Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

-1 TO CORP. ES PO XD L NTS. SEVERAL LETTERS and itc?ts ?f n??s are held I JENNY JONES must send us her full name and ?ddifss I before we can insert her '•piquant" letter. I

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. No Notice of Birth. Marriage, or Death can he in- serted unless authenticated by the name and address of the sender. Announcements, with any remark other than tliesimple fact>, one shilling each. BIRTH. Birkenhead, the wife of Major Barker, chief constable, of a daughter. BENMSON— Jan. 12th, at Seahnd Villa, Chester, Mrs Joseph Bennison. of a son. LEwIs-Jan, 22nd. at Meadow House Farm. Pulford, the wife of Thomas Lewis, of:1 son. MARTIN Jan. 7th, the wife of Jos. Martin, Kiuinel street, Rhyl, of twins, one still-born. PARR- -Jan. lith, at Grappenhall Heyes, Chester, the wife of J. Charlton Parr, of a daughter. ROBERTS—Jan. lith, the wife of Mr David Roberts, currier, Holywell, of a daughter. UOBERTS-jan 21st, the wife of Mr 0. Roberts, Cae'r Delyn, Corwen, of a daughter. Rone, Prudential Assurance Agent, of a son. THORXYCROFT-—Jan. Kith, at Deeside, BangorIsycoed, the wife of Charles E. Thomycrnft, Esq., "i a daughter. MARRIAGES. EVAXS-BARCLAY At St. Mary's Church, Mold, by the Rev. W. n. Thomas, Mr Edward Price Evans, youngest son of the late Mr Edward Evans, brewer, Mold, to Elizabeth, fourth daughter of Mr Edward Barclay, Masons Arms Inn, Mold. HILDITCH—DAVIES—Jan. 15th, at St. John's Church, Chester, by the Rev. S. Cooper Scott, John Hilditch, to Martha Davies, only daughter of the late Richard Davies, of Sliocklach, Cheshire. HULTON-HARROI1—-BEWICKE—Jan. liith. at St. George's Church, Hanover-square, London, by the Lord Bishop of Manchester, assisted by the Rev. Campbell Hulton, uncle to the bridegroom, and the Rev. R. S. Simpson. Montagu Hulton-Harrop Esq., of Bardslv, Lancashire, and Galton, Shrop- shire, master of the South Shropshire hounds, to Margaret Henrietta Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Oalverley Bewieke, Esq., D.L., of Close House, Wylain-on-Tyne, Northumberland. HODGES—MATTHEWS—Jan. 17th, at St. Paul's, Wed- nesbury,bytheRev. George Tutlull. James, second son of the late Jame- Hodges, of Barker- street, Shrewsbury, to Mary, second son of the late George Matthews, of Highgate, Whitchurch. JONES-MILLER—OLLEY-Jan. 22nd, at the Baptist Chapel, Denbigh, by the Rev. David Jones, C.M.M., Nathaniel T. Jones-Miller, Baptist Minister, Hillsley, Gloucestershire, to Emma, daughter of the late Mr W. R. Olley, auctioneer, London. JONES--LLOYD -Jan. 20tll, at the Congregational Church, Tyddyn-street, Mold, by the Rev. D. Burford Hooke, pastor. John Jones, to Elizabeth Lloyd, both of Bistree, near Mold. KELLETT QURK Jim. 17th, at St. Andrew's Church, Behington, John, eldest son of Mr Robert Kellett, of Backford, near Chester, to Catherine Jane, youngest daughter of the late Mr Richard Quirk, of Foxdale, I-le of Man. I MoilRAY—JONES—Jan. 20th, at the Congregations Chapel. Whitchurch, hy the Rev. Ebeneezer V. Cooper, of the Lancashire Independent College, Manchester, Mr John Murray, to Miss .Mary Jones, both of Hampton, Malpas, Cheshire. PRICE—ROBERTS— Jan. Sird, at Upper Medlock- | street Baptist chapel, Manchester, by the Rev. Mr Davies, English Baptist Minister, the Rev.. T. Price (Gwiiym Tuuno), Baptist .Minister, Port i Talbot, South Wales, to Miss Margaret Annie Roberts, youngest daughter of Mr John Roberts, Builder, Cambrian-place, Llangollen. Tl'RNEi: HARRISON .Tun. lith, at St. Mary Magdalene's, Paddington, by the Rev. J. E. Hill, vicar of Welshpool, assisted by the Rev. Pender Cudlip, the Rev. John James Turner, of Pentrehey- lin, Montgomeryshire, to Harriet Augusta, third daughter of R. P. Harrison, Esq., C.s.L, of H, Leinster Gardens, Lancaster Gate, W, WATKIXS—MlTTOX—Jan. 24th, at St. Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, by the Rev. A. lie Bryans, Mr W. 1", Watkins, of Claremont-street, to Jane Catherine, only daughter of the late Mr John Mitton, of Castle-gates and Albert-street, Shrewsbury. DEATHS. BARNES—Jan. lath, at Acton Grange, Chester, Frank, infant son of Mr HHorxe Barnes. BELUS-Jan. 13th, aged Mi), Elizabeth Bellis, lihos. C0RNISH .Jan. 19th, at Newtown, George Tucker Cornish, National Provincial Bank, Newtown, son of the Rev. Charles Cornish, M.A., rector of Tutl- church with Templeton. Pembrokeshire, aged IN. DAVIES—Jan. 21st, at 4 Hill street. Wrexham) DaYitl Davies, aged M years. HOWARDS—Jan. 11th, aged 7li. Mr Edward Edwards, Blaen-rlii wlis-ucha, Rhiwlas, Llansilin. EVANS—Jan. 12th, aged 76, William Evans. Cefncneh, L!anrhaiadr. [ EVANS Jan. 17th.?edt? Mrs Mtix?beth E.ans,? Pen-cae-newydd, Llanarmon D.C. Pen-cae-newHitl, Lhnarm,)n D.('. ESP—Jan. 24th, at Peuy?eRi, Bersham, Thomas Esp, aged 04 years. Farm, Oresford, Charlotte, the belovt.'d wif(.' of Rubers Edmunds, FAIT.KS ,!ati. isth, agei" 7 wee'Ks, Ellen Gertrude, in- fant daughter of Mr James Faulks, butcher, Leg- street, Oswestrj. FnDlsTO -Jan. 17th, aged Mrs Furmston of Gohllwcn. HARRISON—Jan. )8th. at Welsh Hall, Aughton, near Ormskirk, in his Pith year, John Carter Harrison, second son of the Idte Henry Harrison, of Raike Farm, Walton. HERON—Jan. 10th, atSeacombe-street, Everton, aged 50. John Heron, formerly of Gatehouse-of- Fleet, Kirkcudbright. HAMKR-Jan. 17th, aged months, Rose Violet, daughter of Chas. Hamer, blacksmith, Brickfield, Newtown. HEIUlEln-.lan. J;Jth, at I, Olive Mount, Tranmere, Sarah, relict of H. Herbert, of Thornton Hough. Hi MIIERSTON -Jan. lOth. at Mostyn Hotel, St. Asaph, aged li months, the infant son of W, Humherston, HODCES—Jan. 24th, Mrs Anne Hodges, of Barker- street, Shrewsbury. HfdiES- -Jan. lth, the Kev. Edward Hughes, Li.xwin, aged 70 years. Deceased was the oltlest IUlIllstcr connected with the Denbigh, Flintand Merioneth- shire Baptist Association. JONES Jan. llltii, aged W, Miis Elizabeth Jones, Siamber-gervg, Tregeirii>g. JACKSON Jan. 15th, Rebecca Jackson, ti, West-street, Castle-tields, Shrewsbury, aged 70. JONES—Jan. 24th. David Owen Jones, son of Lewis Jones, of Holt Street, aged ) years. JONES- .Ian. 17th, Ernest Philip, only son of Mr William Jones, grocer. Greenfield, aged ;1 years and 10 months.. IStli vear, Jane Jones. JONKS—JAN. isth,ageii*jl,at Kluewporc, the residence of A. Howell, her son-in-law. Martini, widow of Edward Jones, surgeon, Welshpool. JONES—Jan. mth, at ;15, Onlton Place Chester. Mr William Jones, aged 84 years. JONES -J an. 22nd, at his residence. The Grange, near Douglas, Isle of Man. John George Jones, Esq., aged 05 years. 21st, at PoplarCottage. Banaor, Mr William Lee, late of Isycoed, Hired 50 years. LA:íSI.EY--Jan. lth, nfter i protracte.1 illness, Mr James Lansley, Cross Keys Inn, Holywell, aged 50 years. LEWIS—Jan. 24th, at Meadow House Farm, Pulford, Hanson, infant son of Thos. and Ellen Lewis, aged days. MOFFITT-Jan. 2:!nl, at Flint Ten-ace, Tnnstall, Mr Rolison Motfltt, aged fit? years, MORGAN- Jan. il'tfl, aged 27, at the residence of his mother, Tymawr, Newtown, Thos. Morgan, Bahaillon, Kerry PEAKE-Jan, l'.ith, aged :;(1, Ann, wife of Mr John Peake, grocer and provision dealer. High street, Whitchurch. ROBERTS—Jan. 20th, at his residence, Tan-y-Graig, Pentre-llyn-cymer, Denbighshire, aged 72, Edward Roberts. TAYLOR—Jan. at Willmere Farm, Bold, aged 03 years, Robert Taylor, PlasC;;p ain, Denbigh. THOMAS-Jan. 17th, aged tH, at Trinity-street. Bellevue, shrewshnry, Miss Martha Thonias, late of Lhvvnuiadoc, Liandyssil. THOMAS—Jan. 21st, ageii 77. Dorothy, the beloved wife of the late Mr Edward Thomas, Church-street, Llangollen. TUDOR—Jan. 22nd, at Offa Terrace, Bersham, William Owen Tudor, aged IS years. WOOF—.Jan. 22nd, at Grantham, after a few days' ill- ness, William Woof, for several years connected with the tinn or Messrs R. Horosby and Sons, of that place, and eldest of the late Wm, Woof, of Gaer Farm. Montgomeryshire. WILLIAMS—Jan. 30th, aged P0, Mr Thomas Williams, Tre^eiriosr. WILLIAMS—Dec. 15th, at his residence, 10, St. Andrew- street, Manchester, Mr John Williams, aged S2! years, born at KoiywaU, 17?5. beloved by all who knew him

FRAUDULENT BANKRUPTS are not to be let off so easily in the future. The Bill for the punishment of fraudulent debtors, in- troduced by the Lord Chancellor last August, has just been printed again. It contains penalties for a bankrupt not mak- ing full disclosure of his affairs, not giving up all his property, and all books and docu- ments relating thereto, falsifying books or papers, absconding with property, fraudu- lently obtaining credit, making false claims, and other offences. Some such measure is very necessary. ♦-

A RAILWAY FRO-At WREXHAM TO HOLT is at present the subject of conversation amongst the people of the district south of the town and the presence a few days ago in Holt of two gentlemen who had been engagell in examining the state of the land has greatly increased the interest of the inhabitants in the scheme. There is already much traffic in coal and land pro- duce between Cheshire and Wrexham, which would undoubtedly be more than sevenfold increased if such a scheme were matured and carried into effect.

♦ IT IS PERHAPS FORTUNATE for Mr Herschell, M. P., that his seat in Parliament does not depend upon the suffrages of the ladies. He is about to introduce a bill to do away with actions for breach of promise of marriage. Now, setting aside those ladies who now and again figure as plaintiffs in such cases, there are large numbers of the fair sex who consider the newspapers very dreary reading indeed if there is not a racy breach of promise report, in which to revel to their heart's content. Surely, Mr Herschell will not be so ungallant as to de- prive them of such a rare piece of enjoy- ment

THE CHANNEL TUXNEL PROJECT is assum- ing a practical shape. The conditions of the scheme have just been settled by the Anglo-French Committee. It has been decided that the proprietary should be divided equally between the two countries, on a line measured from one coast to another at low water. The tunnel is to be reserved for the traffic of the South-Eastern and London, Chatham, and Dover Rail- ways on one side, and for the Chemin de Fer du Nord on the other. Each company is to have the privilege of sending its carriages through from London to Paris and rice versa. ————

WE HAVE MUCH PLEASURE in drawing the attention of our readers to the annual statement of the Wrexham Savings' Bank in another column, by which it will be seen that notwithstanding the unusual depression in trade during the past year, which has greatly affected the earnings of the mining population in this district, the deposits in the Savings' Bank have only been slightly lessened. To show the usefulness of this institution to the working classes, we would point out that upwards of E15,000 were paid in during the year, and CI9,000 paid out in small sums as required, and that £ 2,200wereadded to the depositors, accounts for interest allowed on their deposits by the Government. The amount invested at the end of the year amounts to 4!78,000.

————— LORD BACON well said that Reading makes a full man." The Rev. W. G. Thomas, president of the Mold Essay and Discussion Class, enlarged upon this famous remark in his inaugural address on Tuesday, Rarely have we read such an admirable and concise address on the subjects of reading, 1 studying, and speaking," which we give to- day in full, for the benefit we hope of a far wider circle of readers than the Mold 80-1 ciety. The slipshod style in which we live is perhaps in nothing else so clearly shown as in our reading. Now, more than ever, is the old saying" Of the making of books there is no end" most true, and when we add to books our newspapers and serials, it is at once seen that the danger of what Mr Thomas aptly styles glance reading is very great. Hence his address is most timely, and we cordially endorse it, and trust, as we have said, it will have a bene- ficial and far extending influence.

———- SIXPENNY* TELEGRAMS are things greatly to be desired in this country, but we seem to be farther off than we were this time eight years from obtaining really cheap telegrams —and this in spite of the fact that progress is being made abroad. On New Year's Day there was a great advance made on the Continent. Under the new tariff which then came into operation, the twenty-word system was abolished in France, Germany, and Holland in favour of a uniform charge of twenty centimes, or 2d per word. Thus it will now be possible to send a two-word message for that amount from Kiel to Toulon. If our officials would but adopt that system here, they are not in the least likely to suffer in revenue. Messages would be greatly curtailed in length, and would at the same time be greatly augmented in number. At least we ought to begin with restoring the Od telegraphic service which was in force in the Metropolis before the Government took over the telegraphs, and extending the same to the whole of the Kingdom.

I THE FACTORY ACTS are a specimen of the curious jumble consequent on the piece- meal style of legislation which has been so much in vogue of late. This, however, where great radical forms are being carried out, is almost unavoidable, seeing that new principles are being introduced, and it is necessary, to use a common phrase, to "first I creep and then walk." However, when the legislation on a subject is considered de- finitely settled, it is always advisable to simplify matters by reducing the chaotic maas into something more understandable. This it is proposed to do with the Factory Acts, and a bill has been introduced for consolidating the Factories and Workshops Regulation Acts. It contains one hundred clauses and four schedules. Practically it is the same as the bill introduced last session, but it has been revised and amended. The definition of a factory has been amended, and includes fresh trades, such as print works, bleaching works, lace, earthenware, lucifer, percussion caps, fustian-cutting, paper-staining, blast fur- naces, copper and iron mills, tobacco, glass, letterpress, and bookbinding. Another class of non-textile factories and workshops includes bake-houses, laundries, homes for women and young persons. There are fifty-six in the first, and sixty in the second class.

THE CONVERSION OF MANCHESTER into a seaport by the construction of a great ship canal has often been talked about, but if the projectors are not speedy in realizing their idea, they will find themselves forestalled on the continent. The German railway king, Dr. Strousberg, has made a proposal, which, if it could be executed, would, in his opinion and in the opinion of others, raise Berlin to the position of a dominant commercial, manufacturing, and military centre on the continent." His notion is to connect the Prussian capital with the Baltic and German Ocean, and he states that nothing could be more feasible than to do so. There is everything in the nature and configuration of the soil to assist the rapid and effectual construction of deep sea canals between Berlin and the mouth of the Elbe, and between Berlin and the mouth of the Oder. There are only a few locks needed to regulate the influx of insignificant tribu- taries. What is more important, the scheme, according to the calculations added, promises to be profitable enough to en- courage its originator to offer to carry it through without any assistance or guarantee on the part of the Government. If only half the ordinary number of vessels plying between the North Sea and the Baltic pre- fer the towage way through the canal, the capital, fixed at about E8,000,000 sterling, will, it is stated, bear an interest of 10 per cent. Considering the immense importance of the scheme from a military, political, commercial, and industrial point of view, it is certain to attract attention.

How IS IT THAT TURKEY has so completely collapsed ? The Turkish soldier has rarely fought better, has rarely slain so many enemies, has never had a better weapon than the Martini-Peabody rifle. The artillery, too, was good, and well served in the outset by the few trained men Turkey was able to command. The engineers, also, were fairly good, if scanty in number. But the administrative breakdown his been simply stupendous. Ammunition, clothing, provisions, horses, and, latterly, rifles and Krupp artillery, have failed. Of money for the troops there has been little, and that chiefly paper. The common people have been openly robbed of their carts, their oxen, their sheep, their hay and corn, without any hope of recom- pense, and robbery like this brings its own Nemesis—indifference to the struggle. We cannot think the war lias been popular amongst all classes. It has not been a truly national, only a bureaucratic war. The joy at Adrianople when an armistice ¡ was announced may be taken as a hint of deeper undercurrents than many news- paper correspondents have sounded. A strict censorship of telegrams has also done its part to hide the truth from Europe as well as from Constantinople. In fine, Tur- key was never in a condition to stand the strain of such a ruinous war, and the fate now before her may be a terrible illustra- tion of the evils which may be wrought by systematic deception, corrupting luxury, and a fancied claim, under all circum- stances, to the protection of guaranteeing Powers.

BY THE CAPTURE OF ADRIANOPLE, the Russians have taken from the Turks their ancient capital and a, place of great historic interest. Adrianople, though not actually founded by Adrian, as its name would seem to imply, underwent great embellishment at the hands of that famous Roman Em- peror, and it was the capital of the Turks in Europe from 13G6 to 1453. The transfer of government to Constantinople, though it reduced Adrianople to second rank, did not entirely strip it of its dignity, and as late as 1701, when Chishull, chaplain to the "Wor- shipful Turkey Company," passed through it, it was still the seat of the Sublime Porte. It has now, we believe, some 150,000 in- habitants. It stands at a distance of 134 miles north-west from Constantinople, occu- pying the slope of a hill rising out of a plain of surpassing fertility. Among its forty mosques is the famous one of Selim II., built in a great part of materials brought from those identical works at Cyprus, to which Othello refers when he says, I will be walking on the works," and afterwards proposes to go and inspect the fortifications of Famagusta. This strongly fortified place Selim II. dismantled after a long and gallant defence. Shakespearean readers know something of the desperate tempests that so banged the Turks before they took Cyprus and the year in which they accom- plished this feat, the year 1571, saw the disastrous naval battle of Lepanto, in which it was computed that 30,000 TuyJvS perished and some 224 vessels were destroyed, be- sides 3,000 prisoners and 400 guns being captured a disaster which well nigh anni- hilated the naval power of the Turks, and called forth a chorus of thanksgiving throughout Christendom. —————

THERE HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPILED from official sources some very interesting information respecting the amount of poor rate levied during the parochial years 1874, 1875, and 1876, together with the! rate per head on the populations and the average amount expended in relief to the poor of the total sum on the population. In England and Wales, in 1874, the re- ceipts from the poor rates levied amounted to £ 12,342,251, being 10s 5d per head of the population. Of this amount ôs Cd only per head was expended in relief to the poor. In 1875 the levy amounted to the same per head of the population. Of this Us 31(1 was expended in relief to the poor. In 1870 the sum received from the levy decreased to E12,092,087, being 10s per head of the population, and Gs d was expended in re- lief. The following are the particulars for North Wales. — In 1874, the receipts from the poor rates levied amounted to C245,129, being 11s 31d per head of the population. Of this 7s lOd was expended in relief to the poor. In 1875, the receipts amounted to E259,072, being 11s 51d per head of the population. Of this 7s 9d was expended in relief to the poor. In 1876 the receipts amounted to 1252,397, being 11s 7id per head of the population- Of this, 7s Gd was expended in relief to the poor. In Shropshire, in the year 1874, the receipts from the poor rates levied amounted to R129,062, being 9s 8d per head of the population. Of this amount, only 5s Gd was expended in relief to the poor. In 1875 the receipts from poor rates amounted to £129,797, being 8 ld per head oOhe population. Of this, 5s 5d was expended in relief to the poor. In 1870, the receipts amounted to the sum of E126,050, being 9s 5]d per head of the population. Of this, 5s 4d was expended in relief to the poor.

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY took place at Adwy'r Clawdd on Monday evening, the occasion being the distribution of certificates obtained by scholars of the Penygelli Board Schools at the annual examination of the schools by the Government Inspector. We were glad to see present Mr Thomas Bury, Clerk to the Bersham School Board, who gave a lucid explanation of the conditions upon which the Government honorary prize is to be obtained. When a child under eleven years of age obtains one of these prizes, and they are only awarded to children under that age, the child will afterwards have three years' gratuitous education, or, in other words, the Government will pay for the child's education for that space of time. Of course there are certain conditions to be complied with, in order to obtain this honour and benefit the chief of which, we take the opportunity of here stating, is regularity of attendance. Parents with children under eleven years, to whom the payment for their children's education is it consideration, would do well to ponder over the conditions upon which these hon- orary prizes are obtainable, and we would impress upon them the duty of afterwards doing all in their power to enable their children to win these prizes. A somewhat similar meeting to that at Adwy'r Clawdd was held at Ruthin on Friday week, with equal success. While on this subject, we would ask what has become of the movement set on foot some few years ago for collecting our Wrexham school children together once a year in one of our public halls, and in the presence of their parents, presenting the more meritorious of them with prizes for past good conduct and as an incentive to future well-doing I The experiment was a very successful one, and we are told was productive of much good, and we happen to know that many parents I would be pleased to see it repeated.

QUETTAH is a place that only a few I mouths ago was, we may almost say, un- known. And yet, it bids fair to become a prominent feature in the annals of our -Indian Empire, and so deserves a passing note. Quettah is an isolated post, 5,900 feet above sea level, at a considerable dis- tance from the North-Western frontier of India, situate some 20 miles or so beyond the Bolan Pass, on the direct road to Candahar and Herat. The policy which led the Indian Government to take posses- sion of this outlying post has just been sub- jected to strong criticism by no less an authority than Lord Lawrence, who des- cribes it as a mistake, both in a political and a military sense. A more secure I position might have been chosen for the purpose of enabling us to maintain the military hold which we have on Belooch- istan, and one which would have been less I likely to give offence to the Afghan tribes. The fact is," says Lord Lawrence, that the occupation of Quettah seems to me a mere pretext—convenient enough in a quiet way-to help forward the policy which has so often been urged, and which is again strongly advocated, with the ulterior object of an advance to Candaharand [ Herat. Against this policy Lord Lawrence firmly protests, recalling our previous ex- periences of Afghanistan, and the humilia- tion, defeat, and expense which we incurred by the invasion of that country in 1838. It is quite clear to my mind," he says, "that the occupation of Herat would lead to difficulties and complication which are now so lightly considered, even if they are understood, by many who are foremost in advocating such a policy." He proceeds to mention the very formidable objections which may be urged against such a step. They are numerous, and to us appear con- clusively to establish the argument main- tained—namely, that the aggressive policy on the Indian frontier of which this occupa- tion of Quettah seems to be significant, would prove neither wise nor politic; that in all probability it would lead to evil con- sequences, and give a fatal blow to the already overburdened finances of India." It seems extremely probable that mischief is brewing in this distant quarter, and it is to be hoped that the subject will not fail to command the attention of Parliament and of the nation. 40

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT is an oc- casion for the renewal of old acquaintance- ships. Every year, as truly as time itself, come the notices of pet schemes and well- worn motions, without which the legislative programme would be indeed incomplete. Accordingly on the first night of the Session Mr Macdonald intimates his intention of in- forming the House once more of the im- perfect state of the law affecting the liability of employers for injuries done to their servants Mr Courtney prepares a Bill re- lative to the electoral disabilities of women Sir Wilfred Lawson buckles on his armour again on behalf of the Permissive Bill; Sir T. Chambers, in spite of almost hopeless precedent, brings forward another measure for the legalising of marriage with a de- ceased wife's sister Mr Trevelyan, under more hopeless auspices, perhaps, than heretofore, announces his intention to re- introduce his Bill for the extension of the franchise to counties and Mr P. A. Taylor, whose eccentricity seems to increase with experience, gives notice of a resolution to the effect that the law for the preservation of wild animals for sport is unjust to the farmer, demoralizing to the labourer, and injurious to the whole community. How- ever much, therefore, the Eastern Question may absorb the attention of the House, there is much work in store in the shape of social grievances, and members are likely to enjoy the usual amount of amusements, for although many of the subjects we have named are serious enough in themselves, they become, from their non-practical na- ture, sources of almost comic debate. Laugli- ter greets Mr Taylor at the mere mention of his resolution, as it does Mr Courtney when he mentions the electoral disabilities of women. Would it be any harm if these crotchets were left out—say at least for one session ? Would the causes suffer much from the omission ? and, as the time of the house is so precious, would it not be wise at the commencement, for a committee to determine what measures should be in- troduced, so that the practical might be chosen, and the mere theoretical discarded? Could not the practice of grand juries be imitated with good effect, and intended re- solutions be either found or "thrown out ? We make a present of this hint to our legislators, one and all of whom seem at the close of every session to lament the time lost in useless talk. Ministers are wise this year in not proposing many sub- jects for discussion. Their piece de l'e- xistduee will, no doubt, be the County Management Bill. Ever since Mr Goschen introduced his too carefully prepared scheme of Local Government the public have been expecting changes in this direction. It may be said that the time is ripe for the estab- lishment of county representation and Local Government. Lord Beaconsfield, who has always argued for the preservation of municipal privileges, will find county ad- ministration a congenial topic. It will be, in fact, the crowning of the edifice" of his endeavours to secure the liberty of the British subject. The principle involves nothing less than decentralisation,—an undoing, indeed, of much of the policy of recent years. In this respect benefits will be conferred which will bind the individual to his locality, and tend to remove that jealousy which metropolitan authority has latterly engendered. If the Government produce a really effective county scheme, they will not only make the session memorable, but confer on themselves a fame as honour- able as any that has ever distinguished statesmen. ————

MR OSBORNE MORGAN in his recent admirable speech to his constituents called attention to what is at the least a remark- able coincidence. It was this that he re- ferred to—the fact that commercial depres- sion generally accompanies Conservative ad- ministration, while a revival of trade has, in almost every case, followed the calling in of a Liberal Government. The regularity with which this has taken place suggests the idea that it is not a mere coincidence, but that they have to one another the relation of cause and effect. Mr Osborne Morgan did not attempt in his speech to account for the fact. He left that for the Conservatives to do. Whether they have succeeded in doing it to their own satisfaction we do not know, but it may not be amiss to offer a suggestion or two which may assist a little I in the solution of the problem. There is, doubtless, one great and fundamental reason why commercial prosperity and Liberal Government go together, for which Liberal- ism does not and cannot claim the entire credit for itself. It is this—that the causes which produce energy in legislation give rise of necessity to energy in trade. Both spring from the same source, viz. renewed vigour in the national life. And when the nation is full of life, and in a mood to pass great progressive measures, it is always the Liberal party that is called to carry the wishes of the nation into effect. Thus it happens that the Liberals are in power when the country is ready for great commercial enterprises. The life that puts the wheels of the legislature in motion and calls the liberals to power, imparts fresh speed to the wheels of commerce. But when the nation has exhausted itself, and its energies are flagging, the apathy and inactivity that. is felt in one part of the life of the iiatioii; is felt also in every other part. And it is then that the time of the Conservatives: comes. One of their favourite similes is that they are the drag on the wheel of the State, keeping it from running headlong into destruction. And in this they are doubtless doing great and necessary work. The drag is at times as useful as the whip, j Unwise and impulsive legislation leads to ruin. And in trade, excessive inflation and rash enterprise is ultimately as injurious as undue depression. The instinct of the nation therefore leads it sometimes to de- mand rest, and that the Conservatives should be in power is a sign of this. So, on the other hand, the predominence of Liberal opinions is a sign that the renewed life and vigour of the nation calls for work to be done. Mark, we say it is a sign of it, not the cause of it. There are, however, elements in Liberalism which may be regarded as the direct causes and producers of commercial prosperity. They may perhaps be summed up in these three things :—A feeling of security, produced by the desire of the Liberal party for peace the greater economy practised by them, and their greater readiness to assist commerce by freeing it from the burden of Taxation. It will hardly be disputed that a heroic foreign policy" generally finds greater favour with the Conservatives than with the Liberals. The history of the last hundred years will teach us that it is by what we call now the Conservative school of statesmen that the demon of war has been generally let loose. Whether it' is that they think more of the glory of the country than of its real welfare whether it is that to their supporters among the people war brings least direct suffering and loss or whether they consult the wishes and passions of the ruling classes more than the desires of the people, it matters not to inquire. The fact is there. And the result is that trade stagnates. When there is uncertainty, there cannot be enterprise and vigour. Then for this reason and for other reasons, the Conservative party is more inclined to expenditure. If war is to be carried on with success, there must be preparations made, and money must be spent largely on the army and navy to keep them in a state of efficiency, ready for any emergency. This again tends to discourage the nation in the struggle for wealth. Few care to make money that is to be taken from them. Add to this feeling of insecur- ity and this absence of economy the dis- favour with which the Conservative party look upon commerce, and we have the chief reasons why stagnation of trade and Con- servatism go together. The Conservatives seem not to have learned yet that England is first of all a commercial nation. The Liberals have long understood this, and have wisely aimed at removing all hin- drances to the developement of its com- merce. The result is that its commerce has developed beyond all conception. But if it had not been for the Liberal party, it would still have been a dwarf and in bonds. These things — security— economy and freedom for development, are essential to commercial prosperity, and it is under a Liberal government that these are ensured in the highest degree.

VERY GRAVE IXDEED is the situation of England to-day in the Eastern difficulty. We seem to have arrived at the culminating point of the crisis, and in spite of the satisfactory statements at the opening of Parliament, we are very, very near war. On Thursday night the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that supplementary estimates would be placed in the hands of members on Monday in other words, that a war vote would be proposed by the Government. The motive alleged for this action is the considerable advance made by the Russian troops, though, at the same time, the terms of peace sought to be im- posed by the Czar on the Porte have not been made known. This brief statement exhausts all that the Government have thought fit to tell us, and we must wait for fuller information. There are, how- ever, different ways of putting things, even while the simplest forms of speech are adhered to. Sir Stafford Northcote said that the Government thought that there ought to be no further delay Lord Beaconsfield that the course that Ministers might feel it their duty to recom- mend could not depend upon the will of any foreign Government in keeping back information. Need we point out that Lord Beaconsfield's words have a sound of provocation in them of which Sir Stafford Northcote's are finite destitute, and which will very soon wake up a warlike echo at St. Petersburg ? But this at such a moment is a comparatively small matter. Our duty as journalists is once more, with all deli- beration, to put on record our opinion that the political situation has in no way changed during the past month, and that if there was no reason for measures for precaution before Plevna fell, there is none now. If we did not mean to let Russia bring Turkey to'terms, we should have boldly stepped in at the beginning and prevented the war. If we intended to back up the Turkish system of governing her European provinces, it would have been more politic to do it before her capacities of defence were utterly exhausted. As for the plea of British interests, we repeat for the hundredth time that it is utterly futile. The whole of Europe would be just as unwilling as our- selves to see Russia in permanent possession of Constantinople. All maritime Powers are interested in the freedom of the Darda- nelles, and the strongest nation at sea can make the most use of it. Why should we complain if Servia and Montenegro recover an independence to which any nation has a right, if it c m win it ? What possible advan- tage can it be to us that the Turkish mis- government of Bulgaria should continue I If all Greek-speaking coasts and islands were governed from Athens instead of from Constantinople, how could our trade in the Levant suffer ? The fact is that we are I)ein, dragged into a most needless, and, therefore" most wicked war, in which our only ally will be a nation against whose abuses of power, civilised Europe has unanimouslv protested, because certain statesmen and an unreasoning party at their back are unable to free themselves from the associa- tions of an antiquated policy, and because Prince Albert approved of the Crimean war twenty years ago. To note with how little wisdom nations are governed may be the amusement of sardonic critics in time of peace but when war impends, nothing so sadly weighs upon the minds of those who care for human welfare. That England should fight for any material interests, save such as concern her very existence and Imperial destiny, is b:td èllough that she should fight in behalf and by the side of Turkey is an unutterable disgrace. We need hardly say the vote will be strongly opposed by the Liberal party. Since the above was written, the intelli- gence reaches us that Lord Derby and Lord Carnavon have resigned their respect- ive posts of Foreign and Colonial Secretaries. This deepens to an incalculable extent the alarm inspired by the Minis- terial statement. The country is HOW ill the hands of Lord Beaconsfield, unchecked by any controlling influence, for when Lord Derby and Lord Carnarvon have with- drawn, it is idle to speak of other Ministers as having authority or capacity to hinder the designs n of the Premier. Prob- ably, before long, we may hear that Lord Salisbury has also retired it is in- conceivable that lie can remain to submit to the domination of Lord Beaconsfield, and to assist in carrying out a policy so essentially hostile to the position he took up at the Conference, and which he ic* understood to have since maintained. By the resignation of Lord Derby and Lord Carnarvon, the situation of the Ministry is wholly changed. So long as they remained there was always hope that measures of violence would at least be checked, and perhaps thwarted, or rejected. So far the country regarded them with some degree of confidence. There can be no such feeling no.w. By their retirement, the Cabinet is placed in a position of hostility to the nation. Even the ordinary followers of the Government—the most devoted amongst tllem-niay well regard this new develop- ment with undisguised alarm. As to those who have no confidence in Ministers, who distrust their capacity, and who are opposed to their policy, this grave event should rouse them to renewed exertiom to save the nation from the calamity with which it is threatened. Whatever form the Constitu- tion permits should be used in opposition ¡' to the war vote demanded by Lord Beacons- field, and submissively registered by his re- maining colleagues. We know now, beyond cavil or question, what it nuans. We know the danger which hangs over us. The very fact that two such Ministers, the able it and most trusted leaders of the old Conserv- ative party, choose to break off their associ- ation with the Ministry, to resign office, to part company with their colleagues in a crisis of the utmost gravity, rather than to make themselves responsible for the policy of the Premier, indicates that war is close upon us.

-—-— Local News. I ? THE REV. J. BERRY", of Shrewsbury, J preaches at Chester-street Baptist Chapel to- morrow (Sunday), and oil three following evenings, he and Mr J. B. Morgan will conduct evangelistic services. THE WINTER ASSIZES for Cheshire and j North Wales open at Chester on Thursday next, the business commencing on Friday j morning. Up to the present, there are four mornin(CrD Ul-) to Denbighshire and two from [ Flintshire. PROPOSED Anomox OF I"IE FREE Ij!!RAKIES ACT.Tlie Vicar sends us the following- note, the object of which will meet with a hearty re- sponse SIR, -Will you ki.'idly allow me space in your jour- nal to invite those of your readers who may desire the adoption of the Free Libraries Act in Wrexham, to meet me for private conference on the subject at the Savings' Bank at X.O p.m., next Friday evening, Feb- ruary 1st. Yours truly, ]). Ho\\ ELL, Wrexham Vicarage. 25tli January, 1878. OUTBREAK OF FIRE. On Sunday night, about midnight, some stacks belonging to Mr Cotton, of the Black Horse, Khostyllen, were j discovered to be on tire. The 'V rexham tire- engine was immediately sent for, and was quickly on the spot. The damage done was the destruction of a hay stack and a stack of barley straw, j THE GRAND CONCERT ON MONDAY.—We remind our readers of the grand evening eon- cert to be given on Monday in the Corn Ex- change, which will, no doubt, be well patronised by all lovers of good music. The Rev. D. Howell, vicar, is announced to pre- side, and the list of the artiste* engaged is a sufficient guarantee of the excellent character I of the programme. HOSPITAL SCNDAY COLLECTIONS.—The fol- J lowing additional amounts have been received by the secretary of the Infirmary. Mr .T. Os- well Bury, up to yesterday (Friday) :-Welsh i Wesleyan Chapel, Brook-street, 14s 6d Hill- street Chapel, ?3 Bethel Chapel, Rhos, 4a ? 9d Brymbo Church, ?2 11s 8d St. Mary's, Catholic Church, f4 2s 3d Hope Church, £ 1 19s 2d Bethel Chapel, Minera, zCl Is. GARDEN AND FARM SEEDS.—We have be- fore us a copy of Mr Y. Strachan's new Seed Catalogue for 1878, containing a list of every requisite for the garden and farm. There are also novelties and specialities in flower and vegetable seeds well worthy the attention of intending purchasers, to whom Mr Straclian's twenty years' experience must be a sufficient guarantee of the excellent quality of his varied and carefully selected stock of flower, veget- able, and agricultural seeds. TfiE.STOI,lf .-A severe storm from the north- west has prevailed throughout the week, cul- minating yesterday (Friday) in a heavy fall of snow. The weather has been intensely cold, and frequently showers of hail and sleet driven fiercely by the wind have rendered out-door business anything but agreeable all the week. No local disasters have occurred, but the gale on Monday, accompanied by the heavy rain on Tuesday, has caused great floods in the neigh-! bourhood of the Severn and Verniew. THE SOUTH WALES DISTRESS FUND.—The j total contributions received at the various bowls established in the town in aid of this charitable object, up to yesterday (Friday)! were as follows :-Nli- Jarvis, Westminster Pharmacy, f4 18s 4fd the. Mayor's bowl," which is taken charge of by Mr J. F. Edis- bury, 3, High-street, £ 1 17s Id Messrs. C. Bayley and Co. 's bowl, 8s 5d; Mr Bird, Market Hall, amount not known. Mr Jarvis wishes ue to state that articles of clothing, &c., will also be thankfully received, and promptly forwarded to their destination. WELSH SCHOOLROOM, RHOSDDL -We would direct the attention of our readers to the lecture to be delivered by Mr Charles Hill, of London, on Tuesday evening next in the above schoolroom. Subject London Life, with forty-two years experience." Mr Hill, to whose lectures in the Temperance Hall, we referred in last week's issue, is a very able and j eloquent speaker, and we would strongly recommend all who can possibly do so to attend, as the lecture cannot fail to be highly interesting. The chair will be taken at seven o'clock. Admission free. A collection at the close to defray expenses. CONOUEOATIONAL CHPROH, CIIESTEK-KTKEET. --On Monday, the annual tea meeting in con- nection with the Mothers, Meetings was held in the schoolroom. The ladies who kindly carry on this good ii-i)rk-tlie .)ones, King-street, Mrs and Miss Kennedy, Hope- street, and Miss A. Allmand, Park- Lod(te- had very tastefully decorated the room for the occasion. The mothers, with their husbands and children, assembled at six o'clock, and after partaking of a substantial tea, the chair was taken by Mr Charles Rocke, who gave a short address, wishing all the mothers and friends a Happy New Year. Short addr were also given by the Rev. J. Clark, B.A., of Walsall, and Mr Hardwicke, and inter- spersed with these the choir gave some an- thems and glees. The chief attraction was I the magic lantern views exhibited by Mr J. KdisLury, who very kindly gave his services. At the conclusion, the usual votes of thanks were accorded. THE COUNTY CorRT.Last Session. :11-! Herschell moved for a return showing the salaries and fees received by the registrars of the County Court, having jurisdiction in i bankruptcy, together with ZD fees (if any i re- ceived as district registrars of the High Court i of Justice for the year ending the 31st day ot' items for Wrexham are as follows:- Plaints entered in 1870, 3,02(1; actions or proceedings under County Court Act, 186.) or ■ tions tiled, 3: petitions for liquidation or 1 composition filed, '29 debtors' summons in bankruptcy issued, 9 salary under Acts, ,C.152 fees under Treasury order, '2(ith Octo- ber, IS7.), schedule B. £ 33 remuneration under Bankruptcy Act, 1SG2, £ 172: total; amount of remuneration, £ 757. It may be added that the number of plaints at Wrexham is more than at Chester, Shrewsbury, or any 1 other place m the district. THE BIRKENHEAD, CHESTER, AND NORTH WALKS R.lLWAY. On Tuesday, a special meeting of the shareholders of the Birkenhead, Chester, and North Wales Railway was held at (i, Old Jewry, London, Mr Alexander Young in the chair. The Chairman explained that they had been called together for the purpose of assenting to the bill to be promoted during the present session for the abandonment of a measure passed in 1873 for the construc- tion of a line of railway to connect Birkenhead with Chester and the North W ales coalfields. The length of the line wa-; to have been 33 miles, with a bridge across the Dec, and the total capital was fixed at £ 840,001), with authority to the directors to borrow on mortgage £ '2S0,00() in addition. Tho,, who knew the district believed when the bill was first pnmwted that the hue would prove aj parillg concern, and be a dvantageous t<> the public; but |as only a small portion of the necessary capital had been raised, and as the funds of the company were consequently in- j sufficient to commence the works, it was | deemed expedient to abandon the undertahing altogether. Mr Atkinson (of Ashurst, Morris all(I Co stated that according to the bill the abandonment of the line would not prejudice the right of the owners or occupiers of any land to receive compensation fur damage oc-, casionCll hy the wor k of surveying or taking levels,and compensation would also be allowed 1 for non-completion ot the right to purchase 1 land, &c. Sir Leopold Heath then moved That the Birkenhead, Chester, and North Wales Railway (abandonment) bill, which has been submitted to this meeting, he zipprovetl of by the company." Mr Wm. Morris seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted and a meeting of the board was afterwards held to give due effect to the resolution of the hareholders. s WREXHAM SAYINGS BANK.-The annual meeting of the trustees and mana<re„s of t.; mstttution was held in the Saving r Wedne?y. The a.c.,nnt..? pasSl and ?aliabstract will ? found in<,ur.Si"J '"o'! I colnmns. 0 D)CAL HxHfBITO!? AT 1m; }?? FvrrRT JTION.-The ?/? ??'?-xhiLit:?? the Bntish Scctio" of the Pari,; r„iV(jP{8a Exhibition includes the following Im;al t,. t' men :-Mr Tho.uas St.veus 4?H? s.«T W rexh, wl\l) IS eliteI'd to exhibit hrit/l' I j christening, and other cakes, and con?cti..n' cry; Mess? Richard Kvansand <?.p? Wrexh?m, Bntlsh uine.,i, fi-ilit svn,, acnated waters, &c., :ud Messrs W Hn.t h ¡ and Company, Cambrian Safety Fu.? H??' L' Brymbo, who intend exhibitin./safety- fn WALTER CAP..O. (W?, L. ,?'. ?,. —lnis IOUJA; Juila a ven* i°^" ?essi.? on Wednesday, 'ha? 1' :adience than on any previ.ms »K-casi(»n f"UI'wing excellent }.n?,?,un.. \\a. "? | | rendered many of the pi, bcin" 1,¡'h1\ applauded:— Address S?)K.. "<Mntt.m Song P' i", i ,K'lvuri|s Hyiuu Marseilles,. |L.|I\ Kecitation i. ;l! l';ty (!!e. "N?un,f?- D.nit.? ,?,?'? Sonx. s,s(',? Chorus '■ Marciiof theuicfiHarlech"   Bali, :,Ihl "m'b S(jn,1:1"" .J.  1 no "A little farm well tilled" (|' Bvans, Oavics, iind'i (,iee The ll!:i^e Choristers A j ? a,l,l Ktrtv Duet. How on, thou shining river" Misses )):?jt?. ,(j;lg. :J.:I'1; Mw? U!ee.u Kvery liMiiKlinjt star I;. illhI i'jirn UBNiiHUlSHIUK DrSTRUT LOIM;K, I.O.dT* —The quarterly meeting of this lod^'e was held in the Temper,inc.; Hall, on .\iundav. Cheering reports were given of the and energy of the numbers of most o- the lodges. Both in the town and district many open sessions or public temperance meetings have been held, where the principle of total abstinence have been ably advocated, and the peculiar pointed out. A great many have signed ih.- pledge, and during the quarter ending Nov. 1st, 172 members had been initiated into tli lodges, 17 admitted by card from other and 23 re-instated, the total r.iuniiersiiip on November 1st in 15 lodges being ° increase of 84 during thi quarter. S.Mine verv useful suggestions were made for further ad- vancing the interests of tiie Order in the dis- trict, and for clearing off a debt of C5 I Is 3d. The members passed a vot? to the D.D." Bn>. Oeorge Garside, expressive of their (lcell sympathy with him in recent bereavement and the alliiction in hi;; family, coupled with an earnest hope that his .»-,vii health and life would be long spared to labour in the cause hr has so much at heart. This was suitably acknowledged. The D. L. was closed at 7 oli, after which a public meeting was held, presided over by Bro. P. Jones. Addresses were given by Ili-o: W m. Bott, F. Samuel*. Watts, and John Edwards, and songs by Bros. Halton and Watts. THE CHURCH CLOCK AND CHIMES.- ur readers have no doubt heard the chimes oy: several occasions during the past week. The old-fashioned rim^ rimi to church" on Sunday- is henceforth to cease, and the tower is 11" under the arrangement of Messrs .1. Taylo- and Co.'s (Loughbon/) chiming hummers, and most ingenious contrivance which enables or man to chime the ten s ilver-toned bells in our tine old tower. Any air that can be played upon a pianoforte can be produced Oil these bells, from wliieh the ropes are conveyed by ten revolving pullies through the and confined or focussed," as it were, within a frame five feet ",ide. A :separate iron ball or hammer is so arranged as to strike each hell on the inside (thus considerably reducing their .liability to crack), -iii(I to each rope ill tll, frame referred to is attached a short imiia- rubber tube or handle for the use of the opera- tor, who alternately pulls and releases the tubes, thus bringing into action the necessary leverage to work the hammers. The apparatus works so far very satisfactorily, several favourite airs having been played during the last few day. and chiming for cliui-eii i%is inaugurated on Wednesday evening. We understand also that the dock chamber is very nearly in readiness for the new timekeeper, which is daily expected to arrive from Messrs Gillett and Bland's Croyden manufactory. The clock will have three dials, facing north. south, and west -the east being the only sidt of the tower without a dial. j A WARNING.—About a fortnight ago. a man of gentlemanly appearance called upon some of the Wrexham school teachers, and represented that he was a national schoolmaster from St. Asaph, and had just lweii a long journey ap- plying for a situation in one of the Eastern counties. Owing to some miscalculation as to the cost of his journey he had run out oi funds, and had not enough money to pay his fare back to St. Asaph. The documentary evidence he produced as to the respectability of his position was apparently of a very satis- factory character. One teacher lent him halt a sovereign, with the understanding that it would be repaid by post office order as SOOIl as he got back to St. Asaph. On Saturday List | the following letter appeared in a periodical called The School ma.<f >_ r: nnlO" SIR,—About teii ayo, a tuaii, M'h??m't'i" name as E. J.P?u), cfrtiHc?tcd umst?r, Rnt))i!). ?'Ttt' Wales, of very respectable appearance, well dressed. I and with no evidence to cause doubt, applied to for help to continue his iourney from here. I tillll he has since done so in Shrewsbury. He s'auws He! Majesty's Inspector's notes upon schools he one,• h-M I wa deceiveil, ztiitl feel very sorry, not so uracil mi the loss of the small sum of money, but that a man evidently of ability and having won his position, should have so fallen as to live such a life, and, a- I hear, leave his wife to work for bread. 1 feel it; duty to warll the clergy and your paper. Yours faithfully, H. IVMGIIT Kirov. Vicar Christ Church Vicarage, Stafford. BRITISH ARCII.EOLOUICAI. ASSOCIATION. At a meeting of the Council held ,-it tit" Hit!! inst., we learn that Mr J. F. Edisburv wa- unanimously elected an associate of tbj. society. SUDDEN DEATH.—An inquer-t was IK-M O." Tuesday at the Bridge House Inn. ftfoic Mr B. H. Thelwell, coroner, and jury, oil tile body of Mr David Davies, aged 58, of Kn. 1, Alhert- road, Hightown, brother to Mr Hugh l'avii>, nuisance inspector for the Rural Sanitary Authority, the deceased being employed :It the establishment of Messrs Davies Brother*, builder, Hope-street, where lie died suddenly on Monday .Jternoon.—Mr Hugh Davies said that on Monday afternoon he was called into the workshop in Hill-stieet, and when he went there he found the deceased hill on the ground quite dead. He heard that he was not so well at his dinner, but he had been ailing off and on for some mouths p;ivt. Davies, when sent for, declined to give a cer- tificate because the deceased had not been attended hy a mCllical iii-iii foi- a loii,, tune be- fore, but lie (Dr. Davies) gave it in his ()Ii;Iil!li that the deceased li;t(i iii aii of heart disease. There was no reason what- ever to suspect that he had taken poison or any way died a violent death. — ('hane. Roberts,"joiner, said he was working with th" deceased, and about quarter to three o'clock one of the apprentices cried out Oh, see M- Davies." On l okine' round witness 8aw ,k ceased on the ground and. at once raised iun up, and unloosened his necktie and collar, a! sending for some water and nibbing his har.d-- Mr HoVel Davies eame it;) titil sent for 1)1- Davies, wlr- came immediately. Decease., appeared in his usual health, aiii I, if anything- more lively and cheerful than usual. The he had been working with was found under him, together with the pieee of wood lie 1"1 partly chopped through when he jury returned a verdict of "Death trow natural causes.—A singuiar circun'.stancf' connection with the sad event is the i'aet tn:t- the widow of the deceased was a widow u h< he married her—her lirst husband, w ho wa keeper to Sir .Ino. Williams, of Bodel wydd.in, having been shot and brought home dead, after leaving home; ;n the morning, like her second husband, the deceased, amwrentb" and hearty. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—At the week! i IIIceting of the Board, on Thursday. there were present-Capt. Grirtith-Bosuauvn, chair- man Mr A. W. Kdwards, vice-chairnniii • Sir U. A. Cunlific, Bart., Messrs J. Beaie, A Ped, C. E. Thomeycroft, K r?whu??. ?omer Roberts, J. Burton, R. 0. Burton, ami Richard Jones; Mr J.OawcM Bury, Clerk, 'Rivliar?l Jones; .Nir 1. o,3ivell Ix.s?fct." —From a st?temNit received f)'?)t) thc ('olI1î\ Luna.tic Asylum, at Denbigh, relative to condition uf the inmates, it appeared thai tla-re were at present 51 patients in the institution chargeable to the Wrexham Union.I' Clerk said he had received a letter from \11-- Vizard, of the Rhyl Children's Con t-alesceir Home, respecting the case of brought forward by Sir R. A. Cunlide. and closing a bill that the girl had been admitted to the 'I 10"" 1 I tl "II",1J"'I' in April, 187", being sent by the (illSldia'- for a period of two months, but at the t-vpiei tion of that time the girl had to undergo an t. I. 1 II I j 'I' hc.! opera t ion which prev en ted hei leaving hei for a long time. Miss Vizard., however, hol't-'e the girl would be able to leave tJw I)?t't"?; at the end of the additional thirt??" I% cek.-i f,'?? which the Board agreed to p?y at thcii  meeting. The Clerk was instnicted to ?'W meetmg. The Clerk was iUdtJ1ldc( to the Local Government Board for '?)n.??'" to pay the amount of Miss Vizard ? claim. The Clerk produced a form of petition n-"? tht;

RUTHlX RATEPAYERS are equally, with their Wrexham compeers, opposed to the action taken by the Corporation in the mat- ter of expenditure and the rates, but they are more practical than the Wrexham Ratepayers' Mutual Protection Associa- tion," inasmuch as at a meeting held on I Tuesday evening, a resolution was passed suggesting to the Council a mode of pro- cedure in accordance with the wishes of the ratepayers present at the meeting. The I suggestion of an improvement rate is an admirable one, and will, we hope, commend itself to the Ruthin Town Council. ——

THE STAFF OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOL IN- SPECTORS, which we find has grown in the space of seven years—that is between the years 1870 and 18-18-froin 73 to 120 have just had issued to them by the Education Department, a circular containing general instructions with regard to the recent Education Acts. The office of Government School Inspector is one in which vast issues are at stake, and should be filled by gentle- men of ability and integrity, who are pre- pared to do their duty without fear, favor, or affection, with a well defined set of rules for their guidance. To hold the scales of justice between the Education Department on the one hand, and the teachers and school managers on the other, is a matter of the greatest moment, calling for a combination of qualities, such as, we think, are rarely to be found centred in one individual. The members of this large staff, therefore, especially those of recent appointment, would do well to ponder over the salutary advice embodied here and there in the circular under notice. The powers of an inspector are of such an ab- solute nature that there is on many oc- casions great danger of their degenerating into tyranny, hence the Education Depart- ment have thought fit to warn their staff against doing teachers any injustice under this head, in the following terms It is no part of an inspector's duty to find fault with or to reprove a teacher. If he thinks it necessary or a kindly act to give advice or warning to a teacher, it should not be done in the hearing of the scholars or the pupil teachers and above all it is incum- bent on an inspector to show by his manner in examining the school that the main ob- ject of his visit to a school is to elicit what the children know, and not to prove their ignorance. That object is entirely de- feated, if by a harsh, impatient, or indis- tinct manner of questioning he frightens or confuses the scholars, or if he puzzles them by fanciful and unreasonable questions. A number of other points of more or less importance are dealt with in the circular. School managers and teachers are reminded of the provisions of the 7th section of the Act of 1870, viz., the time table conscience clause, and told of the forfeiture of the grant should those provisions be evaded or neglected. The Education Department re- gret the large number of cases of fabrica- tion by teachers of the register of attend- ances which have been brought to their notice, and it is recommended thatteachers should be reminded of the very serious nature of this offence, an offence, we be- lieve, that has never been found to have been committed by any of our Wrexham teachers.