Monmouthshire Merlin

Our letter 36 ax. [The correspondence published in this column must not be always considered necessarily in contormity with the prin ciples or opinions of the journal ] THE COUNTY ADVERTISEMENTS. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILURIAN.] SIR,—I thank you for inserting my letter on the above subject in the last week's MERLIX. It is very satisfactory to me to find that it has been a means, through the erudite article it has called forth, of giving assurance, strong as holy writ," to an admiring public, that, whatever may have been said or suspected to the contrary, there is life in the old dog yet The fastidious may object, 'tis true, that as strong a proof of the vitality and vigour of the MERLIN might have been given in language and sentiments that would have less forcibly brought to the recollection of the reader the celebrated brief, no ease, abuse the plain- tiff's attorney." To such, I would say, Let the gall'd jade wince," even thoagh she do throw up a little dirt. Taking leave, at present, of the complimentary por- tion of the leading article in our 5th page," I would inquire how it happens that, with such a potent advocate" and champion of the largest measure of Reform," the position of the Reform party in this county has of late years so materially altered for the worse. The time was when we saw a gentleman of enlight- ened and liberal views, and a thorough man of business, one of the representatives of the county. We saw the Boroughs represented from time to time by men whose political convictions were in harmony with the progress- ing spirit of their day, who carried more than a mere vote to the aid of those great principles which the MERLIN was established to advocate." And what do we now behold ? A large political party in the county displaced from the position it had so honourably gained and all the three seats occupied by representatives of the very principles which, by the MERLIN'S own showing, was its peculiar province to combat and overthrow. I ask again, whence arose this pitiable state of things ? Can it be that the Liberal party felt inclined to repose on the laurels won, and to trust the upholding of Liberal principles in the county to the advocacy of the MERLIN-that it contented itself with crying, Watchman, what of the night," and put faith in the all's well" of a drowsy sentinel ? If so, well might the party sink, for when, unless in an attack upon a statesman who chances to write of Mummeries," or in an encounter ■with some supposed trade rival, or with some individual who has ventured to expose its forgel- fulmslI of facta (1) has it shown any spirit in its pages ? Who could recognise the advocacy of advanced liberal principles in its courtly phrase and smile for everybody style ? It has so shrouded its principles in platitudes, and its opinions in nicely-balanced phrases-a bit this way, a bit that way, and very little any way-that, but for the inherent vitality of social and political progress, the timerous twaddle of the MERLIN had long since sunk into irrecoverable lethargy the spirit of civil and religious liberty in those who blindly thought to learn from its pages the feelings or the requirements of the country. Yours' obediently, G. R. GREENHOW RELPH. 3rd November, 1857. [A leading article on the subject of this letter will be found ia our 5th page.] -4

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILURIAN.] SIR;My attention has been drawn to the report of a trial m your paper of the 31st ult., at the Town-hall, before the Rev. Chancellor Williams and others, of two boys, one twelve and the other six years of age, for stealing nuts at Alteryn. The elder, after being suit- ably admonished for allowing himself to be coaxed to the committal of the act by tjro young women," was discharged upon payment of the costs. The younger, who appeared almost paralysed with fear," was discharged, the chairman benevolently remarking they could do nothing with the little child." A discussion was recently held upon the same bench as to who should have the honour of signing the sum- monses for the Christchurch district; as one of the public, I should very much like to know who signed the summons for the little boy." If your report be cor- rect, such conduct is worse than paltry-it is monstrous, and deserves the severest reprehension. NobthwimD. Pillgwenlly, November 5th, 1857.

I THE NEW MAYOR OF NEWPORT. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILURIAN ] SIR,—The contest for honour and place in the Council of the Borough having terminated, and the public inte- rest connected therewith having amicably subsided, a new and more grave, because less clamorous, concern is aroused, in anticipation of the first important business to be transacted by the new Board of municipal repre- sentatives on Monday next-the Election of Mayor. A letter has already appeared in your eolumns, but cer- tainly not dictated by that spirit of generosity which ought to characterise every person entrusted with the exercise of the franchise. The gentlemen elected to the Town Council are fairly supposed to be possessed of such capabilities as qualify them to advance to a further position of honour and usefulness, and to occupy the post of alderman or mayor. Now the reference of your correspondent cannot be mistaken, and I believe that were the gentleman he alludes to to be elected mayor- supposing that he would consent to be nominated-r-he would bring to the discharge of the duties of office quali- fications which he would not allow his commercial status to interfere with, to the prejudice of anybody. In fact, his honourable conduct on all occasions would prove this beyond a doubt. Although the preliminary agitation on this subject is mainly confined to the council body, there is, as the letter referred to shows, an outside discussion --often, it is true, based merely upon personal preju- dices, uncertain intimations, or bare conjectures—car- ried on, which perhaps cannot be said to be altogether without its influence on the choice to be made of our chief magistrate. This is as it should be, and the gentlemen who have, from among themselves, to elect to the seat of judicatory, and the presidency of municipal affairs, one, in whom pablic as well as their own confidence must repose, do well, when stimulated by the appreciable feeling of their constituency, to hold consultation before hand on a matter so vitally affecting the public weal. Presuming that such a course has been adopted, we believe that the choice of mayor this year will be wisely made, and de- monstrate the exercise of a prudent discrimination by the Town Council, while the gentleman to be selected will prove himself worthy, in every way, of the position he will be called upon to assume. John Davies, Esq., of Newport and Castletown, is, we believe, the gentleman who will be invested with the honours and responsibilities of the civic office. With- out making any invidious comparisons between the qualifications of Mr. Davies, and any other member of the board, 1 venture to say that his matured commercial experience, his intimate acquaintance with local capa- bilities and requirements, the popularity he has gained by consistency of character, his general advocacy and furtherance of all liberal sentiments and institutions, combine to impress us with the belief that he is truly worthy of the distinction he will receive, and that he will give, to all classes, satisfaction in the discharge of his office. His friends, the admirers of his exemplary conduct in social and private life, will be greatly gratified in finding him promoted to a circle of more extended usefulness, and will no doubt observe with pleasurable pride the the increased approval he will earn to himself in a new sphere of labour for the public welfare. A BURGESS.

,fa,tal Intelligence. RELIEF TuND.—The Rev. W. Feetham and Mr. Edmunds, churchwarden, have collected Ell in the parish of Bettws towards the Indian Relief Fund. THE FALL OF DELRI.-In most of the places of worship in this town prayers of thanksgiving were offered op on Sunday last, for the fall of Delhi. Allusion to the event was also made in the sermons of various ministers. IMPORTS OF IRISH PRODUCE. — The screw steamer Osprey. Capt, Cockburn, of and from Cork, ar- rived on Thursday in last week, with the following 135 Firkins Butter John Parsons. 110 Do. do. Naish & Co. 100 Do. do. R. Burton. 55 Do. do Robert Parnell. 30 Do. do. Williams & Evans. 20 Do. do. J. Davies. 20 Do. do. Wm Kerslake. 10 Do. do. W. R. Matthews & Co. 1) Do. do David Prosser. 10 Do. do. Frank Soden. 5 Do. do Thomas Thomas. 50 Do. do Order. 4 Boxes Eggs William Baker. 3 Do. do. Oliver Goss. 5 Bales Bacon Naish & Co. 10 Sacks floor Order. 4 Sacks Oatmeal Naish k Co. 18 Do. do Order. 5) Sacks Oats Order. 2 caiks herrings 2 crates, 14 baskets, and 9 boxes fish 1 cask whisky 2 basket fowls 62 bead cattle. CAUTION.—The police authorities of the town wish to cautioiilbousakeepers against leaving theirestablish- ments unprotected on Sundays. Several robberies have recently taken I)Iat-e in consequence of no precautions having been taken, and during the winter months it will be doubly necessary for the public to protect themselves, in-dead of depending wholly upon the police. FIREWORKS.—On Thursday evening the annual interruption to business was caused in Newport,by a crowd of boys and men who were amusing thermselvrs by letting off nrework-i. Large lighted tar barrels- were also dragged through the streets, followed by scores of shrieking boys Of course no peaoeful passenger could pass through the streets without exposing himself to the risk of being severely burned. The women were made especial marks of, and several had their shawls and dresses set on tire. A squib was in one instance thrown into a bed-room, and it is surprising that no me took place any- where in the course of the night. The police were unable to check the mischief, but Superintendent Huxtable was ready with the remedy-the fire-eugine, in case of accident. We are requested to call the attention of our readers to an advertisement of a special train to Mon- mouth, on account of the fair to be held in that town. EASTERN VALLEYS RAILWAY.—An alteration of trains is advertised for the winter months. In future the 7.30 a.m. down passenger train will leave BIaenavon at 8.0 a.m., arriving at intermediate stations and New. port half an hour later than at present. ROYAL CIRQUE UmQUE.—Daring the- past week an equestrian establishment has been erected by Mr. H. P. Bolt, for Mr. Henry Brown, the renowned circus manager, near the Rodney Wharf, and as. the com- pany intend to remain for some time, the building has been made in a most substantial manner. The interior of the structure, which is of wood, is handsomely and com- fortably fitted up, and whether in the elegantly appointed boxes or in the convenient pit seat, the visitor is entirely freed from inconvenience or annoyance. The place is well illuminated with gas, and, although at all times- warm, is well ventilated. The artistes possess, in every branch of their various duties, the best points of equestrian excellence. The riding of Madame Stoodly causes the greatest aston- ishment to the beholders, and her skill is very remarkable. Ae a pantomimic horseman, Mr. Edward Hicken has gained an universal celebrity, and the facility with which he changes his characters in the ring. causes considerable amusement. Next there is the tight-rope dancer, Mons. Plege, whose air vaultings, with and without the balance, have nightly received the warmest commendation. Not less extaaordinary than this is the entertainment of the Elliotte family, whose strength surprises, while their feats delight; and than whose performances we have never seen better of their kind. An amusing feature is also to be found in the horsemanship of Tom Thumb," who firmly maintains his position, amid the merriment occasioned by his youth Among other entertaining personages are the four clowns, Egan, Elliot, Jacques, and Henry Brown, the Shakesperian jester and comic actor," whose contor- tions and whimsicalities cause irresistible laughter. A valuable acquisition to the Cirque is found in the auxiliary performances of two trained dogs, whose tricks were the most perfect ever probably seen in this town. In short, Mr. Brown's establishment is complete and efficient. NEWPORT WINTER FAIR.-This fair was held yesterday in the Cattle Market. The business was by no means as brisk as might have been expected, for the show of stock was, generally speaking, good. Of cows there were 509, and 5 fat calves in the neld the principal exhibitors being Mr. Turberville, of Ebbw-bridge, and Mr. J. Milner, of Whitson; The show of sheep was excellent, there being 1300-600 of which were Irish, shown chiefly by Mr. Morgan and Mr. Powell, dealers, near Abergavenny, and Mr. Samuel Collett, dealer, near Newport. There were very few pigs shown, not more than 100, the greater number being, as usual, those of Mr. Farr, of Pontypool. There was a great demand for useful nag horses, but as there were only 6 J horses exhibited the bidding ruled dull A few excellent draught horses were brought by Mr. Senior, some of which fetched top prices. The price of meat is as follows -Beef, 7d. per lb.; mutton, 7d. to 7^d. per lb.; veal, 8,1. per lb.; and pigs made 10s. 6d. to lis. per score. A number of chaff-cutting machines, corn-drills, harrows, ploughs, and other agricultural implements were exhibited by Mr. Stone, of Newport, and Mr. Hall, of Cardiff. ROBBERY. -On Monday morning last, at midday, Mr. Morgan, butcher, Commercial-street, dis- covered that a chest of drawers had been broken open in his house, and L5 10s. in gold and silver had been ex- tracted. THE NEW DOCK.—A short time ago, the walls of the new dock, now in course of completion, gave way, and it was for a while doubtful whether the stone- dressing would not have to be re-built. But massive wooden stays were applied which have had the effect of supporting the walls, and it is now believed that when the water is admitted, the stone-work will settle down to the requisite stability. The sinking seems to have been occasioned by the late heavy rains, which so softened the ground at the back of the .walls as to produce a shaking of the mud. The material of vhich they are composed is of the best order, the dressing being brought from the Forest of Dean, and the rubble from a quarry near Crumlin thus no blame is attached on that score and it is ascertained that when the water is admitted' to the dock, the denae yolum. will be sufficient of itedt to sup- port the wall". GOOfE IS THE SPLENDOUR.—One dreary day this week the despised remains of the Newport theatre came to a dreary end. The stage end of the building had been pulled down, and the roof partly taken off. The rain had made great pools where once actors thrust each other through and through with harmless swords. Shades for the footlights were strewed upon the ground among cabbage stumps, and against the side door was the dis- tressing placard, used we presume in a pantomime, The Bank's broken Mr. Partridge, on Wednesday, disposed of as much of the timber as he could, and so the splendour of our theatre has finally disappeared.

CHRISTCHURCH SINGULAR CAPTURE OF SHEEP STEALERS. On Wednesday last, a case marked by some singular incidents was brought before the Rev. T. Pope and T. L. Brewer, Esq., at the Royal Oak, Christchurch. The accused were two men named John Walker and Richard May, the latter of whom has before been convicted of house-breaking. They were charged with killing and stealing a sheep, the property of Mr. Thomas Jordan, farmer, Christchurch, and the circumstances under which the robbery was committed appear in the following evi- dence :— Mr. Jordan deposed that on Friday last, he had thirty ewe sheep and one tup in a field on the moors. On the following morning, Saturday, he missed one of the ewes, and immediately gave information to Sergeant Beswick, of the county constabulary. The skin of the sheep produced by that officer he identified as being that of the lost animal, by certain marks upon it. Thomas Reddiford, labourer, in the employ of Mr. Hale, stated that he found the skin under a hayrick to- wards'the river, in an opposite direction to that in which the sheep had been killed. He gave it up to Sergeant Beswick. Jonathan Beswick, Sergeant in the county constabu- lary, was then sworn and deposed that on receiving information from Mr. Jordan of the loss of his sheep, he visited the field, and in the north west corner he dis- covered a quantity of blood and wool on a spot where the sheep had evidently been killed. The carcase had been carried away, and the skin was not near. The Sergeant on a closer examination observed indistinct footsteps in a direction which led him to conclude that the thieves had gone direct to tiswerry common. On the same evening, (Saturday,) he went to that locality, and watched several houses on the common. Whilst so en- gaged, at about three o'clock in the morning he observed a light which he considered suspicious, in the house where both the prisoners resided. He conjectured that if the mutton had been stolen by them, some relies of it might be found the next day, and on Sunday he accor- dingly went and instituted a search. In a pot on the fire he found a leg and loin of mutton boiling, and under a woman's shawl which hung upon the wall was hidden a sheep's head. Securing these portions, he proceeded up stairs, and burst opon the door of a room which was locked. At the fire was another leg of mutton roasting, and lying in a corner were two sacks with blood and wool adhering to them. The blood traces were fresh in the interior of the sack. While conducting a further search, the two prisoners returned home, each carrying a sack of turnips. He immediately took them into cus tody, and brought them handcuffed to Newport. He previously compared the legs of mutton with the skin and pieces left on the leg, and found that they corres- ponded with the greatest precision. James Nichols, butcher, Maindee, deposed that at Sergeant Beswick's request he had examined the skin and mutton produced, and found that they formed part of one sheep. The prisoners, who declined saying anything, were then fully committed for trial. A curious and somewhat ludicrous incident connected with this case deserves mention. On the night of Satur- day last, (the day, it will be remembered, on which Sergeant Beswick received information of the occurrence) he observed the two prisoners walking along the South Wales Line towards home, both being exhilarated by beer. They were singing an old sheep stealing song in a noisy way, the chorus of which runs :— With my long pointed knife I soon took his life, And carried him away to my home brave boys The Sergeant paid particular attention to this sanguinary ditty, and thought there could be no harm in following the worthy owners of the long pointed knife" home. Having done so, he discovered that they resided at Lis- wery common, and in one of the houses towards which his suspicions had been aroused. This induced him to watch it all night, with the result already stated. The magistrates complimented the Sergeant on his acuteness, and the capture of the men has given much satisfaction to the farmers round, who lost several sheep last year. The capture was certainly one of the most clever and ingenious we have had'to record, and is highly creditable to the officer who effected it.

BMSCONT, LOCAL BOAAB OF HEAITH.—Tikis Board sat on Mon- day last. Present-David Thomas Esq., (Mayor,) Messrs. Morris, Thomas Powell, Abel Powell, T. B. Jones, and John Price.-Inspector Stephens was ordered to furnish a full and detailed report of the several nuisaaces referred to in his former report, and that the same be brought up at the next meeting.—It was also ordered that the surveyor, Mr. Kirk, inspect the new pump in Bailey Glas, and report thereon at the next meeting.-After passing the usual bills-, the meeting broke up. MUNICIPAL ELECTION -This election took place on Monday last, before the mayor and assessors. There was no contest. The candidates were Henry Maybery, Esq.; John Williamay Esq., Old Bank; Mr. Morgan Jones, Greenfield Cottage; and Mr. Oliver Wood, of Pennant. Mr. James Williams, of Mount Pleasant, re- signed his seat on Saturday evening, Mr. Powell and Mr. Banks having previously resigned, so that there were three vacancies to be filled. We never recollect so little excitement over a municipal election in this town the whole business was over in an hour. There seemed to be a strong feeling in favour of Mr. John Williams, who has served the town faithfully and well for many years on former occasions in the council, and a feeling of regret at the retirement of the old council- lors. Mr. Wood and Mr. J-ones have both had conside- rable experience in public matters, having served effi- ciently as guardians of the poor for the parish of St. John for many years, and. are justly considered good men of business. PETTY SESSIONS. —MONDAY. [Before David Thomas, Esq., Mayor, and Walter Maybery, Esq.] RATES,—John Marshall and wife, William Williams, Thomas Jones, Thomas Watkins, and Lewis Parry, were respectively summoned by Mr. Benjamin Farmer, the eollector of the Local Board of Health rate for non-pay- ment of such rate. Their worships made an order in each case for payment,, with costs. IkttUNKENNESS.—P.C. Jones summoned James Hill, a sawyer, for drunken and disorderly conduct in the streets, on Saturday last.-Fined 4s. and costs. ASSA..ULT.-Evan Winston, a pauper in the workhouse, was- summoned before their worships, by David Davies,. an inmate of the same house, for having committed a violent assault with a bludgeon upon him, on Saturday last. The complainant, who bore evident marks of having sustained severe injuries, substantiated his com- plaint, and the defendant was fined 20s., and, in default of payment, was committed to the House of Correction for 14 days. ————

ABERTLLLERY. Mr. Evans's, (of the Bridgend,) annual supper took place on Wednesday, the 26th, ult., and as usual was most numerously and respectably attended. The chair was occupied by L. W. Rees, Esq., of Tyr Nicholas Works, in a most efficient and courteous manner, and Mr. Wiel- don acted as vice, in a way which was conducive to the harmony of the evening, and highly creditable to him- self. In consequence of the first supper having gone on so well, it was suggested to Mr. and Mrs. Evans, that they should have a second one, to, accommodate the workmen engaged in a neighbouring work belonging to J. Russell, Esq., whose pay was on Saturday last. Their wishes were complied with, and the catering on both occasions elicited universal satisfaction, and upon each occasion great hilarity prevailed.

CAERLEON. PETTY SESSIONS.—The sessions for this division were held on Tuesday last, before the Rev. — Powel and John James, junr., Esq., and Rev. Charles Williams. Only one case was brought before the Bench, and that was a trivial assault.

RHYMNEY. A fortnight ago a meeting was convened at the British Scholl-room, in Twyncarne, to lay before the inhabitants of Rhymney a few statements on the subject of the sufferers by the Indian mutiny, and to appeal to their sympathies in that cause. A numerous audience was addressed by the officers of these iron works, and by the whole of the clerical gentlemen of the town, and it was resolved that a house visitation should be undertaken by the committee named for that purpose, to receive con- tributions. We are happy to state that the result of this canvas has added nearly JEoO to the funds so nobly raised by our countrymen, and we are sure that distinguished regiment, the 23rd Welsh Fusileers, now arrived in India, will learn with pride that while they are struggling for British supremacy abroad, we are asserting it at home in a different though congenial'way.

RAILWAY TRAFFIC RETURNS. NEWPORT, ABERGAVENNY, AND HEREFORD. Week ending Nov. let, 1857 £ 1167 8 0 Corresponding week, 1856 £ 1026 7 11 SOUTH WALES. Week ending Nov, 1st, 1857 £ 7169 9 11 Corresponding Week, 1856 ..M,. £ 6584 17 9 TAFf VALE, Week ending Oct. 31st, 1857 £ 44^7 1$9

Carbiff |iitclli(jtitcf. ELECTION OF MAYOR.—We understand that a fta- merous deputation of members of I he Town Council of all parties, have called upon Charles Croft Williams, Esq,, of Roath Court, one of the aldermen of the borough, to allow himself to be put in nomination for the office of mayor. Mr. Williams has served in the office many years since; but it is now wished that he should undertake it again on account of the great agricultural meeting, to be held in the town in the month of June next; and of which he has been the principal promoter. CHILD MuBEEB.-On Monday, the 26th October, in consequence of information, P.C. Wallbridge, and P.C. Phillips, visited a newly built house, unoccupied and not quite finished, in Loudon square, where they found in the kitchen several large spots of blood, and under the grate, in a handkerchief, an afterbirth, with other indi- cations of a female having been delivered of a child. On Saturday last, Daniel Crowley, a plasterer, in the employ of Mr. David Harris, builder, while at work on the same premises, found the dead body of a newly born female child. The inquest was held on the same evening, before Lewis Reece, Esq., coroner, when after hearing the evi- dence of H. J. Paine, Esq surgeon, the Jury returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against some person or persons unknown. A reward of £ 20 has been offered for the dis- covery of the perpetrators of the inhuman deed. WATCH STOLEN.-On Friday night, William C. Ra- nots, grocer, of Aberdare, was robbed of a silver watch and L6 or £ 7 in gold, in a house of ill-fame, in Whitmore- lane. ROBBERIES.—On Saturday night or Sunday, one cwt. of pig iron was stolen from the stores of Mr. G. Stuart.- On Sunday, 10»., in silver, was stolen from the house of Miss Morgan, No. 14, Morgan-street.—On Monday night two brass knockers were stolen from the doors of Nos. 5 and 13 in Adelaide-street. ACCIDENTS.—On Saturday last a child was thrown down by the wheel of a cart passing through Adelaide- street, and sustained a severe concussion of the brain, but is now doing well under the care of Mr. Paine.-On Mon- day. Mrs. Morgan, of High-street, was knocked down while passing Mr Luke Evans' shop, by a cart belonging to Mr. Wadley, butcher, and was considerably hurt, but sustained no fracture. -On the same day a man named Sweeney, residing in Stanley-street, while mingling with the crowd near the Town-hall, during the Municipal Election, was knocked down by an omnibus, and had a rib fractured. He was also attended by Mr. Paine. WHOLESALE SUIP ROBBERIES—On Friday week, a gaff top-sail and yard were stolen from the schooner Su rail of Castletown, lying in the West Bute Dock.-The galley on board the ship F. C. Shutt, of Hamburgh, was broken open on Saturday night, when two large copper pots, a large copper ketile, a copper pump and funnel were stolen. -On Saturday night, a coat and trousers the property of Captain Hemlin, were stolen from the cabin of the brig Rose McCroom, of Waterford, lying in tho Bute Docks.- On the same night a copper funnel was stolen from on board the brig Mary of Waterford. POCKET PICKING.-On Saturday last Cardiff market was visited by some members of the light-fingered frater- nity. Miss Goodman was robbed of a portmonnaie, con- taining 9s. 6d. in silver and several receipts; and Miss Mary Ann Marks had her pocket picked of a portmonnaie containing L5 in gold and 4s. 6d. in silver. SHOPLIFTING -On Friday, 70 yards of print were stolen from the shop of Mr. Price, draper, Bute-road. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION —The Rev. A. Haycroft, of Bristol delivered a lecture on the Wri- tings of Charles Dickens, before the members of the Insti- tute and a very respectable audience, at the Town-hall, on Thursday evening. The lecturer did not follow the usual routine of stringing together long extracts from the writer's works, with a few general remarks on his genius and humour, but entered on a critical contrast of his various points of excellence with those of other English novelists of eminence from the time of Fielding and Smollett; thus giving, in fact, a rapid review of the nature of imaginative prose literature, and the excellent taste with which this was effected rendered the lecture highly interesting as well as instructive. MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR.- On Monday last, some boys while playing on the East Moore, near the outlet of the town drainage, discovered a human skull, embedded in a bank slightly raised above the surface. They gave infor- mation to the police, who made a minute search, and discovered the remaining bones of a human skeleton, and buried near them a spade, the handle of which was nearly decayed. The bones were carefully removed, and sub mitted to the examination of Mr. Paine, who is of opinion that they are those of a female. The skull is very much broken, whieh renders it probable that the remains are those of a victim of some dark deed, and the fact that a portion of the brain was fouad uudecayed, indicates that the remains could not have been interred for any very great length of time. RAILWAY EXTENSIONS.—The works on the Rhymney Railway are now being pressed on with great vigour, and we understand that it is intended to open the line through- out to Cardiff, on or about the 1st of December. We also understand that the loop-line or extension of the Newport, Abergavenny, and Hereford Railway, from the main line at Pontypool Road Station, to the Taff Vale line, near Quaker's Yard. will be opened on the same day. Those lines must trod considerably to deyetope the mineral resources of a vast important, tract of country as yet un- worked.

ATTEMPTED LAUNCH OF THE GREAT EASTERN.—TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. On Tuesday morning the first attempt was made to lower this colossal steamahip at Millwall into the river. It was the first attempt, and only an attempt, for from one cause or another the effort to move her beyond a few feet totally failed, and the gigantic vessel, which ere this should have been a "monster of the deep," remains as firm, if not firmer than ever upon the river's bank. For another month at least, if not for a longer period, the the launch has been postponed, and the 2nd of December has been fixed as the earliest period on which the next effort can be made. There was rather a strong muster of engineers and gentlemen on the spot, not only from all parts of England, but even from France, Germany, Ame- rica,. and Russia, but of mere fashionable men, or mem- bers of the aristocracy,, the number was extremply li- mited. The Count De Paris with the Dllke d' Aumle and several French gentlemen were early on the ground, and watched every movement in the day's proceedings with the greatest interest. The Siamese ambassadors with a numorous retinue were also present, and for a time drew off attention even from the mountainous vessel which seemed to shut in the whole yard. From the articles-which have appeared in this journal, our readers mmt be quite famJiar with the peculiar con- struction of the launching ways, and also have derived a correct general idea of the nature of the tackle by which she was to be lowerfd into the water. It may, however, be a» well to briefly to mention again these mechanical appliances, and the manner in which each acted. First, then,, on the river tide four large lighters were moored in the tideway, and worked with crabs and sheaves upon the ohaiue, which were fastened to the vessel amidships. Each of these four lighters were capable of applying a strain of 60 tons, all of which was to be used to draw the vessel down the launching ways in case of any oonira- temps which might prevent her running. Two lighters were also moored at the stem and two at the stern of the vessel. The chains passing from the ship to these latter were returned again on shore, so as to be worked with a double purchase. Small stationary engines on land were used to haul in these, and made the whole force available to pull the vessel off the shore upwards of 600 tons. Near half-past twelve the public began to yawn and manifest impatience, when they were somewhat appeased by seeing the christening bottle of wine, gaily decorated with flowers, carried forward to the stem of the vessel. Here it was soon suspended, and Miss Hope, the daugh- ter of the chairman of the Great Eastern Company, giving it a hearty swing, dashed the wine over the bows of the vessel,, and bade -1 The Leviathan" God speed, amid the cheers of thousands. In a few moments afterwards the word was passed to commence the launch. At the signals the lighters slowly but steadily commenced to haul I taught their tackle from the river, which it was thought would of itself be sufficient to bring the vessel gently doivn. It appeared, however, to have no effect beyond once or twice producing in the vessel itself a sullen rum- bling noise like distant thunder as the great strain told upon her hull. It remained thus for about ten minutes. Expectation was wound up to the highest pitch, when the peculiar hissing noise of the hydraulic rams at work to push her off was heard. We should have mentioned that each of the drums was constructed so as to be turned by ordinary windlasses, in order to wind up the slack chain between the chain and the cradles, otherwise if any slack was left when the hydraulio rams started the vessel, it would run it rapidly out, and Heaven only knows the consequences that might ensue. When the "rams" began to work, the order was distinctly given to wind up"-meaning to coil in this slack between this drum and the cradle. This was ac- cordingly done at the forward drum, but, unfortunately, at the stern of the vessel the men did precisely the re- verse, and uncoiled more slack chain. Among the num- ber of engineers who were looking on, the danger of this was seen at a glance, but there was no official to check the men, who seemed ordinary navvies." Sud- denly there was a cry of She moves, she moves!" the fore part of the vessel slipped, and the stern rushed down rapidly. It seemed to slip some three or four feet in the space of a couple of seconds, in consequence of the slack chain from the after drum offering not the least check. In au instant the strain came upon the drum, which was dragged round, and of course, as that was connected with the windlass by multiplying wheels, the latter turned some ten or fifteen times for every foot the drum moved. The men at the windlass madly tried to hold it, but the heavy iron handle flew round like lightning, striking them and hurling five or six high into the air as if they had been blown up by some powerful explosion. A panic seemed to spread as this shocking accident took place, and the men stationed at the tackle and fall of the level next the windlass rushed away. Fortunately, most fortunately" fox the lives of hundreds of the spectators, the men at the lever at the other side of the drum stood firm" and h&uling on their tactile drew their lever up and ajalied the break on the drum with sub Mri40 wra tktt wt llup iuUoUj •topped, though she seemed to quiver under the check as if she had ceived a heavy blow, and the check tackle andyiyissi** ^ile of timber which restrained the drum strain#; auu.'bly. auu.'bly. Iht> whole of this took place in the course of two • three seconds. The vessel dropped, the men were hurU| from the w^ndtassj and with a heavy rumbling noise t* tremendous structure was still on the wags" agai* almost before the spectator had time to imagine what baa; occurred. For a moment there was almost a panic ana4 dispositioB to run from the spot, but it was only tary. Four of the men who were injured were off to the Popiar Hospital at once, and a fifth, who seer#" to have sustained some severe internal hurt, was af\Ct( wards obliged to- be assisted from the yard. J Later in the day another attempt was made, but fr stationary engine which, as we have mentioned, was |P to haul upon the chains to the bows at last gave w*| and the chain itseli ssapped in two, though not v/ty. some of the teeth of the wheels of the engine, as were informed, had also broken before the strain. M the same time a pin in the piston rod of the fore hydraulic ram also gave way, and these two accident were irreparable. The signal wait made to cease haaiiDM and in a minute or so afterwards the officials of the c pany announced that the launch was over "for the day' The yard was then cleared of strangers, and, as few w aware of what had really caused the failure of the tempt, the most extravagant rumours soon got ad Among these the favourite was that the launehing-wa^i themselves had sunk under the enormous weight, af that the stem of the ship had settled down several incltf. below the stern. For this report there is really foundation at present. But, as all further attempts tttf wards launching have been definitely postponed till tbf 2nd of December, it is not impossible that the fears M her settling down in the ways" may be realized befol* that time arrives. With a weight of some 12,000 t resting upon new made earth, the safety of the veew may become at any time a question of con side doubt. The injured men's names ate John DonovA Henry Stacey, John Browne, and Anthony Mabel" The case of Donavon, wbo, besides severe internal & juries, has sustained a fearful compound comminatA' fracture of the leg, is considered hopeless. Stacey, wbol has also received a dreadful comminuted fracture of V&' leg, is in a precarious condition. 1 he other two Boot Maher and Brown, are severely eontuaed and ternally, but both are likely to do well. The fifth mO who was hurt was conveyed to hie home at hia o** request.

LATEST NE WS. MERLiN OFFICE, Friday, 5 p.m. ANOTHER RISE IN THE RATE OF DISCOUN^ The bank directors on Thursday raised the rate discount to 9 per cent., and the demand for money haS more than ever increased. Great gloom prevails in thl City, and it is feared that the result will be disastrous: especially as the effect must prove embarassing in tJal provinces. Tbis charge is the highest ever enforce^' and should further pressure follow, several como>erci9* disasters must take place. A variety of reports were W circulation on Thursday morning with respect to credit of mercantile firms, but they require confirmatioll. Although the 4th of the month has passed over in satisfactory manner, the bills of two small mercaatil' firms have been returned-one connected with the rican trade and the other with the African trade. jJI. either case, if satisfactory arrangements should not W made for proceeding, the liabilities will prove unimportaJ^1

THE CORN MARKET. ( From Messrs. St urge's Circular.) BIBUINOHAM, Nov. 5th, 1857. 7 Our Farmers, as usual at this season, have been mucJi' engaged with sowing wheat, ani the supply of this graft1 has been by no means liberal; but the pressure upolt, the money market having made holders of Foreig" unusually anxious to realize immediately upon arrival our millers have been able to purchase sufficient for theit, immediate wants, at gradually receding prices. SinO* we issued our last monthly circular, the fall has beeØ1 altogether about 4s. per quarter. There, however, ap. pears an increasing reluctance on the part of the grower* to thrash at present rates; and unless the imports O* Foreign should prove larger than we anticipate, should not be surprised to see a little advance, even be" fore Christmas, unless the value of money continues 31 high as at present, which is too probable. The gre"t, ? monetary pressure in the United States, has, of course | had a depressing effect there, and some of the ordinal I red wheats, have been sold as low as 36s. for 4801bs. J New York; while fine wheat did not, according to J last accounts, realize more than 52s. per quarter. J the stocks in the American Ports were light, and it ø jj uot expected that much could arrive before the elose of the for the winter, by .tha fr^ The prohibitif* of export from Italy and France still continues, though in the former country there are considerable stoeks of last season's wheat warehoused ready few shipment; ani also a good crop of the present year's growth ia hands of the farmers but probably the export will be permitted until it is ascertained whether France veil' require more than her own produce. Prices,, ia that country, now ran^e about 5s. per quarter below ours- The weather hM- been upon the whole very favourable for wheat sowing,. and a considerable breadth has been planted, and in some cases, it is already above ground., No doubt the extensive ravages of the disease- amongst, the potatoes, and their consequent high price, increased the consumption of bread. This, together with the great falling off in the supply of American flour, has added to the demand, from, our millers. At G4oucester and Worcester markets, on the 30th, ult., the farmers were reluctant sellers of, wheat at a decline of about Is. pet quarter. Barley 1.s. per quarter lower. Oats rothel cheaper. Beans- offering at a reduction, of Is. to 2s. pel quarter. During the present week, the sales reported in wheat are on quite as good terms aa previously. Bar- ley tending downxvrrds. Oats only taken in limited quantities. Beana and peas less in. request. At Wolverhampton, yesterday, the prices of the previous week were bareley supported. At this day's market, there was only a limited supply of wheat from the far- mers, but the trade ruled dull, with the turn in price iP favour of the buyer.. Barley Is. to 2a. per quarter lower. Oats nearly maintained their value. Beans 2a. per quar- ter cheaper. Peas less enquired for.

BY ELECTRIC TJELECJRAPH. LONDON CORN MARKET—FRIDAY. English wheat met a slow sale at Monday's rates,, and parcels mostly of inferior quality. Value of foreign about the same. Flour sells slowly, rates unchanged. Little business in barley. Common rather cheaper.- A fair trade for oats, but sellers at Monday's prices. Few buyers in beans and peas. Malt easier to purchase. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET.—FRIDAY. Beasts and sheep sold slowly, at Monday's prices; calves, at 2d. reduction. Beef, 3s. lOd. to 4s. lOd.; mutton, 4s. 4d. to 5s. 6d.; veal, 4s. to 4s. 8d.; pork, 3s. lOd. to 4s. 8d. LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET.—FRIDAY. Very inactive opening, and attendance limited. Flour' dull, wheat offering freely at firm prices, but with few buyers. Beans in fair inquiry. Indian corn as yet without change. WAKEFIELD CORN MARKET.—FRIDAY. Wheat is held for Is. per quarter advance on last Friday's rates, but it checks. the sale, and there is very little business passing. Barley Is. per quartet cheaper. Beans, peas, and shelling rather lower.

BILiTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. rNo notices of marriages, births, or deaths will ia future be in- serted, uules.4 authenticated by the name and address of the sender.] ISirtfl. On the 4th inst., at Longfields, Oystermouth, Swansea, the- wife of J ohn Gaskoin, Esq of a daughter. fHarrtagrs. On the 5th inst., at the Tabernacle Chapel, Newport, by the, Rev. Thomis Gilhaan, Mr. James Bell, draper, Park- street, Newport., to Miss Eliza Jane Elliott>eldest daugh- ter of Mr. R. Elliott, draper. Scotland House, Newport. On the 31st ult. at Llantillio Croaseojay church, by the Rev. David Davies, Mr. William Lloyd, of (Jein Cacb, near Raglan, to Miss Fanny Steed, of Pentwyn, Llantillo Crossenny. On the 3rd inafc., at St. George's Hanover-square, by the Rev. li. M. Bojinor, vicar of Khiwahon and canon of St. Asaph, Herbert Lloyd, Esq., Cap:ain in the 21st regiment M.I., youngest son of J. W Lloyd, Ejsq., of Danyrallt, Car- marthensbire, to Mary Hill, second daughter of the late Richard HillMiers, of Ynys-pen-y-Llwcb, Glamorganshire, Esq. Btatfjs. On the 1st inst., at Pillgwenlly, Mary Elizabeth, infant daughter of Air. Gregory, butcher, aged 12 months. On the 2nd inst., at Pillgwenlly, Mr. Cornelius Driacoll, pilot, aged 42 years. On tho 2nd iust., at High-street, Newport, Mr. Robert Fennell, late of Oddown, near Bath, aged 57 years. On the 27th ult., at St. Hilliers, Jersey, Julia Russell, the daughter of the late Capt. Russell, of the 93rd High- landers, aged 20 years. Ou the 24th ult., at South Market-street, Newport, Emma, the daughter of Mr. Jackson, aged 4 years and 3 months. On the 30th ult., at Ruperra-street, Newport, Mrs. Sarah Edwards, aged 69 years. On the 23rd ult., at Abercarne, Mr. William Stradling, aged 73 years. On the 29th ult., at Tydee, Mr. William Williams, aged 46 years. On the 3rd inst., at the residence of her nephew, Mr. J. Hiley Morgan, High-street, Abergavenny, Penelope, widow of the late Rev. John Armitage, aged 68 years, -M-- Newport and Cardiff, Saturdag, November 7, 1857 Printed for the Proprietor, EDWARD DOVVLIKG, of Mount Pleasant. Hill-street, In the Borough of Newport, by WJI.IJAM CHRISTOPHERS, of No 7, Commercial-street, in. the said Borough; and published at the Man w General Printing Qfice, Nu. 15, Commerehtstmt Howjnrt tad •( 1(" II. St. street Cardif