The North Wales Express

HERE AND THE,RE. BY UBIQUE. Nothing of any great moment occupied this woek's monthly meetings of the municipal bodies of Bangor and Carnarvon. To give the C itlie Ira) City preference, it may be notJd that the deliberations of its Council occupied rather less time than usual, thecivicauthoritiesgetting through their workbefore 15 noon, a very rare oce urrence. *#* The question of finance omipiid the greater portion of the sitting, and, as hinted in this column, the scheme propounded by the Chairman of the Committee dealing with "ways and means" was found impracticable, and was shelved with some- what short shrift. Alderman Pierce must not be disheartened by his failure to reduce the financial responsibilities of Bangor. lie deserves credit for having moved in the matter, and for devising some- thing worth consideration. Of course, Councillors Douglas and Glynne Jones are also prepared with alternative schemes which have not yet seen light, but which are rumoured to be marvels of financial ingenuity. Anent of finance, the mayor, coached by Councillor Dew, who seems terribly sensitive to criticism, would have it tint the ratep tyers of Ban- gor have no cause to complain of heavy rates, and figures, for whose accuracy no one became sponsor, were cited to show that, despite all the so-called improvements which have been effected, there was not a farthing increase in the rates since Bangor, freed from the regime of the Local Board, rejoiced in tho honour of a Mayor and Corporation. Let the figures come from an authoritative source-say from rhe Chairman of the Finance Committee—and be intelligibly and intelligently set forth, then they [ will be worth consideration and investigation. Following the example of Conway, the Carnarvon Town Council is seeking to have the Castle under its control, and that the Constableship shall be vested in the Mayor of the Borough for the time being. This. however, is not iikely to be brought about just at present. The Earl of Carnarvon, whose connection with the county from which he derives his title is of the remotest character, and whose claims to be the Constable ot Carnarvon Castle about equal the personal interest he manifests in this magnificent riiin-iviiiell is practical nil- is not likely to sacrifice what is really an empty honour, or in the slightest degree to consider the wishes of the Mayor and Corporation of Carnarvon -a town to which he is almost a perfect stranger. To whom the town walls belong was also venti- lated. At Conway, Mr Squites some time back called attention to the encroachments, or appropria- tions, made by private individuals, but nothing came of it, and the like result may possibly attend the efforts of the Carnarvon Town Council in this respect. A prominent structure, rather useful than ornamental, disfigures that portion of the town walls which forms a boundary of Market-street, and for which the Vaynol estate is said to be responsible. Rather late in the day, the Carnarvon Town Council have decided upon presenting the pre- sumptive Prince of Wales with a congratulatory address on the attainment of his majority, because Carnarvon Castle was the birthplace of the first scion of royalty whose title is intimately iden- tified with the Principality. Opinions, however, differ on this point, anti- quarians are disagreed, and Sir Llewelyn Turner's long promised history of the Castle not having yet reached the printer's hands, no novel light is cast upon what some persons regard as a legend, but which the majority of Welshmen, especially those living in Carnarvonshire, swear to as an undeniable fact. Should the Corporation journey to Sandringham—which is most improbable— the Mayor will have the honour of renewing his acquaintance with Prince Albert Edward. By an odd coincidence, Alderman Lewis, as mayor of Carnarvon, received his royal highness and his brother, when some seven years ago they spent a day in the borough. Maybe that one result of the loyalty evinced by the Carnarvon Town Council, will be that the Deputy Constable of the Castle will not long be permitted to mono- polise that honour of knighthood which he has so long enjoyed and so worthily upheld. n i Turning from local to imperial politics, the two Liberal Associations of Carnarvonshire and Anglesey have just had their annual meetings. With the former the chief topic of discussion was the amendment of the rules rendered necessary by the division of the county into a second electorate district. Four prospective candidates for parliamentary honours were conspicuous by their presence, and certain of the delegates were anxious that the choice should there and then be made. The President pointed out that this hardly came within the province of the Associa- tion as at present constituted, and the problem awaits solution by a re-constituted organisation, which will include delegates representing those electors who will be added to the register at the close of this YQar. The Association, judging by the large attendance of delegates, is numerically strong, but the condition of its finances is such as to render the post of honorary treasurer, which has been held by Mr Darbishire for many years, anything but a sinecure. *#* Mr Rathbone, who has been the guest of Capt. Verney and the Lord-lieutenant of Anglesey, put in an appearance at both Associations. At Car- narvon he offered a few words of well-timed advice as to the action of the Association in selecting candidates; and at Llangefni on Tues- day he reverted at some length to his favourite subject—the question of education in the Princi- pality. The Anglesey demonstration, although two M.P.'s and the candidate for Buckingham- shire were on the platform, cannot be considered a great success. Half-past five is rather too early to start any political meeting, especially in such a thinly-populated place as Llangefni. As regards the other side, it is said that the Conser vatives are falling hack, as a last resource, upon Captain Pritchard-Rayner, and that he is being strongly prossod to again enter the lists against Mr Richard Davies. The captain likes election- eering for the fun of the thing, but the amuse- ment, as he has already found, gets rather expensive, especially when one has the mortifi- cation, not only of finishing an indifferent second on the day of polling, but also of being deserted by quondam friends, and left to pay all the heavy bills which come pouring in. # # c, • • • # Sir William Thomson's address, which inaugu- rated on Monday the new and extensive labora- tories which have been added to the University College for North Wales, was too abstruse and dry for the mixed audience which faced him, and the Mayor and Corporation of Bangor, who were present in state, will doubtless hesitate before again presenting a scientist, however eminent lie may be, with an address, and of personally attending his lecture. Professor Haughton re- deemed the proceedings from the dulness which had settled upon them, and the audience un- questionably enjoyed his ten minutes' speech vastly more than that, extending over an hour, which was delivered by Sir William. There was a great crush at the conver«aziwne at night, and the cloak-room arrangements were in the most admired state of disorder. *#* Although the agents of the two principal estates in Carnarvonshire were present at Wed- nesday's meeting of the Bangor and Beaumaris Union, the tenant farmers who are members of the Board showed wonderful and commendable independence, and were not deterred from freely expressing their opinions upon the merits or de- merits of that measure which Lord Stanley of Alderleypioposes to introduce, exempting Angle- sey from the provisions of the Plantations Rating Act. Even the agent of the Vaynol 12 y estate was found championing the cause of the tenant farmers, and condemning the proposal of the noble lord, which will not be backed by what his lordship sought to get—the favourable opinion of the Bangor and Beaumaris Union.

OUR LONDON LETTER. rBY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]. LONDON, WEDNESDAY NIGHT. Cunningham-Rumonrs-O'Donovan Rossa-Mrs Dudley—Dr Temple, the new Bishop of London -Mr Gladstone's faintess-ÁIPlltal Meeting at New Jewin Speeches on Scepticism, pro. and con. The attention of Londoners just now is divided between Bow-street Police Station and New York. It becomes more evident daily that in Cunning- ham the police have got hold of the right man; el z!l Monday's proceeding at the police court brought to publicity some ugly facts about him his gene- ral behaviour is extremely unsatisfactory; and a material witness of his cruel designs was afforded by the detonator that was discovered in his box. It is rumoured that the black American trunk which was missing has been found, and that the information which led to that discovery has led also to the arrest of another member of the dyna- mite gang; but about all this the Ipolice are very reticient. The threats to blow up Westminster Abbey are as ridiculous as they are cruel; I say ridiculous because they are very evidently a crude hoax; the dynamite being said to be placed in the crypt, which crypt does not exist. The Pall Mall of this evening states that the police have good reasons for thinking that Cunningham is the man who dropped the dynamite from the train on the underground railway between Grower-street and King's Cross stations; and this would seem to point to the probability of his having something to do with the London Bridge explosion. Good- man was released a few hours after his arrest. The workmen are rapidly restoring Westminster Hall and the House of Commons to their former condi- tion, and by the 19th, they will be ready to receive the members; the carved wood work, of course, will take a longer time for completion. Nobody is now allowed to enter, except on business—I saw Sir John Hay turned back from Palace York gates this morning. It is said that the Speaker is en- gaged in the preparation of a scheme by which greater caution will be exercised in the admittaiica of strangers to the House when sitting; but it is difficult to imagine what can be done in this direction without causing great inconvenience both to members and strangers. Everybody is disconcerted at the latest news ffom New TLork, which hold out strong hopes for Rossa's recovery. Such a splendid chance for his removal will, perhaps, not occur for a long time again. It would be highly inexpedient for the authorities to make a martyr of him, but to fall the victim of an eccentric, if not mad. woman would be a good way of getting rid of him. We hear that he is simply a man of swagger and brag; but for all that it remains true that he kindles the dynamite itch in his fellow Irishmen, and is thus the indirect cause of much mischief. Besides, the world has really got tired of Rossa and his gospel; the monotony of the business is becoming somewhat boring, and a change in the Irish programme would be wel- comed. As for Mrs Dudley, perhaps the less said of her the better. She may be clever, but one would wish that she had shown a little more cleverness or more steadiness when firing those five shots at a man lying before her on the ground. It's a fine accomplishment, no doubt, to be able to speak French with fluency but if you can't kill a man when he remains motionless just under your nose, and when you send five bullets whizzing at him, coolness is evi- dently not your strong point. The little that we know of Mrs Dudley's previous history supplies further testimony of her want of wha.t Artemus Ward would call a "well-balanced mind." She has made two, if not three, attempts on her life, and is, consequently, well acquainted with the inside of Millbank and a few lunatic asylums. And this last freak of her's is clearly due, like others, to a perverted if powerful intellect. Of personal motives as yet we have no proof, and if patriotism was the moving cause of her attempted assasination of Rossa then it was patriotism of anything but a lucid or commendable nature. We are all exceedingly well pleased with our new bishop, Dr Temple, late Bishop of Exeter. In scholarship, in energy, in breadth of mind, he is universally admitted to be superior to Dr Jackson. It is hoped that he will be tolerant in matters of Church ceremonials, for these cruel squabbles over ritualism are very much out of proportion to the importance of that harmless thing itself. In the selection of three bishops which he had to make these last days, Mr Gladstone has shown that im- partial fairness which so eminently characterises him. One of these bishops, Dr Temple, is a broad Churchman; the second, the Rev. E. H. Bickersteth, appointed to the bishopric of tixeter, is a well-known evangelical; while the third, DrKiug, appointed to Lincoln, is a high Churchman. Last Thursday evening, the annual tea meeting and entertainment were held at New Jewin Chapel. From the report read by the treasurer, it appears that praiseworthy efforts are being made to clear the chapel debt. The chairman of the entertain- ment, Mr George Williams, founder of the Young Men's Christian Association, delivered an interest- ing speech, dealing chiefly with devotional matters, and contributed the sum of twenty-five guineas towards the building fund. In an eloquent address, the Rev. Dr Saunders made a sneering attack on the sceptical mood which possessed many young Wel,slimenwhocoine up to London from the country, dubbing every one who gave way to such mood, contemptible fop. The llev. E. J. Jones, M.A., who also delivered a stirring address, combated the Doctor's ideas regarding the scepticism he com- plained of. Mr Jones maintained that it was not foppery, but a serious and earnest desire to find truth, a desire which he considered worthy of all commendation, and he sympathised with all his heart with those young men who found the dilli- culties of religion hard to surmount. Nor was this so-called scepticism, in Mr Jones' opinion, by any means peculiar to the young Welshmen of London, but prevailed largely amongst thoughtful young men all over Wales.

LIVERPOOL LETTER. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]. WEDNESDAY NIGHT. At the Executive Committee hel,1 in Westminster Chambers, at three o'clock this afternoon, it was decided to close the accounts of the Eisteddfod this week, and not wait for the trifling amounts which are still due for list of subjects. Months ago, the chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary of the Literary Committee were requested to look over the prim compositions, and to report to the executive. inquiries were made this afternoon for report of the Literary Sub-committee, and much dissatisfac- tion was expressed at the apparent delay. Four months have passed s-nee the Eisteddfod, but it appears that the compositions have as yet only been examined by one of the three gentlemen named. There is a screw loose somewhere. However, after what passed to-day at the committee, we shall probably have the necessary report without further delay. It seems that the Welsh National Society is to be formed next Tuesday evening, when a meeting of Welshmen will be held in the City Hall. I hear that the inaugural dinner will probably take place at the Adelphi Hotel, on the eve of St. David's Day, or the Monday following. 11 The members of sixteen Welsh Good Templar Lodges held a special meeting last Friday, in the Victoria Chapel, Crosshall-street. About eight hundred partook of tea, &c., at five o'clock, and in the evening addresses were delivered by the Rev. Griffith Ellis, M.A., Bootle (chairman), Mr Joseph Malms, G.W.C.T. of England, and Pfenydd, G.A\ .C.T. of Wales. The speeches were interspersed with songs. The Rev. Griffith Ellis also presided at the public meeting held the following evening in t itzclareuce chapel. Possibly, the Grand Worthy Chief Templar of England was under the impres- sion that the hundreds present had come purposely to listen to any remarks he may have to make, and hence the reason why he monopolised so much of the time much to the disappointment of those who were so anxious to hear Plenydd. Miss Parry, Brock-street; Mr W. H. Marks, and Mr Robert Jones saug during tin evening. Preparations are being made for holding the Jubilej Temperance Festival in the first week in March. The Revs. A. J. Parry, Thomas Levi, John Evans (Eglwysbach), John Hugh Evans, Cynfaen and Job Miles have promised to attend the various meetings in Liverpool and Birkenhead. A monster tea party will be held at Fitzclareuce schoolroom. Last Friday, a meeting was held at Parkfield chapel, Birkenhead, in connection with the Women's Branch of Foreign Missionary Society, when an interesting address was delivered by Mr John Jones (brother to the Rev. Jerinan Jones) on the mission work in Cassian Hills. Prizes were ) presented to the juvenile collection by the Rev. Henry Jones. Several pieces were rendered at the meeting by the choir (under the conductorship of Mr Ebenezer Jones), Miss Gracie Joaes, Miss M. C. Joues, and MissC. A. Williams. LIVERPOOL AGENTS. — Messrs Foulkes and Evans, printers, Dale-street; R. O. Roberts, 46, Old Hall-street; T. Lloyd, 52, Everton-road, James Woollard, 52, Castle-street; Mrs Parry; bookseller, Heyworth-street, Everton.

BIRTII. ROBERTS.—Feb. 1st. at Albert House, Bangor, the wife of Mr Benj unin Roberts, draper, of a son. DEATH. MICHAEL—January 31st, in her 73rd year, Elizabeth, | the wife of John Michael3 148, High-street, Bangor,

BANGOR AND BEAUMARIS UNION. The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday. Present: Colonel the Honour- able W. E. Sackville-West (chairman), Revs. J. W. Griffith, Peter Jones, Captain Verney, Captain Stewart, Messrs. Thomas Lewis, J.P., John Evan Roberts, J. It. Ellis, Robert Hughes, Hugh Hughes, David Williams, Robert Roberts, Bangor; John Mor- gan, Cadnant; J. Williams, Llanfairfechan; Thomas Jones, Menai Bridge Hugh Thomas, Beaumaris; W. Edwards, Glasinfryn; J. W. Roberts, Ty'nylhvya J. S. Pritchard, William Jones, Tyddyn Gwynt: Robert Jones, Cilgeraint; John Jonas, Tyddyn Heilyn Griffith Owen, John Davies, Hugh Pritchard, William Hughes, O. Owen, 0. Owens, Llangoed; R. Roberts, Llandegfan R. Hughes, Llandegai; Richard Jones, and John Thomas (clerk). Religious Service in the W<>rkJum*e.—Captain Ver- ney said that with regard to the notice he had given to the clerk that the Board should be prepared to receive and consider favourable applications for pay- meat made to persons rendering religious services to the inmates of the workhouse where, in the judgment of the Board, the nature and the extent of the ser- vices rendered, were such as reasonably called for remuneration," he had also given notice of another motion at the same time, which, he understood, the chairman had declined to bring forward. The motion was in reference to the Government scheme of Intermediate Education. It seemed to him to be one intimately connected with the Poor Law and one they might fairly be asked to consider at that Board. As the chairman declined to allow the motion he (Captain Verney) thought he should meet their views if he asked the chairman's reasons why the motion was ruled out of order.—The Chairman said he had great pleasure in giving his reasons. As he had stated on several occasions,he considered that a Board of Guardians was elected under the Poor Law for specific purposes, such as to relieve paupers and for sanitary purposes. The Board was not a representa- tive body to discuss other subjects (hear, hear). Whether it was desirable to have such matters dis- cussed as was proposed he as chairman considered it his duty to keep the Board within its functions and not to allow foreign and irrelevant matters to be in- troduced of course, if the Board took a different view lie would bow to their decision, but he would not keep the chair.—Capt. Verney observed that he need not state that he bowed to the chairman's ruling, but if this matter was introduced at any future time, he should be happy to proceed with the question. He then proposed That this Board is prepared to receive and consider favourable applications for payment made by persons rendering religious services to the inmates of the workhouee, where, in the judgment of the Board, the nature and extent of the services rendered are such as reasonably called for remuneration." The object of the motion was, he thought, quite clear on the face of it, which was to throw open the doors of the workhouse to Nonconformist ministers. The matter was recently under consideration at the Liverpool Board of Guardians, and they passed a resolution, of which the one he had just read was an extract copy. That was with the object of admitting Roman Catholic priests into the Liverpool Workhouse He thought it was very necces- sary that Nonconformists should be admitted. This question was discussed at Liverpool and a case submitted for the judges. It came before Mr Justice Stephens, who found no difficulty in deciding the matter. After refer- ring to the Acts of Parliament of 1841 and 18G7, Capt. Vernev went on to say that the matter was exceedingly harmless, and it simply meant that the Board was pre- pared to recieve favourable applications. He had not asked anybody to second the motion, which he considered a just and reasonable provision, and he thought it would be extremely satisfactory if some member of the Church of England seconded the motion. It was not a question of party, sect, or creed, but a question of justice, which had been decided by one of the most eminent Judges of the Bench. He would be extremely sorry if the matter would be taken up by the Board in a narrow manner, and thought it would reflect infinite credit on the Bangor Board of Guardians if they passed the resolution. —Mr Thomas Jones heartily sympathized with the motion, and thought they should give it a favourable consideration, because it was only fair and right that sick and old inmates, of Nonconformist persuasions, be allowed to call in ministers of their own 'denominations. -The Rev Peter Joaes: Are they not permitted?— The Chairman: Yes, but we are not permitted to pay them.- Captain Verney said that his resolution was that they should pay thell1.- Tho Chairman pointed out that they were allowed to appoint chaplains for any denomination, but they must be paid chaplains,— 3Ir Thomas Jones thought they had better adopt the motion than discuss it.—The Rev. Peter Jones referred to the difficulty which would arise should the question be en- tertained, because there was a wide difference between Protestants and Roman Catholics, and he wished to know whether they should have to get a chaplain for each of the denominations, namely, the Calvinistic Methodists, the Wesleyaus, Independents, and Baptists?—Mr Thomas Jones' having seconded Captain Verney's motion, Mr David Williams said he did not fully agree with the pro- position, and in his opinion Captain Verney would be best serving the purpose if he withdrew his motion. It ought to have been brought forward last year when the present chaplain was appointed. He (Mr W illiams) had been a member of the Board for some years, but had never heard the question of appointment considered by them. However, the great point he objected to was the paying for religious instruction out of the rates, when Noncon- formists volunteered their services. He also objected en- tirely that any payment should be inada to the chaplain, and would, at the proper time, propeso that such pay- ment be discontinued.—The Chairman replied that the chaplain was appointed by the pleasure of the Board, and not from year to year.—Mr Williams then asked if the service of the chiplaiii could be dispensed with, and pro- posed a resolution to that effect.—The Chairman hardly thought this was cogent to the resolution.—Mr W. Ed- wards thought they should incite the services of the dif- ferent denominations.—Mr Williams said he had not the least doubt about that, and they would be certain to render their services.—The Rev. J.W. Griffith said that his experience had been where the voluntary system had been adopted the services would all drop in about three months' time.—Mr Williams again asked if they could not dispense with the chapl.iin.— The Clerk: No, unless yon bring a charge against him.—Mr D. Williams Then he is bound to be here for ever.—.Mr Thomas Jones: You can never dispense with him unless vou have the permission of the Local Govern- ment Board. It is like the law of the Medes and Persians.—Mr John Williams (Llanfairfechan) thought this was a question which required particular con- sideration. He did not wish to go against Captain Verney's motion, but the question was whether Non- conformist ministers would conscientiously agree to the particular rules laid down by the Poor Law Board, because if Nonconformist services were allowed they would by that course be entirely deviating from the Poor Law.—Mr Thomas Lewis asked if such a statement was correct, and that no other service could be held except that of the Church of England? ("Ve3," and No, no ").—The Chairman You may appoint a Roman Catholic.—Mr Roberts (Llandegfan): It is all nonsense.—Mr David Williams: Are we bound to appoint a chaplain ?—-The Chairman No.—Mr John Williams said he had been reading the clause, and to enlighten the minds of the different parishes it was the duty of the Guardians to read it also, as the clause specified the reading of the morning and evening services. He was as great a Nonconformist as anyone in the room, and would carry on those principles, but what was the use of laws if they did not keep them ? -Captain Verney's motion was then put to the meeting and passed by ] (i votes against 10. Riant in <) <>f Tree*.—Mr Thomas Jones brought for- ward the motion of which lie had given notice, namely, That Lord Stanley's letter as to the planting of trees in the County of Anglesey, as to his proposed bill to exclude that county from the effects of the Plantations Act, be considered." His lordship's letter was read that day fortnight, but as there were so few present, he (Mr Jones) thought it only fair that the matter should be deferred to that (lay. If what was said in the letter was true, they would improve the land by having trees, and he was told that the cattle throve better in places where trees were planted. The loss to the Union would not be much, but he did not wish to say much on the matter himself, but sli 1.1I I be glad to know the views of the farmers. Fr mi wh it he had been told he understood the introduction of plantation was most beneficial. He did not see why the ground game should trouble the farmers, as they paid the farmers almost as good as sheep and cattle.—-Mr Hugh Tbomas asked whether it was competent for Mr T. Jones to bring this question forward, as it only eifocted part of the Board.—The Chairman said it was a matter effecting the rateable value of the Union.—Captain Verney"said he would second the motion, so as to bring it on for dlScussion.-In reply to a question, the chair- man said the change would effect the rateable value to the extent of 12s.—Mr Hugh Thomas proposed that the Board did not see its way clear to lose rate- able value to the excent of iM-H 1-i.—Mr W. Edwards seconded it.—Mr Roberts ('Ty'nyllwyu) was in favour of planting trees; cattle had more sense than their owners—(laughter) — md cattle would show to them that shelter was good, a > 1 that showed they had more brains than those wh ) :d that shelter was not good for them (renewed laa ,r'iter).—Roberts (Llandegfan) having alluded to groan I game, said it was the abuse of the proposal that he was afraid of, and he considered that the rates would have to be raised to meet the change.-The Chairman That is not the question.— Capt. Stewart had great pleasure in supporting the amendment. The plantation of trees no doubt would b3 very beneficial, but he entirely disapproved of the Bill, because he believed its principle was entirely wrong, for the reason that rent hitherto had been rateable on the tenant, but when 110 rate was paid, it was to be given over to the landlord. He certainly thought that land rated when in the occupation of a t mant farmer should be rated when given over to the 1 indlord (cheers).—The amendment, on being put to t ic meeting, was carried by an overwhelming majoritv. Aujilexey Quarter Sessions.—Mr Hugh Thomas stated tuat he had intended to bring forward a motion that the Board of Guardians express itself in favour of having the Quarter Sessions of Anglesey held iu Beaumaris, but from what the chairman had stated respecting other matters he believed it would not be competent for him to do so.

CAPTURE OF KHARTOUM BY THE MAHDI, GORDON A PRISONER. (SPECIAL TELEGRAM). The greatest excitement prevails in London, not only in military circles, but all over the metropolis, a despatch having been received from Lord Wolseley that Khartoum has been occupied by the Mahdi, and Gordon probably a prisoner. It is believed that the capture has been achieved by treachery. [LATER TELEGRAMS.] The Central News is enabled to confirm the report of the fall of Khartoum. Lord Wolseley has telegraphed to War Office that Sir Charles W ilson penetrated too near Khartoum, when lie ascertained that through an act of treachery the Madhi had been able to capture the town. It is believed that General Gordon was not killed, but remains a prisoner in the Madhi's hands. Fate cf General Gordon uncertain. Wilson's steamers were destroyed on their way back. but the men are safe on an island. Khartoum fell on the 26tli. and Wilson arrived on the 28tli. A steamer haa been sent to rescue the men. The papers are very despondent as to the treatment of Gordon by the Mahdi, and each tele- gram received is more alarming.

STRANGE DISCOVERY AT BEAU- MARIS. A strange discovery was made at Beaumaris, on Wednesday morning, when a little boy was found dead under a tombstone in the church- yard. On Tuesday, he was seeu playing in the churchyard, but how he met his death and was not discovered until the following day is shrouded in mystery at the time of writing.

GRRAT CLEARANCE SALE. —A great clearance sale for 30 days is now on at W. O. Williams' (late Mr T. T. Roberts).348, High-street, Bangor, where great bargains- are offered in all sorts of drapery goods.—AJvt. TEMPERANCE WORK AT BAXOOR. — Temperance workers in Bangor are beginning to rouse themselves in the good work they are advocating, and a series of public meetings have been arranged. On the 17th instant a meeeting is to be held at Ebenezer Chapel, under the pre- sidency of the Rev. Daniel Rowlands, when Mr E. T. Smith, of Birmingham, will give recitations of J. B. Gougb's orations. The Press speak in high terms of Mr Smith's elocutionary powers, and his careful study of the author's meanings and expressions are such that one is apt to forget for a time that he is listening to anyone but America's great lecturer. Mr Henry Williams (Plenydd) is also announced to address a meeting at the National- school. Garth-road, on the 1 nth, under the patronage of the Church of England. Canon John Pryce will occupy the chair. A meeting of the Temperance Committee was held the other evening, when arrangements were made to start a new rnivernsnt in connection with tiie temperance cause, and the committee will meet for final settlement on the Tuesday evening following the public meetings. DISESTABLISHMENT MEETING AT BETIIESHA. — On ednesday evening, a crowded Disestablishment meeting was held at Bethesda, under the presidency or Mr W. J. Parry. Addresses were delivered by M John Roberts, Bryn Adda the Rev. Abel J. Parry' J. Eiddon Jones, T. Roberts, R. S. Williams, R Rowlands and others. Resolutions in favour of Dis- establishment and of returning members to Parliament who would support the movement, were passed. The Rev. E. Hughes and others spoke in opposition to the resolutions, but met with a very discouraging reception, and people are now evidently convince! that Mr Hughes' object is to obstruct and gain popularitv, for what possible good can he make in his present fruitless crusade ? CONCRRTINAID OF THE SUFFERERS AT DjROTHRA.— With characteristic generosity the members of Royal Naval Y oluntcer Corps stationed at Carnarvon gave a concert last Thursday evening in aid of the sufferer, from the Dorothea Quarry accident. The Guild Hal was crowded in every part, and the entertainment, which consisted of a first part made up of songs and recitatious, and a second part consisting of a representation of The Artful Dodgers," by Messrs L. R. Tho nas, and JL H. Williams, was given with all the dash aud merit which is notably characteristic of the efforts of the corps in this line. Over X30 was taken from sale of tickets, and the balance after payment of expenses will be handed over to the fund above named. TJIB PROPOSED PIER AT BANOOR.—The Liverpool Mercury of Thursday states :-The B urd of Trade, it is stated, have refused their consent to the construc- tion of the proposed pier at Bangor upon the grounds that it would interfere very seriously with the navi- gation of the Menai Straits*. I VIVE RSITV COLLKUH OF WAI.ES, ALLER V.-JTW YTII. -The following students of this college have passed successfully the matriculation examination recently held by the University of London :—W. T. Broad,.). R. Davis, .J. M. Jones, John Morgan, John Owens, R. P. Sharman, Alfred Wheeler, and T. II. White. Three former students passed the sa ne examination, viz., J E. Owen, William Price, and L. C. Thomas. LLANDUDNO JUNIOR REFORM CLUB.—The third annual meeting was held on Wednesday, Dr. K. II. Bold Williams (president) in the chair. The report alluded to the great increase in membership and general success since occupying its new clubrooms early last year. Dr. Bold Williams was re-elected president, and Mr S. O. Hughes a vice-president. Mr R. Bellis, solicitor, was elected second vice-president in place of Mr Thorpe. A resolution was passed by a majority of ten that no intoxicating drink be al- lowed in the clubrooms.

CONWAY. A young lad named Edward Williams, residing with his parents at the Bricktield Cottage, Llandudno, was committed for trial at the Carnarvonshire Assizes for assaulting a little girl aged 11 years, named Elizabeth Jane Davies, of Towyn, Conway, on the UUh January last, whilst returning home through the volunteer neld at Degamvay.-Inspector Temperlev, Bangor, summoned Mary Thomas, Mount-pleasant", Conway, for ill-treating a donkey, the property of J. Roberts, engine driver, on the 7th day of December last, and she was lined IGs Gd, including costs.—On the appli- cation of Mr Elias Davies, school attendance officer for the Creuddyn district of the Conway Union, the bench consented to the removal of two children of Robert Hughes, Llysfaen, to the Chester Industrial School, the father of both children having been sum- moued seven times before for non-attendance at school.—In the Iioewen assault case, Mr Chamberlain stated that the case had been settled. Tile Chairman (to Inspector Williams) What was the nature of the assault ? The Inspector A most brutal one. War- rants were granted for tho appearance of the parties I at the next sessions. FIRE.— A fire occurred at Pant y Tau farm, some three miles from town, on Saturday evening last, shortly before nine o'clock. The occupants, Mr William Roberts, aud his wife, were not aware ot' the danger, until their children who had previously b ;e:i put to bed were disturbed by its progress in the room and gave the alarm. Mr Roberts succeeded in rescuing his chil IICU, one of whom was badly burnt, but not dangerously, an I with proper-care will soo.i reoover. By about half-past nine. the house was enveloped in flames, and tiie glare could be seen from a long distance. The house and furniture were demolished in a very short time. But what would appear strange to many is the fact that the fire did not spread wildly, buL con- fined itself to the farmhouse, leaving the cornp em oit of farm ya d stock, kG., intact. It is <:enural!y under- stood that no insurance was effected on the furniture, therefore, Mr Roberts sustains a total loss: 1).lt in all probability the house was covered for the owner's benefit. Where the lire originated is a mystery.

Parity that has never since been equalled. the explanation of this apparent paradox IS that 1873 was the climax of a period of in- flatioIl then prices were very high—in fact, e might say unnaturally high—and much hIgher profits were then realised from a trade j*1 uch smaller in extent than one of even arRer dimensions in 1884. In the decade be- ^6eu 1873 and 1884 both the population and tna.chinery as well as the capacity of production have greatly increased, and that is how it hap- pens that the aggregate value of imports and L-1 Exports is slightly greater, though the level of prices last year was considerably lower than 1873. Notwithstanding, had prices been e same in 1884 as in 1873, the total value of OUr external trade would have been something like 150,006,000 greater. This is unsatisfac- ,from one point of view, since it is a proof at our producers are obliged to sell their gOods to the foreigner at a very low rate of profit, and this state of things has led to much the commercial depression about which we ^eai so many complaints. But, on the other atld, some consolation is to be found in the c that if their margin of profits is small, "Olparatively speaking, our manufacturers have not had to curtail the area of their com- nJercialoperations. If other countries, through ,6lr shortsighted prohibitory tariffs, have ex- ed our merchants from their markets, such a rawback has only stimulated the finding and Pening new ones< Xh.e advocates of Recipro- y have at least to thank the one-sided ree Traders for conferring this inestimable bo0n n upon British industry. They must that Free Trade, so much of late de- tnoUIlced, has enabled the British manufac- r to compete for the trade of every open Qo on terms which the manufacturers of Uo ^r°^ec^e<^ country can. But our Protec- re friends admit that the Board of Trade £ .Urns would indicate that the country is in a the ^rosPerous condition, if we only look at Vg] shrinkage there is in our aggregate ha 6 exPor's> notwithstanding the imports £ rea,tly declined in 1884 to the extent of -p, 7 thirty-six millions sterling. And the <Ur T J rac*e advocates assert that all the excess lniP°rt8 over exports is balance of Trade to b US"—^presenting so much that has l^te(j l>ai^ bard cash out of our accumu- c&pital. It may therefore be of some Merest + • the d examine somewhat more minutely ^°taistatistics as to imports. Of the i)0 i decrease in the value of the £ 36,000,000 of .eSs ^an. = £ 29,794,216 has been in articles Hve ° and drink. These imports (including r>CU^e an<l sheep) were reckoned in 1884 ^83 ^>459,296, whereas they amounted in Uat- "^189,253,512. This reduction of the ^url S ^or f°reiga food supplies to tofy thirty millions sterling has a satisfac- Sent VVG^ as an unfavourable side to pre- eCon "^° some extent it means forced Priv an{^'t ma7 l)e to a certain extent de- 10,1 °f many of the comforts of life ^etnlf *he poorer classes. But we must re- call ei" ^°W eas^ *s ^or exaoSera^e in irjw 0 such matters. These two very elemeafcs mus^ l,orne in mind gr^t ea^ng with figures of this sort, viz., the h ^eye^ Pr'ces atl(l the splen- l4 4gqrVeSt year- 1883 we imported cw^g quarters of wheat and 16,293,529 fl°u.r, for which we paid £ 31,434,888 i^ f, '^>318,144 respectively—making a total *^43 7 7ear for foreign wheat and flour V|je' ^>032. In 1884 the arrivals of foreign 1 a05ouuted to 10,638,645 quarters only, \vQ jj0 A011!" to some 15,103.518 cwts. but f °Q'^ ^or w^ea^ £ 19,825,021, 0r^e flour = £ 10,166,010—making in all a tn: of "^9,991,031. Briefly, the meaning of itiip0 is that in 1883 the price of foreign £ 2 o wheat cost this nation on an average Mi Per quarter and flour 15s l^d per °Qly' VV^ereas in 1884 the price of wheat was l3s 5^ Per quarter and of flour less ^6r Cwt' -^as^ 7ear we ha<l import VeS|\ and flour (owing to the good har- Very aQ in 1883, but we obtained them at °UrjtnU(^ l°wer prices. This falling off in °f foreign grain is, no doubt, Corres Ctor7 i11 one sense, but it also means a forejS^0n(^int? reduction in the demand of eIg rs tfor our goods in exchange, and n the dulness of our external trade. fl°u* of the other foods besides] wheat and ii Ve ^een procured at cheaper rates last ^resh sue'1 as bacon, salt and statlri eef> eggs and cheese. Sugar, for in- nea:ly one third less than it was fiUe^ low prices have not been con- to ° ^00<1 supplies only they have extended 8ilk products and raw cotton, hemp rilat .d) dressed leather, and many other iiot etlals Of manufacture. So our imports have e4 ter all, diminished in volume to the ent Value t that the statement of their aggregate ill 0 1 appear at first sight to imply, and Parjgo^1" arrive at a fair and correct com- ^■he g We must not omit to take into account look. greater cheapness of our imports when we sUrf itt the statistics of exports. On the mere True ^heae returns are not satisfactory. tey show a decline in the value of ^J8?1 ^roc^Uce exported to the extent of some ^fths '^8, or something like two and four- n Per Cent. This is not, however, so for- idit I ^blic 6 a ^ecrease as to frighten the British a ^at/nt° a Panie against Free Trade." As ^ai- tact, the value of our exports last ^1, t'n ^lea^er than in any year previous to COQl0iel -We come to tlie remarkable period of ^aHin inflaticn, 1872—4. Wo doubt a °Ur nearlj seven millions in the value *0*. >orts is a most unwelcome phenome- clitie j^Ut lfc is mainly attributable, like the de- Wel Qn Value of our imports, to the low Viiliee 1 ^r^ces* -^8 a proof of what we ad- Us briefly illustrate what we mean by *hippe e*attpJes. Of cotton piece goods we as^ ^ear 4,417,481,000 yards—a de- en compared with 1883 of 121,407,000 yards, which, no doubt, at first sight looks bad, but, on closer scrutiny,^it is found to be only a decrease of 2t per cent. But you will 2 notice from what has already been stated that the decrease in aggregate value was 7 percent. Again, of jute goods there was a further in- crease in the quantity exported, but a material decrease in the value, and the same tale is told as regards the figures about linens, woollens, and worsteds. The only manufactures among our chief industrial products which show a considerable decrease in the quantity exported are iron and steel. So the facts thus disclosed with respect to our export trade tend greatly to confirm and illustrate the many complaints of commercial depression, for, as a rule, when- ever the commodities of life are cheap trade is dull and depressed. But, on the other hand, the returns of the Board of Trade most con- clusively refute the arguments of the Fair Traders or Protectionists who are busy trying to convince the people of this country that we are steadilv being shut out of the foreign mar- kets owing to our "fatal" system of "one- sided Free Trade." But those returns show that as a matter of fact we were in 1884 send- ing out our manufactures in almost as large quantities as in any previous year. And al- though these goods had to be sold at low prices yet we must not forget this important factor in the comparison, that we have been able to buy cheaply the food supplies for our toiling m;l- lions, and also many of the raw materials for our manufactures. So, after all, there is nothing so very discouraging as some would have us to believe in the statistics of the Board of Trade. If our external, like our internal, commerce has not been so profitable as most people would like during last year, still ws think that it has been sounder and healthier than in those years of great prosperity already referred to. If the fact that almost every industrial nation has fa ed worse than we be any consolation, we may here that when a revival does come to others that no small share of that revival will fall to the lot of this country, for we are con- vinced that the British producer is :better cir- cumstanced, commercially speaking, than any others on the face of the earth.