Monmouthshire Merlin

BRECONSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. The Epiphany Quarter Sessions for this county were hold at the Shire-hnll, Brecon, on Tuesday and Wednes- day last, before the following Bench of magistrates Penry Williams, Esq., Penpont, Chairman. J. Parry De Wintou, Esq Maesderweu. J. P. YYr. Gwynne Holford, Esq., Buckland. John Powell, Esq., Wat ton Mount. John Lloyd, Esq., Dinas J. Williams Vaughau, Esq., Velin-newydd. Rev. Walter Jones Williams, Cui. H. Gwynne Yaughan, Esq., C'ynghordy. H. Powell Price, E-q., Castle Madock. fc>. J. Williamson, Esq., Ffynnouau. Major Dickenson, Llandefailog. Rev. Wm. Davies, Llangynider. Capt. Downes, Cefn Park. Rev. Charles Griffith, Glyacelyn. Henry Alien, Esq., Oakiield. Capt. Parkinson, Sunny Bank. The business commenced by reading a certificate from the Secretary of State for the Home Department, under which the county will be entitled to all allowance from Government of one-fourtli the expenses of the police establishment. The Report of Visitors to Lunatic Asylum, copy of which will be found in our Monmouthshire report, was then read. The Report of the Governor of the Gaol followed, it merely stated that the rules and regulations had been duly observed. VISITING JUSTICES' REPORT. The following report was then read:- "We append a report of the Surveyor, setting forth the details of the works carried on during the past quarter, which are proceeding satisfactorily and approaching com- pletion. Tiie expenditure connected with those buildings, up to the date of the present quarter sessions, amounts to £;) 8."í() 9s lid., being made up as follows Payments already made to tradesmen £ '1,693 0 9 Payments for work 1,850 19 5 Bills examined, to be ordered at these ses- sions, deducting advances made to the (Sur- veyor 306 9 9 £3,850 9 11 "We baye carefully examined the Treasurer's accounts for the last quarter, and also that for the past year, as well as the statement of account annexed, and we recommend that a rate of one penny three farthings in the pound be ordered, to meet the general requirements of the county during the next quarter. The estimate contained the following item3 Balance in Treasurer's hands, as per account last audited zC936 5 4 Government amount of prosecution ex- penses, &c 155 13 1 Rate of 1^.1., payable 19th March next 1,463 19 4 £ 2,910 ~12 2 the items of probable expenditure, including a balance of £69 2s., made up the above total. they embraced £ 616 for miscellaneous payments, t70 for coroners' bills. E200 for county bridges, £200 for prosecution expenses £,00 for general expenses, £ 30 for money not yet pjtid from last sessions, and the rest for money borrowed, &c." Mr. De Winton expressed an opinion that the esti- mates were larger than were actually required. He wished to see the county rate brought down to a penny per quarter and with a view to keep as near that point as possible, he would move, as an amendment, that the rate for the quarter be three halfpence. The Chairman observed that that would reduce the estimated balance by £200. The Rev W. Jones Williams seconded the amend- ment, which was agreed to. In reply to a question, the Clerk of the Peace stated that the arrears of county rates had been paid up. The Visiting Magistrates to the Gaol and the Finance Committee were re-appointed. It was agreed that a joint case should be submitted for an opinion, whether the fines in the borough of Brecon should be paid to the borough fund or to the county treasurers. TOLICE COMMITTEE. The Police Committee met on the 28th of December, when they carefully examined the account of the Chief Constable, and the committee recommend a rate of one halfpenny in the pound. The committee called attention to the gratifying fact that the police force had been certi fied by the Inspector as efficient, which would enable the county to obtain the Government allowance. A state- mi nt of the condition of the force and the expenses for the quarter, was appended to this report. THE COUXTY SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The following report was read Pantyscollog Bridge, over the river Usk, in the hundred of Devynnock.-Portious of retaining wall and abutment of south approach damaged by flood, on the 10th October, have been rebuilt and roadway completed. Hundred of Buihh.—The approaches to Gwaravog and Dolehonddu bridges, on the parish road leading from Upper Chapel to Llangammarch, require stoning, and gravel sides of former to be renewed. It is necessary that a weir be formed to the length of 31 feet, to prevent the river from endangering the east approach to Lbnddewi'l'c\\ m bridge, on the turnpike road leading from Brecon to Builth. "Hundred of Merthyr.—The roadway and approaches to Castle bridge, and portion of roadway or Prioiy bridge, in the borough of Brecon, require stoning Division of Ystradgynlais.—The roadways and ap- proaches of Llyufell, Abercarue, and Pontyrock bridges rtq<»re stoning" buUt*ehReV W. Jones Williams called attention to a wall road n Sir Charles Morgan, adjoining the Merthyr reported** Nanld(iu, part of which their Surveyor had said that tf nT encroachment, at a former sessions. He would have b 6 Wa^ ^a(l been built by a small man, it should be pron*^ taken down and he moved that it S, I he should either u Sir Charles Morgan's agent that road near to the bridlT a SUM OF £ 1° IN WIDENINS THE CHUF °r to remove the wail. «I beg most respectfunr,ABLE'8 IlEP0HT" Pabulary is at present four «hreptort,that tbe Connt-y Cou" ber; ^d, agreeably to the ord^ ofl lts autllorl'^d bo,irti snotifyldg the residerces of county constables have nlaces been put UD T COUNTY constables have in some places neen put up 1 respectfully guggeat feather overall PP o tiie constabulary as part of their uniform, being highly necessary during the winter season. Fifty-one persons have been in custody during the past quarter, and were disposed of as follows :-Con-i- mitted for trial, 3 summarily convicted, 27 discharged, 21 total, 51.—Yours obediently, &c G. R. GWYNNE." Mr. Powell begged to bear testimony to the efficiency of the police, not merely in this neighbourhood, but in more distant parts of the county. Mr. De Winton inquired when the Chief Constable intended removing his residence into the town of Brecon ? Mr. Gwynne replied that in accordance with the wishes expressed by the magistrates, he had rented a house in the town, but his own opinion was that his present resi- e' dcnee was more convenient, as it was nearer to Builth, Hav, and Talgarth, and especially much nearer those important points of his district, Brynmawr and Crick- howell. The Chairman remarked that the justices had no power to fix the residence of the Chief Constable but he had the good taste to offer to follow the general wish which had been expressed in a very full court on the subject. Rev. W. Davies considered the present residence of the chief constable as best adapted for carrying out his duties.. Rev. W. Jones Williams remarked that the office expressly rented at Mr. Gwynne's wish was situate at Brecon--that should, therefore, be considered head quarters. Major Dickenson thought the chief constable could do his work better where he was. After some further conversation the subject dropped. THE MILITIA STORES. A letter from Colonel Watkins, M.P., in his capacity of Lord Lieutenant and Colonel of the Militia, was read -it inclosed a letter from the Secretary of State, stating that the present militia store had been reported as in- sufficient and insecure. Mr. Powell said that he had directed the surveyor to communicate with the officers of the militia staff, and to inspect the premises his report he believed was now on the table. Major Dickenson said the question that arose was whether the building was defensible or not. It had been disapproved by every inspecting officer who had seen it, and a dozen resolute men could take the arms at any time. The Surveyor's report gave a detailed specification of the work required for each floor and room, with neces- sary fittings, so complete as to be ready for letting out to contractor, if required. In reply to a question, Major Dickenson Aid that he did not believe that anything would be deemed satisfac- tory but a building entirely separate from any other house, and placed in a defensible condition. The Chairman said the subject had been frequently discussed, and the result of the last discussion was an understanding that if the walls and other portions of the building were strengthened in a manner indicated, that would satisfy the militia and other military authorities. Acting on that understanding the court at the last general sessions had sanctioned the taking of a lease of the premises, and now they were told that nothing they could do would make the house fit for the required purpose. The Clerk of the Peace, in reply to questions, stated that the lease had not been signed, although the terms had been settled. The court he considered was morally, if not perhaps legally, bound by the agreement. Mr. Williams Yaughan thought it would be much more economical to expend £1000 in building a permanent store-house than to lay out X230 on premises merely rented for seven years. Mr. Lloyd for one would be very sorry to join in seek- ing to take advantage of a mere technical point, if they were morally bound—he would would wish to carry out the agreement, and render the walls sufficiently strong to resist the efforts of any man to break through. After some further conversation a committee was ap- pointed to confer with the inspecting officer on his next visit to Becon, and to report to the sessions. CORONER'S INQUESTS. A discussion then arose with regard to three items in the bill of James Williams, Esq.. coroner, objected to by Mr. de Winton, on the ground that they were mere cases of ordinary sudden death. After some discussion, payments were ordered, on the ground that when called upon by police or parish authori- ties, the coroner was bound to hold inquests. the Rev. Thomas John Powell proposed that the recommendation of the Registrar-General-that eoroners should be paid by salary instead of fees, be adopted in this county. The Chairman said that in the present state of the law, the coun.y had not the power to make such an arrangement. Ihe llev. W. Jones Williams moved that the over-alls recommended by the Chief Constable, should be supplied to the couuty police. — Ordered. Captain Downes stated various circumstances arising from holding the petty sessions at a public-house, in the village of Devynnock, and applied that a magistrates* room be added to the station at that place. Alr. Lloyd thought that the inconvenience complained of could be obviated by removing the sessions to another house. Mr. Powell supported the motion, and stated that the various evils arising from the practice of holding petty sessions at public-houses, hal excited a considerable i amount of public opinion, and it was desirable to take every oppor unity of holding the magistrates' meetings elsewhere. After a brief conversation, the Surveyor was directed to prepare an estimate of the expense, and to report on the site next sessions. A letter was real from Mr. John Evans, custodian of the County House, stating his intention of resigning that appointment, and thanking the magistrates for the kindness evinced towards him during the period he had held the situation. APPEAL. ST. MICHAEL, C'YMDC, APPELLANTS V. LLANGYNIDEB, RESPONDENTS. This was an ap, ea' against au order of removal of a pauper. The grounds of order were stated to be "hiring and service," and Mr. G. A. A. Davies, of Criekhoweli, who appeared for respondents, sought to' amend, by giving evidence of a former order of removal. The Court decided that such evidenje could not be given in the absence of previous notice to appellants. Mr. Davies and Mr. Cox Davies then moved for per- mission to abandon, and enter fresh notice. The application was opposed by Mr. David Thomas and Mr. B. Evans, who appeared for the appellants. After argument, the Court granted an adjourn- meut to next session-, for the purpose of giving fresh notices. The Court then adjourned. WEDNESDAY. The Chairman took his seat at tea o'clock, when the following gentlemen were sworn on THE G.:AXD JURY. Mr. RICHARD FUYEB, Wheat-street, Brecon, Foreman. Mr. George Canstck, iligh-street Brecon. Mr. James Herbert, Criekhoweli. Mr. Joshua Daniel, Criekhoweli. Mr. Edward C. Herbert, Criekhoweli. Mr. Lewis Jones, High-street, Brecon. Mr. J. Edward Nott, High-street, Brecon. Mr. Thomas Bridgewater, Hij;b-street, Brecen. Mr. John Davies, High street, Brecon. Mr. David Jones, High-street, Breccu. Mr. William Matthews Brieu, Wotton, Brecon. Mr. Willi a tn Christopher, Criekhoweli. Mr. Wil liam Richard Clarke, Cric^hovve-il. f Mr. William For I, Brynm iwr. Irie usual proclamation having been read, The Chairman addressed the Grand J ury, remarking that the business in the calendar was of the ordinarv i character, and required but little observation from him. After a few remarks on the cases in the list, the Chair- man said it would be sa'isfactory to the Grand Jury to know that the police of the county had been certified to be in an emcient condition, and therefore would receive the Government allowance of one-founh the cost of their maintenance. It was also satisfactorv that it was hoped that a rate of three-halfpence would be found sufficient for the requirements of the quarter. David Thomas alias Mansell, 55, weaver, committed for having forfeited a recognisance of £10, to appear at petty sessions, in the borough of Brecon, on the 24th of Ap.il, was placed at the bar,"admonished, and dis- charged. TRIALS OF PRISOXERS. ROBBERY BY A SERVANT AT BRECON.—Martha Jones, Z, aged 20, servant, was charged with stealing a watch, a silk dress, and other articles, the prpertyofher mis- tress, and a brocch and other articles, the property of Mary Thomas. Mr. D. Thomas conducted the prosecu- tion. The prisoner obstina ely refused to plead when called upon, and after making enquiry as to her state of mind, which was described as perfectly sound, the Court directed a plea of Not Guilty to be entered. It appeared « that the prisoner left the service of Jlrs. Elizabeth Pros- ser, landlady of the Woolpack Inn, at Brecon, on the 11th of December. On the following day she was appre- bended by Sergeant Lipscombe, of the Monmouth County Police, at the Abergavenny Railway-station. She wore at the time a pair of boots identified by Mrs. Prosscr, as her property, and had in her possession a silver watch, si.k dress, silk apron, and other articles, the property of 1 Mrs. Prosser, and a brooch and other articles, the pro- < perty of another person. The prisoner made no defence. Verdict, Guilty. The second indictment was not pro- ceeded with.— Sentenced to eight months' imprisonment. It was mentioned in court that the prisoner was on her way to follow a lover in the 23rd Regiment, to Alder- < shott camp, when intercepted at Abergavenny, UTTERING BASE Cuix AT Hin.WAIX~-John Nolan, 1 29, labourer, and I homas Murray, 34, labourer, were charged with uttering base coin at the Parish of Pen- deryn, on the 14th Nov. Mr. John Morgan, (of the firm of Morgan and Smith, Merthyr,) appeared for pro- secution. Prisoners were defended by Mr. William Games. It appeared from the evidence that prisoners < were drinking at the Miners' Arms, Hirwain, on Sunday, the 14th Nov., in company with a large party of Irish- men. Nolan, in payment for a quart of beer, gave the landlord, Michael Welsh, a florin, which proved to be bad he subsequently paid a shilling, which Welsh de- tected to be bad, and refused. Nolan then paid a good sixpence. Welsh went out, and subsequently Nolan gave the landlady four base shillings, and Murray paid her two shillings, also counterfeit. When taken into custody, Nolan told a policeman that he knew nothing about the money, but before the magistrates he said that he found a glove containing the coins on a road near the place. Murray said he had borrowed 2s. from Nolan. Mr. Games addressed the jury, urging that the prisoners having been drinking, could not observe whether the coin was good or bad, and that if their story was not true, they would not have remained so long in the house, after passing base coin there. The jury returned a ver- dict of Guilty, and the prisoners were each sentenced to ten months' imprisonment, with hard labour. ROBBERY BY A SERVANT AT ABBRYSKIR.—William Powell, 28, labourer, was charged with stealing a cheese, the property of John Jones, at Aberyskir, on the 28th December last. Mr. Gabriel Po.vell appeared for the prosecution. The facts were few and clear; the prisoner absconded from the service of his master, having been hired only nine days previously, and a cheese was missed. On the following day the prisoner offered a cheese for sale at the White Lion Inn, Brecon, and it was bought by a woman employed there: it was afterwards identified by Mrs. Eleanor Jones. Verdict, Guilty.-Sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour for 2 months. CHARGE OF LARCENY AT YSTRADGYNLAIS.—John Donahue, haulier, was charged with stealing 20 knives, 20 forks, and 20 spoons, the property of John Wells Struble, at Ystradgynlais. Mr. Bishop conducted the prosecution. The prosecutor stated that he kept a swag shop" at Ystradgynlais, and employed prisoner to take various articles of pellary about the country to exchange for rags and bones—it was his duty and practice to come back every night to account for his stock. He sent him out on the 28th of November with his basket filled, and not coming back as usual, he traced him to Carmarthen, where he was apprehended. In his basket were found knives, forks, and spoons similar to some missed from prosecutor's store, and which he had not deliveredtoprisoner. Pilsonerstatedthattheyweresome he had bought, and it appeared that there had been some sold to him by prosecutor some time previous, but not so many. Verdict-Not Guilty. The Grand Jury ignored a bill preferred against Daniel Prestidge (out on bail) on a charge of stealing a waistcoat, with 21 sovereigns and 2 half sovereigns. The court rose at half-past 2 o'clock.

rThe correspondence published in this column must not be always considered necessarily in coutonaitv with the prin- ciples or opinions of the journal.] [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILURIAN.] SIR.,—An incorrect statement was made by one of the witnesses at th^Newport Police Court, in the case of William Francombe, reported in your paper of the 1st inst. He alleged that Mr. Wi liam Baker, of St. Brides, who was concerned in this case, was worse for liquor. We, the undersigned, were in the company of Mr. William Baker on the afternoon of the day referred to in your report, a few minutes before he left the South Wales Railway Station, and can confidently assert that he was perfectly sober at the time, and also after the disturbance with the man Francomb. RICHARD BAKER, Commissioner. LEWIS WILLIAMS, Magor. MATTHEW COPE, Caerieon. CHARLES MILXER, Magor Pill. SAMUEL LITTLE, lligh-street, ELIJAH G-WILLIAM. Newport. Newport. WILLIAM WATERS, Redwick. T. 13. liiLLiER, Lower Grange. ROBT. DUCKHAH, jun., .Newport Newport. WILLIAM WATERS, Redwick. T. B. liiLLiER, Lower Grange. ROBT. DUCKHAH, jun., .Newport •—

MAINDEE NEW CHURCH. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILURIAN.] SIR,—As Honorary Secretary to the Committee, I deem it expedient to offer a few remarks on the letter of Mr. R. G. Thomas, appearing in your paper of last week, and I think, to dispassionate minds, it will readily appear that )1r. Thomas's complaints are groundless, and that the course pursued by the committee generally, as well as by Mr. Logan and myself, has been perfectly fair, regular, and straightforward. fair, regular, and straightforward. 1 cannot follow Mr. Thomas in his arguments upon his assumed objections to his designs, and which he has, no doubt, answered to his entire satisfaction but I must take leave altogether to diner from him with regard to the increase of population at Maindee, which will ere long, in my opinion, require something more than a village church. Ihe earnest object of the committee generally, in- cluding Mr. Logan and myself, was to select the best of the designs, and to meet the difficulty arising from the diverse views entertained by Messrs. Rennie and Logan on the one hand, and those expressed at the October meeting on the other-the idea of obtaining the opinion of an eminent ecclesiastical architect forcibly presented itself to my mind, and this I determined to carry out on my own responsibility. Surely it was quite competent for me, if, indeed, not my absolute duty, to obtain the best assistance and advice for the guidance of the com- mittee that I reasonably conld, and with this object, the designs were laid before Mr. Gilbert Scott; and tlie unworthy motive of mere mauceuvre" cannot be imputed to it. The October meeting was adjourned, not, as Mr. Thomas observes, as a mere compliment to Mr. Logan, bat substantially to discuss and settle the selection of plans with that gemleman. At the December meeting, Mr. Scott's letter was rea by me, together with the instructions for his coiiside d ration, and I now append a correct extract from Mr" Scott's letter on the point, which is somewhat diderent from the pseudo quotation contained in Mr. Tnomas' letter "I have examined the two desigus which you have been good enough to for ,vard to me, for the new church at MaiuJee-the one by Air. Thomas, of Newport, and the other by Messrs. Prmhard and Seddon, of L.andaff—and beg to give my opinion in favour of the superior merits of that by Messrs. Piiciiard and Seddon, In point of construction, either would be satisfactory if carried out with a due regard to substantiality of material. As to relative, cost, I do not apprehend any difference worthy of consideration between the two designs that of Messrs. Pilchard and Seddou is a littie the larger in its ground* plan, out its architecture, though in my opinion far preferable, is somewhat simpler." Mr. Thomas had the benefit of the almost unanimous expression in his favour at the former meeting, and yet notwithstanding this, upon a full and fair discussion, Messrs. Prichard and Seudon's plans were adopted bv a large majori y. Mr. Logan met tiie charge of dictation and overbearing influence, which was then made bv one of Mr. Thomas's supporters, most satisfactorily, and which elicited an almost immediate retractation from the gentle- man who made it. Yet this charge Mr. Thomas has thought proper to repeat; and in justice to his pro- fessional character, I recommend him to adopt the course taken by his friend, with as little delay as possible. Doubtless, had Mr. Scott's report, or the result of the last meeting, been otherwise, we should have heard nothing of any irregularities, from Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas may have experienced disappointment- all losing competitors must-but he has received no injustice at the hands of any member of the committee, WHO have, after much deliberation, decided adversely to him. The designs selected are evidently the most appropri- ate, and the committee are justified in their choice by the opinion of the tirst man of the day and, with defe- rence, I submit that this circumstance atfurds a sub- stantial guarantee, as well for the propriety of the pro- ceedings of the committee, as for the wisdom of their c^0ice- 1 am, Sir, your obedient servant THOMAS M. LLEWELLIN. Newport, January 6th, 1859.

MAINDEE NEW CHURCH. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERLIN AND SILURIAN.] SIR, — In your paper of last week I read a letter of Mr. R. G. Thomas, and I must say that the expressions it contains in reference to Mr. Rennie and myself, and especially to my own private character, are wholly un- justifiable. It is pretty well known that Mr. Rennie and myself have contributed vcry largely towards this object, and being practical builders, we considered that our opinion npnn the designs was entitled to due weight by the committee, and I may add that Mr. Rennie and myself took a very decided view in favour of Messrs. Prichard and Seddon's plans. My visit to the Continent prevented my attending the October meeting of the com- mittee, and on my return home, I received from the Secretary a minute, expressing the general feeling of that meeting in favour of Mr. Thomas, and intimating an ad- journment thereof, to secure my attendance on the further discussion and selection of the plans. Mr. Llewellin whom I saw afterwards, informed me of his intention of submitting the plans to Mr Scott. To this I readily assented, knowing his charactei and abilities and I :Ilei-i told Mr. Llewellin that if Mr. Scott considered Mr. Ihomas's designs the most suitable, I would at once bow .0 his decision; but that neither Mr. Rennie nor myself ( ,yould yield to the views of gentlemen whom we did not :onsider more capable than ourselves of judging on such matters. Mr. Scott, however, supported our views, and [ therefore strenuously determined to carry out Messrs. Prichard and Seddon's plans, as those which were un- doubtedly, and on the highest authority, the best. What 1 loes Mr. Thomas mean by imputing to Mr. Scott improper | motives ? He admits his well-known character, but he would not have selected him in this competition. Suiely ( some apology is due to Mr. Scott for thus unceremoniously ( .reating so honoured a name among his own profession. With all the facts before them, the meeting of December j ( could not do otherwise than make the choice they did j and why, when I simply acted up to my conscientious :onvictionSj and adopted the only right coulee, I should 1 be subjected to the charge of exercising an overbearing influence in the matter, is to me most unaccountable and most unjustifiable, and I shall fully expect an apology at the hands of Mr. Thomas, for the gratuitous libel which he has thought fit to cast upon me. I have lived in this neighbourhood for something like twenty years, and have always endeavoured to promote the good of the district, and to stand well with my neighbours, and I therefore beg to assure Mr. Thomas that it is not my intention to submit tamely to what I consider a most unjustifiable attack on my private character. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, Maindee, Jan. 6tli, 1859. JOHN LOGAN.

THE WELSH PHE5S. —THE WELSH PERIO- DICALS. [TO THE EDITOR OF THE ME'-TLTN AND SILUBXAX.] SIR,—Formation first of the Periodical was the Al- manack," und in Welsh literary history there is an Almanack Era." The old Welsh Almanack had almost all the characteristics of the subsequent "Cyhoeddiad Misol." There were poetry, "queries and answers," "enigmas" advertisements," and a traethawd" or two that is to say, the Almanack was a kind of literary medium and we could add they were conducted by men of genius and literary position. The Almanack was the only periodical organ for the interchange of thoughts. They eventually commanded a large circula- tion, and became very popular, and had a hundred years' run and the Almanack acted its part very creditably on the stage. Reading and the love of letters were pro- moted, the inherent slumbering scintillations of genius and aiccii were evoked, and their flashes illumine the gloom of the time. There are several names preserved which would have pa-sed into forgetfulness if the Almanack had not intervened. Several old pieces of antiquarian value, in verse and prose, are also preserved in the Almanack, and a general taste for reading and books was nourished. It was the Almanack that cleared the way and introduced the Cyhoeudiadau Misol" of the 19th century. These Almanacwvr were the pioneers, but, very discreditably to the Welsh nation, the history and auuo.-t the names of these men were suffered to pass into forgetfulness, and there is one principal reason fur this- they weie no founders of sects, neither were they the heroes of this or of that sect. If T. Jones, Amwythig, Shen Rhyddcrch, J. Harris, Cyd- well, Shon Prys o Ial, belonged to the Baptists, the Annibynwyr, the MeiJ.r.thtiaid, or the Wesley a id, their names should have received saintship, and introduced into the calendar. Lectures and Maricnadau would have brought in many a shilling. Y Parch Shon Rhydderch a'i ddydd y Parch Shoa Prys o Ial a'i ddydd! Perthyn i'n henwad n'i oedd o dyn mawr Mawr but they, unfortunate men, belonged to the nation their love, was love of country and who cares for national characters ? No wheel in Wales cm be put to go but by the steam of an aivaa." The Ei-teddvodau, until very lately, h Ye been considered national establish- ments, but although there be extra pretensions and hubbub about Cymry fu, Cymry fydd," evoked bv these bubblings of dwr trwbi," the English reader perhaps is not prepared to hear that hardly ever a single national literary character is given as subjects for competition; "Dyn F cnwad' is the "dyn" for the ",iarlielt," the au-dl," the •• gicyngalch" and the "anfar- woldeb and in tne enwod we include church and all but when the national centre of gravity shall be restored, these and such names shall recover their literary orbits. In our present letter we shall only give dates and list of authors in some future letter we shall give extracts, and we must add, although not very complimentary to our national pride, that the Almanack, in tone and in a our national pride, that the Almanack, in tone and in a literary sense, was superior to the present Talcen Slip slip-slop Magazines. 1.—Almanaciau Thomas Jones, A.D. 1680 to 1715— All 36 numbers. This Thomas Jones's almanack was the first in the Welsh firmamenthe was a printer and a bard, and his press issued a large number of books in the 17th century, but even his name seems not to be known to the authors of Eminent Welshmen This Thomas Jones was born at Tre'rddol, near Corwen. He was a tailor by trade, and went to London in the eighteenth year of his age. In London he succeeded, and kept a large estab- lishment, and he attended some of the great fairs of the kingdom. In the year 18S3 he appeared first as an Aimanacvvr. In the year 1696 he retired from his original trade, so as to let his genius run intc channels more congenial with the bent cfhis mind. He established a printing press at Amwythig (Shrewsbury), where he continued to remain until i713, and during that time he published some of the best and most valuable books of that age. In the Traethodydd he is thus referred to Efe oedd y cyntaf i gyhoeddi Almanacau, y rhai a alwai yn Newyddion Mawr addiwrth y Ser.' Dilynwyd ef gan John Jones, a chyhuddai Thomas Jones hwnw ei fod yn lladratta defnyddiau o'i Almanaciau ef. Sion Cain, Sion Prys, W. IIo .veil, yr hwn oedd yn arolygydd i'r Llwydiaid o'r Berthlwyd, a ddaethant y naill ar 61 a chyda naill y llall. Yn y Deheudir yr oedd Matthew Williams, daearfesurwr ae ysgolfeistr. Hyd oni chododd brenin yr Almanacwyr yn mherson Robert Lewis, 0 Gac-rgybi, yr hwn a fu yn Almanacwr am fwv na deugain mlynedd." In the year 1688, this author brought out a Dic- tionary in Welsh and English-" The British language in its lustre, or a Die ionary of Welsh and English— rronimy house, near the sign of the Elephant, Moor- tields, London, 16S7. Tho. Jones." From the fol- lowing Englyn, which he adds, the printer's devil seems to hive disturbed his equilibrium :— qi £ id c,es myn fwuioes vn fyw— Ar^rapbvdd Na chyffrwy i r,ad ydvw, ° Trwy ddiogi a meddwi mc-ddwy 1 n coegio'r byd cOPg vn baw But we shall give the list of Almanacks, and then return to the authors:- 1. Almanaciau J. Jones from 1710 to 17.:0, in all 40 numbers. 2. Almanaciau Sion Rhydderch—1716-1741 all 25. 3. Almanaciau Sian Prys 0 U.l i34-1i85, all 47. 4. Almanaciau Gwilym Howell, Llanidloes 1766- 1776, 10. S. Almanaciau Cain Jones, 1776-1795, 31. G. Almanaciau J. Harris, Kidweli, 1791. 7. Almanaciau J. Roberts, Caergvbi. 1750. 5. Almanaciau Mathew Willi-ens," 1 777. 1( ^.u, ^le eair, as we shall see aguin, the first Cyicugrawn" or -Magazine appeared, which brings in the second development in Welsh periodicals. "Hen addyej awenvUawl A saif i rai fo ar ,I, Emyn;:u tp; awulau gynt, Oofnodau cyfaiu ydyut, Aid leichog oedio^ a wdwyr j Or hen feirdd yr tiynaf wyr Ou1 bid uu yr oj.j y" bo, D.y a fyu waeyd a fyuo." '^VVRXERTH.

SUICIDES.SrurJay, iliizibeth Btil-er, aged fifteen a p',p;i teaeher at- Trinity School, Derby, committed suicide f. D) th;o ^mg herself into the river Dervent. Jn her copy- 000- was found an entry bidding ali her friends good-bye. anti s.a.mg that she had made UD her mind to do away with .icrsc.r, as she had a quarrel with Miss and that the master was always doing her some injury. She asked the forgivenrss of her friends, and hoped God wou.d a'so forgive n. --unday at Ivings'aud, in the Lamb 'I avern, one m r' i1' °, Mr" ^"eman, the landlord, hhd occasion *0 -ee«. he: mother m one 0; the upper rooms this she found 1 c.* ^'eeinan instantly forced the door, then perceived hici wife lying quite dead in a large qp..Ltu3 of blood, and a razor by her side. Un Saturday, at .G 1 aFjk Baxfer, aged i8, son of a respectable ra^esman, was affianced, to a g.r! two years Lis junior,named o 1.1^1 Morris breparations had been made f. r their mar. iiage on uhristmas morning, tue clergjman was in attend- ance, and the couple net making their appearance, he sent the scx'on to a-cer'aiu ihe tause who returned in a short t.me \.i.h the melanchoh tidings that the intended bride- groom had put an end to 1.Is exi-taoce by shooting himself through ti.e head.- Cn Wednesday irurning, at an early hour, a we'l-dressed elderly gentleman committed self* destruction from one of the rccesses of London-bridge. It appears the unfortunate man was observed to be lowering on Ille: bridge, when Le suddenly rushed inlo the recess before the police could c<,me up with him, mounted the parapet and jumped into the centre of the river. ATllOCIorS AN1J ExTR.YGItDiNA.iiY CHARGE.—At the Clerkenwell I oiice Court, on Friday, Phillip Coxford. described as a lathrender and timber m,«e -.ant, of Kings- land, was charged, at the instance of th London Society for the Protection of "i cung Females, with a most revolting and atrocious offence. Mr. i uchanan, who was instructed by the society to prosecute, stated that the charge against the prisoner was one of the most appalling that had ever come under lr.s notice. Prisoner liau taken advantage of the tender age and in^perience 0 wo gins, aged respectively 12 aiid 11, to ruin one and to materially injure the other. T he girls, named Emma "lie ana Ilosa Bulwiukle, were the daughters of a respectable newsvendcr. In answer to the charge prisoner said it was all lies. lie was remanded. In one of the law courts lately, the audience were a good deal amused by an unintentional admission, on tLe part of one of the counsel defending a party who had been copying the name, labels, and forms of packages of the ceitbrated GLENFIED PATENT STARCH. The Judge ;ould scarcely conceal his indignation at the fraudulent ittempt, and told the counsel to advise his client to alter :he appearance of the label, and give it a different name, svhen the counsel for the defendant exclaimed, Oh, my Lord, unless tee give it the name of the GLENFIEIJ) P A TEXT STARCH it will not teli." His Lordship imme- batdy granted the injunction, restraining the party rom cgairi using the name, or adopting the label of the JLENFIELD PATENT STARCH and at the same time re- narked, that it was the most disgraceful attempt to de- leive the public that had ever come before him. It is but right that the public shou!d know that every package jf the genuine GLENFIELD PATENT STAUCH has the manufacturer's name, R. WOTHERSPOON, printed on the label. All others are spurious, and designed to deceive he unwary.