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

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Owing to the prpspure on our space through the important public meetings held this week, we are COMPELLED to omit our local police REPORT. This, however, is of sdiglit importance, as beyond a, few publicans fined f(.r infringement, of their license,S and some petty assault and drunken cases, there was no business transacted of more than personal importance.

MR. RICHARD'S MEETINGS. As usual, the inhabitants of the Borough are going in large numbers to hear the annnal addresses of the senior member for Merthyr. Mr. KICHARD has al ready addressed meetings at Dovvlais, Merthyr, and Aberdare, and this evening he appears at Mountain Ash. That he has large and attentive audiences we need scarcely remark, for if anything should commend the ratepayers of Mei thyr and Aberdare to the two gentlemen who so faithfully and ably represent them, it is the deep interest which the ratepayers themselves take in their representatives, and the closeness, and, at at the same time, the generosity of interpretation with which they watch their proceedings in Parlia- ment. The meiftbers for this Borough may rest assured that they cannot give a right or a wron; vote in Parliament, without the knowledge of their constituents. We are now on the eve of a session which many expect to be a somewhat stormy one, and Merthyr will therefore watch the movements of its representatives with all the greater interest and all the deeper sympathy. Fortunately, how- ever, the political creed of the Borough, and that of its representatives, are so nearly identical that we only speak the truth when we add that no constituency in the kingdom has more confidence in its representatives than we have in ours. The ground traversed by Mr. RICHARD in his speeches has of necessity been old ground. He has been obliged to tell much the same tale as he told on his previous visit. This is only one of the many evidences we have that last session was a barren one. It is true that it carried the University Tests Bill into law, but that measure had been so fully discussed in previous sessions that nothing new could be said about it on its last appearance. The Army Bill was the only novelty of importance. As Parliament, then, attempted to legislate on old grievances, and had to resort to well worn argu- ments, we cannot expect our members to tell us anything new. If we may point out anything in Mr. RICHARD'S speeches, which give room for friendly criticism, we might refer to coming legis- lation as a topic on which his constituents would gladly have listened to him. His speeches have, on this occasion, as they have always been, charac- terized by great ability, and a correctness of diction which few public speakers can equal. They have also been valuable as presenting us with a sum- mary of work done or attempted in the last session of Parliament, and as affording us an occasional glimpse of Parliamentary life such as newspapers seldom reveal. But, on the other hand, there is not an intelligent ratepayer in the borough who is not more or less acquainted with what Mr. RICHARD said and did last session, and though we all like to hear from his own lips a narrative of the past, and a running comment on it, we should also like to hear what a man of Mr. RICHARD'S sagacity and opportunities expects the coming session to bring forth. We have no desire to see our honourable member become a Parliamentary Zadkiel, and attempt to divine 01 prognosticate. We would not wish him to assume the air of a prophet, and profess acquaintance with the secrets of the future. We want nothing visionary, nothing dreamy. But Mr. RICHARD has oppor- tunities of knowing how the wind blows at St. Stephen's, while his constituents have not. Then there are several notices of motions which members of Parliament intend to give as soon as Parliament opens. Mr. RICHARD has already in- formed us of one to be introduced by himself in reference to International Arbitration, and his con- stituents have expressed their sympathy with him in his endeavour to convince our legislators of the wisdom, fairness, and justice of his vitlwS on that subject. He also referred, though not at any length, to Mr. MiALi/a motion for the Disesta- blishment and Disendowment of the State Churches in England, Wales, and Scotland. But these are not the subjects on which the great pitched battles of the coming session-already growling some- what ominously-will be fought. Mr. DIXON, M P., for Birmingham, will in the name of the great majority of tho people of England and Wales, demand the repeal of the obnoxious 25th clause in the Elementary Education Act—a clause which empowers School Boards most unrighteously to saddle boroughs and parishes with an odious church-rate. The Government also, it is said, mean to endeavour to force a Scotch Education Bill through the House, and that Bill, if it appear in the shape in which it has appeared twice already, will be even worse than the Act under which we groan, and will most ingeniously pave the way for the worst possible Education Bill for Ireland. Then, again, Mr. FAWCETT intends to compel the Government to reveal something of its Irish policy by re-introducing his Dublin University Bill. We might mention other measures over which there will be battles fought, but these three will give rise, at an early stage, to warm, if not angry, debate, and will either make or ruin the present Ministry. Mr. RICHARD'S constituents would gladly have listened to any remarks he might have offered on these three grave subjects, and he knows also that the opinion which Merthyr has to pro- nounce upon them is by no means doubtful. While referring to these matters we own to a little surprise at the allusion made by Mr. RICHARD in his Tem- perance Hall speech to the division in the ranks of the M erthyr Nonconformists. Those to whom the honourable gentleman is indebted for kis knowledge of the social and political condition of the Borough, and the relationships of parties in the Borough, must have conveyed very incorrect impressions to his mind, if they have led him to believe that the Nonconformist party is divided. There is not tho slightest foundation for the impression. The Nonconformist party was never more firmly knit together than it is at this very moment. If the secession, of two men from its ranks may fairly be said to have divided it, it is divided, but it is supremely ridiculous to say that because two men--however prominent and useful -have ceased to act in concert with a party num- bering several thousands, theparfy ;s divided. We can assure Mr. RTCIIARD that his impression is unfounded—as, indeed, tho last School Board contest might have satisfied him, for that was a fact which should have carried greater weight than the opinion of any individual. Excepting two men, we do not know of a single seceder from the Nonconformist party who ever did any service to that party, and these two men have had no follow- ing. Mr. RICIIARD hopes, as the contest is now over, the past will be forgotten, and that we shall offer the right hand of fellowship to those who went out from us. Unfortunately, the contest is not over. The question of paying fees to denomi- nationol schools has yet to be discussed at the School Board, and unless Mr. CIIAELES JAMES is prepared to be a Nonconformist in relation to this question, how can the Nonconformist party work with him ? Let Mr. RICHARD only go to the House of Commons for an illustration. Until Mr. FORSTER. introduced the Education Bill he was regarded as a radical, and the members who sit below the gangway expected great things from him but when he introduced that Bill, and attempted to saddle the nation with new church- rates, did not Mr. RICHARD himself lose con- fidence in him ? Mr. CHARLES JAMES has acted- the saiga part in Merthyr a3 Mr. FORSTEB haø -A.. done in Parliament, and it iut'.er ?"iv unreasonable to expect the Nonconformist pai tv TO i. ce con- ndc);ceinhim. Tho Nonconformists could not do so without being traitors to th( ir principles, and making merchandise of their convictions. If there is to be union between Mr. JAMES and them, Mr. JAMES must return to Nonconformity. He was never driven out of the camp. He went of his own accord, and of his own accord he must return. Mr. GOULD made some v ry juat remarks on the apathy of Mr. RICHARD'S friends in Merthyr so far M petitioning Parliament is con- cerned. We do not think, however, that the Committee ever declined to promote any petitions placed before them. If their oilicerg do not sum- mon them, and lay business before them, that is not the fault of the committee. Mr. GOULD expressed a very natural wish thqt Merthyr should be remembered by its representatives, just as other constituencies are remembered, and with pride, by their representatives. He feels, no doubt, as we all feel, that Merthyr has done something to earn a good reputation. No other constituency in Wales has spoken ou.t in a more manly, more courageous, more emphatic manner than Merthyr Tydfil. In fact, Mr. ETAIT MAITHBW RICHARDS, who is never slow to say a good word for Merthyr, said the other day in the presence of a large audience at Manchester that the men of Merthyr had set an example to the whole Principality; that by their independence, their refusal to be -swayed by wealthy ironmasters, and their bold espousal of their principles, they bad given courage to all Wales, and that they were looked up to as an example. It does appear strange that Cardigan- shire should be praised, and Merthyr, for which the Liberal press had not one good word to say at the last Parliamentary election, should be passed over in silence, as if it had done nothing. We do not grudge Cardiganshire its praise. It is well entitled to it. But we are equally sure that Car- diganshire will not think any the less of its able representative for having discovered the part which Merthyr has played in the political emancipation of Wales, and boldly avowing it wherever he goes. On the one question of EducAtion alone Merthyr took the lead in espousing those views which the whole body of Nonconformists has since adopted. That it gave the key note on this vexed question is known to all who are acquainted with the history of the Education controversy. To our certain knowledge, the secession of the Merthyr Com- mittee from the National Education League, accompanied as it was with a clear statement of its views on the question of National Education, led to important movements in London, Bir- mingham, Newcastle, and other large towns, and pointed out to Liberals everywhere the only course which it was possible for them to adopt. These facts are not unknown to Merthyr, and it is natural for Merthyr men to be gratified when they are publicly acknowledged.

OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. LONDON, THURSDAY. All the Parliamentary portents point to an early struggle for place. Party feeling runs higher now than it has done for years, and it will exercise the Premier's abilitios to the utmost to keep the Liberals together. Mr. Akroyd's secession mean.-Mr. Akroyd's secession. It will not affect the party one jot, and will have no influence on thoughtful outsiders. Mr. Graves has made a great stride in popular favour by his remarkable speech on State railways, and that will stand him in good stead should the Opposition, assisted by disaffected Liberals of the Fawcett school, succeed in ousting the Government—a contingency net at all improbable. Lord Derby's "sensible" address appears to have given a fillip to Disraelli, who is determined to re-assert his posi- ltion as the brain of the Conservative party, as well as its eader, during his forthcoming campaign in Lancashire. Lord Salisbury makes no sign. Mr. Disraeli dines his friends and supporters on the 5th instant. The address in the Commons will be mored by the Hon. H. Strutt, East Derbyshire, and seconded by Mr. J. Colman, Norwich. It is well known that on what is called the Collier scandal," the Conservatives have their hopes of discomfiting the Government. Be the result what it may, there will, no doubt, be animated discussions on the subject in both Housee. Lord Cairns, I bear, will bring the matter under the notice of the House of Lords, and his chief opponent will he the Lord Chancellor, who has, on dit, a complete answer to give to any charge that may be brought against the Government. The Tichborne trial will be a great disadvantage to ministers, for Parliament will be sitting perhaps for weeks, while the Attorney-General is engaged in the ease, and may meet even before he has concluded what he himself has called his interminable speech. 1 have been conning over the last three or four numbers of the Fttit Journal, and find it very pleasant reading in one respect—that it shows that an immense effort is being made in France to get quit of the Ger- mans in the only legitimate way, by paying them out; just as one would have to do with a man in possession. l'his little journal—which at one timo had about treble the circulation of the paper which boasts the largest circulation in the world "-some time ago proposed the payment of one day's salary, earnings, or revenue for the liberation of the territory, and the idea has been warmly taken up. From the commercial establishments and shops of Paris, from workshops, factories, &c., of numerous provincial towns, subscriptions are rolling in daily—small individually, but great in the aggregate. A letter from Nancy, dated the 28th of January, mentions a collection of 400,000 francs ( £ 16,000) in one day, and the writer adds that there is reason to hope that it will shortly reach a million ( £ 40,000). From a number of letters making individual offerings, permit me to quote part of one, remarkable for its touching simplicity :—" I am but a poor widow, but I am the widow of a soldier, the daughter of an officer, and the mother of an officer. I weep M) much for the disasters of my country as for the misfortunes of my family, and I am quite willing to add my humble offering for the liberation of the country." By the way. M. Felix, the manager of the French plays at the St. James's Theatre, has done a graceful and kindly act, in conjunction with the artiste* of that theatre. The proceeds of the per- formances on the 10th of February are to be given in aid of the efforts of the women of France," to raise a national subscription to pay the indemnity. Would it be out of place, let me ask, considering how terribly France has suffered, and is still suffering, for British sympathizers with her to come torward and help her in her distress. After a great deal of bother and a lengthy corres- pondence, the Board of Inland Revenue has very sensibly acknowledged its error by remitting the tine and costs imposed in the case of Mr. Jar vis, of Wal- thamstow, for the alleged illegal use of armorial bearings. The Board did not spontaneously prosecute in this case, and the fact suggests the question, How is it that there is no prosecution in any of the numerous cases where armorial bearings are illegally used ? Why, it is the commonest thing in the world. In London there are many "heraldic engravers," who notify "arms found" as part of their ordinary business. WThcn any Jack Noaks or Tom Styles, neither of whom can trace back his pedigree beyond his grandfather, who was a tide-waiter, or a check-taker at a theatre, can have his arms found for a trifling fee, and use these arms on his envelopes and notepaper, it is an act of consummate loiiy to prosecute a clerk who borrows an envelope on which there are "arms found." If the Board were to prosecute all who have no legal right to use armorial bearings, and who nevertheless do so, they would have enough to do for the next ten years. If the Board were to succeed in their prosecutions, how many people would be crestfallen! Printers are deeply indebted to Dean Stanley for an admirable sermon in Westminster Abbey, preached in aid of their charitable funds. It affords me great pleasure to learn that this sermon, remarkable for its antiquarian learning and its broad philanthropy, will be orinted. and I have no doubt the protits will still further swell the funds. bir J. D. Coleridge entered upon the third week of his long spvecti UI1 -.Niuuday, and the Sessions House was, if postiible, more crammed than it had been before. It is unnecessary to remark perhaps that the plaintiff's counsel were not present in force. Mr. Serjeant Ballantinedid"lookin" in the morning; but, either nut liking the aspect of affairs, or tempted by the fineness of the weather (the weather was little less atrocious than it has been any day during the past three weeks) he went for a drive in tho park, and those who, like myself, did not enter the oourt until after the luncheon, were deprived of the pleasure of gazing upon the learned Serjeant. There were numbers of notabili- ties present, including, of all men in the world, Toole the comedian! Was he studying new points for his Buzfuz. It was his opinion, I can state, that the Attorney-General's speech was wonderfully tine." What is coming over the most thoughtful and the fairest and most philosophical of the Liberal weekly journalsThe howl of pxecration bestowed by the Spectator upon Mr. Bruce, the weakest member of the Ministry" would have done credit to the Morni,uj Advertiser. Need more be Baid:" "Had Christiana Edmunds been a servant, she would have been hanged without more ado, and we should never have heard a word about her latent insanity." So writes a passing commentator in the journal in question, charging, in point of fact, Mr. Bruce with wicked partiality, and utterly setting at naught the solemn and deliberate testimony of two of the most eminent experts in England. It may be that the accident of possessing respectable social standing had something to do with leading to Miss Edmunds's reprieve but should not that bo matter of thankfulness ? The hanging of that typical servant" would have been a cripio, just us much as the respite of the lady is an escape from one; that is, if one assigns duo weight to the after- interposition of the judge, and accept as just the verdict of the two medical men met ^ntione4, iivjt is it not c amazing that the Spectator, of all leaders of public opinion, should have missed the lesson with which tho respite- of Watson on the one hand, and Edmunds, on the other, is charged. It must be obvious to any thoughtful observer that public opinion is getting sick of capital punishment.

DEATH. On the 27th ult., after a brief illness, Mrs. Price, Court- land Terrace, Merthyr, aged 47, widow of the late Mr T. Price, draper, of this town. The deceased lady was much respected, and her death caused the deepest sorrow among all who know her.

^L00AL1:NTELLIS0E. SOUTH WALES CIRCUIT.—Mr Justice Grove, who will be thlt. presiding judge at the ensuing assizes for the South Wales Circuit, has made the following fixtures :-February 2Gth, Ilavetfordwest; 29th, Cardigan; March 4tli, Car- marthen 9th, Swansea; 22nd, Brecon 27th, Presteign an 1 .'>,)th, Chester. REMOVAL OF A MINISTER.—"Ye are informed that the Rev O. Waldo James, Baptist Minister at Hebron, Do'.vlais, (member of the Merthyr School Board), and one of the most popular and energetic Welsh ministers in this dis- trict has received an unaniixous invitation from the church and congregation at theTabernacle, to become their pastor, pwl that thelrev. gentleman has accepted the invitations, and purposes commencing his duties here iu March next. Mr James's services have been eminently successful at Dowlais, and the attachment of his congregation to him is of the most gratifying character. We doubt not that the same happy results will follow his zealous ministration among the more numerous church and congregation assem- bling at the Tabernacle Chapel. Merthyr. DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP.—Our advertising columns announce that the par:nersbip hitherto existing between Messrs Jones and Stuckey, wholesale wine and spirit mer- chants, Merthyr. has been mutually dissolved. This busi- ness-which is the oldest established of its kind in this dis- trict—with its extensive commercial connections throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire, necessarily involves most active and energetic management, and we regret to hear that Mr Jones relinquishes his connection through enfeebled health. We hope the rest he will obtain by a cessation from business may speedily restore him to his wonted strength, and that he may again, at no distant date, resume the active duties of commercial life. Mr tituckey continues the business on his own behalf, and it may be safely predicted that with his eiit.orprize, his knowledge of business, and his active habiis, the patrons of this old established commer- cial house will be served with the same fidelity and honour which have ever marked the establishment. BOAKO OF HEALTH MEETING.—A special meeting of the Local Board of Health was held on Wednesday, Mr George Martiu in the chair. There were present Messrs J. W. James, Thomas Jenkins, Thomns Williams, W. L. Daniel, and William Gould. The meeting was summoned for the purpose of appointing Mr David Edwards as arbitrator in the c ise of John Jenkins, who claimed compensation from the Board for injury done to his land in carrying the sewer through. Mr Jenkins had given notice to the Board to appoint an arbitra.tor.the having appointed Mr Treherne Kees, and the Board consequently had nothing to do but to appoint anotherarbitratoron their behalf, andappoint Mr D. Edwards. This was accordingly done, and the appointment signed by five members, as also a notice to Mr Jenkins in- timating the appointment made. Mr Edwards was after- wards appointed arbitrator to decide as to the amounts of tenant's compensation to be paid to Mr William Llewellin's tenants, Ynyscadudwg Farm. Some allusions were made with reference to filling up the road in Dowlais, near the new railway bridge, so as to improve tho gradient, but as the terms of the notice calling the meeting did not state that it was for general purposes, the matter was left in the hands of Messrs Martin and Jenkins, and the surveyor, for consideration, in order that they could advise the Board at the next meeting. INQUESTS. ~Au adjourned inquest was held atthe Dynevor Arms, on Tuesday, the HOth ult., before G. Overton, Esq. (coroner), and a respectable jury, on the body of Llewellyn Prosser, haulier, aged 68 years, who came to his death from injuries he received at the Cyfarthfa Yard, on the 26th ult., when the following evidence was given by Rees James, who stated he was a blocklayer at Cyfarthfa Works, and knew the deceased as haulier with the blocklayers under Mr Lewis's gang. On Thursday, the 26th, I and a few more, including the deceased, were on the top of the y?.rd hv the smith's shop we had placed two rails and two pointers in a coal tram to be conveyed down to the boring mill hy the deceased, who was in coarge ot the horse. The deceased proceeded down the incline, wldch was sharp, and required a double sprag in the hind wheels the deceased led the horso by the reins, and having proceeded about 120 or 140 yards, the deceased fell cross the road, and the tram went over him. We picked him up. and conveyed him borne, and be was immediately attended by the sur- geon of the works, hut did not live above 23 hours. The Coroner having summed/up the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."—Another inquest was held the same day, by the Coroner and a respectable jury, at the Richards' Arms, Abercanaid, on the body of Timothy Lewis, collier, Chapel-street, Abercanaid, aged 2years, who came to his death by a fall in the Upper Gethin Pit, on Wednesday, the 24th ult., when the following evidence was given by William Hupjies, who stated that he was standing timber at the bottom of the heading, where the deceasecl and four more men were working a hard heading across the measures, from the 9 feet vein to the 4 feet vein. They had tired a shot and retreated in about five or ten minutes they returned after the shot went out. fn a few minutes afterwards there were cries uttered and assistance procured. It was found that a large stone, weighing some tons, had fallen upon the deceased, and killed him on the spot. The other two men were badly bruised, one on the body and the other having had his leg iractured, whilst a fourth man had provi- dentially escaped, he having turned for the purpose of having a post to place under the roof which fell immediately, otherwise he would have shared the same fate. Thomas Williams, the party who escaped, corroborated the above, and stated there was plenty of timber supplied at the works for their use. The coroner summed up the evidence, aud the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by a fall." AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY.—It will he remembered by many of our local renders that some time since Mr Craw- shay, of Cyfarthfa Castle, exhibited a few of his prize photographs in the window of Mi Meredith, jeweller. Since then the pictures have been exhibited in London, and last week in Liverpool, with many later productions of Mr Crawshay. Many requests have been received from parties who had not seen these admirable works of art that the opportunity be offered them of seeing them, and in accordance therewith we have this week the pleasure of informing our readers that Mr Crawshay has again kindly consented to their exhibition in the same place, with tho additional pictures shown at Liverpool. On the occasion of the photographs being shown in London, the Photographic News remarks, In the present exhibition, occupying the place of honour, and commencing the catalogue, are a score of figure subjects, by Mr Crawshay, of Cyfarthfa Castle, some of whose works" e recently noticed. These vary from whole plate size to super-life sized heads, on plates 20 by lG. In all cases the technical qualities are admirably perfect, and in many caseq the art qualities are of very high order indeed. Even in heads of life size, taken direct, which, as we have before remarked, are rather examples of what can be done, than what it is desirable to do, there are singularly fine qualities. The modelling is perfect, and the texture soft and delicate, quite free from the rugose coarseness which we are accustomed to see in beads of such a size the hair does not look like wire, or strands of hempen rope, as we have often seen it iu similar pictures. And these qualities are due quite as much to the perfection of the photography as to the retouching upon tho negative. The figures of less proportions, however, have the highest pictorial qualities and please us best very brilliant they are, at the same time, exquisitely delicate, soft, and perfectly modelled perfectly solid and round, and full of true texture. "AR elenr its morning loses newly washed with dew" is a perferfect jem, both in conception and execution. Disdain is a charm- ing picture, admirably conceived and arranged, the ex- pression is finely rendered, as far as such a sweet fact" is capable of hardness of disdain. The Smuggler" and "The Keeper" are admirable renderings of character, and capitally vigorous photography. The series throughout, to which we shall return again—for in this notice we can only glance at the work at present—forms a valuable contribution to the Exhibition, and will well repay a careful ftudy. "-A member of the Liverpool Amateur Photographic Association, who is an eminent photographer, in sending Mr Crawshay one of his productions, Furness Abbey," which, by-the-hve, Mr Crawshay has kindly sent with his own pictures to Mr Meredith's for exhibition, con- gratulates Mr Crawshay upon his great success in large life subjects, which he says are really wonderful.—We are sure our readers will appreciate Mr Crawshay's kindness in ex- hibiting to his townsmen these exquisite and valuable pictures. Although we have to visit the metropolis, or others of the principal towns of the United Kingdom, to witness many productions of supreme excellence, it is specially gratifying that with respect to the marvels of the photographic art we need not go far a-field. for if the reader but look at the gems now exhibited in Mr Meredith's window he can do so with the full conviction that he sees the best and finest illustrations ot what photographic skill and taste have yet produced. MERTHVR SCHOOL BOARD.—The usual fortnightly meet- ing of this hoard w*s held 011 Fridav last. Present—Mr Clark (in the chair), the Revs. John Griffith (Rector), P. Millea, and O. tV. James Messrs Charles James and Thos. Wi.liains (Uti ffryn). The minutes of the last meeting were read and oonfiru.ed. -The report of the Finance Committee was presented. Amongst the items for the payment of wiiic I cheques were recommended was the sum of 18.5 Is. 9d., expenses incurred in the late election by the returning officer, the greater poition of which appeared to be out-of- pocket expenses. The Board then proceeded to the election of a. schoolmistress for the Tenydarren School. There were two applicants for the vacancy, Miss Elizabeth Annie Martin and Miss U. J. Lloyd, the former being at present at the Brecon National Schools, and the latter at the Porth Schools. The testimony submitted in behalf of each candidate WAS of a very high order, especially in the case of Miss Martin, WHO was elected.—Correspondence rece ved from the Educ, tion Department was read, seeking certain statistics upon schools already transferred to the board.—A communication was also read from the managers of the Penydarren British School, intimating that two schoolmistresses had tendered their notices One, Miss Leydion, had left on Januarv 12th; and the notice of the other, Miss M iry Jones, would date from December 2nd. The 1. tter C'ncludei by initiating that Miss Mary Ann Thomas, a pupil teacher, had pas-ed her last exauiinaiion, and was about computing her appren- ticeship that at a meeting ot tiie said managers Oil Mon- day last it was agreed that, inasnmeii as two assi-T nts were leaving, the said Miss Mary Ann Thomas be recommended to the School Board as a fit and propi r pc rson to be engaged as an assistant. The Chairman lermrke 1 that this ipvoi veil a principle as to whether they thould take the recommen- dations from the school managers or adopt the of ad- vertising. He was inclined to tlnnk the managers were better ahle to form an estimate of the person's comp etency. If the Board had sufficient confidence in certain gentlemen who so ably filled the office of managers in thetsi3 schools, they would have confidence in the present recommendation. The members present concurred, it being agreed that the opinion of the managers should be elicited upon the amount of salary to he paid. It was explained by Mr Williams (Duffryn), in behalf of the managers of the Troedyrhiw British School, that a moiety of the grant in respect to the current year belonged by agreement to the schoolmaster, and that under the agreement that moiety only of the grant would be dealt with over which the managers could cxercisu eOlltrd.-The publication of accounts was ordered, in accordance w th sect'on 02 of the Elementary Education Act. -Tl:is concluded the business, and the discussion as to rescinding the motion which pro- vides for the remission of fees will come on at the NEXT meeting. DEATH OF MR WOODS, LATE GOVERNOR OF THE CARDrFF GAOL.—We have to record the death of Mr John Bateman Woods, late governor of the county gaol, which took place at bis residence, Colchester Yilla, Cardiff, at mid-day on Saturday last. The deceased gentleman, who had always enjoyed the most excellent health, and seemed to possess the soundest of constitutions, had during the last three syeeks or mopth been confined to the house by general in- disposition. Notwithstanding the fact th,J Mr Wc xls was in the 86th year of his a^e, his faculties remained unim- paired up to the latest moment of his life. He was horn in the county of Essex, and one of the positions he held in h,s younger days was the governorship of Chelmsford gaol. Th a post lis left fn boil g appointed to a similar position in Carditf, t,) which town lie came in the year 1^20. Mr W( oils was governor of the gaol for the space of 48 years, and, having served the county faithfully and well. retired in April, 1868, on the'well-earned pension of .E400ayear, for which he was ever grateful. During the long period he held this offi 0, thire were many occasions on which 1. e perfoimed dut:es of great responsibi ity, and rendered ti e most valuable service. Particularly during the Rebecca Ivots, and the disturbances known to history as the New- port riots, was his conduct characterised by decisive and energetic action. The manner in which he exerted himself to SECURE the safety of the gaol when it was rumoured that the Newport rioters intended to attack it, was praiseworthy and admirable in the extreme. At all times when circum- stances arose of a trying nature he was remarkable for the coolness of temper and determined yet humane disposition which he displayetl. The gaol and its proper management formed his constant study, and he had often been heard to remark --and his regime to a great extent proved his words —T hat he exercised a more RIGID economy in handling his official affairs and conduct and expenditure of the prison t lmn he did in his own private household. His mode of carrying out the discipline of the goal was also much approved of by the visiting justices and by her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons, and the interest he took in ail matters which appertained to THE discharge of his functions as one of the highest functionaries in the county gave every satisfaction. Mr Woods was a gentleman of excellent private character, and was distinguished for many traits which are desirable in the person holding so dignified and honourable a position as that of governor of a county gad. H was much baloved by a large circle of frierds, and respected by all who knew him, and the painful intelligence which we publish in this brief notice will doubtless be learned with regret by a. con. siderable section of tho community. Mr Woods was a widower, his wife having been dead 16 years. He leaves two sons and three daughters. DUNYILLE & Co., Belfast, are the largest hoers fold whisky in the world. Their Old Irish Whisky is recom- mended by the medical profession in preference t< French brandy. Supplied in casks and cases for home use or ex- portation. Quotations on application to MESSRS. DUN- VILLE k Co., IUlHH ROYAL DISTILLERIES, BELFAST. 471

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE, Lrfjl ADDRESSED TO THE EDITOH. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents THE HOSPITAL AT PANTYSCALLOG. SIR,"—-Will you kindly a How me space to make a few remarks on the temporary hospital between Dowlais and Pantyscallog ? At the present time when there is such a violent outburst of small-pox in the. district, it is very desirable that nothing should be left undone to limit its attacks, and, if possible, to put a stop to it. Unfortunately this building is placet) in a situation that gravely affects the safety of the great number of persons who are compelled to he often passing it. It is in close proximity to the road from Dowlais to Pant, and there is imminent danger of its spreading the disease for the stamping out of which it is being used, by infecting the passers-by with that most virulent disease, small-pox. That it is in a position very much endangering the health and lives of peoplc2 is, I think, undeniable, and though my- self not an alarmist, nor a particularly nervous person, I confess to experiencing a feeling of uneasiness, or, at least ot unpleasantness, every time I pass the building. I have on more than one occasion in passing, smelt very plainly the fumes of burning carbolic acid. Now this is done to disinfect the room and all that is in it, and no doubt at the time when this is being done there is compar- ative safety, but this shows very clearly that danger exists. For if the atmosphere in which carbolic acid is being burnt can be conveyed outside so as to call forth the notice of passers-by, then the vitiated air in which the small-pox patients have been breathing, must of necessity be con- veyed outside in the same manner, and also particles disengaged from the bodies of the patients. This is a source from which danger must necessarily be feared, but there is danger also to be apprehended from the carelessness or shall I say recklessness ?—of the officials connected with the establishment. Would it be believed that at a time when our Lcfcal Board distributes posters throughout the district, warning people agamst keeping the clothes of people who were intected with small-pox, there should be left exposed to the gaze of the public, within a tew yards of the public road, from an hospital under the authority of the same Board., devoted principally if not altogether to small-pox patients, and of course under medical supervision, bedding, presumably recently occupied by ,small-pox patients, impregnated with blood and matter? Yet this has \ecn done systematically at this hospital. I have heard cocaplaints of it, but 1 could not believe it till I saw it mysoif. Of course, to discuss the conduct of the persons responsible for this is impossible—all that can be said of them is, that they deserve to have Billingsgate let loose upon them. It would be impossible to unkindly criticise tho feelings- which induced AIRS Clark to adopt such an institution as this, and as to the want of judgment displayed] in {the choice of a site, not this lady, but the medical and parochial authorities are responsible; generosity and au unshrinking deNoiion to the welfare of the afflicted, on her part, have not been met by discretion on their part. As small-pox is now spreading very rapidly, our Local Board ought at once to have this source of danger re- moved—the buildings if possible; but the institution certainly ought to be transferred to a place where there would be no danger of its assisting the enemy. Also as all, or nearly all, diseases are propagated by filth, might not more attention be paid to the cleanliness of our streets, and even, if necessary, to the cleanliness of houses whose inmates neglect n ? A street between Dowlais house and the Post-office is really in a shocking condition. The pavement is never free from excrement, and the stench from the houses when the doors are open is something to be experienced, but not described.—I enclose my card, and subscribe myselt yours respectfully, Dowlais, Jan ;)1, 1872. A DOWLAIS RESIDENT,

MERniYR BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly "meeting of this Board was held on Saturday. Present—Mr Clark (in the chair), the Rector of Merthyr, the Rev Dr Pnce, Messrs D. E. Williams, B. Kirkhouse, John James., John Williams, Thomas Williams, W. Gould, Hugh Jenkins, Rees Lewis, Henry Powell, Matthews, Kit-son, Jenkin Rhys, David Williams, Hosgood, James Lewis, and R. H. hhys. The minutes ot the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Master's statistical report for tho past week was read, from which it appeared that out of the 42 applicants for reti ef, who received invitations into tho house 011 Satur- day la IT, only two accepted the prof erred shelter. fb e monthly statement was placed on the table, and the reports of the Finance Committee and the vaccination in- SPF ctor were read. EXPENSES TO FAUFERS.— MR HENRY THOMAS'S MOTION. The discussion upon Mr Henry Thomas's motion, to allow expenses to paupers summoned by the Board trom a distance, Was proceeded with. The motion, it will be remembered, arose in consequence of the review of widows at. present in process, a certain number being taken each week trom each relieving-onicer a book, so that eventually the most desirable can be selected for out-door relief. Mr William Gould, having expressed regret at the absence of his friend, Mr Henry Thomas, moved the follow- ing resolution "that this Bo ,ND is of opinion that in all cases of widows in receipt of relief, summoned from a dis- tance to attend before the Board, they be allowed one shilling tor ex penses. Dr James, in seconding the motion, said he believed it arose out of the motion on the part of Mr Rhys some time ago. He believed he was not wrong in stating that much. Air R. H. Rhys here muttered something which was inadible to the reporters. Dr James proceeded Now, please not to interrupt me. You are one of those individuals ever ready to throw a joke at others, but cannot take one yourself. laughter.) iNow the question is this, whether we have any right to reduce our expenditure 111 this union by endeavouring to reduce the pay of poor widows, who are already getting very little relief. IT seems to me to be acting on the principle of which Mr Gladstone was accused some years ago. He was asked to reduce the expenses of the Government, and he began by reducing the poor Woolwich men-the dock labourers in her Majesty's yard. This appears to me sonieihing of a like nature. Now the question here arises—is our Poor-law relief expenditure greater in this union, or as gieat, or any- thing like as great, as it is in the other unions of this county ? To answer that we cannot do better than compare our own union with others-in tact, draw a coinpaiison with sur- rounding unions, such asCarddf, Neath, Swansea, and some of the other neighbouring towns—(JhMon, and so forth. Now let us take the population ot Cardiff and the number of paupers there. Ciiruitf has a population ot 58,285, and the toiai number of paupers relieved was J,bja. These re- turns 1 read you bear upon 1809. In Ivlerthyr the popula- tion is 93,00U, and only 3,020 relieved. So that in reality Merthyr, which has a population neariy double that of Cardiff, has 2uu less paupers than in the union of Cardiff. then again, there is Neath, which has a population of 58,5O3, nearly the same as Cardiff, and a great deal less than Merthyr, has J,(jjU paupers, something like 50 over Mer- thyr, whereas in population we are nearly 50 per cent more than Neath or Cardiff. MR Jenkin Rhya fhere's logic. Dr James W ell, I tlunk it's very good logic. If we can prove that the number of our paupers in this union is far smaller in proportion to the population than the number of paupers in Cardiff, Neath, or Swansea, I think it proves a very strong case, indeed, that our paupers are not so num- erous, or anything like the number of paupers in the sur- roundiug unions; so that to attempt—as Mr Khys's motion has had the effect of duiog-to leduce the rates in this way, I say we have no just grounds for doing so. W e ought, Oil the contrary, to see tne paupers are not too much kept down. 1 have no doubt these returns are pertectiy collect, and they will show, and do show most distinctly, that theie are fewer paupers 111 LVierthyr than in other towns. And these must be some reason tor it. And that reason seeins to me to be tius-that we are drawing the strii.g much tighter here than there is any necessity for and this at- tempt, on the part of Mr Rhys and others, to squeeze down the widows to that extent is, 1 repeat, a procedure for which there is not the slightest necessity, and against which we ought to set our faces. For these reasons 1 beg most cor- dially to second the motion of my ftienu Air Gould. J don t know, 111 further urging this fitter that there is any- thing 1 can give you with respect, to other towns. But I will briefly point to Clifton, Greenwich, and Sunderland. Clif- ton tia-t a population of 'J4;0SI being L UUlJ more than Merthyr—and has 4,254 paupers, and, mind you, Merthyr has only 3,0^0._ Greenwich has a population of 85,975, which is something less that! Merthyr, and the number of paupers there 1 find to be 0,04.), nearly double that of Mer- thyr. Sunderland, which is a seaport town, has a popula- tion of do,(,,Oo- J,UlU, under Merthyr. There wc nnd the number of paupers 4.309, which is something like 1.000 over Merthyr. So you see, taking the generality of towns, I think we may sately assert tuat the number of paupers in this union ranges tar below the average ratio, and under those circumstances, I think we ought to do nothing to biing about a turther reduction. (Hear, hear.) Mr 11. H. Rhys said all ahusion had been made to his unlortun$te uiotiou, HE WAS sorry it had given so much pain to one or two of his Chartist friends, (Laughter.) It really seemed to have had an extraordinary effect-som.e- thing like that of throwing a red rag before a bull. He still contended that his motion was a proper one, and the result of last Saturday's revision proved most completely that it was high to go into the question (BE:IV)—for it de- monstrated THAT the Board had vouchsafed relief to people who were far better able to contribute towards the relief of others than they were entitled to leiief from this Board. With reference to the numbers Mr James had brought for- ward, they, for the most part, had reference to seaport towns, where the number of paupers would be necessarily greater than in the manufacturing districts. Merthyr was a most favourable district, embracing a mining and manu- facturing population, where there WA* abundance of work to be obtained for people of all ages—from the child between ten and eleven years of age up to the man of seventy. No man need be in want of a day's work here who was competent to perform it. And, furthermore, he believed there was a. greater amount of money passing in this union than among any of those districts which Mr James had quoted as aa example for them. He (the speaker) had not gone into statistics, for if he had done so this one thing at least would certainly have been found, that the ratio of paupers to the population was much less elsewhere than in this union. After pointing to the returns for London, the speaker said it was certain that a great number of unions in the king- dom must have a less proportion of paupers to the popula- tion than in this district. In replying to Mr Gould's pro- postion, to PLY expenses in this special instance, the speaker asked why it was not proposed to pay expenses of all the women who coine here occasionally from Gellygaer, Rhigos,. and other outlying districts. If payment were granted in the one instance, why not the other? It was competent for the Board to order the cases in question before them month after month, but it was not thought expedient, for no great change could take place in the circumstances of a widow with one or two children in the course of twelve mouths. The Board had, therefore, wisely considered a revision once in twelve months as sufficient. If this move- ment, the present course of revision, had gone on as satisfac- torily as anticipated, he should have proposed that the widows be brought here in numbers of ten at a time from the different districts, so that they could proceed with the revision of the whole of them before the whole Board, in- stead of referring them to local committees—local persons who had local interests to serve Dr James Oh, oh. Mr Rhys You can say "Oh, oh," but I think it is the case nevertheless. It would be far better that such revisions should take place in this room, and let the local revisions be confined to the old and"infirm, whom it would be cruel to summon over here. The guardians from that locality would be competent to look into such infirm cases. With these remarks, he begged to move the previous question, making no such provision for expenses. Dr Price seconded it with much pleasure, and regretted the introduction of the motion by Mr Gould. As Mr Rhys had already put it, they bad no more reason to complain of the recipients of relief in question coming here once in six months than others who came here once a fortnight. He was sorry any guardians should come here to make speeches as though to elicit a large amount of applause from a certain class of people—pretending to be the friend of the poor people, and making a great to-do. Such action was unworthy any man of common sense, and he was sorry Mr James should go out of his way to pander to certain feel- ings in this manner. Mr Rees Lewis here sought explanation upon the word distance," and to what extent it would be applicable. The ( hairman I apprehend if that motion were passed it would lay down a principle, and a committee would subsequently determine upon the best mode of carrying. that principle out. We should accept their definition of the word in this instance. Having invited the opinions of any other gentleman upon THE question under discussion without response, the chairman proceeded to express his views, remarking at the outset that he differed with his friend Dr Price, and was glad the motion had been brought forward. And, little as he agreed with some of the arguments used and many of the facts urged, at the same time it was advanced in a very fair manner and he thought it only right that a class who were for the most part without friends should be represented at this board-(hear)-and was for that reason glad when certain persons became members of this board, because they notoriously sym- pathised with a class which had long been unrepresented. (Hear). It was better for the community that whatever they had to sny should be given expression to here, where it would he addressed to the governing body of the district, rather than outside, and not addressed to the governing body. Having expressed gladness that the matter had been brought forward, the speaker added that it had been done temperately, fairly, and moderately, although it did not rectiiv; his concurrence, nor did he accept those references to other unions as comparable with circumstances in con- nection with this union. There were a variety of circum- stances to be considered in relation to some localities with reference to a greater or lesser proportion of paupers, and they (the guardian*) all hoped to some day reach that Utopian state when there would be no paupers, and he was sure few persons would behold such a happy state of things with greater joy than the mover and seconder of the resolu- tions. (Hear, hear.) He for one had sufficient local feel- ings on the matter to think that the. Merthyr Board of Guardians need not look to any Board of Guardians in this county. They knew how to conduct their business at other Boards in the county, and he ventured to say this Board was equally capable, and few existed where so little time was used in purposeless speaking. (Hear, hear.) They had also endeavoured to steer a course, both with regard to the interests of the ratepayers and the feelings ot others, which should be appreciated, and he thought that, on the whole, the desire had bt'en attained. With the particular union, Clifton, he happened to be somewhat acquainted and he did not think the number of paupers there would be material in the present argument, because Clifton, unlike many other places, contained people of independent means, who were anxious to do good, and whose idea of doing good was to give indiscriminate alms, and that was the reason wl had always been, and still existed, a great propor pauperism in Clifton, which, under a more judicious sy would not exist. (Hear, hear.) Having jocularly express* bis unwillingness to incorporate political matter in this dis- cussion, the Chairman alluded to certain acts attributed to Mr Gladstone, reminding Dr James that such acts were not those of the present Ministry, but their predecessors. In France it was held to be the duty of the Government to provide work for the people, but this country had not yet come to that, and whether they were the old Ministry or the present who reductd the dockyard labourers, it was done because the country did not require their work. Whatever class they belonged to, if they had been employes of the Government, and the Government did not want their work, such persons would have to be struck off, and such was the principle in the instance referred to. Now his (the chair- man's) opinion was this—that each case should be tried on its own merits. He was not desirous of seeing any special rule laid down, for liberality was exercised when circum- stances suggested it. There were instances frequently when paupers came from over the hills a little more relief had been given them on account of railway expenses defrayed, and he had ever found the guardians sitting there ready to consider and act upon any reasonable proposition, and the circumstances of persons coming from a distance were taken into consideration. He thought, on the whole, it was better to take the cases on their merits. (Hear.) Mr W illiam Gould deprecated the assertion of Dr Price, that the object of the mover and seconder in this matter was to elicit applause from a certain class. Having ex. plained the object of Mr Thomas in giving notice of this motion, i.e., making a trivial remuneration to the widows for loss of time, the speaker denounced such a system of retrenchment, remarking that when a cry for reduction was raised, the large salaries and pensions were lost sight of, but the poor were the first to be cut down. Atter a brief discussion, the question was submitted with the following result For the motion—Messrs D. E. Williams, Kirkhouee. Matthews, Ritson, Rees Lewis, Hugh Powell, W. Gould, Rev J. Griffith, and Dr James. For the amendment—The Chairman, Messrs John Wit. liams, Thos. Williams, D. Davis, Hugh Jenkins, Dr Price, J. Rhys, Hosgood, D. Williams, James Lewis, and H. H. Rhys. J he motion was, therefore, lost. This concluded the business of public importance. MR. HENRY "RICHARD, M.P., AT MERTHYR. ENTHUSIASTIC PUBLIC MEETING. Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., addressed his Merthyr Constituents at the Temperance Hall on Wednesday even- ing. There was a crowded attendance, and theproceedingt were of a very enthusiastic character. There were several ladies on the platform, amongst whom we noticed Mrs Richard, the hon. member's wife. The chair was taken by Mr Kirkhouse, the High-Con. stable, who, in introducing the hon. member, said when Mr Fothergill recently addressed his conseituents at the Drill-hall the meeting was conducted in an orderly and exemplary manner, and he (the speaker) trusted they would that night accord him the same fair and impartial hearing. He had no doubt Mr Richard would give them his opinions as to the Education Bill, the Ballot, and other important measures, and he (the chairman) presumed the hon. member would answer them any questions submitted to him. Should there be any difference of opinion arising out ef any discus- sion, he hoped it would be taken in a kindly manner. Fromi the weight Mr Richard's opinions carried, he hoped the sama respect would be sl own him as was extended to him in an assembly of the first gentlemen of England. The chairman eulogised the hon. member's action with respect to the peace movement, and then called upon him, as their senior member, to address them. Mr Richard, who was received with loud and long ap- plause, said he supposed they felt themselves, and the Liberal party generally throughout the country must feel, that they were In a somewhat dIffcrent political atmosphere ofSfri1 1 th(T 'rathed tbrec >'EARS of the last general election. It could not be denied that there had been some abatement of that intense and au but universal enthusiasm wliieh carried Mr Gladstone on the shoulders of the people to a height of popularity and power such as had been rarely attained before by any Minister of the Crown in the country—(hear, hear)—but M such cases a reaction was inevitable. There was always this kind of ebb and How to be observed in politics. High hopes were followed by comparative disappointments. Atter remarking that the sanguine and, perhaps, somewhat extravagant expectations cherished during periods of political excitement were not always followed by an ade- quate fulfilment, the hon. gentleman observed that humant nature in office and human nature out of office were Home. what different. At the same time, his belief was that the confidence of the Liberal party in Mr Gladstone was not seriously impaired and they would be guilty of gross ingratitude if they forgot or ncglected to acknowledge the great and illustrious services which that Minister's Govern- ment had rendered to the cause of Liberal progress in thirc country. (Hear.) He had relieved Ireland from a State Church that had becon e intolerable, and it was not a little gratifying to him (the speaker,), as a Nonconformist, to see it lately stated on no less an authority than that of Lord Derby, the leader, or WT least one of the leaders, of the Conservative party, that since the disestablishment and disendowmcnt of the Iri.-di Church the position assumed by the Dissenters of this country DEMANDING that the same principle shuuld he applied CLSEW HE-iv W*AI logical iy unas- sailable. (Cheers.) Air Gladstone's Government also gave to Ireland an excellent Laud Bill, which had done, and was doing, a. great deal to pacify that country, and he (the speaker; only wished a similar boon was conferred on Al AH 9 —(cheers)—where it WAA ALMOST as much NEEDED as it WT?