Monmouthshire Merlin

THE ASSASSINATION OF THE CZAR. THE news of a fifth, and unfortunately a suc- cessful, attempt upon the life of the Czar has caused a feeling of horror to thrill through the civilized world. There have been few mon- arena whose lives have been so persistently by bards of desperate men capable of y self-sacrifice, and who have been, as it Were, so miraculously saved. Four previous cterttpts have come very near success, but the ^'tended victim on each occasion escaped nn- hurt. On Sunday the assassins laid their plans for a double attack, with the evident determi- nation that if the Czar escaped the one, he should he caught by the other, and their Scheme met with a lamentable success, It cannot be said that Europe was unprepared for such a tragical ending to what has been In some respects a valuable life. The deep- laid schemes of the Nihilists, their determina- tion to compass at all risks the decree of death which they had issued, the plots which were again and again laid bare to the world, showed that the secret societies which honeycomb Russia bad both means and agents with which neither a despotic authority nor a secret police could always cope. The explosion on the Mos-' Cow railway, followed by the disaster at the Winter Palace, were warnings of what was still to be expected, of the deed which was onSummated on Sunday last. The appoint- of General Loris MelikofF and the extra- •Pdinary powers conferred upon him, with the destroying Nihilism and hunting out those who were responsible for the murderous attacks npon the Czar and his servants, was a of th iany 8tlch were needed, of the reality aPPear jrfn^er ^hicli existed. It would now pointmenfk, caIm which succeeded the ap- febiS;'rded another °utbreak-The instruments of T"g their plaTf'the areata selected the X !TT f nnnj.- ■ opportunity decided upon, attpmnf m^?^CieSi that the next ones n0 aS fFuitless as Preceding The effects of the Czar's death upon Euro- pean politics must be for a period uncertain. Alexander II. exercised a salutary restraining power over the military spirit of the nation. Though he remodelled the army on the Ger- man system, and made military service uni- versal, yet personally his influence tended towards peace. He desired to be prepared for war, but he was no warrior. His son and successor is credited with a different nature »ut it may happen, as it often has done before,' fuat the responsibilities of a Crown will bring bpf* a new character. The lasting friendship Ween the late Czar and his uncle the ^^peror of Germany, and their mutual respect, ,a fatter of history, and has exercised a Q lnfluence in favour of European peace. °ne 0 £ n;7 outlook* is not brighter now that ^Hich f *s no more- Alexander III. has not exV.0 own country. Nihilism has the (jj aus^ec^ itself by this last effort, though awak which the diabolical crime has StQon811^ ^enc^ *° bring it into disrepute to o °.ae who might otherwise be tempted grad li°"k0 *° *ts PrinclP^3, ^ie can Pren sure^y> educate his people and his ff-L f°r the enjoyment of the liberty nli'eia was anxious to give, he will accom- plish a great work.

TH0 BOERS' CLAIMS. so^0SG °Ur ^r'en^s the Liberals there are pritDe.. may be described as the self- constituted defenders of the weak against the oppression of the strong. They loudly boast of their self-sacrificing championship of be r,ghts 0f the greatest number. Blissfully obhv'ous that facts will always speak for them- Bn forget that if their supreme Purpose be really as philanthropic as they would have the world believe, there would be small reason for them to advertise their good deeds and intentions from the bouse-tops. It will not be difficult to illustrate Liberal incon- sistency upon this point by a reference to car- rent and recently-past events. For instance, the 7 '^j^ker their lusty denunciations of common^itlTfh Iate M*nistl7> in however w ^^ves, deprecated. It had, ment, despitj Upon the then Govera* cautions, by a Dp^!ir e*Press<*l wishes and Dreviouslv niacin • w^om the Liberals had Administration Con8e(luently the the matter, except to bri™ tw P°'JeJle8S in termination as speedily as circumsta 1 168 tC>n permit. The Liberal cry Snces Tuld then was on behalf of his swarthv WerLCri'etWHay0Viand h.iSMbjf°tt e printed and circulated of the moflFpnc, aD,d Pastoral innocence of the peonhl and th rm We w.here belligerently involved, for th ^-0naervative Government were rated' T iho 6iU lnbuman colonial policy in—as some nnr 8 ^attempting to annihilate the in™ P°Pulatior»s of South Africa. But that WerpCpnnf section of the general public who tion a<a « enp °accePt this Liberal condemna- ^tite rr^f00 a ?enuine zeal to prevent the now be U ,°PPress^nS bis black brother, will si°ns. rf -e draw their own conclu- of the 2nli denied that the origin encroach mpnf I Was traced to the Transvaal Dtln °1 tte ^"tch settlers in the and for this th T? lands of fcIie Zulu tribe' vengeance was d^1"? 76re denounced, »°d of fire-eatincr lanH r U^°n 1 em as a Set booters. But tim "s<fahn?'slave-boldmg free- Sreanee Th w ve cfaanged with a ven- Roo h 6 sanouiuai7 and land-grab- -ng Boers have suddenly developed into .:j.C"£'n angels of probity and honour—the very anti- theses to the Liberals of to-day, of what they were to the Liberals of a year or so ago. Now, because the upholders of British supremacy demand that our flag shall not be hauled down at the bidding of a few rebellious subjects, the malcontents are pronounced by the Liberals to be as humane and as honest as they were said to be otherwise when it suited Liberal tactics to pronounce them so. Has it been for the moment forgotten that the Transvaal is a British province ? Its people were saved by us from utter destruction. But we were perhaps premature in annexing it. Had Sir Theophilus Shepstone waited only a few weeks, there is "authority for saying that the Boers themselves would have implored us to save them at any price from their inveterate and powerful enemies-the Zulus. The wretched Republi- can Government had completely collapsed, and had neither ability to pay its debts nor defend its people. The men who had not been able to conquer Secocoeni could scarcely be ex- pected to cope with Cetewayo, and most cer- tainly, but for British intervention, the Zulu armies would have been marched against the Transvaal Boers. President Brugers had to steer his barque of State in very troubled waters. His Scylla and Charybdis were British annexation or Zulu invasion. The former was chosen. After the expenditure of millions of money and very valuable lives, we have cleared away the native difficulty, and now our own subjects whose lives we have saved, turn round upon us and rebel. More- over, the Boers were slave-holders of the most advanced type, and will be again if they can only succeed in regaining their independence. The Boer settlers in the Transvaal number something under 40,000,—while the native population within the same limits is, at the lowest calculation, upwards of 300,000. Of these, previous to the annexation, a great number were held in bondage by the Boers. But when, three years ago, the British flag was hoisted at Pretoria, the act meant the instant liberation from the toils of slavery of thousands of the native population. And what does the restoration of the independence of the Boers mean, but a return to the former condition of things ? Indeed, it means even more than that; for should Boer independence be gained, their return to their old slave- holding practices would probably result in the various native tribes rising en masse against them. Their utter extermination then would be almost a foregone conclusion, and the savages, elated with their victory, would next turn their attention to Natal, and the English settlers there would be exposed to the same fate.

NEWPORT TRAMWAY COMPANY. The half-yearly meeting of the above Company was held at the Victoria-hall, on Monday afternoon, Mr. J. G. Watts in the chair. There were also present Messrs. A. R. Bear, H. P. Bolt, H. Russell Evans, O. l Goss, E. W. Grove, J. Keyse, T. Parry, W. Pearce, J. G. Porter, R. H. Richards, E. Thomas, M. Wheeler, A. Wernet, J. D. Whittaker, J. Williams, and P. J Williams. The Chairman opened the proceedings by stating that there were two important matters to be con- sidered. The contract for horsieg the cars expired on the 16th April, and it was for the shareholders to de- cide whether they would enter into another contract or work the cars themselves. Three tenders for leas- ing the tramway had been sent in. The first was by Mr. Edward Perry, the horse contractor, whose con- tract expires on the 16th of April next. He proposed to lease the line for seven years, at 8 per cent., and he would purchase cars on certain terms. The second tender was by Mr. John Nash, the present manager, who proposed to lease the line for seven years at 9 per cent., and to purchase cars, Ac., on certain terms. The third tender was by Mr. George Smith, Raglan- street, who offered to lease for seven years, at 8 per cent. upon the capital, and to purchase on certain terms. He, however, was in favour of keeping the concern in their own hands, and in saying this he begged to state that the only object he had in view was the welfare of the Company, for except one he had a greater interest in the concern than any other shareholder. Whatever scheme was adopted, whether good or bad for them, would be in a greater degree good or bad for him. One reason why they should keep the concern in their own hands was that it was an improving property. Every year showed an in. creasing revenue. In 1871 the population of Newport was 27,069. He had taken the figures from the Government census. This year it was estimated at 40,000, so that the increase in population was more than 12,000. That was a very important fact for them as shareholders in connection with the Company. In the same proportion there ought to be an increase of 19,408 in the population by 1891, which would make the number of inhabitants about 50,000, and by leas- ing the line they would lose the benefits arising from such increase. When released from their horsing con- tract they would then realise a handsome profit, for he reckoned that Mr. Perry had made £ 636 a-year, which was equal to a dividend of 6f per cent, per 1 4 annum, and that added to the 4 per cent. earned gave a total of 1O per cent. They paid Mr. Perry £ 1,397 a year for horses and drivers, and his outlay was not more than £76ù. Being well assured of all the facts, he begged to propose That the Company do not lease the line or dispose of the plant, but work it themselves for the benefit of the shareholders." The motion having been seconded, Mr. Whittaker moved the following amendment :— "That in the opinion of this meeting it is not advis- able for the Company again to horse the cars." He contended that the shareholders would gain by leasing the line, and said it was his opinion that if they worked it themselves they would not make 4 or even 3 per cent. Mr. T. Parry seconded the amendment, and com- plained that the manager paid more attention to the Maindee 'bus than to the tram-cars, which were in a defective condition. Mr. E. W. Grove supported the amendment, and also found fault with the condition of the cars. Mr. Russell Evans said it must be gratifying to the 9 el Company to know that their property was so valuable, seeing the offers made by those who were so well acquainted with it. He was in favour of leasing if all conditions were satisfactory. But the Company must strictly observe the conditions as between them- selves and the public,for the Corporation had a certain power over them. There was no difference apparently between the two offers of Messrs. Perry and Nash. It was simply a question of security. (Hear, hear.) The Company ought to have something in hand to provide for any emergency. Relative to the question of leasing, he said it would be better for the Company to have a small percentage secured than to have un- certain dividends. He was in favour of an arrange- ment for horsing the cars or leasing the whole thing, providing the conditions were satisfactory. The amendment was carried by 17 votes to 2. Mr. R. H. Richards advocated the leasing of the line, and moved "That the directors be requested to advertise in the public papers inviting tenders for seven years, and that the meeting be adjourned to receive the directors' report." The motion was duly seconded. Mr. M. Wheeler proposed as an amendment "That the further consideration of the leasing of the line be deferred to this day three weeks, and that the direc- tors, in the meantime, be requested to invite tenders for horsing the cars as at present." He also suggested that the tenders be printed, and circulated amongst the shareholders. This amendment failed for want of a seconder. Mr. J. D. Whittaker then proposed, and Mr. E. W. Grove seconded, "That Mr. Perry's tender be accepted, subject to the directors obtaining the necessary security." Mr. Keyse moved the acceptance of Mr. Nash's tender provided sufficient security be given, and Mr. se9onded the poposition. AT Vi7^rman ^en put to the meeting the motions of Mr. Whittaker and Air. Richards, when the former received 17 votes, and the latter ten. The Chairman put in 48 proxies iu support of Mr. Richards, and Mr. Bear 100 proxies m support of Mr. Whittaker, whose motion was accordingly carried. On the motion of MrWheeler seconded by Mr Thomas the term of the lease was altered from seven to five years, the resolution finally adopted reading as follows "That Mr. Perry's tender be accepted for five years, subject to the directors obtaining the necessary security." A vote of thanks to the Chairman concluded the proceedings which lasted over two hours.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. In the House of Commons on Monday the Great Western Railway Bill was read a second time and referred to a Select Committee. LIQUIDATIONS. Thomas James, Church- street, Briton Ferry, Glamorganshire, grocer; J. Soloman, De la Beche-street and Exchange-buildings, Swansea, provision merchant and commission agent O. Morteo, Stuart-street, Bute Docks, Cardiff, ship chandler. FIRST MONMOUTHSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. —The London Gazette annouaces that Second Lieutenants E. H. Davies and T. Christophers have been promoted to the rank of Lieutenants. AMMUNITION FOR THE VOLUNTEERS.—Twenty tons of ammunition, consisting of powder and 100,000 rounds of cartridges, have this week been discharged at Bangor Wharf from the Goverment powder ship General Peel for the Volunteers. The ammunition is stored in the magazine at the banacks. Mr CARBUTT, M.P.—The borough member has declined to attend the annual dinner of the New- port Licensed Victuallers' Association on Easter Tuesday. Lord Tredegar, Colonel Morgan, M. P., Mr Rolls, M.P., and Mr Cordes. have, on the other hand, signified their intention of being present. BAPTIST MISSIONARIT SOCIETY.—On Sunday, sermons were preached at all the Baptist chapels in town, and collections made on behalf of the above Society, and on Monday evening the annual meeting of those belonging to the local branch was held in the Commercial-street chapel, the Mayor in the chair. In- teresting speeches were delivered by the Rev C. H. Hallam (a missionary from India) and the Rev S. H. Booth,of London, who represented the parent society. CHURCH OF ENGLAND TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. —The Maindee Branch Association held a most suc- cessful meeting at the Board school-room, on Tuesday evening, the spacious building being tilled to repletion. The Rev. T. D. Griffiths, vicar, presided. Addresses were delivered by the Rev Canon Edwards, whose vigorous utterances on the subject of temperance created a marked impression, and Mr W. J. Lloyd, solicitor. SALMON FISHING IN THE WYE.—Professor Huxley, the newly-appointed inspector of fisheries, commenced an inquiry on Weidnesday, at Penybont, respecting the amendment of the salmon laws and the grievances of the Rebeccaites in the upper waters of the Wye. The Duke of Beaufort gave evidence. The inquiry was to be continued at Builth and Rhayader. ORDINATIONS AT LLANDAFF CATHEDRAL.—An ordination service was held at Llandaff Cathedral on Sunday morning, when the sermon was preached by the Rev. Montague Earle Welby. The followiog were the candidates ordained by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese -Deacons Charles Edward Thomas Griffith, B.A., Trinity College, Cambridge; Thomas Griffiths, St. David's, Lampeter; William Jones, literate; Richard David Lewis, M.A., Jesus College, Oxfor Philip Morgan, Queen's CoRege, Birmingham Henry Morris, literate; Thomas Charles Richards, St. David's, Lampeter, and Silas Thomas Phillips, B.A., St. David's, Lampeter. Priest: Thomas Parry, St. David's, Lampeter. NEWPORT DEBATING AND LITERARY SOCIETY. —A meeting of this Society was held in the Court- room, Town-hall, on Tuesday evening, Conyers Kirby, Esq., in the chair. The debate Would the doekis- ing of the river Usk be desirable?" was opened on the affirmative side by Mr. G. R. Martyn, who was supported by Mr. H. R. Colborne. Mr. J. W. Atkins led on the negative, and was followed by Messrs. W. Aitchlson, Charles Cullum, and George David. The leaders having replied, the Chairman summed up, and on the question being put, the affirmative was carried by one vote. At the meeting to be held next Tuesday at 7.45 p.m., there will be a discussion on the ques- tion Has the action of the Government with regard to Ireland met the exigencies of the case ?" The affirmative will be opened by Mr. D. R. Evans. Mr. G. B. Taylor will lead on the negative side. THE TESTIMONIAL TO MR. J. G. PALLING.— To-day (Friday) Mr J. G. Palling, Lord Tredegar's late estate agent, was made the recipient of a hand- isome testimonial consisting of a cheque for £600, and a magnificent album containing the name of the sub- scribers, and the following explanatory memorandum A mark of esteem and sympathy to commemorate the presentation of L600 to John George Palling, by some four hundred of his friends, on his retirement from the Agency of the Tredegar Estate, oecstsioued by failing sight." The above is illuminated upon two pages of vellum, with capitals and borders specially designed in gold and colours. The list occupies four :pages, also bordered, and the manuscript is enclosed in a binding of dark brown morocco of qtierto size, decorated by an inlaid monogram and richly tooled in gold. The style of the illumination is French, of the latter part of the 16th century. The presentation took place privately at Craig-yr-heol, Mr. Fstlliug's ■residence. OHRISTCHURCH SCHOOL BOARD.—The mem- bers who attended the monthly meeting on Friday evening were Messrs. J. Fulford (chairman), J. Harris, E. Hill, J. Jones, and W. J. Lloyd. The School At- tendance Committee reported that since the last meet- ing of the Board they 'had summoned six parents for neglecting to send their children to school. In three instances the children were now sent to school; but in two others the magistrates' order had been disre- garded, and the sixth case had not been decided yet. It had been necessary to take these proceedings owing to the positive refusal on the part of some persons to let their children attend school.—The action of the committee was approved of.—Mr. Gale, the master of the school at Maindee, having requested that a written copy of the agreements between the Board and the teachers be furnished to each, Mr. Lloyd proposed th&t the Clerk prepare a statement of the terms of the appointment of each teacher and that the teachers be presented with such copy for the purpose of signing the same, in ordel to srrive at definite conclusions as to the agreements.—The next matter for consideration was a letter from Mr. H. Collier, Newport, complain- ing that the services conducted at the Liswerry schools had drawn a number of persons from the chapel in the village belonging to the United Methodists.— After some conversation, Mr. Lloyd proposed that the Board having read Mr. Collier's letter, see no reason to discontinue the services at Liswerry.-Mr. Harris seconded this.—Mr. Jones thought, as they were not called upon to provide accommodation for religious services, they should be discontinued.—Mr. Hill was in favour of giving them up.—Ultimately Mr. Jones moved, and Mr. Hill seconded, that the question stand over to the next meeting.—This was agreed to. CHRISTCHURCH LOCAL BOARD. The fort- nightly meeting was held on Tuesday, the members who attended being Messrs J. Bladon (chairman), E. Hill, G. Morgan, G. Tweedy, and J. Wilks. A rate of Is in the pound for the next six months was signed, and the seal of the Board affixed to it. The Clerk read acommunication from the Local Government Board with regard to the disease which is at present prevalent amongst pigs, and asking the Board to see that no diseased meat was offered for sale in the dis- trict. The Board instructed the Inspector of Nuisances to attend to this matter.—The Clerk also read a letter from the Post office authorities in an- swer to one which he had written to them, asking if it would be practicable to have the wires of the new telegraph line which is to be made from the Great Western Railway Station to the Maindee Post Office placed underneath the road where it crosses it instead of over. The letter said there would be great difficulty in doing as the Board suggested. It was also stated that every care would be taken to have the wires placed well above the tops of the houses. It was agreed that the line should be constructed in the usual manner. FOOTBALL.—The final tie for the South Wales Challenge Cup was played on Saturday at Neath, between the Cardiff and Llanelly teams. There was a large concourse of spectators present. Through- out the whole of the game there were evidences that each team was determined on victory, and the fierce struggle which took place showed how equally the forces were matched. The usual hour and a half allowed for play had elapsed before any point suffi- cient to determine the result of the game had besn secured, although one or two tries had been claimed, but disputed. It was therefore determined to play for another half an hour. Within four minutes of the termination of this extended time, Heard, a Cardiff player, secured the ball from a scrimmage near the Llanelly line and ran in. A try was thereby scored. The boisterous scene which ensued was simply dis- graceful, The centre of the field was immediately taken possession of by the partisans of each side, and tangible proof would have been given of the excited feelings which were experienced, had not a number of special constables exerted themselves in maintaining order. No attempt could be made to kick for goal, independent of which fact Cardiff seemed only too glad to win by "the skin of their teeth. ST. PATRICK'S DAY.—Yesterday being the day dedicated to the memory of Ireland's patron saint, many of the natives of the Emerald Isle resid- ing in Newport donned the national emblem in honour of the occasion, and the Roman Catholic drum and fife band perambulated the town playing patriotic airs.

CAERLEON. POPULAR READINGS.—On Monday evening another of these favourite entertainments was given at the Town Hall. There was a good attendance, and a carefully .prepared programme was well carried out.

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE MEETING AT NEWPORT. A public meeting convened by the Women's Suffrage Association, which has its head quarters in Man- chester, was held at the Albert Hall, on Tuesday evening, in support of the motion of Mr Hugh Mason, M. P., to extend the Parliamentary franchise to women householders and ratepayers. The attendance was limited. The Mayor presided, and with him on the platform were the Rev J. Douglas, Messrs A. R. Bear, C. Lewis, S. Batchelor, S. Harse, J. E. Ward, and T. J. Beynon Mrs Mcllquham, Miss Emily Sturge; Miss Helen Blackburn, and Miss Jessie Craigen, who at- tended as a deputation. The Mayor, in opening the proceedings, said he occupied a position of absolute neutrality. He did not know much about the question, and had not made np his mind upon it. He had not thought much upon it, or read much about it, and he did not think he had ever beard one speech upon it. Women had already the Municipal and School Board franchise, and in con- nection with School Boards ladies had done good and efficient service but he was not sure they would do equally good work in Parliamentary and municipal affairs. He thought that if aspiring women sought all the rights of citizens they should discharge all the duties of citizens. Rev J. Douglas moved the first resolution That in the opinion of this meeting the Parliamentary franchise ought to be extended to women who possess the qualifications which entitle men to vote, and who, in all matters of local government, have the power to vote." He thought that as women paid rates and taxes, they ought to possess a voice in the representa- tion of the people. Mr S. Harse seconded the motion. He said he thoroughly sympathised with the object of the meet- ing, for he saw no reason why ladies who were allowed to vote at munioipal and School Board elections, should not have the Parliamentary franchise accorded to them. Miss Sturge supported the motion. She stated that the object of the Women's Suffrage Association was to obtain the qualification of women who ought no longer to be disqualified from voting at the election of Members of Parliament. They did not make that demand on behalf of the whole body cf women, but merely asked that five or six hundred thousand house- holders should be placed on the same footing as men with regard to the franchise, seeing that they were already on the same footing so far as contributing towards the national income was concerned. She argued that the franchise was necessary in the in- terests of women, and maintained that if the 600,000 householders previously alluded to had votes, no measures affecting women could pass without taking their opinion upon it. They were told that what was good for the men was good for women also. Well, that might be so in Eutopia, but it was not the case in this country, where there were some. very harsh laws as affecting women. Adverting to the remark of the Mayor that if women obtained the franchise they should perform all the duties of citizenship, such as fighting, and sitting on juries, the speaker pointed out' that clergymen and men over 60 were exempt from sitting on juries, but they were not disabled from voting on that account. Then why should women ? As to fighting, in times past women bad fought, and fought well. Happily English women were not called to fight, and yet they had to bear a portion of the burdens which war entailed. It had been said that women would upset the state of parties. Both sides made that objection, but most frequently it was made by Liberals, because there was a tendency in women to be Conservatives (a laugh). As a fact, there was as much difference of opinion between women as men. In Birmingham, where the women exercised the municipal franchise, they were Con- servative where the men were mostly Conservative (laughter). Miss Helen Blackbern also supported the resolu- tion. The speaker urged that the possession of the franchise would tend to educate women, by making them think of a great deal with which they did not now concern themselves, and it would not make them less women. The sweetest, gentlest, most womanly women it had been her lot to meet were most earnest in this work. (Hear, hear.) The Mayor then put the motion, and declared it carried by a very considerable majority. Mr. Charles Lewie moved the second resolution :-— That a petition to the House of Commons based on the previous resolution be adopted by this meeting, signed by the Chairman on its behalf, and forwarded by him also that a memorial be sent to Mr. E. H. Carbutt, M.P. for the Monmouthshire boroughs, praying that he will give his support to the resolution in the House of Commons to remove the electoral disabilities of women." In speaking to the proposi- tion, Mr. Lewis ridiculed the idea that women ought not to vote because they could not fight, and reminded the meeting that although the Quakers, if called upon, would not tight, yet they had the franchise. Having remarked that the franchise was not asked for ou behalf of married women, he said that ladies were now eligible to act as parish overseers, Guardians, and he believed churchwardens therefore he did not see why those having the necessary qualification should not obtain the privilege of voting for members of Parliament. Mr. A. R. Bear having seconded the proposition, Miss Jessie Craigen supported it by a long, able, and earnest address. She said the present political situation was based on household suffrage; not as a representation of property, for in these days the re- presentation of property merely was becoming an obsolete political doctrine but they took household suffrage on the ground that the capacity-moral and mental-to maintain the household, to pay rates, to occupy an independent position, obeying law, and paying taxation, was a rough test of the capacity and humanity of the individual. The man who could do that was intelligent enough and moral enough to have a voice in the making of the laws which he had to obey, and the spending of money which he bad to work for. The speaker went on to say that in that respect women, toe, wanted justice-no more nor no less. (Cheers.) They did not want favour. They were not actually arrayed against men in this agitation, for justice was good for all. (Cheers.) They wanted their rights because they were oppressed by bad laws, and they wanted to make bad laws better. If women were inferior to men intellectually, they were superior to them morally. Women formed a larger proportion of the population than men, but they afforded less criminals than men. It was said that women could not fight. Well, she must say that that was not true. Women could fight—(laughter and cheers) but they did not choose to tight, and did not think it expedient to fight. She wished men were not so fond of fighting. (Cheers.) Fighting power was not the basis of politi- cal power. The basis of political power was intellec- tual and moral power. (Cheers.) The speaker con- cluded by strongly supporting the resolution. Mr. S. Batchelor also spoke in support of the reso- lution, after which it was put to the meeting, and adopted. After a vote of thanks to the Mayor, the proceed- ings terminated.

SUMMARY OF LATE NEWS. On Wednesday the House of Commons early re- solved itself into a Committee of Supply, X500,000 was voted as an instalment on behalf of the Afghan War, and Y,356,250 on account of the Civil Service. In the House of Lords on Thursday the Peace Preservation (Ireland) Bill passed through Committee without discussion. In the Commons, the most inte- resting question was one as to the negociations with the Boers. Mr. Gladstone, in reply, said communica- tions with a view to an arrangement were proceeding between Sir E. Wood and the Boer leaders, but he could express no opinion as to the probable issue. A great portion of the sitting was occupied with the Army Estimates. The telegrams from the Transvaal are to the effect that a pacific settlement is probable, the Boers having agreed, to a great extent, to the proposals of the British Government. From St, Petersburg we learn that numerous arrests are being made. A mine has been discovered nearly opposite the Palace hitherto occupied by the new Emperor. Meetings of Socialists and Extreme Re- publicans have been held in New York, Paris, and other places, and resolutions, expressing approval of the Emperor's assassination have been passed. A search of the lodgings of Rusakoff, one of the assassins, has given proof of careful preparation for the foul deed. The funeral of the Emperor will probably take place on the 27th inst.

_n-_ — ATTEMPT TO BLOW UP THE MANSION HOUSE. About eleven o'clock on Wednesday night a police- man on duty at the Mansion House, discovered a box lying on one of the ledges in a recess on the east side of the building, nearly opposite the end of George- street. Observimg that some paper attached to the end of the box was alight, the policeman pulled the box against his breast, instantly smothering the fire. A closer examination disclosed that the box, which is about 28 inches long by 24 inches wide, and five inches deep, and strongly bound with iron, contained 151bs. of coarse gunpowder, lying loosely on the botton, filling the box about one-third full. It was covered' with a number of pieces of old newspaper, a canvas bag, and a carpet bag. An ordinary fuse ran from the gunpowder through a hole in the box to the paper outside. The fuse would, therefore, have caught, and an explosion would have occurred in a second or two, but for the fortunate arrival of the policeman. No arrests have been made.

MAINDIFF COURT FAT STOCK SALE. Mr. Crawshay Bailey's fourth annual sale of fat sheep and cattle, drafted from his now noted flocks and herds at the home farm at Maindiff, and also at Llanthewy Court and Trebinken, was held by Mr. James Straker, ton Monday last, when there was a large attendance of farmers and dealers. Such a fine lot of cattle is seldom offered by auction in this neigh- bourhood. Certainly, in respect to both breed and 1 feeding, the animals, on the whole, were superior to any that have yet been offered at Maindiff, though for the last few years no efforts have been spared in obtaining the flower of Hereford and Shorthorn cattle. The cattle consisted of 18 ripe, fat Hereford bul- locks, three crossed fat shorthorns, three Hereford cows and heifers, two shorthorn cows and heifers, and two pedigree bulls. With the exception of No. 8, a Hereford heifer, which undoubtedly was descended from the Whitfield herd, the Herefords were of the Bredwardine strain. They were remarkable for being large, lengthy animals, full over the shoulders, with massive hind quarters, where the fat was well laid on. They were very ripe, handling exceedingly mellow. The bullocks were a particularly grand lot. Numbers 4 and 5 were splendid "matchers" from both a breeder's and a butcher's point of view, and were early singled out as the flower of the herd but No. 2 bullock, which was cheaply sold at X26 10s, was an exceedingly good all-round animal. Indeed, better could scarcely be desired. The shorthorns sold were characterised for being heavy in the hind quarters, but inclined to be light over the neck and chine, though perhaps the former point more than compensated. The bullocks Nos. 9, 10, and 11 appeared to be be. tween a necessary good shorthorn and a large Here- ford. They were very fine beasts, taking on fat in excellent form. "Mercury," the celebrated prize shorthorn bull, which won the first prize as a yearling at the Royal in 1879, and Bath and West of England, Devizes, and Gloucester the same year, and which Mr Bailey bought of Mr. Joseph Strattou, of Alton Priory, was down in the catalogue for sale, but was withdrawn. It was stated at the sale that Mr Bailey bad sold him by private contract, but we expect to hear of him again. Regarding the two Hereford bulls, they were both useful animals, but Briton," which will not be two years old until June, was decidedly the favourite. He is an exceedingly useful bull by Briton," and bred by Mr. Edwards, of Broadward, Leomister. By the long pedigree in the catalogue it appears that this gentleman traces his descent from Northampton 600," out of "Highlass," his gran 1 dam being that full-pointed cow "Beauty 3rd." Briton 2nd" is particularly good where the nine- penny beef ought to grow, and very evenly fleshed. He was bought by Mr. Morgan, of Pontrilas Court Farm, for stock purposes, at the remarkably low figure of X26 5s, being only 5s above the reserve. Baron," the other pedigree bull, was bought by Mr. Rees Price, butcher, Crickhowell. He, too, was a valuable beast, being very well sprung in the ribs. He was knocked down at;C30 15s. Too much cannot be said in favour of the sheep. They consisted of 65 prime Shropshire Down fat ewes and wethers and 40 Radnor two and three-year-old wethers, out of which a pen of Southdowns was with- drawn by Mr. Bailey, for his own table. Both the Southdowns and the Radnors were greatly admired. Among the former were some very heavy animals, and to all appearance pure-bred, and further-judging from their jumping proclivities whilst being shifted during the sale-were in sound condition. They fetched the long price of 92s per head. The Radnors were also heav" sheep, being evidently crossed with the Shropshire Down. They were in excellent heart, for they, too, were very "fractious" whilst passing under the hammer. Considering the past bad seasons, it is questionable whether such a lot of sheep could be excelled anywhere. The prices for the cattle ranged from zC22 10s to £31 10a. Shropshire Down sheep from 56s to 92s, the average being about 69s. The Radnors ranged from 46s to 66s per head, or an average of 54s.

NEWPORT BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The members of the Board present at the weekly meeting on Saturday were Mr, P. Woodruff (chair- man), Mr. C. Lyne (vice-chairman), Revs. J. C. S. Darby, E. Jenkins, F. B. Leonard, aud D. Roberts Messrs. E. Cross, W. Evans, M. Hale, D. Harrhy, J. H. Hillier, P. James, S. B. Jones, W. Jones (Cefn- Hogell), T. Latch, E. Phillips, W. Price, S. Scard, R. Stratton, and E. Thomas. STATISTICS. Newport Union TVorkhollse.-The Master's report showed that for the week ending the 12th inst. the inmates numbered 273, including 57 sick, against 276 in the corresponding period of 1880. Died during the week, Cornelius Sullivan, Newport, aged 70 Mary Ann Smith, Mynyddislwyn, 15 months; Henry f Thomas, St. Woollos, 72. Out-door paupers Adults, 1,186 children, 758. Amount of relief, £ 180 Os. Id. Caerleon Industrial Schools. -For the week ending March 12th one child was admitted, and one dis- charged, the number remaining being 159, or 11 less than in the corresponding week of last year. Number receiving industrial training, 152, viz., 83 boys and 69 girls. THE CAERLEON BAND. An application was read from Mr. John Lancaster, secretary qf the Magor Benefit Society, for the Indus- trial School Band to be permitted to attend a festival in June next. The Clerk said he did not think the band was in such a state of efficiency as to go away at present. Rev. J. C. S. Darby explained that several of the instrumentalists had left the school, and had joined regimental bands. It might take some time for the younger players to become proficient. Rev. D. Roberts proposed that the application be granted. Mr. Scard seconded the motion, and it was under- stood that it was agreed to. ARREARS OF CALLS. The Chairman reported that the following sums were owing by parishes in the Union on account of calls :—Bettws, X80 Caerleon, C20 Goldcliff, £ 34 Graig, £48 Heullis, £ 65 Langstone, £ 25 Machen Lower, X23; Llantarnam, X378 Redwick, £55. The Clerk stated that some parishes had paid part of their calls. Mr. Price moved that the overseers of those parishes which had not paid anything be summoned. Rev. J. C. S. Darby seconded the motion. The Chairman moved, as an amendment, that all should be summoned. He thought no distinction ought to be made between those who had not paid anything and those who bad paid part. The Board could not go on without money, and it must be borne in mind that the Guardians could not demand a call before the previous one had been paid. Mr. Cross seconded the amendment. Mr. Stratton thought the amendment was in favour of very harsh proceedings. If proceedings were taken against the overseers who had paid nothing probably that would have the effect of bringing the others up to the mark. Money was scarce at the present time, and he thought forbearance should be exercised. His idea was that the overseers who had forwarded instal- ments should be requested to pay their respective balances in a fortnight. Mr. Price expressed a similar opinion. After further discussion the amendment was lost, and the original motion agreed to. The Vice-chairman then gave notice of his intention to move that all who had not paid by the 26th inst. should be summoned. This was all the business of public interest.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. LORD TREDEGAR'S HOUNDS WILL MEET ON 'JO- Monday, March 21 St. Mellons. At quarter to Eleven. LLANGIBBY AND CHEPSTOW HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Tuesday, March 22 Lodge Wood. Thursday, March 24 Rhadyr. Saturday, March 26 Llangibby Toll Bar. Each day at half-past ten. THE MONMOUTHSHIRE FOX HOUNDS WILL MEET ON Monday, March 21. The Kennels. Thursday, March 24. Llanvihangel Lodge. Friday, March 25 Three Salmons, Graig. Each day at eleven.

THE COVENTRY ELECTION. The election of a representative for Coventry in place of the late Sir Henry Mather Jackson, took place on Saturday, amid a good deal of excitement. The polling commenced at eight o'clock at eighteen polling stations. After the first hour the voters came up slowly until mid-day, when the places of business were closed, and from that time until the polling ceased at four o'clock, the influx of voters at the polling stations was very heavy. The result was made known by the Mayor at eight o'clock, as follows :— W. H. Eaton (Conservative) 4,011 Sir U. Kay Shuttleworth (Liberal). 3,568 Majority for the Conservative. -443 it will thus be seen that 7,Dl'J voters went to the poll, or 613 less than at the general election. The registered number of electors is 9,208.

No petition will be presented against the return of Mr. Eaton for Coventry.

EBBW VALE. TEA AND ENTERTAINMENT,—A few days ago a tea meeting was held in the club-room of the Bush Ion, Victoria, in connection with the Juvenile Foresters' Association. After the tea a public meeting was held, when Mr. E. Parry presided, and the following took part in the evening's programme Mrs. Davies, Messrs. Parry, Jones, Griffiths, Williams, Davies, &c. On the same evening an entertainment was held in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, in connection with the Zion English Baptist Chapel, when the Rev. T. Powell presided. Mr. George Stevens played the p accompaniments. The vocalists were Misses Lloyd, Morris, Lewis, &c., Messrs. D. Morris, D. Stevens, S. Jones, C. Samuel, W. Richards; violin, Mr. Geo. Parfitt. A humorous piece was recited during the evening, entitled "Who would be a bachelor?" by Messrs. Crewe and Vaughan, Miss Price, and others. The hall was crowded. CHAPEL ANNIVERSARY.—On Sunday anniversary services were held at the Tabernacle English Indepen. dent Chapel, when the Revs. J. Matthews, of Usk, and J. Morris, of Ebbw Vale, preached. Collections were made: on behalf of the Chapel Funds.

TREDEGAR. POLICE COURT.—TUESDAY. (Before the Revs. R. O. JONES and WM. HUGHES.) STEALING WEARING APPAREL. -William Higgs, labourer, was charged with stealing a coat, vest, &c., from John Thomas, at Ebbw Vale. -There were eleven previous convictions recorded against the de. fendant. His plea was that Thomas lent him the clothes to wear, and he intended to return them.- The evidence of prosecutor and the police was con- clusive.—The Bench sent prisoner to Usk for 21 days, as he was already committed for 14 days in default of paying a fine for drunkenness, the sentences to be consecutive. A DRUNKEN BRACE.—Mary Gwillim and Mary Ann Lewis,Cwmrhos, were summoned for drunkenness at Tredegar.-P. S. Guinea and P.C. Matthews gave evidence,and the Bench fined Lewis 10s., and Gwillim. 5s. and costs in default, 21 and 14 days respectively. A POKERISH ATTACK AT SIKHOWY.—Ann Atkins v. Mary Ann James.—This was a quarrel between two females, who were at work at S'rhowy, -Mrs. Atkins said Mrs. James struck her on the head with a poker, and without any provocation, causing her head to bleed very much.—The Bench fined defendant 10s. and costs, or 21 days. BASTARDY CASE.—Mary Ann Rees v. William Lloyd.—Complainant was a married woman, whose husband has been absent four years.—The mother of defendant appeared and admitted the paternity in behalf of her son, a man of 30, who was her sole sup- port.—The Bench ordered payment of 2s. 6d. weekly. LARCENY.— Thomas Morgan, labourer, Nantyglo, was charged with stealing a pair of trowsers from the shop of Ephraim Williams, draper, Ebbw Vale.—The defendant was associated with two other young men, and from the evidence it appeared it was more of a practical joke than an intended larceny.—Mr. C. Harris, for the defence, gave an account of the trans- action, and handed in some very excellent characters relating to defendant and his companions, and the Bench having given them a sound lecture, as the case was not pressed, dismissed them on payment. of all costs, 21s. BREACH OF THE PEACE.—John Burns and Roger Sullivan pleaded guilty to fighting at Rhymney, and were placed under sureties. COAL STEALING.—Emily Carpenter, a girl of 11, was summoned for this offence at Beaufort.-P.C. Lynch proved the case, and defendant was ordered to be locked up for one day. TIMBER STEALING. Benjamin Tyley, Joseph Weaver, Thomas Willis, John Rees, and Thomas Thomas, were summoned by the Tredegar Company, charged with stealing old timber and chips, at Troed- rhiwgwair.—The Bench ordered them to pay 5s. each inclusive of costs. HAWKING WITHOUT A LICENCE.—John Birchill, of Cardiff, pleaded guilty to an offence of this kind, at Tredegar.-P.C. Craig proved the offence, and de. feadant was fined 5s. inclusive of costs. AFTER HOURS.—Thomas Williams, Joseph Brain, and John Williams pleaded guilty to being at the King's Arms Inn, Newtown, Ebbw Vale, after hours, on Saturday.—The tirst-named was fined 5s., and the others 2s. 6d. each. COAL STEALERS.—The Tredegar Iron Company, by Sergeant Guinea and Constables Craig and Stevens, prosecuted Mary Griffin, Mary Thomas, Miriam Evans, Maria Stock, Elizabeth Williams, David Roberts, and Mary Barry for stealing coal.-All the defendants were ordered to pay 2s. 6d. each inclusive.

CARDIFF. CARDIFF CHAMBER OF CoitmErCE.-At the monthly meeting of this Chamber on Tuesday, a dis. cussion took place on the proposed dock extension at Penarth. It was resolved to send a memorial from the Chamber in support of the scheme, and that the chairman and other members to be selected should attend before the Parliamentary Committee and give evidence in support of the Bfll. ALLEGED MURDER.—A man named Patrick Ryan and a woman named Ellen Williams, were brought up at the Llandaff Police-court on Monday, charged with the wilful murder of Dennis Nolan, a labourer, of Llandaff yard, who died at Cardiff Infirmary on Sunday, from injuries supposed to have been inflicted by the prisoners. As the coroner's inquest had not been held, it was deemed advisable to remand the prisoners. On Tuesday they were committed for trial for manslaughter.

ABERDARE. COLLIERS' WAGES.—At an important delegate meeting of the house coal miners of South Wales and Monmouthshire, held at Aberdare on Monday, it was unanimously decided that the state of trade, as shown by the report of the sliding sJale accountants' report for the four months ending Dec. 31, 1880, did not warrant an advance of wages being male to the workmen;

PONTYPOOL. POLICE COURT. SATURDAY. (Before Colonel BYRDE, in the chair and J. C. PARKES, Esq.) ROBBERY. — Edward Baynon was charged with breaking iuto the offices of the Ebbw Vale Company at Pontymoil, on the 2nd inst., and stealing £ 17 6s.— Mr. J. E. Ward (Colborne and Ward), appeared for the prosecution. -The prisoner pleaded guilty.—Mr. Ward asked the Bench to deal summarily with the prisoner, and he was sentenced to six months' hard labour.

MARKETS NEWPORT CORN MARKET—WEDNESDAY. There was a fair attendance and a moderate business, without alteration in prices from last week, was done. Prices :-American Wheat, red winter (new), 48s to 50s; ditto (old spring), 46s to 47s; ditto white, 48s to 49s. English Wheat, red, 45s to 46s ditto white, 45s to 46s. Flour Plain tie, 36s; supers, 38s Ocl extras, 41s per sack. Barley Malting, 30" to 40s per qr. ditto grind- ing, 24s to Maize American, 27s to 28s Galatz and round, 28s to 29s. Oats: White, 22s 6d to 23s; ditto black (old), 21s to 22s. Egyptian beans, 38s to 40s. I HEREFORD CORN MARKET—WEDNESDAY. There was a small attendance at this market, and a small supply of home-grown wheats, which were firmly held for last week's prices. Foreign unaltered. Barley: A very quiet trade, at last week's prices. Beans dull. Oats and maize quiet.

T R A F F I C RET URNS. .GREAT WESTERN. Week ending March 12, 1881 £ 129,902 0 0 Corresponding week, 188u £ 129,805 0 0 TAFF VALE. Weekending March 12, 18S1 £ 9,838 0 0 Corresponding week, 1880 £ 9,717 0 0 PENARTH HARBOUR, DOCK, & RAILWAY Week ending March 12, 1SS1 £ 2,143 0 0 CGrresponding week, 1S80 £ 2,953 0 0 RHYMNEY. Week ending March 12. 1S51 £ 3,271 14 8 Corresponding week 1880 £3,013 8 10

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