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NEATH.
NEATH. VALE OF NEATH RAI LWAY.-Notwitlistan din- the de- pression of trade in general, and the depreciation of railway property in particular, which we trust is only temporary, it is gratifying to state that we have occasional indications of progress and vigour in connexion with some of the impor- tant lines of our own immediate district, amongst which the Vale of Neath line occupies the foremost position. On Monday last the necessary documents relating to contract No. 4 of the line were executed. This includes a portion of the Aberdare tunnel, and we understand that the contractor, Mr. Edwards, of Birmingham, purposes proceeding with the works as early as circumstances can permit. FATAL ACCIDENT.—As David Hughes, a little boy, aged about two years, son of Thomas Hughes, a labourer, residing at the Green, Neath, was playing near the South Wales Railway, on Wednesday week, with an elder brother about seven years of age, his head became entangled with one of the wheels of a dubbin or threo wheeled tram which had been upset previously, and was crushed in such a shocking manner that he died in a few hours.
MAESTEG.
MAESTEG. AN inquest was held on Wednesday week, before Alexander Cuthbertson, Esq., coroner, on the body of Ann Llewellyn, a young woman, 19 years of ags, who had lately been delivered of a child, and who, from the time of her confinement, had complained of severe pains in her bowels, to alleviate which her mother had, from time to time, given her above a pint of gin, adding thereto the accustomed beverage of ale warmed. On the day of her death, the mother applied to the surgeon for some castor oil for her, hav- ing before had and given her seana tea; the girl having died soon after the castor oil was administered, a very general idea prevailed that she had been poisoned.—A post-mortem examination was made by Mr. French, surgeon, of Neath, which fully satisfied him that the deceased died from inflammation of the bowels and stomach and his testimony also convinced the jury and satisfied the rela- tives of the deceased. Mr. French also stated that the medicines given by Mr. Lewis were most proper-who, it is right to state, had not attended the deceased in her confinement, or afterwards. A verdict was given in accordance with the evidence.
CARMARTHEN.
CARMARTHEN. UNION-STREET INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.—On Thursday, the 8th instant, the Rev, William Rees, of Liverpool, delivered a highly interesting lecture in Water-street chapel, (in aid of liqui- dating the debt incurred in building the above place of worship, on the life and times of the Rev. William Williams, of Pentycelyn, the Watts of Wales. Independently of the deep interest awakened by a recollection of that talented and devoted man, whose simple, pious strains have contributed so much to form and cheritth the religious sentiment which characterises the Welsh people, the well-earned celebrity of the lecturer attracted a crowded auditory, which completely filled the commodious build- ing kindly lent for the occasion. The proceeds of the lecture amounted to nearly;C40. ACCIDENT.-On Tuesday last, an accident from the incautious use of fire-arms, occurred to a lad about ten years of age, second son of Mr. Thomas Lewis, gun-maker, of this town. It appears that his father had left the shop for a short time, and during his absence the lad took a pistol from the glass case, and went out to the fields close by with the intention of shooting small birds. Having fired a few shots unsuccessfully, a person of the name of Charles, who happened to be in one of the fields, very foolishly advised him to put a heavier load in the pistol, which he did, and on the next discharge, the pistol, as might, have been expected, recoiled very much, and the lock cut the poor little fellow's cheek, a severe wound was also inflicted just above the right eye by the muzzle. Mr. John Williams, surgeon, was speedily in attendance, and found the wounds of rather a severe nature, the requisite remedies were applied, and the chiid is getting on as well as can be expected—Carmarthen Journal. SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE.-On Tuesday last, Mr. Kentish took the usual oath on-his appointment to the office of Superin- tendent of Police, before E. H. Stacey and Samuel Tardrew, Esqs., and at once entered on the duties of the office. LARCENY.—On Tuesday last a person of the name of John Howell was committed to the county gaol for trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions, by G. B. Jones, Esq., charged with having stolen a pair of trousers, the property of William Howells, Cross Inn. THE TRIPLE MURDER AT LLANVBYDDER.—Mary Hughes, the woman who was placed on her trial at the July Assizes, 1847, charged with the murder of her three children, and who, it will be remembered, was ordered to be confined, on the ground of insanity, during the Queen's pleasure, was removed on Tuesday last, in compliance with an order from the Secretary of State, from the county gaol, where she has been confined ever since her trial, and conveyed in the custody of Mr. George Stephens, governor of the gaol, to the Lunatic Asylum at Devizes, where she will remain during her Majesty's pleasure. The unfortunate creature still preserves the same quiet demeanour as was observable at her trial, and scarcely a word escapes her lips.—Carmarthen Journal.
NAEBERTff.
NAEBERTff. NATIONAL SCHOOL.—On Monday evening the 12th inst. the in- habitants of this parish and its vicinity had the pleasure of wit- nessing the examination of the above school, consisting of 86 bovs and 46 girls. The Rev. Mr. Brown conducted the examination, and the branches of knowledge in which they were examined were- reading, English grammar, natural history, physical anti political geography, mental arithmetic, &c., and the readiness and correctness with which they answered the various questions put to them, proved that very great pains and labour must have been bestowed upon their education by Mr. John Evans, their worthy and very efficient master. At the close of the examination the Rev. Win. Lluyd delivered a powerful address to parents, umn^ them to co-operation in promoting the highest and best interests of their children. The children were afterwards plent.fullv supplied with buns and tea, provided by MisstLloyd, of the Valley,'to whom, as weil as to the Rev. Messrs. Lloyd and Brown, the most cordial thanks of the parishioners arc due, for the diligence and zeal they manifest in promoting the education of the rising race. The school if in a very flourishing condition, and it appears is the most efficient national school in Uie county. FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Monday last, as Miss Martha Gibbon was carrying coals up stairs in a scuttle, she fell back and in- stantly expired. An inquest was held on her body before Stokes, Esq., the coroner, and a respectable jury, when a ver- dict of accidental death was returned.
NORTH WALES.
NORTH WALES. CHESTER AND HOLYHEAD RAILWAY.—The traffic for the week ended June 13, 1:769 123 7d. THE CONWAY TUBE.—The great tubular bridge on the Conway is sustaining itself admirably. There passed through it one day last week a train consisting of 37 ballast waggons drawn by two powerful engines, and weighing altogether about two hundred tons causing a deflection of less than three-fourths of an inch, thus proving the perfect success of the principle and the strength of the tube.
JUltgfous JntelUgtnce* ——♦
JUltgfous JntelUgtnce* ——♦ THE MISSION TO MADAGASCAR.—At the Conference- of the ,Independent Association of the three counties of Carmarthen, Pempfake, and Cardigan, held at G.lynarthea, June ZtbL, the
LLANTRISANT.
LLANTRISANT. WHIT-TUESDAY, JUNE 13TH, 1848.—Among the poor free- men of Llantrisant who assembled here this day, there was no higher functionary among them than an alderman. Thomas Llewelyn, aldernim, who was proposed and seconded, unani- mously, tqok the chair prepared for him in a waggon, in the Hull Ring, to conduct the business of the meeting. The wor- thy clergyman of the parish had been respectfully requested to cause the town hall to be opened for the freemen, but refused to do so as a right, because the alderman that applied would not consent to ask him for it as a favour. The chairman hav- ing briefly informed the meeting of the object they had in ■view, called on W. Price, Esq., surgeon, to read a translation of their charter to the freemen. This document being produced by William Williams, one of the freemen, it was read and com- mented on by Doctor Price, as he went on, showing to the entire satisfaction of all present that their right, title, and inte- rest in the property of this borough had only been interrupted, and not lost, but for the time they suffered the persons now in possession to withhold the same from them. Having read the charter, Doctor Price repeated more than once his opinion of the last paragraph, and qualified his sense of it by observing that he, like anybody else, might be wrong in his construction of the words used; but it appeared clear to him that the cor- poration property was given to the freemen, with all its privi- leges, for, a specihc purpose, which could never be alienated freim them by any private transactions between man and man, y and that it must and will be restored to the freemen now or at some future time, when they will set in earnest about its resti- tution. Why, he asked, is Llantrisant in poverty and ruins? 4.ye, said he, why is the corporate town of Llantrisant, vyith all its lands and privileges, its hard-working and industrious u I us freemen, whose ruinous habitations are converted into lodging- houses for the Irish poor, suffered to lie dormant, and cease to be a nucleus of progression ? Nay, why is not Llantrisant one of the most flourishing towns in Wales, with a mineral pro- perty whose absolute value is unknown, but computed, at a rough guess, to Le worth a million sterling, with the South Wales railway parsing through the parish? Why, why do you think ? Is it not because it has been languishing in a con- sumption for the last century, and is now vegetating under the same designing policy of a few wealthy oflicials, who have contrived, one by one, bit by bit, to monopolise and appro- priate almost all the individual birthright privileges of the freemen for their uses ? Is not that the reason why Llantri- nant is now in poverty and rltins, aid is not that the reason why it.is not one of the wealthiest' and most flourishing towns in Wales,.because it u against the interest of the few, who have monopolised its rights and privileges, to encourage the in.iny ? Cymdha Bach;, Cymdha, and Craig-y-Llan, are the only parts of this invalu ible property that are as yet in posses- sion of the freemen as common rights. It is true that the beautiful town of Llant isaiit has not been destroyed by fire and'the-sword, but it is equally !true: that it has been destroyed, by the Jesuitical policy of a few non, or ex, or officials, that tends ultimately to blot out its chartered"existence. But I think it shall and will not be. The day, the long day of retri- bwtipa is^cpining that will unveil the tight heir of U and Morgan, whose name appears in the Charter as the origi- nal giver of the land, and the granter of the privileges of this borough. His lineal descendant is known to be Rhys, the lord of South Wales, though his ancestor in question is said to have been buried in Bedh Morgan Morganwg, between Mar- gam and Kynffyg, some 2,648 years ago. There is a solemn league and covenant between certain parties who represent the living law, the statute law, and the religion of Rome. Cyn- dhelw sings that Rhys, the representative of the living law, Hir yth ardrethir ar dretheu o bell, Hil Cadell kell kerteu, &c., &c., Glyw Vyged, glew fugail Cymry.1' Oil motion made by Thomas Llywelyn, and seconded by Mor- gan John, that a fund be created by voluntary subscription of the freemen and others willing to see this interruption of right cease, it was unanimously resolved that the sum of ten pounds be forthwith subscribed, and paid into the hands of the chair- man, for the purpose of beginning the war of right against wrong. The sum of JE3 8s. was collected then and there in the rain.—Communicated.
BRIDGEND.
BRIDGEND. On Saturday morning last, a daring burglary took place at Red-hill Toll-house, under the following circumstances. About two o'clock, Davies, the toll-keeper, was alarmed on being aroused from his sleep by the entry of two men into the room, one of whom wrapped a rug round his head, while the other deliberately proceeded to plunder the house. As Mr. Davies had taken the precaution to hide his money in the sacking of the bed before he retired to rest, all the thieves gained by their trouble was 2s. 6d. that had been left in Davies's coat. The men had no sooner left the house, than Davies alarmed his neighbours, who commenced a search, which proved fruitless. o The police are in active search after the robbers.
CWMAYON.
CWMAYON. DREADFUL ACCIDENT AND Loss OF LIFE ON THE CWMAVON AND PORT TALBOT RAILWAY.—On Monday afternoon a dreadful accident, attended with loss of life under distressing circumstances, occurred on this line. The fol- lowing are the particulars:—As the Redruth" engine was proceeding with a long train of coal and iron down to Port Talbot, when opposite Velindre, near Aberavon, one of the rails, which had become loose, sprung up, in consequence of the weight of the engine pressing on one end. This had the effect of diverting the engine from the main line, and causing it to run over a precipice twelve feet deep. The en- gineer and stoker had a most providential escape the for- mer, with great presence of mind, jumped down the preci- pice, and within a few inches of him fell the engine with a tremendous crash. The stoker jumped off on the other side; but a third person, Who was allowed to ride with the engi- p zD neer, fell with the engine, and under the fire plate. The steam immediately escaped, and the poor fellow was in some parts completely boiled. Ten minutes elapsed before the parties who afforded assistance could extricate the sufferer from his position. lie was instantly carried to the Rising- Sun public house, where every attention was paid him, but he died within two hours from the time of the accident. The name of the deceased was William Garrett, a rollerman. He maintained the character of a very quiet and inoffensive man, and leaves a widow and 13 children to lament his un- timely end. There were no less than 2.i men riding on the trams at the time of the accident, and there were many hair-breadth escapes. Had the engine been at its ordinary speed, there is little doubt that the accident would havo been attended with the destruction of at least all those who sat on the first trucks. No fault whatever is attributed to the en- gineer. Hundreds from the Margain Tin Works and the neighbouring works ran to the scene of disaster. We feel gorry to add that two of Messrs. Llewellyn and Son's hauliers, who had only just arrived from Ynispenl}wch, were severely scalded from their knees down, by fallin" into a pool of boiling water during their humane effort to assist in the extrication of Garrett from his awful situation. The deceased had been from an early hour in the morning making arrangements for the funeral of a fellow-workman, o an, whoso remains were taken up to Merthyr. He was on his return home from paying the last tribute to his friend when the accident occurred. The engine, is greatly damaged, and is still lying on the spot where the accident took place.— Swansea Herald. THE COPPER \|INERS' COMPANY.—A correspondent of the Mining Journal Nyrites-Iteference has been lately made to the stoppage of the works of the Governor and Company of Copper Miners in England, as having arisen in eonser queiiee of a misunderstanding between Mr. Talbot (one of the landlords) and the Bank of England (the new occupiers and I believe the facts to be supply these—- viz., that there was about £ 15,000 due for rents and royalties to Mr. Talbot, in respect to the works; that, when the Bank of England took possession, and began to work up and consume everything distrainable, Mr. Talbot insisted, in vain, on being pa.id, and was compelled to extreme mea- sures in order to effect a settlement, and hence a short tem- porary stoppage. The Bank has now been brought to its bearings, and things go on again for a. season. It is only right the proper shoulders should bear the burden of a step involving such serious consequcncec to the work people. Mr. Talbot cannot be biaiiie(I.-Aberavoii, June Jth.-A SUE- FERER.
,.BRECON.
BRECON. ExTKA.ORDUf.vaY .\ND SEIUOUS ACCIDENT —On the night of Friday, the 9th instant, during a violent storm, raging on the Brecon Beacons, five yearling bullocks, three yearling heifers, and a cow with a calf, were blown over the precipice, on the eastern side of the Peak, and were of course all killed by the fall from such a fearful height. The accident occurred in the same place where two young men accidentally fell over some years back. The cattle had been see: in the course of the evening, grazing on the summit of the highest of the Peaks, where there is a flat space of a couple of acres or more, acces- sible on three sides, but terminating on the east ia a fall nearly perpendicular, estimated at about eight hundred feet. They were the property of Mr. David Phillips, of Wernddu, near the mountain: and the loss is more deploring, as he had but just commenced farming on his own account; and we hear that c a subscription will be started to enable him, by the aid of the benevolent, to replace the lost cattle.-Sittiviati. ON Tuesday evening the 13th instant, at the Welsh Independ- ent chapel, Plough, the Hev. W. Itees delivered a lecture on the Life, Times, and Genius of Williams, Pantyc-elyn. On the plat. form we observed the Rev, C. Morris^ev, E, Davies, A.M., Rev.. David Rees, Llanelly, Thomas Bishop, Esq., Evan Davies, Esq., Principal of the Normal School, &c. The chair was taken at half-past six by the Rev. David Charies, A.B., Principal of Trevecca College, who introduced the rev. lecturer to the audience in a neat and appropriate speech. There was nothing in the first appearance of the lecturer calculated to make an impression on a stranger, but whatever doubts and misgivings might have crossed our minds, we had not long sat and listened until they had all vanished. Never did lecturer rivet the attention of his audience more thoroughly and completely. His remarks on genius, his happy manner of reading the poetry of the great poet—(such reading we had never heard before,-the illustrations, the humour, the point, and the pathos; the beautiful combination of excellence, gave us one of the most intellectual treats which it has ever been our felicity to enjoy. The poor, unfortunate, blundering Commissioners, if they had been there (and could understand), would, we are convinced, have winced under the withering sarcasms of the great man. We were not surprised to hear the Rev. C. Morris at the close, with that emphasis peculiar to himself, thank God, for the Welsh language. The proceeds of the anniversary and lecture, we are glad to add, amounted to upwards of JE32, which sum will be applied in liquidation of the debt due on the chapel. THE NEW REFORM MOVEMENT.—A petition in favour of Mr. Hume's motion, most respectably and numerously signed, was on Friday, the 16th instant, forwarded to Col. Watkins, the member for the borough, for presentation to the House of Commons, accompanied with a request, calling upon him to support the prayer thereof with his vote.
HAVERFORDWEST.
HAVERFORDWEST. REFORM MEETING. We gave h our last number a brief notice of the meeting held at the Town Hall, IIaverfordwest, on the evening of the 13th inst., for the purpose of taking into consideration the pro- priety of petitioning Parliament in favour of Mr. Hume's mo- tion for the extension of the suffrage, &c. We have now the pleasure of giving a fuller and more detailed report of it. The body of the hall was literally crammed by a most re- spectable assembly of working men, who conducted themselves in a most orderly manner during the whole of the evening. William Walters, Esq., mayor, having been called to the chair, William Cozens, Esq., solicitor, rose and said that not ap- proving of a placard he had seen posted about the town, headed Reform, Reform, Reform," he would propose that the meet- ing should not recognise it, nor strictly confine itself to the subjects referred to in the requisition. This having been seconded by Mr. D. Gibbon, Mr. Marychurch rose, when an innkeeper of the name of Robin immediately commenced evincing his disapprobation in a manner which caused considerable confusion, but order being soon restored Mr. Marychurch proceeded to say that he haci hoped they would have shown him more courtesy the first time he appeared before them as a public speaker; he had been brought up amongst them from boyhood to manhood, they had known his habits and character, and he did expect they would have received him in a different manner. He believed there was nothing whatever contained in the paper to which Mr. Cozens had alluded more than was embodied in the intended motion of Mr, Hume (hear, hear), and they would find it so upon perusal of the paper. A copy of the paper was then handed up and read by the mayor, which ran as follolv-s:- "REFORM! REFORM!! REFORM! FRIENDS OF LIBE.UTY Will you attend tho reform, meeting in the Town-hall, on Tuesday evening next ? INDEPENDENT ELECTORS! Come forward to assist your unenfranchised fellow-townsmen to obtain their rights its men, as citizens, and as Christians, MIDDLE AND WORKING CLASSES! Lord John Russell has declared in the House of Commons that you do not sympathise with Mr. Hume's motion for reform. It now re- mains for you to prove, by petitioning Parliament, whether the Premier has faithfully represented your wishes. ADVOCATES OF POLITICAL ECONOMY Assemble to express your sentiments on the evils of class legislation, and show that you are resolved to use every legal means to give the privilege of yoting to those who are burdened with a heavy taxa- tion." Mr. Marychurch then continued Now, gentlemen, you have heard the paper read, and are enabled to judge of its spi- rit and tendency, and I am sure you will agree with me in saying that it is not at all calculated to promote any other opinions than those for the discussion of which this meeting was convened (cries of Hear, hear, to be sure it does not"). The only object in issuing it was to call you together that we may fairly and calmly talk over the subject. It would have been very easy to get up a petition well signed, emanating from a little hole and corner meeting, without the slightest op- position, but in my opinion this is the only legitimate course, and when I see such a vast number assembled who entertain opinions in common with myself on the subject, I feel per- fectly satisfied at the course I iiI-LYC adopted in oeing one of the parties who have been active 111 calling this meeting together (loud cheers). I have not come here to ask you far anything on my own behalf as an individual. I possess a vote, and only stand here to render all the assistance I can to our poor friends, who, whilst they are obliged to bear a share in upholding the credit of the country, have not an opportunity of voting for an indi- vidual who is to sit in the House of Commons to enact laws by which they must be governed (cheers), You perfectly remember the passing of the Reform Bill in 1831, and cannot forget the hopes we had in us of the benefits that should accrue from it. But let me ask what benefits have we received ? They have been so small that we have not yet been able to discover them (hear, hear). Are the taxes less (cries of No, no") ? In the last administration of the Duke of Wellington the expenditure of this country was £ 52,180,000. Now what do you think they are-sixteen years after the pass- ing of the Reform act, and under Whig government r—- £ 59,350,000, making an increase of upwards of seven millions (cries of Shame, shame"). I think, therefore, it is high time for us to look about. When the Duke of Wellington was in power wehad no income tax, but the so-called liberal Whigs. have proved themselves not only unwilling to. relieve the country, but actually attempted to make an additional tax this, however, the country would not submit to, and they un- willingly withdrew the obnoxious measure (loud cheers), Having seen that no benefits have or are ever likely to pro- ceed from the old Reform Bill, Mr. Hume and other liberal men have come forward to the assistance of the country, and if you will allow me we will go through the four propositions which they intend making as the first step in the great ladder of reform (cheers). First comes an extension of the suffrage. Some people say that the suffrage is already quite low enough; but let me ask, what is it that entitles a man to vote in the election of a mem- ber of Parliament? Is it property ? Then where is the man who has no property? The property of the poor man is his labour (cheers), and as valuable to him as the rich man's gold (cheers). No person purchases an article with a tradesman, or gives a day's employment to a labourer, unless he is con- vinced that both the goods and the work are more valuable than the price he pays for them (cheers). It is to the property of the poor man we are indebted for our raiment, our houses, and every necessary. It is to his property that the nobleman is indebted for all his luxuries and comforts (loud cheers). The poor man has therefore a property as well as the rich, and a property which ought to be represented (cheers). But, say some, the poor are too ignorant to vote. I contend that they are as capable of judging the merits of the various subjects which generally come under notice as the rich (hear, hear). For instance, look at the man who earns 8s. or 9s. a week. The very fact of his supporting his wife and perhaps a nume- rous family on such a sum is sufficient proof of his intelligence (cheers), and if wisdom were always to be a test of the fran- chise I very much fear many would be deprived of it who now enjoy it (cheers). It is my opinion therefore that the extension of the franchise should be regulated by the obligation to pay taxes, and in this I am borne out by that able and well known writer on the constitution of our country, Mr. Justice Blackstone (cheers). From this we see clearly that the poor man has an equal right with the rich for who is there exempt from taxes r Look at the duty on tea-I have lately purchased for my vessel tea at Is. 4d. per lb., but I should not be able to procure the same quality article for use in my own family under about 4s., the duty of 2s. 3d. being charged on for home consumption (hear, hear). Look again at tobacco. True it is a luxury—but whv may not the poor man enjoy one luxury as well as the rich enjoy many (cheers) ? On that article you pay lid. duty on every quarter of a pound you purchase. How then can it be said the poor man pays nothing to the revenue (cheers) ? With what reason or justice do those who have votes refuse to assist the poor man to obtain his franchise (cheers) ? Mr. Marychurch then briefly touched on the three other questions, namely, Vote by Ballot, Triennial Parliaments, and Equal Electoral Districts, and in concluding said that he thought he had fully satisfied the meeting of the impropriety of Mr. Cozens's motion, and whilst he proposed that it should not be entertained, left it entirely to the feeling of the meeting, and hoped that if in his zeal for the cause he had taken in hand he had been guilty of indiscretion, they would look upon it as an error not of the heart but of the head. His sympathy was with the working man, and he trusted ere long that the re- strictions which were now attached to the lower classes would be thrown off, and no man be prohibited from tendering his vote for a member of Parliament on account of his poverty. Mr. Marychurch then sat down amidst vociferous and long- continued cheers. Mr. W. Thomas having seconded the amendment, it was put to the meeting and carried unanimously amidst tremendous applause. Mr. George Phillips, Dew-street, then addressed the meeting as followsGentlemen, when I came to this meeting I had no intention of saying a single word on the subject which we arc met to discuss, but seeing so many of the working classes present I cannot help offering a few remarks, and that ehieflv because individuals who are ever trying to retard the progress as of liberal reform have circulated a report that this meeting has been called to agitate the Charter, and thus to brine a bad odour upon the whole affair. I wish you, therefore to avow this evening by your conduct that you have no sympathy with those unfortunate men who are attempting to create anarchy and confusion through the length and breadth of the land (cheers), and that you will show to our opponents by your or- derly behaviour at this large and crowded meeting that you are in every way competent to appreciate and lightly exercise the franchise were it to be bestowed on you to-morrow (loud cheers). Let me beg of you that no intemperate language no- thing low-life or unbecoming, will be made use of, but that every word you speak may be noted for its mildness and good sense (cheers). Let us show that we are determined to gain our end by peaceable means, by the omnipotent power of moral force alone (loud cheers). Let unity and harmony prevail and let us completely disavow all sympathy with the friends of physical force fcheers). Let us cordially support Mr. Hume's motion, take what is offered, and we shall have a bet- ter chance to gain the whole (hear, hear). Voting by ballot will be a protection to the working man, who we know from experience is often intimidated from voting with his conscience. Triennial Parliaments will give us an opportunity of meeting our representatives oftener than we do now. Whilst house- hold suffrage and equal electoral districts will give the oppor- tunity of voting to men who should long ago have enjoyed the franchise, and be the means of allowing the same number of voters to send a representative to Parliament. Once more I entreat you to behave in an orderly manner, and unite like men to petition for our undeniable rights, and endeavour to obtain our object by peaceable and constitutional means, when we arc sure to accomplish it (long and continued cheers). The meeting was then addressed by the Rev. David Davies, William Rees, Esq., Mr. John Phillips, and Mr. William Thomas. The latter gentleman proposed as an amendment that Universal Suffrage should be inserted in the petition, but after a little consideration very prudently withdrew it. The petition, which was to the effect that the House of Commons should take Mr. Hume's motion on the 20th into their serious consideration, was then put and unanimously car- ried amidst tremendous and protracted el D, A vote of thanks having been given to the mayor, the peti- tion was laid on the table for signatures, when it was numer- ously signed, and the meeting dispersed at about ten o'clOcK 14 a most peaceable manner.
[No title]
IVALr,r,ll IRo.,i WoitKi.-Ttic Welsh Society at this place has been highly gratified lately by the delivery of two lectures—one on Elocution, by a member the other on the History and Elements of Ancient and Modern Poetry, by Mr. J. Thomas, manager of the works. The quotations he made to exemplify the different kind of poetical diffusions to which he alluded, were full of vigour auimation, and beauty, and the whole lecture was enriched and ornamented by the indefatigable exertions of a powerful mind.
THE REFORM MOVEMENT.
withstanding my ignorance of political affairs I know that per- fectly well, and that is one of the best proofs you can have of its necessity that one who does not understand political matters, should. know it (cheers and laughter). I am perfectly convinced that there is something wrong going on somewhere. There are causes and effects, and the way to get things right is by removing the cause of discontent. i am free to avow that I have no sym- pathy with the Whigs. They are not up to the mark, they do not go to the foundation of things, and dive not into first principles. The time has come to go into the root of the matter. It is useless to cut up a few branches here and there whilst the great root of cor- ruption remains untouched (tremendous applause). If we content ourselves with lopping off a few branches, it will only add to its vigour, and it will grow more luxuriant than before. Every re- form should be co-extensive with the evil which it seeks to remove A great deal has been said here to-night that ive are not properly represented. Mr. Hume's motion is only a good beginning; we must bear that in mind and seek to attain more. Another mea- sure has been referred to,—the Charter (cheers). It has become unpopular. It is much too large for little John to swallow, and we must try something leas, and by perseverance we shall have what we need (cheers). The political patient complains very loudly, and we must suppose that the political body knows its own ailments best. Our members of parliament,—our representa- tives would be a sad misnomer,—do not properly understand the matter. They are not vitally united to the body. The blood of the nation does not course through their veins. They are very much like wooden members (immense laughter), otherwise they could not be so ignorant of the state of the country. It would be just the same for a physician to feel the wooden leg of a patient to ascertain tho state of his pulse as to consult these members of Parliament to know the state of the country (immense cheer- ing). For my own part I do not know what the majority of them are good for, unless they were pleased to lay their heads on the wooden walls of old England, so as to form a blockade, and thus become an article in our national defences (immense cheering). We may fairly imagine that the skulls that have so long proved impervious against so many arguments would prove equally so against bomb-shells and cannon-balls (tremendous applause). Reform we must have, but it must be such reform as will place votes to depend on mind, character, and not upon wealth (cheers). I think the same rule should be made to apply to our members of Parliament. County esquires, who may be worth ten thousand pounds, but without an ounce of brain, are sent to the House. Such a member will do well enough to be joined to some noodle of a peer, and be bundled out of the House both together (cheers). The aristocracy have distinguished themselves by opposing reform in every shape (hear, hear). We know that many good measures have been submitted to the attention of the legislature, and have been thrown out. Other men brought forward other mea- sures, and through their influence were passed most oppressive and most iniquitous laws. These men have been honoured. The muse of the poet and the chisel of the sculptor have been employed to consecrate the most execrable dust (tremendous cheering). Some people talk that those who belong to some ancient family are only fit to govern. Every good reform and every good measure hav e emanated from the people. Virtually they are the governors of the nation, and from them men have risen to wealth and eminen ce who have snapped the chains of the slave, and who have broken to pieces the yoke of the oppressor—(cheers)—and the lords of the soil, from their proud elevation, have bowed to their decision (renewed cheers). The very motion of the great modern calcu- lator—the true disciple of Cocker—the ready-reckoner of political economy—shows plainly that reform is wanted. England must partake of the progress of other nations or she will not pros- per (cheers). France is become the teacher of modern na- tions, and though the lessons of the French Revolution are not taken in our country, yet the premier paid a compliment to the principle of it, viz., the struggle for liberty, when he relinquished the additional impost of the income-tax. But he has made no great progress, for he is still in schedule A (loud cheers). In this movement all classes should join-every political party ought to unite. Mr. James then said he was glad that the matter had been taken Up in the important town of Cardiff, and continued—Had you not done S3 you would have been behind the age in which you lived. Even at Haverfordwest, which I happen to know is having been a stronghold of aristocracy—the Ultima Thule of the prin- cipality-they have lately had a Reform meeting. At many other places likewise, similar meetings have been held. Let me exhort all to join in this movement, those who now oppose Reform may live to repent it when involved in the common ruin. Let us seek each other's welfare, and thereby we shall advance our own. Mr. James retired amid prolonged cheers. The resolution was carried unanimously, The Chairman said that at his time of life he should not have thought it his duty to come forward on such occasions had he not thought that he owed it as a duty to his country and his fellow- townsmen, in order to avert the storm which seemed to be ga- thering all over Europe. Education and the spread of knowledge had rendered it impossible to conceal from the people that they have rights, and that it is for the benefit of society and the benelit of government that all fair privileges should be conceded to them (great applause). Mr. Edy proposed a vote of thanks to the worthy Chairman, whose liberality and general excellency in sympathising with all classes of the subjects of this real III was well known to all. Lieut. Donaldson seconded the motion. He fully believed that everything the Chairman had said was his sincere conviction. Carried with three cheers. On the motion of John Ratchelor, Esq., three cheers were given to the Mayor for his liberality in granting the Town Hall. Three cheers were also given for Reform, AND for the PRINCIPALITY. The SJme compliment was proposed for the Guardian, and the People's Charter," but the cheers were as faint as a dying beauty, and as few as angel's visits; and were soon drowned in hisses. The meeting was most orderly throughout. There was a con- siderable number of Chartists present, whose forbearing conduct is very praiseworthy. The householders' petition had 566 signatures, and was for- warded to R. Blewitt, Esq., for presentation. It was preseuted by that gentleman on Tuesday evening.