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CWIIAVON.
CWIIAVON. THE LATE DREADFUL COLLIERY EXPLOSION. TWELVE LIVES LOST. In our last week's issue, a brief notice was given of an explosion of fire-damp, at Cwmavon, on the previous Sa- turday, by which nine men and-three boys were killed. Ihe calamity occurred at Ynisdavid pit, at about ten o clock m the morning. As soon as the explosion was heard, some of the men immediately descended the pit, and soon found that their worst fears were realized-an explosion had occurred in the big vein. The intelligence soon spread—with the proverbial speed of ill news—above ground, and the agonised relatives and friends of the men at work in the pit soon congregated at the mouth of the shaft. Mr. David Thomas, colliery manager, with the most praiseworthy activity, made all the necessary pre- parations for bringing up the bodies of the dead and muti- lated workmen. W. Gilbertson, Esq., the manager of the works, was soon on the spot, and most active in ren- dering assistance. Mr. Pntchard and Mr. Russell were in attendance to render medical aid, and in short nothing was neglected which the emergency called for, and which it was in the power of the respected manager, or any one connected with the works, to supply. With as little delay as possible, the unfortunate sufferers were brought out of the pit. The following ire their respective names and ages :-Hopkin Hill, 50; Walter Morgan, 26; David Williams, 19 Hopkin Williams 27 John Lewis, 30 • Jason Evans, 21 John George, 13 David Morgan, 19 • Henry Griffiths, 35 Thomas Thomas, 45; David Thomas, 16; and David King, 25. All were dead when brought up, with the exception of Henry Griffiths, who lived for about three hours afterwards; Jason Evans, who lived about fourteen hours; David Thomas, who lived about twenty-five hours; and John George, who lived about half-an-hour. We will not attempt to depict the distres- ing scenes which took place as the bodies were successively brought into view. Out of the twelve men and boys who died from the explosion, eight were burnt and mutilated, the other four died from suffocation and wounds. THE CORONER'S INQUEST. The Coroner for the district, Alexander Cnthbertson, Esq opened the inquest on the bodies on Monday se'nnight. A respectable jury were sworn, and proceeded to view the bodies of the deceased, after which the inquest was ad- journed until the following Saturday, when it was again resumed, at the Mechanics' Hall, Cwmavon. T. Evans, Esq Government Inspector for the district, H F. Mack- worth, Esq., Inspector for Monmouthshire, and — Dic- kenson, Esq., Inspector for Lancashire, were present at the inquiry. The first witness called was- Mr. David Thomas, colliery azent, who produced a plan of the Ynisdavid pit, and W. P. Struve, Esq., C.E., testi- fied to its general correctness, as it had been made under his directions. Mr. Thomas then deposed as follows :—I went into the Ynisdavid p;t about half-past ten o'clock OB Saturday morning. On descending the downcast pit, which is the working pit, I proceeded along the upper four feet seam, until I came to the second drift of the big seam, where, after walking about forty yards, I saw the bodies of Walter Morgan, David Morgan, and David King. Pro- ceeding onwards as far as the heading on the lower leaf of the big seam, our progress was there stopped, the gas being too strong. I then thought it desirable that the workings in the lower four feet seam of coal should be examined and John Williams and Griffith Jones were sent direct to that heading. After stopping for about a quarter of an hour, I came to the conclusion that the men who were in- side of this point must have been killed, the heading at the time being full of gas. I gave orders to the men to remove the dead bodies, and then left that part of the colliery, came back along the upper four feet seam of the heading, and along the first drift from the pit. Proceeding along the lower four feet seam, to within ten yards of the outer- most door, I saw a great number of bodies On looking ever them I found John Lewis dead, about midway be- tween the two air doors on the upper four feet seam At the end of the drift I found the bodies of Hopkin Williams, David Williams, and 'ohn George, a door boy, close to the door to which he had attended. Within two yards of the body of Hopkin Williams, I found Henry Griffiths, who spoxe OThCe, but expired a few minutes after being brought up. On the opposite side Jason Evans was found alive, and was raised and placed in a tram. I then went back along the same heading, for about a hundred yards, and it was made out that all the bodies in that district were found, SOllle dead and some alive. I then went back to- wards the pit along the lower four feet heading and the upper four feet, as far as the headings ou the big seam, and found that the dead bodies I had previously tieen on the drift had been sent out. We endeavoured afterwards to penetrate to the East heading in the lower leaf of the big seam, where Hopkin Hill and Thomas Thomas had been working. The gas at that time was not so strong as when we first attempted to enter it, and by placing men at dif- ferent distances from each other, we succeeded in getting out the body of Thomas Thomas, who was found in a sit- ting posture, about six'y yards from the drift. He bore no marks of external injury, and must therefore have died from suffocation. The next body missed was that of Hop- kin Hill, who had been employed in driving the same heading. Having been informed that he might have been at the time of the explosion about thirty vatds from the drift, fetching heading timber, I gave orders to examine those falls, and in the first that was partly cleared, was iound the body of Hopkin Hill. We were then sure that the whole of the bodies had been found, and proceeded to the top of the pit. Hopkin Hill was much burnt. His lamp was found on Fridav, about eight or ten yards from his body, quite uuinjured," with the cover on. The witness then described to the Inspector the manner in which the colhery was ventilated, and in answer to the Coroner, stated that lie did not consider the colliery more fiery than the other pits. There was always a large quantity of gas in the big seam. It would certainly be better for the safety of the colliery bad there been more ventilation than that I1 aCrn, ?3cnbed. In answer to the Inspector, he further saut this colliery is exclusively worked with safety lamps. The lamps have locks on them, but none of them in that pit are locked. I produoe the rules in use at the colliery. Lach man has not yet been furnished with a copy of them considerable delay having occurred in their delivery from the printer. These are the rules approved by the Secretary of State. Only a few davs before the accident Mr. Gil- bertson had written to the printer, requesting to have the. rules sent in, and saying that if they were not forwarded immediately, be would take other measures regarding them. The-colliery is examined eve)y morning by the wastemen, David Williams and Thos. Phillips, who are now present. Any serious occurrence would bf communicated to me through the overman of the colliery. Since the passing of the Act, to endeavour to carry out its provisions, we have placed a man in the pit to examine it daily, and to have more particular charge of the colliery, and to report upon any irregularity. The witness stated in answer to the In- spector, that Mr. Mackworth had called his attention, in July, 1353, to the necessity of having locked lamps. Out of 8001 amps in use at the colliery most of them were supplied with locks, but they were not locked. He also said: I have heard of men smoking in the pit and have had them fined for it. They light their pipes, I believe, by lifting up the gauze, or it may be done by drawing the flame through. Smoking is strictly forbidden, and the men when detected doing it are always fined. It appears that gas had accu- mulated in the pit to some extent on the day previous to the accident. On that day I heard that one of the doors in the upper leaf of the big seam had been left open, and I immediately went down and made minute inquiries as to how the door had been left when the men went from their work. I could not find that it had been left open by them. The door was about three parts open. It was constructed to close of itself, and I cannot account for its remaining open. David Williams, fireman at the Ynisdavid pits, said Mv duty is to go down in the morning to try the fire, to put up brattis wherever required to carry on the air. I and Thomas Phillips went to work on Saturday, about four in the morning, and found no fire in the colliery. Found the works in every respect fit for the men to pursue their employment. On the previous day I had found the door open in the big vein, and am not able to state the cause why it was not shut. I came up to the mouth of the pit and told John Griffiths, the overman, of the door being open. I and John Griffiths went down, and no one was allowed to go to his work until the fire had been cleared off. On Saturday morning there was no appearance what- ever of fire when we examined the works. We found fire in no place but one, and that was in the lower four feet at George Hunt's stall. The men went to their work on Saturday morning soon after six, and the explosion took place at a quarter to ten. On the morning of the accident I examined as high up in the big vein as I could go. There were some places in which gas might have collected which I could not examine. A fall prevented the examination in one part. When I examined the big vein I will swear that I found no indications of gas in the top holes. Thomas Phillips, road-man, corroborated the evidence of the last witness as to there being no fire-damp in the work when examined on the morning of the accident. John Griffiths, fireman of the pit, said it was part of his duty to examine the lamps. He could not say that he saw the whole of the lamps on the morning of the accident, but he examined part of them. From his inspection he could not say whether the whole of the lamps were perfect or not. On leaving their work the men gave their lamps to a lampnian, named Joseph Morgan, and witness relied upon the examination made by him. In answer to the Inspector he said On the morning of the accident. I found fire in George Hunt's stall. It was a very fiery vein where the explosion occurred. Coal had fallen, and by falling I think it had struck the brattis, and gave off the gas, which coming in contact with a broken lamp had ignited. I do not think there was one bad lamp in the pit. One of the lamps might have got damaged. Have seen lamps in this colliery with the tops off, but only where it was allowed. There were altogether 79 men and boys at work in the pit. I had a copy of the rules in Welsh. Mr. Gilbertson said that those were not the Govern- ment rules, but were the rules in use protam. until the nev^ones could be had from the printer. He produced a copy, and proceeded to offer some observations as to the steps he had taken with regard to providing rules. In the course of January he (Mr. Gilbertson) received a printed circular from Mr. Evans, containing instructions from the Secretary of S'ate as to what the rules should and should not contain. After receiving the instructions he consulted with Mr. Struve and other coal proprietors in the district, with a view to secure, as far as possible for all the works in the neighbourhood, one set of rules one translation of them, and one glossary at the end of the rules. To secure a uniform translation it was agreed to employ one printer for all. He (Mr. Giibertson) had applied several times for his copies, but could not get them. In the meanwhile the rules raised under the Act by the company were stuck about the colliery, but not distributed generally. Mr. Evans remarked that some months had now elapsed since January. The rules might certainly have been provided before this by engaging some other printer. Mr. Gilbertson said that to get the rules translated into Welsh, and secure a uniform translation, one printer must be emp oyed by all. John Dale, collier, said I work in the big vein of the Ynisdavid pit, and have been employed there for ten months. Recollect no accident before Saturday last. I do not consider it a fiery colliery, but a very safe one. On Saturday morning I went to work about five o clock, and observed no indica'ion of fire :n any stall. I saw Hopkin Hill in his own heading, but observed no in- dication of fire there. His lamp was covered as well as mine. I never saw him work with an open light. Mr. William Price Struve, C.E consulting mining engineer to the Cwmavon Company, said he examined that part of the work which a)p ared to him to be what might be called the focus of the explosion. It appeared to him to have taken place between the lower leaf of the big vein and the south end of the drift, becauase he found there evidence of the greatest violence. From the appearances and situations of tho bodies when found, he was also led to believe that this was the chief scene of the explosion. With regard to the ventilation ot the works, he might say that when the company took possession of them, the ventilation was very inferior indeed—not more than 3 O'lO cubic feet of air per minnte. Since then it had been much improved, and sJwpresent he should think it was very nearly double that to which he had alluded. Notwithstanding this, he had strongly recommended Mr. Gilbertson, for the company, that the ventilation of this colliery and the engine pit should be generally improved. The three Government Inspectors present made some observations upon the necessity of having the colliery better ventilated, the distribution of rules among the men, and the adoption of locked lamps. The Coroner said that it was very desirable that the observations of the Government Inspectors, and ot Mr. Struve should make their proper impression in the right place, and the jury and himself might feel a desire to have the recommendations of those geiitleniencarried into. effect,- but it rested more with Mr. Gilbertson and those, who had the conduct of the works to attend to themL than themselves. There was no doubt that the rules should "have been had in time. but be could hardly suppose that, if they had been put in force, and it every man had been supplied with a copy, it would nave prevented the occurrence of the accident. It was, how- ever imperative that locked lamps should be used in these works for the future. Now, in cases of this Kind, the duty of the jury was to pronounce a verdict that the deaths had been occasioned by an explosicn ot fire damp, as to the cause of which there was no evidence 'before them. No one could prove how it took place The Jury expressed their concurrence in the-remarks of the Coroner, and returned a verdict accordingly. The inquiry then terminated, at about half-past three o'clock, after having lasted for five hours.
MERTHYR.
MERTHYR. FINE ARTS.—In company with two engravings from pictures in the Royal Collection, we observe with plea- sure that the Art Journal of this month has another steel engraving from the relivo of "Religion consoling Jus- tice," which forms part of the monument erected at Dingestow Church, near Monmouth, to the memory of the late Right lion. Sir J. Bernard BosanqueL This monument was designed and executed in marble, a few years since, by Mr. J. Edwards, sculptor, who is a na- tive of Merthyr, but now residing in London, where his professional connexion, we are glad to learn, is steadily extending among some of the highest families in the land and where his reputation as a rising sculptor is also steadily growing, notwithstanding early obstructions of no ordinary kind. As the Art Journal has a very large circulation in the United Kingdom and in America and circulates also in India, France, Germany, and even in Russia, this reputation will now be more or less spread far and near for in the notice accompanying the engraving in the Journal, Mr. Edwards is referred to as one whose mind appears amply stored with such qualifications as are essential to become a great artist," and who proves himself to be a mau of deep and earnest thought, pur- posing to make his art elevated and intellectual." POLICE COURT.—SATUEDAY. Before J. C. Fowler and William Thomas, Esqrs. MAD DOGS.—Mr. Fowler stated that he had received a note from Mr. Morgan, deputy-coroner, enclosing the recommendation of the jury on the inquest held on Tuesday, at Abercanaid, on the body of John Davies, who had died of hydrophobia. The recommendation was that Mr. Morgan write to the authorities in Merthyr earnestly requesting them to cause notices to be posted throughout the town, to the effect that all dogs allowed to go about the town unmuzzled, would be destroyed by the police officers. Now he was sorry to say that the magistrates had no power to comply with the suggestion or they would most willingly do so. In other towns where this was done, they derived their power under a local act; but there was no local act for Merthyr, and no general act was applicable to the case. What'he Mr. Fowler, would recommend under the circumstances'was' that every one knowing of parties keeping dogs, would give information of the fact to the collector of assessed taxes. There were many persons who now kept dogs who would very soon get rid of them if they had to pay 12s. a-year for each of them Superintendent Wrenn stated that he bad himself sent in to the collector the names of 100 persons who kept dogs. There would this year be a great many more persons in Merthyr paying the dog tax than tlwre were last year. UPSETTING A RAILWAY ESGINE.-Two boys named James Bay and Thomas Jones were charged with placing stones on the rails on the Cwmbargoed railway, belonging to the Dowlais Company, whereby an engine had been thrown off the railway/damage done to the engine to the amount of JE30, and the lives of some 30 or 40 miners and colliers placed in jeopardy.—David Davies, an engine- driver under the company, said that on the previous Wednesday evening ho saw Jones place a stone on one of the rails a few yards in front of the engine. He tried to reverse it, but was unable to stop it in time. The engine, however, broke the stone, and no injury was sustained. He scolded the boy very severely, and Jones then told him that Day had informed him that he placed the stone on the rail on the occasion of the accident the previous week.—Day denied this.-The Bench pointed out to the lacg the serioufl nature of the offenpe, end told them that by placing stones on the rails they rendered themselves liable to transportation for life. The boys' fathers being present, and each promising to give his son a good flogging, when he got home, the case was dismissed. MURDEROUS ASSAULT.—Jane Evans was brought up, on remand, charged with assaulting William Williams, a miner, by striking him just over the forehead, whereby she had inflicted so severe an injury that for some days he was insensible, and although he was now pronounced to be out of danger, according to the medical certificate produced, it will be some days before he will be able to attend the Bench to prefer the charge against her.—Mr. Simons attended for the defendant, and asked for per- mission to put in bail for her future appearance, as he said that, although she had committed the assault, she had received at the hands of the man the greatest provocation that it was possible for a woman to receive. The Bench having agreed to accept of bail, Rees Morgan and John Thomas became sureties, in JE30 each, for her appearance there on that day week. A PEKVEKSE WOMAN.—Ann Owens, an Irish woman, was summoned by Mr. Roger Williams, relieving-officer, to swear her parish, as she had received relief, and the guardians, to get rid of'her and her family, wished to pass her home to Ire'and. She, however, refused to be sworn in consequence of which she was committed to Cardiff for 14 days. DRUNKENNESS.—Lewis Richards, moulder, was charged with being drunk and incapable. He denied the charge of drunkenness, as he said he still retained his conscious- ness but he admitted that the liquor had rendered him so powerless that he was unable to stand. He was fined 5s. MONDAY. (Before J. C. Fowler and Wm. Thomas, Esqrs.) DRUNKENNESS.— John Argus, Merthyr, and Patrick Sullivan and James Haley, Dowlais, pleaded guilty of drunkenness, and were severally fined 5s. V AGRANcy.-Jolm Pool was chaiged with having been found by Henry Croley in the Penydarren Works, for an unlawful purpose. He had climbed over the wall after the gates were closed.—As he could show no pretensions for being there, the Bench committed him for one week's hard labour under the Vagrant Act. ASSAULT.—P.C. Webb preferred a charge of assault against Wm. Williams, mason, of Rhymney.—The de- fendant was not present. — The constable found hiin lying across the pavement drunk, and picked him up, and told him to go home; but instead of going quietly, he struck the constable with his fist.-Fined 10s. and costs. AFFILIATION.—Gustina Lewis, wife of Daniel Lewis, charged John Waters, puddler, with being the father of her two children-one of which was nearly five years, and the other eight months old. She had long been se- narated from her husband, and had been living with the defendant for the last six years, until within the last few months. -The defendant did not deny being the father of the children but he seemed to think that, as the com- plainant was a married woman, her husband would be compelled to maintain the children if he did not.—The woman said that her husband had not spoken to her since she had lived with the defendant.—Ordered to pay Is. 6d. a-week towards the maintenance of each child, together with costs. ASSAULT -Daniel Evans, carpenter, was charged with having committed a gross and indecent assault upon a little child, between four and five years old, named Sarah Jane Whit!.Jurne.- From the evidence of the child's mo- ther, with regard to the state of the child, there was no doubt but that the offence had been committed by some one, but the child was of too tender age to give evidence of the fact, the magistrates being unable to induce her to speak.-The case was consequently dismissed.
.LLANELLY.
LLANELLY. PEACE REJOICINGS.—On Thursday week, this place was a scene of great rejoicing in commemoration of peace. The children of all the schools in the parish were liberally treated with tea at the expense of the Rev. A. Griffiths Lancelot Powell, Esq., Clydach Iron Works; John Jayne, Esq., Pantyhailey; John Maunde, Esq, Tymawr; and William Williams, Esq., Aberbaiden. The tea was provided in a spacious marquee and an extensive booth on the lower common, near Duffryn Mawr. The morning appeared rather gloomy, but the day proved very fine, to the great joy of many a youthful heart, bent upon spend- ing the day in fun and frolic. At two o'clock the children of the day and Sunday schools were assembled at the schoolroom, each wearing a twig of oak in commemoration of the Restoration of Charles the Second, and were formed into a procession by the master and the Sunday school teachers, and proceeded thence, two abreast, headed by a band of music and a large banner, to the sale-yard, near the Clydach Works, to meet the schools belonging to the company. The entire body then returned, seven hundred in number, to the marquee, which was decor,itei with flowers and flags. After singing grace, the joyous throng sat down to regale themselves with the cheering cup. Tea being over, the remainder of the day was spent by the children in various games, jumping, foot-racing, &c. They were subsequently assembled, and addressed by the Rev. A. Griffiths, Vicar, and John Jayne, Esq., Pantybailey, on the blessing of peace, &c. Both gentlemen were loudly cheered at the slose of their remarks. The Llanelly Choir sung several tunes, and the National Anthem" was sung by the entire assembly. After giving three hearty cheers for the Queen and the gentlemen who kindly treated them on the occasion, the children, separated, highly pleased with the proceedings of the day. The tea was provided by Mr. David Davies, Clydach Shop, to whom great credit is due for the manner in which everything was prepared. The scene was enlivened by the excellent playing of the band during the afternoon. It is supposed that upwards of two thousand persons were present. Among the company present we noticed the following :— John Jayne, Esq., Penybaily Rev. Arthur Griffiths, Vicar; Mrs. Jayne, William Jayne, Esq., Miss Jayne, Miss Ashwin, J. Ashwin, Esq., — Haines, Esq., Mrs.' Pierce, Navigation House; Miss Pierce; Mrs. Lyne, Glaslyn Cottage; W. F. Tuckett, Esq., surgeon, Clydach Misses Thomas, Maesygwartha Mr. William Morgan, cashier, Clydach Works; Mr. and Mrs. Davies, Clydach Shop Mr. E. Rosser and Mrs. Rosser, draper, Gilwern Miss Morris, &c., &c.
MEMORANDA IN REFERENCE TO…
MEMORANDA IN REFERENCE TO THE CONVICT PALMER. Mr. John Smith,the zealous and indefatigable attorney for Palmer, thus writes to the limes 11 I am not going to weary you with a scientific disqui- sition, nor to impeach the Judge's charge, nor the verdict which was founded upon it. I am about to state facts admitted by the Crown upon the trial, and upon these powerful and all-important features of the case I confidently look for the support of the public generally. In the first place, the theory of perfect absorption, as propounded by Dr. Taylor, is new and hypothetical, not in any way warranted by experience. .C Secondly, as the theory has not been proved by any reliable experiment, i may be false. Thirdly, if strychnia is not absorbed and decomposed, and can be found under similar circumstances as those which existed, and now exist, in the case of the late John Parsons Cook, then my client will have been the victim of an erroneous conviction, if strychnia cannot now be dis- covered in the remains of the body of the deceased. Hour after hour I receive communications from professional gen- tlemen of the first eminence in direct antagonism to Pro- fessor Taylor's doctrine; and, as the recital of the case has travelled over various parts of the world, this novel and strange notion of absorption is strongly combated. Remember the life of a human being is at stake. The prerogative of mercy has lately been exercise 1 in two cases of murder, and the spirit of the age, combined with your powerful approbation, made the exercise of that prerogative popular. I do not seek for pardou-nay, not even a com- mutation of the sentence. I only ask that William Palmer's life should be spared until a commission of inquiry should test, in such manner as may be thought most expedient, the soundness or fallacy of Dr. Taylor's theory. I- Such a commission, I submit, ought to be appointed by Government, for if Palmer be guilty, and shown to be so, the medical and scientific doubt will have been solved, and science benefited but, if he be innocent, then would every honest heart rejoice that life had not been sacrificed to an apparent scientific dogma. "Should Palmer lie in a felon's grave, and the whole theory of absorption turn out to be the veriest imagination, what would be the public indignation upon the question — what the feeling of his Judges and the jurors ? If the larger tests and experiments conducted by impartial men, unprejudiced by professional jealousy, be confirmatory of his guilr, in God's name let the law take its course, and a, felon's grave be his final resting-place. Time, then, for the sake of truth, for the elucidation of science, for the security of the public,not only of this generation, but of generations to come, ought to be granted for the purpose of further inquiry. Let not Palmer live for his own sake, nor yet for his lost child, crushed by early sorrow and dishonour, bnt for the larger (although not dearer) and more comprehensive objects I have stated." On the subject of the post mortem examination. Mr. Devonshire says The trial of Mr. William Palmer having terminated, I feel at liberty to request the favour of your permission to state the facts of the post mortem examination of the remains of Mr. Cook, which were so misapprehended by the Attorney-General in opening the case for the prosecu- tion that he, I am sure unintentionally, did me great in- justice. I need not add that your endorsemement of his allegation in your leader, affirming that the body was unskilfully dissected," makes me the more anxious to clear myself from an erroneous and injurious impression. "It was agreed at a consultation held at Mr. Freer's, at Rugeley, that the stomach and intestines should be opened, and, with their contents, enclosed in ajar. It was further considered and agreed that the spinal cord need not be examined if its upper portion and the brain should prove it to be in a healthy condition. At the examination I was assisted by Mr. Newton, a young gentleman who had unfortunately never witnessed a post mortem. He punctured the stomach, and about a tea-spoonful of its contents was lost. Afterwards, when Dr. Harland and I were examining the lining membrane, Mr. Newton 8uddeuly turned the stomach inside out; an additional half-teaspoonful was thus lost, the remainder falling into the jar. This accounts for Dr. Taylor finding the mucous mem- brane in contact with the intestines. C C With the exception ofthis casual puncture, I maintain the post mortem was skilfully performed. Having devoted a c msiderable portion of five years to dissections and to poU lIW tern examinations at King's Col- lege, 1 feel justified in making that assertion. From the want of an opportunity for this explanation I have been the victim of several attacks both in the Central Criminal Court and in the daily papers, which I should certainly have anticipated had I been aware, when under examination of the terms in which I had been alluded to by the Attorney-General. STAFFORD, WEDNESDAY. A great deal of excitement has been occasioned here by an announcement which was received, to the effect that her Majesty's Government had ordered a respite of Pal- mer's sentence, with a view to a further examination of the circumstances connected with this remarkable case. Upon inquiry at the gaol it was ascer ained that no official communication of the sort bad been received by the gover- ner, and it is belived that there was no found a ion for the rumour beyond a paragraph which appeared in one of the London morning papers. It is stated confidently here that Sir G. Grey, her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State fcr the Home Department, has laid the question of Palmer's respite before Lord Campbell, and that the answer returned by the Lord Chief Justice is to the effect that be perfectly concurs with the verdict of the jury, and that he sees no reason why the law should not take its course. If this statement be true, no further communica- tion will take place between the High Sheriff of Stafford- shire and 'he Government, and that high functionnry will be compelled to carry out the execution according to the instructions he has already received. A circumstance which* will perhaps throw some additional light on this painful case may be mentioned here. An elder brother of William Palmer, the convict, the Rev. Thomas Palmer, M A., a clergyman of the Church of England, residing at Coton Hall, Staffordshire, has visited the prisoner several times during the last few days, and has collected some extraordinary facts in relation to the case, which he intends publishing forthwith in the form of a pamphlet, which he hopes may have some effect in arresting the exe- cution, for the purpose of further inquiry. William Pal- mer himself is very anxious that he should be put on trial for the mu-der of his wife, whose death it has been freely alleged was caused by the administration of poison by his hands. That request it is not likely that the Governmnment will grrnt, unless some strong, and, at present, unforseen confirmation of the evidence given for the defence by the medical witnesses should transpire. It seems to be the general opinion in this part of the country that the death of Palmer next Saturday week (if the exe- cution as at present purposed be carried out) will not tend to unravel the remarkable medical mvs'eries which the late trial developed. If he should confess that he adminis- tered strychnia to Cook. Dr. Taylor's theory that it may be absorbed and all traces of it lost, will be established but Palmer has assured his brother, the governor of the gaol, and the chaplain, that he has nothing to confess in reference to the crime, and that he is as innocent of the murder of Couk as the child unborn. In the event of his perseverance in this statement one discovery will have yet to be made whether the evidence of the medical witnesses for the defence is correct, that strychnia may be found in the body after death, no mater how long it may have been administered Palmer continues to complain bitterly of the partiality of Lord Campbell's summing up, which he declares to be more one sided than even the speech of the Attorney-General, who avowedly strove to obtain a conviction against, him. Within the last day or two an anonymous letter has been received by one of the scientific witnesses called in William Palmer's defence. It purports to be from a female, resident, we believe, in the neighbourhood of Liverpool. It sets forth the intimacy which had existed between the writer and Cook, and alleges that the former, in a fit of jealousy, touched Cook with a ring which con- tained deadly poison, a few days only, prior to his illness. PALMER'S COXVICTIOX.-It may be recollected that after the charge delivered by Lord Campbell, the jury were absent from court one hour and ten minutes before they returned, and their foreman pronounced the verdict Guilty." From this it may be inferred that some doub. existed in the mind of one or more of the jury, which gave rise to considerable discussion before it could be re- moved. It may therefore be satisfactory to the public to kuow that such wag not really the case. On their retire- ment. the jurymen, without discussing among themselves the subject of the prisoner's guilt or innocence, agreed that each individual juryman should write his verdict, and plrice it under his hat. Within ten minutes from the time of leaving court, this determination was carried into effect, and on raising the hats the word "Guilty" was found under every one of the 12 The delay in returning into court with the verdict, originated in a feeling that-con- sidering the life of a fellow-being was at stake, may with great propriety be said to have been commendable and considerate—that any suggestion compatible with the in- nocence of the prisoner which might occur to the mind of any individual juryman should not be precluded from dis- cussion by a hasty verdict. The verdict may with truth, however, be said to have been virtually given in ten mi- nutes, and in the satisfactory manner already mentioned
BY EL ROT TO TK LKG UAPIL
BY EL ROT TO TK LKG UAPIL LONDON COR.N MARKET—FRIDAY. There was a good demand for English and foreign wheat, at fully Monday's rates—not much offering below. Flour held for an advance. Few buyers of barley, but full terms demanded. Oats fully as high good business. Linseed and clover held for an advance. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET.—FRIDAY. Beasts, 1,036; cows, 150; sheep and lambs, 10,520; calves, 427; pigs, 120. Beef, 4s. to 4s. I Od. mutton, 4s. 4d. to 5s. 6d. veal, 4s. 4d. to 5s. 6d. pork, 4s. 2d. to 5s. 2d. lamb, 5s 6d. to 6S. 6d. Trade dull, at reduced prices.
[No title]
TROUBLES CONNECTED WITH AMERICA.—In the House of Commons, on Thursday evening, Lord Palmerston, in reply to a question by Mr. Disraeli, said that he had in- formation directly of the fact, that Mr. Crampton had re- ceived his passports, and had quilted Washington for Toronto but nothing had been received from him as yet
Ijjtppittg IMUigfttr?.
Ijjtppittg IMUigfttr?. ARRIVALS FROM NEWPORT. Ontario, Jones, at Havre, for Rouen, on the 28th ult. Mary Ann, Pincomb' at Calais, on the 26th ult. Mariette et Celine, Coppin, at Oran, oa the 22nd ult. Bellona, Williams, at Constantinople, on the 19th ult. Princess Victoria, M'Kenzie, at Corfu, on the 6th ult. Joseph Marianne, Lesquel, at Bordeaux, on the 30th ult. Rosalie, Tagan, at Alexandria, on the 11th ult. Crimea, Pugsley, at Madras, on the 2Jth of April. Ontario, Jones, at Rouen, on the 31st ult. Germaine, Eveno, at Bordeaux, on the 31st nit. Mary Jane, Davies, at Malta, on the 26th ult. Betsy, Allen, at Malta, on the 26th ult. Alice Jane, Williams, at Genoa, on the 24th ult. Kilham, White, at Cienfuegos, on the 23th of .April. St. Bernard, below Baltimore, via Fayal, on the 18th ult. ARRIVALS FROM CARDIFF. Leon, Turbe, at Marseilles, on the 27th ult. Patriot, Willis, at Harburg, on the 26th ult. Susanna, Uffen, at Cronstadt, on the 23rd ult. Castregnano, Kaglatcich San Francisco, Paigh Ottawa, Oats; Shields, Richmond; Meodite, Marincovich; Syria, Law Preciosa, Anderson Deux Adrien, Bara; Yulf, Pettersen Tritone, Ragusen Taxiarchis, Ghinis; Woodman, Meslin-all at Constantinople before the 19th ult. Abel, Lamb, at Naples, on the 2Jst ult. Providence, Shepherd, at Lisbon, on the 18th ult. Martha, Miles, at Messina, on the 20th ult. Caryles, Lemerle, at St. Nazaire, on the 29th nit. Jacob, Lancelot, at St. Nazaire, on the 29th ult. Bordeaux, Adams, at Bordeaux, on the 30th ult. St. Francois, Cherds, at Brest, on the 30th ult. Jeune Felix, Le Franc, at Brest, on the 30th ult. Henry, Thomas, at Helvoet, on the 29th ult. Commodore, Vallack, at Cuxhaven on the 29th ult. Albion, Henlen, at Malta, on the 21st ult. Southerner, Wilton, at St. Mark's, on the 1st ult. Norden, Dryslius, at Galle, for Bombay, on 28th of April. Alblasserwaard, Linden, at Hong Kong, on 15th March. Jane, Griffiths, at Rouen, on the 31st ult. Leonie, Petit, at Bordeaux, on the 31st ult. Lima. Jones, at Marseilles, on the 29th ult. Elizabeth, Yallius, at Marseilles, on the 29th ult. Alaim, Johnson, at Cronstadt, on the 24th ult. Undaunted, Greencock, at Malta, on the 26th ult, Lusitania, Cook, at Malta, on the 26th ult. D. Mongiardino, Solari, at Genoa, on the 24th ult. Parthian, Cole, at Alexandria, on the 11th ult. E. Ronneberg, Reppen, at Singapore, on the 23rd March. Rean, Zollinger, at Singapore, ou the 27th of March. Cornelia, Lannes, at Singapore-, ou the 2Stb of March. Francoris, Mentor, at Oporto, on the 29th ult. T -■ The schooner Jane and Mary, Coplin, of Falmouth, from Cardiff for Marseilles, with a cargo of coals, was wrecked near Cape Spartel, previous to May 6. The Gazelle, Deason, of Scilly, from Cardiff for Messina, with coals, which was stranded 17 miles from Tangier, April 21, has been abandoned, condemned, and sold. SPOKEN.—Beatrice, of Boston, from Cardiff for Bombay, on the 26th April, in lat. 5 N., lone. 22 W. L 11
Family Notices
Births, Marriages, and Deaths. BIRTHS. On the 6th inst., at Pillgwenlly. the wife of Mr. W. H. Davies, of a daughter. On the 30th ult.. at the residence 6f her father, in Llanarth- street. the wife of Captain S. Clarke. of a daughter. On the 211(1 inst., in Lower Berkeley-street, the Lady Aurora "Williams Wviiii. of a son. On the 29th ult, the Ladv Mary Windsor Clive, of a daughter. On the 28th ult., at Cardiff, the wife of W Charles Luard, Esq., of a s.n, stillborn. On the 28th ult., at Lawrence Weston. Henbury, Gloucester- shire, the wife of John Edward Giles, Esq., barrister, of a son. MARRIAGES. At 99, South Portland-street, Glasgow, by the Rev. Mr. Cowan, Mr. Richard Soden, of London, nephew of Mr. Fred. Soden, grocer, &c Newport, to Eliza, second daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Smith, merchant, Saltcoats, Scotland. On the 26th ult.. at the Roman Catholic Chapel, Abergavenny, by the Rev. Mr. Millwood. Mr. Jeremiah Conelly, to Miss Mary Welsh, both of Abergavenny. On the 29th ult., at Nautyglo Church, by special license, Mr. David Williams, to Caroline, only daughter of Mr. David Wil- liams, of the Fountain Inn, Frogmore-street, Abergavenny On the 27th ult.. at the Registrar Office, Abergavenny, Mr. William Davies, smith, to Miss Eliza Willis, of Monmonth Cap. On the 1st inst., at Risca, by the Rev. Mr. Williams, John, eldest son of John Tebbutt, Esq., of Kettering.Xorthamptonshire, to Rachel, only and much-beloved daughter of the late lamented and highly-respected Mr. Thomas Jenkins, of Aberdare. On the 3rd inst., at St Luke's Church, Pontnewynydd, by the Rev. John Morgan, Mr. William Bennion, son of Nir. Edward Bennion, late of Edge-hill, Cheshire, and nephew of Mr. Edwards, corn merchant, Pontypool, to Sarah Anne, eldest daughter of Mr. Rogers, builder, Mangotsfield, Gloucestershire. On the 31st ult.. at Ecclcton Chapel, Eccleton-square, London, Mr. Jones, chemist, Brecon. to Sarah, youngest daughter of the late Rev. David Powell, Ashbrook-place, of the same town. On the 29th uIt, at St. Lawrence's Church, Reading, by the Rev. Richard Prichard, B. D„ rector of .Jiewbold-on-Stour, William Prichard, Esq., of Laleston Cottage, in the county of Glamorgan, to Ellinor, fourth daughter of the late John Bennett, Esq., of Laleston House, in the same county. DEATHS. On the 30th ult., at Trevethin Parsonage. Pontypool. the Rev Thomas Davies James, B.A., nephew of the Kev. Thomas Davies, A.M., Incumbent of Trevethin, Monmouthshire, aged 26 years. On the 1st inst.. at Panteagup Rectory, near Pontypool, the Rev. William Robert Roberts, B.A., also nephew of the Rev. Thomas Davies, of Trevethin Parsonage, Pontypool, aged 26 years. On the 25th ult., at Hereford New-road, Abergavenny, Julia, wife of Mr. Henry Brown, aged 45 years. On the 31st ult., Mr. W. Robothan, aged 70, formerly a carpen- ter working for C. H. Leigh, Esq., at the Poutymoile Works He was a truly honest and inoffensive man, and much respected by his late employer and a large circle of friends. On the 2nd inst, at Abergavenny, of inflammation, Mary Jane youngest daughter of Mr. John Proverbs, aged 1 year and 5 months. On the 27th ult., at Abergavenny, Mrs. Alice Moseley, aged 78 years. On the 23rd ult., at the house of her brother-in-law Captain John C. Toms, St. Mary-street, Swansea, much regretted bv her sorrowing relatives and friends. Marv relict ,,f T- Parker, first clerk to the Collector of Inland Lvenno JameS On the 30th ult., at Abersychan, Mr. Geonre Russe'li On the 22nd ult, aged 53 vears Mr S ™ T aged 06. farm, Llangyfelacli, deeply regretted by a large c^ew'fnends and neighbours, who mourn the loss nf'« cle ,.j ness and benevolence of disposition. unvarying kind- On the 29th iilt., at lian--ivater Wi,,iam Clune Helsham Can- only' V 5^- and Adjutant Roval Brecon Rifles, OnThe 28th11 H H' Candler' Kilkenny Fusiliers, aged 29. Eliza relict J w-it r residence. Chester, in her 61st year, Ivildare ami am Morgan, Esq., of Ravensdale, county A' ai« daughter of the late William Seddon, Esq., of Acres- neld, near Manchester. trn f Winchester, from the effects of illness con- actea in the trenches before Sevastopol. (Japt.George Trevelyan John, 23rd Ro)-al Welsh Fusiliers, aged 2<> years. i-u seat> Castleboro', County Wexford, Ireland, I.ord Carew, a liberal politician and landlord, in the truest sense of the word.
--♦-BRECON.
♦- BRECON. WELSH CALVINISTIO AssooATioN.—The annual meeting of the above association was held at Brecon, commencing on Tuesday evening, and continued Wednesday and Thursday. The following gentlemen took part in the services :—The Revds. John Jones, Blaenanarch; Robert Owen, Rhyl; l)avid Edwards, Brynmawr David Jenkins, Babell; David Jones, Caernarvon; Thomas Jones, Chester; Richard Lumley, Swansea; Jonah Phillips, Llandovery; Kdward Hughes, Aherystwith; John Davies; Jonah Edwards, Cwmbach; Evan Harries, Merthyr Tydfil; Thomas Phillips, Hereford (in English); William Powell, Pembroke (in English); and Daniel Evans Woodstock, Pembroke. The several services were well attended, and. were held chiefly in the open air. ENCAMPMENT. Considerable excitement was occasioned in this town, in consequence of its being reported that a piece of the common near the town was inspected by Colonel Shirley, Com- mandant of the South Wales District, with the view of forming a camp for 4,000 or 5,000 soldiers. Such a large influx of the military near the place would be of great benefit to the trade it is hoped the rumonr will not prove vague; but it is also stated that the gronnd has not been inspected with any intention of forming a camp, but for the purpose of using it as exercise-ground and a rifle range for whatever troops that may be stationed in the garrison and it has been reported as admirably suited for that purpose by Colonel Shirley. REJOICINGS FOB PEACE.—Thursday week being the day set apart for the rejoicings in celebration of the treaty of peace, the diffident offices and banks in the town were closed, and a cessation of ty/jines.s by the gentlemen of those establishments was dctcr- niii.cd upon; but with a few exceptions among the tradesmen of the town, business was continued as usual, greatly to the dis- appoIntment ,of the yunug meR engaged in the different shops, who looked forward to this occasion as a favourable opportunity for a day's recreation. In the evening, a large bonfire was erected on the Bulwark, and kindled at nine o'clock. This served as the signal for the display of fireworks, which were continued until a late hour. The Brecknock and Radnor Rifles were inspected at the Barracks by Major Peel, who, in the absence of Major Dickin- son commanded the garrison, and three vollies were fired by each of the regiments in commemoration of the Queen's birthday. SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING—MONDAY. A special meeting of the Town Council was held this day, for the purpose of taking the necessary steps to secure from the New Gas Company, recently formed in this town, a supply of public lights for the borough Present-Col. Pearce, K.H., mayor, in the chair; Aldermen Mayberv and Thomas, G. R. Bevan, Esq., W. L. Banks, Esq., Messrs. Thomas, Parfitt, and Powell. The minutes of the last meeting were read by the Clerk. Mr. Banks called the attention of the meeting to the necessity which would soon arise in the town fora new Water Company, and the difficulty which would naturally aiise in forming such a com- pany ,in consequence of the present corporation not being vested with a power to dispose of the present works; he therefore begged to suggest that the Town-clerk should write to the chief clerk of the Board of Health, inquiring what measures they had better adopt, in order to secure the insertion of a claim in any future Public Health Act, so as to enable them to dispose of their works Air. Kirk, the surveyor, submitted an application from Mr. Watkins, glazier, &c., to the Board, requesting permission to build certain permises. A letter from Mr. Watkins was read by the Mayor, and after an ™pect10n of the plans by the Council, it appeared that Mr. V\ atkins had liberally given the public a spot of ground, which would considerably improve the public street. Leave to build was unanimously given. all Thomas thought that such liberality as Mr. V'a. ev'Iiced, in benefitting the public, should not pass in such matter'™ 11 was 80 COIltrarJT to the ordinary practice n,!nei'"an,?Iayhery concurred in the observations which h,a.d hoinas, and thought the public should feel Ifor iv, 1. i Atkins for the liberality he had evinced in the m- hnr.t of thanks was ordered to be inserted in the miuute-Dook ot the Council. t> "bv^3>frPPw!n-l0ili/or leave to build a house and premises in siderod', and approved "dS' v''as submitted to the Council, con Vlhirct'foVwbivf'tV6^ tlle attention of the meeting to the spe- C1-f Jtion the offpr the/ llad da>" ™t, viz., to tike into con- sl 'u. tiie public licrW f" tllem the new Gas Company, to supply the public hgl,ts of the town -The company had offered S'^ THC CMU!CU' HW 5S" PER BEIUS II; THE R''COLL( c- tien,° f at a committee had been appointed, con- S811^ to reportiwonthman. Ma>'b«y, Bevan, W.Thomas, and lighting the town with Whlch the i1ublic ou-ht to for pe^S'ready!before1oi^aS then read; the substance of which 'Zl the price Sh^ It'recommended £ 2 10s. per the town. «bouldbe paid by the Council for light- Morris,1 who hadbaeJa mfmbe^of''e ab?ence of Itl SS&E* rJ1'1™ 2SSJSSS the ee, \iho had approved of its adoption. A l ilv thf pIf.pi- secl;etary to the Gas Company, was then read y eik, on the subject of lighting the town. Mr. (*■ a'1 suggested that the report of the committee should be sent in to the Gas Company. S Mr. Alderman Thomas wished to know what number of public I lights the report of the committee recommended.—Mr. Bevan: 80. °Mr. Bmks said that he had conferred with several of the di- rtor's oU the subject, and they were unanimous in informing him tit was quite impossible for them to supply the lights at per light. The price at which they offered the lights to ti Touncil, would scarcely secure to the sharelioldere 5 per cent. f th„ir money. The committee proposed £ 2 10s. per light; the !?L rr,nioany offered to supply them at £ 3 5s. per light. They uaid £ 4 Pel" tiK'it, for a most inferior article. n0«r uevan moved that the report of the committee should be pnt in to the Gas Company.—The motion was seconded by Mr. William Thomas. Ml. alderman Thomas considered the present discussion an important one, and thought the report of the committee had better not be sent in for the present. He had called upon the secretary ♦o the Gas C°mp<my nday last, and had made inquiries from him upon what basis they had made their calculations, in order to enable them to arrive at the sum at which they offered to sup- ply the 1-,w? Council. He was informed that the company "^vexac,t.1y-what t0 ask; but he (Mr. Thomas) must give anrt l -acting fairly~tliey wellt about the matter in a business-like manner. A practical engineer, a i ''lciJstood the subject, had been called in, and Person, it was agreed that the company f lie said. It was evident that a fallacy rftU had i What basis had they for the caculationi> > had had an interview with Mr. Col)b, e Gas Company, than whom a more honourable not exist; and lie assured hini;that it was quite impracticable for the Gas Company to light the town at L2 los. per light. He wonld ask them to reconsider their re- port before th y » it in. At ull events, let them get good and experienced a 'to guide them before they ventured to send in their report. He was quite tire that their report would not stand an engineering tost for one moment. After some further discussion, Mr. Kirk said that their calcu- lations were nj^de upon a consumption of feet per hour, at 5s. ner 1000, by which one light would come to, by the year, £ 2 10 0 Add expense of buying pipes, repairs, &c &c. 0 15 0 E3 5 5 In the course of an elaborate discussion, a list of the prices of tras in about twenty towns was read, by which it appeared that the average cost of light was about £ 3 8s. After a subsequent conversation, it was arranged, upon the sug- gestion of Mr. Watkins, the Town-clerk, that as the committee had taken considerable trouble to report, that their report should be sent in to the Gas Committee, and the present meeting ad- journed to that day fortnight. A communication rrom the Postmaster-General, promising more appropriate postal arrangements for this town and county, in a short time, was then read to the meeting. It appeared that the honourable r the county and borough had'been praisc- worthily unremitting in their exertions to obtain for the public so desirable a boon. Mr. AViHiam ?'on}.as called the attention of the meeting to the bad state o(reP some gutters and drains near the College- Mr. Kirk said that the property in qustion was private property. Mr, Inspect01' Stephens s report was then submitted to the meeting ami discussed, i Mr. Stephens asked the Council's leave to apply for the office of chief constable, under SirG. Grey's new police bill. -Granted. The Mayor then read several bills to the meeting, all of which were carefully analysed and duly passed, after which the meeting separated. PETTY SESSIONS.—MONDAY. Before Colonel Pearce, K.H. (Mayor), Walter Maybery and G. R. Bevan, Esqrs. Jane Williams was summoned for being drunk and incapable, -P.C. Ball stated that on Sunday morning he found defendant covered with dirt, having been apparently in the kennel; there were two militiamen with her. He conveyed her to the station. -Defendant said she was a native of Carmarthen, and had quarrelled with her husband. One of the militiamen who was in her company was her innocent cousin.—Sentenced to a week's imprisonment. John James, mason, was summoned for non-payment of rates.- Their Worships ordered the assistant-overseer to distrain for the amount. Anne Davies was fined ls. and costs for selling goods deficient of the full weight. James Evans was summoned for being drunk and disorderly, and for using abusive language towards P.C. Jones.—Defendant did not appear; but the charge being fully proved against him, he was fined E2 and costs, or a month's imprisonment. Edward James, charged with being drunk, was discharged upon payment of costs. Mary Lewis was summoned for assaulting Caroline Evans.- The evidence being rather conflicting, both parties were bound over to keep the peace. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS.—SATURDAY. Before John Parry De Winton and Walter Maybery, Esqrs. Thomas Jones was charged with stealing a gate from off a faim in St. Michael Cwmddu, the property of David Thomas, Esq.. of Brecon. Mr. G. W. Powell appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Bishop for the prisoner. Mr. John Rosser and Mr. W. Watkins having given evidence for the prosecution, the Bench gave the prisoner the option of being tried bv the Summary Conviction Act, or of being committed to the Quarter Sessions.- The prisoner preferred being tried by them.—Mr. Bishop addressed the Bench on behalf of the prisoner.-Fined 10s., and 91 2s. 6d. costs,—Mr. Thomas presented the fine to the infirmary.
CARDIFF.
chief,were stolen from the cabin of the Unity,of Gloucester, lying in the Glamorgan canal. ACCIDENT.—On of the very expensive, if not very hand- some lamp-posts, in front of the New Town Hall, was struck on Wednesday last, by a piece of timber on a waggon passing by, which was kept rather too near the curb, in order to avoid danger from the opening for the sewerage works. The pillar was considerably damaged. JOINERS' TOOLS STOLEN.—On Thursday night last, several joiners' tools were stolen from some new buildings at the corner of London-square, Bute Dock road. BEWARE OF WIIITMORE-LANE.-On Friday night last, a man named David Craig reported at the police-station that he had been robbed of his watch while in a house of ill-fame at Whitmore-lane. SHOPLIFTING.—On Wednesday last, a pair of cord trousers were stolen from outside the shop of Mr. Edwards, outfitter, in Bute-street. EXCURSION BY RAILWAY.—On Monday morning last, an excursion train, got up for the benefit of the Widows and Orphans' fund°of the Independent Order of Odd- fellows, left Newport and Cardiff for Swansea, Ferryside, and Carmarthen. The train consisted of 23 carriages, and conveyed about 1,500 passengers. The weather was de- lightful, and the arrangements made by the officers of the Order were very satisfactory but much of the pleasure of the day was marred by delays which took place from want of proper arrangements on the part of the railway autho- rities, and from the insufficiency of locomotive power. The passengers for Swansea were detained at Landore sta- tion, without any apparent cause, for nearly three-quarters of an hour while, on their return, the whole party were kept at the same station for an hour. This is very much to be regretted, as excursions of the kind might be ren- dered a source of profit to the company, and of innocent recreation to the public, for the coast, even as far as Mil- ford, abounds with attractions of a very high order. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.—On Friday last, while two plas- terers were engaged in plastering the ceiling of the new Wesleyan chapel, in Loudon-square, a portion of the scaf- folding on which they were standing gave way. One of them succeeded in catching hold of a portion of the wood- work, and held on until he was assisted but the other, a young man named James Winkworth, fell to the ground, a depth of between 30 and 40 feet. He was conveyed as r«*edily as possible to the Infirmary, where it was found that he had sustained a compound fracture of the left thigh, a fracture of the right" knee cap, and a fracture of the lower jaw, besides several Severn bruises. He received all the attention possible at the bands of Dr. Taylor and the consulting surgeons of that benevolent institution, and we are happy to state that he is now progressing favourably. It is a remarkable circumstance that the unfortunate young man's father had just landed from a Bristol steam-packet, on his way to visit him, and on passing up thp. Bute Dock road, heard the crash of the falling timbers that had so nearly proved fatal to his son. EXCURSION To WESTON.- On Tuesday morning last, an excursion party, set on foot by the members of the Amateur Brass Band, sailed on board the Taliesin steamer, from the Bute Docks, for Weston. The vessel was very well filled, and the day remarkably fine, A second trip took place in the evening, when numbers were left behind from want of room. The whole passed off without the occurrence of the slightest accident. STEAMER TO PENARTH.—We understand that mea- surea are in progress for putting on a small steamer, with a light draught of water, to run from the Bute Docks to Penarth Head, for the accommodation of the numerous visitors to that pleasant spot, as well as < f captains of vessels lying in the Roads, who are frequently much in- convenienced by coming ashore in small boats during bad Weather. MAGISTRACY OF THE COUNTY OF GLAMORGAN.—The J., 'owing gentlemen have been added to the Commission of the Peace for the County of Glamorgan :-Thomas 'Wayne, Aberdare, Esq.; David Evans, Merthyr, Esq William Perkins, Croi scade, Esq. John Frederick Napier Hewett, Tyrmab Ellis, Eeq. David William James, Porth, Esq'. Charles Kemeys Tynte, Cefnmably, Esq. j George Fothergill, Aberdare, Esq. It is rather a singular circumstance, that on Monday last, there was not a single vessel at anehor in Penarth Roads. This we believe to be owing to the very fine weather, but it is a very rare occurrence. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Friday last, A poor old woman, about eighty years of age, was knocked down by a cart, passing through Whitmore-lane; and, from the injuries received operating upon an infirm state of body, she died on Monday. An inquest was held on Tuesday, when a verdict of Accidental Death was returned. "MILITARY MOVEMENTS On Wednesday last the bat- talion of North Gloucestershire Militia arrived at Cardiff by a special train from Pembroke Dockyard, where they have been encamped, wiih other regiments, for several months. They were nearly 500 strong, and were accom- panied by a good band of drums and fifes. On Thursday they proceeded, per railway, to Cheltenham, where they are to be disembodied. RUSSIAN VICE-CONSULATE.- -Mr. David Brown, of Llandaff-place, Cardfff, has been appointed Russian Vice- Consul for Cardiff, Newport, and Chepstow. MALICIOUS DAMAGE.—A portion of the wall erected as a specimen of the work required for the extension of the county prison in Newtown, has been maliciously pulled down. A reward has been offered by Mr. Geo. Chittenden, the clerk of the works. THE MASONS' STRIKE —We regret to state that this strike still continues, without any prospect of an accomo- dation being arrived at A French ship. named the Mogadore, on leaving the Bute Docks on Monday morning, took the ground OR the west side of the gut, but was got off the following day. CARDIFF POLICE. MONDAY. Before C. Yachell, Esq., and D. Levis, Esq. Ellen Matthews was fined 5s. for being drunk.—J-osqph Purley was also fined 5s. for a similar offence. STABBING CASE.— William Brown was charged with stabbing Thomas Donovan, on Wednesday last. It ap- peared this was the second charge against the prisoner within the last few days. The parties are two American seamen, who were in a house of ill fame at the time 111 question, when a quarrel arose between them and some women belonging to the house. The prisoner stabbed the complainant, who appeared with face much cut and dis figured.—Mary Smith deposed as foltows :—The prisoner was with me at the time in question, and he was quar- relling with the complainant. Prisoner had a pocket- knife in his hand, which belonged to complainant. The latter struck prisoner because he would not deliver up the knvTe.—The Bench declared the case to be most disgusting in its details, and having severely lectured the prisoner? he was fined £5 for the assault, or, in default, one months' imprisonment. DRUNK..—Maria Dunstan was charged with being drunk on Saturday last.—Defendant said that sb a was driven to it, in consequence of ill treatment by her bus band.—Discharged with a caution. Sarah Lewis was brought up, charged with having set fire to a chimney in her house, the practice being attended with danger to the adjoining buildings.—Mr. Stockdale said that the defendant had told him that the practice of firinechimneys, for the purpose of cleaning them, existed in the place at which she last resided. It was quite clear that the defendant had acted in ignorance of the danger ous practice, and she was, therefore, cautioned as to the future. Joseph Jenhins, haulier, in the employ of Mr. O'Brien, ridS charged with furious driving, on Saturday last.— C. C. Williams, Esq., county magistrate, entered the court, and said he appeared as complainant in this case. He ivas in Crockherbtown, on the .morning of Saturday last, about ten o'clock, and his attention was attracted by the noise of a cart, loaded with casks, which the defend- ant was driving. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Williams said, the defendant passed, driving in the most reckless man- ner. He, Mr. Williams, did not know the defendant, never having seen him before, but he thought it his duty for the safety of the public, to bring the charge before the magistrates.—The Mayor said the public were in- debted to Mr. Williams, for his kindness in doing so, but as he (Mr. W.) had expressed a wish not to fine the de- fendant this time, the Bench would, therefore, only otder the payment of the costs.—The defendant paid the money, 5s., with a very bad grace, the kindness of Mr. Williams, as the Mayor observed, not being appreciated. His Wor- ship said that a poor old woman, about eighty years of was tilled on Saturday last, by the the reckless Qnving of a horse and cart in St. Mary-street, and, had it not been for the request of Mr. Williams, in the pre- ssnt instance, he (the Mayor) would be disposed to inflict a heavy fine on the defendant Jenkins. ONLY ONE GLASS, &C.— Willi -m Randall and Eliza- beth RandallipXv'Mi Elizabeth Gilbert) were charged with drunkenness on the 26th of last month. The male de- fendant is a corn extractor, dressed in the height of fashion, and having somewhat of a military bearing in his demeanour, turned himself round with a theatrical air, and said to the superintendent, I was not drunk, sir, why don't you speak the truth ?'—Mr. Stockdale, emphatically I have been superintendent in this town for more than twenty years, sir, and am not in the habit of charging persons falsely.-The Mayor: Do you call any witnesses :-Defendant: I could call several, but it Would be of no use.-P.C. Pepper then deposed to finding tne defendant and his wife both very drunk in St. Mary- street, at the time in question. The thoroughfare was blocked up, in consequence of the people congregating about, listening to the defendants quaiielling. ^Vitness Pegged the defendant to take his wife home, but he would Hot, and therefore witness brought them to the station- house.—Mr. Stockdale wa3 now sworn: Ihe defendants Were brought to the station-house about half-past eleven o'clock on the 26th of last month. They were both very drunk, and the female, whom he (Mr. Stockdale) thought was the defendant's wife, but afterwards found that she Was a Miss Elizabeth Gilbert, of Cornwall, was very violent, and struck the other defendant several times. He refused at first to give his address, but subsequently did so, on being released from custody.—The female de- fendant, who appeared to be a gaily-dressed person of a t:eiidin class, said (with an indignant smile) that she had only taken one glass of brandy and water, and a glass of 'Wine afterwards with a friend. She was very much excited at the time alluded to, in consequence of her husband not coming home. She, however, was not drunk, -very far from that.—The male defendant again turned round majestically, and intimated that Mr. Stockdale had not told the truth. The Mayor We know our superin- tendent, sir, and his officers, therefore we can rely upon What they say,—-Defendant made use of some remarks, when Mr. Stockdale said authoritatively, Behave your- Be]f, $ir, in court,"—The magistrates 8qid they were sorry to see before them two parties whom, to all outward appearance, seemed to be respectable, and with some de- gree of intelligence, and, indeed, inasmuch as they de- nied the charge, which had been amply proved against them, the Bench would, in addition to the usual fine, add the costs in each case. The defendants were then fined in the sum of 5s. each and costs.-The money was paid in court, the female defendant, on leaving, casting a pe- culiar glance, as a parting salute, at the superintendent. WEDNESDAY. Before D. Lewis, Esq. Charles Hopkins, for stealing a parcel of buttons belong- ing to Mr. Collins, Bute-street, was sentenced to three days' imprisonment, and to be privately whipped. James Murray was fined 5s. for being drunk on Tuesday last. TV. Stephens was charged with having stolen a pair of goloshes belonging to Mr. Osborne, Bute-street.—Pro- secutor not attending, the prisoner was discharged. Mr. Stockdale stated that a man named Wm. Owen, of I Quaker's Yard, was brought to the station-house on Tuesday night, charged with being drunk and disorderly. Mr. Richards, of the Three Cranes, gave bail for the defendant's appearance before the magistrates. He did not, however, attend, and the amount of recognizance was ordered to be paid. THURSDAY. Before the Rev. J. Evans and D. Lewis, Esq. EMBEZZLEMENT.— Vincent Brew was charged with having embezzled 5s. 6d., the property of his master, Mr. Bland, carrier on the South Wales Railway, at Cardiff. Mr. Bird appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. Owen for the prisoner.—Edward Frost deposed to being goods- manager at Cardiff. The prisoner is also employed as haulier by Mr. Bland. Witness sent prisoner out with goods, at the same time giving him a delivery book. A truss had been delivered to Mr. W. II. Thomas on the 30th of May, and for which prisoner was said to have been paid 5s. 6d. but upon handing over the delivery book to Mr. Frost, the latter discovered that the above sum was altered to 3s. 6d. Witness asked Drew to explain the circumstance, but he said he knew nothing about it. Prisoner took out goods to the amount of L20 Is. 9d. paid in cash to witness, £ 13 12s. 6d.; and returned unpaid bills to the amount of X-6 7s. 6d. —Mr. Owen cross-examined Mr. Frost, but nothing important to the case was elicited.—Mr. George Thomas, draper, proved paying the prisoner the sum of 6s. 6d. on the 30th of May, for a truss and a box. In the book now produced, witness would swear that the entry of 5s. 6d. had been altered to 3s. 6d.—The prisoner was committed for trial, but admitted to bail. SMUGGLING TOBACCO -Captain Evan Davies was charged with having concealed a small parcel of tobacco in his cabin, on Monday last.—Defendant admittecf the tobacco (2lb.) being found in his cabin, but said he had no fraudulent motive in concealing the article.—Fined in the mitigated penalty of £1 6s. 6d. David Ilamcs, builder, was charged with allowing a quantity of stones, &c., to impede the thoroughfare in Bute-street.—Ordered to pay the cost of the summons, 5s. BOARD OF HEALTH SUMMONs.-Several women, tenants of Mr. W. Prichard, of Crofta, were summoned before the magistrates for allowing the drains at the back of their houses to become offensive.—Ordered to pay the cost of the summons in each case, and also to send to the landlord to abate the nuisance without delay. THREATENING LANGUAGE.—John Edwardson was charged with having threatened Charles Purvis, on the 30th of last month.—Defendant was not present, so the case was proceeded with in his absence.—Complainant swore that he considered his life endangered by the threats of the defendant, who was bound over to keep the peace for six months. IRISH ROW.—Michael Regan was charged with assault- ing, with a knife, Dennis Sweeney, on Tuesday last.— Complainant said that he only sued for peace, but all the lodgers were against him, having given him (defendant) a great bating" in the back-kitchen.—Fined 20s. and expenses, or in default one month's imprisonment. CHARGE OF ASSAULT.—John Keath, a mason, outon strike, was charged with having assaulted John Roberts, a carpenter, on Saturday night last.-After hearing the evidence, the case was dismissed.