Monmouthshire Merlin

THE FIRE INSURANCE OFFICES AND NEW FIRE ENGINE [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN.] SiB.-riease correct an error in your report of Tues- day's Board of Health proceedings. The Mayor, I per- ceive, stated, on tlia authority of the Town Clerk, that the 9aly offers of assistance towards the procuring gf a no\y fire-engine were from tho Sun and Scottish Mutual," of S10 each. I know of ho such office as the last-named. The Town Clerk should have said the Sun offered £ 10 but that the Lancashire offered any sum the other offices might give, and would no doubt readily subscribe £ 15 or £ 20." I am, Sir, yours truly, J. M. SCOTT, Agent for the Lancashire luauranco Company. 29, Ruperra-street, Newport, Nov. 28, 1855.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN.] felR, My attention has been calletl to a paragraph, which appeared in the MONMOUTHSHIRE MERLIN of the 27th of last month, headed Statistics of Life Assur- ance, and wheie the Scottish Provincial Assurance Com- pany is named as one of the offices not publishing their business. I beg to hand you a copy of our last year's report- which was freely circulated—and by which you will ob- serve, that during the year ending the 3bt of January last, the Company issued 422 life policies, assuring the sum of £ 147,570. The amount of the business, as com- pared with the other offices named, is small but this is owing to our only having recently come south, while all the other Scotch companies have for years past had London establishments, and agencies in almost every town in England. 0 I have to request that you will contradict in your jour- nal the statement, as regards this Company. I am, sir, yours, very obediently, T. YUILLE WARDROP, Resident Secretary.

CAUTION TO THE -PUBLIC. TO THE EDITOR OF TUB MERLIN. SIR, A black man, calling himself Landsdale, is going about the country, lecturing 0 on total abstinenee from in- toxicating liquors, and American slavery. He obtains lodgings and board, stating that his luggage is to be for- warded after him, which, however, does not make its ap- pearance. He is about 6 feet high, 25 years of ago, dressed in a pilot-cloth coat, blue trowsers, and black vest—has a grey speckled over-coat with him. He travels with a woman, whom lie calls his wife she is about 19 years of age, and speaks with an Irish aeceitt,. He states that he has escaped from American slavery, and solicits subscrip- tions. He goes from town to town, leaving his board and lodging 'unpaid. Your obedient servant, HENRY PRITCHARD, Post Office Tavern, Bristol. -T--

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN.] Sis,—In reference to the case of assault tried 'before the sitting magistrates, at Pontypool, on the 24th instant, ■and headed in your paper of the 28th, Pebbles or berries." I beg leave to remark, so trifling a statement did not contain the substance or nature of the offence. I make all invariable practice of entering into the commence- ment of every subject or matter coming under my consi- deration, without weighing its importance. For this reason, sir, I felt it my duty to adopt the same policy when questioned by trie sitting magistrates.-on the before- mentioned date. 'If I bad acted otherwise, in my opinion it would be an incomplete method of stating facts, relating in part only, and not as a. whole This mast be sufficient to show neither silliness nor childishness had any part or connection with the case—the two voitfciis having previ- ously given me 3.11. assurance of sorrow and amendment, I felt pleased to forgive them, on condition of their pay- ing the costs. After this agreement er settlement, as can be reasonably inferred, my object in having them to ap- pear, was with the view of impressing their minds with a necessary and timely fear, not desiring a conviction. In giving my evidence, I did not, as reported, inquire of Curtis, whether he threw berries or not. I spoke to him in the following manner, after having made mention of the steal> stones Recollect: you told me berries"— words to ? youth so placed, having more of an alarming and intimidating, than :m inquiring tendency. I regret to perceive another error your reporter or correspondent has fallen into, in stating that the entire body of the Court .gave expression to a general and almost indescribable laughter and amusement, heartily indulged in, consequent on my speaking to the boy. Mr. Editor, lean boldly and truthfully give the most "unequivocal denial to such a statement: from eight tc twelve persons only were jocosely inclined—the remaining portion, of the assembly, probably 130 persons were orderly. Desiring the favour of insertion, I remain, sir, respectfully, JOHN HUSSEY, Baker.

APPROACHING MARPIAGE IN HIGH LIFE.-The Morn- ing Herald of Monday, announces that the preliminaries Rie arranged for a mati-imonial alliance between the Lady iAugusta Hay, eldest daughter of the Earl and Countess of innoul, and the Hon. John Tvvisleton Fisnnes, eldest son •ci Lord baye and Selc.

WORCESTER AND HEREFORD. A numerously-attended public meeting of the inhabitants ot .Malvern was held in that town on Monday • IXr. Gully in the chair. The Chairman, in opening the business, said that Malvern, with its f 000 or 4,000 inhabitants only, had raised more money in shares in the Worcester and Here- ford line than Worcjster had with its 27,000 inhabitants. Worcester, however, had not beon asleep, for it had con- certed other schemes. The meeting would have to decide which they would support—the old Worcester and Here- ford line, or th-s proposed now line between Worcester and Malvern only, leaving Worcester by way of Diglis, and stopping at a distance of a mile and a ^quarter from Malvern. Mr. C. A. Mason moved a resolution, pledging the meeting to use every exertion to promote the speedy com- pletion of the Worcester and Hereford Railway in its entirety." Mr. Mason protested against any more money being thrown away in opposing-railway bills upon this route. A quaiter of a million had already been expended and there could be no doubt that there would be a strong opposition to the proposed new Worcester and Malvern line. Every nerve should be strained to complete the Worcester and Hereford line in its entirety. Mr. P. Marriott seconded the resolution, which the chairman declared to be carried by a majority." Colonel Scott, a landowner of the district, then moved lhat as the proposal of the Oxford, Worcester, and \N olverhampton Company to make a line from their station at Worcester, via Diglis, to Malvern Link, would not meet the requirements of Malvern, this meeting re- solves to offer all possible opposition to the scheme." ° The resolution having been seconded by Mr. Burrow Mr. James Webb submitted that there was nothing before the meeting to show that the Oxford, Worcester I and Wolverhampton Company had anything io do with the proposed line from Worcester, via Diglis, Is Malvern The resolution was then put and carried.—Mr Coxwell considered the Worcester and Hereford Company had been penharly ungracious to Malvern, in proposing to brin- their line only to within a mile and a half of the town" and ne therefore moved the following resolution. That this masting views with Suspicion the intended application to Parltament for powers to limit the capital, and consequently the advantages, of the Woroester and Hereford liailway, aud resolves to oppose such application and every other which fails to connect Malvern with Here- ford and the mineral district of South Wales." Mr. O. Mason seeouded the resolution. Mr. Hornybold, a director of the Worcester and Here- ford Company, maintained that the interests of Malvern had been carefully studied by himself and his brother di- rectors. Let them cnce get the line made from Worcester to Malvern, and they all knew it was the interest of the Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford Company to help to get the remainder .of the line constructed to Hereford as speedily as possible. Mr. J. Barneby proposed an amendment, which was ne- gatived on a division, and the original resolution was carried. Other formal resolutions were passed, and the proceed- ings closed with a vote c-f thanks to the chairman.

ABERDARE. FRIGHTFUL CATASTROPHE AT CWMAVON. EIGHT MEN KILLED. We much regret that it is our duty to announee one of .the most melancholy occurrences which have happened in this neighbourhood for a long time past. It appears .that Messrs. Carr and Morrison have a pit. in work at Cwmavop, which is about 230 yards deep. The men are conveyed to and from their work by an eugiue at the top of the shaft, which lifts and lets down a large box or tram for this pur- pose. The same shaft and engine are used for bringing up the minerals, horses, &c. On Wednesday evening last, the man in charge of the engine left his post abcut five o'clock, and another engineman-, named Solomon Lloyd, took his place -it being his turn to work that night. We ought to have stated that as soon as the tram approaches the top from below, it touches a bell, which gives the en- gine-driver timely intimation, in order to stop the ascent. In this case, the unfortunate man in .charge says the bell did not ring as usual but, however this may be, the en- gine continued its speed, and the tram—containing eight men who were leaving work-was in a moment hurled against the pulley at the top, and the next minute it was, with its living freight, falling with frightful velocity down the shaft they had just ascended. The chain which lifted the tram coming in contact with the pulley, had snapped, and the consequence was as we have related. The scene presented at the bottom of the pit, a few minutes after- waids, was of the most harrowing description. The tram nad dashed itself against the edge of a deep bank at the o torn of the pit, knocking the frame-work into pieces fiJa m t-i *mmec'iate neighboitrhood were the remains of Mated bodies. The other three must have fallen Snlr.1^. w'lye,r' as they have not yet been found. waa brought before the magistrates on mandorl um D° eJic,ence was gone into, and he was re- muoh fiio f }l"fortunate man appeared to feel very caused. Ul haVOC of ^an life which had been The Coroner's inq t (Frida^^rauiTwen3lia1l to, be held yeferday give a tull report m our next. POLICE COUBj\I_THUHgDAT ana tbe Kev. J- Griffiths. assaulting her. The factsTaveTee^alM d0lin- 11663 Th* defendant went to the house of tlm ^re^dy given. The her husband, and when the wife refused?^ /Tv/ 4° +1 defendant struck her.—This was denied f who said he only held up his arm to kSn J'^dant, plainant's blow, and lie by accident just touched her°-Mr Fowier said the complainant had a perfect r- him out, if she did not wish him to bo in Sr il° tUm Fined 20s. and costs. Q 00 m her h™se.- ANOTHEB ASSAULT.—The case against David Davi«, Which had been adjourned from the la«t court day, was resumed.—Mr. Simons appeared for the defendant.— Margaret Davies, landlady of the Fountain beerhouse, and her daughter, repeated their former statement as to the defendant coming there and refusing to pay for a quart of beer and afterwards assaulting the mother and daughter. —Mr. Simon's version of the case was, that the defendant had been at work for the complainant's husband, and had drunk it all out except lOd and on the day of the assault, he went in with some other men to have a quart of beer against the balance but the mother and daughter objected to this, and when he still persisted in having his money in this way, they tried to get hold of his cap, and a scuffle ensued. The only violence used was, in trying to get away from the complainants.—A witness named Rees was called, who substantiated this, but the Bench gave no credit to his testimony, and fined the defendant 40s. for the assault on the daughter, and 20s. for assaulting the mother. THROWING STONES AT THE POLICE.—John Lewis, haulier, was summoned for throwing a stone at P.C. Yoratt. On Friday, the officer accompanied the bailiffs to distrain some goods, and while returning, the defendant, who was some distance behind the policeman, took a stone off the road and flung it after him but he missed his aim. Johns, the bailiff, was near to the defendant, and saw him throw the stone.—Fined 5s. and costs. Margaret G wvnne sought to fix John Daniel with being the father of her legitimate child, but failed. James Wilcox, James Williams, Jonathan Morgan, Howell Williams, and William Williams, were each fined us., for being drunk and disorderly. W AGES CASE.—Iliomas ixoberts summoned Thomas Rees, for wages due to his son, who had been at work for him. The case was adjourned from Tuesday week.—Mr. Simons appeared to-day for the defendant, and explained how the case had been decided in the County Court.-The Bench thought the defendant was much to blame in the course he had taken, and dismissed the case, with 14s. costs. NEIGHBOURLY SQUALLS.- Gwenllian Parker summoned her neighbour, Ellen Devolter, for assaulting her by throwing a large stone into the house at her. The com- plainant displayed a large stone, which she said was the offending missile.-Ann Spielman had also summoned the defendant, and by the time both complainants, and witnesses on both sides, had been heard, a state of things was revealed, which showed that a great deal of quarrel- ing and filthy language was used by all parties, but as it was manifestly difficult to tell which was the worst the Bench dismissed the case. LEAVING WORK WITHOUT NOTICE.—Thomas Lewis was summoned by Thomas Morgan, overseer of the Aber* naut colliers, for leaving his work without the usual month's notice.—The defendant said he was willing to go back, if he c juld be paid for what he had done.—The case was adjourned Mr. Fowler saying he would, in the mean- time, write to Mr. Fothergill. John Phillips, a collier, working at the Abernant Works, was charged with stealing a piece of coal, from a tram belonging to Messrs. Thomas and J oseph.- David Jones saw the defendant take the coal, and send his wife for it. —J ohu Jones, the overseer of the works, Raid the coal itself was not of much value, but when a piece was taken other lumps fell down. and -in this way many hundreds were wasted, when the coal was on its way to -the canal.- The case was adjourned. David Solomon Lloyd, the engine-driver in charge of the winding engine at the time of the unfortunate occur- rence, (noticed in another part of our papor), was brought up on a charge of manslaughter, but no evidence was o-Sne into.—He was remanded. °

ABERGAVENNY. •SBEIOUS ACCIDENT. On Tuesday lust, as Mr and MTB. Moxham were proceeding to Abergavenny whan witkin two miles of that town, near the Horse and Jockey, the appearance and noise of two endues wW were passing on the line, frightened the ho^e (a vo, ™ ammal) which started off in a gallop. In her friht Mrs Moxham jumped out of the vehicle, by which her Ie- was broken. Under the assiduous attention of Mr Batt th sufferer is progressing very favour-ably. The' horse was stopped with the vehicle damaged, -a short time after the '.1 I'l'rtön+.

BRYNMAWR. ATTEMPT AT HOUSE ROBBEEY.-La.te on the night of Sunday, the: 25th ult., an attempt was made to break into the shop of Mr. T. Davies, Pest-office, but it proved a failure, as the young man, who is an assistant in the shop, happened to be sleeping in a room at the back of the pre- mi" s, and overheard them calling the dog softly by his name, and endeavouring by every coaxing means to pacify The young man immediately got up and made some alarm, to show that they had been overheard, when they imme- diately "bolted away, but minus of their expeeted night's booty. There is no doubt but that the thieves Were well acquainted with the dog as well as the premises, and it is to be hoped that they will be caught some day, as they must-be living somewhere ia the neighbourhood.—An at- tempt was made in the earlier part of the evening to break into the shop of Mr. W. Williams, grocer, but 'With no success, as there was a person watching the house at the time. A travelling gipsey woman was apprehended on the 22nd ult., on suspicion, by P.C. Thomas Williams, for offering for sale to Mr. Frewin, watchmaker, a dessert silver-spoon, with the initials, H. W. engraved upon it; but in default of sufficient evidence being brought against her before the Crickhowell Bench, she was dis- charged.

CAERLEON. MECHANICS' ITSTITCTE.—We are glad to lircl that some of our neighbours of the ouce celebrated city of the second Legion, have established a Mechanics' Institute, in that place of classic memories. An advertisement in another column of this paper, announces the delivery of a course of lectures, which will, we hope, be encourasino-ly Attended. LECTURES.—A growing desiro for intellectual improve- ment is, we are pleased to f-nd, developing itself at Caer- leon-r. course of lectures, upon very interesting subjects, and by gentlemen well qualified for the work, being an- nounced to commence on Monday next.—See adrt.

CRUMLIN. MUTUAL IMPROVIDENT SOCIETY.-The first of the series of lectures for the winter quarter, took, place on Thursday evening last; it was well attended hy both ladies ard gentlemen, as well as by the workmeu of the Viaduct Works. The subiect-" The mental and moral good effected by improvement societies," was veiy interest- ingly treated, and well received- The lecturer was the Rev. E. Rowlands, of Poctnewynydd near Polity pool. Mr. Kidd, manager of the Viaduct Works, (president of the society), occupied the chair. Messrs. Wilson, Cooke, and MayRard, officials of the Viaduct Works, gentlemen who put forth praiseworthy efforts to promote t'uetinterests of the society, were upon the platform. Votes of thanks were passed to the lecturer and the chairman and at the conclusion, the latter gentleman expressed his sincere desire to give all tlie encouragement in his power to the commendable objects of the society. The next lecture, to be delivered dn December, will be on I- The Press.

THE QUEEN'S VISIT TO CHATHAM. [FROM THE TIMES.] Her Majesty's visit to the sick and wounded in the military hospitals at Chatham, which had been postponed for some time, on account of erysipelas in the wards at Fort Pitt, took place on Wednesday. The importance which the miserably defective state of these hospitals attached to this royal inspection, is now considerably diminished, by the fact, that a general hospital, worthy, we hope, of the country, is about to be erected somewhere in the neighbourhood of Southampton. With such a promise of better arrangements for the future, it becomes almost unnecessary to dilate further upon the shortcomings of the existing establishments, and the attention of the public need no longer be more urgently directed to what took place on Wednesday, than is requisite for a due appreciation of the benevolent sympathy which has led her Majesty, for the third time during the present year, to visit the sick and wounded at the medical head-quarters of the army. The Queen and Prince Albert, with their suite, including General Wetherall, went down by special train from the Bricklayers' Arms station shortly before 11 o'clock, and were received at Strood by Colonel Eden, Dr. Dartnell, and the other leading officials of Chatham. The usual military honours paid on such occasions were duly observed as her Majesty proceeded in her carriage to Fort Pitt. There every preparation had been made for the royal visit, and, always excepting the wretched accommo dation which, for the purposes to which it is applied, the place provides, there was nothing to find fault with, As far as cleanliness and attention to the comfort and welfare I of the patients can compensate for the defects of a buildin" never intended for a hospital, and made still more unsuit- able by the tinkering of the Royal Engineers, Fort Pitt made a very good appearance on Wednesday. The wards were in scrupulously good order, and the invalids, whether wounded or sick, looked as well as their several ailments permitted, Those of them who were sufficiently con- valescent. stood in double row at the foot of their beds as her Majesty passed along, and she on her part condescend- ingly addressed to them words of inquiry and encourage- ment. The poor fellows seemed powerfully affected by such flattering marks of the interest which their Sovereign takes in their welfare and it cannot be doubted that these visits are calculated to exercise a most beneficial influence, not only on them, but upon the army in general.

ARMY IN THE EAST. I The following letter, from our special correspondent, dated the 9th instant, only arrived last night. We have already pulished letters from him to the loth, but the de- tails he now gives will still be read with interest :— Camp before Sebastopol, Nov. 9. It is known that Sir William Cod ring ton, with 'she loca rank of General, will succeed Sir James Simpson in com- mand of the army; that Sir Richard Airey, Quarter- master-general, will retire in a few days, and make room for either Colonel etherall, or Colonel Herbert. There is every prospect of undisturbed repose during the coming winter, and during the fine frosty mornings, the drill ser- geants can work their will with the awkward squads of recruits, so that the spring will open on as fine an armv as ever was led by English general. Sir W. Codrington is just the man to draw in the reins gently, but firmly, and to correct the evils which tend to mar its efficiency in the field. e are a little too free and easy. Rum is too plen- tiful, and money too abundant. Iu one small regimental canteen, on the 5th of November, the anniversary of Inkermann, not less than £ 140 was received, in ready money, for various articles of consumption, mosdy of a liquid nature, and about the sum of £ 59 more was debited to good customer!. The Russians maintain their usual attitude. The contraction of our straggling lines towards the Belbok destroys their only hope of temporary success in assaulting this position. Strange as it may appear to people, I must express my belief that the Russians do not intend ta abandon the Crimea, until they are forced to do so. They have a splendid posit.on, notwithstanding all the maps may say, and they will not believe their communications are cut off till the fact is so. Their hope is probably that by next campaign, the Crimea will be a vast camp, and that they will be in force enough to hem us in at EupittoTla, to defend the coast wherever we may make a descent, to hold Perekop, and to paralize our army Sebastopoi, so that it cannot move on Cherson or Nicholaieii. They hold the rivers and streams of the Crimea, ana that is a great advantage. However, there is one place in the Crimea from which our army might move with ease, on the rear of the enemy's position behind Simpher°-P°l> and it is not possible for the enemy to hinder our debouching from this point, unless they beat us in a pitched battle. There is no news to record except what is contained in my diary Wednesday, Nov. 7. A day worthy of the best English September. The enemy since morning have been executing manoeuvres on „ vast scale all over the plateau from the west side to Mackenzie's farm. They are in full uniform, their crreat coats laid aside • and it is evident thev are under- going inspection by some great personage. The gleam of bayonets flashed m every direction over the ridges, and pierced the brushwood, showing the number of troops to be ven considerable. The manoeuvres lasted till late in the afternoon.

TRADE REPORT. The Guardian, reporting upon the state of the trade at Tuesday's, market in Manchester, says :—" Thore has ap- peared a little more cheerfulness in the market to-day which, indeed, have been slightly showing itself durin-' the preceding two or three days, arising very much from a, declining tendency in the price of core, and a somewhat easier state of money matters. This has given an appear- arice of increased steadiness to prices. Of course sellers become for the moment at least, less inclined to accent low offers than they were before the improved feelin^ arose- This is especi vlly the case with those who had pre- viously sold pretty freely As to certain descriptions of yarns, too, it may be said that something like a touch of firmness has been imparted to them, by an increase of purchases for Germany and Holland, occasioned by the near approach of the period when the rivers are usually frozen up. These orders are.indeecL individually but sm;>lL and are not given out except on condition of"being deli vered immediately. This condition, which many spinners are too well engaged to be able to comply with, affords an advantage in dealing with the merchants to those who can comply with it. Still more partially, there are sninnings, such as 16's pincops and 30's cop twist and weft, which are favourably affected in the same direction, by that stoppage of eupply which the strike in this city has oc- casioued. But in these several cases quotations remain unchanged and so, indeed, they do in yarns at large while, however, to a considerable extent, the actual bias .is practically found to be still against the producers. The aggregate of sales is moderate. Goods have shared in the influence of the two ca-uses first named, but not in that of the others. Prices are unaltered since last week for the manufacturers continue to get rid of their productions, and the late extensive operations are still felt in more or less of unfinished contracts." REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF SUGAR.—Inferior Brazil sugar, that was selling afc 7d. per lb., can now be obtained at 5Ad., and West India sugar of the best quality can be had at from 6d. to-Cid., refined lump at 7d. to 7 I,ll., and crytallised Demerara at 7d. per lb. THE 1-EON AND COAL TRADES.—The reports from the district as to the state of the iron trade are of a most satis- factory character there has been a slight failing off in the demand for sheets, but for all other descriptions the or- ders are well kept up. For all the favourite marks, the price declared last quarter-day is firmly maintained, and except in the ease of malleable iron, there has been very little un- derselling, surprisingly so, having in view the state of the money market, which has been a serious drawback on the trade. Pig iron is not so readily sold as it was six weeks ago, and &n opinion is prevalent that the price will be lower before Christmas but that it will rally with the opening of the new year, there cannot be a doubt, so large is the demand for manufactured iron of all descriptions. The reduction of the import duty by the Spanish Govern- ment, will give au impetus to the trade with that quarter. Already a. similar modification by the French Government as been beneficially felt, several buyers from France T 1UP in the district in the couise of the past week fnrtni^K*3 °f tlle (-'ist}i°t is a fraction lower than it was a matprf.l vesP0Ct °f all other descriptions of out inv | {esPe°la% c°al), lhe price is kept up, and with- remarkabwTr /P' trade is jntrt fho i- ^r.ls"-> there is a considerable supply coming; Field it i«1S i' ^ut of tllat raisei1 npon the "Cannock for domestic °+7 ?rl-v ascertained that it is better adapted lrU*Ce U?e" Thl'0^0^ the district whom full re, W°'" arul members of the trade in considered, busin^S^0 PhCBfi aU tMug8 satisfactory state. in the district are in a very GLASGOW. PIG IItON MARKET, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27th.-Market dll11; '"s-cash.—Mialand Herald,. SUGAR.—There have I THURSDAY EVENING. market altogether anpearf/?6" 110 Pub''c a^, and the of complete abeyance. moment to be in a state goS°steadilyl^ooo° vf^i8 °f Plantation Ceyion India (chiefly'long.b^y^Oba es and half-bales East iand.Unearly^he^tllS;-8 ^-little ^e- mirket is nnVt l i • MANCHESTER, NOV. 29. tusiness is reported"as doing11 *Th qU-M'tfrs a,n,ttle 1"0,:e ■ ■•'Sin tbo mark-Af v. 4. here is also a better feel JDf3Pr nrices Tlip' 1 U s are nnable to command lieti P home-trade houses are doing rather more busiu ky.yers for Germany are making more inquiries af ei goods, m anticipation of the close of the season. J or India very little business has been effected. Two more millowners have given notice of reduction of wages to their workpeople, and the gradual extension of the short-time movement is, no doubt, one eause of the rather tirwer tone of the market.

BRISTOL MARKET ROOM, Angal, High-street, Nov. 29,1855. We had a small supply of wheat at our market to-day, which sold slowly at a decline of Is. to 2s. per qr. from last week's prices. Barley in limited demand, at Is. to 2a. Per (lr- ?fan.s' an^ Pcas as last quoted. The attendance in tne Market-room was very large; but, in consequence of farmers being determined not to yield to lower rates, the business was not so large. Among the principal transactions were 200 sacks of wheat, 170 sacks 6f flour, 2 tons ot bran, and about 70 qrs. of barley The following were the current rates •— WHEAT. BEANS. Old white, 84s to 88s per qr. English eld, 28s to 32 pr sk. » red'J?e SOs to t A » new' 24s t0 28s do. >"ew 7" do- Foreign old, none red, 76 to 82s do. new, do. Foreign white, none, PEAS. Malting, 4^» to 4/s per qr. FLOUR. GrriudinS>» ° 3 s do. English best seconds, 61s to Distilling, none 64s per sack r a onb; oi American, none. White feed, 29* to 32s pr qr Spanish, do. Black -'bs to 28s do. Barley meal, £ 11 10s to Irish white feed, none X12 10s per ton >t black „ none Sharps, £ 8 to £ 8 10 do. Grurgeons, £ 6 10s to £ 7 do. Bran, jUG to £6 10s

We have at lengih to record some considerable arrivals 0f Australian gold. The White Star and Oliver Lang, both ^l0tQrnI J Ihilip, have arrived in St. George's Channel. The former has on freight 85,159 ounces of gold, and the latter 71,802 ounces—making together 156,997 ounces, or about £628,000. In neither case are the dates from the colony later than those previously to hand. In- tellioence on Tuesday, of the arrival off Pen- zance of the ii-om Port Phillip, with the enormous nuantity of lo-^OOO ounces of gold on freight, worth }528,000,. and making a total of £ 1,156,000. Owing to the magnitude of these supplies, hopes are entertained that a considerable portion Will be sent into the Bank, but nothing definite can yet be stated OQ this point, as the gold will pot be in baud for several days, t. -f RAILWAY COMPANIES' RESPONSIBILITY.—In the Li- verpool County Court, on Tuesday, judgment was given in the case of Wignall v. the London and North-Western Railway Company, in which a commercial traveller claimed £ 25, as compensation for the loss of a desk stolen from a carriage in the Lime-street station, where it had been placed by one of the company's porters, whilst plain- tiff was in the office. Three grounds of defence were taken that plaintiff not having booked when the desk was taken, no contract had been entered into, and there- fore the company were not responsible for the loss; that the desk was not "luggage" within the ordinary meaning of the Act of Parliament and that the order books and private papers in the desk, were writings" within the meaning of the Carriers' Act. His Honour decided that the first objection could not be sustained, as the company's servant had taken charge of plaintiff's luggage, and placed it in the carriage and as to the second and third objec- tions, that nothing could be more essentially luggage than a travelling desk, except, perhaps, articles of appa- rel required for the journey, and that order-books were absolutely necessary to commercial travellers, to carry on their business. He then gave plaintiff a verdict for £ 3 10s., the declared value of the desk, £ 2 10s. for the inconvenience arising from the loss of the crder-books, and Id. as the nominal value of the private pipers. He also allowed plaintiff his costs.— Uvcr^xtol Sta-nd.ird. Several changes in the Cabinet, which have been pre- viously indicated, have taken place. The Duke of Argyll has succeeded Lord Canning as Postmaster-General and Lord Harrowby, vacating the Vice-Chancellorship of the Duchy of Lancaster, will take the Duke of Argyll's sinecure place as Lord Privy Seal Mr. Baines, who re- tired from the Presidency cf the Poor Law Board at the end of the last session, becomes Chancellor of the Duchv, with a seat in the Cabinet and Lord Stanley, of Alder- ley, the President of the Board of Trade, has also been appointed a member of the Cabinet. The Tr.tes looks upon Mr. Baines as the representative of the middle classes in the Cabinet. THE VINE AT HAMPTON COURT.—Having made the following note of the vine at Hampton Court, and of its parents at Valentines, on a recent visit to them, it may be useful in your utilitarian miscellany. The vine at Hampton Court is the largest in Europe, its branches extending over a space of 2,300 feet. It was planted from a slip in the year 1768, and generallv bears upwards of 2,000 bunches of grape of the black Hambro' k nd. The original vine from which this cutting was taken still flourishes in Essex, at the seat called Valentines, in the parish of Ilford, near TTanstead, where it was planted iu 1758. In 1835, it bore four cwt of grapes, and the <-tem girted 24 inches. In one season £ 300 was realised by the sale of its fruit.— \ofes and Queries. THE MOUNTGARRETT PEERAGE.—The Gazette" of Tuesday, contains a notice that the Queen, taking into her Royal consideration that upon the decease of Edmuud, Earl of Kilkenny and Viscount Mountgarrett, without issue, in the month of July, 1846, the earldom of Kil- kenny became extinct, but the dignity of Viscount, Mount- garrett devolved upon Henry Edmund, now Viscount Mountgarrett, as eldest son and heir of the Hon. Henry Butler, has been graciously pleased to ordain that Anne Henrietta Butler, spinster; Julia Jeruima,wife of Thomas Clifton Wilkinson and Charlotte Butler, spinster, shall enjoy thejsame title and precedence as if their late father, the Hon. Henry Butler, had survived his brother, the said Edmund, Earl of Kilkenny and Viscount Mountgarrett, and had succeeded to the title of Viscount Mountgarrett. PROMOTION OF Sin EDMUND LYONS.We are happy to announce that her Majesty has been pleased to promote Rear-Admiral of the Red Sir Edmund Lyons, Bart, G.C.B., K.C.H., Comuiander-iu-fhief of the fleet in the Black Sea and Mediterranean waters, to the rank of Ad- miralof the Blue, the first exercise of the Royal preroga- tive in such matters since the new order in Council was adopted. CENTRAL CRIMINAL CoeRT. NOV. 29.—MURDER.— (Before the Chief Baron and Mr. Justice Erie.)—Daniel Lorden, 48, was indicted for the wilful murder of Cather- ine Lordan. Guilty—death. THE NIGHTINGALE FeND — A public meeting was held yesterday at Willis's Rooms, St. James's, to give ex- pression to a general feeling "that the services of Miss Nightingale in the hospitals of the Eas: demand the grate- ful recognition of the English people." The attendanee was numerous and brilliant, and long before the hour fixed for commencing business there was not one seat unoccu- pied. The chair was taken by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, who arrived shortly after 2 o'clock, and experienced an enthussastic reception The object wili be eminently succeasfcll-indeed n .tioual. DISGRACEFUL AND WANTON OUTRAGE AT PARSONS- TOWN.—The Dublin entrance to Parsonstown receives a very pleasing effect from the buildings forming the Roman Catholic Chapel, with the Convent of the^Sisters of Mercy, and their schools attached, all of which are executed in an elegant style of ecclesiastical architecture, of which all classes and creeds in the town and vicinity feel a consider- able degree of gratification. The entrance to the convent was crowned by a beautiful mediaeval cress in stone, which was very much admired, as well from its own merits as its suitability to the style of the buildings it ornamented. Uni- versal indignation was felt throughout the town on Thursday, when it became known that this admirably designed cross had been ruthlessly torn from the pi »ce where it had been fixed, and found broken on the highway. The ssnseless and malicious perpetrators of this abominable mischief must have used much force to effect it, since the cross itself was of considerable weight, and fastened to the keystone of the arch of the gatewny over which it stood, and which was also pulled down. The Protestant in- habitants feel outraged at the commission of this act. and will use every exertion to discover and punish the offenders. The general impression is that this scandal on the town was not the act of any inhabitant, but would rather appear to have been committed under the folly of drunken excitement, and not with any attention to display religious animosity or sectarian feeling.— Saunders,

LATEST INTELLIGENCE. PRUSSIA. OPENING OF THE PRUSSIAN CHAMBERS. We ( inies) have received the following telegraphic des- patch from our Berlin correspondent :— BERLIN, THURSDAY. NOV. 29. The Chambers have just been opened by the King. tc The following is an extract from His Majesty's speech Gentlemen,—The conflict between several European Powers is not yet at an end. Our fatherland, however, con- tinues to be the abode of peace. I trust in God that it will remain so, and that I shall succeed in preserving the honour and standing of Prussia without inflicting upon our country the heavy sacrifices of war. 11 11 am proud to say thit I know of no people so well prepared for war, or more ready for sacrifices, than my own, whenever it shonour or interests are really in danger. This proud consciousness, however, imposes upon me the duty, while abiding faithfully by obligations already con- tracted, not to enter in to further engagements, the politi- cal and military liabilities of which are not to be estimated beforehand. In the attitude assumed by Prussia, Austria, and Germany behold a valid security for the further mainte- nance of that independent position which is equal y conducive to the attainment of an equitable and lasting peace and compatible with sincere good wishes for all." FRANCE. PARIS, WEDNESDAY EVENING. This evening the King of Sardinia attends the grand fete in his honour at the Hotel de Ville. At the review yesterday, the Emperor presented to the King of Sardinia the military medal, saying that he could not allow him to present himself to the French army with- out that honourable distinction. The Moniteur contains a list, approved of by the Emperor, of 255 persons, to whom three gold, and 252 silver medals were-awarded in the course of the quarter ending 30th of September last, for having distinguished themselves in saving persons in danger of perishing from drowning, fire, &c. A letter from Kamiesch, of the 11th, in the Moniteur de 130 Flotte," says There has just taken place at Kin- btu-n, an incident which shows what prudence ought to be employed by the French in their excursions on the terri- tory of the enemy, Three French officers of the fort, one )f whom was the surgeon of Vapour, were walking quietly )n the isthmus which connects the spit of Kinburn with -he main land, when a short distance from the French ratposts, they were all of a sudden pounced on by a band )f Cossacks and carried off. The whole affair took place 10 rapidly that there was no possibility of rendering as- astance. 0 VIENNA, WEDNESDAY EVENING, Nov. 28.-Advices from Constantinople of the 22nd inst., announce the ar- rival there of a portion of the English fleet from the Black Sea, and the arrival of the American squadron from the Mediterranean The cholera was carrying off many men of the Anglo-German Legion. The French were recruit- ing on a grand scale for the foreign legion. The Tunisian troops are gone to Batoum. COPENHAGEN, WEDNESDAY.-The High Court is de- clared competent to proceed with the trial of the ex- Ministers. HAMBURG, Nov. 27.-Sweden and Denmark will con- tinue to permit the exportation of corn. MADRID, Nov. 27.-The Parliamentary committee charged with the task of regulating the tariffs, has re- solved to hear such manufacturers of Spain, as may consi- der themselves interested in the question. The Cortes terminated this day the discussion on the recruitment bill. Everything was perfectly quiet. TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 19.—Within the last few days cholera has again made its appearance at Scutari, with considerable virulence. General Smith, commanding the Turkish Contingent, has arrived here from the Dardanelles on his way to Varna. They write from Erzeroum under date of the 7th inst. that up to the 31st October all was well at Kars. Gen. Mouravieff had treated the garrison to a review of his army, which they report to consist of 16 battalions, each 400 or 500 men strong, three regiments of Dragoons, two of Cossacks, and 40 guns. The Algiers and Agamemnon are here. The latter has gone up above the bridge, to get fitted with a new main- topmast, in lieu of the one which was damaged at Sebas- topol on the 17th of October, 1854. The St. Jean d'Acre, Hannibal, Princess Royal, Highflyer, and Sphinx are daily expected down, on their way to Malta. It is said that the rest of the fleet will remain in the Black Sea. The 11th Hussars are to pass the winter in the Crimea All the other British cavalry regiments will come down tiere. Their land transport has been arriving withio the last three days. p-

SEWS BY TELEGRAPH ARRIVAL OF TilE RING OF SARDINIA. DOVER, FRIDAY The King of Sardinia arrived at 7 15, a m. He v. a- welcomed by the Sardinian Minister, Sir G. Grey. and O her officers of the Household, and received by the naval and military authorities. The King was enthusiastically cheered from the Pier tothe Royal Ship lintel. Ho leaves Dover at ten o'clock, for London. PAHIS, THURSDAY EVENING. The Momti vr publishes the returns of the Corn trade in the diilercnt French markets during the last week of October and first fortnight oJ November, from which it Jppears that the lowest prices were at Hennebon, 28 francs 40 centimes and the highest at Bergues, 42 francs 40 centimes per hectolitre. Odessa news of the 10th state that hardly had M. Gopcevich obtainea the Czar's permission to ship his corn, when he received notice from Sir E. Lyons that his vessels "ould be confiscated if they had not left the Sea of Az ifT by the 2Uth of November. The expedition of M. Gopcevich has entirely failed. No later Crimean or Continental news. AMERICA. SOUTHAMPTON, FRIDAY MORNING. The Arago has arrived, bringing dates from New York to the 17tb. Her intelligence removes ail apprehension of a rupture between England and the United States. A despatch from Washington states—" The State department has received by the Pacific, a despatch from Mr Buchanan, unequivocally denying that he had tendered the sympathy of" the United States in favour of the Allies." The Administration is under no apprehension of a rup- ture with England. Owing to the recsipt of despatches from England, only one American vessel of thb home squadron will proceed to Nicaragua in charge of the gene- ral interests of the United States.

FRIDAY'S MARKETS. LONDON CORN MARKET.—FRIDAY. The prices for English Wheat were the same as on Mon- day, with few buyers. Foreign held firmly and millers cautious. Flour not lower, but slow of sale. Prime Barley wanted, but little doing in common A moderate trade m Oats but the best sorts not lower. Rape and Linseed a little cheaper. ARRIVALS—Wheat (British), 3,293 sacks; Barley (ditto), 3,710 sacks; Malt (ditto), 1,890 sacks; -Oats (ditto), 440 sacks; Flour (ditto), 2,980 sacks; Oats (Irish), 150 sacks; Wheat (Foreign), 1,770 Barley (ditto), 130 Oats (ditto), 17,590 Flour (ditto), 2,190 barrels. SECOND REPORT. (From Kingsford and Lay's Circular.) There was but a ruolerate attendance. The English Wheat left over from Monday (although the condition of a large proportion has rendered it unfit for use) was cleared up at prices unobtainable on that day. In Foreign, there was a moderate business done, at late rates. Spring Corn of all descriptions slow of sule at Monday's terms. The Flour trade firm, with the value unaltered. Wind N.W. Fine. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET.—FRIDAY. Beasts 1,361 Cows, S5; Sheep and Lambs, 4,010; Calves, 213 Pigs 212. Beef, 3s. 6d. to 5s. Mutton, 3s. lOd. to 5s. 2d.; Veal, 3s. (3d. to 4s. 8d. Pork, 4s 2d. to 5s. ARRIVALS.—From Holland Beasts, 386; Sheep, 520; Calves, 151.-From Cambridge, Lincoln, Northampton, and Leicester Beasts, 500. Trade dull at Monday's prices. LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET.—FRIDAY. Market quiet, holders, however, firm. Moderate busi- ness in Wheat and Flour at Tuesday's prices. Oats and Oatmeal flat. Beans, Peas, and Barley, unchanged. Indian Corn rather in better request; 46s. refused for prime mixed from Quay. ARRIVALS IRISH AND COASTWISE. Wheat, 527; Malt, 195 Oats, 4,349; Flour, 520; Beans 9 Peas, 20. Foreign Wheat 500 Foreign Flour, 1,338 sacks. Weather, cloudy and cold. [SECOND REPORT] Wheat, demand very moderate; in some instances, Id. per 701bs. decline submitted to. Flour dull, at Is. per barrel and sack reduction, Oats and oatmeal. in limited request, at Id. per 45ibs and Is. per load decline. No change in beans, peas, or barley. Indian corn 6d. per qr. dearer. Weather fine ————— WAKEFIELD CORN MARKET.—FRIDAY. Wheat held firmly at last week's prices. Business passing limited. Barlev Is. lower. Beans in limited de- mand. In Oats and Shelling no change. Wind, S.E.—Very fine. ° °

EVENING EXPRESS. ON 'CHANGE.—Business dull. Scotch pig-iron 78s. to 78s. Gd. Tallow flat, at barely 70s. Linseed, 43s. The Arago steamer from New York brings 40,000 dollars in specie, of which 4,000 are for Englgnd. NEW YORK, NOV 17-—Money market easier. Exchange on London 108. Flour and grain dearer. Cotton, steady, with moderate business. Provisions steady. SHIPPING.—The David Brown, from Quebec to Bristol, was abandoned on the 5th of November having been in contact with the Robert Parker, from Liverpool to Boston, which took the crew, except two men who had been killed. ARRIVAL OF THE KING OF SARDINIA.—The King arrived at the Bricklayer's Arms station, at ten minutes past twelve, and was there received by Prince Albert. The route to the Great Western railway wa« linvd with spectators, who loudly cheered his Majesty. The King reached Windsor at 2.5 p.m. No later news.

MONEY MARKET AXD CITY INTELLIGENCE. THURSDAY EVENING. The English funds continue buoyant, and a further rise has been established of a quarter percent. Consols far money, which left off yesterday at 89 to J, were first quoted at 89 to J, at which they remaiue l unti I near the termination of business, when they went to 89^ to h. For the January account the last official price was 891 to f. and after regular hours, there was a tendency to increased firmness. The closing of speculative accounts by persons who have lately been operating on the adverse side, and who are now influenced by the pacific rumours in circula- tion on the Continent, was among the causes of the fresh, advance. Bank Stock left off at 208s to 210 Reduced, 88^ to | New Three per Cents., 88§ to ït; Long An- 4 :4 8 nuities, 3^ Annuities, 1885, 16|; India Stock, 224 to 227; India Bonds, 6s. to 2s. discount Exchequer-bonds, 98 and ExchequeJ-bills, 7s. to 3s. discount. In the Stock Exchange money continues in fair supply for loans on Government securities, at from 4r, to 5 per cent. At the Back of England the demand continues ac- tive, and the discount-market is without alteration. Foreign securities exhibited increased firmness, and quo- tations were well supported to the close.

DUBLIN, THURSDAY MORNING, THE BIBLE-BURNING CHARGE. The first act of the Kingstown drama is played out, and the fin.ile will be disposed of at the ensuing "aommii- sion of Oyer and Terminer. Yesterday, before the police magistrates, at Kingstown, it will be seen that Father Petcherine's counsel entered into no defence, reserving it for the next stage of the prosecution, and that, having heard the informations read, the rev. gentleman was bound over to take his trial.

WANTED TO RENT OR PURCHASE CONVENIENT DWELLING-HOUSE, ^TJL situated in a healthy spot, either in Newport or the neighbourhood, containing at least two sitting-rooms, four to five bed-rooms, kitchens, and other conveniences. Possession required two to four months' hence. Address, by letter, A., Box 46, Newport Post-office.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths- BIRTHS. On the 28th instant, the wife of Charles Lyne, E8«\" R.N.. Victoria Place, Newport, of a son .^n M?e ^'tli> at 52, Commercial-street, Newport, the wife of Mr. Alexander Bevan, of a son. On the 27th, at Tredegar, the wife cf Mr. G. Harrhy of a son. On the 22nd, the wife of Mr. James Francis, Pontheer, of a daughter. MARRIED. T On the ?9th, at Todderidge. Herts, John Lee, Esq., L.L.D., F.R.S., &c, of Doctors Commons, and Hartwell Park, Bucks, to Louisa Catherine Heath, eldest daughter of Robert Wilkinson, Esq., of Totterid--e Park. At the Cathedral, Elphin. by the Rev. Hugh J. Flinn, brother of the bride, the Rev. Francis J. Beere. of Toomua. county Roscommon, eldest son of George Beere, Esq., of Dublin, solicitor, to Ellen Martha, se- cond daughter of fhe late Rev. Thomas Fly no, of Elpbiu. DIED. On the 21st inst., at the Alms House, Newport, Mr. William Bevan, aged 80 years, an old aud much re- spected inhabitant of this town. On the 27th instant, at Newport, Eleanor Cooper, the infant child of Mr. D E. Davies, leather stores, &c. On the 27th. at Malpas, of consumption, Fanny, youngest daughter of John Clark, Esq.. aged 21 years On the 21st, at his son-in-law's, Mr. T. Phillips Maindee Shop near Newport, Mr. William Fisher aged 80, late of the Seawall Farm, near the New Pas sage, Gloucestershire. On the 28th, after only four days" illness, Mr. Thomas Morgan, farmer, near Llanhilleth church aeed'/i Neville-street fii't '•?» Hart, formerof C.lef.rd, On the 16th Sept., in Orpmn A • T gill, Esq., late of Ponhiewvt^ Ica' Jobl1 Fother- this county. near Pontypool, in Richard6 Botrou°ht''LieUStf„aStf0po1, ?f fever' a^ed 1~> eldest son of bir Edward Rn £ 4 lfl(kBriSade' On the 24th at l.c orouS^ Sart, of Dublin, of her awe Fli/ak fi! ^S1(*ence> Clifton, in the 80th year On tlie 27th nf f I?°Wa-er Lad-V Radcliffe. Court HoZfn' 5 1 •er house, Lady Boughton, of Postoa On tb orn rfJ and Brunswick-square, Brighton, aged 60 A er^stwJ'th, Richard James, Esq, On the 2/th, at Pau, Mrs. Eliza Clarke, of Ashcott, Somersetshire, and Tours, in France, relict of J. Hurd Clarke, late of Ashcott, Esq. i

GOYTREY. HORSE STUBBING.- A brutal act of horse-stabbing was committed ill the above parish on the 26th instant. Wkile grazing in the field, the mare of a small farmer named John Edwards, who industriously earned an honest livelihood by his horse and cart, was stabbed by-some malicious miscieant on Monday night last. Several cuts were given to the poor animal. before she received the fatal one. She was in foal, and valued at about$17. Great efforts are losing made to find out the perpetrator of such an atrocity, and a large sum will be offered as a.re- --Uo any one that will give snch information as will lead to his conviction. Suspicion has fallen upon a man in the parish. It is.,much to be regretted that the parish otjjoytrey, which is a district of considerable extent, ds left without the benefit of a resident magistrate, whose influence upon the Lawless might be exerted for their good, atkd-to the want of which inguence, many of the evils whwifc,occur in the parish, are to be attributable.

MONMOUTHSHIRE RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN.] SlR,-I see by the report of the half-yearly meeting of this Company, considerable discussion arose as to its pre- sent position' and future prospects. This question ma- terially arfects the original shareholders and it will be "Well carefully to examine the grounds upon which a san- gcine opinion as to the probability of its future improve- ment Has expressed by several speakers at that meeting. In the first place, it was assumed, that the increased re- venue of the current half-year, would considerably re- duce the working expenses from the present high rate of sixty-live per cent. This could only arise from the sup- position that the increased traffic could be carried by pre- cisely the same amount of locomotive power, and ignoring other incidental charges upon the traffic. Still, it is a fair presumption that some saving would be effected, and this is the one vital question affecting the Company, and unless it can be accomplished, the dividends will inevita- bly be infinitesimal. This lessening cf working expenditure can only be effected by improved management—and I think the pre- sent system requires an immediate alteration. Where the different departments are separated, us they are here, it is'utterly impossible they ever can work harmoniously together. The traffic has its manager—the locomotion its he-ad—and the engineering its chref—all independent of each other, and only responsible to a Board, whose other engagements prevent their taking that personal in- terest, which is ebsolutely essential to efficient working. The daily experience of the freighters fully bears this out, as the working of the tragic with roads now con- Verted into edge railroads, and better rolling-stock than can be seen upon any mineral railway in the kingdom, is extremely defective and ir-regular. The remedy for this is a combination of the now divided powers ia the hands of one competent persons this would render the control mere perfect-tend to the better working—and thus effect an economy always resulting from o/Eeient over- sight, and the knowledge of the requirements for each day's works. Nowhere would it more tend to economy than in the delivery of the traffic, as frees the number of terminal points, this always will form a very heavy item in the workissg expenses. Another ctuse of heavy expenditure is the Ebor-tness of distance the locomotives travel with their train. The lead does not average more than aine miles over the whole traffc; and it must be patent to every one that no locomotive can be profitably employed where the lead is but three miles, as for instance, from Fie-corner. There will very shortly be an opportunity of improving this most materially. The liumney Railroad, wh'ch forms a junction with this Company's main line at Pie-corner, extends up the Rumney Valley to the Works at the head of it, a distance of twenty-one miles, and is. the means of communication with this port for shipment of all the iron, coal, and coke, is now in process of conversion into an edge railroad, and will be completed in the course of a few weeks. The working this line would be most profit- able, presuming the freighters (of which there is no doubt,) are willing to pay a fair rate. The length of lead of the coal would average seventeen miles, and of the iron twenty-four, in lieu of as at present only three miles, with already a considerable traffic, and a certain prospect of an increase, benefitting both the district and this town, as the port of shipment. Thus, increased re- venue, and reduced working expenditure, are modes of improvement; and, without participating in the sanguine Tiews of some of the proprietary, think the financial po- sition of this Company susceptible of considerable im- provement. Nov. 27 185(3. A SHAREHOLDER.

THE BLAEN AVON IRON AND COAL COMPANY.: 'qE THEIR EXTENT OF MINERALS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS. [TO THE EDITGR OF THE MERLIN.] .SIR,-It is generally understood that the Blaenavcn Iron and Coal Company are about renewing their leasa with the Earl of Abergavenny; but for what length of time has not yet transpired. It has been remarked -by some, that the best and cheapest minerals have been 'Worked but that ie a mere vague assertion. The extent ■of minerals, lease, and freehold, at the commencement of the works,'was, I believe, 7,000 acres—of which there may be worked 2,00 I acres—but only part of the oeais, four seams out of nine leaving unworked at the present time 5000 acres. The works have been in operation about 70 years, which, at a corresponding rate of production, would endure for 150 years. In thlh area of minerals, there are nine separate seams of coal, all available, making a total thickness of 38 feet. The mine measures workable, amount to seven in number-forming a thickness .of two feet The coals would produce about ol,0U0 tons per acre' • the iron mines, 8,712 tons per acre, if worked entire. The 'quantity of coal required for furnace purposes, smelt,in" &c., would be about 26,151 tons per acre— leavin"°for domestic purposes, country-sale, and shipment, 35 l71°tons per acre hut there must ho an allowanac for waste and loss underground. If, in Staffordshire, on such an immense mineral, pro- perty, there would be three or four separate iron w-crks erected, besides collieries opened, for juanufacturiug pur- poses and exportation; and if the Blacnavon works were divided, it would be a considerable advantage, as the present workings are going out a very Long distance flom the old blast furnaces. This, I believe, is in contempla- tion by the managers.of the concern. The directors now make frequent visits to the works all oil the alert, vigi- lent and active in addition to which, they have engaged a gentleman of much repute for talent and practical appli- cation-one that has not been lulled upon the lapoE indo- lence, a thorough schemer, and not a tkeamer- and it is expected that delusive projects will disappear before him, and his services add considerably to the profits of the concern. This wili give the shareholders greater confi- (lence in the management. It may be, that after all their loud complaints, they may yet be astonished to find thsi, the iron and coal mines entombed within the Blaenavon hills, are more profitable than the Australian aurife rous sands, or Mexican and Peruvian silvery mines. 'Yours truly, SAMUEL DEAEIK. Blaenavon, November 24th, 1855.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIM0. £ < £ If misfortune in one case more than another d«- siaiids our sympathy, it is in the case of him who, hy honest industry, had risen himself to a position that pro- mised independence, and is afterwards brought low by circuRicumstancos over which he had no control. I was foreibiy impressed with these.remarks, while reading over the several letters which appeared in the MERLIK, relating Mr. John Jones, of Brynmawr. I knew him for several years when he w&s engaged ae a merchant, at Brynuiawr, and can state with confidence, that there was not a man to be found that was stricter in discharging his engage- ments, or more indefatigable in exertion. His ability for business was also of the highest order. He was held in high estimation in the commercial world, where he was regarded us,- Industrious, punctual, frugal, and so forth, His word would pass for more than he was worth." But alas sir, we have a painful illustration in Mr- Jones's case, that integrity, industry, and ability, do not always command success, and that the fairest efforts of industry may be rendered abortive by some impressive evert, which no prudence could avoid or sagacity anticipate. Mr. Jones, in an evil hour, invested a considerable capital in shares in the Victoria Iron Work, and also laid out a large .sum of money in building 50 houses on ground that the Victoria Iron Company had leased to' Sit- Benjamiu HalL oir The consequence of being connected with tbeae works is too well known to the public, and keenly felt by hundred It is well known that Mr Jones was indefatigable in his exertions to retrieve the position of the company Jong as the slightest chance remained of doing' so • but alas their case was irretrievable, and this ill-fated specu- lation involved him, with many more, in one common ruin. The consequence fell on Mr. Jones with greater severity than the rest. He not only sacrificed the consi- derable amount he paid for shares, and the heavy de- mands made on him as a shareholder, which swept away all his available capital, but his 50 houses, the wreck of bis property, was also swept away, because the Victoria Company had forfeited their J0:)..Se, by not fulfilling its conditions. Thus 50 houses were taken from him without his being liable for any demand, either as a shareholder or individual, and not one farthing compensation given him. This made him" Poor, indeed." When these facts are known, Mr. Jones will, I am sure, have the sympathy of the public and when the subscrip- tion list is opened, I have no doubt but that many a gen- tleman, especially those to whom the property fell, and those who afterwards purchased it, will come forward libe- rally, and extend a helping hand, to enable a deserving tradesmen, whom adverse circumstances has bowed down, again to rise by industry. I am, §ir, yours respectfully, Newport, Nov. 29th, 1855. W. J.

Solved, was the right of sanctuary for political exiles. Tliia Country had been famed, for a long period, as the home of Persons who had been compelled to fly from their own Country, for political offences. In this expulsion, the right of sanctuary had been violated. The other principle in- volved, was the maxim of the British constitution, that every man should he regarded as innocent, until he had been found guilty by a formal process in a court of law. This maxim was the safeguard of personal freedom, and the bulwark of an Englishman's liberty. The other prin- ciple involved, was the liberty of the press and although he had been finding fault with the press, yet he respected the press, and trusted they should always have a free press, for an in'elligent and independent press was the terror of despots and the hope'of the enslaved. Tyrants, ecclesiastical and political, dreaded the press and if they could only get a press thoroughly intelligent, truly honest, and really independent, they would soon be able to over- come despotism at home, and tyranny abioad. The press had done more in working out the freedom of enslaved Peoples, than the sword ever did or will do. After a few more remarks in the same strain, the lecturer resumed his seat amidst much applause.