Monmouthshire Merlin

TRIAL TRIP OF THE "AVON" SCREW STEAMER. The Avon screw steamer, Captain William Howe, commander, which has always beqp a favouri'e on the Bristol and Newport station, has been laid up for a few weeks, in accordance with a resolution adooted at the last general mee'.ing of the company, in order to effect necessary and very desirable improvements in her machinery and accommodation, at a cost of about L1500. The work was entrusted to the eminent firm of Messrs. Stothert and Marten, of the S'eam ship Works, Bristol and was executed under the daily and close superintendence of the engineer appointed by the directors—.Mr. Charles Davies, jun., of Pontypridd. Yesterday, being invited to inspect the alterations and improvements which have been effected, we found that the machinery and old boilers had been taken out, and the vessel carefully examined from stem to stern by the Government Inspector, who had expressed himself per- fectly satisfied with the condition and perfect safety of the bull. Instead of replacing the old boilers, the vessel has been supplied with two new low-pressure boilers, of superior strength and security, possessing advantages over the old ones, inasmuch as they are entirely below deck thereby affording much greater accommodation to deck passengers, and likewise effecting a decided im- provement in the Avon's appearance, as well as render- ing her much more steady when in a heavy sea. She is also supplied with a new patent surface condenser the high-pressiure and consequent inconvenience have been done away with the engines have been subjected to ex- tensive alterations, so as to adapt them to low-pressure, and althouh the presmreof steam will be reduced, there is no doubt the speed will be greater than before, on account of the vacuum doing the work of steam. The incon- venience and annoyance formerly occasioned to cabin passengers by the "smuts" and cinders which fell upon the passengers, will, under the present arrangement, be obviated. The quarter-deck gives cabin passengers more room than formerly, in consequence of the luggage being removed to a new and commodious platform on the main deck. The screw shaft has been improved, which is calculated to do away with much of the vibraiion formerly felt. The vessel is entirely re decorated both externally and internally, and really presents a much more elegant appear nee than she has ever exhibited before. If required, her commander asserts she would be perfectly capable of making a successful trip across the Atlantic. A trial trip down the Avon river and into the Severn was arranged by Captain Howe and on Wednesday, about three o'clock, we had the pleasure of being welcomed by William Knowles. Esq., the indefatigable managing di- rector, and John Stothert, Esq., and Captain George Fry, directors, to an elegant repast, provided in the beautiful cabin of the Avon by Mrs. Howe, the attentive and polite stewardess of the steamer. The condition and appearance ot the Avon really excited the surprise of the numerous ladies and gentlemen who were on board, eager to test the merits of the improvements; and we can confidently say that, as far as conld be judged, the directors have made a judicious outlay of the fifteen hundred pounds which they have expended. We noticed that the various alterations which have been made all conduce to the comfort and convenience of the passengers. It may therefore he expected that the public will place full con- fidence in the Avon wien, in the improvements ma,le,they find that in no respect have they cause to complain of a want of anything that could make their voy ige pleasant. With flags flying fere and aft, and the Masonic emblem floating from tbe foremast, the Avon steamed gently out of the Cumberland Basin at half-past three, under the command of Captain Howe large crowds of spectators on shore raising cheers, joined by the guests on board, as she passed out into the river. Mr. Davies, C.E took the engines under his charge, and away we went, the handsome vessel Walking the waters like a thing of life, down the Avon, and satisfying all on board that in speed and accommodation the little favourite" deserved the highest encomiums. Having reached the limits of our trip, at Portishead, the managing director opened his hamper of champagne, and the ladies and gentlemen drank II Ruccess to the saucy Avon" in sparkling bumpers following the toast by others of a complimentary character to the directors, the captain, Messrs. Stothert and Marten (the builders), Mr. Charles Davies (the superintending engineer), the ladies, &c. The trip concluded at about 6 o'clock, when we steamed into the Cumberland Basin, welcomed by crowds of spec- tators who, in the midst of pelting showers, lined the quay walls to greet our return. In conclusion, we may add that, considering the dis- advantages which always attend the first trial of a steam- ship, such as priming of the boilers, and other matters (which if not understood by the public generally, will be readily understood by engineers), the performance of the little craft was highly satisfactory, rendering it certain, even beyond the possibility of a doubt, that she will realise a speed which would do credit to a vessel of much greater pretensious. During the trip the engines aver- aged 145 revolutions per minute with 351b. of steam and 27in. of vacuum, the boat running at a speed of eleven knots per hour.-Bristol Daily Post.

WHAT ARE THE PREROGATIVES OF A MAYOR? [TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONMOUTHSHIRE MERLIN.] SIR,-I feel semewhat curious to know what are the prerogatives of a Mayor ? Or I should rather say, per- baps I am slightly inquisitive as to whether the said pre- rogatives include the power, at a Mayor's own will and pleasure and on his own authority, to expend the funds of the borough of which he happens to be,for the time being, the Chief Magistrate and I am prompted to seek infor- mation on this point because I find from reports in your journal of the procee lings of the Newport Town Council, that the worthy Mayor of Newport assumes and exercises the power to act as I have intimated. He even goes beyond that -after receiving specific instructions from the members of the Board over which he presides that he is not to incur certain costs, be in the face of this plain and decided prohibition almost immediately, on his personal responsibility, entails the very expense he was expressly directed not to incur. At least, so I gather from the reports which have appeared in the MERLIN. Of course if a Mayor, by virtue of his office, is invested with this authority, there is no help for it-the rate- payers can only look quietly on autl-pay but if in taking the course indicated a Mayor does go beyond his province, then, I take it, some steps sboul 1 be adopted by which to convey to His Worship an intimation that he cannot be suffered, other than by legitimate means, to draw upon the public purse for supplies necessary to carry on schemes which he in his wisdom may think fit to enter upon. Now, on two recent occasions, Mr. James Brown has seen proper to take certain steps involving considerable expense without the permission of the Council -the one employing a legal gentleman to prepare a petition against the West Midland Railway bill; the other engaging the services of counsel to support thut petition before 'the House of Lords committee -the latter not only without the sanction, but absolutely contrary to the expressed wish and desire of the Council. Certainly I think this should not be permitted. I care not whether the expense incurred be five shil- lings or £.500, I, as a rate-payer feel bound to protest strongly against any individual member of the Corporation usurping ttie power to dispose of the money literally squeezed out of the pockets of the ratepayers, except by the cousent of his colleagues. If one mau is allowed to do this why may not half a dozen others claim a like privilege? And if claimed and ex- ercised whit just ground would there be for complaint? Why should not one man spend the ratepayers' money as well as another? If this principle were recognisod and acted upon by two or three only what a nice position we should find ourselves in Only conceive of three members of the Council delivering themselves some morning of a speech similar to the one that fell from His Worship a week or two ago; —each of the three stating that he had considered such and such a measure would be conducive to the general interest, and had, therefore, "upon his own responsibility" consulted a certain legal gentleman of high standing, .or taken some other step which would involve the town in the expenditure of a given sum, and he trusted that tha importance of the oojeot sought would commend itself to the members, and secure their sanction, couplei with a vote of thinks to the member himself for his dis- i ntBfeste1 ness Whit kind of a reception would the three members meet with ? Common sense, one might fancy, would suggest there could be but one reply,- ouly that the dictates of common sense seem to hav been lost sight of in the case of the Mayor when he laid his petition before the meeting, with the an. nouncement that /i-1 bad thought fit to have it prepared. It would seem, however. fiom the reception of the Mayor's letter, conveying the intimation that he had a sacuiui time considered it prudent to unloose the strings of the Corporation purse, without authority oher than his own, by the members of the Council pre- sent at the mee'ing last week, that the Bù Irll was not quite prepare I for the intelligence;—judging from ilie tenour of the remarks made it would seem that ithers beside your correspondent think it time th t a stop should be put to so loose a w y of managing the public busiuess. Mr. Davis and Mr. Moore expressed themselves decidedly opposed to the expenditure in- curred by the Mayor Mr. W. Jones gave no expres- sion of opinion while Alderman Townsend appeared to he placed in a dilemma—I should imagine he was fearful of censuring the Mayor, while his own judgment told him he could not, without jeopardising his reputation with his constiiueiit-, take sides with him he therefore shrewdly shelved the main pomt by entering upon a violent condemnation of the policy of the Moumouthshire Rail- way and Canal Company, at whose door he laid the onus of the Mayor's—I had almost said wrong doing but the Alderman did not admit His Worship had done wrong- so I write, the Mayor's course of action. I apprehend, however, at the Council meeting to be held next week, the Aldermen won't escape so easily since I take it that the question will be raised, fully dis- cussed, and a distinct understanding arrived at, whether an individual member of the Council is to take upon himself the responsibility" of initiating measures, the cost of which has to be defrayed out of the Cor- poration exchequer, without the sanation of at least a majority of the gentlemen constituting that Corporation. At all events my obj'ct in penning these few lines is to urge upon some independent member tointroduce the ques- tion, and ask that some principle may be laid down, so that all who, like myself, take an interest therein. m;ty know whether a Mayor has or has not a descretionary power to draw upon the borough funds at any time and for any purpose he may think proper, without the knowledge, until subsequently, of the other members of the Board. If he has, then the ratepayers are liable to be involved in heavy expenditure at the mere caprice of a single person; if he has not, then the occasion is presented for so strong an expression of opinion as shall pievent either the present or any future Mayor of Newport taking upon himself a responsibility and asiuea ing a power to which the dictates of prudence and a sound policy assert he can have no claim. I have purposely abstained from any expression of opinion as to whether the objects sought by the expendi- ture of the money alladed to were such as if attained would warrant the outlay or benefit the town,— my objection is to the principle involved in the Mayor's step, and against its recognition are my remarks directed. Trusting you will give insertion to the foregoiug, in the hope that it will meet the eye of some member of our Town Council. I am, Sir, Yours obediently, WATCHMAN. Newport, Jaly, 1862.

ABERSYCHAN. (Continued from the third page.) BIBLE CHRISTIANS.—A bizaar of fancy and useful articles was opened here on Monday last, and two succeed- ing days, for the benefit of this religious denomination. Great praise appears to be due to the Rev. Mr. Bourne and Mrs. Bourne, for the zeal and assiduity they displayed in promoting the object, and the members and friends have nobly testified their devotion to their principles by their liberal contributions on this occasion. ANNIVERSARY SERMONS.—On Sunday last the anni- versary sermons were pieached at the Wesleyan chapel at this place, by the Rev. Mr. Ingram, of Weston-super- Mare. The congregations were numerous, and the collec- tions amounted to upwards of 29, which, all things con- sidered, was very liberal. The Wesleyan friends at Pont- newynydd also held their anniversary last week, which was attended with the like success.

ABERGAVENNY. SUDDEN DEATH.—On Tuesday evening Mr. William James, a malrster, resiipng at Llanfoist, visi'ed Aberga- venny. He left the town apparently in his usual health. oun after he arrived at home he went up st iirs, and, in a few minutes, expired. The deceased was 59 years of age, and generally respected. An inquest has been held. NEW PULICE COURT.—WEDNESDAY. (Before the Hon. W. P. RODNEY, Rev. J. FAUQUHAB, and W. W. MANNING, Esq.) CHARGE OF TRESPASS AND DAMAGE -Thomas Evans, son of Air. Thomas Evans, boot and shoemaker, Aberga- venny, was charged by Mrs. Sarah Maria Bellamy, with tie above-named ortence, on the 16th ult.—Mr. J. G. Price appeared for compltinant.-Complainant stated I reside in the Castle House; having heard a noise in the grounds, I went to ascertain the cause, when the report of a gun startled me. The shots passed close by me. On looking round, I saw the defendant, with an owl in his hand, inside the enclosure; the damage I estimate at Is. Mr. Evans and his son acknowledged the trespass, but stated, in defence, that there Îwas an owl on the tree inside tbe castle wall-he shot it, jumped over the wail, and w <s in the act of picking up the bird, when Mrs. Bellamy saw him.—Ordered to pay Is. damage and fined Is. and costs. MAD DOGS.-P.C. Pulling v. William Morgan, Esq.— This was an adjourned case, the particulars of which are these Some six weeks ago, on account of a lad dying a' Brynmawr, from hydraphobia, the magistrates signed an order, to the effect that all dogs should be either muzzled, or not allowed to be at large. On this occasion Mr Mor- gan went to know the meaning of being at large." It was proved by P.C. Pulling that Mr. Morgan had received notice not to take his dog out with him without a muzzle, according to orders. —Mr. Morgan's defence was, that his dog is under his control, without a muzzle.I he Bench was of opinion that the dog might have been bitten by ano- ther in a rabid state, without Mr. Morgan's knowledge. Some conversation ensued, when the magistrates retired for about two minutes, and on their return, the Hon. Chair- man informed Mr. Morgan that they were unanimously of opinion that there must be a conviction. They should therefore act in this case as they had acted in all formei ones, namely, inflict a fine of 2s. 6d. and expenses.—Mr. Morgan intimated that the matter would be taken to ano- ther court.

MONMOUTH. THE ACCIDENT TO A WAGGONER.—In our third page are some particulars of a shocking accident to a man, named Ellis, said to have occurred at Deepholm, but which we are requested to say happened near Little Anne Hill." Our correspondent sends the following ad- ditional particulars:—On examination of the unfortunate man, who was attended by Dr. Willis, T. Prosser, Esq., and J. M. Woollett, Esq., surgeons, it was discovered that the injuries he had sustained were of such a nature as almost to preclude the possibility of the poor man's recovery. The right leg was literally smashed, and the bone protruded in two places. The ribs, we are informed, were also broken, and the head severely cut. Amputation of the right leg was performed soon after his admittance to the Workhouse, about seven o clock in the evening, but the poor fellow's sufferings were brought to a termi- nation the same night a little after eight, at which time he breathed bis last. It was understood that the ampu- tation of the other leg would have taken place the follow- ing day had he survived, and been sufficiently strong to undergo the operation. He leaves a widow and four children to lament their J

I THE LUDGATE HILL TRAGEDY. The trial of Mrs. Yyse for the murder of her two chil- dren took place at the Central Criminal Court, on Wed- nesday. The only fresh evidence was as to the prisoner's state of mind. It was stated she had been occasionally in a desponding state, and at other times evidently ex- cited without apparent cause, since the loss of a child. Dr. Payne thought the children had been carefully placed in bed after their death, and no mother, who had caused their death could have deliberately done that had she been in her senses.—Mr. Sergeant Ballantine, for the de- fence, said he should prove that both maternal and pa- ternal relatives of the prisoner were afflicted with insanity, and that at times she was not responsible for her acts. He referred to the mental depression of the prisoner on the occasion of the death of her child, in ] 860, which she believed had been accelerated by negligence of the nurse, and from which period she had been subject to fits of passion, depression, and melancholy. -Several witnesses were then called, after which Mr. Chambers replied, and the judge summed up.—The jury, after retiring for a few minutes, delivered a verdict of not guilty on the ground of insanity.—The prisoner will, therefore, be confined in a criminal lunatic asylum, during the royal pleasure.

THE HENDON MURDER. --+- At the Central Criminal Court, on Wednesday, on Mr. Justice Crompton taking his seat, James Lawrence, aged 29, described as a labourer, remanded from last session, was indicted for the wilful murder of Sarah Ann Cox, at Hendon, on the 29th of March. He was also further re- manded upon the coroner's inquisition. Mr. Giffard prosecuted, and Mr. Sleigh and Mr. Mon- tague Williams defended. The prisoner, who pleaded not guilty, remained seated during the whole of the trial, and seemed in great pain, his face presenting a most fearfully disfigured appearance. The case as stated by the Learned Counsel and corro- borated by the witnesses, was that the prisoner, who is a labouring man, lived at Mill Hill, Hendon, and the de- ceased also lived there with her mother. The prisoner was paying his addresses to her, and had done so for some time, and about the period of this occurrence he entertained some feelings of jealousy towards the de- ceased. For about a week preceding the 29th the prisoner had lodged in the house with deceeased and her mother. Upon the morning of the 29tb, about six o'clock, the prisoner, as usual, called the deceased as he went to his work, and also said to Mrs. Bethel, the deceased's mother, "Good morning." Shortly after this Mrs. Bethel heard a noise, and she got up, but was unable to get out of the room. She then raised an alarm from the window, and a labouring man, named Shayler, who was passing, entered the kitchen of Mrs. Bethel's house, and there saw the deceased girl lying upon her back with a wound in her throat. Some of the neighbours came in and raised her up on the sofa, shortly after which she died. A double-barrelled gun, freshly discharged, was found standing against the copper. The prisoner was then found to have shot himself in the head, causing a fearful lacerated wound, from the effects of which he was for some time in a dangerous state in the hospital. The case for the prosecution having closed, Mr. Sleigh iddressed the jury on the part of the prisoner. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to death.

The ArM has resumed plying between this port and and Bristol, having made her first trip, since undergoing improvements, on Thursday. She was commanded by Captain Howe (as great a favoarite as is his boat), who, by the way, wore his smart new uniform. The speed attained was, we understand, hardly so great as it is ex- pected it will be on the average after the machinery is in proper working order. But this was by no means to be wondered at, since in addition to the disadvantages men- tioned above, and which it will take some little time to remedy, there were special circumstances operating against her on this occasion. Her appearance is vastly improved and her capabilities are such as to render her now as speedy and commodious a boat as need be desired. The large outlay incurred in her renovation, shows unmistakably the spirit and determination of the Screw Steam Picket Company to spare no expense in securing the safety and «MTwiMN of their paisengen.

At the Ashton-under-Lyne county sessions, on Wed- nesday, before a full Bench of magistrates, of which Abel Buckley Winpenny, Esq., was chairman, Michael Burke John Ward, Thomas Barlow, and John Clay Johnson, were placed in the dock, the first thre charged with the murder of Police-constable Jump, on the 2Sth June, and Johnson with being an accessory after the fact. Mr. R. B. Cob- bett, solicitor, Manchester, appeared for the prosecution Mr. Torr, barrister, for Ward and Barlow and Mr. W. P. Roberts, solicitor, Manchester, for Burke and Johnson. — Mr. Cobbett, after stating the charges against the pri- soners, said it was impossible to conclude the cast against the prisoners that day, because, as regards Bar. low, he had only been recently apprehended, and, as re- garded all the prisoners, the evidence was not complete. There would be much more evidence produced, and therefore he should ask for a remand. So far as the evidence was completed, he chose, however, to produce it, because it was only fair that the prisoners should be furnished with what was to be produced against them. Mr. Cobbett then, at some length, went through the evidence he intended to produce, dwelling particularly on and pointing out the links which connected the pri- soners together, and urging that the facts which would be sworn to were sufficient to convict them. Burke would be identified as being on the ground when the murder was committed, and within two hours afterwards there was found a piece of paper on the ground which would be' satisfactorily proved to have been a piece of wadding, and it was burnt and smelled of powder. That piece 01 paper was a bill against Burke, which a witness would prove' he had made out in February last, amounting to 5s. 4d., for beer. The next thing against Burke was that in three days after the murder Burke was found con- cealed in Johnson's house. As to Ward, Harrop would swear he was present when the murder took place, and in addition it would be proved that there were some re- markable impressions on some of the bricks damaged at RidghiH the same morning; and again Lbat two mon were seen crossing over a field, and that the same impres- sions were found. These impressions would be proved beyond all doubt to have been made by boots belong- ing to the prisoner Ward. If this was the sole cir- cumstance against Ward it might be answered, but Har- rop would prove that he (Ward) was one of the men he knocked down. They had also been at their work the day before, but they had never been at their work since, and they were found concealed. With regard to John- son, Mr. Cobbett alluded to a statement made by him to the police as to a conversation he had had with Burke and Ward, to show that he had knowingly concealed the two prisoners. With regard to Barlow, they had only at present this evidence-certain impressions were made on the bricks damaged at Ridghill which would be proved to be such as might have been made by boots belonging to bim, and if Barlow was one of the persons whe committed the damageat Ridghill, they inferredhe was one of the persons present at the murder. Several witnesses were then called to bear out the facts stated.-Mr. Roberts then pressed, if Johnson was remanded, he might be out on bail.—Mr. Cobbett opposed the applica- tion.—The Chairman said the Bench were unanimous in refusing bail.—It was then agreed that there should be a remand until next Monday week. The court was crowded to hear the case. INQUEST.—VERDICT OF WILFUL MURDER. The adjourned inquest was held on Wednesday, at the Ashton Town Hall. A great deal of evidence was taken., Plaster of Paris models of the boots of Ward were pro- diiced, and also models of the places where it was sup. posed he had trod. A verdict of Wilful murder" against Burke and Ward was unanimously returned.

THE CARDROSS CASF,FDINBURCIIT, WEDNESDAY, JULI 9-—The case of Mr. M'Milllan, late minister of the Free. Church, at Cardross, rerms the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, was to-day decided in the First division of the Court of Session. Their Lord- ships, by a majority, dismissed the action of the pur- suer in its present form, holding that the General Assembly was not a body which could be sued for damages for a sentence pronounced by a majority of that body.—Lord Deas dissented from the opinion of the other Judges-the Lord President and Lord Curriehill. DREADFUL AFFAIR NEAR WEYMOUTH.- On Tuesday, a dreadful occurrence took place at Sutton, near Wey- mouth. It appears that a man named Cox had been labouring under a brain diserss for some time, and was under treatment of Mr. Puckett, parish surgeon. It had been determined to remove him to the County Asylum, at Farston, but, unfortunately, it had been expressed in Cox's hearing. On Tuesday, Mr. Puckett went to Cox's house, with a man named White, to removo him but, on hearing that Cox had threatened to murder him, and had been very violent, White was sent for a cart, whilst the doctor went to Cox, and endeavoured to quiet him, The lunatic directly darted at him, and said he would kill him. Mr. Puckett immediately ran ontsido the door, and held the handle to prevent Cox aetting out, on which Cox tried to jump out of the window, but was prevented by some iron bars fixed in front. The doctor incautiously let go the door, when Cox rushed out and felled him to the ground with part of a bedstead. After which he dragged the body into the house, procured a saw, and deliberately sawed off the unfortunate man's head, right hand, and right foot. Cox's father and mother were out- side, but so terrified as to be incapable of rendering any assistance. He also threatened his sister, who was in the house, but she ran up stairs and hid herself. Cox afterwards rifled deceased's pockets, throw the severed members into the road, and kicked them about,, and then ran away. After a short time, he was captured at the Plough Inn, Osmington, and conveyed in safety to Wey- mouth. ATTEMPTED MURDER.—At the Woolwich Police Court on Tuesday afternoon, Emma Sophia Shepherd was placed at the bar, before M. Maude, charged with cutting and wounding, with intent to murder George Drury Austin, a man with whom she cohabited at 26, Lowcr-wood-street, Woolwich. The sufferer had been conveyed to Guy's Hospital, and a certificate from the house surgeon was handed in, to the effect that the injuries were so exton sive, some of the arteries of the neck having been severed, that it was considered impossible that the man could re- cover. Mr. M. Maude said, under these circumstances he would hearsomo of the witnesses present, and immediately proceed to the hospital and take the deposition of the sufferer. From the evidence now taken, it appeared that the wounded man (Austin) had cohabited with the prisoner about three years, and that the latter had recently been jealous of him. On Monday morning several lodgers in the house were alarmed by loud screams proceeding from a room occupied by the prisoner. On entering the room it was found that Austin had a frightful wound on the neck, extending from ear to ear, and it was ascertained that whilst the man was in a stooping posture the prisoner approached him stealthily from behind .and committed the act with a razor. Medical assistance was procured, and the sufferer was removed to the hospital. The prisoner, when apprehended, said she intended to take Austin's life; she hoped he would die, and that she should be hung for him. At half-past six o'clock Mr. Maude, accompanied by Mr. Bousted, chief clerk, and the prisoner in custody of Mr. inspector Linvell, proceeded by train to Guy's hospital, for the purpose of taking the deposition of the wounded man. 4"Do you think," aafced Mrs. lbopper, rather sharply, of that a little temper is a bad thing in a woman ?"— "Certainly not, ma am," replied the gallant philosopher; it is a oood tbiog. IItd she ouabt never to lose it.'

I LONDON CORRESPONDENTS LETT Ell. Persigny has departed, and is tolling the Emperor of the French all about his .mission; and it is therefore time that we should also he instructed as to what he has been up to. especially though of the left-handed and secret work of his mission we know little. In the first and important place, then, he has secured from our Government what he wanted, and that is the promise that the Wyke treaty with the Mexican Government shall be ignored, and our representative shall receive instructions forthwith not to have any further dealings with Juarez ;-so that there is nothing in the way of the French working out their plans and policy in any direc- tion and to any extent they may desire. If, in a few years time, we find that France is snusrly ensconced in Mexico and ruling to her own aggrandizement and ad- vantage, we shall know whom we have to thank, and Lord Russell will, as a statesman, be all the higher in our estimation. Persigny was going to stop longer, on his own private affairs and for his own special amuse- ment, but I hear that he and Prince Napoleon have not been able to agree —nay, something worse, have come to loggerheads. What the exact cause of the quarrel is no one knows, but the two impetuous natures could not come long in contact without some such issue and they were brought much together consequent upon Exhibition matters. Said Pasha has seen a good deal of Persigny here, and doubtless they have put their heads together anent the high dudgeon and indignation of England with regard to the Suez Canal. Sublime Persigny pats the Pasha on the back, and although the latter is beginning to be frightened at his reception in this country, very affable from private individuals, but cutting from the high official world, he has got the Pasha to promise that he will drop in at France on his way back to the East,-certainly at Cherbourg, perhaps at Marseilles, but assuredly at Algiers, where great honours are doubtless to be done to the Eastern potentate to clinch the friend- ship towards France, and assure the continuance of the Suez scheme. I don't think I need read the lesson for you, or relate the, impressions of Londoners, at the absence of any high official at the banquet given to the Pasha by the Lord Mayor. It is quite on a par with his being obliged to kick his heels in the ante-chamber of the Foreign Secretary for ten minutes, while he was finishing a letter to Monsieur Snooks, or only pretending to be finishing an important letter, in order to give a slap in the face to the Pasha. Honestly I express my opinion, that I am glad the Pasha has been taught that them's our sentiments," for the canal will be made, without an engineering doubt, by some 1 e y eminent engineers, and then we shall be in constant hot water with France, as the possessor of the short route to India, and the master of the position. I hear that the Pasha intends to leave London on the 17th, the day after he gives his grand spread on board his yacht, for which he is already making grand preparations, which will astonish the natives, and leave a halo of magnificenge around his name. There is a belief that the Empress of the French will visit this country incog, early in August, sothat visitors from the provinces at that datcmay expect a little extra excitement, if that of the Exliibition itself is not enough in all conscience. The French exhibitors are, however, of the opinion that she will drop in daily, and take London by surprise, and a flutter of excitement passes round and through the stalls of Messieurs on the appearance at the distance of any tall veiled and distin- gue looking dame. Truly speaking, there have been two or three false alarms already of her presence. There was even a staunch belief in the report that our Queen had visited the building incog, on the Derby Day. It need not be said that the fact was at least never substantiated, and it seems quite inconsistent with Her Majesty's senti- ments to think that she'did take the opportunity of the expected absence of the million to pay a visit. The Prince and Princess Louis of Hesse are, I hear, not expected back for two months at the earliest, if even then, and it is more likely they will join Her Majesty in Germany, and return with her. It is strange what a little has transpired with re- gard to the wedding, the presents, &c. and to judge from the list furnished by the Court, Journal and the Lord Chamberlain, it would be supposed that the presents were few from the nobility. Such is not the case. I have seen a vast number of gifts in Porcelain, for instance, in the house of a celebrated West-end firm, but they were shown under the strictest injunctions as to secrecy-as to the names of the donors. This is the fashion for the time, perhaps due to the solemn character of the marriage. It was at one time thought that the marriage would be postponed on account of the death of General Bruce but this would have been the fourth postponement, and the family were gathered together. The Queen, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Alice were very partial to the General, and it was painful news for them to receive. It was unexpected to all, even to the poor General. It is said that when he parted with his phy- sicians at night he expressed the hope that when they met again the physician would find him better. When he was met with the reply, I am afraid, General, it must be farewell." Is it so," was the answer, then good night; I die in peace-I am happy." The farewell of a good man, surely, and a true Christian, which deserve to be historic, and it is a pleasure to repeat. It is said that St. Clare, whither the Prince and Prin- cess Louis of Hesse retired, will be bought by the Queen for the Royal couple. It formerly belonged to Mr. Nevile Reed, of Runnymead and Windsor, and is now the pro- perty of Colonel and Lady Vernon Harcourt. The arrival of Count Chambord in London is daily pre- dicted. I doubt the truth of the assertion, and believe that the attempts at a fusion of the Bourbon interests long since was essayed, and failed.

HOUSE OF CO VI MO MS.—WKDNE3DAY. The House met at 12 o'clock. THE OLEHGY RELIEF BILL. Mr. BOUVSRIE moved the third reading of the Clergy Relief Bill. Sir L. PALK moved as an amendment that it be re ul a third time that day three months. He was satisfied that the bill, if passed by the House of Commons, would be rejected in the Lords, but he thought that was no reason why it should be allowed to pa-a now without or>P"«itior. The principle hid down by the bill wns monstrous-viz., that the House of Commons should exercise a power neVAr assumed by the Pope of Rome in the most palmy days of Catholicism, and release priests fiom the obligations to which they had solemnly bound themselves. So long as the Prayer Book remained he thought a clergyman ought to be bound to conform to its rules, orders, and services. Mr. liYGON seconded the amendment. Lord HENLEY supported the bill, which he thought would, in certain cases; afford very proper relief. It was not a bill that would do the Choreh any harm, but, on the contrary, would be of a great benefit to her, as it would enable her to get rid oi men whose hearts were no longer in the work for which they had been ordained. 0 Mr. BOCJVERIE complained that the opposition to the bill bad not been raised at an earlier stage. The simple ol ject of the bill was to give relief to clergymen, who at the present time were the only class of persons in the country who were deprived by law of all iiberty of con- science. Mr Roebuck supported the bill. Si. G. GREY said the House had sanctioned the principle of the bill on the second readinsr, and it had been referred to a select committee. The bill was strictlv iu accordance with its report, and, a case having been fairly made out, he thought the House ought not to reject at this stage a measur which was perfectly harmless. Mr. D GRIFFITHS objected to the bill. It only gave relief to a clergyman who declared himself a Dissenter, but de iied the same privilege to those who might have the R" me conscientious objections to remaining in orilers, but who had no- desire to leave the communion of the el, it, ch. The House divided—For the third reading, 88; trgainst, 98; majority, 10. The bill was therefore thrown out, amidst loud cheers from the Conservative benches. CHURCH RATES C DM MUTATION BILL. Mr. NKWDEGATE moved the second reading of the Church rates Commutation Bi I. It was presumptuous in him to hope to pass this measure after parliament had for twenty eight years proved its incompetence to do so, but his ol ject was to islc the House to-send the bill to a select committee, in order that the solution which he bad thought he had discovered for the present difficulty might rec-ive its weight and authority, whilst he regretted the objection < f a latge portion of theijcommuuity to support the national church. But the legislature could not ignore it, notwithstanding the decision in the Braintree case, which had alone produced the present difficulty. The obligation of the parish to support the parish church was el a the duty of the vesirv was only to decide what sum was necessary for that purpose. The bill, which was not a new one, wai based on the proposal of Earl Grey's Goxet-iiiiievit in 1834, and its object was to abolish the personal liability to church-rates in connection with real pivpertv, an,1 to throw it upon property itself. This would, in fact, restore the original charge upon real prolwltv. It thifjb', however, be obj ;cted that a vestry of ( .-cwpiers heillg relieved of the tax would have no motive for economy, but. to meet this he bad taken the average amount of church rates for the last twenty years, and fixe I the liability of property at 21. in the pound. He a'so proposed to abolish the obnoxious jurisdiction of the Ecclesiastical Co nrts in recovering church-rates, and leave it to be done bv ordinary civil process. Sit G. GREY Said there was much that was good in the bill, but it was utterly impossible to pass it this session If flip- lioti. tdeiiib,r would limit it, so that parishes in which there b id been no church-rates for a period of seven years should be exempt, the bill would be well entitled to the ron-dderatiou of the House next session. After a brief discvB-dou the bill was withdrawn. HOMAN CATHOLIC PRISONERS BILL. Mr H, HIli Y moved the second reading of the Roman Catholic Prisoners Bill, br iefly explaining that its object was to allow t,at ,io chaplains to attend pri- soners of that faith. Mr. W HALLKY moved that the bill be read a second lime that day three months. < After some discussion an offer was made to withdraw the hill, but Mr. Whalley refused to withdraw tbe amendment, which "as agreed to without a division, and Ib" hiol w is consequently lo,t. SALE OF BEER. Mr. W. E. FORSTER moved the second reading of the :ale of B'er, &c., Bill. He st>ted that the object of the bit! was to place the sale of beer under the same provi- sions as the sale of spirits was now placed by the bill which had just passed through the House to amend the Tippling Act- This net had resulted in great good, for, although be did not wish to deprive a man of his beer, he did wish to remove tbe temptation to induce him to drink more than was good for him. I The bill was tbegi read » Mcond time. The Enclosure (No, 2)- Bill pissed through Committee. '1 he savings Bank (Ireland) Bill was read a second time. he Tumoiks Trusts Arrangement Bill was read a third time ami passed. The Indemnity Bill passe.! throngh Committee. The lljjuse atljouuied a) G

TO THE PRINCESS ALICE. Dear to us all by those calm earnest eyes, And early thought upon that fairvoung brow; Dearer for that where grief was, heaviest, thoa Wert sunshine, till He passed where suns shall rise And set no more then, in affection wise And strong, wert strength to Her who even but how In the soft accents of thy bridal vow, Heard music of her own heart's memories. Too full of love to own a tho ieht of pride Is now thy gentle bosom so 'tis best Yet noble is thy choice, 0 English bride And England hails the bridegroom and tho guest A friend—a friend well loved by Him who died; He blessed your troth—your wedlock shall he blessed. LUSHINGTONTANISM IN LITTLE. Generals and Specials. Parsons! believe in aceneral way; And be specially careful of what you say. REJtE, You, MR. SATTTH, OR A-qy OTHER MAN!—Can you tell us what's the difference between a certain Indian Idol and a jug of beer7—Oh, you can't, can't you ?— Well, then, the one is a jug of something and the other is a Jug-o -naut. So now let us go and liquor. AN OFFER TO THE SOrTH.-Recent scenes in Ireland compel Mr. Punch to make a proposal to the Amarcians. Will thev make a swop. and give us the niggers in ex. change for the Irish peasantry ? We'll throw in some- thing valuable to make the bargain a fair orte. Come, Davis. CHRISTMAS AT MIDSUMMER.—During the late incle. ment weather, an eccentric centleman giving a Targe din. ner party, had a roaring fire lighted in the room, roast beef, plum-pudding, and mince-pie on the table, and caused the wall of the room, and thelooking-gfasses, and the mantel-piece to be decorated with mistletoe1 and hollv.

FRANCE.—PARIS, July 5.-Tlie Constltuiionnel of this evening contains an article signed by its chief editor, M. Limayrac, and entitled "The new situation of France in Mexico." This article recals the origin of the expedition, and savs, with respect to the candidature of the Arch- duke Maximilian, that France never entertained the idea of making its support dependent on the cession of Vene- tia. M. Limayrac continues, "The sole aim of France was to re-establish order in Mexico, and the actual object of the expedition was to obtain satisfaction for French interests, and to cause the honour of our flag to triumph. A triumph for our arms will be the reparation for our just grievances." The Po.trie of this evening asserts that several artil- lerymen belonging to the Spanish expeditionary corps to Mexico were among the defenders of the heights at Guadalollpe.. The Paris papers of to-day announce the death of the Duke do Pasquier. The J[(Jnit"lil" of this morning contains an Imperial de- cree directing that sugar and molasses imported into France from England and Belgium, under the treaties with those countries, shall be subject to the following du- ties :—Raw beetroot sugar, 44f. per 100 kilogrammes; refined, 55f. candied sugars of Belgian manufacture, 58f. molasses, 14f. 30c. MARSEILLES, July 5, Evening.—A conflagration has taken place in this city, by which the principal warehouse for storing merchandise has been consumed. Owing to skilful and "rapid assistance, the adjoining warehouses have been saved from destruction, in spite of the force of the wind. ITALY.—TURIN, July 5.—At Bologna, Reggio, and other towns, fetes have taken place in celebration of the recognition of Italy by Russia. The Royal Princes have received an enthusiastic welcome at Girgenti and Tra- pani. News has been received hero from Naples that a strike of workmen at the dockyard necessitated an in- tervention of the national guard, by whom order was re-established. AUSTRIA.—VIENNA July 0.—It is stated officially that Austria, France, England, and Russia, regard the right of military occupation in Scrvia by the Porte as in -1 accordance with the stipulations of the treaty of Paris, 1 and as regulating also the future' relations between the Porte and Servia. POLAND.—THE ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE THE GRAND DUKE CONSTANT INK. — DRESDEN, July 5.—The Dresden Journal of to-day publishes an official telegram from W ar- saw, stating that in the attempt made upon the life of the Grand Duke Constantine the ball grazed his left clavicle. The name of the assassin is Jaroszinski. The Grand Duke was able to transact business yesterday, and his health continues in the most favourable condition. DENMARK.—COPENHAGEN, June 5.—The King of Sweden will arrive here on the 15th instant. The city of CJopetihapron will give a splendid banquet in. the Exchange in honour of the Kings of Denmark and Sweden. SPAIN.—MADRID, July 4.—The same Spanish papers which formerly defended General Prim attack him now, and express doubts whether France has really the inten- tion of politically and morally re-organising Mexico. FRANCE. -PATtl' JULY 7.—The case of M. Greppo, who, with other persons, is accused of belonging to a secret political society, camaoon to-day. The Court re- jected the demand of several of the accused that police agents should not be heard as witnesses. POLAND. JULY 8.—The Grand Duke Con- stantine received the clergy and the authorities yester- day, and, in reply to an address, said that he did not at- tribute the late attempt upon his life to the inhabitants. Even were this the case, he added, it would nevertheless occasion no change in the execution of the programme already determined upon. The Grand Duke shook hands with Count Zamoyski, and requested his assistance in carrying ont the intended reforms. SWITZERLAND.-BERNE, July 7.-To-day the eleo. tion of the National Council and the Council of States took place. M. Exher, from Zurich, was elected presi- dent of the National Council, and M. Heer, from Glarus, e vice president. The Council of States elected M. Vigier, of Soleure, as president, and M. Hoberlin, of Thurgovie, as vice president. CHINA AND JAPAN. SHANGHAI, May 21.-The Japanese have taken possession of the Bonin Islands. Japan is quiet. Nainpo and Tsangpon have been wrested from the Taepings, and restored to the Imperialists. The French Admiral Protet has been killed. Native troops have been sent for from India to protect Shanghai. A cargo of arms and ammunition has been seized and confiscated by the allies. Grey shirtings improving. Silk active total export, 67,500 balese Exchange on London, 6s. 2d. CANTON, MAY 20.—Grey shirtings unchanged. Tea higher: total export, 93,000,0001b. Exchange on Lon. don, 4s. 6Jd. MIXBOUKNE, MAY 24.-Total export of gold since the departure of last mail, 78,650 ounces. Trade decidedly improved. Exchange on London declined I per cent. Exchange at Adelaide and Sydney unaltered. RECOGNITION OF ITALY BY RUSSIA—PARIS, JULY 7.— An official despatch, announcing to the French Government the recognition of Italy by Russia, arrived here yesterday, from St Petersburg. ITALY. BERNE, July 7.-Signor Ratazzi has addressed a note to the Swiss Government, directing his attention to fresh movements by the Party of Action, and requesting it to watch the frontiers, in order that the Swiss ter- ritory may not be made the scene of revolutionary enter- prises. TURIN, July 7.—To-day in the Chamber of deputies, it was moved by the Marquis Pepoli, and agreed to by the Chamber, that the Convention for the Establishment of a Bank of Credit on landed property should be declared a question of urgency, and as such preferred for conside- ration to a committee of the Chamber. TURIN July 7.—A rumour is current that Chiavone, with two of his followers, had been killed in a desperate combat with the French in the Picco Mountains. RO'ME.RoME, July 5, via Marseilles.—The French and Pontifical troops have been confined to barracks on account of popular demonstrations in favour of the unity of Italy being expected. SPAIN.—MADRID, July 7.—M. Mon has tendered his resignation as president of the Chamber of Deputies. It is asserted that the government has not decided whether to accept it or not. A decision will be arrived at to, inorrow. MONTENEGRO.—RAGUSA, July 6.- Yesterday, Der- visch Pasha advanced with an increased force from Bi. lecia to Gatzko. It is said he intended marching upon Niksich. FRANCE.—PARIS, July 9.—The Paris evening papers publish a telegram from Clermont, announcing that Count de Morny, on his arrival, addressed the inhabitants, who gave him a brilliant reception. Count de Morny bas been created a Duke by the Emperor. Admiral Jurien de la Graviere has left for Cherbourg. General Forey embarks for Vera Cruz on the 20th inst. The Moniteur of this morning contains a decree appointing Rear-Admi- ral Bonard to the rank of vice-admiral. ITALY.—TURIN, July 9.—The Notionahtes of to-day announces that the marriage of the King of Portugal the Princess ria will take place at the end of September, and the King will come himself to lunn. PORTUGAL. LISBON, July 8,—The King announced to the Council of State to-day his intention soon to marry the daughter of the King of Sardinia, whose consent to the alliance has arrived by telegraph. The Portuguese government intends to effect a new loan of two millions sterling in London. SPAIN.—MADRID, July 8.—A report is current that General Serrano will be appointed successor to M. Mon, whose resignation is said to have boon accepted. SERVIA.—BELC.RADE, July 8.—A Turkish war vessel has asccnded the Danube, bound for Belgrade. The Servian government has protested against this act as a violation of the rights of the Principalities. Jb'ewport, Salurdny, Julu 12, 1862. Printed and published by WILLIAM CHRISTOPHERS, Of No 7, Commercial-street, iu the ijorough of Newport, a the MERLIN General PrinUnjf i Qowmerciftl* turret, Newport,