The Cardiff Times

ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN.—From a Parliamentary return issued on Wednesday, it appears that 0,803 bastard children were born in the workhouses of England in 18G0; in 1801, the number was 7,738, and in 1862 it was 7,823. And 225,271, and 393 children during these years respectively became chargeable to the union in which they were born. In the anions in Wales, during 1860, the number was 274; in 1861 it was 282, and in 1802 it was 292 and during these years respectively 539, 485, and 562 bastard children became chargeable to the unions.

NOTES FROM THE DOCKS. THURSDAY EVENING. TI-IE EXPORT TRADE IN JANUARY. The encouraging prospects ef the coal trade which existed at the opening of the present year, have not been realised to that extent which could have been desired. On making up the export returns for last month, we find that the aggregate quantity of coal exported was 110,081 tons. This, it is stated, is partly the result of a shortness of supply, and not from any falling off in the demand. The other aggregates tons of iron, 1,199 tons of patent fuel, and 789 tons of coke; and among mis- cellaneous articles were 35 tons tin plates, 4 tons copper, 43 crates crockery, 1 crate hardware, and 90 cases magnesia. The total number of ships clearing being ;207. Compared with the December returns, the export of coal, last month, shows a falling off of 13,000 tons, while in iron the quantity is nearly double that of December, and considerably higher than the nggregate of any previous month since August last. The average burthen of the vessels employed io this trade is also much greater, and it is pleasing to note that the number of steamers are greatly in- creasing. The following show the countries to which the several ships belong:—Britain, 113; France, G7; Austria, 18; United States, 5; Italy, 22; Prussia, 8; Russia, 4; Norway, 23; Sweden, i) Hanse Towns, 7; Belgium, 2; Denmark, 4; Holland, 7: Meek'emburg, 7: Papal States, 1; Hanover, 2; Spain, 1; Bremen, 1—Total, 297. By ea:h tide during the week large number of vessels have arrived and sailed, among which, in two days alone, thirteen steamers left and entered dock- On Tuesday the splendid steamer, North Heath, arrived in dock, and by this morning's tide she took her departure and sailed down channel. There was a very dense fog ac Bristol on Tuesday, but which did not extend to Penartb-roads. The Velindra, passenger steamer, did not make the pas- sage across that night-, but remained till the following day. No boats left Bristol during the day. A meeting of house coal colliery proprietors was held at the Windsor Hotel, yesterday, for the pur- pose of taking into consideration the present posi- tion of the trade, Mr. Insole occupied the chair. There were also present about a dozen of the prin- cipal proprietors of the llhondda Valley collieries. The question of a further advance of wages was con- sidered, and it was resolved that a futtber advance should take place on the first of March. This ad. vance, added to the one in November last, will be equal to 3d. per ton. Although the house-coal trade has not participated to nearly the same extent as the steam coal in the recent demand, still the pro- prietors haVe been actuated by a desire to give their men every; advantage of the slight improvement wiiieh ))as ,o as, to place them as" Door as possible on the same terms as the steam coal workers. The iron trade continues in a very fair condition, and both rails and bars remain at last quotations.

ABERDARE. THEATRE.—Mr. Hood has returned to Aberdare with his Cambrian Theatre, and from the caste in the bills, he appears to bring a largo company. The weather here has been dry and frosty within the last few days-a pleasant and healthy change from the long period of wet which followed the late frost. Just now the billg are covered with siiow. STOPPING THE BANNS.—This proceeding is, hap- pily, or unhappily, according to circumstances, of such rare occurrence anywhere now-a-days, that when it does take place it produces much commo- tion in the particular locality. A few Sundays ago the officiating minister at the parish church had asked" a long string ef banns, and had caHed the last to know if there was any just cause or impedi- ment" why so and so should not be joined together in holy matrimony, when a man got up and forbade them, stating that the prospective bridegroom was an "infant," of eighteen years, and therefore not loosened from the bonds of parental authority, which was opposed to his being married. POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. Patrick Cronin, charged with assaulting P.C. Llewellyn, was fined 40s. with costs, or in default twenty-one days' imprisonment. James Llewellyn, of the Royal Oak, was charged with an infringement of his license a few weeks ago. The case was proved, but the defendant received the benefit of a good character for many years' standing, and was discharged. John Williams, of the Cumucol public-house, was charged with keeping his house open for the sale of beer during prohibited hours on Saturday night, the 30th ult. P.C. (ii went to the defendant's house at half-past eleven [me found three men with vessels containing beer in the front reom. Defendant's wife appeared for him, and pleaded that she was clearing the house when the officer called. Fined 10s, and 8s. costs. Hachael Jenkins, a single woman, charged David Thomas, of Curntillery, with being the father of her illegitimate child. Defendant did not appear, but the service of the summons was proved, and necessary evidence having been adduced, the bench made an order for 2s. OLl. a week for the first eight weeks, 2s. after, and 03. with expenses. David James, of the Rose anp Crown, Mill-street, was charged with refusing admittance to P.C. Llewellyn, who stated that be we»t to defendant's house at twenty minutes to 12 p.m., and was refused admittance after two knocking, altnough persons came to ihe door and he sr,id teat he was a policeman. The defendant was supported by Mr. Simons, and alleged that the door was opened as soon as they conld, after being assured that a constable was outside. The case was adjourned for a week. Abraham Freedman, who was dismissed last week upon a charge of receiving a coat in pledge from a drunken man, was to-day charged with receiving goods in pledge after seven p.m. from Michaelmas to Lady-day. Mr. Simons appeared tor Freedman, and argued from the > 28th clause of the Pawnbroker's Act that the information must he laid by the churchwardens or overseers upon notice being given them by a justice of the peace, which course had not been followed in the present case. The magistrate said the argument deserved considerati, n, and he would adjourn the case till this day week. George Smith appeared to proseeute Wm. Rees for cutting and wounding him at the Lifeboat, Cwmbach, last week. Evidence similar to that adduced in the case of Langford last week was given, and the case was further adjourned for the statement of the surgeon who dressed the wounds.

The following appeared in the Second Edition. THE WAR IN DENMARK. ATTACK UPON THE BANJFEWJSEKE.—THE GERMANS REPULSED WITH HEAVY LOSS. BE!tUX, Thursday.—The following dispatch has been received from Field-Marshal Yon Wraiigel, dated Prus- sian head-quarters, at Danendori, Schleswig, February 4. —The Austrian vanguard, led by General Yon Gableuz in person, with the vanguard of the Prussian division of the guards, advanced against Schleswig yesterday. At the third charge with the bayonet, the Gondre Court brigade repulsed the Danes posted between Lottorf (?) and Gottorf, and stormed Konigsberg and Oberselk. The at- tacking force captured a rifled gun, and penetrated until beneath the fire of the cannon of the Dannewerke. The losses were not inconsiderable." SCHLESWIG, Wednesday, 8.15. p.m-. -From half-past three this afternoon the Austrians attacked the position of the Dannewerke, at Bustorf. Artillery and columns of infantry advanced against Haddely. Towards dark the enemy withdrew, leaving a few prisoners in our hands. Later in the evening firing recommenced, but ceased for a time. The King. with one of his aides-de-camp and the President of the Council,inspected the works at Missunde in the forenoon. Upon his return his Majesty heard the at Bustorf, and witnessed the retreat of the enemy from the extreme point of the Bustorf works. The Danes lost one gun. The Danish loss in officers and soldiers wasnot unimportant. I'l.ENSBUNE, Thursday morning.—The contest last night lasted till after midnight. The Germans, who lost enor- mously, were repulsed. Shot entered Schleswig City. The King is advised to remove toFlensburg. He arrived here at eight, this morning on horseback. The Danish loss is not very great, but eonsists mostly of ofllcers. The. works have not suffered. One Austrian wounrJetl is in the hospital here, The west wing is being attacked this morning. The loss of the Prussians np to the present is from 200 to 300 killed and severely w&uuded, including many ofiicers. The Danish prisoners taken in the attack upon Missunde were brought in here yesterday afternoon. SCHLKSWIG, February 5.-2.55 p.m.-There is some random firing to.day on the side of Haddeby. The Danes have altogether about 1,000 hors de combat, 300 killed, wounded, or prisoners, in various actions, and 700 from the incienmencies of winter campaign. LATEST TELEGRAM. HAMBURG, Saturday morning -It is reported that the city of Schleswig has been evacuated. COMMERCIAL. LONDON, Saturday morning.—The whole series of ex- planations on Foreign policy has been favourably re- ceived in the city, and it is to this general cause that much of the revived feeling of confidence is to be attri- buted, since the pledge of Prussia to respect the rights of the King of Denmark, contains ambiguous reservations as to demands to be made for sacrifices imposed upon the German powers," which have conveyed to many minds the impression that the Prussian Government, foiled in one mode of seizing the property of their neighbours, in- tend as soon as possible to try another. The continued depression of Indian Government secu- rities has excited notice. The five per cent. stock shows scarcely any recovery from the late fall, and the rupee paper meets with little attention, although the latest ad- vices from India show that the expected rebound has set in there. 1 The rise in consols was in a great degree sustained til shortly after two o'clock, when renewed heaviness was produced by a statement that the despatch received by the Cabinet from Austria and Prussia was scarcely en- titled to the importance attributed to it by Lord Palmer- ston. Later it was announced that zEI00,000 in bar gold had been sent into the Bank, and that thelast quotations from Paris exhibited an improvement of more than a quarter per cent. It is stated, in advices from Athens, that the King has communicated to the President of the Assembly that the question of the Ionian Islands will be adjusted quite in accordance with the pablic desire. It was, therefore, believed that political differences would speedily settle down. AMERICA.. (PEn IXTEENATTONAI, COMPANY'S TELEGRAPH.) REINFOHCEMEXT OF LONGSTEEET. ANTICIPATED RAID NEAR OF 20 CONFEDERATES IN JAMES lUVEn. QUEENSTOWN, Friday Night.-Tbe R. M. S. Scotia," from New York, 27th ult., arrived off harbour. (PER SCOTIA VIA ROCHE'S POINT.) Federal officers who arrived at Cincinnatti on the 24th. from Knoxville, reported Longstreet had been reinforced by: 20,000 men, and that he was advancing on Knoxville, pushing the Federals before him. Advices from Nash- ville, however, asserts that Longstreet's movement was only to recover the forage ground oocupiell by the Fede- rals, and that he is now returning. The Chattanooga correspondent of the World asserts that Longstreet's plan of campaign is to endeavour to capture Knoxville, and move immediately to Central Ken- tucky, to obtain supplies, and by this means to force Grant to evacuate Chattanooga. Guerilla G eii-m. I Morgan has arrived at Atalanta, to or- ganise cavalry to cut off the communication between Chattanooga and Knoxville, or to make a raid on to Ken- tucky. He made a speech, declaring that the Federals must evacuate Chattanooga. There was considerable ex- citement at TJonisville concerning the anticipated Con- federate raid, it being asserted that the Confederates would enter Kentucky at three different points. Union refugees who have returned to East Tennessee since the Federal occupation, are reported to be cdfunut- ting atrocities, and murdering Southern residents here. Enlistments in the Federal array are very numerous throughout the west, several entire companies have re- enlisted. ( Advices from Charleston to the 21st state that the ob- structions between Fort Sumter and Moultrie are entirely gone. The only impediments to the advance of the Fede- ral fleet are said to be those extending from James Island to the middle ground. General ]3utler reports that he sent three transports and a competent force up the James River, who landed seven miles below Fort Powhattan, and captured 20 Con- federates, seven of whom belonged to the signal corps, and brought away 00 negroes, besides destroying large stores. Port Hudson advices to the 13th inst. report that Con- federates were concentrating around Baton Rouge. President Lincoln has ordered elections in Arkansas of State officers and members of the State Legislature, on terms somewhat similar to those proclaimed by Banks in Louisiana, except that in chosiug State officers the people will have an opportunity to vote for or against the amend- ment to the State Constitution abolishing slavery. The judiciary committee of the Senate has discharged from consideration the resolution to expel Mr. Davies or I Kentucky from the Senate. Senator Hale nrges the appointment of a committee t investigate the affairs of the navy department, and prove statistically that the United States were called upon t spend this year for the navy more than the combine annual naval expenses of all the European powers, e eluding Denmark and Italy, and X40,000,000 more tha the naval expenses of France and England during th three years and five months of the Crimean war. (TIMES TELEGRAM, PER SCOTIA.) NEW YORK, Jan 26.—Chattanooga despatches repot that railway trains are now running regularly to and froB Nashville, and that supplies are received in suffioien "I abundance to admit of the issuing of full rations to th Federal troops, which has not been possible heretofore.. Letters from Port Hudson state that the Confederate! are concentrating between that place and Baton Rouge Their pickets were close to the Federal lines. GENERAL NEWS. (PER INTERNATIONAL COMPANY'S TELEGRAPH.) The Times" believes that even now Prussia is nnxioU to leave the Danish State untouched, hut anxious alsot satisfy Germany, and leave for herself a double course 0 action. It will be for England and the oilier pow that signed the former treaty to do their utmost to ketP Prussia to that arrangement, and as Mr. Von Besmarci1 especially acknowledges their light to assist in the settle ment of the Danish question, there will be no undue at sumption on their part if they continue their remon strances against the course the allies are still pursuing. CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The usual monthly meeting of the guardians was held on this day in the board-room of the Workhouse, B. Q Jones, Esq., presided. The number of admissions in the school during the past week was three, and four werB discharged, leaving 141. To the workhouse there 61 admissions, and 62 discharged, leaving 2S0; which 72 are in the refuge. A question arose as to the quantity of water consumed at the Industrial Schools Ely, and the master was called in to give an explanation. The board thought the ouantitj was excessive. The Government Inspector of Union Schools notifle4 by letter that he intended visiting the schools in cov nexion with this workhouse on Friday next. CARDIFF POLICE,—YESTERDAY. (Before R. 0. JONES and W. D. BUSIIELL. E?nrs.) LARCFNY.-Ellen Reirdon and Jane Robeits, two re- turned convicts, the former of whom is the wife of tlg celebrated pugilist Patsy" Reardon, were brcugh'tup i". custody of P.C. 22, charged with stealing a quantity «' cloth from a female hawker named Jane Davies. The case against Reardon was not proved Roberts was seB1 for triai to the sessions. ASSAULT.—John Hudson was charged with assault" ing Elizabeth Davis. The prisoner was arrested on a warrant. She was sent to prison for six calendar llJontbs. CRUELTY 10 ANIMALS.—Mr. Tremhlett, bom-ding' house keeper, prefered a charge against a lad named, Jehn Gantry, for beating and kicking a donkey w hich 1^ was driving some few days ago. The animal was iW used in such a manner that it lay down on its side. Bench, after complimenting the complainant for prefer ing the charge, sentenced Gantry to be imprisoned fût seven days. A BRUTE.—Owen Rees was brought up olla warrapt: charging him with beating his wife. The warrant VVIO issued about a week since, and the appearance of the complainant now was wretched. Her face and e)'^ weie black and swollen. She is a lady like person, the defendant is a traveller to Messrs. North and LOA brewers. He was fined in £:3 and costs. THEFT.—Elizabeth Jones was charged with stea4il4 GCI 12s. 6d., the property of Alexander Davies, an d itl-4 with stealing £ 0 5s. Id., the property of Abraham on the 29th January. The prisoner is a servant at tH Black Lion Hotel, St. Mary-street, and the coinDiain^ was remaining in the house. She was found guilty an 1 to prison for two calendar months, and to be kept to h»f labour. THE BEER-HOUSES.—John Keefe and Thomas liams, the proprietors of beer-houses, we -e charged wj' selling beer at unlawful hrurs. Keefe was cautioned) charge not having been clearly proved, and Williams fined in 5s. and costs. THIS DAY. (Before R. 0. JONES, Esq.) DRUNK AND INCAPABLE.—James Fitzgerald, a formed cripple, was charged with this offence. He to be taken to the police station in a cab from the Dock. Fined 5s. and costs. PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY. ( The fourth annual meeting of this society was held 9 the Free Library on Thursday evening. There iVS6 large attendance of members, the chairman, E. DISSOO Esq. presiding. The subjoined report was read, as aløl the financial statement, from which we gather that tile society is prospering most satisfactorily, and that a liilf number of shares had been taken up. Our space do I not admit of a lengthened notice of the proceedings, b., the utmost confidence was expressed by the laembe^L#' to the conduct of the society. Three directors elected, and other business transacted. The ollo the directors' report :— Your directors have again to express their gratify eet. in coming before the shareholders at Their annual ing, being able with the utmost confidence to report past as the most successful year of the society's Through the circulation of the reports, the conversa^ «t' the members, and the holdingof several public ings fit which the organisation and woikirig of society were fully explained, its advantages have thoroughly known and valued, and the result ol tills & been a large increase to the roll of membership, not than (ii.1 shares having been taken up during the P twelve months. Your directors are satisfied that w-tB ■ increasing amount of interest on the part of the memWC the success of the present year may far exceed that of?, last. The accounts for the year have been carefij^ audited, and every item of receipt and expenditure been verified, and all the receipts traced through -S various ledger accounts, while the same have been most strictly balanced, with the view of testing the st•J. ment of eapital account, which forms the closing P^jy the financial report. Your attention is directed to that statement which shows that the SocJjx after crediting each investment that has been in the of the society for twelve months with £ b per cent. terest, there is still a balance ofi'93 Is. 4d., or suffic^ had the Society been called upon to close its to have given an additional £ 15 per cent. House*1,0, property having increased in value considerably IWp the past year in Cardiff and its neighbourhood, directors believe there never were so hopeful pr0SP^,jf! We therefore venture to suggest that each member of tby, society would do well to strain every nerve to bec,,Inei the assistance of its funds, at least the owner of f ( house. The reasons for this suggestion are that d-,vell"lgc houses in the town are falling into private hands, aai L most cases at prices for which they could not be èuj]. the suburbs property is being more anxiously sought and houses have been and are to be bought at very ,V prices. As the various works contemplated come active operation, house property will be at a rrernt and let to tenants at highly profitable rentals. ol principle of small monthly accumulations has stroWj commended itself to the members of this societyt has shown them that the money so saved (although?! act of self-denial in some cases), is a benefit secured out either loss of respectability or comfort. This encourages us to urge all into whose hands this r6J"' may fall, to take a part of or one or more shares in VK society, and thus not only help themselves by proíitll laying aside what they can well spare, but help others may not be so able to save, and who certainly are 'AI! capable of making any attempt at purchasing their WO home, except by such aid as may eventually be gr^(rfi by this society. We would also respectfully call every member to lose no opportunity of making vantages- of the society well understood by those øI! whom they are daily associated, and who are nr' quainted with the peculiar merits of the case. Y (< directors have to inform you that several of the hive taken advantage during the past year of the interest given by this society en deposits of £ 10 and?; wards. The amount of have been vested funds of the society under this arrangement; amounts receive 5 per cent, per annum interest froi° jj,. date of deposit, and are chargeable with no espe?-' 0i while they may be withdrawn at very short period^ notice, viz ^10 a week, £ 20 at a fortnight, and £ a month. These terms it will be observed are twice as good as those of the Savings' Bank, whil* security is of an indisputable character, Your dir^ J} feel this to be the proper time to advert to the v'8!lfwF Avisdom in members Avithdrawing from this society Vf close of the first twelve months, as while the socl^uj making good profits, these shares take no part °L 0 division of the same, while by the holders putting 0 withdrawal of the same, it would often be found that t were not really needed, and the amounts would stfl11^ their credits with a good portion of interest as which sum would be ready, as the nucleus upon whb-'lj + society would be disposed to lend sufficient to put'c*» a dwelling for the holder; but while your (lit-ectorst plore the fact that many shares must be withlrawil early a petiod, they arc still satisfied that these not unwisely invented, for by the aggregation of sums the society reaps some benefit, and in most the member possesses a few pounds that would otW^f have been squandered away. Your directors fee' \j) after what has been said in this report, they have t<> refer you to the accompanying financial tatemet prove that this society is in a most satisfactory (p flourishing condition, and that it only needs that take our proper share in the necessary work of pubh', its advantages, to make it one of the most useful)1 the most extensive of such institutions in the c,,Illtry. -=- --pf Printed by the sole Proprietor, DAVID DL'XC^j^1 Edward-street, Crockherbtown, in the Parish of in the Borough of Cardiff', in the County of Glfiii j; n and published by him at his General Printing St, Mary-street, in the Paiish ef St. Mary, in the aforesaid. ftr aforesaid. ry ftr Publishing Agents at Merthyr,—Mr. w wigg, 'J)ceI office; Aberdare,-I-lr. WALTEB LLOYD, -11 Pontypriddr-Mr. BKSSEI T. FRIDAY, FFBRUARY 12, 1864.

OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. Party parliamentary action is ]allto turn on Foreign affairs. Lord Robert Cecil paved the way for opposition to Government policy on the Danish question by several well-conceived letters to the Times, and on Monday night last he opened a campaign which the Conservatives will not easily relinquish. It is the fulcrum by which they sanguinely hope to turn out the present ministry. Why Lord Robert should be entrusted with the difficult and invillious task, no one appears to know exactly. He has never been distinguished for great capacity on foreign questions, but for the matter of that a similar remark might be made as regards all the possible members of the contingent Cabinet. Mr. Disraeli has devoted his whole attention to Asia and the East, his books teem with Orientalism, and it is no simple task to turn from a life-study to apply one's deductions to Scbleswig-Holsteinisvn. 1f Earl Russell behaved foolishly as his warmest friends admit, he has still maintained peace, which is better than going to war even for something better than an idea, which the Conservatives undoubtedly would try for, if they managed -to scramble into power. The present session, however, exhibits signs of a decided opposition, waiting and watching out for place and power, and of a Ministry confessedly scarcely strong enough to hold the reins of power with any certainty of continuance. This is not my opinion only, but that of those who are watching the progress of legislation. Without expressing any opinion on the relative merits of the two parties there can be little doubt that, should there be one or two important ministerial defeats, a dissolution would follow almost as a matter of course. Lord e i iVimerston would have all the less scruple in appeal- ing to the country, inasmuch as the present Parlia- i ment was elected under the auspices of Lord Derby Thexeconsmerations give piquancy to debates on any subject on which party politics come into plav. The Japanese debate, you will notice, is a triumph for the Ministry tut how far the Ministers were answerable for the conduct of Admiral Kuper is, of course, a moot point. Whatever opinion may be held with regard to capital punishment, every well regulated mind revolts at the idea of seven men being hanged together. I regret to say, however, that the lower classes bre are looking forward with a malicious and depraved appetite to the execution at Newgate of the seven pirates and murderers of the Flowery Laucl. The 22ud of the present month is set down for the execution of these seven poor wretches—for whose crime there can, however, be no palliation Many of us living can remember the frequent sight of eight, ten, or even more men hanged up at the same time in front of the gaol at Newgate; but for many years past even two barged together has been a rarity. The result that this horrid sight is anticipated with morbid curiosity, and the proba- bility is that under the present arrangements such a terrific crowd will be gathered that some terrible accidents will ensue. It is not at all improbable therefore, that something will be done to prevent this. There is a talk of the execution taking plane in front of the gaol indeed, but behind a wooden partition erected for the purpose. If thisoe adopted, this will probably be the first step to executions taking place in the prison yard, and this again will be the first step to the entire abolition of capital punishment. To tlli., last tep, in fact, public opinion is already decidedly tending. The judgment delivered by the Judicial Committee j i of the Privy Council in the cases of the P^ev. Mr. Wilson and the Rev. Mr. Williams is giving great encouragement to those who advocate liberty in tcclesif1.itical matters, and, taken in conjunction with tie failure of judgment in the case of Dr. Colenso (for the Bishop has appealed against the decision of the Cape Town authorities), is giving rise to serious doubts as to the internal power of the Church of England to repress heresy. On the other hand, there are many who think that the Church has no right to interfere in expressions of opinion on the part of those who have once taken orders within her communion. The whole subject is full of difficulties, and is not likely to be allowed to rest where it is. I hear that a desperate attempt will be made on the part of the enemies of the Galway Packet Con- tract to cancel the subsidy that has been agreed to, If so, we may look for an equally desperate eifort to retain it; and the question is one which the Govern- ment must take a part in of course in favour of the contract. The Irish Members will come out parti- cularly strong during the discussion. We shall ere long have a curious trial in the law courts—no less than an action by Serjeant Glover against Count Persigny, for money alleged to be due on a contract to support (through the defunct Morn- ing Chronicle) the policy of the Emperor of the French. If the trial comes on, we shall probably have some very strange revelations, I cannot be- lieve that an action of this kind would be brought without some ground for it; but to establish this ground, and to claim it, will probably turn out two very different things. Meanwhile I may mention a fact by no means generally known—that the Inter- national, the French daily paper published in Loudon is—so I hear on good authority—in the pay of the Emperor of the French. The period of Lent is one of the most ridiculous periods of the year. It is preceded by a rage for valentines, and the ingenuity of metropolitan book- sellers is exerted to the production of the most eccentric works. To consider this question calmly, must we not conclude that the practice of sending valentines is one of the idiotcies of the people. Mr. Cobden and Mr. Bright have been lately exclaiming against anonymous scribbling. Now, why cannot these excellent-minded gentlemen direct their atten- tion to the suppression of this ridiculous custom of anonymous slandering. The 14th of February is taken advantage of for the purpose of expressing one's notions of one's neighbours without incurring the charge of malice or uncharitableness, or at least without incurring the risk of having such charge brought directly home. To walk through the streets of London and observe the shop windows of specu- lating stationers, is a diversion of a singular cha- racter. Mechanism is brought to the aid of the doubly-defended anonymous backbiter, and features are made hideous by bidden machinery. The effect is occasionally positively ghastly; but there is little doubt that so vitiated an appetite is fostered in these exceedingly clever times, that all this sort of thing is relished intensely. Scarcely less insane, however, are the ante-Lent propensities of oar friends on the other side of the channel. The French don't seem at all to relish solemnity and fish; consequently they anticipate the period of deprivation by indulging in the most singular diversions, and the fact of war being immi- nent is an additional cause for intensified gaiety.

I GRAND DEMONSTRATION AT THE CHAIN WORKS, PONTYPRIDD. A grand demonstration took place on Monday last, the 8th inst., at the above works, to celebrate the coming of age of Mr. Geo. C. L. Lenox. The family being in London, the demonstration emanated from the agents and workmen, Mr. Lenox himself not being aware of the intended movement, as he purposes giving the men a day's treat in the summer when the family are at Ynysyngharad. The morning was ushered in by the booming of cannons, the first salute 'being fired at sun rise, when a great number of flags were hoisted and pre- sented a most gay and animated scene. A second salute was fired at noon, a third upon the planting of the tree in commemoration of the day, and a fourth salute was fired at sunset. At 2.39 a procession was formed at the office, headed by the brass band, agents and workmen walking four abreast, followed by the band of the 19th Glamorgan Rifle Volunteers, who kindly at- tended by the permission of Lieut. Williams. The procession then proceeded to the grounds adjoining Ynysvngharad-honse, the summer residence of G. M. Lenox, Esq., where Mrs. Penn and family, ac- companied by several ladies and friends, had taken up the position assigned to them near the spot where the tree was to be planted. There were fixed two flag-staffs, carrying the British Ensign and the following mottoes—" Health and happiness to George Charles Lennox Lenox," May prosperity attend him." The workmen formed themselves in a circle, the respective bands being placed within the lines playing several lively tunes. Mr. G. E. PENN, the Manager of the Works, as- cended a platform and addressed the assembly as follows :—Ladies, Gentlemen, and Friends—I am happy to see you on this very interesting occasion, it being the day upon which Mr. George Charles Lennox Lenox attains his majority. We deemed it a fitting opportunity to make some demonstration of respect to him and his family (though not present amongst us this day), the chief of which is well known to you all, for in Mr. Lenox, our worthy and kind employer, we have a sincere friend as well as a mastu, He is one that takes an interest in your welfare, and is always anxious to do good to tbose in bis service as well as others. Mr. Lenox, junior, having been, as it were, amongst us from a child, is well known to us for his-a:11iable and courteous dis- position. 1am confident you will one and all coin- cide with me in endorsing the sentiments expressed in the mottoes before us, in wishing him health and happiness and prosperity. I trust this day may be the commencement of a bright epoch in his life, and a lasting blessing to himself and family. To commemorate this day's pro- ceedings, we wily, with your permission, plant this beautiful elm, after which you will please to re-form in procession and proceed to the proving room, when we shall have the pleasure of drinking his health. Mr. Penn then proceeded to plant the tree, aided by Mr. Llewellyn Jenkins, the farm bailiff, who is eighty-one years of age, and who has been in the service of Mr. Lenox's family for about fifty years. It was most gratifying to notice the eagerness of the workmen to gain a spade, so as to have the honour of being a party 'to the ceremony of planting the tree, and some not being able to obtain one made themselves satisfied by throwing earth round it with c) their bands, expressing themselves gratified by so doing. A burst of applause followed from the whole assembly and a salute was fired in honour of the occasion. Mr. Penn again ascended the platform, and said he begged to p- >pose that the tree should be called "George'- The whole multitude, as with one voice, responded with hearty cheers. Then cheers were given for Mr. George Lenox, jun., for Mr. Lenox and family, and for Mr. Penn and family. The company then returned from the grounds to the proving room, which had been tastefully decorated with flags for the occasion. A good supply of Cwrw da," with other btvirages suitable to the occasion, were supplied. Mr. Penn was then called to the chair. He said he had much pleasure in accepting the invitation to occupy the post, of honour for the day's proceedings. He then gave the usual loyal toasts, which were responded to by the band Playing 1; God save the Queen" and" God bless the Prince of Wales." He next gave The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese," coupling with it the name of the Ttev. J. Griffiths, incumbent of Glyntaff, who responded to the toast. The Chairman then pro- posed The Army, Navy, and Volunteers," the band responding by playing a march. The CHAIRMAN in giving the toast of the day said Ladies, gentlemen, and friends,—I am now about to propose the health of one whose name it will be as gratifying for you to receive as it is for me to give. I therefore propose with much pleasure the health of ;1: George Lenox, jun. (Great cheering.) I am truly sorry that he is not present on this interesting occasion, to witness the great demonstration of kind feeling displayed towards him by one and all who have joined in this company, clearly showing t';e attachment existing between master and man. I trust his may be a bright and shining path through life, and that it will be productive of as much useful- ness and good as his father's has been before him. I have known Mr. Lenox, jun., in his infancy and in his boyhood, and have watched his progress from youth upwards, and have always found him to possess a kind disposition and a great anxiety to do good. I trust I may be spared many years to see him acting in the position which he is elected to fulfil, and that as he has proved himself so worthy of our respect in youth, he may continue to gain the esteem and the affections of all through life. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) The toast was drank with great enthusiasm and musical honour, the bands playing appropriate tunes. The CHAIRMAN said the next toast be had to pre- sent to them was one he knew that would give uni- versal satisfaction, and be, therefore, begged to pro- pose the health of Mr. Lenox and family. The deep interest they took in the welfare of the place was well known to them all, as also Mr. Lenox's benevo- lence to the many poor in the neighbourhood and as a further proof of Mr. Lenox's kindness on his last visit he conceded to the wishes of the men by grant- ing an advance, even though the markets were tell- ing sadly against him. (Cheers.) These proceedings were got up to celebrate the event of the day, but they were all aware that Mr. Lenox bad promised them a treat in the summer when the family were here, at Ynysyngharad, to commemorate this aus- picious event, and be then would doubtless see the same good feeling existing as they had the pleasure of witnessing that day. (Cheers.) Rev. J. GRIFFITHS then proposed the health of the Chairman, Mrs. Penn, and family, hoping that every happiness and blessing would attend them. The CHAIRMAN thanked the Rev. J. Griffiths for proposing his name, and the company for the hearty manner in which they had received it. It was a mc st pleasing duty for him to be in the position he Occupied, ant] ,ts he had been amongst them so many years he well understood the feelings of master to men and men to master. His desire was at all times to act justly between the employer and the employed, taking care in making all arrangements that the master should not suffer by the men, nor the men by the master, the properly carrying out of whibh gave contentment and happiness to all. The relative position of the two he compared to the wheels of an engine—Mr. Lenox the main wheel, they the minor wheels, which, when properly set, always worked well; and that was their happy condi- tion. He also thanked them on behalf of Mrs. Penn and family, who, he need hardly say, were at all times anxious to do as much good as lay in their power. He said he should be most happy for s-sme of the old workmen to address the meeting, upon which JOHN LEWIS, a chain welder, who bad been forty- nine ytars in the employ, addressed the meeting in Welsh, stating that it was very pleasing to him to witness the proceedings of the day in honour of Mr. George Lenox, as be had known his grandfather, who was a kind master; alter him came his present em- ployer. He then said if he could speak well of young Mr. Lenox's grandfather, he was certain he could speak in greater favour of his father, for lie never received anything but kindness and fair play from his hands, and he believed he should have the same from young Mr. Lenox. He also knew Mr. Penn's father, and could speak highly of his kindness, and it was nothing but justice that be should say that he had always received the same from the present Mr. Penn. He then proposed that, as a mark of respect to Mr. Lenox, jun., that the agents and the workmen should subscribe to- wards a testimonial to be presented to him some time during his stay here in the summer. However humble the gift, he felt quite sure it would be wel received. The proposition was seconded by Mr. LLEWELLYN JENKINS, farm bailiff, who spoke in favour of the movement, and also expressed himself much in- debted for the kindness be had received from his good master, Mr. Lenox. Mr. DAVID LLEWELLYN, another old workman who has been in the employ since the formation of the works, spok in high terms of Mr. Lenox's father, and the present Mr. Lenox, also of Mr. Penn and his father from whom he first received employment at I the works. The works were then but small, being ¡- not more then a tenth of what they are now A vote of thanks was then tendered the chairman, and received with acclamation? The chairman thanked them and stated he was much gratified with the day's proceedings. The company then separated much pleased. Five balloons were let up at intervals during the afternoon and evening. Mr. Penn entertained a large party of ladies and gentlemen at his house in the evening to celebrate the event. Mr. Jordon also bad a party of friends in the evening. We have been favoured with the following compli- mentary Welsh verses in ^connection with the fore- gaing gratifying proceedings I WRON Gwaith Angharad T'ieddyw mae dyvvenydtl mad Llawenu mae'r holl linach, 0 lawn hwyl a chalon iach. Ei gyfeillion nnvynion mau, Gannoedd, sy'n lion en gwenau; Heddyw ei barch gyhoeddant, Oil yn awr a Iawenychant. Ein LEXOX anwyl inni, 1 wanwr, y twr wyt ti; Mawrethl ei fwyn gymmeriad, Mewn pareli dirfawr ar glawr gwlad. LENOX a'i fawr haelioni, Mawr ei werth a'i nerth i rd; Boed ei Fab, iawn arab wr, Yn borth, yn gynnortli gwanwr. Gynnau hwn oedd eginyn, Hygar ddoeth yn gawr o ddyn Y gwr hwn fo'l1 gawr rhinwedd, A (la ei foes liycl eifdcl. Hyd ei fedd, o nodweddiad A tbyrner ei dyner Dad Ag hefyd iddo'n gyfoeth, Rhinweddau'i fam ddinarn duoeth. -D Pentrebach, Pontypridd. MOESEN.