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-----------THE REPRESENTATION…
THE REPRESENTATION OF THE IiENB GHSHIIlK BOROUGHS. On Thursday, April 18th, a meeting of-del, gates from Wrexham, Denbigh, linthiu, and Holt, was held in Wrexham for the purpose of electing1 a candidate to contest the seat tor the boroughs at the next general election. Immediately after it was made known that the present member, Mr Watkin Williams, intende i to retire, the different Liberal associations held meetings to consider what course thev should pursue. It was thought desirable at the time to wait until after Mr William- h id addressed his constituents, in the hope that he might b induced to withdraw his resignation, but when it was seen that Mr Williams "had accepted all invitation to contest one of the •ioats for Newcastle-'li-Tyne, and that there was I BO probability or the do> isi >n being altered, it was deemed a dvisable to hold a j' ,int. conference without <lelav. At the meeting on Wednesday, the names of Major for wall's Wc-t and Sir Robert Cunliffe were submitted, and after a lengthy consultation, the latter was unanimously selected as the candi- date. .Short]v after five o'clock. Hit" Robert Cunliffe attend el at the Reading Hoom.. Mr < harles Hughes, the chairman of the Liberal Association, presided, and said he had great pleasure in an- nouncing that ST Uobert had been selected to be the candidate for the Denbighshire Boroughs. It .afforded him equal pleasure that ho had so readily consented to come down from Acton to see those gentlemen who had to leave shortly for train -{applause). Sir Robert Cunlitfe, in replying, said-)fr Chair- -man and g.-nth-men I need not tell you that I •received the intimation which Mr Charles Hughes was kind enough on your behalf to bring me up to Acton just now with feelings of great pleasure, and. naturally, of gratification at the honour which yo i have done me in selecting me to be your candidate at the coming election (hear, hear). It i3 ;a very critical time in our history, and I earnestly toope an-! confidently believe that if I have, as I -hope and trust and believe I shall have, the sup- port of a united and unanimous party, we shall carry our colours to victory (applause). Knowing what I do of the spirit md the intelligence and the enthusiasm which distinguishes the Liberal electors in Wales. I mav earnestly hope, apai t from all per- "@Qual interest in t e matter, that the representative of the Denbigh Boroughs in the next. Parliament will be a Liberal and not a Tory representative (hear, "hear). I can assure you that no effort, on my part will oe wanting t) act worthily 1\8 your represen- tative and to fight the battle with my friend --for t~ consider him my friend—Mr Kenyan, in an hon- ourable and fair spirit, but with the most unflinch- ing determillptioll- (eheers)--alld I count con- fidently upon the assistance and support of all my Mends: and I hope you will kindly take back to -the different boroughs you represent the feelings and the report of what has taken place here to- day, and that you will p-unc out out t them how important it is that we should unite and act with .perfect unaniminityr using everv effort to carry the «eat which I do in mv heart believe belongs to the Liberal party (renewed cheers). I don't think I should detain you any longer, gentlemen, as you h ive so much pressure upon your time. but I can only say that I have met to. day many who I trust, may be my friends for a long time to come, and that we shall be able to work together for that common cause which we all have so much at heart floud. applause). Sir Robert Cunliffe has issued an address to the -ciectors of Denbigh Boroughs, in which he accepts the Liberal candidature for the seat rendered vacant by the regretted retirement of Mr Watkin Williams. Having, already, he says, held a seat in Parliament, and taken an active share in the politics of the country, any lengtVy explanation of Tiis opinions is unnecessary. He need hardly say that he will support Mr Osborne Morgan's Burials ■Bill, and the equalization of the franchise in coun- ties and boroughs. With regard to temperance legislation, without pledging himself to asy Bills now before Parliament, he should endeavour to support anv practical measure which will give a real and substantial control over the liquor traffic -to those who arc the greatest sufferers from it —the ratepayers. The question of the relations of Church and State is not now before the consti- tuencies as a portion uf practical politics, but lie believes with many members of the: Church, that the solution of it can only be found in the ultimate -separation- A grave indictment, he stands against ihe Government for their foreign police but it cannot be dealt with in the Urn ¡/, address. On Tu sday night. vy M.P., addressed nice J .'Á n the Pubi c Hall, Wreath. -ixoUiy the Lv>t occasion n -vhichV will afldress Iris Welsh co stitu/nts, aua first public appea-- ;,nee since he announced his -intention t,) retire from the representation, his speech was looked forward to with considerable inteTostJ by the in- habitants of the principal borough in the group, -and there was consequently a large attendance of the electors. The (hair was occupied by Mr Charles Hughes, and on the platform besides Mr "tAu Williams were Mr Osborne Morgan, M.P., Sir Robert Cunliffe, &c. The Chairman, in introducing Mr Watkin Wil- liams, said the purpose of the meeting was to give Mr William3 an opportunity of making a friendly adieu to his constituents, and he (the Chairman) exp?exsed the universal regret that was felt that their member had found it necessary to relinquish tis connection with them. They would all rl- member the enthusiasm with which-he entered upon his first contest for the boroughs, and how -he put into them, as a Liberal party, a conscious- n. of a new power, which, up to that time, they hardly believed they possessed (loud applause). Air Watkin Williams, who was received with immense applause and cries of You won't leave us." then addressed the meeting. He said that be rose to speak with a heavy heart, but he hoped with full courage, sustained by the feeling that he -was taking a right and a proper step. He was bound to sav that the warmth of feeling with which they had received him was almost, too much for him. He could scarcely bear it. He did not expect it, and it took him a great deal bv surprise. Not that he expected they-would treat him un- .kindly (hear, hear). He had known them too long to suppose it; but it perhaps might have raised a momentary doubt as to whether he had committed an error in judgment in the step he -bad recently taken; but hirtfier and almost in- stantaneous reflection rather showed him that they -had formed a just, and a sound, and correct appreciation of the sacrifice--a rather considerable personal sacrifice—which he had made in the course he had taken (hear, hear). The purpose of his addressing them that night was to endeavour. as far as he possibly could, to reunite and conso- lidate the Liberal party in those boroughs, and to brino- them back before they had to face another election to that strength which led them to so grand and splendid a victory for the Liberal cause in 1868 (loud applause). In the step he had taken he had made a great personal sacrifice, and he appealed to the Liberal electors of Wrexham to follow his example in some respects, and to take their share in consolidating the party—a share which would perhaps be not less difficult than his, but one which he Inped the course lie had taken wo'lld aasist them in following (applause). Before. however, coming to the more personal question as to what'had led him to take this step, he asked most earnestly and anxiously to call their attention to what it was they might have to do and what part they might have to play in the affairs of the nation before manv months passed (hear, hear). They might be called upon in the course of two or three months to elect a member for the great council of the nation, in which they would have to take their part in determining issues of the great- est moment and the greatest consequence, not only to themselves, but to the great nation of which they formed a "part (applause)—issues involving peace taid war, Christianity and civilisation and freedom on one side, and darkness, < pprcssion, and slavery upon the other (loud applause). He had never wished to be too hard a critic on the Go- vernment, who had very Teat and anxious diffi- culties to contend with but to his mind the lj-o- vernment had lamentable failed in dealing with the great question they had had in hand. They had by vacillation and absence of all definite policy brought this country to the verge of what would be a senseless and ruinous war (hear, hear). He asked them therefore, especially the working classes, to consider whether in the present state of affairs it was dignified or patriotic on their part to allow secondary questions to intervene, and pos- sibly oblige them to set their voice against the national will and against the national conscience simply because upon some secondary questions they might have unfortunately fallen out (hear, hear). Going back to the commencement of the war between Russia and Turkey Mr Williams sai, I he never could forgive Lord Derby, who instead of having compassion for the people who were fighting against the greatest tyrants which the world had ever seen, "deprecated diplomatic in- terference with the Ottoman Empire," and con- sidered that the grave situation of affairs was due not to the misgovernment and the cruelty of the Ottoman Emnire, but to the want of energy and the apathy of the Ottoman Government." in crush- ing out those rebellions at the commencement (hear, (he-r). Not one syllable of sympathy had ever been allowed to escape from the lips of either Lord Derby or Lord Beaeonsfield for those op- pressed people, and he hoped that when this con- stitnencv came to consider this question they would take that to heart (hear, hear). Both Russia and England had been agreed as to the reforms that were necess irv in Turkish administration, and what he complained of was that England, the nursery of freedom, should have left it to Russia, the most despotic Power an the face of the earth, to enforce those reforms upon European Turkey. Russia had been taunted with not having carried out what she at first proposed to do, but he ven- tured to say, if they looked at the documents, that Russia had been perfectly consistent in all she had done. England and Russia united could have coerced Turkey into reforming; but coercing did not mean war. Unfortunately, Turkey was led to believe that England was on her side, and resisted, and Russia was compelled to do the work herself. The question now before the country was whether the Treaty of San Stefano was to be sanc- tioned. The treaty had been condemned, but the fact was that substantially every word of it was contained in the letter addressed by Count' Schouvaloff to Lord Derbv on the 8th June last, and yet not a syllable of objection was then made to it. He heard Lord Beaconsfield's speech in the House of Lords on the calling out of the Reserves, and he confessed he was ready to cry when lie heard it, to think he should be speaking to facts which were absolutely contradicted by documents which he (Mr Williams) held in his own hand. If what Russia stipulated for in the Treaty of San Stefeno was inconsistent with the policy of England, then all he could say was that last June the Government must had been guilty of fraud and falsehood to Russia, because at that time Russia clearly stated what she intended to do (hear, hear), and yet nothing was said against it (hear, hear). He (Mr Williams) did not at all agree with the San Stefano Treaty, because he believed that instead of settling the Eastern Question it would only make it worse, and would leave Bosnia and Herzegovina, with an independent Bulgaria between them; and Turkey, much reduced in strength, more open to iusurrection than before. Then as to the question as how the matter was to be settled. Was there a single man among them who believed by going to war it could be done ? What were they to go to war for ? Leaving out the misery and privations a war would cause at I home, let them suppose for a moment that in the first campaign we gained a triumphant victory, and that we drove the Russians back across the Balkans, and over the Danube and the Pruth ? He ventured to think that the difficulties wj) ^jh would face is would uppal the stoutest hearts. Were we g( ing to keep Bulgaria ? Heaven forbid. What thenThe Ottoman Power would return, and them let them tV; 1. vhat the fate of the people of that province < ■ be (hear, hear). Therefore, to ge to -• uoh an issue would be madness and ^vicAC 'n«s'rii the worst description (loud ap- plaud). His apology for introducing this subject was that it • an argument in reference to his pArticul"3'->, ase for leaving them; and he entr. dH .Aen they came to consider which vr mid take in the great struggle which /tedly they would have in the boroughs, s. how it -•>•Id affect themselves, and it id affect the nation of which they are all Ind (loud applause). To pass to another matter more nearly connected with the particular purpose for which he was addressing them. There were, and there must be, a large number of questions, in an intelligent country like England, where tho people were undergoing rapid education in politics and social reform, upon which men would differ most essentially and vitally, but there was one question in which he was sure verv few of them had any substantial difference in the aim they had before them, and that was the question of temperance legislation (cheers). He had spoken to all classes of people, both the publicans and the community at large, and he found that there was a common agreement, with a few exceptions, that it was most important and essential that there should be some reform in the legistation relating to the sale and distribution of intoxicatin g liquors. There were many measures brought forward for the purpose of effecting this reform, and nothing could be easier, and a member of the House of Commons could not more readily get rid of responsibilit. and trouble then, when anyone asked him Wiil you vote for a particular measure ? to say, Certainly I will do so;" but he (Mr Williams) asked them to reflect upon the position in which they place their member, or a candidate whose general opinions on national affairs, and with reference to temperance reform, they believed to be sound and good,if they compelled him to pledge himself to support that particular measure (cheers). He would perhaps, after hearmg the subject discussed in the house, have his judgment, his honest conviction, and conscienc on the one side, and the plodge drawn from him by important members of his constituency on the other. He did not envy a man in that positition (applause). What he would say to the Temperance party was this: — "Test your candidate as much as you like." It was not for him to lecture, but he was performing a sort of duty that night, and he had at least given them a proof of his sincerity in abandon- ing the position he hnd held and sacrificing himself, rather than divide the party. He asked them, then, to test their man, examine him as much as lGhe. liked, and find out if his views were sound, and his principles and aspirations were in the right direction: and his honest advice was, then, not to go and pin him and pledge him in anv particular direction (cheers). But he had not finished there. He asked the other side not to resent what was done by those who thought differently, but to manfully join together, to sink differences, m order to make the great Liberal party consolidated and united (cheers). In congratulating the party upon the selectio n of Sir Robert Cunliffe as his successor, he said he was not going to give Sir Robert a good character, for that would be im- pertinence, but he was extremely glad of one thing, and that was to see the prudence and courage with which the honourable baronet had dealt with this subject in his address, and he hoped the electors would appreciate it, and not allow the opposite party to laugh at them and defeat them simply because of unlucky differences between them (hear, hear). Let them show the Tories that they had a magnanimity equal to the occasion and if they did that honestly, sincerely, and firmly, his conviction was that this constitu- ency, which was thoroughly Liberal (cheers), would run no risk of going over to the other side (hear, hear). General Von Moltke had said to his men, March separately, but strike together; and let that be the motto for the Liberals in the Denbigh boroughs—March fccparately, but when the time comes strike together and they would strike to win (cheers). After alluding to the fact that a certain portion of the Tory local' press was supported by the purses of noblemen and landed gentry, thehon. gentleman said he believed the address which he had recently issued was thoroughly understood by the main body of the electors, but there were some who had criticised it, and suggested that it was obscure and mis- 19 leading. None, however, acquainted with recent events, and what he had had to contend with, could have any doubt as to its meaning. There had been, unfortunately, an irritation and division among the Liberal party in Wrexham, and unluckily, either by his own fault, or misfortune, or accident, he had been the cause, and he had, therefore, determined, as the only course con- sistent with his own honour and his own interests and the interests of the Liberal party, that he would destroy this irritation and try and unite them by removing himself (laughter). He hoped they would show their confidence in him and "ppreciation of the act he had thought fit to ad pt by following 11;s example, on each side of this question—sacrificing their own feelings and making a consolidated and firm rank to oppose the Tories at the next election (loud cheers). A deputation of working men was then intro- duced to the hon. member, who was presented by the deputation with an address expressive of regret at his retirement, and conveying to him deep-felt thanks for the able, conscientious, straightforward manner in which lie had represented the borough during the last ten years. Mr Williams, in reply, asked them to accord the cordial support they had given to himself to their new candidate, Sir Robert Cunliffe. He added that it was due to himself that he should correct some mistakes which had been made about him (Air Williams) and r e representation of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. It was a mistake to say that he had been accepted as a candidate for that borough. The real truth w>s that two or three days after he issued his address a person of some importance in Newcastle asked his permission to put his name before the Liberal party of New- castle for their acceptance. He gave his consent, and the Liberal party in Newcastle were to con- sider the matter, but he had heard nothing further on the subject since (hear, hear). Mr N. Griffiths then moved a resolution regret- ting the circumstances which, in the opinion of Mr Williams, made it advisable that he should not seek re-election, and tendering him the best thanks j of the meeting for his past. services in Parliament, and expressing its admiration of his conduct as a private citizen. Colonel Jones seconded the resolution, which was carried amid the utmost enthusiasm. Sir Robert Cunlifie, who had a cordial and hearty reception, expressed his gratification at being accepted as the Liberal candidate, and said he would do everything in his power to do honour to their choice, and work;most heartilv for"the cause they had all at heart (loud applause). He con- trasted the. policy of the present Government with that of the Liberal administrations, and said he did not believe the constituency would return a r preventative who would support Lord Beacons- field. If he knew anything of the strength of th Liberal party in those boroughs, if he knew any- thing of the intelligence with which they appre- ciated what great issues were before them, then he knew what the result would be, and it was with the utmost confidence he left the issue of the forthcoming contest in their hands (loud applause). The Chairman next moved a resolution approv- ing of the choice of Sir Robert Cunliffe, Bart., as the candidate for the Liberal party at the next election, and pledging the meeting to use all its influence to secure his return, which was seconded by Mr Lowe, and carried by acclamation. Mr Osborne Morgan, M.P., who was received with immense cheering, then rose and said that he came to express what he was sure was shared by ever, one present at the prospect of losing their excellent borough member. Ten years had elapsed since Mr Williams and he fought their way to the representation of Denbighshire and Denbigh Boroughs, and he was bound to say that his friend had made the gap in the hedge through which the other Liberal members had crept after him (hear, hear). Ten years had passed away since then, and ten years was no inconsiderable space in the history of a nation. Those ten years had been ten years of the most eventful kind that had ever passed over the country. Mr Williams and he had aljvays been on the same side of the House, and also in the same lobby. Mr Williams had in every sense left his mark on the House of Commons, and was one of the best members which Wales had ever had. He could not help thinking he had been a little too hasty and thin-skinned on the present occasion, and that if he had waited a little longer he and his temperance friends might have made up their differences. He could oily hope that though he might be lost to the Denbigh Boroughs, he would not be lost to the House of Commons, but that either Newcastle or some other borough might have the honour of being represented by him. His second hope was that, in addition to the loss of a good member, they might not- have to regret the loss of a Liberal seat. It was no use shutting their eyes to the fact that they had got an admirable candidate, but they had also got a strong opponent. A dissolution might come at any time. It might come like a thief in the night, for they were in the hands of a man who delighted in mystery and lived by surprises. Therefore lie would say to them, Be prepared;" but above all they should follow the excellent advice given them by their aietnber, and be united (loud applause). Mr Morgan con- cluded by proposing a vote of thanks to the chair- man, which was seconded, and carried unani- mously. The proceedings then terminated.
---. TIIE PERFORMANCE OF A…
TIIE PERFORMANCE OF A WELSH OPERA AT CAMBRIDGE. Dr Joseph Parry (Pencerdd America), professor at the University Callege of Wales, is now organising a select choir of some 200 voices, from different parts of South Wales, to perform his new Welsh Opera, "Blodwen," at rhe Cambridge University, as a special representative choir from Wales. The rehearsal is to take place at Aberyst- wyth, cfn the 21st ef May, under distinguished patronage. Dr Parry has in this instance entered a depart- ment of musical art which has hitherto been entirely avoided by Welsh composers. It is a matter for some surprise that the Principality, which is so rich in other kinds of music, should have been until now completely destitut ■ of opera- tic. writing. A musical people, such as the Welsh unquestionably are, capable of appreciating and developing this kind of dramatic music, might reasonably have been expected to produce some- thing in this line sooner. Dr Parry and the late lamented poet of Llmbrynmair were, in an eminent degree, happv in their choice of a theme. Nothing could be more appropriate than that the first Welsh opera should be composed to a subject en- dowed with national characteristics, and a more fitting subject could hardly have been chosen for elaboration than an interesting incident in Welsh history in the reigu of King Ilenry Bolingbroke in the 14th century. The characters in the opera are -Blodwen (the title role), daughter of Rhys Gwvn, *a Welsh warrior, supposed to have fallen m battle; Ellen, daughter of Lady Maelor; Lady Maelor, of Maelor Castle; Sir Hywel Ddu, the Knight of Snowdon Castle The Messenger of Lady Maelor Arthur o'r B rwyn, a WeMi warrior; lolo, a bard Rhys Gwyn, Montes, Soldiers, Huntsmen, Castle- keepers, &c., &c. The opera consists of 11 numbers, divided into three acts, which are sub-divided into two scenes each. The opening scene is laid in the castle of Maelor, which has for some time been the scene of great activity and unusual preparations. It is the eve of the marriage of Ellen to Arthur o'r Berwyn. Lady Maelor is intently viewing the numerous bridal presents which have been bestowed upon her happy child. The arrival of Sir Hywel Ddu and his fair adopted Blodwen on a visit to Maelor is impatiently awaited. Suddenly the messenger announces their arrival, upon which Lady Maelor greets them in a neat song, and the attendants in the distance are heard manifesting their regafd for Arthur and Ellen in a prettily written chorus to the following words :— On the wall above the chamber Where sweet Ellen sleeps at night, Let us make it heart of lilies. Interspersed with roses bright; Let us blend in orange blossoms Names of two that will be one; And within that sacred figure Fix the blended names anon. The bard, followed by a retinue of well-wishers, then enters the apartment, and Aithur and Ellen receive the homage of those assembled. In the second scene the locality is unchanged. The nuptials of Ellen and Arthur have been con- summated. In the festive hall, where gaietv and happiness reigned supreme, they are surrounded by devoted friends. In this scene occurs a beau- tiful wedding waltz—an exquisite piece of writing -which, we think, is certain to attain immense popularity. The time is well marked by all the parts in succession, while the melody is at once both catching and effective. To return to the plot. The sun of evening, fast approaching the horizon, poured in its golden flood upon the assembled guests, whose mirth had already reached its climax, when a number of Plantagenet soldiers present themselves outside the ramparts, and demand the keys of the castle. Little heed was, however, paid to Henry's henchmen by the imperious Lady Maelor, who bade them return with this, her scornful reply- Go and tell your haughty sovereign That the freeboni sons of Wales, Sheltered by their lofty mountains, Treat his threats as idle tales; Look upon the waving dragon On the tower planted high, It will lead again to vict'ry As it di i in days gone by. A firm and spirited little chorus to the above lines, supposed to be sung by the castle attendants, brings the first act to a close. The opening scene of the second act is laid in front of Maelor Castle. On the lawn, in the grey of morn, while the hunters are preparing for the chase, 1010 enters, and from the appearance of the heavens prophesies that troubles are impending. Sir Hywel Ddu, who does not join the hunters, in a subdued tone sings the following ditty to Blodwen— My Blodwen is blithe as the morning, An I chaste as the r lys^of the sun. She needs not the spurious adorning Whicti other vain damsels put on: The pines on the mountain may perish, The flowers may droop on the plain, But this fond assurance I cherish, The life of affection wi 1 nourish.— My Blodwen shall Blodwen for ever remain. From an adjacent aibour Blodwen overhears the sentiments of love expressed by the smitten knight, and eventually a scene of mutual declaration of affection takes place. The preparations for the chase are abruptly terminated by the apearance of the messenger upon the scene. Verifying the pre- dictions of lolo, he declares that King Henry's legions are marching upon the fatherland, and concludes by uttering, in the name of the Prince, a call to arms in defence of home and country. Sir Hywel and Arthur cheer one another in a duct of m irtial music, as follows :— The martial spirit, which of old Defied the Itoman legions, Though long allay'd is taking hold Of all the mountain regions The call to arm i is promptly greeted With fervent shout- where'er repeated; Around our Prince the warriors rally— A countless throng From hill and valley— A countless throng. Following this we have a capital soldier's chorus, with the genume ring about it, written for two tenors and two basses. It is a composition fnH of spirit and enthusiasm, coupled with an expression of faith in the interposition of Divine Providence in behalf of right against might, and ii arranged with signal abilitv. The scene, on the eve of departure to the field of battle, is rendered pathetic and effective by the introduction of an air ex- pressive of Ellen's grief at parting from her hus- band. Blodwen, who is also overwhelmed with sorrow, following the example set by Ellen, fastens a favour upon the breast of her betrothed, repeat- ing as she does so the song already sung by Ellen. This scene, which is one of the best arranged ill the work, terminates with a chorus of Welsh soldiers. In the next scene a messenger from the field of battle arrives with discouraging news of the dire conflict. Although Arthur and Syr Hywel have distinguished themselves by their valour, there are but faint hopes that victory will crown their efforts. A further elaboration of this episode terminates the second act. It might be accepted a? a proof that the libietto and liiv'iic have been skillfully treated when we find the interest gradually increasing with the development of the plot, and culminating in the concluding act. There is no anti-climax-the interest of the libretto is not permitted to flag, and the effect of the music is kept unbroken through- out; and the climax is appropriately withheld until the conclusion of the last act is approaching. But to return to the theme. Arthur, mortally wounded, has been conveyed back to the castle, where he lies under the tender care of his yoiithfui spouse. Calm, and even joyful, in the midst of agony, he breathes the song he sang to his devoted Ellen when he departed for the fray; and, while the last words of the song are yet on his lips, he draws his expiring breath. Then comes a solemn funeral chorus of appropriate music wedded to appropriate words. Blcdven, anxious for the fa 8 of Sir Hvwel, iu a song invokes the passing breeze to carry her some tilings of her absent lover. The words of this song are exquisite in their tenderness and appropriateness, and it is only want of space that preclude them from this notice. The mingled anxiety and sense of abject loneliness on the part of Blodwen develop into intense anguish on being informed by lolo that the Welsh liave been van- quished, and that Sir Hywel Ddu has been made prisoner. The scene has changed "—it is a dismal cell in Chester Castle, in which the gallant knight of Snowdon Castle lies incarcerated. Blodwen. Lady Maelor, and lolo have had permission to visit him on the eve of execution. The condemned Sir Hywel, singing his farewell song to Blodwen, re- turns to her the favour, once of pearly whiteness but now discoloured with the gore of the fallen. While the knight imparts the last kiss upon the lips of the betrothed, violent knocking is heard at the massive prison doors. A stranger of imposing mien, enters excitedlv, and demands to be shown to Sir Hywel's cell. lolo meanwhile seeks to know the stranger's name, who, to the astonishment of all, is. found to be no other than Rhvs Gwyn (Blodweu's father), who was supposed to have been slain twenty years previous to this. A scene of inexpressible joy follows this happy discovery- Blodwen rushes into her father's arms, and he in turn embraces her with paternal affection lolo and Lady Maelor stand by in blank astonishment, and the unhappy knight watches the scene with the utmost bewilderment. It is only when the first blush of excitement has somewhat abated that Rhys Gwyn has time to communicate the joyous tidings of which he is the bearer. The king has died, and to mark the mournful dav, it had been decided that all prisoners should receive free pardon! The prisoners are liberated-the prison doors are thrown wide open-the excited multitude rush in with shouts of joy and the opera terminates with a spirited jugal chorus, into which the predominant strains of a popular Welsh march have been skil- fully and effect vely introduced. Such, briefly, are the salient points of the pioneer Welsh opera. It would manifestly be impossible to crowd into the limited space at our command anything like an adequate description of the stir- ring1 points with 'which the libretto teerhe, based, as it has been, rpon an eventful era in the history of the oft-repeated efforts of the Welsh to retain their independ- nee. The words, written originally in Welsh verSt, by the late Mynyddog, have been rendered into English by Professor Rowlands,M. A., and we are glad to be able to bear testimony to the skilful manner in which he has achieved a some- what difficult task. The opera, which will soon be published in a volume, is thus furnished with Welsh and English words, which cannot but greatly enhance the value ef the work, and enlarge the circle of those likely to peruse it. The music is of moderately difficult character, and has been care- fully written. It is, unquestionably, by far the most important work hitherto composed by Dr. Parry, and is, moreover, one calculated to reflect great credit on its talented author. Having heard the majority of the choruses rendered by the Representative Choir, under the eonductorship of the composer, we venture to affirm that they do not lack the requisite elements ofpermauent popularity. "Blodwcn" will form part of the programme of the Welsh Representative Choir's forthcoming concerts at Aberdare, Pontypridd, Cardiff, New- port, Bristol, Loudon, and Cambridge. It is also to be performed by Dr. Parry's own choir at Aber- ystwith, at the desire of the local Masonic Lodge, and under the patronage of the leading families of the county of Cardigan.
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY IN SOUTH…
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY IN SOUTH WALES. DESPERATE ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE AT PENARTH ROADS. A terrible tragedy was enacted in Penarth Roads early oil Thursday morning, the 18th inst. The Agnes Sutherland, full-rigged sailing ship of St. Johns, New Brunswick, left Penarth Dock on Monda\, bound for Rio Janeiro, with a cargo of coal. Captain George Sutherland and a crew of twenty, all told. The crew were engaged at Liverpool an t brought down to Cardiff oii Monday. Most of the men were unknown to each other, some were foreigners, and there was among them a Greek, aged about 10, named Peter Dovboch. On the journey he quarrelled with one of the sailors, they had a few words," but nothing serious came of it, and the crew were shipped in appar- ently as amicable a frame of mind as men usually are to be found prior to setting out on a long vov- age. The Agnes Sutherland put out to the Roads and waited there for a fair wind. On the night of Wednesday, el veil of the crew were sleeping in the forecastle, five on one side and six on the other. The second mate and an able seaman were on the deck watch. Among the eleven sleeping sailors was an Irishman, named Hugh Tracey, a young fellow about twenty-four years of age. In the dim dawn, a few minutes before five o'clock, Tracey was awakened by a hard blow on the right breast. Halt asleep and half awake, he turned over, thinking lie had been called to go on his watch. He put his hand to his side; it was wet with blood. He staggered to his feet and rushed .9 to alarm the watch. As he did so he fancied he saw a dark fi.;ure crossing a rope and making for the hold. He callenout, "Good God, I'm stab- bed." The second mate heard the cry and came towards him. At first the mate (James Davie-) would not believe him. He was quickly con- vinccd, however, that the poor fellow was mortal plight. Tracey was able to ask him if ne saw a man running by. The mate said, Yes. 11., saw the Greek running towards the hold, anti Davies at once went to louse the captain. The captain came on deck half-dressed, and every- body being now awake, gave orders to seize the Greek and put him in irons. The Greek had taken refuge in the fore-hold. The vessel was not laden to within five or six feet, and Dovboch, had gone under the bow. The captain ordered the crew to knock the knife out of his hands and secure him. The Greek glared at his pursuers, braudish- ing the knife, and swore that he would not betaken alive. It was a short, sharp, terrible struggle. The captain's voice rang through the quiet early morning air, and the confusion and bustle of the deck, the groans of the wounded man, aud the hubbub of the capture of the would-be murderer made up an appalling and exciting scene. The men had to proceed cautiously, for the Greek was armed and desperate. He gave them no time for reflection, for before they could grip him fairly, he had drawn the knife with terrific force across his own throat, severing the windpipe. Before the men brought him on to the deck ho was a corpse. Meanwhile it wgs found Tracy had been stabbed clean through the right breast, and was bleeding profusely He was taken down iifto the cabin and tended bv the captain as best he could, but the life-blood was ebbing fast. The captain ordered J the first tug boat to be hailed, and the poor fellow was conveyed on shore during the day and taken down to the Hamadryad Hospital ship. Inform- ation having been conveyed to the police, on Thursday afternoon Mr E. B. Reece, the coroner, held an inquest at the hospital ship, as to tho cause of the death of Peter Dovboch. Tracey was with difficulty able to give evidence, and as it was thought that he had not long to live the inquiry was held at once, that he might, if possible, tell the story while consciousness remained. The evidence of the captain and the second mate, which in effect added nothing to what is stated above, was also taken. The coroner having summed up, pointed out the law to the jury, and explained the different courses open. to them, the jury found that the deceased, Peter Dovboch, came by his death at his own hands, during a supposed fit cf temporary insanity, but whether or not he was at the time in that condition there was no direct evidence to show. The only light thus far thrown on the atrocious double crime is that aftorded by the statement of one of the sailors, that the Greek had quarrelled with him, not with Tracey, on the journey from Liverpool to Cardiff, and that he had vowed to be revenged on him. This sailor, imme- diately he knew Tracey was stabbed, said "That was meant for me." The Greek mistook Tracey for the man against whom he had a grudge, and unconsciously wreaked his vengeance on the man, with whom he had. had no quarrel. Whether he knew of his mistake or died under the impression that he had at any rate had his revenge remains and will remain a mystery, for the deed was dore so rapidly that he could not have taken time to assure himself that he had stabbed the object (,f his vengeance. On Friday Tracey was a little better, and there appears to be some hope, though it is slight, of his recovery. He is unmarried. His parents have been communicated with. It appears that they live at Tully Church, county Fermanagh, Ireland.
0PENIN6~T1IE NEW~CHUKCII AT…
0PENIN6~T1IE NEW~CHUKCII AT ABER. On Tuesday last, the newly erected church at the pictureque village of Aber was opened for di- vine service. It is built after the designs of Messrs Ashlin, and Pugin, and is the most elegant speci- men of modern Architecture, ,and will cost over £ 4000. Towards this sum Lord Penrhyn has given £ 500 and Major Platt J6200. The builing contract, amounting to J62800 was let to Mr E. Williams, Bangor, who has done his worth admirably. The church is built in the Early Decorated style, and comprises a nave, a chancel, vestry, or,-an. chamber, aud tower—the latter having the bells which have often been so serviceable in stonus and fogs, and the ringing chamber of which is approached by a stone stair in the thickness of the wall. The nave is divided into five bays, is 50 feet in length and 21 feet in width, the height to the apex of the roof, being 28 feet. At the west «nd there is a three- light tracery stained glass window, presented by Lord Penrhyn, and executed by Messrs Clayton and Bell, the subject being The Baptism of Christ." The chancel is approaccd by three steps from the nare, and is 23 feet long and 18 feet wide, the roof, which has ajcircular vaulted ceiling, being 21 feet high. The flouring is of encaustic tiles. On the south side are the vestry and organ chamber, which are divided from the chancel by three arches supported on columns of red Mans- field stone. The handsome window at the east end is a memorial to the late Mr John Platt, the member for Oldham, who possessed extensive estates in the neighbourhood. It is from the studio of Messrs Wood and Hughes, and is the gift of Mr Joseph A. Piatt, the subject being the Ascensiou On the north side of the chancel are three smaller stained glass windows, also executed by Messrs Ward and Hughes. The subject of the centre window is I am the Light of the World," and is placed by Mr John H. Platt. Another is given by Mrs Empson, in memory of her soik Clement, who was accidentally killed at the water- falls two years ago and the third is the gift of Mr Llewelyn Lewis and Miss Lewis, the subject being, the "Nunc Dimittis. The organ is the gift erf Major Platt, the late high sherilf of Carnarvon- shire, and one of the churchwardens the alter cloth, which is of exquisite workmanship, was given by Lady Penrhyn Mrs Williams defrayed the expense of the stone carvings and a taste- fuity designed cloth for the sacrarium was presented by Miss Griffiths, of Hentaes. The chancel scrolls, together with the ten commandments, the Lord'» prayer, and the creed, were given by a Bangor tradesman, who prefers that li s liberality should be anonymous. The tower stands 1)0 feet high, and was originally designed with a spire, which it was thought, however, advisable to abandon, owing to the tremendious gusts oi wind that fre- quently sweep down the valley. The church is built entirely of stone, the facings, which arc the Trapp rock or green stone of a bluish-grey tint, fotming a good contrast to the dressings of yellow Stourton stone. The roof is of the best blue slate from the Penrhyn quarries, and over the northern en trance there is a niche for a statue of the patron saint. There is a second entrance at the south- east end. The consecration took place at ha'f-past eleven,, the bishop with a number of clergv entering by the north-west door. The clergy included Arch- deacons Evans and Wynne Jones; Canon Lewis- Dolgelley; Uev3 D. Evans, J. Pryce, T. Walters, Bangor; J. Morgan, the new rector of Aber; T. XonÎs Williams; W. C. Edwards, J Jones, Menai Bridge; P. Constable Ellis, F. Willoughby Jones* J Evans, LlanfairÎedHlll; W. Davies, Llandudno; D. Banks Price, Llangelynin; W. Hughes, Llan- enddwyn; D. Jones, Gelli; J. Jenkins, Glan- ogwen; J. Banks Piyce, Llandwrog; Warren. Trevor, Elijah Owen, Penuiou; it. if. Williams, D. Davies, S. Joues, St. Ann's; D.Jones, Pen- maenniawr: Z. P. Williams, Abererch; D. Jones, Liannor; R. W. Griffith, Llaug.idwaladr; H. Thomas, Llaneilian T. Edwards, Llanfihangel; W. Edwards, Trefriw; H. Recs, s. Pnillips, Con- way A. W. Francis, Portmadoc T. Kills, Gvffin II. Parry, Llanfairisgaer; D. O. Davies, Llan- dinorwic; D. L. Williams, Llanwnda; and D. Davies, (jlasinfryn. The consecration service having been read by the bishop, the Litany was intoned by the Rev T. Walters, minor canon of Bangor Cathedral. The bishop preached from Revelations'xxi. 22, and, in closing his sermon, remarked that the new building would be associa- ted in the minds of many present with the memory of one who for a short time served in that place, the Rev Robert Wilhams, the late curate, who, though chiefly concerned in the spiritual building, watched the progress of the material one with intense intwrest, taking even, he believed, some part in the decoration, but who was called hence before he was permitted to witness its com- pletion. He reminded them all of the acts of love- iid devotion of those connected with the parish ■v! desired ill their zeal to raise to God a beautiful, commodious, and seemly house in His lionout. Might it please God to make the wor- smppi rs in that house happ., and that by spiritual services they should be continualiv raised nearer and nearer unto Him to whom that service was- directed. In conclusion, he reminded them there was still a debt of £200 upon the church, and he appealed to their liberality towards clearing it off. At the close of the service, which was largely attended, the bishop consecrated the addition to the burial ground. In the evening a W ish service was held. During, the English service Mr Ainswortli, of St. James, Upper Bangor, acted as organist, and Miss Griffith, of Henfaes, at the Welsh service. The old church, which was a favourite resort of Mrs He mans, the poetess, is said to have been lJUilt about the ear 6 i t, and i; presumably one of the earliest Christian churches in Britain. Its supposed founder and p itrou saint was St. Bod- van, the nephew of Helig of Llys, whose castle was submerged, and is now said to be visible dur- ing law spring tides on the Lavan sands, which run into the Meuai Straits opposite Aber. St. Bodvan was one of twelve brothers, all. saiuta, who built a great number of churches in Wale*- which bear their name up to the present day. The old church, which was occupied by Cromwell's soldiers on their way to Ireland, had a tower, with a peal of bells, which were presented by Lord Bulkelcy in 1811, conditionally upon the parish clerk ringing them during fogs or sturnli, as a. warning to persons crossing the Lavan sands to- Beaumaris, this, prior to the erection of the Menai Suspension Bridge, being one of the clucf- high- way s -to the sister kingdom. The practice is still kept up for the sake of the cockle gatherers. It possessed no architectural beauty nor an thing of antiquarian interest, save some old mural monu- ments of Anglesey and Carnarvonshire families, which have been preserved, and are placed in tho vestry of the new building.
A GERMAN YIE\V OF LORD DEHBY.
A GERMAN YIE\V OF LORD DEHBY. The Berlin Coirespondent of the D'tily JVetcs writes: -If Lord Derby has lost the confideuoe and sympathy of Lord Beacon-field, lie L" not wholly discaided by the good opinion of Europe. Your Saturday's number had a special telegram from Rome, giving the admiration felt tlwre for his conscientious course, and for his speech in the Lords. Some of the French papers write in the same strain. But nothing better has perhaps been said than the remarks of the National Zeitung. It is refreshing and gratifying, it observes, in the midst of all this confusion, to hear one man who still keeps his head cool. However novel it may seem for a statesman who ha-s just retired from the Foreign Office to condemn the policy of the last two years so sweepingly and relentlessly, one is still struck with admiration for the clearness with which Lord »erby did this in his speech of April 8. This, of course, leads to a contrast between the late Minister and the Premier, not altogether to the advantage (,f the latter. When the Germans. call Lord Beaeonsfield a phrase-maker" they ex- press one of the severest forms of contempt, but when he shouts forth the phrase that his cause is that. of the freedom of Europe, they are even moved to indignation. It is not for me to criticise either the policy or the rhetoric of the Prime Minister. The "freedom of Europe" is something- well worth preserving, and there is doubtless for some large imaginative minds a great charm in the: thought (OJf England going out like a medieval knight-errant, on such an unselfish mission. But I can assure his lordship that the Germans who have sentiment enough at other times are not at all impressed by such a fanciful conceit. They are like the perverse maiden in the song who would not be rescued, and even refused to see that she was a-slave. It seems to me that every English- man, whatever his opinion of Loi^l Beaeonsfield'* policy may be, ought at least to demand that that policy shall not be made ridiculous to Europe. And this suggests one reason for the German ad- miration of Lord Derby. The late Minister of Foreign Affairs is above all things a practical statesman. He takes account, as the National z. ir A Zeitung puts it, of facts, of veal solid material in- terests, and does not let his reason follow his fancy in the chase after shadowy phantoms. For this reason, too, the German Fo:eign Office liked to do- business with him. To say this, of course, is to imply nothing against Lord Salisbury, who made a singularly good impression here a year ago, and is believed in what coucerns his perRond sym- pathies to be perhaps more friendly than Lord Derby to the German Empire.
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A New York paper calculates that the amouBC- of money spent in newspaper advertisements iJ* the United States exceeds £60,000,000 annually.