Monmouthshire Merlin

CARDIFF. BRUTAL ASSAULT IN PENARTH ROADS.-On Monday and Tuesday the Borough Magistrates of Cardiff were engaged investigating a case of what appears from the evidence to have been one of the most savage, if not mur- derous, assaults ever perpetrated iu the Bristol Channel. The parties implicated are the first, second, and third mates of the American ship Gleaner, Captain Lunt, which left the Bute Docks on Saturday last. Their names are respectively Summers, Brown, and Cunningham, and, what is singular enough, they belong to different countries, the chief mate being a Scotchman, the second mate a Frenchman, and the third mate an Irishman. The case was brought before the Bench, in consequence of informa- tion received from Mr. James Harris, who was engaged piloting the ship down the river. It fortunately hap- pened that the captain was not on board when the pilot left the ship, otherwise she would have put to sea before the warrants were issued. James Harris said he was a branch pilot of the port of Cardiff, and was engaged on Saturday last as pilot to the ship Gleaner. When they got out of the river, he heard the third mate call to a man encased on the fore-yards, to clear the topsail brace. He called a second and third time, and was answered by the man that he had done so. The third mate then called him a b son of a b-, and saicl he would teach him to speak back. On Riley (the black man who was on the yards) coming on deck, the third mate lifted an iron belaying-pin and cut him on the head. The second mate then came up with a similar pin in his hand and inflicted a severe blow also on his head. One of the mates then fetched a pair of brass knuckles and struck him repeatedly on the face and different parts of the body. His head and face became covered with blood. A countryman came to Riley's as- sistance while in this condition, and was treated in the same brutal manner. Riley succeeded, on two separate occasions, in crawling into the forecastle, and was as often dargged out, the forecastle being then locked against him. The witness interfered for the protection of the men, and the officers threatened to throw him overboard. He had great difficulty in getting his orders attended to. When he left the ship, Riley was lying on the deck, and he was fearful that he would die from his wounds. A number of black men entreated him (witness) to send assistance on board, as they were fearful of their lives -John Smith, a man of colour, was the first witness called. He said on Saturday, while on board ship, the third mate threatened to kill him. He held a pistol to his breast, and said he would shoot him. He afterwards took a belaying-pin and struck him on the wrist with such violence as to break his arm —John Peters, another man of colour, said that Summers knocked him off the topsail yard by a blow from the capstan bar. He fell upon the deck-a height of about 60 feet. His fall was broken by the ropes. When lying on the deck, the first mate caught him bv the throat and kicked him. Mr. James Paine, surgeon, said he had examiued the men. The result was as follows John Smith, fractured arm, contusion on left ear, lower lip, and both eyes. James Beale, contused lacerated wound on right cheek, and wound on lip. John Peters, contused wound on lip and left temple. Domingo Spirt, contusion of both eyes. John Smith, two contused eyes. There were four others, less or more injured. He had not examined the man in the Infirmary.—Other men were called who had been ill-treated by the mate, after which Mr. Jones said the prisoners would be remanded till Friday, in order to afford time for the partial recovery of Riley. BANKRUPTS.—(Bristol Bankruptcy Court, Tuesday.)— Re E. J. Lewis, Cardiff, boot and shoemaker.—Mr. H. Brit- tan opposed the allowance of a certificate on behalf of the assignees. Mr. Edlin (instructed by Mr. Shipton) sup- ported the bankrupt. The grounds of opposition were reckless trading and not having kept proper books. It appeared from the balance sheet that the bankrupt com- menced business on the 12th of November, 1856, and ceased and became bankrupt on the 20th of April in this year. the trading extending over a period of 15 months. He commenced business not only without capital but in debt to the extent of £100, about JB25 of which had been since paid, and at present he owed L545 8s. 6d. The ac- counts as made up might be called mere guess, every item in which the bankrupt took credit for cash being an esti- mated amount. He had kept no cash-book, and the reason which he assigned for not having done so was, that he managed the business himself, and did not think it neces- sary. During the period of the bankrupt being in business his trade expenses had been £108, and the private ex- penses J6218 15s. Od.. making together Y,326, while for the same period the profits were JS169 10s., or just about half the amount. The only losses which could be fairly attri- butable were bad debts to the extent of £63, the rest being all incurred by sacrifices arising from a forced sale effected just before the bankruptcy. On the 26th of January, the bankrupt went to Bristol, and made an assignment to a person not a creditor, under which possession was taken of property amounting in value, according to the bankrupt's own estimate, to JE166, the total amount realised from which, and which had reached the hands of the assignees, was about £55, so that there was nothing left for division among the creditors. His Honour said this was one of those unfortunate cases in which a bankrupt commenced owing iHlOO, t75 of which still remained unpaid, and carried on a business the profits of which were not more than half the trade and private expenses. He was asto- nished at persons trusting Welsh people in this way. The case was one of very reckless trading, and of course such persons had no idea of keeping a cash-book in fact it never seemed to enter into their imagination. The certi- ficate must be granted at the end of six months, and must then be of the third class, with intermediate protection.- Re Beard and Thomas, Cardiff and Bideford, brewers.— This was a sitting for choice of assignees. Proofs amount- ing to £ 1,317 6s. 0.1. were admitted, and the choice was carried by Messrs. H. Brittan and Son.

CARDIFF TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting of the Council, convened under the Cardiff Market Act, was held on Friday, the 28th ult. Present —C. C. Williams, Esq Mayor Aldermen D. Lewis, C. Vachell, and T. Morgan; Councillors J. Batchelor, C. E. Bernard, R. W. Williams, R. Lewis Reece, G. Watson, E. Thomas, D. Jotham, R. Cory, J. Owen, W. B. Wat- kins, J. Pride, Montague Grover, C. W. David, S. D. Jenkins, A. Langley, and Dr. Edwards. Mr. Alderman Vachell moved that a petition against the Canton Market Bill be prepared, that the seal of the Corporation be attached to it, and that it be presented to the House of Lords. Mr. Alderman D. Lewis seconded the motion; and it was agreed to. Mr. Charles W. David moved that the corporate seal be attached to a contract prepared in accordance with the agreement entered into with the Trustees of the Bute estate, for the purchase of a piece of ground at the back of the Town-hall for the purposes of a Cattle Market. After a long discussion, the votes were taken. There appeared-Against the motion Councillors Batchelor, Bernard, Lewis Reece, and R. W. Williams. For the motion The Mayor; Aldermen T. Morgan, C. Vachell, and D. Lewis; Councillors J. Pride, Geo. Watson, E. Thomas, D. Jotham, R, Cory, J. Owen, W. B. Watkins, M. Grover, C. W. David, A. Langley, S. D. Jenkins, and Dr. Edwards. Mr. W. B. Watkins moved that the market be opened for the 14th of June next. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Alderman C. Yachell seconded the motion, which was agreed to. Mr. Alderman Lewis moved that the Town Clerk pre- pare a contract, for the signature of Mr. Daniel Jones for the erection of the markets. Mr. Alderman C. Yachell seconded the motion. Mr. Batchelor would ask the Town Clerk in what position they would be as a Corporation, in case Parlia- ment should repeal their Act after they had signed the contract ? The Town Clerk stated that he had taken the opinion of one of the best men at the bar, and he had advised the course they were now taking. Mr. R. W. Williams asked the Town Clerk what their legal position would be if the House of Lords passed the Canton Bill ? The Town Clerk replied that he could not suppose anything. It was impossible to give a legal opinion on a supposed law. The Corporation had an Act of Parlia- ment which empowered them to enter into the contract before them. Mr. Bernard then moved, as an amendment, that the contract should not be signed. If, after it was entered into, their Act should be repealed, the Corporation would be involved in heavy costs. Mr. R. W. Williams seconded the amendment. After SJme further remarks, a division took place, with the same result as the previous one-the same names appearing on both sides. Mr. W. B. Watkins moved that Mr. Evan Leyshon be appointed Clerk to the Cattle Markets.-Carried. Some minor business was transacted. CARDIFF LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. A monthly meeting of the Board was held on Friday, immediately after the Council meeting. Present—C. C. Williams, Esq., Mayor; Aldermen T. Morgan, D. Lewis, and C. Yachell; Town Councillors J. Batchelor, R. W. Williams, C. E. Bernard, Lewis Reece, G. Watson, E. Thomas, D. Jotham, R. Cory, J. Owen, W. B. Watkins, James Pride, Montague Grover, C. W. David, and Dr. Edwards. The minutes having been read, In reply to a question from Mr. Langley, with regard to taking counsel's opinion as to lighting the Bute Docks, the Mayor said that the committee appointed to confer with the Town Clerk had not yet bad a meeting. In reply to a question from Mr. Bernard, it was stated the Board had never made a Special District Rate for private improvements. A letter was read from the General Board of Health, requesting copy of notes of the case heard in the Court of Queen's Bench between the Local Board and the Taff Vale Railway Company. The General Board expressed an opinion confirming that of Mr. Watkins, clerk to the Local Board, with regard to the power of making a highway rate, where the boundaries of parishes were conterminous with those of the district of a Boarcfcof Health. It was ordered that the notes should be fur- nished. Mr. Batchelor said that the market question had been so fully discussed that he should withdraw his motion relating to the nuisance that would be created behind the Town-hall. Mr. Batchelor complained of the state of a ditch in Plucca-lane, and said that pending measures for drainage it might be cleansed. The Surveyor said that it had been twice cleared out since last meeting. In reply to a question from Mr. Batchelor, it was stated by the Mayor that Mr. Crawshay objected to allow any bridge at the lower end of the canal having less head room than at the upper end, but he should bring on the matter of tha Custom House Bridge at the canal meeting in June..10 In reply to a question from Mr. Batchelor, the Sur- veyor stated that the return of the comparative cost of the various streets in the Borough had been laid on the table nearly six months ago. A letter from the Water Works Company was read, stating that they were ready to supply water for water- ing additional streets, for JE42 between March and Sep- tember, and JE28 for the remainder of the year. A contract to that effect was ordered. Mr. Evans, of Margaret-street, attended to complain that he had been charged 8d. per yard more for pitching than had been charged in adjacent streets. The Surveyor explained that the difference of cost arose from the use of the stones from Minehead, which were superior, but more expensive. Mr. Evans complained that the property in Eleanor- street did not derive any advantage from the district rate. On the motion of Mr. Bernard, seconded by Dr. Ed- wards, it was ordered that Ellinor.street should be lit with gas. Mr. Joshua Lewis attended to complain that the levels of Dudley-street had been altered after his plans had been passed, and his pavement having been taken up, he had been put to the expense of putting it down a eooond time. rÎ r»« 4 The Surveyor said that it had been necessary to alter the level in order to prevent great inconvenience in rela- tion to other streets. Mr. R. W. Williams called attention to the nuisances created by the corners at the Rhymney Railway bridge across the Roath road, also the drips from the rain. The Surveyor was requested to communicate with the railway officials. Several building plans were passed, and the Board adjourned.

CARDIFF EISTEDDFOD. The grand Eisteddfod and Concert, announced for some months since, took place on Monday and Tuesday last, in a pavilion erected for the purpose in a field adjoining to the South Wales Railway Station and to St. Mary-street. The building was much superior to the temporary con- structions generally used for large meetings, as it was erected entirely of timber well put together. The inte- rior was decorated with evergreens, flowers, banners, and flags, interspersed with statuettes and other works of art. On Monday, the first day, the Committee assembled at the pavilion, and proceeded to meet the President, Dr. Nicholl Carne, of Diinlands Castle, at the Town-haD, from whence they escorted him to the place of meeting. The President, on taking the chair, wore his full robes of a Doctor of Civil Law, and was supported on either side by the Rev. Dr. James, Rector of Panteg, and the Rev. N. Thomas, Baptist minister. The Vice-chair was taken by the Rev. Horatio J. Thomas, Vicar of Pentyrch. The Chairman of the Committee called upon the Eis- teddfod Bard, Mr. Thomas David, Dinas Powis, who read a Welsh address to the President. The Secretary, Mr. Joseph Thomas, was then called upon, and read the following address :— To J. W. Nicholl Carne, Esq., LL.D. Sir,-The Committee of the Cardiff Eisteddfod feel much pleasure in having the honour to address you on this present interesting occasion, and their gratification is doubled, as you are a descendant of one of the most ancient families in this county. In bygone days, when oxen were generally usod to plough our fields, it was a custom to sing to them all day, and he who could sing the greatest number of stanzas was thought much of among his rustic companions in those days. One of the stanz is which was known to every farmer's boy in the Vale of Glamorgan, and from which we conclude that the family of the Carnes is of ancient date, is the fol- lowing Tri dawnswyr goreu yn Nghymru, Syr Charles o Gefn Mabli, Ysgweier Lewis gwych o'r Fan, A Syr John Carne o'r Wenni. (Translation.) The three best dancers in the Principality, Are Sir Charles of Cefn Mabli, 'Squire Lewis of the Van, And Sir John Carne of Ewenny. This verse proves evidently that the Carnes of Ewenny were held in great repute as far back as three hundred years ago. When the peasantry extol the virtues of a gentleman, when a nobleman is held in esteem by his tenantry, when the bards sing in his praise, you may de- pend there are some great and noble qualities belonging to such a gentleman, some kindness of disposition which commands the good will and esteem of all around him, and as such, your family has been and is considered throughout the county of Glamorgan, even to this day therefore you must need think, Sir, that every Welshman, and we believe every Englishman, in this assembly, is proud that a descendant of such a family presides at this meeting to-day. The purpose for which we have met here, is to award prizes to those who excel in music, poetry, and reciting, and to those who are the best able to write in the ancient British language, by which means it is hoped that that language which has survived while many others have flourished and decayed, may still be perpetuated, so that the ancient writings of our fore- fathers, and the poetic effusions of our ancestors may not be forgotten. The writings of the Welsh Bards contain much information as regards history, customs, and man- ners of the olden time, before the island was invaded by foreigners. Some of the Welsh writings are of very an- cient date, such as those of Taliesin and Aneurin, who lived in the 6th century, the former being a native of Strathclyde, which fact proves that the Welsh language was at that time spoken in Scotland. Almost all ancient things are held in veneration by the inhabitants of a country, such as ancient family pictures, ancient furniture, ancient cathedrals and churches; therefore we as Welsh- men may easily be pardoned for holding in veneration that which no history can trace its origin; that language which can boast of an alphabet for unknown ages before the Roman characters were invented, and even before those of the Phoenicians were thought of. Some think that the Welsh language is now dying away, because the English is so much spoken in our seaports and other towns, the inhabitants of which think it beneath their notice to learn the aboriginal language of this country. This, Sir, is a mistaken notion, especially in a town like this, where the acquirement of a foreign language is so ne- cessary. The more languages a man knows the easier he can attain the knowledge of others, and to know Walsh is a great auxiliary towards the desired object, because it is unquestionably one of the original languages from which tLe articulation of modern tongues has emanated. He who knows the Welsh alphabet well, finds no difficulty in pronouncing the vowels of the French and Italian, or the gutteral sounds of the Spanish and German consonants. Such being the undeniable fact, it behoves every family in Wales to cultivate the mother tongue, and teach it to the younger branches, if they wish them to learn the po- liter languages with half the trouble and expense it costs those who know nothing but the modern Saxon. You, Sir, and others who are versed in the ancient languages of Greece and Rom", can bear testimony to the accuracy of these observations. Although the Latin and the Greek are now dead languages, every scholar is obliged to re- vert to them before he can arrive at the roots of many of the words used in English. It is true that but few words in English are derived from Welsh, but it is not so with the French, as hundreds if not thousands of words, in that language, are derived from the Celtic, and a great many words are spelled by them the same as we spell words of the same meaning. These are a few of the reasons that we wish to perpetuate that language which has withstood the efforts of the Romans, the Danes, the Normans, and the Saxons, to annihilate it, but which is now, we are happy to say, in a higher cultivation than ever, and we are proud to see so many gentlemen renowned in the literary world, and connected with the nobility and ancient families in the Principality, coming to sup- port and patronise us. Returning our most sincere and cordial thanks for your kind condescension in coming to aid us in this important undertaking, we are, Sir, your most obliged and obedient servants, "THE COMMITTEE. "Cardiff Eisteddfod, May 31st, 1858." The President then delivered the following opening address :-1 thank you for the very handsome manner in which you have spoken of me and my family. I cor- dially join issue with you that the Carne family is pure Welsh, and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in the Principality. (Applause.) I am sorry that it has not fallen into abler hands to take the office of President, and to address you on the present interesting occasion. Since last an Eisteddfod was held within the precincts of this town, twenty-four years have passed away, and I see before me a generation come since into existence. On that occasion the worthy nobleman, who, though dead, yet speaketh," in all things that surround us, occupied the position which I this day fill. I cannot pretend so adequately to fulfil the duties of the office, but by your kind permission and favourable indulgence, I will say a few words on the objects of meetings like the present. I am aware, that by many, a strong prejudice is entertained against gatherings of this description, a prejudice arising, I firmly believe, from an ignorance of the objects of Eis- teddfodau. It is no small misfortune that Welsh litera- ture has been limited within such a confined space as Wales and part of France, but the inextensiveness of the language cannot be urged against its worth, otherwise I I feel confident you would agree with me that more lan- guages than that of Wales would deserve annihilation. The antiquity of our language is indisputable, and it would still have been triumphant had it not been wisely ordained that the language, like the inhabitants of Wales (following the laws of progress) should be thoroughly amalgamated with their conquerors. This our nation is not the only example of that law. The objects of Eis- teddfodau at the present day are to rescue from oblivion all that is worth preserving in the laws, poetry, and music of Wales, to keep alive their memory, and to trans- mit them forward to succeeding generations. Formerly these meetings were held at stated times-at the solstices -four times in each year. To them the bards, who were the poets and priests of Britain, repaired for the purposes of discussion and mental culture. At those meetings the traditions and social records of the nation were delivered to the rising generation, and religious and moral doc- trines inculcated by the means of triads, which consisted of sentiments composed of three striking and indisputable factSj arranged in concise and nervous language, likely to leave an impression on the memory, and a pleasing recol- lection on the ear. To those acquainted with Greek and Roman literature, I need hardly say that the same me- thod was adopted by those nations, both to teach and to entertain. This system of oral education was not pecu- liar to our people. We find indeed early instances of it in many profane writers, and in the Sacred Volume. I need do no more than remind you of the Proverbs in the Old, and the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testa- ment, as examples of this mode of orally imparting in- struction a method which, though long in abey- ance, we have recently seen start into life again, as even the highest and most talented of our land now come forward and assist the cause of progress and knowledge by public lectures and speeches. To the unthinking mind the very word tradition presents an idea of something futile, unstable, based on no solid foundation, and I shall perhaps at first startle you by the assertion that this oral testimony, when properly considered, is of more value than written records. The reason, HOWEVER, is simple. At tbeae Eisteddfodau, it was the duty of the Bards to bring forward and examine, as well as to explain to their congregations the oral tra- ditions of their forefathers. OIl these occasions they were carefully argued and sifted. All that was false and untenable was cast aside, the wheat was carefully win- nowed from the chaff, and only such as was worthy of preservation was inculcated as part of their history fit to be transmitted to posterity. If false, the tradition would from the knowledge of the surrounding hearers, at once be rejected and set aside as unworthy of credence. If true, it was accepted and preserved. How different would the case be as respects the credence due to the tes- timony usually afforded from written documents. How easy to fabricate a falsehood without the chance of con- tradiction-to lock it up in a drawer, or enfold it in the leaves of a book, and when it might come forth a century hence, it would rest alone for its acceptation on its anti- quity, and on nothing more. It may, perhaps, be a professional error, but it strikes me, that like circumstan- tial evidence, oral testimony, so transmitted to us, is the strongest. I have said before that the Bards were, in fact, priests and poets, and that they delivered their moral precepts in triads. I should like to give you an example of the force of their language and descriptive powers. Their description of poetic genius is remarkably good. Poetic genius, say the triads, consists of an eye that can see nature, a heart that can feel nature, and a resolution that dare follow nature. Again, speaking of the attributes of the Almighty, unaided by the light of revelation, we find one of the triads descriptive of the three grand attributes of God, as follows:—1. Infinite life; 2. Infinite knowledge; 3. Infinite power. I could give you many more examples, but I will not anticipate those who are to follow me, and will pass onward, merely remarking that Tydian," justly termed Tad Awen," or Father of Poetic Genius," was the first who reduced to order and fixed rule the art of Welsh Poetry and Poetic Triads. Many indeed were the difficulties which tile Bards of Wales had to contend with. The rod of the oppressor, the iron hand of despotism, did all it could to cramp their energies and extinguish their poetic vigour; but it was in vain, for in spite of the yoke of the conqueror, the muse and harp of Cambria have survived, and though, during the dark night of oppression, like the Israelites in a strange land, our forefathers hung up their harps on the willow trees, and refused to make melody in their heaviness," yet still, thanks to the patriotism of Welshmen, they, ever undaunted, ma- naged to hold their gorsedd, and to transmit even to our day, most of the beauties of their muse and poetry. Deep indeed is the gratitude which we owe to such spirits as Iolo Morganwg, Miss Jane Williams, of Abergavenny, and Mr. Stephens, of Merthyr, for what they have done in the good cause. There are a host of other more an- cient and truly honourable names, who have laboured in our cause, who are known to most of you, and concern- ing whom there are those who will presently address you, who will enlighten you far better than I can pre- tend to do, especially on the various Eisteddfodau held from the earliest periods down to the present time, and who will tell you how the Bards trans- mitted their laws and maxims (when tyranny forbad their meeting) to their posterity 0.1 the" peithynen" or wooden books, consisting of four square pieces, on each side of which was a line or verse of poetry. I will not trespass on bardic ground, but of one thing I am entitled to boast, that to my forefathers was the pre* servation of the bardic alphabet due. From the library of Sir Edward Carne, at Gwenny Abbey, came first to light the" Coelbren y Bjirdd." I state this on the authority of the Bard of Glamorgan, who mentioned the fact at the great conference of Bards, held at Abergwili, in 1819, when the good bishop, (though a bishop) thought it not beneath his dignity to act as president, and lolo was one of the judges. Would that this chair was now occupied by one so talented and so liberal. He would tell you better than I can, that it is not our wish or our object to keep ourselves distant from, or to arrogate to ourselves a superiority over our English neighbours. It is not that we love England less because we love Wales more. No. I am thankful to say that the days of all such distinctions and differences are at an end for ever. But my English friends, envy us not the feeling of pride with which we look upon our country and contemplate the heroes she has given birth to. Honour us rather for that indomi- table energy and strangth of character which Caesar and Sallust have chronicled, and which have never left us from the days of Caractacus to Picton. (Cheers.) Re- collect that at the time when the whole world lay in darkness, we retained our laws, our liberties, and our institutions, and transmitted them to posterity for be it well remembered, that even our conquerors engrafted their laws with ours, and built their superstructure on our strong foundations. I confess (although by some of you it may be deemed a weakness,) I am proud of my country, proud indeed of my origin, that for 900 years, in unbroken descent, I can trace to Gwyn Brenhin Gwent, whose name as the defender of our liberties, will remain as long as the name of Landilo Croes Ynyr, (nov called Llantillio Crosseny) shall remain. I am proud and glad to see this day, and to be present among you, when here united we are all met for one oommon cause, the further- ance of harmony, knowledge, and truth. IN the oarne, then, of the promoters of this festival, Í hail your presence. To those who are anxious to promote our cause I would only say, recollect our motto by land or by sea, and tire not, droop not, in your onward course. And to those (if there be any) who, from a lingering feeling of prejudice, look upon our efforts as misguided attempts to perpetuate I ignorance,paraphrasingthe words of the Roman conqueror, "Veni, Vidi, Vici." "I have come, 1 have seen, and I have conquered," I would say, come amongst us, see for yourselves, conquer your prejudices. (Loud cheers.) The following Bards read the "EnglynionAnerch:" —Mr. W. Jones (Gwilym Hid), Rev. Robert Ellis (Cyn- ddelw), and Mr. Jones (Eiddil Glan Cynon). Mr. David Edwards (Dewi Iau) delivered a very elo- quent address in the Welsh language, on the benefits arising from holding meetings of this kind. Mr. Wm. John, of Aberkenfig, addressed the meeting in English, eulogising Dr. Nicholl Carne as a country gentleman and a patriot, who exerted himself in aiding the progress of his fellow-countrymen. He added some humourous remarks, in the Welsh language, on Welsh poetry and music, concluding with observations on the powers of the Welsh language as a medium for eloquence and poetry. Mr. Ellis Roberts, harpist to the Prince of Wales, then performed, in first rate style, a selection of Welsh airs, including "Merch Megan" and "Llwyn Onn," with variations, on the pedal harp. The Rev. Robert Ellis (Cynddelw) read an adjudica- tion for the prize of X4 4s., offered by the Hon. R. W. Clive, for the best song on the recent events in India. There were several competitors. The prize was awarded to "Rachel," Margaret Williams, of Cardigan. A prize for singing with the harp was postponed, as the whole of the competitors had not arrived. Three young lads recited the Chameleon" in capital style. The prize of 10s. was awarded to John Williams. The other two lads acquitted themselves so well that the President presented them with 5S. each. Invested by Miss John- r A competition for a prize of £ LJ offered to the best songstress of the Rising of the Lark," took place be- tween two sisters—Mrs. Kruger end Miss Forey, of Mer- thyr. Their performances were so very superior, and were so equal in merit, that the judge, Mr. J. Owen (Owen Alaw), divided the prize, amidst the cheers of the audience. Invested by the President. Llew Llwyfo was called upon to deliver a Welsh ad- dress on patriotic feeling, or love of country, as charac- teristic of the Welsh people, interspersed with selections from Welsh poetry. HA expressed a friendly difference of opinion from Talhaiarn as to the probable duration of the Welsh language. He was himself of opinion that the language gained ground in some directions, while it receded in others. A competition then followed for a prize of 20s., offered for the best singer with the harp, in the manner of Gwent and Morganwg, of Yr Aderyn Pur," by Miss Williams, of Aberpergwm. The competitors were "Llywarch," « Dafydd," •' Die Dywyll," and Un o Hen Gastell." The judge—Owen Alaw—observed that the science of singing had greatly advanced within the last 20 years. The present competition was a proof of the great progress of solo singing. He had some difficulty in making his award, but declared the prize to be due to "Dic Dywyll" (Llew Llwyfo, Aberdare). Invested by Mr. Joseph Thomas. Owen Alaw (of Chester) volunteered a buffo song, ac- companied by himself on the pianofore, which afforded much amusement. The President, in the name of the Committee, thanked the audience for their attendance, and adjourned the meeting to half-past seven o'clock. THE EVENING MEETING. The proceedings of the evening were entirely musical* 1!1 and the chair was occupied by the Rev. Dr. James, Pan teg. The following programme was performed:- FIRST PART. Harp Solo—" Y Gadlys." The Camp of the Palace, Introducing Ab Shenkin. Mr. Roberts. Welsh Air — Mwvnen Gwynedd- T'rewch, T'rewch, y tant." Harmo- nised by Mr. R. Lewis The Choir. Song-" I am not myself at all." (Lover.) Owen Alaw. Harp Solo-" Llwyn Onn," with varia- tions. Arranged for the harp by. Mr. Roberts. Welsh Air—" Y Gelynen." Harmonised by Mr. Lewis The Choir. Song—" Sons of the Cymry," (National) (Hughes) Owen Alaw. song-" The Wolf Mr. John Evans Harp Solo-Descriptive of" Music round- ing a hill" Mr. Roberts. „ ( Mr D.Jenkins, Song—" The Old Arm Chair" | Bridgend. ( Llew Llwyfo, C( Kruger, TllO- The MusIc Lesson [ SmXfS, an 15B orey SECOND PART. Fantasia-Ar hy d y Nos," "MorfaRhudcl- lan" "Serch hudol." (Eos Memon) Mr. Roberts. WeUb Air-" Blodau'r Grug." Harmo- nized by Mr. R. Lewi* •••••• 409 Choir. L Song—" Molawd Cymru," (National) Owen Alaw. Duet—" A B C" } T^yfo, j and Mrs. Kruger Temperance Glee (Mr. R. Lewis). The Choir. Song-" Mae Robin yn Swil" Owen Alaw. Sons;—" The Bells of Aberdovey" Mr..Roberts. Welsh Air—"The Inspired Bard." (Harmonised by Mr. R. Lewis) The Choir. Finale-" God save the Queen." Sung by the Choir and audience. Between the parts addresses were delivered by the Rev. Robert Ellis, (Cynddelw), who kept the audience in a roar of laughter by his humour, and by MrftW. John, Aberkenfig, who recited some very eccentric specimens of Welsh poetry. The performances went off with great spirit, and were warmly applauded. Mr. Ellis Roberts touched the harp with his usual skill, and discoursed most eloquent music." Mr. Owen's management of the piano-forte was also that of a master, and his songs were encored without a single exception. Mrs. Kruger and her sister, Miss Forey, were both in excellent voice, and sang with un- usual expressive melody. In fact the whole went off well, and the audience appeared to regret that the hour of departure had arrived. SECOND DAY.—TUESDAY. The proceedings of this day commenced shortly after 10 o'clock, when David Williams, Esq., of Yniscynon, was voted into the chair, in consequence of the unavoidable absence of the president, and opened the proceedings by remarking that the appointment of a chairman was a mere matter of form in a meeting where all was orderly and so harmoni- ous. He, therefore, should have but little to do, and if I he did it indifferently the responsibility lay with the meeting that had appointed him. The Rev. W. Owen, of Canton, was voted into the vice-chair. The Chairman then delivered a brief address on the objects of the meetings. He remarked that the chief glory of Brita n was the amount of knowledge possessed by the mass of the people, and that assemblages of this kind were adopted to spread a taste for information. He stated it as his opinion, that the Welsh language was not decreasing, as the periodicals in the native tongue, and the Sabbath schools, by whichthe language was sustained, were increasing in number and importance. He also considered the Eisteddfodau" as important elements working in the same direction, and he defended their utility on the ground that they encouraged research and habits of literary composition, which must exert a bene- ficial influence on society. He concluded his brief but very eloquent address by congratulating the audience on the fact that old national jealousies had died out, at the same time citing some humorous instances of the extent to whiclv they had prevailed in days long since gone by. The Vice-Chairman, in reply to a question put by Dr. James on the previous day, as to whether a knowledge of the Welsh language had diminished or increased in the Vale of Glamorgan, expressed an opinion that it had increased, citing it as a reason for his belief that Eistedd- fodau had increased in a very rapid ratio within the present century, and that within his own knowledge twenty persons could now read Welsh where one could do so thirty years back. He also stated that the Welsh now spoken was much improved in its purity. Rev. W. Owen, Canton, suggested that a memorial should emanate from this meeting praying that in the next census for Wales a column should be inserted for distinguishing those who could speak Welsh. (Applause.) Owen Alaw then performed in most brilliant style a Fantasia on the piano-forte, introducing themes from "the March of the Men of Harlech," Sweet Richard," and the Rising of the Lark." Englynion were recited by Edward Davies (Iolo Calais), Mr. William Williams, Aberdare (Carw Coch), Gwylim Deiu and Gwylim Elan. Cynddelw then delivered a brief and humorous address terminating with a specimen of the comic Englyn of olden time. The principal poetic, or chair prize of £ 20, for the best ode on "The prosperity, glory, and grandeur of Great Bntaiu," was awarded. The Chairman read a lengthened adjudication by the judges, Mr. William Ambrose and Eben Fardd, who stated that three compositions had been received under the fictitious signatures of John Bull," "Taiiesin," and Philanthropos." The prize was awarded to the latter, who was announced to be Mr. Thomas Divid (Dewi Wyn o Essyllt.) He was invested with a silver medal by Mrs. N. Thomas, and led to the bardic chair by two bards, amid the plaudits of the assembly, and he was then addressed in impromptu englynion by the bards present. The Chairman, as a specimen of the alliterative style of the Welsh englynion, recited the following:- 0 dare I say in order sing -A mild, Melodious, good sounding Now be sharp hear the harping Ha! strive and follow the string. "Now be smart, 0, mind the starting—The muse, The muscles are charming What, we are all a waiting i Aad we My* now play aDd sing." A competition then took place for a prize of £ 1, offered to the best singer with the harp of any song to the tune of Penrhaw, between Brythonwr, Llywarch, and Owen Meirion. The prize was awarded to Llywarch- Mr. Hopkins, of Merthyr. The Rev. John Griffith, Rector of Neath, was next called upon by the Chairman, and, in reply, said that he had merely attended as a spectator of the proceedings but, as a native of a Welsh county, he could not refuse to address an assembly of his fellow-countrymen. His esteemed friend the Chairman had last night expressed his surprise that" he was present, remarking that he did not know that he was such a patriot. Now, he could not subscribe to the doctrine that attendance at Eisteddfodau was the only test of patriotism. Cardiganshire was to all intents a Welsh county, but he was obliged to go out of it before he could know anything of an Eisteddfod. That might, perhaps, be some excuse for him. The muse had never favoured him with the "awen but he had a slight acquaintance with the language, history, and anti- quities of his native country. He had never left the Principality, and had continued to labour among his fellow-countrymen. 'He knew that he Owed his present ap- pointment to his knowledge of the Welsh language, and that better men had been passed over, owing to their want of acquaintance with it. Mr. Griffith then in a speech of very great ability pointed out that while he fully sympa- thised with a love for the literature, history, and anti- quities of his country, he considered that there was a higher species of patriotism that aimed in elevating the inhabitants of a country in the scale of morals, and the country itself among the nations of the earth. In obe- dience to the very general calls of the meeting he. also spoke in very eloquent Welsh, resuming his scat amidst loud plaudits. A competition then took place for a prize of ten shillings for the best recitation of Caledfryn's Stanzas on the Fall of Goliath. The competitors were four youths under 16 years of age, and the prize was awarded to "Taflwr Carreg." Thomas Morgan Rees, of Penrheol- gerrig, Merthyr. Mr. Ellis Roberts performed in his usual first-rate style a fantasia on the harp, introducing themes from Welsh airs, A prize of £5 had been offered by David Williams, Esq., of Yniscynon House, for the best Elegy to the memory of the late Marquis of Bute, but the judges stated that in their opinion none of the compositions sent in were worthy of a premium. A prize of JEl, offered to the best male and female singers of the duot entitled Morgan a'i Wraig," was awarded to Mrs. Kruger and Mr. Hopkins, of Merthyr, the only competitors. We need scarcely say that it was well sung. A prize of £1 had been offered by Mr. Evan Evans, for the best pair of ribbed stockings and much amuse- ment was occasioned by reading the adjudication of Mrs. Joseph Thomas, who had taken great pains to give a well-written and scientific review of the merits of nine "airs of stockings submitted to her judgment. Mrs. Thomas divided the prize between Eva, wife of Morgan Jones, collier, Aberdare, and Mrs. S. Lewis, of Pandy, Machen. Their representatives were invested by Miss John and Miss Giles. Prizes were awarded for Englynion to the ladies pre- sent, and to Dr. Nicholl Carne. The meeting was then adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon. AFTERNOON MEETING. The proceedings commenced at three o'clock, when the Rev. Dr. James addressed the meeting in a very eloquent Welsh speech, on the Language and Ancient Literature of Wales, and then in English, explained in reply to an allusion made by the Rev. Mr.-Griffiths, that he had re- mained for a long time in England, because he found every door in the Welsh church shut against him, be- cause he was known to be a great Welsh pa rio n that he had received his presentation a a •' much esteemed layman, and not from any ecclesiastical authority. He stated in very warm terms that his resi- dence in England had enabled him personally to compare the morals of the working classes of both countries, and found the balance immensely »i favour of Wales. Mr. Righton performed a brilliant fantasia on the PlA prizaeof £ 20, offered for the best treatise on the present state of Literature, Morals, and Religion in Wales, as compared with those of other hations, was awarded to Mr. Thomas Stephens, of Merthyr.—Dr. James, the judge, stated that two other very excellent compositions had been received.—Mr. Stephens was in- vested with a handsome silver medal, by Miss Rees, of Holly House. A Solo on the harp, was performed by Mr. Ellis Roberts, introducing the beautiful Welsh airs-" Serch Hudol," and" Ar hyd y Nos." A prize of £1 for sing- ing the duet, Come ever Smiling Liberty," was awarded to Mrs. Kruger and Miss Forey-the only com- petitors. T The Rev. John Jenkins, son of thelate Rev. J, Jenkins, of Hengoed, miflaionary ia Brittany, was called upon to address the meeting, and gave a very interesting account of the Breton population and their language and cllstoms-he suggested that in case an Eisteddfod should be held in some part of Brittany, as had been spoken of—an excursion by steam packet might easily be organised from Cardiff. fie said that there was some amount of progress in Brittany, although it was very gradual. He stated that a monument had been erected to the memory of the translator of the Scriptures into the Breton tongue, and that a portion of the cost had been defrayed from Wales. A prize of £ 15 had been offered for the choir, of not less than 30 singers, who should best sing the Prize Anthem, entitled The Earthquake," with piano-forte accompaniments by Owen Alaw, the composer of the Anthem. One choir only entered the lists, and the prize was therefore not awarded, but the committee presented a gift to the singers. There was no competition for a prize of L2 2s. offered by Mr. G. J. Biddis for the best modelled flower in plasters. A competition took place for a prize of 10s., offered for the recitation of Cato's Soliloquy, in English, between two youths under 18 years of age. The prize was awarded to John Williams, a little boy about 12 years of age, who recited with much spirit and abundance of action. Invested by Mrs. Lowder. A competition took place between two sets of singers, for a prize of £ 1, offered to the two best singers of The Lord is a Man of War," with piano-forte accom^ paniment by Mr. Pynton.-The prize was awarded to Mr. John Evans and another gentleman, of Cardiff.- The Judge, Owen Alaw, said that he had great diffi- culty in deciding between the competitors. The other party were Llew Llwyfo and Mr. Hopkins, Merthyr.- Invested by Mr. Stephens. The prize offered in the morning for the best four stanzas, in honour of the ladies, was awarded to the Rev. Robert Ellis (Lynddeiw). A prize of JEl Is., offered by William Price, Esq., of Llanffwyst, for a history of the descendants of Morgan Williams, of Whitchurch, near Cardiff, successively to Iolo Morganwg but no paper had been sent in. A competition took place b3tween two lads for a prize of 15s., offered for the best recitation of Gray's Elegy, in Welsh.—The prize was adjudged to Wm. Elliott, who was invested by Miss Coleman. The meeting was adjourned at six o'clock, for an hour. EVENING MEETING. The proceedings of the evening meeting were opened by a fantasia on the piano-forte by Owen Alaw. Three compositions had been sent in for the prize of £ 5, offered for the best poem on The period of youth and its recollections." The prize was divided between Meriadog, (Mr. John Edwards, of Llanfair-Caereinon,) and Hen Faohgen-the latter unknown. For the prize of £2, for the best poem on Unjust Mammon." The Judges considered that no composition of merit had been received. Llew Llwyfo, accompanied by Mr. Ellis Roberts on the harp, sung the national song of The Minstrel," and at the request of Mr. Ellis Roberts the audience joined in the chorus, as a tribute to the memory of the author, the late Bardd Alaw. It was followed by a general encore. A competition took place for a prize of 10 j., offered for the best recitation of Sian y Snuff." Five com- petitors under the age of 18 years, recited the four first stanzas at the request of the chairman. The prize was awarded to Evan Jones, of Castletown. The Rev. John Griffith, of Neath, on retiring from the chair, which he had temporarily occupied, delivered a short farewell address. Mr. John Evans sung very effectively the" Gipsey's Laughing Song," accompanied on the piano-forte by Owen Alaw. For the prize of jE2, offered for the best song on The increase of commerce at Cardiff and Penarth," to the air of the March of the Men of Harlech"—eight compo- sitions had been received. Awarded to Speculator Mr. Owen Lewis, Cardiff; invested by Miss John. The Rev. A Tilley was called upon to address the meeting in English. A prize of 30s., offered by the Tabernacle Sunday School teachers, for the best six stanzas to the Rev. N. Thomas, Baptist minister, Cardiff, was awarded to Mr. Wm. Davies, druggist, Llandilo (Gwilyn Teilo.) By special request, the duet The Lord is a man of war," was sung by Llew Llwyfo and Mr. John Evans, accompanied on the piano-forte by Owen Alaw. A prize of 10s., offered by Mr. Wm. Williams, Stag Inn, Aberdare, for the best two stanzas to the Flag of Peace," was awarded to William Tell yr ail," or Eiddil Glan Cynon, Mr. Jones, of Aberdare. Fifteen compositions had been sent in. For a prize of a sovereign, offered by Mr, Wyndham W. Lewis, for the best four stanzas to the president, Dr. Nicholl Carne; two compositions had been sent in, which the judge declared to bo equal in merit- Ttie priZS was divided between Llew Llwvfo and Cynddelw (Rev. R. Ellis.) Mr. Wyndham Lewis, at the request of the chairman, briefly addressed the meeting, expressing the pleasure he felt at being present on this occasion, and at seeing the pavilion so well filled, and good music zo well appre- ciated. (Cheers.) A prize of £2 to the best singers, in ptrts, (three voices) of A little farm well tilled," produced no competition. Owen Alaw sang the comic duet of Morgan a'r Wraig," in a style which convulsed the audience with laughter, while his piano-forte accompaniment was effectively musical. He was warmly encored, and gave an English imitation, Johnny Sands." The Rev. Mr. Owen, of Landore, was called upon to address the meeting in Welsh-referrin,g to Welshmen who had rendered themselves eminent in English litera- ture. He alluded to Dr. Abraham Rees, Dr. Adam Clarke, Matthew Henry, and Dr. John Owen. He said that Milton's mother was a Welsh woman, and assumed that Sir Isaac Newton understood the Welsh language. For a prize of JE2, offered by Thomas Joseph, Esq., Aberdare, for the best essay on "Providence, eight compositions had been sent in. Dr. Jamtis, the judge, stated that four of the writers had written on Provi- dent Habits," and three had written on Divine Provi- dence." Of the former, the composition of "Llew Llwyfo" Was the best; of the latter, the essay of Addolwr" was the best, and the committee awarded him a prize of 20s. Hob y Deri Dando" was then sung by Owen Alaw, Llew Llwyfo, Ellis Roberts, and Mr. Jones, Pontypridd, with harp accompaniment. Rev. Robert Ellis gave a humorous explanation of the title, Hob y Deri Dando." Dr. James suggested a vote of thanks to Dr. Nicholl Carne and the Committee. Rev. N. Thomas moved a vote of thanks to Dr. Nicholl Carne* which was seconded by Wyndham Lewis, Esq., and carried with acclamation. Llew Llwyfo moved a vote of thanks to the Rev. Dr. James, which was seconded by the Rev. N. Thomas, and carried with loud cheers. Dr. James acknowledged the compliment in one of his eloquent addresses, and moved a vote of thanks to the Committee for their admirable arrangements. Mr. R. Cory seconded the motion, which was carried by acclamation. The Rev. N. Thomas returned thanks. Mr. Joseph Thomas moved a vote of thanks to the musicians and singers, which was seconded by Mr. Giles, and carried in the same manner. Llew Llwyfo moved a distinct and separate vote of thanks to Owen Alaw, stating his belief that his critical judgments were always correct, although one of them had been adverse to himself that afternoon. The motion was seconded by Cynddelw, and carried with cheers. At the request of Dr. James, Mr. Owen gave a buffo song by way of acknowledgement. On the motion of Dr. James, seconded by Rev. Js. Thomas, a special vote of thanks was given to Mr. Ellis Roberts, and in return he repeated his performance of The Band among the Hills —a wonderful piece of instrumentation.. God save the Queen was then sung by the choir and audience, and rot eleven o'clock the Cardiff Eistedd- fod of 1858 terminated. o The attendance on the first day was rather thin. It was much improved in the evening; and on the second day there must have been fully 1,000 or 1,200 persona present. Much credit is due to the able secretary, Mr. Joseph Thomas, and to the Committee, for the arrange- ments, and for the regularity with which all the pro- ceedings were conducted.

RAGLAN. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILURIAN.] SIR,—I shall be glad to inquire through the M»»LIN IF the present state of things is to continue A* F A?> 0Q the Pontypool, Usk, Monmouth, and • Each train now stops at the station at 81. INO> out there is no station-master there to issue or reeeive tickets, and the absence of one causes great delay and inconvenience; everything there is conducted »n THE most unbusinesslike manner. I am surprised AT this, as there are more p as- sengers landing at this station dunng the summer mont ha than at any othor o» tj»e tins. 1 QERE 1S A station-master at Raglan-road and Llandenny, but very few passengers are put down or taken up there, while at Raglan-siding the number is daily very considerable. I reckoned fifteen, coming out of the train at one time-the stoker, conductor, or engineer taking their tickets I hear loud complaints on all sides of this strange management—the absence of proper path or road—the absence of a station-master or time-tables, or proper attention to the convenience of the public and the interests of the shareholders; and I beg leave to call the attention of the directors to thia discre- ditable state of things.—I REMAIN yours, &c., I A SHAUHHOLDKBJ I A SHAUHHOLDKBJ