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

BDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the sentiments expressed by his correspondents. THE SUNDAY BAND. To the Bditor of the Merthyr Telegraph. SIR,-A champion has bravely stepped forth to defend the Sunday Band, and a fierce onslaught lias already been made on the ranks of the bigoted and arrogant Sunday Band oppositionists. We are told not to arrogate all virtue to ourselves, which is as much as to say, if we see things going wrong, we must let them pursue their own course, and run to ruin, if they will, we must not offer Any impediment, simply because we ourselves are .fallible. It seems that the gallant champion bird -of memory has rather weak talons, for though she waa put in possession of clear facts, yet could she not retain them, but betrayed her master into a gross hallucination, which caused him to con- strue into an affirmation a mere remark of what is boasted. He laughs at the idea of quoting Babylon as a precedent for an empire's guidance, and insinuates an assertion, on our part, of Ba- bylon having fallen because of Sunday Bands. Though we find no mention of Sunday Bands in the Bible, yet it would be preposterous to assume that a nation so luxurious and effeminate as the Babylonians were without their Sunday music; and I have not the least doubt that Sunday Bands, :under a different denomination perhaps, were mixed up with the foul mass of her enormities, and thus became part and parcel of the cause of her terrible overthrow-her sins. There is no- thing whereby we may flatly deny this supposi- tion. But, setting Babylon aside, let us see what reasons there be for establishing Sunday Bands. Soul-inspiring music will entice thousands to for- sake the Bible; the green meadow proffers a better field for pleasure than the limited space of parlour or kitchen; there is more amusement and vanity amongst hundreds of gay pleasure-seekers and an excellent Band, than at home in solemn silence, poring over the Bible, and picking and digging the soil that will ultimately bring them to a well of waters springing up into everlasting life!—a fountain from which flow rivers of living waters that only wait to be searched and sought for with labour and diligence! There is more life (mortal) in the field by the canal, when the Band is there, than in the lonely cot; therei ——; but as I am an opponent and not an expf nent of Sunday Band principles, let those wLo delight in them advance other reasons to assign their utility in promoting Christianity. Are we to believe, Sir, that a Band playing in the open neld-the temple whose glorious roof is the azure vault of heaven-and surrounded by .scores of young gentlemen enjoying their cigars, or lolling indolently on the green mossy sward; young women, glancing sideways down their flowing robes of muz tin, eommenting on the beauty ot various members of their sex, and arrogantly tossing their proud heads and pretty bonnets at their superiors, and frowning scornfully on the poor wretches who happen to be their inferiors at all points gentlemen and ladies promenading the grounds contiguous, and rosy-faced nurse- maids playing with Tom and Harryare we to believe, 1 ask, that this is a proceeding worthy of the Sabbath ? Is it calculated to promote Christian knowledge? Would it not be better if one and all were at home searching the Scrip- tures wherein we think we have eternal life ? Would it not be more in compliance with the divine law to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest and sanctity? Would not a strict observ- ance of the Sabbath redound to the honour of the observers, and reflect with sublimity upon the community who could and would give nature and their world a reign of undisturbed calmness and serenity throughout one day of the seven ? Apropos, we are asked why we do not condemn the birds for singing songs of gladness on Sun- days ? If the champion will bring me a law for- bidding them, they are condemned already, and need not my condemnation; but I question his ability to do this. The law given to man was given to man alone-of course I include woman "as being one specks and one flesh-and until ha ean prove that it applies to birds or beasts wu h the validity with which it applies to man, the birds may pour forth their thanksgiving to their Maker indiscriminately of the Sabbath let them sing, I say, they only afford a lesson and an ex- ample to man they are perpetually singing their adorations to Him on hign who has made working day and Sabbath alike to them but man, vain, proud, arrogant, weak, moth-like man, forgets his Creator from Sunday to Sunday, and even then He is not the theme of his thoughts for three hours out of the twelve. To whom does the Sunday Band pour forth its thrilling strains ? Is it in honour, or in praise, or in glory to the Most High P I venture to say No but to give pleasure to its lovers, and win the admiration of such persons as he who terms it sanctified amusement. Prior to this, Sir, I must confess my ignorance of sanctified amusement. I am told that" Sacred music beyond words is laden with a divine inflt once;" and, "If our lives be sanctified, our amusements must be so too." To do holiness, surely is not to amuse ourselves How can we be thinking of the Sanctifier, if our soul and body be together engrossed with meaner matters ? Is not the musicians' mind and attention fixed on the leader of the band ? and is not the leader's thoughts intent on 1be tune he is playing? How then can they be thinking on Him that sanctities to be sanctified ? Besides, is not amusement of this world, and sanctification of another ? And is it likely that God will sanctify an amusement which draws the mind of man from Him ? Reason answers, No! Again, I am told that" Caris- tianity is not a bond, but a liberty." If this be true, then in the name of Christianity let us do anything and everything within the bounds of human conception and possibility, whether good or evil, righteousness or sin; no matter what, let us do it; let us violate the Sabbath break down the barriers that keep back infamy, and inundate the kingdom with every vice and evil :that has been yet or can be devised now yea, let us bury ourselves in it, and we shall yet be free, if "Christianity" be "not a bond but a liberty;" for the very fact of its being a liberty would jus- tify us as being free to do anything. But, if I mistake not, there is a passage in the Bible which says, "If ye walk not in my statutes, ye shall die and not live;" and that it is valid to this day is irrefutable, as Christ has said, I came not to destroy the law." This then does not proclaim Christianity a liberty. I think the defender of the Sunday Band would profit by reading the Scripture more than he has, or more than is appa- rent in his letter. In the event of his doing so, and continuing bound up in his present opinion! we may expect a letter soon, denouncing Jonah as a fool for obeying God's commandments, and the king and citizens of Nineveh idiots for listen- ing to him, and declaring that the flaming sword of an Almighty Avenger, whose outstretched arm was withdrawn upon their repentance, would not have descended had Jonah been scouted instead of feared. Why, Sir, according to his present opinion, that Sunday amusements are Christian proceedings, and calculated to impede the pro- gress of sin, we shall all shortly hear (perhaps) of parties blowing the bellows, and invoking the wind to extinguish the flaming fire. There would be as much logic in the one as in the other. Op- EisitioniatB are asked their reasons for opposing. Let the promoters give their reasons for pro- moting. What they have already advanced is as foam on the surface of water, and they must dive deeper in reason's well ere they can bring forth convincing proofs of the utility of Sunday Bands in the promulgation of Christianity. Let Merthyr-let London-by all accounts the example followed by Merthyr, and a very Babylon of sin,-let her forsake her unrighteousness, and if she has set an example of sin, set an examplo of repentance, and be foremost in carrying out the late proclamation of the queen, and we may never more expect to see the Vales of Glamorgan disturbed by a Quixotic and nndemanded mania for Sunday Bands at the same time, like Nine- veh's repentance, averting that which a continual addition to our manifold sins tends greativ to bring on—namely, a castigation at the hand of the Almighty. "That which ye give will I recom- pense unto you," sail h the Lord. Ponder over this, people of Merthyr! and set your faces against this uncalled-for violation of the Sabbath. Let not the promoters of this baneful pleasure sway your better opinion, nor thrust aside your regard for the Divine Law. Let none of their arguments deceive you, nor believe the assertion that it is a sanctified amusement, when sanctity itself is violated to allow of its performance, and that for no other end than that of pleasing plea- sure-seekers and pleasure-lovers. August 6. OBSERVER. LETTER FROM PARIS. To the Editor of the Merthyr Telegraph. DEAR SIB,—The proverb is Hit a dog with a bone and he won't bite you." Knock a man down with a loaf of bread and he will not be of- fended. But certainly a loaf of bread seven feet long, and that is the length of the loaves, (I say no more about their thickness however, than this, that if they are long they are like a Welsh mile- not very broad-and if you happen to meet a man carrying a few of them along the street he looks like some woodman who could not be per- suaded by Miss Cook or Henry Russell, to spare some jolly old ash tree), I see leaning gracefully up in the corner of the clean little cafe I go to for my breakfast, is rather an awkward thing to be knocked down v ith. Well, while this potac/e d'Italie is cooling, I look, as is my wont, into the newspapers. Syria, Syria; always Syria. Why, what a Godsend this Syria is here to be sure. What would they fill the papers with just now if it were not for Syria ? To be sure there is always an elastic space allowed for some entertaining novel or other in all the papers; but Syria is the great question. First of all France would go alone in the interests of humanity then it would go in conjunction with this, that, and the other power, and now La Patrie is so happy to an- nounce that all the great European rowers are agreed upon the thing, and all is right. All is right indeed. My belief is that France would have preferred going alone, and doing without the stipulation as to the six months' occupation. And depend upon it, it is a well-grounded belief too. I could not help having an inward chuckle some days ago when La Siecle said the Emperor was impelled to the step by the public opinion of France. Public opinion indeed! why, where is it expressed ? You never hear anything like it here. Everybody hears, reads eagerly enough, but says nothing. Public opinion here is ex- ercised, not as in England, upon what is to be done or determined upon, but what has been done or determined upon. Public opinion, however, (not the opinion of newspapers, which as we know, is only public in the sense of their being published and circulated by the government), real public opinion concurs in welcoming the Emperor's letter, of which copies are sold about the streets for a penny each, and in the pacific policy there talked about. "Ah," said I the other night to a half dozen select patriots in our cosy little café, one of which had read the letter aloud, and what interest of France will ever be served by war?" What do you say of war," said the reader with some heat, "You British are always at war." "You were at it last," said I, in Italy." Ah, well," said he, you would have left poor struggling Italy to herself, because you did not know which would be the stronger of her and Austria, and you always declare for the strongest. France rushed at once and dis- interestedly to the help of the weak auainst her oppressor." That is well," said I, but speak- ing of having gone disinterestedly what about Savoy and Ni Since it is one of the rules of polite Prance never to engage in un- pleasing controversy, which I could perceive I had shamefully forgotten, I refrained from finishing the sentence, and we easily went on to another topic. It is, however, clear to me that whatever may be the policy of the army and the government (I wonder if they are synonymous terms) the wish of the mild and well-behaved French people, and they seem all mild and well- behaved, is for a policy that.encourages the arts of peace. bpeaking of the army, on last Friday I saw it. There was a grand review of the troops of the lille-cavalry and artillery kept here for the de- fence of Paris. There might have been 40,000 or 50,000 of them. The review took place on the great race course (yes race course with its grand stand, &c.,) just outside the Bois de Boulougne." Now the ."Bois de Boulougne" is a wood inter- sected by fine roads, drives and walks, and most beautifully kept, commencing just outside the fortifications (for Paris is fortified all round) and extending perhaps six miles towards St. Cioud (where the Emperor at present resides) and Ver- sailles and the race course, which might be four or five miles round at least, is just outside, and a little below one of these fine roads, and about five miles from Paris. A fine sight this review was, seen from this commanding road, and a fine sight the thousands of spectators as well as the 50,000 or 60.000 troops there to be looked at, thought the Emperor and his brilliant staff who were galloping hither and thitjjer over the grass. I thought it a fine sight too, and was much im- pressed by the scene. First of all, the troops stood immovable to arms, to be reviewed by their master, and then the Horse and Artillery moved far off to the left flank. The different troops of the lino commenced their march, which seemed as if it would never end, past the Emperor and his staff. As each company came near enough its band would strike up, and as it passed the men would cheer. (It was nothing like a British cheer though.) After the Line came the Artillery, and then the Horse; each company had its band and everything looked splendid. The shining panoply of the Cuirassiers, the brilliant uniforms of the Chasseurs, and the towering helmets of what we should call the Guards, everything in- deed was very grand! Did anybody think I wonder what the anatomy of all this was ? Did anybody see that this glitter and glory of dress were but the disguise of butchers of men that this order and discipline were but the perfections of man's wickedness and rebellion against the beneficence of God; that these proud warriors were but as the hireling mutes at the funeral of liberty; and did anyone discern in this strong incense to the national pride, the mixture of that appalling smell which cometh from the battle field, and wifcnesseth from out the carcasses of fallen friend and foe alike against the devilry of war ? I dare say nobody saw or was conscious of any of this, and last of all these very agreeable merchants of prime Bordeaux at lid. for the small tumbler full, that pervade the scene. The review at last came to an end, and the troops came hurrying along the road to Paris, some companies with their handsome daughters of the regiments" in uniform, and all in marching order. But now, as I am also hurrying back on foot with them, bless me what little fellows they are! Astonishingly little fellows! Why they looked like boys got old, and supplied with this everlasting Napoleon tonsure beard over the chin, and peaked moustache, before they had grown up. Let me drop back to another company. Yes, all the same. I'll stop here and see them all go by; and with the exception of the Gens d'armes, and some few companies of picked men, Relieve me they were (that is the soldiers of the) line) a set of pigmies. They were lively though, and made a good deal of fun sometimes, but running off at full speed and dragging their most unwilling and often very stout officers along at a pace that made them boil over with fat and in- dignation. Silting down on a green bank in this Bois de Boulogne I see them all pass, and as I walk quietly back to Paris there is nothing to be seen along this beautiful road till now so gay, but the occasional statuesque figure of a mounted policeman. Yours dear sir, SoiTVENIK. 51, Rue de l'Eehiquier, Paris, August, 1860.

MERTHYR POLICE COURT. SATUEDAY.—(Before J. C. Fowler, Esq.) ALLEGED FBLONy.-Mary Evans, single woman, was charged as follows:—David Roach said: I am a labourer, residing at Mill- treet, Aberdare; on last Thursday morning week I had in my home a bedstead, two sheets, two quilts, two cups and saucers, and two basins, when I went to work on my return I missed them; these are the things produced; they are worth altogether about 8s. 6d.: the prisoner lodged with me at the time they we; e taken.-P.S. Wm. Hodgson said: From informa- tion I received I went in search of prisoner, and apprehended her in a house in Dowlais: I told her, You are charged with stealing a bedstead, two quilts, two sheets, two basins, and two cups and saucers, from a house at Mill-street, belong- ing to David Roach." She said, "No, I did not steal them; they are all mine, I bought them and paid for them; but as for the basin and cups and saucers, I sold some rags to David Roach, and bought them with the money; that bedstead I borrowed of a woman." I told her to fetch the woman; but when she came back, the woman would not swear that the bedstead belonged to her; I found these things all in the house she lodged at.—Prisoner denied stealing them, saying they were her own property, and called a witness who swore that he had seen them in her Dosses- sion.-Prosecutor said the things did once belong to her, but had been sold under a distress war- rant, and he bought them.-Remanded till Mon- day next on bail. MONDAY.—(Before J. C. Fowler, and M. Mor- gans, Esqrs.) DBTJNKENNESS. — Mary Evans again.-This person, whose name appeared in our last impres- sion for the above offence, was brought on this day again and fined 5s. and 2s. 6d. costs. The proof of her being riotous was deficient, or she would have bad to visit Cardiff house of correc- tion for a week. Patrick Cronin, labourer, was fined 5s. and 2s. 6d. costs, for the same offence. FELONY.—James Tobin was charged as fol- lows:—Mary Santry said: In the month of March last a lodger of mine named Cornelius Driscoll, had a waistcoat hanging on a line up. stairs in my house. There were several other people lodging there, among whom was the priso- ner. He lodged there a few nights. On Satur- day morning he left me about breakfast time. He had, about half an hour before he left, been upstairs changing his shirt. Just before then I saw the shirt safe. Immediately he left I missed the shirt. I went in rearch of prisoner, but did not find him. I never saw him since till now. When I missed the shirt there was no person in the house but James Power and Ellen Power, who were also lodgers of mine. No person but the prisoner had been upstairs from the time I saw the waistcoat until the time I missed it. The value of the waistcoat is 2s. 6d. It has not been found yet.—James Power and Ellen Power severally said that they had seen the waistcoat in the morning and that no person had been seen upstairs from the time they got up until the waistcoat was missed, but the prisoner and Mrs. Santry.—Prisoner consented to be tried at this court, but pleaded "not guilty" to the charge.— Mr. Fowler said he had no doubt whatever that prisoner stole it, otherwise he would have the benefit of such doubt; but as there was none he had no alternative than convict him and sentence him to six weeks' hard labour in Cardiff' house of correction. ANOTHER FELONY. Timothy Sullivan, labourer, was charged as follows :r ohn Rickett examined I am a miner, living at Cwmrhydy- bedd, Dowlais. On Saturday night last (August 4 h), I was walking along the Pendarran road. When opposite the clock I turned to the wall. I had my cap on my head. I stood with my face towards the wall. Somebody came behind me and struck me a blow across the head. I looked round and received another blow which knocked me down. While down I received some kicks. I then saw the prisoner take my cap and run away with it. I did not know him before. I ran after him but could not catch him. He was caught by some other persons near the Carmar- then Arms. There was no play or anything of the sort between us. The value of the cap was 3s.— Elizabeth Thomas corroborated the above testimony, and P.C. John Loyns said: I was on duty on Saturday night on the Pendarran Road about eleven o'clock, and met the last witness running up the road. He said a man had stole his cap. I followed him back to where the priso- ner was caught by some men. I told prisoner the charge. He said, "I did not steal his cap. They were four or five of them pitching into me." I searched him, but found no cap. 1 then took him to the station.—Prisoner pleaded not guilty," but consented to be tried here. He was then sentenced to six weeks' hard labour in Car- diff house of correction. Mary Evany, who had been remanded on bail from Saturday on the charge of stealing a bead- stead and other things, surrendered to-day. No prosecutor appearing against her she was dis- charged. STEALING FROM THE PEBSON.—Sarah Roberts was charged with stealing money to the amount of seven shillings, from the person of Joseph Vaughan, at Merthyr, on the 5th inst. No pro. secutor appearing she was discharged. SuBETi>s.—Mary Davies was ordered to be bound over in her own recognizance in the sum of 1:5 to keep the peace for the next six calendar months towards the Queen and all her liege sub- jects, and especially towards her brother William Lewis. ASSAULT.—Mary Jones was summoned for as- sauiting Rachel Davies, who said, about half-past six o'clock last Thursday morning I went to de- fendant's door and peeped in through the key- hole. There was a man there. Defendant, when she saw me said, Send that old w-e away, or I will take the poker and make her go." I told her, "Get somebody besides yourself to call me that name." I was never carried on ladders (meaning a custom called in Carmarthenshire, Yr hen gcffyl pren') used for carrying ladies of the sort about." I then went to my house. She followed me with a whip in her hand, and with the butt end she beat me about the head and body and gave me this black eye, and nearly kilied me. I was quite dead once." I did not strike her first.-By Mr. Simons I did not catch in defendant's hair first. She struck me first. I don't know whether I bit her arm. We fought about quarter of an hour. Three other witnesses were called by complainant, but neither of them could prove who struck the first blow. The magistrates differed in their opinion of the mat- ter and consequently could not come to any con- clusion, and the case was dismissed. SURETIES.Catherine Daley was summoned by her daughter-in-law Mary Daley, to find sureties to keep the peace towards her, for having threatened to wash her hands in complainant's blood. Bound in the sum of 15 to keep the pence for six calendar months. Benjamin Joi es was adjudged the father of an illegitimate child by Martha 1:1 ier, and ordered to pay Is. 6d. a week from July 30th, and 11s. 3d. costs. ASSAULT.—Mary Sullivan was fined 2s. and 6s. 6d. costs, for assaulting Hannah Sullivan, and also fined 2s. find Gs. 6d. COSTS, for assaulting Catherine Blake. In default of' payment to be committed to Cardiff house of correction tor a week. John Thomas was adjudged the father of an illegitinate ühiLI. by Elizabeth Williams, and ordered to pay 2s. 6d. a week for the iirst six weeks from the date of the summons, Is. 6i. a week after, 5a. midwife, and 11s. 3d. costs. WEDNESDAY.—(Before J. C. Fowler, Esq.) FELONY.—Mary Sullivan, a resident of the City," was charged with stealing eight shillings from the person of David Evans, bootclosor, Tiamroad side North, Merthyr, on the firh inst. No prosecutor appearing, she was discharged. YAOKANCV.—Joseph Williams, aged 12years, was charged with fcifftpmg m ihc works at Dow- lais. this morning. The httle lad in dofenre said he had no place to so to, his father was dead and his mother had run awav, leaving himself and two other children. His father's name wi a Jones, formerly a sugar boiler at Merthyr. Mr. Fowler^ to prisoner: Wculd you like to get work P" Boy: "Yes, sir; if 1 could get victuals." Mr. Fowler: How do you get victuals now p. Boy I get it with the workmen in the Works." Mr. Fowler then inquired if there was any body who would take charge of the boy and look after him. A good natured person named Mrs. Evans then stepped forward and said she would take him. Mr. Fowler then gent for the Master of the Workhouse, who took the boy to get him washed and clothed in a fit state to go with Mrs. Evans. Mr. Fowler also gave her a letter ad- dressed to Mr. Joseph, of Pentrebach, to try to find him employment. BASTARDY ARREARS.-J ohn Thomas, a bailer at Dowlais, was brought up under a warrant charged with disobeying a bastardy order made upon him towards the maintenance of an illegiti- mate child by Ann Morgan, whereby he became 19s. 6d. in arrears.-Ordered to pay the amount and 7s. costs, in default of payment twenty one days in Cardiff gaol. WILFUL DAMAGE.—Daniel Driscoll, one of the hauliers attending the scavengers' carts in the town, was summoned by Mr. Robert Jones for breaking a box, thereby doing injury to the amount of Is. Defendant did not appear, but an order was made upon him to pay Is. compensa- tion, and lis. 9d. costs. ENDORSEMENT OF LICENSE.—The Royal Oak Inn, High-street, Merthyr, from Mr. Harris to David Jones. THE SOCIAL EVIL. PUBLIC MEETING AT THE TEMPERANCE HALL, ABEBDABE. On Thursday evening last a public meeting was held at the Temperance Hall for the purpose of advocating the desirability of establishing a House of Refuge (for fallen women) for South Wales and Monmouthshire. W. S. Clarke, Esq., F G.S., occupied the chair. The audience was an exceedingly limited one, and we cannot help associating this fact with an insufficient publica- tion. If it had been published in the several places of worship on the Sunday previous, and advertised in the local papers that it was intended to hold a meeting of the kind, there would doubt- less have been a "full house," instead of empty benches. Mr. M. Moggridge of Swansea, and Mr. N. E. Vaughan, Rheola, had been nominated at a meeting of the committee recently held at Neath to attend as deputation. The former gen- tleman was in attendance, but the latter was absent in consequence of indisposition. Mr. Moggridge, in speaking to the first resolution stated that the committee had decided upon holding their first meeting at Aberdare because they considered it a place of note. Before enter- ing fully into the subject of the meeting he wished to put himself right with his audience as to a wrong feeling which existed in the minds cf some people relative|to this movement. They did not indulge in the Utopian hope of being able to entirely rid the community of those unfortunate women that infest the streets. That could never be done so long as man was constituted as he now is, but what they wished to do was to reduce the evil to more moderate limits. There were many of these wretched creatures of whom they heard so much who would sincerely and honestly return to the paths of virtue if they could. The plan by which they proposed to help these unhappy women had been tried in many places and had succeeded to a very great extent. Many people taunted them with being too sanguine, but whe- ther they succeeded in saving 50, 30, or 20, or even 10 per cent, it was their duty to do their best and that they were determined to do. The speaker dwelt at length on the penitent feeling oftentimes exhibited by unfortunate women and related the following anecdote in proof of the sincerity with which their reformation is some- times marked "Years—very many years ago— one of the worst girls that ever walked the streets of Swansea—and unfortunately there are and have been very many bad ones to be found there -was condemned and transported. For a long time nothing was ever heard and no one ever thought of her until one morning the governor of the gaol received a letter from her thanking him, and requesting him to convey her thanks to the chaplain for the exertions that had been made on her behalf. She had long since resolved to be- come a reformed creature, and had been admitted to a Reformatory. She bad married a cheerful go-a-head fellow, and when she wrote this letter she was the mother of several children, and her carriage was waiting at the door of her house to take her to a neighbouring town." He would give them another instance. The other day one of these poor girls was passing by a chapel and her ear caught the air of a holy song which her mother had sung to her in her youth. In a moment it brought back to her recollection the happy days when she sat on her mother's knee the thought lowered her almost to the ground, and she almost unconsciously entered within the sacred building. She had been there but a few minutes only and she fainted away. Some of the congregation—ladies he was glad to say— closed around her; she was conveyed home and afterwards to a Reformatory, from which place, after having given proof of the sincerity of her reformation, she was removed to respectable ser- vice. He Mr. Moggridge could give almost in. numerable instances of the same kind, butab uno disee omnes. He then went on to state that 45 women had been admitted into the Home at Cardiff in one week, and that out of 69 who had been admitted during a given period, 60 had be- come reformed characters. He did not know the state of things at Aberdare, for he was not sufficiently acquainted with the town: but how- ever that may be, he felt that he could appeal to them as charitable and christian men to assist in the present movement. Even taking the' base view of pounds, shillings, and pence, it would be to the advantage of every ratepayer and every citizen to assist in the mitigation of the evil. The speaker proceeded at considerable length to press the claims of the excellent movement with fi c' I which he identified himself, on their attention, and concluded by proposing the following reso- lution :— Thfit Houses of Refuge having been founded in many parts of the kingdom, and having on the whole met with much success, it is desirable that a House he provided in South Wales, in which fallen women may be received, and may, while acquiring a character, be taught some industrial business, with a view to their future self- support." The above was seconded by Mr. R. H. Rhys, who stated that, from his experience as a member of the Board of Guardians, he was sure such an institution as the one referred to was much re- quired. The resolution was then put to the meet- ing by the chairman and carried unanimously. The Rev. John Griffith, M.A., Rector of Mer- thyr Tydfil, and Secretary to the projected Insti- tution, next addressed the meeting in a speech of more than an hour's duration. He referred in withering terms to the licentiousness of many young men, and dealt out severe blows at the prudery of society in connection with what is popularly called the "Social Evil." Mr. Grif- fith's speech was characterised by his usual elo- quence and fervour, and we deeply regret that so excellent an address should have been delivered to so limited an auditory. Alter riveting the attention of his hearers for the period we have 'u, mentioned, the rev. gentleman concluded by pro- posing the following resolution, which, after being seconded by the Vicar of Aberdare in a neat hut brief spcech, was put to the meeting aad carried nam. con.: — That this meeting pledges itself to use its best exer- tions with a view to the establishment of such a House of Refuge, and that a local committee be formed ior the purpose ot carrying out this laudable intention." The names of a number of the most respectable inhabitants of the town were here mentioned in connection with the proposed committee. A vote of thanks was afterwards awarded the "•bairruao, aid the proceedings then terminated. fa making this last proposition iVi r. Griffith took occasion to read over the list of subscriptions and donations received on account of the projected House of Refuge. It included the names of se- veral gentlemen of the county, and showed a receipt of £350, together with the promise of a number of annual subscriptions varying in amount from one guinea to ten guineas.

ABERDARE POLICE CO URT. TUESDAY.- (Before J. C. Fowler, Esq.) WHO STOLE THE SOVEREIGN ?—Mary O'Brien wife of Cornelius O'Brien, and Mary Saunders wife of James Saunders. were charged as follows:- William Simons said I am a collier at Mountain Ash. On Saturday night, between five and six o'clock, I wa3 in Mr. Lodge's shop at Aberdare. I put down two sovereigns on the counter before the clerk. He told me to wait while he went to enter down some things for other customers. With that the two prisoners and a little boy came in, and -as soon as Saunders was served she turned her back close to where the money was, and stretched her hand to where the money was. I did not miss the money till the clerk spoke to me about it. I then saw that I had only one sovereign instead of two. I said, "this is the one that has taken it," pointing to Saunders. I told her to give the sovereign back. She denied having it. She stripped and I sent for the police. Sergeant Matthews, and another constable came. I put the two sovereigns one on the other.— Cross-examined by Mr. Evans: I hav'nl my shop book. I owe from five to fix pounds. The clerk was there when I put the two sovereigns down. I held them in my hand. He ought to have seen them. The desk on which I put them was about 4 feet high. Saunders's head was higher than the desk. I had gone to the other side. Only the two prisoners and two little boys were in the shop. My back was to the desk. As soon as they (the prisoners) were served they turned to where the money was. neither of the prisoners went out of the shop before they were searched. My sovereign was not found.—James Price examined I am shopman to Mr. Lodge at Aber- dare. I caught sight of Saunders's hand on the desk as if in the act of taking something. I then saw only one sovereign on the desk, Prisoner stripped in the shop of her own accord.—John Davies examined, (one of the little boys alluded to in prosecutor's evidence). I was in the shop on Saturday evening and saw two sovereigns in Simons's hand. I saw him put them on the desk. I saw them lying on the desk one on top of the other, I am quite sure of that. After the prison- ers came in I saw Saunders rise up on tiptoes, look on the desk, and put her hand out, and afterwards shut it; she then turned round and put her hand in her breast.-P. S. Matthews said: a charge was made against the two women for stealing a sovereign. The shop was searched. Nothing was found. The prisoners were taken to the station, and searched by a woman there but notning was found upon them relating to this charge. The search might not have been effectual as persons are known to swallow sove- reigns.—Mr. Fowler said the prisoners must be discharged, although a strong case of suspicion was made out against Saunders. WITHHOLDING CLUB MONEY.-Edward Hos- good, late landlord of the Gloucester Arms, Aberdare, was summoned for withholding the sum of £ 29 lis. from the members of the Loyal Elizabeth Fothergill Lodge, No. 4,636 of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, of which he was the treasurer. This case had been adjourned from a previous sessions. No evidence was offered then; the defendant did not now appear. Lewis Humphreys, ex- amined by Mr. Frank James, said: I am clerk to this lodge. I keep the accounts, and this ac- count was made up and gone over with defendant. He had his book. He was treasurer. Roe ad- mitted- this balance of t29 11s. He said it was correct, or words to that eff ect. (Copy of the rules put in.) They were certified by Tidd Pratt. — William Thomas, examined by Mr. James, said: There are three trustees of this club. I am one of them. I have demanded the £ 29 lis. of defendant. He told me, I will find a security and pay interest according to what you can get elsewhere. If I can get a fortnight or throe weeks I will pay them." I went again at the end of that time and he then said, If yuu will allow me I will give you a good security for the money." This was about four months ago. He had always some tale about security; pro- mising but never performing. I demanded this sum again this day month before I applied tor the summons. He said, "The club money was all right, we should not lose by him." I said, I have had enough of that before." I did not wait any longer, but applied for a summons. I was authorised so to do by the club.—Defendant was ordered to pay up the R29 11s. and a penalty of 40s. with 20s. costs, in default of payment forthwith to be imprisoned with hard labour in Cardiff house of correction for eighteen days. RIOTOUS BEIIA. VIOUR. — Watkin Price was charged with being drunk and riotous at Mountain Ash.-P.C. Meek said he saw the de- fendant and another opposite the schoolroom on the road by Mountain Ash. They were stripped to fight. About a hundred people had assembled there. I saw one round. When I came up he was sitting on a man's knee.—Fined 5s. and 5s. costs. John Griffiths was fined 5s. and 2s. 6d. costs for drunkenness, and Daniel Lewis 5s. for a similar offence. ASSAULT.—Ellen Thomas was summoned for assaulting Margaret Williams, at Abernant, on Sunday morning last. This ease was of too trumpery a description to convict the defendant for it. BATTLE WITH BOILING WATER.—John Hemer was summoned for assaulting Elizabeth Hard, at Mountain Ash, on the 1st instant.—Complainant said that last Wednesday she asked him for a sovereign which she had lent him. He abused her and struck her a blow on the side of the neck. Cross-examined: I threw a jug of water at you and hot tea.—Henry Watkins, collier, said: I saw complainant come in the yard with tea and a jack ol water. She asked defendant for money, which lie denied having had. She then threw the tea over him. He rose his hand to stop her and pushed her away. I will swear it.—Case dismissed.

A VOLUNTEER IN TROUBLE.-Benjarnin Evans, a private in the 13th Corps, Lancashire Volun- teer Artillery, was charged at Liverpool on Fri- day with not paying his entrance fee to the corps, as well as monthly subscriptions, amounting altogether to 16s. Evans in defence stated that he had not the money wherewith to pay these demands. It was proved that ever since his en- rolment in the corps he had behaved himself in a very unsatisfactory manner. Mr. Raffles, the stipendiary magistrate, ordered the defendant to pay the subscriptions, rcmarking thnt as this was the first case of a volunteer being brouulit berore him on such a charge, lie had not doubled the subscription demanded. He should certainly do so, however, in any future cases which might come under his notice, the Act of Parliament leaving the amount of lines to be levied to the discretion of the magistrate. The captain of the corps consented to allow the defendant four- teen days to pay the amount. THE DENBIGH EISTEDDFOD.—The Grand Na- tional Eisteddfod, or Congress of Bards of Wales, was announced to be held this year in the ancient castle of Denbigh, North Wales, commencing on Tuesday, and to continue for four successive days. The Eisteddfod Proclamation was read in Welsh by Clwydferdd, and in English by Talhaiarn. The following is the translation-.—The truth against the world.—In the J ear one thousand eight hundred and sixty, the sun approaching the au- tumnal equinox, at the hour of noon, on the 7th day of August, after duo proclamation of a year and a day, this Gorsedd is opened within the castle of Caledfrya-yn-lthos (now called Den- bigh), in Gwynedd, with invitation to all who nity assemble here, where no weapon is un- sheathed r.gainst them, and judgment wil! ';e pronounced upon all works of genius submitted tor adjudication, in the face of the sun—the eye of light. The trutli against tho world. i

NEWPORT, ABERGAVENNY, & HEREFORD USTD TAFF VALE EXTENSION. WEEK JJAYS. I NUNDAY8 FROM 1>2,#1,2,3:1,2,81,2,31,2, 3 AT a-m- P<m. p.m. a.m. a.m. m dep. 10 10 1 45 5 40 9 15 4 45 Troedyrhiw 10 Iff 1 53 9 23 4 65 Ouaker's Yard 10 40 2 15 5 55 9 33 5 5 Llaneyiaeb (Nelson). 10 47 2 25 0 5 n 40 5 -J4 Rhymney Junction d" 07j 2 35! 6 15 9 52 5 24 Tredegar June. (Blackwood, .ill 2 2 -10 6 20 9 57 5 29 Crumlin 11 12 2 50 6 3010 7 5 38 Pontypoo H 25 3 5 6 4210 20 560 Pontypool Road dep. U 32 3 12' 6 4910 25 5 55 Newport 10 0 4 38] 7 30 10 50 7 30 >> dep. 11 10 3 0| 6 3010 0 5 30 £ lanv!»r 11 52 3 39| 10 40 <T~9 Penpergwm 12 0 3 471 7 1410 48 6 17 Abergavennv 12 10 3 58j 7 2211 0 6 28 Uanfihangel 12 20 4 8 hi II 6 38 p V?, 27 4 15| 7 37.11 18 6 45 Pontnlas 38 4 28 7 49.11 32 6 50 St. Devereux 12 48 4 37 11 42 7 8 Tram Inn 54 4 45 (n 50 7 16 Hereford 1 ,5 4 55 8 1012 0 7 30 -—— WEEK DAYS. I SUNDAyS. FROM f1 > 2,31,2,31, 2,3;], 2,3 1,2,3 TT a.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. Hereford g p 9 30 6 55 9 0 5 30 Tfam Inn 8 11 9 50 7 6? 9 12 5 43 bt. Devereux 8 1810 5 7 13 9 19 5 51 Pontrilas 1 2810 25 7 23 9 29 6 2 Jrt • 8 4010 45 7 35 9 42 6 15 Llanfihangel 8 47 10 55 7 42 9 49 6 21 Abergavenny 9 011 15 7 5510 3 6 36 l enpergwm 9 8 11 25! 8 310 11 6 44 Llanvair 9 15 11 37j 8 1010 19 6 51 Newport arr.ilO 012 4018 40.10 50 7*30 dep. 9 0 11 101 6 30(10 0 5 30 Pontypool Road arr. 9 3012 10 8 25?10 32 7~~5 Pontypool 9 40 12 15 8 3()!l0 40 7 20 ^ru"1,in 9 55 12 30 8 4510 55 7 35 Iredeg-ar June. (Blackwood) 10 5 12 40 8 53:11 5 7 45 Rhymney Junction ]10 10 12 50 8 5811 12 7 50 Llancaiach (Nelson) 10 20 1 0 9 811 22 8 0 Quaker s Yard Junction 10 30 1 10 9 18,11 35 8 10 Troedyrlnw [10 43 4 2 9 31|11 48 8 23 Merthyr 10 50 4 10 9 4011 56 8 36 RHYMNEY RAILWAY.

_DOWN.—WEEKDAYS.) SUNDAYS. FROM jl, 2,3 1,2,31,2,3 1.3,3 1,2, 3 P-ni. p.m. a.m. p.m. Rhymney 9 30 1 55 4 15 9 10 3 55 Bargoed 9 51 2 16 4 36 9 34 4 19 Hengoed arr. 10 5 2 30 4 50 9 50 Ystrad 10 17 2 45 5 5 10 6 4 42 Caerphilly jq 30 3 01 5201022 4 58 Cardift (Adam-street Station) 11 0 3 30 5 5010 55 5 30 UP.—WEEK DAYS. I SUNDAYS. FROM 2,3 1,2,31,2,3 1,2,31,2,3 a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Cardiff (Adam-street Station) 10 0 1 40 5 20 8 45 4 25 Caerphilly 10 30 2 10 5 50 9 19 4 58 Ystrad jo 45 2 25 G 5 9 37 5 14 IIengoed(N.A.,&H.J. 1 £ rr- • J? 2 30 6 10 9 44 6 20 b v I Dep. 11 0 2 40 6 20 10 0 5 30 Bargoed 11 14 2 54 6 34 10 16 5 46 Rhymney 11 351 3 15 6 M 10 40 6 10 I VALE OF NEATH RAILWAY.

DOWN TRAINS.—WEEK DAYS. | HUXOAYS. i;2,31,2,, 2,3|l7^3 STRT. FR. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. Merthyr 8 55 1 5o fi 0 7 45 5 50 Abernant ..9 7 2 2 <5 12 7 57 6 2 Lhvydcoed. 9 12 2 7 0 17 8 2 6 7 Hirwain ar. 9 18 2 13 6 23 8 8 6 13 Abrdr. dp. 9 0 1 55 3 20 6 5 8 10 7 50 5 55 9 50 Hirwn.ar. 9 13 2 83 35 0 18 8 23 8 3 6 8 9 5 Hirwain 9 21 2 15 G 25 8 10 6 15 Glyn Neath 9 41 2 34 G 44 8 29 6 34 Resolven 9 51 2 43 6 53 8 38 6 43 Aberdylais .]lo 5j 2 56 7 5 8 50 6 55 Neath lo lo1 3 o 7 10 8 551 7 0 UP TRAINS.—WEEK DAYS. I SUNDAYS. 073172^7172,3 1,2,31,2,3 1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3 STRT.FR. p.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. p.m. Neath 8 3o 2 52 7 4) 9 2o| 8 30 Aberdylais. 8 35 2 57 7 5o 'J 2-> 8 35 Resolven 8 47 3 9 8 0 9 851 8 45 Giyn Neath 8 57 8 19 8 8 9 43' 8 53 Hirwain ar. 9 17 3 39: 8 28 lo 3 9 13 Hh \vn<dp. 9 23 2 20 3 45; 6 3o 8 35 lo lo 6 2o 9 20 Abrdr.arr. 9 35 2 30 3 57 G 45 8 45 lo 2o t> 35 9 30 Hirwain dp. 9 2o 3 42 8 31 lo 6! 9 16 Llwydcoed. 9 27 3 49 8 38 lo 13' 9 23 Abernant.. 9 37 3 59 8 48 lo 23! 9 33 Merthyr 9 Sol 4 12 9 o lo» 351 9 45 TAFF VALE RAILWAY.

DOWN TRAINS.—WEEK DAYS. | SUN MAYS. STARTING- FROM JL, 2,3 1,2,31,2, R31,2,3 1,2,3 a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Merthyr 8 15 2 0 6 40 9 10 4 10 Troedyrhiw 8 23 2 8 6 49 9 18 4 18 Quaker's Yard Junction for N. A. and H. Railway 8 34 2 19 7 1 9 2.0 4 29 Aberdare Junction 8 47 2 32 7 15 9 42 4 42 Newbridge 8 57 2 42 7 26 9 52 4 52 Treforest 9 2 2 47 7 31 9 57 4 57 Tail's Well 9 13) 2 58 7 42 lo 8 5 8 Pentyrch 9 18; 3 3 7 47 lo 13 5 13 Llandaft 9 26 3 11 7 56 lo 21 5 21 Cardiff 9 35 3 20 8 5 lo 30 5 30 Cardiff Docks 9 4o 3 25 10 35 ABERDARE BRANCH. Aberdare 8 20 2 5 G 48 9 15 4 15 Treaman 8 24 2 9 6 52 9 19 4 19 Mountain Ash 8 32 2 17 7 0 9 27 9 27 Aberdare J unction 8 42 2 27 7 10 9 37 4 37 UP TRAINS.—WEEK DAYS. SUNDAYS. STARTING FROM 1,2,31,2,31,2,31,2,31,2,3 a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Cardi'f Docks 9 20 3 o 8 45 3 40 Cardiff 9 3o 3 10 6 3o 9 o 4 5 LlandafF 9 39 3 iy 6 40 9 9 4 9 Pentyrch 9 47 3 27 G 48 9 iff 4 17 Tatf's Well 9 52 3 32 6 53 9 22: 4 22 Treforest lo 3 3 43 7 5 9 33i 4 33 Newbridge lo 8 3 48 7 11 9 38 4 38 Aberdare J unction lo 19 3 59 7 23 9 49 4 49 Quaker's Yard Junction for a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. Cardi'f Docks 9 20 3 o 8 45 3 40 Cardiff 9 3o 3 10 6 3o 9 o 4 5 LlandafF 9 39 3 iy 6 40 9 9 4 9 Pentyrch 9 47 3 27 G 48 9 iff 4 17 Tatf's Well 9 52 3 32 6 53 9 22: 4 22 Treforest lo 3 3 43 7 5 9 33i 4 33 Newbridge lo 8 3 48 7 11 9 38 4 38 Aberdare J unction lo 19 3 59 7 23 9 49 4 49 Quaker's Yard Junction for N. A. and II. Railway lo 32 4 12 7 30 lo 2! 0 2 Troedyrhiw lo 43 4 23 7 4(' lo 13' 5 13 Troedyrhiw lo 43 4 23 7 4U to 13' 5 13 Merthyr lo 5o 4 30 7 55 lo 2o! 5 2o ABERDARE JUNCTION, 1 Aberdare Brunch lo 20 4 0 7 25 9 50 4 50 Mountain Ash lo 30 4 10 7 35 lo 0| 5 0 Treaman lo 38 4 18 7 43 lo 8 0 8 Aberdare lo 421 22 7 47Jlo 121 5 12

WESTERN VALLEYS RAILWAY. 1X)WN TRAINS.— VVHKK DAYS. | SUNDAYS. STARTING FROM 2,3 1, 2,31, 2,3.1,2, 31,2,3 a.m. p.m. p.m. a.m. p.m. liWnv Vale 8 45; 2 15j 7 2o;il 2oj 7 5 Victoria 8 5o, 2 2o| 7 25:11 25| 7 lo Cwm 8 57 2 27 ..11 33 7 17 Abergeeg Junction j 9 8j 2 38i 7 42|11 44j 7 28 Nant.yglo 8 45! 2 15 7 2oi.il 2oj 7 r Blaiua 8 51! 2 21 7 2d|lI 26 7 1„ Abertillery 8 68! 2 28! 7 33111 341 7 lo Abcrbecf? Junction 9 g' 2 ;«l 7 42 31 44' 7 2'1 Llanhilleth 9 14: 2 44! |n 51 7 3^ Crumlin <> 2o' 2 511 7 51 j!I 58: 7 4o Newbridge 9 25. 2 56! 7 56112 3! 7 4, Abercnrne 9 3(): 3 2i 8 2*12 9j 7 5a Cross Keys 9 4o! 3 13! 8 HI12 2ol 8 K*8™ 9 II 3 2o! 8 18jl2 28, 8 fy,i<;e 9 5(3! 3 3oj 8 21U2 38! 8 2q Rhymney Junction ji0 3| 3 371 8 35!l2 45| 8 3« Newport to 15! 3 5oj 8 4Si 1 oj 8 4*j —WI;iiK DAYS. I SUNDAYS. STARTING FROM 1^2,311,2,31,2,3.1,2,3.1,2,3 ,r a.ai. ,i!<)on. p.m. i a.in. p.m. Newport 7 <>!i2 o; 5 ,V 9 o1 5 15 Rhymney J unction 7 12 12 13 5 13 9 13j 5 28 ,ydeo 7 17 12 18 5 48! 9 18; 5 33 7 20 12 27 5 57; 9 27 5 42 Cross Keys 7 32 12 34 0 4; <J 34 5 48 Abercarne 7 42112 44 6 14} 9 45 5 58 ft ew bridge 7 48jl2 5o G 2oj 9 52 6 4 Crumlin 7 53 12 55 6 25} 9 57 G 9 jLiauhilleth 1 £ 6 32«lo 5 6 lg Aberbeeg- Junction 8 6 I lo ii 4oilo 13 G 23 Abertillery 8 14 1 1^ 48-lo 21 G 31 Ulaiua 8 24 1 2! G 59 lo 52 6 43 Naiitygio 8 32 1 3; 7 7 lo -io 6 5o Aberbeeg-J unction 8 9 11! G 44<lo 16i 6 25 Cwm 8 19 1 24 G 54iIo 27 G 2G Victoria 8 20 13 7 lHo 34 G 44 iibbw Vale^) 8 32l_l_3j 7 /Jlo 4o| 6_5o Print id and Published by i'lixuit WiLtUMs. at the 'LKLEGUAr-it Office, High Street, ia ilie Town and Franchise of M ert-byr TvdtiL 1P the -County of CKasacrgMi.—StttwWt August 11, 1860.