The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

TOWYN. 3RYN-YR-EGLWYS BRA-es BAND. This enterprising and riving band is rigged out .in uniform consisting of scarlet *t, -with yellow facings, and blue trousers-the contrac- being Mr W. W. Jones, draper, of this town. IISCELLANEOUS SALE.-The first of these sales,'by Mr Daniel, auctioneer, took place last ^riS^ at the -arket-square. It was very well attended by farmers id others, and turned out very successful. The cattle idWses weresold for a good pnce, as also were the -ming implements-both new and second-hand. Great aise is due to the energetic auctioneer for Starting this eans of increasing the trade of Towyn and neighbour- ■od .THE LATE STORIES.—Owing to the rough weather a eeat quantity of the wreck of the barque Medoc, of Bor- aux, which is lying about amile and a half from the itches, in the direction of Wallog, near Aberystwyth, tme ashore here, and was eagerly collected by the /reckers—who, no doubt, were -anticipating a grand spros'1 for winter firing-but to their disappointment ad sorrow some of the owners had an eye upon them nd, after they had gathered good heaps, appeared on the ene of action and charged them 3d. each for the sugar Hces and 2s. per cartload for boards, &c. Of course some .ok them for the price, anfl others that could not meet the price demanded felt sorely disappointed that they had given their labour in collecting the sprog" in vain.

DOLGELLEY. THE MERIONETHSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.-A church parade of the Rifle Volunteers was to have been held on Sunday, but out of respect to the memory of Mr David Williams, the order was countermanded by Capt. Edwards, who on Saturday returned to Dolserau. SEASONABLE BENEVOL*NCE. -Through the kindness of Mr and Mrs Charles Edwards, Of Dolserau, the poor of Dolgelley will have a substantial and seasonable Christ- mas box, in the form of twenty tons of coal, to be divided between Dulgelley and Brithdir. In connection with the forthcoming marriage of the Misses Edwards, which takes place on January 13th, Mr Edwards has announced his intention of presenting each chapel in the town With a donation of £10, to be applied for charitable purposes. Mrs Edwards will accompany the gift with a distribution 1. of blankets, and will entertain the children of-the British and National Schools. BRITISH SCHOOL.—On Tuesday evening last, a public examination of this-school was held at the Old School- room, the Rev. Henry Morgan in the chair. The several classes were examined in reading, arithmetic, geography, and grammar by Mr E. J. Evans, the teacher, Mr Joseph Thomas, senior pupil teacher, Mr Joseph Roberts, deputy clerk to the guardians (a former teacher of the school), and the Rev. David Evans, M.A. The room was exceedingly full, and the greatest interest appeared to be taken in the proceedings. The questions given were of such a character as to test .the general knowledge of the children severely, and it afforded great satisfaction to the parent* to find that no pains were spared in keeping up the high char- acter which this school has had for many years. Prizes were distributed to several children in each class. At the close of the proceedings the thanks of the meeting were given to Mr Jones, of Bryn House, the able secretary of the school for many years, for the attention and interest he takes in its prosperity, and there is no doubt that the present flourishing state of the school is greatly due to his exertions.

LLANMIILLO. CouRSlJTG "MEETING.—We have the pleasure of an- nouncing to the "lovers of the leash" that the annual coursing on V oelTyucha is fixed to take place on Tuesday, January the 4th.» The abundance of hares, and a good open place to run, promise a good day's sport. SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE.—Mrs Robertson, of Crsgen Hall, with her usual liberality and kindness, has distri- buted a large number of flannel petticoats to the poor did .vomen of the -parishes of Llandrillo and Llandderfel. Such a gift for the winter season is of course a most valuable one to-the receivers. It is the earnest wiBhf the whole neighbourhood that Mr. and Mrs Robertson may long be spared,"to continue such charitable acts.

PWLLHELI. PWLLHELI UNION, DEe.A -Present: John Jones, Esq. (Ynysgain), .ex-officio Messrs Lewis WilliamMm the chair), Evan Evans, Thomas Prichard, IxntntJi Jones, Hugh Roberts, John Williams, William Roberts, John Jones, David Roberts, Rienard Thomas, Ellis Roberts, John Morris, Griffith^ Williams, Owen Owens, Griffith Griffiths, John Jones, Griffith Owen, Griffith Prichard, Rees Thomas, and Robt. Evans (Ceidio). ,Arrears.-The clerk was ordered to proceed before the I mostratt a for the recovery of certain arrears, and for the non- payment of the second instalment of last call, against the following parishes, viz., Llandudw-en, Pistyll, and Llannhangel-bachellaeth. NfJÍ, Contributing towards the Support of a Mother.- The Clerk was also directed to apply for a summons against Mr William Prichard, shopkeeper, Fortmadoc, to compel, him to refund the relief given to liis mother, Mrs Prichard, Criccieth, now in-the receipt of 2s. iid. a week. VaccLnattbn.—The relieving -officer for the Aberdaron district was ordered to take proceedings against several parties for neglecting to vaccinate their children. Medical Relief. -A circular from the Poor-law Board was read, requesting to be informed accurately as to the proportion-which the number of paupers on the medical felief books bore to the total number of pauper-s of all .classes.—The medical officers of the union were directed -to supply the desired information. Accommodation it the Work-house.-A letter frosn the Poor-law Board was read, requesting to be informed as to the size of the differat wards, and other information with regard to the accommodation at the house. -The blaster was directed to give the information called for. Financial. Paid in out-door relief during the past fort- aio-ht:—By Richard Jones, Criccieth district, 278 17r. Ild.; E. T. Griffith, Pwllheli district, £ 12188. 2d.: Thos. Griffith, Aberdaron district, 249 9s. 6d.; William Roberts, » Nevin district, 274 Is. €d.; total, 2323 17s. Id. Cheques Ibr the relief of the out-door paupers for the current fort- night were signed as follow—Griccieth district, £ 85; Pwllheli district, £ 125 Aberdaron district, £ 50; Nevin district, jE75 total, 2335. -Relief. -wnumber of paupers relieved in the Criccieth district 422, Pwllheli 626, Aberdaron 280, Nevin 377; total, 1705, Balance against the union, le2,27 Is. 9d. Master's Report.-The Magter's report showed that the number in the house on the last day of last week was 53 number for the corresponding week last year, 56 number of vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, one; number of imbeciles in the house, 12 number of lunatics iniasylims, 15.

# PEFRRHYNDEUDRAETH. VAGRANCY.* At tne Sessions-room, on Tuesday, before Satosuel Holland, Esq.; John Hanson and Wm. Johnstone were both charged with begging at Festiniog. The offence was provwd by P.C. John Hughes and P.C. Thos. Parry. Both prisoners were committed to gaol for seven days, with hard labour. BOARD OF GUARDIANS (Festiniog Union), Tuesday, December 21st.—Present: W. Casson, Esq. (ex-officio); Messrs W. E. Morris (presiding chairman), John H. Williams, Ynyscynhaiarn, Edmund Edmunds, David Williams, Llanfihangel-y-traethau, Robert Jones, Llan- decwyn^ Ellis Pugh, Llandanwg, John Oliver, Llanfair, Ellis Edwards, Llanbedr, John Vaughan, William William Williams, Festiniog, Evan Evans, Maentwrog, Morgan Jones, Llanfrothen, Hugh Jones, John Roberts, Trawsfynydjd, William Hughes, Thomas Morris, Penmorfa, William Williams, Llanfihangel-y- Pennant, Humphrey Richard, William Evans, Bedd- gelert, Robert Williams, Dolbenmain. finance, —Amount paid in out-door relief during the -past fortnight, by Mr Evan Evans, TremUdoc District, 295 16s. lid; Mr Robert Jones, Festiniog District, Cl40 15s. 3d. ) Rees Roberts, Llanfihangel District, 274 16s. 3d.: total, £ 211 8s. 5d. To amount paid to unsettled poor in Tremadoc District, £ 1 12s. 8d. Festiniog ditto, £ 5 4s. Llanfihangel ditto, 7s. total, 27 3s. 8d. The following cheques were also signed for the payment of Out-door re- lief for the next fortnight :-Tremadoc District, 2106; Festiniog ditto, 2150; Llanfihangel ditto, £ 76: total, £ 332. t Mat'ter's Repm,t.-Number of inmates in the house at the end of last week Old men and women, 13 children, 16; able-bodied women, 10: total, number in the corre- sponding week last year, 40. Number of vagrants relieved in the house during the last fortnight, 9; number of imbeciles in the house, 4. Christmas Treat for the Innmtes.- The Chairman re- marked that Christmas waS once again at the door, and they had now for years given the inmates a treat on Christmas Day, and he supposed they would -do the same this Year. -All the guardians at once decided they should do so. -The Master remarked that on two occasions lately Mr Casson, of Plaspenrhyn, had given the inmates a treat of dinner and tea oh Christmas Day, at bis own expense, and he believed the guardians had not since had the oppor- tunity of thanking that gentleman personally for his kind- ness.—The Chairman said that they all knew Mr Casson's universal kindness to the poor of his neighbourhood, and there could only be one opinion amongst them with respect to the matter, and he would therefore propose the thanks of the guardians to Mr Casson for his kindness.—This was unanimously passed.—Mr Casson replied that he was always anxious to see the helpless poor made as happy as possible, and was always glad when it came into his power to show any kindness to his poor neighbours.

LLANGOLLEN. DEATH IN A CELL.—On Tuesday, Dec. 21st, an inquest was held at the Town Hall, Llangollen, before Mr Thelwall, on the body of Elizabeth Williams, who had died in the cell at the Llangollen lockup on Sunday even- ing. The poor woman was liberated from Dwlgelley gaol on Saturday, and arrived here by the 12 "30 train, when she was immediately retaken into custody on a charge of fowl stealing. She had been confined at Dolgelley gaol, and was, it appears, in bed both days before she was liberated. There seemed to be an opinion that she ought not to have been sent from Dolgelley in such a state, an opinion endorsed by the verdict-" Died from natural causes, but it appears she was improperly removed from Dolgelley, owing to bad health." COUNTY COURT, THURSDAY.—Before R. Vaughan Williams, Esq., District Judge. There were only thirty-seven causes entered for this court, and nearly all of them being undefended, or cases for judgment by consent, were disposed of before the Registrar. Nicholas v. Williams. —This was a plaint entered by Thomas Nicholas, of Llangollen, cooper, to recover 22 13s. 6d., for one dozen of butter tubs, from Robert Williams, of Bridge-street, Wrexham, cooper.—Williams said his defence was that he had ordered, by letter, through another person, "butter tub hoops," and not tubs.—His Honour asked, then why had he not returned the tubs?—Defendant replied, the plaintiff would not take them back. He had offered to return them if Nicholas would pay the carriage. He could not sell such things, if he kept them twenty 1 ears, at Wrexham.—Plaintiff said he had made the tubs in accordance with the written order received, and he produced the order.—His Honour said there was no'defence to the action if the defendant's agent had made a mistake in writing the letter the defend- ant must be held responsible.—The person who had written the letter declared that the first letter he wrote was for "butter tub hoops." He was shown the order which the plaintiff had received, and acknowledged that it was in his handwriting. His Honour thereupon read the terms of the order, Please send me one dozen butter tubs as early as convenient- cash on delivery, and oblige."— Judgment for the plaintiff, with costs, payable in a month.

Correspondence. MISSIONS IN FOREIGN PARTS. SIR,—For some time past several letters have appeared in the papers on the above subject. My object in sending these few lines is to inform the readers of your valuable paper, and the public at large, that there is no such ruling carried on by "Apostates" as stated by "A Church- man in the Observer, and that unless he desists from his writing, concerning the said school, proceedings will be issued against him. I am happy to inform your readers that the Welsh Church Sunday Schodl is in a flourishing state, and great credit is due to those whom the Church- man" calls apostates. I am, sir, your humble servant, J. E., 'Buperintendentof'the School. [We cannot insert any further correspondence on the subject. -ED.] A CORRESPONDENCE. SIR,-It is with regret T have to ask you to insert corre- spondence between the Rector of Llangar and myself, sent herewith; but having received no answer to my letter of the 19th December, I feel it my duty towards the numerous parties interested, and also towards the pro- fession to which I belong, that it should appear in print. I am, yours, &c., A. ANWYL PASSINGHAM. Bala, 21st December, 1869. Bala, December 15th, 1869. "DEAR SIR,-Being -engaged for some of the parties interested in the estate of Peter Foukes, who died about 1700, I have been by them informed that there is an im- portant certificate with regard to his baptism or family in your parish. I should feel much obliged if you could furnish me with the certificate of his baptism, or such certificates of the baptism of any of the children of Foukes Rbberts as you may know of in the register. "Yours faithfully, "Rev. W. Williams." "A. ANWYL PASSINGHAM." Llangar Rectory, Dec. 18th, 1869. Sii&I am not aware of any important. entry respect- ing Peter Ffoulkes .in the register of this parish. I am plagued beyond measure about his baptism, and wish he and his money had never been heard of. "I am, your obedient servant, "WATKIN WILLIAMS." "Bala, 19th Dec., 1.869. SIR,-I am in receipt of your answer to my letter, with regard to the entry of the baptism of Peter Ffoulkes, and I am certainly surprised beyond measure at your answer, considering you by law the proper custodian of the parish registers of Llangar parish. "'I remain, yours, &c., Rev. W. Williams. A. ANWn. PASSINGHAM. "An apology will pre vent, the publishing of this corres- dence.—A. A. P." EMIGRATION AND THE GUARDIANS. SIR,-The Emigration Commissioners state that in 1888, when misery, poverty, and unwilling cessation from labour abounded, the guardians throughout Great Britain assisted only 32 persons to emigrate Have they aided more this year? I fetr not. Now their powers under 11 and 12 Vict., cap. 110, sec."5, and, 12 and 13 Vict., cap. 103, see."20, &c., are extensive. They may grant B10 eachfo,,r passage-pay 3d. per mile for those over 7, and ld. under, for travelling expenses to the port of embarkation—Grant 21 worth of clothing to all going west of the Cape df-Good Hope, and 10s. for ship's kik 'east of the Cape, 9-4 10s.; also children aged 14, 21; under, 10s.; and £ 2 for single men. Landing- money (in some cases), £1, and 10s. for each chiùl. Under existing circumstances, wken our rates increased from 25,558,000 in 1859 to £ 7(^335,000 in 1868, or C2,077,000 per annum, would it not be highly fcesirable for. each Board to aid liberally the needy, yet able-bodied, poor (not the confirmed or imbecile pauper) to emigrate, ere they hang like leeches upon the rates. The guardians of Poplar have. proved the experiment to be alike beneficial to the ratepayers and the williaig-to- work-poor. Individually, I know several cases of persons landing in Canada last June almost penniless, now remitting money to aged relatives at home.—A case which had cost 2150 to the parish at home, was helped with a few pounds to emigraterto Canada, and is doing well. Canada says she has room for 23,000 at once Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, and the Cape would willingly re- ceive any respectable emigrants. Now, if the Imperial Government would furnish the ships, the guardians and the Colonies could easily supply the othgr necessaries, which might cost 50s. for Canada, or 29 for Australia, per statute adult. I believe an emigration rate would, if lasting benefits were likely to prise, be readily complied with. I do therefore plead for the able-bodied poor-of Great Britain, not yet irretrievably tainted with pauperism. Let the guardians (knowing England increases 1,00ft daily, and work is, at present, exceedingly searce) bestir them- selves in this matter, and liberally assist.emigrants to our British Colonies. Meanwhile I would ask all who sympathize with the poor in their present affliction, to give their Christmas and New Year's Gifts to existing emigration societies— especially the Royll Canadian Emigration Society, in which I am greatly interested, having 400 people under care, all anxious to to proceed Canada. Yours obediently, A. STYLEMAN HERRING, Incumbent of St. Paul's, Clerkenwell. 4l £ Colebrooke-row, City-road, N. N.B.-As this is peculiarly a working man's question, it will be their duty to forward petitions to Parliament, asking for State aid, and courteously but determinately im- portune their respective guardians. CLEANSING OF RIVERS. SIR,—Through your kind permission, I wish to make a few remarks on the letter of IS. TJunior, "which appeared in your issue of the 11th instant under the heading Fishing v. Mining. I consider it a great absurdity for an ignorant person to announce publicly that the rivers can never be purified. Your correspondent uses these words, If pits were sunk every five yards from the mines to the town it would be no clearer, and as long as the mines are in the favourable position of soon becoming more profita- ble to the county, so long must your rivers be Ashless." Now I hold, had his knowledge been a little more exten- sive, he would not have uttered such nonsense. I would refer him to the evidence given before the Royal Commis- sioners on the 20th of March, 1867, by G. H. Wlialley, Esq., M.P., page 119, where it is stated that the water running from the Pantmawr Mine Works, near Llanid- loes, had been perfectly purified, through the adoption of pits to carry on the process of filtration, and the rivtr Wye below the mine works abounds in fish ever since." What does "S. T."think of that? This individual also says in his letter, "Shut up mining, and you may close the doors and windows of almost every house in the town of Aberystwyth, except the workhouse." Did any one before hear such assumption? Why it reminds a person of the tailors, whb made use of the memorable phrase; We, the men of England." And this person, "S. T. is dreaming under the impression that the inhabitants of this town are wholly dependent upon the mines in the district. Nothing in the world can be more absurd than the idea of the case being such; there may be a sum of £ 150,000 a-year spent in the several districts, on the mines and amongst the miners. But what is Aberystwyth better for that? I believe it to be a fact, as far as I have been able to ascertain, that no more than two or three thousand pounds is brought to this town in the year from the mines. It is a piece of great impudence to say that the doors and shutters of our houses would have to be closed if the mines were shut up. I challenge" S. T." to prove such assertion. Is he not aware that a host of drapers, grocers, and general shop- keepers, and dealers in almost every article of goods, in- cluding shoemakers, tailors, and publicans, have, and are continually springing up on the various mines, ox in their immediate vicinities, who have their goods direct from firms in England, so as to realize as much profit as they can from the sale of such goods ? Now in the face of these facts why should the houses and shops of Aberstwyth be closed, had all these mine works ceased working the same day ? It is not the mines that are the making of Aber- ystwyth, but the visitors and the agriculturists of the country around. Should I ask the different tradesmen of Aberystwyth whether it is in the winter season when there is sufficient water to work all our mines regularly that they do the best trade, or, in the summer months, or when our town is thronged with visitors, and nearly all the mines at a stand still, having no water, I know per- fectly well what would he the answer. Why, they would say one and all, "Give us a summer season of ninfe months, and the Rheidol and Ystwyth purified and ren-^ dered fit for fishing purposes, and let the mines take care of themselves." But as it is possible (such a thing having been done elsewhere) to purify the rivers and get good fish in abundance without in the least injuring the several mines, all the better. It is evidently indispensable to the welfate of our celebrated watering place that our rivers should be purified, whether such a course would affect th%. mine? or not. And I hope the committee appointed to consider the question of purifying the rivers will not lose sight of the great boon they confer upon the town by carrying the scheme into effect. Hoping your correspon- dent S. T." will, the next time he writes, lay factmobefore the public, instead df setting forth such delusory allega- tions which neither he, nor any other man, can prove, I remain, &c., AN OBSERVER. Aberystwyth, 22nd December, 1869.

Tipyn o Bob Peth. The foot and mouth disease has broken out in Flintshire. A general holiday is proclaimed for Monday next, the 27th, at Chester. Messrs Casson and Co. have opened a bank at Four Crosses, Blaenau Festiniog. The recent election for Cheshire cost Sir Edward Watkin a, 190, and Mr Cunliffe Brooks, 26,231. Dr. Gardner's Faiths of the World is to be issued in Welsh, by Messrs Ferguson. The translation appear under the title of Crednau y Byd." The Bishop of St. David's preached in English.and Welsh at the re-opening of Llandefeiliog Church, Carmar- then, on the 16thv Colonel Robert Myddelton Biddulph, Royal Denbigh- shire Militia, has been appointed one of her Majesty's aides-de-camp for the service of her militia force. A new club, called the Wrexham Club, has taken the place of the Town and County Club, which came to an end at that town a short time ago. A fox, pursued into Crewe by the hounds the other day, bolted through a cottage window.. He was soon after- wards killed. The deputation appointed by the Cheshire Chamber of Agriculture to ascertain the results of inoculation for pleuro in the London dairies found that some of the cows were kept upstairs! The Earl and Countess Vane and Viscount Seaham have arrived at Wynyard Park, Durham, from visiting the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, at Blenheim Palace, Oxon. According to the War Office return the 1st Administra- tive Battalion of Denbighshire Volunteers contains 592 men, of whom 526 are efficients. Chirk furnishes 42, Ruabon 68, Llangollen 75, and Wrexham 100. The Builder hears that the state of the Marquis of Westminster's statue in the New Park, Chester, has led to a communication with Mr Thorneycroft from the legal adviser of the corporation upon the subject. A man apprehended at Tarporley, Cheshire, the other day, for begging, was found to have a batik book, from which it appeared that he was in the habit of depositing his surplus gains in the post-office savings banks of the towns through which he passed. At a meeting of the Qheshire Chamber of Agriculture last week a resolution was passed to the following effect, with only one dissentient, Lord Egerton That in the opinion of the Chamber all agricultural produce, except liquids, should be sold Dy weight, and that the cental should be the standard." The Rev. W. Rees, D.D., of Liverpool, has issued a circular letter to the Dissenting ministers and congrega- tions* in Wales, on behalf of the evicted tenants, and the appeal is supported by influential ministers of the Calvin- istic Methodist, Baptist, and Independent Churches. The Chester Guardians have resolved partially'to adopt the system of boarding-out pauper children. Orphans and deserted children under two years of age are-io be placed in labourers' families, the estimated cost being 3s. per week, an annual suit of clothes, and school fees. A witness examined at a recent petty sessions at Ban- gor did not know the name of the month following February, or of any months, except that there were three called January, April, and March. He believed January came next to February. The Weekly Register says "The Pope has conferred the honour of Grand Cross of Pius IX. upon the Earl of Denbigh and Lord Petre-the former a Conservative, and the latter a Liberal-in recognition of their lordships' services to the Holy See, and more especially to the arma- ment and organization of the Pontifical army." A correspondent of the Welshman, writing of the Fast- ing Girl;" says that he once fasted for a week, and at the end of the time walked half a mile and did some gardening without fatigue, and then sat down and enjoyed a meal without any ill consequences. The police are said to be troubled with a modern Dick Turpin at Trtmadoc. He is known as Jack y Garn, and charged with sheep-stealing, and though sometimes seen he manages to escape capture. The other day, it is said, he visited Tremadoc, to dispose of some skins, and was asked by a policeman, who did not know him, if he had seen Jack y Garn. "Yes," replied Jack, who had the stolen skins on his back at the time, he is just gone that way; walk fast and you will catch him." On another oc- casion-so the story goes—while the officers were searching for him in a wood, he walked into Portmadoc to buy a fresh stock of provisions. Two men were going home from drinking at Menai Bridge, the other night, when one of them, named Jones, is said to have snatched half-a-crown from the other, Hughes, and a quarrl ensued, in the course of which Hughes was stabbed in more than a dozen ylaces. He crawled to a pigsty, and there remained till morning, when he made his way to a house, and was subsequently taken to the infirmary, where his life was at first despaired vf, but he is no progressing favourably. His assailant escaped, and a reward is offered for his apprehension. He is said to be a sailor, and a native of Aberayron. We stated the other day that since the establishment of Saturday evening entertainments at Chester there had been a marked decrease in the number of charges. From figures now before us, we see that in the whole -elass of minor offences there is :a remarkable decrease for the year ending Sep. 29, 1869. The number of such cases is less than it has been in any year since 1863, and shows a falling off of nearly 500 as compared with 1865. As com- pared with 1868 there is a decrease of 85 in the drunken cases, &nd 52 in the common assaults, which often result from drinking. A man named Thomas Cecker was detected stealing an overcoat from a clothier's door, at Crewe, last week. Whilst at the lock-up he was taken seriously ill, and medi- cal attendance had to be obtained, when it was found that the man was literally starving to death. He said he had not been to bed for three weeks, and bad hardly tasted any food in that time. By consent the prosecution was withdrawn, and the poor fellow, who admitted that he .committed the deed only for the purpose of procuring food, was received into the Nantwich workhouse. A very extensive robbery took place at Chester Rail- way Station, on Saturday. Two men and a woman-the men dressed in dark clothes, of middle height, about thirty years of age, one wearing a hat with crape band; the woman between twenty and thirty, stout make, dark sallow complexion, chubby nose, and wearing a black cloak and bonnet-entered the first-lass ladies' waiting- room about two p.m., and carried away a lady's ebony dressing-case, marked with a coronet and E. B., contain- ing Dent's gold repeaters, a large number of gold rings, bracelets, ear-rings, and other jewellery, two five- pound notes, a few sovereigns, and some silver. The value of the property stolen is very great, and a reward of P,20 is offered for such information as will lead to the de- tection of the thieves and the recovery of the property. Breach of promise of marriage is the subject of any- thing but legal action in some parts of Wales. At Car- narvon Petty Sessions four young quarrymen were charged with obstructing the highway at Talysarn. Jane Williams, the daughter of a-small shopkeeper, had once been "sweet- hearted" by her next door neighbour, Benjamin Jones, but he, we suppose, deserted her; for one evening his effigy was burnt opposite his door. In revenge for this, Jane's effigy was burnt the following evening opposite her door, and it was for the obstruction caused by this per- formance that Benjamin And three other young men were summoned. They had to pay one shilling fine each, and ten shillings costs. About five o'clock, on Saturday evening, as the Victory schooner, of Carnarvon (Jones, master), laden with coal, 13 from Newcastle to Devonport, was proceeding down Channel, and while passing through the Gull stream, with port and starboard lights burning brightly, she was run mto by a three-masted brigantine—the Priscilla, of Dover —which was also coal-laden, and proceeding down Chan- nel. The collision was a violent one, and the master and crew of the schooner, three in number, fearful of their vessel sinking, sprang on board the Priscilla. Thfey sig- nalled to a smack, which was fishing near, which came to their assistance. The master and one of the crew then went on board, and made for the wreck, but the vessel had totally disappeared. The smack took them to Ramsgate harbour, and landed them at five o'clock on Sunday morn- ing. The other two men were brought ashore by the Champion Lugger. The poor fellows were taken to the Sailors' Home, with loss of clothes, money, and everything, but what they stood in,

General. The Archbishop of Canterbury still progresses favour- ably, but regains strength slowly. Mr Henry Labouchere Has issued his retiring address to the electors of South wark. A beautiful stained-glass window has just been placed in the Poets'-corner of Westminster Abbey to the memory of Chaucen. ,i The alleged murder of Prince Galitzin by three men disguised as monks, while he was traveling through the central provinces of Russia, proves to be a canard. Mr Bright has appointed Mr E. Stanley Jones, son of the Jate Mr Ernest Jones, to a temporaiy clerkship in the R gistrar-General of Seamen's office. It is now propused to connect the English and Bristol Channels by a canal, commencing at Bridgewater Bay and terminating at the estuary of the Exe. The North-Eastern Railway Company proposes to reduce the fares throughout its system. The new fares will be 2d. per mile first-class; lid. per mile second-clas#; and Id. per mile third-clas A breach of promise case in Detroit turns upon the question whether the defendant intended, by enclosing ft leaf of rose geranium to the lady, to use the language of flowers, in which case the innocent leaf would have said, Thou art mv choice." M. de Lesseps has received from the British Govern- ment a despatch congratulating him upon the successful opening of the Su:z Canal. The Frenoh nation is also complimented for the constant support it has given to a wor which has so fruitful a bearing upon politics and commerce. The Hfltyor of Manchester presided, on Wednesday week, over the annual meeting of the National Society for Obtaining Women Suffrage. It was determined to form a guarantee fund of 25,000 for furthering the objects of the association. In an action in Chancery last week the Judge said, the Act was clear to the effect that sales should be void in equity as well as in law where a "puffer" was employed, although no right of bidding, on behalf of the owner was reserved. At the Manchester Assizes, a Huddersfield Poor-Law guardian obtained a verdict for £1,000 damages against the Chronicle of that town, and 2100 against the Observer, for giving currency to a rumour that he had been guilty of immoral conduct with one of the workhouse nurses. A warning to furious drivers" was given at the Liver- pool as sizes last week, when a jury awarded B50 as com- pensation to the widow and child of a poor street-sweeper who had been run over and fatally injured by a horse and cart driven at a high rate of speed in a thronged thorough- fare. Those who are best acquainted with Lord Stanley, and who believe that his connection with the Conservative party is virtually severed, will not be surprised to hear of a statement, made on good authority, that he will refrain from taking an active part in the political warfare of the forthcoming session. Last week a man, apparently about forty-five years of age, standing on Blackfriars Bridge, London, suddenly turned round to the bystanders, and saying, Good-bye, old friends," jumped over the balustrades into the river. Every effort was made to rescue him, but, owing to the force of the tide, they were unsuccessful. At Barnsley, last week, Mr George Savage, inspec- tor of lodging-houses, charged John Child, formerly a beerhouse koeper, residing on the Doncaster road, with profane cursing and swearing in his own house. The ene Bench, after hearing the case, inflicted a fine and costs. A week or two ago a crossing-sweeper, a tobacconist, and a greengrocer, were convicted at the Marylebone Police-court of having infringed the Lord's Day Observ- ance Act of Charles II. A few days ago four tradesmen were summoned at the same court for having similarly offended, and the magistrate, being bound to convict, fined each of the d fendants a penny, without costs. Mrs Stowe's Byron book is nearly all in the printer's hands. As the author is a Beecher, it is almost unneces- sary to say that she stands to her guns in all the essential statements and theories she has advanced. She makes a very thorough examination of the case in all its aspects, and those who have read the proofs of her volume think she has made out an exceedingly strong case. -New York Tribune. The West Riding magistrates sitting at Bradford last week passed an exemplary sentence upon two men for dealing in diseased beef. One, named Robert Nixon, was fined C20 and £4 15s. costs, or two months' imprisonment; and his brother Thomas, who had previously been con- victed of housebreaking, was sent to prison for three months, with hard labour. Lord Lichfeld presided over the first anniversary meet- ing of the Blackheath Mendicity Society, which during the first six months of its existence had relieved more than 2,000 applicants. The value of such an organization, as tending to check indiscriminate almsgiving, was generally recognized. The Dundee Advertiser records the death of the Rev. John Robertson, a benevolent clergyman of the Estab- lished Church of Scotland, and gives numerous anecdotes of the deceased. He was one day accosted by a poor man in the street for an order to get admission to the infirmary. Not having writing materials about him, he asked the man for a piece of chalk. The chalk was produced, when Mr Robertson wrote on the applicant's back, "Admit the bearer.—J. R." The other evening a London waiter went out for a walk with a girl whom he was courting," and returned with her to her parents' house. While he was stancung on the top of the staircase, he said, Good bye. God bless you If nothing happens I shall see you next Sunday." He then slipped, and fell backwards down the staircase. The girl and her mother ran down the stairs after him, and found him lying dead at the bottom. Death had resulted from dislocation of the neck. On Wednesday week "four men attacked the residence of Mr O'Connor, Moorock Lodge, in King's County. The outrage was of the most brutal character. Mrs O'Connor, it is stated, opened the door, and was detained in the hall by one of the party, while the others went into her bed- room and took two guns. They then dragged Mr O'Connor outside and cut off his nose. Meantime, an alarm was given at a neighbouring residence, the owner of which, with his two sons, proceeded to Moorock and captured one of the ruffians. The judicial authorities of Cracow do not accept the popular rendering of the story of the imprisoned nun. The superiors of the convent in which Barbara Ubryk was immured have been charged at one of the courts with maltreating the unfortunate sister, but judgment was given in their favour, and they were set at liberty. The case has been appealed to a higher tribunal. Through the French Atlantic cable we receive the gratifying intelligence that the House of Representatives have all but unanimously condemned the principle of repudiation. It appears that Mr Mungen, of Ohio, a Democrat, recentlycnade a speech advocating repudiation of the National Debt of the United States, which pro- position was strongly condemned by several prominent Democrats, and the House by 123 votes against 1 adopted a resolution declaring that, without distinction of party, it condemned the idea of repudiation. The Edinburgh city council having agreed to memo- rialise the Government in favour of "a popular, unsectwian, and undenominational" system of education for Scotland, based upon the rating principle, and con- ferring -compulsory powers upon the local authorities, there was a vigorous fight on the religious difficulty," but ultimately it was decided by a majority of 19 to 6 that while the Bible shall be retained in the schools of Scot- land, its reading shall be left to be regulated by the local school committees, it being understood that a conscience clause be embodied in the Bill." At the close of the last meeting of the St. Pancras guardians, Mr North asked for a guardian to act as a dis- charge board," while the others went into the workhouse for dinner, and Mr Chandler offered himself for the post. Mr North rejected the offer, saying, "I would as soon trust the devil as you. "-Mr Chandler Well, take him, then.—Mr North You go nobbing and smirking to the women, so that I would not trust you.—Mr Chandler: Oh, shocking, shocking, North and you a local preacher! —It is not stated which of the other guardians had the fortitude to resist the temptation of the dinner in the com- mittee room. How to deal with the ever-increasing number of paupers in the metropolis was the subject of a conference at Sion College, recently, in which ministers of various denominations took part. The President of the Poor-Law Board addressed the meeting at some length, suggesting that by a system of registration the guardians and the numerous charitable bodies might combine apian of action &rl ,which would expand the action of the Poor Law, while preventing the issue of indiscriminate subsidies to pauper- ism. The right hon. gentleman shadowed forth a plan by which he thought a fairly-accurate register might be prepared within six weeks, showing who were in receipt of either poor or charitable relief. From the conversation which followed Mr Goschen's speech, it appears*that the idea of the Poor-Law Board is to be carried out in some of the East-end parishes. The Hon. Auberon Herbert has addressed the following letter to the President of St. John's College, Oxford :— Dec. 11, 1869.-My dear President I write to inform you that I have decided to resign my fellowship. I take this step for two reasons. First, because I do not believe in the Articles of the Church of England and, secondly, because I am entirely opposed to the system of fellowships. I ought, perhaps, to add that those fellowships which were gained, as in my own case, under the old conditions of restricted competition, seem to me specially indefensible. I will only say in this letter that I consider that the use which we make at present of very extensive funds is unwise and unjust, as it limits the number of those to whom we can offer the advantages of a university educa- tion. In a few days I shall take another opportunity of stating what I believe Oxford, with her great resources, might be and might do for the whole people." A trial of great interest to the racing portion of the community took place at the Central Criminal Court. Dr Shorthouse, proprietor of the Sporting Times, was indicted for writing and publishing a false and defamatory libel concerning Sir Joseph Hawley. The alleged libel, which was headed "Representative Sportsmen-Sir Joseph Scratchawley," referred to the practices of roping and milking (in other words, swindling) pursued by a num- ber of persons connected with the turf, and insinuated that complainant had been guilty of such practices. The article alluded to the scratching of the two horses out of three which Sir Joseph had entered for the Liverpool Cup, which was represented to have been done for the purpose of winning money by illegiti- mate and improper means. Sir Joseph appeared in the witness-box and denied the allegations contained in the libel, and the Duke of Beaufort testified that the "scratch- ing alluded to was done in accordance with the rules of the turf, and in an honourable and proper manner. De- fendant was found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine of 250, and in addition to be imprisoned for three months. It is stated that the jury who tried the case have unanim- ously petitioned the Home Secretary for a mitigation of the sentence'passed upon Dr Shorthouse. The Queen has gone to Osborne for Christmas. An edict has been issued by a large mercantile house in the City against moustaches. No less than PIL3,239 has been saved this year by re- ducing and rearranging the Liverpool nuisance and sani- tary staffs. Lord William Beresford, an pfficer of the 9th Lancers, haq been fined at a London police court B5 for assaulting a police-officer. The European Assurance Society Board have issued a circular, stating that the sum of 210,000 yearly shall be set apart until P,50,000 are reached as a special fund to meet guarantee claims.. The closing of the gates" celebration at Londonderry has passed off harmlessly. But it was necessary to garrison the city with a smtiH army of troops, and a good many thousand pounds must have been spent in order that the Orangemen might burn an effigy or two without running the risk of killing or being killed in return. Lord Justice Giffard has affirmed an order of Vice- Chancellor James, restraining the father of Esther Lyons fnorn attempting ti obtain possession of her otherwise thai by persuasion. The young lady, who is nearly twenty years of age, was the subject of a trial of great interest at tha Cardiff summer assizes. A Welsh weekly newspaper has the following version of an announcement of birth :—" Dec. 12th, the wife of Mr. R. Roberts, White-street, Penmachno. Providentially the above-named parents have been presented with a very pretty daughter. They were married twelve years ago, and little Ann is their firt-born." The death of Colonel Richird Burke, one of the Fenian convicts, is announced. The Irishman says he has died mad, and says if there were in the hearts of British states- men one just drop of blood to save their souls from the reprobation of God and man, they would, after the occur- rence of sO" hideous a catastrophe, fling open the prison gates at once, the words italicised being printed in the largest type. An appeal has been addressed by tne oousn x oricsnire Miners' Association to the various lodges in the district to make a voluntary subscription, in order to present to each man and boy locked out on strike a Christmas dinner, or the money to provide it. Mr Huntsman's men have been out of employment forty-seven weeks, and the Thorncliffe men have been locked out tturtv-eight weeks, at a cost to the association of 220,457 17s. 5d. A London contemporary, which is occasionally favoured with semi-official information, understands that, at a Cabinet Council held last week, the proceedings with re- ferencoito the Irish land question were harmonious, and in this respect most disappointing to those who trusted that the concord of Ministers would be broken upon thisr sub- ject. Lord Spencer does not consider it necessary to leave Dublin for conference with his colleagues, and he has no intention of retiring. A thrilling story of a disaster at sea is told in very simple language by Charles Chapman, the master of the barge Rochfort, which was exposed to the full force of the gale off Sheerness on Thursday night. His sister and his five children were with him on board, and, as he ex- pected the barge would founder, they all took to the small boat. From midnight until half-past two they were dash- ing about in the tempest, and then a fishing smack came across them. The man and woman were drawn on board, half dead; but the boat swamped, and the five children were swept away. In the Court of Exchequer last week, the action brought by Mr Morris against the Gas Light and Coke Company for malicious prosecution, was brought to a conclusion. The plaintiff was the occupier of Saville House, Leicester- square, when the building and its contents were destroyed by fire in February, 1865 and as the fire was avowedly attributable to the negligence of the company's servants he made a claim for damages. The company, on the other hand, prosecuted him for obtaining money under false pretences, but he was acquitted. He now brought an action for malicious prosecution, and the company has consented to a verdict with 21,500 damages. A German paper says that the simplest post-office in the world is to be found on the southern extremity of America. For some years past a small barrel has been fastened by an iron chain to the outermost rock of the mountains overhanging the Straits of Magellan, opposite Tierra del Fuego. It is opened by every ship which passes through the Straits, either to place latters in it or to take letters from it. This post-office, therefore, takes care of itself; it is confided to the protection of seafarers, and there is no example of any breach of this trust having occurred. Each ship undertakes the voluntary trans- mission of the contents of the barrel if their destination is within the limits of its voyage. On the 1st of January next, and thenceforward, the scale of weight which is now in force for charging inland letters, as well as letters to most of the British Colonies, will be extended to the undermentioned colonies, viz.:— New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, New Zealand, Mauri- tius, Penang, Singapore. Under this regulation, a letter for any of the colonies named, if weighing more than one ounce, but not exceeding one ounce and a half, will be chargeable with three rates of postage, instead of four, as at present and, if exceeding two ounces but notsiexceed- ing two ounces and a half, will be chargeable with five rates of postage, instead of six, and so on, the scale pro- gressing by one rate for every half-ounce throughout. An important movement has been commenced at Cam- bridge for extending the education of women. A commit- tee, comprising fellows, tutors, and lecturers of colleges, has been formed, who have adopted a scheme of arrange- ment for lectures during the ensuing Lent Term. The lectures will include a wide range of subjects, and will be delivered, generally speaking, twice a week wifhin the period rf University residence. The fee for a single course of lectures will be one guinea, and any women having attained the age of seventeen are eligible for attendance. It is intended that the scheme shall be self-supporting; but the committee will be glad to accept any funds offered for the formation of exhibitions. A lad named. Hone, fifteen years of age, the son of a clergyman, drowned himself in the Cherwell, at Oxford, a day or two ago. His father gave him an excellent character, and his twin brother, who went to school with him, said that he was never threatened with punishment at school, but it appeared that he was often dull and de- pressed, and had great difficulty sometimes in preparing his work. He left the following letter addressed to his brother" Darling Brother, I feel that my life will only be a burden to me and my parents if I live any longfer. It is all right. I hope soon to be in heaven. Don't trouble about me; I will soon see all your happy faces again with the angels in heaven. I quickly commit my- self to God, in the hope that I shall soon be with Him.— I remain, your dear brother, JOHN."—The coroner's jury found that the poor boy was insane.

PLEASE GOD AND SIR WATKIN." (From the Lancet.) The devout aspiration of the patriotic Welshman may, we hope, see its fulfilment in the case of the most recent example of munificence on the part of theLord of North Wales. Sir Watkin Williams Wynn has, we learn, resftlved, with the assistance of his friends and neighbours, to found an Accident Hospital" at Ruabon, taking the cost of the building upon his own shoulders, and leaving the expense of maintenance to be defrayed partly by sub- scription and partly by payment on the part of the patients. The object of the hospital is to furnish, in case of accident, prompt surgical aid and experienced nursing, thus supplying a want long felt in Ruabon, where accidents in connexion with mining operations and the management of machinery are of frequent occurrence. We note with satisfaction that the medical officers are to be ex officio members of the committee of management of the hospital; with a some- what opposite feeling the rule that "the medical officers shall not receive remuneration under any circumstances out of the funds of the hospital;" and with almost in- creduli ty th e newspaper commeut that "the medical officers have agreed to provide gratuitously medical and surgical appliances, which will be a great saving to the institution!" We are unfortunately too much accustomed to see mem- bers of our profession casting their pearls before swine to be surprised that the practitioners of Ruabon should volunteer to do all the work of the hospital gratuitously, and no doubt'also subscribe some of their hard-earned money for its support; but that the medical staff should agree to supply the drugs, splints, bandages, &c:, out of their own pocket is, we are happy to believe, quite an unprecedented piece of professional zeal. It is, of course, possible, and we trust it may be so, that the peculiar arrangements prevalent in mining districts as regards the remuneration of the medical officers of the several works have a special bearing upon the case in question, and if so, we should be glad to learn the fact. On the face of it the precedent is an exceedingly dangerous one, for we may shortly expect to find enterprising young surgeons, when seeking an hospital appointment, offering premiums rather than demanding payment for their services. At the very moment, too, when every effort is being made to coflipel parochial authorities to supply at least all expensive drugs, it is humiliating to find such antagonistic practices ob- taining in any part of the country.

THE CULTIVATION OF THE BUNCH GRAsiI- The culti- vation of this grass is exciting some interest amongst farmers at the present time. The Farmer says, The most recent reliable and important information regarding it is contained in the following letter to Mr Robert Brown, of the British Columbian Botanical Expedition, from a friend who lived for several years in the Bunch Grass country 1, Lyneal, Ellesmere, 9th September, 1869. Dear Sir,-You ask my opinion of the Bunch Grass of the central plateau or table-lands of British Columbia, Elymus con- densatus, as I believe you botanists call it. After a five years' experience of that country, lcan bear testimony to the nutritious and fattening properties of this grass, far surpassing, I believe, those of any known herb. A few facts will abundantly illustrate this. In the early years of the colony, before oats or barley had been imported, this Bunch Grass was the only (as it is still the principal) food of the trains of mules and horses which, heavily laden with provisi-ns and goods, followed the gold diggers into the mines, over the roughest possible trails. I have ridden hundreds of miles on horses whose sole support was this Burp-1 Grass. Turned loose at sun«et, when the camping ground 'as reached, to feed, they were found next morning as fresh a^^ay as ever. Indeed, on such a journey, if not ridden too they wou'd rather gain flesh than lose it. In my 11 E-say on British Co'umhia," page 40 raave spoken of the marvellous increase of stock in that parlbf the country, an increase, owing, I believe, mainly to tb' amount of vital energy imparted by this herb. Then, as you are aware, the drov,- of cattle which sup- plied beef to tha mines of Catlboo, hat beeo driven 600 miles from Oregon, yet they were in e_ellent condition on their arrival, owing to the excellent pa,Srage, which refreshed them each night after the journey of ?ay- Finally, both horses an-* cattle used to survive winters of great severity; so long as t're was not too much snow for them to paw aside, thev could '"J ? °? ? jUi'.8 °* Banch Grass thev could reach. It have been hard tu»es for them, but thev managed to I am rejoice<° heur that, the experiment of trying this grass near Edinbur- bas succeeded so admirably; and I trast agri- culturists 1* ke induced to try it on a larger scale, as I am con- vinced f-"lers an<* cattle-breeders would soon learn to appre- ciata >" muscle-making and fattening properties. Believe me, dear sir, yours very faithfully, R. C. IIUMDIN BUOWN Vicar of Lyneal, Salop:

I Ecclesiastical. < The Bishop of Winchester, Dr Wilberforce, was enthroned in his cathedral on Thursday week. A cheque for 21,339 has been presented to Mr Binney on his retirement from the pastorate which he has held for,- forty years. The Church News announces that the Rev. J. L. Lyne has commenced an action for libel against Colonel Brock- man. A letter from Mr Lyne's father intimates that the Archbishop of Canterbury approves this step. The Bishop of London wrote a letter to say that hi should take part in the consecration of Dr Temple, not only with a clear conscience, but with a conviction that Dr Temple's eminent gifts would enable him to do great service to the church. The Guardian states that Mrs Tait has received from the Queen a most kind and sympathetic autograph letter, in which her Majesty expresses the deepest interest in the- progress of tl e-archbishop's recovery, saying that his grace's life is one "most valuable to the nation, and also to her- self," and that she trusts he may yet be spared many years more of usefulness. The ceremony of enthroning and installing the Right Rev. Harvey Goodwin, D. D., the newly-a; p tinted Bishop of Carlisle, took place in Carlisle Cathedral, on Wednes- day wetk. In the course of a very able sermon, Dr Goodwin pointed out wherein lay the weakness and wherein the strength of the Church of England Her great weakness, he said, lay within her own pale, in the hankerins: after doctrines and ceremonies which the church, in bygone davs. had thought fit to repudiate. According to the Rev. J. W. Burgon the days of the English Establishment are numbered. In a letter to the- Bishop of St. Davids he says—" So far from thinking that the sooner Dr Temple is consecrated the better,' I make- no doubt at all that if he is consecrated while under synodical condemnation the days of the Established Church are numbered. I will add that the ilt of having brought about a severance of the Church from the State, which would inevitably follow such a monstrous proceeding, would lie entirely at the door of the consecrating bishops." At the annual meeting of the Bristol Congregational Institute for the Education of Evangelists and Home Missionaries—Mr Morley, M.P., presiding—one or two of the speakers introduced quite a novel featOre into the discussion, namely, the appointment of a Congregational bishop to superintend the work of the institute. A differ- ence of opinion arose as to the name that should be given to such an officer of the church, some suggesting that he should be called a bishop, others an apostle, and others a rural dean. A few of the more staunch Congregationalists objected to the appointment of such a person, and the matter then dropped. On Thursday week a large meeting of parishioners of St. Lawrence, Jewry, presided over by the senior church- warden, was held to protest against the extravagantly ritualistic practices which have for some time past and of late been countenanced and taken part in by the vicar. During the Twelve Day's Mission, the rev. gentleman, it is alleged, violated the law by lifting the sacramental elements high above his head; and altogether the services in the Church of St. Lawrence were then, and still are, performed in such a manner "as to cause the mental distraction of the parishioners." Resolutions condemna- tory of the practices complained of were unanimously passed. y The late Bishop of Exeter left a fortune of 260,000, all of which, with the exception of £10,000, he directs to be divided among his numerous family. The excepted sum goes for the endowment of a Theological College in con- nection with the Dean and Chapter. The will contains a. clause which is highly characteristic of the combative ten- dencies of the deceased prelate. An action was success- fully brought against the Bishop by the Rev. Mr Marshall, respecting the living of Tregony. Mr Marshall gained the action, and the Bishop appealed to the House of Lords, which appeal was pending at his death. Dr Phillpotts directs in his will that in the event of his dying before the suit is terminated, it shall be prosecuted by his executors. Professor Thorold Rogers, discussing the indelibility of orders, says-" I do not wish to prejudge the case of Mr Voysey. But I suppose I am doing him no harm in saying that the tenets which he professes are, in the opinion of many, inconsistent with the ministry of the Anglican Establishment. Now, if the Archbishop of York succeeds in ejecting Mr Voysey from his benefice,. as some years ago the Bishop of Winchester did Mr Heath, Mr Voysey is still a clergyman, and thereupon debarred from obtaining his livelihood legally in nearly every calling. Nay, Lord Denman's decision in the case of "the Bishop of Exeter v. Shore" binds him, Mezentius- like, in allegiance to a prelate who has ruined his fortunes, and expelled him from his living. You shall not, says. the English law to a heterodox clergyman, get your. living in the church, and you shall not get your living out of it. It is impossible to conceive a more monstrous usurpation over freedom of conscience. As a consequence, clergymen defy the law of the church, or trade on their opinions. the public sympathises with them, and the church is a chaos." The General Council of the Church Institution pur- pose holding a series of monthly meetings in London, to discuss matters of interest to the church. The first of these meetings was held on Wednesday week, the sub- ject brought forward being What is the best course of action for churchmen in the present educational crisis," and discussion was invited by the chairman, Mr Raikes, M.P., not so much as to how the education question was to be settled, as the part which churclunen were to take in the settlement. The Rev. Dr Barry, Principal of King's College, read a paper in which he referred to the general success of the voluntary system, and contended that the course for the State to take was to step in and supply the want where the religious impulse of charity and sympathy failed to provide proper education., It. was not necessary to make any alteration in the present sys- tem, but only to increase the action of the State. He was in favour of a conscience clause, applied to schools of all denominations, and in that case he thought few would refuse to receive it. Mr Hubbard, M.P.r struck quite a new theory. He said Birmingham was the cradle of a new scheme, based upon the representation that there were thousands uneducated, but that fact showed, not that the voluntary system had failed, but that Birming ham had neglected its duty. Lord Lyttelton supported a con- science clause, which would give liberty of teaching to the teacher, and liberty to the parent to withdraw his child from any part of the lessons. The only resolutions passed were those of a complimentary character to the chairman, and to Dr Barry for his paper.

The Lord Bishop of Oxford (Wilberforce) instituted the Rev. James C. Roberto, M.A., vicar of Eastbury, Berks, and late officiating minister of St. Marks's En- dowed Chapel of Ease, Wrexham, to the vicarage of West Wycombe, Bucks (value £ 500 per annum), on the pre- sentation of Elizabeth, Lady Dashwood, of West Wycombe Park. Putnam, the American publisher, is issuing, in the shape of magazine articles, extracts from his private corre- spondence He introduces a note from Thackeray by a slight but characteristic anecdote of the great humourist. Thackeray was at a literary gathering at Mr Putnam's house, when Dr Rufus Griswold came in, and asked to be introduced. Thackeray received him coldly, and pre- sently said to Putnam, That's Rufus, is it ? He's been abusing me in the Herald. I've a mind to charge him with it." Therepon he walked across to Griswold and said, Doctor, yoti've been writing ugly things about me in the Herald; you called me a snob, do I look like a snob?" drawing himself up to full height as he said it, and looking thuuderen his little antagonist. Griswold denied that he wrote the articles. "But he did, though," Thackeray used to say. EXTRAORDINARY CURE OF A COUGH BY POWELL'S BAL- SAM OF ANISEED.—" Her Majesty's Gun Boat, 'Netlet,' Wick, North East Coast of Scotland, 7th September, 1868.—Dear Sir,—Having had a most distressing and severe cough, which caused me many sleepless nights and restless days, I was recommended by his Lordship, the Earl of Caithness, to try your most invaluable Balsam. of Aniseed, and I can assure you, with the first dose I foundr immediate relief, even without having to suspend my various duties; and the first small bottle completely cured me; therefore I have the greatest confidence in fully re- commending it to the million.—Most respectfully yours, W. LINZELL, H.M.G.B. 'Netley.'—To Mr Powell."— POWELL'S BALSAM OF ANISEED can be had of all Chemists. In Bottles at Is. ljd. and 2s. 3d.—Warehouse, 16, Black- friars-road, London.—Ask for "POWELL'S BALSAM op ANISEED." A MODERN DICK TURPIN.—At the Cambridge assizes last week, Charles Trevor, alias Horace Wright, aged 22, described as a medical student, of superior edu- cation, was charged that he, being armed with a loaded pistol, did assault and feloniously steal from Blanche Perkins the sum of £ 1 at Thripton. Mrs Perkins is the wife of Mr H. Perkins, a barrister and county magistrate, residing at Thripton, and on Saturday, the 16th Petober, she was driving home from Cambridge in her brougham, with her little boy. When about a mile fjom her home, the prisoner, mounted on a black horse, rode past the carriage, and after dropping a mask over his face tume round and ordered the coachman to stop. Mrs Perkins, thinlHnp it was a friend stopping to speak to her, pa dowiTthe window, upon whi°& the prisoner, who had a cocked pistol in his hand, rfcmanded her money. He also presented the pistol to t coachman's head, and told him that if he moved on lie would shoot him. Mrs Perkins' gave him a sovereis*1* and he then rode off in the direction. of Cambridge, -*nd stopped a Mr French in a similar, manner. Mr French said he was a Wor man, and the- prisoner fVJreupon rode on without molesting him. On the foil'wing day the prisoner was taken into custody in "rang William public-house, on the Huntingdon-road. "Tie polieeman found him m bed with his trowsers and other clothes on, and he attempted to get at his coat, in the pocket of which was found a pistol loaded with powde only. When before the magistrates the prisoner said that he was riding from London to York, and believed that i was riding to deathless fame. He felt-an irresistible im- pulse to do what he had done. though he afterwards deeply regretted it. He also said that he should not have been taken had it not been that the stables at the King William were so good that^hvhad not the heart to take his horse away from them. A case of surgical instru- ments, a lady's photograph, and only about 10s. in mone were found upon him. The horse was the property London livery-stable keeper. It appeared that early part of ^this year the prisoner, was co" similar offence committed in the neighbour1- On that occasion his pistol was loaded was only sentenced to one mouth,- Wesleyan minister said that the surgeon in a very good position the prisoner. His lordship se, months' imprisonment, with a tall, ge_ nothing peculiar