Monmouthshire Merlin

TO CORRESPONDENTS. In publishing the last letter of our Paris correspondent, Pont Neui was erroneously printed for Pont Neuf. We shall carry out our promises to some literary friends next week. We have, in reply to (I Modred," to state, that he has not made a bad guess as to the fine Roman hand that indites Morgan Llewelyn," in the MERLIN. He was the facile princeps of Cambriart genius at the last Abergavenny Cymreigyddion.

THE EXECUTION AT BRISTOL. AWFUL as the judicial deprivation of life is in any case there was something peculiarly revolting in the brutally pulling of the screaming girl, Sarah Harriet Thomas, to the gallows, at the Bristol gaol, on Friday morning last, a lew features of which shocking tragedy-more like the forced suttee of a Pagan land, than a" scene in en- lightened and civilized England, are thus graphically given by an eye witness :— A girl in her teens—small in stature, and, it may be added, very comely in face—has been violently dragged by the Officers of the law from the condemned cell to the front of the Bristol gaol, and there, by means of a rope and beam (the efficacy of which w:is consummated by two or three rough jerks And pullings of the victim's legs), has been publicly strangled within sight of her own grave, which was ready dug, and. where this night her mortal remains will be igno- minionsly entombed. Thousands saw her dragged to the drop, and watched her struggles there; and, from amongst them, many, with execrative shout, hooted the executioner, who, in the fulfilment of his horrid duty, found it needful to pull and jerk her downwards, while her body was suspended from the gallows' beam. A clergyman was nigh, who had unceasingly striven to smooth that rough passage into eternity, by converting the girl's evil-disposed mind, and whispering to her hopes, of heavenly mercy and eternal bliss but she could Eot shut her eyes to the dread reality of approaching strangu- ktion nhd when the functionary of the I4W and his assistant fcainc, she shrieked, shrunk back, struggled, fought, and would not submit. They soon overpowered her fragile strength, and most unwillingly her spirit was hurled into eternity. Shrieks from those who saw it were here dying hymn. To the reflective mind, such a spectacle and such con- siderations suggest lessons of deep import. But the in- struction conveyed by a contemplation of the youth, and yet the callousness of this wretched girl, was in no man- ner connected with the execution. To the philosopher, the legislator, and the philanthropist, such facts, however painful and horrifying, are of importance they form part of the data upon which action, private and legislative, is to be based. But any good which might thus be ex- tracted from evil, would have been obtained to the full, without the barbarous sequel; the death of the criminal has added nothing except to shew the inability of that awful scene to produce contrition in the murderer' mind. But the great end for which capital punishment is avow- edly maintained, is that of duly impressing—not the few to whom we have alluded—but the many who, from their previous habits, their position, and their temptations^ may he regarded as likely to fall into similar crimes. They could not witness what been above described and, even where similar conduct has been manifested before their eyes, the effect has not been better. Wc will not repeat the shocking description which appeared in our second edition of last week but will quote from another source, confirmatory of that statement. The Times" says The conduct of the crowd was SIMILAR TO WHAT GENE- RALLY TAKES PLACE at public executions. Some of the parties present were smoking, whilst others were laugh- ing and jeering, until the clock struck the fatal hour." And as a strong illustration of the extremely debasing cffects of legal murders, the Mercury" states that A few days ago one of the sisters asked a man at Horfield, Are you going to see our Sally hung ?" adding, 111 almost the same breath," Because we are all going;" and, at the risk ot shocking the feelings of our readers, the fact must be chroni- cled that, among the spectators of the wretched creature's doom, were her mother and sister, and some other members of her family." What a conclusive answer do these few facts supply to the argument for death punishments which is based upon the effect which they produce upon the spectators! It is scarcely in human nature to indulge in levity during the very process of death but the immediate an- ticipation of the dread spectacle produces no better effect than that which we have described, and all experience shews that after the Moloch revel, similar conduct pre- vails. The conduct of the crowd," says the Times' writer, was similar to what generally takes place at public executions." Words of truth and soberness, as any intelligent observer can testify; and, being true, what a solemn condemnation of the whole system do they pro- nounce We deprecate anything that would extenuate the guilt of great crimes we recognise the deep guilt of Sarah Thomas; but we maintain most confidently that her execution, so far from deterring others from similar crimes, will be more likely to lead to their perpetration. Sarah Thomas must have known that the punishment of death was attached to the crime of murder; but did that hinder her from carrying into effect, almost as soon as she conceived it, the horrid purpose of murdering her mis- tress ? The scenes to which we have been alluding, sup- ply the answer. She not only perpetrated the murder but multiplied the chances of detection and punishment, by adding the offence of robbery. A gentleman in the city of Bristol, the Ilev. F. Roberts, stated, some years ago, that he had traced the history of 167 murderers, and that out of that large number, no fewer than 164all, indeed, but three-had witnessed at least one execution. We frequently hear the hacknied fallacy strongly urged, that if capital punishment be repealed, human lite would become alarmingly perilled—people would, as Sir Boyle Roach said, arise in the morning with their throats cut from ear to ear—doctrines against all experience, re- sulting from previous ameliorations in our criminal code. We find, notwithstanding the large business in human cold-blooded butchery, by the public executioner, which has horrified the land, for the last couple of years, that people do not sleep more safely in their beds. Let us see the result of the substitution of a Christian plan for that of the scaffold, in other countries. Mr. Slack, a gentleman as intelligent as he is humane, thus illustrates the ques- tion:— Take Belgium as a proof. There a table was kept under the superintendence of the Belgian Chamber of Deputies, from which it appears that, in four years ending in 1804, there were 235 executions, 150 murders. and 203 other capital offences. Then the government gradually reduced the list of crimes capitally punishable, and in the 4 years ending in 1829 there Were consequently only 22 executions, 31 murders, and 40 other capital offences. Then the punishment of death was abolished altogether, and in the succeeding four years there were only '20 murders and 23 other heinous offences. But some sapient legis- lators, in 1835, induced a readoption of the abolished penalty, and the result was that, in tlie next succeeding four years, during which 4 executions occurred, there was an increase of capital crimes and capital condemnations to the amount of 25 per cent. Belgium is not alone. In Tuscany, the punishment is discontinued, and the Archduke of that duchy hears his royal testimony to the reformative efiicacy of the discontinuance, by Baying, after an experience of 23 years, the abolition of capital punishments, "instead of increasing the number of crimes, has considerably diminished that of the smaller ones, and has rendered those of an atrocious nature very rare!" With these telling facts, we this week dismiss the sub- ject, with feelings of regret that the Home secretary had been counselled to disregard the strong recommenda- tion to mercy of the miserable young creature Sarah Thomas, by the jury who tried her, and to fling back the petition for a reprieve, by the women of Bristol, an act so creditable to their sex, and signed by 3,500 of the females of that ancient and loyal city. Sir George Grey's conduct on this dismal occasion, as well as in the case of the ill-fated man Kelly, the penitent soldier, who suf- fered death for a crime, committed without malice afore- thought, and in whose behalf the inhabitants of Newport and Monmouth made such praiseworthy exertions, will long haunt the public mind, and perhaps disturb the Minister's pillow: at all events we hope the events will strengthen the public movement for the abrogation of judicial slaughter. 0

TREATMENT OF ACCUSED PERSONS. j THE various provisions in the laws of this country, by which persons accused of crime arc protected from any injustice, direct or indirect undoubtedly constitute a very important part of our criminal code, and redound to the glory of our land. The fundamental principle that no man shall be pre- sumed to be guilty until his guilt has been proved, is of great importance and excellence; and it is of the utmost moment that nothing should stand in the way of the am- plest facilities for the defence, or interfere with the most I thorough impartiality of the trial. But, whilst all this is granted-or rather whllst all this ( is maintained without hesitation, and guarded with jea- lousy—numerous occurrences have suggested to us a question at which we have before hinted and that ques- tion is, whether in our anxiety to attain those great ends, and in our just horror at the perversions of right winch prevailed in this and other lands in ancient days—we may not, in our modern practice, have gone into an ex- trcme, and have become1 actually, though unwitting guilty of protecting crime, and impeding the course of truth and justice? From careful observation, we arc decidedly of opinion that this is really the case with respect to the ad- ministration of the criminal law in the present day. With regard, for instance, to the propriety of putting questions to prisoners, and the use to be made of their an- swers, we have, before now, observed that the practice appeared to us as unduly in favour of prisoners and in that opinion we have been justified by the view of the < subject by that great constitutional lawyer, and criminal 1 judge, Lord Denman. At the recent Somersetshire assizes, his Lordship again alluded to this subject, in connection with others of a similar nature.. The police (he said), were frequently very impro- perly censured for putting questions to prisoners. The 1,resumption of the law was, that every man was innocent ( till proved to be guilty but the course pursued with par- ] ties hi custody seemed to presume their gui j edly any inquisitorial proceeding, or ail) f y,P flnii-e- hood, on the part of the police, was lug 1 y | cated but he thought that, on taking parties intociis- tody, questions might properly be asked of them which would tend either to establish their innocence or gmlt. In this we fully concur. The present practice, so go- nerally justified in the maxims of law above quoted does really produce the impression, upon an unprejudiced observer, that the accused is believed to be guilty, and that the especial duty of all public officers is to prevent i: his confession, and conceal his guilt. Criminals, under the influence of terror and remorse, are often inclined, on being taken, to unburden their minds hy confession. Sometimes they will spontaneously admit their guilt; sometimes they will make a partial statement, fully im- plying it, but which needs a question putting, to place it beyond legal doubt. We see no reason why, in such a case, the criminal should necessarily be cautioned that what he says will be used against him. Every man wlio is not an idiot or a lunatic knows that intuitively; and idiots and lunatics arc not held responsible for their acts. Indeed, for the same reasons, we see not why the caution should ever be given at all. By the present plan, every inducement is held out to the criminal to deny and con- ceal his guilt, when truth, and the best interests of society, demand its confessioii. Another remark made by Lord Dciimrin was upon the unnecessary length to which trials are protracted by need- less questions. This is undoubtedly a great evil; though its cure may be difficult. His Lordship also throws out a hint to magitrates:—" In many of the depositions, which were returned, there were no conversations or statements made by the prisoner. It was important, he thought, that these statements should be given and it would be well if magistrates were to hear witnesses called by prisoners in their defence. If they made out a case on behalf of the accused, there would, of course, be no necessity for any further proceedings; but if the wit- nesses so called did not agree with those of the prosecutor in material points, then the case would properly be sent to a jury to ascertain the truth of the statements of each party." This, like everything which falls from the learned .judge, is worthy of attention, but it will require much care to carry out the suggestion, so as to ctvoid abuses.

LOCAL ISTELLIGMCE. NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET.—The supply of fat beasts At this market on Wednesday was on a very limited scale but tliere were capital lots of sheep from this neighbourhood, and also from Ireland; together with some excellent store sheep from the same quarter. A few prime Devens were much noticed, boasted of, and Well sold, Upon the whole; beef sold sluggishly at from 42s. to 46s. per cwt.; veal ranged from 4cl. t0 7d.per lb.; mutton, from tid. to porkers, from 8s. (!d. to 9s. 3d. per score. Nothing like a clearance was effected; and large ventures were taken home unsold; while whatever changed hands went off very complainingly, on the part of the feeder. SOUTH WALES RAILWAY BRIDGE.—The immense iron arches which are to span and form the centre portion of the new wooden bridge across the Usk, have arrived here from Birmingham, via Gloucester, and will shortly be elevated to their intended position, which will complete this great struc- ture; The slopes of the embankment running from the river, Chepstow-wards, have been covered with a deep layer of mould, which, being raked, and sowed with grass seed, will shortly present anything biit the disagreeable nakedness pre- viously ottered to the gaze. Were a few shrubs planted here and there, and, as on the banks of some of the leading lines, a few of nature's floral decorations cultivated (which might be done very economically) along the sides of the embankment, the walks in that neighbourhood might be rendered among the greatest favourites of the Newport suburbs. VERNAL VISITATION.—On Monday last, the Venerable Archdeacon Crawley held his vernal visitation in St. Woolos church. After morning prayer, a sermon was preached by the Rev. W. D. Isaac, incumbent of Malpas, from Acts vi. 4, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word." The rev. gentleman having dwelt at some length upon the special obligations by which every Christian minister is bound, above other men, to live in all respects a holy and Consistent life, urged with considerable force and much earnestness the necessity of unceasing atten- tion to prayer and the ministry of the Word, for the success- ful discharge of the holy functions of the Christian priest- hood. After the sermon, the Archdeacon delivered his charge, which contained much practical information and ad- vice upon ecclesiastical matters, valuable alike to the clergy and churchwardens assembled. He also made some very good remarks upon the subject of Friendly Societies, suggesting some important improvements in these institutions, recom- mending theui, when properly conducted, to the sanction of the clergy, as useful means for encouraging amongst their people habits of economy and sobriety, and as, indeed, greatly conducing to their general comfort and happiness. He drew attention to the Society for the Improvement of Church Music, lately formed in the archdeaconry—the objects and principles of which he highly approved, and trusted that it would meet with encouragement and support. The attendance ol clergy was not so large as on some previous occasions, in consequence of many who used to attend at Newport having been cited to appear at Usk, where the Archdeacon held a visitation on Tuesday. WESLEYAN CHAPEL, PILLGWENLLY—We find, by ad- vertisement in our last impression, that Mr. David Morris is about to issue from his lithographic presses, a front view of that very tasteful and elegant new edifice-the Wesleyau chapel, 1 illgwenlly. From the favourable specimens which the public have had of Mr. Morris's ability in the litho- graphic art, and the taste of the subject upon which, in the instance now referred to, that ability will be be exercised, there can be no hesitation in pronouncing that this work will be well worthy the early attention of subscribers. On Monday last, Sir Charles and lady Morgan, and suite' and Mr. and Mrs. Stile, left Tredegar Park for Brighton. Lady Hall, of Llanover, on Friday, the 13th instant, caused to be distributed among the poor families of Myny- ddsllwyn parish, her usual gift of blankets, and flannel cloth- ing. Her ladyship's considerate bounty was received with grateful feelings by the numerous recipients of her charity. NAVIGATION LA ws.-On the third reading of this bill last Monday evening, in the Commons, there were, in the majority of sixty-one, Mr. Blewitt, Captafii H. J. and C. L. G. Berke- ley, J. II. Vivian, Sir R. Price, Sir John Guest, Sir G. R. Phillips, and E. R. Rice.—In the minority, against the third reading: O. Morgan and Captain Somerset, R. H. and H. B. Clive, H. J., J., and J. (jun.) Bailey, P. YV. S. and P. Miles, C: R. Talbot, Marquess of Worcester R. Blakemore L. B. Hale, and Sir W. Codrington. PARLIAMENTARY.-The Bribery at Elections Bill was proceeding on W ednesday evening, when leave was given to report progress and sit again.-The Bankruptcy (Ireland; Bill was read a second time-Several petitions having been presented, both 111 iavous ot and against a Bill for Increasing Kadway gravelling on Sundays. A debate ensued, when, the babbatanans gamed the day in Parliament. SHIP LAUNCH.-On Monday last, about a quarter to eight o clock, as hno a brig-say competent judges-as ever went into provincial waters, was launched from the yard of Mr. ilmett, in this port; and it is a fact worthy of high commendation that she was draughted, modelled, and built enUrdy and alone upon the plan and by the skill of Mr. John llr"1 W U /I late Gloucester College, eldest son of Mr. illmett, and but of tlie age of seventeen when he began this vessel. This good ship is highly creditable to him; indeed, she has been turned out of hand in a manner that would not do discredit to the oldest builders. As the brig is tor sale, there has only a name pro. ton. been given her-the U skc so that her purchasers may fix upon what appellation they please. 1 he register tonnage is 126, and her capability of burden, 400 tons; length 99 feet 74 inches; breadth, '24 feet 3 iuche; depth of feet. The craft is well built tor tho Mexican or the T)qrmhp trade. We understand that Mr. J. H. Willmett is about to lay down another keel, suitable for the est India sugar traffic, being 104 feet long, 26 feet feet broad, and 16h feet deep. We arc glad to notice such creditable speculation in our port; keeping a number of hands employed. FLAT V. SHARP._A person named Goulden, lectured at our Town Hall last Wednesday and Thursday, to prove that the earth is not a globe, but a perfect plane, without either diurnal or anuual motion!" Having proved to a demonstra- tion that the earth is flat and that all who patronised him were flats also, he adopted the sharp practice of decamping this morning, by moonlight neither paying the town hall keeper, the printer, the poster nor any one else. We perceive that the same trick has been played off on tho good people of Abergavenny. KHYMNEY IRON WORKS.—On Wednesday and Thursday, April 18th and 19th, Messrs. Dare and Jackson delivered two Lectures 011 Phrenology aud Mesmerism, which proved highly interesting, and gave general satisfaction to the numerous and respectable audience present on the occasion. The lectures were delivered at the large room over the British School, lately erected, which, we are happy to say, is very commo- dious, aud which was so much wanting in Rhyuiney. FIRE.—A fire occurred at the Cwmbran "shon," a few flight since, by accident, when much property was destroyed, but insured, we arc happy to say, in the Norwich Union. FATAY, ACCIDENT.—An inquest was held on Friday last, by W. Brewer, Esq., coroner, at the Parish of Lanvrcchva Upper, upon the body of George Benjamin Collier, aged 19, who was killed in Cwmbran Colliery by a stone accidentally falling on linn from the top of the work on the 18th.-Verdict, accidental death. POSTAL AccostMODATio.-Mr. Wall of Woodlands, and one or two other gentlemen of the neighbourhood, have, through application to the lion, member for the Borough, and the Post Master General, succeeded in obtaining a direct post conveyance from Newport to Penhow, as appears by the following official communication:— General Post Office, April 20, 1849. SIR, Referring to your further letters of the 28th Febru- ary last, and liitli ultimo, requesting that the Penhow mes- ienger should be required to start from NEWPORT instead of from CAERLEON. 1 am directed by the Postmaster General, to acquaint you, that as it appears, upon a renewed enquiry, the circumstances of the case will warrant the measure. Ilis lordship has now been pleased to accede to your application • md has given the necessary orders accordingly. mi 1 am. Sir, ycur very obedient servant, Thomas AV all, Esq., J TILLEY, Woodlands, Assistant Secretary. Newport, Monmouthshire. 9 —

The Bedwclty Steeple Chases. FRIDAY, APRIL 20. STEWARDS—SAMUEL IIOMFRAY, ESQ., BEDWELTY HOUSE AND RICHARD FOTIIERGILL, ESQ., TREDEGAR. It's a truth as old as the Hills, that the enjoyment of all pleasures is enhanced by the difficulties through which they ire pursued and obtained and the gratification experienced in witnessing the Bedwclty steeple chases, was a spirit-stirring illustration of the fact. Talk of a road! He who never drove his nag from Newport to Bedwclty and Tredegar, along the parish road, knows nothing about "the miseries of a road." Steeps whose inclines are one in ten; descents, with yawning ruts tram-roads intercepting the highway, frequent enough to break the best-tempered springs; lanes, where meeting ,traPs become socially linked; snow-drifts, even in April, blocking up the way on one side, and showing you just a few inches of the road on the other; and after much misery, you it length hail that venerable pile, Bedwelty church, and make inquiry as to the whereabouts of the village. Dym Sasse- nach." is your rejoinder from the churchyard loungers; but chirping up your distressed kcifel, you at length discover the hostelry, and there, in the language and kindness of the Cymry, you get the necessities of yourself and nag supplied. But the hour named for starting is approaching; and you struggle down a long lane, through all its snow and mud, and then you think you are about to enjoy the exciting scenes you have waded through so much to reach. No such thing— you are a long way off realization yet. Cross that swampy field, labour through that awful gap, then another field, next through a sea of liquid mud, and you are at the grand stand, surrounded by a panorama of wild snow-covered mountains and vallies, such as are seldom looked at without inspiring a feeling of astonishment approaching veneration. Land of the mountain and the flood," Some worthy descendant of an ancient Welsh line exclaims but really, after just one glimpse at those huge frosty-looking Welsh Alps, and deep ravines, you are tempted to look back with regret to your easy chair and warm lire-side, and wish yourself at home again, unless you are a steeple-chaser, and a 'However; here wo are at the grand stand, reading our of the races," which shows a capital list of horses, and three chases in anticipation, the first to start precisely at two As, however, they are not going to start until some- where about six we will jot down the names of some of tho parties who were present, r Notwithstanding that the weather was so unfavourable, and he sport too early in the seaaon for such an inclement locality we observed on the field a gay and distinguished circle' imongst whom were Samuel Homfray, Esq., and Fother<nll Rowlands, Esq., (officiating for R. S. hothergill, Esq.) stew. irds Colonel Millman — r uller, Esq., 4th regiment • U Bailey, Esq., Nantyglo Ferdinand Haubury Williams FSn Jolebrook; Captain R. Jones, Llanarth; Captain Priop' Croome, Esq., George Overton, Esq., Merthyr • K,i, Overton, J. W. Russell, D. W. James, and Evan iwU(i Bsqrs., of Merthyr; Ivlward D. Williams, LI. W lisqrs., and tho Misses Williams, Maesyruddud • W <S P mSj svright, Esq., Newport; N. Coates, Lsq., Sirh'owv' C t_ md Augustus HomlVay, Esqrs., Bedwclty Hons/. -^0rg? VVatcrs, Esq., Woodfield House; fl. (. > hichard amily, Rock Cottage Matthew and .John Fnti, ■l\' an(^ 'efnruchter; Mr. Matthew Ion, Rhoswen • \r L-qrs., Vlisses Ion, Coedcoch the Messrs. F A lbi-' > ,r' :u"^ the Jooke, Blackwood — Cockerton, John I 1,]' :l',t!llT T R. Jones, C. Rice, W. R. Jon'es <L_ydACast]e Hotel, Griffiths, jun., A. W. Williams, &c.0f ouviay' sell, D. Harrhy, &c., Newport- \V rVi • ar' ^°"n ^us" Blackwood; and R. Wall, Chepstow ^T i'S Ilud Jon<?S' I1. Evans, Dowlais; Stewart BuchaiT k ;er, lihymney; — Phillips Avith m'- 14^,Inith, and J. 1 ros- port; and Miss Polkinghorne Cornw- U Vr.i,lliams> Ncf/ Sloper, &c. &c. &c. Ooniw»ll; Faulkencr, D. 'I'} t lyiiiR^alo^TwcTniomfow^o^tlie^6"11 ft™.ho"se' thc,c0'ad until it reached near Bedweltv el ? '> ^ot ,Pa" fi t' fresh-sown oatfield next ovet t, tllen back tlie narisli road |r,r, V'1 two peaty meadows, and aeio s church atrairi into t'l otn the Newport road to the cnurcii again into the starting field ihen off to the left, gHS&dW UfM' ™ over bc&lwyd lands, W .vLTwrt of I £ n f B from Tr«%ar to tho .lurch ;.thence, °r^,r, a Jjlau farm, to Coed Moch common, which was Lo°d Svil'oping ground for a third of a mile; then, on to 1 enyledw lands, and back again to Berllaullu vd lands lastly, a straight run in across two fields to the chair, which lay about one hmidred yafds from the last fence. There were thirty-two tences; but, with the exception of two stone walls, they were not at all formidable. With reference, however, to trying vicissitudes and pluck, there was nothing wanting. After most wearying and vexatious delays, that but few could understand, but which were attributed to the requests made to the stewards in the morning, to postpone the sport, in consequence of the weather, the spectators were gratified, a short while before six O'CLOCK, tit seeing SQUisthiug like earnest preparations for the competitiou fw THE BEDWELTY STAKES. A handicap sweepstakes of five sovereigns each, and with £ 30 added from the fund, for horses of all denominations, over about three miles and a half of fair hunting country second horse to save his stake; the horses to be handicapped between list, and l'ist. 7lb.; gentlemen riders. For these stakes the following horses entered and the result of the running is shown iu the fifiires attachcd — Mr. M. loirs b. g. Hope, aged, h. b. 12st.. (Owner) 1 Mr. A. Homfray's br. h. Sportsman, aged, h. b. Hst (Mr. Croome) 2 Mr. R. Harris's ch. m. Solace, aged, h. b. l'ist. ■flb. (Mr. Reid) Mr. Cartwright's ch. g. Justice to England, aged, h. b. 1-st. 7lb (Mr. Davenport) 0 Mr. G. 1 fomfray's ch. g. Redmond, aged, h. b. list Hlb, (Owner) 4 Mr. T. Morgan s b. p. Jeannott, 4 yrs., h- b. list. 31b (Mr. Williams)' dr. 'I T ,1"'° iiope was tile leaning lavourite, though heuvy amounts were bet on Justice to England. Confidence, however, ä; strong in Hope, as a horse that, knew the country inch by inch, and had sterling qualities for heavy work. Solace had a few ad- mirers Sportsman pretty many backers Jeannott none and Redmond was not well known to fame" At starting, Hope t-)I.r the lead, and with his peculiar pGlllIding style, went away at a capital pnee; J ustice to England followed, but fell at the fourth fence, through mismeasuring the distance, and was seen no more in the cha.?"c; Sportsman then took the absent one's place, Solace lying close up; Pnd the fences being generally of a safe" character, were prettily takeu, till Hope was seen dashing over the last in gallant style, followed by Sportsman within a couple of lengths and Solace bound- ing over in turn, with an apparent determination to lead the way; bill, iilas! for the vanity of human hopes-no sooner had Solace found herself the right side of the hedge. than her Jock left the pig-skin flying, and alighted on mother earth, in an unpleasant locality of mud. There he at, till his mare was brought back to him; when he rode In, and —claimed the stakes Hope and Sportsman having, lie alleged, gone the wrong side ol a flag. Mr. Homfray, however, after- wards examined the ground, and stated himself satisfied with the steps" Hope had taken; and honest Matthew therefore won the stakes. THE HUNT STEEPLE CHASE, Of 2 sovs. cäehj with L I,-). added, for horses f all denomina- tions; 2nd horse to rttvs his stakes. Eifht horses entered and started, coraincr in follow:— Mr. M. Ion's Hope, 12st. 71bs. (Mr. Davenport) I Mr. M. Ion's b. Ill. Faith, (j yrs, list. 41bs.. (Owner) 2 Mr. John Fothergill's br. g. Remnant, aged, h. b. list. 71bs. r (Owner) 3 Sir. Button's ch. m. Wbile Stockings, a^ed h. b., list. (Mr. f\ Maule) dr Vulture, aged, h.b., 12st. I2!bs. OIL RejrU bolted Mr. A. Homfray's Sportsman, I ist. lllbs.. (Owner) 0 Mr. John Russell's b. g. Poacher, aged, h. b., list. 121bs.. • • ("Mr. Croome) 0 Mr. Richard Waters s b. 111. The Sylph, (j VfS., h. b., lOst. !Jlbs. (Mr. G. Homfray) 0 Tins was a race 01 many mishaps, Sportsman having sport- ively flung his rider into the ditch, at the fence near the old church Faith played her jock the same trick, for uniformity sake, at the siiiie fence. Then there were two or three stout refusals to leap at all; ami the whip aud spur were ineffectual to put the cattle along; Vulture became as stupid as an owl, took another course, and galloped back to Tredegar but all the while, good old Hope was pounding along like a piece of the while, good old Hope was pounding along like a piece of mechanism, his jock being as much at ease iu his saddle, as if in a railway carriage. Faith, not liking to lag far behind Hope, took up her rider again, after giving him a spill, and Hope, took up her rider again, after giving him a spill, and moved sweetly along, a fair second and Mr. Eothcgill push- ed onwards fast in her rear. In fifteen minutes, the pretty creatures came curving over the last fence, and made their salaam to the winning post, as figured. THE HACK STAKES, Of 1 sov. each, with 1.10. added, for horses of all denomina- tions; over about two miles: 2nd horse to save his stake weights, list. 711,s. each; the winner to be sold for i.30.; the stewards reserving the power of first claiming. Five horses entered for these stakes — Mr. Button s W lute Stockings (Mr. Thrift) I Alr ). I"ottietpill's cli; g. Tile Dolpllill (Owner) 2 Mr. M. I oil's Faith (Owner) 3 Mr. G. Samuel'1; br. m. Judy Macau dr Mr. G. llonirray s b. g. The Dutchman dr The work accomplished in this chasC was very similar to the preceding, excepting that it was on a shorter course and now, night beginning to enshroud the field, the spectators and horses wended their homeward way. As this meeting peculiarly belongs to Tredegar, THE DINNER W as committed to the good caterii ig of M iss Bridgtnan, the esteemed hostess of the Tredegar Arms Hotel and certainly provincial cuhme never s-nt better dishes to the table. Every- thing that was requisite at a gala spread, was on the board and the company—who, however, from the lateness of the hour, were not very numerous—enjoyed themselves in a man- ner to be long and pleasnrably remembered. Samuel Homfray, Esq., presided, and Fotiiergill Rowlands, Esq., filled the vice chair. A round these gentlemen we ob- served most of the leading patrons of the turf, who were on the course during the day. The cloths having been removed, The Chairman, with due preface, proposed, in succession —the (^ueen—the Queen Dowager—Prince Albert and the Royal i amiiy. and other routine toasts, which were pledged with loyal enthusiasm. The Army and Ni-y elicited a call for Mr. Lloyd; but that gentleman said his friends had evidently forgotten, for the moment, that Mr. fuller was present; whereupon, that officer appropriately acknowledged the compliment to the annv. The fortunate competitors of the day," brought up Mr. Matthew lou, the owner of Hope, who said he was gratified by the kindness the company evidenced towards him, one of the fortunate competitors of the day and he was gratified also to know, that all lie had hoped for in the morning—had been fully realised. (Cheers and laughter.) He had competed with good horses on the other side of the water, and at Aber- gavenny, where Hope was also in the ascendant; and he trusted that next season he might also be fortunate enough to say his horse would give as good account of Bedwelty and other courses. (Hear, hoar.) With regard to the ground over which they had that day steered their steeds, he had heard competent^ judges say it was as good a line as could be well selected. The fences were numerous, and not so dan- gerous as to induce a question as to the legitimacy and plea- sure of the sport; the course, with the exception that one or two spots needed a little draining, was in good condition and 110 one could deny that the scenery of the locality was in per- fect keeping with a steeple chase. (Cheers.) Mr. Ion eon- cluded by observing lie wished to propose, with the permis- sion of the chairman, the health of a gentleman who always had evinced a warm interest in the British and manly sport of raGÎng- Mr. Ferdinand Ilanbury Williams. The toast having been drunk with acclamation, Mr. Williams, in acknowledgment, said that although the Bedwelty steeple chases had not been renewed until this occasion, since the meeting three years ago, he hoped the sport would now become annual; and so long as he lived, and was able to join them, he should always be happy to be there to witness a good field, and capital work. (Much applause.) I fe was grateful for the complimentary manner in which his name had just been received; and now, by the chairman s permission, be would give them a name which he was sure they would all welcome with enthusiasm and bumpers. It was the name of one who was always ready to aid the amuse- ments of the county who was well known in this and other counties as a beneficent and charitable man and who brought with him that pleasure and animated feeling which resulted from the cheerful light of the countenance of a generous hearted friend. (Great cheering.,) They knew whom he meant. Let them drink the toast as they liked him—Mr. Homfray. The company pledged the excellent chairman in bumpers, and with loud plaudits. Mr. Homfray rose to acknowledge the toast. He said it was at all times his pleasing duty to contribute as much as possible, by his personal exertions or his purse, towards the social enjoyments and amusements of those by whom he was surrounded. (Loud applause.) He felt particularly gratified in doing so 011 this occasion, because lie saw his two sons en- joying and mingling in the sports of that day. (Repeated cheering.) He was proud to say that the inhabitants of the iron country could participate, among their own wild moun- tains and valleys, in the healthful and animated sport they had just returned from, without goin"- beyond tho neighbour- hood of their own home; and in tliis^ or any other festivity, whenever his assistance could increase the amusement his friends, neighbours, and dependents sought to enjoy, he would not be found wanting. (Enthusiastic cheering.) ft had been flatteringly said, that under his auspices, the sport of Bed- welty had been cherished. Well, if there was any truth in the remark, he would exert himself next year—if spared to that time—to excel the sports of this for though not so well able, as in younger years, to mingle in'these pursuits, his heart and will were not wanting while it was also gratifying to him to see his sons rising up to take his place, to join in manly feats themselves, and contribute to the pleasures of those by wholll they were surrounded. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) He confessed, he was never more gratified, more delighted, than when lie saw, by his own means, hilarity and joy experienced by those around him. (Loud applause.) He regarded this sport as a holiday for his family and neighbours, as well as for that numerous body o! the industrial classes who were con- nected with him feeling assured, that a holiday now and then, when all might happily meet together and enjoy them- selves, was among the very best means of promoting a good feeling between each other, and causin" the agent, the clerk, and the workmen, each and all to return with a zest to their relative positions, to carry forward with profit and industry the works upon which they all depended. (Loud cheering.) In conclusion, the worthy chairman said, he had very great satisfaction in stilting that the Bedwelty steeple chases of 1850 would be under the stewardship of Captain Jones and Mr. George Homfray. (Great cheering.) Mr. George Homfray thanked the company for the warmth with which they had received his name; and assured them he would do his best in his appointment next year. Capt. Jones said he had always been fond of such sport- it was his element, though he could not boast of being so very active at this time, as when these (humourously twig- ging a hair or two on his head) were of another colour. (A cheer, and laughter.) However, he would do his best to co- operate zealously with his friend, Mr. George IIomfray, to get good sport next year. (Cliecring.) The Vice-President rose and said lie was desirous of pro- posing a toast. He would name Captain Jones—(applause) who was well known to all present, and though he might be called a young man, yet was nevertheless an old sports- man of the first water. (Laughter and cheering.) He him- self hoped the stewardship of Captain Jones and Mr. George Homfray would be as fully crowned with success, as the ap- pointment was a good omen. (Hear, hear.) He was sorry things had gone rather indifferently that day, the consequence, perhaps, of a want ot attention to the necessary preliminaries and arrangements; but these disappointments were some- times unavoidable, as they were on that occasion, chiefly attri- butable to the weather which had preceded the running, and which, indeed, had almost precluded the sport altogether. (Hear, hear.) He wished, principally, to draw attention to next year, rather than to iind fault with this; so that when the riders came on the ground, they would be fully provided for the race, and one should not have to run here for his saddle, there for his clothes, and another place for his lead (laughter)—but without delaying the sport, be ready for the word, and ride off to victory. (Loud cheering.) Captain Jones returned thanks for the compliment paid him by tho company. He assured them, that though of late lie had not taken so active a part in the sports of the county, yet nothing should be wanting, even now, to render the events of next year as successful as possible-espeeially since he found himself placed in so prominent a position as' one of their stewards. (Hear. hear.) With regard to the observa- tions ot the vice-president, he would remark, that he fully concurred in them; for there was neither pleasure nor profit in delaying so late, and experiencing so much inconvenience in realising the sports which a fine field of horses were "'•ought to support, and so large a field of spectators came to WItness. (Loud cheering.) The Chairman next gave—The unsuccessful competitors; ^nd he hoped that next year would find them belonging rather to the advance than the rear guard though honour often at- tached to the latter, notwithstanding their disliked position. (Cheers.) Mr. Augustus Homfray, Mr. Waters, and one or two other I, unfortunates," who victory had that day dis- regarded, made resigned but effective replies under the cir- cumstances and hoped next year to find themselves amongst Fortune's favourites. The Chairman called upon the company to do honour to a toast which he was sure they would cordially welcome—the ladies, nod bless em (Drunk with enthusiasm.) Mr. Overton gallantly took up the cause of the fair sox, and appropriately adverted to their good qualities and their admirable influence upon mankind. He concluded by pro- posing, in glowing terms, the health of Airs. llomfray, of Bedwelty house. The toast was pledged in bumpers, and with musical honours, Captain Jones leading. Mr. Homfray thanked his friends for the toast. Mrs. I [om- fray had been prevented attending tlie course that day, by tlie untoward state of the weather, and perhaps a little natural apprehension with regard to her sons, who had taken their positions on their racing steeds. (Hear, hear.) But she was never found wanting in encouraging the enjoyments of those around her. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Augustus Homfray proposed the health of Mr. John Richards, a worthy sportsman from Abergavenny, who had brought two capital horses into the Bedwelty field that day. The toast was warmly welcomed by the company, and ac- knowledged in appropriate terms by Mr. Richards. Other toasts were given and responded to some excellent songs sung by Mr. Overton, Mr. Adly, and other gentlemen; and the night now merging into the morrow," the parting bumpers were drunk in pledging "the next merry meeting and then the company went their ways once more to their own homesteads, jotting down another red letter day's plea- sure on their note-book of the past.

CARDIFF. CARDIFF, APRIL 25.—An inquest was held on Monday last, at the Union Workhouse, before R. L. Recce, Esq., coroner, on the body of Ellen Crawley, aged three ) ears, who iile tied on her mother's back. It appears about three months ago, the father and mother, amongst fifty other pas- sengers, came in a vessel from Cork, part of whom were landed at Mil ford, and the remainder at Penarth. They had travelled about the country ever since, without work; and on Saturday last arrived at Cardiff, and lodged in a house in Stanley-street for the night. On the following morning they were turned out, the child being tied on the mother's back; and after wandering the streets for some time, the father dis- covered his unfortunate offspring to be no more. SuperifltCB" deut Stogkdale had them taken to the workhouse, SOUTH WALES RAILWAY.—We understand that Mr. Brunei has just completed a tour of inspection of the works of this line. He visited the portion which passes through this town 011 Thursday last, and minutely examined the founda- tion prepared for the Taff viaduct. Tlie first stone of this important work was laid on Monday last, in presence of the resident engineers, Messrs. Fox amd Forreste and the con- tractors, Messrs. Warren and Denroach. This viaduct will be a handsome architectural ornament to tho neighbourhood. It will consist of seven arches of forty-five feet span each, and at heights of about forty feet above the foundations, ex- tending to a total length of nearly 100 feet. The contractors are taking energetic measures for its speedy completion, and have recently erected a substantial temporary bridge over the Taff, for the purpose of conveying materials to the works. From the activity which appears to prevail on the works in the immediate neighbourhood of Cardiff, we believe it is in- tended to open a large portion of the line, with the least pos- sible delay. On Sunday morning last, a fine young woman, the daughter Cf honest and industrious parents, living in this town, was dirtcVere^ lying on the mud over the packet slip at the Bute docks. he got into such a perilous situation, remains unknown, at least for the present. Some persons were at- tracted to the spot on hearing; her groans; when they found the unfortunate girl almost dead. She was brought to the station-house, at two o clock on the above morning, in afsense- less state. Mr. Stockdale, in the most humane manner, had her immediately conveyed to the infirmary, where she now lies, and it is feared she has sustained concussion of the brain, in addition to other serious injuries indeed, her escape from instant death, is truly miraculous,as she must have fallen over a precipice not far short of fifty or sixty feet. She has not recovered her consciousness since; and her case con- sequently is considered doubtful in the extreme. Had she re- mained where she was found, for a short time longer, she inevitably would have been carried away by the approaching tide. A vestry meeting was held in Saint John's Church on Monday last; when the accounts for the past year were unani- mously allowed. 4

MONMOUTH. On Thursday last, Archdeacon Crawley held a visitation at Monmouth. The attendance of clergy was numerous. The sermon, which was elaborate and excellent, was delivered by the Rev. A. M. Wyatt. INGRATITUDE.—On Tuesday last, a young woman, who had lived as a servant with Mr. Bullock, of Wyeseal. robbed a poor person named Robins, at whose house she had remained after leaving her service, of three sovereigns. Robins and his wile afforded the girl shelter; and in their temporary absence she lepaid their kindness by robbing them, and then absconding.

FROM THE LONDON CORRESPONDENT OF THE MERLIN." CITY, THUHSDAY EVENING. The "America," which sailed for New York on Saturday last, took out gold on freight to the amount of about >0,000, the Exchange having fallen to .1 point which renders Ihe trans- mission of the precious metals to that side profitable to the extent of about 2 per cent. This export of specie is not likely injuriously to affect Great Britain, seeing the present abundance in the Bank coffers indeed, should a couple of millions-the sum named in well-informed quarters as necessary, cateris paribus, to restore the Exchanges to their late position—be ex- ported, it would prove rather a relief than otherwise to the Bank of England, now oppressed with the funds at its disposal; but if the shipments of breadstutfs in spring, from the Atlantic ports, should prove anything like so large as some statements represent, without corresponding exports from Great Britain, the balance of trade will be further against this country, and the exchange must go lower yet. Tightness in the American Money Market of a merely temporary kind, we believe, how- ever, chiefly occasioned the late decline—parties not being in funds to purchise bills on London for the "Canada" steamer. The orders for English manufactures were fair by this oppor- tunity, but the accounts of the American Iron Market are somewhat flatter. We shall have no mail now until Tuesday or Wednesday next, from the United States, for, although the v eeklv steamers have begun to run from Liverpool, those from the westward do not make hebdomadal trips until the 17th of May. Mr. Bates (Barings) went out by the" America" last weék j the" Hibcrnia," which sails on Saturday, is expected to ke out a round sum in specie so far then from our receiving i^avv shipments of gold from California, via New York, as was > iicted, are actually parting with what we have, to re- ''l sh tlie exhausted coffers of the western world plenis j,as been a very ,]uii onc on stock Exchange; the fluctuations in Securities trifling; the Railway Share Market, still s]0Wj at Monday's decline. The expec- that the Baltic blockade will not be rigidly enforced, and t^tl011 j 0f French and Belgian offers at very low rates, are the r™e ments of weakness in the wheat trade; but on the tne cliie ci thc Wants of the country (particularly Ireland) are other nan (jou^te(j prices, under any circum- soj great, mucli lower. Sixteen thousand quarters per week stances, wi• the deliveries at the port of Cork alone, at this of Indian c SUpplies are inadequate to the demand. loment, cirCumstances, snch a state of dependence on Uuder o ngw 0btains in Ireland, would be expected to resuTin a considerable enhancement of prices but the same catiJas creates the deficiency of hame-grown food, annihilates thp m»,ns of naving adequately for imported breadstuffs. The dis'ress and poveity which unhappily still prevail there to an awful extent thus manifest themselves in a low range ofvaoes. f ile same temaiks, from all we can learn apply to the Irish market for Welsh coals, which suffers in hke manner and this seriously affects the trade of the shipping ports of the Bristol Channel. We are glad, however, to know that the latest advices from the sister isle make cheerful mention ot future prospects for harvest. The breadth of land under wheat, notwithstanding all we hear of the desertion of farms and emigration of the sinews of the country, is equal to, it not greater, than that of any previous year." To industrial pursuits, successful crowned, can we alone took for the physical regeneration of Ireland. No new incident has arisen to affect the Iron Trade, pro or con. Our Glasgow letters, report stagnation there, offers being made continually at declining ra'es without bringing forward buyers. The hopeful teeling with which the year opened in this depart- ment of business, has all butdisappeared in consequence ot the prostrate state of the continental demand. The nnnistenad majority upon the Navigation Laws is regarded in the city as sufficiently strong to induce the Lords tobeud to the necessity of the case, and not risk a change of Ministry at thIs eonj uncture. The remarkably clever speech of Sir James Graham has dissipated the foolish notion that he was prepared to join Lord Stanley in opposition. Mean while, there is a grow- ing desire to have the question settled, as its continued agitation opeiates unfavourably upon enterprise. It is a false idea, to suppose that the matter can stand as it is—the present bill being laid aside or rejected—when the fact is, a pressure of circum- stances in the state of the colonies, and the expiration of exist- ing tieaties, compel legislation in some shape or other. Laissez faire" will not meet the case. The debate turned a good deal on free trade in general, and that in grain in particular, and served to lay bare the real leeling of influential parties in the house with respect to re-aciion upon this subject. The general con- clusion drawn is, that the Protectionist party are not in condi- tion, inter sr, either to indicate a policy, or construct an adminis- tration that would hold water, both objects requiring something more of practical aim and executive experience, than can be predicated of those who now indulge in rhetorical flourishes against the new regime. It augurs something bordering upon Boeotian dnlness, to pretend that any corn law, amounting to protection, could have been maintained in the teeth of such a harvest as that of last year—leaving the south of England, with a deficit estimated at two to three million quarters of wheat; t'e repeal of the Navigation Laws seems but a natural corollary from the repeal of other restrictive enactments, and, we belieie, the shipping interests (in whose welfaie we deeplysympathise) have expressed undue alarm at the proposed changes. Turning from pohtico-coinmeicial matters, we have had another week of dull weather—no April sun having yet enhvened the dingy look of London streets, or dissipated its fogs; our suburban gaidens are still bare and leafless, quite belying the Poet's idea that— Within the city's botinds, the time of flowers COlues ear her. Let a mild and sunny day, Such as fall olten tor a few bright hours Breathe through the April sky the airs of May, Shine on our roofs, and chase the wintry gloom- And lo 1 our borders glow with sudden bloom." Nevertheless the advance of the London season begins to be marked by some decided manifestations, in spite of dame Nature. The sights and places of amusement are more thronged—Regent street looks bewitching-Jenny Lind appears again in Sonnam- bula, at the opera to-night—and the VN est end squares betoken the presence of inhabitants—a goodly arrav of equipages is apparent m the parks, when it is possible to venture out. Among London sights, Done are now more attractive than the Panorama of the Mi-ssissippi which we can truly commend to the early inspection of country friends visiting town. Then again, we have begun the campaign of May Meetings," (pardon the Celtieims,) the anniversaries of those noble charities which constitute the decus et tutamen of England. The missionary societies of the Baptist denomiuation, held their meetings this week, at Bloomsbury chape), a new edifice bruit by the munifi- cence ol the Member for Norwich, Mr. Peto, in excellent taste a seimon was preached by the Rev. Octavins Wensiow, of Leamington, last night; and to-day, a public meeting of tbe same society takes phce at Exeter Hal). We instance this, chiefly to maik some of the tendencies of the age in the case of Mr. Peto, who, without commanding abilities, has built up tor himseif a princely fortune, by the lndusuious pursuit ot business, which he now leaves, devoting his well-earned leisure to philan thropic objects, in connexion with the Evangelical paity. In haidiv any country but our own, do such laudable examples i show themselves, and even here they are refieshing, as contrasted with the selfishness which but too often accompanies speedily- acqnired wealth. Mr. Peto appeared on the platform at Exeter Hall this morning, in the prime of lit, presidiug with tact, ease, and much good sense; he spoke last night in the House, in tavor of Sunday trains on railways. George Dawson's lectures at the Whittiogton Club, have given great satisfaction to crowded audiences: the suhject-" t hin¡:-s unseen." In literary circls, the artIcle In thp Quarterly con Macaulay, has been a gleat lopic of comment Mr. VhJlol1 Croker IS, It appears, the writer, and has taken tll. me¡UIS of paying off an old grudge he owed Macaulay for a severe review in the Edinburgh some years back, of Cioker's Boswell. Blaikuood's article on Macaulay's history, is attributed, we believe correctly, to Mr. Alison, the historian, and is conceived in a totally different spirit from that in the conservative contemporary abovementioned, whose virulent attack on the greatest writer 01 the day, is regarded with univer* sal and SBDi"err»e contempt. Lord Carlisle takes the chair at the meeting of the British and Foreign School Society, ou the 7th 10X11110.

THE EPSOM SPRING MEETING. The Metropolitan Handicap.—In consequence of the great fall of snow. it was necessary to postpone the races from Friday to Saturday, and men were employed to clear the running-ground of its unseasonable intruder, till ten o'clock at night, and again resumed their labours at day-break, effectually accomplishing the work. Accordingly, on Saturday took place the race for The Great Metropolitan Handicap of 25 sovs. each, 15 forfeit, with 500 added, &c.; the winner of the Great Northampton- shire Stakes to carry 51bs. extra; the second to have 100 sOYS. out of the stakes, and the third 50 sovs. Two miles and a quarter. Sir J. Hawley's Fernhill, 4 yrs., 6st. 131h. (5Ih. extra) (Pearl) I Lord Howth's Peep-o'-day Boy, 5 yrs., 8st. 71b. (A. Day) 2 Mr. Gordon's Do-the-Boys,3 yrs., 5st Hiett) 3 Sixteen started, but the following were not placedHagley, Mugndor, Flatcatcher, New Fcrest Deer, Giselle, Fugleman, Maid of Lyme. TUlican, Trap. Baatelle, Lugar, Eva, Cocker- mouth.—Won cleverly by half a length. Hagley was fouith, Eva a very bad fifth, and Flatcatcher sixth. Lugar, Trap, Maga- dor (wo is said to have broken down), Fugleman, and Cocker- mouth, were beaten a long way, Run in four minutes and thirty-five seconds. Value of the stakes, £194.

Execution of the Young Girl Sarah Harriet Thomas. The following appeared in our second edition of last week: BRISTOL, FRIDAY EVENING. Contrary to the strong hope of mercy entertained by the public, and to charitable exertions made in her behalf, she was put to death on the gallows this day in Bristol.—The recommendation of the Jury who tried the criminal has been disregarded, her sex, and her youth have not obtained the mercv of a commutation of punishment, and the young creature of about eighteen summers, has suffered the same barbarous and vengeful death, as will be inflicted on the mon- ster Rush. The mother and sisters of the wretched girl visited her on Thursday evening; but she exhibited no feelings of remorse, taking a cool farewell of them. taking a cool farewell of them. As early as eight o'clock this morning, persons began to as- semble, and at naif-past nine the multitude had enormously increased, the whole of the Coronation-road, from St. Paul s Church to the bridge, being literally crowded with one mass of human beings. What an exhibition presented itself to a man in the possession of right moral feelings! There was an accumulation of the vicious and debauched of this great city, indulging in vile and obscene allusions, while the ear was as- sailed with a continual buzz of merriment, and the eye offended by the display of conduct that would have been dis- graceful among savages. During the interval that elapsed Between the assembling of the people and the sight they had come to behold, the mob, especially the younger portion, amused themselves by flinging turf, knocking off each other's hats, and like occupations, while bursts of the most boisterous u III laughter were continually heard from every quarter ginger- beer sellers, venders of oranges, and others, were there and not from first till last was there the slightest exhibition among the crowd of a becoming feeling, not any indication of a spirit of solemnity or awe all was disgusting and disgraceful to humanity. As the dreadful hour, ten o'clock, approached, the mob in- dulged to within a few minutes of tne time in their gross ribaldry. Precisely at ten minutes to ten, the bell of Saint Paul's, Bedminster, sent forth its death knell, but it had-nq effect upon the crowd. At twelve o'clock on Thursday night, the governor visited the unhappy young girl; and on going into her cell he found her sitting at the table, apparently as if she were writing. On looking over a sheet of paper she bad before her, the governor found she had been writing the alphabet in large letters; he told her her days would soon end she expressed a desire to have a steel pen left with her, which had been taken from her during the day. She then appeared in very good spirits, and this mcrning, about live o'clock, she laid down for about an hour, but did not, according to the opinion of the four female turnkeys watching her, appear to sleep. For her breakfast she declined to eat anything, merely drinking a cup of tea. At seven o'clock the chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Swete, arrived at the gaol, and visited the convict, who received him some- what better than previously. He engaged in prayer with her until eight o'clock, when the sheriff arrived. At half-past nine the Governor informed her that in half an hour's time he should have a most painful office to perform, and lie hoped she would accompany him to the place of execution quietly. She stamped her feet violently, and said several times that she would not. Dr. Swete then spoke to her on the subject, begging her to be calm, but she declared she would not go. A few minutes after this the Governor again visited her, and told her that in the course of five minutes he should call in again, hoping at the same time that she would follow the chaplain's advice. She again said she would not." governor was then obliged to call in six or seven men, who car- ried her out; she resisted, saying, if yon let me go, I'll walk up the steps." She however refused to do so, and was forcibly cenveyed to the press-room, where her arms were pinioned. The chaplain again spoke to her, and asked her if she would go quietly ? She replied no, no." The Governor told her of the near approach of her last moments, and asked her if she had any message to send to her father whom she had not seen. She said hurriedly to Dr. Swete, Yes, yes tell him I love him." She then walked as far as the steps leading to the drop, when she was compelled to be carried in conse- quence of her offering violent resistance. She did not wear a bonnet, and when on the scaffold she was in a most pitiable state, crying out in tones most distressing and heart-rending, exclaiming, Lord have mercy upon me 1 hope my mother and none of my family are present." The horror of the scene was now at its height; the bell of St. Paul's was tolled at short intervals; the more right-minded, and few were they in number, expressed their feelings in audible prayer for for- giveness and mercy for her who felt no remorse, and displayed not the slightest contrition, but seemed to cling to the falla- cious hope. even to the last moment, that her life would be sptired. Scarcely had she arrived on the scaffold, when Cal- craft placed a white cap over her face, adjusted the rope round her neck. and tied her legs, during which time she was com- pelled to be supported by the policemen in attendance. This painful ceremony having been performed, Calcraft said, say the Lord have mercy upon me.' She repeated the words in a faint tone, the bolt was drawn, and she was hurried from this world with all her imperfections on her head. She gave but two or three slight convulsive struggles. Her body having hung the usual time, one hour, it was taken down and shortly afterwards buried within the precincts of the gaol. close by the side, and in the very grave containing the remains of Marv Ann Burdock, who was executed in 1835. Tlie following confession of Sarah Harriet Thomas was made to Mr. J. E. Gardiner, Governor of the Gaol. in presence of one of the female officers, April 4th, 1849, at 10 o clock, p. m,: -Two days before the murder was committed, Miss Jcfferies called mo up to her bed-room and attempted to strike me she also locked me in the kitchen during the whole of that night. At five o'clock, a.m., she unbolted the door and told me to make a fire in her room I thought then to have struck her. but did not do so. On the following night I slept in her room, but did not contemplate murdering her until between five and six o'clock In the moraine, when I t-'otun, went down stairs, and retorued with a stone, with which, a bile Miss Jefleries was asleep, I struck her on the head three times between the second and third blow she made some sort of a noise, and the last words I heard her say were- Christ God." I then dressed myself, robbed the house flung the dog dowu the privy, locked up the house and went home. I took away thirty soverigns and a quantity of silver things, all of which the police have since found. The keys of the house I Aluntr away. but believe they were afterwards found by a man when putting up some shutters. I committed the murder and robbed the house with my own hands, and no person else had anything whatever to do with it, neither did I mention having done so to any person. I repent exceedingly having committed so horrid a crime, and 1 pray to Almiuhty God for forgiveness. 1 never should have committed so dreadful a crime, had Miss Jefferies' conduct been provoking. April 5th, nine o'clock, p.m. After Miss Jefferies died I remained in the room for more than an hour. I then went home, and did not return until nine o'clock in the evening, for two boxes, but did not go into mistress's room. On leaving the house I saw a stranuw man standing opposite, who carried my boxes as far as the I nflrnilry, for ii bie-h I gave him nine-pence. I then took a fly and went home. (Signed) SARAH HARRIET THOMAS.

FAIRS IN MAY. Colated from the Royal Almanack. MO KM OUT 11 SHI HE. nAbNORSHIRE. Caeileon 1 Howey 5 Castletown 6 Presteign 9 Abergavenny 14 Pain's Castle 12 Newpoit 17 Penybont .]3 'n ol Monmooth 2, 29 Kington 17 Stow (Newport). 31 .Newbridge 18 GLAMORGANSHIRE. HEREFORDSHIRE. LJaDgefelach I & 2 Leominster 2 Llangwrnwyd 3 Wigmore 6 Cow bridge 4 Weobly g Cardiff 9 I'embridge 13 Swansea 12 Eardesley II) Waen 13 Dorstone ig Penrice 17 Hereford J St. Nicholas 19 Bromyard 1, 3. & 2a Llandaff 28 GLOPCESTERSHIRE. BRECONSIII RE. Morton Marsh. I Brecon 4 Stonehoose I Dyfynoc 9 Bisley 4 Crickbowell 12 Ltdnev 4 Hay 17 Nortiileach 4. Trecastle 21 Dursley 6 lalgarth 31 achoombe 6 CARMARTHENSHIRF. Birdlip 8 Meidrin 3 Tockington 9 Abergwilly 4 Stroud 10 Abercynen 5 Blakeney 12 Cynwilgeio •••• 6 Stow-on-the-Wold 12 Laugharne. 6 Berkeley 14 Casile Emlyn 10 Fairford 14 Llanvihangel Yeoreth 12 Tewkesbury. Llandovery 13 Marshfield 21 Saint Clears 14 SOMERSETSHIRE. Brechfa .15 Castlecary I Llansawell 18 Norton St. Phillips 1 Lianboidy 21 Chard 2 Llandarrog 2[ Cheddar 4 Llaodilo 6,15,22, & 29 Pensford 6 Llandebie .30 Stogumber 6 Liangattock 31 Porlock JO PEMBROKESHIRE. Wiveliscombe 12 Carew 1 Holloway )9 Pendergast 1 Wellan .20 Newcastle 6 Mark 22 Monkton 1] Bagborough. 23 Pembroke 11 Wellington 24 Narbeth 13 Duoster .2S Haveifordarest. 14 Wells 14 & 29 Fishguard .28 Minebead 30 Maenclochog 20 Winsham 30 Eglaoysern 30 Binegar 31

BRISTOL CATTLE MARKET, THURSDAY, APRIL 26. Beasts 7S4 Calves 230 Sheep 3745 Pigs 254 Horses 67 Sacking ditto 118 Horses. 67 Sacking ditto 118 Beef per ewt 45s to 48s. Mutton per pound 6d. to 6d. Pigs per score .>>Bs. 6d. to 9s. Od.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES,& DEATHS. BIRTHS. On the 26tb instant, at Newport, the wife of Mr. Edward Thomas, draper, Anchor House, of a daughter. On the 15th instant, at Newport, the wife of Mr. Moss, ca- binet maker, of a son. 011 the '25th instant, at Newport, the wife of Mr. Booth, butcher, of a daughter. On the 15th iiibt., at Cardiff, the wife of Mr. James Morgan, rope-maker, of a daughter. On the 22nd instant, at Swansea, the wife of Mr. Thomas Herman, cabinet maker, of a son. On the 16th instant, at Tewkesbury, the wife of F. T. Prior, Esq., surgeon, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. Lately, at the Catholic Chapel, Chepstow, by the Rev. Thos. Cody, having been previously married in the Established Ciiurch, Mr. William Francis Magee, of London, to Miss Ann Barbara Francis, of Beachly. On the 22nd instant, at St. Mary's Church, Cardiff, by the Rev. W, L. Morgan. Mr. Morgan Davies to Miss Mary Jones, both of Cardiff. On the 17th instant, at St. Mary's Church, Cheltenham, by the Rev. Henrv C. Hart. domestic chaplain to the Duke of Argvle, lienr)- J. Paul, Esq., banker, Gloucester, sots of the late "Rev. Samuel Paul Paul, vicar of Tetbury, Gloucestershire, to Elizabeth, daughter of the late James Ford, Esq., of Har- ley-place, Clilton. On the 21st instant, at Zion Chapel, Merthyr, Mr. William Williams to Miss Elizabeth Kvans. On the 21st instant, at Ynysgau Chapel, Merthyr, Mr. John Joseph to Miss Sarah Rees. On the 23rd instant, at High-street Chapel, Merthyr, Mr. Richard Davies to Miss Elizabeth Johns. DEATHS. On the 23rd instant, at Newport, Henrietta Emma, only child of Mr. Thomas Hopkins (Newport police force), aged eight months. On the 21st instant, at Caerleon, Trevor Charles, only son of Thomas 1\J. Llcwellin, Esq., aged ti years. On the loth instant, at Caerleon, Mr. James Green, many years in Miss Fothergill's employ, aged 69 years.—On the 12tb instant, Nlary Green, sister of the above, aged 57 years, manv years servant to Mr. George Gethinc, Newport.—On the 22nd. instant, Mary, wife of James Green, carpenter, of Caerleon village, eldest sou of the above named James Green, aged 41 years. Lately, at Newent, Mrs. Jerrems, mother of Mr. William Jerrems, relieving officer, Usk. On the 22iid instant, at Pontypool, Mary, the beloved wife of IN] T. Wm. Richards, glazier, Sc., of Pontypool, after a severe illness of thiee months borne with Christian fortitude, aged 5l years. On the 23rd instant, at Pontypool, Mr. John Rees, joiner (formerly of Swansea,) from injuries received owing to a tali over a precipice on the previous day. On the 24th instant, at Monmouth, Mr. W. Lewis, gardoer of that town, aged 82 years. On the 21st instant, at Monmouth, Mrs. Mary Edwards, aged 63 years. ° On the 25th instant, at Bute Terrace, Cardiff, Elizabeth wife of Captain James Trick, of the Emelyri, of Waterford, aged 40 years. On the 14th instant, at Cardiff. Mrs. Mary Price, relict of the Rev. James Price, formerly of Bassalieg, deservedly and sin- cerely regretted by all who knew her. On the 16th inst.,at Orickhowell, Mr. I. Prosser tailor aced 52 years.—On the 23rd inst., of fever, Caroline, only duachter of the above, aged 9 years. On the 19th inst. at Aberdulais, near Neath, at an advanced age, Mrs. Marv Webb. uiea On tite 19th instant, at an advanced age, the widow of the late Air. Wm. Davies. governor of the Nealli workhouse On the 10th Intant. at Nentb, the wife of Mr. CI k head at the GoolI, Nealh. ar iTr ",e i. I. 46deg. Gieeory, ol ih« atut're,imeii Co||V r" Ar,h°'^h»'1" to Mr. Gregory, of Storehouse vv preeorJ was a broll'*r Gwernllwvnwiih ret-. Ube: Warwickshire, the owner of the uwern iwynwith csute, near Swansea. Masters' ArmlaSlliDIjJ«an,C6' son of Mr" Llewellyn Youth, 1 on Llandafi, aged 27 years. D PoJpIi 1 P«!nSt*' ?t1Swansea, Phoebe Jane, daughter of Mr. I V, rowel', grocer, of that town.

TRAM TRAFFIC. IN our local department, this week, will be found an arti- cle on the above important subject, which now obtains so prominent a place in the public mind, from the pen of an intelligent correspondent, written, as we arc warranted by facts to assert, with views of entire fairness, so far as personal interest is concerned. W e trust that our readers need not any lengthened statement on our part, to assure them that in giving place to the communication of the writer, we are not actuated by any spirit of partisanship. We have 110 interest whatever in the question at issue other than that we are necessarily identified with the onward progress of the district; we have growii with its growth hitherto; we have zealously lent our humble encteavolirs to foster every commendable project or institution that has aided in its rise and pro- gress, and sincerely do we trust that the manly and ener- getic enterprize which has contributed so much to the advancement of Monmouthshire, will not leave it now.

LOCOMOTION. We have long advocated an improved system of locomotion ] is a means ot increasing our wealth, developing our almost boundless mineral resources, facilitating the interchange of < "he various productions of nature and art. and, above all, of 1 producing ultimately that union of exertion, and community Æ interests, by which alone individual happiness, or national i greatness, can ever be realised. In no district of our island J las1 this cause produced changes more rapid in their progress, J and more remarkable for their extent, than in our own. The < men yet live who have watched the first dawning of our commercial enterprise—who have seen it rise gradually above the horizon, to a position second in importance to no other. [t is scarce a century since the greater part of Monmouthshire J md (vlamorganshire was wholly unapproachable to any 1 lescription of carriage. Even to the solitary pedestrian, it was indeed a cheerless task, bleak hills around, and he him, but the pathless heather, or an almost impassable footway. Well it was if the sun went not down upon his wanderings, Mid left him bewildered on the summit of one of those lorty mountains, which the superstitions of a credulous age peopled with ghostly phantoms, and imaginary spirit triDes. No wonder that the Saxon traveller returned home with ( strange tales about the wildness, almost barbarism, which nc had seen in the land of Gwent. Soon, however, the scene J began to assume a new aspect. Those changes weaving and ever weaving in the loom of time, extended into this wild region their civilising influence: roads—practi- j cable roads—sprung into existence. This was a vast lmpiove- > ment; the hardy mountaineer began to see into, and mix with, the great world beyond. Next came canals, and conse- ] quent on their introduction, a facility of conveyance which i would have been almost incredible before. Iron works were t built—coal mines opened—men began to discover that in these t bleak hills existed treasures more valuable than all the wealth < of Peru. Not mere gross, debasing gold, the sure originator i if vice and sensual predominance in whatever country it has hitherto been found; but a far nobler metal—a metal that wanted thews and sinews to make it convertible, and gave labour to the poor man, while It enriched the capitalist. Then, is the demand tor a better mode of transit grew, tramroads were made narrow gauge roads and when these were found inefficient, and the wants of the age rendered something still better necessary, they again were changed into roads of the present gauge, with plates of cast iron. In process of time came yet another change, the curves were straightened where practicable, wooden sleepers introduced in place of stone, the cast-iron plates taken up, and wrought iron laid down in their stead. Thus we go on. Tliere is no finality. Every ulti- mate says Emerson, is the first of a new series." livery thing around us is iu continual progress; still the traffic increases, and still, too, does the competition increase. We must move 011, or we shall be out-stripped. Perhaps the most important change of all is now in contemplation. The deductions of science, the experience of facts, have demon- strated the great superiority of the edge rail over the tram- plate now in use. The requirements of the district, the ne- cessities of its rapidly increasing population, demand the conversion of the present tramroad into a railway. The in- terests of the traders equally demand it. Every advantage which the latterkls over the former is an. advantage thrown away by us till this change is made. See how the sister port of Cardiff; fostered by these advantages, fattens on our decay: There can be no stronger proof thft while our time and ener- gies are wasted in idle words, that «ouimerf,e, which I our right, and which our position should enable us to cOIll.m;;n<}, gradually dwindles from our grasp. Sooner or later, it may as well be the former, minor considerations must be put aside, the roads must be changed, the carriages for the conveyance of iron and coal must be adapted to the increase of speed required, and whatever is defective and behind the times nMst be remedied. Nor is it onlJ in <he condition of the roads that great and important alterations have been effected. The charges for tonnage have been reduced in a ialio proportionate to the increase of traffic and diminished cost of transit consccpenf on their introduction. The tonnages now payable on coal and iron are less than one third of those specified in the original Act of 1792. It is worthy of remark that during all these improvements, for many years past 110 material change has been made in the old fashioned coal tram. The outlay has all been on the part (jf tli6 proprietors of the roads. AVhether this has arisen from the disinclination of the traders to ex- pend capital on such antiquated relics of former days, we do not know. Perhaps it would be at the best but an useless expenditure. Any alteration in tho detail could effect little, while the principle is retained. We cannot sufficiently de- precate a policy which would oppose all endeavours after future advantage, for the sake of a present and limited good. At whatever period the substitution of proper wagons for the present trams may take place, there must necessarily be a loss to the Gwlters of such trams; and whether this substitu- tion takes place imniediittely, or at some future time, the loss will be the same. It is a fallacy to speidt of wearing out that which to be worn at all requires constant renewal by pieco- meal. The trams are now but in workable order, and so long as Jiey are worked at all, they must of necessity bo kept so. indeed, it rather appears that if these trams were hauled by locomotive power, they would require to be first strengthened and adapted for such haulage wiiich wuld only he done at a considerable expense. Whatever expense was thus incurred would increase the loss to the owners when they were ulti- mately abandoned, above what would be its present amount. Nor would this be the only disadvantage; the great breakage of coal, when hauled by locomotive power, in carriages with- out springs, is well known. b The increase of cost for the repairs of waggons is also a most serious item. We are informed by a gentleman whose experience of both systems is most extensive, that the dif- ference in the quality of coal hauled by the two methods of conveyance, equals sixpence per ton in favour of spring waggons. ] let any colliery proprietor set tlicse differences down at as low a rate, ris lie pleases; let him make a calculation from whatever data lie thinks pfepef; still, however low may be the standard of loss assumed; the suni thus annually thrown away will be found to be enormous. We are gratified to learn that the new coal waggons, built by Messrs. Smith and Willey, for the Abercarn Collieries Company, according to the model of the Monmouthshire Railway Company, have been found upon trial more com- pletely successful than their most sanguine advocates had ven- tured to anticipate. These waggons are constructed in the strongest and most substantial manner, so as to adapt them for tho increased speed of locomotive conveyance. The tare is considerably greater than in the common coal tram now used but this appears to be more than counterbalanced by the better finish and accuracy of the workmanship. So satisfac- tory have been the results of the trials hitherto made that we undeistand it is the intention of the proprietors to continue to work thes6 waggons by horse power, until the Railway Company become their own hauliers on the 1st of Aug. next. A day or two since, ten of these waggons; previously hauled from Newport by a team of horses, the average load of which, in the old trams, is 55 to GO tons net, started from the Abercarn Collieries at U a.m., and arrived in Pillgwenlly, without the slightest mishap, at 12 in. The net weight of coal thus conveyed by five horses being 55 tons 13 cwt. Wc un- derstand the facility of moving them about in loading at the works, to be equally as great as with the old trams. The waggons were, during the whole distance, under perfect com- mand, and, having once started, were found to require little or no exertion on the part of the horses, the speed being in- creased or diminished merely by the application of the brake. No difficulty was experienced in passing the partings or curves. The motion was steady, uniform, and in a direct line, without trcmour or oscillation, affording a strong contrast to the zig zag vibratory progress of the old trains. The condi- tion of the coal on its arrival at the shipping port, was greatly superior to that conveyed by the old method. The cause of tins difference will be obvious, when we consider that in the trams now used a superincumbent body of coal six feet thick rests upon the lowest stratum, and at every one of the fre- Jolts ,or inequalities of motion common to carriages without springs, crushes it with a force proportionate to the nt: I ,1 'f.° above. In the new waggons, the thickness 0 the body of coal is about three feet, and whatever ine- quality of motion may occur, is almost entirely neutralised by the action of the springs A nother most important advantage derived by their use is that whatever weight of coal is loaded at the collieries will be delivered 111 Newport. The average loss lrom breakages and pilfering in transit now amounts to nearly live per cent, upon the total quantity. Iu the new waggous breakage is precluded by tlieir great strength and as in the columbuses used by Mr. Homfrav, of Tredegar, thc; swarms of marauders who infest the roads, are completely non-plussed by being unable to reach the top of the waggon. The disconsolate looks of these "knights of plunders," on the passing of the first team, reminded us strongly of an illustra- tion that some time since appeared in Punch, in which an Italian bandit views with astonishment and alarm the first railway train flying on wings of steam," through his time- honoured haunts, while the passengers politely bid him call again to-morrow." It is thus with our coal stealers; they, too, are left to gaze they, too, will have to mourn an occupa- tion gone.—A Correspondent,

ABSEGAVEUNY. THE FLAT WORLD.—O11 Monday and Tuesday, the lfitli and 17th instant, a person named Goulden, in his perigrina- tions through the country, as an enlightener of the public mind upon the I'.rr'vs of M.idcni Astronomy, took Abergavenny in his course, and hired the Cymreigyddion Hall, issued hand- bills, inviting an audience to hear his denunciations of modern science, and then engage in a promiscuous discussion on the merits of his hypothesis—which was, in fact, a revival of those antiquated views of Astronomy, entertained by our ancestors, which science has exploded. After going through a rhapsody which he designated a lecture, in which he en- deavoured to prove that the world was a fixed plane or disc, and not globular—that the sun was a body moving in an elipsis over its surface at the height of lUoO miles, and that the inoou moved round the snn in concentric circles; that the stars were all so many luminous specks in the heavens— none of them more than 4000 miles from the earth. His theory was that the earth was round like a wheel, the nave of which would represent the North Pole, and the felloes the South—that from the North extended, in every direction, im- mense shoals of Ice, and that from the Periphery shot forth continents of Ice and unknown lands—midway between these was the Equator. Such was the audacity of this empiric in science, that he denounced, as ignorant, Newton and Boyle, as well as Dr. Chalmers and Sir John Herschell- and had the impudence to assert in his bills, that a paper drawn up by himself on this subject, had been read before the Royal Astronomical Society in December Jast. In a discus- sion which followed the delivery of his nonsense—his igno- rance of the nature of the liubject was exposed by some well- timed and appropriate questions put to him by a gentleman present (a mere youth,)—and to prove that lie was a mere babbler upon what he presumed to be a lpcture-he talked largely of wliat Sir John Franklyn said and did when traversing the Southern Seas. Though he failed to convince his audience that the world was Hat, he did his best to prove that those who had any thing to do with him in Abergavenny, were not so sharp as they ought to have been—for he managed to leave the proprietors of the hall, his landlord, the printer, and the bill-sticker minus. Mr. Owen delivered a very interesting lecture in the Cymreigyddion Hall on Wednesday last, on Scripture His- tory and illustrated his theme by a vast variety of dissolving views. He will also deliver lectures on Astronomy on Thurs- day and Friday, May o and 4, in the same place; when it is hoped there will be a large attendance. It is annoueced that Mr. Popham, F.A.S., late of Win- chester college, who has lately been lecturing on Astronomy 111 1 ontypooi, Newport, Cardiff, Merthyr, and Tredegar, will visit our town on Monday, the '.50th instant. He brings with him, astronomical apparatus of the first order; and after an absence of ten years (for ten years ago he lectured in the old church to large and delighted audiences on the same subject) the face of an old friend is looked for with somewhat like pleasing anticipations and from what is said of his improve- ment, in the art of lecturing, disappointment is out of the question. CEICKHOWELL.—On Monday evening last, a meeting was held at the Calvinistic Methodist chapel, for the purpose of petitioning the Legislature, in favour of arbitration, instead of war. Arthur Gabell, Esq., was called to the chair; and the meeting was addressed by the Rev. John Lloyd, Wes- leyan minister; F. Franco, Esq., surgeon; E. Parry, Esq., surgeon and several other gentlemen. The meeting was well attended, and at the close nearly all the parties present signed the petition. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, for his able conduct in tho chair, the meeting separated.

CARDIFF SMALL DEBTS COURT. This court was held on Saturday, the 21st April, 1S49, before J. Wilson, Esq. A considerable number of cases were disposed of, none of which called for particular notice, except the following im- portant ejectment case, of CLINTON V. BATCHELOR. Mr. John Bird appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. James, of Mcrthyr, for the defendant. Mr. Bird, on opening the case, this S an action brought by the plaintiff, Mr. George Clinton, town-surteyor, of Cardiff, against ;Mr. John Batchelor, timber-merchant. The defendant rented the house he now lives in of Mr. Clinton, in September, 1846, subject to an agreerieTt mutually entered into between the parties at that time, and in the presence of Mrs. Clinton; who, at a future stage of thfe proCedings, would be prepared to prove the exact words used on that occasion. The terms on which Mr. Batchelor took the house were, that each party should be re- leased from his engagement on giving six months' notice, on any rent day," the usurl manner in which the plaintiff let his other houses. In accordance with these terms, the plaintiff sent a notice to the defendant, in September last, and his Honour would observe it was NOT TO QUIT, but to ADVANCE TiiE REST from £;311 to £40, on and after the 25th uf March following. The defendant, on receipt of this notice, imme- diately sent a notice to Mr. Clinton, of which the following is a copy Sm,-I hereby give you notice, that I shallle:¡ve the dwelling- house auti prem:se3 I now occupy, belonging to you, situate in Windsor Place, Parish of St. John the Baptist, Town of Cardiff, in the County of Glamorgan, on the 2.5th day of March next, 184. Dated this day, the twenty-fifth of September, 1848. I am, Sir, yours very obliged and faithfully," To George Clinton, Esq., JØHN BATCHELOR. Architect and Town Surveyor,- Or whnm else it may concern. At the expiration of this notice, the 25th of Match, bsing the regular rent day, Mr. Clinton, accompanied by Mr. John Morris, articled clerk to Mr. Evans, solicitor, waited on Mr. Batchelor and demanded possession of the house. Mr. Batched/paid Mr. Morris the half-year's rent, and to their astonishment Mr. Batchelor most emphatically denied having any knowledge of any legal notice previously given, and most decidedly objected to give up the house. Mrs. Clinton was then sworn, and proved the nature of the conversation between her husband and Mr. Batchelor, at the priod mentioned by Mr. Bird; recollected perfectly well the words on any rent day." Ann Sn'mnel, servant to Mr. Batehelor, proved that in Sep- tember last her master desired her to go to Mr. lienway, Secre- tary to the Taff Yale railway-companv, and he would give her a letter which she was to take to Mr. Clinton received a letter from Mr. Kcnway, could not tell if sealed ur not; it was then from ten to eleven o'clock at night; rung the bell at Mr. Clin- ton's, but obtained 110 answer to relurn tu her master, who immediately sent her back, and desired her to push the letter under Mr. Clinton's door, and also to particularly notice the time she did so. Returned back with the letter, and did exactly as her master commanded her. J. B. Stant. apprentice to Mr. Clinton, proved finding the notice under the door, at seven o'clock next morning, which he gave to Mr. Clinton. Mr. Batchelor said, that when he took the house of Mr. Clinton, he could not remember who was present, or the words used, "011 any rent day Made no memorandum of the agreement, which was nothing more than the usual manner of taking houses, payable every half-year; there were, however, two stipulations, which he would mention one was that he, (Mr. B.) was to take to the blinds and a few other articles, and the other that Air. Clinton shcnld paint and paper the house, which the has not dour. Mr. Batchelor concluded by stating, that on the receipt of Mr. Clinton's notice, he, on the spur of the moment, rather than he wOlllù submit to ;111 advance of rent, sent notice to 1\1r. Clinton, the legality of \hich he since doubted. Mr. James then addressed the court for the defence, and Mr. Bird for the plaintiff. His Honour said this was not a point oflaw, when the ftcts were ascertained,—the only question was the nature of the con- tract made between the parties there was no agreement drawn out, but a mere letting of the house, in the manner so clearly described by Mr. and Mrs. Clinton. The defendant seemed to have acted according to that arrangement, as Mr. Bird re- marked, when he sent a notice to the plaintiff to quit the house. He, therefore, thought, under those circumstances, Mr.Clinton was entitled to the possession of his house.

PONTYPOOL. 1 MUTUAL IMTROVBMENT SOCIETY.—Mr. John Rogers, 0 the Baptist College, Pontypool, has lately delivered a lecture at the ISatioual School-room, Crane-street, on the Principles and career of Napoleon Beounapai te." The lecturer presented his auditory with ja skilfully-arranged sketch of the principal events in the life of this important man, and then proceeded to an estimate of his character, which was remarkable for its fair- fairness and impartiality, and which, from the ability and elo- quence of tlie lecturer, elicited a simultaneous expression of approbation. At the close, S. Vernon, Esq., of the Bank, pro- posed a vote of thanks to Mr. Rogers, which was seconded by Mr. Davies, ironmonger, and unanimously accorded. We un- derstand that the Rev. Mr. Horwood will shortly deliver the last of three lectures on Natural History. The committee cannot be too highly commended for their exertions in providing lectures; this being the fourth which has been delivered since the 5th of March. We hope their labours will be justly appre- ciated and that the public will not be backward in its sup- port of the institution. TEA PARTY.—A tea party has been held at the Baptist chapel, Crane-street, on behalf of the Sabbath-school connected with that place. \V. W. Phillips, Esq., presided on the occa- sion. In the course of the evening, the meeting was addressed by Mr. Smith, the superintendent Mr. Lewis, of Bristol col- lege; Mr. Young, of Pontypool college; Mr. Davies, Mr. Havard, and the Rev. T. Thomas, on the improvement of the condition of the Sabbath-school. The attendance of children Havard, and the Rev. T. Thomas, on the improvement of the condition of the Sabbath-school. The attendance of children at present is not so large as the friends haveaccommodationfor; but measures were brought under the consideration of the meeting, which, if acted upon, will doubtless tend greatly to increase the number of scholars. We wish our friends every success in this important field of labour. PONTYPOOL FAIR.-TIHS fair, which was held on Monday, presented but a verv limited supplv ot stock for the shambles, with a dull sale. Lambs, which looked strong and health j, were in good request, and there were many ewes in fair condi- tion; but beef was interior. There was a large number of horses, and those of eligible appearance sold remuneratively, but the low-bred kefl'els went a begging. Of one description of stock, and that of a very dangerous description, namely, thieves there was an unprecedentedly large gathering, and so formidable by activity and concentration, that persons engaged in transactions of business were literally apprehensive of pulhug out their money to pay for purchases. Superintendent Roberts, however, soon cured this grievance he took four or five of the professional gentlemen out of the way of tempta- tion nnH cot a surveillance on others; four of these were next da m"rched out of the town by order of E. H. Phillips, Esq (there bein" no specific case proved against them,) and one was sent to correction for twenty-one days, on account of drunken- ness rioting, and window breaking. The gangs, it is said, were chiefly from Cheltenham and Gloucester; but there was nothing done in the conveyancing way this lime, thanks to our efficient police. The pleasure fair presented very varied attractions, and the booth people, merry-go-round turners, and gingerbread vendors, appeared to do pietty well. FATAL ACCIOENT.—Al out four o'clock on Monday morning last, Mr. John Rees, landlord ot the Carpenter's Arms beer- house, in this town,walllound lying in theLlmekllll quarry, near Trosnant, into which he had fallen, a depth of about 60 fee'. When discovered, he was quite insensible, having received *ery severe injiuiee on the head and body, from the effects of which he died about five o'clock the same evening. It appears that he was last seen about half-past seven o'clock on Sunday evening, sitting ¡ntoXICalc(1 on a bank at the side 01 the wad leading to Upper Kace. An inquest was held on Wednesday, befoie Mr. Hughes, Coroner, and a respectable jury tnd there being no evidence to show bow he fell into the quany, an open verdict was returned. ANOI UEK ACCIDENT.—While the jury were holding the above inquest, another fatal accident occurred 10 a little Rirl named Ann Price, niece ot Morgan Prothero, a haulier. It appears that the uncle had left his horse and cart standing by the road siile, in charge ot Henry Jarrett, when the horse took flight, and ran furious!y down Pound-lane the deceased, who was playing with some other children, was knocked dewn, the wheel passing over her body. An inquest was held before Mr. Hughes, Coro- ner, and the above jury, when a veidict ot Aceideutai death was returned.

FRANCE. FROM THE PARIS CORRESPONDENT OF THE MERLIN." PARIS, TUESDAY, April 24, 1849. It is hardly to be rxpcctcd that the next two or three weeks will pass ever without sonic excitement in a citv sn inflamable as is Paris as yet, with the exception of a slight demonstra- tion of discontent in consequence of the Socialists at the club St. Salle Martel being restrained from enticing the soldiery to listen to their harrangues, and the formation of a few groups near the Porte St. Denis in the evening, every thing has as yet passed off without any disturbance of the public peace. Last ui-rht there was a regiment paraded in the immediate neigh- bourhood of one 01 the most determined of the clubs, and as it marched through the Hue de la Paix to the Boulevards it created some little sc'nsatron, but as it was soon ascertained that nothing of moment had occurred, everything soon resumed its usual appearance. The Democrr tic and Socialist comimtt.ee for the elections is busily employed in attempting to gain an influence with the military, and many disagreeable circumstances have already arisen out of it, and there will be yet some difficulties to en- counter, but the authorities are pefectly satisfied with the good spirit that exists amongst the soldiers. Secret societies are s'.Uing; one of them was entered on Friday night, calling itself Amis de l'egalite some important seizures of papers and ammunition were made, and twenty-one persons arrested, Several writers connected with thc public juurnals have also been arrested. Trials are 5till going 011; Esquiroz, the editor of L'A,cusalclI"r Public, and Constant Ililbey, haTe surrendered the latter has been condemned to cighteen months imprison- ment and a fine of five hundred francs. How all these mea- sures, which prove that the ministry is determined to carry things with a high hand, will tend to render the government firm, must yet be seen. The troops which were destined for Civita Vccchia have at length embarked; it had been stated that shouts of Vive la Refublique H.omaine" had been heard, the Minister of the Interior, anxious to learn whether such really had been the case, conveyed a message by the telegraph to- the Prefect of the Rhone requesting him to ascertain thc fact; the reply by telegraph was that the report was totally without foundation. The embarkation took place with the greatest order, and no cry of any sort has taken place. The rumour of the day is that the King of Sardinia has called upon the National Assembly here to assist him with troops, and that a message will in the course of the present sitting, be sent from the President to that effect. The various different reports have very much influenced the funds, which are much lower than they were, and many very gloomy anticipations are entertained of the solvency of Austria should she be obliged to declare a national bankruptcy, of which there are suspicions, the greatest firms of Paris must be the largest sufferers. There has been nothing of European interest for the last few days in the National Assembly; the questions of finance, of caution money for the journals, of public advertisements, have principally occupied the time; there have been sundry squabbles of no great importance, and a vast deal of recrimi- nation upon subjects that have now lost their importance. As in a few days Assembly will give way to a new one, there is little now brought before it which can be avoided every eye is turned towards the rising sun, and most persons who wish to play an active part in the political world are commencing a canvas, but names are nut yet mentioned by the more influ- ential clubs; each party is still watching the other with the most intense interest. In some of the departments the influence of the clery is complained of; in Brittany a list of candidates, entirely royalists, has been secretly handed about, whilst openly there appears to be a majority in favour of a republic, but I suppose this is merely an electioneering trick, for, as in. Eng- land there is some allowance to be made during a canvass for some little duplicity. On Sunday, there was a grand review at Versailles, Louis Napoleon was received everywhere with the utmost ct,husiasm; the only cry, however, was Vive la Republique." The Cholera is very much abated—fever cases have occurred, within the last few days, and there has been much less mortality -still, however, the disease exists, and demands the greatest attention to cleanliness; almost all the sufferers in the hospitals have been persons of intemperate habits and dissolute character —the victims in the higher classes have been principally those of a broken down constitution who have been in warm rooms or badly ventilated assembles. In the provinces there has been but little mortality, comparatively speaking. A slight attack, to which the name of cholerine has been given, has been experienced by many persons the weather has predisposed persons to illness seldom has a month of April been altogether so comíortless- a cold bleak north-easterly wind, together with rain, snow, and hail, has rendered it impossible to go much in the open air, a privation which is much felt by the Parisian who cares but little for domestic comfort, and alwas seeks his injoy- ment as far from his home as he car: with any convenience, do, The beautiful country seat, built by Alexander Dumas, at Versailles, and which he called after his celebrated novel Monte Christo, was sold by auction last week. He had spent an enormous sum of money upon this fantastic edifice, but owing to the sad changes that have taken place in literary as well as other speculations, he was compelled to sell it. It was put up to auction at the modest price of three thousand francs, and was ultimately knocked down to some fortunate monied man for thirty thousand francs, which is said te be a tenth part of the sum the great romance writer had contrived to have expended upon it; a large portion of the furniture has not yet been paid for. The Opera is crowded every night to hear this wonderful pro- duction of Mayerbeer; it certainly is one of the most perfect performances that has ever yet been witnessed—it is brought out in a style that even surpasses all that has yet been done here the 6cenery is gorgeous. There is a skating scene, in which the dancers exhibit upon the ice in the most extraor- dinary manner, and there is a brilliant sun produced by the electric light, which dazzles and illuminates the whole house. It is supposed that it will be performed at least three hundred nights and even now places a.re taken for six weeks to come, such is the enthusiasm of the people tor any great display upon the stage. Cerrito took her leave on Monday night, being engaged at Stockholm; although everythihg was done to give eclat to the performance, yet the old favourite could scarcely draw a few people together, all attention being engrossed by the new claimaint to admiration. It is said that the celebrated composer Rossini has become deranged, in consequence of the alarm that he underwent during the outbreak at Bologna. The democratic party not knowing who he was, commenced an attack upon him, from which he was soon rescued but this had such an effect upon his imagination as completely to dis- turb his mind. He had just completed a new opeia, the subject of which was taken from Lord Byron's poem of Childe Harold. Rachel has been successful in a new drama, Adricnne Lecouvreur, which has been written purposely for her the houses are well-attended, but such has been the loss already sustained by the Theatre Francaise that it is supposed that it cannot remain open unless the Minister of the Interior will give some funds for its relief. Madame Doche, who is about to appear at the St. James's Theatre in London, has returned to the stage after a short absence; she will doubtless prove very attractive in England-her elegant manners, her beutiful toilette, and her position, which is something similar to that which was held by Mdmc. Vestris in London, will no doubt make her an object of curiosity, as well as her acting, which is of the highest kind in the more elegant department of comedy. Her house here is an object of great attraction to those who can gain admission into it. It is the most perfect bijou that ever was seen, filled with works of art of every description, and of the most magnificent presents which have from time to time been laid at her feet by some of the richest persons in Europe —admirers of her grace, her talent, and her varied charms. Most of the English visitors who came here for the Easter holidays, have left us; we have still, however, the Marquess and Marchioness of Ailesbury, the Marquess and Marchioness of Londonderry, and several distinguished families. We learn that Lady Blessington has taken a house here, and proposes to live entirely in Paris, where doubtless she will soon form a circle of the best society, to whom her writings and her abilities are well known. Our ner.s of to-day is that the Austrians have been com- pletely defeated by General Dembinski at Godollo, close to Pesth. He has taken twenty-six cannons, seven flags, and three thousand two hundred prisoners. Six thousand Austrians were left dead on the field of battle, whilst the loss of the Hun- garians is estimated at about two thousand killed and wounded. There is a report too that Vienna is in possession of the Hun- garians that the road to that capital is open, by the occupation of Raab, by Georgey, there is little doubt; there are, however, a thousand rumours afloat, the foundation for which must be slight. Thus it is said that the Hungarians have threatened Cracow; that the Austrian garrison has retired, leaving only four hundred men to garrison the arsenal. We have likewise different stories from Italy, upon none of which any reliance can be placed. Leghorn is said to have formed itself into a Republic. At Rome, the triumvirate now in power is accused of indolence, and of allowing plots to be formed. All that can really be known is that the promised peace of Europe appears as far off as it was this time last year and that so far from there being a hope of tranquillity, the elements of discord seem to be quite as much at work as they ever were. It is delightful in the midst of all the earthquakes of society to see one little island free from storms, and taking hints from what is passing around her, thinking how best the safety of her people can be preserved, and their happiness secured.