The North Wales Express

-L.=- WELSH NATIONALISM. PERHAPS the revival of the Welsh National spirit, which is so prominent a feature of Welsh life in these days, may be dated as far back as twenty years ago, when the venerable Henry Richard addressed those cogent, argu- mentative and stirring letters to the editor of the Morning Star, on the Social and Political Condition of the Principality of Wales. As a Nation we bad been groaning under a sense of the injustice inflicted upon us by our rulers, we had read and re-read misrepresentations of our social and religious condition, but the powerful pen of our fellow-countryman at last vindi- cated our national life, and ever after the British public have looked upon Wales with eyes no longer blinded by prejudice. At the c!V>se of the series of letters referred to, Wales showed its appreciation of and gratitude to their author. The various religious communi- ties, at various dates, in conference assembled, expressed their obligations to the now senior member for Merthyr Tydvil, for the truthful statement of the condition of his own country- men in their native land. The letters were not written in vain. The writer had not writ- ten for nought nor spent his strength in vain. In the concluding letter of the series Mr Richard called upon his own countrymen to gird their loins for the political struggles which awaited them. His countrymen man- fully responded to his appeals. The result of the election of 1868 proved the country to be oveswhelmingly Liberal, and the election of 1880 completed the Liberal triumph. We re- tread the ground in order to remind our readers that the present national movement in Wales owes its origin mainly to the manly, spirited and patriotic letters of Mr Henry Richard. And we state this because there ap- pears to be < n impression abroad that the changes which have been made in the political representation of Wales is mainly due to a speech of Mr Bright's at an enthusiastic meeting of Welshmen held in the Amphi- theatre, Liverpool, in the year 1868, prior to the general election. We feel bound to add that the new spirit which animates our times has been re-kindled during recent years by the monopoly of Irish questions in Parliament. A growing dissatis- faction has possessed the mind of our country- men that the precious time of the British House of Commons should have been so recklessly consumed by wild, fanatical Irish- men. And among our number there are a few Quixotic spirits (let us rejoice that their num- ber is few and their influence nil) who would go the whole length of the Irish Home Rulers, !f not in the obstructive means to secure legis- lation, at any rate in their excessive demands for separate legislation for the Principality. The Irish contagion is abroad, and it is only those who are strong enough to resist its subtle influence who are capable of leading the public mind of Wales in the present junc- ture in its history. We have been led to pen these remarks owing to the fact that we have lately noticed that societies have been and are being formed in several of our large towns in and out of the Principality, their object being to unite Welshmen together in closer bonds of sympathy, and to foster their love for Welsh matters in general. If we mistake not, we have noticed the formation of Welsh National Societies in Cardiff, and an additional one in London. On Tuesday evening last, a society of the same nature was inaugurated in Liverpool, the most Welsh of all English cities. We do not profess to understand how far these clubs are political in their constitution, or whether they been started chiefly to discuss Welsh literary and social questions. At any rate, we see in their formation the national spirit protruding itself, and we have not the slightest doubt in predicting that a great blessing will follow their work. Let us however, guard against excessive exhibitions of patriotisn. "Fy ngwlad,fy iaith fy nghenedl is the motto of every true Welsh- man. But there is a spurious patriotism, which is disgusting to every sensible man-a C, Z5 patriotism bred of narrowness, prejudice and bigotry, which vaunts itself on every possible occasion. Let us avoid all such self-adulation and national puffery! We have in our life- time observed Welshmen who make it a point to pooh-pooh everything English—who pride themselves upon being exceedingly careful as to the purity of the Welsh language, but do much to corrupt it by their own inaccuracies and introduction of a profusion of Saxon words into all their public utterances. English and Englishmen are the great pests of their lives. Their forefathers, a century ago, would have preferred meeting a hobgoblin after nightfall on the slopes of their native hills than these latter-day Welshmen are to encouuter an ordinary Englishman. There is also another class of men whose national spirit is not to be depended npon- men who expect some distinction either parlia- mentary or otherwise on account of their advo- cacy of our interests. These men have ere this brought us into some trouble and no little inconvenience by posing themselves as the guardians of our concerns. The true patriot, let it be rememheied, is not hostile to our Saxon neighbours, but whilst anxious to retain all that is noblest in our institutions is wishful at the same to cultivate a catholic spirit, and to emulate all nationalities in all those virtues and qualities which exalt a, nation.

BANGOR CATHEDRAL.—Saturday, 5 pm: Service, Stanford; anthem, Behold how good" (Whitfield). Sunday, 8 a m, Litany and Holy Communion. 11.30 a m Service, Sullivan anthem, Seek ye the Lord (Koberts); preacher, the Very Kev. The Dean. 4 pm: Service, Garrett in D; anthem, Blessed be the God and Father (Wesley); preacher, the Canon in Resi- dence (John Pryce). MOVEMENTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.—Customs Mr F. Rogers, outdoor officer, second class, Carnarvon (North Wales) district, to Hardwich (Ilardwich dis- trict). GIIKAT 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.—Advt. CAPTURE OF Boy BURGLARS AT WREXHAM.—On Tues- day three boys, about fourteen years of age. named Evans, Jones, and Francis, were charged before the Wrexham county justices with breaking into the Plaskynaston Stores, Cefn Mawr, on Sunday, and stealing Hs 7d in copper. The prisoners, when subsequently apprehended, stated that they had concealed the money in different places, and it had since been recovered. The prisoners were remandod for a week. ACCIDENT TO A WELSH CLERGYMAN.—A few days ago, the Rev. Jenkin Davies narrowly escaped with his life whilst returning from Meillteyrn Church, South Carnar- vonshire. The rev. gentleman, accompanied by his wife, was driving through Sarn village, when the horse took fright and bolted, with the result that the vehicle was overturned and smashed. Mr Davies received severe in- ternal injuries, and was removed to Penybont Inn, where Dr. Jones, Bottwnog, was immediately in attendance. Mrs Davis, too, was badly hurt. The rev. gentleman is in a precarious condition. VETERINARY APPOINTMENT.—We understand that the appointment of district veterinary surgeon by the Royal Agricultural Society of England for the three counties of Denbigh, Flint and Carnarvon has been conferred on Mr R. Roberts, M.R.C.V.S., veterinary surgeon, Abergele. PRESENTATION AT ABERGELE.—An interesting pre- sentation took place at the Welsh Congregational chapel, Abergele on Wednesday evening, the recipient being the Rev. Ellis T. Davies, the highly-respected pastor of the church. The presentation consisted of a purse of £ 50, and an illuminated framed address (prepared by Mr Evan Williams, Carnarvon). Mr Davies acknowledged the gifts in most suitable and feeling terms.

HERE AND THERE. BY UBIQUE. Bangor has set an example which Carnarvon would do well to follow—improved the lighting of its principal tliorougfares, which has hitherto been somewhat indifferent. The lamps look well by daylight, and their brilliancy at dusk is vastly superior to that which has up to the last fort- night illuminated the city. But when are the ratepayers to enjoy the benefit of a reduction in th e price of gas ? Beaumaris is pushing steadily ahead with its proposed new system of drainage. The Corpora- tion, acting upon the recommendation of Alder- man Thomas and Councillor Hugh Thomas, have virtually adopted Mr Shone's system, and the de- tails antecedent to the necessary holding of an inquiry on behalf of the Local Government Board having been settled, a preliminary survey by the engineer to whom the carrying out of the scheme will be entrusted, has probably been held by this time. There will be the usual amount of "red tapism to be got over, and should the inquiry be held by Mr Smith, who pronounced so favourably on the scheme matured by Mr Mansergh, doubtless a good deal of explanation will be necessary to convince the inspector why, after such a lapse of time, the Coun- cil should have condemned that scheme, and gone in for another of a very different and more economical character. No time should be lost in the commencement of the works, and something should be done before the summer. That the many visitors who throng Beaumaris during the months of July, August, and September, should be allowed the opportunity of witnessing the works in progress will not commend itself to those who are mainly dependent for their livelihood upon such visitors, hence the necessity for prompt action and of reso- lutely grappling with and finally solving a difficulty which has perplexed the minds of the municipal authorities of Beaumaris for the last four or five years. >II: ill 'it Why the hour of commencing the meetings ot the Reaumaiis Town Council should not be, as is generally universal with most public bodies, uniform, puzzles not only outsiders, but the members of the Corporation themselves. Up to November last, half-past two was the time at which the Corpora- tion assembled. For some occult reason, it was resolved that the Council meetings proper should henceforth be at noon, and that the original time should be adhered to in the case of the meetings of the General Purposes' Committee. Naturally confusion arises, and so it came about that at the last Council meeting, the Acting-mayor was non est at its commencement, and a messen- ger had to be despatched in hot haste to Ilenllys, it being deemed advisable that his colleagues should enjoy the advantage of his experience and advice when dealing with a question of such great import- ance as that of the drainage of the borough. Col. Hampton-Lewis had mistaken the hour at which the Council was to assemble. He apparently stumbled into the like blunder at Tuesday's meeting of the General Purposes' Committee, as he put in an appearance just two hours and a half earlier than the appointed time. And so did another member of the Council. To guard against such mishaps in the future, Mr Thomas Hughes gave notice that he should move that all the meetings be at two o'clock. Oddly enough, the Acting-mayor did not fall in with the proposal. The Mayor, when last heard of, was cruising off the Spanish coast in the Carmen.' # The prospect of anything being done towards the provision of a drainage scheme for Conway seems as remote as ever, and possibly nothing but the breaking out of an epidemic or some urgent repre- sentation to the Local Government Board will arouse the authorities of that borough from the apathy, in reapect of th>s question, which seems to have settled upon them. Nothing of great public interest? occupied their monthly meeting on Wednesday. There was something which nearly approacheiTV, "scene" between Councillor Williams and tm^ Chairman of the Roads Committee; Councill r Kingston, for once, was reticent on the standing orders," reserving his powers, it was anticipated^ for that report bearing upon the dispute between the Council and the London and North-western Railway as to the cost of the construction of the Tywyn-road, which was discussed in committee. The railway authorities, who for obvious reasons do not regard Conway in a very friendly light, demur to the charge made upon them in respect of the road, and contending that the agreement arrived at in 1881 has lapsed, will not recognise their liability. One sorry result of the difference which has arisen bids fair to be the continuance of that filthy brook or open sewer which runs for some distance alongside the line of railway between Llanduduo Junction aud Deganway. This hotbed of disease and the necessity for its removal constitute a stock phrase in the annual reports of Dr. Rees, the Medical Ollicer of Health tor Carnarvonshire, still to para- phrase Tennyson,- Boards may come, and councils may go But I'm as loathsome as ever." This pollution trenches so closely upon the boundaries of the Llandudno Sanitary Authori- ties, that it is surprising they have taken no steps for its removal. In any case, they have thought- fully erected the new hospital for infectious diseases within easy reach of Tywyn. ### The agitation against the basis of the new valuation of the Bangor and Beaumaris Union is becoming widespread, and the more it is studied and understood the less it is ap- preciated by the ratepayers at large. The Assessment Committee were not at all pre- pared for such a marked expression of disfavour and discontent, which found vent through the deputation of Anglesey farmers who waited upon them at their last meeting. The action of Colonel West in carrying out an oft-reiterated threat that he would leave the chair, is viewed as petulant and foolish, and it is generally conceded that the deputation, which included some of the principal ratepayers in the Anglesey portion of the Union, deserved a little more courtesy and con- sideration than he, in that martinet-like fashion, which too frequently characterises his control of public affairs, was disposed to mete out. But, if his refusal to abide by the decision of the com- mittee and his abrupt vacating of the chair are open to averse comment, the bearing of those members of the deputation who assisted in that derisive and insulting demonstration which marked his departure from the workhouse is equally reprehensible, and will doubtless be regretted by those ratepayers whose representatives they pur- ported to be. The occurrence is happily without precedent, and its recurrence, it is to be fervently hoped, will be far distant. In many respects Colonel West has proved himself an admirable chairman. Peremptory; betraying an inclina- tion to abide by a hard and fast rule instead of considering individual cases upon their merits and evincing a disposition to enforce the "house" test, may be amongst what some people regard as failings and savouring .)f harshness; but for punctually, prompt despatch of business, a ready grasp of detail; the knack of checking unneces- sary discussion; and of checking discursive speakers, Colonel West has "ertamly but few equals. But with all his efforts to keep down lavish ex- penditure aud abolish indiscriminate out-relief, the present amount of the poor rate in the Bangor and Beaumaris Union is heavier than has been known for some years, and a report read at the last meeting shows that Mr Murray Browne has no very favourable opinion of the administration of the workhouse. Can it be surprised then that the ratepayers do not view with approval a scheme, which, rightly or wrongly, he is believed to have originate i which will still further increase their burden of f ixation. In support of the scheme, an elaborate report, prepared by Mr J. H. Thomas, clerk to the Carnarvon Union, to whom was en- trusted the preparation of the revised valuation lists—a duty which represented an outlay of two hundred guineas—has been circulated, and is worthy of careful consideration. The increase in the Anglesey parishes is remarkable, ranging from 44 per cent. in the ease of Llaugristiolus parish to five per cent at LlanfihalJg-el Din Silwy. *'# As regards the five parishes comprised in the Carnarvonshire district, Llanfairfechan is increased 32 per cent.; Bangor, 22 Llanllechid. IS Aber, fj; Llandegai, but 6 per cent. Now, next to Llanfi- hangel Din Silwy, the present rateable value of which is only £ 586, comes Llandeirai with a rare- able value of £ 23 289. The remarkable revelations made at the revising barrister's court as to the ridiculously low rating of many farms in Llandegai parish, led one to believe that under a new valua- tion the rating would be equitable and fairer when contrasted with ether parishes in the Union, and at first sight it was therefore rather astonishing to find such a trivial increase. The explanation is easy. Included in Llandegai parish are Lord Penrhyn's slate quarries. It is an open fact that owing to dull trade the income tax assessment upon those quarries has, within the last year or two, been very materially reduced. Thus under the new valuation, whilst the Penrhyn estate loses by the increased amount placed upon the farms in Llandegai parish, it benefits greatly by the reduction of the rates, which, under the new valuation, will be payable in respect of the quarries. And Lord Penrhyn, as the principal landed proprietor in Llandegai, contributes, directly or indirectly, nearly the whole of the rates in Llandegai parish— Colonel West is the principal agent of the Pen; rhyn estate. Hence the opiniou-not at all an unreasonable one—to which many ratepayers in- cline that the readjustment of the valuation lists is on a basis calculated to be advantageous to the Penrhyn estate, and not beneficial to the Union generally. What will be the upshot of the present difficulty is not very clear. The appeals have been ad- journed indefinitely, and theie are recommenda- tions that the old valuation lists should remain in force for the present, and that, if deemed necessary, the entire Union should be re-valued, say by Mr Marshall, who, seven years ago, valued the Llan- beris quarries, when an appeal was made against the rating by the Carnarvon Union or by Mr Hedley, who has recently been called in to make revised lists for the Penrhyndeudraeth Union. In that case. the two hundred guineas which have been paid to Mr J. H. Thomas will be thrown away. Even a professional valuer does not always give satisfaction, for at this week's meeting of the Pen- rhyndeudraeth Board, a guardian remarked that he had never seen things in such a mess as they had got into after Mr Hedley's valuation, whilst the arrears of rates are appalling. Bethesda, following the example of Beaumaris, is protesting against the new basis. Bangor as yet has made no move. Possibly the publicity which has been given to the report of Mr Thomas may induce ratepayers to ascertain how they are individually affected,land concerted action may be devised before the lists, now open to inspection at the offices of the Assistant Overseer, are re- turned to the Assessment Committee. What has become of the Chairman of the Conway Union? For many meetings past his place has been vacant, and the proceedings have became dull, decorous, and uninteresting, with never a solitary scene to vary the monotony and nothing to furnish an attractive heading for a newspaper paragraph. Rumour will have it that the reverend gentleman is scared from attending at the board room whilst another di* vine of a different denomination persists in pre- senting himself and putting awkward questions, such as the non-rating of certain roads. It is said that the discovery that a certain road at Col- wyn was omitted from the rate book led also to the discovery that the Marine Drive round the Great Ormeshead had been similarly overlooked. *#* It ^satisfactory. to note that neither territorial t^ifiKjwsition is to have any 'the constituted Menai Bridge j £ ,cafrtwvrfl^&tO li^re emtered upon their official /life iwitli fa«rei4d,ettt ^determination to preserve Itlie o# tfl^p«l5lili«yid to put a stop to en- WoacJmgi4te«jyr wb«t i/ plain language is de- tf&b/ng At Wednesday's I deal of plain talk about t ol-tioll of what is alleged to be common land, and although Mr John Morgan did his best to show that the responsibility rested, not with an individual firm. but with a Public Department in London, he failed to carry convic- tion to his colleagues and a deputation was appointed to personally investigate the affair, which seven years ago occupied the attention of a vestry. It would have been well for Bangor had its public bodies in the past manifested that independent spirit and jeakvusy of private interfer- ence with public rights which are being mani- fested by the Menai Bridge Local Board. The report which has gone the round of the newspapers that the Hon. Douglas-Pennant had been selected as the Conservative candidate for the Northern Division of Carnarvonshire originated doubtless with a small committee-meeting held at Llandudno, and is not endorsed, nor likely to be, by the county organisation. That Homersham Cox-like valedictory address which followed Mr Pennant's retirement from the representation of Carnarvonshire —" Foremost in falsehood"—is not yet forgotten, whilst his Draconian treatment of offenders against the Game Laws is hardly likely to win for him, or any candidate running under the Penrhyn influence, the support or sym- pathy of the Bethesda and Llanberis quarrymen. As regards the Southern Division, the plethora of Liberal candidates does not excite much appre- hension. It is probable that, after all, as was done in the case of Mr Kathbone, an outsider may be selected. Rumour points to Mr John Roberts, the member for the Flint Boroughs, as a candidate likely to satisfy all sections of the party, and stave off a division in the Liberal ranks. Whether he has been approached is not known, but should he elect to vacate a seat which is quite safe, having re- gard to the calibre of the candidate who has been selected by his political opponents, no doubt Mr Muspratt would be his successor.

LIVERPOOL LETTER. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT]. WEDNESDAY NIGHT. The attendance at the meeting held last Mon- day afternoon, in the Council Chamber, could hardly be considered worthy of the occasion, and the lack of enthusiasm did not promise well for the success of the renewed efforts which are being made here on behalf of the North Wales College The cheer was very faint indeed when the Mayor, accompanied by the distinguished deputation, entered the chamber. The capital speeches delivered by Earl Powis, Mr Rathbone. and Principal Reichel were listened to most at- tentively, but the speakers had very little en- couragement in the way of applause. However, if the gentlemen present at the Town Hall were not very enthusiastic, Earl Powis and the other members of the Council who formed the depu- tation have secured something far more substan- tial than the applause of a public meeting. Yesterday and to-day, the following gentlemen called upon several firms to solicit subscriptions in aid of the college, viz., Earl of Powis. Sir R. A. Cunliffe. Bart., M.P.. Colonel West, Captain Verncy. Messrs J. R. Davies, W. A. Darbishire, J.P., R. W. Hudson, W. Cadvvaladr Davies, R. W. Jones, Gars ton; J. Harrison Jones, J. R. Ponchard, T. Rowland Hughes, John Davies, C.C., Thomas Gee, R. A. Jones, and Josiah Thomas. The following subscriptions were re- ceived yesterday :—Messrs Farnworth and Jar- dine, £ 200; Messrs G. H. Lee and Co., £ 50 Mr Christopher Bushell, £50; Messrs R. and D. Jones. £30; Captain Lewis Davies, JE25 Messrs Riley and Co., £ 25; Messrs R. W. Jones and H. Cox. £ 20 Mr W. Parry. C20 Messrs Darby and Williams, £ 10 10s Councillor Miles, tl0 Messrs J. M. Harnett, £ 10 Mr C. Kurtz, :eiU Mr W. Bingham,jE5 5s; Messrs Evans, Richards, and Co., £5 5s A Friend, t5. Among the promises made to-day are the fol- lowing, viz., Messrs W. G. Hughes and Co., t25 Win. Henderson and Son, Church-street. £ 25; Anonymous, £25; Messrs Blezzard and Son, £ 25 Messrs Cole and Jones, f:15 15s. A large number of wealthy firms have promised to subscribe, but as yet the amount has not been stated. At a public meeting held last night in the City Hall, Eherle-street, it was unanimously decided to form a Welsh National Society in Liverpool. About sixty members have already been enrolled, among them Alderman Chambers, Alderman Samuelson, Councillors John Hughes, John Davies, Captain Ven:«jr, Mr W. A. Darbishire, J.P., and Mr W. Cadwaladr Davies. The rules, which had been drawn out by a sub-committee, were agreed to, provisionally. It was stated by the chairman (Coun- cillor John Davies) that the society cannot be ca-ried on successfully without having, at least, three hundred members, and a strong sub-com- mittee was formed to secure additional names. Mr Thomas Williams, J.P., Llywcsog Hall, Denbigh, presided over a very successful competi- tive meeting at the Parkfield Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Birkenhead, on Wednesday evening last. The Rev. J. P. Davies, Chester, acted as conductor, and Mr J. H. Roberts, Carnarvon, as musical ad- judicator. The "Claughton-road Wesleyan Chapel Choir," and 11 The,Parkfield Choir," competed for the prize offered for the best rendering of -'Gogon- iant yu y goruchaf (J. H. Roberts). The first named choir (under the conductorship of Mr D. Lloyd) was awarded the prize. The first rehearsal in connection with the Welsh Sunday School Union concert was held last Satur- day evening at Victoria Chapel, Crosshall-street, under the conductorship of Mr Ebenezer Jones. Accompanist, Miss Maggie Evans. The con- ductors present on Saturday appeared to be highly pleased with the selection of pieces for this year's festival. The Rev. Griffith Ellis, M.A., delivered his second lecture at Prince's-road Chapel, last Friday, on "A Trip to the East." Mt .J. Harrison Jones presided. The same evening, an interesting debate toot 0 place at Anfield-road Schoolroom, between the members of the literary society connected with that chapel and the members of Stanley-road literary society, the subject of the debate being, Should the Church be Disestablished ? The majority of those present voted against Disestablishment,or per- haps it would be more correct to state that the maj irity belonged to Anfield-road Chapel, and voted in favour of their own society. The Stanley- road society will defend the House of Lords at the debate to be held next month. The Rev. Dr Thomas, Tabernacle, stated the other Sunday, while preaching about "David, the sweet singer of Israel," he was afraid that singing had had an opposite effect in the Principality to that which David produced upon the evil spirit which troubled Saul. LIVERPOOL AGENTS. — Messrs Foulkes and Evans, printers, Dale-street; R. O. Roberts, 46, Old Hall-street; T. Lloyd, 52, Evert on-road; James Woollard. 52. Castle-street; Mrs Parry, bookseller, Heyworth-street, Everton.

A DENBIGH PROBATE SUIT. In the Probate and Divorce Division of tho High Court of Justice on Saturday. Mr .Justice Butt had before him the suit t)f Jones v. Jones" which had reference to the testamentary dispo- sitions of the late John Yaughan Jones, of The Chase. Denbigh, recently deceased. The plaintiff, Helena Elizabeth Jones, his daughter, as legatee for life, propounded the last will of the deceased, dated 29th November, 1S88, by which he be- queathed his property for life, with an annuity of £ 50. to his widow, and another annuity of the same amount to plaintiff £ (500 to his son Richd. Mansell Jones, chargeable upon his realty, if the personality proved insufficient, and the realty to William Vaughan Jones charged with the two annuities of £5U, it being provided also that in the event of the death of the widow her annuity should be continued to the daughter for life. This will was a duplicate copy of one executed by the deceased on the 3rd February, 1871. but he made an intermediate one. which only differed from the earlier one by not continuing the wife's annuity upon her death to the daughter, and making the bequest of £ 500 instead of £ (i00 to Mr Richard Mansell J«nes. The defendants, the two sons, pleaded that the last will had not been duly executed, that the testator at the time of its execution was not of sound mind. and that the will propounded had been procured by undue in- fluence. Evidence having been given in support of the will. with a view to showing that the act of revoking the intermediate will and reviving the earlier one was one of free volition by the deceased, testimony was given by the defendants tc the effect that the testator was exceedingly feeble in mind, and in such a helpless physical condition when the will in dispute was executed as to leave it almost beyond question that he was incapable of sound testamentary capacity, and that undue influence must therefore have been exercised. Mr Searle and Mr Malcolm Douglas represented the plaintiff, and Mr Murphy, Q.C., and Mr Bayford the defendants.—In the result. Mr Justice Butt found that the deceased was of sound mind and sufficient capacity but with re- gard to the question of undue influence against the plaintiff and her mother, although some doubt existed in his mind on that point, yet it was not such as warranted his refusing probate of the document propounded. His lordship ( lien pronounced fur the will, with costs against thy defendants.

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN. REPORTED DEATH OF GENERAL GORDON A telegram to the Daily News dated Cakdul, Sunday, says :-Unfortunatcly, no doubt can now exist that General Gordon was among those massacred when Khartoum fell into the hands of the rebels. Natives who escaped describe him as having been killed in coming out of his house to rally his faithful troops, who were taken by surprise. They were cut down to a man. For hours the best part of the town was the scene of a merciless massacre. Even the women and children were not spared. All the notables, except the treacherous pashas and their followers, were put to the sword. All this seemed too probable from the first when Sir Charles Wilson. with his steamers, went up as far as Tuti and saw beyond the trees that the island, the streets of Khartoum, and the plains outside were crowded with dervishes with flaunting banners, and no friendly sign was given from the Palace or Egyptian ensign was Hying any- where. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] KORTI, TUESDAY, 11-1:1 P.M.—Sir Charles Wilson and Lieutenant Stuart Wortley have arrived here from Gubat. having made the journey in four days. They bring intelligence of General Gordon's death. He states that one of the treacherous pashas marched the Khartoum garrison to the Omdurmau side of the city, telling them that an attack of the Mahdi's troops was expected there. Meanwhile, the other pasha opaned the sates of Khartoum, allowing the rebels to enter. The messenger adds that General Gordon was stabbed while leaving the Government house. A Times Korti telegram says it would appear certain from evidence which has now been received that General Gordon has been killed. CONTRADICTORY REPORTS. The statements which were pnblished on Wed- nesday morning from the various correspondents in Ugypt that General Gordon had been killed on the night of the capture of Khartoum by the Mahdi created a profound sensation both in London and the provinces, and for the greater part of the day the news was generally held to be conclusive that he had fallen a victim to the treachery of the Egyptian soldiers. Many inquiries were directed during the forenoon to the War Office and other sources of information seeking further confirmation or details, but none were forthcoming. In fact, in consequence of the circulation of a statement that a despatch had been received by Lord Wolseley, stating that scouts despatched to Khartoum by Colonel Boscowen had returned with intelligence confirming Gordon's death, the W7ar Office issued a disclaimer announcing that no such telegram had been received at the "Tar Office up to t'iree p nr. When definite news is received at the War Office concerning General Gordon s fate it will be imme- diately communicated to the Press. This official announcement has to some extent reassured the public mind, but the gravest fears are still enter- tained for the gallant general's safety., n SPECIAL TELEGRAM. After a five hours' battle with the Mahdi's troops, General Earle has been killed.

THE CARNARVONSHIRE COUNTY OFFI- CIALS AND THEIR SALARIES. At the Pwllheli Board of Guardians on Wednes- day, Mr B. Ellis presiding, Mr J. T. Jones moved "That, in view of the applications which have been made by the chief constable and by the clerk of the peace for the county of Carnarvon to the quarter sessions for increase of salaries, this Board is strongly of opinion that those applications should be refused. This Board also beg to enter their protest against allowing the county treasurer more than reasonable cxj)3!ises for attending assizes out of the county, and against the increase made in the police force. Mr Jones said the clerk of the peace re- ceived £100 per annum, and was pad extras if he acted as solicitor in county cases. The chief con- stable was paid £;;00 per annum, and was allowed £ 50 towards travelling expenses.—Mr T. Jones also condemned the allowance of three guineas a day to the county treasurer when doing county business at other places than those in Carnarvon.—Mr William Roberts (Llanaelhaiarn) seconded the motion, and strongly objected to granting the increase of salaries asked by the chief constable and the clerk of the peace.—Mr Thomas Pritchard, the vice- chairman, also spoke against it.—The motion was passed unanimously. _H-

that it is a matter which cannot be glossed over, hut demands that wc should enter our most ^equivocal protest against it. As a case in Point, we call attention to a report which appeared in the Church Times of the 6th inst., Under the title "Wales and Disestablishment." It says, "The Liberationists are very active in ■North Wales just now, they are chiefly attacking those places which are regarded as strongholds of the Church. Some weeks ago their paid deputation, Mr Fisher, addressed a meeting at ^'anfairfechan. The Church people attended 111 great numbers." Well, of course, this spends upon what people understand by great lumbers what some people regard as a great n Z) dumber, others count but very few. It depends very much upon what people are ac- customed to. There were in the meeting in question, between women and children, about three dozen people who appeared to be sup- porters of the curates. Mr Fisher was put down by the questions of one of the clergy." Now what does this mean ? That Mr Fisher an- sWered and fairly answered every pertinent ques- tion put to him, we know, and he was not put down except in the sense that one of the curates present persisted in standing up, positively re- 0 using to sit down in obedience to the chair. One would have thought that the less said about such conduct afterwards the better, but here it is made a matter of boasting. But the account goes on, and the meeting passed a resolution by an overwhelming majority pledging itself to resist Disestablishment to the utmost." Now this is a barefaced false- hood, and the writer of it must know that he has written what is not true. The facts were the curate referred to succeeded by defying the chair in throwing the meeting into disorder so that no resolution whatever was put from the chair. In the confusion the mover of the resolution for Disestablishment asked for a show of hands on the part of those who were 11 its favour, and a number did so, wheve- upon the mover of the amendment stood amidst the group of his sympathisers, and asked tor a show of hands, but there could not be the slightest doubt as to which obtained a Majority. But both votings were made in an irregular way, and for any one to say that atl amendment there put and voted for was carried by an overwhelming majority is a piece of mendacity for which he who wrote it ought to be heartily ashamed. Again, On January -2nd, the Liberationists tried to retrieve their disaster, they held a meeting which they packed ^*th their supporters from the neighbouring I)aristies of IVnmaenmawr and Aber, some time before the hour fixed for the admission of the general public." Now, this is an entirely Unwarranted assertion. That there were per- SOns from Aber and Penmaenmawr present is Very likely but that the meeting was packed "J an arrangement of the promoters of it, is utterly untrue. The consequenoe was that v.ery few Church people could obtain admis- sion." If this be true, how was it that the Church party occupied the very middle of the floor, right in front of the platform, The two Urates, Revs. E. Hughes and Thompson Jones, attended, and were allowed to address the Meeting for ten minutes each." Tt rather surprises us to find this mendacious writer Emitting that these curates were allowed to speak at all, but even here he must make an in- durate statement, for the Rev. Thompson Jones spoke for 25 minutes, and the Rev. E. Hughes for 20 minutes. The writer is careful to suppress the result of the voting at this meeting. Our readers know how the figures stood. For the amendment there were held up 34 hands-several persons holding up th ir both hands, while for the resolution in favour of Disestablishment there were at least 300. Having found the report so misleading hitherto, we can place very little reliance upon the remainder, which purports giving an account of the reply meeting of the Church people which Was held "last Friday"—that the room was crowded with Churchmen and Dissenters—that there were 500 present, and that the meeting was c most enthusiastic, and the resolution carried without a dissentient vote. Of course it may hav been so, but we, who know how untruthful are the statements regarding the other meetings, cannot accept with confidence the above rose- coloured account. There must be some motive for applying the Tory and Church Press with these cOoked reports. That motive is not far to seek. They who supply them know well that they do not deceive the general public. They are clearly intended for the eyes of those wealthy Surporters of the Church, with a view to lull them to the belief that all is well with the institutions they are so lavish in their support of. Surely the deception cannot last long. But what we are Concerned about most here is the discreditable llJode of chronicling movements here deprecated. e wish to tell our friends who indulge in it— that it will not do. We say a shame upon those newpapers who receive such. Newpaper editors may be deceived, but those who manipulate these reports cannot be deceived. We, therefore, cry double shame upon them. And we are very SU;ipicious that the clergy have a hand in this discreditable business and if it be so, then, all we can say is, that a clerical system that has need to resort to such devices is evidently upon Its last legs, and fully deserves, and surely will, be visited with its own sins.