The North Wales Express

CARNARVON—AiTive<V Leven, s.s.. Jones, Barrow; Corby Castle, Rooso, HolyUeau; King Ja.Ja, s.s., Jones. Liverpool; James, Jone-i, Plymouth;, Gomor, Howeiis, Mostyn; Cousius, Roberts, Liverpool; Temple, s.s., Jones, Liverpool; King Ja Ja. s.s., Jones, juiverpool; Ellen Myranwy, Parry. Sundwieh Mar- Siret L^wis, Thomfis. Cardigan; Elizabeth Ricnards, oberts. Pensara; Margaret & Ann, Parry, Aber- ystwyth; Chester Trader, Pierce. Milford; Km? Ja 3a, sJ!.♦«I ones, Ijivorpool; Neptune, Roberts, Cardiff. Sai!"d, the Pteotia, Wiiiiains, Belfast; Leven. B.S., JOTI<»S, PorMinorwio; Kin? J a Ja, f.a., Jones, Liver- pool; Temple, s.s., Junej, Llanaelhaiara; Evelina, Anthony, Aberdeen; Argo, Griffiths, Killorghn; K'-ag Ja Ja, s.s., Jones, Liverpool: Duke of York: Atherton, Kunoru; Athalia. Jones, Runcorn; St. Helen. Wil- liams, Portdinorwic; Emily Ann, Owens, Belfast; William & Caroline, Jones, Hilloth.

Birtjrs, ^itrriajjes 3Tt& BIRTHS. OV^BS-July 18, the wife of Me Thomas Owen, L. & N. W. Railway, Acton briel-e, Cheshire, of a daughter. WILLI VJIS -July 31, the wife of Mr Hugh VVTuiinn, G», Cresswell-atreet, Liverpool, o- P a son. MARRIAGES. JONR3—OWBX—August 6. at the registrar's office, Car- narvon. bv Mr W. R. Whiteside, Mr Griffith Jones, Goat, to Miss Jano Owon, Ccte Newydd—both of Iilanrug. ^ONBS—DAVIBS—August 1. by licence, at Horeb, Dwy- gyfylohi by the Rev R Parry (Gwalchmai), assisted toy the Rev Caleb Williams, pastor, Mr Richard Jones, Taudderwen. to 'Miss E. Davies, draper—both cf Peiunaeumawr. BQBSTT.—1'iuBBtf-Tuly 20, at the registrar's aBbe, Pwllheli. by MrEvrm T. Griffith, Mr William Roberts, Penlon, Lleyn, to Miss Ann Green, Sand-street—both of Pwllheli. „ ROBHETS—Owass— August fi. at the registrar's offloe, Pwllheli, by Mr T. E. Griffith, Mr John Roberts, Hall Place. Denbigh, to Mias Elizabeth Owens, Gwynliin- log Bach, LUiueotyn. WILLI VJI3-WILUAH?-August 1, atSaiem CnapetLlan- llyrn;, by the Rev Robert Thomas. Mr Evan Thomas Wiai «. u». Groeslon. to Miss Elizabeth A. Williams, Re <"w ilmise, Lhmllytni. WILHAIL I—DAVI33—Aagusb R. at Princes -road, Liver- pool. by the Rev J. Owen. Wigan. Air J. J. Williams. 15, Heuiau-street, to Miss Ijizrie Davies, Moss Bank, tiivcrnool. DEATHS. JON83—July »i, 23. John, son of Mr Henry Jones, Aber Cottages. P.u-tdiaorwie. JONBS—Tuly 29. aged 65, Mrs Alice Jones, Beaumaris- road Menai Bridge. T JONBS—July 30, aged 83, INL- Owen J oneTrnrhos, Gaerwen,Anglesey. J0?*"3S—August 2, aged 69, Mrs Catherine Jones, the wife of Mr Riohard Jones, Trefnant Ddu, Llanddan- lelfab. Anglesey. PlirrcnAi:D—August 5, aged 20, Mr John Priehard. son of Mr Hugh Pritchard, Glan-y-don, Pentve, Barw, Anglesey. ROBBRTS—July 30, aged 14 months, Mary Jane, daugh- ter of Mr find Mrs Robots Brynhyfryrl, Rhosgadfan. WILT JAMS—Vugust 3. aged 27, Henry Lewis, beloved flon of Mr David Williams, Tyddyn TTcfcaf, Llanddan- ielfab, Anglesey. WIT ~Tii'ypO.Ja*'>'154 Trypher.a *Villianis, the wife qt Mr .John Williams, Cloddia Coed, Taiysarn (late of D(': )l Park, Bethesda). JFoUiSti—July 30, aged 10 days. L-f" "'■I. rifnut o of Mr M. O. J"10 Maix-'t-ti-e.?: =.r.iar'>;i.

There are many explanations of the reason of Lord Hartington's retirement from the leadership of the Liberal party sush as disgust at the insub- ordination of his followers, impatience of Mr Gladstone's tendency to bolt, above all the secret mortification at the utter rejection of his policy by the country. These are all ingenious explanations, but they remind me of King Charles' puzzle to the Reval Society, Why a dead fish weighs more than a live one. Before asking ourselves why it is so, we had better first pnme and ascertain whether it is so. The correct have s.v.ne better authority than Vanity Fair. The Major O'Gorman scene in the House of Common on Tuesday night, with its subsequent explanations and apologies, would afford a divert- ing episode to the closing days of this moribund Parliament were it not for the reflection upon the waste of time and loss of dignity it entailed. The feeling which produced the Major's unnatural excitement and its conscquences seem to have been acute disappointment on finding that his son, after thirteen years' service, had been ordered off to Malta without the promotion which the Major doubtless felt was due to his family for the services he has been able to render Parliament in his own person. Whilst he provokes a laugh at the way he resents a grievance, lie is by no means politary as in the feeling that the good things given away'' just now depend little upon honest service or even loyalty to party. This, however, cannot be aver- red ever Mr Baillie Cochrane's reported "rise." He is one of Lord Beaconsfield's oldest and staunchest followers, and was a Young-Englander when that type of sentimental Toryism was first launched into life by Lord John Manners and the author of "Sybil." He has since taken up the mantle which fell from poor Pollard Urquhart's shoulders, and has been as anti-Russian as even the hottest Turcophil could wish. These are two points at least in which Mr Baillie Cochrane must commend himself to the attention of his chief. He hilS e iriied his reward, and this is to take the shape of a Peerage. I have nothing to say against it. He is well connected, has a fair estate, has served his party in and out of Parliament for upwards of thirty years, and is, therefore, fully entitled to the blushing honours of a seat on the crimson benches of the Upper House. He will be no great loss to "the Commons," which can ill-afford to lose debating power. I am glad to see that the suggestion which I threw out the other day is to be acted on, and that there will be a naval review of the Special Service Fleet at Portsmouth on Monday next, the 12th inst. It is a pity that Bank Holiday was not selected, as the occasion would have brought down many thousands to Portsmouth who can scarcely be expected to pay a second visit to the seaside within a week. In any case, it will be an impressive sight, and one worthy of the first maritime Power in the world. This review may be said to bring to a close our preparations in view of a war now happily avoided. At the a mc tiaie, we cannot pass without censure the disgraceful scenes which occurred in too many cases at the demobilization of our reserves. De- mobilizing, I suppose, means the disbanding of soldiers, not the converting them into a drunken mob. But this occurred in more cases than one. The reserves on board the Xema steamer bound from Bristol to Cork were mad drunk, and endangered the. lives of crew aud passengers. In Dublin there W:1i a regular fight in the streets, and altogether the War Office mismanaged the business so horribly that we can only hope it may be a long day before the reserves are again called out. A half-penny extra in every ounce of tobacco is found to make a real substantial difference to the consumer. Perhaps economical persons have been driven by the increase of expense in their luxury to abandon the habit of smoking altogether. At any rate, the taxation introduced by the last Budget has had the effect already of diminishing the trade. To take a "bird's-eye" view of the matter, the" returns" for the year will be seriously lower than last. There will be less 'honey-dew" and more money due. Thomanu- t acturers at their meeting the other day at the City c rerminus hotel, practically recommended to smokers r generally an abstentation from the weed until the 1 ;xtra tax should be removed. Make the impost e mproductive," was their advice. Not very patri- r )tic conduct on the part of the gentlemen whose 1i lames we are familiar with in connection with s ?aper packets and tin and cardboard boxes, but i natural enough. It is one of the difficulties of the ige that the Budget can never be readjusted with- 1 jut endangering the loyalty of some trade or pro- ( fession. Indirect taxation, although said to fall t equally on all classes alike, in almost all cases 1 presses with special hardship upon some particular section of the commercial world. Bobby Lowe's < match tax was only more odious than the recent increase in the tobacco-tax because he had 1 overlooked the fact that watchmakers were I amongst the most destitude and wretched of ar- 1 tisan populations. When young Disraeli was 1 posing as a "Tory Democrat," he declared that Charles the First was rightly called a Martyr fot the People he fell, said he, because he preferred t) support the revenues by ship-money, which was a direct tax and levied upon men of substance only, to supporting them by indirect taxation (in the shape of Parliamentary supplies), which fell upon the poor as well as upon the rich. Several things have happened" since Benjamin Disraeli wrote Sybil," and so far from exhibiting any passionate fondness for direct taxation at any time he made the abolition of the income-tax almost a party cry. Some of his followers were sanguine enough to suppose he intended to remit it alto- gether when he succeeded to the Gladstonian sur- plus but the income-tax, unequal, inquisitorial, and un-English asit is, is too elastic a source of re- venue for any ministry to dare to do away with it. A few ladies have ventured upon an experiment in dress which without the sanction of the Worth or the precedent of the Parisian fair, has only its own native simplicity and grace to recommend it. The scene of the experiment was Goodwood, where daring effects of feminine costume have not un- frequently been displaced. The ladies in question appeared upon the race-course arrayed in the attire of Greece, or, at least, in a very pretty adap- tation of it. The milliners will never, I fear, per- mit this freak to advance into a fashion, or their occupation would be gone.. There are no flowers, no gussets, no intricacies of sewing. One long broad piece of material is ingeniously arranged and tied around the body in such a manner as to form a complete and becoming costume. An In- dian ladies dress is put on in ali-nost, exactly the same way. English costume may yet free itself from the characteristics of Dutch gardening. Every day one is surprised to hear of some new match or competition or extraordinary feat. In America the art of the diver is being brought to great perfection. The time is gone by when the diver was compelled to return to the surface at short in- tervals. Even in England we have men who encased in the most approved apparatus will stay under the water for long periods together, and work almost with the same position and exactness as if they were on dry land. But I doubt whether any English diver would be prepared to respond to the challenge issued by an American to walk five hun- dred miles under water along the course of a river We are trying to keep up the present illusion that the season is not over because the session still drags oil but it will not do. Even the leaves- as they always do in London the first week in August, a full month before yours in the country even thinkof it!—are turning bare and brown. We live fast in London, and even our trees feel some- thing of the drive of life, for they came out sooner and sooner also fell off. As for what is pleased to call itself society, it has never been shy of being seen in London in August as now. All the world and his wife are assumed to be in Paris, and, in- deed, I hear that the fashion of trying a season in Paris instead of London is on the increase. This year the Park was as thin, and already it is as deserted as it has been iu former years a month deserted as it has been iu former years a month I later. And yet Parisians afe not happy All London has turned out to seethe fun of the fair by the Seine and yet Paris grumbles. That Strike among the Jehus of that most Jewish set of contractors, the Cab Company, which have a monopoly in Paris, is only a sympton of the general discontent. One day it is a strike among the waitresses at Duval's Bouillon establishment; the next day among the cab-drivers; and both from the same cause. Capi- talists there have been too sharp and exacting. They want two profits, or, rather, the chance of fleecing the foreigner twice over, which he objects to, when they take it out of their servants. Talk of our being a nation of shopkeepers, that is exatly what we are not and what the French are. Be- tween us and them there is all the difference be- tween the merchant and the tradesman. The one knows what interest to expect for his outlay the other, like a greedy fellow, thinks all is grist that comes to his mill. The society journals, it appears, have had their day, and, like our little systems which have their day and cease to be, are already beginning to de- cline. Considering that truth has to defend three actions for libel at once, I am not surprised that it is so. In the old times, a party newspaper kept a practised duellist on its staff: a cute lawyer must now be an essential part of its working arrange- ments.

RHYL. BURGLARY.—On Friday night, Mr Boddington's [Watchmaker, Queen-street) workshop was broken into by rhieves, who stole about £ 300 of goods, no ilue has yet been found as to the whereabouts of the thieves, nor any of the stolen goods. CONSTITUTIONAL ASSOCIATION.—The members of this association met at their office Wellington Chambers, on Saturday last, to consider important communications received from the National Union of Conservative Associations. THE NEW VICAR.—The Rev Mr Richardson, Aberdovey, was inducted the Vicar of Rhyl at St. Asaph Cathedral on Friday last PRESENTATION.—On Monday last. the Rev W. Roderick was presented with a very handsome oil painting of himself by the Welsh Baptist Church. We have before referred to the object of this very handsome Testimonial. A BOWLING MATCH was played on Friday last, the first prize was won by Dr Wolsteuholm, Mr Devine carrying off the second prize. We very much regret that space will not allow us to insert the full score of each individual player. We would suggest that a string band be engaged to play while the next match is being played being sure that it would be a very welcome improvement. BRASS BAND CONTEST.—We find that ten cele- brated bands have entered foi competition at this great contest, amongst which we notice the Nantlle Vale Brass Band. I

SIMS REEVES AND SIGNOR FOLI. Who in the world does not hnow of the Prince of all singers ? And who that was in Carnarvon Eisteddfod does not ramember the fine singing of Signor Fo-'i? Well, these two unequalled singers have undertaken to sing at the Pavilion, Carnar- von, on Saturday, September 21. It is possible that the people of Wales will never have another opportunity to see or hear Sims Reeves, and for Signor Foli he leaves England and Wales the fol- lowing Monday. They agreed to make this appear- ance, the last in Wales, at the time of Mr James Sauvage's concert. No one else but he could have secured their services under the present circum- stances. But they have decided to appear, and Mr Sauvage has secured the services of ladies of world- wide reputation to take part in the proceedings. Particulars will be published shortly. I

MENAI BRIDGE EISTEDDFOD. The "Anglesey Chair Eisteddfod," held this week at Menai Bridge, has now become an annual institution, and yearly becomes more influential. Although the above title conveys the idea of its being a local Eisteddfod, still it, like ito preceders at Holyhead, Llangefui, Llanerchymedd, and Llanfechell, is as general as that of Aberffraw in 1849, and this year promises to be far morp so. Immediately after the proclamation of the Eis- teddfod at Llanfechell, a committee was formed at Menai Bridge in order to carry it out. This com- mittee met weekly at the British School, and had Mr John Morgan, Cadnant, as chairman; Rev J. Jones (curate) with Mr Evans, Brynllwyd, as vice- chairmen and Mr R. G. Thomas, treasurer The musical department was submitted to a special committee, with whom Mr E. W. Thomas, Bangor, and Isalaw co-operatcd while Messrs 0. T. Owen (Mcnlliwysou), Cadwaladr Davies, and Thomas Hughes, filled the post of secretaries, to whose energies and self-denial are due the thanks of all for the able and excellent manner in which they carried on their laborious and onerous work on which depended the success of the Eisteddfod. After the meeting held in September last for the purpose of proclaiming the Eisteddfod, meetings were held weekly to decide upon the subjects ior competition, and also to raise more sympathy with the movement. A most influential list of patrons was secured, all oi. whom subscribed handsomely towards the expenses. As the time drew nigh, Menaiwyson prepared a plan of a pavilion to con- tain 4000, and we feel bound to give it great credit on account of its appearance and general convenience, Mr R. G. Thomas then undertook to superintend the building thereof with Menai- wyson. Consequently the committee undertook the work of erection, which will probably be £ 400. The pavilion is erected at Waenhalog in the lower end of the town. The prizes, amounting to J6300, were mostly given by the committee, and beautiful silver medals have been purchased for the success- ful competitors. The repairs taking place at the bridge was a slight misfortune. The decoration, which reflects great praise on the persons concerned, was carried out Mr R. G. Thomas, assisted by a great number of ladies of the neighbourhood. They exceed our description, and include the coats of arms of the 20 Tribes of Wales, banners, mottos, &c., worked out in flowers, and other materials most artistically. A figure of Justice painted above the platform has a remarkable effect; as also figures of the Welsh Harp and Cambrian Plume. The flags I and banners were kindly lent by Mr Robert Davies and Mr Pennant E. Lloyd, the former of whom also send a beauti- ful collection of plants for the decorating of the front of the stage. The president's chair is the property of Mr R. E. Thomas, and it may interest many to know that it was the chair in which sat (lueeii (then Princess) Victoria at the Beaumaris Eisteddfod. TUESDAY. Tuesday's proceedings were not generally favoured by fine leather, sunshine and rain being had alternately in about an hour after the com- mencement of the morning's meeting. A fair number of persons visited the town during the day, and everywhere seemed to be teeming with life early in the morning. THE GORSEDD. At 9 a.m., the bards, ovates, and musicians assembled in the British School, where a proces- sion, headed by the youthful though excellent band of the Training Ship Clio, was formed. The procession afterwards proceeded to a hleld, situated in the neighbourhood of Bulke!cy-square, where the Gorsedd was opened according to t). e ancient rites of the British Bards." A large na mber or spectators witnessed the interesting proceedings. Among the bards and others present withh"1 the mystic drcle we noticed Clwydfardd, Gtt'K.™ Eryri, John Morgan, Cadnant; loan Maldwyv'. loan Arfon, Llew Llwyfo, Carwad, Thesbiad, Tudur, MenaiWyson, Gwilym Arfon, Isalaw, Beuno, Meilir Mon, Mr E. W. Thomas, and others. Mr R. G. Thorny Menai Bridge, acted as sword-, bearer; Clwydfardd as gorsedd bard; and Gwilym Eryri as presiding druid. The usual formalities harving been observed, the gorsedd was declared open, Tudur, ascending the maen Hog, announced that an application would be made on Thursday, that the next Anglesey Chair Eisteddfod be held at Holyhead. On behalf of Mr John Morgan, Cadnant,! chairman of the Eisteddfod Committee, he also offered a prize of one guinea for the best epitaph to the late Capt. White Griffith, Chief Constable of Anglesey. The gorsedd was then closed and adjourned, and the procession, now consisting of the local Oddfellows' lodges and others, was ro-formcd to meet and escort the pre- sident of the day, Mr Richard Davies, M.P. THE EISTEDDFOD MEETING. The proceedings of the first meeting were com- menced shortly after 10 30 a.m., when the Presi- dent made h»s appearance on the platform and met with a warm reception. The conductor was Llew Llwyfo. The Eisteddfod having been opened by the sound of trumpet, the Clio Brass Band came for- ward to play a selection of airs, which were ren- dered in a very satisfactory manner. In rising to deliver the opening address, the President was loudly cheered. He said :— Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen,—I am tempted this morning, my friends, to wish, that it were next Friday morning instead of to-day -that we were finding ourselves at the close of the Eisteddfod instead of at the beginning. I rather envy the Chairman, whose pleasant task it will be, I hope, to congratulate the Menai Bridge people on the complete success of their Eisteddfod—in- stead of merely expressing hopes and good wishes, as I have to do to-day. Of course, we all feel very happy and very sanguine on this first day but we cannot-at any rate, I cannot—help feeling very anxious too. I cannot cease to wonder at the pluok of you Menai Bridge people in undertaking another Eisteddfod so soon, and undertaking it on so large a scale. I must confess, had you con- descended to ask my advice, and what is still more improbable, had you condescended to act on it after asking if, you would never have brought all this care and responsibility upon yourselves. But as you know, the thing was settled like the laws of • the Medes and Persians before I ever heard of it. But though I have had no share in the labour or the pluck and the daring that has brought this Eisteddfod so far, I cannot help most keenly sharing the anxiety as to its success. That the weather and the great public may combine to fill the" capacious maw" of this monster pavilion eight times over is not a very little thing to hope for. I feel confident the committee have done all in their power to secure success—the subjects for competition are good-there will be good prizes, good music, good poetry, good beirniadu^and, after I will sit down, good speeches also. I under- stand we 'are to have some distinguised visitors among us. I hope some of them who visit us for the first time may be induced to tell us very frankly what they think of the Eisteddfod, and even to make some practical suggestions as to its working. They will find it a sort of double-sided thing—one side turned towards the amusements, and the other towards the instruction and benefit of the people. I suppose it is the amusement side mostly that this Eisteddfod will present to us all during these coming days. We shall be delighted to hear of good essays that have been written, and great poems that have been composed, stockings that have been knit, boots, chairs, maps: drawings, that have been made. We shall hear choruses, and solos sung, and harps and bands and piancs, and then we shall see prizes and medals and ribands given to the happy winners—and we shall enjoy it all very much, at least I hope so. The amount of actual instruction we shall receive had better not be enquired for too closely perhaps. But where, then, must we look for the other side of this Eistcddfod,for its directly elevating and instructive influence ? I suppose we should have to go back through the weeks and months the past year, and into many quiet, lowly, unknown homes, scattered through Anglesey and other parts of Wales, to look for it. Here and there we should find young men spend- ing the short leisure hours of a hard working life in reading and thinking and writing, in order to prepare some essay or poem for the Eisteddfod; here and there, men and women meeting together from week to week to practice for some choral competition at the Eisteddfod, and so on with knitting, drawing, architectural study, musical composition, and what not. We cannot probably calculate how much impetus may have been given to mental labour, how much thirst for knowledge may have been awakened, nor how many idle hours redeemed in different ways during the past year by the work of preparation for this Eisteddfod and others. And it is not these great Eisteddfodau alone that answer this good purpose. I think it is attained in almost equal measure by the small literary meetings—cyfarfodydd llenyddol—which are really off-shoots of the Eisteddfod, and which are held so continuously up and down the country. It may be objected that all this work- ing, or a view to some sort of public display, is not an unmixed good-that it betokens the vanity and the pretty little self-conceits with which the Times so liberally credits us Welsh- men that may be, but if the vanity and conceit are in us, perhaps the Eisteddfod should be thanked for helping to direct them into tolerably safe channels. Increase of knowledge ought to be increase of humility, and when between schools and eisteddfodau and all, we Welsh- men become very wise and learned, t doubtless we shall become as humble and lowly in characters as our English neighbours. In glancing over the programme, I was very much struck with one item. There is a prize of ten pounds to be given for the best essay on the sub- ¡ ject of an essay on "The Pulpit, the Sabbath School, the Eisteddfod, and the Press—the rela- tionships that should be between them, and the influence of their joint working on the improve- ment and elevation of the Welsh nation." That is setting the standard of the Eisteddfod very high, is it not ? Yet, I could scarcely imagine a more desirable thing for the country than that its chief recognised amusements should be of such a kind that one might venture to ally it, however humbly and distantly, as a moral and religious agency in the pulpit and Sabboth School. But I think it will requre great care, my friends, to keep the Eis- teddfod up to this mark. We greatly need more of this elavating influence which the Eisteddfod is here "presumed to possess. We have a pulpit in Wales for which we ought to be very thankful. Some Welsh servants lately went to hear a cele- brated minister in London. On being asked how they enjoyed the service they said "Oh, very much; but we think we hear as good sermons every Sunday in our Welsh Chapels," and I believe they were very near the mark. I have no doubt that this could be explained in a way by no means derogatory to the English pulpit, but we need not enter into that now. The fact remains that we Welsh people are undoubtedly privileged: in a remarkably clear, powerful, thoughtful gospel ministry. Our Sab- bath schools also exercise a wide influence; adult- being nearly as numerous in them as children. We are a nation of heaiers, but I fear not quite such a nation of doers. We greatly need to be made a more sober people, more pure and chaste, and more truth telling. And if the Eisteddfod and the Press can do something—can do more than rhev have done to help us to become so- then let I iicai with all earnestness be up and doing. Their platform must necessarily be a much lower one than of the Divinely appointed Pulpit, and its helpers, the Sabbath Schools. But, if the Eis- teddfod will aim high, it will be a great gain. It already offers amusement to us of no mean order. It already helps the few (to quote-words from one of the walls of this pavilion, the words of the Welsh poet you hope to welcome here next Thurs- day morning) to climb up the steps of knowledge, and if it can in any way, aim still further, at help- ing them all to tread the paths of duty, it will be fcLhe more than ever worthy of your sympathy and au^op°rt (cheers). T.1C programme was then proceeded with as fol- *°Songf Can y Tywysog," by Eos Morlais, in a capital niiannf; A bardic address having been given by Clwyd- fardd the adjudication of Clwydfardd, Tudno, and Gwilym Eryri on the satirical poems on the "Selfish Man" was read by the former. The prize for the best composition was £ 2. The com- position bearing the Aqnz de plume of "Horace" was adjudged tabetics best, but the author did

FRIDA. Y. AUGUST Slit, 1878. THE PLENIPOTENTIARIES. After their expected and decisive parliamentary victory on Friday night, Ministers had another triumph in store for last Saturday, the day Appointed for presenting the freedom of the Cit-, v ot London, and giving a civic banquet to th¡;w<j .J.Jhle statesmen whom it is fitili the fashio n of the hour to call our Plenipotentiaries; though' is to be hop<;d we shall net ro^uire 4hcir s >i ^c<:9 in that capacity again. As far as tlle City h uthorities wera concerned, due ,p1"e- c parations > 'rcre f°"" doing honour to the two nprsrvn wto seem late tave Aolir^ nil H, oir colleagues in the Cabinet, md g hSnt themselves as bright parti- x according to all account, there an P°?^r ment and enthusias ra the Plenti- potentarL'S were roeted on their entry into London in returning! rom PQf'Y\the Metropulitau populace tad done enough in the way of ^nfyitlg o,ir Berlin negotiators; possibly tk 11 bdk-, awuewhat affected by the J\ °:G. 0 iim speakers in their ait Goverrment; or it might be jhat Jirsty Londoners were too busier entfv^ oatnr- day afternoon in drinking tho Plcv -ipotenhanoa health to honour them by persons 1 adulation. At any rate, Lord Be-'iconsfield look. in Villa for the ftdaWwn ia ljo- f,3, which a man of his temperament dft. 'ght.3, and it mu=t hr.va been with a feeling of d sa-ppointment that he frequently bowed to a thin line of spectators along the route. But popular fervour will not last for ever, and Ministers ought to be- pretty well xatisV^-1 with the amount they had already cited. What was wanting in this respect in a great measure compensated for by the of honour which the City authorities t of their way to manifest. It was signiScant th.it in showing respect to ve Mmisri y trie Ooiporation should uscltated (iu wood) that ancient ► "'My, Temple Bar. as to make it t ,ry purpose of a makeshift Malieious people might lie is sf ucture with its one r rf wood, and the de- ti isel and bunting, the present shared- the Beaconsfield h has for many of the natural 'ration and 1 seen tha effort to -ig the jori Isfield — ar which iich can do do them a lith. harm in tending to imbue their riiK.ds with civic prejudice against the much- f aeeded reforms in the local government of the r-] metropolis. From the somewhat farcial cere- i m07i.y of "receiving the freedom" at ( Hall, Ministers, according to the traditional t precedents of the locality, adjourned to a ban- j quet at the Mansion House. Here speeches were made, which, of course, were of a political character, and, equally of course, chiefly turned on the settlement of the Eastern Question. The .subject, however, had been so well thrashed out in the recent debates in Parliament/that even such a rhetorician and imaginative genius as Lord Beaconsfield could find very little new to 3ay against it that calls for journalistic com- ment. Since the junketing in the city especially as already signs of reaction are not wanting, and people are beginning to count the cost of the Ministerial whistle, but the Prime Minister and Lord Salisbury appear desirous to discount current criticism; for certainly they adopted a m moderate tone on Tuesday in addressing the deputations from many Conservative asso- ciations that waited upon them to present congratulatory addresses, in referring to the almost unanimous opinion in Parliament and am )ng the public that the energies of the Pleni- potentiaries had been directed to the right ends, and that they had assisted in bringing about a practically satisfactory settlement. So far, no doubt, many Liberals will agree with the Premier; but the question will arise-Did it I require the expenditure of six millions to secure the settlement, and was not this amount obtained from Parliament in support of a policy which W33 afterwards abandoned by the Ministry in favour of a compromise which might have been effected without such extraordinary expendi- tureIt is not' only the quality of the peace that must be regarded, but what was to be paid for a result which, after all, is not brilliant. Liberals may acknowledge 'that they could not have dene more under the circumstances to check Russian aggrandisement; and perhaps wculd not have attempted to do more but it is op 'T! to to contend that they could have done as much without incurring the same cost, because they would not have spent large sums in supporting an impracticable policy. But we must remember that six millions is by no means the total cost of the policy which resulted in the Berlin Treaty. The Beaconsfield Ministry are specially responsible for consenting to the Russian acquisition of Kars and Batouin, for they agreed to this in the Anglo-Russian .memorandum drawn up preparatory to the Congress. Ministers consider that this conces- sion requires a counterpoise in the occupation of Cyprus and the protectorate of Asiatic Turkey. Whatever this occupation and this protectorate may ultimately cost us must, there- fore, be added to the six millions spent on cur- rent military expenditure, and to various other items incidental to the "settlement" which will appear in the civil estimates for expenses of Plenipotentiaries and suites, of the sittings of the Congress and the preservation of its records, oi special negotiations, messages, and proceed- ings of all sorts. Perhaps seven millions may clear the present expenditure, but when we conjecture what may yet remain to come, we are driven to the unwelcome conclusion that even seven millions may not go far towards defraying the total cost to this country of the Berlin settlement. Ministers seem studiously to avoid this view of the question, and only to harp on the benefits conferred. Their reticense, however, cannot make the nation altogether ignore the money side of the matter.

SVXDAV SCHOOL ExcuRsioxs.—The members of Salem and Pendref Sunday-schools enjoyed a delightful sea-trip with the steamer Mayflower to Beaumaris, on Monday, and heartily enjoyed themselves.—On the following day, the members of the Baptist Sunday-school paid a visit to the same place, starting on board the Mayflower about ten o'clock in the morning. In returning home, an accident, which might have resulted in serious consequences, occurred to a youth named Williams, son of Mr John Williams, Holywell-terrace. It appearp that having gone into the engine -room, the boy commenced to play with the machinery, and had his .foot injured, but not seriously. Towx COUNCIL MEETING.—At the monthly meet- ing of the council, held on Tuesday, there were present:—Messrs. Hugh Pugh, mayor (in the chair); G. R. Rees, W. W. Roberts, L. Lewis, De Winton, W. P. Williams, J. Jones, M. T. Morris, G. Griffiths, D. Thomas, Edward H. Owen, and E. H. Owen.—Plans of houses proposed to be built by Mr M. T. Morris in North and South Pen'rallt, were passed, as were also the plans of houses intended to be erected Ly Mr G. Griffiths in North-road.—A warm vote of thanks was accorded to Mr O. Jones, the borough treasurer, for the assistance rendered by him in securing the liberality of the owners of the respective estates in the neighbourhood to allow the council fcfi'cfrr^.vract a road from Pool-side along the Cadnant riv^r. —A letfer was received from Mr Hugh Hittaphreys with' reference to the site in Turf-square. The council resolved to inform him that the site iti front of the Hive was offered him for JE300. being the sum paid him for a similar plot of ground in the same neighbourhood. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, S AtU "AT. -Present: —Messrs Robert Jones (chairman), H. Thomas, andJ. Thomas (vice-chairmen), Thomas Hughes, William Jones (Clynog), John Griffith, John Jones (Carnarvon), John Fraser, Evan Hugh Owen, John Lloyd, Evan Griffith, Richard Thomas, William Owen (Ddolfawr), Daniel Thomas, John Owen (Cefn), John Jones (Gaer- wen), Elias Jones, Robert Williams, Elias Williams, Richard Owen, William Owen (Llan- fairiscraer), Edward Jones, Edward Williams, Rowland Humphreys, Robert Thomas, Hugh Williams, John Roberts, Thomas Jones, and Griffith R. Jones. Financial,$c.—The Clerk (Mr J. H. Thomas) reported that the total amount paid in out-door relief during the past fortnight was Y,303 13s 3d ditto paid to non-settled poor, £37 7s lOd balance in hand, X.586 12s lOd. Number in the house, 73 vagrants during the past fortnight, 10. Th'J Printed List of Paupers in the Union.—Atten ion was called to the fact that but- very few copies t .f the list of paupers had been sold, whilst the p c,. Lumber printed amounted to several hundred, j Che publication of the list, which is sold at -3d 1 :ach, elicited a lively discussion. Several guardians :ach, elicited a lively discussion. Several guardians 1: naintained that the list was not sufficiently ad- rJ rertised, whilst others contended that the books 3 hould be circulated gratis amongst the principal -atepayers in the union.—Mr Dauiel Thomas ulti- nately gave notice that at the next meeting he j ivill propose that the books be forwarded to the ;are of the respective overseers, who will distribute ihem gratis amongst the chief ratepayers of the inion. g A Visit to the Rouse by the District Medical Officer of Health.—The Clerk read the report of the j ibove gentleman, which was to the effect that he t risited the house on the 26th ult., and found it in 1 jood order. The well which supplied the house with w?.ter was reported to be dry, and it was t therefore necessary to pump out water of the 1 river, which was used by the inmates. The small j well at Penbrynmawr was not sufficient to supply the house. The report also recommended the furnishing of a separate room for one of the sick inmates named John Bankes.—A lengthened con- versation took place with reference to the water j question, Messrs John Lloyd, John Jones (Car- 1 narvon), and J. Fraser, maintaining that the house < should be supplied with water from the town 1 mains, as the river water, being, it was alleged, polluted to some extent by matter which flowed 1 from the adjoining tan yard,* was quite unfit for drinking purposes. Reference was also made to the fact that cattle- had been seen wading the river in the vicinity where the pump pipe is situa- ted.—The subject, together with that respecting the furnishing of an additional room for the sick pauper Banlces, was adjourned for a fortnight. lh" Workhouse Nwse.—The Local Government Board, in confirming the appointment of Ann Jones as workhouse nurse, called attention to the fact that her duties, for a period of six months, were to be undertaken by a special person. Mrs Owen, the matron, had expressed her readiness to be responsible for the performance of these duties, and she was accordingly appointed. The Welsh Circular, issued by the Local Govern- ment Board with the view to explain to the guardians their several duties in the administra- tion of the poor-law, &c., was again brought under notice, and further adjourned. School Attendance and the Enquiry Officers.—The board confirmed the appointment by the school attendance committee of the following persons as school attendance and enquiry officers, under the respective sections of the Elementary Education Act:—Messrs David Hughes, relieving officer for the Llandwrog district; David Thoma-, do., Llan- beblig district; W. R. Whiteside, do., Llanrug district; and Mr Hugh Pritchard to act for the Llangaffo and Llanfair-yn-y-cwmwd district. Their remuneration as enquiry officers is S-2 each per annum. Parochial Property Sale at St. Peter's, Newborough. —The Local Government Board, with reference to the application made by the guardians for the sale of parochial property at St. Peter's, Newborough, forwarded a copy of an order directing the guard- ians to proceed with the sale in such a manner as they deemed most expedient. The proceeds of the sale were ordered to be handed over to the treasurer, pending the resolution of the guardians I pe 0 respecting the manner in which they will be used. -The board above, in reference to a second com- munication by the guardians, explained that the Rev Thomas Meredydd, vicar of the parish of St. Peter's, had addressed the letters received by the relative to the property. The rev. gentleman, it was said, acted on behalf of the parochial officers in connection with this matter.—The guardians Z" resolved that the sale should be made by Mr W. H. Owen, Carnarvon. A Doubtful Matter.-Heference was made in the meeting to the death of the late Catherine Edwards, Hole-in-the-wall-street, a newsvendor, who was in receipt of parish relief. As it was stated that the deceased was possessed of a sum of money, the clerk made inquiries at the respective banks, and was informed that she had none there. The Post Office Saving's Bank Authorities, however, refused to supply him with any information relative to his question, as it was contrary to their rdles to do so. The subject therefore dropped. COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT, SATURDAY. -Before Messrs. E. G. Powell, J. P. de Winton, and J. D. Whitehead. Drunkenness.—The following persons were each fined 2s 6d and costs for drunkenness:—Evan Jones, Penygroes Joseph Preston, Talysarn (who hails from Warrington) and John Smith, Llan- beris. Non-Maintenance of a Parent.—Evan John Griffith, quarryman, Penygroes, Llanddeiniolen, was sum- moned at the instance of the guardians of the Carnarvon Union for refusing to contribute towards the maintenance of his mother, who is ia receipt of parochial relief. Mr Whiteside, reliev- ing officer for the Llanrug district, proved that the average earnings of the defendant for the last six months amounted to £ 8 2s 8d per month. He was a widower, and had only one child to main- tain. The guardians had requested him to contri- bute Is weekly towards the support of his mother, but he refused to do so.—The bench ordered the defendant to pay 2s weekly. 1 Riotous Farm Servants.—John Williams, Maesog, Clynog, and ^William Lewis, Bryscyni, Clynog, farm servants, were summoned for using threaten- ing language towards Owen Davies, Ynysgarwch, Clynog. Mr J. A. Hughes appeared for the com- plainant, and Mr Allanson (Messrs. Turner and Allanson) for the defendants. From the com- plainant's evidence, it appears that the defendants came to his farm about two o'clock on the morn- ing of the 25th ult., and knocked at the door. Having got up and opened the window, com- plainant demanded to know their business, upon which they threatened to kill him. They also smashed the window, and behaved in a very riotous manner.-A third person, whom complainant did not know, accompanied the defendants.-The defendants were bound over, in the sum of Y,25 each, to keep the peace for six months. Alleged Assault by a Husband.—John 0. Williams, a journeyman tailor from the neighbourhood of Saron, Bethel, did not appear to answer a sum- mons charging him with having assaulted his wife, Margaret Williams, and a warrant was issued for his apprehension. Assaulting a Child.—Mary Williams, Waenfawr, summoned Margaret Morris, a neighbour, for assaulting her youthful daughter. Defendant was fined Is and costs. Ejectment.—Thomas Thomas, Snowddu Valley Hotel, Llanberis, v. William Hughes, Snowdon- street, who refused to quit the premises held by him. The usual ejectment order was made. BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT, TUESDAY. —Before Mr H. Pugh (mayor) and Mr G. Rees. Drunkenness.-Ellen Roberts, for drunkenness on the 26th ult., was fined 9s 6d including costs, and for committing a similar offence D. Edwards- (" Crane ") was fined 5s 6d and costs. This was the defendant's 21th onence. Charges of drunken- ness were also preferred against Ellen Owen and Rachel Jones. The former, who has -figured as defendant in the court on 23 previous occasion, was ordered to pay a fine of 10s 6d and costs, and the latter was mulct in 2s 6d and costs. A Brutal Assault.—David Edwards (I I Crai-m was charged with assaulting Robert Jones, a quarryman, on the previous Sunday. Prisoner admitted having been fighting with the prosecutor; and that, during the scuffle, he gnawed his (pro- secutor's) finger with his teeth. Prosecutor was now unable to work owing to the severity of the injury inflicted upon him by the prisoner.—The bench characterised the assault as a very brutal one, and sentenced the prisoner to fourteen days' imprisonment. Illegal Weights.—John Abbott, butcher, High- street, was fined Is and costs for having illegal weights in his possession. 0 Furious .Driving.-This was the charge preferred against James Johnson, hawker, Manchester, who was ordered to pay a fine of 28 6d and costs. Quarrelsome Neighbout-s. -Catherine Evans, Little Crown-street, was bound over to keep the pcace owards her neighbour, Fanny Hughes. Master and Servant.—Robert Williams, Spring'" )lace, Carnarvon, sued Thomas William-, Uw-h- aw Rhos, Llandwrog, for the recovery of £ -4 7s 6d, >eingsix months' wages alleged t^ be due to him. [Phe bench made an order for the pavmeuE of X2 is 9d.

PENMAENMAWR. LOCAL BOARD.-The monthly meeting of the Penmaenmawr Local Board was held on Tuesday, ^resent:—Messrs H. Kneeshaw (chairman), E. tVyatt, T. Patrick, John Jones, R. Roberts, T. T. loberts, and W. Jones, clerk.—Mr Farrar, who Lttended with the plans of the proposed drainage, ,e, >resented in his report.-The Chairman gave lotice that at the next meeting he would propose :hat the plans be approved of.-A supplementary •ate of Is in the £ was made up to March next. Resignation of the Surveyor.-The resignation of ;he surveyor (Mr E. Robeits) was accepted with •egret, and the clerk was instructed to advertise :or a surveyor, a collector, and an inspector of luisance.