The Aberystwith Observer

Hocal information. POOR LAW GUARDIANS, ABERYSTWYTH. Monday, February 28th, 1867. The fortnightly meeting of the Board of Guar- dians was held in the Board Room of the Union Workhouse on Monday last. The guardians pre- sent were G. W. Parry, Esq., chairman; John Hughes, Esq., vice-chairman; Messrs. John Wat- kins, John Jones, (Commerce House,) Richard Morris. Dr. Roberts and Dr. James were also in atten- dance. After the minutes of the previous meeting had been read by Mr. Hugh Hughes, the ordinary busi- ness of the day was proceeded with. Margaret Davies, 57 years of age, a fowl dealer, living in High-street, and wholly disabled, applied for relief. Allowed PS. a week. Sarah Jones, of Penparkati, living in the house, applied for outdoor relief Applicant is subject to fits, has a child aged 10, and has been deserted by her husband. Allowed 3s. a week. Evan Morris, 41 years of age, a sweep, living in Fountain Court, applied for the funeral expenses of his wife. Mr. Hughes said he was a confirmed scamp. Application refused. Evnn Davie- of Xag's Head Court. Allowed 2s. a week for 2 months. Martha Roberts, of Thespian-street, 08 years of age, being ill. Allowed *2s. Od. a week. William Owen, of Bridge-street, a seaman, wholly disabled, and having a wife aud four children, ap- plied for extra relief. Dr. James said he had not enough to procure food. Allowance increased to 6s. 6d. Edward Hughes, of High Street, a rag gatherer, having two children, applied for relief. Applicant had hurt his arm. Application refused. Sarah Hughes, in service on the North Parade, aged 13 years, applied fur clothing. Allowed 10s. Morgan Herbert, Bonsall Row, wholly disabled, applied for relief. Allowed Is. extra. Prudence Jones, of Skinner-street, applied for money to redeem certain articles of apparel which had been given from the stock of the house. Allowed 18s. Catherine Lewis, of Llanbadarn, a charwoman with three children. Allowed I Us. 5d., given in kind. Anne Jenkins, 6!) years of age, partially disabled, applied for extra relief. Applicant was at present in receipt of 2s. a week. Allowed 6d. extra. Harriet Hughes, of Llanbadarn. t Allowed Is., given in kind. William Davies, 70 years of age, with wife 70, partially disabled. Allowed Is. extra. Sarah Davies, of Llanbadarn, with three chil- dren, having 3s. 6d. a week. Allowed 6d extra for two months. John Lloyd, a seaman, of Moor-street, living with his daughter, having been injured by ship- wreck, applied for relief. Allowed 3s. 6d. a week. Thomas Blanning, who had been in receipt of re- lief, being now engaged at the New Reading Room. Relief taken off. Elward Davies, 59 years of age, with wife 60, living at Llangawsa, having a daughter ill, and being out of work. Allowed 2s. 6d. a week. Jane Lewis, with two children, her husband being in London, and still out of work, applied for a con- tinuance of relief granted at the last meeting. Relief ordered to be continued for a month. Margaret Morgan, of Nantydirwin. Allowed Is. a week for a month. Jane Lewis, of Mill-street, having 2s. a week. Allowed Is. extra, she being unwell. Eleanor Rees, 76 years of age, living at Ponpark- au, subject to fits. Allowed Gd. a week extra. Four children of the name of Davies being in the house. b The Master reported that their father, David Davies, Dt'iu'r Ebol, was in a position to support his children. The Master was infracted to summon the E"bol if he did not immediately take his children from the house.

PETTY SESSIONS, ABERYSTWYTH. Tuesday, 12th February, 1867. Before Richard Roberts, Esq., the mayor, and Lewis Pugh, Esq. DRINK AXD RIOTOUS. Thomas Iloberts v. John Blan Thomas Roberts sworn: On last Sunday night, about 9 o'clock, witness was in his house when the defendant. Robert Blan, came in. lie lodges with complainant. He took two candlesticks and struck both witness and his wife, without any cause what- ever. He also broke witness' door, and was not then drunk. David Benjamin sworn: The defendant lodges with the complainant, in the same house as witness. The defendant came to the house and abused wit- ness by striking him with candlesticks and other household articles. Witness wished to have him bound over to keep the peace. The defendant was fined 2s. 6d. for the assault, 3s. for damage done to property, and 7s. 6d. costs. or in default of payment fourteen days imprison- ment. TRANSTER OF LICENSES. A transfer of the license of the" Three Tuns" public-house, Trefechan, was transferred to the name of John Richards. A like transfer was made of the license of the Fox inn, North Parade, to the name of William Lloyd. corxTY BUSINESS. Before Lewis Pugh, Esquire, and Thomas Jones, E quire. PO-VCIIING OUTRAGE. was brought up on the charge of having been connected with the late poaching outrage on the Gogerddan estate, the full particu- lars of which case was published by us last week in our report of the Tre'rddol petty sessions. The prisoner stood remanded from the magistrates' meeting at Tre'rddol, last Thursday. The following evidence was given :— The evidence of the two keepers, James, was similar to that reported in our last week's account of the Tre'rddol petty sessions. The fresh evidence given on this investigation was as follows Funny Jones sworn My name is Fanny Jones. [ am in service with Mrs. Griffiths, at the" Welsh Harp," in this town. I remember fonr men coming to my mistress' house for some newspapers. It was some right last month. I do not remember what night it was it was before I heard that the Goger- ddan keepers had been shot; the four men came in together. They appeared to be country people. The men had two quarts of ale and some spirits they took also one shilling's worth of rum in a bottle with them they remained in the house about half an hour. I heard two of the men ask for news- papers, which I got and gave to the men they were old newspapers, which they wrapped up and put in their pockets. The two men I gave the newspapers to I saw afterwards in the custody of a police con- stable going to gaol. The accused now present is very much like one of the four men I saw at the Welsh Harp," as already stated. The four men left the Welsh Harp together about a quarter past ten o'clock. One of the men appeared older than the others. Jane Griffiths sworn I keep the Welsh Harp" in this town. I heard the evidence given by the last witness, who is my servant. I believe what she said is correct, as far as I remember. I recollect four men from the country coming to my bouse some night last month one of the men was older than the others. Two of the men had newspapers. It was after ten o'clock when the men left my house they had some ale and spirits, and took rum with them. If I was to see the men again I onld not identify them. P. S. Thomas Thomas sworn Yesterday week I heard one of the accused named John Evans, in the presence and hearing of the other persons accused, named David Jones, and John Jones, at the lock-up make the following statement respecting the "Welsh, liarp." The said accused John Evans asked me how he could procure some summonses for his wit- nesses. I asked him what witnesses he required. 'Ie first named Evan Roberts, of the Crugie Arms, Rhydyfelin, that he wanted to summon him. He then told me they had been in different public- iiouses in the town and asked the name of the public-house near the Town-hall. Itoldhimitwas he.Shropshire Arms, kept by one William Sheppard, LOcI that they had been in another house, that he landlady was an Englishwoman, and that she was the widow of Morgan of Bryndu's brother-John Griffiths, the late husband of'Jane Griffiths, was a trother to Morgan Griffiths, Bryndu. I then asked -aid John Evans, whether theprisoner John Jones vas with him at the Welsh Harp," when he replied ie was, and also David Jones. This statement was uade by him voluntarily, without any threat or tromise on my part. The other prisoners were ;resent all the time this conversation took place. Evan Roberts sworn I keep the Crngie Arms uiblie-house, situate at Rhydyfelin. About three veeks ago, early in the morning, four men knocked t my door. I opened the door and four men came fl. The four men who came in were John Evans, lav id Jones, John Jones, and the accused Thomas fones. I believe David Jones is the father of the (id John Jones and Thomas Jones. Three of the icn each carried a gun, and I can't say what the ourth had some of icemen, or one of them, ielivered me the three guns to keep. In the eourse If that day one of the men called upon me for the guns, and took them away. The accused Thomas Jones was then in service at Pengraig-ucha' or Pengraig-fawr, now kept or farmed by one Evan Evans, as tenant thereof. AFFILIATION CASE. Order made against Thomas Evans, for pay- ment of Is. 3d. a week in support of the illegitimate child of him and Mary Jones, at Llanilar, on the 4th January, having been disobeyed the defendant was brought up in custody. The prisoner persisted in his refusal to pay. Sentenced to three months imprisonment in Car- digan gaol.

ANNE OWENS' CASE. In another column will be found a lengthy communication, to which we most willingly give insertion, from Mr. J. J. Atwood, who acted as attorney for the four defendants in the investigation of this most filthy case, before the magistrates :sitting in petty sessions at Llanbadarn, heard at their last meeting. That Mr. Atwood proved a very able advocate for his clients, notwithstanding the eccentric op- position he met with from one member of the bench, is patent to all just men who feel natur- ally scandalised at the lenient sentence which was passed upon the prisoners. But, that Mr. Atwood has bettered his case by his letter, which we publish to-day, is another matter for consideration. To have allowed the case to rest would, in our opinion, have been the wisest course to adopt for one who desired not to keep alive the already too notorious mis- carriage of justice, in so criminal a charge; but Mr. Atwood must accept the consequences of the conflict he has provoked, whether its issue be that, for him, of victory or defeat. Mr. Atwood's letter is a document of such length that we think it best to take his statements seriatim. The letter sets out by stating that the deal which has been written, and the more which has been said, about the failure of justice in this case, and the censurable conduct of one of the committing magistrates, "is attributable in part to the somewhat exaggerated report" of the case which appeared in these columns,— together with our comments thereon." Where was the exaggeration, Mr. Atwood? You were an advocate for the prisoners: the gentleman who reported the proceedings had no interest in the case one way or other. He was not paid to take a wrong view of the facts, nor of the conduct of either prosecutor or prisoners. He set down the statements as they were uttered, and endeavoured, to the utmost of his ability to give a clean, unvarnished tale of the whole transaction. As to his comments there- on, they were only those of any man of human sympathies at the shocking atrocity, a crime so inadequately punished. As to the letter's strictures upon." A Lawyer;" no doubt, "A Lawyer" is sufficiently able to take his own part. Mr. Atwood objects to our having termed the prisoners "rumana and miscreants." Mr. Atwood has a perfect right to object if he deems it decent to do so but we here repeat our opinion of them, and doubt not but our opinion will be endorsed by the public who read the slightly partial report of the prisoners' counsel. Then Mr. Atwood gives his own version of the examination, which differs but in a very few minor details from our own but we must say that here and there the colouring of the cruel crime is artistically toned down, whilst, as opposed to that, it is also here and there unintentionally darkened to its proper hue. We, for instance, shrank trom publishing in print the exact nature of the crime committed Mr. Atwood rose superior to all such squeam- ishness. Whilst the offence charged against the prisoner was being committed their advo- cate admits that the two chaste sisters of the major culprits were present, and they not only did not take any steps towards her protection, but actually applauded and approved of the beastial performance—by laughing thereat. As an instance of the unfairness of Mr. Atwood's account of the evidence we may direct atten- tion to those portions of it in which he makes the prosecutrix state that one of the wretches was only pressing his face against hers whilst the assault was being committed. Now, in honest truth, had she not been held down by main force and superior strength, is it likely that she would quietly submit herself to the torture which it is proved she suffered? And when Mr. Atwood states that the evidence of the girl went so far as to assert merely, that the assault committed "hurt her a good deal," he is, certainly, drawing on his imagination to a not inconsiderable extent in his endeavour to be merciful to the convicted felons—his clients. After the many admissions of the able advo- cate for the prisoners, that gentleman seriously denies that there was any attempt made to commit a "criminal assault." No doubt Mr. Atwood is acquainted with the state of the law and it must be a bad law indeed which ranks so fearful a crime under the level of a criminal assault." Mr. Atwood is as concise and vague as pos- sible with Dr. Robers' evidence. It does not suit his cause to touch this—for very good and wise reasons—but where he does touch it he mutilates it, after a most extraordinary fashion. The injuries which, according to Mr. Atwood, "might have been,"—according to Dr. Roberts have been" productive of very serious consequences; and the medical gentle- man said little about his being "happy" that the prosecutrix was able to walk home the day after the enquiry, but that he was astonished, from the injury she had sustained, that she was able to walk into town- As to the questions which Mr. Atwood put to the prosecutrix, and the very ingenious defence which he made, we have nothing to say. It was part of his duty perhaps, as an advocate, to put such questions, and make such defence; and into the controversy, between himself and one of the committing magistrates, as to the legality or propriety of his mode of procedure, we have no desire whatsoever to enter. But upon other points of his letter we take leave to make a few more observations. Up to the conclusion of his review of the magisterial investigation at Llanbadarn, Mr. Atwood argues his point with all that ability for which we have ever given him credit; but when he travels to the following day be seems, in our opinion, to be treading on very unsafe ground. He gives it as his opinion that the magistrates, "taking the view they did of the case, were perfectly justified" in the course which they pursued. True. But what was there in the evidence to justify them in taking such a view of the case? Mr. Atwood, doubt- less, is a very sound lawyer—but so also is the Attorney Goneral, and if the matter happens to be brought under the attention of the first of legal functionaries—an event by no means unlikely, it is not at all impossible that the right honourable gentleman who holds the highest position at the bar may differ in opinion from Mr. Atwood, or even from the magistrate whom Mr. Atwood puts himself out of the way, unnecessarily, to defend. As to Mr. Atwood's objection to what he is pleased to call our strictures upon the conduct of Mr. T. O. Morgan, in endeavouring to have condemned criminals released, for a money consideration, after sentence had been passed upon them, we may remark as follows:—Mr. Atwood knows even better than we do, that one of the great judges of the land possessed not the power to remit a sentence he has once passed. Have country magistrates a power superior to that of the great law-givers who are raised to their position by a life-long eminence in their proud profession? At the worst even one judge of four who had adjudica- ted upon a case, could not possibly of himself undo the act of his three colleagues. That Mr. T. O. Morgan's conduct on the occasion in question was unconstitutional is scarcely to be questioned. Mr. Atwood knows perfectly well that it is merely special pleading when he asks the public to believe that a sentence of com- mittal is not really passed upon prisoners be- cause the mechanical formula of signing the commitment has not been executed by the committing magistrates. Mr. Atwood becomes bolder as his letter approaches its conlusion he intimates that after a criminal ease has been decided and adjudicated on, it is legal fur the parties opposed to compromise. Here is a new light for the big wigs of the Law Compromise felony After making this rather startling statement the writer lapses into some pensive platitude, the expression of which do more honour to his heart, in a certain sense, than to his head. He tells us that Mr. Morgan, in his efforts for the liberation of the atro- cious ruffians, was supported by one of the other magistrates. Which was the one ? And that the effort at release was made from a kind and thought- ful consideration as well for the poor girl as for the broken-hearted and bed-ridden father of theprisoners. This we should be sorry to contradict or question but such kindly feeling does not justify the course which was taken by one of the magistrates, nor the statements contained in Mr. Atwood's letter. No personal or pusillanimous consideration should be allowed to weigh against [vindicating the dignity of the law by which we are surrounded, and ought to be protected. The Just but one paragraph in Mr. Atwood's letter, is simply Mr. Atwood's opinion as to the legality or illegality! of the conduct pursued by Mr- Morgan and Mr. Lloytl. For ourselves we are opposed conscientiously to Mr. Atwsod's expressed opinion at the same time that we are willing to considered that all parties believed they were acting properly. As to the keeper of the lock-up," he was bound to obey his superior omcer and that officer, Mr. Lloyd, was doing his direct duty when he refused to obey an order which, to our mind, was neither equitable nor legal. Should Mr. Atwood wish to ventilate the question further, these columns are at his disposal and we know that be is the wrong man to be intimidated when we assure him, that there are further lights we can let in upon the subject which may show in a clearer atmosphere the conduct of certain parties which Mr. Atwood has taken upon himself the gratuitous duty of defending.

PENNY READINGS, ABERYSTWYTH. An en.ertninment,under the above title, was given last evening at the Temperance Hall, the proceeds of which are to be added to the funds of the Aber- ystwyth Literary Institute and Working Men's Reading Room." The chair was occupied by the Rev. E. O. Phillips, M. A., and the attendance was more than usually full. —

PENNY READINGS, PENPARKAU. The unwearied exertions of Mr. Thomas, the headmaster of the Penparkau schools continue to keep these entertainments going." On Thursday evening an excellent entertainment was given in the school room, which was crowded to an uncomfortable extent. The chair was occupied by the Rev. Mr. Davies, Llanychaiarn. The readings were perhaps too numerous, but for the most part they were excellent. Amongst the singers Miss Mary Anne Jones, Miss Susannah Morgan, and Mr. William I Morgan, distinguished themselves and amongst the instrumentalists Ilerr Deidrich, and Master John Jones, of Aberystwyth. Towards the close a por- tion of the audience became noisy and unruly I indeed, their conduct was little less than disgraceful to themselves, cruel to the readers and singers, and disrespectful to the chairman and the gentlemen by whom he was supported. Miss Morgan expressed her determination aloud of not again troubling her- self to oblige and delight such an assemblage. A vote o( thanks was proposed to the chairman by Mr. J. M. Davies, who administered a wholesale rebuke to the unruly parties in the room. The proceedings terminated with the National Anthem.

PLOUGHING MATCH AT PEITIIYLL. A very successful ploughing match came off at Banal, near Peithyll, the seat of Col. Pryse, M.P., on the II th inst. The attendance was very numer- ous, and the prizes sharply contested The judges on the occasion were Mr. E. W. James, Brynllys, and Mr. Jones, Glanymor. Eighteen ploughs were entered; and the first prize of £2 was awarded to Mr. Owen Rees, ot Gogerddan; the second prize was won by J nines Thomas. Bronsaint; and the third by John Edwards, of Rhydissa'. Several parties, amongst whom were Richard Roberts, Nantseiriol, .John l'ryse, Bronygof, and David Pryse, Brynygof, were highly commended.

TREGARON MARKET. The Tregaron second monthly market was numerously and respectably attended. More pigs were sold than have ever changed hands in one day at any fair or market previously held in this place. There was a good supply ot store and fat cattle, cheese and butter also a very largo quantity of wool. Several thousands "f fir, larch, thorn-quicks, &c., &c., from Dolgwm and Blaenbyderwyn nur- suries were disposed of. Indeed, upon the whole, the market realized the most sanguine expectations of its promoters. Tregaron is becoming a very important place of business a new Town-hall and market place is in contemplation, and will be erected in the course of the coming summer. Lease has been kindly granted by Col. Powell of a site for the budding aud it has already been ascertained by careful calculation that at a very low rate of charge to the persons makir. use of the accommodation afforded them, the under- taking will be amply remunerating to the parties who embark their money in it.—TKEGAROMAN. ♦

ABERDOVEY. MESSAGE PROM THE SEA. —Early on Saturday morning a deal box and bolile were picked up on the shore opposite the Corbet Arms. The box, which is about lj!t. by fJin. in fenstb, was found to contain several papers, all of them in German. One of the papprs was a seaman's certificate, dated No- vember. 1803, from the port ot Christiana, given to I-aac E. Eckman, the pe,son to whom most of the letters in the box were directed. There were also two cartes de visite, one of a lady, taken by W. Davey, Gloucester, the other of our Saviour, crown- ed with thorns; the latter having some writing in German at the hack. No clue was afforded by any of the p <pers in the box as to the name of the vessel frou which it is supposed that the box was lost. The bottle, which was tightly cotked and bore traces of having bten in the water for some time, contained a piece of paper on which was written, also in German, that the ship Amerika" was pro- ceeding safely oil her voyage, all aboard being well. The dale was July, I8GG. Both are in the possess- ion ot Mr. David Williams, the Customs officer.— Os. Ad. to

VALE OF AYRON HOUNDS. The hounds met last Monday at Llanlear, the seat of Col. Lewis. The morning was tolerably fine, with the exception of a strong breeze (rom the North- west. The Col. led the Master to the coppice on the top of Vplindre farm, and Mr. Reynard was found at home, and not pleased with the unwelcome visitors, broke cover, crossed the dingle to CWlllcutan, and turned for home, and made off the second time over the top of Cilfacblran to Rliiwonen, and crossed the dingle to Cilerwisk, where he turned again for home over Llanachtaeh farm and Cwmcafan dingle, and broke away for the third time in the direction of Aberrnenrig, hut the gallant pack chasing him so fast from the begiimiug, made another ring, and went into a rabbiis' hole, and well did the dogs de- serve time; but instead of boiling hime (which might be easily done) his briifh was spared for another day, and the Master trotted otT to Maps- mawr coppice, about half a rnile distance, and no sooner the hounds entered, than they sang out, and a fine fox was viewed, going away towards Hendre- las, but turned to the right, and with full cry" we were onee more in the Velindre coppice, where the fox dodged for some time; but being too hotly pressed, made off through Alliycigfran, Abermeuiig- woods aud dingles to Ty'nytion. (hounds now going at a tremendous speed,) over Ctibteulu, and skirted Cae'reoed thickets on his way to Dolau Aelon dingles, where he tried several dodges, but the fast running was now telling on him, aud was soon pulled down on the open With a glorious "whoop," aud never it has been my lot to witness such bril- liant runs—hounds chasing in both instances with- out almost a cheek, and I wish if more votaries of the noble sport were present. FROM AN EYEWITNESS.

TIME WELL SI'ENT. Bestow tliy youth so 'that thou mayest have com- fort to remember it when it hath forsaken thee, and not sigh and grieve at the account thereof. Whilst thou art young thou wilt think it will never have an end but behold, the longest, day hath an evening, and thou shalt enjoy it but once, that it never returns again,—Sir Waller Raleigh. THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY. At a meeting of persons representing a large pro- portion of the preference and ordinary stocks and debenture debts of the Cambrian Railways Company, held at the railway station, at Welshpool, on the 5th day of February, David Davies, Esq., in the chair it was resolved that a memorial to the Right Hon. Earl Vane, the chairman, and the other Directors of the Cambrian Railways Company, be presented in the form now approved of, and that copies be distributed amongst the proprietors, to enable them to express their opinion on the proceedings re- ferred to The following was the memorial agreed to :— To the Chairman and Directors of the Cambrian Railways Company. My Lord and Gentlemen,—It is understood that a aew parties, adverse to the interests of the proprietors pnd debenture holders of the company, have formed a committee for making arrangements to turn out the present directors, and appoint their own nominees at a meeting to be held on the 21st instant. WTe, the undersigned, holders of preference and ordinary stocks and debentures of the company, beg to express our surprise and regret at such a movement, believing as we dothat it would, if successful, prove most pre- judicial to the undertaking. We consider that the continuance of your lordship, and those directors who acted as your colleagues when the Board under- took the working of the railway, of infinite impor- tance to the prosperity of the company and safety of the proprietors and creditors, and we trust that whatever may be the result you will not be induced t) resign your seats."

IIAFOD HOTEL COMPANY. Having from the first been the exponents of the fairness and justice of the course adopted by the Executive of this Company, in the unexampled di- fficulties which beset the Directors, almost before the undertaking was in work, we are much pleased to find that our cunfidence-not alone in the past, but hope as to the future—was not misplaced. We felt assured that the vast stake which Mr. Balcombe had in this undertakihg the energy he possesses and the exteut of his eonnexions would not, all at once, be found to be illusory and he himself placed hors-de-combat." Unanimity now prevails; the effect of this, in such hands, soon becomes apparent; we now heartily congratulate all parties interested, and in fact the principality at large. A private meeting of the larger shareholders has been held in London—a new Company has been formed with extra capital and, keeping alive the interest of the present members on terms which will make them (on adhesion) pay an extra subscription of £25 per share. Their unan- imity is abundantly testified when we say that the holders of 1741 shares out of 1832 have already signified their assent thereto. The Board of Direct- ors will be strengthened, and the qualification will be increased Mr. William Tipping, ofBrastedPark, a Director of the London & North-Western Railway, has specially qualified and been elected Messrs. James Rhodes, Aug. P. Clayton, and Thomas Hart are nominated by the old Company Mr. Balcombe having been unanimously appointed Managing Di- rector and thelie five gentlemen will form the Board of Directors of the new Company.

THE POST-OFFICE AND ST. VALENTINE'S DAY. That the festival of St. Valentine has been duly honoured to-day the records of the General Post- office will abundantly festsfy, upward of half a mil- hon of these harmless love missives having passed through the various metropolitan offices before noon, many of them of a costly character, and not a few of them being posted as registered letters." By far the largest numbee, it appears, traversed the western parts of the metropolis, though the letter- carriers in the East Central," or City district, had their full complement, especially of those from the provincial towns. In the year 1863 there passed through the post 494,700 valentines; in 1864, 538,000 in 1865, 542,000 and last year, 560,000 and judging from the returns up to noon to. day. there can be no doubt of the number this year being considerably in excess of the later received quan- tity, and most probably when the whole of to-day's take is told by the office tellers," the record will not fall short of (500,000. If this be so, and we take the postage of each of them at one penny only, the amount realised to-day by the Post-office in aid of budget of the Chancellor of the Exebeqer from valentines alone will be no less a sum than 2,5001 sterling, thus proving that though the custom itself may be senile, it is self-supporting and profitable, at the same time being a harmless source of mirth to thousands of young persons who will quite soon enough be called upon to share in the toils and troubles of life, to which both rich and poor, what- ever their station, cannot possibly either calm or expect exemption.

THE FENIANS. TIIE RISING IN KERRY. THE ARRESTS IN DUBLIN. [BY TELEGRAPH.] DUBLIN, THURSDAY. Saunders' News Letter says .— There are now about one hundred of these mis- guided and infatuated men under arrest for this, as it is supposed, attempted invasion, and capture of not only Dublin, but, perhaps, in their foolish imagi- nation, to carry Ireland by a coup a'etat. Were it not for the recklessness and evidently utter ignorance of the ruffians who are connected with the Fenian cause, as well as the unscrupulousness of their lead- ers, and the consequences which insane acts such as this bring upon themselves and the country, the affair is not more worthy than a passing shaft of ridicule but, under the present aspect of affairs, it is patent that the evil must be seriously dealt with to effeet its removal, ifpossibte, and the utmost vigilance be used to prevent the smallest advantage in any way being gained by the promoters ot the movement We arc glad to see that the police are, as they have been, giving the movement of the Fenians their utmost at- tention, with a view to meet any emergency that may arise consequent on this new feature. A letter from llolyhead, on Wednesday night, contains the following:- On the arrival of the steamer Colleen Bawn from Liverpool this morning, thirty-six armed policemen being on the wharf at the time, about half of their number went Oil board, and arrested five men who were dressed like tradesmen and labourers, and at once marched them to the police barracks. The following are the names of the parties :—Thomas Patterson, clerk in Nosloy Colliery, Lancashire, a native of Strandone, county Cavan John Egan, labourer in Mrs. Decan's chemical works, Lancashire, native of Ballinaiuore, county Leitrim Thomas M-Loughiin, bricklayer's labourer, worked at Wood- send, Lancashire, native of Rossey, county Leitrim James Fagan, car-driver and labourer, worked in Leeds in a brickyard, native of LIphin and John Higgins, labourer. About two o clock to-day the prisoners were brought before James Matthews and Patrick Ternan, Esqs., justices, in the court-house, which was densely thronged. After some delibera- tion, the court thought that Patterson and Fagan might be liberated. The answers of the other three were not satisfactory, and they would accordingly be remanded. A crrespondent writing from Ballina on Tuesday, says :— This day, Head Constable Noonan arrested in a lodging-house in town two men and a woman, evi- dently lately arrived from America, and who had come from hligo in the course of the morning. In their luggage were found three revolvers, of the American pattern, one of which was loaded. The men described themselves as dealers, and the woman as the sister in-law of one of them. They stated they belonged to Glasgow, and had come over to bligo on Friday. They were brought up before the magistrates at petty sessions in the course of the day, when the depositions of the head-constable were taken, to the effect that he believed they were engaged in treasonable practices, and that they had arms in a proclaimed district. Mr. Hill, R. M., and the other justices present, decided on remanding the prisoners to Cast.lebar gaol for one week, to ailow of further inquiries being made.

NEWS FROM THE WELSH COLONY. After many months of anxious delay, the pro- moters of this Colony have received advices from the settlers. It appears that an accident to the small vessel owned by the Colony prevented any news from arriving sooner.—The Buenos Ayres Standard of December 2G, says:—lhe htttecrattoftneCotony, about which some anxiety was lately felt, arrived safely at Patagonia on the 1st inst. The news she brings of the colonists is of an encouraging nature, though not very glowing. The season has been un- usually dry on the Chupat, as at the Rio Negro, and consequently much of the wheat sown lias been lost, leaving, however, a good remnant of fine grain, secured mostly by irrigation, which it seems is easily done in that valley. The time occupied in repair- ing the vessel retarded to some extent the tilling for green crops, but some potatoes, maize, &c have ht en planted. Their stock of cattle is increasing, though somewhat, limited; and they barter advan- tageously with the Indiaus for mares and horses. ) They have also bought from the Indians It goodly quantity of ostrich leathers, with the proceeds (If which it is intended to take some sheep down again. On the whole, it would appear that ihe Colony IS progressing, though struggling against many un- toward events, but not sufficient to damp the hopes of the settlers. Three discontented families came up in the schooner to Patagonia this trip, but We have reason to believe that several better parties will soon take the places of those leaving-men of American and Australian experience, and with mo- derate capita); in fact, some of these are now as- sembled at Patagonia, and will proceed to the Colony when the schooner returns, others are pre- paring to leave our own camps to follow, and a party is forming from Rio Grande do Sul.

CASSELL'S IL LUST RATE 6 BoOK OF SACRED POEMS. London: Cassellt PetltT, Sf Galpin. A more beautiful publication than this number of Sacred Poems it is not often our fortune to see issued from the press. It contains 32 pages of ad- mirably printed letter-press on toned paper. The poems are profusely illustrated by the best artists; and the present Number contains a presentation plate"-a very fine engraving of the "Crown of Thorns," by that most original of living artists, Gustave Dore. We open at chance a poem entitled "The Ice-hound Ship and the Dead Admiral," from which we give the following as a fair specimen of the literary merit of the book before us Stately! but statelier yet, What time the winter thy good ships beset With ice-mailed meshes of his awful net, And wondrously the summer sun went down Tiaraed with the shadow and the flame- And night with horror of great darkness came On her black horse, a veil upon her face, Riding above his sunken crown— But day's white palfrey kept not equal pace.* Seal and bear, and walrus brown, W ere heard no longer on the floe, Sledge or kayak of the Esquimaux Came there never to that land of woe. Ptarmigan and grouse were flecked with snow, All the ivory gulls flapped far away Fox and hare, turned white and silver grey Crept in silence closer to the day. Silence —silence—save the ice that growled Save the wind that hammer'd the stiff shroud Or like lean dogs through the darlmf,s!how led Hunting on some weird and wolfish cloud. • And after these there came the Day and Night, Hiding together both with equal pace, Th' one 011 a palfrey hlaeke, rhe 01 her white. SyB:NSER — "Faerie Queen," canto vii. CASSELL'S BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY. London: Cabell, Petter,$Galpin. Like all publications issued by the house ofCassel, Petter, & Gilpin, the new Biographical Dictionary —the first number of which is before us—is turned out in a very superior style. It is contributed to by some of the most eminent of living scholars and authors, and contains a fund of fresh information. The araangement of the Dictionary is most con- venient to the reader and it is clearly printed on excellent paper. Each number, "e opine, will, in addition to the 32 pages of letter-press, contain an engraving of some eminent personage. A capitally engraved likeness of Joseph Addison enriches the first number.

IV e do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions and sentiments of our Correspondent!

STATE OF LLANBADARN ROAD TO THE EDITOR OF THS ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. Sir,—Permit me through the medium of your most useful journal to call the attention of the road surveyor to the disgraceful state of the road leading from Llanbadarn to the Aberystwyth south gate. A great portion of this road has been entirely sub- merged during the whole of the winter so much so, that there is no alternative for pedestrians but either to go up to their knees in water or, otherwise, climb over the fences, to the great risk of life and limb. A few evenings ago a young lady had a very narrow escape from falling into the water from the top of the hedge, and had it not been for the timely assistance of another lady friend, she would un- doubtedly have perished. It is really disgraceful to those in authority that we should have to pay road- rates, and at the same time be subjected to such inconvenience and danger. Hoping this will be the means of arousing the surveyor from his lethargic torpor ere another course be adopted to procure the desired remedy, I am, Sir, Yours, &c., A RATE-PAYER. [Phe piece of road complained of, is not under the super- vision of our respected road surveyor—Mr. Vaughan.-E..A, 0.) +

STATE OF EDUCATION IN CARDIGAN. SHIRE. TO THE EDITOR OP THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. SIR,—Having just returned from a second visit to the neighbourhood of Aberystwyth, I am prompted by the kindly feeling displayed towards me as a stranger by the Welsh, to express the pleasure I felt at the hospitable reception afforded me. I spent three weeks in June, 1865, and also in December, I860, at the Lisburne Mines with a few friends, and was brought much in contract with the people who live on the hills, and neighbourhood adjacent to Aberystwyth, and could not but admire and appreciate in the highest degree the genial- heartedness so prevalent among the inhabitants, in fact their kindness surpassed everything 1 could have imagined; not only was I gratified by their affection, but was forcibly struck by their reverence for the Sabbath, which even the casual observer could not fail to notice. London, and the large towns of England, who boast so much of their grand and elaborate religious institutions, may condescend (if there be any condescension), and learn this most nseful and important lesson from the Welsh, of pay- ing due respect to the Sabbath day. But while admiring those noble qualities in the noble Welsh, the thoughtful person must be grieved with low slate of educatian prevailing in the rural districts of Wales, as well as in many parts of Eng- land let it be understood that I am not at all de- preciating the inhabitants of the Principality of Wales, but would state that Her Majesty's Govern- ment would do well to employ their superior powers in extending the system of education among the poorer classes and although now not a more loyal and patriotic people can be found in the Queen's dominions than the brave and hardy mountaineers of Wales, it their condition was ameliorated by education, and so raised in the social scale, I am satisfied that the majority of the people, who are now in a state of apathy as regards literature, would arouse from their lethargy and ignorance, and would be prepared to fill honourable and responsible positions in society. By allowing a short space in your valuable colums fer these remarks, you will greaily oblige Yours truly, PRECEPTOR. F-

ANNE OWENS' CASE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ABERYSTWYTH OBSERVER. SIR,—A good deal hxs been written, and more said, with respect to this cuse; a consequence of which is, that there has been a failure of justice in the punishment dispensed to the accused parties, and that one of the committing magistrates, by his conduct in the matter, subsequent to the hearing of the case, has laid himself open to severe censure. This belief is attributable in part to the somewhat exaggerated report of the case contained in your issue of the 2nd inst., and your comments theteon, and to the latter, signed A Lawyer," inserted in your last number. Anyone not acquainted with the facts reading those documents might reasonably suppose that an assault of a highly criminal, ruffian- ly, and barbarous character, had been committed upon the unfortunate youDg woman by the four prisoners, or, as you term them, ruffians and mis- creants" acting in concert; and that, therefore, the magistrates, instead of sentencing them to imprison- ment with hard labour, should have committed them for trial at the assizes, on the charge of a felonious and criminal assault; and that Mr. T. O.Morgan is highly censurable for what you term his extra- ordinary attempt to compromise the case after it had been decided." Now, to disabuse the public of such erroneous belief, I ask you as a lover of fair-play, as I. know you always to be, to permit me to give a suc- cinct but substantially correct and unvarnished state- ment of the facts as proved upon the hearing of the case. The only witness, besides the medical wit- ness Mr. Jacob Roberts, examined on that occasion, was the prosecutrix, whose statement was, as nearly as may be, as follows I am 25 years old, a single woman, and a native of Llangranog- •» entered the service of Samuel Magor, the elder, who is a farmer, residing at Cefn- hendre, in November last, as a general servant, for in and out of door work, and remained in such ser- vice until the night of Monday, the 28th of January. The prisoners, Samuel Magor, the younger, (who is a married man,) and William Magor are sons of my master, and reside with him, and lhe prisoners John Evans and John Edwards are fellow-servants of mine. John Edwards is about 13 years old. On Monday night last, between b and 9 o'clock, I went out of the house into the fold-yard to feed the calves which were in the calf-housc, and which is near the stable. Mary Magor, who is a sister of the prison- ers S. and W. Magor, accompanied me. When we got to the calf-house Mary Magor went to the stable to light a candle, leaving me standing outside the door of the calf-house, waiting her return. At this time J. Evans came up, and put his arm round my waist, and pulled me into the stable. S. Magor was with him, helping to pull me in. When I was got into the stable I disengaged myself, and took a cart whip which was hanging up against the inside of the door and threatened them with it. Mary Magor was in the stable at. the time, and there were two lighted candles in it, and she'also had one. About this time William Magor and John Edwards came into the stable, followed immediately afterwards by Emiline and Ellen Magor, sisters of Mary Magor and some one, but whom I do not know, shut the the door of the stable. Samuel Magor took the whip from me, and Thomas Evans put his arm rouitd my w.iist and pulled me to the corn chest, and 1'Ui-h d me down upou it, pressing his face to mine. Whilst I was in that position some one, but whom T do not know, as I could not see who it was, pushed some hard instrument under my clothes, and inde- cently assaulted me with it, hurting me a good deal. I cried out, and thereupon John Evans immediately let me loose. I cannot say what the instrument was with which I was assaulted, but it might have beeu > the handle of the whip which Samuel Magor had in his hand when I was let loose. There was no at- tempt made to commit a criminal assault upon me by .any one, nor was I in any way indecently as- saulted. except as I have stated. I do not charge John Evans with having assaulted me, as he did nut do so, nor do I believe that he intended to assault me. I do not charge William Magor nor John Edwards with having done anything to me, for neither of them touched me at all; but they were standing at some distance, several yards, off, with the three girls, and all of them were laughing when John Evans was keeping his face to mine on the corn chest. Before I was pulled into the stable John Edwards had been pulling me about a little, but I did not mind him. After I was let loose I went to to the rick-yard to hide myself, and afterwards went to Llanbadarn, and slept at a friend's hon>e there My mistress had several times before then found. ault with me for going into the stable when the men were there, and for going into their sleeping- room when they were in bed, and ordered me not to do so, but which I never did except when I had oc- casion to do so." Mr. Jacob Roberts proved having made a medical examination of the complainant, and the extent of the injury she had received, and that the same might have been productive of very serious consequences, but which, I am happy to say, was not the case, as the complainant was able to walk home the day after the enquiry, and is now, as I am informed, quite recovered. On behalf of the prisoners I put a few questions to the prosecutrix in cross-examination, but did not, as has been erroneously stated by a certain gerrtle- man (who was present at the hearing, but whose name I do not wish to unnecessarily drag before the pubiic.) make any attack upon her character. I then proceeded to address the bench, contending that no doubt an assault of an aggravated character had been committed by one of the prisoners it could not have been by John Evans, William Magor, or J. Edwards, as the prosecutrix stated that the two latter had not touched her at all, but were standing at some distance off, and that as re- spected John Evans, the voluntary on her exami- nation in chief absolved him flom all blame, and stated that he did not assault, nor, as she believed, intended to assault her. And I accordingly con- tended for the discharge of those three; and used such arguments as suggested themselves to me in mitigation of the charge as against Samuel Magor. The magistrates, however, would appear to h:tve taken a dinerentviewofthecaec, thinking, probably, that all four prisoners were in some way mixed up together in the matter; and, accordingly, convicted all of them, sentencing Samuel Magor and John Evans to four months imprisonment; William Magor to two months; and John Edwards to one month, each with hard labour. Now, upon the foregoing statement of facts, I sub- mit to the judgment of your readers that there was no charge made against the prisoners, or either of them, of a criminal assault, nor even to commit one, but on the contrary, the evidence of the prosecutrix distinctly negatived the imputation of either of such offences. I, therefore, contend that the magistrates, taking the view they did of the case, were perfectly justified in sentencing the prisoners to imprisonment, instead of, as you insinuate, and your correspondent maintains they should have done, committing them for trial at the assizes. In conclusion permit me to make a few observa- tions upon the severe but, as appears to me, unde- served strictures passed by you and your correspon- dent upon the conduct of Mr. T. O. Morgan in, as you term it, attempting to compromise the case after it had been adjudicated upon. I maintain that un- til the conviction was signed (which in this case was not signed until the day after the hearing), the magistrates had a full legal right to rehear the ease, or, without rehearing it, to reconsider their decision, and to either vary the same or, as is frequently done, permit the parties to compromise the affair if they could among themselves. This was the course Mr. Morgan proposed should be taken, and he was supported in it by one of the other magistrates who heard the case; and their rea sons fordoing so werel(iud and thoughtful commiseration, not only for the poor girl herself, but for the broken-hearted and bed-ridden father of the prisoners Magor, who, in his distress, was prepared and had actually placed in Mr. Mor- gans' hands a liberal sum to be given to her as some atonement for the grievous wrong dpne to her by one of his family and which mode of settlement, had it been carried out, would, as there can be little doubt, have been far more acceptable to her than the punishment of the prisoners, three of whom she ac- quitted of all blame. Of the scene in the House of Correction referred to by yon I know nothing of, as I was not present, nor, indeed, did I at all interfere in the matter after the hearing, except to send for Mrs. Magor, and tell her that some of the magistrates appeared disposed to allow of the case being compromised, and that she had better try to do so if she could. I will, therefore, only add that the commitment not having been signed, the keeper of the lock-up and the superintendent of police were legally wrong in refusing to discharge the prisoners when required to do so by Mr. Morgan. The greatx interest excited in the public mind by this case will, I hope, be a sufficient apology for my troubling you at such great length. Hoping that a knowledge of the facts may remove the erroneous impressions which have gone abroad. I remain, Yours faithfully, Aberystwyth, JOHN JONES ATWOOD. February 13 th, 1867.

$oette. MAIDEN'S TROUBLES. We are ready, we are ready—it really is hard That from Hymen's sweet bonds we so long are debarred; The men are so cautiou?, the hard-hearted creatures, That they care not at all for our smiles or fair features. There's a sprinkling of red coats, we like them the best, But they are just like the others when put to the test; They tell us we form the delight of their lives; Yet they very well manage to do without wives. Of dinner and balls our papa give-- them plenty Of hints it is true our mammas throw out twentv. They accept all the dinners, they dance at each bail. They hear all the hints, bnt won't take them at all. They bow when they meet us, and say we look chariniig, The weather is cold—'tis their hearts that want warming. They laugh, and they chat, and they pass for our beaux, Yet, 'tis very provoking, they never propose. What is it they want?—oh, sadly we ftar That the charms they require are some hundreds a-year. Our mammas, poor old souls, trot about every day, Till their legs and our patience are quite worn, away. The men might possess some respect for old age, And, by taking their daughters, thuir troubles assuage. And, put all together, we're a good-looking set— A better assortment the men will not get. We very well know all men's tastes don't agree, But we're as complaisant as women can be. Oh, if 'twere the fashion for women to ask— To some, by-the-bye, not a difficult task— How delightful 'twould be to pick and to choose— Of Course the dear fellows would neyer refuse. But, alasl we are doomed not unsought to be won; If it rested with us, 'twould be very soon done. Our papas and mammas get cross, and look glum, As much as to say, you've been too long at home. We're ready, we're ready—will nobody try, Or in single felicity are we to die ?—VV. è. S.

J[ollo-y.; Ointment. — Clian^tal le weather. —The sudden flckleuess of this climate sadly disturbs the general st3te of public health. Aflections of the throat and chest are found in every household, and the readiest menus of cure are Ho loway'9 renowned remedies. They prevent congestion, Influmutiun, ul- ceration, bronchitis, hoarseness, and cou;_h. i his hoothing Oint- meot only requires to be weil rubbed twit-e It day over the throat and chest, to etleet an immediate and marked improvement in all the symptoms of disease, anu quickly pl.oduc-e.t\ radical cure. Both Ointment and l'ills are devoid of danger, heins: compounds of the finest balsnms intimately allied hy nature, and accurately combined hyart.

titrtb On Thursday, the .14th, instant, the wife of E. A. Stephens, Esq., Crugie, of a « Ill-still-born. iHarrtage. On the 9th inst at the Barmouth parish church, by the Rev. John Jones, rector, Mr. Kvan Hughes, Mariner, Custom-house Street, in this town, to Miss Ellen \v illiams, youngest daughter of the late Capt. Griffith Williams, of the Schooner Bridget, of Barmouth. iDratflS. On the 7th inst., at Pendro House, aged 42 years, Winifred, the beloved wife of Thomas Andrews, Esq., and the daughter ot the late Rev. Isaac Bon- sall, Esq., Rector ot LIunwrin. On the 11th inst, aged 79 years, Mrs. Banks Price, relict of the htteW. Price, Esq., of Dolau- gwyrddon, Lampeter. On the 14th inst., aged 45 years, Mrs. Willis, tho wife of Mr. Henry Willis, Fishmonger, of this town. On the 14th inst., after a protractd illness, borno with Christian resignation, and deeply regretted, aged 37 years, Mr. Daniel Jones, Mercer, &c., Great Dark-gate Street, in this town. HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. THE VALE OF AYE0IT FOXHOUNDS (Capt. lavghan's). WIl.L MEEY Monday, ISth Feh., at. Abemyron South Turnpike GrUt0 Thursday, 21st Feb., at Llanfihangel-ar-Arth Bridge EACH DAY AT TEN. Printed and Published hy the Proprietor, DAYID jENKiys. at his General Printing-Office, Pier- street, Aberystwyth. Saturday, February 16th, 1867.