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

Good value for money is desired by e1.1, but with articles that cannot be judged of by appearance, careful purchasers rely on the high standing of those with whom they deal. or 30 years, Koxniman's Pure Teas in packets kave given general satis(a.( tion, being exceedingly strong, of uniform good qualify, 4* cheap. Agents—Merthyr Tydfil, Stevens, high-street, Tnomas. 143, High-street; Aberdare, Thomas, 70, Mill-street, Trecynon iJowiais, Itidge, chemist Mountain Ash, White, chemist; jsrecon, Hughes, High-street; Swansea, Finch, chemist; Ebbw vale, Jones, chemist. j.

ABERDARE INTELLIGENCE. Tag RAILWAY WAGGON FITTERS connected with the different companies at Aberdare held their annual supper at Mr Edward Arnott's, the Old B:mk Inn, on New Year's Eve, when nearly forty sat down to a no,,6 excellent repast, served in a style which reflected the greatest credit on the carterers. Mr John S. Baker, representing the Midland Waggon Company, presided, and Mr George Jones, of the Gloucester Waggon Com- pany, occupied the vice chair. After the usual loyal toasts had been honoured, the chairman gave the Army, Navy, and Reserved forces," coupled with the names of oorgt. Jones and Corp. John James, of the 14th Glamorgan. The chairman gave the health of the oldest fitter among them, who represented the Metro- politan Waggen Company, viz., Mr John Hicks. Mr Hicks made a suitable reply, saying that during the number of years he had represented various companies he never found a body of men so combined together to promote good fellowship as the waggon fitters of Aber- dare, and hoped it would long contiuue. The Great Western Company" was responded to by Inspector John James. Mr G. Jones acknowledged the toast of the Gloucester Waggon Company." Mr H. Phillips replied for the Powell Duffryn Company," whilst Mi George Prosser'a name was coupled with Clement Abel's Worcester." "The Town and Trade of Aber- 'lare" having been acknowledged by the different tradesmen present, brought out a capital reply from Mr E. Arnott on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers' Association," detailing the good of such associations i i preventing the liberty of the subject from being I;, infringed upon, and concluded by asking them to drink the health of Mr James Riehard-on connect;ed wrth the wiSSc"the i» th. ki.gdom, w,, re. w aof,0ii company, wio ^avltl?, been ceived with musical honours. Health of the responded to, Mr J. Gerring gav thpr would look unon th» supper that even n breakfast feast of the dying year, but as ■ prmlq6Npw Year and the harbinger of a happy and pr P „ drunk "The Health of the Host and. Hostess was drunk with musical honours. The meeting* P-

ABERDARE POLICE COURT. TUESDAY.—[Before Bees H. Rhys, Bsq.) DRUNKARDS.-David Harris, collier, charged by P.O. Emanuel, with having lain drank and incapable in Pryce-street, Mountain Ash, on the 20th ult., was fined .5s. and the costs. Joseph Jones,, collier, for a similar offence in Oxford-street, Mountain Ash on Christ mas Day, wast, upon the evidence of P-y- Villiams, fined a similar amount.-Robert Swan, labourer, summoned at the instance of the same officer for a snndar offence in Commercial-street on the 26th ult, and William Parcell, collier, his fourth appearance,, summoned at the in- stance of P.C. Emanuel for a similar offence in Pryce- street on the 17th ult., were each fined 5"1 ami the costs. Y for -David Jones, collier, summoned by P.C. Witney for a like offence in Cardiff-road, Aberaman, on the 19th ult was fined 10s and tne costs. —The summons against Evan Morgan, collier, issued at the instance of P.C. Dyment, for drunken and riotous behaviour in Lewis- sireet Aberaman on Christmas Day, was adjourned for a week, defendant disputing the allegations made affainst him. # UNINHABITABLE HOUSES.—Edward Williams, Mary Williams, and William Williams, owners of certain houses in Dare-court, the use of which for human habitation bad been prohibited by the Court until they had been rendered fit for that purpose, were now sum- moned for having infringed the order thus made. Mr R. O. Gery, clerk to the Local Board, applied for leave to withdraw proceedings against the first named defendant, who was the only one that appeared, he having subsequent to the issue of the summons com- plied with the te-ms of the order. Upon payment of the usual costs the application was acceded to. The summons against the other defendants were adjourned for a week. TRESPASSERS.— Joseph Elins and William Coles, navvies, were summon d for having damaged some quick fences on the land of Sir George Elliott, Bart., at Aberaman, on the 22nd ult. P.C. Dyment proved serving the defendants who did not appear with a copy of the summons. A fellow-lodger of Elins assured the Court that the summons had never come to the know- ledge of the latter, who was away Christraasing." P.S. Cook having given evidence in support of the charge, his Worship ordered a warrant to issue for the apprehension of Coles, and that Elins be served with a fresh summons. THEFT AT A PUBLIC-HOUSE.—Edward Davies, des- cribed as a puddler,an unkempt and ill-looking personage, was brought up charged with stealing a pair of elastic- sided boots, four parts of a work called Goldsmith's Animated Nature," and a cotton handkerchief. the property of William Bassett, a collier residing at Cwm- bach. The prosecutor, it appeared, visited the Market Tavern beerhouse on the night of the 28th ult., with the books and boots referred to done up in a bundle enclosel by the handkerchief. The lot were placed under his seat, and he crosed the room to speak to a friend. Wh;le thus engaged the prisoner sat in his place, and ere the prosecutor could regain it, left the house in company with a friend. Directly after Pro- secutor missed his bundle. That very night, a bundle tied up with a red handkerchief and containing a pair of shoes similar to those which had been lost was seen in the prisoner's possession at the Commercial Inn by P.C. Hazell. No information of the robbery having at that time been given no further notice was taken of the affair. The prisoner, who was arrested yesterday by the same officer, contended that the bundle only contained bread and cheese. Remanded for a week. BREACH OF CONTRACT.—Thomas Lewis and Thomas John, furnacemen in the employ of the Gadlys Tin Plate Company, were summoned for having left their work without just cause or lawful excuse. Mr Ken- shole, from the office of Messrs Linton and Williams, solicitors, who appeared on behalf of the complainants, withdrew the summons against Lewis, who had apolo- gised and returned to work. The other defendant not having been heard of since the issue of the summons, was ordered to be brought up under warrant. THREATENING A WIFE.- David Evans, collier, a diminutive individual, was summoned for having threatened Elizabeth Evans, his wife. The parties reside at the Tramway, Trecynon, and on the 19th ult. defendant was alleged to have pursued his better half knife in hand, and threatened her, saying he had sharpened the instrument for the express purpose of taking her life. Defendant contended that he was drunk at the time he had made use of the expressions attributed to him. His Worship ordered him to be bound over, himself in JE20 and one surety in a bke sum, to keep the peace for the next six months. THE WANT OF A SECOND MAGISTRATE caused some inconvenience and delay in the transaction of business at the Court to-day. The only justice supposed to be in the neighbourhood—the Hon. H. C. Bruce—was telegraphed for. After waiting some time to no pur- pose for a reply, the remainder of the cases set down for hearing, for the disposal of which the presence of a second magistrate was absolutely necessary, were ad- journed for a week.

INFANTS' POWDERS.—Thousand) can testify that the Europa Infants' Life Prese. /ers," have saved "fe after all other advertised remedies, and the be it m die J had been tried in vain.-They contain no Cpium, or an) whing injurious to the youngest Infant, therefore are the only safe Sfedicina to give Infants wh''e Teething, tic, — For Measles, Scarlatina, Inflammation, Fits, Costivenrss. Bronchitis, and all disorders of Children from one tctek to 12 years old, they Me iovaluable. In the most severe attacks, If a dose be given eve. four hours or so they never fail to check the c11 seise, and thereby arrest danger. Mothers by using them' save their offspring and escape the dreaded Doctor's bills. Testimonials, directions for use, and other pnrticulars enclosed with each p .cket. Sold by a" Chemists and Medicine Vendors at Is lid and 2s 9d per p cket. Caution.—Avoid all Soothing Sy jps, and so ca' ed Powders. They kill more Infants than all the diseases of Children put together.-Notice.-When you ak for the Europa Life Pre¡¡el ,ers," see that you get then, as other cheap, but worthless, and perhaps da iQerous substitutes may be offered by unprincipled parties.— Wholesale Aqeits- Lond-On.-Barclay and Sons, V. Sutton & Co, Mather &c; Bristol, J. A. Reper & Co Cardiff, S. P. Kernick most wholesale houses, and from the sole Proprietor B.A. George, Famity Chemist, Pentre, Pont. ridd.-A packet fr:e per post for 11 or 34 stamps.

TREDEGAR INTELLIGENCE. OUT IN THE COLD.-Somewllt.J ^t| twenty pas- sengers were left at Nantybwch on lsau„rday morning, much to the disappointment of those who had urgent business demanding their presence at Brynmawr and other place-; 1110ng the Vne. It appears a new service of trains has been put on by the London and North Western Railway, and as they are to benefit persons travelling to distant places, punctuality is to be observed in starting from the various stations. On Saturday the Sirhowy train, due from Newport at 10.18, did not airive till after 10.30, by which time the London and North Western train bad rounded the Trefil comer. There was nothing for it but tv wait till 1.6 or walk, and the ground being a foot deep in slush, most of the passengers re-booked for Sirhowy, and gave up the idea of visiting their friends tha.t day.

GELLIGEAR SCHOOL BOARD. The ordinary meeting of the above Board was held on the last day of the year 1874, at the Board-room, Pontlottyn, when the following members were present: Mr A. Davies (chairman), Messrs J. Matthews, D. Morgan, Revs R. Williams, J. E. Griffith, and J. P. Williams. The minutes of the last Board meeting were read and confirmed.—Resolved that the clerk apply to the Loan Commissioners for the sum of j22,200 for building the school at Bargoed in two instalments of £ 1,100 each.—A letter was read from the Education Department in reference to electing a member in lieu of Dr Evans, who disqualified himself by non-attend- ance, calling the Board's attention to a certain section in the Amended Education Act, 1873, that no election could take place before March next, when an order will be issued.-The Rev J. P. Williams said that they as a. Board had nothing more to do with the case, that the matter now rested with the Education Department, the returning officer and the ratepayers. But he wished to add, that they had done well during last year in a quiet and noiseless way, with their present number, and he didn't believe that they could do better after going to the expense of an election, to add ono more jto their number. He had no hesitation in saying that they (as a Board) had done more in the way of providing school- accommodation, as to population, than any School Board in Wales.—An application was read from the Baptists who reside at Vochriw, who wished to rent the Board School there, to hold religious services for a certain time.—The Rev R. Wiiliimis objected to the application on the ground that it did not come from any recognized Baptist Church.— The Rev J. E. Griffiths said that those whose names wpre attached to the application, were well-known to him as the leading men connected with the Baptist church at Brithdir, and he had no doubt that they applied on behalf of the said church.—The Rev J. P. Williams explained that what Mr Griffiths had said was no doubt the case. They were members at Brithdir chapel, and their intentions are to build a chapel at Vochriw next summer, and they wanted the use of the school-room until the said chapel would be ready.-The Chairman said that the case was very important, and he wished the Board to have time to consider whether they would lend, or rent, their school-room to any religious bodies to hold services. —Mr J. Matthews proposed, and Mr D. Morgan seconded, that the application be laid on the table for a month, so as to give time to the Board to consider whether they would be justified to rent their school- rooms for any length of time to religious bodies to hold services. All the membe.s agreed to this.— Mr W. Davies was re-engaged as a temporary master at New- town, to the end of the school-year.—Mrs Weale sent in her resignation as sewing-mistress, and the Board authorized the managers to engage another in her place. — Cheques were signed to the treasurers of Deri, JE30 Newtown, t25 half-yearly salary to the clerk, and also the littondauce Q&W,-—had Kent in applications for the mastership of Gelligaer village mixed school. After the applications and testimonials had been read, the Board reduced the number to seven, who were arranged on the list alphabetically. Nos. 2, 3, 6, 7, 13, 15 and 18, and after carefully considering these applications and testimonials, and comparing the qualifications of the different candidates, they unani- mously elected No. 5 on the list, and next No. 13, aid afterwards No, 3.—The appointment of mistress was not decided upon, and the matter is to be reconsidered -The building committee of Tirphil School recom- mended the Board to build there a school for 200, and the Troedyrhiwfuwch Board School to be made an Infant School under a mistress, and in due time, that another school be erected at the George Inn.—Mr D. Morgan remarked that as the parish of Gclligaer was increasing, and will increase very rapidly for the next twenty years, the School Board and Highway Bowd would have plently of work to do to provide schools and roads for a number of years to comlt.-The Rev R. Wil- liams called attention to the increase of the popula- tion down Cwmvelyn Valley, and the need of school accommodation there. The Board intend taking the census there at once to see what accommodation was required.Ttv Chairman said that some of those who fought tooth and nail against the introduction of the School Board into tha parish had now been asking to build them schools.—The Rev J. P. Williams was very glad that people were coming wiser, and saw that they were not going to be ruined a1 predicted by the false prophets of the Denominational Schools. -The Board disagreed with the memorial sent from the Hull School Board, and the chairman did not sign it.-This ended the business.

At the AOBICULTUBAL SHew, lately held at Rochdals, the SILVER MEDAL offered for The Best Sewing Machine for Dressmaking and Family Use," was awarded to TAYLOR'S PATENT MACHINE." It has a new Patent Shuttle, having only one hole to thread, and a number of other recent improvements. Parties wanting a Sewing Machine should, if unable to get this one from local Dealers, send for a prospectus to Taylor's Patent Sewing Machine Company, Great Driffield, or 97, Cheapside, Lendom. B.C. 6850

A MAN FROZEN TO DEATH IN THE RHONDDA VALLEY. At the end of last week the deputy coroner, Mr Thomas Williams, held an inquest at the Cardiff Arms Hotel, Treoki. upon the body of John Elias, a. farm labourer, employed at Clyncoli Farm, who was found dead and covered with snow at the entrance of one of the outhouses on Abergorki Farm. The first witness examined was Evan Llewellyn, who said deceased was his fellow servant, being employed by Mrs Phillips, Glyncoli. They generally worked together. Last saw deceased alive on Tuesday last at the Cardiff Arms. Both usually slept at the farmhouse, but in different rooms. He left deceased on the night in question at the Cardiff Arms. He (witness) slept that night by the backyard wall behind the Prince of Wales public-house. About eight o'clock on Wednesday morning the Aber- gorki farmer told him that John Elias was dead. Went to look at him, and saw him on the floor inside the barn-he was quite dead. The.'e was snow over him. He (witness) had frequently turned in to sleep in the same place when drunk. Henry Evans said he was a builder, and lived in High- street, Treoki. Knew deceased well. Saw him last alive about seven o'clock on Tuesday night walking towards the Cardiff Arms. The roadway was very slippery, and that was what chiefly directed his atten. tion to him. He did not appear to be drunk. Peter Muir said: I am a farm bailiff at Abergorki Farm. About 7.45 a.m. on Wednesday, I found deceased in the barn close to the door, the top part of which was open I had fastened, the doors at six o'clock the nilht before, the bottom post with a cross bar, and the top one with a chain. I found this morning that the staple to which the c! nin was fastened had been knocked in. The lock was there. The deceased must have got over the lower door, which is only about three feet high. It snowed very much on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, and his body was nearly concealed from view by the quantity of snow that ha.d drifted upon him through the open door. I moved the body from under the snow, and then saw blood on the face, which I think came from the nose. Mr Llewellyn Phillips said he lived at Glyncoli Farm with his mother, who was a widow. Deceased had worked with them for thirteen years. He was very fond of drink. The last time he saw him alive was the night before Chritmas. He lodged in the house, where he also was boarded. He was sixty-four years of age, and wa-, a widower with four children. He was a native of Glyncorrwg. Dr Thomas Phillips, Treorki, said I knew the de- ceased well. I have attended him frequently; he suffered from rheumatism. I was called to see his body on Wednesday morning, about 8.30 a.m. He had not been removed from the barn. His nose was slightly flattened, and this was no doubt caused by falling over the barn-door. There was no other injury on the body. I am satisfied that the cause of death was exposure to the cold. Some hay was found frozen fast to his face. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. THE CRISIS IN THE COAL AND IRON TRADES. IMPORTANT MEETING OF DELEGATES. RESOLUTION TO RESIST THE- REDUCTION. .r«. THE CYFARTHFA AND PLYMOUTH MEN RESUME WORK. A very important meeting of delegates took place at the British Workman, Merthyr, on Wednesday, when the whole of the colliery districts were well represented. The gathering was a very large one. At eleven o'clock Mr David Morgan, of Mountain 1: sh, was voted to the chair, and the vice-chair was taken by Mr Jenkins, of Gellygaer. Two secretaries were appointed-Mr W. Jones, of Cefn, and Mr Samuel Davies, of Aberdare, The delegates adjourned at one, and resumed soon after two o'clock, and in the course of the day, after an exceedingly animated meeting, carried on with remark- able force and determination, came to the following resolutions :— 1. That we are unanimously agreed to resist the pro. posed reduction to the uttermost, even if the strike con. tinues for three months. 2. That no section of men, such as repairers and others, shall be allowed to work even at the old rate, unless the whole of the pit be permitted to resume work at the old rate. This decision will affect the whole of the Rhondda Valley the whole of the Aberdare Valley from Mountain Ash to Resolven, the Nea^h Valley, the Swansea Valley, and several pits In Loughor, and the whole of Monmouthshire. It remains to be seen what action the iron-masters wi'l now take, but with regard to Plymouth Works, some of the levels have been continued ever sinew the rest of the collieries stopped. A mr -is meeting was held at the Temperance-hall on Wednesday evening. Mr Lewis Williams, a Cyfarthfa collier, presided. Mr Connick, who was called on to address the meet- ing, first gave them the results of the conference held that day, by which it appeared that 15,323 were in favour of resisting, 3,257 for accepting, and 850 neutral. He said it was now left entirely to themselves what course it would be best to pursue under the circum- stances, to endorse the resolution of the meeting held that day, and resist, or to go to work for three or four months, and in that time prepare for the struggle which was inevitable. He strengly reflected upon the men for not having done this before. They should have done so when the masters signed an agreement with them until the end of the year. He believed that as surely ai they were assembled there, they would now have weighty matters to grapple with. He maintained that the price of coal was going up, and in the face of that be asked why were they called upon to accept a re- duction of ten per cent. ? The masters said coal was coming down, and his rejoinder was, "Let it come, but don't reduce before it does." Dowlais and Rhymney had gone in, and it would be for them to say whether they would follow. It had been said that the masters would shut them out. Let them, and they would have the sympathy and support of the public, who would see that they were anxious to work for a moderate price. This would strengthen their position, and they would be all the better and the stronger. After advising the men to rally round the union, Mr Connick sat down amidst loud cheers. Mr Williams, of Abercanaid, and others, spoke in Welsh, to the effect that they were not now in a con- dition to resist; that some were already starving, and and It would be the uttermost folly to continue, seeing that they had nothing to fall back upon 'on No resolution was put to the meeting, but it was unanimously agreed to resume work at Cyfarthfa and Plymouth on Thursday morning The decision was hailed with leud cheera, and when conveyed to the crowd outside similar hearty applause followed. MR HENRY RICHARD AND THE MERTHYR AND DOWLAIS TRADES COUNCIL. MR FOTHERGILL'S REPLY TO MR RICHARD. The following correspondence baa bejn received by the secretary of the Merthyr and Dowlais Trades' Council, in reply to the resolutions passed by the council at their special meeting on December 23 1874- 22, Bolton Gardens, South Kensington. "London, Dec. 26th, 1874. Dear Sir,—Immediately on the receipt of your letter, and the accompanying resolution of the Merthyr and Dowlais Trades' Council, I wrote to Mr Fother°ill respectfully urging upen him and the masters to com- ply with the request of the men to refer the matter in dispute between them to arbitration,—I am, dear sir, yours truly, HENRY RICHARD. Mr J. T. Morgan, Secretary of the Merthyr and Dowlais Trades' Council." 22, Bolton Gardens, Kensington, "London, January 1st, 1875. Dear Sir,—I enclose a copy of the letter I have just received from Mr Fothergill, together with a copy of the resolutions of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Collieries Association, which accompanied it. I deeply regret that my mediation has been so unsuccessful.—Yours truly, HENRY RiOHARD. "To Mr J. T. Morgan, Secretary of the Merthyr and Dowlais Trades' Council." MR FOTHEBGILL's REPLY. Aberdare Iron Works, Aberdare, Glamorganshire, December 30th, 1874. "My dear Mr Richard,—1 have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, which 1 have taken the earliest opportunity of pUoiog before the council at the mm* ciation of colliery owners for their consideration, and I am now requested to send to you in reply a resolution which the council has come to upon the questions adverted to by you. The council leave it to you to make any use of the resolution, and I have only personally to add that it ia a matter of deep regret to me that the condition of the iron and coal trades of the district compels the em- ployers to either close their works or to lessen the cost of production.—Yours sincerely, RICHARD FOTHERGILL. Henry Richard, Esq., M.P." [Copy of resolution passed at a meeting of the Council of the VIonuaouthshire and South Wales Collieries Association, held at the Royal Hotel, Cardiff, on Tuesday, 29th December, 1874.] The Council of the Association of Colliery Owners have received, and taken into their earnest considera- tion, a letter of the 25th December, written by Mr Henry Richard, M.P., to the chairman of the associa- tion. "The iron and coal trades of this district are so intimately connected, that in dealing with the labour question, the condition of both trades must be taken into consideration. The disastrous state of the Welsh iron trade is a matter of public notoriety. There can be no hope of any amelioration in that trade except by a reduction in cost. Hence, unless coal can be produced at a lower rate, there must be a cessation of iron making, and all the coal now used in its manufacture will be thrown on the coal market, with a result not only to aggravate the present depression, but utterly to ruin that trade. "No board of conciliation, no method of arbitration, can either remove ths existing distress, or qualify the necessity for a reduction of wa1cs. "The employers, from the known condition of these trades, feel that they must either lessen the cost of pro- duction, or cease operation at their works. The decision of any board of conciliation, or of any arbitrator, that employers are to carry on their works at a loss could not be submitted to by them, while it would tend to foster a want of confidence by workmen in their employers. The reduction now asked will still leave the rate of wages greatly in excess of what they stood at two years ago. These and other reasons have compelled the coal- owners to require a. reduction in wages." The Monmouthshire and South Wales Collieries Association. Cardiff, Dec. 29, 1875. SiB,—The Council of the Colliery Owners' Associa- tion have received and taken into consideration your communication of the 22nd inst. 1 am desired to say, in answer, that the iron and coal trades of the district are so distressed that there is no alternative, either in the interest of the employers or in that of the workiug people, but to lessen the cost price of coal. This cannot be done without a reduction in wages, and the council consider that no board of conciliation and nolmethod of arbitration, can either remove the dis- tress or qualify the absolute necessity which exists for the required reduction in wages. I am, sir, your obedienr servant, ALEX. DALZIEL, Secretary." H. RICHARD, Esq., M.P."

GOCHELWCH EFELYCHIADAU LLADRONXLYD o BLASDERON CHYSDYLLOG ALLCOCK.—Oherwydd y gwerthiant rhyfeddol y mae y plasteron adnabyddus hyn wedi eu hennill ar gyfrif eu rhiniau gwelliannot o lwyn-boen, gymalwst, cryd-cytnalau, poenau yn yr ochr o'r cefn ac, yn fyr, pob math o boenau a doluriau yn aelodau y coiff, y mM fhai personau diegwyddor wedi bob yn gwneuthur, ac yn cynnyg ar werth, blasteron fTugiol, wedi eu gwneyd i fyny yn Y fath fodd felag i dwyllo yr anochelgar. Fel yr unig oruchsfliwr dros Brydain Fawr a'r Iwerddon nis gallaf sicrhau unrhyw rai yn bur, ond yn nnig y rhai a ddygant Argraff y Gyllideb mewn llythyrenau gwynion, sef y geiriau "THtMAS ALLCOCX & Co., POltOUS PLASTERS." a bydd i'r cyhoedd trwy beidio bwrcasu un oddi- (rerth fod hwn arno, ddyogelu iddynt eu hunain y Plaster Chwysdyllog gwiriioneddol. Henry D. Brandreth, Llynileiflad, unig oruchwyliwr dros Ewrop a'r Taleithiau. Erlynir gwerthwyr plasteron ffngiol, 6852

CHURCH AND STATE IN GERMANY. BHRT.IN, Tuesday Night.—Bishop Martin, of Pttder- born, h;is been dejjosed from his see, and immediately after the sentence was pronounced the Government issued an order to the Chapter of Paderborn, culling upon them to elect a vicar to administer the affain of the diocese.

AFFAIRS- IN LOUISIANA. WASHINGTON, January 5.—1 he Cabinet met to-day In order to consider the state of affairs in Louisiana. It is understood that the Government agreed to sup- port the action of Governor Kellog. A debate is pro- ceeding in Con: oS1 upon a motion to question the President concernhi! the military intervention in the Louisiana i egislatme.

CHIUSTMAS AND THE PURITANS. The Sell' York iii commenting on the suita- bility of celebrating the season of Christmas, remark* —" e have never fully forgiven the Puritans for their banishment of Christinas, and we fancy much of what was Si.VLi e.ju their iiY £ g.^and which remlloiDJI in the narrowness and bigotry 'of their descendants, came from the *;urit which vouWfoiriish aH gods from the hearthstones but one God, and concede to Him only tho attributes of vengeance and of wrath. We adopt Chmfcruas because it is more than any other the Saxon festival."

RAILWAY COLLISION. A violent collision took place at 1'bout four o'elocK a.m. on Wednesday between two goods trains at Ratho station, Korth British Raiiway. Several waggons were smashed, and their contents were scattered all over the line. The accident delayed the traffic very consider- j ably. Large bands of men were ston on the spot, but denpifo their exertions the twins at Glasgow were very htc, and great alarm was felt. No lives were lost- The cause of the accident is unknown.

THE TERRIBLE COLLIERY EXPLOSION NEAR ROTHERHAM. Scarcely has the echo of the late disastrous explo- sion lit Warren Vale Colliery had time to die away bef. re anotber calamity of a similar character has occurred (as we briefly recorded in our edition of yesterday) in the same neighbourhood though, happily, involv- ing a smaller sacrifice of human life. Outside the> village of IUwmarsh ia the Aldwarke Colliery, owned- by John Brown and Co. (Limited), Sheffield, and employing an nnusually large number of men and boya- It is welIma-naged in every particular, and the system of underground inspection carried on there is said to be very rigid. Shortly before 6 o'clock on Tuesday morning 312 men. and boys descended the pit, taking with them the naked lights ordinarily used. It would appear tfcnt the method of coal-getting pursued at Aldwark Col- liery is that which is generally adopted. The men are allowed to cut away the se&ni as they proceed, and the roof is left to fall when the place is worked out." I About three-quarters of a mile from the mouth of J the pit eight men began work yesterday morning. They .¡ were some distance awav from their 304 companions, spot at which they were employ*^ being directly under V'M Park Gate Ironworks and adjacent to the level of the Carr House Pit. Shortly after 6 o'clock the fall ) occurred they bad been expecting, but a quantity of ) gas being liberated an awful explosion ensued. The 4 report was heard in the remotest parts of the colliery, and for a time the men at a distance were paralysed by its intensity. The miners and trammers who were at work in the place near which the explosion happened, and who almost beyond doubt have lost their lives,, were: Thomas Grjfliths, married, no family; George Cooper, married, three children; Samuel Isherwood; single, Rawmarsh Hill; Geo. Blackett, married, three children; Geo. Bennett. single, Rawmarsh; Wm. White- head, married, one child Richard Wood, Parkgate, and another unknown. Another man, named George Farmer, was to have joined them, but he was late, and his life WIIS in this way saved. After the explosion had ocourred, medical and other fts.t;stancowasat once summoned, and exploring partial were organised. The latter made heroio endeavours te recover the bodies of those believed to have been killed. At 12 o'clock they found the remains of one of them- Samuel Isherwood, single, a tra.mmer-which were dreadfully mutilated. After the black damp had somewhat cleared away, the explorers succeeded in petting to the face of the coal, and found that the bodies of the other men must be buried beneath an immense quantity of roofing which had fallen. Mr. Wardell, Government Inspector of Mines, Mr. J. D. Eiiis, managing director of Messrs. John Brown, and Co (Limited), and many mining engineers of tko adjoining collieries took part in the explorations. The Car House Colliery, Rotherham, where about 400 men were working at the time, is connected with the Aldwarke Main Colliery. The explosion blew out the stoppings between the two pits, and gas began to accumulate in the Car House Mine. Another explosion Wttt feared, and the whole of the men, as well as the horses, were drawn to the surface, and the air furnacee put out. The scene at the pit's mouth was of a very harrowing character, numbers of weeping friends of the deceased men having assembled. ] r. is siated by the Central News" that the pit in which the explosion occurred has been \;O,1ILùercù so snf A. that it lias been worked with naked lights hitherto without any accident beyond slight falls of roof. On Monday there was a smell of gas in the pit, and the men in that part which was more particularly affected came out in consequence. On Tuesday morning, how- ever, all was passed as being safe before they went to work, but they had not been down more than twenty minutes before the explosion took place. Tkere were then over three hundred persons in the pit. As sooa as the noise was heard all the men near the shaft hurried to it, and were drawn out, but many of those at a distance worked on for hours without being aware of anything wrong. Eight men have been killed. Although the unfortunate occurrence happened very early in the morning, it was nearly noon before the first body was got out, and it was late in the evening before all the bodies were recovered. Some of the corpses were almost reduced to einden.

THOSE LADIES who have not yet used the GLIOTIELD STARCH, are respectfully solicited to give it a trial, and carefully follow out the directions printed an every package, and if this is done, they will say, like the Queen's Laundress, that it is the finest Starch they ever used. When you ask for Glenfield Starch, see that you get it as inferior kinds are often substituted <«i tiw< £ exts* profit* esoy J 4 .I.

THE OP \T TO GARIBALDI. TURIN, JAXUARTI. Doctor E'boli hf RECEIVED a letter from Garibaldi, in which the lat .-r D.-cluies the National Grant voted by the Ch:V; He ASSIGNS as his reason the present condition c-j ■:y.ry'.i finances, and at the same times ex -r.S A IS grativU-ie to the national r epr esent ati v ES.

FUNERAL OF LEDIX ROLLIN. PÄHlS, Monday N-'jrlit.A BOV r (JO.OOO persons at. tended the funeral of Ledru KT-LL'.n. There was ro set political speech at the grave. but a friend spoke of the deceased as a powerful advocate and eloquent orator, whom it wúuld be supeifiuous to eulogise, and added that the people o-ved him universal suffrage, whence the Kepub'ic must some day proceed. The troops were kept to their quarteis. -Ø<"

THE FRENCH GOYERKjlENT AND THE j PRESS. The Hour says :—"WE have a RAIN to complain of the absurd interference of French ON en.Js with theKnglish press. On the 2Sih ult. our Paris correspondent handed in the following despatch :—" M. Rouher has had an interview with MARSHAL MacMahon. The Marshal expressed bis regret at the measures adopted by the police towards M. Rouher." There was nothing in this telegram DAMSGII'STO the Marshal, or dangerous to the public interests. We can vouch for its absolute truth. Yet the telegram was suppressed. Surely it is time the French Government restrained the zeal of some of its irrepressible censors, and repudiated such unjustifiable violations of the telegraphic convention* between the two countries.

GERMAST AND THE CARLISTS. BKRLIN, Jan. 4.—The fact of t"IO Rostock brig Gustav having been fired upon by THE Oarlists is now established by the depositions ef her crew. It is like- wise established that the crew was prevented thereby from lowering the third anchor. The firing thus contributed towards causing the wreck of the vessel.

RUSSIAN FINANCES. ST. PETERSBURG, JAWPABT S. An analysis of the report made by the department for the control of the Imperial finances in 18<3 is pub- lished to-day. The < -olcs points out that this report ahows a deficit of 1,188,003 roubles, but mentions in reference thereto that the revenue showed such a con- siderable increase over the estimates that the Govern- ment was enabled to incur an additional expenditure of 27,000,000 roubles. The deficit is djie to this pro- ceeding. The taxes in the Crown lands alone yield about 12,000,000 roubles. It is noticeable that, not- withstanding the above substantial increase of the revenue as compared with the estimates, the receipts for the budget of IS75 are estimated at 10,000.000 roubles higher still, and despite the new expenditure proposed a surplus is again anticipated. At the same time no new taxes whatever will be required. On the eonfcrarv, it has been found possible to transfer to the Imperial Treasury several items of expenditure ckareg- ftble tIJ the ordinary account.

THE STORM IN SCOTLAND. During the past week the Wesi Highland mail service between Glasgow and Inverary was greatly in- terrupted by the severity of the weather on this ex- posed and dangerous route. The post-gig arrived a good many hours late eaeh day. The snow a.nd ice ha.ve now mostly disappeared, but we are sorry to report a serious accident which occurred on Sunday morning to the mail conveyance on this road. As it was turning to Slencrol from Lochlongside about 8 a.m., drawn by four horses in charge of the regular driver, Alexander Robertson, Inverary, assisted by another man, they were caught by a tremendous gust of wind which, sweeping down the narrow glen, hurled the vehicle and its occupants over the bank facing the sea. Both men were much bruised and shaken, though neither of them, it is believed, has re- ceived serious injuries. The shaft of the machine was broken, and the horses freed themselves. The two men, when they were able to move, proceeded to a shepherd's house not far off, and got a car to take on the mail bags. A little beyond the well-known Rest and be Thankful, they met another vehicle sect on from Inverary by the mail contractor, Mr. Malcolm, with the incoming mails. The bags having been transferred Robertson went on to Inverary, where he arrived shortly after five p.m., or ten hours late. This is the second serious mishap that he has sustained on this road within the past twelve months, the former having occurred near the head of Glencrol, beside Loch- kestel. A very welcome thaw has set in over the North of Scotland. The blocked lines are being rapidly cleared, and the trains are running with more regularity, but in some cases the melting snow has caused heavy floods. Several fatal accidents are reported, but the number of deaths in snowdrifts is not so great as might have been expected.

A large two-storey factory, about 60 feet long, occu- pied by Messrs. W. Thompson and Son, worsted spinners, Alexandra-street, North Br-dge, Leicester, was on Monday destroyed by fire, the] lachinery and a Taluable stock of yarn being burnt. Tee loss, which is estimated at several thousand pound', is covered by insurance. The fire originated in be drying-stove room. At the East Sussex Quarter Sessions on Monday a re- port was presented from the Finance Committee stat- ing that they found great irregularity 5 a the manner in which the accounts had been kept, a id though they exonerated Mr. L. G. Fullagar, the C< anty Treasurer, from all dishonest intention, they recommended that the resignation which he had tendered should be &ccepted, which was done. Mr. Fullagar ia also Coroner for East Sussex. A deplorable cage was before the Stalybridge magistrates on Saturday. Five children whose ages ranged between eight and five years, wh 3re charged with stealing a purse and a sum of money. The mother of two of them, named Ellen Blundell, wag stated by the Chief Constable to have trained her children to thieving, and at the time of their arrest she and one of the prisoners, boy five years old, were drunk— the child helplessly so, and having a lottle of whiskey in his possession! The magistrates remanded the ohildren, and fined the unnatural mother for drunken- 1188.. PEDESTEIAXISM.—The last week of the year 1874 will long be remembered for the intensity of the frost which put its veto on football, turf, and coursing meetings, consequently skaters have held revel throughout the width and breadth of Merry England, several important matches for heavy stakes having been brought off successfully in the Fens. A rapid thaw set in early on Saturday and, at the time of writing, there is every prospect of the abdication of "Jack Frost." This favourable turn in the state of the weather induced a fair muster of peds "to visit the Prince of Wales Ground, Bow, the only athletic arena the East enders now possess, Hackney Wick being a thing of the past, and Clay Hall, Old Ford, although the venue for wrestlers, is too small for foot races. As might be expected, the going on Saturday was very heavy, but taking "all in all Mr. "Wearden had prepared a very fair track, for the event to be decided, namely, the final heat of the quarter," commenced on Monday, December 28th. Brior to the race a slight mistake was palpable on the usual]" correct card," M'Gill haTing originally been coloured on the 48 yards mark, but in this instance Was credited with a8 only. After some unnecessary "Smalltalk," M'Gill took his proper position, viz., 48 yards, and, after a clinking race, won by half a yard. 8. Jarrard (40) WM eecond, and A. Williamson (40) third. FOOTBALL.—Each succeeding winter fully demonstrates the popularity of football, there being tcarcely a town throughout the United Kingdom that does not possess a club if not more. One of the prin- cipal features of the season are the contests for the Association Challenge Cup, which is at present held by the representatives of Oxford University, and exactly the same number of clubs—namely, 28— M in 1873 put in an appearance to contest for its possession in 1874. The whole of the second ties have now been run through, and the Holders, the Royal Engineera, Wanderers, and Clapham Rovers, which quartette were ili to the last ties in 1874 appear to be "the pick of the basket" ef the eight clubs still left in, two of the ties having been fixed as follows January 23, Oval, Old Etonians v. Maidenhead Janu- ary 30, Oval, Royal Engineers v. Clapham Rovers. International matches between England and Scotland are now regularly established, and we gather from a reliable informant that the Emerald Isle will also shortly be represented. The Royal Engineers, probably the best individual exponents of the dribbling game we possess, have erganised a regular northern cruise, and on visiting Brammall-lane very recently made short work of the Sheffield crew, who, how- ever, easily defeated a London eleven. The return match was to have taken place on the Oval, Ken- nington, on Saturday, but owing to the unfavourable state of the weather was postponed. The metropolitan clubs, as might be anticipated, are extremely numerous. as the fixtures for Saturday afternoon in Belle tend to prove, and the weather having taken a favourable turn, in the course of a few days the frozen out Knighta of the Leather will be enabled to resume hostilities with renewed vigour. The Ultramontane organ Germania confirms a current 8tatemeltt to the effect that the present Pope has issued a secret constitution making special provision for the election of his successor under present abnormal circumstances. The annual meeting of the contributors to the Edin- burgh Royal Infirmary was held on Monday in Edinburgh, Lord Provost Falshaw presiding. The annual report having been read, Mr. David Smith proposed that six gentlemen be appointed managers of the infirmary. Professor Ca'iderwood nominated Mrs. Raleigh and Miss Louisa Stevenson as two of the managers. After some discussion the six gentlemen were elected, having a majority of 41 votes owr the ladies. Mr. Albert Grant, who was elected member for Kidderminster in February last, but unseated on petition, is to be indicted at the Worcester sessions tkis week for offences against the Corrupt Practices Act. The 50th anniversary of the Manchester Covritr was celebrated on Saturday night, when the proprietors gave a dinner to their employes. Lieutenant- Ookofli Sowler presided, and among the gentlemen HHMM vM My. BMey. 14.1.

THE LOSS OF THE COSPATRICK. We have already given the chief y*.rr of Macdonald'i deposition before the Receiver of Wrecks. We snb- join the other depositions Thomas Lewis deposed as follows: That he wftf quartermaster of the ship Cospatrick. That oil Tues- day, the 17th day of November, at to p.m., the tide at the time being unknown. the weather fine, and the wind in the N.N.^v., blowing a light breeze, the said ship was in the Southern Ocei-.n off the Cape. Depo- nent was at the wheel irom 8 to 12 p.m., when b. was relieved. 1 The ship then b',Lc1 barely steerage way. Yv hen deponent wect to the top-gallant fore- castle to his bunk there was no smell of smoke or any indication of fire. In about 40 minutea deponent was aroused by the cry of Fire!" immediately sprang out of his bunk, and rushed 011 deck and beard that smoke was coming up out of the forescuttle. The hose of the fire-engine and theflra buckets were got to work and tons of water thrown down the forescntrle. but without apparent effect, the fere gaining rapidly. The .hi!1 was enveloped in a thick white smoke. The Sau.;e." gained rapidly on the vessel, and the people were ah driven aft. Deponent, who had beeu void off as one of the crew of the starboard quarter beat, went to her, and found her choked with people. Deponent lowered the foretackle. The boat had too much weight in her. filled, and capsized. Depo- nent cliiijb^ d up the foremost tackle, went across to the Inrt boat, and succeeded in getting away in her. The s'arb card boat was-afterwards found righted with 25 people in her. Deponent, Mr. Macdonald, Edward Cotter, and two others were transferred to the starboard boat. After remaining by the ship two days, during the whole of which time she was burning, she sank. 1 he people in deponent's boat were much exhausted from the frst, and there being no water nor provisions, i:' any of them rapidly sank. On the tenth day. when p eked up by the British Sceptre, only five remained fi ive. of whom two aflerwards died. Deponent and I 5 fel1ow-mr-vh-ors were treated with all possible kindness and humanity on board the British Sceptre. Pefore the commencement of the voyage deponent WaI atiuIJed as one of thE- erew of tbe starboard lifeboat J ail gear, Oars, sail, 1rel\.ler, kc., were then complete and in the boat. The boatswain was coxswain. It WIWI deponent's duty as quartermaster to attend to the boats. The gear was kept in the boats during the voyage, but a few days before the fire]the gear had been removed from the boats for the purpose of 8. thorough c:eanillg. Deponent never saw any of the crew worse for liquor on board the ship, and considers his ship- mates wcte a good serviceable crew, steady, and always attentive to their duties. Deponent had a few boxes or lucifei-matches for lighting his pipe. The ship'a regulations as to smoking were rigidly adhered to. Deponent cannot account for the cause of the fire. Signed) THOMAS LEWIS. (Witness) J. T. FOSTER, R.N. Edward Cotter deposed that he was an ordinary seaman of the Cospatrick. He was in the second mate's watch. The crew were sober and attentive to their duties. Deponent bad been told off to the port launch foremost boat, which was in good condition when the vessel sailed and well found with gear.five oars, mast, breaker with water, &c. On Tuesday, 17th of November, at 18 p.m., the weather being fine and the wind from the "V. ,N. the ship was in the Southern Ocean, off the Cape. Deponent had been on watch from 8 till 12, when he was relieved and went to his bunk, which was right foiward. When he turned in there was no indication of smoke or smell of fire. At about a quarter to 1 a.m. of the 18th deponent was aroused by the cry of Fire." Deponent rushed on deck and could smell burning rope and tar, and then saw smoke coming up from the fore scuttle. The foresail waa hauled up and the engine rigged, tons of water beina poured down the fore scuttle. The smoke became very dense and suffocating, and the fire gained rapidly. De- ponent was stationed at one of the fire-engines. The crew and passengers were stationed in lines to pass the water-buckets along, and by these means and by the engines immense quantities of water were poured down the fore scuttle. The engine deponent was stationed at was kept going until the fire drove the crew away. 1 .ie flames burst up from the fore hatchway. The women and children were nearly all on the poop, the crew and male passengers striving to subdue the fi^e. The fire gained, and all hands were driven aft, and the engine was abandoned. Deponent and the rest of the crew continued to work with the fire buckets, bnt all was of no avail. Deponent then went to the longboat to secure a life-belt. The life-belta were usually kept in the quarter-boat, but deponent, With two other hands, had been engaged two day! previously in removing most of the gear out of the quarter-boats n order that they might be thoroughly scraped and cleansed inside. The oars were not taken out of the boats. The life belts were gone. Deponent was then going aft to get a life-buoy, when he was directed by Mr. Mac- d>.nal4, the second officer, to station himself at the pott b. "t to prevent a rush, and got into the boat as she was lewered. In pushing df from the ship an oar was broken. There were 35 people in the boat when she w u lowered. The starboard boat was discovered a-oat with 25 people, and they called for 6. me seamen to take charge. Deponent, with Macdonald and three other men, transferred f emselves into the starboard boat. The boats k 'pt together and remained by the ship until she sunk. Two days afterwards, during the night, the boats separated. Deponent and the crew rigged a sail from an old petticoat, ar.d made for the N.E. The people rapidly sank for want of provisions, kc., and on the tenth day after leaving the Cospatrick five only re. trained, who were picked up by the British Soeptre; two died. deponent. I\Jr. Macdonald. and Lewis beint Le onh- survivors. They were treated with the utmost 11lwaniry and kindness by the master and crew of the British Sceptre, The boatswain was a very careful man, and hud the key of his locker always in his own possession, and visited his locker very frequently. Deponent had been employed by the boatsWaiA aLout three weeb before the tire to go into the boatswain's locker and clear it up Observed in ths fi repart a number of tins of paints, oils, a quantity of o; kum rope. brooms, brushes, sundries, and gear for p esent use. The day deponent went into the locker. 1; mp was lighted on the deck, and carefully secured ia intern, antl taken down by deponent for him to v .Ik by. Deponent is of opinion that the fire origi- 11 ted in the boatswain's locker. The bulk of water fi jt thrown 0ùVf!i must han-e passed the boatswainls It ;ker. run down the trunkway, and flowed into the ct il-hole. (Signed) EDWARD COTTKB. 1\0. 4, Mall Cottages. Silver-street, Kensington. Macdonald left London to join his wife at Montrose 01, Tuesday. Lewis at the same time started for Vt ales. Intimation was made to both men that their attendance would be required in the metropolis in about six weeks' time for the Board of Trade in- quiry. MADEIRA, Jan. 4.- Two steamers have arrived here from the southward—the Windsor Castle, from the Cape, and the Syria, from St. Helena; but neither of them brings any further tidings of the Cospatrick, and the fear is thus strengthened that the second boat, in which Mr. Romaine and thirty-two passengers took refuge, has been lost. THE COSPATRICK RELIEF Frxn. — St. Michael's Church, Chester-square, has set the example in respect of collections in aid of this fund. and the services promoted by the Rev. James Fleming have resulted in the realisation of the very creditable sum of £ 120 2s; wbiclí amount the reverend gentle- man had the pleasure of banding to the Lord Mayor yesterday. His Lordship expressed a hope that other congregations would likewise thke the initiative. Two mpre amounts—Mr. H. Pretyman, £2 2s, and Messrs. D. Bumstead and Son. £ 5—bring the total received. including the above collection, to £1,350.

The Pictorial World for January is a most beautiful number, well printed, and varied in its letter-press and engravings. The Hour understands that within a few days a further step will be taken towards the consoli- dation of the British North American Provinces. A Birmingham paper states that the indict- ment of Ba.ron Grant for misdemeanour at the Kidder* minster ejection will not come on this session. Notice to tbat effect has been given to the witnesses. The Bishop of Salisbury, who has just com- pleted his returns as to the voting in Dorset on the ornaments rubric, has ascertained that in seventeen rural d aneries. 103 clergymen, and 95 lav-men are in favour of retaining it unaltered. This is said to be the preva- lent feeling in both Dorset and Wilts. Dr. IS ewman's reply to Mr. Gladstone's Ex- p stulation will not "ppear for nearly a fortnight. It will form a volume of about 100 pages. So great is tie desire to read this, both here and in the United S ates. that a very large sale is being prepared for by t. e publishers. Dr. Newman is Bow in his 74th year, bat he is more energetic than most people at 50. PAKISIAS" COXCIERGES. — "If NEW Years' Day did not exist says the Ga><lois) the house porters would have invented it. The following magnificent announcement has been pjsted at the door of hie lodge by the concierge of one of the vast houses in Paris in which the suites ef apartments may be eounted by dozens:—' On the occasion of New Year's Lay the cohcierge-steward will receive the tenants of ti e third and fourth stories from eight to ten, and the first and second from ten to noon. The occupants o the ground floor being traders may, if they please, defer their visit to the next day.' A C ex TEN ARIA n .—On Friday a woman named Isabella Wallace died in Wilson's-close, Dunfermline, a" the age of L '2 years. She was a native of Elderslie, ii Renfrewshire and claimed descent from Sir William Wallace. Her mental powers were little weakened.—Scotsman. An accident closely resembling that which led to the Shipton disaster occurred on the Caledonian line on Saturday evening. While the 7.45 train from Perth was nearing Hunning Station the tire of one of th, engine wheels broke, and the train was brought to o stop. Fortunately the engine kept the metals. A special train was despatched from Perth to take OB thl passengers to the South. Amusement WITHOUT END.—This is thetitle o: a handsomely-bound volume just issued by Deal and Son, 160, Fleet-street, and it arr.nly justifies iti name. We have rekindled many old memories, and r newed many old acquaintanceships by turning ovei ¡"s pages, but at the same time have met with hundredi T' tOn hundreds of gamer, pastimes, tricks, charadee p lSzles.. Í1JventeJ since we were young." The vol urn) ia one which we Oii) recuim»eu4 M A all8tøitJ ia eTeor home,

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THE FOREIGN PRESS ON SPAIN. The North German Gaz'-tte (semi-official) does not dread the return of the Bourbons to Spain. The Cross Gazette (organ of the Feudal party) declares that Alfonso XII. will side with the Roman Curia. The Opinio»e of H-filv thinks the new solution is the best that could happen for Spain. The Catholic jourmals of Austria regard the restoration of Alfonso as a Prussian intrigue got 11J) by Bismarck and Serrano. Tho JYew Free Frets bei. eves that this event will revive the hopes of all the dispossessed pretenders of Europe.

THE SPANISH CRISIS. MADRID, Jan. 4.- A Commission left yesterday tor Cartagena to embark on Wednesday in the Numancia for Marseilles. A decree is published in the Gazette suspending trw by jury. Moriones continues in command. Tranquillity is complete. The adhesions are complote, and the squadron is pre- paring to leave for Marseilles with a Commission te await and bring King Alfonso. The Pope has telegraphed his congratulations. The troops in Guipuzcoa have proclaimed King Alfonso at Renteria and Hernani. Instructions, it is reported from Washington, have been sent to the American Minister at Madrid to re- cognise the new Spanish Government when King Alfonso establishes himself in Madrid.

The death of Ledru Rollin brines the num- ber of vacant seats in the National Assembly to nine. The death of the Duke of I<ontrose places AT the disposal of the Premier a ribbon of the Thistle and the Lord-Lieuter. ancy of the county of Stirling. Don Carlos DOES not seem to have given up hope. He has written to Lord Reaument and Mr. John de Havilland, appointing the former his Charge d'Affaires in Great Lritain, with authority to consti- tute a committee; and the latter Brigadier-General in the Carlist army, and his military representative in England. The weather has lately been so dreadfully boisterous in the Pyrcuean ranges that the Meteoro- logical Observatory situated near the crest of one of the peaks has been almost demolished, General Wan- tontyand his two frieaas teiijg obliged to leave the place on the 18th at daybreak. They managed to reaeh, ell. the same day at midnight, after sixteen hours' travelling in tho snow, a small inn at Grisp, where they received every attention and were quite safe. PUNISHMENT FOR VIOUJNT ASSAULTS.—At a Quarter Sessions held at Larcaster on Monday the Court approved a recoMtmeudutioii from a committee appointed to consiuer the recent recommendation from the Home Secretary in reference to crimes of violence. The recommemdation was to the effect that magistrates in quarter sessions should be empowered to sentence offenders of this class to penal servitude and the laah. At the same Court George Parker. a labourer, for a brutal assault upon John Gardener, a farmer, who had refused to give him a glass of beer, was sentenced to five years' penal servitude. At the conclusion of the inquiry into the loss of seventeen lives by the explosion of gas at Bignall Hall Colliery, on Christmas Eve, the Government Inspector recommended the general adoption of locked lafety lamps, and made otLer Buggef>tioDII for better Tentilating the pit. The Coroner, in summing up, Agreed with the inspector as to tho fiery nature of the Bulhurst seam, and THE danger of using naked lights therein. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, adding that the management of the pit was bM, and no naked lights ought to be used in the mine in future. The number of serious accidents in Paris on the night of the 1st JUl/Íng the extraordinary ver- glas" is estimated at 3'1. The total number of slight accidents given in the police reports is 2,023. In one steep hilly street, the Rue Leplc, there were 12 broken arms. At eleven o'clock there were 50 horses down in s. few principal streets, t¡¡;myof them with broken legs, awaiting the knacker, who would not come till the morning. One coachman had the humanity to spread hili cloak ovor his poor horse, in order that it should not auner too severely from cold while waiting execution. The Cologne Gazette says, in reference to Prinoe Bismarck's despatch on tha next Papal elec- tion :—The form of the Papal election will probably soon lead to a split in the Catholic Church ric/ime. Symptoms a.re said to exist that the Jesuit party is striving for vict >ry by the abolition of the Conclave and the nomination of the suc- cessor to the Papal See by testamentary dispo- sition of his predecessor. This will hardly suit all the Bishops who submitted in 1870. Possibly they will insist on a reform of the College of Cardinals for the sake of a more equitable representation of the mem- bers of the Church according to nationalities. At all events, the composition oi the College of Cardinals and the preponderance in it of the Italians are not dogmas. THE EARLY DAWN OF CIVILISATION.—The K members of the Victoria Institute or Philosophical 'L Society of Great Britain met at their rooms, 10, Adelphi-terrace on Monday, WIDER the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Thornton. After tin routine business had been transacted, Mr. J. E. Howard. F.R.S., rend an elaborate and interesting paper on The Harly Dawn of Civilisation considered in the Light of Scripture." Mr. Howard opened his subject by considering the civi- lisation of Eden-fficnll and intellectual—and dis- eussed Professor Tynciall's theory as to the natural election" and the formation of man. He then passed en to the loss of primeval civilisation through the Fall and the early DEGRADATION OF mankind, and the subsequent rise of A ;eri:I! c':« i1 isation in the race of Cain, and con;LADED by observing that on THE whole the CONCEPTION of man AS A savage im- proving himself fiom HOME ape like conditioa up to civilisation ie re; tr:taut to Scvi.dure. opposed to the most reliable teanmonie.7 as to 1 V; early state, and most contraiy to the endowment of noble faculties which his Creator HAO MANIFESTLY assigned to him. After ft short discussion the proceedings termi- nated. STOKE-ON-TKENT ELECTION.—Col. Roden, the Liberal colleague of Mr. Melly in the last Parlia- ment, has definitely reiused te contest the borough. The enly candidate before the electors is Mr. Walton, of Brecon, in the labour interest. The Conservatives, however, are, it is said, about to bring out a candi- date. THE WILL OF LORD SONDES.—The Lynrt. Advertiser says that THE paragraph respecting the sale of the Elmham estate, which went the round of the papers last week, is without foundation. The will of Lord Sondes, which was .led until after his funeral, WA# found to contain no mention of the sale of the YIHYHA.M estate. A fine art exhibition in connoction with the lootd school of art has BD< opened at the Town Hall, Ryqe. Among the cOJo\t.nOUl<Ors are her Majesty the Queen, who has sent a nu '.ber of pictures, suits ol armour, and other works of I r+ fiv d "Windsor Caatl. AND Osborne Ho. c, and the L10-il Princess of Ger- msmy, who has forwarded a case of ancient German lilver articles. On Aloiiuay the exhibition was Tuite4 ty her Boyal Highness the Princess Befttriefy TWWIW Piddulph.

LIFEBOAT SERVICES. TRAMORE. IRELAND, Monday. — The schooner Fanny, of Salcombe, was seen in a very danger- ous position last evening, not being able to weather the headlands, and accordingly the Cambridge University Boat Club lifeboat Tom Egan, belonging totheNanonal Institution, was launched through ft heavy surf to her assistance, and was successful in saving the crew of seven men. The vessel still holds to her anchors, with 75 fathoms of chain out. She ia in a very perilous situation, but should she not drive ashore eiforts will be made to save her when the sea goes down. LYTHAM, LANCASHIRE, Jan. 2.—A me-ser.^er arrived at the lifeboat station of the National Institution in breathless haste early this morning with intelligence that a schooner was lying sunk on one of the outlying banks off here, and that the crew were clinging to the rigging. As quickly 3.. possible the lifeboat was launched, and was happily successful in saving the shipwrecked crew, consisting of three men and a boy, whom she landed in a very exhausted state, as will readily be supposed when it is remembered that Friday night wa? one of the most pitiless nights on record in this neighbourhood. The wrecked vessel was the schooner Mary Tatham, of Beaumaris, bound te Preston with 105 tors of pipe clay. ORMNs HEAD, Jan. 2.—Yesterday a telegram from Penmapnmaur was received at the Lifeboat Station, stating that a small vessel was in distress. The life- boat Sisters' orial, belonging to the National Lifeboat Institl ,:i, was immediately taken afloat, and, notwithstanding the very rcugh weather, saved two men and landed them at Llandudno.

BOAT ACCIDENT ON THE TYNE. TEN LIVES LOST. NEWCASTLE-ON-TYXK, Monday Night.—A distressing accident took place this afternoon on the Tyne atBlay- don. Men are at present engaged at excavating at what is called Blaydon Island, a large piece of ground in the centre of the river. Abeut 4 o'clock this after- noon, after work, thirteen men and boys en- tered a boat according to custom, to be con- veyed to Blaydon, the boatman being Reuben Hare. The boat was navigated with great diffi- culty among the floating ice. It was caught by the ice when at Cowen's Jetty, on the Blaydon side of the river, and, sti iking against the piles, it capsized. A man named Robsen clambered on a piece of ice, and was carried half a mile down, and was uescued by a boatman. John Proctor was also borne down by the ice, but saved himself. Thomas Murray, William Darling, and William Teimy clung to the ice, and were rescued by a boatman named Gee. No assistance could be rendered to the others, who were carried off by the current and drowned. A later telegram says :—" Late to-night it was found that the number drowned in the boat accident on the Tyne had been under-stated. Two more names are to be added. They are Joseph liddel, leaving a wile and four children George Mace, leaving a wife and three children. Robson, while 1 eing carried off by the ioe, took off nearly all his clo nes in order to save himself by swimming. He was kken off the ice by two boatmen. A working man na ied Dodds did good service. He saved one man wi h a boat-hook, and threw it to another, who, exhausted with ice wounds, was not able to retain his hold."

David Thomas, 51, Field-street, Cefn," to have ob- tained a similar sum of money accompanied by a larger and more valuable Bible. Mr Bentley further declared himself able to adduce at least half-a-dozen such^accu- sations. The evidence in support of the present two was however unsatisfactory to the last degree. The accused after expressing himself proud of the honour of defending himself"- merciful heavens what an honour—-proceeded to cross-examine the prosecutor at length. The replies elicited were for the most part as unsatisfactory as the questions put were irrelevant. Everybody's patience becoming well nigh exhausted, an adjournment took place, the accused being held to bail to appear in a week. n COAL STEALING AT DOWLAIs.-Margaret Jones, 20, and Elizabeth Jones, 17, single women, residents of Pengarnddu, were charged with having stolen oOlbs weight of coal, the property of the Dowlais Company. Mr G. C. James appeared for the prosecution, and Mr Plews the defence. The evidence showed that the prisoners who were to-day respectably dressed, were seen on the previous Saturday by P.C. Allison, going in the direction of the mine pits, !at Pantywam, one carrying a tin kettle, the other a wicker basket. The officer who was coming in an opposite direction after having gone some distance turned back on a different track and when within 30 yards of the Balance Pit saw the prisoners and a number of others coining to meet him. His presence of course caused a stampede, but one of the prisoners (Elizabeth) bein^ caught, the other "ch wabiously" determined to accompany her, came to a halt and surrendered herself. Elizabeth bad the 1,- Je filled with coal in her hand when captured. A t <et similar to the one Margaret had carried was found a short distance off-filled also. Its ownership wa then disclaimed but afterwards admitted, both girls urging that sheer want had compelled them to go to the place. The Bench having heard Mr Plews upon the peculiar aid •1oubtful points of the case, determined to send the j -rs for trial. Bail was accepted for their appc-iii ance. A FIGHT AT PONTLOTTYN.-John Williams v Ivor Lewis. Mr G. C. James for the complainant. Defen- dant who bal attained considerable notoriety for an inherent love of brawls and abindi- of every descrip- tion is known in sporting circles by the appellative of "Ivor Wynne." In this case he was shown to have treated complainant, against whom he had a fT.u<?5? the very night of the transaction, (t' -th u't' the anniversary of a similar attack—in a very shabby and unmanly manner, knocking him down and then seizing him by the hair and beating him. The Bench imposed a fine of £1 and the cost., or 14 days hard labour in the alternative. He pp-d the money at once. A JUST DEBT.-R van Protheroe, contractor, was summoned for non-payment of a sum of i.2 03 1H by £ i workman rscsutly in nis employ, named William Hughes. The debt was admitted, the reason given for its not having been discharged in due time being badness of the weather, and consequently (to a mason) depressed trade. Defendant was aUowed until Saturday to find the money. A PAIR OF THEM.—Patrick Collins, puddler, a precocious looking youth, wrs summoned for having assaulted Denis Conolly, another youth engaged in a similar branch of trade. The affair came off on the 26th ult., in a locality which is almost as famous in the annuls of this court as is the contiguous China," we mean "the back of Charles's." It being "boxing night," Patrick esteemed it the most convenient one for a "spar" with" Dinnis." A confrere of his, the defendant in the following case, and the other one in the "pair" to which we wish to'draw attention in our heading, swore that Dinnis was stript to the skin wilen" Patsey made on to him." It availed the defen- dant nothing,for he was at once ordered to pay a fine of 10s and the.conts, or 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour in default. He welcomed the alternative with a grin. Andrew McCarthy, the young gentleman referred to in the previous case, was now summoned for having damaged the door and frame of the dwelling house of a woman named Ann Williams. The judicial mind of complainant's interrogators must have become involved in considerable doubt as to the precise situation of her dwelling place. Whether she was an actual citizen of the Celestial empire, or only an aborgin was left entirely to conjecture, or for the daring of any one who might feel anxious upon the point to determine. Certain it was that her door and the jamb thereof had been bodily-if we may use the term—kicked in by a gang of roughs, of whom the party now charged had been the chief defendant, and who was subjected to an exactly similar penalty as that recorded in the previous case. WEDNESDAY.—(Before J. Probert, L- T Williams, Esqs.) A PUBLICAN AND A POLICEMAN CHARGED WITH Ass AULT. -Charles Martin, landlord of the Patriot Inn, at Y nysgau, and Joseph James, police constable 24, were summoned for having assaulted John Jones, a sawyer, residing at River-side. Mr Stevens, from the office of Messrs Simons and Plews, appeared to defend Martin. Complainant, whose story was uncorroborated, stated that when returning home on the 29th ult., be heard the defendant Martin having some words with a prostitute, who eventually picked up a. stone and bit him with it. Martin thereupon attacked her, knocked her down and kicked her. For remonstrating with the woman's assailant witness received from the latter two or three blews about the face, but inasmuch as he succeeded in warding them off tolerably well no injury resulted. Subsequently Martin called the constable to his aid, and it was alleged that the officer had seized complainant by the throat, and to have thus held him while Martin dealt him several blows about the face. On the part of Martin Mr Stevens, after a forcible speech, called his client's step-son. who had been pre- sent from tLa Timmencement Oi the row until its -termination, and ti e officer already alluded to. Both of these swore distintly that complainant' assertions were but a tissue of falsehoods, and so far from having been the attacked he was really the attacking party, Martin having received from him a severe hit on the arm with a piece of stick. The case was adjourned until Saturday, for further evidence. REFUSING TO QUIT.—Margaret Hier, alias Williams, alias Thomas, was summoned for having been drunk, quarrelsome, ami disorderly, in the Red Lion hln, Castle-street, and with having refused to quit the r:ne on the request of Mr Robert Willis, the landlord. The evidence of the latter, which was corroborated in the strongest manner by that of a respectable witness named Coleman, showed that defendant bearing about her all the marks of having been recently engaged in a tight, entered the house on the 28th ult., demanded beer, and altho' thrice asked to leave, refused, and had eventually to be ejected by force. When outside she actually pulled Mr Willis to the ground along with her, and then threw at his head two drinking glasses which she produced in a rather suspicious manner from her pocket, but luckily for both parties the missiles went wide of their mark. She now contended that some unnecessary violence had been used in ejecting her, and that her wrist had been dislocated in her fall. She denied the assertions as to her drunkenness and unruly conduct, and called three witnesses, neither of whom however seemed to know very much about the affair. The Bench considered the case to have been clearly proved, and the landlord to have been perfectly justified in the course he had adopted. A tine inclusive of costs, of 17s 9d was imposed, defendant being com- mitted to Swansea House of Correction for seven days with hard labour in default of payment.