Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
22 articles on this Page
. MERTHYR.
MERTHYR. THEATRE ROYAL.—The Drill Hall is now a source of great attraction. Mr. Bennec's company is taking im- mensely." On Saturday and Monday evenings the ad. mission is reduced to half-price, in order to enable the Working classes to attend. On Tuesday evening, for the benefit of Mr. R. Eglington, comedian, the great Scottish drama of Rob Roy," was performed. The attendance was very numerous, and consisted of a very large pro- portion of the Scotch residents of this town, who ap- peared to be greatly interested in the performance. The actors and actresses acquitted themselves with their usual success, and won great applause. The entertain- ment concluded with the very amusing farce of the Rough Diamond," and laughter reigned triumphant. VERY UNSEEMLY.—Towns, as well as persons, may be judged from their actions, and conclusions drawn rela- tively, right or wrong, from their public doings. At the beginning of last week, the High Constable of the town, Mr. J. Shapton, caused placards to be posted about the most conspicuous places, announcing that a public meeting would be held at the Temperance Hall on Wed- nesday evening, in order to condole with the unfortunate people suffering from the late Oak and Staffordshire calamities. On the evening in question, the high con- stable accordingly repaired to the hall shortly after half- past seven o'clock, in order to preside over the meeting, when, to his great surprise, he found that two gentle- men only had arrived. Astonished and confused, be left the room again for a short time. On his return, how. ever, he found that the hall presented the same solitary appearance as before, and he waited to see what would l; be the result. Presently the rector, and two or three other gentlemen arrived then a few working men, and a couple of reporters. The few attendants looked at each other inquiringly, and ultimately attempted a little interrogative conversation. At eight o'clock the high constable, impatient of any further delay, declared be would have nothing more to do with the matter, and left the room. He was immediately followed by the few who attended, and the lights were extinguished, and the doors closed. What will the people of other towns say of this, especially those of England ? A short time ago the town experienced that terrible catastrophe at the Gethin col- liery, and a subscription, something like XO,000, was got up for the benefit of our widows and orphans, by the various towns of England and Wales, after the great sum raised for the relief of those suffering from the Hartley disaster. It cannot but prove a blot on the character of the town, and tend to lower it in the estimation of other towns of less pretentions, when it becomes known. SUDDEN DEATHS'.—An inquest was held in Dowlais, on Tuesday, the 19tb inst., on the body of William Phillips, a railman, 29 years ef age. From the statements made before the coroner, it appeared the deceased had not been in good health for some time, though he continued to follow his occupation. He bad frequently complained of a severe pain in his chest and bead, and was in the habit of vomiting and spitting blood. On the llth inst. he appeared to be very unwell, but revived a little again. On the morning of the 16th inst. however, about 11 o'clock, he was washing in the house as usual on Satur- day, when he asked his wife for the towell. She went to fetch the towell for him, and when she returned and held it out to him, he suddenly fell into her arm, She placed him in a chair and immediately sent for a doctor, who, on arriving at the house found that life was extino*; and gave it as his opinion that deceased had died from desease of the heart. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the circumstaces. THE COUNTY COURT.-The County Court was opened in this town on Monday last, at the Temperance-hall, before his honour Judge Falconer. As usual, a large number of cases were disposed of, but there were none of any public importance.
ABERDARE.
ABERDARE. BOARD OF HEALTH.—At its last sitting the Board, according to a previous notice, discussed the propriety of remunerating its officers for the extra services per- formed during the visitation of cholera. During that period their work had been much increased, and much had to be done which was not usual in the ordinary course of things—attending special meetings and clean- ing foul places and other things. After some discussion (with closed doors) the following presentations were ordered to be made:—To Mr. Hallier, clerk, £ 30 to Mr. Hall,surveyor, £ 12 12s.; to the medical officer, £ 1212s.; to Mrs. Rees Price, X3 39. We are enabled to state that this disposition of the ratepayer's money is not generally appreciated by them. SAFETY LAMPS AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION.—The in. dustry of Aberdare mill be represented in the forth- coming exhibition, in the form of twenty-four of the above Damed articles. The safety lamp, though insig- nificant in appearance, not only indicates something of the produce of this district, but also the dangerous em. Ployment engaged in by thousands of the people to .obtain the means of subsistence. The lamps above Mentioned were made by Mr. Evan Thomas, ironmon- ger. Cardiff-street. The twenty contain four specimens of lamps—one a Davy lamp, with pillars inside; another with pillars outside; a third differs little from the above only in size, being smaller, and is called the fireman's Davy lamp. The fourth is an improvement upon tbe Clany lamp by Mr. Thomas this he has registered, and he is the sole maker of it, as well as the only lamp tnaker in Wales. We believe they are now on their Way to the great show. MOUNTAIN AsH.-Some months ago the people re- siding in this part of Aberdare parish, not satisfied with the proceedings of the Aberdare Board of Health, Petitioned Government for the liberty to separate from It, and form a Board for the locality of Mountain Ash. Upon the report of a commissioner, sent down to ex- amine into the cause of complaint, the petition was granted. The new board has now been elected, but not until a great amount of party spirit had grown up. any of the ratepayers wished to avoid a formal contest 1n the election of the first members. Before the em- bryo board came into existence, however, the appoint- ment of its future clerk became the source of party strife. On the ore side Mr. Ginton (Smith and Ginton) Was eagerly debated for, and on the other Mr. Rosser. The former gentleman undertook to promote the object of the petitioners, when other solicitors had refused, and succeeded in bringing about a favourable issse. Consequently many ratepayers thought it due to Mr. Ginton that be should have the first offdr. At the be- ginning of the week the members of the new board Were declared to be elected, and the gentlemen supposed to be nominated for party purposes were rejected by a considerable majority. The successful competitors were the nominees of H. A. Bruce, Esq., M.P., himselt at the head. On Wednesday the new Board held its first sitting, and among other preliminary business Mr. Ginton was elected clerk to the Board. BRITISH SCHOOLS AT CWMBACH,—If the erection of Schools and filliag of them with scholars may be taken &3 aQ evidence of progress, then Aberdare is neither re- ceding, nor yet becoming stationary. Little more than two years since the large British Schools on the common were opened; now there is a movement for similar buildings at Cwmbach, but on a smaller scale. The dis- tance between the two will be more than two miles. A committee has been labouring to bring about the desired result for some months, and now begins to see its way clear for more decided action. A hope prevails that the building may be begun early in the spring. A like move. toent is spoken of at Aberaman, a like distance from the other, but we do not know with what prospect. All such labours have our fullest sympathy. The day is far off when we shall have too many schools. We hope to see the projected and other schools erected and well at. tended with such children as have hitherto been sent too early to work. OBDNANCE SURVEY OF THE PARISH.—Indications of this work may be seen in every direction. The sur- veyor's land marks are prominent objects on many ele- vated spots. This survey of the parish of Aberdare has been rendered necessary by the change in the boundary line of the Board of Health's jurisdiction, occasioned by the secession of Mountain Ash. Tie work is rather an expensive and a long one. When the Board of Health Communicated with the War and Ordnance Survey Office on the subject, the reply was that the total cost Would be X3300, and the work would be completed in two years.
PONTYPRIDD.
PONTYPRIDD. FOX-HUNT.—On the 19th inst. the renowned Llan- wonno pack met at the Butcher's Arms. When at Byd- Wenarth wood, they struck upon a trail that led the hounds to Cilfynydd cover, from which Reynard quietly slipped out, ere the music that disturbed him was Muffled by the tall pines in which he had taken shelter. The warm work which now commenced was proof enough that Reynard was on his legs, and the speed put on by his relentless pursuers from beginning to end demon- strated the capital qoality and bottom of the poor doomed fox, that bad so gallantly determined and sustained an attempt to elude them. His efforts, however, were of DO avail ultimately, as he had to give in after an inces- sant run of four hours, which thoroughly tried the powers of endurance of fox, hoopds, horses, and men, for he had reluctantly to give up possession of his brush to the tough and skilful huntsman of tbe pack (Mr. E. Nicholas), near Trallwyn, early'in the evening. Amongst those present to witness this extraordinary >un we no- ticed fhe worthy master, T. WilliamB, Esq., of > Thomas, Bgq.; D. Daviee, Esq*; R- ThomagjJ^ '• Tboinpa, Mr, W. jlewel/u; and MrJWyShTott.
LLANTWJT-MAJOR.
LLANTWJT-MAJOR. DEATH OF THE REV. ILTYD NICHOLL. Our readers will learn with regret that the poor of this district have lost one of their best friends, by the death of the Rev. Iltyd ichon, M.A., of the Ham. in this parish. After many years of severe bodily suffering, he resigned his soul to his master on Monday week, at the comparatively early age of 53. He was the representative of the senior branch of the Nicholl family, who have been located at the Ham, in this parish, since 1401. Mr. Mcholl was a widower, having lost his wife (the daughter cf the late William Nicholl, M.A.), some years ago. Ho also lost his only two children. His remains were taken to Usk, Monmouthshire, in which county the deceased gentle- man had even larger estates than in this. Mr. Nichol] was a graduate of Exeter College, Oxford, and was for some years Rector of the living of Kenny's Commander, Monmouthshire.
PENCOED.
PENCOED. Last week, the Rev. E. Matthews, Cardiff, visited the Calvinistic Methodist congregation here. It is known amongst the said denomination in South Wales, that it is their intention to raise X20,000 in the next the years to support Trevecca College. and that Mr. Matthews has undertaken the great task of being the agent. He intends visiting every cbapel belonging to the denomina- tion in South Wales for the above object. The denomi- nation in South Wales have succeeded in creating a similar fund for t!jeir Bala College, amounting to £ 20,000 in the last six years, and no doubt the present efforts will do as much for Trevecca. The subscriptions here have amounted to £170, and it is fully expected to reach X200.
PENTYRCH.
PENTYRCH. PENNY READINGS.—The second of a serien of these interesting entertainments was held at the New school- room on Monday last. The room, though a brgé one, was well filled with quite a respectable and well con. ducted audience. The singing was excellent, and the readings well selected, the meeting altogether being a complete success. The chair was taken by the Rev. H. J. Thomas, who opened the meeting with a short ad- dress, and also recited several humorous tales in Eng- lish and Welsh. The programme was as follows:-A short speech by D. ab Gwilim, song Mr. Thomas, the chorus by Mr. John's glee party; reading, Mr. T. Jenkins; catch, Messrs. J. John, J. Thomas, J. Evans, and E. John (encored); reading, Mr. W. P. Lewis; song, Miss H. Thomas; reading, Mr. Hill; glee, Mr. John's glee party reading, Mr. John Hopkins; song, Mr. M. Llewellyn; reading, loan Cattwg: catch, Messrs. J. John, J. Evans, and E. John reading. Mr. J. T. Llewellyn; song, Miss H. Thomas; song. Mr. C. Prichard; reading, Mr. Hill; glee, Mr. Joliu's glee party; reading, Mr. D. Williams; song, Mr. W. P. Lewis reading, Mr. C. Prichard. The Chairman called upon Mr. Prichard to close the entertainment by sing- ing Hen wlad fy Nhadau," and all joined in the chorus.
LLANDAFF.
LLANDAFF. POLICE COURT.—MONDAY. (Before T. W. BOOKER and E. W. DAVID, CLqrs.) SHEEP STEALING.—Henry Reed, a navvy, WAS brought up in custody on the charge of stealing a sheep, the property of Mr. Ainsley, the guardian of Lanishen parish. Mr. Ainsley had counted the sheep on his farm on Thursday, and again on Friday morning, on which latter occasion he found one less than on the previous day. On searching the field he found in a corner of it a quantity of woct and blood, and there were traces of blood, on the other side of the hedge, and footmarks qf a pair of clogs, for about J20 yards. Mr. Ainsley found part of the skin and entrails of a sheep, concealed behind a furze bush. The tracks thence led to- wards the prisoner's house. Mr. Ainsley having given in- formation to the police, Sergeant Thornton came over the same morning, and he and Mr. Ainsley, after examin- ing the clog marks, found similar tracks leading to the yard of the prisoner's house, and also from the prisoner's house towards a wood further on. Prisoner was taken into cus- tody and at first he denied having had any clogs, but after. wards said that he had an old pair, but had not worn them for a month, and he did not know where they were, but sup. posed that they had been burned. The sergeant examined the prisoner's clothes and found a small quantity of blood on them, to account for which prisoner said that his nose had bled. Mr. Ainsley said he was satisfied by a mark on the ear that the skin found belonged to his missing sheep. The prisoner was remanded for the production of further evidence. INCOME-TAX COLLECTION.—Mr. Mathew: of Canton, brewer, collector of income tax for Llandaff, was summoned for not having collected moneys due from parties in his parish. Mr. Mathews stated that he could not find them. The magistrates adjourned the case to give the collector fur- ther time, informing him that he was liable to a penalty of zC50 if the duty was not properly discharged. CATTLB PLAGUE CASK.—Mr. William Davies. of Car- diff, was summoned for moving a cow and catt through Canton without having a proper certificate for the purpose. Defendant produced a paper, but the Bench said it was not one of the proper form, and ordered the defendant to pay the costs. DISORDERLY.—Thomas Williams was summoned by P.C. Jenkins for having been drunk and disorderly at the Sham- rock beerhcuse, Canton, and in the road outside, and having beaten a woman, and used bad language instead of going home when told to by the constable. The defendant said that the woman he was beating was his wife, to whom he had given 4s. to buy articles for the house, and instead of doing so she had gone to the beer heuse and got drunk with the money. The constable said it was defendant who was drunk. The Bench fined him 5s. and costs or a week's hard labour. WAGES CASE.—Frederick Durk, contractor, Roath, was summoned for non-payment of £5 wages to Peter W lker. The defendant applied for an adjournment to enable him to procure a solicitor, stating that the summons had only been served on Saturday evening. The Bench granted the ad- journment on the defendant paying the costs of the com- plainant and his witness for their attendance to day.
SWANSEA.
SWANSEA. ACTION FOR SHIPBROKER'S FEES. The Deputy-Sheriff for Glamorganshire held a special court at the Town-hall, Monday, in the matter of James and Morgan v. Allen. Mr. Ingledew, of Cardiff, appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. Dunn, of Pembroke Dock, for the defendant. Mr. Thomas Morgan said I am one of the plaintiffs in this case, and am one of the partners in the firm of James and Morgan, carrying on business as shipbrokers at Cardiff. In March, 1866, I received a letter from Mr. Allen, the defendant, stating that the Eliza was coming to Cardiff from Pembroke. Shortly afterwards she ar. rived. I chartered her at the request of the captain. I produce the charter.party. [Charter-party put in, and admitted. It was dated 31st March, 1800, and con- cerned a cargo of coal, say 184 tons, at 4s. 9d. per ton.] I have claimed commission on the charter-party of 2 per cent. The commission charged was the usual per centao-e.' I reported tbe ship in and out, for which the usual& fee is 2s. Od. I paid the Custom-house dues, amounting to 5s. The £ 5 received by post-office order was the only remittance I received. In May the vessel returned, and I chartered it at the captain's request. She was chartered to Limerick. The total amount of our claim is £ 18 9s. 2d., less the £ 5 received, as I have before stated, from the captain. W e subsequently char- tered the vessel from Limerick to Newport. Y>e have not charged any interest on the amount, although it has been due twelve months. Cross-examined All the disbursements were paid the last day the vessel was in dock, except the dock. dues. The captain did not tell me his owner had told him to draw on the freight. He told me he was authorised to draw—nothing more. We tried to draw on the freight, but could not. It was the last day of the vessel being in port, the day the bill of lading was signed that we ap- plied to Kilsby and Scott to draw on the cargo. The reason I did not send a telegram before advancing the cash was because I understood from the captain that the owuer was short of cash. By the Jury: It is usual for brokers to advance mas- ters of vessels without sending to consult the owners. I have been a master myself for several years, and conse- quently know the custom. Had charged no interest for the advance of the cash. We paid the bills in the cap- tain's presence, and the vouchers were handed over to the captain, who took them away. The dues and ex- penses would have to be paid by the captain or the owner before the ship would have been allowed to leave the port. Cross-examination resumed It was to the captain we wrote when we received the X5. I did not then apply to the owner. I was in correspondence with Mr. Allen, but did not mention the debt incurred by the captain. I may have written three or four letters about that time, but I swear not a dozen. The reason why the letter handed in contains no mention of the debt is that it was written by my clerk, and is merely a list of freights. I knew that the captain received £ 10 from Messrs. Holl- way, the consigners, but he represented to Bie that it was expended, as also the cash given him by the owner, prior to receiving cash from us. Philip Roberts, clerk to the last witness, deposed to paying the several items for dues and clearing the ves- sel at the Custom-house. James Francis, the captain, corroborated the evidence of Mr. Morgan, and gave some details of the amount expended. This concluded the case for the plaintiffs. Far the defence, Mr. Allen and his wife were briefly examined, stating that the debt was procured without his knowledge or consent; after which Mr. Ingledew addressed the jury for the plaintiffs. Tqp Wilder-sheriff having brieflr summed tIp, the jury retired, and shortly returzie-d, giving a verdict for the fuU aoiouifc claimed,
COWBRIDGE.I
COWBRIDGE. OrEKA COMIQUE COMPANY.—On Wednesday and Thursday evenings of last week the memebrs of the above company gave their entertainments at the Town- hall. The attendance on each occasion was good. The brilliant execution by Mr. King on the pianoforte elici- ted much praise, and the rendering of each piece gave general satisfaction. THE MARKET.—This old established market seem to assume its former aspect. Live stock in general are in plentiful supply, and farmers of the neighbourhood are only too pleased to exhibit their cattle, sheep, grain &c., at the present market prices. COUNTY COURT.—FRIDAY. ACTION AGAINST A POLICE INSPECTOR. JAMES TABOR V. STEPHEN ADAMS.—This was an action brought by the plaintiff, a labourer, at Bridgend, against the defendant, police inspector at Bridgend, to recover £5 as damages for false imprisonment, and X2 3s. 6d. for the value of various goods taken by defendant from the plaintiff. Mr. Rees Jenkins for the plaintiff, and Mr. T. Stockwood for the defendant.—James Tabor, sworn I lodge in Coity-street, Bridgend, with George Salisbury, a blacksmith on Tuesday, the 27th Novem- ber last, I was sent for and went to my lodgings; Mr. Adams was there; he asked me to open my bexes; I didn't object I opened them there were in them a lot of things, and among them five bottles of brandy, one bottle of whiskey, one piece of canvas, three empty can- vas bags, lflb. of tea, and other things; Mr. Adams 4 took all away, and also a steelyard which he found in my room he took me and the goods to the police-station Mr. Howells, of the Llynvi Railway, came to the station, and after that I was charged with stealing the things I was locked up; next day I was taken before Mr. Ran. dall, and taken back to the police-station, and kept there till Saturday, 1st Dec., when I was brought up before the magistrates; no one appeared against me but Mr. Adams I was bailed out till the following Saturday, the 8th Dec., when I again appeared before the magistrates, and the charge against me was dismissed; I lost ten and a half days' labour in consequence, at 3s. a day, and sustained other loss I have applied for the goods I back, Mr. Adams refused to give them up. Cross-exa- mined by Mr. Stockwood; I was for two years before the goods were found in my boxes a labourer in the em- ploy of the Llynvi Railway Company; I have not been since in their employ; I heard that some brandy had been stolen from packages on the line a short time before November last, and some of the drapery goods contained in canvas wrappers I see the large piece of canvas now shown by Mr. Adams, bearing the direc- tion, Messrs. J. Brogden and Sons, Tondu," that can- vas is mine I am not obliged to tell you where I got it; perhaps I found it on the line; there were no dra- pery goods in it when I found it; I may have had it from my friends at home; my home is at Salisbury I am not bound to say in what street; the five bottles of brandy and one bottle of whiskey are mine; there are two qualities of brandy I am not bound to say where I got the brandy, perhaps I don't know where.—The Judge Surely you must know where you got the brandy, and if you seek to recover it, you must show it is yours. —Witness: I bad two bottles of a friend at Bristol; he is a labourer named Thomas Clements I don't know in whose employ be is, but he is well off; he is not em- ployed on a railway or by a spirit dealer; he gave me the brandy in a two-quart jar for friendship's sake; I was in his house; I did drink something in his house, but not any of the brandy, because I preferred beer; I den't know in what street he lives, although I was in his house, because I am not well acquainted with Bristol; Inspector Seaborn, of the South Wales railway, was with Adams when the goods were found I did not tell him that I had bought the brandy half a pint at a time, of Mr. Beavis, of the York Hotel; I did tell him that I often bought six penny worth of brandy at the York Hotel, and that was true, although I prefer beer, and although I had five bottles of brandy in the house at the time. As to the other three bottles of brandy and the bottle of whiskey, I had them given me by a young woman; she was not in the employ of a person who dealt in spirits I am not going to tell you the name of the young woman, nor where she lives. I am not bound to do so, she is far away now. As to the tea, there is If lb. of it in a canvas bag; it is part of 4 lbs. I bought when at Bristol, at 3s. a pound I don't know in what shop; I don't know in what street.—Mr. Stock. wood submitted to the Court that be bad elicited ample testimony that Inspector Adams had abundant grounds for suspecting that the prisoner had stolen the goods, and if so, the Inspector was justified in taking the pri- soner into custody and taking possession of the goods. The Inspector had merely done his duty as a public officer, and was entitled to the protection afforded by law to a constable in the execution of his duty, viz., that no action should be brought against him until he bad been served with a month's previous notice in writing, and said that no notice had been given in the present case. —Mr. Jenkins admitted that no notice had been given. —His Honour, after referring to several legal authori- ties, held that notice was clearly necessary, and as no notice had been given, the plaintiff could not proceed with the action, but must be non-suited.—Mr. Stock- wood applied for advocate's fee and allowance for three witnesses, which were granted.
CAERPHILLY.
CAERPHILLY. LECTURE AT TONYFELIN.—Last- week an interesting lecture was delivered at Tonyfelin new chapel, by the Rev. F. E. James, Baptist minister, Glynneath, on the Rev. Thomas Rees, an old minister, who laboured for many years in the Baptist connexion. The Rev. T. E. Rowlands, minister of the place, occupied the chair. Mr. James in his prefatory remarks enumerated all the eminent men which the different counties in the Princi- pality had produced. The county of Cardigan stands pre-eminent in this respect, as the birth-place of emi. nent men. It appears that Radnorshire has not pro- duced many, the chief man who was born in this county was Vavas or Powell, the Puritan. This county was noted in former times for one thing, which was not very creditable to it; the inhabitants were much addicted to sheep stealing, which caused a great deal of labour to the king's judges and the jury every year. The last on the list was the county of Pembroke, where the subject of the lecture was born. The Rev. Thomas Rees Davies was a son of respectable parents, who resided at a farm house called Penallt, in the parish of Cilgerran. He was born in the month of May, 1830, and at an early age was sent to a neighbouring school, which was kept by a Mr. Jones, a learned clergyman. After spending some time under the Rev. Mr. Jones's instruction, he was sent to Cardigan school, which had been carried on in that town for generations. In the sixteenth year of bis age he joined the Baptist connexion, at a place called Cilfowyer, and in the same year he commenced preaching, at the urgent request of the members. After spending some years at home as a local preacher, he went to North Wales, in company of one Simon James. In Carnarvonshire he met the late Christmas Evans, who induced him to settle in that county. He laboured here for some time, after which he returned to his native place, where he was ordained. From Cilfowyer he went to Carnarvonshire, where he settled once more. He married a Miss Howells, daughter of a gentleman of independent means, who was rather fond of his money; his eldest daughter had married previously to the Rev. John Hughes, curate of Llanidloes, and subse- quently Archdeacon of Cardigan, one of the most emi- nent and pious clergymen of the last generation, whose salary as curate of Llanidloes was only £30 a-year. The lecturer spoke in the highest terms of the Welsh clergy, and told his audience that he did not come there to say anything disparagingly of a body of men for whom he had a great respect. In a few years a dis- pute took place between Thomas Rees Davies and his fellow minister. The matter was referred to the asso- ciation, and that body decided against Davies, which was the means of driving him to the Wesleyans. He (the lecturer).did not wish to pass an opinion on their conduct, but ft we were to judge from his remarks, his opinion was that Davies was not fairly treated. He laboured among the Wesleyans for eight years, and through the friendly office of a Mr. Jones, a recon- ciliation took place, and Thomas Rees Davies soon after took the charge of a congregation in the Vale of Clwyd. From here he went to Liverpool to take charge of a small congregation of Welshmen, who used to assemble in a hired building; in a sbort time they had notice to quit, the members removed the forms, and Thomas Rees Davies shouldered the pulpit, which we presume was a temporary one, and carried it through the streets of Liverpool, which caused some amusement, and a great deal of sympathy on his behalf. On account of his labours his health gave way, and he came back once more to his native place, but on this as well as on former occasions he returned in a short time to North Wales. He paid three vis-its to Glamorgan, the last was in the year 1850 on this journey he was taken ill at Swansea, in the same house where Christmas Evans died, and expired the next day, and was buried in the same gra as his old friend, a. rather singular coincidence. He was a man who did a great deal of good during his long and eventful life. His dress was very peculiar-a long loose black cloak with a belt round the waist, and a black cap, which bore a strong resemblance to the Turkish caps. The lecturer recited a great many of his amusing anecdotes and witty sayings. The audience was very large, and were much pleased with the lecture. At the conclusion, a vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the lecturer for his able lecture, and to the chairman. Both gentlemen acknowledged the compli- trent. We are glad to add that a large sum was col- lected towards liquidating the debt for the new chapel.
CANTON.
CANTON. The general congregation of Saint John's Church will regret the loss of their valued and esteemed organist, who, after four years of unexceptional attention and care- ful execution has resigned his appointment, for, it is be hoped a much more lucrative post, as organist of Saint Andrew's Church Cardiff. We believe it is the intention of several of his friends, to make a subscription towards a testimonial, as a slight recognition of his past valued services.
TREORKI.
TREORKI. ACCIDENT.—On Thursday last an accident of a very serious kind occurred upon the "tips" adjoining the Abergorki coal works. Whilst one of the hauliers, James Few, was engaged in hauling the rubbish from Z, Z7, the pit's month to the tips the horse took fright and ran away with the tram. The man was knocked down and the carriage ran over his head and legs both parts were lacerated in a very shocking manner. Dr. Gordon, who was passing at the time, was in attendance at once, and dressed the man's wounds, but he still lies in a very precarious state.
GRANGETOWN.
GRANGETOWN. The need of surface drains which we lately pointed out has not been lessened by the heavy rainfall of the last few weeks. From the clayey and level nature of the ground, the winter water lies in every hollow till the summer's heat evaporates it, when foul and health- destroying vapours may be seen in the evening of any warm day. We think a man aad a spade might be profitably employed for a few months here in opening ways into the main drains. In noticing the organisation of the Grangetown brass band the other week, we little expected such an early and creditable turn out, as they made on Saturday last, when they assembled at the ironworks and played a few pieces by way of serenade to Mr. York, their patron. At the conclusion of the playing Mr. York in a few ap- propriate remarks, paid them a high compliment for the manner in which they hadjacquitted themselves, re- flecting great credit on their talented instructor Mr. G. H. Garrat, and said that considering that only two of their number had been connected with any band before they had done wonders with their four weeks' practice. We believe they intend, when the days are a little longer, to play outside on the greensward, which will be a social boon to the place.
ST. MELLONS.
ST. MELLONS. LECTURE.— A few evenings since, at the Baptist Chapel, St. Mellons, the Rev. J. B. Johns gave a learned and eloquent lecture on "Martin Luther and his times" to a crowded and most attentive and appreciating audience. The lecturer, who is a young man of about 22 years of age, received quite an ovation from several pastors of surrounding churches and others of the audience. SUDDEN DEATH.—An old man of 80 years of age, a parishioner of St. Mellons, by name William Jones, died suddenly on Tuesday morning in this place. It appeals that the deceased retired to rest in his usual health on the night previous, intending to rise early in the morn- ing for the purpose of sowing beans in his garden, but death intervened, and frustrated his purpose, for he was found early in the morning stretched across bis bed, the vital spark having tied. An inquest was held on the body by J. Brewer, Esq., of Newport, when the above facts were elicited, and a verdict of Died by the visit- ation of God" was returned. The deceased for some few years was in the service of Col. Tynte, of Cefn Mably, but his strength failing, the Colonel generously allowed him 5s. per week for the remainder of his days, and we are happy to say this is not a solitary instance of that gentleman's sympathy for infirmity and old age, for there are many recipients of his bounty in this and the adjoining parishes.
BRIDGEND.
BRIDGEND. FIRE.-On Sunday night last, or early on Monday morning, a number 9f small cottages, called The Square," in Newcastle, Bridgend, were destroyed by fire. The fire engine was speedily on the spot, and plenty of assistance, but although the night was damp, the fire was not extinguished until four houses were burnt down. The houses were straw-thatched, and occupied by the poorer class. No injury was done to any person, and the furniture was all saved. PETTY SESSIONS.—SATURPAY. (Before RICHARD FRANKLEN, Esq., Lieut.-Col. MORSE, and the Rev. C. It. KNIGHT. DRUNK AND RIOTous.-Michael Malley, of Maesteg, labourer, was charged with being drunk and riotous on the Sunday previous. P.C. Frederick Sanson proved the case. Fined £1 10s. including costs. ASSAULT.-Evan Williams, of Buston, Coity, farmer, was summoned for assaulting Margaret Morris, a servant girl, residing at the same place. Fined XI, including costs. STRAYED CATTLE.—Thomas Lewis, of Nottage, grocer, was charged with allowing three head of cattle to stray on the highway. Fined 10s., including costs. A SIMILAR OFFENCE.-William Jones, of Laleston, victualler, was charged with allowing three cattle to stray on the highway. Fined lbs., including costs. ABSCONDING.—James Bryne, agent for the Llynvi Vale Iron Company (Limited), summoned Thomas David, of Maesteg, labourer, for absconding from his service.— Settled. AFFILIATION.-Elizabeth Roderick, of Lanharran, single woman, summoned Jacob Davies, late of the same place, tailor, to shew cause why he should not contribute towards the maintenance of her illegitimate child. Order made for 2s. a-week from birth, and costs. A SIMILAR CHARGE.—Mary Davies, spinster, Bryn, charged Thomas Tudle, haulier, with being the father ot her illegitimate child. Order made for 2s. a-week from birth, and costs. (Before RICHARD FRANKLEN, T. M. TALBOT, and W.' LLEWELLYN, Esqrs., and the Rev. C. R. KNIGHT.) THE MAESTEG STRIKE.—Joshua Williams, agent for the Llynvi Vale Iron Company (Limited), summoned Thomas Leigh, of Maesteg, to recover possession of a cottage, No. 14 Charles-row, Maesteg. Warrant to eject issued. Defendant to pay complainant's costs. In default of immediate payment the same to be levied by distress of defendant's goods. A SIMILAR CASK.—A similar charge was preferred against William Allsopp, for the recovery of the possession of No. 20, Talbot-terraoe, Maesteg. Warrant to eject, &c., same as last case. ANOTHER.—The case against John Gronow, for the re- covery of possession of No. 15, Union-street, Maesteg, was dismissed. WARRANTS to eject John Jones and William Price, of No. .1, Duffryn-row, and 18, Union-street, were also issued,
NEWPORT.
NEWPORT. COUNTY COURT.-The February sitting of this court commenced on Monday, at the Victoria-hall, before Judge Herbert. Charles Wilkins Pardoe v. Abraham Isaacs. This was an action to recover compensation for the loss of a gold watch and chain. The plaintiff, who resides at Mountain Ash, pledged with the defendant, a pawnbroker at Newpoit, in 1858 or 1859, a gold watch and chain, which remained in pledge until last Novem- ber. At that time plaintiff sent, by Post-office order, principal lent and interest to redeem the watch and chain. The watch and chain were sent by rail to Mountain Ash, but the plaintiff alleged that the chain sent was not his, and he indicated a number of particu- lars in which it differed. Among other things it was a single link instead of double, had a different kind of key, and a green stone instead of a blood stone with a red streak. For the defence it was stated that all valu- able articles in pledge with the defendant were kept by him in a locked safe, the key of which, up to a period of some ten or twelve months ago, was in the possession only of Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs, and since the time named had been only in their possession and that of a confiden- tial foreman. Mr. and Mrs. Isaacs and the foreman were examined, and they all swore that the chain had not been substituted by them. After some consultation the jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff, at the same time remarking that they intended no imputation against the defendant, but they thought that during a period of so many years the key of the safe might have got into the hands of some dishonest person. His honour said he agreed with the verdict in all respects. Judgment for four guineas, the value of the missing chain. Mr. Gra- ham appeared for the defence. The plaintiff conducted his own case. Chewing a finger.-King v. Murray. This was a claim by a husband for IS damages sus- tained by him in consequence of his wife being assaulted and so injured as to be incapacitated for work. Mr. Cathcart for the plaintiff, Mr. Graham for the defend- ant. Mrs. King and Mrs. Murray, who live at Machen, were some months ago gathering sticks in a plantation, when a dispute arose, and Mrs. Murray seized Mrs. King's finger with her teeth, and chewed it. This action was brought by the husband to recover loss sus- tained thereby. The facts were not disputed, but it was proved that the defendant had been convicted of the assault before the magistrates, and Mr Graham argued, citing a case in the Queen's Bench, that the conviction barred all further proceedings. His Honour thought that referred to criminal proceedings, but he raised another legal point by reading "24 and 25 Vic., c. 100, s. 45, which provides that if a party against whom certain complaints, mentioned in preceding sec- tior^s, had been made, should have paid the penalty im- posed, or suffered the imprisonment awarded, he should be released from all further proceedings, civil or crimi- nal. Mr. Cathcart thought those words meant at the suit of the same party. The J udge took time to con- ) sider the point.
BRECON.
BRECON. At the borough petty session on Monday, Jeremiah Dacey was charged with the wilful murder of Henry Evans, a bugler on the staff of the Breconshire Militia, E'ans, it will be remembered, had been drinking at the Cricketers' Aims inn, and having qnarrelled with a man named Dacey, they went to an adjoining meadow to fitiht. Evans receivad «uch injuries about the head that death resulted soon afterwards. The accused was com- mitted to take his trial at the forthcoming assize.
THE FENIAN OUTBREAK.
THE FENIAN OUTBREAK. It is now certain that the chief of the insurgent rioters in Kerry was, from the first, the individual called General O'Connor, and that his deputy and second in command WaS the Captain Moriarty who lies in Tralee gaol. Bo h of these men served in the American war. Moriarty certainly did, but there is some doubt as to the identity of O'Connor, who is supposed to bear an assumed name. O'Connor lived for some days near Cahirciveen before the outbreak. Moriarty has a singular appearance, having been wounded and had his face disfigured during the American conflict. He is a native of Kerry. The documents found upon him, which led to the arrest of other persons in Killarney, are said to be in the hand- writing of James S ephens, and to be of a character to warrant the Government in putting him forward for trial at the forthcoming assizes on a chargc of high treason, in the event of the other evidence of overt acts required to sustain such a charge being obtained against him. The same course will be pursued with O'Connor, if he is caught, and it is likely that both would be tried in Tralee. The policeman who was wounded by O'Connor is still alive. It appears to be beyond doubt that the authors of Ihe Kerry disturbance were American-Irish Fenians who had succeeded in entering the district for the special purpose. The cordon of sentries round Toomies Wood has not prevented a number of the Fenians from escaping and crossing the mountain to a place for the time beyond reach. isignal shots have been heard in the distance, and among the articles found in a place wh-ch one of ihe flying bands had passed through were a large cartouche box of ammunition and a cap case, the cartridges and powder being good. It is stated t"hat the raiders paid at farmhouses for food which was given to them, and only in one instance took away the horses from the "tables of a county magistrate. The timely arrest of Moriarty is supposed to have baulked the execution of the plot, and the authorities believe that the Fenians were never more than from 300 to 400 men, who appeared in three bands, at various places, but did nowhere any considerable damage. During the excite- ment, the gentry removed their valuables, and in many cases, into Killarney, and some were put on board the vessel of war at Cahirciveen. That village is occupied by a force of Marines. The nucleus of the Kerry disturbance is a party of about fifty, half of whom are Americans, and the re- mainder chietiy towns' lads from Cahirciveen, Valentia, Killarney, and the Glencar district. They wear the common badge of a g een necktie. But two persons are supposed to have joined them who are much abave the lowest class-a well-to-do farmer and a master trades- man. Brigadier-General Horsford has examined the intricacies of the locality of Toomies Wood in person, from the Lower Lake. attended by the well-known guide, Spillane. It is particularly observed that the Fenians must have had with them experienced conductors, as they chose the roads across the mountains, which wete at once most difficult to trace and least accessible to troops in pursuit. If the remnant of the raiders should penetrate to the River Kenmare, and succeed in crossing it, they will be in the locality of the Phoenixite con- spiracy of some years ago, which was James Stephens's first effort in the south- west of Ireland. All the cars in the district are in the service of the military. A com- plete system of dioptric signalling has been organised between the various military barracks and police stations in the neighbouring county of Cork, so that immediate information would be given of any fresh disturbance in any quarter. The statement as to the repeated cutting of the telegraph wires at places considerably apart was correct, but the greatest efforts were made to repair the damage as speedily as possible. Stones were also laid upon the railway near Killarney, but discovered before mischief was done. The trials of the Fenian prisoners at the Dublin Commission have not hitherto been remarkably success- ful. On Whelan, the publican, being acquitted of the charge of treason-felony, Edmund O'Regan was tried for the like offence, and the jury, after having been locked up for a night, were discharged without finding a verdict. The same result followed in the next case of a man namer Butler, indicted for endeavouring to seduce soldiers from their allegiance. When the evidence for the Crown against Stephen Joseph Meany had conclu- ded, establishing that he had been in America known as a district Senator,' and had taken part in the most secret councils of the O'Mahony section of Fenians, Baron Fitzgerald asked the Attorney-General what offence had been proved within the jurisdiction of the court ?' No evidence, the judge added, had been given of the existence of the Fenian conspiracy in Ireland. This the Attorney-General then proposed to give but Mr. O'Loghlen, counsel for Meany, objected to the Crown lawyers mending their case after it had closed. Baron Fitzgerald decided on receiving the evidence; the point as to jurisdiction, however, was finally reserved by consent of counsel on both sides. Meany having been found guilty, sentence was deferred pending argument on the legal question. Six pistols, loaded with slugs, have been found in the canal at Chester. On Saturday morning an attack was made upon the engineer at the waterworks bv four men, who tried to get into the engine-house. It is supposed their object was to tamper with the water supply of the city. They got away, leaving the engineer senseless on the ground. In compliance with the desire of the Bishop of Chester, the thanksgiving for peace and de- liverance from enemies was read in all the churches of the city yesterday. The 81st Regiment has come to Chester, in place of the Fusilier Guards, who left on Saturday. In the midland counties the authorities have in many instances taken special measures for the security of the rifles belonging to the volunteers. At Derby the Arms have been removed to a stronger store than the volun- teer armoury. These precautions have been deemed necessary in consequence of the Fenian outbreak.
--------MR. LOWE'S DEFENCE.
MR. LOWE'S DEFENCE. Mr. Lowe ban republished all his speeches, election address, and public letters bearing on Reform, with a preface, in which be justifies the course be has taken. He thus rep!ies to the attacks which have been made on him for his description of the working classes I may be expected to say a word on the attacks which an argument in the second of these speeches has been ex- posed. By what I did say, as opposed to what I have been misrepresented as saying, I abide. Did candour form any element in such controversy, it must have been expected that attention would not have been limited to a few senten- ces in speeches which occupy so many pages. Of the pru- dence of what I said I leave others to judge, not concealing from myself that the verdict has generally on that issue gone against me. But I would point out that the working classes, under the modest claim to share in electoral power, are really asking for the whole of it. Their claim is to pass from the position of non-electors to the position of sovereign arbiters in the last resort of the destinies of the nation. They who set up such a claim must show that they are masters of themselves before they can hope to be masters of others. One of the first qualifications for power should be the willingness to hear both sides-those who say what is unpleasing, as well as those who say what is smooth. They must not seek to limit the field of discussion by their own susceptibilities They must expect to be critically surveyed and canvassed before they can persuade the present deposi- tories of power to abdicate in their favour. If it is compe- tent to me to argue that with a little self-denial the franchise is already within the reach of many of them that they will swamp the less numerous classes that the expenses of elec- tions will be increased, and the character of the House of Commons impaired it is also competent for me to urge that, since corruption and the other electoral vices prevail most in the lower ranks of the present constituencies, it is unwise and unsafe to go lower in search of electoral virtue. It is no answer to such an argument to abuse its author. Either the statement is false, in which case it can be refuted, and will only recoil upon him who made it, or if true, in which case it is worthy of the most serious consideration, not only by the upper classes, but by the very class which is in- structed to resent it, because that class more than any other will suffer if Parliament should, through any ill-considered change, become less fit for the discharge of its duties. I beg those who may have been induced to think that I overstepped the fair limits of discussion to peruse the following extract from a speech made by Mr. Bright at Rochdale in January, 1859, which contains some things wliich I should be very sorry to have said of the poor, to compare it with the much- censured passage in my second speech, and then to reflect on a homely English proverb, which describes the punish- ment awarded so venial, and the impunity that waits on the grave offences:—" I put it to every man, I don't care what his theoretical notions are, whether he believes that through- out the boroughs of the United Kingdom it would be advan- tageous or beneficial to the constituency as a whole, to include some scores of very small constituencies, some hundreds in others, a few thousands perhaps in the largest, of a class of which there are unfortunately too many among us, namely the excessive poor-many of them intemperate, some of them profligate, some of them, it may be, only un- fortunate, some of them naturally incapable; but all of them in a condition of dependence such as to give no reasonable expectation that they would be able to resist the many temp- tations which rich and unscrupulous men would offer them at periods of election—to give their votes in a manner not only not consistent with their own opinions and consciences, if they have any, but not consistant with the representation of the town or city in which they live."
—■—CT11—T ptlianuntarg JnMligciite.
—■ — C T 11 —T ptlianuntarg JnMligciite. MONDAY. In the House of Lords, the Earl of Essex asked the Government whether it was intended, after the recent rising in the. south-west of Ireland, to withdraw the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act at the end of the present month. He also urged that all persons connected with the army who could be proved to have taken part in the insurrection should be regarded as guilty of high treason, and be punished ac- cordingly. The Earl of Leitrim also inquired why the Habeas Corpus Act should not be suspended in Chester as well as in Ireland. The Earl of Derby disposed of the last question first, by stating that the Government had no inten- tion of proposing the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act in England. Adverting to the first question, the noble Earl said that although the late outbreak was insignificant, it was impossible to say that there might not be a danger of similar insane attempts in other parts of Ireland, and he wus not, therefore, able to give a positive answer until he had had an opportunity of seeing the Chief Secretary for Ireland. With regard to the treatment of the prisoners, where the guilt was of the worst character the Government would not shrink from enforcing the utmost rigour of the law. i In the House of Commons one or two questions were put to the Government with the view of eliciting some particulars in explanation of the Reform propositions which are to be proposed on Monday next. The Chancellor of the Ex- chequer, however, declined to afford the information it was sought to obtain, and in Joing so hoped that it would not be inferred that the Government had taken up the subject for the purpose of playing with it, or of postponing a question which everyone now seemed desirous of settling. The right hon. gentleman said they had put their hand to the plough, and would not draw back until the desired end was accom- plished," a statement that elicited some cheering. Mr. Gladstone regretted the determination of the Government to withhold the information required of it, and said that the House would not be in a position to consider the resolutions if the Chancellor of the Exchequer's statement respecting them was to be delayed until the very day they were asked to discuss them. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, how- ever, remained inexorable. TUESDAY. In the House of Lords, Mr. France attended at the bar to be examined respecting certain charges he had made against Lord Redesdale in a pamphlet he has recently published on new railwavs. Mr. France persisted in the truth of his state- ments, and Lord Redesdale therefore moved the appointment of a select committee to institute an inquiry. The Earl of Carnarvon moved the second reading of the bill for the con- federation of the British Colonies in America. The scheme at present contemplated does not include all the provinces of British North America. It extends only to Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick but provision is made for the annexation of Newfoundland, Prince Edward's Island, and British Columbia, should any of these colonies desire at a future time to form part of the new Federation. The Mar- quis of Normanby, Lord Monck, and Earl Russell supported the bill, and it was read a second time. In the House of Commons, Mr. J. S. Mill gave notice that in the event of the House going into committee on the Bill for amending the representation of the people, he should move, in order to secure the real and equal representation of every elector, the expediency of electors being conceded the power of voluntarily combining with one another to elect their representatives. Leave is to be asked to introduce a Bill for the renewal for a short period of the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act in Ireland. Dr. Brady inquired whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce a Reform Bill for Ireland this session, and he was informed that Government iutended to wait to see what course Parlia- ment took with regard to the representation of the people for England, before discussing the question as regarded Ireland. Mr. Seely brought forward his motion on the inefficient man. agement of the dockyards, which, be asserted, arose from three causes first, the constitution of the Board of Admiraltv second, the defective organisation of the subordinate depart- ments; and third, the want of clear and well-defined respon- sibility. The hon. member went into a labyrinth of statis- tics, with the view of showing the extravagance which exists in the dockyards. Sir J. Pakington, after candidly admit- ting that the board was a clumsy machine for a great depart- ment, proceeded to answer the charges advanced by Mr. Seely. He pointed out that his deductions were erroneous, his premises unreliable, and his conclusions greatly exagge- rated. A long debate ensued, and the motion was withdrawn, Sir John Pakington having declared himself not unfavour- able to a reconstruction of the Board of Admiralty. WEDNESDAY. In the House of Commons, the greater portion of the sitting was taken up by the debate on the Annuity Tax Abolition Bill, which had reference to the parish of Canon- gate, Edinburgh. The object of the bill was to supply omis- sions in the Act passed in 1860, so that the payment of the annuity tax—the ministers' money-should be effectually abol;shed. Mr. M'Laren, in moving the second reading of the bill, explained the leading features of the Act of 1660 and detailed the provision of the present measure. After a long debate the second reading was negatived by a majority of 33. Lord Naas moved for leave to bring in a bill to renew for a short period the Habeas Corpus Suspension Act in Ireland. Several Irish members regretted that circum- stances had rendered this step necessary, and Dr. Brady ex- pressed a hope that whilst Government obtained this power to be directed against foreign emissaries, they would turn their attention to the social state of the Irish people. Leave was given to introduce the bill, and it was read a first time.
THE RATING OF MINES..
THE RATING OF MINES.. Mr. P. Wyndham, in rising in the House of Commons on Tuesday to move for leave to introduce a Bill to assess mines, woodlands, and plantations to local rates, remarked that great anomalies were occasioned owing to the existing state of the law on the subject. Whatever difference of opinion, he added, miolht exist as to the expediency of legislating with the view to the removal of those anomalies, there could be no doubt that the House had at its disposal all the information with which it was necessary it should be furnished for the purpose, for a committee had sat in 1856 and 1857, and had made a very full report, in which they stated that they saw no reason why if coal mines were rated other mines should be ex- empted from charge. The exemption of mines from rating was nothing more than a protective exemption of that particular kind of property. In the Bill which be proposed to introduce, be followed the example of the right hon. gentleman the Vice-President of the Board of Trade. It would simply extend the law with reference to rating coal mines to other mines. With regard to woodlands and plantations, he proposed that they should be rated on the value of the land upon which they stood. There was great difficulty in any other mode of assessment. He begged to move for leave to bring in a Bill to assess mines, woodlands, and plantations to local rates. Mr. Hardy would offer no opposition on the part of the Government to the introduction of the Bill. It appeared very desirable that they should have before them any means by which they might get rid of anv unfair means of exemption. Mr. Bagnall referred to the report of the Government Inspector of Mines in North Staffordshire, to the effect that the mode of assessing mines was most unjust, and yet this Bill proposed to extend that system of in- justice. Unless the hon. gentleman laid down some other principle of assessment he should give the Bill every opposition in power. The House ought to re. cognize the principle that the working of mines was really tantamount to selling the estate piecemeal. Mr. Colville would not oppose the introduction of the Bill; but, if it proceeded on the same basis as that of the hon. member for Shorebam, be should hereafter offer it the most strenuous opposition. The hon. mem- ber wished to rate mineral property on its annual in- come, but that was perfectly impossible, for a mine was simply a terminable annuity. In Derbyshire they had for years past paid rates, not only for highways, but for for years past paid rates, not only for highways, but for the poor, and he believed they were virtuous enough to pay church-rates but they assessed the lord's dues not the tenant. He thought the mining interest had been unjustly singled out for assessment. Why were ships not to contribute to local rates? There were also thousands of acres in Derbyshire let for sporting pur- poses, with many of the attendant evils of pauperism; why were they not assessed to local rates ? Mr. Pease thought mines should be rated, because they threw a large population into a district which was specially liable to ceme on the poor-rate, but they ought to be rated on their own basis. He hoped the Bill, if pressed forward, would be made more like that of the hon. member for Shoreham. Leave was given to bring in the Bill.
OPENING OF THE FRENCH CHAMBERS.
OPENING OF THE FRENCH CHAMBERS. The Emperor Napoleon opened the Legislative Cham- bers in person on Thursday. He remarked on the peaceful relations of France with every other power, but he was determined to increase the strength of the army so that France might be still stronger and more re- spected abroad than ever. At home he intended to grant liberal reforms, believing that the time had come when he could increase popular liberty without weaken- ing the basis of his authority. FOUR PERSONS BURNED TO DEATH. An inquest was held on Wednesday on the bodies of four persons who perished in a fire at a public-house in Tooting, near London, on Monday, An alarm of fire was given at about four o'clock in the morning some of the inmates were aroused and escaped by the win- dows, but the deceased were either suffocated while asleep, or if they heard the alarm found their retreat cut off by theJdames filling the lower part of the house, no fire-escape being at hand. This is probable, as screams were heard from some of the sufferers. The jury found a verdict of Accidental Death. A curious incident of public-house life was revealed in the evi- dence. One of the witnesses, a gardener, who had lodged in the house two years, said that before he went to bed on Sunday night he read the Bible in the tap- room to the other lodgers.