Wrexham and Denbighshire Advertiser and Cheshire Shropshire and North Wales Register

THE OLD YEAR. THE year 1863 is now numbered with the past. In England it has been a year of peace, and with the exception of the temporary distress in the cotton trade it may be termed a year of prosperity. Politics, what in day's gone by was wont to be the staple commodity of jour- nalists, can hardly be said to have an existence. During the past Session all was politically as inactive as a carborate. Whatever action there was, was ecclesiastical. Tories despair- ing for want of a cry have worked that ofthe Church assaulted" with no little success; though being facitious and artificial it can be but tempoiary, its advantage to them has been that the Cabinet was either divided on Church questions, or afraid to throw itself upon the Liberal side of them, and hence T ories were al- ways in full force, Liberals half-hearted and courting defeat; and the Tories have conse- quently been victors in such battles as did occur Thev were not, however to have ic all their own way. Broad-Church theories are are gaining greater hold than ever on public attention; the immorality of the present sub- scription to what it is confessed no "ne wholly believes, has been forced into notice bv the commemoration of Bartholomew's-day; and the leading Broad Churchmen, both in and out of Parliament, are making themselves heard against the Act of Uniformity. Their present deficiency in numbers is compensated by 1 superior intelligence, and by the tendency of the bs intellect of the nation towards their views; hence they seem to give the polit cal Churchmen even more trouble than Dissenters ( themselves. Against us they can invoke the contempt and spite of (lominancy but the Broad Churchmen are a part of the dominant sect-a part which despises what it deems narrow-mindedness quite as much in Church- men as in Dissenters. We have had, in fact but one public event to distinguish this year-the marriage of the Prince of Wales. That was one, however, which united all parties, and in which the whole nation took unwonted interest. The young Prince was enthusiastically welcomed among us. and the occasion was made one of joy and rejoicing throughout the land. One of its incidents indeed, though due to the popu- lar ardour was painful, for it cost the sacrifice of life. But it ended in the politic il comedy of I a vain attempt to deprive the City of London of the management of its own police, and in the ludicrous farce of a stupid lord Mayor's lamentation over the unwillingness of the Premier to discredit the Baronetage bv adding Mr Alderman Rose to its numbers. One serious result the marriage has also had. for it cannot be doubted that all Englishmen feel a very d fT*rent interest in resisting German at- ] tacks on the independence of Denmark to what they would have done if the King of that country were not the father of our Princess of i Wales. Going to war for a sentiment. like going to war for an idea, mav be inexcusable; vet who of us in this country does not feel very I belligerent at the thought of the brave little nation, now constitutio-, ally governed 'jY the father of our Princess, being hacked to pieces to gratify the selfishness and vanity of Ger- mans who are content to be ruled by despots at horn The blessing cf a bountiful harvest is one now felt by all classes in the reasonable price of bread, and in the greater amount of general employment consequent on less money being needed for food. Two things indeed moderate this great advantage one the higher price of animal food. the other Palmerstonian extrav- I ao-ance in naval and military expenditure, more apparent than real; but this enabled him to I' venture a reduction of the most unequal, im- moral and oppressive of our taxes, and of that I also on the luxury most conducive to social comfort and morality, and most universally enjoyed, The trade of the nation has been greater than ever, more than compensating in the total for the stoppage of Lancashire fact. ories while the sad calamity there has been borne with far less suffering than was ex- pected, and a fair prospect is opened of gra- I dual return to an amount of employment sufficient to supersede the necessity of external aid, at least of the kind which last year was indispensable. Local suffering there must ever be, but general prosperity has been the characteristic of the year. In our own colonies, also, the sky i3 not un- clouded. We have no belief whatever in the splenetic prophecies of Southern sympathisers aespecting danger to Canada from Northern ill- will when the rebellion is suppressed. Coloni- sation, and military watching, of the South, will demand every spare man. But China and Japan, India and New Zealand, have each their war in which Kngland is implicated. The war against the Taepings, in which we are to serve under the orders of the nom nal Em- peror, though it is to cost us nothing (which is something, is one of very doubtful internati- onal morality). That in Japan has already led our officers into excesses which all Christendom condemns, but which Mr Layard and Lord Clarence Paget have justified by contradicting each other. while we may be sure Lords Palmer- ston and Russell will stand by their subordi- nates. A war with the Japanese barons will not however, be a war with cowards or barbari- ans. The raid of the hill tribes in India is pro- bably in no way our fault, and we are bound to protect those whom we choose to govern. Sir John Lawrence's name will probably go far to end that war,which is one of hopeful Christian as well as civil and military promise, for all India. In New Zealand, it is confessed that we are wholly in the wrong. Our representati ve Colonel Browne, took land from the natives which he had no right to take. Sir George Grey restored it. Then followed the inevitable mistake of a half savage people-they thought we yield to fear they combine therefore, to re- cover the independence which the voluntarily gave up for all allegiance to the Queen and we, like the Government at Washington, refuse to tolerate scession. An English wrong, followed by a Maori wrong, has committed us to, we fear a cruel war. The local events calling for notice are easily summarised. Beginning with the body cor- porate, the great work for the year calling for note is the progress made in the carrying out of the new system of sewerage. This is an improvement the sanitary benefits accruing from which, when all is completed, that is the private drainage, as well as the public portion of the work, will be far beyond anything ex- pected or conceived of. The work is now fast approaching completion, and has been carried out in a remarkably short space of time. On New Year's Day, 1863, there was no sign of its commencement—on New Year's Day, 18(54, it is all but completed, and we have every reason for believing that the work is well done. Another feature that will mark the past year as one to be remembered by the inhabitants of Wrexham, is the fact that the streets were cleared of a number of obstructions that have baen a disgrace to the town for a number of generations. We were always advocates for clearing the streets, and we rejoice that it has been accomplished. All we differ in is the mode in which it has been brought about. Had the Market Hall been purchased previous to the clea ing of the streets, a handsome income would have been realised therefrom, which would have gone a long way towards defraying the annual costs of our body cor- porate. The act itself (the clearing of the streets) was a good one-the mode in which it was carried out, compelling the Markst Hall Company to provide for what was driven from the streets, instead of the Corpo ation purchas- ing from them the Market Hall and providing such accommodation, is a deed that the town will always have to regret. The refusal to purchase the Market Hall is the most insane thing our Town Council has vet done, and every year that passes will convince the inhabi- tants more and more of the folly of it. Com- mercially. Wrexham may be said to be in a flourishing condition. We have scarcely felt any ill effect from the cotton famine. New buildings are sprin ring up in all directions, and are taken before they are finished. There are no empty shops. Employment is abundant and waIes good. Peace and plenty prevail on every hand. We have every reason, therefore, to look with satisfaction upon our material condition and the progress we have made dur- ing the past year. Changes, of course, there have been. The hand of death here, as well as else- where, has left many a blank amongst us. Several of our public men have been taken from amongst us during the past year. Foremost in the order of time, and uppermost in our mind, is the death of the late Mr. George Bayley. he first number of this journal for the year 1863 was brought out under his imme- diate superintendence, some of it was written by his hand. He little imagined that it was to be his last. The year has closed by one of our four aldermen being taken suddenly from amongst us. A lderman Evans died on Sunday last. and was buried yesterday—the first day of the New Year. It is worthy of note that he and Mr. George Bayley were antagonists in the municipal election of 1861—both were the recognised leaders of a party—both died the same year, and both died young men.

BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT MONDAY, DECEMBER 28TH, 1863. Before the Mayor (J. Lewis, Esq.), and T. T, (IxriMth9 Esq. I STEALING A TIN CAN WORTH TWO-PENCE Charles Green was in custody charged with ste 1" small tin can used for the purpose of suspends „ toTh* tap of a spirit cask to catch the leakage. J. J?, ? of the Hat Inn, gave evidence as to missino- the C from his house on Sunday, the prisoner hnvh? bean drinking there on Saturday. Edward Davies, of w0 street, said the prisoner brought the can to his hn? saying he would call for it agam. Sentenced to seven days' imprisonment. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. James Musgrove was summoned by his Ann Musgrove for an assault. Mr. Jones appeal for the complainant. The defendant has latdv he discharged from the County Court office in this to and previous to that he was in the Denbihshire poliOl force, from which service he was also discharged, The Mayor asked whether before the case was 0uon, j 1 into nothing could be done to settle it. <> Mr. Jones said he feared not. The case was one ola very aggravated character. The Mayor—I know nothing of it, only that the corn. plainant very improperly came to my house. I hsf, denounced that sort of thing from this bench before, and I shall always do so. It's a practice, I dare sav, thak has been indulged in before. Mr. Jones- -M-y instructions are of a very peremptory character. I am always happy to avail myself of any. thing that comes from your worship, but in the present instance the assault is of that serious nature that thert is nothing to be done but to allow the case to take its course. On Thursday last, the defendant struck his wifo with a poker and split her head op-n. Unfortunately they were married lately, about eighteen weeks ago, and I may say that the defendant has led the complainant such a life that it is quite unendurable. My instructions art to proceed against him for an assault with the intentioa to do grievous bodily harm, and also that he may hd pit under articles of the peace. The Complainant was then called. She said-I haft been married to the defendant eighteen weeks. I remember on Thursday night last (Christmas-eve) ht came into the house and threw himself upon the sofa. He said he was master there. I was so terrified that I went out. Mr. Griffith asked the witness to speak up; he could not hear her. Mr. Jones said he would repeat the answers. Defendant -(who appeared to have been imbihu? pretty freely)-Will your worships allow an int(?itreter P The Mayor—What do you want with an interpreter? The woman is talking English, Defendant-I should like to have an interpreter. The Mayor-You have been employed in the County Court, I believe. You must know, therefore, how to act in a court of justice. I beg then that you will allow the case to proceed without interruption. Defendant-I would suggest that all witnesses leave the room. The Mayor-You are too late. You should have done that before the case commenced. Complainant's examination continued-When I came back to the house the door was smashed up. He met me with a poker, and said, B-t your eyes, you have not got Joe Morris to (leal with now." He then struck me on the head, and I lost my sight and my senses. He struck me twice afterwards—once across the back. I was carried away, and afterwards taken to Dr. Davies. The Clerk (to the defendant)—Have you any question to ask ? Defendant (with great assurance)—I've a --reat many. I again make application that all witnesses should loave the room. The Mayor said again he was too late. Defendant (to the complainant)—Now I ask you wert we married on the 21st of August ? Complainant-Yes. Defendant-On the 1 st of December you left my bed. Complainant-I did not keep count. But I hay. left it. Defendant-Have you any objection to make to th. marriage ? The Mayor—We have nothing to do with that. Defendant, who had a great many papers in his lianig, stuck one of them in his mouth, and began to say some- thing to the bench. Mr. Griffith-Take that paper out of your mouth, and don't make a fool of yourself. Defendant (renewing the cross-examination of his wife)—As a wife have you supported me as you ought, and found me with those things that are necessary for a husband ? Complainant—I've kept you and your four children by the sweat of my brow. Defendant then asked a question about the asp ef a door which we did not understand. Mr. Griffith (to the complainant)—When he married you, did he take you to a house, or did you take him to a house ? Comp'a'nnnt—I 1 ook him 10 my house. I have kept him and his children. Defendant asked a great number of indecent questions, for which he was several times reproved by the bench. He then went on for some time as follows :— Defendant (referring to a number of foolscap sheets in his hand, done up in the style of a brief)—Did yon on the 9th. 10th, 11th, and 12th of this month support ID8 with victuals ? Complainant-There was always plenty in the hoosa for you to go to. Defendant then made some incoherent remarks about haing no meat for some time. The Mayor-If you do not go on I will adjourn tiia case Defendant—I think it will be very proper to do so. The Mayor—Do go on. Defendant (in a verv loud voice )-Do you remember me bringing a couple of fowls home ? The Mayor here reproved the defendant again, Ilul requested him to conduct himself properly. Defendant —Do you know what was done with the two fowls I brought ? Complainant—They were divided amongst the family. Defendant—What did you tell me when I gave them to you ? Complainant—I told you to take them home, I could do nothing with them. Defendant—Did you not tell me to take them to heU, and to go along with them myself ? Complainant-No, I did not. Defendant—What part of the fowl did I get ? Complainant—You got a leg, and they were divided amongst eleven of us. Defendant—What part of the leg had I? The Mayor—I cannot allow the case to proceed i* this way. Those are ridiculous questions. What doel it matter to the justices or the public what part of th. fowl yen had. I would just remind you that we hafl the power to commit you for contempt of court. Defendant-I know you have. The Mayor-Then conduct yourself properly. Defendant—Did you sive me any part of that fowl. Complainant—You had the leg. And you had some white bread sauce. And you had some pork. And 1°. had your tea that day. Defendant-Harl we any unpleasantness that day ? Complainant-Not that I remember. Defendant—Did you not get the tongs to me? Complainant-I <rot the tongs in self-defence, wbm you held the poker over me. Defendant—Where did those fowls come from ? The Mayor—What does it signify where theyelJDl from. Don't answer such a question. It's rubbish. Defendant—She says I did nothing to support her. The Mayor-She says it in answer to a taunt of yours. Defendant—Had you a dinner on the 2nd of ibil month ? Complainanat—Yes. Mr Jones—Don't answer such questions. Defendant—Mr Jones I was connected with coartt of law before you were. You have no business to in- terfere. The Mayor—Mr Jones is quite right. Defendant—As the proprietor of that house, I con- sider I had a right to my dinner. The Mayor—Very well. She savs you had a dinner. Defendant—I shall have to call Mr Bradshaw on that point (laughter.) Defendant—Do you know a man, named Robert Evans ? Complainant—Yes, I do. Defenditnt--Do you know ho was discharged from Ift Edgworth's office for improper intimacy with you? .Complainant-No, I do not. Defendant-Did you know he was discharged ? Complainant—No, I do not. Defendant-Do you know a man named Gregory, a man named Tomlinson ? Complainant—I do not.

To be Sold. rJ pO BE SOLD a Bargain a small quantity of MALT .J KILN TILES, no worse than new. Apply to Mr Bavlev, Bookseller. HOUSE AND LAND. T0 BE SOLD by PRIVATE TREATY, a Free- hold House and Twelve Hoods of Land, sItuate in Rhosymedre, and now in the occupation of Mr John fanes. Schoolmaster. For father particulars apply on the premises. ON SALE, two second hand Steam eia-ines; a con- denser, and a high pressure, with wimding appara- gall and a capstan.—Apply to Mr Issao Francis, Pen-y- geM, Nant, near Wrexliat?. A BARGAIN.—To be disposed of, a Cast Iron A SHOP STOVE, with 23 feet 4 inch Cast Iron Piping, o lly been used about 14 days.—Apply to Mr B. GORDON, Albert House, Hope-street, Wrexham. TO CAPITALISTS AND OTHERS. 0 be SOLD by PRIVATE TREATY, several < valuable FARMS and accommodation LAND, ) WATER CORN MILL, and COTTAGES, situate in the township of Moreton Above, at Pentre Christiouydd, Tai-naut, and Trefechan, in the immediate vicinity of Rhosllitnei-ellrufforr For particulars aud to treat for same apply to Mr. T. RYMER, Solicitor, Wrexham. To be SOLD, a dark brown Carriage HORSE, four Tyears old, Sixteen hands big Steady in Harness and Saddle.—Apply to P. G., office of this Paper CARRIAGE ON SALE. A GOOD Secondhand Headed Cabriolette PHYTON, I with lamps, Wings, German shutters, pole and efar, &c., &c., very complete, double seated inside. On view at Jackson it Son's Carriage Manufactory, Wrex- lam. Apply to Mr Lovatt, Auctioneer, Wrexham. A BARGAIN. TO BE SOLD, a Portable Single Cylinder Steam -i- ENGINE of 7 horse power, in good working order. Makers—Messrs Tuxford and Sons, Boston, Uncoinshire. Apply at the Quinta Omce, near Chirk. 26dejan2. ON SALE about 3 to 4 tons of good oat straw. Ditto do. old hay. Ditto do. clover and rye grass. Apply at 38, High-street, Wrexham. To be Let. GENTEEL AND DESIRALBE RESIDENCE. TO BE LET, HAFOD HOUSE, distant about three Tmiles from Wrexham, and one mile from Ruabon. Yiiere are seven principal bedrooms, dressing rooms, aervant's rooms, three reception rooms, &e. a cottage for out-door servant, and good stabling, coach house, barn, cow house, &c., with about four acres of land, in- cluding gardens and shrubberies. Land to the extent of fifty acres or more can be had if required.—Apply to Mr J. Allington Hughes, Solicitor, Wrexham or to W. Creddes Smith, Scottish Law Solicitor K 2, Liverpool and London Chambers, Liverpool. RESPECTABLE APARTMENTS, f l '0 LET, w?th Gas, five minutes walk from the J Parish Church. Apply to this office. a*0 BE LEf with immediate possession, in the j. principal thoroughfare leading from the Cross to tile Railway Station, that Large House, Shop and Premises, N o. 30 in Regent-street, Wrexham. Apply to Mr William Jones, Ironmouger, Mold, or to Mr Hugh D^vies, Surveyor, Wrexham, who will show the premises. ri 0 BE LET with immediate possession, the HOUSE, SHOP and Premises lately occn- 'ed by Mr Seth Morris Jones, draper, 23 Qu?en-street, ;rexilam. Apply at Mr. Wm. Sherratt, Queen-street Chambers, Wrexham. TO LET, ON-IS suitable for OFFICES. Apply to Wm. J\/ Sherratt, Esq., Queen-street Chambers. WREXHAM NEW VEGETABLE, FRUIT, FISH, AND PEDLERS' MARKET. PERSONS making application for any of the Shops, J. Stalls, or Standings in the above Market will have notice of the day of Letting.-I,axly application is requested. The Keys to view the Shops can be had from the Secretary, MR. ARTHUR CLARKE, 16, Henblas-street. GROCERY, DRAPERY, AND PROVISION SHOP, NEAR WREXHAM. TO BE LET, a First-class Grocery, Provision, and TDrapeU Shop, with a large bakehouse and excel- lent DWELLING-HOUSE attached, consisting of a large Kitchen, Parlour, and six good Bed-rooms, Stable I and Coachhouse, &c. The premises are situate in the midst of the immense mining works of Broughton, Moss, Frood, Brymbo, which is a very thickly popula- ted neighbourhood. The whole of the above-named extensive mines are bein- worked to Broughton and Moss, olose to the above named premises. The present tenant is retiring from business, after carrying on a most extensive trade. Fixtures and Stock to be taken by the in-coming tenant. —Apply to Daniel Jones, Grooer, Bronghton, near Wrexham. TO LET in one of the principle streets, TWO or -t THREE BED-ROOMS, Sitting Room, and Kit- then. Apply at the Advertiser Office. TO BE LET, the Martdu Farm, containing about 61 TAcres, situate in the parishes of Selattyn and Whittmgton, Apply at the Quinta OBice, near Chirk. 26deja2. I Situations, &c., Wanted. WANTED in tradesman's family, a respectable V T young woman as Co )k.-Apply to Mr Bayley, Bookseller, Wrexham. TV, ANTED in a respectable f imily, in Wrexham, a ? f Nur a ? ut 30 years of a.e; also in the same family a gro > 11, to take the management of three horses, good referen s required in > h cases.—Apply at Adver- tiser Office. W ANTED, in '-entlem-n's family, a respectable T v person as NURSE.—Apply to Mr Bayley, Book- Mller, Wrexham. A BAILIFF is in want of a Situation, of first-rate abilities.-Particulars op application to Mr Y. STRACHAN, 37, High-street, Wrexham. TT7 ANTED Clerks, Travellers, Porters, Time- keepers, Warehouseman, Waiters, Butlers, Barmen, Grooms, Gardners, and all persons wanting llituaio is. Apply, Royal Register Office, 46, Skinner Ntret-i. Snow Hill, London, E.C. "IVT Y 7 ANTED, in a Gentleman's family, in the town of Wrexham, a GOOD PLAIN COOK. Apply to tfr. Bayley, Hope-street Chambers. PROVINCIAL INSURANCE COMPANY. ANTED to purchase some SHARES in the Vt above Company.—Apply to Mr JOHN BURY, Hilburv, Wrexham. WREXHAM UNION. PORTER WANTED. TIT ANTED by the B arrl of Guardians of the Wrex- ham Union a SINGLK MAN or WIDOWER, ■a Portar for the Union Workhouse. The person ap- pointed will have to reside in the Workhouse and devote his who e time to the duties of the Office as directed by the orders of the Poor Law Board. Salary, J;15 per annum, together with the usual rations. The Election will take place on Thursday, the 7th day ef January next, at Twelve o'clock at noon, at the Work- house, at which time and place Candidates are requested to attend. Applications (stating references and previous occupa- tion in the handwriting of the respective Candidates to be forwarded to me, JOHN BURY, W Clerk to the Union. wrexham, December 24th, 1863. 26deja2 "1. J ANTED AP' ? ,?-IITF-D a,, -kPVPENTiOP, to the Saddlery and liaruega 1lQ ??' ?PP? to Mr Parry, Town ILU, Wrexham AN rED to 2jan23 ? TABLE? ?'?????-??A OFFICE rABLE.^gt Tccoo\»( d£ ition. Apply &t the Âdvertiser" Omce. g "?d?on. Appll ? the WANTED immediately in a Gentleman's Family W residing near London, a respectable young per- son as HOUSE-MAID and WAITRESS.—Apply to I Mr Bayley, Stationer, Wrexham. WANTED, in a Gentleman's Family in the neigh- I V bourhood of Wrexham, a respectable female as NURSE. None need apply who are not 30 years of I age, and have had considerable experience with children. I Apply to Mr Bayley, Bookseller, Wrexham. MONEY WANTED. WANTED to Borrow on mortgage of good property, W the sum of £ 200.—Application to be made by letter addressed A. B. Advertiser" Office, Wrexham. 19deja2. WANTED, a steady sober Man as Groom and W Coachman. Apply to Mr J. SPARROW, Cymmau Hall, Wrexham. A married man preferred. WANTED bv a respectable young person, a situation VV as NURSE, or UNDER KITCHEN MAID. Apply to Mary Davies, Penycae, near Ruabon. WANTED a Steady, Active MAN, used to Brewery TV work, Apply to Glanrafon Brewery, Mold. 215 REWARD.—TO PARISH CLERKS AND OTHERS. W ANTED, the certificate of the marriage of — Davies," to either Elizabeth Eallerhost (born Lloyd, or to Margaret Lloyd. Supposed to have been married about the beginning of the present century, or within 20 years before or after. £ 5 will be paid to any person giving such information as may lead to its re- covery, and a further Reward of £ 10 if found to be cor- rect. Apply to C. W. Stephen, Chirk Green, Denbigh- shire. TO BAKERS & CONFECTIONERS ITRANTED a JOURNEYMAN in the above business, v none need apply but who can produce a good character for steadiness and sobriety. Apply to John Williams, Confectioner, Welshpool. WANTED, a few Acres of GRASS LAND near the W Town of Wrexham. Apply at Wallis's Bacon Shop. LO-T. ON Mondaylast, (Dec. 28th. 1863) from Brynnewydd, near Wrexham, a DARK RED SHEEP DOG, has a chain collar on the neck, with an engraved plate, bearing the words E. Thomas, Brynnewydd," and answers to the name of March." Whoever will bring the same to Mr Thomas, Brynnewydd, will receive the reward of Half-a-Sovereign. NOTICE. THE OFFICE of MR. JONES, Solicitor, is RE- TMOVED to 27, Upper Chester-street. THE WREXHAM ADVERTISER," Published on Fiiday Evening, in time for the Mails to all parts of the Kingdom, and a Second Edition early on Saturday morning, containing the Latest Markets, Local, and District News. The "Advertiser" has been for many years the recognised County Newspaper for Denbighshire. It has a circulation more than double that of any other English newspaper published, either in Denbighshire or Flintshire. Advertisers desirous of bringing their communications before all classes in the above Counties, will fail to do so, unless they appear in the columns of the WREXHAM ADVER- TISER." Price 2d.; Stunped 3d.; Annual Subscription (if paid in advance) Ss. 8d; on credit—10s. By post—Id. extra. All orders for the Paper and Advertisements should be addressed to Messrs. BATLEY & BRADLEY, ADVEBTSIER BUILDINGS, HOPE-STREET, WREXHAM. —~

THE COMING ALDERMAN. I THE death of Mr Alderman Evans will oc- casion the election of a successor to the vacant office. The enquiry upon every tongue is, Who is to be the new Alderman?" The election must be made shortly, and already speculation is rife. We hear that a large section of the Council are in favour of Mr Overton. On the other hand we hear the name of the Mayor. If the election is to be made from amongst the Council we imagine the contest will be between these two. We confess that our predilections are in favour of Mr Overton. It is superflnous to say that of all the members of the Council, by his high standing in the town, by his honourable bear- ing as a public man, his competency, his in- telligence, and his long career of public use- fulness, he is the most eligible. We think it is a great inj ustice to him that he is not Mayor at this moment. If desert and not faction had ruled the Council he would have been. By the greater rule of right if he onght to have been Mayor he should be Alderman. At the last election of Mayor the present Mayor expressed his regret that he had not a casting vote to give in favour of Mr Overton. Let him now make good his good wishes and give his influence in favour of Mr Overton. The present Mayor in our opinion has supped full of honours. He took the chair at a bound and was re-elected. To mike him Al lerman would be perilous to himself as well as an act of injustice to another honourable and deserv- ing man. We say perilous for this reason honours too rapidly accumulated, like ill acquired wealth, rust and canker and bring disaster. Dignities slowly and honourably acquired wear well and last. Let him, as a member of the Town Council once before ad- vised him learn to labour and to wait." We are sure of this, that if the Mayor grasps at the new aldermanic dignity and obtains it, the alienation now existing towards the Council for its fulsomeness and its sycophancy will be intensified to disgust, and the outsiders will be more and more repelled from its pre- cincts It is a farce to say that the Council now fully represents either the wealth, the in- telligence, or the talent of the town we adjure the members that they go no further in the work of alienation :from honourable sym- pathies, and give no more up to party that which was meant for mankind. All this is on the supposition thf.t the new alderman is to be elected from the members of the Town Council. He may be elected from the outside. If the Council cannot agree to elect Mr Overton, then we say, go outside and choose from amongst the townsmen the best man to be found and agreed upon. This would save all the disagreeable consequence of a popular election to supply the vacancy caused by mak- ing a councillor an alderman. Such men as Mr Painter, Mr Edgworth, Mr Dillon, Mr Bury, Mr O. O. Williams, Mr A. W. Edwards, or Mr James Jackson, might be chose i with honour to themselves and the Council, and would obviate the nuisance of another appeal to the "free and independent."

LONDON SAYINGS AND DOINGS. Fromourown Correspondent.) The old year. like an old man whose san Is of life are ran to the last grain, is slowly dying out, and doing so amid as fine a season as that ubiquitous personage, the "oldest inhabitant," can extend his memory to. The Merry Christmas of 1863, is receding from our view, and the new year will speedily open upon us, bright with new hopes, but saddened somewhat by the sorrows of the past. This is the way of life and happily is the man who can so aiapt himself to its circumstances, that come what will he can preserve that happy medium of contentedne3, which we are told upon the highest authority, is a continual feast. Among the great days of the year to dwellers in Cock- neydom is that familiarly known as Boxing-day." It is almost a general holiday, upon ordinary occasions, but falling this year as it did, on Saturday, it was more than usually observed; in fact, a large portion of the population seemed to have been poured upon the streets, which, during some parts of Saturday were rendered nearly impassable, notwithstanding that for some hours there was a continual drizzly rain, which, however, did not seem to have the slightest damping influence upon the pleasure seekers, who thronged every place that was thrown open to them-the National Gallery, the various museums, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower, the Thames Tunnel, the Parks, the Crystal Palace; these during the day: and where, it was recorded, that no less t'lan 43,741 people visited Sydenham, it is proof pos tive that the holiday was appreciated, and made the best US1 of. The day altogether was commendably spent, and if here and there was to be seen one who had been keep'n; Christmas not wisely, but too well, it formed the exception to the rule. At night the rush and crush at the various theatres and place of amusement was something terrible. For hours before the time appointed for commencing the performances, the doors of Drury Lane, Astley's and the Alambra, were surrounded by a dense mass seeking to get the best places, and the scene when the doors at length did open, baffles all descrip- tion. To say that coat tails were torn off, that shawls were stripped from shoulder, and that hats were lost, would convey but a faint idea of the reality. The won- der is, how anyone managed to obtain an entrance where all were striving to be in first. I speak of Drury Lane more particularly, where 1 was a spectator of the fright- ful crushing; but at all the other theatres there was much the same confusion. The pantomimes, as far as I have seen them, are vastly more gorgeous and better j mounted to details than in previous years snd as there is greater competition the managers are put upon their mettle to excel, consequently the outlay in pro- duci ng some of the elaborate and wonderful scenio effects is perfectly astoun din g The Ili-hest talent is effects is perfectly astou ng. e. llg est to. ent IS employed, and of course, it must be liberally remuner- j ated. Mr Byron, editor of the Comic News" is the most prolific author of these Christmas pieces; he has written the glory of St. George and the Dragon," for Covent garden, the extravaganza of "The Lady Belle Belle" for the Adelphi; the burlesque of Orpheus and Eurydice" for the Strand; and the comical con- gomeration absurdity of 1863" for the St. James's. In time to come the personal identity of Mr Byron may be questioned on the ground that it was impossible for any single individual to have written so many bur- lesqers. In fact, the fatal facility which he possesses for this kind of writing is seen in the production of much unmitigated trash which, amid good scenery, and good acting, is allowed to pass muster. But I must not en- large upon these pantomimes or pantomime writers and will merely add that the season has commenced again most auspiciously for managers, and with the signs of continued success in all kinds of business, there are good grounds for believing that the successful com- mencement will be continued. I should mention that Mr Sothern's return to the Haymarket in his popular character of Lord Dundreary" is drawing crowded houses, and that the alterations in the piece are decided improvements. Amid. however, all our gay doings, the hand of death has stricken down one of our most popular authors, Mr Thackeray, who was found dead in his bed on Thursday morning. He had been ailing for a short time pre- viously, but nothing at all serious was apprehended. He has Gone out with the tide in the height of hit popularity, and in the vigour of his manhood; and the blank thus created will take long to fill up. To this great writer we owe more than the homage of our regret, the nation feels a loss. Those who knew iim best will miss him most; that noble countenance lighted up by flashes of wit and pleasantry will be seen no more that genius which shone out so sparklingly in "Vanity Fair," in "The Newcoines" in "Penclennis" in the glorious Snob Papers" and Yellow Plush Correspondence," in those delightful Roundabout Papers," is departed. And while there are differences of opinion as to the par- ticular position as a novelist, Mr Thackeray will hold relatively to Charles Dickens and Bulwer Lytton, his friends will agree that he was one of the kindest and most unselfish of men. Of the blight" which caused him to eschew the life of an artist and turn his atten- tion to the pursuit of literature, Mr Thackeray gave the following account at a Royal Academy dinner:—" I c In remember when Mr Lincoln was a very young man, and had commenced delighting the world w th some charming huinerous works, which were coloured light green, and came out once a month, I that this young man wanted an artist to illustrate his writings, and I recollect walking up to his chambers with two or three drawings in my hand, which, strange to say, he did not find suitable. But for that unfortu- nate blight which came over my artistical existence it would have been my pride and my pleasure to have endeavoured one day to find a place on theie walls for one of my performances." To that blight we owe some of the most charming novels in our language. Yesterday, in the fading year, and under a glorious sun- shine, with the air as serene and balmy as in May, all that was mortal of William Makepeace Thackeray was consigned to its last resting-place in Kensall Green Cemetery, where so many of his fellow-iabourers in literature sleep their last sleep. To witness tii,- last sad I site a large number of persons were assembled, and I may safely say there were from 15,000 to 16,000 pre- sent, and among them were authors and artists, journal- ists and actors, dramatists and painters, poets and punsters, who were gathered to pay their honours to him who so short a time before was amongst them in all I the brilliancy of his great powers. I cannot prett nd to give a list of those present, but the familiar faces of Chirles Dickens, R. B. Browning, Shirley Brooks, Mark I L'mon, W. H. Russell, Anthony Trollope, Charles Matthews, M:ss Braddon, John Leach, i iuais. R.A., G. Cruikshank, M. Louis Blanc, G. J. Holyoake, T. Creswich, R.A., I noted in those assembled round the grave. There was as J present Mr. Harnel Morgan, the high sheriff of Merionethshire. Tne funeral cortege arrived at the cemetery precisely at noon, and the funeral service was impressingly read by the Rev. Chas. Stuart, of King's College, London. Great things were expected from M r. G. A. Sala in his American correspondence to the Daily Telegraph," for which paper he has gone out specially; but so far as he has yet written there has been great disappointment felt. Those who remember his Journey due North," and his Streets of the World," published in the Welcome Guest," will have an appreciation of Mr. Sala's power of word-spinning and these letters from America partake largely of this peculiar quality. His I description of the opening of the Washington congress gives a characteristic idea of American institutions, and one that must grate rather harshly upon tie ears of the Times," who persistently endeavours to blacken the characters of Northern statesmen and their forms of government. The ceremony of opening Congress was most simple, and the correspondent says-" Everything which I beheld appeared to be thoroughly modest, simple, and noble—the free citizens of a great common- wealth setting about the task of governing themselves, and doing it sensibly an 1 well." As I mentioned last week, the Aldershott Court Martial have honourably acquitted Colonel Crawley, as I upon such a narrow issue as taat prescribed by the court, was likely to be the case and thus the whole affair is looked upon as a kind of solemn farce, carried through with a foregone conclusion. Had Colonel Crawley been found guilty, other courts martial must necessarily have been held, and these would have been vastly more incon- venient than this has been. The increase of traffic on the London and North Wes- tern Railway during the past week is unprecedented in the annals of railways, as it amounts to nearly £ 10,000. This is attributable, no doubt, to the great addi- I tional traffic thrown u pon the main line by the vari- ous branches. I learn that the dividend for the half- year will be at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum. London, New Year's Eve. I

LOCAL NEWS. THE LATE W. M. THACKERY.—It ma) 11 ut lie gene- rally known that the late W. M. Thackery was a nephew of the late Dr. Thackery, of Chester, who was well knOvvn in this neighbourhood. RINGING THE OLD YEAR OUT AND THE NEW YEAR IN.—The Wrexham bells sent forth a merry peal about an hour before midnight on the last day of the old year, which continued, at intervals, until one o'clock on New Year's morning. FUNERAL OF THE LATE ALDERMAN EVANs.-The re- mains of the late Alderman Evans were interred at the NJW Burial Ground yesterday (Friday.) The funeral was attended by nine members of the Town Council, in- cluding the Mayor, a number of the Cambrian Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows' also attended, of w'ii<-h lodge deceased was a member. WATCH NIGHT SERVICE.—The usual annual watch night service was held at Bryryffynnon Chapel, on ) Thursday night, and was well attended. The service commenced at ten o'clock, when an excellent sermon was delivered by the Rev. J. Lyon, from Romans 12 c. 1 v. Addresses were afterwards delivered by the Rev. H. Pickersgill and Mr S. T. Baugh The service was brought to a close about twenty minutes past twelve. A NEW BELL AT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.—We an- nounce in an advertisement of our paper to-day, the public dedication of a very beautiful and large bell, at St Mary's Catholic Church, in this town, by his Lordship the Bishop, of Shrewsbury. We hope to be able to give some account discriptive of the ceremony, as well as of the bell itself, which we hear highly spoken of, in our next issue. TOWN HALL LECTURES AND MUSICAL ENTERTAIN- MENT.—Another of these entertainments came off on Tuesday evening. The entertainers were Mr and Malame Frerieric Penna, and the entertainment was entitled: "Dibden and his Songs," which was a mixture of lecture, recitation, and song, a style of entertainment that seems to be the rage at present. The singing was good, and several of the songs were encored. The audience was but small. CHURCH-STREET.—This street has just been repaired under the superintendence of the Borough Surveyor, who has considerably altered the shape of the roadway, so as to render it safer to vehicles. Whoever had the desiging of the pavement before must have had some evil design upon those who go to church in carriages, ias the roadway sloped from the centre in the direction t i i cliinlel at an angle of nearly forty-five degrees. LOCAL AND DISTRICT BANKRUPTS.—From Tuesdav's and Friday's "Gazette." John Roberts, Holywell, Flintshire, chemist, January 9, at Liverpool; Richard Brewster, Albrigliton, Shropshire, farmer, January 23, at Madeley George Charles Griffiths, Wrexham, Den- bighshire, stationer; Edward Goodwin, Guildsfield, near Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, farmer John Jones, Bethesda, Carnarvon, draper; Peter Chadband, Dum- ville, Kuutsford, Cheshire, innkeeper; John White, Cardiff, butcher; John Morrey, Siradbach, Cheshire, cooper; John Collins and Wilbraham Collin, Bishop's Castle, Shropshire, builders. THE WESLEYANS.—The Wesleyans a,-e about to build a minister's house on the piece of land adjoining the chapel, which is their own freehold, and a schoolroom at the back of the chapel. A social tea meeting was held on Tuesday last at the Grove School, kindly lent by Mr J. P. Jones for the purpose, when about five hundred pounds was promised towards the above ob- jects. The company spent a remarkably happy even- ing. The catering was entrusted to Mr Kenrick, con- fectioner. Abbot-street, who spared nothing that would contribute to the comfort and entertainment of the guests. DEATH OP ALDERMAN EVAs:-A\derman F'T3 very suddenly on Sunday evening last, which leaTe II vacancy in one of the aldermanic chairs. The f? ?? has been a member of the Town Council f,? five ye ge having been elected the second year after the town &re, incorporated. He was made an alderman in 1?" ?' year of the compromise—when the reds" <t"" "whites" to join them in the election, a?d?f"??' rewarded the whites" by electing none b?t -? to the aldermanic chairs. "«