Monmouthshire Merlin

TO CORRESPONDENTS. The paragraph to which Observant alludes, did not ap- pear in the MERLIN. p "—Maclure, we understand, is an Irishman. Equitas. ,Yith the judgment of others, we have no- thing to do. We arc favoured with a long letter, signed with an index. The writer will be good enough to let us know his name.

READING FOR THE RURAL DISTRICTS. THAT enlightened young nobleman, Lord Stan- ley, has written to Sir Willoughby Jones, of Cranmer-hall, Norfolk, a letter which, besides embodying a practical scheme, propounds an opinion which is worthy of consideration, A scheme for forming, at certain points in that county, free libraries, with branches in the sur- rounding villages, had been set on foot, and his lordship, having been unable to attend a meeting n in connection with the plan, was requested to furnish some suggestions to the promoters. In r,cl doing this he says:—" You have got hold of the ri<Tht end of the education question, whilst politicians, both in and out of Parliament, are, for the most part, busying themselves with the wrong one. It is idle to expect that persons, who have no access to books, and who, there- fore, seldom or never read, will take pains to see that their children acquire the power of reading. Public libraries, whether wholly free, or open to subscribers at a low rate, are the most effectual instruments to create a demand for more and better schools. That done, the supply will soon follow." We cannot wholly subscribe to his lordship's view though it has partial truth in it. The little instruction in reading and writing which so many persons get in their youth, is undoubtedly lost for want of practice, in many cases; and that want of practice, in country places, may often be traced to want of books. So far, therefore, the supply of reading will do great good where it is most needed. Oa vhe other hand, the mere accessibility of books often fails, as many friends of education know, to stimulate persons to learn to read, or to send their children to school. Therefore too much must not be expected from it. His lordship proceeds:—"The evils which friends of know- ledge have now to fight against, is not poverty, nor prejudice, nor the want of qualified teachers (though all these obstacles operated until lat- terly), but sheer apathy and indifference on the part of the labouring class." This last assertion is corroborative of an opinion we have often advanced. It is not so much the want of op- portunities, as the want of a desire to use them, that keeps thousands of children from our schools. But the noble lord only shows how limited is his acquaintance with the state of the poor, when he taiks of poverty not being felt by agricultural labourers, when food is at such a price as at present. 1 he school fee they -night pay, but they cannot do without the small wages which their children earn. To return, however, to Lord Stanley's plan, it is one of great excellence, and we should be glad to see it adopted iu every county with the addition suggested by a London contempo- rary, that the free libraries and reading-rooms should be made the means of supplyiug the rural population with serials which they could not purchase, since they undoubtedly do set a great value upon having books ol their owu.

THE MiillLlN'S NOTES OF THE WEEK. THE accounts which reached England by the last mail, dissipate all apprehensions of war with, but exhibit a state of things far from creditable_to, the great model Re- public of the new world. We see there parties upon parties, not struggling for the good of the public, but each actuated by, and deeply studying, the most sel- fish and personal interests. No high-wrought aspira- tions arc there seen to sway the public mind—no soar- ings from earth to heaven—no light welling from the Capitol—no Greek or Roman virtue-all gross, unadul- terated materialism—with the actions and feelings of a Scaurus, and none of the instincts of a Cincinnatus or a Cato influencing and directing the thoughts and ac- tions of the public men of the Union. If there be corruption on this side of the Atlantic, we witness its flood-gates opening on the other; and in the contests for the Presidential throne-if we are not appalled at the outpouring of the blood that wetted the path over which the elected monarch of unhappy Poland strode to the crown-we witness intrigue, civic strife, unawed calumny, reckless bearing-a spirit determined never to submit or yield, a "know-nothingism" of "any- thingism" but ultimate and complete success! And why all this ? Why this abnegation of all that the pure in heart and high in soul should desire and pant for? Alas! melancholy and humiliating the answer !-Pelf; Pelf! There are eighteen hundred places at the dis- posal of the American President, and eighteen hundred pure patriots ate prepared to support, and even to die for the chief of their choice." Each one thinks him- self sure of a place, and hence the pandering to what ever may be the passion of the day, or even the moody madness of the hour. A war with England and a siding with Russia has been a favourite topic with the stump orators" of the far West, as well as with the "ad- vanced politicians of the cities; and hence demonstra- tions were made and designs bruited—such as the seizing of Cuba and the invasion of Ireland! Resum teneatis i and when our funsters, instead of folding their arms, smiling at menace, and feeling that The castle's strength would laugh the siege to scorn put a fleet of the Queen's in motion, they are laughed at by all sober and reflecting Americans, for for an instant thinking that the government contemplated war—that the cry was not got up for electioneering purposes, and would end with the strife of the "tickets." Our good cousins know their interests too well; they want no con- flict-and least of all, a conflict with us—gallant and powerful as no doubt they are. Identified with us in blood, language, and literature, they should be with us in heart and soul in the war we are waging with the Czar. But they are not; and the truth must be told, however unpalatable it may be to English ears. That Philo- Russians abound in the laud of Washington and Franklin, there is no doubt-that success is hoped for on the side of the Muscovite—while disaster and dis- comfiture are desired to be seen awaiting and attending on our arms, cannot, unfortunately, be gainsayed. Every statement made in favour of Russia and dispraise of England, is eagerly sought after, instantly believed, and widely promulgated. All our readers have no doubt heard of the famous Doctor Davega, who has recently published his experience of Russia, and told his country- men much about the Crimea that few knew before, and few will care for hereafter, and which will never de- secrate a page of contemporary history. He landed at New York, like Bombastes in the play, pregnant with news but like that mighty General, he first said to his Sovereign, the" mighty people," -Ere that news I tell, Let me first hope your MAJESTIES are well." He, it appears, retreated with Gortsehakoff, across the far-fameu bridge-was for some time safely "located" on the northern side-while the poor beaten French and English were cowering beneath the blood-stained ruins" on the southern extremity. All was noble generalship on the part of the Russian commander-all wretched and miserable tactics on the part of Pelissier and Bosquet- while the doings of Simpson and Co.'s soldiers were un- worthy the notice of the American Zenophon of Sebas- topol. The Doctor may, or may not, be a learned disciple ip of Esculapius, but there can be no doubt that although he lies not like truth, yet He most truly lies." He seems to have the blood of Ferdinand Mendez Pinto in his veins; in fact, with all due deference, and without meaning to be in the slightest degree offensive, he must be pronounced to be a liar of the first magnitude for, if he be not that respectable character, wo must in cha- rity suppose that there was on the northern side of Sebastopol one of those telescopes described in the Arabian Xights' Entertainments, which, by looking through, enabled any one to see what he wished, at any and every distance. By such means only could the Doctor have seen the French and Britishers" cowering, as he saw them, and trembling for their future safety, amid the blood-stained ruins, and apprehending that almighty smash" that was soon to overwhelm them. The Doctor saw everything in favour of the Muscovite, and nothing in favour of the Allies, and was quite insen- sible of the noble blood poured out like rain, on the Ma- lakoff and the Redan. To follow the Doctor further, would be a waste of words but it is really melancholy to finl American sense, honour, and manliness thus per- mitting themselves to be abused and deluded, by giving ear to whatever tale a Yankee Doodle" may forge, in favour of the arch-enemy of Freedom, and against those gallant men who are nobly combatting in her sacred and i. holy cause. A GREAT name has just gone out in Franee-MOLF. It belonged to as honest and consistent a statesman as ever directed the counsels of a great country. Some years ago, his name was in every one's mouth, but since the Revolution in February, it has been seldom spoken, and with many it has no doubt been entirely forgotten- Such are the consequences of the rapidity with which events move in France; such the result of the many shiftings of the scenes such the confusion caused by the many bows and exits on the great political stage of public life. Mole was no common man-sterling honesty was the polar star of his life; he was above trick, and knew not dissimulation, and he never took an oath which he did not keep. The reader may say, why praise him for this? Why extol a man for not being a perjurer! Pardon, gentle friend, Count Mole's conduct formed an exception, and not the rule, of French functionaries since the days of her first Republic. He was true to the great X apaleon, and for not betraying him, like the Talley- rands, the Fouches, and the Marmontes, he was neg- lected, if not persecuted, by the elder Bourbons. He was the best counsellor Louis Phillippe ever had, and by his influence, we believe, alone, was peace preserved in 184:0, when Thiers wanted to light up war between England and France. He had long ceased to be minister of the Monarch of July, when that monarch fell by persevering in the system of corruption which long shadowed forth his doom. Mole took no part in auairs after the Republic succeeded the Monarchy, and the Empire followed the Republic. He lived and died in the retirement he thought befitting his years, his vir- tues, and his philosophic habits. When in the world, no man lived more for others, or was more devoted to elegant and refined enjoyments; and those who had the privilege of attending the re-unions iu his magnificent ho'.el, near the Faubourg St. Honore, some years ago, can never forget the impression his calm aspect, his dignified demeanour, and the treasures of his rich mind liberally poured out, made upon them. Fare thee well! high and noble man! GENERAL SiMrsox has returned from the Crimea with his suite—many of the old ones, we hope-and the com- mand of our army in the Crimea has now devolved upon General Codrington. The appointment is stated to be a popular one indeed, many speak of Codrington as the man of the day, who is to trample upon routine, and show the world what a young General of FIFTY can do. If he proves himself to be possessed of military genius, now not to be found in any of our older Generals, with the solitary exception of De Lacy Evans—and he, alas may be said, from years and disease, to be unfit for ser- vice in the field—he may rest assured that the country will sustain him, and that he will not require at home a friend and. a brother, two powerful Ministers, to support him, as Wellington did; but the supplies of men and money will be furnished to him with no sparing hand. He will have a fair and noble trial, and all men wish him success. Poor Gen. Simpson was forced into a posi- tion unfit for him. He is much to be commiserated, for he is recalled from active service for his country's good." Many liked the man, for his good and amiable qualities, and on his departure from the Crimea, many would say, Vale! but none Plaudite! With him, for ever goes out military old Fogyism in England If we can give credit to the notes of triumph in the French papers—the confident announcements bruited in the saloons of Paris, General Canrobert has succeeded in his mission, and a great Scandinavian league is about to be formed against Russia. Should this prove true, im- mediate peace will follow, if the Emperor and his advi- sers are not prepared to see not only the decline," but the absolute "fall" of the once colossal empire of the north. There is something important at hand, or the Times, which possesses sources of information peculiarly its own, would not have put forth the remarkable article it did on Thursday. In that article, after enumerating the evils of absolute rule, and the impossibility of finding honest counsellors, while the handwriting is on the wall, the able writer proceeds to say that adversity is found, at last, to be the terrible and only true adviser, and he justly asks the question, What is Russia coming to ?— what is the end of its long cherished scheme of con- quest? All its boasts are vain. Its boundless territory is become a prison; its army is half destroyed; its hordes' are exhausted its fleets rot in harbour or at the bottom its ports are closed its fortresses blockaded or burnt; it has suffered defeat after defeat, not only from respectable rivals, but from that very neighbour whom a few months ago it thought beneath contempt. Yet all these actual disasters are as nothing compared with those which may reasonably be feared. When more myriads of serfs have been dragged from their labours to perish on their Jong march, or on that grave of Russia at the extremity of her empire, at last will come a time when her weakness will be felt, and when no stimulus, no delirium, can postpone or disguise her utter prostration. When that which all fear is manifestly no more, when the giant is helpless, then every foe, without or within, whoever can rebel, invade, or reclaim, rise again, divide, or spoil, will seize the opportunity. Already the Caucasian tribes are recovering their own. One word, and 60,000 Scandinavians re-occupy their own Finland, and put the very capital in danger. Next spring Bessarabia will begin to revert to its old masters- When every other neighbour is getting back its property, is it possible to imagine the Poles dead to history ? Never saw the world such a ruin as that which a few years, or even a few months, may bring. Yet who is there to warn Russia ? Who is there that has not an interest in her destruction ? From Austria, indeed, some friendly advice might have been expected, but it is Austria's rule to profit by the weakness and divisions of others and till Austria can bit the hnppy moment between the dan- gerous preponderance and the equally dangerous prostra- tion of Russia, she is not likely to interfere with much effect. Should she now interfere, it only shows that, in her opinion, that happy moment has come." And further—■" One stroke of the pen on the part of England, and Russia will have to find one hundred thousand men for the defence of her northern frontiers!" Is this the announcement that Germany in England" will cea: e to be one of the protectors of Russia, and that the cant phrase of not humiliating and dismembering that empire is no more to be heard in high places, to the dis- gust and well-merited indignation of the people of ENGLAND ?

MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY. Statement of Traffic Receipts, week ending November 24th, 1853 Passengers £ 321 11 8 Goods and Minerals 1864 0 7 Total £ 2185 12 3

NEWPORT, ABERGAVENNY, AND HEREFORD RAILWAY. Return of Traffic for the Week ending November 25th, 1855 and corresponding week, 1854. 1855. 1854. Passengers, Parcels,Carriages, Horses, and Mails £ 274 5 5 £ '248 19 1 Merchandise, 519 13 4 398 12 8 B79313 9 JS64711 9

SOUTH WALES RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURN. For the Week ending 25dl November, 1855. £ 5480 15 11 Corresponding Week, 1854 £ 4461 0 2

THE TREDEGAR HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, Dec. 3rd Michaelstone Wednesday, 5th Marshfield Friday, ,,7th Cluppa Park Each day at half-past eleven o'clock.

NEWPORT BURIAL BOARD—WEDNESDAY. Present—The Rev. E. Hawkins (in the chair); and Messrs- Morrison, H. J. Davis, Latch, Moore, Jones, and Dowling. The minutes of the last meeting were read, and the fol- lowing report presented by Mr. Davis The sub-committee have to report that they attended at the cemetery on the 18th, and met Mr. Cavalli there that they inspected the ground allotted to the Roman Catholics, and the piece of ground lying between the same and the ground allotted to the members of the Esta- blished Church, on the north of the brook, which it is determined to keep unappropriated for the present. And they are of opinion that the path, leading from the present carriage drive, should be widened to 12 feet, by throwing a portion of the said reserved piece into the road, and that a circle should be formed in such reserved ground, to enable carriages to turn." A long discussion ensued as to the appropriation of the ground and in answer to a question as to the necessity there existed for Mr. Cavalli applying for a further addi- tion to the ground already appropriated to the Roman Catholics, Mr. Dowling said it was originally intended that a por- tion of the ground should be set apart, and remain unap- propriated until a necessity for its appropriation, or a part thereof, should arise. Now, in consequence of its having been understood that parts of the ground so allotted to the Roman Catholics would be required for funeral carriage- roads, and other portions which could not be applied to the burial of the dead, it was found that the portion of the ground which could be applied by the Roman Catholics for the purposes intended, would be so circumscribed, that it was believed that the Rite of consecution would not be granted. Hence the application, by the Rev. Mr. Cavalli, for an addition, was made, as it was conceived that the necessity had arisen for requiring a portion of the unappropriated ground. Mr. H. J. Davis said the ground had been all appro- priated. Mr. Dowling replied that he understood there was a portion of the cemetery which was not appropriated, and would not be used by any sect or denomination until a necessity for it arose. Mr. Davis said the ground had been appropriated to un- consecrated purposes. Mr. Dowling Most assuredly it had been resolved to reserve a portion of the ground when the allotments were being made, an I when Mr. Cavalli had applied for a por- tion of the ground so reserved, in consequence of the cir- cumstance previously mentioned, Mr. Mullock had sug- gested that the part required for the drive should be taken from the unappropriated ground. Mr. Jones wished to know why it was that a faculty could not be obtained for the consecration of a small as well as for a large piece of ground. Was it because it would give the bishop more trouble ? Mr. Davis said the real reason for the application was, that Mr. Cavalli did not consider the ground large enough. Mr. Woollett had said there was enough of ground to last them 80 years, but Mr. Cavalli had stated it was neces- sary they should have ground enough to last for 200 years, or it would be useless for him to apply to the Bishop to consecrate it. Mr. Cavalli complained, at the time the members of the committee saw him on the subject, that ho had received nothing but insults from the Bo;ird but he (Mr. Davis) was not aware that any insult had been offered him. Mr. Latch thought they were labouring under a mis- take, for the ground had been appropiiated to the use of Dissenters and Roman Catholics. It was a mistake to say it was unappropriated. The Chairman referred to the minutes, and it was found that the ground had been unappropriated in the manner mentioned in the first instance, by a resolution of the Board but that such resolution had been subsequently cancelled by the same authority. Mr. Dowling had been under the impression that a por- tion of the ground had not been appropriated. As to the portion allowed to the other denominations of Christians, it appeared so large, that ona would suppose it would not be occupied until the Millenium. He was exceedingly sorry that Mr. Cavalli should have supposed himself per- sonally insulted, as ho (Mr. Dowling,) WHS not aware that any insult had been offered by that Board, either to that ern gentleman, or to any Roman Catholic. He had been asked by Mr. Jones how far the faculty of consecration was affected by the size of the piece of ground, and if it was because it would be giving the Bishop more trouble. The fact was, that the portion of ground allotted to them was so exceedingly limited, that it might be deemed too small to consecrate it as the burial-place of a numerous community. The original allotment was very small, and when the drives, the strip of ground where the trees were, and the site intended for building a chapel, were taken out, the remainder of the ground would not be more than about half-an-acre. Ho wai quite sure convenience or inconvenience to the Bishop was not considered a difficulty. Mr. Davis said the ground allotted to them was more than the whole of the ground in St. Woollos churchyard. Mr. Dowling said that Mr. Cavalli was under the im- pression that the necessity referred to had arisen, and hence the reason of the application. Mr. Jones expressed his regret that he had not been able to attend the two or three last meetings of the Board. He believed the laud had been divided in such a manner, as to meet the wants of tho town, and lie did not know why the Hoard should be everlastingly troubled with discus- sions about the division of this laud. He was not aware as to the manner in which the land had been appropriated; neifhsr did be want to know but he believed it bad been appropriated in such a manner as to give general satisfac- tion, and he bad no doubt that when the necessity for more ground really exis ed, the parties by whom the un- dertaking had been so liberally supported—the public- would be found ready to come forward to supply them with more. The Roman Catholics had already sufficient ground to last them for forty years, and he did not see any necessity for their asking for more at present. He under- stood that the application arose from some religious pecu- liarities—they could not bury their dead by tlieside of the brook, nor near the trees but he thought the land ought not to be wasted in such a way. He did not like the man- ner in which Mr. Cavalli had spoken. He (Mr. Jones) did not know Mr. Cavalli, but he presumed from his name that he was an Italian and an alien. As a man, lie (Mr. Jones,) would not submit to be dictated to, by a priest of any kind and Mr. Cavalli, as an alien, had no right to expect the Board to do everything he required of them. Ho thought they had in this matter done fairly in the sight of the law. The plans had been submitted to the proper authoiiti> s, and he considered Mr. Cavalli had no occasion of complaint. The Board had acted rightly in this matter, and he had no doubt they would do so in forty years hence. In forty years they might be all Catholics, and no Protestants; at the end of forty years, they might be all Protestants, and no Catholics; but, at all events, he had no doubt that their successors at the Board at that time would do the public justice, as they had done. Ho regretted A at they had agreed to the building of a chapel, for he did not know why all parties, as Christians, could not make use of the same chapel. Mr. Dowling had no desire to encourage acrimony in their discussions but his friend 1Ir. Jones had uttered observations which he (Mr. D.) considered he was not justified in making, and with a warmth too which was un- called for. He did not think Mr. Jones had any right to infer tht Mr. Cavalli was an alien. He (Mr. Dowling) believed that he was a naturalised British subject, and as such was entitled to the same rights and privileges as Mr. Jones. He had never known anything but gentlemanly conduct to characterise Mr. Cavalli. Sir. Jones had spoken his mind on the subject, but he did not wish his opinion to go forth as those of the Board. illr. H. J. Davis was glad to hear that, and he hoped Mr. Cavalli would not say that the Board had given him any insult. Mr. Latch said that according to Mr. Mullock's calcula- tion, there was sufficient ground, at the present rate of mortality, to last eighty years. Mr. Dowling would take Mr, Mullock's calculation, and assume it to be correct, inasmuch as he was a gentleman n of some experience in the management of a cemetery, and consequently a good authority but the difficulty as it ap- peared, was not so much in respect to the number of graves the ground would be sufficient for, as that the por- tion of land was not sufficient to obtain the Rite of conse- cration at the commencement. The Chairman said that was still the difficulty, and it appealed that they were not in a position to remove it. He could not understand why they could not obtain a faculty for its consecration. Mr. Davis said the great objection with Mr. Cavalli was, that he did not think he had obtained his fair share. That was the main point. The report of the sub-committee was then adopted. Mr. Latch said there was very little more work to be done in the grounds at the cemetery, and he thought it might be all completed by half-a-dozen men in about a week. The Secretary applied to the Board for permission to get duplicate keys for the cemetery. The keys at present in use were kept by the sexton, and it was desirable, for the convenience of the public, that duplicate keys should be provided, and kept by the secretary. The application was granted. The Secretary said it was also desirable that a tool house should be erected, as at present there was no place for the tools, and they were consequently exposed to the weather. It was objected that a separate building for the purpose would not be desirable, and after some further conversation, Mr. Moore consented to look at the plans, and see if some accommodation of the kind could not be provided at the lodge. A letter from Mr. Jones, the contractor, asking for an advance of money, was read, and it was agreed that the Board should advance the sum of £40, making the total amount advanced, JE140. The Secretary, in answer to a question from Mr. Jones, said that their income was increasing, but it was not yet quite so large as their expenditure. Mr. Morrison having called the attention of the Board to a cross which surmounted one of the entrance gates, and to which he had a strong objection, a conversation of some length took place on the subject. The Chairman thought there was not the least objection to it, as the cross was a symbol of salvation to all Christians; and Mr. Jones, Mr. Davis, with most of the other members of the Board concurring, the subject was dropped. The Board then separated.. < j

THE WAR AND THE PRESS. On Wednesday evening last a lecture was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Carveth, at the Wesley an Preform Chapel, Hill-street, on "The progress, justice, and influence of the war, as described in the English journals and also on the conduct of the press in reference to the expulsion of Victor Hugo, and his brethren in exile, from the island of Jersey." Considering the importance of the subject, and the general interest everything connected with it is in- vested, it is rather surprising that the reverend lecturer was not honoured with a more numerous attendance on the occasion than he was. The few persons who were present, however, paid great attention to the remarks of the lecturer, and appeared, from the applause which was occasionally elicited, to agree with his views. Mr. Carveth commenced his subject by telling his audience that he had been asked with some considerable de- gree of gravity, why it was that he concerned himself so much about the w ar. That was a plain and serious question, and he would, as far as he was able, endeavour to give it a plain and serious answer. In the first place, he concerned himself about the war because, as the head of a family, he had to pay more for every particle of food his family consumed. The war also concerned him as a free citizen it affected the interest, the freedom, and the prosperity of his fellow countrymen, and therefore he felt himself doubly concerned in this important matter. He was also concerned as a man-as a very unimportant member of the great congregation of human beings exist- ing throughout Europe. The war not only concerned them individually, but it vitally concerned those countries engaged in this painful struggle, and it was our duty, he conceived, whilst considering the effect it had upon our- selves, (to ask how it affected the interests of our fellow- men in other countries. The war also concerned him as a Christian, and as a Christian minister, inasmuch as it was contrary to the teachings of the Piince of Peace and he should bewantinginloyaltytotho Prince of Peact if he were to be an indifferent spectator of this war. He considered it was his duty to raise his voice against it, and to assist in promoting the establishment of peace. The present aspect of the war was gloomy, and portentions of evil, and it was a question which should be discussed gravely, solemnly, and, as far as practicable, calmly, and dispassion- ately. Perhaps there was no subject more difficult to look at calmly, for it was an exciting topic but it was the duty of all to discuss it in a dispassionate manner. They were frequently told that war, although an evil, was sometimes a necessary and justifiable evil. He did not know whether his views were sound or not, but he was in- clined to think there was no necessity for or justice in evil, this war had been declared to be both a necessary and a just war; but it was one thing to declare it just, and quite another to prove its justice. The most unnecessary and unjust war that had ever been waged, had been declared by its authors to be both necessary and just, but that declaration proved nothing. This country, through its public newspapers, had pronounced a verdict in its own favour, and declared the war to be both necessary and just but, of course, the press of Russia had declared the war to be unnecessary and unjust, ard had pronounced a verdict in their own favour. It was reasonable to suppose, that if ajman were judge and jury in his own ca,e, he would find a verdict of acquittal and it was the same with a nation. But whilst the journalists of this country had pronounced the war to be a necessary and just one, the journalists of America were of quite a different opinion and it was a maxim with him, and he believed it would generally hold good, that a thitd party was more likely to be able to, decide as to the justice or necessity of a quarrel, than those who were engaged in .it. America was more closely of akin to England than to Russia, in politicil relationship. and if a doubt existed in regard to the matter, would be more likely to decide in favour of England. In Russia, the sovereignty was lodged in the hands of a single indi- vidual out of sixty-four millions of beings, while in America, it was vested in the entire people. The autocracy I of Russia and the democracy of America were antagonistic; yet the journalists of the latter country had declared the present war to be both unnecessary and unjust, and some importance, he thought, ought to be attached to their opinion. In this country, even, some of the journalists had pronounced the war to be unnecessary, and the same opinion prevailed amongst a large number of ministers of the gospel, statesmen and the people. As a proof of this, he need only refer to Mr. Cobden, Mr. Bright, and others who formed the Peace Society. The war was really caused, in the first place, by a dispute respecting some places in Jerusalem, called holy places. Three of them were occu- pied by the Roman Catholics and members of the Greek Church in common, of which latter the Czar was the acknowledged head but a misunderstanding having arisen between them, the Greeks were expelled, in consequence of which certain negociations were opened between Russia and Constantinople, and as her rights, which had been granted by treaty, were violated, Russia assumed a menacing attitude. He thought it right to state that the Emperor of Russia was not the first to speak of using force for the purpose of compelling the Sultan to decide the question with respect to the holy places. The Emperor of France, claiming to be the protector of the Latins in the dominions of the Sultan, was the first to threaten that if their claims were not complied with, he would send his ships into the Turkish waters. The foreign Powers drew up a note, the terms of which were considered to be sufficient to secure the independence and integrity of Turkey. It was submitted to the British and French Cabinets, and approved of by them. It was afterwards submitted to the Emperor of Russia, and he accepted the terms proposed by the friends of Turkey yet, because the Sultan did not wish to comply with the terms of that note, England and Fiance had declared in his favour-in favour of the man who had rejected their terms, and against the man who had accepted them Would any one, then, say that the war was either necessary or just? It was clear that the ministerl who framed the note believed, that if the terms of it were complied with, there would be no necessity for the war. Russia had complied with the terms of that note, so that there was no reason for England and France to have gone to war with her, and therefore they had acted in an unjustifiable manner in so doing. With regard to the objects of the war, no definite and fixed opinion seemed to have been formed. It was said that its object was the maintenance of the independence and integrity of Turkey but that object was secured by the Vienna note. Another object was said to be the maintenance of the balance of power, by which he supposed was meant, that Russia should not have more political influence or power than other governments in Europe. This was a question of power rather than of right It might be desirable to limit the power of Russia iu order to maintain the balance of power in Europe, but he questioned very much if the matter was of so much in order to maintain the balance of power in Europe, but he questioned very much if the matter was of so much importance as to justify them in maintaining this expensive war. Another object was said to be the advancement of civilization and freedom • but this was a fallacy, as war was barbarous and brutal in the extreme, and it took many years to restore coun- tries which had been the theatre of war, to the same ap. pearance they presented before the war commenced. He thought that before they, as a nation, talked of fighting the battles of freedom for other countries, an effort should be made to obtain the political emancipation of the un- enfranchised millions at home. The masses of the people in this country bad no more political existence than the serfs of Russia, and he thought they ought to commence by emancipating their own fellow-countrymen, before fighting the battles of other people. If he could whisper into the ear of the French Emperor, he would say, before I you fight the battle of freedom for other lands, tako the I gag from the mouth and the manacles from the limbs of the French nation permit freedom of parliamentary dis- cussion and freedom of the press, and then you may talk of European freedom. Another object of the war was I said to be that we might secure peace—we were quarelling | that we might not quarrel—fighting that we might I not fight! But the effect must correspond with the cause, | and it was impossible, in the nature of things, for war to engender peace. If Russia were to be thrashed as much as some think she ought to be thrashed, she would only burn with indignation, and pant for an opportunity of re- taliation,and of regaining that position and status she occu- pied before she was thus humiliated by the other European Powers. We were told, too, that the war must be carried on until the Western Powers were in a position to dictate the terms of peace to Russia. Such was the language of the journalists. But what right had they to dictate to Russia the terms on which peace would be granted ? As a man, he would not submit to the dictation of any other man and no nation ought to submit to the dictation of any other nation. There was something, he thought, so very inconsistent about it. Then as to the progress of the war, it had been marked with disaster and disappointment. The press had indulged in representations the most ex- aggerated respecting it every little success had been mag- nified into a decisive victory. They had heard a great deal about the bombardment of tsweaborg-tliey were told that Sweaborg was no more; but it soon became known that the utmost which had been accomplished there wa.s the destruction of the combustible materials which the place contained. The fortifications had been left in their former condition, as strong as they wero before the mighty bombardment took place. The predictions of the press in regard to the war had been most fillacious. They had been grounded on the assumption that the Russian troops were not able to compete with European troops but in the defence of Sebastopol, the Russians had shown that they were quite able to grapple with us. Then we were told that the troops were starving, and when the battle of the Tchernaya was fought, the journalists said, that so great was the destitution in the Russian army, that Prince Gortsehakoff had recourse to the desperate expe- dient of leading out his men against the English troops, and exposing them to a murderous fire, for the purpose of getting rid of them. Then it was said that the internal resources of Russia were very limited, and this was inferred from the fact that before the war broke out, the revenue of the country was only £ 24,000,000 sterling per annum. But it could not be inferred from the fact that the revenue was small, that the resources of the country were limited. In America, for instance, the re- venue was not large but no one would say that in conse- quence the resources were limited. Now, the press pre- dicted that the war would soon be brought to a close, as Russia could not produce a sufficient number of men to carry it on but it was probable that this prediction was as fallacious as those which had been previously uttered. Again, its influence had been and still was of the most pernicious kind. The country has been spending a million and a quarter every week in carrying on the war, and that money must be raised in the shape of taxes or loans. The money expended in war during the last 150 years had amounted to £1,400,000,000 sterling. Of that amount, some £600,000,000 was raised at the time the war was raging, and the remainder was borrowed, and now con- stituted what was called, the national debt. If there had been no war, the English nation would not have had to pay some S30 000,000 of interest. Therefore he thought bewaa justified in saying that war had a pernicious in fluence on taxation. It increased, also, the price of the nocessaries of life. Some eighteen months ago, there ap- peared in the Times a calculation showing that the head of every family consisting of five persons had, in consequence of the existing war, to pay L5 10s. annually more than he would have had to pay if there had been no war. Great quantities of grain were formerly brought from Russia,, which now could not be obtained thence, and corn had consequently risen in price, as the demand remained the- same while the supply was diminished by so much as for- merly came from Russia. The war had affected the price of other articles of consumption also.The value of money had increased for interest had increased from 31 to 7 per cent. Another subject on which he was to address them, was. the conduct of the press in reference to the expulsion of the political refugees from the island of Jersey. They had been told that the object of the war was the promotion of the cause of freedom but they saw in this matter, that its fruit was not freedom, but the reverse. Some time since, the Queen visited France, and was received in a cordial manner by the Emperor of that country. He had no desire to make this a matter of complaint but persons vary in their sentiments and opinions, and some of the French refugees thought they had a right to complain of it, and they did so in a letter which they addressed to the Queen. He did not intend to defend that letter. The letter was first published in some of the London journals, and in about eighteen days afterwards, it appeared in a journal conducted by the French refugees in the island of Jersey. It bore the signatures of its authors, and there- fore the authorities would have no difficulty in detecting and punishing them if there was anything treasonable in that letter. The people of Jersey did not file a criminal information against them, but the directors of the journal were banished from the island, for the letter which ap- peared in its pages; without trial, too, they were sent away in the most unceremonious and un-English manner. In consequence of this, Victor Hugo, in conjunction with his two sons, and some thirty other of his brother exiles, protested against their summary expulsion, and they, also, were banished, without charge, without crime, and without the opportunity of defending themselves in a court of justice. These were the simple facts; and he wished to call their attention to the principle involved in the expulsion of these refugees. The first principle n.

THE MONMOUTHSHIRE HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday Dec. 3rd Lanthewy Court. Thursday 6th. Dingestow Bridge. At lialf-past ten.

A TASTE FOR CHEESE.—A wicked urchin stole a cheese from the shop door of Mr. S. Harse, Llanarth- street, on Wednesday evening last, and managed, being "swift of foot," to avoid being captured. HORSE ACCIDENT.—On Monday last, as J. Greenfield, Esq was out with the Monmouthshire hounds, his horse, in clearing a fence, came in contact wi;h the splinter of a piece of sawed oak, which ran through the hoof little 9 hopes are entertained of the recovery of the horse, which was a spirited and valuable animal. FOWLS STOLEX.— A few days since nine fowls were stolen fiom the farm-yard of Mr. Moses Scard, Courty- bella. The district constable and the police are on the alert after parties suspected of the theft. A vacancy has occurred in Williams's alms houses, on Stow-hill, by the death of an inmate named Bevan, an old and honest inhabitant of this town. The sale of household furniture, wine, &c., at Glan Mor, on Monday and Tuesday last, by Mr. Partridge, auctioneer, of Stow-hill, obtained extraordinarily high prices, consi- dering the depression of the times. CORRECT LIKENESSES.—The inhabitants of Pontypool now have an opportunity afforded them by Mr. Beauford, an accomplished photographic artist, of living in minia- ture." Mr. Beauford's process is rendered independent of the state of the weather, by his ingenious Daguorreo- type Accelerator and correct likenesses may be relied upon.See ,:(!vt. FATAL ACCIDENT.-Oil Friday last, Morris Bebb, a breaksman in the employment of the Blaina Company, while in the act of leaning over the buffers of two trucks, in order to connect them together, was accidentaliy caught between the buffers, and severely crushed. The poor fellow was removed from Pontaberbeeg, where the accident happened, to his residence, at Dumfries Place, Newport, where he died on Monday morning. Deceased was a very steady and trustworthy person, and much esteemed by the Blaina Company in whose employment he had been en- gaged for several years. NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET.—Beef (prime), 6^d.; mutton (best qnalify), 6.Jjd. pork, 10s. to 10s. 6d. per score. Supply limited. CHRISTCHURCH FAIR.—This annual fair, held on Thursday last, near the Royal Oak, Christchurch, was numerously attended, and well supplied with stock. Mr. Rennie, Mr. Logan, Mr. Keene, the Rev. T. Pope, Mr. Williams (Maesglaes), Mr. John Milner, and Mr. Joseph Wilcox tDecoy Pool) sold some very fine heifers, of the Herefordshire breed. A few capital oxen also changed owners, at high prices, two having been sold by Mr. R Keene, for £ 40 each. The stock generally, fetched remu- nerative prices, ranging from G.1. to 6Ad. per 11): During and after the fair, about 200 breakfasted and dined at the Royal Oak, the choice fare being provided by Mr. Clark, of the Cross Keys Inn, Newport. We understand that Captain Morgan, of the Rifles, is under orders to join his brigade. The leave of absence guaranteed to the gallaat gentlemen, is deemed by his friends very limited, considering the invalided state in which he returned from the Crimea. MAGISTRATES' COURT.—In our report of the case of the Guardians of the Poor v. the Overseers of St. U oollos," it was stated that Mr. Lewis had said the old rate was not half collected W hat Mr. Lewis intended to have said was, that the uncollected rate was not half enough to pay the call made on the overseers." ° DISTRICT HEAD-QUARTERS.—It is stated that the head-quarters of the South Wales military district will be removed from Carmarthen either to Pembroke or Newport. The barrack accommodation at the latter place is very commodious, and at Pembroke new barracks are to be erected, while at Carmarthen there are no military quarters. The want of such was severely felt when the militia were under drill last summer. FIRST DEVON MILITIA.—This fine regiment furnished, on Tuesday last, its third batch of volunteers for the regular service. It consisted of fifty-six Don-commis- sioned officers and men, who volunteered into the following regiments :—Royal Artillery, 12 5th Dragoons, 2 15th Hussars, 1; 11th Foot, 9; Royal Marines, 11 55th Foot, 21 Total, 56. These men, with a surplus which remained when the last commission was given to this corps, will call another officer of the 1st Devon into the regulars. Ensign Bluett is the fortunate gentleman, and it is ex- pected that he will, in a few days, be gazetted to the 55th Foot, now on active jervice in the Crimea. BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING. -The report of Mr. Townsend's speech at the Board of Hea:th meeting, on Tuesday last, having been ambiguously given, we have been requested by that gentleman to give it in an amended form. In reference to the placard which he said had been put into his hand, and which contained the names of Mr. Homfray and himself, as proposer and seconder of the resolution, he explained that at the previous meeting, when the matter was brought before the Board, by the Town-clerk, Mr. Homfray had proposed that the over- seers of the poor should be summoned, and he (Mr* Townsend), notwithstanding that he himself had not paid his rates, in consequence of his being overrated in the new valuation, had felt it his duty, as a public man, to second the proposition made by Mr. Homfray. SERIOUS FIRE AT PONTYMISTER.—About half-past one o'clock yesterday (Friday) morning, the workmen employed at the tin-works of Messrs. Banks, at Pontymister, dis- covered that a portion of the premises known as the refinery was on fire. An alarm was immediately given, and in a very short time a large number of men belonglllg to the works, and living in the neighbourhood, were on the spot, and under the direction of Mr. Banks, used every exertion to arrest the progress of the fire. This, however, was found to be impossible, owing to the inflammable nature of the contents of the building, which consisted of boxes, bran, vitriol, grease, and other combustibles. Mr. Banks then directed his attention to an endeavour to save the remaining portion of the premises, consisting of the forge and rolling-mill, and this was ultimately effected by sawing away the roof between the forge and the refinery, thus completely severing connection between the burning portion of the premises and that which remained uninjured by the fire. On the first alarm being given, a messenger was immediately sent to the police station at Newport, for the fire-engine, and two horses having been attached to it, Superintendent Huxtable, with several of his men, pro- ceeded at once to the spot, and arrived there in less than thirty minutes after receiving information of the fire Mr. HuxtaWe found, on his arrival at the spot, that it was un- necessary to get the engine to work, as the men employed at the establishment had so far succeeded in subduing the destructive element that no farther danger was to be apprehended from it, and as it was totally confined to the building where it first broke out, the remaining portion of the premises having been saved by the precautionary measures adopted by Mr. Banks. The refinery building was totally destroyed, and the damage done is estimated at about £ 1,000. Great praise is due to the police for the promptitude with which they proceeded to the scene of danger. DESPATCH.—The Bremen barque Charlotte, Schmidde, master, entered the floating dock on the 24th instant, got under the machine on the 26th, discharged ballast, and took in part of her cargo the same day, completed her loading, 422 tons, cleared at the Customs, and proceeded to sea on the 29th. We understand that Messrs. John Rogers Co were agents for this vessel. THE LANCASHIRE FIRE AND LIFE INSURANCE COM- PANY.—The Reporter (an established assurance authority) says of this company :—" The third report of this excel- lent institution strongly justifies an oft-reiterated assertion in these columns, viz., the arrant folly of little assurance companies, with inadequate capital and means, venturing to transact a fire business, the mass of the risks being en- tirely retained behind its own counter. Fire business is of so singular a nature, so sudden and enormous the calls upon the funds from disastrous conflagrations, that no company working ir. a narrow sphere, or transacting a small amount of business, and with moderate funds, can hope, year after year, to speak in its annual reports of suc- cesses and amassed profit. This we have seen repeatedly, when, lo presto, as with wizard's wand, a lurid glare il- lumines the horizon in some particular portion of this land for an hour or two, and tho little fire insurance company is ruined Thus the fire losses which fell to this company last year, have been considerable," yet the directors, very properly, are not discouraged since the risks on the books are not of more than usual hazard," and the losses of other companies during the same period far ex- ceeded the usual a vcrago." It is a matter of regret to find that £11,876 of the amount paid in claims is on account of fires attributed to the acts of incendiaries." Fire losses are frequently in one year very trifling in amount in tha next they very possibly consume the entire premiums re- ceived in two or three. Thus, during the three months subsequent to the closing of the accounts, on the 20th of July last, the fire premiums received were £8,622, against 156:5 paid for losses sustained. The fire income last year was £50,60:), of which £18,282 consisted of duty. These items show an increase of L2,910 in premiums, and J62,472 in duty, as compared with the preceding year. We be- )iove no fire company ever reached such an income in three years. The life department presents, however, even more satisfactory results. The net income was £15,215; £5,233 of which arises from entirely new business. At the end of these three years, the directors report that they have an available balance of £ 19,665 in this department, '• thus laying aside an ample reserve for future bonuses." The life losses have been far below the average. The gross in- come of the year is £n,591, exhibiting an increase of £ 8,878 over last year. The Lancashire' has achieved a great success."—See adut.

NEWPORT POLICE.—THURSDAY. Present: J. N. Knapp, Esq., mayor, W. Evans, Esq., and R. F Woollett, Esq. THE '■ CALL" ON THE OVERSEERS OF ST. WOOLLOS. -The Overseers of the Poor of the parish of St. Woollos appeared, and stated that a cheque for J6214 had already been given in part payment of the call due, and proposed to give a bill for two months, in their joint names, for the balance and they further proposed to pay the money as collected, into the Bank.—The magistrates consented to tho arrangement. STEALING COAL.—Mary Lewis, who said she was sixteen or seventeen years of age, was charged with steal- ing coal.—P.C Williams said he met the accused on Mon- day evening, about six o'clock, carrying two large lumps of coal. He charged her with stealing the coal, and she said she had picked it up on the line. When witness saw her she was within a short distance of some coal trucks, belonging to Mr. Price, and he suspected she had stolen the coal from them.—The accused, on being asked if she had anything to say, again repeated that she had picked up the coal.—The Magistrates told her that she had no business to do so, but discharged her with a caution. Thomas Edwards was brought up, charged with stealing 5 cwt. of coal, the property of William J ones.-Prose- cutor stated that prisoner was in his service, and was en- trusted to sell small quantities of coal for him. On Tues- day last he went with a policeman to a house, occupied by a person named Morris, and saw there about 5 cwt. of coal, which he could swear belonged to him, as he had seen some of it going out of his place in the morning. In cross-examination he said that prisoner had told him in the course of the day, that lie had sold sixpenny-worth of coal, and that ho had spent the money, but he could easily arrange with him about that when paying him his wages. —P.C. Allen said that on Tuesday last, about three o'clock, he saw Morris's daughter and another girl, carry- ing each a basket of coal from Mr. Jones's boat. He asked t'nem where they were taking it to, aud while doing So Jones came up and said it was his coal and basket. He then went with Jones to Morris's house, where they saw a large heap cf coal. The coal was left there, and. Jones gave Edwards into custody, on the charge of steal- ing the coal which was in Morris's house.—Mrs. James, daughter of I>lr. Morris, said she had bought some coal there on Monday and Tuesday. She was served by the prisoner, but gave the money to a little boy who was there.—The Magistrates did not consider that the charge of stealing had been proved, and the case was, conse- quently dismissed. ASSAULTING THE POLICE.—The accused in the last case was then charged with assaulting P.C. Allen, Cox, and Wilcox. P.C. Allen said that when prisoner was given into his custody on the charge of stealing coal, ho at first went with him quietly, but afterwards became very violent, and struck him on the face, and kicked him in the eye. Cox and Wilcox subsequently came to his assistance, and he behaved in a similar manner towards them.—Mr. James Hogg, manager at Mr. Duncan's foundry, said ho was passing through Cross-street on Tuesday afternoon, about three o'clock, and be saw the prisoner and policeman struggling together. They both fell down, and prisoner struck him on the face. Prisoner behaved in a brutal manner to the policeman, and was very violent.—1< ined E3 and costs, or to be sent to gaol for thirty days. Prisoner was locked up. BEERHOUSE INFORMATIONS. George Harris was charged with selling gin in his house on Sunday morning 1 st, during the hours of divine service.—Defendant said he was in church at the time, and expressed c,eat regret that his wife had served any one during his absence • °but she had been imposed upon by the persons who were there by their telling her that they were travellers.—The Mayor said, that in consequence of its being his first offence, and in consideration of the very excellent chaaracter he had borne in the place where be had previously icsided, they would dismiss him upou the payment of costs.—John Rees was summoned for having his house open on Sunday morn- ing last, before the hours allowed by law. Superintendent Huxtable said he went to the house at twenty minutes past twelve, on Sunday morning, and found eleven per- sons there. Mrs. Rees, who appeared instead of her hus- band, acknowledged that she had been once before charged with a similar offence. Fined 20s. and costs.—Joseph Roberts was likewise charged with having his house open on Sunday morning last, during the hours of divine ser- vice. The offence was proved by Superintendent Hux- table, who said there were eleven or twelve men in the house, some of whom he believed were lodgers, but they could not all have been as the house was too small to accomodate them.-Fined 20s. and costs. ASSAULT IN THE CHANNEL.—A foreign sailor was brought up, charged with assaulting the captain of the vessel to which he belonged.-Mr. William Anstice said he was the pilot on board the vessel in question, and that prisoner one day laid hold of the captain, who, after strug- gling with him for a short time, made his escape into his cabin and locked the door. Prisoner followed him, and, after breaking open the principal door, followed the cap- t^1^ to his private cabin, and endeavoured to break into that. Witness had never seen such violent conduct on board any ship, during his thirty years' experience. Had it occurred on board any other vessel, it would be looked upon as mutiny. The vessel belonged to Mecklenburg, and the captain was a Prussian. The assault was com- mitted in the Bristol channel, just outside of the light- house.—Mr. Kessick thought the Magistrates had no juris- diction in the matter, as the assault had been committed keyond the limits of the borough.-The Mayor was of opinion that they had jurisdiction, and referred to a case which happened at a greater distance at sea.—Mr. Kessick replied that the case referred to was of a differeat nature, and, after some further conversation, it was agreed to ad- journ the case until Monday, in order to obtain further advice in the matter. ASSAULT.—John Bosisto was charged with assaulting a foreigner named Godenburgh.—Complainant stated that defendant had called him a Jew, accused him of being a Russian spy, and struck bim.-Thomas Young said the complainant was the aggressor, and the magistrates think- ing that as much fault reate<f upon one as the other, ordered the'n both to be bound over to keep the peace for six months. DRUNK AND DISORDERLY.—William Symonds, a Here- fordshire drover, was charged with being drnnk and inca- pable of taking care of himself. When taken into custody by the police, he was in the company of a prostitute, and on arriving at the police-station it was discovered that he had £ 116 in his possession. The magistrates fined him 5s., and told him he ought to feel greatly obliged to the police for taking so much care of him and his money.— Emma Howells and Mary Ann Thomas were charged with being drunk and disorderly.—The offence having been proved, and defendants having frequently before been brought up on a similar charge, they were committed to the house of correction for fourteen days.