The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette

THE WORKHOUSE INQUIRY. Partuviurit ruontes nascitur ridiculus. mus." THK Mountain has been.in labour,—its vast hearings, its terrific cries that rent the valley are hushed, the diminutive mouse, offspring of its throes, has igno- miniously crept forth, to the astonishment of all spectators, and to the mortification and disappoint* ment of its paternity. Had the Workhouse inquiry been instituted by weak hut over-zealous minds, itching for notoriety, and anxious to attain it at any cost, the result would have been simply ridiculous but to those who have Watched the course taken by the four individuals who preferred the charges, and who are the Alpha and Omega of these proceedings, they must wear a graver aspect, and one far less creditable to those who have so prominently set themselves forward as public prosecutors. We propose to offer a frw observations as a ré-umé of the subject, in doing which we shal!, so far as may be possible, avoid undue personal allusions; and should we introduce names it will be only where such introduction has been rendered necessary by the ac- tive public conduct of the individual themselves. A few weeks back the attention of the Board was directed to a discrepancy in the provision accounts of the Workhouse as shewn by the invoices and the articles actually delivered, especially in groceries. Mr. Willett, assisted energetically by Messrs. Mason and Cory, and feebly by Mr. Twigg—newly elected town guard ians-requeaed a committee should be ap- pointed to inquire into the matter; these four guar- dians, and a certain number of others, were nominated to conduct the inquiry, the result of which was that the charges were held to be proven, without the master having had a fair chance oi defending himself from accusations most skilfully made to describe a trifling and venial offence by an abstract proposition of a serious kind. The master had sinned thus far, as is now proved by the evidence. He had most unwisely, to say the least of it, arranged with the contractors to send for the use of the officers, sugar, cheese, and tea of a slightly better quality than that sent for the paupers, and the value of which did not exceed in amount 2d. and a fraction per head, per week. The quantity of these articles, and their quality, were such only as the officers were fairly and properly entitled to it was only the mode by which they were obtained that was objectionable. Yet this simple irregularity-for it amounts to nothing more-tvag made the subject of no less than three charges, compiled with the most ingenious malignity, so as to embrace in grave generalities this most petty oSence,—iof the charge of depriving the inmates of the rations to which they were entitled has been clearly disproved. When the Committee presented the report, Messrs. Jones and Bassett wished the inquiry to be prose- cuted with the view of ascertaining how far the con- tractors were implicated. This was strongly opposed by Messrs. Willett and Mason, who evidently had no desire to involve in difficulty one or more of their own allies but the proposition was, nevertheless, carried and when the Committee again met for this purpose, Mr. John applied for the whole matter to be referred to the Poor Liw Board—a request so reasonable, that it was at once sanctioned by the Committee; and so terminated their conduct of the. affair. Before we proceed further, we wish to point out that, by a singular oiniss on, the officers' rations at our Union have never been properly defined; we say omission, because we cannot conceive any Board of Guardians, or even the Poor Law Board, contemplated that the officers should have pauper ratton' In most Unions what are called double rat ons are allowed, in others treble. Now, it cannot be supposed that the master should eat double or treble the quantity of 5d. cheese that would be consumed by an adult pauper; but it evidently contemplates that he shall have rat.ons of such quality as shall be equal in value to the double or treble rations ol the pauper;—provi- sions of the same kind as would be used by persons in that riink of life. It has been stated, and we believe with truth, that until recently it was the practice of the tradesmen to supply the officers with articles of a slightly better quality, without any increase of price or dimInution of cuantity. It was only when keen competition pre- vented the continuance of this mode, that the present vicious Kystem was adopted, an easy transition into which, we firmly believe, both this master and the tradesmen fell without any intention to defraud, and without its ever occurring to their minds that they wre doing that which would be open to such grave censure. The fit course then woul 1 have been for Mr. John to have applied to the Board for proper rations, a re- quest which would have instantly been granted, for we find that at the very last Boar.}, Mr. Wiliett him- self drew up a dietary for the officers, which was adopted by the Board, on a more liberal scale than even that which the master had so indiscreetly employed. Up to the time when the labours of the committee terminated, the conduct of the promoters of the in- quiry is not open to severe censure; but from this time, a line of action was adopted, so repugnant to every proper feeling, so cruel, so unjust, that we can hardly conceive it cou'd meet with the approbation of any reasonable or unprejudiced mind, and possibly it could never have obtained it, but for the excitement occasioned by the boldnews of their statements. At the weekly meeting of the Boird, fresh charge after charge was introduced, with all the fiery language of glowing indignation, and left unanswered, because the party accused was not present. Long speeches were made, now by Mr. Willett, now by Mr. Mason, and curt remarks were oftt-red by Mr. Cory, and an occasional allusion by Mr. Twigg, these were reported by Mr. Willett in his own manner, as the avowed re- presentative of a local paper, which did its share of the unholy work, by publishing on our walls in men. dacious type, placards inserted—Monstrous Work, house Frauds! Seizure of weights Disgusting reve- lations Further disclosures! Emaciated children feeding upon garbage An advertisement of the paper to jnftame the public mind, and to excite a morbid curiosity, to become acquainted with the miserable exaggerations of an unscrupulous journal in search of subscribers, and determined to obtain them per fas aut nafas." Disgraceful and scanda- lous is it to journalism, that it should thus I rostitute ita power, to warp for its own base purposes, the public judgment, against a man awaiting his trial. We remember a time, not long past, when one of the present accusers was himself the accused; let !Hln apply the course taken in this instance, to his then position, and he may, perhaps-obtuse, though he be, and dead to charity—be able by this personal applica- tion to appreciate its unfairness, and its want of any- thing like manliness. We must also allude to another extraordinary cir- cumstance, that should make us question the motives of the prosecutors (persecutors were the better word), we mean the shameful attempt to get up a money re- ward for Mr. Willett, not for having proved his case— for it had not then even been enquired into—but for having shamelessly made a host of charges, which he has utterly failed in sustaining-a proceeding, dill. graceful on the part of those who canvassed for such a subscription, and not creditable to those who lent thct aid, and who, we hope, will now recall the^jtriba- tions, for we cannot expect Mr. Willett ancfriends will have the decency to release them a their promises. Pass we now to the inquiry before Mreaves, into which we need not entu- minutely, as details have been so recently published. There atnvever, some points to which we must can attenti< One serious charge emphatically enforces the besting of a girl named Emily Birt. Whai it turn out to be ? Why, two years ago the mastjr some breach of discipline, gave her a couple of I with a cane, notwithstanding which she spoke inhighest terms of the kindness shewn her by Mr. Jand his wife. It was little worth while to rake :he past for two whole years to produce a trumperarue of this kind; and yet, so eager were the prutors in the chase of their prey, that they actually 41ed to Pentyrch to produce this evidence. Anc charge -that of sending parcels to U nion-slrertontents unknown"-was made to create an imprn that provisions were sent from the Workhojy the master to his relatives—a charge not onljurd in itself, and which Mr. John, by the direct tionyof Mr. Willett's own w tnesses, and the evideif Miss Thomas, was able to prove false, as it cely was mabciou- But the most striking circumstance of whole inquiry was the scene presented when theie boy Towler gave his evidence. No one present re- main unconvinced of the complete truthfulof his statement, when he told the tale of how IViilett .a. attempted to frighten hun. He said, befor<Cono- missioner, to Mr. WiHett— I solemnly swear you threatened me with Fenian; you sitid if I did not answer like the other boys lid have MY or tivelve months' imprisonment; you want to say that I took beef and dinners to Union-street, and I; would only tell the truth." When the two gentlemen, against whom charge of intimidation was thus innocently made,upted, by cross-examination, to shake the stntetof the honest little fellow," as his master aftqit; de- scribed him, it led only to their signal difiture- Mr. Willett, as a last resort, asked the h¡ Old I not tell you to say the truth 1" The boy feted— "Yes, you told me to tell the truth, hut you as.c about beef and mutton, and whether the parcel containt. Mr. Mason told me to tell the truth, but he coaxed me) what- ever he liked." Mr. Willett sat down in despair— "Magna est Veritas et prevalebit." Then Mr. Mason indignantly essayed tdce the testimony of this little boy of only 13 years-illiarn, did I not caution you to say nothing h.:t hth?- Yes, you did but you was trying to ooax mty every- thing you wanted; you coaxed and threatened fore my master [Mr. McAusland, of the Sailors' Home] cot. You said all the time, '0, William, did you not tak^ions to M iss Thomas's ?'" When Mr. Mason found he could not ?ed in "coaxing him to say what he liked," huld only get the naked truth, he forgot and betrajlmself. and out at once peeped the cloven (of Well, William" (in a voice where passion stroVappear calm), I think you must hear of this agaitlliam." •' Now you are threatening him again, Mason," exclaimed) the Inspector. Mr. Mason, in >lunteer evidence, subsequently denied that the hd been I threatened, and attempted to explain awis very ugly matter by saying he had explained tlture of an oath to the boy. because it had beenrUiined to have the Inspector down, and he knc would be examined on oath. Admirable rei On examination, Mr. Mason was obliged, un«lv, t<> admit that the determination to have ^pe'ctoi* was only taken afterwards, and that be?)f was opposed to it. When the ground was 0 to he untenable, he shifted his position, and ^course te another wriggly in the convulsions uch 1-t us leave him. Mr. McAu*Und corroborated Tovvl<sr's eve the boy c.me out to him crying, saying the giell had threatened him With policemen and prison was (iometime before lie could pacify him. Next cornea the chsr^ii of separating matXvife, in the case of John Edwards. If any blame tlier lie in this it rests with arditns themselves, whose \V u'k.t¡ou,¡e does not affo neces- sary accommodation to permit of this rula Icarried ou'. Another charge of placing Edwards ie of a roadman, thereby endt"ge,ion his life, was hi of by the evidence of the lather, ^.|)() declared he ei-fectly harmless, and by the medical officer decla'in he was so, and that po danger coulll result from :ircurn- stanee. Kdward* had never even compact this duty, for which he got extra rations; had le so lie would lot have bteu required to beifonn it. Next comes the charge of senility milk to Wood -a cruel heartless insult to the memory oily who will he long remembered with gratitude for pa-sed in kindness and charity. The milk was pai4>y her; the contraclor sivore that it was so. The cakes were still worse. Their own w proved they were made of ffour and materials boby NJ rs. John and paid for by her; and the very the was called to prove this charge bought the arli,n,| saw the cakes ma if, and received a cake atid a for his trouble. What unheard of tjraniiy to thep^.j As to the case of drunkenness, we disb.it alto- gether. It was disposed of so far as it wnsible to disprove a negative so vaguely asierted. master had been a druukar.l, or even (irulk on thHSj0n, it could not have escaped the observat0Il of Uneases. Mr. Paine, who saw him at every thtir of lav and ni-ght during many years, »a\s, hi ueverhim III- toticate ) and was ustonutied to IiI'I thii uf the charges." The iiii*-apprnpri»tion of money wiminio the permission to the cot k, who recem- i n 8t,u the bones fUf the small stuns they produceJvg anisiie. We have :I.us biirily analysed the renit., jl)Vesti- gwiion, which occupied six long days, a,j e kouud to sny, that never in our long exi-erieiig we met with such a writ's ot criminal charges so rWide, or f-0 signully disproved. The master must take the blame of the l-n-iiy, on his part, which was proved and ucknon but jhc greatllhame of this investigation rests nul him, but u, ou those who, to get up a spurious syu with tic- titioua wrongs, 1II,.de criminal chaiges, Ilr.t place, and sought out the evidence to sustain 1:t,.|-wards. Imagine men going lo the inmates o H ,^>use, and inviting them to complain ol those in authver (hem, not in words, perhaps, but in a manlier is intelli- gible; imagine the anticipation of betel more liberal tieatoifnt, nml the clearly unders^ that the only step lowanis this end was, to bring -9 against thoBe in authority; imagine these iidlu^uj ilieir (fleets, we any, and onr readers cannot a9 we ourseU es ai e, ailonished that lli^se searcnVeS) jj,a. lions have elicited no aouse worthy (If the no com- plaint that could be trumped up into like a serious reality. We s^y that the investigation, ao far fror:iing dis- credit upon the Board of liutriliaus and Ilrs (If ilie house, has proved only how wonderfully bete whs capable of being fouod fault with. ♦ THK operation of the present Navigation is soch as to ocrasion a severe depression in thj,jn^ in- terest. and lead to many heart burning^ tl12 repeal of these laws, which was effect^, years ago, been met by the reciprocity that iXj)eCted from other nations, we should not ^jtues^ed what we now do—our trade liinnuishsn vergjng I on ruin. The large gathering which q-1c. re. centiy, to memorialise the Queen, set fot' preSent deplorable and ruinous depression in thel)n J terest, to he partly caused and p irt'y aatej I' the excessive competition to which it is vVith foreign nations. The reciprocity expect neyer been realised—nor, indeed, was it int. and, therefore, a just cause presents jtseif for !.epgct- ment of such restrictions upon foreign i.is^ay place them on the same f(toting in Brit,()^ts a3 that on which British ships are placed in loltg of I the countries to which those forei2n slbfl.n¡.t.. This is only just and reasonable. If Oui(bb% uf does not afford us the same advantages ,veler^ m J in our dealings- we very naturally refrain ( interchanges. It can scarcely ba ay )at ( anything like a revival of protectionist ^pU is ] aimed at in this movement. The stern^f fre. < traders cannot desire to see so important anf^if ¡ our trade languishing and sinking throug j legislation, without interposing the po^lie 'v affords to save it. Some discussion is going on as to LOt Palmerston is a rtf-rrner. Who does not thjt hi promise of a Reform Bill was the comple'eie'cru9 ever made to be broken ? 'fis true his him many friends," hut his perfoFiu^Jiil n° keep them. He even made the Soverto ii'moU'to* piece of hiS promise, but what did he its fulfilment ?—Nothing. Every one caee till, it \V.IS on y given to keep Lord John Rusaein tb back- ground, to retain his own- place anttlude ha re- formers but after his expulsion frootfice t com- menced whining over the lost opportty to fulfil his pledge. Year after year has passed iy with^jt any manifest intention to redeem his proe, fully justi- fying the imputation that it was bu huge Svindle upon the nation. The men now jpower wu not attempt the task without sincere decided -fforts to carry it through. Their altel) ti lias of loci been directed to the purpose; it is s*uhat it is Lord Derby himself who has. uken tbe?ateet inttftet in framing the Minister,! project, and we have little doubt toat it will eve^uate in a measure that, alone, can be adopted with sajty to the existing institutions, and give all clnsses of tt. community their due share in the representat on. It is an object of national. no less than individual pride, to witness the decorations which the Sovereign has been pleasei to bestow on those gallant men who have distingu<hed themselves in the Indian war. The Gazette c-ntains a long list of those upon whom. orations havt^een conferred, with a few remarks Up..n the nature of the important services rendered, that excite i thrilling effect in the veins of all those who read the-a. When we hear of actions so heroic as jumping on the sand bags of a battery and extinguishing a ire amongst them, within 50 yards of a heavy musketry fire rescuing comrades from the enemy carryin) ammunition under a severe cross fire; contending aaijnst fearful odds actions such as these justly call Kr our admiration and gratitude. Wh< n we add that maiy of the recipients of the Victoria Cross, were eleciet' for it by their own comrades—by those who had sten their gallant bearing and feats of bravery-we -annot but feel assured that such countenance and encouragement should be given by the Sovereign in th, name of the country to afford a stimulus to pursue, still fuither, the sound path of duty. Gloating as the man Gurnsey may On his escape from justice by the force of legal sophistry, on an impressible jury, there can be no denying that the prermture publication of the Ionian despatches has compromised the intentions of ministers Dr, at any rate, complicated the question, which they have- had under consideration, and for the maturing of which •^r., Gladstone was despatched on his mission. Having repudiated the intention of acting on Sir John Young's suggestions, and Sir John, h mself having seen reason to vary his own sentiments in the Hatter, it may appear of little consequence that the despatches should have been published, yet it cannot be denied that such publication will have great influence with the lonians, as we find by the last accounts received, which announce the fact of a grand ff.te having taken place at Zante with demonstrations in favour of the annexation of the Ionian Islands to Greece. A joint address from Zante and Ithaca expressed a wish for such union, which Mr. Glidstone could only meet by announcing that it was not in the power of England to alter the treaties by which the Isli nds were placed under her protection. Most likely the lonians were disappointed, and are little inclined to he satisfied with the assurance that linglaud is disposed to make liberal concessions. Nobody can doubt that such will be the policy of the present Ministry, to pave the way for which, no one better than Mr. Gladstone could have been found. An effort was made at the meeting of the St. Pancras Guardians last week, to restore to office the Chaplain who was ejected for refusing to divulge the address of the absconded surgeon. Unguarded as was the Chaplain in going at all to his retreat, or giving the prom:se, yet his excuse is a valid one; in hoping to administer consolation to a itatasse.) mind and save a victim from eternal perdition, having given his solemn pledge not to reveal the whereabouts of the delinquent it cannot, consider- ing Mr. Pugb's sacred character, be construed into a complicity. If the reverend gentleman his erred, he is justified in his present position by his vicar, the Archdeacon, and Bishop of the Diocese, as well as by two eminent barristeis. Surely, these are weightier authorities than the Guardians, though the appointment of the chapliin may be in their control. At the meeting it was pointed out tht his expulsion from office was rather a link in the persecution prac- tised towards the rev. gentleman, and that it was not the reservation alone that had elicited the disapproba- tion of the Guardians. If so, this stalking horse cannot but elicit the reprobation of tov. ry impartial person, and without countenancing the secrecy oi the Confession, or its adoption at all by Protestant clergy- men, Mr. Pugh can scarcely fail to have the sympathy of all out of the Court. His attempted restoration has failed, as did that of the chaplain of Reading g-ol. who was entrusted with Tawell's secret, til; an appeal was made to the Secretary of State, as in this case, will un doubtedly be done.

CARDIFF AND ITS NEIGHBOOBHOOD. In the annual examination at St. John's College, Cam- bridge. just concluded, Mr. W. Done Bushell has been placed first on the list of men of his year. Mr. Bushell, who was educated at Cheltenham College, is a son of \V. D. Bushell, Esq., one of our borough magistrates and resident director of the Taff Vale Hail way. The Birmingham Post states that one of Lord Newport's hands has proved to be so seriously injured in extinguishing the fire so fatal to his two sisters, the Ladies Bridgeman, as to cause great uneasiness in his lordship's fatnilv. TUE COUNTY COURT for Cardiff and its district was held on Wednesday, Thuisday, and Friday. The usual large number of cases were entered for trial, and on this day (Friday) an address was presented by the mayor of the borough, C. C. Williams, Esq., to his Honour, Judge Falconer, on his ceasing to preside over this Court. We shall report the proceedings in our next. NEW YEAR'S PUBLIC BALL.— We beg to remind our readers that the New Year's Public Ball will take place at the Assembly Rooms, in the Cardiff Arms Hotel, in this town, on We.hiesday evening, the 12th instant, under the stewardship of Henry Lawis, Esq., High Sheriff of the County, C. C. dliams, Esq., the Mayor of Cardiff, Eo P. Richards, and W. Done Bushell, Esqrs., assisted by a committee of twenty-two gentlemen. The band will be most complete and eifieient, and every arrangement will be made which can in any way contribute to the comfort or accommodation of the visitors. BACON PIGS, slaughtered, are now selling in Cardiff market from 8s. to 8s. 3d. per score. "GOING A CUKISTMASINO."— ON Christmas eve John Richards, of the Royal Oak, Treforest, was robbed of 9s. 8d and .1 rule, whilst in a house of ill fame in Whitmore-lane CHRISTMAS UEBSK.-OU the Thursday night before Christ- mas day, three line fat geese, fit for the table at this festive season, were stolen from the premises of Mr. Thomas Morgan, of Canton. LOSSES.—A carpet hag was lost in Church-street, on Christmas eve and a gold pencil case on Monday evening, between the Infirmary and the Pier-head. MissiNO.-Benjamin George, steward of the steimer Winder- mere, lying in the West Bute Dock, in this port, is advertised at the police station as missing." THE REXT AUOiT DINNER of John Ilomfray, Esq., of Peu- nine Castle, took place on the 27th nit, at the Cardiff Arms Hotel, where a large number of the tenants partook of an ex- cellent dinner got up in Mrs. Woods's usual good style. CARDIFF POLICE COUET.— From Dec. 11 to 29 inclusive, a period of 19 days, no less th (n 42 prisoners were committed to gaol from this Court, being an average, omitting the two Sundays and Christrna.3 day, of nearly three per day ACCIDHNT.—A child was run over in Bute-street, in this town, on Thursday, by one of Mr. Deacon's cabs. The child was taken home to its mother, at No 3, Joliii-sti-eet, wliel), we are happy to say, it was found not seriously injured. SHOP ROBBERIES.—A baker's bread basket was stolen from the door of Miss Thomas, of St. Mary-street, and carried away without the thief being detected. The shop of Mr. S. Hall, of 8, High-street, tailor, was robbed of a coat, on the night of theStth. CHRISTMAS DAY IS CARDI: ? COAL.—On Christmas day the debtors and criminal prisoner'?, '.vere treated as usual with a liberal dinner of roast hed, t'or which they request us to express their thanks to the high >heriif, Henry Lewis, Esq., the magistrates, and the governor of be gaol, Mr. Woods, who, with his officials, freely exerted taemselves in rendering the occasion as agreeable to the inmates as possible. CHRISTMAS DAY AT CARDIFF WORKHOUSE.—It is pleas- mg to observe at this season of feasting and merry-making that our poor in the Union Workhouse have not been forgot- n 'ninates were 011 Christmas day, through the liberality of the guardians, regaled with a good dinner of roast beet and plum pudding. The evening was spent in innocent amusement and recreation by the juvenile portion, and to the enjoyment of all. ¥ YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.—On Thursday zoning next, the Rev. F. W Briggs, of Bristol, will deliver a lecture on the Boy Hard of that ancient city. If precocity of genius, brilliant poetical talent, Herculean struggles for fame, an untimely end, through starvation, are subjects of in- cgrest, then the melancholy fate of poor Chatterton will not Ian to pxcitc it ill the winds of the auditory before whom Mr, Ilriggs »ilt bring the subject, ARDIFF POLICE CASES,—Our weekly report appears ill our eighth page. On Thursday David Lewis, Esq. attended, ,i.. ',lee- we<h«h seamen were placed before the Bench, ffi a VVIl..1,av'"2 deserted from their vessel. The master ri 'l ri-W s^ip' ?Iiltdda, said the three men at the bar *!le ship without notice; and in excuse for their ;on uc the men said tho captain had beaten them, Mr. Lewts advised the men to return to the ship, and recommended ,he captain not to ill-use them, as that was not the way to induce men to remain on board his vessel, or to do their duty there. A police constable was ordered to see them on board. CITILTST4AS AT CANTON.-In Canton, Mr. Wadlev, Mr. J. (jernsh, and JVJr. "Vyjllijpjj Thomas, butchers, exhibited a MVir wh?le th-° grocers, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. kli/.abeth llartnell, and others displayed all the materials that could be desired for plum puddings and mince pies. The ivindowsot Mr. J. I horn as, Anchor House, and Mr. William platt, drapers, were very attractively set out, and drew many [jjinirers; while the fruiterers and greengrocers provided all tJjat Iras required for the dessert. A CHRISTMAS Box.-On Christians pye an infant cbiltj, mly about 3 weeks old, was secretly left at the duor of l^ter VUbony, ot ltbydypenna, in the parish of franishen, near ;ardiff, at about nine o'clock at night. The heartless mother ■ft some clothes with it tied up, and the police are making jtive cnqunies lor her. It is expected she will be shortly scovenxi. JLTEES s IMPBQVED DIARY AND ALMAKAC POR 1859 •s, Llandovery.—1 his is the twenty-eighth year of pubi»- 1 wit of tins cheap and useful little little work, which is quite i a odel ot its kind. 'RISTOL HOSPITAL, ilower Maudlin-street—Founded t c'f Admission Days; Tuesday, Thursday, and i "i.rday, from half-past Eleven to One.—Number of patients < ll'u i'1" ^ve6 > » fresh cases, 20. Surgeon, Dr. j V- < At the Board of Guardians, on Saturday last, the'reporters attended at the usual time, and after waiting nearly an hour, retired, no business, except applications for relief, having come before the Board. ST. :MARY'S CHURCH.—We have received a letter from two persons resident south of St. Mary's Church in this town, stating that on Sunday evening week they attended the above church, and took their seats in a pew in the gallery, which with several others they found unoccupied. In a few minutes, they say, the occupier, accompanied by his wife and two children, entered and addressing them, said, This is my seat, and walk out. Of this they complain, "there being sufficient room in the pew for six persons," and "appeal to the public at large whether such conduct is suitable for a person that professes to be a member of the House of God." Without wishing to interfere at all in this matter we may, perhaps, be allowed to state for the information of the writers of the letter and "the public at large," that in St. Mary's Church there are upwards of 1,000 free sittings in addition to seats specially set apart for "strangers." A FAITHFUL MINISTER.—Mr. Workman, we are informed, in on. of there-opening services of Loudoun-square Wesleyan Chapel in this town, took occasion to bring prominently for- ward, Pride, as one of the sins which hindered the progress of Christianity and the salvation of souls. To assist in the ac- complishment of these important objects it was desirable for all to deny themselves of many things which were hurtful to their spiritual welfare; and alluding to the ladies, it was ne- cessary for them to set aside their crinolines, even, if the wear- ing of them was calculated to draw their minds of! from the one thing needful." THE IMPROVEMENTS IN LOUDOUN-SQUARE WESLEYAX CIIAPEL.—The erection of a gallery on three sides of this large building having been completed a series of services in cele- bration of the re-opening have beeu held, concluding with a tea meeting at which upwards of 400 were present. From a Statement made by the secretary it appeared that the original debt was £ 550, and it was hoped the subscriptions, collections, and proceeds of the meeting would amount to £ 350. The contractor had handsomely subscribed, and had given the ut- most satisfaction, and kindly promised to wait twelve months for the remaining £200. Promises of £131) additional were made at the meeting, and the secretary, Mr. John Davies, on his own responsibility, promised to raise the C;),00 by next November. POCKET PICKING.—Our Christmas market on Friday last was very much crowded, and some thieves, taking advantage of it, plied their unlawful calling with advantage. Margaret Wylde, a respectable domestic in the employ of Mr. Itees, of Maes Vach, Radyr, near this town, had her pocket picked of a puree containing a considerable sum. On Christmas eve, Ann MeGregore had her pocket picked in the market.house. A similar fate attended Mary Thomas, wife of Benjamin Thomas, of Treforest, whose pocket was picked of 30s. ill a shop in Trinity-street. Mrs. Prouse, of Adam-street, had her pocket picked on Thursday evening, in one of the packet omnibuses, whilst riding from the packet to Bute Terrace. DEATHS AT THE WELLS LUNATIC ASYLUM.—A young man, named Roger Evans, blacksmith, the sole support of his widowed mother at Cardiff, recently died at the above institu- tion. Mr. Evans had been seized at his master's house a few days back with monomania, brought on, it was stated, trom excessive study iu the construction of a model steam-engine, which he had just completed. It appears he had taken the design for the engine from a cheap periodical which he had purchased of a news agent in St. Mary-street. The poor fellow was so overjoyed at his success that- he became irresponsible for his actions: he was therefore taken to the asylum, and died the day afterwards. The body was brought to Cardiff and buried in St. John's churchyard, the funeral being attended by several friends of the deceased, who was of most sober habits. Two men from Cardiff, Mr. Portlock, gunmaker, and Mr. Thomas Lewis, hobbler, also died at the same institution recently. CHRISTMAS IN CARDIFF.— Divine service in all the Churches and Chapels throughout this town, was performed on Christinas day, and sermons were preached in accordance with the occasion of the birth of the great author of Christianity and the founder of the Christian era. Oil Monday, all the principal shops were closed, and general business entirely sus- pended, giving the assistants and all parties engaged in them, an opportunity of visiting their relations and friends and in- dulging in rational recreation. It is satisfactory to observe that in no one instance that we are aware of, has this indul- gence on the part of the young men been abused. We have every reason to beli <ve that the consideration thus shown to this hard-worked class will not be lost upon them, but that, by increased assiduity on their return to business, their em- ployers will be amply compensated tor the privilege thus ac- corded them. COMMITMENTS TO CARDIFF GAOL.—Edward Nantcarrow, Dowlais, deserter from the Rifle Brigade. George Nicholas, Nantyglo, vagrancy, seven days. Ann and Ellen Michael of Aberdare, stealing money from Win. Ockwell, Merthyr. David Charles, Llantrisant, stealing timber from Wm. John. Thos. Sullivan, Merthyr, stealing a coat from Jno. Casgreaf. Ellen Kennedy, Merthyr, stealing coal from George Thomas, Merthyr. Luke Hayward, Machen, stealing coal from George Williams. Timothy Sullivan, Dowlais, assaulting Catherine O'Conner. John Sullivan, Troedyrheiw, stealing a fowl from S. Hennesey. John Roberts, Merthyr assaulting a constable at Merthyr. Wm. Ely, St. Fagans, stealing a tame rabbit. Wm. Sadler, Penartli, destroying liaivs. John Williams, Penarth, destroying hares. Edward Thomas, Mertlivr, wilful damage. John Thomas, Merthyr, stealing clothing from Wm. Rces. John Brookman, Merthyr, stealing clothing. Samuel Jenkins, Merthyr, stealing wearing apjparel. Charles Wadley, Merthyr, neglect of duty on railway. LANDLORDS' PROSPECTS.—Notwithstanding that there is such a great number of houses unoccupied in the neighbour- hood of Roath, the Splottlands, and Canton—and many of those occupied at reuts which do not pay the landlords 4 per cent, per annum on the outlay—rents still continue high in Cardiff, towards the centre of the town and at the Docks. Althougn the prospects of those who have invested their money in houses appear to be blighted, building is still carried on to a very considerable extent in those localities, and on that part of the town formerly called the Bulwarks, but now known as Temperance Town. This place, when completed, will consist of five streets—namely, Wood, Scott, Havelock, Gough, and Eisteddfod streets, numbering more than three hundred houses, among which there will be none for the sale of alcoholic drinks. At the extremity of Wood-street there will be a bridge over the Taff, 011 the other side of which it is intended tojjuild, so that the houses will probably in a short time extend in that direction to join Canton. THE LATE T. W. BOOKER BLAKEMORE, ESQ, — The portrait of one whose pleasure it was to do good for the locality in which he resided—one ever ready to give aid and counsel to those who required it-is a valuable memento to be prized and preserved. Cherishing these feelings we have been very much gratified by the inspection of a negative photographic portrait of our ever-to-be lamented neighbour, the late Mr. Booker Blakemore, M. P. for Herefordshire, by a very clever London Artist, who excels very much in this peculiar process. The portrait contains all the lively intelli- gent ^expression of countenance, so peculiar to our do- parted friend and, exactly resembling a mezzotinto engrav- ing, makes a very pleasing picture very different to the usual style of photographs. The words of the poet, We ne'er shall look upon his like again" are true as regards the living copy of the man, but if we apply them to the portrait we find the author sadly at fault, so very faithful is every expression rendered. Wo are pleased to find that negative copies c,f this admirable likeness can be multiplied. THE STATE OF THE COAL TRADE in this port is weekly becoming more and more depressed. Steam coal, the price of which in the time of the last war was lis. per ton, is now shipped at 8s. in some instances, but 8?. 6d. is about the cur- rent price of that once much-called-for article. House coal also, which was some time ago shipped at 10s. 6d. per ton, is now sdld at 9s. Notwithstanding that the price is so much reduced, the number of orders arc very limited, which is the sole cause of coasting freights being kept so lpvy. The vessels which have arrived during the week are but few, and princi- pally foreign. A slight advance has taken place of late in the price of Welsh bar iron, and the demand has increased to some extent. The greatest part of the railway iron shipped in the ports of Cardiff and Newport is for foreign countries, and mostly conveyed in American ships, while a vast number of English vessels are moored for want of employment. Such- is the present depression in the iron and coal trade, but it is to be hoped that there are brighter prospects looming" at a short distance, FAREWELL SERMON OF THE REV. E. JENNEE.—Our readers will doubtless peruse with pleasure the following paragraph ex- tracted from the 7Vest Sussex Gazette :—" The Rev. E. Jenner, who ha3 beeu located with us at Petworth, as one of the curates of the parish for the last two years, preached his "farewell sermon," on Sunday last, The rev. gentleman took his text from the 2 Peter, iii. 13, and was listeued to with much attention by the most crowded congregation we ever recollect seeing in our Church, and from the great kindness of Mr. Jenner's manner to the poor and others—the allusion at the end of his sermon to his departure, caused many a moist eye. It must be very gratifying to him to have received so many tokens of grateful remembrance from the poor. At Byworth, he was presented with a Visitation Communion Service. From the neighbourhood of Moor Farm, he was presented with a "Visi. tation to the Sick," handsomely bound. There were also other presents given from the inmates of the hospitals, and other poor persons. Mr. Jenner leaves the place sincerely regretted, and carrying away with him the good wishes of alL" Tlje I't!V. gentleman is son of li. F, Jenner, Esq., of VVenvoe' Castle, in this county. Boy DROWNED.—An inquest was held on Monday morning, at the Jown-liall, before It. L. Reece, Esq., on the body of Thomas Tucker, aged 16, cook on board the schooner, The Mary, John llousenfell, master, and who had accidentally fallen overboard on Friday afternoon and was drowned,—John Ronsenfell sworn, said: Thomas Tpcker, of fiarpstaple, the deceased, was IQ years old, he was cqok or} hoard the schooner Mary, ot Padstow, John llousenfell, master. Qn Friday even- ing she was lying on the mud on Penarth beach. I was on board and her crew consisted of only four. I last saw dp. ceased alive about 5 p-m, on Friday, when we went to tea (^together. { qaw him dead on Saturday afternoon about half- past three on the mud when the tide went down. We missed him about half-past si* p.m., on Friday; we wanted him to swing ship and called out for him, but he did not answer, and no one could give any account of him in the ship, and lie could not be found. My mate and seaman are quiet, orderly men, and we have no liquor on board the vessel. The ordinary sea- man is only 19 years old, and lIe and the deceased were like brothers. Robert Ford found the body there were no marks of violence on it; it was tying on it§ rjjjht side 5Q yards from the VGSJBI, —Itobevt Ford sworn I I remember finding liiin, I coiild only see a small part of his jumper, and then I called the captain and mate; his chest-key was out of his pocket; his trousers and drawers were unfastened; the vessel rolled about that night; he could swim; the tide was up when the boy was supposed to have fallen over. Verdict—Found drowued. having accidentally fallen overboayd. ijEw CoiL.—On Tuesday, the 14th instant, the engine drew up the first, trams of coal at the new drift, Graig Auner, near Pontypridd, the property of Messrs. Fowler Brothers. Mr. Thomas Fowler and Mr. Calvert were on the spot. The coal proves to be a valuaBl1 seam upwards of three feet thick, known by the name of No. 1. It is an excellent h,o>\se coalj as it js entirely free ftom sulphur and burn's with a beautifully bright and strong flame. It »nakes splendid coke. The coal was found by Mr. Thomas Fowlers underground agent, Thomas Morgan, in February, 1857, and workmen have been constantly employed ever since. They have driven on up- wards of one hundred yards, and the coal proves well. The company have erected a substantial engine, and are now pre- pared to open the pit on a large scale. The incline is in course of erection. MR. MACRONE'S CONCERT.—If we may judge from the immense number of persons of both sexes who attended the the above concert on Monday last, the efforts to please by Mr- Macrone have been highly successful. The performances of the septette band, under the direction of their accomplished leader Mr. G. F. Davis, drew forth rounds of applause, par- ticularly Mr. Davis's Fantasia on Welsh Airs, which of late has become exceedingly popular. The pretty air of Alice Grey was also given with artistic effect by Mr. Davis on the harp. The duet on the flutes by Messrs. Quelch and R. Lewis, ac- companied on the pianoforte by Mr. Bulgin was perhaps the gem of the evening. Miss Lea sung very nicely I am a Merry Laughing Girl," and subsequently "Through the Wood, &c., the latter being rapturously encored. The singing of Mr. Fisher, in consequence doubtless, of the com- modious room being so completely filled, rendered his voice totally unequal to the task. 1 his gentleman may sing very well in a small room or private party, but certainly not° in an as- asembly of about 600 persons. However, he did his best ou the occasion alluded to, but evidently with much physical ex- ertions. Mr. Macrone's glee class, though few, sang nicely in time. The national anthem concluded the programme. THE TROUBLES OF BETSY SCRUBBING IIRUSH, A MAID OF ALL WORK.—From a long letter addressed to us on the Friday and Saturday nuisance in Cardiff, we make the follow- ing extract: In St. Mary-Street as you goes towards Wit- more-lane, tlier' be prented asmal twopenny paper. Now. zm. ever ziuce that 'ere paper a been in existence the hawkin o* it is terrble-and the baugin o' our street door every Vriday and Saturda' as tremendus, last week 15 times in one day. The work as is to be done in our house becaus o' it's too much for I to do, and maister must get another girl if I stops here. It's nothiii but goin to the door all day Vriday and Zatnrday, and as I am a servant girl in Charles street in an under ground kitchen, its no joke fur legs like mine, and I ba'nt able to do't and tiler's for you. Its want a Times' or a Ti/.er' morn till night by a lot o' ragamuffins as won't take 'no' fur 'n anser. We doesn't want one' I sas, closing the door—' A horrid mur- der from Newport in't,' sas the urchin wi dirty face pushing one at the same time thro' the door opening. Us dont a' want one' 1 sas againe, I slams the door in his face and get rid o' him this way. Well, I gets down stairs, Mr. Editor, to a beaf- stake as I left a cooking fur maisters lunch an vinds it done to a coal an as black as the varmet's face the cause on it—when lawks me! Another bang-bang-bang! an' bless us another paper-boy. The other day a sooty lookin' Times boy vindin' the door 'alf op'n walks himself in zinging out'Want any Times—all about Willett, Cory, and Trigg, for tuppence.' I looks thro' the winder an sees another chap ready wia Tizer— Maister don't read paper like yourn,' I sas—but he doesnt go -no the good for nothing vagrant—he must drag me up ther' afore he'll go, an' if I'm not pnrty quick lie may take some- thing off wi bis Times, for one o' the Tizer boys robbed two publican's tills the other day. I hope you'll not frown on us poor servant gals, but insert this and we'll for ever bless your kindness," &c. WELSH AND NEWCASTLE COAL.-A contemporary says- The trials of the comparative evaporative power of Welsh and Newcastle steam coal, at Cardiff referred to in our last, were brought to a conclusion on Thursday. The Government inspectors, who were charged with the care of the experiments, were Inspectors Tamplin (of Woolwich) and Lyne (of Ports- mouth). Messrs Hughes, of Uskside Wtrks, Newport, and Clements, of Cardiff, have represented the Welsh Steam-coal Owners' Association and Messrs, Dobson and Ellis, jun., have attended to the indicators. Throughout the trials the Welsh coal-owners have mustered on board the Isabella Croll" in numbers sufficient to prove the importance they attach to this semi-national inquiry. The trials commenced on Wednesday of last week with Welsh round coal, and on Thursday New- castle round coal was tried. On Friday a trial was made by the Inspectors with Welsh coal, burning 20 per cent, of small coal, and the ash but the experiment was considered unsatis- factory for reasons to which we shall not further allude at at present. Next day the trial was resumed with the same description of fuel as on the previous day, but throughout this trial the fires were attended to by hands more accustomed to handle Welsh coal, and the results were as different from those of Friday as two results could be. On Tuesday and Wednesday the experiments were continued with Newcastle coal, with the help of Mr. W ye Williams's smoke-consuming furnace-doors. On Thursday they were ended with Welsh coal, under the same circumstances. The tabular results of these trials we hope to be able to present to our readers in due time, but in the meantime we may state that the results are such as we cuiitidently looked for, although the experiments were made under circumstances more favourable to the Newcastle than the Welsh coal namely, a stationary ship, and short hours of firing, under which the comparative cleanness of the Welsh coal, and the little labour it gives to the firemen engaged, could not be shown. The results, as regards the objects of the trials -the evaporative power of the two kinds of fuel—are even to an unexpectedly large extent in favour of Welsh coal, of all kinds and under all circumstances. It was also made plain by these experiments how it happened that the Welsh coal figured so unfavourably in those recent experiments at New- castle and Woolwich on which the North-coal men have built so much. T)ARI G HIGHWAY ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE.—On Monday evening a most daring highway robbery wa3 com- mitted about half- past six o'clock on the Leckwith-road. As Mr. Thomas Jenkins, mason, Cadoxton, was returning home from Canton and Cardiff, where he had been collecting his lents as usual, lie was followed by two men in the garb of workmen, all the way from Canton, and when he was pro- ceeding along a lonely part of the road between Leckwith and Dynas Powis, the two men closed upon him suddenly, and gave him a heavy blow on the head. He fell off his horse, and one of the scamps placed his hat over his mouth. Not- withstanding this he shouted murder, and his cries attracted the notice of William Rpe, coachman to the Rev. H. H. Rickards, who was going to Michaelstone-le-pit at the time. He hastened to the spot, and the fellows on hearing him coming, decamped into a wood close by, leaving their hats and a formidable bludgeon on the road. The poor man received severe injuries, and it was a most fortunate thing that Rees came in time, or else he might have fallen a sacrifice to their violence. They were disturbed too soon, for they had only succeeded in abstracting a few shillings, ill another pocket lie had a large sum in gold. P.C. Bush, on receiving information of the robbery, hastened to the spot, but it was too late. The hats and the sticks however are still in his hands, and may lead to their detection. FALL OF NASH CLIFF!—On Friday night last (Christmas eve), a very large portion of the cliff on the Nasli Point, in the parish of Marcross, and in close proximity on the west side to one of the Light-houses there, gave way from the top to the bottom, a height of about forty yards, and fell with a tre. mendous crash on the beach below. Many hundreds of thou- sands of tons of solid rock must have fallen, as the breach in the cliff measures on the surface about (35 yards in length by 7 or 8 yards in breadth. It is supposed to be the largest fall that has ever taken place on any part of this ooast. MASONIC FESTIVAL AT NEWPORT.—On Monday last, being St. John's Day, tho brethren of the Silurian Lodge of Free aud accepted Masons, 639, dintd together at the West- gate Hotel, Newport, on the occasion of the installation of brother Pickford, as W.M. for the ensuing year. Mr. Pickford presided, and thirty-six of the, craft were present, amongst whom we noticed brothers Ilyndman, Edward Wells, John Rolls, P.M. West, Lyue, George Gould, John Pickford, tho Senior Warden, Beynou, Wm. Williams (Secretary), Dj Bernardy, H. L. Williams, Wyndham Jones, &c. The usual loyal, niivsouic, and local toasts were given, and a very pleasing evening was spent. The following are the officers for the ensuing year:—W. Pickford, Esq., W.M., Joseph E. Davies, S.W., Wyndham Jones, Treasurer, Charles Lyne, Esq., P.M., Thomas Beynon, I.W., William Williams, Secre- tary, H. W. Steel, S.D., T. G. Hardee and G. W. Jones, Stewards. G. Pfeitfer, Organist, J. G. Huxtable, I.D., 11. L- Williams, and Wm. McFee Tyler, Inner Guard, LLANWONNO NATIONAL ScuooL.-A lectm-o was delivered in the large and convenient school-room adjoining St. David's Church, in the Ilhondda Valley, in the parish of Llanwonno, on the evening of Tuesday last, 21st inst., in the Welsh lan- guage, by the Rev. I). Jones, Curate of Penydarran, Merthyr Tydlil. The subject was The Young Man," Y Dy)) leuanc." Admission was by tickets, the proceeds to be de- voted to purchase books, maps, and school-matoriata necessary to carry on the day school in tho place. The spacious room was completely filled, comprising, members of the various re- ligious congregations in tha parish, indeed, it was altogether very pleasing to see such a kind and friendly feeling displayed by the inhabitants. There were also present several of the clergy of the neighbourhood. The Rev. W. Davies, incumbent of the parish, was unanimously called to preside over the meeting, who briefly opened the proceedings, 2,nq formally introduced the talented lecturer, who was verjt warmly re- ceived, and the eyes of all we^ at once fasteued on him. The v.'orthy lectnrer spoke quaintly and humorously, and, for up- wards of two hours rivetted the attention of a crowded and most attentive congregation, and his keen remaiks aud graphic description of a Young Man" were highly interesting and iu- c tructive, and as was expected,t elicited universal approbation aud applause, Gro^t credit is also due to the singers, who discharged their duties in a most masterly and efficient manner: in fact, everything passed off to tue entire satisfaction of the audience. This school will be re-opened after the. Christmas vacation, under the tuition of a very efficient and highly certificated master and mistres-, who have hoei; strongly recommended to the committee by H. ilt. Inspector of Schools as two of the very bc^t teachers in his district." The usual vote# of thanks were accorded to the worthy locturer, and the Chairman which were unanimously adopted, and all left highly pleased with the intellectual feast they so much enjoyed. TONGWINLAIS SCHOOL.—The children belonging to the, above school, amounting to nearly 1GQ, wera very kindly treated on Thursday afternoon tq s«me excellent tea,«ake, &c. &c., by Mr. and Mrs. L^vvis, of Green Meadow, whotogpear to take great interest in the welfare of the children of the neigh- bourhood by promoting secular and religious kntowledgje amongst them. The Sabbath school which has recency ifciaan established, and which is kindly presided over by appears to go on steadily and successfully and let qr'jjima that so good an institution will heuceforward he carried oil with Christian zeal atid perseverance, so that the juveiiikfK>r- tion of the neighbourhood may bo imbued with sound Chj^Jjau principles. The children met at the schoolroom which- iras very tastefully decorated for the occasion with ever, flowers, and banners, upon which we read "God savajtbe Queen,"—" Peace and good will to men," &c., &c. xfraie were present on the occasion Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, anifipt. Misses Lewis, Green meadow, Miss Gwyne, fr{a$ter TOotrftii Lewis and Master Henry I.:c\yisJ A|iss' VVaters, the efficient mistress of thf; school, iipd several of the Sunday Sclrtiw s c teachers, Tho tea, oako, &o., were excellent. The young family at Greenmeadow, Miss Gwyne, and others were seen actively engaged waiting on their happy guests who were doubtless touched with a sense of gratitude for the kind twau given them. Several appropriate moral so.r^gs w^.re Ming by the children. A recitatio',), Mr, Benjamin Evai^s, ga,ve. general satisfaction. After ton) the. children forined a pro- ccssiou, and walkeq up to Green meadow, the residence of Mr, Lewis, from thence to tlie village, and back again to tl»a schoolroom singing merrily as they wept along, m4t.il then- little voices echoed from the distant hill. Several amusing games now took place, and at the close of the evening a magic 1aute,n, wrs e.\hib,ited by Mr. Roberts, of Melingriifith, which afforded much fun and merriment among the children. Thanks having been given to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis for their kindness aud iiberality, the children were invited to give tlierq a round of cheers which was right heartily done. Arr, LewtSj in a neat address, assured them that it afforded him and Mrs. Lewis much pleasure to meet them cAr; so interesting an occasion, and promised a. siir4ilpr trc,at next year. God save the Queen" having been suug; about six o'clock the children were dis-i missed, evincing unmistakable symptoms of joy and gratitude for the kindness sUown them.

ON SEEING A NEW PILLAR POST OFFICE. Forwards and backvvards—'tween pillar and post, Was a saying of which we could formerly boast; But now that old saying is gone to the ground, Since pillar and post both in one can be found. Merthyr, Dec., 1858. SCALLOP.

MRTIIS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. BIRTHS. EVANS.—Dec. 21, the wife of Mr. David Evans, Lletty Rbys, Hirwain, of a son. J SILLiFANT.-Dec. 27, at No. 2, Victoria Place, Roath Road, the wife of Mr. S. Sillifant, of a daughter. \27\ v«fe ,of Mr" James Orr, draper, &c., Cncnton-streefc, Cardiff, of a son. MACKWORTH.-Dec. 22, at Clifton-wood House, near „ Herbert Mackworth, of a daughter. iKfVr^C" w' ,^vH-du' ncar Monmouth, the 'jte of the Re\. Wm. Oakley, of a son. inaaiMANN.—Dec. 26, st Mount.pteasant, Swansea, Mrs. li. G. Herrmann, of a daughter. MORIMS.-Dec. 21, at the Wellington Brewery Inn, Garden- daughter" a"3ea' Wlfe °f Mr" Willi;uu 1>' Morris, of a MC^U?T^; £ '~?0CV2« thc WlTe nf Mr- GeorSe Moulding, \V r ifl/ri,"r n Swansea, of a daughter. ^v,fc of Mr wWr.f 1;a"fon-l'laC(;> Swansea, T.M)MOVTW "a,ieiield, ot a daughter. the wife f \f C<r T ?A'1l"je''t"ten'ace> New-road, Swansea, D IVrFS —b o,01'" ^<lmol"ls, of twin daughters. 1 of Edward & Va?ics, Esq^fSoT' Cl ickhowe1''thc wife WATTQ Tuvrrs MARRIAGES. -• <la 1 c, by Hie YwJ Watts to Miss Eleanor I)a uls' curatc> Mr- Edward REYNOLDS-LUKE.—Dec. M tll. Pl • ni dare, by the Rev. David DavieS,n™tJ u"ir 1! nolds to Miss Martha Luke. tU™te' Mr" U lI1,am Key JOXhS —DA\ IES.—Dec. 28, at the v pi Mr. John Jones, butcher, to Cecil Davi^'1 Cl,l'rcll> Aberdare, LEWIS—JONES.—Dec. 25, at the Parisi,pt 1 « T, wonno, by the Rev. D. Evans, curate, Mr. Win;I„ tL Miss Ann Jones, both from the parish of Lift,,wonno GRAHAM—JONES.—Dec 21, at the Baptist chape] Chepstow, by the Rev. Ihomas Jones, assis^i i)v yf™' Thos. Graham; Mr. Robert Graham, of Mainw n.,„r vr port, to Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr TiiomTa Jones, of Chepstow. DEATHS. STONE.—Dec. 29, at Plymouth, Elizabeth, the buVrd wifa of Mr. G. A. Stone, builder, of Working-street, CVi.fv J ENNINGS.— Dec. 28, aged 4 years and 6 years, the '1 children of Octavius Jennings, Esq., Commercial Iwi T Newport. > THOMAS.—Dec. 29, at Pencerrig, in the county of Rada. Thomas Thomas, Esq.. in the 81st year of his age. JOSSELYN.—Dec. 15, very suddenly, at 7, St. Mary' Terrace, Colchester, Miss Josselyu, aged 81 years.—" Be ye also ready, for the Son of man cometh at an hour that ye think not." NA PPER.- Dec. 19, at Neath, of Bronchitis, Mary, widow of the late Mr. P. Napper, of Newport, aged 77 years. GHEEN.-Dec. 20, in London, Vice-Admiral Sir Andrew Peliett Green, K.C.H., aged 81 years. GALLW EY.—Dec. 21, at Naples, Captain Gallwey, late British Consul in Naples. WILL IANIS.- Dec. 27, at Bushy Heath, Herts, the Ven. John Williams, Archdeacon of Cardigan,—an eminent scholar. GETRYCH.—Dec. 26, at Micliaelstone-le-Pit, at the advanced age ot 92, Ann wife of Mr. Evan Getrych, for many years a coachman at Courtyrala. MACPHERSON.—Dec. 25, Lieut.General Macphearson, Cokmel-in-Chief of the 88th Reg., (Connought Rangers). ROWLAND.-Dec. 14, at Aberdare, Mr. John Rowland, tiler and plasterer, aged 21 years. SIMS.-Dec. 17, at Aberdare, Mr. William Sims, aged 41 years. RICHARDS.—Dec. 22, at Wind-street, Aberdare, Mrs. Gwenlliau Richards, in the 83rd year of her age. DAVIES.—Dec. 24, at Treaman, Mrs. Mary Davies, aged 90 years. MORGAN.—Dec. 27, at Aberdare, (awfully gulden); Mary, wife of David Morgan, puddler, aged 38 years. BEECH.-Dec. 18, near Kuperra Castle, Mr. W. Beech, for many years shepherd to Sir Charles Morgan, Bart., aged 75 years. M ACDONALD. Dec. 29, Mary Beatrice, daughter of J. P. Macdonald, Ksq., Kingsdown-parade, Bristol, aged 18 months DAVIES.—Dec. 2'), at Neath, Mr. Thomas Davies, son of Mr. Thomas Davies, of Water-street, aged 51 years. LEWIS.—Dec. 18, at Iiesolven, after a long illness, Joan, the beloved wife ot Mr. Jeukin Lewis, aged 78 years. COLLINSON.—Dec. 23, drownel ill the Avon river, a little above Bath, Mr. Francis Collinson, aged 19, a son of the new Rector of Walcot, in that City, and an undergraduate of Oxford. A younger brother, who was upset in the same boat, is scarcely yet out of danger.

FRANCE. PARIS, WEDNESDAY. — 1 he Moniteur contains decrees appointing M. Troptong to be President, and Marshal Couot Baraguay d' Hi liers, General Count Regnault de Saint-Jean-d'An gely, and Marsh id PelUsier Duke de Mulakhoffto be Vice-Piesidents of the Senate lor the year 1859. General Mscmahon leaves Paris to-night to resume the cornniaiiii of the army in Algeria in consequence of the agitaiion which prenils among the Kabyle tribes. It was rumoured last night that troubles had actually broken out among the Kahj les, though papers do not allude to the fact. It is said that Marshil Castellane is about to retire from the service in consequence of his advanced age. In that case he will probibly be succeeded by Marshal Cdnrobert and Marshal Rindon will be appointed to the command held at present by Marshal Canrobert", whose head-quarters are at Nancy. A letter from Teheran states that the Shah of Persia has appointed M. Homy, the French Orientalist whom I* ernk Khan brought from Parib with him, professor of the French language to his son, the hereditary Prince. M. Houry is, at the same time, charged by the Shah to translate the Emperor Napoleon III. iUlO Persian. SPAIN. Ti e Madrid journals of the 23rd have arrived, those of the 2-lth, which are also due, have not co-.ne to hand. The Chamber of Deputies, on the 22nd, resumed the debate oil the amendment re!ative to the sale of ecclesi- asiicnl property iu the nddress in reply to the Queen's speech. 0:1 a division, the amendment was rejected by a majority of 195 to 17. Some of the Progressista mem- bers of the puro clug9 abstained from voting. Tha Gazette contains a royal decree by which Lieutenant- Geueruls n ilona Rnd Count deSpetetn, who voted against the Government ni the last division of the Senate, are dtsmisaed from their posts as judges in the Supreme 11 iounal of War, and Lieutenant Geueials Santos Sau Miguel y Vaitedor and Juan At.tamaylrahiontreap. pointed in their stead. AM ERICA. LIVERPOOL, Thursday MORNING, The City of Washington Ins arrived with the New York mails of the llth, and 172.000 and odd dollars. The Bremen left at the same timo for Suuihampton. The City of Washington spoke the Karnac on the 21st, and the Africa on the 28th. SHIPPING. James R. Wheeler, and Patrick Henry, from London Sir Robert Peel, from Hamburg; Bremer- haven, and Epaminondas, from Rotterdam W. S. Lindsay, from Nltir;ci!les and Mary Lueretia, from CorileauK, at New York. Finland, hence, at Charleston, liumber, hence, at Mobtit. THE PAPAL DIFFERENCES. The following tejegraro has been recciveJ at Mr Reuter's office to-day j— 28.—-The Giornale di Roma ot the 24th inst. denies the reported differences between the Papallllld French Governments. The journal states that 'he newspaper reputU 1 Jleging animated and bitter conversations to have taken place between the representa- tives of (he two Governments, together with other un- pleasantnesses of a similar nature, are untrue.

Thb CONVIOT Mary — We ac^ requested to stale ihat the execution of the sentence of death parsed up n Mary New, It it th.. hte assi*a at Reading for ithe mu.Je, ut her infant child has been respited with a v ew to a commutation of th^ ,iapiial puuishment. Times. PNOPCSBD NCLUB. —A club, we are informed' is in contomplatioii whose object will be to give an oppor- tunity of meeting together and promoting a friendly in- tercourse between the higher clashes of English society and foreigners of distinction, either belonging to the corps diplomatique or otherwise, visiting this country It is to be combined qu new principles, a sort of revival of tht defunct Coventry Club. and having some features of a musical character.— Morning Post. A11 rival of PRINCE ALFRED AT MALTA,—On Sunday, the 19.h of December, at 10 o'clock a.m., her Mkjestt'a steam-frigate Euryalu*. Captain Tarleion, C.B., on board of which his Royal Highness Prince Alfred, second soji of our gracious Sovereign Queen Victoria, i* serving as a, cadet, entered the graq I harbour of La Valetta, under steam from Tangier. Having ssluted the flag of Admiral Fan^nw?,, C,B., Commander-in-Chief, as &he rounded St. Elmo Point, the salute wns immediately returned by 'he screw line-of-batile ship and on passing Poll St. Angelo a lioyal sahfto ^as fired from that fort. THE CONOEMNED CO»viors AT Kirkiulr GAQI,. Al'houjh in the aasa of Auguste Wi^helm, convicted of murder, 'my a futiVj attempt to pruoure abortion, the jury would h ive boon g) t) to return a verdict of manslaughter if :he buy woul! Ii^vcflawed tbem and although in the case of Henry Head, convicted of straugiiug his wife, there was a rtivMimflendaUun to rnorcy on account uf his drunk.. Ua respite or reprieve has as yet been received or hetud of by the authorities of Kiikdnle Gaol. and 14 daya have elapsed since the sentences were passed, and 11 since the assizes terminated, and both judges left Liverpool. Little hope is, therefore, entertaiued that there will be a remission of the ssaieuce in either case, and it is expected that the law will take its course 011 the morning of Satur- day n.1itA New Year's Day. There baa been nothing in the conduct of either prisoner calling for special mention. They willingly receive the ministrations of the Rev. T. Appleton, chepl-pin, and regularly attend chapel. Wilhelm's w'fa ttud child took their leave of him QI4 Monday. As yet, we understand, Reid has not been seen by any of his friends. It will be remembered that both ;-ISC5 arc from Nlauclieiiter.-Livei-ijool Ner(,wry.

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