The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette

SATURDAY, JANUARY 32, 1859. WAR, war, has been the all-absorbing topic of the week, though why such a calamity should occur it would be difficult for anybody to divine. The indis- creet remarks of the Emperor Napoleon have fallen as a spark on the edge of the anvil, and others are but too ready in furthering its destructive operation. All nations are rushing to the contest, so that though no real cause for war exist, it may yet be brought about by men's talk of and preparations for it At the opening of the Sardinian Chambers last week, the King is reported to have remarked that the horizon of the new year was not perfectly serene, which gave iise to a general sensation. He augured good for the future on account of the policy of Piedmont being based on justice and love of liberty;—" Piedmont is small in extent, but great in the councils of Europe on account of the principles it represents, and the sympathies it inspires. It respects treaties, but is not insensible to Italy's cry of anguish." These are sig- nificant words which might well excite great emotion, as we learn was the case. But to what are we to attribute the impulse of utterance ? Doubtless to a perfect accord with the Napoleonic policy, and the secret connivance with the French Emperor to Piedmont's becoming the champion of Italian liberty. It is now said that the speech before delivery passed through the Tuilleries; but whether so or not it is regarded as the tocsin of war, and Austria is already preparing for the struggle by strengthening the gar- risons of Verona, Mantua, and Milan. Thirty thou- sand troops are marching to the frontiers; so that 140,000 men will soon be on the spot to crush the first movements of insurrection. Will Sardinia dare provoke such a power ? She may, with the assured co-operation of France; but for which she would, assuredly, be annihilated at the onset. There is the greater reason for believing that this assistance has been proffered, as his Majesty has been induced to give a daughter, sixteen years of age, as a bride to Prince Napoleon. It cannot be disguised that the Austrians and French are jealous of each other as regards their influence in Italy; and that one has troops there because the other has, of which, however, Napoleon is getting tired, as may bs inferred from his proposition to Austria and the Pope; but the former of them is not willing to budge, nor does the latter desire it; added to which, Austria is pursuing an interfering poHcy with regard to Servia, with which France is not pleased. The Emperor Napoleon ex- presses his displeasure, which Austria meets by despatching fresh troops to Italy, and some to Servia, as is reported. Is the Emperor Napoleon likely to be mollified by such persistent opposition, or are violent results likely to be avoided by the combination of events ? Prussia takes the alarm by increasing her army; Turkey trembles; Belgium is in a crisis; Naples seeks to forestall the bursting of the thunder- cloud by releasing a host of political prisoners-an act never conceded before, and, therefore, the more sur- prising now, unless on the principle of making friends with the mammon of unrighteousness;" Russia, with a lynx eye, eagerly awaits the issue; while England looks placidly on, determined to take no part-If possible to avoid it—knowing well that it is not for Italian liberty that the French will war with the Austrians, however plausible the pretext. It is thought that the interference of Austria in the Servian matter will afford the excuse to France for inter- posing, or in some way interfering so as to foment a quarrel, even, if for no other purpose, than to engage a restless army. For what are a hundred thousand conscripts added to the army-the efficiency of the fleet increalied-officers recalled, and both army and navy placed in a state of preparation for war ? We are glad to find that our Government are taking all due precautions by placing our own navy in an effi- cient state, for which increased estimates will be laid before the House on the assembling of Parliament.

THB opening of Parliament has been fixed for the 3rd proximo, and it is expected that her Majesty and the Prince Consort will be present. Political chattels are being put in order, and every preparation made that is justified by the importance of the Session on which we are about to enter. Several appointments have just been made, which have elicited great com mendation, as evincing a desire on the part of the Prime Minister to secure the services of the best men, there being among those selected some who have not strictly adhered to Conservative principles, as in the case of Sir C. Trevelyan and Sir Stafford Northcote, who have been appointed to important offices, solely from their fitness for the discharge of the required duties. Ministers are in conclave, though but little has oozed out respecting their Reform Bill, beyond that the Premier is stated to be disposed for pretty near a household suffrage. We have already a lengthened programme of the measures to be brought forward by independent members, including those for the aboli- tion of Church Rates, and the Lord Lieutenancy of Ireland; for a reform in the Corporation of London the care and treatment of Lunatics; the application of Secondary Punishments, &c. Last, but not least, there comes the Repeal of the Paper, and Malt and Hop duties, the first mentioned of which is looked upon as unfait accompli, all that is wanting being a favour- able financial position to allow of its removal. As re- gards the malt and hop duties, we cannot view things so lightly. The one is not so unjust as it is made to appear; and the other involves too large an amount for a Minister to dispose of at once, notwithstanding it ought, for the sake of the agricultural community, to be desirable to get rid of these duties.

REPORTS and counter reports have prevailed, as lo the substitution of Mr. Gladstone for Sir John Young as Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. Notwithstanding some of the Ministerial prints de- clare that there is no intention to bring about the change, we have reason to believe that it will be speedily announced. Much comment has been made on the right hon. gentleman's acceptance of the post under the Conservative Ministry j though it is, in reality, hardly ground of surprise with a knowledge of his antecedents and inclinations. It is a cause for warm congratulation to witness him and others of the Peelite party fusing with those from whom they originally seceded, thereby strengthening the hands of those with whom they become amalgamated. It is an earnest, too, of their abandoning the isolated position they have occupied so long. and healing the breach which ought never to have existed in the Con- servative party. As regards the supercession of Sir John by Mr. Gladstone, the step has been condemned considering the friendship existing between them. We may be sure, however, that it was taken only with the perfect concurrence of Sir John, who is willing to resign a position in which he has been so much compromised since the publication of the secret despatches, when it is not the intention of Govern- ment to act up to his propositions,

BRECON AND MEBTHYB RAILWAY—The deposit money for this line, with its branches, was paid into the Accountant General's office, on Saturday last, in accordance with the standing orders of Parliament.,

I CARDIFF AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD. Mr. Strong, of this town, has commenced running a Hansom cab and fly for hire in the streets of Newport. We understand that Messrs. Powell and Son's new Tredegar steam coal, which is of very superior quality, and mixed with Aberdare produces most extraordinary results, is to be shipped at Cardiff. THE RHYMNET RAILWAY.—We have much pleasure in stating that the trade on this line is increasing, and there is every probability of its continuing rapidly to increase. The produce of Messrs. Prothero's Church Colliery Pit will shortly be brought into it by the Pengam branch for shipment at Cardiff, and which at present goes to Newport by way of the old Rhymney line. SUPERIORITY OF WELSH STEAM COALS.—At the request of the Admiralty, trials have been made of Welsh and New- castle steam-coal, at sea, on board the Peninsular and Oriental Company's boats. The results, we are happy to say, are equally as satisfactory as those obtained during the recent experiments made in our East Docks. CAUTION AGAINST PICKPOCKETS.—The public are cau- tioned to be aware of pickpockets, as there seem to be many of the light-fingered gentry in this town, who visit our mar. kets and places of worship. On Sunday evening last, as a young woman was leaving Trinity-street chapel, she had her pocket picked of her purse. STOLEN.—On Monday, from the shop door of Mr. Solomon Joseph, outfitter, Whitmore-lane, a blue cloth monkey jacket, lined with black serge. From Mr. Dickenson's back-yard, in Christina-street, on Monday night, 2 shirts, chemise, night- gown, and two cotton shirts. From No. 41, Davis-street, a waistcoat and several articles of wearing apparel, the property of Thomas Usher. DRUNKENNESS AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.—On Tuesday afternoon last, Thomas Gorman, of Pellett-street, in this town, fell from a cart on which lie was riding, and the wheels passing over him he was severly bruised. He was in a state of drunk- enness at the time the accident happened. FIR E.-On Sunday last, some children entered a house in the course of erection in Tyndall-street, in this town, and to amuse themselves set fire to some shavings therein, to the great danger of the premises. Fortunately the fire was dis- covered in time, and through the exertion* of some of the inha- bitants and P.C. Cavet it was extinguished before much damage was done. The house was the property of our respected Mayor, C. C. Williams, Esq. FAVOURABLE SYMPTOMS.—Not a single case came on for hearing on Thursday at the Police-court, nor was there an application even for a summons. Sobriety and honesty seemed to have taken possession of Cardiff. Long may it last. CARDIFF WEEKLY CORN RETURN.-An account of the quantities and prices of the several sorts of British corn sold in this market during the week ended Saturday last, computed by the Standard Imperial Measure: -Total quantities, 41 quarters 2 bushels; total amount, zES9 8s. lOd.; price, per quarter, t2 3s. 4jd. THE COUNTY COURT.-The new judge of the Cardiff County Court, J. M. Herbert, Esq., (of the Hereford and Monmouth circuits), took his seat upou the bench for the first time in this town on Wednesday last. At the commencement of the busi- ness his Honour announced that he would take the cases in tne order in which they were entered, whether defended or not. except in those cases where a special agreement had beed made. There were 88 new plaints, 20 judgment summonses, and 12 insolvents. The business terminated on Thursday afternoon. MR. RIGHTON'S CONCERT.—To compensate, in some de- gree, for the heavy loss sustained by this gentleman, on the occasion of his last concert,:the amateurs of Cardiff and the neighbourhood intend coming forward to aid in another con- cert to be given on the 31st Jan. We shall be glad to find that so talented and liberal a caterer for the public amusement has been abundantly remunerated. The programme contains three overtures, duets, glees, madrigals, and choruses, in such variety as cannot fail to make the concert most attractive. COUNTERFEIT COIN.-We must again caution the trades- men of the town and their assistants, and especially females who serve at public-houses, against the immense quantity of spurious coin now in circulation, and in course of manufacture in Cardiff. Our police report shows that no less than 18 base half-crowns were found upon one man, and many of them in an unfinished state. Two of the rascals are in custody; but more are still at liberty, and doubtless the work goes on. The crucible, the moulds, and the mint, if we may be allowed the term, are yet undiscovered, although no pains are spared by the police in attempting to bring the whole apparatus before the magistrates and the public. CANTON OUNDAY :SCHOOL. Among the significant facts in connection with the growth and progress of the suburbs of the town, and the laudable endeavour to add to the supply of suitable religious instruction for the inhabitants, is the recently erected Hope Chapel, in Canton. On Wednesday, a respect- able and numerously attended tea-meeting was held, the pro- ceeds to go towards procuring the modus operandi" of the lately formed Sunday School in the above chapal. Several gentlemen from the town and neighbourhood delivered addresses on the necessity of providing additional instruction for the young, and religious accommodation for the rapidly in- creasing population in this locality, and urging those who had begun the good work there, to proceed earnestly with thinr charitable object. The proceedings were much enlivened by the excellent singing of St. Mary's-street Baptist Chapel choir. WANTON MISCHIEF.—On Sunday night last, the inhabi- tants of the cottages adjoining the Three Elms Inn, Gwaun- treoda, were alarmed by hearing the sound of some heavy mass falling in the vicinity. On examination, it turned out that four of those reckless characters living in the neighbourhood of Llandaff-yard had thrown down a valuable piece of Caen stone, upwards of eight feet long, belonging to Mr. Eli Evans, sculp. tor, of that place, by which it was broken into fragments. At the last Epiphany Quarter Sessions, the ratepayers memorial to the magistrates that a :policem,m should be appointed for Whitchurch and the hamlet of Gabalva, was acceded to; and anomalous as it may appear, the place was much better pro- tected when under the individual care of the officers residing at Llandaff. This can only be accounted for by the men placed here being entire strangers to the neighbourhood, and their frequent withdrawal to Roath. MORTGAGE OF MARKET HousE TOLLS, &c.—On Tuesday last, a special meeting of the town council was held in the Town-hall, when there were present, C. C. Williams, Esq., Mayor, in the chair, Alderman David Lewis, and Councillors Alexander, R. W. Williams, J. Bird, C. E. Bernard, J. Thomas, R. L, Reece, E. Mason, W. Nell, Laugley, and J. Batchelor. The notice convening the meeting having been read, it was resolved fhat the market-house, market-place, slaughter-house, and other property belonging to the council, under and by virtue of the Act 5th and 6th Wm. IV., c. 51, and the rents, tolls, stallages, and other moneys arising and to be received by virtue thereof be mortgaged to Francis Henry Mitchell, Alfred Head, Robert Hanbury, and Bonanby Dobree, Esqrs., trustees of the London Life Association, to secure to them the repayment of 1;10,000 and £6,000 agreed to be ad- vanced by them to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Cardiff, with interest thereon at 5 per cent. per aunum." CARDIFF BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING.—At this meet- ing on Tuesday, the seal of the Board was affixed to the new general district rate of Is. 6d. in the pound, on all property within the district assessable to the poor-rate. Mr. W. V. Edwards having requested to be allowed to add to his tender a certain sum for items he bad omitted therefrom, it was or- dered that he be called upon to execute the contract in accord. ance with his tender, and that in the event of his declining, to do so, that the next lowest tender be accepted. The collector was requested to produce at the next meeting a list of persons in arrear of the outstanding rate. The surveyor was requested to prepare a plan for water-closets, &c., in the market-house. His attention was also called to the conduct of the town sca- vengers. A letter was read from the Right Hon. Stuart Wortley, one of the trustees of the Marquis of Bate, stating that he would meet the committee appointed to fix on a site for a park for the use of the public, on Monday next, and Mr. Lewis Reece was added to the committee. MR. BRIGHT'S REFORM BILL.-We publish the schedules to this proposed bill elsewhere; by them it will be seen that Mr. Bright intends the representation of Cardiff, with its 40,000, to remain as it has hitherto done with only one member, whilst to Swansea and Monmouth he would give an additional member each, and to Merthyr he would give two additional representatives. Brecon and Radnor he would disfranchise. LLANDILO.—TESTIMONIAL TO A SCHOOLMASTER.—A few days ago the children of the Llandilo school, Carmarthenshire, presented Mr. Evan David Evans, master of the Gorseinon school, with an elegant writing-desk, a cash-box and a sum of money, as a mark of respect to Mr. Evans, who very efficiently discharged the office of master of the Llandilo school nearly three years. DISEASES IN WALES.—That dreadful scourge the small-pox has been very rite in various parts of the principality, where in som3 localities it has made dreadful ravages. It has been prevalent in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, where it has often assumed the confluent form. At Carmarthen it has attacked old and young, and has been felt in both divisions of the principality. Scarlet fever has also been prevalent, especially among young children, many of whom have fallen victims. With the small-pox it has been proved that many of those attacked were persons who had not availed themselves of vaccination. Diphtheria is likewise prevalent, and the late changes have largely developed bronchial affections, THE SHIPWRIGHTS.—We regret to find that the ship. wrights of this port have scarcely anything to do, and many of them with families have been obliged to apply for parochial relief. THE MERCIFUL SOCIETY.-On Sunday last, two sermons were preached at Charles-street Wesleyan Chapel, by the llevds. J. Holmes and E. Vigis, on behalf of this excellent society, which has for its object relief of the sick, irrespective of religious sect or party. The sum of 919 was collected. TheCountess Dowager of Dunraven Castle, is now staying at Velindra House. BRISTOL EYE HOSPITAL, LOWER MAUDLIN STREET.—The Number of Patients attending this week were 198. Fresh cases, 43. COUNTERFEIT HALF SOVEREIGNS.— Spurious half-sove- reigns to a dangerous extent are in circulation, and many persons have been victimised. THE HOUSE ROBBERY IN UNION-STREET.—In another column, Lieut, Donovan offers £ 10 reward to any person who will give such information of the persons who entered his house on Sunday evening the 2nd instant, whilst he was at church, as may lead to their conviction. GARDEN ROBBERY.-In several parts of Canton a very rude and lawless population are locating themselves, and the conse- quence is, numerous petty depredations on out-door property. On Saturday night last the garden of Mr. Andrews, of Spring, field Cottage, Llandaff-road, was robbed for the third time within a very short period. The two police-officers who patrol the hamlet are very efficient men, but additional constables are very much wanted, as the area they have to travel is much too great. COMMITMENTS TO CARDIFF GAQL.—Jan. 17, Elizabeth Bowen, Merthyr, three days' hard labour, for stealing coal, value one halfpenny. William Mahar, Merthyr, committed for seven days or to pay 13s., for an a&sault upon Wm. Lewis, of the same place. There have been eight commitments from Cardiff Police Court since the 15th inst. THE SAVINGS' BANK, in addition to being open on Saturday mopnings and evenings, is now open on Monday evenings also, from 7 o'cjoclf to halt-past 8, thus giving to depositors an extra opportunity of saving their earnings, if prevented from doing so by late payment of wages at the week's end. NEW MAGISTRATES FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE.—At the Epiphany Sessions Henry Crawsliay, Esq., of Oaklands, near Newnham, and Captain Dighton, of Newlaud, were added to the commission of the peace. HARD TIMES.—An immense number of cases of distress and destitution were brought before the Chairman of the Cardiff Union on Saturday last, and a large number of able-bodied men are still employed by the Guardians in breaking stones. Although the season is mild, distress is so prevalent in Cardiff that it would be well if the charitably disposed were to form themselves into a committee, and open a soup kitchen. We believe the apparatus for making soup is still in existence at the Ragged School, and if those who are in the habit of giving alms occasionally were to purchase soup tickets from the pro- posed committee and distribute them,"much immediate want might be relieved. A serious accident happened to J. Ruscome Poole, Esq., solicitor, of Bridgwater, and residing at Weston-super-mare, on Saturday last. He had been hunting with the Duke of Beaufort's hounds, which met at Tortworth-green on that day, and was returning with a friend in a dog-cart, when between Chipping Sodbury and Bristol, the vehicle came in collision with a market cart. The consequence was that Mr. Poole was thrown out, and the wheels of the cart passing over him, he sustained fractures of the right leg and left arm. He was immediately conveyed to the Bristol Royal Infirmary, where he was accommodated in one of the student's apartments, and the fractured limbs were set. Mrs. Pool was telegraphed for the same evening, and has ever since been in attendance on her husband, who, under her care, and the treatment of the Infirmary surgeons, is, we are happy to hear, progressing favourably. PROPOSED MONMOUTH, DEAN FOREST, AND WORCESTER JUNCTION RAILWAY.—A prospectus has just been issued for the formation of the above railway, a distance of some 28 miles, at an expense not exceeding £ 10,000 per mile. This proposed line, on the narrow guage of course, starting from a junction with the Monmouth and Pontypool line, near Mon- mouth, proceeds by way of Redbrook and Newland, to Cole- ford, hence to Mireystock Bridge, and through the Forest to Mitcheldean, proceeding onwards across the Hereford, Ross, and Gloucester line, by Aston Ingham, Newent, and Dymock to Ledbury, there joining the Worcester and Hereford Railway thus accommodating in its course the important tin plate works at Redbrook, the very extensive iron mines and collieries in and about Coleford, collecting the traffic of the various tram- ways running to the right and left of its course, passing close to the great iron ore workings of the Dowlais Company at Westbury Brook, those of Messrs. Crawsbay and Allaway and others, on the east side of the Forest. From hence, running close to the town of Mitchdeldean, it crosses, and will inter- change traffic with, the Hereford, Ross, and Gloucester Rail- way near the Mitcheldean Road Station on that line, and then proceeds by Aston Ingham, near the town of Newent, now entirely destitute of any railway communication, and through the rich country by Dymock on to the juction of the line with the Worcester and Hereford Railway at Ledbury. PEMBRRY.-On Monday last, Mr. E. Evaus, Auctioneer Carmarthen, offered for sale by public competition 500 fat sheep, the property of John Stanley, Esq. There was an excel- lent attendance of buyers, and the whole were speedily disposed of at good rates. Mr. John Griffiths, of Carmarthen, was a buyer to about jB200 worth. PRESENTATION TO A CLERGYMAN.—The Rev. John Shaw (late assistant curate at the parish church, Preston, Lancashire), being about to leave that town, a number of his congregation and members of the adult classes of the parish church Sunday schools, met on Wednesday evening in the school-room, for the purpose of presenting to the rev. gentleman a testimonial of their appreciation of his services, during the time he had so faithfully laboured amongst them. During the time Mr. Shaw was one of the curates of the church named, his exertions, not only for the extension of the Sunday-schools, but also for the general good of the district were indefatigable, and he gained for himself the respect of all with whom he came in contact; and also regret his removal from amongst them. Mr. Shaw also rendered most valuable aid to the promotion of the "bedding charity," established in Preston during the winter of 1857. An institute set on foot for providing bedding to the destitute poor of the town, irrespective of denominational dis- tinctions. The testimonial from the congregation consisted of a handsome purse containing 938 10s. And that from she adult classes of a very beautiful mahogany writing desk, the letter bearing the following inscription:— Presented to the Rev. J. Shaw, by the Adult Classes of the Preston Parish Sunday Schools, as a token of their high esteem for his ministerial labours among them, and sincerely regretting his ceasing to be their pastor. Preston, Jan., 19th, 1859." The presentations were accompanied with suitable addresses expresive of the high appreciation in which Mr. Shaw's services were held by the subscribers and others. The rev. gentleman having acknowledged the gifts in a very feeling manner, the interesting proceedings terminated. We under- stand that Mr. Shaw is one of the selected candidates for the chaplaincies of Swansea and Cardiff. NANTGARW.-The children of Nantgarw school, near this town, were, on Tuesday, the lltli instant, most handsomely entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Williams, at their mansion, Dyflryn-frivd. Tea commenced at four o'clock, when every little heart leapt for'joy at the sight of the profusion of cakes, buns, &c., with which the tables were so liberally supplied. Tea being over, the children sang, Praise God from whom all blessings flow," in their usual devotional style. By and bye a juvenile dance was introduced, Miss Williams ably presiding at the piano, and heartily joining in the hilarity of the pro- ceedings. This innocent amusement and healthy exercise over, the delighted little creatures were supplied with an abundance of apples, oranges, mincepies, raisins, and lozenges. T.vo dozen prizes, also, consisting of books and pictures, were dis- tributed among the 1st and 2nd class; and the happy party broke up about eight o'clock, closing with the evening hymn, and three cheers at the door for their hospitable entertainers. Much praise is due to Mr. Thomas, the present master, for the satisfactory manner in which he conducts the school; and the noble example of benevolence set by the respected family of Dyffryn-ffrwd sheds a moral lustre on this place and neigh- bourhood. A MAIDEN SESSIONS.—The West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser says the quarter sessions for the borough of Helstone was held on Monday, the 10th inst., before E. W. Cox, Esq., Recorder, when, as usual, there were no cases for trial It occasionally happens that there are no cases for trial at some of the assizes appointed to be held in the agri- cultural districts in Wales, but at Helstone, in the midst of a dense population of a mining district, there was not a single prisoner. Moreover it seems by the above paragraph, that it was as usual, no cases at all for trial, which fact proves that the aboriginal natives of Wales and Cornwall are free from crime in comparison with other places, and there are so few Welsh offenders confined in the gaols of Glamorgan, amidst a vast manufacturing district, that the Chairman of the Quarter Sessisons and the Magistrates unanimously agreed there was no necessity of having chaplains conversant with the Welsh language for either of the prisons in this county. A serious accident occurred on the Shrewsbury and Hereford Railway on Thursday, by which several passengers were severely injured. A luggage train ran off a siding on to the main line at the moment a passenger train was approaching the Craven Arms Station from Hereford. A collision imme. diately took place, and two of the passenger carriages were broken into pieces. Of the passengers injured two are suffering from concussion of the brain, and a third from a fractured leg, but they are likely to recover. The majority escaped with slight contusions. FATAL ACCIDENT AT BRITON FERRY.-On Monday, while the Vale of Neath train was proceeding on its way to the wharf at Britonferry, a carpenter, named John J r umphreys, belonging to the Iron Works Company, got on the line, was struck down, and got dreadfully mutilated. It appears that the man being paralysed as well as deaf, bad several times been warned by the officials as well as others, of the danger he was in, but he still persisted in walking that way to his work-hence the result of such penrerseness. No blame is attached to the driver, who did all in his power to prevent such a sad catastrophe. Near the same place a few weeks ago, another man, Wm. John, watchman to the Iron Works Company, was nearly meeting the same fate, but, fortunately, the engine was going at a slow speed; he was only caught by the life guard and dragged a few yards. Although laid up by the injuries he then received, he is now getting better, LLANEDARNE PLOUGHING MATCH. The Lanedarne ploughing match took place on Friday last in Colonel Tynte's field, adjoining the mansion of Cefn Mabley. The field was visited by Colonel Tynte, Rev. E. Jen- kins, Vicar of St. Mellons, the Rev. T. Rees, Vicar of Rumney, Mr. E. Jeukins, and the farmers of the immediate neigh- bourhood. The day was by no means favourable, from the intense fog wuiph prevailed, so much so that the teams oould not be seen half the length of the field, which was long and well suited for such purposes. By no means discouraged, at nine o'clock fifteen teams started to compete for the several prizes, and considering the state of the weather, and the ground being exceedingly heavy, it was decided by competent judges that it could not have been better done, indeed one of the judges, who is a Gloucestershire farmer and an experienced ploughman himself, (having won several silver cups by ploughing), pronounced it excellent. At three o'clock the company sat down to dinner, when the Rev. E. Jenkins, the Vicar was unanimously elected to the chair, which he occupied with great credit to himself, The cloth being removed, the Chairman proposed the health of the Queen, and in doing so, gave his reasons why we should wish her health and long life, the manner the royal children were occupied, and brought up, and her universal good qualities. The toast was received with great pleasure by the company. The Chairman then proposed the health of the landlord of the parish, Colonel Tynte, of Haswell. He spoke of his amiable qualities, and liberality as a landlord, and the kind and friendly feeling which existed between himself and tenants. The health of the worthy Colonel was drunk with loud cheers. The ploughmen were then called in and received prizes, and we are happy to find that they were perfectly satisfied with the decision. The Chairman then rose and requested them to fill their glasses brimming full, for he was going to propose to them the health of their excellent neighbour Colonel Tynte, of Cefn Mably. He (the Chairman), said he wished he had the eloquence of a Wilberfore or a Gladstone, then ho might be able to do the toast justice, but he said he spoke to his neighbours who knew the good Colonel" so well that perhaps a long speech was not necessary, that his amiable qualities, his universal kindness, and above all his christian disposition, was ingrafted into each of their hearts: and the good he was doing in the neighbourhood, the example he was laying before them were privileges which we should not neglect. The Chairman, after a lengthened speech, concluded by proposing the health of Colonel Tynte, of Cefn Mably, which was received with enthusiastic applause. Thomas Richards, Esq., then proposed the health of the Vicar, and the Rev. T. Rees, Vicar of Rumney. He said that the Vicar and himself had had one misunderstanding, but he was happy to say that it was about twelve years ago, and since then they had not bad a cross word, that the Vicar was his best friend, and that he hoped and believed they would be friends as long as he lived. He thanked Mr. Rees for his kindness in coming among them, and hoped to see him there next year. Mr. Rees returned thanks in a short speech, much to the purpose, and begged to drink the health of Mr. Richards. The Chairman then proposed the health of the judges,—Mr, Francis, Mr. Thos, Morgan, Lisvane, and Mr. C. J. David, the Weggan also the stewards, Mr. Jones, the Marchy, and Mr. Griffin, the Cross, and also Mr. David St. Julian's Farm, the secretary. We cannot close this report without congratulating the Llanedarne Ploughing Club on the excellent manner in which everything was conducted, and the harmony and good-will which universally availed.

THE LATE ALDERMAN CHARLES VACHELL. The painful duty of recording the death of an old and highly- respected fellow-townsman has again returned. Our obituary this day contains the name of Alderman Charles Vachell, who died about noon on Wednesday last. He was a truly benevolent and honest man in the purest sense of the word, a brief notice, therefore, of the leading features of his life may not be unin- teresting. He came to Cardiff in early life, with his father, who had been a surgeon in the navy, and who commenced business in Duke-street, as a chemist, in 1790. In that business he suc- ceeded his father, and some years afterwards, by an accidental circumstance, he also became an ironmonger, carrying on that trade in the adjoining house. In business be was most suc- cessful, and having realised a handsome competency, retired in 1849, when he was succeeded in the drug trade by Mr. S. P. Kernick, who now carries on the business and has recently been appointed sub-stamp-distributor. With admirable fore- sight lie invested his fortune in the purchase of landed and house property in the town, which speculation turned out ex- ceedingly remunerative as the land rapidly let for building pur- poses, and Charles-street, one of the most respectable in the town, is built on part of his estate. He was a Whig in politics, and nominated Alderman Coffin on his election as member for the Cardiff boroughs. He had been a member of the Municipal Corporation since its formation on the 29th of December, 1835. At the first election under the Municipal Reform Act nine Town Coun- cillors were returned for each ward, and he was one of the nine, sixty-eight votes being recorded in his favour. We may here mention, perhaps, that there are only two mem- bers in the council at the present time, who were elected on the same memorable day—Aldermen Coffin and Morgan. In 1848 he was elected Mayor of the borough; his year of Mayor- alty was distinguished by his war against "bowling alleys," and other modes of gambling practised at public houses, and during this period one publican, who has recently pushed him- self into notoriety, had to pay a very handsome sum to our Infirmary for an insult offered to him as chief magistrate. On January 6th, 1855, on the death of the much respected Alderman Moore he was elected to the Aldermanic chair, which lie occupied to the day of his decease. In 1855 he was again elected Mayor of the borough, and he distinguished himself on both occasions by the great pains he took to ascertain the truth of the matters in dispute brought before him as Chief Magistrate. In 1849, during the year of his first mayoralty, he represented Cardiff at the celebrated Lord Mayor of York's dinner, where the Prince Consort, the Ministers of State, the Lord Mayor of London, and nearly all the principal Mayors in the Kingdom were present. He was a rigid teetotaller, and on both occa- sions of his being Mayor, refused to grant any additional licenses for public-houses. We ought also to notice that during the second year of his mayoralty, be established a Poor's box" in the Police Court, the contents of which relieved many an aching heart. On his leaving the Bench, we regret to state that the box was put out of sight, and has not since made its appearance. He had been a Vice-President of the Infirmary for a great number of years, and a Guardian of the Poor for the parish of St. John, since April, 1848. His sympathy for the poor and distressed was very great, and in consequence lie was frequently imposed upon. He was also a great supporter of the Ragged School, which he was instrumental in establishing, and he was a liberal subscriber to many other philanthropic institutions. In religion he was favourable to the Wesleyan cause, although be did not agree in their mode of church government, and when the Wesleyan Reform agitation was at its height in Cardiff, he took the chair at one of the meetings held to sympathise with the expelled ministers. For some months past in the last year his health had been failing, and in November last he was first confined to his bed. He maintained his consciousness almost to the last, and died leaving a widow, and six sons and one daughter, to lament the loss of a truly affectionate husband and father. Since his death many of the tradesmen of the town have kept a portion of their windows closed. We believe the funeral, which will take place on Wednesday morning at ten o'clock, will be private but no doubt many will be desirous to show their last mark of repect to one so well known and esteemed by following his remains to their resting-place.

NEWPORT. THE TOWN COUNCIL.—The ordinary meeting of the Newport Town Council was held on Tuesday. Present, the Mayor (in the chair) Messrs. Homfray, Lelch, Burton, Edwards, Moore, Hyndman, Brown, Townsend, Jones, Knapp, J. Davies, Morgan, and Graham. The police report showed considerable decrease in crime. It having been deemed desirable for the conveni- ence of foot passengers, and necessary to the increasing traffic, to widen the pavement in Commercial-street, the following resolution, moved by Mr. Brown, and seconded by Mr. Jones was carried,—" That in case the owners and occupiers of houses agree to the widening of the prave- ment on the east side of Commercial-street, from the en- trance to the Messrs. Batchelor's property, to the end of the street at the William the Fourth, the Board agrees to contribute one-half of the cost thereof." Mrs. Booth, a person well known in the town, attended to prefer a complaint against Mr. B. Lewis, the collector of rates and taxes. She gave a detailed account of the affair which took place at her house, when, from her showing, it would appear that the accused had made use of very intemperate, profane, and vulgar language. Mr. Lewis, who denied the accusation, was, upon the motion of Mr. Knapp, seconded by Mr. Homfray, and strongly supported by Mr. Townsend, admonished by the Mayor. A lengthy letter from Mr. W. G. Loveli, asking leave to connect his drains with the main sewer, independent of the drainage contractor, and impeaching Mr. Williams, the surveyor, was reail, upon which after a long and stormy discussion, in which Mr. Townsend fired broad- sides right and left in defence of the writer, the following resolution, moved by Mr. Graham, and seconded by Mr. Brown, was passed, "That Mr. Lovell be informed that he can connect his drainage with the main sewer, by em- ploying the contractor at the schedule of prices settled under sanction of the Board." The charges against the surveyor were unheeded. The inspector of nuisances in a very able report brought to the notice of the Board the filthy state of the new streets on the Cae Crook estate, the property of Mr. Jones, of Clytha, the streets on the six acre field, the property of Sir C. Morgan, the Llanarth estate, the property of Mr. Herbert, and on the Tredegar wharf property, which he justly pronounced in their pre- sent filthy state injurious to health. A resolution moved by the Mayor, and seconded by Mr. Moore, instructing the surveyor to examine and report on the required work to the Public Works Committee at their next meeting was unanimously carried. The icarlet and typhus fevers are repoited by the inspector to be still very prevalent in the town. Some other resolutions for effecting sanatory im- provements were passed, and the Board rose. RE WILLIAM TAYLOR, NEWPORT, COAL MERCHANT AND SHIP OWNER—The sitting lor the last examination of this bankrupt took place in the Bristol Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday. The accounts filed extend over a period of rather more than four years, commeociog with a capital of 9914 Is. The unsecured creditors' debts re £ 1,698 14s. 2d.; mort- gage creditors, £ 829; liabilities, JE537 5s. 10.; profilsi 1: 1,740 39. 1 Ill. total, £5.719 4s. lid. Ontheotherside are debtors-good 10s., doubtful JEI45 17s. 9d., estimated to produce X36 9,«. 5d.; amount realized on sale of fur- niture under an assignment made in August last, £ 107 10s. collect debt collected, £ 36 mortgaged property, LSOO trade ex- penses, jEl,355 6a. 2d.; private expenses, 9530 losses, £ 2,307 10s. lid. liabilities per contra, t537 5a. 10d.; difference, Eg 13s. 7d.; total, £5,71948. lid. Mr. H. Brittan, for the assignees, examined the bank- rupt, as to the mode in which his books had been kept, and the circumstances under which an assignmeut was made in August last, respecting which satisfactory explanations were given. It also appeared that in November, 1854, the bankrupt borrowed a sum of £380. moneys belonging to the estate of his sister, Mary Ann Edwards, of which he was the trustee, for which he executed a mortgage of certain (hares in the ship Belladonna in July last. This mortgage the bankrupt retained till about tbe middle of August, when he banded it to Mrs. Edwards's brother-in- law. The bankrupt denied that he was aware that he was insolvent when he executed the mortgage, and stated that he only gave it after repeated applications for security on the part of his sister, and also by Messrs. W. Bevan aod Girling, on behalf of some relatives who were interested'in the money after the death of Mrs. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards was also examined, and she confirmed her brother's statement in reference to this mortgage, an did also Mr. W. Bevan, who supported the bankrupt. After making an amendment in the balance-street, the bankrupt passed. INSOLVENT PETITION.—At the Newport County Court on Tuesday, befoie his Honour, J. M. Herbert, Esq., Thohias Williams, clerk, came up on his adjourned first examination, supported by Mr, J. Catheart. Mr. Champ, for Mr. Farr, attorney for Mr, Thomas Dewe, opposed' and asked for the insolvent's commiital on the ground of fraud, The insolvent had, a fortnight prior to filing his petition, assigned the whole of his property to his brother (the ex-Mayor) to secure, as he stated, a debt of £320 due lo his brother." He was then a clerk in his brother's service, at a salary of E200 per annum, but he was now unemployed, he having quarretLd with his employer. His Honour did not think any fraud had been intended he looked at the assignment as a transaction to secure a bond fide debt. It was evident there had been some irre- gularhies, however, and his Honour dismissed ihe peilil.in. FIRE.—An alarming fire broke out in the shop of Mr. Harrhy, outfitter, Commercial-street, Newport, at nine p.m. on Thursday. The police, under the superintendent, rendered prompt assistance, and got the fire under, but not before the stock and fixtures were destroyed. Four children^xvho were in bed, were rescued in a half-smothered state by P.C. Tidbrow and a young girl. PENHOW, MONMOUTHSHIRE.—SODDEN DEATH. An inquest was held at the Full Moon, Penhow, on Thurs- day, before W. H. Brewer, Esq., on the body of Elizabeth Prilchard, aged 5.1, the wife of a labourer, living at Park Seymour, who was found dead in her bed by her grandson on Wednesday. The deceased had for several years been afflicted with palpitation of the heart. On Monday she walked a considerable distance, returned home tired, ate her supper, and retired to bed. On the following moru. ing she was too ill to rhe. but there appeared no symp. toms from whioh danger of her life was to be apprehended. The husband came home to his dinner, and left after con- versing with her, when she said she was poorly, but he did not think her dangerously ill. At one o'clock, half an hour afterwards, she was found by a little boy. Ver. diet. "Found dead in bed," !■ n =?

TFLE COUNCIL OF, INDIA.—On Wednesday a meeting of t^e Council of India wa9 held at the East India-house, when Colonel Henry Marion Durand, C.B., of the;Bengal Engineers, was elected a member of the CvuncU Qf Iüdin.

I "SAVE ME FROM MY FRIENDS." TO THE EDITOR OF THE CARDIFF AND MERTHYR GUARDIAN SIR,-It is amusing to notice the warmth with which the leader of the clique depreciates the conduct of some of his pro- fessed friends. Their want of sincerity and manliness is evidently painful. His conduct has been (of course) so open, sincere, and manly, that they must be blind indeed not to ap4 preciate him. Who, after ransacking every corner of our large and popu- lous town for evidence (and such crushing evidence, too !) to confirm the charges against the Master of the Cardiff Union, could expect such cruel treatment ? Business must necessarily have been neglected during such a "labour of love." To desert him at such a crisis-ere he has reaped the reward of his indefatigable labours-at a time when their support would be equivalent to gold, is cruelty extreme cruelty What could be the reason of their desertion ? Surely they have not closed their ears to the voice of the charmer," or refused the opinions of the would-be infallible one." After the respectable and authentic evidence on the part of the prosecution, who can impugn the motives of the model guardian of Cardiff Union. Besides, we have his assertion that the motives which impelled him were pure and disin- terested. The value of such assertion I leave the public to estimate. Copies of the letter published in his organ have been circu. lated throughout the town What can be the motive ? Are the prospects of the "testimonial" growing beautifully less? If so, lie cannot possibly expect such trash to prepare the way for the visits of his begging friends Pity the entertainment he is now affording is served up in such" small-meat, but plenty of table-cloth" style. The public are not satisfied with mere assumption, brightly tinted as it may be by his imagination. They will, I am sure, wait patiently until he has gained sufficient testimony to bear out his manifold assertions. Cardiff, Jan. 15, 1859. AJAX. MOCK AUCTIONS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE CARDIFF AND MERTHYR GUARDIAN sip Permit me a space in your columns in order that I may acquaint your readers with the system of deception carried on at a Mock Auction Room. In addition to other articles put up for auction are some Geneva watches which are knocked down for the sum of £3, more or less the auctioneer assuring his audience that they are worth double that sum. I, like many others, have been a victim of these snares myself and others, upon taking them to the fair trader, have found that they are worthless, in fact, only fit to be used as dummies. If there is no law to put down these Mock Auctions, which cannot be anything but systematic swindling, for the auctioneers take advantage of the humbler classes and their ignorance of the quality of the articles put up for auction, I trust these remarks (if they serve no other purpose) will prevent others from being entrapped into purchasing, and also that they will act as a warning to the unwary. ONE OF THE VICTIMS.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. BIRTHS. EDWARDS.—Jan. 15, at Gt. Frederick-street, Cardiff, the wife of Mr. John Edwards, compositor on this paper, of a. son, still-born. LLOYD.—Jan. 20, the wife of Mr. William Lloyd, Land Surveyor, Frederick-street, Cardiff, of a son. MATTHEWS.-Jan 13, at Newport, Mrs. W. R. Matthews, Commercial-street, of a son. RUSSELL. Jan. 2, at the Lodge, Risca, the wife of Captain Russell, of a son. WILLIAMS. —Jan. 6, at the Brooms, Raglan, Mrs. F. C. Hanbury Williams, of a son PARRY.—Jan. 9, at Highnam Court, near Gloucester, the wife of T. Gambier Parry, Esq., of a son. MACNAMARA.—Jan. 16, at 2, Marlborough-hill-gardens, St. Jolin's-wood, the wife of H. T. J. Macnamara, Esq., barrister-at-law, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. BAKER—JONES. —Jan 13, at St. Mary's, Leamington, by the Rev. C. Pilkington, M.A., Rector of Stockton, Chancellor and Canon of Chichester, assisted by the Rev. J. H. Smith, Incumbent of Milverton, Edward James Baker, Esq., of Cardiff, to Maria, youngest daughter of the late John Jones, Esq., of the Mumbles, Swansea. WILLIAMS—MLSHAM.—Jan. 4, at St. George's, Hanover- square, London, Capel Hanbury Williams, Esq., of the Natal Civil Service, to Rosamond, eldest daughter of the late W. L. Meshani, M.D., of Bedford. BAXTER-WHITTINGTON.-Jan. 13, at Neath, by the Rev. John Griffiths, rector, Mr. William Baxter, to Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Matthew Whittington, postmaster, of Neath. WILLIAMS—JAMES.—Jan. 19, at the parish Church Llandyssil, by the Rev. D. O. James, MA., rector of Llan- llawern, assisted by the Rev. W. E. James, M.A., Llairgoed- more, both brothers of the bride, the Rev. Roger Williams curate of Lampeter, to Eliza Gee Holah, third daughter of the late Rev. Enoch James, vicar of Llandyssil. DEATHS. VACHELL.—Jan. 19, at Crockherbtown, Cardiff, Charles Vachell, Esq., in the 75th year of his age. JONES.—Jan. 18, at the Ship aud Dolphin Inn, Church- street, Cardiff, after a long and very severe illness, Jane Maria, daughter of Mr. John Morgan Jones, aged 23. The deceased was much beloved for her genMc and amiable dispo- sition, and is sincerely regretted by her family and friends. WILLIAMES.-Jan. 18, in London, Mary Ann, wife of Mr. Williames, Montague House Academy, Cardiff, aged 39. NEWMAN.—Jan. 16, at the residence of her daughter, 299 Bute-street, Cardiff, Mrs. Susannah Newman, aged 79, relict of the late Mr. Richard Newman, builder, Bradford-on- Avon. THOMAS.—Jan. 18, at Perran Church Town, in Cornwall, of consumpton, Jane the wife of John G. Thomas, No. 5, Hom- fray-street, Cardiff, aged 32. DELAFOLIE. Jan. 10, at Cardiff, after a short illness, Mons; Amable Delafolie, of Paris, aged 64. CLIFTON.—»Jan. 13, at Somerton Rectory, Oxon, after a short and severe illness, Raymond George, the son of the Rev R. C. Clifton, in the 16th year of his age. WILLIAMS.—Jan. 15, at Laiitwit Major, in this county, Juanua Williams, mother of Mr. Thomas Williams, ofNelson Terrace, in this town, aged 95, EV ANS.-Dec. 29, at Tonmawr, Pentyrch, aged 89, Rev. David Evans, Baptist minister THOMAS.-Dec. 31, at Pentyrch, Frances, last surviving daughter of the Rev. Thomas Thomas, late Vicar of Pen- tyrch, aged 68. FLINT.—Jan. 9. at North Pallant, Chichester, Elizabeth wife of Mr. Nicholas Bagshaw Flint, aged 67 years. DA VIES.—Jan. 15, at Dynas Powis Mill, near Cardiff in the 78th year of his age, Mr. William Davies, father'of tbe talented Welsh bard, Mr. Thomas Davies (Dewi Wyu o Es. syllt), Dynas Powis. Much respected. GETHING.—Jan. 14, Jane Margaret, the only surviving daughter of Thomas and Jane Getbing, Aberdare, aged six months. MERRY.—Jan, 13, at No. 4, Grove-place, Swansea, ao'ed 17 months, Restal, the beloved son of Alfred Senior Merrv Esq. J' MOULDING.-Jan. 14, aged 30, Elizabeth Martha, the be. T ,L°,™LWLFET of Mr" George Moulding, Castle-street, Swansea. LEWIS.-r-Jan. 8, at Gwmfe, Carmarthenshire, Lewis Lewis Esq., a magistrate and deputy-lieutenant for the county. JAMES.—Jan. 8, at his residence,New-street, Wells the Rev W. James, for nearly half a century Minor Canon of Wells Cathedral, aged 78. McDONALD.—Jan. 19, aged three years, Charlotte Wright daughter of J. P. McDonald, Esq., Kingsdown, Bristol. MORRIS.—Jan. 11. aged 4 years, Mary Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of Thomas Charles Morris, Esq., of Bryn Myrddm, Carmarthenshire. WOLFF.-Jan. 16, Lady Georgiana Mary Wolff, in the 64th year of her age.

I STRVGGLES OF A. DANCER.-Mrs. Mary Newell appealed to the Lambeth Magistrate for aid in discovering a missing daughter. It seemed that Jane Newell, at the death of her father, accepted an'engagement as dancer at the Olympic to eke out the scanty family income. M. Massol, of the Italian Opera, saw aiid appreciated her ability, and she was bound apprentice to him. When Mr. Lumley failed, M. Massol de- sired to cancel the indentures, but this was at the time resisted. Afterwards, when M. Massol had prevented the girl from dan- cing at the Haymarket, and wanted to take her abroad, the indentures were cancelled. But by that time the poor girl was shut out from an engagement in London. The family were reduced to great straits the girl was low-spirited and last Tuesday week she said it would be better to take a pennyworth of something to put them out of misery. She went out on Wednesday Jo deliver a letter, and had not returned lnqui- qmnes had proved fruitless; Mrs. Newell believed that her daughter had not been guilty of departure from the paths of moral propriety, But where was she ? Mr. Norton saidPthat no more powerful aid could be given her than a notice of the app c.atian by t he press. He gave the mother half a sovereign out ot the poor box.—On Monday, the girl appeared before the Magistrates, having (she affirmed) been enticed by another girl, named Hobbs, to the house of a Mrs. Ellis, 5, Somerset- terrace, St. George's-road, Pimlico. Mrs. Ellis's husband was one of those convenient spouses who are always invisible because they are gone to Australia," and she was in the habit of receiving the visits of gentlemen." The Magistrate expressed his surprise that Jane Newell should have remained so long as ten days in such a place, if, as she solemnly alleged she had declined to comply with Mrs. Ellis's corruptin" sug- gestions. The stage-manager of the Adelphi said he was authorised by Mr. Webster to give the young woman an engagement. A WELCOME TO ENGLAND.-At the Worship-street Police- court, on Saturday, Bridget Reid and Mary Conner, two of the worst characters in the purlieus of Spitalfields, were charged with the following robbery Jose Boer, a young German, who gazed about the court in a state of bewilderment, and appeared alarmed, was examined through an interpreter, and his state- ment, even then gathered with difficulty, was this: I cannot speak one word of English. At one o'clock this morning very early I arrived in England for the first time in my life. I came steaming from Rotterdam. I have no friends here, and ran about the streets, taking any turning in quest of a lodging. About an hour after I met these ladies, and made them under- stand I wanted to go to sleep. They pitied me, and took me to a house very fondly, where I then went to bed, with this little trunk, containing my clothes, by my side. When I awoke before daylight, I fonnd it had been opened, all my tilings gone' and rubbish substituted. In extreme consternation I rushed out and was stopped by a man in a large coat, who carried a glare, (a lantern). He seized me very roughly. I could not make him hear me, but by and by this gentleman (the interpre- ter) was introduced to me. Constable 109 H.-I saw this gentlemen at five o clock this morning running along the Whitechapel-road like a madman. I stopped him, and found him very excited, though I could not understand what he said. I procured this, interpreter, and having learnt that he had been robbed, and received a description of the girls he was in company with at the time, I proceeded to a house in Flower-and-Dean- street, Spitalfields, apprehended the prisoners, whom he then identified, and found some cent pieces and a paper, which he asserted to have been in his trunk. The sitting magistrates put several questions to the piroseoutor as to his apparently isolated position in tbis country, but all that could be elicited in reply were expressions of intense surprise at hili. reception in "good" England, and an opinion that heJwould have been safer in his own country. The prisoners were committed for trial,

Latest nsrE"ws. DBATH OF THE KING OF NAPLEs.-The Tele- Rftph of Thursday night, at 11 p.m., announces the the King of Naples. .The Times' Paris correspondent says that at a dinner Rjveft by a high municipal functionary, the Minister *he Interior the Prefect of the Seine and of Police present, with the members of the municipal com- mission of Paris and certain other corporate dignities, the Minister was asked his opinion upon peace or when he is said to have replied unhesitatingly Jyo shall not have war, and it is to the preventing efforts of more than one distinguished person that 'ranee owes the maintainance of peace." MARSEILLES, JAN. 19.—The Journal de Constan- tinople of the 12th inst., publishes an article, stating that new conflicts have arisen between the Caimacans, **>erting that the state of affairs is particularly grave Moldavia, and regrets deeply that ihe elections had hot been adjourned.—Private letters announce that jbft disturbances in the provinces surrounding Bagdad become more serious.—Mehemet Bey will not return Jo Paris as ambassador.—-Two Russian vessels arrived bere from Nicolaieff and proceeded on their route to /illafranca.—Mr. Murray, the English ambassador In Persia, has embarked for England via Marseilles. -Prince Alfred is expected at Constantinople. ■ AUSTRIAN PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE. A telegram from Turin says that the garrisons of Verona, Mantua, and Milan have been reinforced, and °rder», have been given to victual the fortreaaes com- pletely. The Vienna correspondent of the Timet writes follows on the 8th inst. — When all the reinforcement* have reached their deitlna- tion the Auatro-Italian army will consist of no fewer than 150,000 men but a part of the troops will be placed en CChtlon between Villach, Casires, Conegliano, and Venice. At first it was intended to send only two divisions to Italy, but the day before yesterday orders were given that seven brigades (three divisions and a haH) should move towards 'he southern part of the empire. By Wednesday next jhe whole of the Third Corps d'Armee, which is under 'he command of General Prince Edmund Schwarzenberg, •he son of the late Marshall, will be on its way to Italy. he Third Army Corps which formed the garrison of this Cl,y» consists of the brigades Martina, Palffy, Rimming, *nd Welzler, the other three brigades are already moving rom the ptovincea of Galicia and Transylvania towards his city. As is but natural, the Austrian military Ikuthorities keep their plan of operation secret. but it is •e'f-evident that Count Gynlai will—for the moment, at east—act strictly on the defensive. A rising in Moden*, *»rnu, Tuscany, and the Papal dominion* could, perhaps lead to a conflict between Austria and France, but neither ■Jjouis Napolean nor Victor Emmanuel is likely to send ''oops to (be assistance of the disaffected Lombards. The P°«ition in the triangle formed by Peschiers, Mantua, and Verona is exceedingly strong, and English engineers have often remarked to me that the Austrians, if true to them- Behes, could maintain it against an enemy of twice their oWn strength." The following telegrams were received from Turin on "ednesday — ''Three steamers, with Austrian troops, have arrived at Venice. Signor Ratazzi a decided and energetic member Of the liberal party, has been elected President of the Chamber of Deputies. Deprelio and Fuchio, also liberals, are the Vice Presidents." The subjoined official article published in the Oester- *"elchische Correspondez, has caused considerable pertur- "at>on in Vienna "Although the efforts of a criminal and incorrigible Party to bring about disturbances in the Lombardo-Vene- tan kingdom have-thanks to the sound common sense Of the people-failed, still the very fact that the party in question dares to make such attempts is a proof that it is Accessary to provide satisfactory guarantees for the pro- 'ection of the quiet and peaceful inhabitants of the king. ti?01 aK*'08t 8UCh continual provocative agitation, and for maintenance of peace and order. With this paternal j^ject in view, his Imperial Royal Apostolic Majesty has j|«en pleased to issue orders that the army in the Lom- b»rdo-Venetian kingdom be reinforced. The greater P*rt of the reinforcements will be taken from the troops Which are now stationed in Vienna and in its environs. *he moderation and the love of peace of the Imperial Government are so well known, and its relations to the other great Powers are so tranquillising, that it must be "ident the present measure has nothing whatever to do With international questions. We therefore, again ob- sene, that the measure has been taken solely for the "ecuriijr of the peaceful inhabitants of the Lombardo- Venetian kingdom, and for their protection against a party which is capable of committing the greatest follies *od the greatest crimes." A letter from Turin of the 10th says In Lombardy there is no longer any doubt felt respecting the departure of the Archduke Maximilian. The man in whom Austria How places confidence is General Gynlai, Radetzki's suc- cessor in the military government of the Lombardo-Vene- tian Kingdom. His ambition is very great, and he has a lofty conception of his own capacity; he is one of the active members of the so-called military party, and *• has always declared in the Aulic Council that the ltalianB CBn only be kept down by force. He has quilled Verona and shifted his quarters to Milan, where he had no sooner arrived than, seeing himself surrounded by the Officers of the garrison, he exclaimed with pride and Irouy, I am the man to settle the Italian question Paeifically." The following telegram was received from Turin on Thursday the official Piedmonteie Gazette publishes the 'ollowing note:—The official Gazette of Vienna having Announced the despatch of reinforcement to Italy, the ^'edmontese Government has thought it its liuiy to bring 'he distant garrisons nearer to the frontiers of Lombardy, Without however calling out the Contingents." The Austrian brigade of General Raming. forming the ad- Tance guard of the reinforcements for Italy, entered Milan OQ the afternoon of Monday last. ITALY. THE KING OF SARDINIA'S SPEECH. The King of Sardinia opened the Piedmontese Chambers at Turin on the 10th inst. The Piedmontese Gazette gives the following account of the ceremony, together with a full report of the speech, of which we gave a telegraphic summary in our last. Long before the hour fixed upon, the gates of the Palazzo Madama were betieiged with persons provided With tickets. The ga'lery of the first floor was soon filled with ladies, and the upper gallery with gentlemen, while the members of the diplomatic body in full uni- form, and other distinguished personages, occupied the tribune to the right of the throne. At a quarter- Past ten the Prince of Piedmont arrived, dressed in the uniform of a colonel of the National Guard, and accompanied by H.R.H. the Duke of Aosto. The king left the Royal Palace at half-past ten, accompanied by the Prince of Carignan and a brilliant staff, and Was received at the entrance of the Palazzo Madama by the deputation of the two Chambers. His Majesty Was loudly cheered on entering the hall, and on silence being restored, read the following speech, in a firm voice: "Gentlemen of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies,-The new Legislature inaugurated a year ago has not deceived the copes of the country, nor my expectations. By its enlightened !!nd loyal aid we have overcome the difficulties which beset our 'nterior and foreign policy, thus strengthening those broad Principles of nationality and progress which are the foundation Of our free institutions (marks of approval). Continuing in the ?ame direction, you will this year introduce new improvements Into the various branches of legislation and public adminis- tration. In the course of the preceding session, some bills relating tO the administration of justice were laid before you. I trust that in taking them again into consideration, you will provide for the re-organization of the magistracy, the institution of the vjpurts of Assize, and the revision of the Code of Procedure. You will again be called upon to deliberate upon the reform of ^administration of the communes and provinces. The great it awakens will induce you to give the subject your ftiost careful attention. Some modifications of the law on the Rational Guard will be proposed to you, which, while they }eave the foundation of that noble institution untouched, will Introduce to it the improvements suggested by experience, cal- culated to render its action at all times more efficacious (ap. Plause). The commercial crisis, which has not spared our country, and the calamity which has repeatedly fallen upon our chief have diminished the income of the State, and prevented the hoped-for realization of a complete balance between the ex- penditure and the revenue. This will not prevent you from eoucilistin- in the budget of the common year, the wants of the State with the principles of the strictest economy. Gentlemen of the Senate, and Chamber of Deputies. The j*°rizon in which the new year rises is not perfectly serene (general sensation); nevertheless you will resume your Parlia- mentary labours with your accustomed alacrity. Itelying upon the experience of the past, we shall meet the eventualities of the figure with resolution (loud and prolonged cheers). Our conntry small in extent, has acquired credit in the councils of *Wope. beeause it is great with regard to the ideas it repre- lents and tiie sympathy it inspires. [These words, says the **iedmonte»e Gazette, were pronounced by his Majesty with 8<"eat emphasis, which created a deep sensation among the Public, and were received with immense cheers]. This condi »io& is not free from danger, since while we respect treaties, we are not insensible to the cry of grief which reaches us from so jjany parts of Italy. [The Piedmontese Gazette states that King pronounced these words with great emotion, and that 'he hall again resounded with loud applanse and enthusiastic Cheerillgl. Strong in concord, and confiding in our rights, we shall aWaIt the decrees of Divine Providence with prudence and Solution." The last words elicited fresh enthusiasm, and the <jheer8 continued until the Minister of the Interior I declared the session of 1859 to be opened* I THE COWBRIDGE HOUNDS WILL MEET On Tuesday. Jan. 24 Wallace Thursday. ,,27. Lechmere CrossRoads Each day at Eleven. THE TREDEGAR HOUNDS WILL MEET On Monday. Jan.24 Basseleg Garth Wednesday „ 26 Castletown Friday ,,28 Goitre Each day at lli o'clock. TAFF VALE RAILWAY. Traffic for Week ending Jan. 16, 1869 JM063 1 6 Corresponding Week last Year 2615 19 10 SOUTH WALES RAILWAY. Week ending Jan. 15,1869 dE6219 6 7 Corresponding Week, 1858 JB6662 8 9 VALE OF NEATH RAILWAY. & Minerals. Traffic. Merchandise Passenger Total. • 1859. £ 8. d. £ s. d. £ a. d. Week ending Jan. 16 1352 19 4 219 18 101572 18 2 Corresponding week '68t 807 18 8 244 0 101051 14 6