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"ABEUGAVKNNY.|
ABEUGAVKNNY. | PUBLIC MEETING FOR IMPROVING THE GAS- LIGHTING OF ABERGAVENNY, In conscqucnce of hand-bills to the following eflect, having been extensively circulated in this town during the previous week, a public meeting was held in the Town Hall oil Monday last. The bill ran thus :— I>rrr.ovF.ME\T OF THE GAS In pursuance of a resolution passed at the commissioners' meeting, held in the Town Hall on Friday, the 14th instant, it was resolved tlut a public meeting be hplel on Monday, the 24th inst., at the same place, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of taking into consideration the best means for improving the gas in the said town, to which all rate-payers and consumers of gas are earnestly requested to attend. Signed, by order of the Board of Commissioners, C. H. PHILLIPS, Clerk to the said Commissioners." The meeting assembled at eleven o'clock, when Mr. John Morgan proposed that William Steele, Esq., take the chair. The motion was seconded by Mr. Baker, and carried. Mr. Steele rose, and said he was sure there was not one pre- sent who would not most readily approve of the objects of the meeting, and co-operate in carrying them out. (Cheers.) lie fully agreed with the inhabitants in their disapproval of the present gas lights, which reminded people of the oil lamps with which the town was lighted fifty years ago. The gas light now dimly spen in the streets is very little better than that which the oil lamps afforded. (Hear, hear, and "It is worse!") He was one of those who formed the original agreement with Mr. Davies, relative to the introduction of gas-light into the town and as that agreement was of importance in their proceedings, he thought it would be well for the clerk of the commissioners to read it to the meeting.. Mr. Charles K. Phillips then read the agreement, which ex- tended to a great length. The following is an abstract of its contents :—After setting forth that the said Mr. Davis did covenant with the said commissioners that he would, within six mouths, build at Abergavenny the neccssary works for ma- king gas, and lay down iron pipes through the streets and lanes, for supplying the inhabitants with gas-lights, it bound the con- tractor to supply the commissioners, gratis, with sufficient pwe gas for twenty public lamps, for seven months in each year, md supply, at their ex pense, sufficient gas for as many more pub- lie lamps as should be required by the commissioners, through him and his heirs for the term of a thousand years. Incase Jhe contractor neglected to supply gas according to stipulation, titer one month's notice from the commissioners' clerk, all the ;ai I gas works, "-c.. should be forfeited to the commissioners The Chairman said he thought there could be but one opinion 13 to that agreement, and the engagement it contained. (Hear, iear.) As there were gentlemen present who could gi ve in- formation on the subject, he would not iuvtlier detain them. Mr. Hiley Morgan, in rising to propose the first resolution, ;aid ■Gentlemen—When the Beard of Commissioners issued :heir notice to convene this meeting, it met with the cordial ipprobation of all of us, and that the business of this day night be efficiently carried out, twelve or fourteen tradesmen net at the Greyhound on Friday evening last, to lay down the dan on which it would be desirable to conduct it. By them I ] vas requested to move the first resolution. This will account •o you why I take my stand here thus early in the day. It j" a natter of considerable importance at a public meeting, to have 1 chairm.in sufficiently clear-headed to see at a glance the various points on all sides of the question brought before him, t'tdatthesame time possessing moral courage enough to de- ride on its merits, irrespective of party. At this meeting we lave been particularly fortunate in the selection of our chair- nan. He has been known to all of us for many years, as a varm advocate of everything that will benefit and improve our own. He has often been our chairman on similar occasions, end, as on former instances, so he will to-day, I haye no doubt, ill the chair with L'reat credit to himself, and Hint h advfuitnge 0 the meeting. The days in which we live are stirring days, n which <u'eat events are rapidly passing before us—events that rill tell upon future ages. The last half century has perhaps i ■ecu the most important of any for the previous thousand years, • ml no nation has been allowed by Providence to play so con- picuous a part in fixing the destiny of man as England. In he early part of it we were engaged in a most fearful conflict ( rith the genius of war, whose aims and desires were universal ( mpire, and the height of whose ambition was to number ( Britain amongst his conquered provinces. The Iron Duke said Jo! and the subjugator of Europe fell before the energies put ( jith by tlfe "nation of shopkeepers." Yet it must be borne 1 mind, while those energies were necessarily employed in 1 arrying desolation, misery, and ruin abroad, that the sons of cience were actively engaged at home in making discoveries, evising schemes, al1l1 maturing pbns, hy which the social COIl- ition of man might be improved, and to make happiness and omfort the inmates of every dwelling. Steam has been so t ompletely made subject to the hand of science, that in addition J ) its being the power by which merchandise is transmitted from i, ne end of the world to the other, and wheeled through the j ountry with the rapidity of an arrow, it is become a necessary j gent in the management of our domestic affairs. Ship-build- lg has so fully occupied the scientific mind, that the readiness ith which the ship answers the helmsman's hand, is so asto- ishing, as to almost persuade us she is a creature of life, rather ian a mass of dead timber; and the smallest craft arc so admi- ibly constructed, as to be navigable in the most boisterous ;as. Thus we sec how scicnce progresses. Though the know- ;dge of gas, as a natural production, has been known for ages, 1 nd was occasionally used.as-A.source uf-foht in the ni^c^that .,J iroduced it—such as Wall3end, where a stream of light, eiglat *1 r nine feet long, may be seen, illuminating the surrounding juntry for:1 considerable distance, the gas issuing from an old jlliery, and is conveyed by pipes above the works—it does not ppear that until 17')'2 it was thought of, other than as a philo- ophical curiosity, thongh previously, even as early a.3 1739, as ] ecorded in the Philosophical Transactions of that year, it was < btained from coal by the lion. Robert Boyle, collected in blad- < ers, and afterwards burnt for the amusement of his friends. 11 the former year, 1792, Mr. Murdock, an engineer atlledruth, ) I Cornwall, so far succeeded in experimenting on gas, as to ) btain it in sufficient quantities and purity, so as to light up his OI1SC and offices. In 179S, he was cugagcd to light up Messrs. Soulton and Watts' establishment at Soho, Birmingham Not- -ithstanding the superiority of gas, as a light, over oil, it did rj ot make much way in public estimation till the peace of .miens, when the establishmecnt of Soho was so brilliantly luminated, that all Birmingham turned out to gaze at, and ad- rre this new light. It was laid hold of by the newspapers, nd the manufacture of gas explained, its brilliancy spoken of, bile its safetv and cheapness were lauded by all; and at many parlour and kitchen fire, as the evenings closed in, a mmia- are gas manufactory was made, by conceiting tobacco pipes lto retorts. About this time, Mr. \V msor got up a company )1' supplying London with gas. It was many years before sue- ess crowned these efforts, inexperience in its purification, and ublic prejudice against it, being the principal obstacles. At mgth science cleared it—prejudice yielded, and the dull, red, eavy flame of the oil lamp was superseded by the brilliant atwing. Almost every town in England was lighted with gas, rior to 1820, bnt in Monmouthshire and Wales, darkness was till visible. In 1822 one of the enterprising tradesmen of this IWl1! knowing that valuable goods appear 70 the best advan- ige in a good light, erected a small gasometer in his back itehen, from which he produced a beautiful light in his shop, nd lighted a large lamp over his door. This Gentleman's was le first gas-lighted shop this side the Severn. Mr. Watkins's rilliancy occasioned a depression in the value of oil lamps mongst us, and a talk was soon raised about the town being ghted after tins new plan. A gentleman named Broad- ledow, who had laid down gas pipes in Cardiff, and was sub- squently engaged to construct a gosometer in Brecon, came ere in 1S23, and delivered a lecture in the ball-room, at the -ngel, on the manuf:1.cture of gas upon an improved method J :ently discovered by himself. Mr. Davis being at that time 1. treaty wiih the town commissioners for supplying the town ïth gas, fell III with Broadmeadow, who, prossessing the ower of persuasion to a very considerable extent, induced him Mr. D.) to join him in taking out a patent for this (supposed) nproved method of making gas. The pateut was a failme- Ir good gas could not be made upon this new plan at least, I idge so from the circumstance, that soon after the establish- ment ef the gas works, in one of the periodicals of the day ap eared a notice to this f'ffect AheI"O"ëtyennv.-It is said that patent has been taken out at this place for an improved icthod of making gas—Qy. In what does the improvement insist, for there is not a worse lighted town in England." It iems then gentlemen that we have had bad gas from the time Ie contract was made until now, It might he deemed illl- ertinent in me to question the collective wisdom of the board f commissioners,in entering into that contract, but it does ?rtainly appear to me something like a stretch of power, to en- age and bind over for a thousand years, the inhabitants of this • ,wn to the tender mercies of a monopolist! Besides, it pre- ludes us from availing ourselves of the advantages of science. t possibly may be that in these days, when new light is thrown pon everything else, some new light may be discovered, by hichonr streets and houses may be lighted for lOfL or 12s. or venless, per burner; but that contract prevents us availing urselves of such a discovery, for it binds us for one thousand ears to burn HIS gas, and that. too at HIS price, so that it docs ot exceed 50s. per annum per batwing. The resolution I have ) propose is this: "That in consequence of the insufficient uantity, and very impure state, ol the gas, with which the iwn is supplied, the town commissioners be earnestty requested > rigidly enforce tin; fulfilment of the contract between them nd the proprietor of the gasworks." To complain, is not at ny time pleasant work but in the present state of society, we Ie often called upon to make complaints, and hear them made, bout the non-fulfilment of engagements. It would be far lore congenial with my feelings, to heap the meed of praise in ?rms loud and long, rather than even whisper a complaint gainst the proprietor of the gas works His duty to the town mounts to tbis—to supply it with pure gas, and plenty of it. Jow, gentlemen, if I fail to substantiate my charge, that the upply IS insufficient, and Impl1relD quality, do not, 1 pray you, o Mr. Overton so great an injustice as to carry the resolution. iow for the proofs. Begin at Tudor-street gate, and trace the He of lights up to the King's Arms, and yon find a strong jet 1 every lamp, as well as in those shops where gas is consumed t Tudor-street. It is tolerably strong from be King's Arms p N eville-strept, and occasionally in lligh-street; but at thc jp of Cross-street, where the descent begins, is the commenee- ment of the really-bad line of bmps, for long before you reach lill-street gate, you generally lose the light altogether; but -hen the lamps do happen to bo lighted, the flame more resem- les the dying effort of a farthing rushlight, than that of a irty-shilliiig batwing. If the locality were not well known, it TOulll be necessary oftentimes to procure a candle to find the imp-post. Mount-street is little, if anything, better than .lill-street; awl if proof were required that the gas was im- ure, it would be unnecessary to do more than show you the imps. The filth from the gas seems to be well nigh grained in he glass and were It not for Ins unpleasant sensation along is olfactory nerves, a stranger would hesitate in deciding whe- her we burnt oil or gas. The ceilings of many shops are pa- ired, and where the precaution of having it varnished has not een taken, a second year requires a second papering. In seve- al shops the ceilings are black as a chimney back. In towns vhere gas is pure, it is not necessary to clean the insides of lany shop-windows more frequently than perhaps once in every onr or six weeks. If left here more than two weeks, you night write on the glass, in very legible characters, GAS CONTIIACTOII'S IMPURITY lie commissioners have received repeated complaints, and have icen ur"ed to adopt measures, that would secure to the town he fulfilment of the contract, but feeling an unwillingness to dopt coercive means against an individual, and yet anxious to to their duty to those who are not commissioners, have com- dained to, remonstrated with, and threatened, Mr. Overton, iheir complaints, remonstrances, and threats, might as well lave been made to the whistling wind. In October, 1841, the hreat was changed into a regular notice, drawn up by a pro- essional gentleman of considerable standing in the town, that he works would be taken to by the commissioners. The .larmed proprietor attended the next meeting, and pledged limself, that if time were allowed him, until May in lö-l;), he J- vould make such alterations in the works as would prevent the >ossibility of any more complaints being made. The town ;ommissioners, still unwilling to press their claim, to the injury )f the proprietor, gave him the required time, and during the uinnncr of this year. he commenced the promised improvement, jut left off almopt as soon as he began. He laid down a few lipes in Cross-street and High-street of a larger bore than was ilready there, but did 110 more than this. Now, how a few j jipes laid down in the middle of the town of a larger size than were there before, could give a larger supply of gas in Mill- street., is beyond my comprehension. I he summer months was 1 iot the time to test the alteration. The winter came, and we p:nd that Mill-street is as badly supplied as ever, and the gas is •j foul as filth can make it. As every cause must have some •I sffect, I have endeavoured to lay before you the effect. 1 lie •\ cause is this. Mr. Overton has not the means of fulfilling his J contraet-the plant is not sufficiently extensive. TIt:- gasometer ] was made, and pipes laid down to supply the town, when the j population was absut 20 pet cent less than it is now; and with the infit'u&ud of the population, an addition at povnapa 400 lights Uavo been taken. Now, how is it possible, with thb comparatively small gasometer and pipes, a sufficient quantity of gas can be made for an increasing town like this ? Gentle- men, the situation in which the board of conllaissioncrs is now u' circumstanced, is a very serious one. Anxious as they always arc to do justice, they are nevertheless unwilling to seize upon this gentleman's property—which they may do, in accordance with their agreement. As we do not have our money's worth for onr money paid, I most earnestly call upon you to urge the commissioners to adopt those measures which will give the town pure gas, and plenty of it. (Cheering.) Mr. C. Daniel rose and said: Fellow-Townsmen,—I am not going to inflict upon you a long; speech, but I trust the few observations I may make will not be found irrelevant to the subject in hand. In seconding the resolution proposed by Mr. Morgan, allow me to say that, as a native and an inhabitant of the town of Abergavenny, it is but natural I should feel a deep interest in everything that, regards its welfare and prosperity; and I trust that on all occasions I shall be found amongst the number of those who arc ready to lend a helping hand to further any measures that may be proposed with the view to j promote the social comfort of its inhabitants, or to raise the town itself in point of municipal regulations and sanitory im- provements, to a level with other towns in the kingdom, which, I regret to sav, have left us at so great a distance behind, in the march of social advancement. The object which has brought us together to-day, is one in which are interested notmerely the private consumers of gas, but the inhabitants of the town at large; and I am happy to say that my fellow-townsmen are fully alive to the importance of the sabject; and I rejoice to know that they are determined to use every legitimate means to remedy the evil of which we have so much reason to complain. Mr. Chairman, if a stranger were to pass through the streets of our town after night falr, possessed of no other source of information, but. judging from the public glimmering, flickering emanating from our lamps, he would be led to conclude that Abergavenny was, at least, half a century behind the spirit of the age, and still among the number of those unim- portant towns and obscure villages that have not yet availed themselves of the superior mode of lighting which earbonetted hydrogen affords. Now that such an inference could, by any possibility, be drawn by a stranger, lays us all open, in some degree, to the charge of apathy and past indifference. But, gentlemen, wú have met to-day to wipe away the stain from our municipal escutcheon, and to deal a blow at monopoly, which, if it does not at Oilce annihilate the monster, will, at all events, 50 a great way towards the accomplishment of that desirable abject Mr. Chairman, and gentlemen,—1 shall now, with your permission, call your attention to the document which has just read in your hearing and if. in doing so, I should pass jver the same ground traversed by my friend Mr. Morgan, I must beg your indulgence, as the nature of the subject renders it almost impossible to avoid doing so. For the more clear comprehension of that contract, I shall divide it into three icctions. The first section embraces the conditions to be 011- served on the part of Mr. Thomas Davies, his heirs, executors, idministrators, and assigns; the second section embraces the I'oiiditions to be observed on the part of the commissioners of Lhe town of Abergavenny; and the third section embraces the penalty annexed to a violation of those conditions, on the part )f the said Thomas Davies, and his legal representatives. But first I solicit vour attention to the conditions to be observed on the part of Mr Thomas Davies, the original contractor and his legal r epresentatives and they are pledged to supply the town )f Abergavenny wiih twenty street lights gratuitously, and free 01 all charge whatever. Here I would remark in passing, that the commissioners are not obliged to take more than those twenty lights, unless they think proper so to do. They engage to supply us with as many lights as may be required over ami above the twenty lights adverted to, at a cost of 10s. per annum. They engage to supply the town with gas for seven months in every year, from sunset Lo sunrise, excepting at the occurrence of the full mocn, when they arc released from the obligation for five nights—the night of the full moon, and the two nights preceding and two nights succeeding that event. They are engaged to supply the town with gas—sufficient in quantity and pure in quality. They have engaged to furnish houses, shops, and premises, with good and pure gas, batwing burners, it a cost tor each light, not exceeding 5().s. per annum. These, Mr. Chairman, are the conditions to be observed by Mr. Davies, his heirs, and :).llmi1listr.ltors, .xc. I now come to the iecond general division of the subject, which embraces the conditions to he observed on the part of commissioners of the of Abergavenny. They engage to prevent anv person ir persons breaking up or removing the pavement, ke., with die view of supplying the town with gas. They engage not to contract with any person or jJPtsOllS to light the town, with gas )r any other light, during the term of 1000 years, provided the ;aid Thomas Davies, See., shall fulfil all the stipulations con- fined. in the saill contract. I must not dwell on this subject, jut consider strictly the penalty incurred by Mr. T Davio;&< jy a violation of the contract. The clause relating to this reads as follows: If T. Da vies refuse or neglect to supply the town, houses, diops, and premises, with gas when required, or in any manner 'efuse, or neglect to observe and fulfil all the stipulations and igreements the said contract contains, after one month's no- ace given him by the commissioners' clerk, then all the build Lngs, pipes, meters, and other apparatus of the said T. Davies, shall be forfeited, and become the property of the said commis- sioners, who shall and may take possession thereof, and use and dispose of them in any manner they may think proper." Now, Mr. Chairman, the matter appears to me to turn upon two points—first, has Mr. Overton, the present representative af Mr. Davies, fulfilled all the conditions of that contract? I contend he has not; »rul here I must revert to the 4th clause iindcr the 1st general division, wherein he is pledged to supply thettwn with gas-, sufficient fc q..MM!tS.y,-aD<t pirt e'nr^uatiity;. iVith respect to-fhe first, any gentleman who, during the last nonth, may have walked from Frogmore-street, to Mill-street ;urnpike, after iiiglit-ftil, will be able to bear ample testimony .0 the insufficiency of the supply and with respect to the 2nd part, if the gas were submittted to chemical analysis, its qua- .ity would be found as impure as its quantity is insufficient. Secondly, has Mr. Overton received a month's notice of the state of things, accordiug to the requirements of the contract ? [ am informed, on competent authority, that such notice has jeen given more than once, and I believe the commissioners' jook will prove that beyond all doubt. Fellow-townsmen, that document contains the fetters by which we are bound, but let me tell you, that document contains also the instrument by which those letters may be broken. Gentlemen-commissioners of Abergavenny, that document arms you with a power which v. a and our descendants for a thousand years to come, are alike bound, and in the name of the meeting, I call on you to use the power with which you are invested and let me tell you, by re- sponding to tins call, you will lie doing an act of justice lo, and conferring a benefit o:i, generations yet unborn. (Cheers.) Mr. Ililey Morgan said before the resolution was put to the meeting, he wouid read the ludicrous remarks made by the policeman, directed by the commissioners to report on the state of the gas lights throughout the town:— lMO. H.Rr<)HT OF THE OAS IN MtLL-STREliT. Oct. 10—Bad gas in Mill-street. 11—.Bad gas in Mill-street.. 15-Full moon. 17-lhd gas in Mill-street. 18—Bad gas in Mill-street. 13-Snnday, gas very good. 20-Bad gas in Mill-street. 21—All lamps out in Mill-street, and one in Frogmore-st. 22—AH lamps out in Mill-street. 23-Alllamps out in Mill-stree bad gas in town. Nov. I-Dad gas in Mill-street 2- Sunday, good light in Mill-street. 3-llllw lamps in Mill-street out, from theCrowu, down .1 -lbtl gas in Mill-street. ;)-1)al1 gas all over the town. C, — Good light in Mill-street. 7-1hd light in MiM-stroet and Monk-street. •' Bad light in Mill-street and-Monk street. 0—Sunday, good light in Mill-street. 10 -Bad light in Mill-street and Monk-st.rcet. 11 -Lad hgiitin Mill-street and Monk-street. 14 —Full moon. 17 No gas light in Mill-street, from the Crown Inn. downwards, and had tlirought the rest of the town. lB-.1\Iunk-strcet and Mill-street in darkness, from the Crown Inn downwards, and bad gas throughout the rest of the town. Monk-street and Mill-street, in darkness, bad gas in town. ".isn bile rea.(Ung the above Mi. Morgan was frequently inter rupted by bursts of laughter. The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting, and it was carried unanimously. After which he said that Mr. Daniel had remarked on those who were party (of which he himself was oru*) t0 the formation of the contract to light the town with gas. lie had only to remark that when it was made they had the assistance ot Mr. Jones, who was deceased, a very clever man, and they thought all would be well. However, the time had arrived when they might break that contract, owing to its nou fuhdment by the proprietor. (Hear.) And he thought it should be done as soon as possibie.as through accidents which might happen, the commissioners may become responsible. He understood it was only the other day that the mail coach was neaily overturned,owing to the darkness. He then asked the solicitor of the commissioners if Mr. Overton had been served with a notice on the subject of the meeting, and the steps the commissioners had taken on the point. Mr. Baker replied such a notice had been served, and since that time t he lights had been much worse than previously. He suggested that the proprietor had better be served with another notice. Mr. Phillips then read the resolution passed at the last com- missioners'meeting, to call a public meeting of the inhabitants to take the sense of the town on the subject of gas lights. At the suggestion of iMr. John Morgan, all the Rcntlemen then present who were non-commissioners, came forward and signed the following resolution, which tHd been previously pill to the meeting and carried: "We the undersigned being present do most carnesly request the commissioners will call a special meeting, at an early da v to take the subject into their mature consideration. Klmes Y. Steele, M. Moses, Thomas Vauglian Moigan, Samuel .(ones, Thomas Morgan, (Angel Hotel), Wm. J. I!. Hurst, Henry Thompson, Charles Pnniel, John Daniel, JamesSaunders, .). H. Kvins, James Williams. Thomas Hail, William 1'rin, Thomas Griffiths, K. Michael, George Williams, J. P. Williams, John iUton, William Pnchaid. Seth Kvans, WilliamCrump, Charles Jemiinss, Timothy Wallington, W m. Wiiliams, T. Bigijleton, John Tucker. Thomas hvans, Lewis and Sons, pro. William Vaughan, Charles Williams, James Jenkins, Isaac Isaacs, Henry Morgan. Henry Vaughan, D. Lewis, Hiley Morgan, Jeremiah Jacobs, William Jones, In pursuance of the above, wo the undersigned being commis- sioneis ol the town of Abergavenny, do hereby call a special of sa*(i lie 'I meeting of tlm said commissioners, on the 12th day of Decem- ber, at the hour ot II o'clock in the forenoon William Steele, David Lewis, W. Baker, Isaac Isaacs, Charles Itogors, Joseph Meredith, John ;\ior»a;i, John Michael, James Powell, John Jenkins. A lengthened conversation ensued on the priecs or the gas lamps, after which Mr. Hiley Morgan proposed, and Mr. Charles Losers seconded a vote of thanks to the chaiiman. Mr. Steel returned thanks in a brief and apposite address, sta'jn¡:; his wiJiinL;ncss on all occasions to assist the inhabitants in any movement for the benefit of the town, and closed the meeting by thanking his iellow-lownsmen for the honour due linn by their selection of him as chairman.
MILDNESS OF TIIL SEASON.—…
MILDNESS OF TIIL SEASON.— There is now to be seen, in the garden of Mr. David Evans, landlord of the Victoria Inn, Llaiivabon, Glamorganshire, a gooseberry tree, which, at the usual time this year, produced a lull crop of fine fruit; it has bloomed again, and is now covered with a number of fine berries, about the size ot peas. MANOR OF ABKRCARNE MINERALS. 21). v. Caiuc & Ons.—The court was occupied part of two days in hearing the arguments on this motion, which was fur an injunction to restrain the defendants from digging, working, or getting coal under certain cusluniary lands, forming psrt ot the manor of Abercarne, in the county of Monmouth, and at iht-ii close the injunction wus granted—the plaintiff (the lord of the manor) being ditec'ed to bring his action at coimruo law to tty his title, and to deluer his declaration within one month. On Monday morning iast, Mr. Wakeley, M.P., coroner foi Middlesex, held an inquest on the bodies of William Lambert, aged 17, and Henry Lambert, aged 12, sons of a painter, "he had dudunder strange circumstances. jury found their deaths were caused Ly sotue poisonous effluvium, tu the jury unknown." M. [Ianette. a Frenchman, h^s improvefl upon Samuda's sys> tem of atmospheric propulsion. He suppresses the peculiar valvt employi-d in the laiier, and replacea II hy applying to the at- mospheric tube a riairot artificial lips, between which the con- necting rod of the piston movis Ireelf, without admitting tile ex. ternal air. A company ot British capitalists intend to inirotluct | it into England,
IISRFC,WI«\_IS WALES,,
IISRFC,WI«\_IS WALES, \V e mentioned in onr i.nst that a meeting of the promoters of more extended education in \Vales, took place in the Town Hall on the preceding ednesday but the pressure of adver- tisements, and other matter, prevented our giving a report of the eloquent and effective address of the Rev. Mr.'fJrilfit.hs, of Brecon College. We this week present our readers with a very copious report of that gentleman's speech, the thrilling details of which will be deemed a sufficient justification for the large space we appropriate to it; whilst the nature and importance of the subject, will secure for it an attentive pern sal by the friends of unsectanan education :— The Hev. II. Griffiths, president of Brecon College, in seconding a resolution, said Sir, I am sorry to sav, I have, and always had, an unconquerable dread of platforms. There is no place where I am more out of my element, or from which lamhappiertoescape. Still, it is not without a mixture of pleasure, that I appear before you this evening. So deeply am I impressed with the importance of the movement, that there is no personal sacrifice I would not gladly make, to further its object. The raising of onr country in the scale of nations, is a reward well worth living or dying for. Such is the purpose of ourmeeting. Heaven grant thatk may be realized• (Cheers.) In speaking- to the resolution with which I am entrusted, I can- not do better, than begin with a few remarks on the statistics of education. Iain aware, they are very unpromising materials for a popular address. Somebody, however, must grapple with them, or we shall labour in vain." A clear perception of things as they are, is the first, step towards amendment. But be not alarmed for as I shall only give, results, without, the processes, theywillnotoecupynslong. (Hear.) According to the last census, our population is not far from a million. Of these, one- fourth are between the ages of five and fifteen. Consequently, inclusive of infants—who are not taken into that account—there ought to be at least 2o(j,00|) of our children at school. But it ( is proved, that only about 70,000 are actually so placed while of these, immense numbers receive an education that is little better than nominal. Do what you will, and make what allow- ance you please, there is 1:0 getting rid of the fact, that neariv 180,000 immortal spirits are at this day left to run waste among us, for want of an adequate system of training (Hear, hear.) Perhaps it will be said, this is the inevitable lot of humanity a-<, in ail ages the mass have been hewers of wood, and draw- ers of wate.r Henottooreadytoitarboursnchathought, ( however plausible. No one has aright to shelter himself in the ] doctrine ot sovereignty, until he has done his utmost to remove the evil complained of. We possess a country singularly rich in minerals, and in facilities for commercial enterprise. For us, 1 therefore, as a nation, to be poor, were not simply a misfortune, ( but a dhA'ruc?. Wc rank among the freest and most religious people in the world. For us, therefore, to fall short in educa- tional arrangements, would be not only a calamity, but a crime. Providence seems to have done all we could wish to make us great and happy. A way with every attempt at excuse, bv anv- thing from u tthont. So ample are our means, and so favourable are our circumstances, that nothing but a fatal defect of into!- < leetual organization or character, admits of the possibility of failure. Whatever becomes of its present inhabitants, so long as slates, and coals, and iron, are of value, the district called ales, ought to be numbered with the most prosperous in Eu- rope. (Hear, hear ) T/ie fault, believe me, is not in our stars, But in ourselves—if we are underlings Kecpingthisin mind, let ns turn aside for a moment, just to ascertain our position, as comparetl with other nations. The following is the table presented by some of our best staticians; and although the time will not allow me to verify it, you may, 1 think, saiely trust to its accuracy. Of the gross population, the number at school is, in Austria, one-tenth Belgium, one- tenth; Switzerland, one-ninth; Holland, one-eighth Norway, one-seventh; Denmark, one-seventh; Friesland, one-sixth; Prussia, one-sixth; Bohemia, one-fifth; Saxony, one-fifth; New Jersey, one-fifth Ohio, one-fourth Massachusetts, one- third Maine, one-third; New Hampshire, one-third England, one-tenth; and Wales? — alas! only one-fourteenth! (Hear, hear, hear.) But, sir, fearful as this sounds, it is not all. The character of the instruction imparted, is a matter of no less importaiicethanitsexient. This, however, is a delicate subject to meddle with. I am unwilling to give pain to any of those uoble-miiulcd and noble-hearted individuals who have devoted themselves to the work of education in our country. Far he it from Ill. to u-ifie with their feelings, or to forget their labours of love. Taken as a whole, notwithstanding much aggravated disadvantages, they have laid ns under a debt which no money can cancel, and for wJ¡iell wesholllcl never cease to be thankful. But I dare not. flatter them; and I am greatly mistaken, if they will not commend my honesty, even though it bear hard on their self-denying zeal. (Hear, hear.) All are ready to admit, that if there be an arduous and responsible situation in the world, it is that of an instructor of the young. Nothing re- quires so rare a combination of gifts, graces, and attainments. An hour's carelessness may seriously injure a child for life-yes, for eternity Next to an ungodly parent, an incompetent teacher is the greatest of curses. It is therefore an enquiry of singular interest.—Out of the 2,7000 masters and mistresses in Wales— for that is about the number—how many have chosen the pro- fession from a love of it ? And how many have been properly educated and prepared for the discharge of its duties? To this, lean give no direct answer, except bv collating the evidence of commissioners. The field is large, and very important I trust there will be no offence, in taking my level from your own vicinity. (Cheers.) In the "Minutes of the Committee of Council on Education," for 1S39-40, Mr. Tremenhere gives the following particulars of the Mining districts of South Wales -seven d-uy ueittndSj fi tc are under the caro of females sixteen under masters who have been unsuccessful in trade; eleven under miners or labouring men, who had lost their health, or had met with accidents in the works, and who had subse- quently got a little laming,' to enable them to keep a school; ten had received some instructions, with the view to adopt the profession of teaching four were ministers of dissenting places of worship; and one was the clerk of the parish church!" I have no doubt, sir, among these were some of the excellent of the earth." whose unobtrusive diligence was a blessingto many. Nevertheless, it must, not he forgotten—of the forty-seven, not one had been regularly trained to the profession, or had any- thing heyond instinct to guide him, in the most difficult task ever attempted by man! With your leave, I should like to look a little more closely into the working of this system. These are his words The payments ranged chiefly between :3d. and 8d. per week. The rooms were for the most part dirty and close. A rudely constructed desk for the master often occupied one corner; forms awl desks for the children were ranged along the walls, and from side to side. The books being provided by the parents, mere fragments, consisting of a few leaves, ap- peared to be generally deemed sufficient to answer the purpose for which the children were sent to school. A pile of detached covers and leaves, too black for further use, often occupied ano- ther corner, betokening the result of long struggles with Iln- meaning rows of spelling, with confinement and constrained positions, and the other adversities of elementary learning. In f 'cany, silence was only maintained for a few moments at a time, by loud exclamations and threats. In one case—a deserted chapel—half the space was occupied by hay, piled up to the roof. In four only was there a desire to communicate a few of the leading facts of general history. In four only was a map of any kind used (Hear, hear.) There is another remark suggested by these reports, to which I would direct your atten- tion Generally speaking, in our Sunday schools, there are four girls for every three boys, and in our day schools, four boys for every three girls. What may be the cause of this, I must not stay to enquire. The fact, however, is obvious, and nothing can be. more alarmingly significant. To neglect one sex through the week, and the other on the Sabbath—to bring up our young women without a desire of knowledge, and our young men without religion, is the surest, method which could be invented for destroying us. lamafraidpublieopinionia grievously in the wrong- on this poiut. Important as it may he to educate boys, it is immeasurably more so to cducate girls. Think of their influence as nursemaids, as sisters, as wives, and as parents. After all, man is, in the main, what woman makes him. When Muonapartc was asked what France required, to become a great nation, he answered, "mothers!" The same answer would serve, equally for Wales. Depend upon it. until our countrywomen are raised as a class, any radical improvement in onr countrymen is hopeless. In confirmation ot this, take; the following examples from the Factory Commissioners As a corollary to the above, it appears, that although in English Sunday schools, there is almost invariablyapreponderancc of female teachers, with us, it is quite the reverse. 1 hold in my hand the edueafional returns ot a town not far dislant,in which I find these remarkable words We have fourteen schools, and ninety-onernaieteachers. Our^veut dinicul ) is the want of intelligent, females. There are nearly twice as many girls as boys. But we are not able to muster forty teachers of their own sex. This is the more discouraging, as there are a great many servants unable to read a syllable, who would gladly come to learn, could wo but, spare them the shame of exposing their ignorance lo men. We hope, however, for brighter days, as several of the elder giilf, bid lair to become useful teachers Now, sir, I do not brlieve that my countrywomen are less ear- nest or active than their sisters in England—very much the reverse. They will walk four times as far to go to a place of worship and i may add, they will work twice as hard all day, tobeabif to attend tne weekly evening services. How is it, then, that comparatively so few of them occupy prominent situations in onr Sunday schools? Alas! a full answer to this would lead to disclosures which I have not the courage to con- ncetwithmyname. (Hear.) Such, sir, is the testimony of those who have made it their business to examine the facts. Thankful, indeed, should I be, to have it. proved that. these are exceptions, but I greatly fear they are too fair a sample of the Principality i.'I general. It were easy to accnmlate passages of amnchmorerevottingcharacter. My object, however, is not to pain, but, as nearly as possible, to get at the simple truth, by means of an average. What can lie more melancholy than to think of such scenes, in a. land so famed for its training, and si ill famed for its physical beauty, its love of religion, and its warm and unsophisticated hospitality! "Oh, that mine head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.' An important question presents itself here,—IIovv is it that things have; been brought to this pass ? No douht the primary cause is the want of a due appreciation of knowledge as an element of moral and of social power. Perhaps, too, a false standard of excellence has been set up among us. The barba- rous Trivium and Quadrivinm of the middle ag-es are happily abandoned; hut I amiar from sure that something almost as bad has not been put up in their stead. Sentiment is too often substituted for action, and a mere habit of morbid religious- ness" compounded with practical piety. The object of teaching is not to multiply formulae, but to raise the toue of thought and feeling and charactcr; to make great and good men—men who love God, and heroically fulfil the word He has given them! (Hear, hear.) The Christian church, however, has overlooked the truth, that one of its chief duties is to take care of the young, and, by enlarging their minds, and quicken- ing their sensibilities, to fit them for eminent usefulness. But ttmnstbeforgottennomore. ItisourveryThermopyiae.and to its defence we must address ourselves in earnest. So long as education is left to private caprice, it must be precarious andihnited. Oncefairiyrousethepulic.andtherearema- terials at hand for surpassing the brightest imaginings of poetry. Wewant no Government props. Our hope is in the Christian principle, and of Christain sympathy. (Cheers.) Among the local difficulties with which we have to struggle, may be mentioned the number of our promising youths, tor whom no adequate scope is provided in their own country. Within the last month. I have written to more than a hundred Welshmen, who are settled as ministers in England. 1 do not blame them—far from it. For several years I did exactly the same. Every man has a right to go or stay, where he thinks best. Change of abode does not, necessarily involve change of feeling. Some of our warmest friends are on the other side of the river Severn; and I trust the time will never arrive, when all the sons of Gomcr shall be iinnioveably fixed to the soil. Give us fair play, and we ask for no restrictions. To none is the idea of statutes of limitation more abhorrent than to ourselves. All we want is, that unnecessary tempations should not be thrown in the way of those who are both able and willing to help us. Enlist as many volunteers as you like, but let there be no impressment in our churches. (Cheers.) fo ingenuous minds no tie is more binding than the sense of obli- gation. As a proof of this, take the following extract, from the letter of a gentleman whose name is known to most of you, and who stands among the first of our living scholars ".Hold me debtor of 10s. (id. to your object. Iwishmort-wereinmy power to give hut the truth is, my means are now spent in repaying to — the expense of my education, £ o0, for four years in succession. If I owed a similar debt to Wales, I should gladly repav it. It is to England 1 owe everything in the way of education, and England I love, above every country on' earth!"—This'is perfectly right, and no one can help admiring its spirit. The mere accident of birth gives no such claims to gratitude, as a sound aud liberal education. Itisonly where both are joined, that we can reasonably expect attachment. A mother who wilfully abandons her dultlren, must not be allowed to complain of desertion. Let her learn to-urseand cherish them as she ought, and her sorrows will soon be turned into joy-her efforts will soon ripen into triumphs. Had I been educated in Wates, I would gladly haye sent her this f-^00. lfut to England í owe my education. England therefore 1 lover and to England's prosperity I consecrate my life." Then be it so,we cannot condemn him, however ill able to afford such aloss. But to pass on It is with unspeakable delight I refer to the fael, that for the purpose of snpplying home with teachers, we are soon to have a training school of our own. (Great cheer- ing.) This, indeed, is cheering intelligence, and I am glad that you receive it with such applause. Too long have we been without it, but we are now near its accomplishment. There is, in fact, everything to encourage liS. I believe I do not exagge- rate in saying, that the expectations of the most sanguine among us, have been more than doubly realized. For want of better employment, one or two persons altogether unknown to the public, have endeavoured to produce a diversion to the con- trary. But, as my friend, Mr. Stephen, said at Swansea, we realiv have no time to attend to them. Nor is it necessary. Have a little patiences, and they will sufficiently answer them- selves. (% Oh leave them alone And they will come home With all their tails behind them But, sir—a Normal School in Wales and for Wales What an exquisite confluence of liquids! The very words are music to the heart. Milton's Harp of Orpheus" is not more charm- ing. Such is its effect, that, strange to say, even in this infini- tesimally-divided country, I have not been able-notwithslallll- ing an extensive canvass—to find half a dozen objectors Never was a plan more cordially welcomed, or more unanimously adopted. There is scarcely a post which does not bring several letters of enquiry and congratulation. This applies to the north, as well as to the south. All denominations in religion, rtll parties in politics, and all ranks in society, join in chorus to hid us God's speed. (Cheering.) Sir, it is an infamous libel, that we are fit for nothing hut to quarrel with each other. I grant, for some years we have done little else; but that has been owing to the absence of a sufficiently prominent rallying point. Give us a suitable object in common, and we are sure to coalesce. Hitherto, with the exception of occasional local i-iforts, we have had nothing to bring ns together, and therefore, of course, nothing oracticaily to unite us. Till the meeting in April, I had no conception the Wcslevans had Mr. Avery, of Llauclly-a man whom it is impossible not to admire and love. I had heard of Mr. Charles, of Trevecca, but had never seen liim, and therefore had no idea of his worth, as a gentleman, a scholar, and a genius. A vague rumour, but nothing more, had reached me of another, who has since proved himself your iwn, or rather—for in spite of Anthropophagous Manchester, lie is still national property—our own 1thys Stephen, of New- port. Nor must I omit, a host of laymen, whose names, as yet, liad never been known, but of whom any country might well he proud, and whose praise is now in all the churches! (Great cheering ) Sir, I count myself not a little indebted to Provi- fence, for having brought me in contact with these gentlemen. riirough them, I became personally linked to all the leading Jenominations in Wales. Never shall I forget my exultation 1nd triumph, when I first found there were such treasures unong us. It was a species of clairvoyance, to which the an- nals of Mesmerism supply no parallel. The bpauty of it is, all <eem to have felt its influence alike. As some one aptly de- scribed the spirit called up at Llandovery—it passed like wild- fire— From Llan-Andras to LIan-Dewi, From Caerlleon to Caergybi. In consequence of this, a strangely liberalizing process has taken possession of the multitude. There is scarcely an indi- vidual to be met with, who has not, more or less, risen from a Sectarian into a Christian Patriot. Prejudices are falling off in every direction. Solioitude for their offspring makes the parents ashamed of being at war and the churches, forgetful of their mutual grievances, are learning to rejoice in the hope of a common prosperity. Such, too, is the natnre of our enter- prize, that while nothing can be more uniting in the aggregate —nothing can be more stimulating or impulsive to individual energies. Never was there such a movement among us Would that onr friends in England could see it. I am sure it would amply repay thein for all their generosity! The oil they gave, served both to ''calm the troubled waters,"and to kindle up a fire which shall afford light and heat to generations yet unborn. (Hear, hear.) Old things are passing away, and all things are becoming new. The heart of the nation has been touched, and that heart, as in ancient days, has proved itself capable of great and generous feelings! Perish every attempt to interrupt or disturb the action of those feelings! (Loud cheers.) But, sir, if you please, some further reference to commissioners. In the report, jnst published, on "Schools in the Western District," the Rev. H. W. Bellairs, after a variety of details about Merthyr, Pontypool, Newport, and other places around, comes to the followirigconeliision :-—" Although what has been done of late years in the establishment of effi- cient schools in the mining districts ctf South Wales does honor to the benevolence and intelligence of some great capitalists and proprietors, very much still remains to be done. A com- mencement has only been made. It is to be hoped that a higher principle than that of fear, or even of enlightened economy, will induce those who are able to forward the work of educa- tion iuthiadistrict. (Hear.) But, at any mte, it may be borne in mind, that an ill-educated, undisciplined population, sucha-t exist among the mines of South Wales, is one that may be found very dangerous te the neighbourhood in which it dwells, and and that a band of efficient schoolmasters is kept at a much less expense than a body of police or soldiery." (Cheers.) Sir, this hint becomes still more striking if we reflect on the sin- gular circumstances in which we are placed. Hitherto, by our language and our mountains we have been insulated from the rest of the empire. The introduction of railroads will com- pletely change the aspect of affairs. As observed by Mr. Rees, of Danelly, we are to pass from a mere outskirt into a central province. Wales is to be ik*;>mi<>v*j(y station between England and Ireland and unless we are careful, our susceptible natures will contract the vices of both those countries without the virtues of either. While left to ourselves it was comparatively easy to maintain our ground, because we had only each other to contend with but now our metal must be tried by another standard. Traditionary habits can no longer avail us. Events will soon shew whether or not we are equal to other nations around. Henceforth we are to be visited, not only by the curious traveller, but also by the merchant and the man of bus i- ness. Every town and every village will be open to their enter- prise. Let our tradespeople, and mechanics, and servants, and in short, all classes amongst us, bestir themselves in earnest to prepare for the most universal and unceasing competition. Wealth will flow in upon us, but who are to benefitted by it, circumstances must determine. One thing, however, is certain —our position at this moment is infinitely more critical than is generally supposed. The transition is so rapid and immense that the very ennstitutiun of society will be changed. There is no alternative but to advance or be crushed. The good old times" are gone: the good old ways" must speedily follw. A revolution is at hand, which our fathers never dreamt of. No power on earth can stay it. Whether for weal or for woe the genius of James Watt is in the act of transferring us into a radically new world—a world where there is no mercy for su- peranuated customs or notions. Let us instantly rouse our- selves to meet it. There is no time to loose. As soon as mossible let us fit our young men—by a liberal education—for situations of trust and of influence j otherwise they will be ilnonopolised by strangers, and we shall sink into irrecoverable Jielotry! It is my solemn belief, that if, as a people, we fail qow, another chance will not be given us. (Hear, hear.) Not only will our language disappear, but the whole of our eccle- siastical machinery will be thrown into confusion, and our very iame be blotted out from the page of history Never was the ioice more distinctly heard—" Arise or be for ever fallen (Loud cheers.) By the bye, as connected with this, a thought strikes me here, which I may give in parenthesis. I build no theory upon it, so take it only at its worth. It is remarkable that in inspired prophecy, something about education and loco- motion is intimately blended with descriptions of the latter-day glory. Yon remember, for instance, the angel wnich was com- missioned to preach the everlasting Gospel to every nation, is seen flying from one place to another in the midst, of heaven. To Daniel also it was shewn that many should run to and fro, and knowledge be increased." Now then, what of the signs of the times? Do we hear of men travelling faster than the winds? or of churches exerting themselves to provide suitable schools for the young ? When ye see these things, know ye that the day is not far off." (Hear, hear.) And is not this thntling, notwithstanding our fears? Oh! for a spirit worthy of our age and of our circumstances Shall we not seek and strive to have the Millenium to begin in beloved Wales? Give •ne your solemn and irrecoverable pledge, that you will doyour part towards its realization—God is willing to do His. The glorious challenge is sent us by the Eternal—■" Prove me now, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough io receive it!" (Loud cheering.) I do not know that it is necessary to enter into detail on the principles and plan of our movement. A few words, however, may not lie out of place. At the Llandovery Conference it was unanimously agreed upon to have a normal school in Wales, and to connect that school as closely and as fairly as possible, with the different religious denominations. The execution of the measures was intrusted to a committee of 24 ministers and laymen, with power to add to their number. In the month of June that comiuittee mot at Carmarthen. After the most careful enquiry, they resolved for the present to establish their head quarters at Brecon. Mine was the only hand not held up ou that occasion; trust me, however, it was not opposition that kept it down. On the 10th September, we met at Brecon, passed asystem of laws, engaged a master, and actually took down right possession of the old Town Barracks —a magnificent place I assure you for teaching the young idea how to shoot!" (Laughter.) Onfemight fancy it was ac- tually builtfor the purpose j there is room forenough the master, a matron, sixty or seventy students, with a school of 200 childreu, and a play ground, in which they may all take exercise together. (Cheers.) Since then we have had a num- ber of meetings, and have done a great deal towards complete- in;-the arrangements. By the 1st of January, 184G, we hope to be ready for starting. (Cheers.) What a splendid new year's uift. (Loud cheers.) Notwithstanding the many delicate and difficult matters which have come be^fortf -'HS, 'the most perfect harmony has marked af) our proceedings. 1 am happy to say, and wish 1 could say it so as to be heard through Wales, a di- vided meeting, even of the most amicable kind, is as vet a stranger to the Welsh Educationai Committee. Who will not join me in saying—"Long may it be so!" Ast-xplnined in the Welsh address by Mr. Stephen, and as will be explained still further next week, in an English address, by Mr. Charles, ot Trevecca, three classes of students aiej eligible, on condition ot paying ."is. a week, for their bonding. First, persons who have been keeping school for some time, but are anxious to be initiated into the llritish system. These may be admitted for any period, not less than one month, and not exceeding three. Secondly, young men who have been liberally educated, and who oaly want to be exercised in the training school. These may be ac- commodated for any time not less than three months, and not more than ten. Thirdly, persons who require a short course of education preparatory to training. These are expected to spend 1M months at the insiitution. In every case theie must be sahs. tactoiy testimonials to character. In last week's Mercury [ see the Bishop of Bristol complains sadly that he is not able to get applicants for Ills Diocessan Training School. If [ mayjndge from present appearances, that is not an ev,llrom which we are likely to suffer. (Hear.) Let the public only find the sinews of war," and we'll find men in abundance. I trust it is well understood that our objects- not Sectarian, but religious and national. Wherever our friends of the established chutch, or any olhers are wllllllg to join us, we shall be most happy and thankful to extend to them the right hand ol fellowship. Llano elly has given us a capital precedent. There all parties, Epis. copalians and Dissenters are so completely fused and inter- blended, that, it would puzzle the wisest among them to I determine which has the pre-eminence. (Hear, hear.) A:> a committee, we have no right or wish to interfere with local arrangements—such matters must be left to the constituents themselves. Our great husiness is to raise an army of well qualified missionary teachers, ready to go wherever they may he wanted, and to do any work to which they may be called by the churches. (Hear.) There is one thing, however, that grieves me exceedingly. In the whole of our plan there is no provision made for the training offemale tcachet s. (Hear.) Let us hope that befoie long this defect will be removed. Would that lhe ladies of Newport did but take up thissubjectio earnest. By a resolute eftorl it might yet be accomplished. Some day or other it must be done. Blessings on those who may carry it through Their names will be pronounced with reverence and affection after flowers of a thousand springs shall have bloomed and withered on their graves. (Loud cheers-,) Now it may he asked what is it that we want from you this evening i To this plain question I have several plain answers, lurstof all we want you cleaily to understand what we aie about, for then we are sure of your approval ;ind support. Secondly, assuming that you understand, we want money. 1.IIY week I paid in £15. from the Congregational Board of Education. Thts very morn- ing i receiv-ed another £,76. from the Wesleyan Board, accom- panied with a letter that must thrill every Welshman to the core. I have also been favoured with £30. for the Baptists, and I hope very soon to add another £10. for the Calvanistic Metho- dists: aH this. however, will be required for the furnishing of the house. The salary of the principal is also virtually pro- vided lor. But we have still to look out tor the rent, the ser- vants, the library, and, if possible, thegratuitol's boarding of students who are unable to pay fot themselves, and helping the poorer districts in the erection of school rooms. We havt had some noble presents among others let me quote for emulation the example of your neighbour, Mr. Blow, of Monmouth. Hear it-ny countrymen, and let it tell upon your hearts. Notwith- standing all he had previously done for the Principality, an additional £ 20. note comes in as a pledge of his interest in our welfare. (Cheers.) Nor may 1 omit £10. received this evening from Mr. Davies, of Upper Clapton, as a proof that though not among us, he still feels himself of us. (Cheers.) When we do ourselves the pleasure to-morrow of calling at your doors, I trust these instances of generosity will not be forgotten. Thirdly, w« want your sympathy and co-operation talk over the matter with your friends, and do all you can to assist us. Look around you for young men, and urge them to the work let us not have the dregs but the flos and pickings of your congiegations. (Hear.) A way with fears about the means of supporting them; good articles are sure to find a market. At the very least I believe 200 could easily be dispose of within the next three months. But they must be men of the right stamp, able and willing 10 wotk hard. and if necessary, for a period to live hard. (Cheers.) Above ail we want your prayers. It is strictly a religious work, to be prosecuted in a religious spirit. "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Kxcept the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but m vain." However difTeienlly we may choose to express the doctiine, we are all agreed that success can only come from above;—Paul plants Apollos waters, God gives the inciease. We rejoice in the as- surance that it is so. Instead of testing on human caprice, we icsi on infinite faithfulness and goodness. By his own promises we lay hold in the strength of the Almighty, and have him for our ally, who IS gone forth conquering and to conquer, and on whose head there shall be many crowns!" I feel I ought to apologise for tiespassing so long upon the meeting but really, on such a subject it is diflictlt to number one's words. By da y and by night my thoughtx are full of it, and as soon as I begin to speak I loose all consciousness but that of thanksgiving at what I have been permitted to witness. It is a remark of Dr Dwight's, that he who ooly makes a child happy for quarter o. an hour is so far a fellow-worker with God. (Hear.) lam afraid, however, this sentiment is not always allowed its ful' weight upon us. The combination of divine and human agency is the most wonderful of all possible facts. It is a part of the glory conferred upon Christ, that the purchase of his blood are, in this respect more honoured than any known class of crea- tures in the universe. Angels may he kind to each other, but they never become instalments of salvation to their fellows. This prerogative in mortals—this miracie of contrivances—by which febleness is invtsted with Omnipotence, belongs only to children of the dust; by it, therefore, every useful Christian will carry a new element into heaven, which, uniting with all the affinities thc:e, must enhance the rapture of every heait, while bending with gratitude to the Author of AH (Cheers.) You remember the parable, called" Strife in Heaven." A happy immortal suddenly exclaims, "1 owe more than any one to God born in Paganism, I lived on human food, and sacrificed my family to senseless idols but just before I died I heard II, Jesus, and, notwithstanding all, ) found redemption. Now tune your harps to sing that God is Love." Anather aidentsoul cones on, and cries, "Hold yet awhile to hear of still more wondrous doings: though weak in intellect and words God raised me for a missions y. 'Xwas hard to part with fiiends and home and Christian sympathy, and watch my children d/ooping In foreign chmes; but grace Ineserved and made me useful. Even this holy being, once, as he says, a ruthless canni- bal, whate'er he owes to God I owe it too for, by feeble me, God brought him hither. Now, strike up in loudest strains that God is Love." But haik! a host of claimants now rush in to urge one mightier climax We never sacrihced to idols, we never biaved a hostile climate, but God gave us a little property which we consecrated to his cause on it he enstamped his blessing, and made it unto many a savour of life, withoutauy j-f its penalties he enriched us with the glory of heroism yes, he reclaimed and ransomed heathan, ye owe much. And ye successful missionaries, ye owe still more- But wc owe most of all, foryou and yours are our memorials, for ever scattering I cc tacies around the thione. Now let the chorus thrill its most impassioned harmonies, and sing, as never sung befere, that God is Love." This honour is within the reach of us all. Where is ihe man that will not aspire to it ? whose heart does not leap for joy at the prospect ? Never was there a finer opportunity than is presented to us now. Oh! let not the love III a rotten and perishing world rob us 01 the reward of being saviours of our counsry. The history of twenty centuries bids us to be up and doing. More thau a bundled and fifty thousand children are crying for our help. The voice of liim who gave his life for 115, still riims in our ears.V' Feed my lamds, and inasmuch as ye d" it unto one of the least of these, ye do it unto me." On one hand, think of the charge they will lay against us, if, at the last day. we are found guilty of their blood: on the other hand think of the rapture they will biing us if numbered among those whom we have plucked as brands from the burning." I leave you with the simple prayer that God would give ns all grace to be Ianhful unto death, and that as having been fellow- workers together with him upon earth, we may together wear living crowns of glory, where there is fulness of joy, and I where there are pleasures for evermore. (Cheers.) No curse of Babel, or Shi'ibolith of party can then divide U". for we*hall know as we are known, and see as we are seen. An all-pervad- lug and all-vivifyinj sympathy will hold us in oneness of im- puls", while with ever-eitlaiging faculties, and amid ever»accu- mulating wonders, we dive deeper and deeper, onward and onward still, into the riches uf infinite power, wisdom and love. (Mr. Griffiths resumed his seat amidst loud expressions of applause.
CHURCH RATES.
CHURCH RATES. To the Editor of fie Monmouthshire Merlin. Sm,—There was an exceedingly small (I mean intellectually small) letter, in your last week's paper, on the subject of church rates—so small that it is really almost a degradation to notice so puerile a missive nevertheless, it is very possible that the small writer, if left unanswered, may imagine himself unanswerable, and hence my present notice. The argument of the letter is, (ifsuch puerile imbecility is to be dignified with such a name) that tile New Testament expiessly commands Christians to "obey Kings and all who are-put in aulhoiity under them," and, it is argued, that as this injunction extended to such men as Tibeiius, Neto," and other Pagans," it is doubly obligatory to obey Christian rulers"; and further, as church rales are in accordance with the law" of a christian land, that they ought to be pairfl Thus far the reasoning which. I betievt, I have fairly stated. Here, however, it must not be allowed to "tod* Though it may fuita Church-rate-payer to end it hertf, (as most unques-. tionably it does) it does not suit the cause truth and I am inclined to fancy thatTruth is o< a thousand-fold more importance than all the church vale payers, aye, and all the church goera, of the universe, bundled together. Now then, let us follow up the argument.—Of course, if obedience to rulers meDOS whal i. here implied, all disobedience to them (without any distinction) ii, and always was, criminal; therefore, all the tint Christian martyrs were in reality no martyrs at all, but palpable 'Ind unmasked disobedient scoundrels, who would not "obey kings, and tho«e who are put in authority under them," and we have been monstrous blunderers in supposing them martyrs, and we are greatly obliged to the Pontypool "church rate payer" for enlightening our dark understandings 08 this subject: they were mere breakers of the law, and were but justly punished for their transgressions. But we must proceed. In America, slavery is In accordance with the law," and, he who sets himself against the law sets himself against God-consequeotly, to hold a fellow man in slavery is a moral duty, in America! So, also, it must of necessity be a moral obligation upon every man liviug within the Turkish dominions, to become a Maho- metan—"it tsin accordance with the law;" and be that resides in India, ought, as a moral duty, to cast himself beneath the wheels of Juggernaut's car-it is in accordance with the hw." But, this delightful reasoning cannot, unfortunately, go on everlastingly. These in-accoidance-with-law" people, are doomed, most annoyingly, to find very simple little things cross- ing their paths some times, over which they must either stumble or fall-here is one of litem. In my copy of the New Testa- ment. I find a beautifu) Httte narrative, wherein it is stated that two men, engaged in preactongtho gospel (and not men licenced for such purposes "in accordance with the law," I am afraid, either) weie brought before a "council,"—"in accordance with the law," of course, and a high priest, (a man in authority in accordance with the law," most unquestionably^commanded the said unlicenred preachers to desist—but one of them said- and he no rommoa man either, we ought 10 obey God rather than men." Now, I should be glad to know what is to be done with this untoward affair? Here are men disobeying those set in authority," and which disobedience your correspondent represents as criminal-lind, more untoward still-they put the authority of God against the authority of men, who admonish them in accordance with the law," just as the Pontypool re* cusants do in the present instance What says your correspond- ent to this? Is this narrative, iti my New Testament, an inter- polation—or is the New Testament in itself a mere fiction 1 Mr. Thomas talks of "^masked infidelity as connected with this sub- ject"—hut the reMibning of your correspondent leads to open, unblushing and unibaaked infidelity. But, there are other coua- maddments, in the New Testamenl, hesides that to obey rulers- for instance :—" Take no thought for the morrow,"—" Sell all that thou hast and give to the poor."—" If a man smite thee on one cheek, turn to him the other also"—" If a man take from thee thy cloak, give him thy coat also"—and u vast variety of others which 1 need not ijuole. Now, I ask, are not these as obligatory as the one your correspondent alludes to 1 and if so, does he obey them t Surely, surely, there is a difference between a moral and a civil obedience? but your correspondent eitlmr does not, or will not, see it. But it is idle to pursue the matter further. Your corres- pondent is a very goud churchman—aye—A CHURCHMAN TO THE sptNAL MARiiow," (according to lus facetious soubriquet on another occasion.) I doubt not—I do not call in question his churchinanslup, but, with my version of the New Testament beiore me (and it is the one authorised 31 in accordance with the law,") and comparing his propounded doctrine with that, I believe he is as far from being a Christian (if he really believes what he writes, which I very much doubt) as Beelzebub is from Heaven. I am proud (and piouder every day I live) to be able to subscribe myself 24th Nov. 1845. NO CHUKCHMAN.
NEWPORT NUISANCES.
NEWPORT NUISANCES. To the hditor of the Alonmouthshire Merlin. MR. EDITOR,— Allow me, sir, through the medium of your paper, to enquire the cause why a policeman is so very seldom to be seen on duty in Commercial-street? Has the necessity of one being placed on duty on the bridge, and between the packet stations, been the cause ? or may one yet b" seen on duty, in plain clothes should a body happen to distinguish his phiz ? The former may be it, but the latter I can scarcely conceive to be the case. The police appear to me to be the property of the borough, and an equal distribution of their services is one of the main duties of the superintendent. Where the greatest tratlic is, there are their services most required and where the least is, there is less need of them. I know not the number of our police force,neither do I know how they are distributed in the borough but this 1 know, that Commercial-street—I mean that part of it from the Friars' Fields to the Salutation—ought not, of all places in the town, to be left from the hours of twelve at noon, to twelve at night, without one to protect, and directed to protect, the public from being molested, or grossly in- sulted, by the low and foul-mouthed rabble, who are ever to be found congregated at the corners of each of the streets be- tween the places above-named. It is surprising that, from the knowledge the superintendent must have, or ought to have, of these loudly-complained-of nuisances, that they should be suf- fered uninterruptedly to continue. My business calls me to and fro, through Commercial-street, frequently in the course oftbn day, and I regard it a very great luck indeed, if, when I come to the corner of Cross-street, especially, I shall nothave occasion to take a siniicircle sweep through, at least, three inches of mud. This, sir, is what the public are obliged to do, rather than subject themselves to the unpleasant task of meandeiing their way through a crowd composed of the worst ofcharaf-terg. Obstructions in other parts of our streets are frequently caused by Punch and Judy shows, and ballad sing- '"g and it is not a very uncommon thing to witness a police- man, in uniform, in the midst of the delighted crowd, partici- pating with them in the mirth occasioned by the cudgelling poor Judy receives from her cruel husband. A crowd of at least one hundred persons were collected for nearly an hour, at the corner of Hanarth-street, on Monday evening last, listening to two ballad singers, choaking up the paveway and nearly the whole ofthe road, and thus rendering it almost im- possible tor any one to pass. These nuisances, sir, ought not to be tolerated, and the sooner measures are taken to prevent them, by the superintendent and others concerned, the sooner will the disgrace be removed from the corps of police in our borough. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, 26th Nov., 1845. M.
To the Editor of the Monmouthshire…
To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Aferftn. SIR,—As the church-rate warfare it stitt raging with such fury in this neighbourhood, I have taken the liberty of sending ypu a few observations on that subject, and, it you think ihem worthy of a corner in your highly respectable journal, I shall feel obliged if they appear in your next. It struck me very forcibly, by reading in last Saturday's MERLIN, the proceedings of Ihe church-rate party at Pontypool, that there must be something radically wrong in the principles ot church-rales. This, no reflecting and impartial persoo would for a moment deny, if at all acquainted with the parties who were compelled to appear before the magistrates, for non-payment of church-rates. I believe no one will nor can dispute their intel- ligence, respectability, and moral innueoce had they been men of doubtful character, or of known sceptical principles, opposing the demands of the Church, it might have been imputed to im- piety their opposition 10 church-rales cannot be traced to any such motives, for we know that each of them is engaged in doing all the good he can, either in training the rising ministry, preaching the Gospel, teaching in a Sabbath school, or as deacon iu a Dissenting Chuich nor can their opposition be attributed 10 covelousness, as their liberality is well known in the commu- nities to which they belong. To summons such men as these from their business, before a bench of magistrates, for refusing to support a Church rich enough to maintain herself-a Church which they never attended, and in all probability never will-Io the principles as well as practice of which they conscientiously obJecl-Ulust lead to searching inquiries, on the part of every honest man, moie especially when it must be admitted, nen by those who are enforcing the payment of this most obnoxious tax, that were it not for the efforts of such individuals as these, a great portion of the population of this parish, particularly the lower classes, would never have an opportunity of hearing the Gospel preached, as there is a physical impossibility for all 10 attend the parish church. Were it not for these and other dissenting ministers of the Gospel, with their numerous friends, who are devoting their time, talents, and money, in carrying out and disseminatiog the principles of Christianity, and taking the Word of Gord 10 the very doors of the people—were it not for their exertions in the cause of truth. I ask, what would be the religious and moral state of the population of Pontypool and Abersychan, at the present time? If," said a former Bishop of Llandaff, speaking of our manufacturing disticts, under these circumstances, instances of gross and flagrant crime are. as ) am informed, of extremely rate occurrence. the credit of this morality, as far as it is founded at all on religious principles, can scarcely be imputed 10 the influence of Christ, through the teaching of the Established Church." Truly it must be attributed to the activity and zeal of D ssenters, and the influence of Sunday schools. Would it not be more commendable in magistrates and iioo masters, to foster and encourage such effoits, or at least to let the non-conformists alone, and not harrass them with the vengeance of the law, as ea h of them has sufficient to do in attending to his respective avocation, in endeavouring 10 obtain an honest and honouiable livelihood. For such persons to dance attendance in Courts of Justice, when their husiness calls thein home, must be attended with great inconvenience and 1001. Would it not be much more to the rredit of the oppulent members of the Church, to refrain from laying their hands on the property of those men who hnppen to differ with them in their religious views, and worship God in their own way, according to the dictates of their own conscience, and maintain and support, as they do, the Church to which they belong. The Dissenters have sufficient to do to bear their own burdens, without being oppressed by any other Church. The Church, we would Ihink, has enough to do at the present time to look 10 her own affairs. Puseyism is thinning her ranks, and her energies would be employed 10 mueh better purpose in purifying her own communion, than by layiog her hands on the goods and chattels of non-confermists. We are told that it is the taw it is also law to impose a fine upon every individual that does not attend the Church, es well es psying to the support of it; and why, in the name of common senae is not the one enforced as well as the other; surely, there cannot be a want of courage on the part of Ihe champions of the Church to do so and not doing so, ia in effect telbog the JDisseoters that I they care not for their atlendance at Church, provided they build and keep in good repair, Ihe churches for them. Since these ia. tolerant laws were enacted, intelligence has advanced, society has changed, and what some parties would in those days do with impunity, the good sense of the British public will not tolerate. The good Bishop quoted above, was fully aware of the Church loosing her influence on the public mind, when he aaid in tbe same charge, "That spell is past by which the very name of a clergyman, in common acceptation, carried with it associations of a sacred character, and stamped its bearer as an holy man to him respect was paid, if not on bis own accouut, for his order's sake. That spell is now past, and little remains to remind us, however faintly, that it ever existed." With these few remarks, I must conclude, wishing the impar- tial MBHLlN every success. I am, Mr. Editor, Pontypool. AN OBSERVER.
CHURCH RATES.
CHURCH RATES. To the Editor of the Monmouthshire Merlin. SIR,— In my previous communication on the above subject, I challenged any person to adduce a passage from tbe New Testa. meat, to authorise opposition to the law of the land, even sup- posing that law were founded on Pagan principles; and conse- quently inferred, that the obligation to obey lawa made by Christian men, and whose principal guide in legislation is the Christian relfgion itself, must be still more binding on all Chria- tians. 1 would now ask any sensible man, if he does not think that those ministers of the Gospel, who, by precept and example, urge their flocks to disobey the law of the land, do, in fact, urge them to disobey the express commandments of the Bible? In almost every one of the Epistles, which were written as direc- tions to the first Christian communities, the commandment of obeying their rulers is repeatedly and prominently let ftfth. How, then, can any Chriatian be free from the obligation 1 But, independent of this consideration, the payment oftilhea and church rates in this country is founded on the broadest principles of justice and equity, as the following statcmenta will, I trust, tend to shew :—Tbe oiigin of tithes in this country is somewhat obscure. They seem to have been co-existent with the first occupation of the land, or, at least, to have been unani- mously given by our remote ancestors for the support of a church whom they at that time believed to be Apostolic, or a branch of those Christian communities first established by the Aposttes. The tithes thus once given, have successively descended to the present clergy, in the same manner as the lands have come from father to son to their present respective possessois; and it would be as great an injustice to deprive the clergy of the tithes, as it would be to deprive the present owners of the land, of their POI- sessions. To illustrate this, let us suppose a farm to yield the yearly rent of £50, and subject to theyearty payment of tithea to the amount of £5, it is very obvious that the real vetueof the farm is £55; and that if the tithe was done away with, it would he the same thing as giving £5 to the owner of tbe saane. Nor has the owner of the land (supposing him 10 he a Dissenter) any leason to complain, because he has to pay £5 to the clergyman, inasmuch as he received or bought the said farm, subject te that condition. Let us suppose, then, that he bought it for £1,000; understanding, at the same time. that he should have io pay 10- nually to another party the sum ofjES, under the name of lithe or rent charge, it is very clear that his farm would have cost him more if there was no tithe attached to it. in shoit, the present owners of land are not the sole possessors of the land. They pos- sess only nine purls of the land, while the tenth part belongs io the tithe owners, whether clerical impropriatora. Thus it is very evident that the ministers of the Established Church are sup- ported by properly which beloogs to themselves, and to no one etse and the consequence is, that the poor within ita pale have the Gospel preached to them without money and without price." Very difJdrent is the case in all dissenting congregations —there the hard earnings of the poor are constantly given to support the ministers. It is true that the working classes are not compelled by law to give any but there is a spiritual control exercised over their minds, which is quite as atreog, if not stronger, tholo aDY rAW. They are taught that it is tbelr boun. den duty to their God to support the cause, i. e., the party which they have accidentally joined. And ia not this a shame- ful impost on the poor? Why do not rich Dissenters support their ministers, and relieve the poor of the burden 1 Our ances- tors did so,—so did also the first Christians; for they sold their land, and brought the money, and laid it at the Apostle's feet." But to return 10 the subject 01 Church R%tes. Every house in each parish (not the individual who dwells ia i.) iasub. ject to the>e rates, and have been subject to them from the le- motest times. And what is staled above, with refeience to tithes, is equally applicable to them. Let us suppose a house to cost £10 per annum, and that the usual church rate in the palish upon it was 5s., it is plain fhat the real annual value of that house is J £ 10S. 5.> and the owners of each house lowers or raises his rent in proportion to the greatness or smallness of these and similar parochial rates; and if they were done away with, the ultimate advantage would be to the owners of bouses, and not to any nonconforming sect. The owners of houses buy or build their houses for a less sum of money than they would have done if rales were not attached to them. It is well known that the rates and taxes are taken into consideration by every individual, when he either enters, buys, or setts a house. Accordingly, for a Dissenter to plead that his conscience will not allow him to pay tithes and church rates, is a vague and untenable objection. He might as well plead that his conscience will not allow him to pay rent for the land or house which he occupies, for the former belongs with as much right to the Church, ae the latter (the rent) belongs to their respective owners. It is not on tbe prin- ciple of supporting religion that he does pay them, but on the principle of paying every one his due,—" Tribute to whom lii- bute is due, custom to whom custom is due." There is one other feature belonging to these rates which should always be borne in mind. II is not, perhaps, generally understood that the ctergy. man of each parish is compelled by law to perform the office of solemnizing marriage, of christening, and of burying, of all indi viduals within his parish, whatever may be their creed or reli- gious opinions. His own wish is not consulted in the matter. For example, it would not do for him to plead that his conscience would not allow him to bury within the precincts of the church- yard, a Dissenter, or even a professed iofidel. He is obliged to do it on paiu of being suspended. This compulsion does nol extend to any dissenting sect in ihe whole country. And if the ministers of the Established Church are thus compelled by law to perform those offices on all individuals that live within their parishes, surely it is but just that each parishioner should also be compelled by law to contribute a few shillings yearly to keep In decent repair the church and the churchyard, where those solemn offices are performed. If the legislature freed parishioners from obligation to pay church rates, it should alao, in justice, free the ministers of the Church from the obligation of burying those individuals who never belonged to his flocks, and never wished to belong to them. And what would be the consequence of such an Act of Parliament 1 Why, every paiiih would then be obliged to provide a public cemetery, where-those that did not belong to any religious party might be-buried, and themain^ tenance of idle officisls connected with such fieineteries would entail much greater expense on each parish than the present church rates do. I can Dot but therefore think, that under The existing state of the law, it is a gross piece of injustice to cssl any odium on individual clergy or churchwardens, for enforcing the payment of these rales. It is with the legislature that Dis- senters ought to interfere; and nothing can justify their con- duct in annoying individual ministera here and there in the country, by their useless oppositiou. I to, Sir, your obedient servant, A CHURCH RATE PAYER.&
THE PONTYPOOL CHURCH RATE…
THE PONTYPOOL CHURCH RATE AND THE REV. S. PRICE. ( From a correspondent.) On the 19th inst., the Pontypool police officers entered the house of the Rev. S. Price, Abersychan. and of Messrs. Ar- thur and Lewis, two deacons of his church, and took away several article* for a church rate, which the Dissenters fully believe to be invalid. Mr. Price was the first whom they ho- noured wiih a visit, and deprived bim of a table of the value of £ '2. This caused considerable excitement in the neigh- bourhood, especially among Mr. Price's own congregation. On Sunday morning, at the close of the service, Air. Henry Lewis, in an appropriate and affecting address, called the attention of the congregation to what had been done by the church party, and stated, among other things, that Mr. Ar- thur and himself thought, that under the circumstances, it would be very proper that the congregation should shew their respect to their minister, and their approbation of the course he had pursued on the question of church rates, by replacing the table with as good or a better one, and suggested that the friends should make up the requisite amount in the evening. After the evening service, a very crowded congregation was addressed by Mr. Arthur, who remarked that the friends wished to present Mr. Price with another table, not because he was either unable or unwilling to replace, at his own ex- pense, the one that had been taken from him but because they thought it right, on the present occasion, to shew the esteem and affection which the church and congregation had for their minister, and especially their entire approbation of the principles for which he had been contending, and the man- ner in which he had recently acted in reference to the church rate. The necessary sum was then immediately made up,— one Church lady, disgusted at the conduct of the pro-rate party, contributing 5s. to the object. Mr. Price then warmly acknowledged the kind and handsome manner in which his people had expressed their confidence in his conduct, and their approval of his views in reference to church exactions. In Pontypool, the following seizures were made ou Thurs- day week:— Thomas Thomas, Baptist College, a table, wortliL2. 10s. A. Williams, two boxes raisins, wortlif2. 10s. C. Davis, a floor cloth, worth .£2. 10s.
[No title]
An Account of Coal and Iron brought down the TUAM-ROAD and CANAL for the Week ending November 22. Tram-road. Canal COAL. TONS CWT. TONS. CW*. Thomas Prothero 1709 7 125 Thomas Powell 2100 3 125 Rosser Thomas and Co 744 18 T. Phillips and Son 593 18 Cargill and Co. 825 1 W. S. Cartwriglit 965 7 175.. The Tredegar Coal Company 1212 9 Joseph Beaumont 393 17 Rock Coal Company 937 2 Roger Lewis 644 1 M Joseph Jones. 191 14 John Jones, Victoria. 171 5 James Poole, jun 65 0 John Russell and Company. 1763 4 Latch, Cope, and Company. 829 2 Lewis Thomas and Company.. 156 3 Robert Roe R. J. Blewitt 500 John Vipond 350 J. F. Hanson 275 British Iron Company Gwillim and Webber • Carr, Cargill, and Company ..e. Total. 13202 11 1560 IRON. TONS CWT. TON. CWT Tredegar Iron Company 522 3 Ebbw Vale Company 732 16 Rhymney Iron Company 588 0 Cruttwell, Allies, & Co. 381 9 Coal Brook Vale Company 48 10 Sirhowy Ditto Total 2172 18 2612 16
TAFF VALB RAILWAY TRAFFIC,
TAFF VALB RAILWAY TRAFFIC, For the week ending Nov. 22, 1846. JE. ø. d. Paasenfirera. 1 11 General Merchandise 171 o m W. Coffin and Co 'Y, 152 8 6 Thomas Poweli Llancaiach BranchV.223*' i' '9')' „,n ,p „ Ditto Lantwit Branch ..27 18 2 ) 250 19 11 DuncanandCo. &5 2 3 Dowlais Co 254 0 6 J. Kdmundg 4. Insole and Son 9 5 1 R. and A. Hill 7102 £ 1085 IIT~6
ALLEGED MURDER AT KIRKDALE.
ALLEGED MURDER AT KIRKDALE. There has been considerable excitement in Ledbury, in con- sequence of the apprehension of Mr. Thomas Davis, a tall, elderly man, of respectable appearance (formerly in the ex- cise), upon the charge of having murdered a widow, named Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, at Kirkdale, last spring. (Kirkdale, it should be stated, is a township at the north end, and now forming part of the borough of Liverpool.) The apprehension became necessary in consequence of reports by two children of Davis and the deceased in Ledbury Union Workhouse, which attributed the death of their mother to the bad treat- ment which she had received at the hands of her companion. On Wednesday week, Mr. William New, of Southend-street, brother to deceased, having been urged to do so, applied to Richard Webb, James Martin, and Osman Ricardo, Esqrs., and Captain Jones, the magistrates assembled at the petty sessions, to ask their advice under the circumstances we have described. The magistrates sent for the two boys from the union, and privately examined them. as they aliso did Mrs. Caroline Russell, respecting some information she had re- ceived from Margaret Johnson, a little girl at Malvern, daugh- ter of the deceased. Having taken their evidence, the magis- trates deemed it necessary to issue a warrant for the appre- hension of Davis, which they accordingly put into the hands of Superintendent Shead, who captured the prisoner at Rosa on the following day, and brought him to the lock up house in Ledbury. At twelve o'clock on Friday, the following magis- trates, via.. Earl Somen, James Martin and Richard Webb, Eaqn., aud Captain Jones, assembled at the police office to hear the case against the prisoner, who stood, charged with avmg killed and murdered one Elizabeth Johnson, at Li- K? iL?UUl,t? ^nca8ter, by striking and beating n*rt«$upon the head, back, and other parts of the body- —1 he children of the deceased were the only witnesses then examined, and their evidence went to show, that on a certain I uesday (they could not tell the exact date) the prisoner Davis and deceased had a quarrel. Davis was tipsy, and struck deceased several blows about the head back, and breast, while he held her in a chair and that be- also kicked her on the legs. They proceeded to state that their mother came into their room and sjept that night; that on the morrow she was dreadfully erck and ill, attributing her sufferings to the injuries received from Davis; and that at night she was obliged to be carried up to bed, from whence she never rose again. According to their account, she conti- nued to get "worse and worse," till the following Saturday evening, when she died. The most singular feature of the case is, that although a medical man was called in, and, as the children say, deceased was much disfigured by the blows she had received, no inquiry was made into the cause of her death at the time of her decease. It is also in the evidence of Margaret Johnson that the doctor paid for her mother's coffin. The affair seems to us enveloped in a cloud of mystery, which we hope will be cleared away. The magistrates remanded he prisoner till Monday, the 17th instant. On Wednesday, at Liverpool, Margaret Johnson, about 13 or 14 years of age, deposed that the deceased was her mother, and that she bad been dead about six months. She kept a grocer's shop in KirkdtUe-road, and the prisoner lived with her. Some few days before she died the prisoner came home one night tipsy, and between him and her mother there was a quarrel. Witness was up stairs at the time. Her mother and the prisoner came up stairs, and then the quarrel recom- menced. Her mother wanted to leave the house, but the pri- soner refused to let her go. They called each other names and her mother said she would kill herself rather than stop in the house. She then t9bk a drawer out of the table and threw it on the floor. He struck her on the breast and temple, and kicked her somewhere on the leg. A policeman, hearing the uproar, knocked, and was admitted by prisoner. Her mother still wanted to quit the house, but the policeman prevailed upon her to remain for the night, and then the quarrelling ceased. During the three or four following days, her mother was almost entirely confined to her bed she was- seixed with a retching, was attended by a medical man, and shortly after died. Witness saw her temple, breast, and log, and those parts had black marks on them. Before the beating she was I in good health. Other confirmatory evidence being adduced, the case was remanded to Friday, when the prisoner was brought, and the depositions having been read over, he was committed for trial at the assizes, which will commence on the 8th of December —Hereford Journal.
VICTORIA IRON WORKS.
VICTORIA IRON WORKS. Vici-CiiANCBLLoa's COURT, NOVEMBER 20. FIAZIR v. HALL.-Thia was a motion for production ef docu- ments, which was resisted, on the ground that the documents were confidential communications between the defendant. Sir Benjamin Hall aod Messrs. Fteshfield. his solicitors, after iha contest between the parties bad arisen.These circumstances were extremely singlar. The plaintiffs represented the Moumouth and Glamorgan Bank. In 1843 the bank obtained possession, under an execution, of certain laaies of iheVicioria Iron Works, the property of Sir Benjamin Hall,tbe leateea of which were largely indebted to them, aDd were ultimately mined for want of capital io carry on tbe works. Tbe leases cootsined very onerous cove- nant»( and after tbe bank obtained possession a negotiation was opened for obtaining mote convenient terms. The bill represent- ed that the terms of a new lease were finally agreed to, and that for the pnrpoee of patting an end to tbe old leases, it was ar- ranged that an action of ejectment should be brought for breach of the covenants, and possession was recovered accordingly. Meanwhile the bank continued in occupation of the mines, and an Act of Parliament was obtained for vaating the works in trus- tees, upon trust to grant leases at the best rents that could be reasonably obtained. Such was the state of things in April last, when the price of iron rose so high that the bank, it was said, was to receive £ 120,000. for the proposed lease. But the trus- tees, finding that the iron trade had so mneh changed, refused to ratify The proposed terms of the lease, and the bank was, there- fore, compelled to file ibte bill, either for specific performance of the contract, whkh, although not 10 writing, they insisted wall definitively settled, or fsiting that, to set up anew the former leases, notwithstanding the ejectment. Mr. Stuart, with whom were Mr. Willock and Mr. Bennett, appeared for ihe plaintiffs. Mr. Bethell and Mr. R. Palmer appeared for Sir B. Hall, and contended that the matter ibid never gone beyond treaty, sod that the differeDcea had arisen as soon as the bank first took pos- session. The practical question was, at what time the patties might J* (aid, to be opposed in a hostile manner 1 The case was again ptooeeded with on Friday, when the court at the conclusion of the reply of Mr. Stuart, postponed giving judgment. NEWPORT, SATURDAY, NOVZMBM29, 1845. Printed and Published for the Proprietor, EDWARD DOWLING, of Stow Hill, in thevparish of St. Woolos, at the MERLIN General Printing Office, situate in Corn-street, in the Boroughof Newport, by WILLIAM CHRISTOPHERS, Charles-street, ia the »«4 Uoraugb.