The Cardiff Times

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS The usual weekly meeting of this body was held on Saturday last, under the presidency of Mr. J. Bird, vice-chairman of the board. The Rev. Walter Evans, Dr. Taylor, and Messrs. J. Evans, J. Pride, P. Bird, R. Cory, Acres, T. Wright, Eli Evans, French, &c., also were present. CATHOLIC OR PROTESPAOT ? The Clerk reported the admission to the house of a ferAale child, deserted on a doorstep at Canton. Pinned on the clothing of the infant was a piece of pa- per, on which was a request that the child might be baptised Catherine Flinn," and brought up in the Roman Catholic faith. He desired directions as to whether the child should be registered as a Catholic or a Protestant. 0 The CHAIRMAN said he thought that under the cir- cumstances the best plan would be to abstain from re- gistering at present, and meanwhile endeavour to dis- cover the parents of the child. Mr. ELI EVANS was in favour of at once registering it as a Protestant. The CHAIRMAN said he believed that in accordance with the regulations of the Poor-law Board, it must be so registered, if its parents remained undiscovered. The Rev. W. EVANS And in that case the parents may feel so indignant that they will come forward and claim it (a laugh). The Clerk was instructed to communicate with the police and endeavour to discover the parents of the child. STATISTICS OF PAUPERISM. The Master reported that 64 persons had been ad- mitted to the house during the week, and 74 discharged; remaining in the house 350-an increase of 46 upon the corresponding week of last year. Sixteen children had been admitted to the Schools, and four discharged, and there were 237 remaining—being an increase of 17 over the corresponding week of last year. There were 25 children in the infirmary, the numbers being greater than usual, but the complaints from which they were suffering were not of a serious nature. The following is the return of out-door relief for the week :— Outdoor. Money. Necessaries. Total. £ s. d. £ s. d. I S. d. Mr. Wride 1,182 88 10 « 7 3 6 95 13 6 Mr. Williams. 952 70 4 0 4 13 10 74 17 10 Mr. Hopkins 488 4876 147 49 0 1 Ins Mr. Eagleton 331 37 3 6 1 0 0 38 3 6 Total number of pau- pers. 2,926 244 5 0 14 1 11 258 6 11 Last year 2,815 231 17 0 13 8 5 245 5 5 Increase. Ill 12 8 0 0 13 6 13 1 6 The Clerk remarked that the increase in out-door relief was still confined to the parish of St. Mary in the other districts there was a slight decline. VAGRANCY. The Master reported that 55 tramps had been re- lieved at the workhouse, at a cost to the union of 6s. lOd. At the police station 126 had received shelter, and of those 23 had been relived at a cost of lid. each, making 2s. 10Jd. in addition to the expense, 6s. 10d., incurred at the workhouse. Mr. ELI EVANS remarked that the adoption of the new regulation did not appear to have any effect in keeping down the number of tramps. The Law-Clerk replied that he thought there was a perceptible difference. A few weeks ago the number that received food and shelter was from 250 to 300. The Clerk submitted a communication from the Poor- law Board in reference to the resolutions which had been passed by the guardians on the subject of the task work to be performed by male and female pauper tramps. The guardians were referred to regulations on this subject in 1849, and informed that, if they de- sired to substitute any other task, they must report its exact nature to the Poor-law Board. The CHAIRMAN said that the order referred te in the communication was before him. It was dated the 9th of June, 1849, more than twenty years ago, and set forth that the male paupers should break half a square yard of stones fit for road purposes, and that the female paupers were to pick oakum for not more than four hours. Now, what he desired to propose was that it should be a regulation that the males should break stones for three hours, without assigning any particular quantity. The Poor-law Board stipulated that they i hould not work more than four hours, and it was perhaps better not to exact the full time which they might insist upon having. With regard to the females, he had received a very sensible letter from the porter on the subject of employing the tramps, in which he suggested that instead of each of the women being arbitrarily employed for a certain number of hours in picking oakum, they could be more usefully employed in connection with the house. He would therefore pro- pose that the females should clean, scrub, or wash, as directed by the matron, or pick oakum for three hours. In the course of conversation it was stated that each tramp from whom labour was exacted received lib. of bread in addition to a night's shelter but if they chose to go away in the morning without bread they were allowed to do so without performing any task of work. The resolution^roposed by the Chairman was agreed to. CHILDREN'S OUTFIT. The school visitors recommended that girls on leav- ing the schools for service, should be furnished with a small trunk in which to keep their clothes. The CHAIRMAN said that in making a recent visit to the schools he was accompanied by some ladies, who inspected the outfit of the girls, and expressed them- selves well pleased with it. There was one defect, how- ever, which they noticed, and that was that the girls had nothing in which to carry their clothes, or in which to keep them when they arrived at their places; and they suggested that each girl should be furnished with a small trunk for that purpose, and that an inventory of all the things supplied to the child should be posted on the inside of the lid. The Rev. Mr. EVANS thought the suggestion so ob- viously a good one, that it would be a "A waste of time to discuss it. The recommendation was agreed to. PERMANENT PAUPERS. TL. on the prev-"—« day the Guardians of the Poor of at. Joan's parish met in that room for the purpose of examining all cases of per- manent relief -persons who were receiving regular weekly relief. The total number of paupers in the parish was 315, and of that number 99 were in the receipt of per- manent relief. The Guardians went through every in- dividual case with great care. A considerable number— indeed nearly all of them attended; all who were not prevented by sickness. Of the 99 cases of permanent relief, the Guardians, after careful consideration, found that in 95 cases relief ought to be continued at the same rate. He thought that fact showed that there had been a great deal of careful consideration in originally deal- ing with the cases (hear, hear). In three cases they felt it to be their duty to reduce the relief, and in one case they increased it. Among the permanent cases here were four blind persons and one idiot. He oug t it would be of interest, as showing how pau- perism an age went together, if he gave a few figures o ing e ages of these persons. Under 10 years, hotwoJTon °n/nn?' between 10 and 20, not one; „an, 'I of whom two were blind between 30 and 40, 3; between 40 and 50, 6; 50 to 60, 10; 60 to 70, 29 70 to 80, 27 80 to 90, 18; 90 to 100, 1. So that it was from 70 upwards that the permanent cases ccurrea. Dr- ?fTj°11 ™^ed that was very much the same i St. Mary's district. A SHOCKING DISCLOSURE V ELI EVANS acquainted the Board with the parti- cula of a shocking case that had occurred in the parish GfWw.^rcl!. The wife of a man named Hughes, wholivt at WhItchurch, had twin children, and on SaturdaYornillg one of them died. The mother ap- pi'ed to the ..iieving-oScer for the means of burial but as was ascuajuea that the woman's husband was in 2'of 18s- 'week, the application was refused. On him th^rS-called upon him and informed, not 'iffirr not buried, and that slae could the matter0 bmy ir' He explained to the woman how further info 00(1' ana »n Wednesday, on receiving some house he w^atlon> hevisited the house himself. The and appearedSorry to sa:> was in a wretched condition, He saw the bejbe tlle ab(Jte oi misery and destitution, offensive state, of tIle °Uld, which was in a most most dosirr.ble'tf Was mostodiuns to "look at. It was and lie agreed wit the c-hihi siiould be buried at once, The man nude tin c.^rP^uter to make a coffin for 7s. oilin in a very short time, and took it to the house. The mother even then refused to bury the child, and the man had to carry away the body himself. The father, he believed, accompanied the man. By six o'clock the same evening the child was buried, and the whole expense attending the case was 10s. Now this was the part of the case which concerned Dr. Loughor. The twin child that was still alive was in a very weak state, and under the circumstances Dr. Loughor wished to know if he was bound to attend the child as a pauper patient. These people had a son about fourteen years of age, who was employed on the railway, and he (Mr. Evans) had ascertained that he was earning 9s. a week; so that, on the whole, there was £1 7s. going into the house every week. The Clerk said he should recommend the Board to declare the relief granted to be in the shape of a loan, and summon the father of the child for the amount. The CHAIRMAN apprehended that Dr. Loughor would only be justified in attending on receiving an order from the relieving-officer. Mr. E. EVANS; But is the relieving-officer bound to give an order. The CHAIRMAN Not if he is satisfied in his own mind that the people are not paupers. He must act to the best of his judgment; and if he does he will be sup- ported. Mr. E. EVANS added that after the child had been buried. Dr. Loughor wrote to him stating that in his opinion the child had died from neglect and starvation. The Rev. W. EVANS said that after that statement the matter could not rest where it was. The CHAIRMAN suggested that the Clerk should in- vestigate the matter, and report to the next meeting of the board. When they had all the facts before them, they could consider what should be done. He quite concurred in the remark of the Rev. Mr. Evans, that the matter could not be allowed to rest where it was. PUBLIC REVISION OF RELIEF LISTS. The CHAIRMAN read a letter complaining that the dis- trict relieving officer had neglected to attend a meeting of the ratepayers of the parish of Whitchurch, called for the purpose of examining and revising the relief list.—Some conversation took place on the subject, and an opinion was generally expressed that, although it was no part of the legal duty of the relieving officer to do so, it was desirable that the relieving officers should afford all reasonable information as to the relief adminis- tered, and should attend all properly-constituted meet- tings held for the purpose of investigating cases of relief. There was no other business of a public character.

THE STAGNATION OF TRADE. [From the Times."] A Lancashire Employer" undertakes to trace to its cause the present stagnation of trade. He has written a suggestive letter, and one that we hope will not be useless but, whatever the intention with which he sat down, he will not not be considered to have thrown much new-tight either on the stagnation or on its sup- posed cause. After allusions to the American war, to .the ensuing development of speculation here, to the general breakdown of commercial morality and extreme haste to be rich, to the continued scarcity of cotton, to the want of reciprocity in our neighbours, and to the fact that our neighbours are now competing with us in most branches of industry, and do not want us so much as we want them, our correspondent settles at last on the state of the working classes—their self-indulgent habits, their aggressiveness, and their unscrupulous combinations. Most readers not interested in either capital or labour, will feel that the Employer" might have dwelt more on some of his introductory topics, and less upon that which he has made the chief purport of his letter and that upon all these topics he might have shown more of the wisdom and forbearance which come with time and much knowledge of the world. In all these matters the harm is not in the thing, but in the abuse or the excess. There is a right way as well as a wrong way. There are indeed sources of profit a very scru- pulous man would rather not have to do with, and he would be respected for his scruples. One trade, how- ever, may be pleasanter than another, and more men- tionable, and yet be quite as necessary or quite as de- fensible upon broad public grounds. But there have been rashness, excess, and improvidence, even to dis- honesty many allowed themselves to share the illu- sions of the hour; there is now a reaction and a col- lapse, which they have to share also. The excitement, however, has done a permanent mischief; so thinks our correspondent. It has stimulated our rivals, raised the demands of our workpeople, and lowered the tone of public morality. We, who were at the top of the tide four or five years ago, are now stranded. Others float at our cost. What is to be done ? Our correspondent would seem to apprehend that we have actually at last got to the bottom of all things, and that after change upon change, action and reaction, causes and effects, from time out of mind till quite the other day, we are now in a pass from which there is no recovery, unless some Jupiter should intervene, and wholly change the state of affairs. Our correspondent, however, fails to show that there is any real novelty in any of the circumstances of our present condition. Our commercial fevers, with their inevitable collapse, have been frequent, and tolerably regular in their recurrence. They come about once in ten years, and any man of sixty can now have the most distinct recollection of five, beginning with that of 1825. That one, in particular, gave a most distinct stimulus to combination, and the failure of combination to improve the condition of the working classes con- tributed to turn the thoughts of both master and man to Parliamentary Reform. The charges of unusual recklessness and dishonesty which our correspondent brings against the present age we may leave to that minor rank in which he has placed them. The only comment we shall make now is that if the indictment be true, it goes a good way to justify, at least, very strong measures on the part of the working class to secure a fair share in the treasure trove, or ill-gotten spoil, whichever it may be. We will confine ourselves to the complaint about combinations and Trades' Unions. On a subject which concerns all the skilled labour in the country, and all educated industry, it is necessary to be considerate and humane. It is impos- sible to deny, and certainly it would be wrong to sup- press, the right to form partnership of any extent for the disposal of labour. Such combinations, in one form or another, there always have been since the ages when skilled labour existed chiefly in the form of trained bodies of slaves, in the hands of slavemasters, to be employed, sold, or let for hire, as the case might be. The spirit of combination—that is, for the formation of rules with a view to the common interests—is uni- versal. Every race, every people, every class, every trade, every profession, combines for self-defence, and also for aggrandizement. No matter whether they be two or three persons or two or three millions, it is the same. If they are in similar circumstances, and have common aims, they are sure to combine, in order to play their game against all comers, and employ their stock in trade, whatever its material, to the best advan- tage, in their necessary commerce with the great world. All mankind complain loudly of the arts and practices by which those who have a position of any kind, or a hold of any kind, or the shadow of an advantage, guard it, not only against positive encroachment, but even against disparagement by the elevation of other inte- rests, or by the general progress of human affairs. Such complaints are more natural than just, for all do the same, some in one kind, some in another. Arti- sans combine, as do their masters and betters of every kind or degree. But when the necessity of the principle and the universality of the practice are admitted, there comes in another law, not always so obvious to uneducated facilities. It is that no principle—that is, that nothing which takes the name of a principle and speaks in the grand tones of nature and law—can be allowed the least immunity from those considerations which regard the public weal. The result of these considerations is that every man shall be free to do with his labour as he pleases, to choose his master and his fellow-labourers, to make his own contracts. In a free country he has a right to be protected in this freedom. Terrible and scandalous experiences leave no doubt that this freedom is not allowed, and that there is a cruel tyranny. But here again comes in one of those sophisms which pretend tru"ù, ,1 -.rh.h .1.a.ll educated are prone to auucpt, all the more for the seeming paradox. It is maintained that even if a Trade's Union, or combination, shall be, in fact, accompanied by outrages working to the same end, the law has no right to affix a dangerous character to those Unions, or to attack the Unions as such. It can only—so it is alleged—notice the outrages as outrages, and treat them as it would any merely personal matter. Those who preach this doctrine can no longer pretend that there is no actual connexion between the Union and the crime but, even if it be so, they tell the law it is breaking the higher law of fair play if it holds a lawful Union answerable for what is unlawfully done by persons not necessarily its agents, or even its mem- bers. The answer is that the law can recognise no higher rule than that of public safety. So long as a Trade's Union is perfectly aboveboard, with objects that are good, and that can be given, and working by agencies that can be made open to public inspection, it is entitled to all the protection the State can give it. It is in its very nature a Limited Com- pany, for each member can only lose the employment of his own bodily strength and skill, and that only for a time. Our correspondent imports into the question the facility with which the working man can throw his own burdens, himself among them, if necessary, upon the rates—that is, upon his antagonist, as capital is assumed to be. He takes it as the case of a belligerent that could manage to save its own resources by throw- ing its non-combatant population upon the mercy of the other side But this is a question which requires some sifting. Poverty, in all its forms, is a burden properly falling upon property and it falls upon pro- perty of all kinds, as well as upon capital employed in trade. All the arrangements made between labour and capital assume the Poor Law, and employers of all kinds certainly pay lower wages than they would do but for this national institution. The workman can accept less wages when he has less to do with his money; and all agreements are more open to nego- tiation when they are not encumbered with special conditions for the maintenance of the disabled, the young, the sick, and the aged. The claims of poverty are thus habitually, and for the convenience of all sides, dissociated from the claims of industry. But the truth is there is most pauperism where there is least combination, because least special skill, and also least of that self-indulgence and aggressiveness of which our correspondent complains. The huge and obstinate mass of pauperism is that from the lowest ranks of industry; and the class most apt to combine and fight a battle of right has also the most of that pride which recoils from public alms, whether for self or for relatives. Of course it is a matter of degree, and it is also notorious that "a strike" does increase the rates; but the higher the pretension of the working-man, his ambition and his scale of living, the less likely is he to come upon the parish. So far, then, there is no reason to deny that in the formation of a Trade's Union there is seldom intended anything more than a fair fight between labour and capital, with a view to a more equitable division of the profit. The misfortune is that the peo- ple who start so fair, and with such undoubted claims to the protection of the law, do not put their cause in good hands, but allow themselves to be managed by secret committees. They go in for victory, not for right, and wage war not only against the employer, but also against individuals and whole classes that refuse to join the combination. No laws of nature, no principle of eternal justice, no right of any kind can be alleged in favour of enforcing upon all society the decrees of a committee appointed by a number of men in one parti- cular trade and class for the prosecution of their own interests. They possess the weight of numbers and the force of union. What do they want more ? Why tyran- nize over others because they do not themselves get all their due ? There is actual mischief, and it must be stopped. It is vain to allege any pretended principle in its favour. That would make this indeed a hard world to live in. But, we repeat, combinations, of them- selves, are right and good, and have only their own share in the responsibility for the present stagnation. Is, however, that stagnation so great and so general as our correspondent describes it ? If it be so, how can the working classes manage to live 'so well as he says they do ? It is their betters, he says, who are pinching themselves, and who therefore, it is to be inferred, are not making the best use of their position and of their advantages.

CARDIFF POLICE INTELLIGENCE. MONDAY. (Before Messrs. JAS. PRIDE, G. PHILLIPS, and WM ALEXANDER.) ROBBERY FROM THE PERSON.—Thomas Thomas, a sea- man, charged on lemand, with having stolen eight shillings from Win. Burston, a shipmate, in a house at GiargetoAn, on Friday night, was committed for trial at the sessions. A RAMPAGEOUS CABMAN.—A cabman, named after the first Christian martyr, was charged with having been drunk in charge of a cab on Saturday; also with having assaulted a man named Thackwell. He was taken into custody for being drunk, and conveyed to the police-station in his own cab. On arriving there the officer, who had charge of him, got out, whereupon he slipped out on the opposite side and made otf. Being stopped by Thackwell, he inflicted upon that person sundry punches, wherefore he was ordered to pay 10s.. in addition to 5s. for beiug drunk. SMASHING A PLATE GLASS WINDOW.—A lame man, who walks with a crutch and stick, and is a member of the order of mendicants, named Michael Ward, was brought up in custody on a charge of wilful damage. On Saturday evening he went drunk into the Newmarket Tavern, in Trinity-street, and began to annoy the customers by begging. Requested to leave, he became abusive, and was forcibly ejected. When in the street he deliberately smashed with his crutch a large pine of plate-glass in the window of the tavern, valued at from £12 to £15. He did uot deny having broken the window, but fluid that when thrown into the street he struck outvaguety, without any intention of injuring the window. He behaved very rudely and insolently in the dock, but es. caped with the very mild sentence of two months' imprison, ment with hard labour, upon hearing which he exclaimed, "Oh! murder." BRUTAL AND UNPROVOKED ASSAULT. A young and powerful seaman, named Dennis Leary, was charged with having assaulted a youth named John Milhr. The corn- plainant stated that on Sunday evening he was standing near the Custom-house, when the defendant came up and offered to "dance anyone for sixpence smdathamp in the eye;" caught hold of him and began to pull him about, struck and knocked him down, and kicked him when < n the ground.— Pier Anthony Michel, who witnessed the assault, said that the complainant was rendered insensible by the defend- ant's violence, and for some time hy on the ground foaming at the mouth.—A Police-officer, who came up, took the com- plainant to the police-station. While on the way to and alter he arrived at the station, the complainant several times re!apsed into unconsciousness.—In reply to a question from the Bench, the complainant said he had never been subject to fits.—The defendant was sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. RIOTOUS CONDUCT,—Mr. Bryant Biggs, optician, Bute- road, was charged with drunken and riotous conduct on Tuesday week.—P.S. Wines said that on Tuesday evening he saw a crow round Mr. Biggs's door, and on going to the spot saw the defendant quarrelling with another man. De- fendant was drunk, and behaving in a very riotous manner, squaring up to the other man with his fists, &c. A crowd had collected, and the thoroughfare was blocked up. He could not induce defendant to go inside, and told him he should report him.—Mr. Biggs, on being asked if he had anything, to say. stated I was telling the man to remove the b^r casks from the front of my shop. I have frequently asked the police to get them removed, but it has not been done. There are beer casks in front and behind my shop— in fact, I am surrounded hy them. The air is quite vitiated by the smell of spirituous liquors. My neighbour complains of it, and myself and family have nOl been well for months through it. It is all done on purpose to annoy me. The other day I had a board stuck over my door with all sorts of abominable characters upon ir. I was not drunk nor riotous at tbe time, but under the influence d excitement caused by the annoyance of seeing beer casks placed in front of my door.-He was then asked if he haJ any witnesses to call, and he said—Yes, I wish to call Mr. S. D. Jenkins. (To the police sergeant): Did you not tell my brother that if Mr. S. D. Jenkins had not passed at the time, you would not haye reported me?—Wines: No.—Mr. Biggs: Did you ever see Mr. Jenkins drunk ?-— Wines No.-Mr. Bipgs He will not come as a voluntary witness, and I'll subpoena him and I'll make his hair stand on end in the witness.box.- The case was then adjourned till Wednesday, to enable Mr. Briggs to subpoena Mr. S. D. Jenkins. TUESDAY. (Before Messrs. J. PRIDE, C. W. DAVID. and G. PHILLIPS.) JUVENILE THIEVES.—Frederick Wiltshire and William Pike, two boys efl2 years, were charged with stealing apples, the property of Mr. Stacey, Charles-street. Police-constable Pepper said that on Monday evening he went to the orchard of prosecutor, near the Feeder, ana saw the two prisoners there. Pike was up an apple-tree knocking the fruit down, while Wiltshire was down below engaged in selecting a few of the choicest and largest he could find. The ground was strewn with apples. Wiltshire was said to be a bad boy, and was sentenced to seven da\s' imprisonment; Pike to three days'. WEDNESDAY. (Before Messrs. J. PRIDE and G. PHILLIPS.) DESERTION.—Four seamen, named Miller, Nelson, Ander- son, and Thompson, were charged with deserting from the ship Castlemaine, of Liverpool, lying in the Bute Docks. They were met between fOllr and five o'clock on Tuesday morning in Crockherbtown by a police-officer, who requested to be told where they were going. The said they were going to Mr. Dickson's boarding house, and that the captain had sent them ashore, because he did not require their services. Each man had a bundle of ctotbes. The men now told the Benci that they had no intention of deserting, but had meielv come ashore for some temporary purpose. Tile magistrates disbelieved their story, and sentenced them to six weeks' imprisonment with hard !abour. THE CHARGE AGAINST MR. BIGGS —Mr. Bryant Biggs, who on Monday obtained the postponement of the decision of a charge of having been drunk and riotous preferred against him by the police, in order that he might produce as a witness Mr. S. D. Jenkins, again appeared, but Mr. Jenkins did not. The Bench consequently inflicted upon Mr. Biggs a fine of 5s. and costs. Mr. Biggs said that Mr. Jenkins had promised to attend. He considered that the police had failed in their duty they ought to have removed from the front of his house both the obstruction of which he complained and Mr. Jenkins who caused if. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—Anne Bartlett, a prostitute, for being drunk and making a disturbance in Sophia street, was sent to prison for seven days.—John White for having been dtunk and created an obstruction in Bute-street, was fined 5s. and costs. NEGLECT TO MAINTAIN PARENTS.—Joseph Norris was summoned to show cause why he should not contribute towards the maintenance of bis father, an old man of 78, an inmate of the Cardiff Union Workllouse. The defendant pleaded inability, consequent upon delicate health but the relieving officer said he had admitted that his average earn- ings amounted to IOs. a week. H-e was married, but had no family. The Bench ordered him to contribute Is. a week. His mother also was said to have become chargeable to the Union. THREATENING A "WIFE.—Edward Fry _as summoned to shew cause why be should not be bound over to keep the r="< Mrs. Fry, his wife, stated that on Monday he threat- ened that if she did not leave the bouse he would murder her, and she had since been afraid to go in even for her clothes. Everything in the house (an inn) belonged to her when she married him he had nothing. The defendant, who said he thought it best to say nothing, was ordered to find one surety in £20, and be bound himself in a similar amount, to keep the peace ^especially towards his wife, for six n onths. GUNPOWDER IN THE DOCKS.—Mr. Corbett applied on behalf ef the Trustees of the Marquis of Bute for a summons against the captain of the ship Suome, for introducing gon- powder into the docks. The Act prescribed that the captain of any ship entering the docks with gunpowder on board, and not being driven in by stress of weather, should forfeit any sum not exceeding JE500, and that the gunpowder should be destrojed by the dockmaster. The Bench granted the ¡¡ummons, THROWING LIME.—A little girl eight and a half years of age, named Emma Dias, was brought up on a charge of having thrown a quantity of lime at Samuel Lear. The complainant stated that on the previous Friday morning he was passing along Morgan-street when the defendant threw a handful of lime right into his eye and ear. He feared the sight of that eye would be permanently injured. He could not say whether the child intended to hit him with the lime or whether it struck him accidentally. The child's father said, that so far as he could learn, she and another little girl were amusing themselves by throwing lime at each other and that some of it struck the complainant accidentally. The Bench said that as no malicious motive was shown, they must conclude that the occurrence was the result of accident and while commisseratingthe complainant on account of his misfortune, discharge the child. THU USDAY. There was not a single case of any description for hearing.

BREAKFAST.—Errs's COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COM- FORTING.—The very agreeable character of this preparation has rendered it a general favourite. The ¡'<l1 se,-D;cl, Gazette remarks .—" The singular success which Mr. Epps attained by his homoeopathic preparation of cocoa hasnover been surpassed by any experimentalist. By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has pro- vided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured bever- age which may save us many heavy doctors' bills." Made simply with boiling water or milk. Sold by the Trade only in ^lb |lb., and 1 lb. tin-lined packets, labelled—JAMES Errs & Co., Homoeopathic Chemists, London. Agent in Cardiit for Jas Epps tfc Co's Special Homoeopathic Pre- parations, T. WILLIAMS, chemist, Buiost. Each bottle of medicine to be genuine must have the cork sccured by a band bearing Jas. Epps & Co's signature. 71S0

THE WELSH FASTING- GIHL. FROM THE PALL MALL GAZETTE." Whether the case of the" fasting girl" in Carmar- thenshire is one of real malady or only of imposture, the show which is being made of the poor creature by her parents is equally revolting. Hundreds of persons have visited the farm where she lies, and though no regular fee is charged, a present is apparently expected. Everything is done to attract the curious and make the exhibition as sensational as possible. The child is decked out as a bride, with a wreath of flowers round her head, gay ribands hanging thereform, and fastened at the ends by a small bunch of flowers, after the present fashion of ladies' bonnet strings. She is thirteen years old, and has a pretty face, plump and rosy, the eyes being bright, with pupils somewhat dilated, and a rest- less, furtive look, which the doctor noted as suspicious. The pulse was perfectly natural, the body by no means emaciated, and covered with a slight perspiration. Both the child and her mother seem to have done all they could to resist any attempts at careful medical examination, the girl affecting hysterical symptoms, and the mother declaring that a fit was coming on. Dr. Fowler was not allowed to see either her tongue or back. On tickling the soles of the feet, he observed a strong voluntary effort on the girl's part to prevent muscular movement. The general healthiness of the body is confirmed by the appearance of the nails, usually so sensitive to disease, which afforded no indications of any arrest of ungual nutrition. On the whole, Dr. Fowler's verdict is Simulative hysteria, in a young girl having the propensity to deceive very strongly de- veloped therewith may be probably associated the power or habit of prolonged fasting." As to the col- lusion of the parents, it is difficult to see how the girl can obtain food without their knowledge, and the profit- able account to which they turn the case, combined with their obstinate refusal to accept medical aid, is in the highest degree suspicious. Dr. Fowler is satisfied the child might be quickly relieved from a malady which in a year or so may not only become chronic, but also be the forerunner of some physical or some more severe form of mental disease." But the father, when this is proposed, only answers cantingly that none but the Great Doctor can cure the child." The question is whether parents have the right to doom their child to such a fate, and whether no interference is possible. AN AMERICAN FASTING GIRL.—It seems that other countries besides Wales are blessed with fasting girls." The Courier, published at Hickman, in Kentucky, gives an interesting account of one of these odd young ladies. Susan Caroline Godsey, the sleeping wonder," died on the 14th of July, about eight miles from Hickman. At the time of her death she was about twenty-six years old, fourteen of which had been spent in sleep. At the age of twelve years she was seized with a violent cold and when the fever which followed had subsided she fell into a deep slumber, from which she never fairly awoke. At first she opened her eyes regularly twice in the twenty-four hours, and almost exactly at the same hour and minute. Later, however, she awakened more often. Her waking condition lasted five, ten, or at most fifteen minutes, when she again fell into a deep sleep, from which it was impossible to rouse her. During the sleep she seemed to suffer no pain, but while awake she was regularly seized with cramp, and the change from one state to another gene- rally declared itself by a voilent paroxysm. The sleeping wonder" was for a time settled at Nashville and in other places, and the examinations continually carried on by the members of the medical profession leave no doubt that there was in this case, at least, no deception to unveil.

(From the Mark Lane Gazette.) LONDON CORX MARKET, MONDAY.—Wheat has risen one shilling to two shillings per quarter. The harvest is now nearly completed, and the greater part of the new pro- duce has been secured in very excellent condition. The sup- plies sent forward to the local markets, however, have been very scanty, farmers having been unable to commence thrashing to any great extent. At the same time a reaction has taken place in the market, and a recovery of Is to 2s. per quarter has taken place from the recent heavy fall. On the Continent considerable firmness has prevailed in the trade, owing to the crops not having proved equal to the ex- pectations formed of them. In America large export trans- actions have taken place. The number of grain laden vessels on passage from the South of Europe and America to the United Kingdom is 913 against 600 last year. Of these 42(i have cargoes of wheat against 3U3 in lSti ■>. This week's import of foreign and colonial produce here amounted to H6.455 quarters of wheat, 160 barley, 58.149 oats, loo beans, 858 peas, 1,434 linseed, 8,038 rapeseed. 5,152 maize, 380 sundry. 1,70( barrels and 3,537 sacks of flour. From Essex and Kent the receipts ef new wheat were only moderate, and very few samples of last year's growth were on offer. There was a fair attendance, and the trade, although not active, was firm. Prices were one shilling to two shillings per quarter higher than on Monday last. The market was fairly supplied with foreign wheat. The inquiry was in a healthy state, at an advance in the quotations, compared with this day se'nnight of from one shilling to two shillings per quar- ter. The show of foreign barley was moderate—of home- grown trifling. For all qualities the demand was firm, and prices had an upwarl tendency. Malt was dull, at barely previous quotations. There was a full average supply of oats on the stands. Business was on a more extended scale, and a hardening tendency was in consequence imparted to the currencies. Beans were steady in value, with a fay: in- quiry. Peas sold quietly, at about late quotations. In- creased firmness was noticed in the flour market, and prices were well maintained. Linseed was quiet, but rapeseed was firm. Agricultural seeds, generally, were steady. Cakes were rather dearer. Owing to heavy arrivals at ports-of- call, maize was drooping in value. At the close of the mar- ket at three o'clock, English wheat had risen Is to 2s. per quarter, compared with Monday last, and foreign barley Is. Flour had improved Is. per :i8t)lbs., and 6d. per barrel; but maize had receded Is. per quarter About u,0t)0 quarters of new mustard seed were on sale; but the prices asked were too high to tempt buyers. Current Prices of British Grain and Flour in Mark-lane. Shil., per qr. Shil. per qr. Wheat-Essex & Kent Oats-Irish black 0 0 White, new 45 52 Ditto white 0 0 Ditto red 42 47 Rye 30- 32 Talavera 45 53 Beans-Mazagan, 1868 1$9 41 Norfolk & York new-42 — 52 Tick, ditto 42 46 Barley-Malting 0—0 Harrow & Pigeon, do. 46 49 Grinding and Dis.. 33- 39 Peas—Non-boilers 0 0 Malt—Essex & Suffolk 68 70 White boilers 39 41 Kingston and Town- 70 -74. Ditto, fine Suffolk. 42 43 Brown 56-62 Maple 0- 0 Oats-Essex. & Suffolk 24 i6 Grey .41—42 Scotch and Lincoln Flour—Best marks, de- potatoe 0 — 0 livered (per 2801bs) 43 — 47 Ditto feed 0 — 0 Seconds & Countrv 35 — 43 LONDON COliN MARKET. WEDNESDAY.—The business transacted at the market to-day was limited, and the value of all the articles remains at Monday's prices. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET, MONDAY.—There was a moderate supply of foreign beasts and sheep on sale here to-day. The demand was inactive for all breeds at about late rates. The receipts of beasts from our own graz- ing districts were on an average scale, and generally speak- ing in fair condition The transactions were restricted, but no change took place in the quotations the top price for the best Scots and crosses was 5s. to 5s 2d. per 81bs. From Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire, we re- ceived about 1.650 short-horns, &c.; from other parts of England, 150 of various breeds; and from Ireland, 5U head The market was scantily supplied with sLeep nevertheless the demand was heavy for all breeds, and the tendency of prices was in favour of buyers. The best Downs and half- breds sold at 5s. 4d. and 5s. 6d. per 81bs. There was a mo- derate supply of calves. The trade was quiet, at previous quotations. The show of pigs was limited. Sales progressed slowly, on former terms. s. d. s. d. g, d. s. d. Coarse & inf. beasts 8 4 to 3 8 Prime Sth. Downs. 5 4 to 5 6 Second quality do. 3 10 4 6 Large crse. calves. 4 0 5 0 Prime large oxen 4 8 5 0 Prime small ditto. 5 2 5 4 Ditto Scots, &c..5 0 5 2 | Large Hogs. 3 10 46 Coarse & inf.sheep. 3 4 3 10 Neat smll. porkers 4 8 5 2 Second quality do. 4 0 4 10 Sucklg. calves keach) 22s. to 25s. C'rse woolled sheep 5 0 5 2 Qrter.-old store pigs. 22s. 25s. Lambs 0000 (Per 81b to sink the offal.) BOROUGH Hop MARKET, MONDAT.-The accounts from the plantations are favourable om the whole. Picking will be general in about ten days, and the yield will probably be more remunerative than was expected. The first pocket of new Sussex hops has sold at £ 10 per cwt. The imports into London last week consisted of 3 bales from Antwerp, 26 Hamburg, and 900 bales from New York. TALLOW MARKET, MONDAY.—The market continues dull, at 46s. 9d. for Y.C. on the spot; 47s. 6d. for October, December; 47s. 9d. for December; 47s. 6d. January to March; and 47s. 9d. March. Town Tallow is quoted at 45s. 6d. net cash.

A CURE FOJi. CORNS.—DeUar'e PlasUr. :ver fail to give in stant retUf and speedy cure to all kb.ds of coins, bunions, &c., of whatever standing. These plts'.ers not only remove pressure, but soften and extract the roul of the corn. In re- ducing enlarged toe joint:, their effect has been marvellous Se<? (tes'inaontals). Priae lHJd. per be.. Sold by all chemists, and the proprietor, J. P, pper, 237, Tottenham •ot.rt-r«.sd| London. A box by post for 14 stampt P gent for Cardiff, Mr. T. WILLIAMS, chemist, Bute-sireet, una J ew Arcade. 63^8 The real enjoyment of the social meal is chiefly to be found in the invigorating qualities of tea, and that the objectionable Chi"ese practice of cjlonrtng with mineral powder the worth- less brown leaves, to pass them off s fine tea, is disappioved by the public, is shown by the pt, eral preference given for the strictly pure tea imparled by Tessrs. Horuiman, London Sold only in packets: local Age.,is are advtriiied in our Co I UOU} s. DUNVILLE & Co., Belfast, are the largest holders of Whiskv m the world. Their old Iiist whisky is recom- mended by the medical profession in preferance F French brandy. Quotations on application to Messrs Dunville and Co., Belfast. b08B. GOLDSMITHS WORK.—The progress of fine art manufac- ture in this branch of trade is strikingly exemplified in a little work published by J. vV. Benson, of :UJ,Old Bond Street. and of the City Steam Factory, 58 and till, Ludgat, Hill. It it is enriched and embellished with designs (by Italian, French, and English artistes) of Brooches, Bracelets, Ear- rings, and other articles, suitable for personal wear, or Wedding, Birthday, or other presents, with their prices. Mr. Benson (who holds the appointment to H. R. H the Prince of Wales) has also published a very interesting painph let on the Rise and Progress of Watch and Clock waking These pamphlets are sent post free for two stamps each and they cannot be too strongly recommended to thos contem- plating a purchase, especially to residents in the country or abroad, who are thus enabled to select any article they may require, and have orwarded with perfect saletv. 61-,8 Lieut.Colonel the Hon. Henry Gage, Firle near Lewes Oct. 4, 1SC8, says I think it but fair to inform yuu thai I have tried your Cocoa Extract Food for Horses and Cattle and find it answers admirably. I shall, lherefure, have very great pleasure in speaking highly of it to my f,iends — Also on Oct. the hon. gentleman, on sending several orders iromhistriendswhohehrsreconimpnded states •' I can conscientiously tell every oise that in the'short time I have tried it 1 have found it do winders." 1 ooo Feeds I as samples sent free for 34s by all respectable corn dealers in town or country, or direct from the ^orth British Cattle 1" ood Com pan j. London Depot, IT, Bishopsgate srreel Without, E.C.— J. Livesev, Manage. ouyy

CONTEMPORARY OPINIONS. A COBONER'S RBPORT. The Timet examines the details of Dr. Lanke«ijr'a Annual Report of the Inquests held in Central Middle- sex, which number over twelve hundred in the twelve months. It is difficult to make any absolute classification in a matter like this; the different classes have a ten- J dency to overlap and melt into each other. For example, thirty-one deaths are ranked by themselves under a head now first introduced by Dr. Lankester as results of excessive drinking but he remarks that many so- called accidental deaths are in truth due to intoxication, and that a large number even of suicides are traceable to the condition of the brain which is brought on by in- dulgence In that fatal habit. Probably a stricter analysis would show that the deaths assigned simply to natural causes ought in the same way to pay toll to the column of deaths from drinking and deaths from natural causes might, we fear, have their majority further diminished were the cases in which violence and accident are, if not the direct, at least predisposing causes of the maladies which terminate fatally, capable of being estimated. The mortality, again, consequent on drunlcenness has its roots in moral and social defects which must he cured, if at all, by the gradual process of education. Infanticide, which is represented rather less largely than usual, but still far too largely, in Dr. Lankester's annual register, springs from a combination of crime and immorality, and needs the same specifics as they fur its treatment. But the average of deaths from accidents is an effect of more superficial causes, and which might be brought in some measure within control. Even the deaths from natural causes are "uore or iess amenable to human control and susceptible of diminution by a. diminution in the crime, vice, ignorance, and carelessness which Dr. Lankester accuses of being the principal feeders of his court. The efforts now being made by the sect denounced by Dr. Lankester as anti-vaccination fanatics indicate the extent to which ignorance is related even to the ordinary agencies by which life is shortened. A belief like theirs, bilsed half on a blind instinct of resistance to authority and half on superstition, may, as Dr. Lankester warns us, in a few years prepare aterrible harvest for smallpox. Flaws, if any, in the orthodox theory, cannot be removed too speedily. It is late in the day to defend the principle of vaccination itself but it should be considered whether there is any room for improven e It in the process of ad- ministering it to the poorer classes. THE HIGHLANDS. The Standard says that the Highlands of Scotland are holding high festival. There is an almost unprecedented combination of great doings on the part of "liege and lord," and the gathering of Braemar has been more than equalled by the visit of the sovereign herself to the Tros- sachs, If the Prince of Wales, the Prince and the Prin- cess Christian, and Prince Leopold have been the guests of the Earl of Fife, Mr. Stewart MacnaughteD, the pro- prietor of Invertrossachs, may boast of being the enter- tainer of her Majesty. The scenery, in the very heart of which the Queen is now stayinpr, may be said to be almost as familiar to the great bulk of her subjects as it is to the royal author of the Highland Diary," and in exploring its beauties at the present time the Sovereign is but taking a leaf out of her people's book. We in Lon. don are accustomed, and rightly so, to pride ourselves upon the healthfulness and the beauty of our metropo- litan pleasure-grounds. But it must be confessed that the advantages which we possess in this direction are alto- gether surpassed by those whose lot is cast on the north side of the Tweed. What Uravesend or Southend, Hampton Court or Busliey Park, are to the inhabitants of London, that the Trossachs, Loch Katrine, and Loch Lomond may without exag- geration be said to be to the inhabitants of Edinburgh, At present there must be another interest than the purely historical or romantic lent to the spots which her Majesty is exploring—an interest of a vastly different and a melancholy kind. It is not the first tice that the sovereign has visited these haunts but whereas on former occasions it waR as a wife with her husband, it is now 11.3 II. widow. Every inch of the ground which she daily travels over, as Mr. Macnaughten's gurst, she has described to us in the Highlaud journal which was written when her Royal Consort lived and it was the publication of that journal which more and more endeared her Majesty to every hearth and home in Great Britain. ELECTION INQUIRIES. The Post thinks that the country is sufficiently informed now of the modes by which a representation of the opinions of the people is got together within the walls of the House of Commons, of the grounds on which the franchise is valued, and of the influences which bring a large proportion of its possessors up to the poll to record their votes. It can hardly be necessary to contiuue anv longer the system of inquiry by what is called a Commission. There are many and grave objectior this mode of procedure. The whole of the proceedi the instances of Norwich, Brid^ewater, and Beverley shew to what an extent the inquiry, which is intended to purify, demoralises the constituency to which it is applied. Is it to be supposed that such people as these will be reformed in their views or changed in their modes of action bv wholesale disfranchise- ment? Suppose it should be determined to hang up Norwich, and Beverley, and Bridgewater as scarecrows in the electoral field—what then ? Will that process purify other constituencies ? Not one whit. The experiment has been often made, and corruption by money hall just as mnch influence and is as much resorted to as it was before Commissioners patted revela- tions on the back, and Parliament visited on entire con- stituencies the sins which it had foolishly, if notcorrupt'y, condoned in individuals. Let us try some mode more creditable to law and justice, and more useful to the interests of the public morality. CATHEDRAL REFORM. The Daily News declares that for any religious influence they exert, for any Churth work they do, the cathedrals might just as well not exist; the buildings are splendid failures, and the revenues are wasted. Dean Alford dis- tinctly sees that in these days neither the Church nor the nation can afiord this waste, and he therefore comes I out with It proposal for Cathedral Reform. Not that the Dean is at all 8. candidate for disestablishment and dig. endowment on the contrary, he defends his position, and merely demands to be made of use. His method of reform, proceeds on the assumption that there is a work for cathedrals to do, an useful function for them to perform. Dean Alford wou1.! not ahoJi8h deans. though some of the bishops have proposed to do so, and the only argument of the Bishop of Carlisle against it was, that "if the office of bishop and dean were united, it would be a confession that one of them is nnnece,ORarv." Dean Alford would make the dean the incumbent of the cathedral church, subject only to the bishop and next in dignity to him. Next to the dean should be the two archdeacons, both occupying canonries, and together with the dean superintending the daily service. The Canons should be members of the diocesan clergy, all equal in rank, with no salaries attached to their office, but a liberal remuneration for work done at the cathedral in virtue of that office. In principle the suggestion involves a reform of all the cathedrals, and it is a signifi- cant and encouraging fact that the scheme is not merely a product of the Dean's literary activity, but that it his heen elaborated lrv hiTT", and lJent in answer to a circular from the two Archbishops, asking for suggestions for cathedral reform, and is made public by their permission. CARDINAL CULLEY. The Herald remarks that in France, in Belgium, in Italy, in Germany, the Roman Catholic clergy have endeavoured to monopolise the education of youth in every one of these countries the State, whether governed by an intelligent despot or a free Parliament, has inter- posed, and taken the education of the people into its own hands, mainlyin order to save it from the clergy. And in every case public opinion—especially the opinion of the educated classes—is against the clerical, and in favour of the State system. Cardinal Cullen has actually dared to order that the Sacraments shall be refused to all parents whose children accept the education offered them by the Imperial Government. In no other country in Europe, democratic or oligarchic, Protestant or Roman Catholic, would so outrageous an insult to the State be tolerated for an instant. And such examples of oppression towards individuals, and disloyalty to the Government, do force upon thoughtful men a very serious doubt whether the principle of non-intervention may not be carried too far whether. considering the enormons power wielded hy the clergy of the Romish Church, it is altogether right or safe for the State to leave that power, without check or control, to he exercised at the will of bad or intemperate men for bad or questionable purposes, to be made an engine sometimes of extortion, sometimes of personal vindictiveness, sometimes of party spirit, sometimes, as in the pre8ent instance, of obstinate rellistance to public policy and cruel tyranny over thousands of families. In Roman Catholic countries the State has no scrufAea about restraining the abuse of so tremendous a power—is it necessary that a Protestant Government should allow to the Romish priest, a license which Roman Catholic rulers deem intolerable, or that w«» should affect scruples about interfering with the religions righta of the Church which her own children clearly do not enter- tain ? CONVENT INSPECTION. The Star observes that the difficulty in the way either of suppression or inspection of monastic institutions, lies first of all in the definition of them, and secondly in the discovery of them. If the definition is too narrow, it will easily be evaded if too wide, it will be intolerable interference with the liberty of the subject. The Jaw must in any case be made applicable alike to all sects, and if the Protestant Alliance gains power to walk into a. Catholic gentleman's or lady's private room, in order to inquire if there is anybody who would like to escape, it must give equal authority to a Catholic zealot to walk into Lambeth Palace to ascertain that the Arch- bishop of Canterbury has not put his housemaids in irons. The true remedy for any such possible restraint will, we think, be found in the general knowledge that it wholly illegal, and that 1m much as a rumour of diL 'ntion would set in force ample powers of I the to annul it. It may,, perhaps, he open tn consideration whether the law at present affords suffii- cient facilities to procure a judical investigation when there is reasonable ground to suspect constraint. Perhaps a magistrate's powers in this respect might he enlarged or simplified. But beyond this it is impossible to go. for if people will agree to live together nobody can prevent them, and if one man or woman oppresses another, the law can do nothing more than promise a hearing if a cry for help is heard. THE MIDDLE PASSAGE. The Times gives a horrible account. from an eye- vitness, of the treatment of cattieatsea. Thenarratorcame rom Rotterdam toLondonlastSaturdavbyoneof the vessels )f the General Steam Navigation Company. The upper ieck was appropriated to passengers, but; the main and ewer itecks were covered with a cargo of animals. Nearly .,4tjb sheep, 400 pigs, and boxes of birds were crowded 11 to the available space. The sheep were so closely jacked in pens that the sailors, in passing along the snp. valked across their backs as over a mat. J heir niserable and helpless condition seemed to rouse :he evil spirit of cruelty in their drovers and in the crew. Saving, as we havesaifl. to pass along the ship over he backs of the sheep, they must needs jump on them, tick and beat them recklessly. For the whole of the ihe tweuty-four hours' voyage the animals were kept without food, and when they reached Blackwall still worse reatment awaited them. An inclined plane was laid from he ship up to the landing-stage. Up this the frightened ireatures were forced from the slippery deck. They were Iriven from behind by the drovers and the ;rew. armed with short sticks, whips, and goads. \s they slipped and fell, they were kicked and 'truck and goaded on to their legs again. This evolting scene was protracted for about aD hour on sunday morning. From Blackwall the animals were to >e driven into a field for another twenty-four hours, and o be sold on Monday. It ought to shock the public mind, or more reasons than one, to know that this is the manner In which a great part of the food of London reaches, oar shores every week. This scene was witnessed, be it remembered, in a passenger steamer, where it was everyone's interest to mitigate its miseries. What is likely to be done in merchant vessels, where there is no one to tell the tale but those who are themselves concerned in the cruelty ? Veterinary surgeons are at a loss to understand the origin of certain cattle diseases. It would be strange if such treatment as this did not generate disease of some kind. It is for the public to say whether they like the idea of using for food animals which have been thus beaten. kicked, goaded, stifled, and poisoned with tilth and foul air for twenty-four or more hours before their sale for slaughter. It is still worse to know that such cruelties as these can be practised, and openly practised, in the vessels of a company with an English name. It indicates, as our correspondent observes, an untamed butality which may render us equally ashamed and alarmed. THE INTERNATIONAL BOAT-RACE. Thanks to the Transatlantic Cable, says the Standard, the American newspapers of August 2t>th made their ap- pearance with almost as full an account of the aquatic doings of the 27th as the English journals of the same date. If we recognised in the challenge which the Uni- versity of Oxford traces of the true spirit of Saxon pluck, we think that we may also recognise in the reception with which the intelligence of the victory gained Ly the senior University on the Thames has met, similar evidence of a genuine affinity in national sentiment existing between the old Englandandthenew. Allthisisprecisely what we should have wished, conquered, but not disheartened; thatisamost desirable motto for any nation in an international con- test and nothing could be better than the general tenor of the comments of the American press on the results of the Harvard and Oxford Boat PLace. When, however, we come to the consideration of the special hints and sug- gestions which Transatlantic journals have thought fit to make on the subject, we must be allowed to make some exception, and to enter our protest, not, indeed, for the first time against the moral which they have found it necessary to point. :x ow, if we accept—and we do accept—the remarks which Mr. Simuionds made at the dinner given by the London Rowing Club to the Harvard crew at the Crystal Palace, as well as the general profes- sions of the whole body of the American studeuts who challenged Oxford, it is as an event between two univer- sities that they wish the race on the Thames to be regarded. To adopt tjie principle which is implied in the comments of the 3'c?" York Times would completely alter the whole nature of the affair. We. too, maintain that "the Oxonians ought to give the Harvard students the chance of a return match but it will on all accounts be very regrettable if the period of that return match is pre- cipitated. If the Harvard and Oxford boat-race is to become an established usage, it must certainly not be one of annual recurrence. THE EUPEROE'S HEALTH. The progress of the Emperor's recovery from his recent indisposition has, the Post apprehends, been retarded by the fatigue consequent on over-exertion. His Majesty has, no doubt, somewhat anticipated the renewd u'¡ JJs strength by calling upon a comparatively weak body t" keep pace with an active and powerful intellect. This will be easily understood, since it entirely consists with the sense of duty by which the Emperor has been invariably guided. It is perfectly obvious that the difficulty which physicians always experience in dealing with patients, in every walk of life, who have business that requires their attention, must. in the Emperor's case, be measured by the very highest appreciation of a responsibility hardly susceptible of exaggeration. The malady from which the Emperor is recovering has, too. caused him Buffering before. It was all attack of his old enemy, rheumatism, which is more likely to have originated in the Italian campaign than to have arisen out of the political situation in France, or to have been brought about by shattered nerves or depression of spirits. The Emperor is getting older every day, as we all are, but the moral courage and and indomitable spirit which sustained him in adversity are certainly not bowed down by the weight of the years in which his ideas have been realised, and his aspirations crowned with success. We do not attach to the official and semi-official declarations on the subject of the Emperor's health more importance than they deserve but, seeing that they are borne out and conftrmed by circumstances which happen to be well known, though not perhaps known to nil the world, we cannot withhold from them the confidence which they hesoeak. IRISH AGRlCCL., lL.\L STATISTICS. The Herald discusses the annual report of the Irish Registrar General on the agricultural condition of the country, and thinks that although it is regrettable to find that the cultivation of cereal crops adapted for human food has seriously diminished since last year, it is satisfac- tory to learn that the quantity of land devoted to tillage has considerably increased, namely, by 27,872 acres. We cannot be muuh surprised that the hnd under wheat should have decreased by 4,033 aures, as the climate — except on the eastern and southern coaSLS- iil too moist to produce a first-class strain but we cannot account for the very serions deficiency ilJ the quantity of land under oats this year as compared with last amounting to 10,857 acres, unless on the supposition that it arises frum the conso] idation of the smaller holdings into larger ones, aJ1d nn im- provement in the quality of the food consumed by the people. The total estimated value of Irish live stock is set down this year at £ 34,011,oW) sterling, shewing an increase of £ 530,844 sterling over its computed worth last year. The area of ground undertiax cultivation is greater by 22,695 acres than it was in 18t;8, which proves a recovery from the collapse caused by stimulated ever production during some preceding years, and indicates a normal and healthy condition in the linen trade. The least satisfactory of the statistics in the Registrar- General's report is that relating to emigration. Last year returns shew that up to the same period at which those for- this year have been made up the Dumber of Irish emi- grants was 42,607, while this year it amounts to 45,346, shewing an increase of 2,030 persons, who have left the country to push their fortunes elsewhere, notwithstanding the admitted improvement in the condition of the class they belong to at home. THE AGRICULTURAL LABOURER. The Daily New8 declares that the agricultural labourer and the system under which be haB been developed Í1ltc tile thing he i8 make periodical topics for correspondents, but it is seldom that a new light is thrown on the unfortunate suhject of these d18quisitions. In the glorification of harvest homes, we forget the real tructt about Hodge. He is then represented to us happy for the nonce, in the midst of beer, beef, and plum purldings, with a landlord as agreeable for the. time as if he had been imported for no other purpose than to look out and fugle delight all round on the occasion. If we follow the labourer home to bis dwelling, or asked him a few questions involving a know- ledge beyond the common understanding of the mere functional necessities of life, we may be told, perhaps, as certain education commissioners were in Dorsetshire, that Noah was a sort of bird." A gentleman writing to a contemporary recommends one step in the right direction in this matter. He says that the ploughboys taken in hand for improvement are simply drenched with information which is utterly worth- less for them. They want technical education in some degree at least. Many of the agricultural lads never rise as high in life even as to get to the tail of the plough. They are placed upon a hedge to frighten away the crows, and are gradually promoted to cleaning fences perhaps, where they stick at miser- able wages, marry, and in due course enter the workhouse. The worst and most hopeless sign of depressed mental power in the agricultural class is to be perceived in their utter lack of enterprise. These unfortunate heavy-clays never dream of bettering their condition, and as for thinking of being providi nt, they having nothing to start with but what barely suffices to keep skin and bone together. These generalities, wide as they may seem. are unexaggerated truths which it may be useful to keep in mind at a time when we shall probably have one land- lord after another drawing Arcadian pictures at annual dinners of the condition of the English peasantry. MR. MACKONOCHIE. It is curious to notice, remarks the Telegraph, the passionate desire to stifle discussion which some good people display. Dr. M'Neile, we have no doubt, is a Diost earnest man, and we have no right to blame him for believing that Ritualism is as bad as Popery, and Popery ten times as bad as Atheism. But that is no re-ason why he should seek to prevent Mr. Mackonochie from reading a paper on the offertory at the Church Congress which is to be held at Liverpool. The well-known Ritualist, it seems, was invited by the Executive Committee to read a paper on that subject but on Monday Dr. M'Neile formally moved that the invitation should be withdrawn. We are happy to add, however, that by 38 votes to 11 the attempt to stifle discussion was defeated. If Dr. M'Neile is sincere, so is Mr. Mackonochie. If the one can speak in the name of the ultra-Low Church party, the other can. with equal authority, express the sentiments of the ultra-High. The majority of Englishmen have only a limited sympathy with either ecclesiastical section but for the interest of the Church itself it is well that both should get a hearing in such an assembly as the Church Congress. THE PROBABLE TRAFFIC OF THE SUEZ CANAL. The Economist asks, What traffic will the canal com- mand ? and what will be the force of its competition with existing trade? Incidentally this may throw some light on the prospects of a return to the shareholders, which is in this country, however, mainly a question of speculative interest, as English capital is hardly at all engaged. There are various ways of arriving at an estimate. One which we find in the last report of the company is to look at the total shipping of the two halves of the world to be connected, the magnitude of the industrial interests on both sides, and assume, in a somewhat arbitrary manner, that the traffic by the canal must be a certain figure. Thus it is said the annual arrivals and departures in Chinese ports are 6,418,000 tons; in Marseilles alone, 5 000.000 tons; in Liverpool, 6,000,000 tons; in the Dardanelles, 6.000,000 tons; the figure of 6,000,000 tons will b€ a feeble minimum to take for the navigation of all the commercial navies in the world by the canal. But what ought to he done is to ascertain at the latest date possible the actual shipping by which the business of the East and the West is carried on. This is the nearest measure of the existing wants to be supplied. However fast t.he trade might grow, it would require an enormously rapid expansion to attract new shipping on a lage scale, and such expansion is not to be assumed beforehand. If we know then what the trade is, we may have some meant: of estimating what share, for it can only be a share at first and for a good many years, will fall to the canal. The total tonnage with which the business of East and YvTest is transacted does not amount to the 6,000.000 tons which are anticipated for the traffic of the canal Vie are thus far enough from the estimate of 6,000,000 tons for the canal traffic, which can only be attained after the lapse of some years. That it may in the long run be attained, if the oanal is maintained'in good order and reputation, is hot-h possible and probable. Steamers are gaining on sailing ships every day, and though the canal dues will be a heavy drawback, there is no doubt that a class of steamers may be constructed to compete for the Indian trade at once, and more slowly with the Chinese and Australian trade. But the work will be one of time, and in the meantime the canal will do well if it is used annually by a shipping of one or two million tons. In one respect the prospect of a canal yielding no very great return'for a time is a matter of interest to us. The Egyptian Viceroy is a large shareholder in the company —to the extent of jE3,000,000, if not more. Naturally, until the canal pays well, this will represent so much un- profitable capital, and any expectations of prosperity in the Egyptian revenues through the direct profit of the Viceroy's canal investment will be disappointed for a time. This will not prevent, however, the indirect profit to the State through the population which the service of the canal will attract, aad.tho local trade which will spring up by the extension of the twlthincafcas its local advan- ces are perceived v—*