Monmouthshire Merlin

i iVotices to Correspondents. Beta," and other communications, together with editorial articles, already in type, have been pushed aside by a train of railway advertisements.

'to TIMES OV HIGH WATER AT NEWPORT. If HIGH W A I I C IIKPTH AT 10 DAYS. MOIIN. EVEN. DOCK GATE n JUNE. H. M. H. M FT. IN. ]) 15, Sunday 0 17 ] 51 23 10 16, Monday 226 3 <) 2,> 6 w 17. Tuesday. 3 33 4 5 27 4 1 18, Wednesday 4 36 5 « w 2 l5, 19, Thutsday 5 36 (j a 40 0 5 20, Friday 6 31 6 58 32 5 $21, Saturday 7 24 7 53 33 4 f ¡ 4, ———————-

WEEKLY CALENDAR. al June 1G.—Fourth Sunday after Trinity. Lessons for the Morning Service, 1 Samuel 12, Mark li<. Evening Service, sl 1 Samuel 13, 2 Coriuthians 12. V 20.-Accession of Queen Vistoria 1837. 11 2J.-Queen Victoria proclaimed. Longest Day. Summer e Quarter begins. E| Mood's AGH.-Ful1, June 19th, 18m. after 11 afternoon.

ld ■' J lMtir li n, NEWPORT, FRIDAY, JUNE 13,1845. )n THE MAYNOOTH ENDOWMENT BILL J IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. & j Upon the receipt of the post hist Friday morning, 001 we had scarcely time to remark upon, what every i one of our readers knows, we had anticipated would 1 have been the result of the measure for the effective ,01 continuation of Pitt's principle-- the increased en- dowjnent fund oi Maynooth College, for the J education of the religious teachers of the Irish ( millions. e i From the commencement, the MERLIN looked upon the lew paltry thousands comprised in the grant as insignificant, but as a proof of the disposi- tion of the Government to deal more prudently and 1 more generously towards the fine and fertile "the beautiful and brave "Ireland ard the Irish. e d1 hailed it as an act above all price. We know and love the land well, and rejoice at every proceeding of our Legislature tending to cement the Union between Albion and Erin, the commanding islands of t the world I Any one who might suppose that the Lords ie.j would reject this Bill, or even that the bench of ,vl Bishops would give it a strong opposition, must, on iti the announcement of the second reading, have been • uncomfortably convinced of the unfoundedness of Ae th^ir expectations; and we leave those to their reflections in the respective coteries of this great and i rising part of the Emphe, who did us the honour to ^express (when the Maynooth grant was first noticed xJby us) a certain opinion, that their friend the MERLIN t would, for once, be an outsider" in his foreshadow- :iot ing- of the result of a great undertaking in Parliament. :Jm Upon the policy of this exhausted subject we have a-already spoken in detail, and anything that we shall I. now add must arise incidentally from the debates. ub The Duke of Wellington's speech contained a 0lllstriking inconsistency with that of Sir Robert, Peel. ^;The latter admitted that all the attempts to coerce -Ireland had failed, and held up civil war, as well as tMencouragement to foreign foes, as the alternations of retthe rejection of this measure. This field of argu- )re £ nent did not suit the iron duke," who character- istically represented the Irish as completely subdued, thaand recommended the grant as the victor's boon. ha»The honest old soldier advocated the Bill, upon what ulilPe considered right grounds, and concluded his «J6 £ eech with these words There is no religion in de-fhis question, but there is a great Christian principle *<ijand I say that it is ycur duty not to persecute—not J'^even to appear to persecute." el' lf the Government have arrived at such a degree ;he of liberality as to deem the opposing a State provision 'fo* a religious body, to be militating against the P»nciples b of a kindly and just feeling towards all christian sects of the Empire, the event is absolutely le.8 beatitude for our days. Jj0l'd Winchelsea gave expression to a feeling rvhIcb. is very singular, and should be looked to. For his owh yrart, tie woold rather sec the Chorch se. Separated altogether from the Slate, and the voluntary f^.lrJC'P'e adopted, than see the endowment by the fctate, of two Churches so antagonistic to each other l(], as the Reformed and Roman Catholic Churches." llle Earl of Hardwicke, a lord of the bedchamber, TV1^e a^ake, declared himself not only for the endowment of the Catholic Church, in places where there are no Protestants, but for the application, in such Places, of the revenues of the established Church to that purpose. And though his lordship said this was but his individual opinion, the Duke of Cleveland aptly remarked, that an officer of the Royal Hougghojd was always expected to speak in pnison with the sentiments of the Cabinet. | ne remarkable feature in the debate was the recomn)enc|atjon of the fierYl Stanley, to overcome rvi wuh good, and to pursue a course of constant *Jnvne.Ss We have not Shakespeire's Merchant Venice" at hand, but we think therein is a passage at leadeth somewhat thus—- Mark you this, Bassanio, The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose. •S '< Ad evil soul, producing holy witness, i *8 like a villain with a smiling cheek; I A goodly apple rotten at the heart: „ I O, what a goodly outside falsehood hatn Let, OUr readers make the application from their filamentary knowledge of the last few years. Most of the speakers in opposition to the Bill ,1;gue upon the impropriety of what they believe to ,e error. It cannot be too often repeated that this ?.Ulse of reasoning applies just as forcibly against dissenters (whether Catholic or Protestant) being oade to contribute in any way towards a particular church. j But it appears that even Wellington is not again J get the start of the majestic world, if the Duke of deweastle, and Sir C. E. Smith (the gentleman that < UHCf says has been stirring up the British lion with ie ong pole) can get before him, to the foot 01 f Jctoua s throne. Newcastle (whose son, by the ra), sees things under precisely the same angle of jci ence as Sir Robert Peel does) is going to become ie greatest agitator "what is," the great Daniel not scepted; and with Cceur de Leon Smith, now )rguig the bolts of Jove," is getting up memorials, raying her Majesty to withhold the lloyal assent! ut e gallant l)uke says it is a forlorn hope and rougham turns up his nose at the little go," as e calls it. I:> A deputation of those who oppose the Bill on the ISO-Popery ground, have had the courage to com- tence an agitation in Ireland! and, seriously jea "ing, it is to be regretted that that well-meaning, jiteak-rrnnded, gentleman, the aforesaid Sir C. E. ptn is being made a tool of by the party. Among fr ln8s* ^le ^ias assured the Irish Orangemen, ja: the late conference of 800 Dissenting delegates, Crosby-hall, (which was to oppose all State jdowments of religion, and which breathed forth the Eldest feelings towards the Catholics,) did not •resent the Dissenters of Great Britain. And yet Culling is a professed advocate of the voluntary 0 U11 urv Opie and the men with whom he is now ernizing are bitter persecutors. So deplorable i,the effects of religious bigotry

'■LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. 'he second general meeting of the Llandaft" cesan Architectural Society, took place at the National 001 Room, in this town, last week. There were present I Archdeacons of Llandaft and Monmouth, and many of rural Deans, Sir Digby Mackworth. and Mr. Williams, iLangibby. We are happy to say that the funds of the :iety are, if not large, continuing to increase, and have HJ made available for the following grants, vu. fo ytrt; church, the sum of £20., to aid in making up a defi jicy of £92., being the sum required in order to the com- :tioi\ of the building; likewise the grant of £,5, for a window St. Maughan's; likewise the sum of £10, granted to aid in ilding Dingestovv church, provided that the dean and ip\er;, and lessee each give £5, towards the chancel; like- • Ie the sum of £5. to assist in rebuilding Llancarvan church, e following gentlemen were elected as lay members of the nmittee for Monmouthshire—Sir Digby Mackworth, Mr. lliains, of Langibby. Mr. Cave, and Mr. S. Bosanquet. r Glamorganshire—Viscount Adare, the Right Hon. John :holI, J. Bruce Pryce, Esq., T, W. Booker, Esq., and E. Richards, Esq. The committee was prepared to make eial other grants towards other churches in a delapidated £ in Glamoiganshiie, but were prevented from doing so frantv of sufficient information as to their condition and in consequence of this omission, it was resolved to lonru the meeting to the 21st of October, in the Free- ze), Cardiff. NEWPORT HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS' MEET- ;At the recent election, the following gentlemen ■e elected Commissioners for the ensuing three years .— jl Miners Mr. Prothero, Mr. Powell, Mr. Brewer Mr tw;nght. Mr. J. Latch, Mr. Joseph Jones, Mr. Samuel blray, and Mr. Lewis 1homas.-Iron; Mr. Brewer and Homtray.—Shipping Interest: Mr. George Gething, Mr 3. Batchelor, Mr. R. Burton, Mr. W. C.Webb, Mr Thos fell* and Mr. William Willmett. Messrs. Mullock, Ed- jds, and T. Woollett, were the Commissioners appointed jhe Tcwu CouBcil, 11 The inhabitants residing in the neighbourhood 1 of a place called the Rendezvous"—a beer-house on the canal side near the Alodcrator bridge—have sent up complaints to the 'magistrates against the intolerable nuisance which that house presents. Crowds of sailors at all hours of the day, many of them drunk, fill the rendezvous with uproar, and congregate about the door to the great annoyance of every well-conducted person, eilher residing or passing that quarter. These reckless sons of Neptune are as usual generally in company of some Susans of Deptford, or Sals of Pillgwenlly, and the language of the party, uttered in no minor key, is, we understand anything but calculated to form the style of the young or to improve the morals of the more mature. This unseemly, though perhaps characteristic mode of spending the day, is sometimes varied by a set-to on the spot, or a piteli battle across the water; the victor being brought home in triumph, to swing the flowing bowl" again; The Mayor and [Magistrates have ordered the police to prevent the public being thus annoyed, and the force do their duty, but ciowds of these hardy fellows "who have taken on" to serve the Queen, fancying they have a right to get up a breeze with impunity, and not yet having the fear of the cat and bilboes .before their eyes, defy police authority. It will, however, be found by those who can be identified as ringleaders, that the rendezvous is no sanctuary against the civil power, as one or two have already felt; and that their courage may be cooled by stopping their grog at Usk, together with sharp ex- ercise on the tread mill. It does not appear that in the absence of the captain (to whom the mayor will write on the subject) that any competent authority is uniformly left to preserve pro- per order in the rendezvous, during that officer's stay in Bristol. This state of thmgs must be prevented in future, more parti- cularly as we learn that the recruiting for the navy proceeds more briskly in tnis town than any other port in this part of the kingdom. LAUNCH.On Saturday morning last, a remark ably handsome little vessel was launched from the building yard of Messrs. Cooke andNicholas, in this town. She is called the Water Lily," of 13.) tons new, or 155 old, measure, and is intended for the Baltic trade by the spirited company above- named. The very luxuriant and garden-like appearance of the arable land, overrtowingwith a superabundant crop of barley, wheat, and turnips in perspective, on Sir C. Morgan, Bart's estate, Tredegar Park, seeins to call forth the appiause of all strangers travelling the neighbourhood, and fully con- vinces us that the science of agriculture is making very rapid strides. The abundant crops will doubtless more than com- pensate the grower for the little extra trouble and expense in- I volved in 'their production. '*■• — — The subscriptions towards presenting; the Rev. James Yorath with a piece of plate, progresses favourably. All the influential farmers in the neighbourhood have sub- subscribed liberally, and several gentlemen not connected with the parishes of Nash and Goldclilf, have expressed a with to add their names to the list, in testimony of their ap- proval of the rev. gentleman's conduct. NEWPORT CATTLE MARKET.—W'EDNESOAV, JUNE 11. I Price per lb. to sink the oHal. s- d. s. d. Beasts 0 6 to 0 6\ Sheep 0 0.. 0 6 Lambs 0 6 0 Calves 0 0 ti Pigs (per score) 7 3.. 7 9 Our markat this week was well supplied with stock of all kinds, except beef, which still keeps scarce, none hardly ap- pearing but that which is imported from Ireland. A great number of sheep and lambs were sold for the IronWorks; indeed, almost the whole that were billable were disposed of A great number of pigs were penned and sold at a shade lower than the past weeks. There were no horses in conse- quence of the fair being on ibe 25th inst. We noticed a few very superior lambs belonging to Mr. Timothy, of St. Mellons, which we are given to understand sold at a high price.

u -+- PONTYPOOL. The Loyal Rose of the Valley lodge met on Monday night last, at the hxfie room, Pontnevvynydd, near Pontypool, numerously attended by the officers and brethren of the lodge, and others from the surrounding lodges of the Pontypool district, to witness the presentation of an elegant and massive chased silver tea pot to G.M. Gower, for his zeal and indefatigability in promoting the interests of that lodge, and the order in general. The N.G.'s chair was occupied by P.G.M. Thomas Greenway, and the V.G 's chair by D.P.G.M. Thomas Jones. After the business of the lodge was-eoncluded, the evening was spent in a happy and harmonious manner, when the brethren departed, highly delighted with the pleasure they had experienced in the social enjoyment of the evening.

CH EPSTOYV. BOTANY.— It is beautifully observed by Dr. Smith, that the student in botany has a rich source of inno- cent pleasure. He would find himseif neither solitary nor de- solate, had he no other companion than a mountain daisy," that "modest, crimson-lipped flower," so sweetly sung by one of nature's own poets. The humblest weed or moss will oven atlord him something to examine or illustrate, and a great deal to admire. I ntraduce him to the magnificence of a tro- pical forest, the enamelled meadows of the Alps, or the won- ders of New Holland, and his thoughts will not dwell much upon riches or literary honours. Whether we scrutinize the damp recesses of woods in the winter months, when the nu- merous tribe of mosses are displaying their minute but highly- in terestillg structure; whether we walk forth in the early spring, when the ruby tips of the hawthorn bush give the first sign of its approaching vegetation or a little after, when the violet welcomes us with its scent, and the primrose with its ..beauty,—-we shall always tind_ something to study and admire in their characters. The yeflow^ttwsoniis ■of the morning, that fold up their delicate leaves as the day advances others that court and sustain the full blaze of noon and the pale night-scented tribe, which expand and diffuse their sweet fra- grance towards evening,—ail have peculiar charms. The more we study the works of the Creator, the more wisdom, beauty, and harmony become manifest, even to our limited apprehensions; and while we admire, it is impossible not to adore. Soft roll your increase, herbs, and fruits, and (lowers, In mingled clouds to Him, whose sun exults, Whose breath perfumes you, and whose pencil paints." Amorg the names in this week's list of subscribers to the Chepstow United Horticultural Sacicty, will be found Mrs. Gough, ofLiandogo, with the liberal donation of live pounds. We are authorised to state that the honorary secretary of the above-named society has received a kind note from Colonel Hallifax of the 75;ii. containing his and the other oflicers' permission of that distinguished regiment for their brilliant band to perform at the Horticultural Exhibition in Chepstow Castle on the 25th inst. Every effort will be made to render the approaching fete particularly attractive. Already the in- habitants of Chepstow and its neighbourhood, anticipating a rich treat, are sending forth invitations to their friends at a dis- tance soliciting them to participate in the pleasures wbich the rare combination of picturesque scenery, select music, and choice flowers is calculated to produce.

-+- CARDIE F. ELOPEMENT. On Sunday morning last, a young lady, of some personal attractions and considerable property in this neighbourhood, made her exit with her loved one." a young man, respectably connected in Cardiff.- It would appear they accidentally met in Bristol, where the flame was kindled they subsequently had an interview at Cardiff; and on Saturday night last, she informed her friends that she intended walking over in the morning to take break- fast with Mr. and Mrs. and that she would return in the ] evening. She accordingly got up with the la k, and went f off, as her friends thought, to breakfast; but instead of which, her ardent swain, who was in waiting with a carriage and paii, carried away his prize at railway speed. Her friends finding t she did not return according to promise, became uneasy, and ( went in search of her, pursuing the route she vas said to i have taken, but we have not heard of their having captured the fugitive. s BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.-c-On j Mondav evening last, a meeting of the above society was held at the 1 own Hall, Cardiff, Sir Digby Mackworth, Bart., in the chair. the meeting was most respectably attended, princi- pally by ladies. A portion of scripture having been read by the Rev. Vv. L. Morgan, the Chairman, at considerable length, gave an interesting detail of the beneficial effects of the labours of the society in France, Belgium, Hungarv. and other Catho- lie countries. The report was then read by ilk Secretary, \V. D. Horwood, Esq., from which it appeared that the number of copies of the Scriptures issued at home la>< H«arwas 605.600 and abroad 310,211, making a total of 91.' 811. At Cardiff', duiing the last year, Hibles and 353 nents in Eng- lish, and 143 Bibles and 193 Testaments in Welsh, have been distiibuted the total number issued since he commencement in 1829 was 6,687. The receipts last ye; r W ire .t £ 164. 7s. expenditure, iI63.2s.8J.; balance in tie treasurer's hand, £ I.4s. 4d. Very eloquent and approprate addresses were then delivered by the Rev. W. L. Morgan, the Rev. James Evans, the Rev. Mr. Pritehard, the Rev. Mr. Pearson, &c.; after which a collection was made, amount.ng to nearly £ i 0 and the meeting separated. ™ a ODDFELLOWsmp.—On Monday last, the mem- hers of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, got up an aquatic excursion, the proceeds of which were to be applied to the Widows' and Orphans' fund. The arrangements for this festivity were conducted with the energy and perseverance characteristic of this truly philanthropic so- ciety. Chepstow was the spot to be visited—the Lady Char- lotte steamer was engaged—the band was in attendance—and the weather was most propitious. In the morning the band paraded the town and played down to the dock and just be- I fore the time for/starting, the omnibuses began to muster with monster loads, and great numbers walked to the place of ren- oezvous. At seven o'clock nearly --)()o were on board the steamer. The plank was hauled iri, the rope was slackened, the word was given, and oft she went, the band playing" Rule BrItanma," amidst the shouts of hundreds on shore. The InrlagJ;-U £ P 'i 'u WaS most delightful and invigorating, Thev br^V-f I reirn< u the living freight. stow thev m 1 7 ,0ai; f ,half-l>ast ten. Arriving at Chcp- stow, tney marched, headed bv th»» 1 where every vehicle and nag that '0lUd f'h H Ge0,Se In"' quiskion, and off they started t P 11^ n m dered in its shady groves- from t 1 tI,eri' Ta" 1 Wyndcliff, to view the "rocky steeTs'* and dark and thnn r ,eef)s and caverns dim ivy-mantled walls, and h ^7' IP' Moss Cottage, returned to the Geowi J^,om,S.e s 8t, to a most substantial dinner, the band 17 1 After dinner, toast and song went rou d thro"*hout- s.u^ec'uen.tly v's^ed ^pstowCasde, amd^here^'Trlpped j s.u^ec'uen.tly v's^ed ^pstowCasde, amd^here^'Trlpped j the light fantastic toe w.th great spirit, until they were e- 1 minded that time and tide wait for none Tl>o,r i„«v r<i 5 „ halt-past „„ TT was kept up with unabated sp.r.t till their arrival at Cmdiif at 11 P.M. Everything was conducted with the greatest order and precision, much to the credit of the committee of manage- menf Captain Jeffrey, the steward, and the crew, were well t spoken of, for their kindness and attention throughout the I passage. On Tuesday morning last, as the London mail ] was coming into Cardiff, one of the wheelers fell, and was 5 dragged about 20 yards before the coachman could pull up. ] Fortunately no injury took place further than slight cuts to the ] horse. SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT CARDIFF.—On Tues- day last, a man named Thomas Brian, in the employ of Mr. 1 Powell, was at work near the railway terminus, and while 5 speaking to a fellow workman a train of empty trams, drawn by ( a horse, came up; in stepping aside to let it pass, he unfortu- nately got jammed between the first tram and some others on the line, which so dreadfully bruised him internally that he is not expected to recover. c

AiiO-CIiiireMlate Meeting at Pontypool. A veiy large meeting of the parishioners of Trevethin, was held on Monday evening, the 2nd inst., at Penygarn Taber- nacle, with a view to prevent the imposition of an illegal church rate upon the parish. The place was crowded to excess, and many went away having failed to get in. A deep and earnest feeling pervaded this meeting, and the church party cannot well mistake public opinion as to the course they have pursued, Mr. Isaac Hi!ey, of the Varteg, was unanimously- called to the chair. The Chairman opened the proceedings with the following speech:— My Fellow Parishioners,—When a requisition was handed to me, accompanied by a polite note, from a much respected friend, signifying that it was the unanimous wish of the m<1naging committee that I should come forward to presidc at this important meeting--1 objected, as I felt diffident, with reoaid to my own capability, to discharge the important duties of°the chair': the reply was that I would do very well. (Cheers.) Here I am at the service of the meeting, and promise to do my best. (Cheers.) But as I am a novice in such a capacity as, that to which your kindness has called me, I must beg indul- gence. Bear with my inefficiency, and let charity cover imper- fections, The object of this meeting is to remonstrate against the unfair, clandestine, and illegal proceedings of a few of our fellow parishioners, adherents to the religion by law established, with regard to a rate now about to be imposed upon us, for some repairs about to be done to their consecrated fabric. (Hear, hear.) Now, mv dear friends, I wish you to under- stand,'that I should not, upon any account, appear in this pro- minent position this evening, were I not persuaded that the manner in which this tax is about to be wrested- out of my purse is illegal. It is very far from being my disposition to resist any lawful demand; bemg actuated by that passage in Holy Writ, "Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. Therefore, I do patiently submit to tithe, because it is legally enforced; at the same timeT feel It a considerable draw back out of my income, and that (vexatious thought!) to support the religion of my neighbour. However, as it remains an item on the statute books of the realm, I intended to submit until it is abolished. I do not say that it is a just law in our country, taking into consideration the bulk of population of every grade in.society that disapprove of the system; no, it ought, I say, in justice, to be abolished. If a majority of the rate-payers of this parish were in favour of the present rate, it would be con- sidered a legal demand, an4 in that case I would submit without a struggle, as it is not from ehoice, I can assure you, that I would be at variance with my neighbours of the Episcopalian Faith. (Cheers.) Now then, my dear friends, the attempt whIch IS about to be made upon my pocket in this slv, under- handed, and illegal way, i intend to resist to the last; and I do appear here this evening to let you know my determinatiou. (Cheers.) Every moral nerve I possess, shall be upon the stretch, in order to effect my aim. (Cheers.) My chair shall go—my table shall go—my clock shall go—my bed shall go— yea, my person too shall go to dwell within the precincts of a dreary gaol, rather than submit to have my cash wrested from me, in the shape of a compulsory rate, illegally made. (Cheers.) I protest against the compulsory mode of supporting religion, as it appears to me repugnant to the genius of Christianity, and directly militates against the constitution of the gospel dispensation, which sanctions no kind of sacrifices on its altar, but free-will offerings. "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." I am not, from prejudice, in favour of the voluntary system, but from conviction of its efficiency. (Hear, hear.) It is true that under the old dispensation, the mode established by the authority of Jehovah himself was compulsory in all its rules and regulations,, and strictly enforced upon the people under the sanction of coercive laws but old things have passed away, behold all things are become new." Therefore an argu- ment founded upon the laws of the Mosaic dispensation, in favour of a compulsory mode under the gospel is null and void, being inexplicable; hence I declare emphatically in favour of voluntaryism. (Loud cheers.) The chairman called upon Mr. Thomas Thomas, Baptist minister, who, in a lengthened and eloquent speech, of which we can give but a brief and imperfect report, moved the first resolution. He stated the principal circumstances which led to the convening of the large meeting of parishioners whom he was then addressing, and strongly animadverted at some length, on the numerous misre- presentations and false statements contained in the letter of An Occasional Correspondent" in the MERLIN of May 23rd. He vindicated himself and Mr. Price from the charge of having acted either "perversely" or irregularly at the parish meeting, and shewed the extreme partiality, unfairness, and tyranny of the church party on the occasion. He stated that as soon as the chairman had opened the meeting by reading the notice, he (Mr. T.) put a question as to the legality of the notice, with the answer to which (not wishing to appear fastidious), he expressed himself satisfied, though he had since ascertained that that part of the business had been so managed as to keep the parishioners generally in perfect ignorance of what was in contemplation. The builder's estimate having been read by one of the wardens, a rate of three pence in the pound was pro- posed by E. II. Phillips, Esq., in what the anonymous" cor- respondent" called a temperate and appropriate speech," and seconded by Mr. Parkes. The correspondent" had a perfect right to think thus favourably of Mr. P.'s speech, but when he said that while the mover was addressing the meet- ing, frequent interruptions were offered by Mr. Price, encouraged by others present," he stated what Mr. Thomas would denounce before this vast assembly as a gross falsehood. Thus far the proceedings had gone on with comparative regularity and decorum. The motion for a rate being now before the meeting, Mr Price was in perfect order in rising to move his amend- ment, and, on being forbidden by the interposition of the chair- man, in speaking to the original motion. This was the real ground of contention, Mr. Price and Mr. Thomas resolutely insisting on their right as rate payers to state their objections to the motion before the chair, and the chairman, churchwar- dens, and others, urging an immediate decision, and absolutely drowning Mr. Price's voice with sundry cries of question,' "chair," "that's just like him," what Christian ministers," &c. We, said Mr. T., did feel indignant at all this, and did most earnestly protest against what we regarded as infinitely disgraceful to them as Christians, and utterly unworthy of tliem as gentlemen. Mr. T. ridiculed the chairman's and the "correspondent's" attempt to make the taking down of the voters present a psilloi' the parish, which the opj^jaents of the -rate hadT'deiHtcrrfted, prestmrtd-Aat-m this puerile afcsm: dity the parties must have calculated largely on the ignorance of the opposition, and the gullibility of the parishioners. He remarked on the attempt made by the correspondent" in the MEB.LiN.aiid otherwise, to compliment other dissenting denomi- nations at the expense of the Baptists of Pontypool, especially the English portion of them", to a few of whom belonged, it seemed, the unenviable notoriety" of being the ringleaders in this warfare, "who were heard ever and anon protesting against church rates as impious and unjust," and whose oppo- sition was traceable, it was imagined, to the kind of reading and teaching they are accustomed to." Now, said the speaker, all this was, no doubt, intended as a reproach to the Baptists, especially the English, but I take it as no mean compliment. If I were sure it was deserved, I should glory in it. I cer- tainly do occasionally teach the little flock under my care that tlic "kingdom of Christ is not of this world, and that this great truth is utterly irreconcilable with human legislation m matters of religion, and diametrically opposed to all State Patronage, Parliamentary Grants, and Parochial Assessments for the support of any form of Christianity, and I flatter ir < "u froYiprallv understand sueli questions J brothel^ Price are not entitled to the distinction and honour of being more lllj", of 2'Pcral "i. that the strong feeling ratP is bv no means confined to the calum- of opposition to this rate is oy q{ men flf mated Baptists. I appeal to Weisl e uafly with the both languages to prove m"* > j English, Ire thoroughly opposed to this unrighteous exaction and I appeal to thll magnitude of this overflowing meetmg for a triumphant refutation of the foolish calumny that "a few Baptists only" are resolved on this occasion to withstand ecclesiasticalllnd illegal domination. (Loud cheers.) Mr. T. then proceeded to call the attention of the meeting to the resolution which he had to move, and which embodied the principle on which the dissenters grounded their opposition to church rates namely, that the compulsory support of any form of religion was alike opposed to the Divine Law for maintain- ing the church to the civil right of the people, and to the peace and mutual good will of fellow citizens. He maintained that the Divine will respecting the mode of supporting Christianity had been clearly revealed in the New Testament. According to that divine standard of faith and practice, those who preached the gospel were to live of the gospel, not of the.Sttftc. (Cheers.) Those who were taught in the word were to communicate to the teachers in all good things the pastors of the flock were to eat of the milk of the flock. The gospel ministry, with whatever is necessary to its efficient exercise, was to be supported there- fore by those who enjoyed the benefits of it, not from compul- sion or necessity, since God loveth a cheerful giver,and accepteth his gift only if'there be first a willing mind." Such he held to he the Christian law, sanctioned and illustrated by the example of Christ, the twelve apostles, the seventy disciples, and the primitive pastors, who were all supported by the volun- tary contributions of believers ;-(Cheers)-and he challenged the advocates of the compulsory principle to produce a single instance in which Christians in apostolic times acted on any other than the voluntary principle. Religious establishments he considered, set aside and superseded the Divine law on this subject, and substituted the tithe of the produce of the soil which was peculiarly oppressive to the people, enhancing the price of all they ate, drank and wore, and which his conscience would not allow him to pay any more than a church rate parliamentary grants from the produce of national taxation, and parochial assessments, in the shape of church rates and other demands, whereby the many are made to contribute to the support of the religion of a few. He (Mr. T.) em- phatically protested against this as "impious and unscriptural," and avowed his determination, on conscientious grounds, never to pay any imposts whatever for the maintenance of any form of religion. (Cheers.) He differed a little with the respected chairman as to the obligation to pay ecclesiastical exactions, clearly legal, until the law could be altered or abolished. He held that no man was bound in the sight of God to obey any law which did violate his conscience, hut rather to expose its iniustice and submit to its penalty; but in the present case a church rate was not law until the majority of the parish- ioners made it so, and that by a poll of the whole parish when demanded, He was perfectly satisfied that the rate which was U w attempted to be forced upon them was illegal, and on that Dround he would venture unhesitatingly to advise his fellow- -ishioners to refuse payment. He denounced the collection Pju s ch a rate as a downright robbery. But why should 0 s0 eagerly avail themselves of a law to force unwil- c hure mi repair their edifices and keep up their worship ? mig pe p t forbid Episcopalians doing all themselves, lheieM others, by voluntary subscription. The dis- or with e V,i CTav0 their £ 50. or £ 100. or more to erect their colleges and chapels, and to keep them in decent repair men were four or five of the chief promoters and he was su could well afford to contribute £ oO. each of the church r^ewtK) of {R^ } tow aids the p I that did not do so, rather than agitate It was a shame'to.then & -t sef,med; tne whole PJ1'- 0f opposition, such the exquisite pleasure of was the sweeti .^ejr legal authority to dissenting sects— practically assei ln^ doing violence to their neighbours' such the gratmca tQ uph0idthe principle of compulsion, consciences, that li tlieii* own credit, and spread confusion they were wijhng ° ri breadth of that large parish. (Cheers.) through the le"S|h often called herself the poor mail's The church ot -Ling Trevethin as generally throughout church; but in fact it great, the powerful, and the the kingdom, the cliui most part( attended its rich, with their depen 'nal things. The millions had for- services, and sliaieu H p„se(i t0 be the poor man's church saken it, and it had o g man su^p0rtec{ it. (Hear, in any other sense tlian attachcd very little value to a hear.) He must say ie expense of others, and thought shew of religion kept up establishment would give a far that the rich neighbours their relieious convictions by better proof of the sn.centy ol to by thmstin^ putting their haiids nito d cheers ) Now if he were them into those of > h respect to the rate, he would asked what he intended to When the col- tell them plainly that he wo nd aseparate bill for the poor lector called on him he « ould d though he had and highway rate which he di which the business of the little confidence in the manner payers to look more parish was managed, and advised theJ^PJ gave him a bm narrowly into their own c0»c" w comniit it to the flames. for the church rate he ^ould p » ) moant t0 do with those He could not tell what thelr opi d;vuige the method by who would not pay. "J h?ntendod to frustrate the designs of which he and his fu had recourse to extreme uiea- HcSv'»"dTe did not much relish the idea of tlle sures. lie com wnuld try to keep them out of that ecclesiastical coin .f aliy oue escaped, it. was not through the lender mercies of Mother Church. (Laughter and cheer's ) A bill, he understood, had just passed the House of Lords to remove all such questions from the church courts feoped thts would p*?s through the Commons in time to be of use to the parishioners of Tre- vethin in the present contest. But let their opponents take what steps they pleased, he was prepared to meet them, and- any persons who wished to get advice and assistance in any circumstances that might arise, might consult the committee about to be formed to carry out the' objects of this meeting. Mr, H, Lewis rose to second the resolution. He was fully persuaded, he said, that any Jaw enacted or rate made for the support of any religion whatever was unjust and at variance with the word of God. Still as the worthy chairman had re- marked, had their church-going neighbours acted according to law, though he protested against that law as oppressive, he might possibly have paid the rate; hut as' they had thought proper to saddle them with a rate in a clandestine manner, he would, rather than pay it, allow his goods to taken. (Loud cheers.) ° Mr. David Edwards, Baptist minister ably supported the resolution m a Welsh speech, in which the several topics of the resolution were discussed with argument and felicitous illus- trations. Mr. Price, Baptist minister of Abersychan, in rising to pro- pose the second resolution, said, Mr. Chairman I feefthankful that I have the honour to be present at this meeting, and breathe in an atmosphere so salubrious. How different is it to the at- mosphere of the little vestry on the top of the hill—(a laugh)— where some of us attended a church rate meeting some time ago.. The more I reflect upon that meeting, and the manner in which it was conducted, the more I am convinced of the Im- perative duty devolving on dissenters to be more faithful to their principles than ever—(hear, hear)—especially as it is to themselves, and to none but to themselves they have to look for the protection of their liberties. (Cheers ) There was a time, sir, when there were gentlemen of iufluence, in this neigh- bourhood, especially a little higher up in the hills, to whom they could look as the friends of their liberties, and who would disdain to use any unfair influence over their neighbours, (hear, hear); but I regret to say that we have not so many of that character at present. It is, therefore, greatly important that the dissenters should know their true position in this parish at the present time—(hear, hear)—and that there are men in this parish who are determined, if possible, to crush their liberties, and who will not hesitate to use every means in their power to do so. (Hear, hear.) I think I can be fully borne out in this opinion by every candid and impartial individual who attended the late vestry meeting. I came to Pontypool on that day, to meet a friend but had no intention whatever to attend ayestry meeting, as I was not aware of such a meetings I had received an intimation of an intention, to make a church rate did not know for a certainty, till I came to Pontypool, thtt§uch was the case and when it was ascertained that there was ijo be a meeting, and that some of my friends intended to be piesliM, I resolved, though an invalid, not to leave them. (Loud chairs.) And I was entrusted with all amendment,which I was requested to move at the meeting. I expected that I should have been per- mitted to address the meeting. I thought, too, that mv delicate state of health would have been some protection against any rude and clamorous attempt to put me down (cheers) but in this, sir, I was disappointed, for the churchwardens and their friends, not only lost on the occasion all sense of propriety and Christian decorum, but also all their finer feelings of humanity. (Loud applause.) Some time ago, sir, when visiting our county- town, and talking with a gentleman respecting a church rate meeting, which had just taken place in that town, he said he had attended the meeting, and though there were but few with him, had spoken against the rate. I said, and would they hear ? Oh! yes, he replied, they are gentlemen here. (Cheers and laughter.) I wish I could say the same of the leaders of the church rate party at the late vestry meeting. I do not say that they are not gentlemen, but I refer to their conduct on that occasion. (Cheers.) But. sir, as I wish to give honour to whom honour is due, I rejoice to say there was one honourable excep- tion on that occasion. A clergyman stepped forward at the close of the meeting, and expressed his regret to the chairman that both parties had not been heard. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) As expressed in my resolution, the conduct of the supporters of the rate was, in the extreme, partial and overbearing. I am, therefore, thankful that we have met this evening where we have liberty of expression, and where there is a sympathy of feeling. I repeat it, sir, 1 am thankful I am not at that meet- ing, and that we have not the clergyman of the parish for our chairman—(loud cheers)—nor confined to the limits of a little church ves'ry but we meet in a place where we have liberty of thought and expression, none daring to make us afraid.— (Cheers.) And from whence our voice can go fo/th, and tell the clergymen and the churchwardens of the parish, that though they once, for a brief period, succeeded to silence us, they will never succeed in subduing thatprineiple, that imperishable and unconquerable principle, that burns in our breasts. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) They may issue warrants, and despoil us of our property; they may immure us in prisons, and leave us there to die, like our forefathers, the noble-minded noncon- formists, who were the glory of their country but our principles they can never destroy. (Vehement cheers.) But, sir, my re- solution relates to the unfair manner in which the meeting was got up. It is evident, from the manner in which this matter was managed, that the church party took every precaution to keep the parishioners, especially the dissenters, iu the dark. Their object was to allow the rate; and in order to accomplish this object, the first course was to wait on the most influential and respectable rate payers, to secure their interest. They thought if they could catch the large fish, they would do very well with the small fry. (A laugh.) This having been done, the next thing was, how to have the notice of the rate placed on the church doors with as little publicity a* possible. To accom- plish this, suitable and confidential agents were selected. In this they deserve some credit for cleverness and tact, for it was done so secretly, that it even escaped the vigilance of the police. (A laugh.) The very day before the meeting took place, the super- intendent of police told me that he had not heard any thing of such meeting, and on the very day of the meeting we were for a long time before we could ascertain where the meeting, was to be held. But, sir, my resolution also relates to the illegality of the rate. No one, I suppose, will dispute the tyranny of the vote. —(hear, hear)—of a rate made in a vestry where the chairman in effect said, (I say in effect, for this is the plain meaning of what he said), Now, gentlemen, you have been requested to attend this meeting to make a church rate; but please remem- ber that I shall not attend to any thing you say, or put any amendment to the meeting of which my wisdom does not ap- prove." (Hear, hear,) You have the privilege, gentlemen, to be present; but not to speak to be taxed, hut not t& object: wha-could help feeling excited and indignant at sitefe; Waddle' as this? (Loud cheers.) Sincc tlie^neetlftg, 1 hSVft bees informed that the Chairman has said, in excuse for his arbitrary conduct, that he acted under the advice of legafl authority, and therefore could not deviate from the line he was compelled to pursue on the occasion. I suppose he thinks that every insult offered to men, any violence done to their consciences, or injury to their property,'is perfectly excusable, if dohe under the ad- vice of legal authority. This is not the first time, sir, that strange things have been done by legal authority. It was under legal authority that the three Hebrew worthies were thrown into the burning furnace—the prophet Daniel cast into the lions' den—and the blessed Saviour of mankind condemned and cru- cified. (Hear, hear.) The law, however, is often good, if a man use it lawfully; and I consider it is used lawfully when used to resist oppression—and on this account I rejoice to find that the rate which is now being collected is iUeg&l* That opi- nion is not founded on my own judgment, minister, I do not pretend to be learned in the law: but it is founded on legal authority, which my friend Mr. Thomas consulted when m London, and which will be read to the meeting byMr Conway, who is to second this resolution. (Cheering.) I think, sir, that there were many other things very irregular, if not illegal, in this proceeding. '[Here Mr. Price alluded in detail to what he considered the objectionable parts of the proceedings.] He then proceeded:—But, sir. let it be distinctly understood that the struggle is not between men, but between principles. It is between the voluntary and the compulsory principles. It is of very little importance to me whether the rate is legaUy nght or legally wrong. This I say, it is evangelically wrong—it is scripturally and morally wrong. (Applause.) Let our church friends adopt the voluntary principle. But they tell us that it has been tried, and it has failed, Failed with whom? Has it failed with the Wesleyans ? Has it failed with the Independ- ents Has it failed with the Calvinistic and Primitive Method- ists:-or has It failed with the poor Baptists? (Cneers, and °K10 ith WHOIN, then, has it failed ? With the wealthy members of the Established Church in this parish (Cheers ) They cry out, unless you ^ive us a rat the r0of of the church will tail on our heads. (A lauo-h ) This rate, we are told, we must pay, for the churchwardens are men full of zeal. I do not doubt their zeal; but I would ask is their zeal according to knowledge? Nothing is acceptable to God but the-free-will offering of a wilW people (Much cheering.) Let the church friends adopt this principle, and others will be ready to assist them. As a good Wesleyan brother, at Abersychan, said yes- terday-, let them have an anniversary like WE, and I will go up and give them sixpence." (Cheers and laughter) Mr. W. Conway seconded Mr Price's resolution, and, after reading the case as submitted to counsel and also the counsel's opinion, pronouncing the rate invalid, proceeded to address the meeting as follows We have, for once law and truth com- hmed; tis always the most consoling (although not the most profitable) to be attached to what we conscientiously beheve to be the truth. 'Tis, indeed, refreshing to know, sir, that the principles ue advocate -(vill bear the broad light of day; that -we can afford to give publicity to our sentiments, and court oppo- sition to our arguments—(cheers)—and instead of sneaking about the parish, sticking a paper on this'door and another on that, anxiously awaiting the time the law mil permit us to snatch it from the notice of the parisliivneru—(shame* and laughter)—we send forth our intentions to the pi4>]ic, in *uch an intelligable manner, that they who run may rea.d. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) The reason we can afford to be-more gener- ous than our neighbours is, that we have truth a.nd justice on our side, with the pleasing consciousness that.ultimately we must be triumphant—our cause is the power of truth, opposed to the impotence of error; error that does not scruple as to th", means to be employed for consummating the end; error that will burke a parish to ga^'its voice; and error, too, that will violate the principles of our constitution to gain its purpose— (Loud cheers.) Not that the legality or illegal#? of a church rate has much influence on my mind. 'Tis Sufficient for me, Mr. Chairman, that the rate is morally illegal. I deny the right of any human authority to compel me to pin my faith, or my purse to any set of religious tenets Oh but says the church- man, tis the law of the land, and vou must obey it. I deny il to be the law of the land, until made so by a majority of the parishioners; and even then, if opposed to the law of God, it ceases to be binding on my conscience. (Hear, hear.) Can any man, If you justify the atrocities committed, deny the right of Elizabeth and Charles, because the law of the land sanctioned them? Were the legalised inquisitions of Spain, and the infer- nal cruelties of the Church of Rome less atrocious, because they were enacted by human authority ? Why, Protestants know you not that it was a revolution of this very principle which you assert that procured for you the glorious reforma- tion. Luther violated the law of his cocntry; aye aml of his church too to bring about his benevolent design. Had Luther been biased by such hocus pocus nonsense of (fbeymg the law of man, rather than the law of God, we should, for all I know, be under the influence of Rome at the present day. Oh, yes, says the cnurchman, but Luther opposed error;-and you oppose truth. Here then we differ, that which the churchman supposes ruth I suppose errer. Who is to dedide for us ? I* Dr. phiHips Judge? (Laughter) Are the churchwardens to be my Godfathers ? or is the incumbent of Trevethin to be my men- tor Now, I have no confidence in the infallibility ot either. Shew me the man in the whole world that possesses the attn- butes of infallibility and to that man's law I will submit, till then, let us abide by thetestimony and dictates of an upright con- I science. Now, gentlemen a few words to you as parishioners we have brought a great deal of this petty despotism on our- selves. You must be all aware there is a miniature star cham- ber m our parish. About half a dozen indfviduals appear to constitute the parish of Trevethin. If P«orTrate wa.n^d they make one. As instance--althougb I am one of the officers appointed by law To mike a poor ^te, neither 1 nor Mr. Hallan, my fellow oTersee knew that a poor rate had been granted, until two days Xr it had been made, t Shame, shame.) if gentlemen are wanted, these worthies select them; iil?^ the1 existence of despotism ^ndiclt^s d^caseToi^where! w.»siTh' Vf seventeenth »,™ thich°°t,.rated thefoil of Britain w,th tlie blood of Puritan'sTaye^and stained ™an"fiat dignataries too is alive still (Hear, Sar.) rhe man that j seizes my g00d; L a church rale, woulj had he the p-ver, confiscate my property for an opinion. E?! IJ The v carcerated Thoro?ood, ignited the pil# of Srrntliheld. lhe spmt that has convulsed Trevethin, garnished t.scafFold^h >ts victims. I assert 'tis the same spirit, but is k pt m t ance by the withering, the despotism ^stroymgmfluenceofan g enlightened public opinion ( Enthusiastic cheering ) Are our r Principles, th<m worth a struggle ? P^riers of Trevethin think for yourselves. Don't look to this or that man, to fight £ your battles. Liberty is a personal concern and its preserva- j tjpji and adyancemeBt will depend w y<?ur uwUvKUia-l eft'QJ;t3' For my part, rather than pay an illegal tax, I would submit to < to the consequences of a refusal; but rather than pay to the support of an establishment, I believe to be the bane of Bri- tain the enslaver of the people, the Normal school for despots, and the connecting link to Rome—rather than pay tribute to such a system, I'll rot in a dungeon. (Loud applause.) Mr. S. Fletcher, in supporting the resolution, felt himself, as an old parishioner, and one of the largest rate payers, insulted by this base attempt to force from him an unrighteous tax, to support a religion, the formalities of which it would, he thought, take him twenty years to learn. He concurred witn the chair- man in thinking that the illegality of the rate-was the safest ground he could take in resisting it. He strongly condemned the mismanagement of parochial affairs, by a dominant clique who treated the overseers of he people as nothing. He animad- verted in a somewhat discursive and rambling style, on the in- consistencies of dissenters, and advised the parishioners to re- sist oppression, and look to the management of their affairs. (Applause.) Mr. Herbert Daniel, Independent minister, moved the third resolution. He had lived in the parish sixteen years, and could defy any collector to say that he had ever shewn any reluctance to pay any ordinary civil tax, or required him to call a second time for it. He considered the principle of compelling people to support a religion from which they dissented as unscriptural and oppressive. He was in the habit of preaching in a remote part of the parish, where an extremely aged female resided, who lately died, she told him she had no recollection of having seen a clergyman in the place, and he felt it was exceedingly unjust to require him and the poor neglected people by whom he was surrounded, to pay a church rate to keep up the religion of the rich and powerful. (Cheers.) Mr. Charles Davies, in seconding the motion, said, I shall just state the grounds of my opposition to church-fates in general, and to the present one in particular. I oppose this rate on the ground of its illegality. Much is said by the advo- cates of church rates about their being the law of the land, but as observed by previous speakers, it is not a positive law until m'lde s ) by the parishioners. (Hear, hear.) But I am opposed to the rate chiefly because I consider the principle of church rates to be opposed to the law of God, and the spirit of the gosp-.l dispensation. Here I take my stand (Cheers.) The fact of the rate being illegal has but little weight on my mind, but my great objection is that it interferes with the dictates of conscience. I consider the conduct of the apostles when brought before the Jewish council, after their imprison- ment for speaking in the name of their Divine Master, a suf- ficient guide to every Christian, in reference to human laws. When those rulers forbad them to speak any more in this name, what was there reply ? Whether it be right we should obey you rather than God, judge ye, for we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard." Thus they disobeyed the authority of man when opposed to their consciences, in matters relating to their Creator and themselves. (Cheers.) I therfore consider it to be the duty of every Christian who feels the principle involved in church rates, to be at variance with the will of God, joyfully yet peaceably to allow the spoiling of their goods, rather than for interest sake put his conscience in his pocket. (Hear, hear.) I would rather go down to the grave a poor man, than leave this world possessed of ever so much riches obtained by any deliberate act which my con- science could not approve. I would ask those rate payers who are for this impost, are you morally justified in lending your aid to tax me for the support of the religious worship in which I do not participate ? And I would say that before any man lays an impost of this kind upon his neighbour, he is morally bound to make out a case based upon the principles of reason and justice; and in matters of religion this reason must be drawn from the Scripture as the only standard of truth, "If any man speak not according to this word it is because in this particular there is no light in him. (Loud applause.) Mr. Jones, Independent minister, Abersychan, moved the fourth resolution, which was seconded by. Mr. C. Arthur, Abersychan, who observed that he had been a late payer seventeen years, and never was more astonished and hurt then when he heard of the proceedings for forcing the church rate upon the parish. He was convinced it was illegal as well as unjust, and he would rather spend £10. or £20. than pay it. (Enthusiactic cheers ) Mr. John Havard, moved the fifth resolution. He said, I feel anxious, evsn at this late hour, to express my feeling in reference to a subject of so much importance. Although 1 will not pretend to follow out the line prescribed for me m the re- solution. We are assembled together this evening for the purpose of entering our protest, our solemn piotest against an unjust, oppressive, and antichristian impost (Cheers.) We arc now arrived at an era, III the history of the world, and par- ticularly in the history of the parish of Trevethin, in which we are called on as men, fearlessly and unhesitatingly to assert the principles by which we, as dissenters, must either rise or fall. (Hear, hear.) If we desire the advancement of our principles, we must endeavour to disseminate them, but if we hold them with a slack hand,they will either be wrested from us, or trampled under the feet of our opponents. (Hear, hear ) They may be trampled upon, but they canjnever be destroyed they may be looked upon with scorn and contempt, but they are destined to bloom in immortal, vigour, and. imperishable beauty, when the enemies of our civil and religious liberties shall behold with a clear vision, the utter hopelessness of their attempting to annihilate principles which have their origin in God. (Cheers.) Now as rational creatures we are expected to be able to give a reason for every act we perform. And I deem it necessary on the present occasion to assign my reason for standing here this evening, as an opponent of the church-rate, now attempted to be forced upon the rate payers of this parish. I oppose it on the ground of its illegality, it was most illegally carried. It was the determination of its supporters to carry it against all I opposition, whether right or wrong. (Hear, hear.) àchurch- rate they wanted, and a church-rate they were determined to have,—justice was out of the question; and when a worthy functionary of the peace, violently, but causelessly, pushed and threatened one of the most respectable young men in the parish, because that young man told him he acted illegally in attempting to intimidate an honest voter against the rate, what can we expect ? In vain we look for justice from men of this stamp; and as we cannot expect that men, who are capable of conduct- ing themselves in such a manner, can have clear views of right and wrong, it remains for us as dissenters to attempt to teach them by our conduct, the lesson which they are slow to learn. (Cheers.) Liberty of speech was granted only to those who were for the rate. When a poll of the parish was demanded, it was peremptorily refused, and cried down by chair! chair by the party Argents, who were for the rate. It is sometimes the case when uien stand upon bad ground in an afgumeiftTlfrey en- deavour to run down by declamation, those with whom they cannot cope by reason. (Hear.) In the present instance such was the case. (Hear, hear,) But suppose the rate be legal, it is only so according to human authority; it is not so according .to the authority of the scriptures, and that which is unjust ac- cording to the law of God, can never be made just by the laws of men. Men may call darkness light, and virtue vice; but they cannot change the attributes of the one, nor alter the prin- ciples of the other. Whatever terms they may apply to them, in their natures, they are essentially the same. And if they please they may call the imposition of a church-rate, an act of justice, but according to the rules of justice it is condemned, as unjust, tyrannical, and oppressive. If it is just, let it be proved so by the scriptures for they cannot be broken, and I am willing to act according to the verdict which they shall give. (Hear. hear.) I plead scripture authority in matters of religion, and this is a religious question, and no secular authority is acknowledged in the scriptures to determine for any living man his duty towards his maker—(Applause)—God alone is king over his holy hill of Zion; he has given laws by which alone his subjects must be governed. In matters of religion or con- science we have but one master, and he is Christ; if we bow to any other authority we are guilty of high treason, against the King of Heaveu. His will is our law, but in his word I cannot find a single text in which I am commanded, or from which it may be inferred, that it is my duty to pay 4s 3d. church-rate for the purpose of putting the parish church in a fit state of repair. Oh! no, there's not a word about the parish church, not a word about church and state, not a word about the Arch- bishop of Canterbury or York, not a word about prebendaries, deans, rural-deans, canons, rectors, or perpetual curates; oh no, they are terms which to me appear suitable only for those who wish to grasp the world in one hand, and Christianity in the other, and to amalgamize,both in one. But as dissenters we hold no such authority. (Heat, hear.) It is true, we have Bishops, but they have not mitred heads, they are not the pretended successors of the apostles, they do not pretend to absolve us or regenerate us from our sins, by baptism; they acknowledge themselves to be men like unto our- selves, with no other authority than that of overseers or shep- herds, under the great shepherd and bishop of souls, having no authority to lord it over God's heritage. The ministers of Christ are men of wisdom, integrity, honesty, prudence, and equity,— and they endeavour to guard against laying careless hands on skulls that cannot teach and will not learn." (Loud cheers.) They want no church-rate to be levied upon their brethren. They want no legislative enactments to raise money to put their chapels in repair; they leave their brethren to the principle of voluntaryism, to give as the Lord hath prospered them. It is the willing contributions of the people which are accepted, the cheerful offering of a willing mind. The Lord loveth a cheer- ful giver." The gifti of those who are compelled to give are unacceptable with him. (Cheers.) His service must be carried on voluntarily, or not at all; and woe unto the world when this principle of voluntaryism shall cease to influence the minds and hearts of men. The Lord desires no man to contribute a single farthing towards the support of his cause against his will; much less has he desired that a church-rate should forcibly be raised, to carry on his cause in the world. Is not the principle of love, which he has implanted in the hearts of his children, a sufficient guarantee that his cause shall not fail for want of support. (Cheers.) If it were the will of the Lord that his cause should be carried on by compulsory exactions, would he not have told us so in his word ? But I cannot find anything in his word that will warrant our opponents to exact from us a single fraction for the support of religion. He has left it entirely in this respect to the voluntary offerings of his people, and it is this principle of voluntaryism that shall carry his word to the remotest parts of the world. Angels behold with pleasure the self-denying efforts of the children of Zion, but they view with abhorrence and detestation the conduct of those who caB themselves shep- herds, but who sit in royal dignity, and princely splendour, as lords over God's heritage, who live upon the milk of the flock, but care nothing abou^ the welfare of the sheep. State estab- lishments of religion, in my humble opinion, have done more to retard the progress of Christianity than all the efforts of sceptical men and heathens combined. (Hear, hear.) They have a ten- dency to lower the standard of its excellency in the minds of unbelievers. (Hear, hear.) State establishments of religion are like so many dark spots upon Its beautiful garments they are a clog and a hindrance to its prosperity; they obscure Its beauty, and never can it shine forth in the resplendent lustre of its own immaculate purity, until the unhallowed influence of a state paid hierarchy shall cease to exist. (Loud applause.) Thus, my friends I oppose the rate on the ground of its illegal- ity, but more especially on the ground of principle and never will I pay a single farthing towards this unjust, unscriptural, and tyrannical impost; but as long as I have a tongue, and 1 language to express the feelings of my mind, it shall not cease to denounce on all suitable occasions, the imposition of church- rates. (Cheers.) But, ah! I think I hear some one say, "if you do not we will take your goods Let them go I have 1 counted the cost and I shall consider it an honour to tread in 1 the footsteps of those who took joyfully the spoiling of their goods for conscience sake. (Loud applause.) Neither ecclesi- astical courts nor ecclesiastical commissioners, the pillory, the fack, nor the Ribbet itself shall ever induce me to surrender one iota of those principles which I hold dear to my heart.—. (Prolonged cheerincr ) The motion being seconded, and a vote of thanks to the chair- taan being carried with acclamation, the meeting separated.

BIRTHS. T On the 7th inst., at Newport, the wife of Mr. Henry Charles Folk,.printer, &c., of a daughter. p the Mead, near Chepstow, the lady of Thomas Evans, < bsq-» of a son. 1 MAIMMSD < On the 11thinst., at Trevethin church, by the Rev.T.Davies, Incumbent, John Barrell, Esq., of Orcoss, Hereford, °^'ss Rachel Rudge, of Abersychan. On Monday last, at Cheltenham, Mr. Charles Whitley, guilder, to Fanny, youngest daughter of Mr- Roberts, Crown { lun> aU of Monmouth. DIED. ] On Wednesday last, in her 72nd year, Elizabeth, relict of late Mr. Thomas James, formerly of Llangunnock, 1 Herefordshire. On the 5th inst.. at Bristol, suddenly, Mr. George Mere. Vea er» °f Beaufort-square, Chepstow.

CHARGE AGAINST AN ASSISTANT OVER- >EEB, On Wednesday last Mr. Austin, assistant poor-law com- nissioner, held a court oi inquiry, in the parish of Goodnch. j oi the purpose of investigating certain charges preferred by the >verseers of the parish of English Bicknor, against Mr. Richard j ^,8.n}ore. assistant overseer of the said parish, particulars of Tmca We s^all giye in out Rest.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE. ■—♦— NEWPORT TOWN-HALL.—MONDAY, JUNE 9, 1843. Present—Edward Dowling, Esq., (Mayor,) Thomas Hawkins, Thomas Hughes, and William Brewer, Esquires. Robert Ball, Cornelius Hadnott, and William Crook, charged with sundry robberies in this town, were apprehended by that active officer of our force, Sergeant Huxtable, early on Sunday morning, and now brought before the Court for examination. Hadnot and Crook have been previously convicted of felony. Mr. H. J. Davis appeared for the prosecution. The three prisoners were first charged with stealing a gun from the furniture shop of Messrs. Pritchard and Thomas, Llanarth-street. Thomas J. Thomas, being sworn, stated I am a dealer in furniture, in partnership with Mr. Edward Pritehard. On Monday, the 2nd of June, I received a single-barrelled gun from James Pride, for the purpose of selling it. I put it in the window of the furniture shop, and on Friday morning last I missed it; I believe I last saw it about middle day on Thurs- day. I believe the gun now produced to be the same. John Elliot, sworn, stated: I keep the Britannia, beer-house, at Queen's parade, in Newport; I know:the prisoner Ball, but do not know the other two. Ball came to my house either on Monday or Tuesday in last week it was in the fore part of the day from eleven till one, and I think it was on Tuesday. I pur- chased the gun from Ball, for 7s. 6d. I gave it up to Superin- tendent Hopkins, on Saturday night. The gun produced and identified by Mr. Thomas is the one I bought of Ball; I did not see any one with him when I bought the gun. Ball had a quart of beer at my house after I purchased the gun. (The way in which this witness gave his evidence met with a reprimand from the Bench.) Elizabeth Davis, sworn, stated I am a servant to the last witness; 1 remember seeng the prisoner Ball at our house, on Friday morning last. Hadnott and Crook came in with him. I took in a quart of been to them. Mr. Elliot drew that quart. It was between eleven and twelve o'clock in the day. Ball paid for the beer, and the three prisoners drank together. I did not see the men come into the house. Edward Hopkins, Superintendent of Police, produced the gun he received from Elliot J ames Pride deposed to the gun being the same he entrusted with Pritchard and Thomas, for sale, on the 2nd of June instr-nt. Thomas Hopkins, sworn, stated: I am a police-officer; I brought the prisoner Ball to the Town-hall, this morning, and he voluntarily said I will not suffer for any one; I am inno- cent I did not steal the things, but sold them for the others. The gun I sold on Thursday night, in all that storm of rain, for seven shillings and sixpence; and on Friday morning I sold a box of cigars for three shillings. I.also sold two pairs of boots for half-a-crown a pair; and a pair of ^child's boots for two shillings; and a pair of slippers for eighteen pence. The cigars were stolen from next door below the church, on 'liday. The other chaps gave it to me, and I sold it for them. I did not steal it. I will tell the whole truth to the Judge, and nothing but the truth." The prisonei Ball having been duly cautioned as to what he said, stated: Last Thursday afternoon 1 was coming from Mr. Morgan's slaughter-house, where I had been doing a little job for him. I went home with some brains which I washed; I was by myself. I went out, and went down Llanarth-street, and turned to the first street on the right. I met Hadnott and Crook with a gun, and they asked me if I oould go and sell it lor them. They told me a man had given it to them to sell for him. W e went down to the Britannia in the rain on Thursday evening, and I sold the gun for seven shillings and sixpence • I sold it to Elliot, the landlord. We did not have the money then; we came back home, where I fried the meat and thev took part with me we then returned to the Britannia. I told Elliot the gun came from Merthyr, and he need not be afraid to buy. He asked me what I wanted for it, and 1 told him 10s Elliot said the gun was broke, and not worth so much he would give three half crowns forjit. I had the money, and took it into the room. We had a quart of beer before the money was paid, on trust. We drunk the quart of beer, and had another, and then we went. We went back again the same night, and Hadnott and I stopped there all night. Crook went away. They had all the money. That's all I have got to say. The prisoner Crook being duly cautioned, said All I have got to say is, I never had that gun in my hand, in my life, nor any other gun. Hadnott also denied ever having the gun in his hand. The next charge against the prisoners was for stealing two pairs of boots, and a pair of slippers from the shop of Mr. Har- tree, shoemaker, Commercial-road. Thomas Hartree, being sworn, stated I am a boot and shoe maker, residing in Commercial-road. On Friday last, at about half-past eleven in the day time, the prisoner William Crook came into my shop, and, purchased a bootlace. As soon as he left, I went to the work-shop, at the bottom of the garden; as he went out at one door, I went out at the other. I was absent three or four minutes, and on my return I missed some boots and shoes from the window, near the door. I saw the va- cancy in the window immediately on entering the shop. I mis- sed five pairs altogether; two pairs of boots, 1 am certain, and one pair of slippers, and a pair of children's boots. There is an "H." in the hollow near the heel. The pair of boots now produced are mine. The mark.of the "H." exactly correspond* with the stamp I now produce, and with which I mark all my boots and shoes. I am quite sure I never sold them. I re- member seeing them in my shop, on Friday morning, and no- ticing the marks of a flaw in the leather on the heel of the left boot. (Mr. Hartree identified the other pair of boots, and also the slippers, and, on being cross-examined by Crook swore posi- tively to his being the person who called at his shop for the bootlace.) Mary Price sworn, proved seeing the prisoner Ball, at the Britannia, on Friday, with two pairs of boots, which she pur- chased from him for 2s. 6d. per pair., Emma Banks proved seeing aU the three prisoners at the Britannia, on Friday, about dinner time. They had a pair of slippers before them on the table, which, at their request, ahe took to the landlady, and sold for 2s. (The slippers were produced, and identified by Mrs. Elliot and the prosecutor.) John Huxtable, sworn, stated I am Sergeant of Police. At about ten o'clock on Saturday night went to the Britannia beer- house, and got the stolen property, and between twelve and one went to the New Market Tavern, in GcrSm-rtreet, and appre- hended the prisoners, all sitting in the same room. Searehed them and found a quantity ef money on them. I told them the charge, and they all denied it. Thomas Hopkins, police-officer, deposed to the confession made by Ball above-mentioned. The three prisoners were next charged with feloniously steal- ing ten clasp knives from the shop of Mr. William Charles, ironmonger, High-street. Frederick Williams, sworn, stated I am a shopman to the prosecutor. On Monday the 19th of May we missed from the shop in the afternoon, a quantity of scissors and knives, and also money from the till; about six shillings had been taken from the till. The knives we missed were stag horn, double bladed. The scissors, and also the knives were tied up in a paper parcel. We also missed a parcel ot ivory handled knives, with three blades. The mark on the paper containing the goods was U. U., with F. below. That is the mark on the paper pro- duced by Sergeant Huxtable. I believe the seven stag-horn clasp knives, and two pearl handled ones, now produced, to be Mr. Charles's property. Amongst the stag-horned knives there was one of a different make. The one produced by Huxtable is precisely similar to the one that was in the paper with the other knives. I have no doubt of the knives being the property of Mr. Charles. I never sold a package of clasp knives from the shop. It is not our custom to do so so. They are worth a shilling each. Catherine Ryan sworn, stated; I keep a lodging-house in Charles-street. The three prisoners have been lodging with me. On Saturday night 1 gave up to Sergeant Huxtable a box, which Crook brought into my house. John Huxtable, sworn, stated: I received the box I now pro- duce from Mrs. Ryan, on Saturday night. It was tied up with a wire. I opened it and found the knives I now produce iden- tified lay Frederick Williams. I told the prisoners at the sta- tion-house the next morning I had found the box, with knives in it. Crook said the box was his, and Hadnott said the knives were his, that he had purchased them. I apprehended the prisoners early on Sunday morning, and in the pocket of Hadnott I found the knife I produce, identified by F. Wil- liams as the one that had been in the parcel quite different to the rest. I searched the prisoners, and found a quantity of money on them, and Ireceived from Mr. Ryan eight half-crowns as the property of Hadnott.. Hadnott, being duly cautioned, said, I bought the knives of a traveller, and gave him four shillings for them, on Friday morning last." This being the whole of the evidence against the prisoners, Robert Ball was fully committed for trial at the next sessions for stealing the gun: and C. Hadnott, M. Crook, and R. Ball, were committed for stealing the boots and shoes. C. Hadnott and M. Crook were discharged for stealing the knives. Captain J. H. Hollander was charged by Captain Smith with negligently causing damage to the William, to the amount of £1 19s. It appeared from the evidence of the water-bailiff, that Capt. Hollander had refused to comply with his direction, which re- sulted in causing the damage to the. William. He was ordered to pay £1 6s. damage, and the costs. THURSDAY.—JUNE 12. Present—Thomas Hawkins, and J. S. Allfrey, Esqrs. Hannah Knight, charged with stealing two bottles of wine and wearing apparel from Mr. Rennie, was committed to the sessions. George Sharp, charged with stealing a watch and nine-pence halfpenny from Richard Richards, was committed to sessions. James Wyer, charged with assaulting Edward Poor with a poker, was remanded. John Lorden, charged with being drunk and disorderly) fined 5s.. J. Brukwouldt, charged by John Jones, with commitung mage, amounting to 18s.—No appearance. f ^• Willam Pring was charged with threatening the n brother Charles.—Settled.

ABERGAVENNY TOWN-HALL.-JuNE 11. Present—F. H. Williams, Esq., and the Rev. W. Powell, Mid Thomas Caddick, age^for^he^Cwm ^^1^ Jokenh Company, preferred a complaint a?a^n8t, John* Harr? Howells; Edward Jones, DanieHVorthington John. Harris, James Jones, John Price, and John Morgan, for leaving their work last week without giving due notice. 0 f Mr. Secretan appeared for Caddick, and Mr. Owen, for the dCThedacase was very fully sifted, Gale was convicted upon 1 the clearest evidence,3^and was sent to the House of Correction at Usk, with hard labour, for one the h Mr. Levick did not feel disposed to^press the_cftargei against ( the others, and, after expressing contrition lor their conduct, they were dismissed. cprvant in the emplov of Mr. Walter lidwarX of°Trebinkin,' near Abergavenny, was sent to hard labour in the House of Correction, for leaving his employ with- out giving notice.

PONTYPOOL POLICE.—JUNE 3. Present-Rev. David Jones. Henry Gregory, James Carter, John James, James Parry, and Owen Kelly, were charged with assaulting and violently resisting Henry Roberts, a police-officer, in the execution of his The case was very clearly proved, and they were convicted as follows:— r, ■Henry Gregory and James Carter, convicted in 40s., or two months' hard labour in the House of Correction. James Parry was convicted in ciOs. or one month, with hard John James was convicted in 10s., or fourteen days, with h,ar$ labour.. Owen Kelly was convicted m as., or seven days, with'hard labour. AU the nnes were immediately paid.

SATURDAY.—JUNE 7. Present—Rev. John Probert, and the Rev. David Jones. James West was charged with assaulting William Worloclo. —Allowed to be arranged out of court. Elizabeth Sunger was charged with assaulting Elizabeth Jones.—Convicted in 7s. George Henry was charged with assaulting Ann Williams, at Abersychan.—Convicted in 5s. and coats, or in default of pay- meat wjoffiitted for fourteen days. Rees Williams and James Williams were charged with as- saulting Thomas Mapstone.—Discharged on paying costs. Henry Williams and William Lewis were charged with com- mitting a trespass on the property of Abiaham Lane.—Con- victed in 4s.

MONDAY.—JUNE 9. t. J -iTT-i-PreSen^ The same Magistrates. R»chard Williams,^charged with being drunk, was fined 5s. John Williams, charged with stealing a quantity of cord- wood, in the parish of Goitrey, was committed to take his trial at the next sessions. He was admitted to bail John Edwards was charged with being drunk.-This being the second offence he was ordered to enter into a recognizance to keep the peace for six months. Isaac Welch charged with being drunk, was fined 5s. Benjamin Williams was also fined 5s. for being drunk, George charged with bemg dlSorderly in the parish of Trevethin, wu discharged. Edward charlfed with stealing two tea-caddies, a pocket-handkerchief, a piece of cheese, and other articles was committed to take his trial at the next sessions.

TUESDAY.—JUNK 10. Present—The Reverend David Jones William Thomas and Thomas Walters were charged with taking two pigeons, the property of Thomas Davies —Convicted in 208, each.

A special general meeting of the proprietors of this comptoy was held at the office of this company al Paddiogion, on Wed. nesday, for the purpose of considering the bill now before parlia- ment, under which powers were proposed to be conferred on the company for purchasing, leasing, and contribution towards the formation of a railway from CheltenhMs wed tfe« tfreat Western Union Railwayto Fishguard and Ptmbroke Dock, with branches therefrom, to be called the South Wales Railway; the Chelten- ham and Great Western Union Railway, to Monmouth and He- reford, with brsnches to join the Forest of Dean Railway; the Newbury and Hungerfoid Railway the Oiford and Rugby Reilweff; the Oxford to Worcester and Wolverhampton; the Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth Railway the Cornwall Rail- way and also the draft of a copy of a bill, entitled, A bill for enabling the London and Birmingham Railway to take a lease of the West London Railway, and to extend it to the rirer Thames. The chair was taken at one o'clock, by Charles Rusaell Esq., M.P. 1 The advertisement calling the meeting having beea read by Mr. Senders, the secretary, The Chairman said that after the several resolutions that had ^een P" »« previous meetings, sanctioning the several schemes that had been read from the advertisement, the meeting of that day was matter of mere form; but that matter of form was neces- sary m order to comply with (he standing orders of the House of Lords. 1 hat order was, •• That in the case of bill. t„ empower any company already constituted by act of parliament to execute any work other than that for wbich it was originally est.W.shed a draft of the proposed bill must be submitted to a msetingof the proprietors of such company, ealled by advertisement, inserted for four consecutive weeks in the newspapers of each county wherein such new works were proposed to be executed, end which meeting must be held not earlier than seven days after tbe last insertion of such advertisement; and at socb meeting the draft of the proposed bill must be approved of by at least three-fifths of the propnetors present." Now, it was to comply with the s anding order that they had met, and the advertisement had stated the names of bil s and the purport of them, which the pro- prietors were then called upon to sanction. Theae were two lu wV° c th# had given guarantees, namely, w 1 u -1 f"' L Weymouth Railway; to the South Wales 'hey have advanced half a million, and to the Cornwall £ 50,090. He had no donbt but that they had observed the progress which their bills had made in the House of Cem. mons. Every one of their bills had psssed the standing orders' committe. fact which was exceedingly creditable to those to whose care the management of those bills bed been confided. All their bills bad also passed the second reeding thus the principle efeech of their bills had beea recogotsed. Two of their bills, the Berks and Hente, end the Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth, had passed the House of Commons, and were now ia the House of Lords, awaiting the approval of the propnetors, in order that they might be proceeded with forthwith. The South Wales and Hereford Bills would go into committee that day at least the committee to which the bill was referred met that morning The Oxford and Rugby lines were at present the subject of investiga- tion before a committee of the House of Commons, and they were every moment in expectation of hearing the tesult. A committee had been appointed to consider the West London Railway Bill The btlls were on the table, and wenld be tead by the tecretaty if it should be thought desirable^ The Secretary then read the titles of the several bills, end the marginal notes of the sections. The South Wales, the Monmouth and Hertford, and the Berks and Hants Bills were agieed to without discussien. SL0 ,j £ e <Ju*^«°n being put oa the Oxford and Rugby Bill, Mr."Dean# iaqsired whether this was a line in which thsGraat Weatera Ce"pGDyaloDe *»« ""erested ? The Chairman stated that it was. Birmingham !n in h"* oothiD* ,0 do with the London and The Chairman: Nothing whatever. adopted?0*0" Th#D' °f °°urM th« broad gauge will be Tile Chairman w* obtaio the bill the gange will be our °"0. Mr. Doane: There has h* .■subject 1 110 on the The Chairman None whatever T. make it a broad gauge line. u 0ur to The bill wa. then nnanimoualy aereed to Mr. Doane asked if ther was any claus* .u u-i.. the construction of the line, and wh.t jj* b,i!/tgu'a,iD^ The Chairman—From Oxford to Worcester from Worcester to Wolverhempton both bro,d *u'«e The Secretary stated that there was no cfau— t ..u construction in the bill, but that sveh a clause w«H!f^ K -8 duced in committee. wou,d b« A Proprietor asked ihe Chairman if he could form J to what the decision of the committee would be ? 11 The Chairman said that the members ot the commit* properly kept their views so secret that there was Do, lh, ground on which to form a conjecture on the subiect AI> ». could say was, that the line ought to be theirs. The bill was then agreed to unanimously, as was the w.i.. Somerset, and Weymouth bill. On the question being put a. regards the Cornwall railwav A Proprietor admitted that the company were bound to supDort the the bill, but in case of any accident happening to it. he poped the company would not enter into any farther arrangements which would prevent them from carrying a railway through the centre of Devon aod Cornwall with a broad guage. The Chairman said that the question whether the railway should pass through the centre of Devon and Cornwall had been maturely considered by the director, and he couid not hold out any expectation that such a line would be earned out The Proprietor said he had merely sugge„ed the* subject for consideration. TIae Chairman clearly understood the abject of the question, and wished to preveot the circulation of any rumour that the company bad hesitated at all as to the course which the railway ought to take. The bill was then egreed to unanimously. The West London bill was agreed to unanimously A Proprietor asked how it was proposed to raiaetbe required capttai ? The Chairman replied that that q«e,tion bad Dot t bee. tekeo into conaideration by tb. directors, for several reasons. F,rst, it was neewsary to know what would be the actual amount of capital required j secondly they nMt consider the stele of the money-market; thtrdly, the matter was one of extreme de- Itcecy, and they must take care so as to manag. it as to prevent 1 I J Y W";ekB<! u eTQed M U the course which they shouW pursued, but be could asanre the hon. proprietor r. 'ndire.cn7;h:tou .sr,h?aubject sideration, end that at the earliest time the* would oiv* tk» shareholders specific information on the subiect A. ProprÏùor-What V tbe u* to «• of the West London rail" 1 nearer th# T^ fathei into London; it brings ne vent it from f«i rM' oecetMfy we should hare it, to pre- vent it from falling into other hands. A Proprietor- W. ha.,e it with the London and Birmingham Compeny 1 The Chairman-A joint poseeseion with the London and Bir- mingham Company. The thanks of the proprators were then voted to the chair- maD, who bliet" acknowledged the compliment, and the meeting separated. r

NORTH WALM MINSRAL RAILWAY-SPECIAL MEETING.—-A special meeting of the proprietors of this company was held on I uwdny week at the London Coffee House, Ludgate-hill, for die purpose of having submitted to them for their approval a bill fot authorising the cxtens.on of the line to Ruabon for making a branch railway from Rhois Robin to Miner* and ^LTSe chair ThPiS f°r Buch purposes. Mr. Wardell Srttar hri h~n «. C^a,-rman havins explained that the srders of th!» H« compliance with the standing omoLv r. a T °f Lord8' Mr- Tyre11'the "alitor of the SIX rL preamble of the bill and (the marginat r^anitli«- ,i mea8Ure authorises the company to increase their P to the extent of £ 150,000, which sum is to be raised by new shares of £10 each. A motion approving of the bill was carried unanimously, and the meeting broke up. The prospectus which has been issued by the Manchester and Birmingham Continuation and Welsh Junction Company, has succeeded m attracting cenaider&ble attention from the comprehensiveness of its objects; and we venture to express a hope that the real importance and marketable value which promise to accompany Una undertaking, will not be marred by an injudicious distribution or withholding of the shares. The committee have examples enough before them of the con. sequence of not dealing fairly with the public, and we have great hope that they wiM profit by them. Upon looking at the map, there are several features, beyond those which are dis. closed m the prospectus, which induce us to look favourably on this scheme. First, that by this line the Manchester. Bir minghain, and Potteries districts will derive the invaluable benefit of a healthy sea bathing place within an easy dfotauce. The advantage of a ready access to the port of Abervstwith will prove inconceivably great, whether on the RCO* orheaith or relaxation. Next, Aberystwith is immediately opposite Wexford, Ireland, to which latter several lii>e» will converge ) and as the port of Aberystwith is quite capable of accommo- dating steamers large enough for the Irish trade, this line will become at once a trunk communication between Lancashiist and the North East of England, the Potteries and BIIIB. ngham. and the south of Ireland; while from the latter country all the agricultural produce from Cork and Wexford will be brouglit to Aberystwith, and along this line to the large central mar. kets. The entire journey from Manchester or Birmingham to Wexford will accomplished io about fifteen hours.-— Railway firMs.