The North Wales Express

A BARBER'S SUICIDE.-The barber named Bur- ton, who committed suicide at Rotherham,by hang- ing himself, must have been correctly described as an eccentric character. As already described, he failed in his first attempt at suicide through the breaking of a strap which he had fastened round his neck, so, in a half-apologetic explanatory manner, he chalked upon the floor, The strap broke." His last direction to his wife was found written on a slate, aud it ran as' follows A.ugust 10, 6 a.m.—Dear wife. Bless you. This is my last wish: The snuff-box must go to the dram-shop, where I have spent many happy hours. My body for cremation; or Barton make the box, but no parson.—ROBERT BURTON. Good bye. I am tired of living, for I am a torment to myself, and everyone else.—R.B." MR GLADSTONE ON THE LAND QUESTION.—The following letter has been addressed to Dr Mac- donald, the writer of the pamphlet on thfe High- land Crofters of Scotland." :—"Dear Sir,—I have received the tracts this morning, and have already perused a great part. I pass by your animad- versions on. particular proprietors, as I have no independent means of judgment. But I am favourable to the principles on which you write- to the abolition of restrictions and limitations on land, and to having holdings of all sizes, with abundance of small holdings. On my son's property and my own we have this abundance they form the vast majority, and we would on no account disturb them.—I remain, your very faith- ful servant, W. E. Gladstone."

THE CARNARVON ATHETIC SPORTS are announced to take place on the 29th inst, when many valuable prizes will be awarded to the successful competitors. ENTERTAINMENTS.—Herr Dobler, the renowned wizard," together with Tute's company of Christy Minstrels, paid a visit to the town this week, and performed at the Guild Hall. Both entertainments were well attended. TURF SQUARE ENGLISH SUNDAY SCHOOL.-The children attending this school, accompanied by their teachere and friends, &c., were yesterday treated to a picnic at Bryngwyn, a delighted spot on the Narrow Guage Line, where they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. ANOTHER VICTORY !-Yesterday, the members of the R.N.A.V. battery of this town paid a visit to Bull Bay Regatta, and easily won the prize in the rowing match open to cutters belonging to naval volunteers, thus proving themselves champions both at home and abroad." THE CALVINISTIC METHODISTS' ASSOCIATION will be held in this town next week, the proceedings commencing on Tuesday. Thursday will be the great preaching day," when thousands of per- sons are expected to arrive in town. The open-air preaching services will be held in Capt O. Thomas' field, where Mr R. R. Williams has erected com- modious platforms. Next Sunday, the Rev D. Charles Davies, M.A., London, will preach at Engedi chapel in the morning, and at Moriah in the evening. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DRONING.—A few days ago, the youthful son of Mr Millward, Uxbridge- street,.of this town, had a narrow escape from drowning. It seems that the little boy, who is only Rve years of age, was playing on the landing stage at Ty'nycei, when he missed his footing and fell into the sea. Fortunately, Mr Hugh Wil- liams, son of a Holyhead pilot, was close to the spot at the time, and hearing the boy's cries he hurried thither, jumped into the water, and suc- ceeded in saving him. This is another of the several instances of brave and humane conduct which have lately been shown in this town, and which, hitherto, have passed by unrewarded. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE MOVEMENT.— A movement was inaugurated two months ago, by the vicar, ministers, and influental members of all denominations, the object of which is the better observance of the Sabbath and increasing the attendance in the different schools. Each denomi- nation sends three delegates, meeting every Sunday at the Guild Hall, at 1.30. At 2 o'clock they form in three parties, and visit the walks fre- quented by young people in the outskirts of the town. The representatives urgently beg those whom they consider ought to be present at school to attend for the future. On the evening of the 12th instant, a meeting of Sunday School teachers was held at the National School. Mr Lewis Lewis, ex-mayor, presided. Mr R. Patrick, the secretary, having apologised for the vicar's absence, gave the attendance and other matters relating to the work done. It was resolved to alter the present plan for a month, asking each place of worship to send at least one representative, giving the secretary the list of four persons likely to attend, which will raise the number from 15 to 21. A warm vote of thanks was unanimously passed to the chairman, who is so extensively known for his attachment to Sunday School work, and who so auspiciously marked his year of mayoral office by treating the whole Sunday scholaisof the town.-Commlmi- cated. PERFORMANCE OF DR. PARRY'S WELSH OPERA BLODWIZN- "Special trains from Bangor, Llan- beris, Nantlle, and intermediate stations, conveyed several thousands of persons to this town on Satur- day evening, the occasion being the performance at the pavilion of Dr Parry's new Welsh open, "Blodwen." The spacious building was fairly filled, and the greatest interest was manifested in the proceedings. Dr Parry, the composer, con- ducted, the soloists being Miss Hattie Davies, Miss James, Miss Anna Harries, Miss Jones (Llinos Rhondda), Eos Morlais, Mr Lucas Williams, R.A.M., Mr T. Evans, and Mr T. S. Thomas. Mr David Parry, a young student from the University College, presided at the piano, and Mr Woodward's small but excellent string band from Gloucester occupied the orchestra. The introductory overture was performed in a highly creditable manner. Miss Hattie Davies possesses a beautiful and refined soprano voice, and the manner in which she per. formed the parts allotted to her elicited hearty encores. The fine mezzo-soprano voice of Miss Harries was heard to advantage in the plaintive Welsh air to be found in Act 3, and a cordial re- ception was accorded to her and the other lady artistes. Eos Morlais could not have been in better voice. The tenor solos in the opera are well adapted both in style and compass to our "na- tional tenor, as Mr Rees was deservedly designated at the Menai Bridge Eisteddfod. On the present occasion, our ever-welcome vocalist infused a soul-stirring spirit into all the beautiful songs ren- dered by him, and the encores were frequent and enthusiastic. Mr Lucas Williams, of the London concerts, has a powerful bass voice of an exceed- ingly good quality. In the Metropolis, Mr Wil- liams has already become a favourite, and there is every reason to believe, from a musical point of view, that a bright future awaits him. Messrs Thomas and Evans were also well received, having performed their respective part in a creditable manner. The choruses were rendered by the choir with a telling effect, and the performance was a complete and decided success, both musically and financially.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, ON THE 30TH AUGUST, 1878, At the Queen's Hotel, Carnarvon, at 2 o'clock p.m., by MESSRS. E. IT. OWEN & SON, THE SCHOONER "ELEANOR THOMAS," Of Carnarvon, 120 tons register; length, 84 ft. r. in. breadth. 21 ft. depth, 11 ft. 5. in. Built at Bridpoit in 1S59. Classed at 8 years from June, 1872. Copper fastened throughout, and sheathed with yellow metal. Is a most handy vessel, fast sailer, and abundantly found. Ship now lying at the New Dock, Carnarvon. For further particulars apply to the auctioneers, Messrs E. H. Owen & Son. 1872h TO CONTRACTORS.—C. M. CHAPEL JL (CAPEL MAWR), CRICCIETH.-The above Chapel Committee are prepared to receive Tenders for the Masonry, Plasterers' and Painters' Work for erecting their new chapel. Plans and specifi- caticns are to be seen at the Chapel House. Ten- ders to be endorset, sealed, and sent on or before the 23rd August, addres3ed to the Rev. John Owen, M.A., Criccieth. The committee do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or anv Tender. OWEN MORRIS ROBERTS, Architect. Portmadoo, August 3rd, 1878. 1838-H TO CONTRACTORS AND BUILDERS.— THE LOLWYDDELEN INDEPENDENTS' NEW CHAPEL.—The Committee of the above Chapel are prepared to receive Tenders for build- ing their new chapel. Plans and specifications are to be seen with the Rev R. Mawddwy Jones, Dol- wyddelen, to whom the Tenders are to be sent on o.r before the last day of this month. The lowest or aay Tender will not necessarily be accepted. OWEN MORRIS ROBERTS, Architect. Po: tmadoc, August 3, 18iS. 1837. H PENMORFA U.D. SCHOOL BOARD.— -L AT ADi^ILAD WYR.—Mae y Bwrdd Ysgol vn barod i dderbyn tenders i adeiladu Glass-room a i'r ysgolfeistr yn Pentref Penmorfa. Y plans i'w gweled yn swyddfa y bwrdd yn Cerrig-y-pry- fed, v Tenders i'w hanfon i'r clerk, erbyn dydd Saavrrn, y 24ain o Awst, 1878. WILLIAM ROBERTS, Clerk i'r Bwrdd Ysgol. Offices of the School Board, Via Garn, Dolbenmaen, 12 August, 1878. 1867c N¡ OTICE.- \V e, the undersigned, being the I Summoning Officers under the Public Health Act, 1875, for the, purpose of the meeting hereinafter mentioned, do hereby give Notice that a Meeting will be held, in pursuance of the provisions of the said Act, on the Seventeenth day of August, 1878, at the Club Room, Festiniog, in the Parish of Festiniog, in the county of Merioneth, in pursuance of a Requisition duly signed for the purpose of passing a Resolution of the Owners and Ratepayers of the said parish that it is expedient that the said Parish of Festiniog shall be constituted a Local Government District under the provisions cf -the Public Health Act, 1875. Dated this 7th day of August, 1878. WILLIAM DA VIES, | <. • „ Q JOHN LL. JONES, J Summonin& Officers. 1868b LLANDWROG SCHOOL BOARD.—COM- PULSORY OFFICER WANTED.—The above Board will, at their Meeting to be held on Thursday, 22nd day of August instant, elect a Compulsory Officer for the parish of Llandwrog. Applications, stating salary expected, together with testimonials, to be sent to me not later than Wednesday, the 21st instant. J. HENRY THOMAS, Clerk to the above Board. Market Street, Carnarvon, 12th August, 1878. 1861 H 0 WANTED, a respectable Youth as an Ap- prentice to the General Drapery. A Mem- ber of the Calvinistic Methodists preferred.—Ap- ply to William J. Roberts, Draper, Oswestry. 1864-H LLANFAELOG, ANGLESEY. SALE OF FREEHOLD RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY, THE FREEHOLD HOUSE ani land called MAELGWYN, situate in the parish of Llan- faelog, Anglesey; containing 10 acres, 1 rood, and 10 perches. The property, which is within 20 minutes walk of Ty Croes station, is delightfully situated close to the shore of Crigyll Bay, and commands an un- rivalled view oj the entire range of the Carnarvon- shire Mountains, and of the whole of Carnarvon Bay. It is also close by Maelog Lake, celebrated for its excellent trout fishing, and Maelog River, which is a capital trout stream, runs through the property. z, The house, which contains 2 entertaining rooms, 4 bedrooms, kitchens, &c., has recently been re- built. The stable, cow-house, and other out- buildings, are modern and in excellent repair. For further particulars, apply to Mr J. Roberts, Solicitor, Bangor. 1819g HIGH STREET, BANGOR. DESIRABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY. TO BE SOLD BY PUBLIC AUCTION, BY 1\/|"R JOHN PRITCHARD, at the Vaynol _L\jL Arms, Bangor, on Wednesday, the 21st day of August, 1878, at 3 o'clock p.m. precisely, and subject to such Conditions of. Sale as shall be there and then produced, All that FREEHOLD DWELLING HOUSE, SHOP, PREMISES, and large GARDEN, situate and being No. 126, High-street, Bangor, and now in the occupation of Mrs. Davies. The Auctioneer has much pleasure in drawing the attention of parties desirous of obtaining good business premises to the above Sale, as an oppor- tunity of securing property in the High Street is so seldom to be met with. For further particulars apply to Messrs C. A. Jones and Roberts, Solicitors, Bangor and Carnar- von, or the Auctioneer, 1, Plasllwyd-terrace, Bangor. 1845g To BUILDERS AND OTHERS.—FREE- JL HOLD BUILDING LAND in Lots to be Sold or Let on long leases at Llanberis. The land is well laid out with streets and drains, and work- men's houses are in great demand in the district.— Apply to John Menzies, 16, North-road. Car- narvon. 1728h A SITUATION is desired by an experienced BOOK-KEEPER, who has also had a long ex- perience on the road in North Wales. He would be willing to make himself generally useful in any business establishment.—Apply A. J. R., office of this paper. Ft ENVELOPES! ENVELOPES!! ENVELOPES! A LARGE STOCK OF BTSiNESS ENVELOPES, FROM 3S. 9D. PER THOUSAND, AT fIlii CARNARVON PRINTING WORKS CARNARVON.

SOUTH VALES NARROW GAUGE TIME TABLE, AUG., 1878. Trains Leave Arrive at Carnarvon. Quellyn. 7 50 a.m 9 40 a m. to 35 a. ill 11 50 a.m. On Saturdays only 12 50 a.m. 2 4-5 p.m. 3 45 p.m 4 45 p.m. 6 0 p.m 7 30 p.m. On Saturdays only.. 8 25 p.m. Trains Leave Arrive at Quellyn. Carnarvon 8 20 a. ni. 9 15 p.in, 11 15 a.m. 12 35 1 20p. m. On Saturdays only.. 2 15 p.m 4 30 p.m. 5 45 p.m 6 1.5 P.M. 7 15 p.m. 8 £ 0 p.m. 9 35 p.m Trains will not run on Sundays.

Bhi!)Barrages anh gratis. BIRTHS. Hughes—August 11, at the London House, Holy- head, the wife of Mr H. Hughes, of a son. Jones—August 7, the wife of Mr W. Jones, manager of the' North and South Wales Bank, Portmadoc, of a son. Morris—August 8, the wife of the late Mr Price H. Morris, Pen-y-Llyn, Rhes-y-Cae, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. Conway—Davies—August 3, at the Parish Church, Llanelian, by the Rev D. M. Thomas, M.A., vicar, Mr John Conway (Eos y Nant), Meifod, to Miss Elizabeth Davies, Tanllan Farm,-both of the parish of Llanelian. Griffiths-Hughes-August 12, at the registrar's office, Carnarvon, Mr William Griffiths, Baptist- street, to Miss Mary Hughes, Northgate-street, CarniE von. Greenwood-Bums-August 5, at St. Seiriol's Church, Holyhead, by the Rev T. Lewis Jones, curate, Mr Joseph Greenwood, to Mrs Ann Burns,—both of Holyhead. Hughes—Griiffths—August 9, at the registrar's office, Carnarvon, Mr Hugh Hughes, to Miss Margaret Griffiths,-both of Northgate-street, Carnarvon. Jones—Williams—August 12, at Brussels, by the British Consul, Capt. William Jones, of the ship Gallao, to Miss Mary Louisa Williams, only daughter of the late Mr Wm. Williams, glazier, Carnarvon, late of St. Asaph. Jones—Williams—August 9, by license, at Salem chapel, Carnarvon, by the Rev Owen Jones, and Mr W. R. Whiteside, registrar, Mr John Griffith Jones, Cae Corniog, to Miss Mary Williams, Raca,—both of Llanddeiniolen. Kinsey—Parry—August 12, at St. Seiriol's Church, Holyhead, by the Rev J. Lloyd Jones, A.C., curate, Mr John Kinsey, to Miss Dorothy Parry, —both of Holyhead. 0 wen-Siddorn-July 31, by license, at St. Seiriol's Church, Holyhead, by the Rev J. Lloyd Jones, A.C., curate, Mr Edward Owen, clerk in the H.M. Civil Service, Stockwell, Surrey, London, only son of Superintendent Owen, Holyhead, to Miss Sarah Ann Siddom, Holyhead. Parry—Pughe—August 12, at the Congregational chapel, Portland-street, Aberystwyth, by the Revs R. S. Williams, Bethesda, and E. Herber Evans, Carnarvon, Mr W. J. Parry, Bethesda, Carnarvon, to Mary, daughter of the late Mr R. Pughe, Helygog, near Dolgelley. Roberts-Jones-August 6, at Dwyram chapel, Anglesey, by license, by the Rev W. T. Jones (father of the bride), assisted by Mr Jones, Gelliniog Goch, in presence of Mr Ellis, regis- trar, Mr William Roberts, chief officer 6n board the Decisnon, to Miss Jones, Bronceinwen. Rowlands—Jones—August 9, by license, at Ebenezer chapel, Llanddeiniolen, by the Rev Owen Jones and Mr W. R. Whiteside, registrar, Mr William Price Rowlands, Mona House, Ebenezer, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, Ty'n-y- werglodd,—both of Llanddeiniolen. DEATHS. Bradshaw—August 9, aged 6 years, at the residence of Mr Joseph Williams, coal merchant, Holy- head, Sissie, only daughter of Mr William J. and Elizabeth Bradshaw, late of Emerald Hill, Australia. Dorkins—August 8, Philip Ivor Dorkins, child of Mr Richard Dorkins, ironmonger, Bansor. Edwards—August 7, aged 5 years, John David Griffith, sou ol the Rev D. G. Edwards, minister of the Free Wesleyiiu Church, Aberystwyth.

THE PAST SESSION. As Ministers ate their traditional whitebait dinner at Greenwich on Wednesday, no doubt they felicitated themselves on the close of what has been a long, arduous, and wearisome ses- sion. We will give Ministers credit for having worked hard from January up to the middle of August, and we doubt not they will enjoy the freedom which they have now obtained from sitting long hours in the Houses of Parliament, answering embarrassing questions, defending their foreign policy, and trying to make a respectable show of home legislation. The members of the Government have been busy enough, and they have been worried enough, to make comparative rest acceptable. But now-a- days it is the fashion to judge men rather by the results they have achieved than by the labours they have undergone. If we judge the ministerial work of the session by this test, we are afraid that it will not be found very satis- factory. The public do not look to a Conserva- tive Cabinet for radical political changes, and it was chiefly because the people were tired of these, and wanted a spell of rest, that a Con- servative majority was obtained at the last general election. But prominent Conservative statesmen have professed the capacity and willingness of their party to carry out social reforms, and in this direction they have affected to outdo the Liberal party. The Queen's Speech at the opening of Parliament fore- shadowed a respectable amount of this sort of reform; but there was not much important achievement to be adduced in the Speech at the prorogation. The most imposing item in the ministerial legislative programme was a County Government Bill, which gave so little satisfac- tion to any party that it was shunted like a luggasre train to make way for the passage of a scarcely more satisfactory Valuation Bill. 'But, lest the agricultural interest should feel itself slighted, a Cattle Diseases Bill was introduced in their favour, only, however, to be finally so metamorphosed that the farmer will not find much in it to thank the Government for. The Criminal Law Codification Bill would have been a fine piece of work for the session but it was found impossible to give due time for its consideration, and expedient to submit it to competent technical revision. If we look around for other legislative work of equal im- portance, we find it to be generally conspicuous by its absence and if want to avoid such com- monplace subjects as Highways or Roads and Bridges, we must turn from general to particu- lar and special legislation. The Irish Sunday Closing Bill was adopted by Government, and they succeeded in carrying it in the face of ex- tremely vexatious opposition; while in the Irish Intermediary Education Bill they pro- duced a measure acceptable to all parties but it cannot be expected that such local and sub- sidiary legislation will obtain imperial credit for the Ministry. Much the same thing may be said of the measure for increasing the Angli- can Episcopate, which was carried with a high hand through the House of Commons without any alteration being permitted in it. Let any of the above-mentioned measures be as salutary as possible in themselves, and grant that some of them (like the Irish Sunday Sunday Closing Bill and the Cattle Diseases Bill) required a large amount of time and energy for passing them, still they do not constitute a very brilliant catalogue of legislation achieved. We shall be told, of course, that both the Ministry and Par- liament were much occupied with foreign affairs, especially with the Eastern Question, during the session that has just closed. We grant this at once. Not only Ministers and Legislators, but the general public, were too' much distracted with the course of events in the East, and afterwards at Berlin, to permit due attention to be given to domestic legisla- tion. It is on their conduct of foreign affairs that the Ministry depend for public favour. But, although it may be almost heresy to inti- mate a doubt in this direction, we may ask, what is there, after all, in. that Berlin settle- ment which even the Opposition leaders did not venture openly to impugn ? It was supposed that the work of amputating Turkey's trouble- some members had been skilfully performed, and that the patient would be grateful to us for contriving such relief, and amenable to our in- fluence in his curtailed condition. But the sick man," who heard the sentence of the doctors with apparent resignation, has become refractory on the operating-table, kicks out wildly with one limb at Austria, with another at Russia, and grins defiance at Greece and Montenegro. We have received the price of our own pledged aid to support its tottering independence," and he at once seeming to be doing his best (or his worst) to drag us into a conflict with Russia on his behalf. We only hope that the present difficulties will be ar- ranged without involving us in war; but, at all events, the present state of the Eastern Question does not say much for the wisdom af the Berlin settlement, or for the foresight of our statesmen in entangling their country in new and un- necessary engagements toward the Porte. If Ministers, however, have little to show in domestic legislation and only a doubtful success in foreign politics, they can point to great achievements in the direction of augmented ex- penditure, increased taxation, and a prospective permanent addition to national burdens. For the development of decided and unmistakable financial policy, if for nothing else, Session 1878 will be distinguishable in history.

NOTES OF THE WEEK. A sad drowning fatality occurred at Pen- maenmawr on Tuesday last, when a Liverpool tradesman, who was bathing, was seized with cramp, and having been brought on the beach expired in a few minutes. ♦ On Tuesday next will be commenced in Car- narvon the great Sassiwn" of the Calvinistic Methodist Connexion for North Wales. This immense gathering generally attracts some twelve or fifteen thousand people, who on this; as on every former occasion, will worship in the open air. It was thought the Carnarvon Pavilion would have been engaged for the oc- casion, but for some reason or other, it was deemed better to make timber erections in a field in Tithebapi-street. The "Sassiwn" will last till Thursday evening, and many im- portant discussions will come on. » Many of our readers will be pleased to hear that Mr Sims Reeves, the world-renowned tenor, is about to pay a visit to Carnarvon, in behalf of Mr James Sauvage, a talented young Welshman, who has acquired a high position in the musical world, and whose voice is so familiar at our Eisteddfodau. Mr Sauvage has been advised by some of the first musical authorities to adopt a baritone voice, and this necessitates a new course of training. Mr Sims Reeves, Signor Foli, Madame Edith Wynne, and several others, have promised to attend the concert at the Pavilion, Carnarvon, with a view to aid Mr Sauvage in this direction. It is feared the surplus of the Menai Bridge Eisteddfod will not be so large as was antici- pated, whilst the "genuine" Eisteddfod of Llan- rwst—which was geneially anticipated to be a failure—has resulted in a surplus of about thirty pounds. This money, it is said, is to be laid out in the shape of a banquet for the en- thusiastic promoters. We are not aware that literature has been much enriched by the pro- ducts of Llanrwst, but at Menai Bridge some excellent works in prose and verse have been elicited. And moreover, it presented such an ar- ray of notables as has ever been seen on an Eis- teddfod platform. The speeches were eloquent, and that of Professor John Rhys will ring for time to come in the ears of his audience. We could not do it justice by translation. The Anglesey Eisteddfod was a decided success in this respect, whatever might be its financial position, and we maintain that if such gather- ings can avail no further benefit than the raising of a surplus, they are hardly worth holding at all. Apropos of the Eisteddfod, we understand the National gathering of the year at Birken- head is looked upon as being of the first rank of literary merit, and in the number of its com- positions. An illustrious list of presidents has been drawn out, and everything augurs well for a success. There is quite a mnda prevalent at this moment. No fewer than twelve towns in North W ale are organising for an Eisteddfod in 1879. Is it not time that a court of appeal should be established in connection with the Eistedd- fod P Several aspiring youths have of late received prizes at some of the Eisteddfodau, in whose originality and true genius the public have no confidence. Now, if a court of appeal existed, being composed of men of mark, in whom the nation could truly trust, the ground of dissatisfaction or doubt could be laid before them. Then, they would have power to ex- amine the claimants, and after a sufficient trial, could pronounce their verdict. If a man were to be found guilty of plagiarism, a man ready to reap honour and benefit for which others laboured and toiled, he ought to be exposed for the credit of the ancient institution, and for the sake of those who honestly work with their own tools, and sow their own seed. On the other hand, if one, who for some reason is douted, could establish his claim to the honour, the verdict of such a tribunal would clear his character, and satisfy the public. The Eis- teddfod, like every other human institution, is apt to be abused by designing and crafty men to further their own selfish ends, but its true friends ought to provide it with the necessary safeguards against corruption and vice. We hail with much pleasure the projected formation of a Refreshment Room and Public House Company at Festiniog. The prospectus is just issued, and the project is intended to be carried out with a capital of five thousand pounds. The shares are only one pound each, and will thus be obtainable by the respectable working classes, whose interest in the concern will undoubtedly ensure its success. Several of the county gentry have come forward to aasist in this laudable movement. ♦ In another column we publish the celebrated speech at Menai Bridge of Mr T. Morgan Owen, Her Majesty's Inspector of Schools, the young gentleman whom Mr Henry Richard sarcastically commended to the notice of any constituency wanting a patriotic representative. The speech as printed presents a greater pro- fusion of cheers, laughter, and applause, than anyone ever observed on the occasion. It is, no doubt, just as Mr Morgan Owen desired it to be, for he did pause now and again to look :a r mnd for applause. The speech somehow found its way to the Liverpool Courier without the aid of the reporter, and appeared on the follow- ing morning; and none of the staff present had oared to take it down. Mr Owen a few days ago had the pleasure of shaking hands with Lord Beaconsfield and Lord Salisbury, and this was reported in the papers. Apparently our young patriot is bidding for popularity, and there is no telling he may be actuated by such a desire as Mr Richard referred to in his phil- lipic. We must admit Mr Owen has become very conspicuous, but we are not quite sure that he has not mistaken notoriety for fame. » The trial which has just concluded before Sir Richard Malins in the High Court of Justice, regarding the petition of the Hon. Harriet Agar Ellis, illustrates very forcibly the uncom- promising and persecuting spirit of the Roman Catholic religion. It can never consent to the marriage of a Catholic with a Protestant unless the latter, be he husband or wife, undertakes to bring up the children in the tenets of the Catholic faith. In the present caseJjthe hus- band promised before the magistrates to comply with the requirements of the bride and her church in this respect. But not long after he took his wife for better or worse, he repented of that rash promise, and his affections turned round towards the religion of his fathers. He saw that the heart of his wife continued to beat faithfully to Rome, and she was doing her utmost and apparently succeeding in bringing her offspring to act alike. This created a wide gulf between husband and wife, and happiness fled from the house. No wonder, there can be no happiness where there is no true sympathy, and no subject can. lay nearer the heart than the subject of religion. This decision of the vice-chancellor was given for the husband, on the ground that he was the ruler in his own house and the rightful guaidian of his children. Still he acknowledged that it would be better for the father to give way, as probably he would be beaten in the long run. It is to be trusted that actions of this kind will teach the vicious- ness of mixed marriages, and to show to the indifferent the true nature of the Roman Catholic Church.

The fanatical resistance of the Mussulman popu- lation of Bosnia has been as unexpected as it is obstinate. It has evidently upset the calculations made both at Vienna and Constantinople,but it will have one decisive result for which we cannot be too thankful. It will force Austria to drop her shilly- shally policy, and to occupy Bosnia and Herzego- vina not in any mere mandatory way under a commission from the Porte to restore order and then evacuate those provinces, but with the view of permanent and final annexation to the Empire. Nothing could be more fatal and demoralizing for both sides than that Austria should act the police- man for the Porte in the way in which she 'did so often in Italy for the Pope and the king of Naples, marching in troops to put down local risings, and then marching out again when order was restored. The Austrian army made itself hated in Italy for having to do policeman's and hangman's work in this way. It was as demoralizing to the army itself as to the provinces occupied, and I should hope and trust there will be no repetition of this in the case of Turkey. Recent events in Bosnia, in fact, make this well-nigh impossible, and, so far, I cannot regret the blood-shed in this insane up- rising of the Turk against his new master. The wine of parliamentary life is on the lees, and it cannot be said that the cask improves the nearer we come to the end of it. Why that terri- ble Major O'Gorman should be left fighting single- handed against the Sunday Closing Bill, and sullenly letting off guns of defiance when every other piece was silent, this was an oddity of parliamentary life in its last days which we had better leave, like the existence of evil, as an un- solved mystery on this side of the grave. The major retired overcome, but not conquered; voted down, but indomitable. Sed lassata nee satiata was said of a certain Roman matron who was not a matron. The major, I may add, is not to be shut up by any forms of the House: he rends them as Samson did the tow of the Philistines. It has been our diversion during the last dull days of the session to follow the major's odd turns and twists. Should a dissolution and a general election ensue in the autumn, let us hope that whoever else loses his seat, the major may at least be returned. If Thackeray were alive,he would makeTiim sit for a cartoon sketch. The next election is now talked of as openly as if a dissolution had actully occurred. It has'this advantage; that electoral gains and losses are now discounted in every borough in the kingdom, and the whips on both sides are able to make a pretty shrewd calculation as to the probable result of the whole. The advantage ef this is obviously on the side of the party in power, since the ministry has the right to dissolve, and will, accordingly, choose its own time for doing so. Speaking roughly, it is expected that the Conservative party will actually gain some twenty seats or forty on a divi- sion, and that this maj oritv will be so decisive and so well handled that it will carry the Conservative party safely through the next year or two, when, having got our peace with honour, we shall be called to pay the bill for it. Finance will clearly be the question of the near future; and if Sir Stafford Northcote can be tided over his financial embarrassments, all will be well. So Mr Goschen, having declined to represent the Liberals any longer in the City, has been asked to turn over and stand on the other side. At least, this is the drift of an' article in the Telegraph, which, having shotvn with what gaiety it can step over to the Conservative side without sitting on the cross-benches, supposes that other Liberals are also up to the same feat of agility. But Mr Goschen will best consult his self-respect by not following so dubious an example; and even if he has to go without a seat, which is unlikely, he will not lose character in the long run by a little consistency. Since Mr James Oldknow has been knighted for his civic services in assisting the establishment of the Nottingham Museum of Science and Art, the talk has been revived of making Lord Mayor Owrlen a Baronet. The Conservative advisers of Her Majesty are not likely, however, to recommend any more hereditary dignities as the reward of civic services. The number of city baronets who have become bankrupt is astonishing. Some have notoriously come down very low in the world. The eldest son and present weaier of one of these feudal distinctions is said to be a cab-driver. So long as there is any honour attaching to here- ditary dignities, and so long as Burke is precious to us, Lord Mayors and Sheriffs who are subject to the adverse winds of commercial disaster, and whose estates are not "tied up," should be con- tent with the degree of Knight-bachelor. A naval review under skies like those which shrouded Spithead and the Isle of Wight on Tuesday, accompanied with such a downpour of rain during the day, affords anything but an im- pressive spectacle. The show of bunting is dis- mally affected by the rain, the proud pennons floating in a fine-weather breeze became as draggled as a cock's feather-tail in a camp poultry-yard; besides, it is impossible to do with the vast floating iron forts which now take the place of the Nelson- famous "wooden walls of old England," in a rolling sea under drizzling rain, what is necessary to make up a successful naval review. Although the promised evolutions could not be performed, the display through which the Queen passed at half past three, in anything but Queen's weather, made a goodly show. The splendid troopship Euphrates, given up for the accomodation of Lords and Commons," was the admiration of the beholders; but the railway arrangements, altered to meet the convenience of the said Lords and Commons," sorely tried the patience of many of Her Majesty's loyal subjects. Nothing could possibly have been more scandalous than the mis- management of the return trains. At the Ports- mouth Harbour station the weary passengers were kept waiting in that most desolate of dreary shed- stations for upwards of two and three hours. The officials apparently had lost their heads, or were so thoroughly incompetent that they were unable to answer the commonest enquiries. I noticed one r I party of gentlemen whom I had seen on board Her Majesty's ship Lively in the afternoon, who looked anything but the name of the ship into which they had ventured for the day's pleasure. They were bandied about from platform to platform, and waited from 6.30 to nearly 10 o'clock before they could get their return carriage. The railway com- pany are likely to hear of this affair for one of these gentlemen, to my knowledge, has the largest and strongest press connection in this country. His stalid look of contempt and despair whilst watching the struggling going on, and the utter disregard of the officials for the sex, age, or con- dition of their miserable victims, diverted me for a moment from the depressing conditions of the ordeal to which I was myself subjected, but afforded me consolation in the reflection that these wretched rival railway companies would not escape justice, and could scarcely expect mercy, under his cynical criticism. The Whitebait Dinner at Greenwich has come off, after all, this year. The Ministers cannot again plead stress of business. The Ship," which has so often been honoured by august company, is a modern Stone-built inn, compara- tively small in size. Its unpretending front abuts upon the street, and its side windows look out upon the muddy waters of the Thames, whence are taken the delicious small fry of young herrings or whatever else whitebait may be, for which Green- wich is more famous in the eyes of gourmands than for its hospital, its observatory, or its park. The Twelfth has come and gone, and already we learn that the season has been above the average in the grouse districts. Our reports are from Scotland, and I suppose as long as fashion rules in sport as in other matters, there will be rich men South of the Tweed who will continue to pay fancy prizes for shooting North of the Tweed. Fortunate Scotland, which has only a burn or a salmon stream dividing her happy hunting grounds from the fat plains of England Here are the sportsmen and there is the sport, and with a few hundreds of spare cash the Rubicon can be crossed. Ireland, on the other hand, has grouse mountains which are only calling out for tenants but no one comes, and the little local squireens, who would be only too happy to turn an honest penny as the smaller Scotch lairds do, have to turn out on the Twelfth as if they were Grand Seigneurs. What a pity that some of this tide of sporting excursionists are not turned over to Ireland Scotland could well spare them, and Ireland wants this stream of gold. If the Royal Family, who have made Scotland fashionable, would now turn their attention to im- proving Ireland in this way, it would be a means of discharging one of their most important social duties. Town is less of a desert than usual at this date. A few conscientious legislators remain, and some hundred or two brace of grouse have obtained an unexpected reprieve. The parks are empty, the boxes at the theatres thinned, whilst every day miles of aristocratic-looking luggage find their .way to Paddington, Euston, and King's Cross, and the first-class booking-offices are thronged with wearers of tweed suits and new--fashioned helmets of the same material.

COUNTY MAGISTRATES' COURT, SATURDAY. —Before Mr Whitehead (in the chair) and Mr De Winton. Drunkenness. -William Humphreys, Tanybryn- iau, was fined 5s and lls costs for being drunk at Talysarn. Non-Maintenance of a Father.-At the instance of the guardians of the Carnarvon Union, John Pritchard, Glasfryn, Harlech; Richard Jones, Froudanw; Benjamin Pritchard, Cefncyffin and Thomas Pritchard, Bryncoch, Abererch, were respectively summoned for refusing to contribute towards the maintenance of their father, who is in receipt of out-door relief- The bench made the following orders:—John Pritchard to pay 2s weekly; Richard Jones, Is 6d do.; Benjamin Pritchard, Is 6d do; and Thomas Pritchard, Is do. Females at Loggerheads.—Margaret Jones, Rhiw- las; summoned her neighbour, Mary Davies, for assaulting her. Mr Allanson appeared for the defendant. Frup the complainant's statement it appears that ill-reeling existed between the parties for souio time. One day last week, the defendant threw a sortie out of the window at her, and assaulted her. In reply to Mr Allanson, com- plainant denied having thrown stones at the de- fendant. Sergeant Thomas, Ebenezer, deposed to having seen the complainant on the day in question, when she complained of having been assaulted by the defendant. Witness went to the defendant's house, where she made a statement to the effect that the bottle was aimed at the com- plainant's daughter. She was in a very bad tem- per at the time.—Mr Allanson explained that the bottle fell from the window, that it was picked up by the complainant, and that the latter threw it up at the defendant, who happened to be at the window at the time.—A witness named Mary Edwards gave evidence to the effect that she saw the complainant pick up the bottle and throw it towards the defendant.—Catherine Lewis said that on the day in question she saw the daughter of the complainant beat the defendant's child. The complainant afterwards threw stones at the de- fendant's window.—The bench considered the case a most trumpery one, and advised the complainant not to bring forward any paltry quarrels between herself and her neighbours.—Both parties were ordered to pay costs.