MERTHYR.—JULY 6.|1850-07-19|The Principality

MONEY MARKET.

TAFF VALE KAIL WAY.

LONDON CORN EXCHANGE.

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LONDON CORN EXCHANGE. MONDAY.—The transactions in foreign wheat were unimportant, and accurate quotations can hardly be given. The prices bit were Is. to 2s. per qr. lower than those obtained on this day se'nnight, which importers could not generally make up their minds to accede to. Flour moved off tardily, at the recently enhanced terms in- deed, foreign did not sell so well as on Monday last. There was scarcely a sample of home-grown barley exhibited, and its value remained nominally as before. In foreign only a retail business was done, holders demanding former terms, which buyers paid with some reluctance. Malt was difficult to quit, but prices remained about the same as before. Only a very small proportion of the oats received from abroad during the past week having come to hand in good condition, really sweet corn was by no means plenti- ful this morning, and the best sorts were consequently held firmly at former terms, but the ordinary descriptions were unsaleable. Beans and peas were in short supply, and were not cheaper than last Monday. Indian corn to arrive was wholly neglected, and we heard of no sales of floating cargoes of wheat. 'U" WHEAT— s. a., Essex and Kent, white 41 to 4S Ditto, red 47 ,,49 Nrfik., Lnchu, & Yrk.,red 3S 41 Ditto, White 42 43 li-isli, I'ted Ditto, White BAULKY, English- Halting and distilling 23 25 Chevalier ^6 27 Grinding 19 21 MALT— Essex, Norfolk,and Suffolk 44 48 Kingston Ware, andtown 48 j4 OATS.— Essex and Suffolk. 16 17 Lincolnshire & Yorkshire (Polands) 1G 18 Ditto, feed. 16 17 Devon & Wst. Cntry., feed 14 16 Northumberland & Scotch, feed 18 22 Dundalk, Newry, &Belfast, potato. 16 is LimencK, Sligo, ana v> est- s. s. port, potato 16 to 19 Ditto, feed 1" 17 Cork, Water ford, Dublin, Voughal,&Cloniuel, blk. 14,, 15 Ditto, white 14 16 Gal %N -.ty. I It BEANS- Mazagan 23 25 Tick 25 2i Harrow 28 29 Pigeon, Heligoland 29 31 Windsor 25 27 Long Pod 25 28 PEAS— Non-boilers 23 4 "White, Essex & Kent, boils, 25 27 Ditto, hue Suffolk 26 2S Maple 24 2 6 Hog and grey 23 25 FLOUlt (persaekol 2S01bs.) — Best marks 32 3 Norfolk & Suffolk, ex-ship 28 3, ItYE 21 2

SEEDS.

SMITHFIELD.

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SMITHFIELD. MONDAY.—Fresh up to this morning's market, the receipts of home-fed beasts were on the increase, and of full average quality. Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather for slaughtering, the beef trade ruled heavy, at a decline in the quotations of Monday last of quite 2d. per 8 lbs. The highest figure for the best Scots was 3s. Sd. per 8 lbs., and a total clearance was not effected. There was an increase in the number of sheep, especially from the northern and eastern districts. For all breeds the demand was in a sluggi-li state, and prices gave way 2d. per 8 lbs. The best old Downs were selling at from 3s. 8d. to 3s. lOd. per 8 lbs. In lambs—the supply of which was large-only a limited business was transacted, at a fall in value of 2d. per 8 lbs. The primest Down qualities of lamb produced 4s. Sel. per 8 lbs. We were fairly supplied with calves, which moved off slowly at last week's currencies. The sale for pigs was heavy, but we have no change to notice in prices. Priceperstone of is lbs. (to sink Cheoifal). s. d. s. d. Coarse and inferior beasts 2 4 to 2 6 Second quality do 2 2" 3 0 Prime large oxen 3 2" 3 4 Prime Scots, &c 3 6" Coarse&inferior sheep 2 8" 2 in Second quality do. 3 0 3 2 8. d. 8. d. Prime coarse-woollcd slicep 3 4 to 3 6 Prime Southdown do. 3 3 3 10 Large coarse calves. 2 6 2 10 Prime small ditto 3 0 3 6 Large hogs 3 2 3 f> Neat small porkers 3 8 4 0 Large hogs 3 2 3 b Neat small porkers. 3 S" 4 0 Lambs, 4s. Oil. to 5s. Od, Suckling calves, ISs. to 2gs.; and quarter-old store pigs, 16s. to 20s. each

HEAD OF CATTLE ON SALE.

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TALLOW.

HIDES."

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PONTYPRIDD.-JULY 10.

CARMARTHEN.—JULY 6.

MERTHYR.—JULY 6.

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MERTHYR.—JULY 6. I I S. 111. s. a. Mutton perlh. 0 6 to 0 7 lieef 0 5 0 7 Pork 0 5 0 6 Veal 0 5 0 7 Lainb 0 5 0 f Dried Salmon. P,acon 0 7 94 Onions Fresh Butter, 10 12 Do., Salt „ 0 8 0 9 8. U. j, o, Skimmeù Cheese perlb. 0 4. to Caerphilly — — Single Glo'ster — Ducks per couple 3 0 Fowls „ 2 3 2 3 Geese per lb. 0 6 Turkeys I 1 0 6 Eggs .per 12 0 6 — Potatoes, 14 lbs 6 — New do 11

(From Tuesday's Gazette.)

NORTH WALES.

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NORTH WALES. AT THE BENBYSHIKE QUARTER SESSIONS, BEFO R THOMAS HUGHES, ESQ.-Gabriel Jones, of Llanelion-yn-rhos, stood in4 dicted for stealing a pair of harrows, the property of Hu»h Williams. Guilty, with a recommendation to mercy. The Chairman What for ? The jury Because it is the first con- viction. Chairman It is not so he has been before convicted for felony. Sentence, six months hard labour. Elizabeth Williams stood charged for stealing a night-shirt from the Green Inn, in the parish of Llangeclwin. Not Guilty. Another indictment was preferred against her for stealing a pair of sheets, a table cloth, a scarf, and several other articles of wearing apparel. Guilty, with a recoinmeiiv dation to mercy. Sentence, six months to hard labour three weeks of which to be solitary confinement. Edward Dunnah was found guilty of stealing an iron door, of the value of one penny, the property of Mr. Rae, the head manager of the North Wales Bank. Fourteen days' hard labour. Thomas Hughes, of Llansantffraid-glen-ceiriog, stood charged with stealing a hat, the property of one llichard Hughes, of the same parish. Not Guilty. George Smith and John Jones, of Llanrhaiadr, in Cimmerch, stood indicted for stealing a velveteen jacket, the property of David Jones, of Berllar-bach. Guilty. One month's hard labour,oiie week solitary confinement. Margaret Poole was charged with stealing, on the 6th April last, a quantity of hay, the property of Mrs. Jones, brewer, LIlEiiigolleii. Guilty. One month hard labour. Mary Evans, late of the parish of Denbigh, was charged with receiving stolen goods, the property of Mr. Isaac Simon, stationer, consisting of wall paper. The evidence seemed insufficient, and the prisoner was acquitted. John Griffith, of the parish of Llahlair Daffryn Clwyd, stood indicted for an assault, with intent to commit a rape upon one Jane Lloyd. Guilty. One week's imprisonment;, John Jones, of the parish of Holt, stood charged for an assault, with intent to commit a rape, upon one Mary Williams. An alibi was proved, and the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty.

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FLINTSHIRE QUARTER SESSION.—This Session was held on Thursday, before E. L. RICHARDS, Esq., Chairman (Judge of the county Courts). Robert Jones, of Rhuddlan, charged with stealing a quart of porter and three glass bottles, the property of John Chapman, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to fourteen days' imprison- ment. Daniel Jones, of Mold, charged with stealing a quantity of hay, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to fourteen days Iiiii- prisonment. Richard Williams, of Mold, was chargcd with stealing 151bs. of brass, the property of Francis Fry. Acquitted. John Rogers, of Hawarden, charged with embezzlement by the overseers of Saltney, by whom he had been employed to collect the rates, was acquitted. David Owen, of Whitford, pleaded guilty to stealing a ham- mer, and was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment, with hard labour. David Davies pleaded guilty to stealing a deal plank, the property of Edward Bate, and was sentenced to thfee weeks' imprisonment. John Jones, of Flint, charged with harbouring and main- taining Edward Jones, after breaking from prison, pleaded not guilty and after proof being led, the jury returned a verdict of acquittal. Edward J ones, late of the parish of St. Asaph, charged with breaking from prison and escaping fiom Flint Gaol, pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment, with hard labour. Enoch Cooper, for stealing a sovereign, the property of Samuel Fairbottom, grocer, Hawardan, 011 the 9th April last, was found guilty, and sentenced to one month's imprisonment, with hard labour.

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SoirtljB. On the 9th instant, the wife of Mr. William Hutchins, New street, Neath of a daughter. On the yth instant, the wife of Mr. Edward Boon, Ironmonger, Neath, of a daughter. On the 13th instant, at Cwmtillery, Mrs. Alexander James, of a son. On the loth instant, at Picton Piaee, Swansea, the wife of Mr. Charles v Pvhind, Priucipal of the Cambrian Institution for the Deaf 4ud Dumb, of a, sou. On the IStn instant, at the Tabernacle Baptist chapc-1, in this town, by the Hev. David Jones, Mr. John Johns, boot and shoe maker, to Kiss Hannah Iiichards, both of Cardiff. On the 1st instant, at the Blaenau Gwent Chapel, by the Rev. John Lewis, Minister, Sir, David Kichards, to Miss Mary llees, both of that parish. Oil the 6th instant, at the BIaenau Gwent Chapel, by the Ilev. John Lewis, Minister, Mr. Thomas Howells, to Miss Ann Mills, both of Abertillery. On the 6th instant, Alr. John Ralph, to Miss Elizabeth Thomas. On the 6th instant, Mr. Abraham Bumlrett, to Miss Eleanor Lloyd. fctlis. On the 6th instant, at Blaenmarlais, near Narbeth, Mary, third daughter of Mr. Arthur Williams, ag(d 10 years. On Thursday, the 1 Sth instant, at Cardiff, in his 7 yth year of his a go, Richard lieece, F. S. A. and F. li. C. S. Printed and Published for the Proprietor, by DAVID EVANS, at his Office High-street, in the town of Cardiff, on Friday, July the 19th, IS.,O. LONDON AGENTS. Messrs. NewtonandCo., 2, Warwick- Mr. Samuel Deacon, 3, Walbroox. square. Mr. George lieyuell, 41, Chancer- Messrs. BarkcrandWhite,33, Fleet- lane. street. Mr. W. Thomas, 29 Cathsrir.e-strefctj Mr. Munden Hammond, 27, Lom- Strand. bard-street. By whom the PaiNCirAi.iTY is regulariv filed

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AN ORANGE PROCESSION IN LIVERPOOL.—On Friday was re- vived one of the fooleries supposed to have expired, and (to celebrate the anniversary of the battle of the Boyne) an Orange procession paraded the streets of Liverpool. No public an- nouncement had been given of the intended provocative to dis- turbance, and the authorities were taken somewhat by surprise. The Orangemen met about nine o'clock in the morning, at the monument, in London .road, and there to the number of 200, formed into procession. Each wore an orange scarf, and nearly all the extra adornment of an orange lily in the coat botton hole. Twa or three bands had been engaged to countenance the non- sense, and a like number of flags with orange fringes were borne by wagons. To make the length of line the more imposing, the men walked two and two, with a happy interval between each rank. The procession graced only a few of the quieter streets, and not choosing to descend to any Irish districts, attended church at Kirkdale. There was really nothing remarkable in the procession, except that the bands stopped occasionally before a dubiously respectable house, and struck up once popu- lar airs. Amongst the most chosen of the emblems exhibited were massive wooden bibles. The Orangemen afterwards dined at the respective lodge-rooms, where the usual amount of pious loyal speaking took place; fortunately no disturbance occurred. SUDDEN DEATH OF BENJAMIN WALKER, ESQ., OF LEEDS.— We regret to have to announce the very sudden death of our well-known and very highly respected townsman, Benjamin Walker, Esq., a member of the Society of Friends, and a partner in the firm of Messrs. Titley, Tathams, and Walker, flax spinners, of this town. On Wednesday, being the Leeds fair, he left his business in time for an early dinner, at his residence, Cross Hall, near Morley, and ordered his pony pheaton for a drive about three. At starting, the poney was a little awkward, and, by backing against a wail, gave him a slight shake and doubtless occasioned that flutter and action of the heart so dan- gerous in angina pectoris. After going a few paces towards the entrance he told his man to stop, and got out without assistance, though with difficulty, and clutching hold of the dash board uttered "Oil dear," three times; the coachman who had held the pony's head at starting came running up to assist him. Mr. Walker had in the meantime left the dash board, and faltering, laid hold of some palisades in immediate proximity. The coach- man, seeing how pale he looked, said, Lean upon me, Sir, and go in at once." But I cannot, William," were the last words he uttered for his limbs refused their office, he fell into the man's arms, gave a slight sob, and the vital spark had fled. Mrs. Tipping (his only child) and her husband were in the neighbour- hood of Manchester at the time when the melancholy news reached them the same night. Mr. Walker was 60 years of age. -Leeds Mercury. THE O'CONNFLIS.- The Nation announces thflt the Whig Government have provided for another O'Connell.—" The hon. member for Tralee has got a positive promise of the collector- geLe alship of the taxes of Dublin," under the new Act, u at a salary of £ 800 a-year,"

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irifjuire whether, in using this cord, the prisoner was really actu- ated by this serious motive, or did he use the cord in a moment when he was under the influence of jealousy, with the view of inducing the wife to make a confession of some supposed infi- delity on her part. It was the more necessary that they should be minute in their inquiries into the case, because if they should place the most strious construction on the prisoner's act, he would be tried for a felony which might subject him to transporta- tion for life. His lordsi.ip next proceeded to remark upon another case, in which two women (one the mother of the deceased) were charged with manslaughter, in consequence of alleged criminal n'gleet in not promptly assisting the deceased in. labour. Now, it might be exceedingly blameworthy in the mother not to send for proper medical assistance for her daughter; but it was his duty to tell them that, however wrong her conduct, this would not subject her to an indictment, which could only be sustained on their being satisfied that the prisoners had under- taken a duty in the performance of which they had manifested very gross neglect. In cases in which surgeons were criminally indicted for negligence, he (Baron Parke) was in the habit of telling grand juries that they must be satisfied of very gross neglect. In the case of a surgeon, some degree of skillfulness was to be expected, because he held out certain professions. How much more necessary was it that a still stronger case should be made out against parties who did not profess to possess any peculiar skill ? His lordship then briefly addressed the grand jury for the borough, before whom no business would be brought, no cases arising within the Borough. CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHER. BILL IGxonED. Margaret J cnes, 67, and Elizabeth Joites, 70, were placed at the bar, charged on the coroner's inquisition with having, at the parish of Cilowin, feloniously killed and slayed Jane Jones. This was the case to wh:ch t .e learned judge alluded in his charge to the grand jury. It appeared that one of the prisoners was the deceased's irother, and at the inquest on the body, the coroner's jury had return d a verdict of manslaughter, on the ground that the prisoners had exhibited negligence and unskilfulness on the occdsion of the deceased's delivery. It likewise appeared that her death had been kept a mystery for several days. As the grand jury had ignored the indictment against the prisoners, the counsel for the prosecution intimated that he would offer nJ evidence in support of the verdict on the coroner's inquisition. The prisoners were consequently acquitted. ACTION ron SLANDER.—SANDERS V. WII,LTAMS.-This was 0' an action brought to recover damages on account of slanderous expressions uttered by the defendant, reflecting upon the z, plaintiff's chamber. Mr. Grove and Mr. T. Allen appeared for plaintiff; Mr. Sergeant Jones and Mr. Lloyd Fitzwilliams for the defendant. Mr. Grove, in opening the case, said that the plaintiff was a highly respectable land surveyor, residing at Undergrove, near Lampeter, and the defendant, Mr. Thomas Williams, was a small freeholder, residing in the parish of Pencarreg, a. few miles distant from the plaintiff's residence. It appeared that a suit was pending in the Bishop's Court respecting the validity of a certain will, and the point in dispute was—which was the last will of the testator, that put forth by the, defendant, or imother bearing a later date, which had been prepared by the plaintiff for the testator. The subject of this dispute, as well us that of an action tried at the last Cardigan Assizes, was introduced by a few parties who were waiting at a public house in the village of Pencarreg, prior to a vestry meeting, where it was alleged that the defendant made use of the expression, '•There's a fine fellow—Thomas Saunders, of Undergrove. He made Samuel Davis, of Fencoed's will, a month, after he had 'lied, and he will surely either be hung or transported for life." Evidence was then adduced, and Mr. Sergeant Jones addressed the jury on the part of the defendant, remarking that it was a reflection on the county that a trumpery action of this kind should have occupied the attention of the Court for so long a period. He had hoped that the law proceedings at the Car- marthen assizes had taken a more healthful turn, but thanks to Mr. Vaughan, it appeared that such cases as the present were sail to be continued. After some observations onMr.Vaughan's evidence, the learned sergeant proceeded to characterise the action as one for costs-thst it was an attorney's action. It vus clear that the plaintiff did not want the defendant's money, but ilie smooth-tongued attorney attempted to get it c miprombed "on payment of costs by the defendant," and the juiy might infer that these costs were pretty heavy. The jury retired, two of them having been excused by con- sent, because they hardly understood a word of English, and after a long absence found a verdict for plaintiff, with one farthing damages. RESCUE AND ASSAULT. —The case of Thomas Phillips, William Evans, Evan Richards, Evan Williams, and David Thomas, against whom the grand jury had found a bill for <:a vaulting certain bailiffs, and rescuing from their custody about one hundred sheep, belonging to Mr. F. McKernin, of Llanelly, was postponed to next assizes, in consequence of its having been found necessary to present a fresh bill, differing to some extent from that found by the grand jury at the last assizes. The prisoners were accordingly liberated on entering into recognisances to appeal. The Court was then adjourned. TUESDAY. Margant Jones, 23, was charged with having, in the parish d Conwil-gaio, on the 7th of March, willfully and feloniously v.iurdered her new-born female child. Mr. Lloyd Fitzwilliams ana Mr. Henry Allen appeared for the prosecution, and Mr. C rove was assigned by the court to defend the prisoner. Mr. Fitzwilliams, in opening the case on the part of the prose- cution, after some observations on the serious character of the dLnce, proceeded to state the facts, which he purposed proving by the evidence of witnesses. If that testimony did not lead them to he conclusion that the prisoner was guilty of the serious crime laid to her charge, it would be their duty to acquit her of the most serious portion of the charge, and his lordship would explain to thr-m whether the circumstances were such as to justify them. in finding her guilty of any minor offence. It appeared that the prisoner was a servant in the employment of Mr, Morgan, a farmer, of the parish of Con will. The inmates of the house for some time previous to March the 7th, had observed something peculiar in the prisoner's appearance. On the evening of thrt day a man named Rees Davies visited the house of prisoner's master, and on going to the yard he observed a sow coming out of a pig- sty with someth ng in its mouth. A dog attacked the animal. She dropped what turned out to be the body of a new-born female child. Tins witness immediately gave the alarm to the people of the hou e. Prisoner was the first person who came out, and sub- fiequentiy a police constable was sent for. The prisoner was con- nected with the dead body by evidence which would be adduced, in ref rence to certain admissions made by the prisoner. The jury won d likewise hear the medical evidence as to the probability of tit ch Id having been born alive. If they were not satisfied on this evidence as to the prisoner's guilt of the graver charge in the indictment, the learned judge would tell them whether the circum- stances were such as to enable them to find her guilty of the mtuor misdemeanour of illegally concealing the birth of the child. Rees Davies examined by Mr. H. Allen: Am a labourer re- siding near Llandovery. On Saturday, March 9, I went to the house of John Morgan, lilaentwrch. It was a quarter to six o'clock i 1 the evening. Oil going towards the house I saw the sow coming. out of the pigsty with something in her mouth. I k eked her, but t'ie animal did not drop the thing until a small clog attacked her iMitj men dropped it. It was the body of a female child." I sein tor Mr. Davies, Caergynydcl. I called to the people in the house prisoner came out. On my pointing out the body of the child, which the sow dropped, prisoner took a stick and turned over the body three times. She then went to the back of the house, which is in Cardiganshire. The premises are situated partly in Cardi- ganshire and partly in Carmarthenshire. We 3 nt for Margaret Evans, a blacksmith's wife, who took the child and wash d it. It was the body of a female infant, and was dead when I first saw it. On first seeing it I saw that the sow had eaten p .rt ol the foot, and the thigh was torn, I had previously—for some weeks- noticed the appearance of the prisoner. Had said nothing to her, because it (tid not conc-cril me. David Davies examined: Was sent for on Satu day, n I saw the body of a female child, and sent for Margaret E a is, wh took the child and kept it until the inquest. Dr. David Protheroe examined: Am a physician and member of the college of surgeons. Was called to attend at Cwmtwrch. Received from Margaret Evans the body of a child. M William x 17, m Samuel, a surgeon, was with me. The left foot was broken, left thigh much lacerated and b.-o and bones pro raurng through! the thigh. There were several punctured wounds, such as the teeth of a saw might produce. The chord or naval stri g was torn oft' close to the body. The left side of the head app ,>arod to have been flattened. There was a bruise in front of the left ear. It had been produced by a tint instrument. The skin was slightly torn the cutl-ie only removed. Made apost mortem examination. The lungs w^re perfect y healthy and natural, and they were fully dis- tended, The child must have fully breathed. On opening the head I found under the skin a large quantity of effuse a i. 100d oil the left side. The bone was extensively fractured and broken n three directions. This was exactly under the external mark I ha e deser;bed. It is-my opinion that it was the body of a full-grown child, born alive. The appearances described on the left side of the head were sufficient to account for the cause of death. These must have been effected oy a* blow from a blunt instrument, as the chi.d's head must have been dashed against a fiat surface. In my opinion, they could not have been produced by a simple fall during birth. It is just possible that such a fracture might have been caused before the child was separated from its mother; but, considering the extensive nature of the fracture, I could not believe it to have been thus caused. By the Court Supposing the child, while yet alive, had been placed on a wall four or live feet high, and by struggling had fallen to the ground, would this be sufficient to account for the fracture ? Witness: From the situation of the fracture, I should hardly think that probable. Had the fracture been Oll the top of the head, such a cause would appear more probable. The fractures were more extensive than could have been caused during birth. The skin is occasionally fractured during birth. By Mr. Lloyd Fitzwilliams Was present at the inquest. Pri- soner there said that she had been delivered of a child that it was dead and that she placed it on a wall near the sty. By his Lordship The fracture might have been caused by the sow dashing the child about, but that is assuming it to be alive. Cross-examined: The muscles of the neck of a newly-born child are very weak. The neck usually hangs on the shoulders. The body of a child being heavier than the head might over- take the body in a fall from four or five feet. It is just possible that a fracture on the skull might have produced a fracture on the side of the head. By the Court: The lungs floated in water. Yes, 1 cut the lungs into pieces. Each piece floated. I am satisfied they had been fully inflated. By Mr. Grove: It is recommended by the authorities to weigh the lungs, and compare them relatively with the weight of the body, in order to ascertain whether a child has been born alive. I did not adopt this test in this instance. The floating of the lungs is not an infallible test that the child might not have breathed bofore separation from the mother, and died afterwards. I have read in Dr. Taylor's work of some extensive fractures of the skull occurring during birth. Sach an occurrence would be more probable in cases where the mother was unassisted. By his Lordship In this case the appearance of the wound and fracture leads me to the conclusion that it was caused during life. I admit that it might have been caused immediately after death. It is impossible to state positively that it could not have been caused immediately after death. At the same time it is highly improbable. Mr. Wm. Samuel: Assisted Dr. Protheroe in the examination of the body, and agree generally in his opinions. Mr. Grove, in addressing the jury on the part of the prisoner, said he was aware that if the law assigned the punishment of death f r murder, the jury were not justified in shrinking from their duty, when the facts clearly led them to the conclusion that the prisoner was guilty. At the same time, in proportion to the serious character of the offence, in proportion to the highly penal character of the offence, in that proportion was it their duty to inquire most minutely into the circumstances of the case, and not bring in a verdict subjecting the prisoner to an ignominious death, unless the evidence adduced left no reasonable doubt on their minds respecting the prisoner's guilt. In this case they had been left entirely in the dark as to the precise circumstances attending the birth of the child. It was on evidence arising from theory, in an examination of the body made four or five days afterwards, that they were called upon to arrive at a conclusion in this most serious case. He (Mr. Grove) was not prepared to deny that the prisoner was de- livered of a child. At the same time he would call their attention to the testimony of the medical men, who said that children, at the time of birth, usually uttered a short piercing cry. Was it not a most singular circumstance in this case, that no such cry was heard, although, assuming the child to have been born in a kitchen, there must have been a number of the inmates of the house in the rooms a short distance off. The jury would also observe that the first medical witness admitted that although it was not probable, yet it was not impossible that the fractures on the infant's skull might have been caused during birth. Common observation would tell them that such an accident was much more likely to occur at a time wh,-n the mother was unaided in the birth. It was a most singular circumstance in this case, that no examination of the pri- soner's conformation had been made, with a view of ascertaining whether it was likely that the injuries could have been sustained during birth. He (Mr. Grove) could only suggest general doubts on the case, not having the advantage of being instructed by an attorney who had collected the facts from the prisoner. From this circumstance, he was obliged to abstain from putting many ques- tions to the witnesses, lest the answers should prejudice the prisoner. The law looked with great suspicion on cases of infan- ticide, and humanely enabled juries, if they entertained any doubt as to their guilt on the grave charge, to find them guilty only of the minor charge of the concealment of birth. Humanity was not susceptible to stronger feelings of attachment than the mother felt for her child. It was probable that the other sex were not capable of entertaining feelings, under any circumstances, half so strong as the feelings of a mother towards her child and before they could find a verdict of guilty in so serious a case, where the laws of nature would be reversed, it would be necessary that they should have something approaching to absolute demonstrati m. The medical witnesses had admitted that the mere inflation of the lungs was a very doubtful test as to the child having been born alive. It was only by a multiplicity of tests that anything ap- proaching to certainty could be obtained. In this case that variety of tests had not been applied. The lungs had not been weighed without air, The weight of the lungs had not been compared with that of the body. Nothing but what he might term the antiquated test of floating the lungs in water had been applied— not that any of these tests brought home the crime with certainty, but the multiplication of tests, all leading to one conclusion, would have served to enable the jury to have arrived at a more satisfactory conclusion. Mr. Grove concluded with a powerful address to the jury on the part of the prisoner. His Lordship, in summing up, told the jury that if they believed that the prisoner had wilfully assaulted the child by striking it against some hard substance, or had placed it on a high wall with the intent of letting it fall and be killed, the prisoner would be guilty of murder. If they were of opinion that, without the in- tent of committing murder, still that she had manifested great negligence in placing a new-born live child on the wall, and that it had subsequently met its death by a fall, it was incompetent for them, under this indictment, to find her guilty of manslaughter. If the child was born dead, and the prisoner had placed it on a wall, then she was guilty of no offence but if, the child being born dead, prisoner had secretly disposed of the body by throwing it into a pig-sty, then, under this indictment, they might find her guilty of the misdemeanor of having concealed the birth. His Lordship minutely recapitulated the facts, and ill the course of his observations, adverted in very high terms to the ability of Mr. Grove's defence, notwithstanding all the disadvantages of not being instructed by an attorney, nor had he any opportunities of instituting any previous inquiry into the merits of the ease. The jury found a verdict of Guilty of concealment of birth. Sentenced (having been four months in prison) to nine months additional imprisonment with hard labour. In the case of Evan Jones, farmer, charged with having at. tempted to strangle his wife, no bill was preferred. This concluded the business of the assizes,

Welsh Newspapers

The Principality

24 articles on this Page

MONEY MARKET.

TAFF VALE KAIL WAY.

LONDON CORN EXCHANGE.

SEEDS.

SMITHFIELD.

HEAD OF CATTLE ON SALE.

PROVISIONS.

■ BREAD.

"~HAY.

HOPS.

ivooil.~

TALLOW.

HIDES."

UiUO.

PONTYPRIDD.-JULY 10.

CARMARTHEN.—JULY 6.

MERTHYR.—JULY 6.

(From Tuesday's Gazette.)

NORTH WALES.

[No title]

Family Notices

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(From Friday's Gazette.)