their works as they saw themselves surrounded. In an instant every gun was opened upon us from a common centre, and the fire became tremendous. Our guns were of formidable calibre, were admirably served, and pointed with the utmost precision but the Seikhs' position was so formi- dable, and their cannon so numerous, that it was feared that by cannonade alone it was in vain to hope to carry the day in any reasonable time and it was determined to bring the issue to the arbitrement of musket and bayonet. The attack in conformity with this determi- nation was commenced at nine o'clock when Colonel Stacey's brigade, supported by Colonel Lane's horse artillery and Captains Horsford's and Fordyce's foot batteries, advanced steadily in line towards the enemy's works. The infantry under Stacey, supported by Wil- kinson's brigade, moved on steadily and coolly, halting when necessary to correct any imperfections in their line. Above twelve hundred yards of deep sand had to be traversed. The artillery went on at a gallop, taking up a succession of positions until within 300 yards of the enemy. The simultaneous roar of 120 pieces of ordnance resounded along the Sutlej the slaughter was terrible and so hot was the fire of musketry, caniel-swivels, and cannon, that it seemed for a moment impossible that the intrenchments should be won. On our soldiers went, under a storm of grape and musketry now opening on them from the opposite side and focus of the entrenched position. A shout, a run, and a fire, had no effect: the heaviness of the ground over which they had passed had fagged the men. The Seikhs saw their danger, but confident in the power of their guns, and impregnability of their position, stood firm and fought bravely. The enemy's cavalry, ordered to the rescue, was now seen preparing for the charge. A square was formed; the gallant sepoys coolly closed in oil their own centre; the enemy's horse took warning and withdrew. In a moment the line was reformed and the troops advancing, but not a man had as yet passed the intrenchments. The Seikhs showed signs of wavering as they saw our columns slowly and undismayed move on. One frightful effort more and the outworks were our own. Her Majesty's 10th Foot, under Colonel Franks, charged without firing a shot till within the intrenchments of the enemy the 53rd came next; the Sepoys of the 43rd and 59th emulated the Europeans in coolness and determination. The brigade of Colonel Ashburnham now came to the support of that of Colonel Stacey. General Gilbert and Sir H. Smith threw out their light troops, aided by the artillery, to threaten the other portions of the intrenchments. The Seikhs attempted to throw the whole force within their camp upon the two brigades which had entered, and the battle raged with terrific fury all along from right to left. Our heavy guns had first been directed to the ;Ight, ?? their fire required to be gradually suspended. ?t? he Seikhs strove with indomitable fury to recover, sword in hand, the positions from which they had been driven at the bayonet's point; nor was it till the weight of the three divisions of infantry, and the fiie of every piece of artillery belonging to our army, had been felt, and the cavalry under Sir Joseph Thackwell had in single file burst through the openings made by the sappers in the intrenchments, reformed and charged on the other side, that the victory was won. The 3rd Dragoons over- came every obstacle, galloped over and cut down the men still standing by their guns, and the victors pressed closely upon the enemy on every side. Now their fire first began to slacken, and then ceased.\ Regiment after regiment moved steadily down, and fearful vollies of musketry were poured in on the retiring foe. The few parties first retiring were followed by vast masses making for the bridge. Thousands betook themselves to the river, which a _1_1. u=-- L.1 =-&. _1 -11_1- r"L- \1_- suuueu use iiau just renuereu unioruaoie. J.110 uiiuwje, meanwhile, had partially sunk, and was totally inade- quate for the conveyance of the multitudes pressing towards it. This battle had begun at six, it was over at eleven o'clock the hand to hand combat commenced at nine, and lasted scarcely two hours. The river was full of sinking men. For two hours volley after volley was poured in upon the human mass-the stream being literally red with blood, and covered with the bodies of the slain. At last the musket ammunition becoming ex- hausted, the infantry fell to the rear; the horse artillery plying grape till not a man was visible within range. No compassion was felt, or mercy shown not only had our own loss been excessively severe, but the enemy, during the earlier portion of the day, had mutilated or murdered every wounded man that fell into their hands. The cool- ness and order with which the enemy retired, notwith- standing the havoc being made amongst their ranks, was remarkable. Their columns moved out of range of our fire on reaching the further bank of the river, and pitched their tents—sent across at an early part of the action. Three or four heavy guns which had, in the course of the fight, occasionally played upon us from time to time, saluted the camp followers engaged in collecting the spoil. The bridge was partly burnt, partly sunk, and latterly destroyed by the engineers; the camp was in several places set fire to by stragglers, increasing the horror of the scene of carnage. Of 35,000 men who had that day maintained so stout but so unavailing a fight against us, more than one-half must have been killed or wounded; no fewer than ten thousand are believed to have perished. Sixty-seven guns, with upwards of two hundred formidable camel-swivels, numerous standards and munitions of war fell into our hands. In an engage- ment so bloody and obstinate—even though of brief duration—the loss of the assailants could not but be severe. Our total casualties amounted to 2,383. Of these 13 European officers were killed—101 wounded; 303 rank and file were killed, and 1,913 wounded. Amongst the slain were the gallant veteran Major-Gene- ral Sir R. Dick and Lieut.-Cols. C. C. Taylor and Ryan. The Governor-General throughout seems to have been in the thickest of the fight; he does not seem to have ex- ercised a separate command. After so much of repose as the fatigues of such an engagement demanded, the victorious army, under the Commander-in-Chief, prepared to march towards Fero- zcpore, to be united with that command by the Govenor- General, ready to enter the Punjaub. The ambassadors of Goolab Singh, immediately after the victory, were admitted to an interview with the Governor-General, which before had been denied them. At no time had so much anxiety to treat with him been manifested—it was not likely. to have been decreased by anything that had occurred. The disconsolate messengers returned on the 11th to their master, to tell him that a British force was now on the Lahore side of the Sutlej, ready, without delay, to move upon the capital. The moment tidings were received of the victory at Sabraon, preparations for crossing the river without delay, were completed. On the night of the 10th and morning of the 11th two bri- gades of infantry and one of cavalry, with a considerable body of artillery, had crossed. The Governor-General appears to have immediately pushed on with the leading division: he was at Kussoor, twenty miles in advance, and thirty-two from Lahore, on the 14th. Other troops were following fast across, and by the date just given every man intended for the advance to Lahore was within the Seikh boundary. Goolab Singh was stated to have intimated that he was on his way to camp the Lancers had gone out to escort him in. Brigadier Wheeler crossed from Umballa on the 17th, and captured Phullour on the day following without resistance—the Seikh army having fled without fighting. TMis is the latest intelligence, thought not the most important, we have received. On the 14th the Governor-General published one of the most important proclamationfor half a century issued by any ruler in India-not so much as intimating a fact as indi- cating a principle—that thrt operation of the law of expansion and force of circumstances," under whose imagined influence we have, in indulging the lust of territorial aggrandisement, SO often committed grievous wrong, was no longer recognieed. The Seikh army haviug been chastised and humbled, is to be deprived of all power of annoyance the expenses of the war must be met by those who have provoked it; till this is seen to, and a strong and suitable Government be established at Lahore, our troops will continue to occupy the coun- try, and then be withdrawn. The provinces, hill and plain, betwixt the Stltiej and Beas, is also to be appro- priated, their revenues forming a portion of the indem- nity required. A line of policy so strikingly contrasted with that we have for ten years purstied-so novel and so -Ilnexpe,-ted, is likely to be keenly canvassed at home. the veteran who now rules over us has shown that a ruler may in India dare to be peaceful and just, and fear not. His measures have fully exemplified the advice of the Great Duke, to avoid a little war.'

AGRICULTURAL rACTS.-It would appear from what is passing around us in the district of Bassetlaw, that the agriculturists here are not much alarmed at the great and comprehensive scheme of Sir 11. Peel. At a sale of the land belonging to the late Mr. R. Draper, of Lanc-lia-, most of the grass land sold for EIOO per acre and upwards, and the arable land, which was not first-rate, realized from £ 60 to £ 65 per acre. At ano- ther sale recently held at Edwinstowe, of some poor forest land, valued at £ 20 per acre, the building rose up to £ 43 per acre, at which sum the whole was sold. At the sale of farming stock the property of Mr. Rich- ard Milward, at Babworth, on Tuesday last, nineteen cart horses realized an average of £30 12s. each.- Doncaster Gazette. In our next publication our readers may anticipate the pleasure of perusing a beautiful Poem from the pen of Dlt. DOYVNES, of Builtn, our esteemed correspondent, entitled "AN ODE TO SPRING," and evincing Genius of a very high order, as well as a profundity of thought too unusual amongst poets of the present day. ECONOMIST is informed that the object he mentions is actually in the contemplation of the magistrates. Civis is partly right. The following lines were written by the Town Clerk of a certain Borough previously to the passing of the Municipal Reform Act, although they were not inserted in the Corporation Books :— TUNE—" Scots wha hae." When shall we all meet again, Dead and dying aldermen 1 Hang the new ones all sky high; Now's the time to floor the Liquor, Drink the cellar dry the quicker; Freemen, let us do and die." Similar lines icere introduced into the Corporation Books of the City of Lichfield. In answer to the second query we can only say thatfourpcnce halfpenny was the balance handed over. In consequence of the extensive alterations in the Mails throughout South Wales, we are compelled TO GO TO PIIESS AT A MUCH EARLIER HOUR than formerly it will therefore be requisite that all Communications in- tended for the Welshman should reach the Office on TH UnSDA Y EVENING at the Latest. We cannot insert, or notice in any way, any commu- nication that is sent to us anonymously; but those who choose to address us in confidence will find their con- fidenee respected. Neither can we undertake to return an y manuscripts whatever.

In the course of the discussion last week on the second reading of the Corn Importation Bill (which was carried this day week by an overwhelming majority) Mr. F. BERKELEY said he should vote with Sin. R. PEEL on the question before the house-not because he pro- fessed at all to understand that legislative question, not because he knew anything whatever of political economy, for he was confessedly ignorant of that science, but because he believed that SIR ROBERT knew best what was best. There is nothing very remarkable either in this follow-my-leader logic, or the candid confession of ignorance so naively and unreservedly made by the member for Bristol. It is common enough in both houses of Parliament. INIR. BERKELEY is not a bit worse informed than the bulk of his brother-law- makers. More than one half of the hon. gentlemen at this moment sitting in Parliament are either mere Tyros in, or as profoundly ignorant of, political science and the principles upon which the great and compre- hensive measures," now in progress before the house^as the hon. gentleman admits he himself is or M?a General Tom Thumb probably is. We do not therefore desire to invidiously animadvert on the admitted ignorance of the individual member who has elicited from our pen tnis nonce. All we want is just to point attention to the fact, for the purpose of educing some little light relative to the state of our electoral, or repre- sentative system, with reference to other than only a pound-shilling-and-pence qualification. Now, how stands the matter ? In the case before us,—which, it must be borne in mind is not an isolated, or rare instance, but, on the contrary, a very common one—in the case of MR. BERKELEY, we have the representative of one of the most important cities in the kingdom publicly confessing in his place in parliament, his ignorance of the bearings of a question in which his constituents and the whole country are vitally interested. He neverthless votes: the grossest ignorance under our representative institution constitutes no disqualiifcation. Is this anomaly reconcileable with reason ? In the meanest handicraft a thorough knowledge of the business professed is universally required, but in what concerns the common-wealth of Great Britain, knowledge is not indispensable. In private business practical ac- quaintance with its duties is invariably demanded, but the business of the public, presumably, may be con- fidently entered upon by any gentleman either with or without brains. A man may exercise the functions of a legislator without a grain of sense in his composition, without an iota of information. He may assume to decide a question that he knows nothing about. lIe may indeed, in the same breath, as we have seen, make a public admission of profound ignorance of political economy, and vote on a purely politico-economical question. Can the mind of man conceive of any course less consistent with common sense, and common decency ? And yet such is the every-day practice under the existing representative system—such the unfading flower, such the enduring blossom of our beautiful Reform bill! We confessedly do not admire the practice. We cannot shut our eyes to the flagrant absurdity of thus sanctioning with the stamp of authority the grossest ignorance, nor are we insensible to the grievous inj ury which the interests of the public must in consequence suffer. But at present, we only advert to the fact, a notorious fact, and, we will add, a no less disgraceful and degrading one to a great people, justly boasting of their freedom and civilisation. It is hoped, there- fore, we shall not be called hard names, and that the statu-quo-ites and our friends the finality-partisans will refrain from denouncing us as ultra-radicals or regicidal-chartists; for we really have no pretensions to so distinguished an honor. We proceed on a very plain ground in reference to the point under notice. We only presume to think, that every man should know his business. Our judgment can recognise no right in any class of the community to claim exemption from the agency of this qualification. Why should the business of legislation, the highest and most important business of all, be confided to ignorant men ? A common clerk, nay even a tailor, or a cobler, must know his business before he can hope to be permitted to exercise it; and yet we send members to parliament to take part in the science of legislation who know nothing, absolutely nothing of the business. What folly can be more flagrant ? What absurdity more su- premely ridiculous ? And behold the consequences to the country ? Look at the enormous mass of misery look at the hideous vice that debases, and the intense suffering that scourges society. In every profession in life some knowledge of that particular profession is re- quired; but any body is good enough for a legislator. Society scouts the man who does not know his business we brand with scorn and opprobrium the person who undertakes to discharge the duties of an office for which he is unfitted by ignorance-the only exception to the rule is in the case of a maker of laws. Not only indeed does public opinion, in all other cases, insist on the possession of qualifications and particular aptitude, but the law of the land itself steps in and notifies the uni- versal sentiment. If, for example, an apothecary's patient die from unskilful treatment, he is liable to an indictment for manslaughter, and there is, probably, not a judge on the bench who would not direct the jury to return a verdict of Guilty, if gross ignorance on the part of the practitioner were proved. Is the mischief which may be done by a set of ignorami professing and exercising in parliament the great business of law- makers less in extent, or less serious in its operation upon the millions of human beings who are its victims, than that of the village doctor who makes a fatal mis- take, merely because he has not had opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of his profession ? Men who do not know their business ought not to be sent to Parliament. Legislative aptitude ought in all cases to be deemed indispensible. Privacy is the place of all,others. We do not want dolts and non en- tities in Parliament. The business of legislating demands knowledge; and all reasonable persons must be of opinion that the honour of a scat in Parliament ought to depend on some solid and useful qualification. Surely it is essential to the interests of the public at large that the laws by which the people are governed-that the Acts of Parliament by which thev are fed or starved, made happy or miserable, just as those laws are framed—should not be enacted by Gentlemen whose ignorance is so notorious that they blush not publicly to admit that they know nothing whatever of the business.

Had we the multitudinous voices of Echo and the hundred arms of Briareus assigned by mythology, we would never cease to raise the one and stretch forth the other in the cause of Cambrian Education. The state of instruction in Wales must be kept before the Welsh public, and although but the present slight indication of our recognition of the very great importance of the object be given this week, it will at least suffice to show that we have not forgotten either the extent of EDC- CATIONAL DESTITUTION in this sadly neglected part of the kingdom, or the claims of its hitherto, perhaps too acquiescent inhabitants on the Government. Moreover, God willing, we will on a future occasion submit a few further observations on the subject; a subject in the progress of which all Wales is deeply interested.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE, "V_ "V'JV'V' ,r", "I* CARMARTHENSHIRE. CARMARTHEN POLICE COGRT, FRIDAY. -13dore the Mayor and Borough Magistrates. Alexander Atkins, gilder, appeared to answer the complaint of Mr. Hulme, picture dealer. Complainant alleged that on the Saturday previous, he was passing along the back way, when Mr. Atkins came out from the Red Lion Yard and commenced abusing him, and eventually came near to him and held his fist in his face, upon whichh-e lifted his umbrella to guard off the expected blow, and then gave defendant into custody. Defendant said that Mr. Hulme would not pay him for some work that he had done for him, and he was merely asking for his money, when he was given in charge. This state- ment Mr. Hulme denied, and defendant was bound over to keep the peace for 12 months, and ordered to pay the costs. Benjamin Jones, alias Benny Clynadda, charged Margaret Griffiths, a weaver's wife, with assaulting him, by throwing a large brickbat at his head and about twenty immense stones through bi& window. Benny, a short, round-headed, closely cropped. carpenter, commenced his tale in English, whining most piteously, but at length his ideas flowing too rapidly to> enable him to put them into appropriate phraseology, he burst forth in Welsh, and rather astonished the Court by a display of verbosity somewhat unusual amongst men in his station of life. From his state- ment, it appeared that he was mending the door of his house in the yard in Lammas Street, a little beyond the Mermaid Inn, when to his great astonishment and without his having committed any act of aggression, or said a syllable to a single individual, a large brickbat new past him and struck the door-post close to his head. Finding that defendant was his assailant, he hastily retreated into his house, upon which she let fly a volley of immense stones through the window. Benny here produced his carpenter's basket, and took from it a brickbat, certainly heavy enough to have killed him if it had struck him, and a considerable number of stones of immense calibre, such as would have contributed greatly to the sinking of a good-sized boat if hurled against her, In her defence, Margaret Griffiths said that Benny had a strange antipathy to children, and was in the habit of beating her offspring as well as those of her neighbours. She certainly did, she admitted, give way to her passion when her child told her that Benny had struck her, and in the outbreak of her wrath, she threw the brick at him, not intending however to hit him with it. He then escaped into his house, otherwise, exclaimed this rather unamiable specimen of womankind* I would have given him a. regular good hiding." The magistrates considered the assault fully proved, and in fact admitted by the defen- dant, and fined her 2s. 6d. and costs, or to be imprisoned for a week. She immediately called out "I have nothing to pay with take my child and I will go to gaol now." She was then rernoved. Beiiny next comnlained that shortly after obtaining the summons against the above defendant, he had occasion to leave his house one evening after dark, when he was instantly set upon by five or six men, (two of whom he recognised) and thumped about in a most violent manner. The magis- trates, after expressing an opinion that Benny must have committed some very grievous offence against his neighbours, thus to draw down their united vengeance, ordered the case to stand over.-David Davies, land- lord of the Marquis of Granby, King Street, was fined JE6 for permitting drunkenness and disorderly conduct in his house, at 3 o'clock in the morning of Sunday, the 23rd of February last. This being his second offence, he was sentenced (in default of sufficient distress being obtained on the premises) to be imprisoned for 3 months. Some affiliation cases were then heard. CARMARTHEN PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY'.—Alan Brigs, alias James Jones, was charged on the complaint of Wm. Davies, Pantyparcell, Llangendeirne, on sus- picion of stealing a shirt. The charge of larceny failed, but an act of vagrancy having been proved, defendant was committed to the house of correction for 2 calendar months. James Jenkins, Llansadurnen, preferred a complaint against his farm-servant, Thomas Jenkins, for prematurely quitting his service. The offence was pro- ved, and defendant was committed to the honse of correction for two calendar months. The overseers of the poor, for the ensuing year, in Lower Elvet, were then appointed. The voting papers for the election of Guardians in the Carmarthen Union, will be delivered on Monday next, and collected on Tuesday. MILITARY MOVEMENTS.—Two companies of the 37th regiment stationed at Carmarthen, took their departure yesterday for Newcastle Emlyn. Those previously stationed at Newcastle Emlyn have replaced the companies at Carmarthen, the exchange of position being effected in order to enable the accoutrements and clothing to be renewed at head quarters, and to have their arms examined and repaired where required, an armoury Serjeant having been stationed at Carmarthen for some time past for that purpose. THE EFFECT OF SIll ROBERT PEEL'S MEASURES.— It is not a little remarkable that with the full expectation of the alteration in the corn laws being carried, the price of wheat evinces a disposition to advance, while work- men have in some places struck and in other places contemplate a strike, for higher wages. In Carmarthen the house painters have turned out for an advance, and in some few instances their demands have been acceeded to. It is said also that the saddlers, and likewise the cabinet-makers and joiners, purpose following the ex- ample set them by the painters. Farm labourers In many localities, have demanded an increase of their wages from 12s. to 16s. per week. Near Lampeter, however, and in other parts of the principality, farm labourers are scarcely obtainable at any price, the demand for hands at the iron works being rapidly on the increase. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Monday last, as an old man named Moses, in the employ of J. Howell, Esq., Mer- chant, was proceeding to the coal pits at Dennant, he was seized with an epileptic fit from which however he recovered so as to be able to prosecute his journey. When on his return home near Porthyrhyd, however, a repetition of the attack took place, and he was almost instantaneously a corpse. He had been for many years in the employ of the late Alderman Evan Rees, and was a quiet, inoffensive, and apparently a hale, hearty looking man. An inquest was held on Wednesday last, in Llangunnor parish, before William Bonville, Esq., coroner, on view of the body, when the jury returned a verdict of died by the visitation of God." PLOUGHING MATCH.—Mr. George Goode, with a laudable desire to encourage competition in ploughing amongst the farmers in the neighbourhood of Carmar- then, and thus to cause an improved system of hus- bandry, offered several premiums to be competed for on Tuesday last on his farm at Cillevwr. Accordingly, about 2 o'clock, nine ploughs started in a spacious field adjoining Alltycnap hill, and in front of Cillevwr farm house. The weather was very unfavourable, a heavy rain descending throughout the afternoon, not- withstanding which, the competitors performed their task most skilfully. The judges, W. B. Gwyn, Esq., Pilroath, and E. M. Davies, Esq., Penallt, gave the following as their award of the prizes :— s. d. 1. John Morris, tenant of Penparke farm. 10 0 2. John Jones, servant to Mr. Goode. 5 0 3. Mr. Morris, Wauncorgam 3 0 4. Servant to ditto. 2 6 After the ploughing the competitors were all regaled with some excellent cicrw da, and then took their departure. THE DOG NUISANcr,It is a crying evil which re- quires a speedy remedy, that such a number of wander- ing cur dogs arc allowed to remain unmolested in this part of the country. Every cottager and labourer who can scarcely afford to maintain themselves and family, can yet keep one or two couples of ragged curs to annoy the passers by, or to lacerate and worry his neighbours' sheep. On Tuesday night last, a striking illustration of the shameful depredations committed by vagrant dogs occurred in Llandefeilog parish, where Mr. Rees, of Plasgwyn, had several sheep killed and others seriously maimed and mutilated by some curs; the. damage altogether amounting to E40. In the town of Carmarthen the nuisance is still more aggravated, and we trust that Mr. Corbett, our new surveyor of taxes, will at once put into execution his expressed intention of surcharging all parties keeping dogs, who do not pay duty. The magistrates it is to be hoped will support him in his laudable endeavour to put a stop to this disgraceful state of things. LLANPILO PETTY SESSIONS.—On Saturday last, be- fore W. Peel, John Lewis, Wm. Du Buisson, and G. B. Jones, Esqrs., John Jones, late of Gellywernissaf, pa- rish of Llangyfelach, Glamorganshire, was charged with having on the 10th inst., stolen one copper pan, the property of Henry Williams, Buarthe, parish of Llanedy, in this county, farmer. Police constable J. Edwards, of the Carmarthenshire constabulary, stated that from information received by him from the prosecutor, he went to Swansea, and upon making enquiries, was informed by Mrs. Lazarus, wife of Mr. J. Lazarus, Iron- monger, that a pan had been bought by her answering the description given by witness. The witness then took charge of the pan. The prisoner was apprehended by Serjeant Bennett, of the Swansea police, who took him in custody to Llandilo, on that day. The case was adjourned until Monday, in order to have the attendance of prosecutor and Mrs. Lazarus, on which day the examination was resumed before J. Lewis, and D. Pro- theroe, Esqrs. Prisoner deposed that the pan produced by police constable J. Edwards, was his property, and that he knew it from a piece patched, and likewise an iron hoop round it. Mrs. Lazarus stated that prisoner brought the pan to their shop on the 13th inst., and that he wanted to exchange it for a frying pan and tea- kettle for his sister; that she paid him for it Is. 7d in money, and gave him a frying pan and tea-kettle of the value of 43. 3d., making together 5s. lOd. Prisoner in his defence stated he had nothing to say, and was committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions.