The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Iron Districts of South Wales

have got friends in several of the pits. Go to them and speak to them, and you will get them out by common sense, and persuasion. If they will not come out we will make them come out. If we stick in this way, the masters must give in to us in two or three days." A show of hands was also taken on this proposition, and nearly the whole now voted in favour of continuing the strike. Thus matters rest at present. We regret to find that several of the windows of the colliers who have returned to work have been broken a few night since some miscreant threw a box of powder, to which was attached a lighted fuse into tjie bed room of a poor widow, who to gain a livelihood had washed and cooked for some of the "turn coats," as they were deseg- Dated at Mr. Powell's pit. and who had allowed her two boys to return there to work. Should such dastardly acts be perpetrated, it wiir behove the authorities to secure greater protection, as under any circumstances life and property must be held sacred. But although the majority still hold out. and according to present appearances are likely to do,—those most anxious to work, notwithstanding the threats, are returning to their work by twos and threes. THE STRIKE. (From an occasional Correspondent.) WE were happy to read the following announce- ment in the Swansea Herald for Wednesdny "The strike is over The pits will be as full as ever to-morrow morning- not of strangers, but the old hands." But, unfortunately, the an- nouncement was premature. The strike is no over. The turnouts appear as sullen and deter- mined as ever, and many fear that they brood mischief. On Friday, the 8th mutant, a great meeting" was to be held in the Market Place, where some hundreds of the Monmouthshire turnouts were expected, together with the masters and the shopkeepers; but none appeared, save the Aberdare "strikers.' The meeting was ad- dressed by several of the chief speakers belonging to the strike, some of whom severely attacked the masters and the shopkeepers for not attending, when requested by them to do so. The chief spokesman was John Jones, (Gwalch), who has made himself prominent as the advocate of what he considers the workman's "rights." Gwalch is a Welsh author of some fame, and considered the champion among his fellow-workmen in the present struggle. In his speech on Friday, he explicitly denied several ot the charges lately brought against him as the instigator of distur- bances, and the writer of some threatening letters, most especially a document signed by 11Y Tarw" (The Bull), several copies of which were distri- buted last week throughout the neighbourhood. The following is a translation of the same:— To my faithful Brethren in the strike.-I am very thankful to all of you for your valuable ser- vices in assisting me in my present troubles. Be faithful for a little while yet, and we will win the day. Although some of the masters frown upon you, I shall fight them to the devil. Do not go to work on any account. Care not for coal—I will give you plenty of fire without coal, as a reward, in my infernal pit. Attend every committee. Gwalch, J. Edwards, &c., &c., are very faithful to me. Look after Sam Bach, and TwmTwm, and D. L., and T. J. I have not. seen M. F., and T. R., in the last committees. Will Will is the best of you all. Do not care for your religion— you shall have it again if you do' 'lt no matter. I will take care of you in both worlds." "Your brother, Tfi E BULL." Gwalch said in his speech on Friday, that a person told some of the masters that he had seen him (Gwalch) writing the above letter, and sending it to different parties, which he denied most resolutely, and challenged any man to come forward and prove the charge. On Saturday a meeting of the delegates was held at the Cardiff Arms, Aberanian, when dele- gates from the Monmouthshire me- also attended. They resolved to request all that had resumed work to accompany the "strikers," on Tuesday, to Mountain Ash, where they would be joined by all the Monmouthshire turnouts. A large number did go, and waited for two or three hours for the Monmouthshire alen. At last two men made their appearance, informing them that two traitors had gone to Monmouthshire with the information that everything was settled at Aberdare, and the strike over. The men then adjourned to the Hirwain Common, where, at four o'clock, a small number assembled, and were addressed by several speakers, all justifying the strike. One of the men that had returned to work said, that the ma- jority of those who had gone in were willing to come out again, and strike until they obtained their previous prices, as the money market bad taken a most favourable turn, and the masters had no longer any excuse for making a reduction. It was determined to send a request to all that were working to come out again. The alleged results are-on Wednesday morning it was said that every man in the Scubor Wen Colliery re- struck, and on Wednesday afternoon one half of the usual quantity of coal was taken out of the Gadlys Works. It is also said that a rupture has taken place between Mr. NIxon and his fresh men. The report is, that he had engaged forty- one trimmers from Cardiff; to cut coal at his pit in Mountain Ash, and that they were to receive 20s. per week each with a ^*bge° £ £ ™ ounce of tobacco per day. them notice that they were accede to T1 per ton, which tbey '» X that thirtj is the rumour. £ brought by Mr. colliers irom Pembrokeshire d and that We certainly saw a ou t j bufwhaTharSme' Tie others, if the, are here, we know not. ABERDARE pOLICE COURT. (Before J. C. Fowler, {■ L- Roberts Thomas Wayne, Fsqs,, and the Uex. J. Griffith*.) A RANDOM SHOT.^P< Thomas, was charged by David Lloyd, mason with throw- ing a stone and breaking his windows, It ap- peared that complainant had had his windows broken by some one, and as an old feud existed between him and the defendant, he jumped to the conclusion that it must be he, and accord- ingly, hit or miss, took out a summons against him, charging him with the offence. The Bench verv nronerly dismissed the case, and oi'deied the conipFainant to pay all costs. PUBLICAN'S OFFENCEJ—Pavid Jones, Rose & Crown, Hirwain. charged with permitting drunk- enness on his premises. s. and costs. THREATENING LANGUAGE- tty the wife of Jenkin Thomas, collier, was eh y t _npy. wife of Stephen Thomas, /oilier, with drawing her into ribbons, and perform)^ b]ood extraordinary wonders wit fier ;uAsU] that She declared that she was in great. r. x "u- she would put some of her threats in tion, and that the Bench ordered Kitty sureties in £ 5 each to keep the peace towar fair neighbour for three months. A CASE OF OBSTINACY.—A warrant of com- mitment to Cardiff for 21 days was made out against Mr. David Thomas, surgeon, and signed by the Bench, in default of distraint upon his goods for refusing to pay William Davies 10s. 6d. for wages. The case has been before the Bench, several times, but Mr. Thomas has hitherto Seated the proceedings of the Benth with con- malA by not appearing to the various sum- court ul-ved upon him. The costs of the £ 1 5s. 3d., ,r1j« original amount 10s. 9d. is now which he will now .the total sum of £ 1 15s. 9d. incarceration. to pay if he would avoid ABSCONDING. — James charged with absconding, ledvi,, Weigher, was childred chargeable to the parish.^OttL wife and one msnth's hard labour. :t,ted for ASSAULT.—James Lynch, labourer, was chargt with assaulting P.C. John Williams in the exe- cution of his duty. Fined 10s. and costs. AB EllSYCHA jN\ CLYDACH IRON WORKS. On Saturday, the 9th instant, a lecture was delivered at the As- sembly Rooms, Beaufort Arms Inn, Gilwern, by John Thomas, Esq., (Masgwartha,) on the Advantages of Benefit Societies. The chair was occupied on the occasion by Mr. Henry Rosser, secretary to the Clydach colliery and Miners' United Society. Mr. Thomas, after treating on the originality and nature of the above so- cieties, pointed out the various advantages arising from them to their members in a clear manner, giving entire satisfaction to the whole of his audience. He was received with much cheering. At the close the chairman very appropriately proposed the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Thomas, which was seconded by John Parry, secretary to the Howard Clydach lodge and carried with enthusiasm. Mr. Thomas after- wards, in a very complimentary manner, pro- posed a vote of thanks to the chairman, and was seconded by Mr. Lewis Morgan White House The meeting then separated much edified by Mr. Thomas's eloquent lecture. Much credit was due to the worthy landlord Mr. Powell, for the accommodation afforded on the occasion. AN inquest was held on jnday fast at the Bee Inn, Abersychan, before J. P. Ashwin, Esq., on the body of a little boy, the son of George Price, puddler, who was burnt to death by his clothes accidentally catching fire, when a verdict of Accidental death was returned. To THE EDITOR,—Sir,—In your paper of last week I found a reference made to a few days' stand out, which took place at Abersychan, and in which your correspondent represents the work- men as though they were all fools. As this has appeared before the public I hope that you will allow us to defend ourselves in the same manner. W e are charged with folly because we stood out for a few days at the beginning of the month to ask our master to remove some grievances away. What folly was there in this ? and what need to deplore ? According to this gentleman's view we were lead to the folly by foolish youths. This we deny. He next informs the public that we strike for what we know not, and demand what we cannot expect to obtain. What an idea! Was not our money draw stopped? and were not hints given that we were to be compelled to the shop ? and was not a second drop to take place ? These were the things that brought us to stand out and to reason with our master. He kindly gave ear to our petitions, and granted us our requests so far as he could, and this will re- main in the memory of the workmen. We shall say honour to whom honour is due. Again, your correspondent displays his logic when he says, The miners and colliers struck against five per cent. because they thought they were going to have ten. per cent. The puddlers stood out because they were only reduced the previous month fifteen per cent. instead of nothing. And the millmen stood out for nothing. Where was he when all of us had notice for the second drop, the millmen the same as the rest, though the latter had been dropped twenty per cent. All that we want is fair play, we don't want strikes, and if the men that hold no connection with the works leave between the masters and their workmen, there would be a better feeling existing between them and less strikes. I intend to fur- nish you with a few papers on the working classes if they will be acceptable. I am, &c., A HARD WORKMAN.—Abersychan, Jan. 13th. THE LATE BOILER EXPLOSION. The adjourned inquest on the bodies of John Charles, Joseph Whitcombe, and Charles Cecil, was held at the British Lion Inn on Monday last before J. P Ashwin, Esq., deputy-coro- ner, and a respectable Jury comprised of the following persons unconnected with the works :— Thomas Mayers, foreman, Thomas Jenkins, Jo- seph Ellis, T. D. Jones, Abraham Abraham, John Daniel, David iNcholas, Francis Drown, Eleazer Jones. Thomas Jones, Edwin Martin, Charles Thomas Edwards, and Edwin Mascall. Present R. R. Roden. Esq., manager of the works Mr. Wales, underground agent; and, Mr. Seretan Woodhouse, Abergavenny, watching the case on the part of the Company. The fol- lowing witnesses were examined:- George Gulliford said, I am a banksman for the Abersychan Iron Company at what is usually called Peter's pit. About 12 o'clock on Tuesday last I was putting some timber into a tram and the engineer called to me asking if it was to go on." I rose my hand and said, "go on," which was the signal. Before I had scarcely spoken the boiler burst and I was knocked down by something striking me on the face. I rose as quickly as possible but was again knocked down by something, I cannot tell what it was. As soon as I got up the second time I ran to the top of the pit and there saw the little boy, Whitcombe, lying dead. His clothes were on fire. He was lying near the eoalpit which is nearly twenty-five yards off. I did not know then who he was, nor did I pick him up. I was told afterwards he was Whitcombe's boy. After that I went towards the engine and on looking back I saw his clothes on fire again. I returned and stopped the fire the second time. Shortly afterwards I saw the other little boy Cecil under the trams. As he was pulled from underneath I put my jacket about him. He was not then dead. By the Coroner I cannot state anything else. I am only a banker.-By Mr. Mackworth I went to work about 6. I was there till the accident happened. The longest stop of the engine at the time was about ten minutes. The accident happened about 12 o'clock. There was no difficulty as far as I know about getting steam that morning. I did not tell the engineer any thing. The last tram that came up that morning was a coal tram. That was about ten minutes before the accident. The engineer always asked me before he moved the engine was it to go on," which was the signal, and as I rose my hand in the affirmative the explosion took place. The first thing I saw was a puff of stea n rising from the top of the boiler, and the bricks and stones flying about in all directions. I stooped down to save myself. I did not see the roof of the engine house blown upwards. I did not see the chil- dren carried away. I could see the top of the boiler from where I was standing before the ex- plosion. I could not see the safety valve. I saw the engineer on the boiler blowing water out of the cocks about a quarter of an hour before the explosion. I saw and heard water coming out of the cock. I cannot say which, but was told afterwards by the engineer that it was the upper one. The steam was short in just before then. We were obliged to let the bond back after attempting to raise it. We were often short of steam, perhaps two or three times a day. I asked the engineer if it was "to g,) on," and 119 said he was short of "puff." That was about a quarter of an hour before the accident. I did not hear that there was anything the matter with the boiler. I am not sure that I know where the safety valve is. I do not know that there was any difficulty in getting up the steam before the time mentioned that morning. The bond was not heavy. I did not hear the engineer complain about the engine or boiler. I do not know when the boiler was cleansed. I think they are clean- ing it out always the first of the month. The outer boiler was not worked far some time. Mr. Lewis Morgan, chief engineer, Aberyschan iron works, examined by the coroner and Mr. Mackworth. I passed the place a few minutes before the explosion. I did not see it, but heard it from the house. I went out, and the first thing I saW vas a cloud of steam. I went towards the pit. and when I arrived there I heard the engineer groaning and calling for help. T ..(ml/] not see him but I knew him by his voice. Hi tme l John Man.ell. Hyvaa calW. out •• n T „l!" (Here there was a laughable misun d(!"™am«betv™.nMv.Mfrs and the cor- oner's clerks The latter at first enterely mis- SXatodiDg Mr. Mogul's and afterwards construing it to t4 hold hard last was about entering it down as hoi ia d but still grumbling he knew not what it me,itit.) went to his assistance. He was about four ywIv* from the place. He was standing at the engine, j (]^c[ not take much notice of him then. I lie nexf\iring j heard was the voice of the old fireman, J ho«»M Evans, calling for help to remove the plate from him. X could not see him because of the steam, but I found him not far off from the boiler fire, and a cast-iron plate on him. I rose the plate and be afterwards got up and walked home. The engine and boiler were in a good state previous to the occurrence. I did not know the- deceased, John Charles, until he was about being carried away. He was removed to the cabin. I believe he died in less than an hour. As he was carried towards home, I cannot say that he spoke at all. He was, when I saw him, in great pain and partially insensible. I cannot say what he wanted there. He was an engineer, and I was told he merely turned in to ask Man- sell how the piston worked which was put in the week previous, and in a few seconds the accident occurred. I did not pay much attention to the boiler as I passed by, because I did not 'hink it necessary, as the engine was repaired the week before, and the boiler was cleaned on December the 26th. Mansell the engineer always cleaned the boiler. He did that by my direction. The engineer generally makes a report to me if there is anything wrong in the machinery. That boiler has not been at all repaired. It has only been in use ab ut four years, and the water is very good there. No one particular examined the boiler—the engineer generally attended to it. The boiler which exploded was not in constant use, there having been anotner boiler boiler by its side, which worked occasionally. The two were not worked together because there was enough of steam in the inside one. The general pressure on the boiler was 35 or 37 lbs., and never higher than 40. There was a steam gauge inside the engine-house convenient for the engineer to see. The diameter :of the safety valve was 4t inches. The pressure of steam on the boiler at the time of the accident was from 35 to 40. There was one of Slater's danger signals on the boiler, which sounded the whistle when the water was too high or too low, and when the steam was too high. I cannot state exactly the diameter of the inside valve. We have two water cocks on the boiler both in action. I did not fix on the cocks myself, Thomas Holmes did it by my direction. The pipes of the cocks were I believed placed respectively 6 and 13 inches from the tubes, but as they cannot be found I have no means to prove it. Thomas Holmes fixed on the cocks and signal. He did it by my directions; the lower pipe was 6 inches from the tube, and the upper one 13 inches. The danger signal was to show the level of the water, and to whistle when the steam was above 40 lbs. I often heard the whistle. I do not recollect how long before the accident. I never saw the safety valve over- weighted. If the ball was at the end of the lever it would show a pressure of 40 lbs. The engineer did not complain to me of want of steam. It might have been after working sharp. I never heard any (complaint against Mansell: he is a very steady man. I have made enquiries when hearing the danger whistle, what was the cause. I never found it to be too much water. The fire grate was four feet by four feet six, and entirely outside the boiler. The length of the boiler was 22 feet, and 5 feet 11 inches in diame- ter. The flue was over 8 feet 6 inches long, con- tinued by two tubes 22 inches in diameter. There were seven stays on the top It inch square wrought iron, and two stays from end to end li incites, iron. The long stays were square at the ends and round in the middle. The portions of boiler were thrown by the explosion into three ct different directions, about thirty-seven yards from their original position. The boiler appeared to have been rent underneath about the middle, and the parts rent diagonally. I failed to find the end of the safety valve lever. When the boiler was cleaned there was not much to scale, the water being very good. There was a blow off" in it but no self-acting feeder. The frost could not have effected the pipes or it would have shown sooner. The boiler makers often examine the boilers. The engineer can speak of the state the boiler was in. (A piece of the boiler was shewn), The boiler was made of three-eighth plate, and the piece I now produce .from the upper part is of that thickness and appears to be of good iron. I cannot state where the iron came from, nor where the boiler was made. (Mr. Mack- worth shows a piece of the boiler to witness.) This piece from the bottom of the boiler is three sixteenths. I did not notice any indication of the boiler being repaired. I cannot account in any way, how the explosion occurred. We have not practiced any particular plan for testing boilers. If there is any leakage we examine them. I judge the time we ought to examine the boilers by their strength and the water we use, and the time they have been in use. I think that a boiler may be worked for five or six years with good water without being examined, particularly by a boilermaker. I determine the pressure that a boiler is to be worked by. I am guided in that by consulting Fairbank's treatise on boiler pressure. I do not trust any of the men under me to do that. John Mansell, engineer, examined by Mr. Mackworth I have been engineer at these works for the last nine years. I was working the engine at what is generally called Peter's pit on Tuesday last; the boiler exploded about twelve o'clock. I was hurted on my head and leg. I know no cause for the explosion, and cannot say anything of the killed. John Charles came into the en- gine-house and asked me how my new piston worked which was put in on the Friday before, and before I scarcely made an answer,; the ex- plosion took place. I never saw him after. I do not remember anything after I was knocked down. I looked at the steam-gauge about a minute before, and it shewed a pressure of 37 pounds. I had worked that day with a pressure of 40 pounds. I had been short of steam previous to the accident, the pressure then was 30. I have worked for four years at the same engine 30lbs was not sufficient to raise a load. There was no additional weight on the safety-valve lever. It could not have been maliciously tied down. I was with it about five minutes before. The only reason that steam was short that morning was that the fireman had been cleaning the bars. The water was touching the top cock at the time. The whistle was in good order. I put some oil on it. I did not hear the whistle that morning. There is enough of steam-room when the water touches the upper cock. I cleaned the boiler Saturday after Christmas. I did not find much to'scale in it. I was in it with a lamp. I could not see any sign of a leak in it. I worked that boiler from the beginning about four years. The other boiler was very seldom worked.; I do not know that there was too much pressure on the boiler, whenever there was anything the matter with any of the machinery I always stopped the engine and reported it. The pipes of the water-cocks were six and thirteen inches from the tubes respectively. They were all right when we cleaned the boilers last. I never saw a boiler ex- ploding before. There was no obstruction whatever in the safety valve. I have a witness another engineer outside that can prove that I tried the cocks a few minutes before the accident. The witness was called in, and examined by Mr. Mackworth. John Jones I work the pumping engine near Peter's pit. I saw John Mansell trying the water- cock about "ten minutes before the explosion took place there was plenty of water in the cock then it was touching the top cock. Soon after I heard "tlie explosion, I looked around, but could see nothing but steam and dust, and bricks and stones, flying in all directions. I did not hear the whistle of the danger signal sounding that day. 8 After a short remark from Mr. Stroodhouse, the jury, at the request of the coroner, moved off to consult. After a few minutes they returned a verdict of accidental death," with a recommen- dation that the suggestious of the government inspector respecting the testing of boilers be attended to. The scene after the explosion presented a strange and fearful spectacle. It was as if some mightystorm had sweptover, carrying destruction in its track. The engine-house was levelled to the ground, scarcely one stone being left upon another the empty boiler was thrown a long distance from its bedding; several tons weight hurled upward, to an enormous height, and a large ipiece of pipe driven to the distance of at least 250 yards, and there imbedded horizontally in the earth. We learn from our correspondent that the two unfortunate lads who were killed had only just turned to the fire in order to warm themselves, one moment saw them in the fullest health, another, and they were dead andjdisfigured. Great praise is due to Mr. Lewis Morgan, whose promptitude and activity on the occasion deserves laudable notice. TREDEGAR PODDFELLOWSHIP.—On Wednesday evening, the 6th instant, the Tredegar District held its 25th annual district meeting, at the Tredegar Arms Hotel, Tredegar, when the undernamed were duly elected to preside, and to manage the affairs of the district for the current year, viz. :— P.G.William Prosser, Ivor Hael Lodge,Tredegar, P.G.M. P.G. James Powell, British Crown, Briery Hill, P.D.G.M.; P.P.G.M. J. Davis, sef yr Hen rFrvchan, P.C.S.; P.P.G.M. Wm. Jones, smith, Ex. and Re. Officer. Among various and other resolutions it was resolved on a motion from P.P.G.M. Benjamin Lloyd, of the Cadwallon Lodge. Rhymney, that the old veteran (in Oddfellowship) J. Davis, Brychan, be pre- sented with a donation of one pound, as a new year's gift, which he duly appreciated, and thank- fully accepted. He has also to acknowledge with heartfelt thanks, a similar gift from the brethren of the truly honorable and benevolent Cadwallon Lodge, Ehymney, which he received some weeks before, from the hands of his true friend and genuine Oddfellow P. P.G.M. Benja- min Lloyd. On receipt of this timely and wel- come gift, torodd awen yr hen Fardd methedig allan i gydnabod ei ddiolwch yn debyg i hyn :— Bendithion ar fendithion, Mal gwlith ar fynydd Hermon, Ddysg-yno ar bob bryn a phant, Lie byddo plant Cadwallon. Boed iddynt bob dedwyddyd, Y' myd y gwae ar go fid, I dreialo 'mlaen o gylch i gylch, Nes treiglo i gylch y gwynfyd. HEN ODYDD MKTHBDIG. ON Saturday week the workmen in the Tre- degar works were alarmed by seeing a man half naked running wild through the works and cal- ling out police. After a severe chase he was captured, and handed over to P.C. Price, who as- certained that he had broken out of the Bedwellty Union. He wasBexamined by Doctor Anthony, and sent to Abergavenny. It appears he is of respectable parents, who reside at Min Canton, Somerset, and has lost his reasons by overwroght religious study. His name, as near as could be ascertained, is George Dandge. ON Monday an inquest was held at the Miners' Arms, Tredegar, before W. Brewer, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of George Neale, who was found quite insensible on the cinder ash tip, on Sunday morning. It appeared by the evidence that deceased (who only came from Blaina on Saturday morning) had been drinking rather freely with his brother, and on their way home lost each other. He went to sleep by the Ash Tip where the sulphur was strong, and never awoke again. Dr. Sloper's assistant was called to his assistance, but could do nothing to restore him. He died two hours after being found, Verdict, Died from suffocation, caused by sleeping on the Ash Tip. As -fit is not impossible but that we may have more of such sad misfortunes (as the present Ash Tip lies by the side of the foot path leading from Tredegar to Sirhowy,) and that the assistance of medical men is not always to be obtained immediately, we would suggest the fol- lowing as a remedy, which we have heard of since the above malancholy affair. Obtain about the size of a nutmeg fif sal amoniac, and place the same in one gallon of boiling water, then hold the face over the steam, and unless the patient be too far gone it will speedily restore anima- tion. ON Monday last Cecelia Roderick (alias Harris, but better known as Cecil Tinker) was charged before the Blackwood magistrates, with cutting and wounding "one William Leyshon. with in- tent to do him grievous bodily harm. It appears that she had been out the whole of the day drinking, until her ,!money was spent, and com- plainant, who lodged in the same house, was a little in arrears for his lodging, when she came home, and thinking to "raise the wind," she demanded from him what he owed her. On being told he had no money then, she became exasperates, teok up a knife and stabbed him twice in the side of the neck. It was feared at first that the wounds would prove fatal, but he has since rallied, and is now in a fair way of recovery. She was committed to take her trial at the next assizes at Monmouth. The magis- trates at Petty Sessions on Wednesday last ac- cepted bail, and she returned home from Usk on Friday, and was found the same evening in a beastly state of intoxication lying down in the streets. THE obstruction in Church Street by Mr. Peters', mentioned in a recent number has not yet been removed. Who is to blame ? A very important meeting was convened at the Town Hall. on the 1st inst, R. P. Davies, Esq., in the chair, for the purpose of petitioning the magistrates at Quarter Sessions, that the sessions be removed from Usk to Monmouth, and several other important matters. After passing some hours in conversation, and un- seemly disputing nothing of any importance was settled. It is earnestly desired, that should any meetings be called in future,?that the speakers or wThoever intends to speak, will endeavour ^o come there like sober men earnest in their en- deavour to promote a definite object. The chair- man himself before leaving expressed his fears very plainly that he had got into an "Ants' nest." -A Correspondent. To THE EDITOR.—Sir,—Having seen in your last a paragraph congratulating our worrhy post- master upon the prospects of his heing promoted in his position, by being made a district post- master (an advancement which the town folks in general would rejoice), may I beg to call your attention to the impropriety of having thoroughly illiterate characters to convey our important mails to and from Newport. Surely an office of such trust requires a person who drives the mail to read and write, so as to be able to convey his messages properly and I am cer- tain that the post office authorities would never sanction a person to drive their mail who is so thoroughly ignorant as to be scarcely able to tell what time it is by the post office dial-plate. If this does not require looking into, I know not what does. I am, Sir, yours. &c.. SHON o'r WLAD. LECTURE. — A lecture was delivered at the Town Hall, on Tuesday last, on the Character of the False Prophet Mahomet." The chair was taken in the absence of W. P. Davies, Esq., who had promised to be present, by Dr. Sloper. The lecturer was the:Rev. E. Russell, of Mer- thyr, to whose works we have had the pleasure of referring before. After suitable introductory remarks the lecturer dwelt first upon the pri- vate life of Mahomet; 2ndly, His sacred charac- ter 3rdly, His military genius; 4thly, His Political character; 5thly, His literary charac- ter; and, 6ihly, IJis death. Suitable details under each head were delivered. The whole was interspersed with appropriate anecdotes, illustrative of the various particulars adduced. The audience was large and most attentive, and seemed riveted to the spot with interest. The lecture lasted above fan hour, the attention con- tinuing, and the interest being sustained to the last. At the close of the lecture a vote of thanks was moved to the rev. lecturer, by the Rev. S. Atkinson, and seconded by T. Pugh, Esq., and carried by accclamation. A vote of thanks was presented to the chairman, which terminated one of the happiest evenings we have spent for a long time. TREDEGAR PETTY SESSIONS. {Before the Rev. F Leigh, F. Levick, Esq., and Captain II. G. March.) COLLIERY INFORMATION. JJfr. Phillips, mine- ral agent, Nant-y-glo, was charged by H. Mack- worth, Esq., Government Inspector of Mines, with a violation of the Act of Parliament, in reference to the ventilation of mines, at the Ellard Colliery, Nant-y-glo. This was a case heard under mandamus. The information was laid before the Bench six months ago, at the Rock Petty Sessions. The defence set up at that time was, that neither the defendant nor C. Bailey, Esq., proprietor, had received any notice from the informer. Technical points of law, in reference to ventilation, according to the Act of Parliament, were then and there argued, and the Bench after a consultation on the merits of the case, and the evidence given, dismissed it. Some time after Messrs. Leigh, Marsh, Levick, and Hubbuck, the magistrates who where on the Bench on that occasion, were served by notice to appear by counsel at the Court of Queen's Bench, to shew cause why they refused to hear, and determine on the information laid by Mr. H. Mackwotth, against C. Bailey, Esq., M.P. This noticethev received on a Friday, the court being held on the following Monday. It was impossible for them to get the affidavits and have them ready at the Court of Queen's Bench, so as to prepare a defence, and this being the case the charge against the Monmouthshire magis- trates was heard, and a mandamus ordered. Mr. Phillips admitted the charge but thought Mr. Mackworth should not enforce the same laws as in firey collieries, the colliery in question not being one.—Mr. Mackworth said it was given in evidence at the Rock, that an explosion had taken place, and he therefore brought this charge on as an example to others, and because Mr. Phillips did not act according to his advice in putting double doors in the main wind way.- Mr. Phillips said he complied with Mr. Mack- worth's wishes in three or four days after the suggestion was made.—The Bench thought this was a very painful case, when it was brought forward and heard before, they then admi- nistered justice to the best of their skill and ability, and after discharging their duties in an impartial manner, they were charged by infor- mation sent to the Secretary of State with refus- ing to hear and determine on that case they all felt hurt that such a proceeding should have been taken at the Court of Queen's Bench, in refer- ence to the Monmouthshire magistrates, But it was a consolation to themselves to believe that in the estimation of the public, they administered justice fearlessly, without favour or affection be- tween all parties, and as honestly as any magis- trates under the crown. In this particular case, however, they were compelled by a mandamus to adjudicate again. And as the defendant had pleaded guilty of the charge they should convict in a penalty of t2 10s. and costs. I N D I A. i THE BOMBAY MAIL. FOREIGN OFFICE TELEGRAPHIC DISPATCH. The following telegram from Mr. Acting Con- sul-General Green, dated Alexandria, Jan. 4, was received through Lord Lyons, at the Foreign Office, Jan. 9: 6.30 p.m. :— ALEXANDRIA, JANUARY 4,1858. The Pottinger arrived at Suez on the 3rd iust., bringing Bombay dates to the 18th ultimo. Our troops have abandoned Lucknow. General Outram remains with a division at Alumbagh. Sir Colin Campbell and General Windham have each gained a victory over Gwalior Contingent; the latter on the 26th of November, the former on the 6th of December, when the whole of the enemy's artillery, ammunition, and baggage fell ink, our hands. Ou the 27th the enemy renewed the attack, and succeeded in burning Wyndham's camp. They were repelled by a sortie, when Brigadier Wilson of the 54th fell. General Havelock, worn out with fatigue and anxiety, died at Alumbagh on the 25th Nov. The Oude insurgents, pushing to southward, compelled the Goorkas to retire from Azimghur and Jaunpour stations, about 100 and 150 miles south of Lucknow, All Europeans on the march upwards are ordered to halt at Benares, till the arrival of Colonel Franks, to take command. The ladies and children, sick and wounded. from Lucknow, to the number of about 800, have arrived at Allahabad, and are by this time safe at Calcutta. The country around Agra and Delhi seem tole- rably quiet. A petty insurrection at Kolapore on the 6th of December, was suppressed in three hours by the promptitude and decision of the Commissioner, Colonel Legrand Jacob. A rising to resist the enforcement of the Dis- arming Act having taken place in the Southern Mahratta country, the insurgents, about 1,000 strong, were attacked and defeated by Colonel Kerr, of the Southern Mahratta Horse, near Kul- lidgee, on the 30th of November, and the country has since been tranquil. The Bengal 34th and 73rd have mutinied at Challigatory and Dacca, thus extinguishing the Bengal army. The 43rd and 70th which had been disarmed, are to be sent to Chinn. Two regiments of Kolkar's Regular Infantry were disarmed at Indore on "the arrival of the Mhow column they, like the Regular Cavalry, having been conspicuous in the attack on the Residency on the 1st July. Sir R. Hamilton assumed charge of his func- tions on the 16th. Sir John Lawrence reports the Punjaub quiet enough to permit the railway survey to be pro- ceeded with. The steamer Great Britain, with 1,000 Ca- valry, cosisting of the 8th Hussars and 17th Lan- cers, arrived yesterday. A wing of the 72nd Highlanders, arrived per steamer Scotia, now forms part of the Bombay- garrison. aF This telegram arrived at Malta from Alexan- dria, by contract steam-packet Perea, at 10 a.m. on 8th January. LYONS, Admiral. A SECOND FOREIGN OFFICE TELEGRAM. The following telegram, dated Malta, Jan. 9, 2.30 p.m., was received from Lord Lyons at the Foreign Office, at nine p.m. :— "From Sir Colin Campbell to the Governor- General. Cawnpore, December 10, 1857. A despatch has just been received from General Hope Grant, H. M. 9th Lancers, narrates that he came up with ^the fugitives at Sernighaut, when they were beginning to cross the gaut over the Ganges. He attacted them instantly with his cavalry and :artillery with great spirit, and after half an hour's sharp firing, took 15 guns, including one 18-pounder, eight 9-pounders, three 12-pounder howitzers, two 4-pounder how- itzers, and 6-pouuder (native), with all their stores, carts, waggons, large quantities of ammu- nition, bullocks, hackeries, &c. General Grant estimates the loss of the enemy at about 100. He ,.id not lose a man in the operations, he him- self being slightly wounded. I congratulate your honour on the happy finish of this particular campaign. This telegram, received in a private letter from Calcutta, from an authentic source, arrived at Malta, from Alexandria, in the contract packet Valetta, yesterday evening. LYONS, Admiral. Malta, January 9, 2.30 p.m. ALARMING STATE OF AFFAIRS IN INDIA. (From the "MORNING STAR Summary of the last News from India.) Our columns are crowded this morning with detailed accounts of the news brought from Bom- bay and Calcutta by the mails that reached Lon- don last night; but, first of all, let us make re- ference to news connected with India which ought to have been given to the public sooner, and which, as we are informed, was placed in the hands of our authorities at home many days ago. Jung Baliadoor, with 3.000 men in Rohilcund, and an advanced guard of 9,000 at Segowlie, and probably backed by a large army already on the plains, was believed to be now master of the situation in India and it was further believed that, if he assumes the offensive we shall lose the ) whole of Upper India, from the Khyber Pass to the Mahratta Ditch, and in almost as little time as it'now takes to describe it. We are further informed that the gravity of the crisis has been concealed from the public by the Government to an extent which can hardly be credited. The following are some of the particu- lars assumed to have been withheld :-First, that General Havelock died, not from disease, but from a wound; and, second, that Sir Colin Campbell's retreat from Lucknow was so disas- trous that his force was almost broken up, having to fight the whole way to the Ganges, and having only saved himself at this river owing to a strong tete du pont having been constructed on the Oude side of the bridge of boats. Again, the Govern- ment knew and garbled the fact, that Nana Sahib, at the head of the Gwalior Contingent, attacked Windham in his intrenchments, destroyed all his stores, and forced him to retreat with heavy loss -a defeat which is not compensated for by the subsequent victory of Sir Colin Campbell over the same Contingent, because we cannot spare either men or guns, while th. enemy can in fact, they took many guns from the Commander-in- Chief in his retreat from Oude. And, finally, we are informed that the Government, after the arrival of a previous mail, kept back the report that Dost Mahommed, who had been bribed by two lacs of rupees a month for some time past to keep the peace, had been murdered by his people for so doing, and that the Affghans are now mus- tering for an invasion which may be expected im- mediately. If therefore, this new danger should be realised, it is probable that the rebellion would spread to Southern India, with consequences that would be incalculable. What additional information our home autho- rities may have received last night we do not know, but we observe that the newspapers that have come to hand ita ;Calcutta allude to news which they expect to find in the Englishjournals as they are either prohibited themselves from publishing it or have not been intrusted with that- duty. The rebellion," says the Friend of India, seems interminable; no sooner is it put down in one district than it breaks out in another; no sooner is one province guarded tnan another is threatened." The Hurlcarii adopts the same language. Nevertheless," says its editor. it becomes more and more evident, as one outbreak succeeds another in places least expected, that the rebellion is not so near an end as many have sanguinelv sup- posed, as we fear the Government have been sanguinely led to suppose; the rebellious spirit of the country is up, and it will need a large ex- "penditure both of troops and time to put it down." The other Anglo-Indian editors speak in the same strain, and as an evidence that the rebels i" Oude are under the command of a com- petent master, we are now informed that the beleagureed garrison of Lucknow could bavebeen by them destroyed in an hour, but that they deemed it the wisest policy to allow the garri- son to live, as a means of inveigling our gene- rals and our soldiers to destruction. THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF appears to have earned golden opinions for the manner in which he liberated the Lucknow garrison, and thereby put an end to a strife that could only have been prolonged at a greater sacrifice of life than that already sustained. We are informed that in 21 days he travelled 900 miles, fought an entrance into a city defended by 60,000 fighting men, re- lieved a garrison besieged for 5 months, with- drew 900 women and children, in the face of an overwhelming force, relieved his detatchment at Cawnpore, twice defeated an enemy thrice his own strength, and finally stripped them of every vestige of artillery. Not a nobler feat, says the Friend of India, has been performed since the days of Lord Lake. GENERAL INTELLIGENCE. PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS IN MADAGASCAR. -The last mail brings tidings of another fearful persecution of the Christians in Madagascar. The last persecution, which followed the ex- pulsion of a number of Frenchmen from the capital in July last, seems to be more severe than any by which it had been preceded. Thir- teen persons had been put to death; between 50 and 60 had been subjected to the tangena, or poison water, under which eight had died; while a number more had been reduced to slavery. The severity ;of the persecution rendering com- munication from the sufferers exceedingly peril- ous, few particulars have has yet been received. The French and other foreign traders have not been molested in their commercial pursuits on the coast. EXECUTION OF BEALE.-The execution of John Beale, who was convicted before Mr. Jus- tice Willes, on Tuesday, the 22nd of December last, at Taunton, for the murder of Charlotte Pugsley, at Long Ashton. near Bristol, on the 11th of September, took place on Tuesday morn- ing,^ at the county gaol, all the preparations for rjthe hideous "spectacle having been com- pleted the day before. The prisoner appeared exceedingly nervous when brought on to the scaffold. He endured apparently only a single death struggle. There were about 6,000 persons present; and they were very orderly. The weather was fine. The Rev. Richard Maut, the chaplain of the gaol, had been unceasing in his attentions to the unfortunate prisoner, and has reason to believe that he brought him to a true sense of his awful position. Ris wife, too, had added her entreaties to those of the reverend gentlemen, and had conjured him to make his peace with God by a candid confession of his guilt. Their joint entreaties, however, are under- stood to have.been without avail. DEPARTURE OF REINFORCEMENTS FOR INDIA.— Yetterday morning a large number of troops, to the number of 1,140 officers and men of all ranks, from the Indian depots at Chatham and Colches- ter, embarked at Gravesend on board the Euro- pean and American Company's large steamer Jason, 2,500 tons burthen, ibr Calcutta. CHINA.—Of the force to be opposed to us at Canton no reliable information can be gained. There is every reason to believe that it will not equal what would have faced us this time last year, although still Ifrge enough to give us a little trouble. We are informed upon good authority that there was no foundation for the report that Yeh had left the city he is still in it, and likely to stand by it to the last. Tbeimpres- sion that the British are going to commence hos- tilities soon is decidedly being felt at Canton. Some of the citizens are moving into the neigh- bou ring villages, and not a few have brought their families to Macao, and even to Hong-Kong. There seems now to be no doubt at all that the French are to assist us a correspondent up the river says that they are to furnish 1,000 men. This number will increase our force by about one-eighth. A SIMPLE EEASON.—The fastest ship ever built is the Leviathan And why P Because, inas- much as they cannot move her, she must neces- sarily be the fastest. REVOLTING DISCLOSURE.—An advertisement in the Liverpool Daily Post states that an active servant is wanted. who must be a plain cook, and able to dress a little boy five years old." Are the Advertisers Cannibals ? And we ask (only for information) with what sauce do they eat little boys five years old ? ATISTRALIA. ARRIVAL OF the TXVTOT, By Telegraph, Southampton, Tuesday night.—The Teviot has arrived from Alexandria with Aus- tralian mails. She brings ten passengers and forty-six packages, in cargo, with fifty packages of gold dust, valued at upwards of £ 200,000. The Teviot brings no news. LONDON TALLOW MARKET (Monday, Jan. 11.) -Our market continues steady, and prices have an upward tendency to-day. P.Y.C. on the spot, is selling at 52s. per cwt. Town tallow is 65s. net cash. Rough fat, 3s. per 81bs. MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCESS ROYAL- The marriage ceremony of her Royal Highness the Princess Roval and Prince Frederick William of Prussia will take place at the Chapel Royal, St. James's on Monday the 25th of January. Tjie departure of their Royal Highnesses is fixed for Tuesday February 2. Their Royal Highnesses will embark at Gravesend in her Majesty s yacht Victoria and Albert, and orpse over to Antwerp.