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----""-..1 A STORY OF A LATHI-KEY.…
-1 A STORY OF A LATHI-KEY. So you are off again That's always the j way now You rest in your own house. I've seen you fidgetting all the evening. But I'm determined I won't lose my health tor the best man breathing." Thank you, my dear," said Mr Brownson, i (i for the compliment. But I shall not be late, and I 'm going on business." j. Oh, YO;, of course! Always business— but you 've no business to keep me up till two or three in the morning—and 1 can't stand it —and I won't—so there!" Very well, then—I'll take the latch-key, and you can go to bed as soon as you like, Only leave the supper on the table, and mind that there is a good fire in the grate, and I shall do very well." So Mr Brownson took the 1atch-key-ard his departure promising that he would not be late to which Mrs B. affectionately replied that she did not care whether he was late or not—she should not sit up. But she did sit up, nevertheless, and very much longer than she needed to have done, as the sequel will show. She sat awhile thought- fully over her solitary supper—then sent the servant to bed, and was just preparing to re- tire to her own couch, when a cab drove up to the door—a loud,rat-tat-tat—and who should be ushered into the parlour but Miss Smith- son?—who rushed towards her and hugged) and kissed her, all the time exclaiming, Oh my dear Mrs Brownson !—such an accident! —and I couldn't think of passing your door without calling to see such a dear old friend— how lucky that I remembered the address the tunnel must have fallen in on purpose that I should have the chance of seeing you!—j there is no one hurt, but the line is stopped up—I was on my way to London, you know—"j and I must stay till morning, and I couldn't think of going to an hotel without seeing you." Going to an hotel, indeed !—do you think I will allow you to go to an hotel—(Mrs Brownson returns the kisses of her visitor)— while I have a bed in the house ? I should be ashamed of myself. Come, dear, take off your things, and here 's supper—it is laid for Mr Brownson—oh, not seen my dear Charlie yet!—well, you '11 see him soon—he promised me he would not be late-—business, you know—but he has taken the latch-key rather than keep me up—Oh 1 he is so kind and thoughtful! Now, dear, do make a sup- per—Oh how glad I am to see you!" They had much to talk of—the old delightful school-days—and the night sped on. Twelve o'clock came, but no Mr Brownson. The journey and the excitement began to show their usual effects on the traveller, and she begged pardon for confessing what could not be con- cealed—she teas sleepy. So Mrs Brownson put her in her own bed, saying that she would sit up for Mr B., who would not be long and wishing her good night, hurried away to prepare the spare bed" for themselves. Having done so, she went back to the par- lour, stirred up the fire, and tried to stir up with a book—but to no purpose then, reclining back in the easy chair, she gave her- self up to thoughts of the dear old school-days. Her eyes closed unconsciously—dreams took the place of thoughts—and the night sped on. Mr Brownson had met with a friend—a not very uncommon occurrence—and had stayed later than he cared to own even to himself, But the Missis," he thought, is asleep— | that's all right!—I'11 slip into bed without! awaking her, and she 'il know nothing about it. Accordingly, without troubling about sup- per, and turning the gas off at the metre, which was in the hall, he glided softly up to his bed- room. All was still; and he took his place in the bed so gently, that he did not in the least disturb the sleeper. He and his companion slept soundly, and all was silent throughout the house, until the usual hour for the servant to get up and pre- pare fur the morning meal. The kitchen nr" having been lit, and the kettle boiled, Betsy Jane, whose accustomed duty it was, duly pre- sented herself at the bedroom door, with a knoek and Hot water, sir She was an- swered by a scream, and hastily looking in to discover the cause, saw, to her horror, a strange lady where her mistress ought to be !—the lady looking unutterable things, and Mr Brown- son, not less startled, rubbing his eyes, and wondering where on earth he had got to, and whom he could possibly have for a bedfellow The screams of the lady were answered by the screams of the maid, and the noise aroused Mrs Brownson from her happy dreams in the arm-chair. She speedily made her appearance on the scene, and after some difficulty and con- fusion, explanations ensued and we are happy to say that Mrs Brownson and her visitor re- mained good friends in spite of appearances, and, beyond some natural blushes and embar- rassment on the part of the unmarried lady, no harm came of the adventure, though neither she nor Mr B has probably yet heard the last of it. Poor fellow he has never since been allowed to have a latch-key. IxsnAW.
[No title]
BRF.AKFAST. A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT. The Cu il Service Gazette has the following inte- resting remarks :——u There are very few siin- pie articles of food which can boast so many valuable and important dietary properticsas cocoa. While acting on the uerves as a gentle stimulant, it provides the body with some of the purest elements of nutrition, and at the same time corrects and invigorates the action of the digestive organs. These beneficial effects dlpend in a great measure upon the manner of its preparation, but of late years such close attention has been given to the growth and treatment of cocoa, that there is no difficul- ty in seeming it with every useful quality fully deve- loped. The singular success which Mr Errs attained by his homoeopathic preparation of cocoa has never been surpassed by any experimentalist. Far and wide the: reputation of Epps's Cocoa has spread by the simple j force of its own extraordinary merits. Medical men of all shades of ..jii.noii have agreed in recommending it as the safest and most beneficial at tide of diet for persons of weak c in>iilu;ions. Tins superiority of a particular mode of preparation ovei all ol heis is a remarkably proof of the g"leai. results to he obtained from little cayses. By a. thomiu''i knowledge of the natnral laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by It careful application of iiie tine properties of wtll- selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast ta- bles wit I* a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us maoy heavv doctors' bills. It is by the judi- cious use of Mich articles of diet that a constitution may be gradualIv knli up untH strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us <-entiy to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame."
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II:--' POLICE COURT.
II: POLICE COURT. SATURDAY. Before II, 31, Kennard, Esq. (chairman), Lieut. Colonel Byrdi, and the Rev J. C. Lleicellin. A WARNING FOR UNDERGROUND MEN. George Morgan and George Golding, of Cwm- bran, were charged with having, they being hanliers, left two doors open in a colliery, where- by ttie lives of the workmen were endangered. Both admitted the offence. Win. Jacobs deposed that about 7 o'clock on the evening of the 15th inst. he went to make a survey, and found two floors open. He asked who was the haulier who passed through them last, and was told Golding." He bad Golding I fetched, told him the charge, and sent him out of the work till he got a summons. Golding denied that lie had done so. The effect of this negligence was to stop the air going over the boilers, and the whole colliery might have been blown up. It was true that they did not get much gas there, but that was no reason why there should be such carelessness. There had been some men burned there, and might be again. The air was driven the wrong way. Tiley knew the rules. Golding said that he never saw any rules. Mr Kennurd said that nothing could be more serious than such negligence. Golding said he did not know that the door was not to be left open. It was open when he went there. Mr Jacobs said there would be no necessity for a door there if it was to be left open. The rules were stuck up in the engine house, but were pulled down by the men. Mr Kennard said the Bench saw no reason why they should mitigate the penalty, and therefore the defendants must be fined 40s. each, including costs. They must make them- selves acquainted with the rules. In default, they would have to go to the House of Correction for 14 days, with hard labour. A WHIP FOR HIS OWN BACK. Charles Powles was charged with stealing a whip, the property of Francis Davies, of the Hand Farm, Llanvihangel Pontymoil. James Shuck deposed that on the previous Sunday evening he lost a whip from a stable at the Hand Farm. He valued it at tenpence. P.c. Lewis, G2, deposed that he apprehended prisoner at his lodgings at Abersychan, and saw him throw the whip into a pantry as he (wit- ness) passed into the house. Supt M'lntosh said that there was a previous conviction. Sentenced to one month's hard labour. BREAKING INTO A HOUSE AT GOYTREY. Elizabeth Thomas, aged 17 years, was charged with stealing half-a-crown, the property of George Watkins, atGoytrey. Prisoner had been remanded. It appeared that the girl had been accustomed to frequent the house, and Mrs Watkins had given her clothes and food for going on errands. On Saturday, the 16th, the house was locked tip, as the inmates had to go out on business. On their return, they found that the kitchen and bedroom windows had been broken open, and that half-a-crown, an orange, an apple, a needle book, and some bread, were missing. Prisoner was discovered upstairs, and the coin and the orange were found in holes in the wall, where she had hidden them. P.c. Watkins arrested her at her parents' house, when she said, I did not go into the house." Nothing was found upon her when searched. Prisoner was disposed to deny the robbery, but elected to be tried at once. Mr Kennard said the Bench regretted to send so young a girl to prison, but tiiey could not overlook the ingratitude and the crime of which she had been guilty, and she was therefore sen- tenced to three weeks' bard labour. PRECOCIOUS IN CRIME. Mary Jane Thomas, aged nine years, who was at the last, court found guilty of stealing boots at Blaenafon, was brought up to receive her sentence. Though so young, she was an artful little creature. On a former occasion, when charged with robbing the till at Brink worth's, she main- tained that her mother was dead. Her mother has since been sent to prison for being found in Hemmings's cellar, where she and some strange man had a night's jollification and drank large quantities of beer and elderberry wine. Supt. IntOSlJ isuiu iliin the muiliui luul been con- victed of felony on four occasions. P.s Coombes said that the father, who worked on the rail- way, could do nothing with the prisoner: she robbed the house while he was at work, and when he came home he had to go about and look for her. The Bench sent her to an industrial school at Bristol for four years. BEGGING. John Downey, a young fellow who repre- sented himself as a collier in search of work, was charged with begging in Crane-street. P.c. Hart deposed that prisoner begged at the shops of Mr Wood and Mr Pegler, and had at the time Is Od in his possession. Supt M'lntosh said that the townspeople com- plained of the number of vagrants and that the police were not vigilant in bringing; them to punishment. Prisoner was discharged on promising to leave the town. WHAT CAME OF THROWING STONES. Thomas Towt, a lad, was charged with in- juring a smaller boy, named Stephen Baker, by throwing stones. Towt was engaged in playing bandy (the continuance of which in the public streets would not be permitted by the authorities of any other town), and drove his "coll" (a round piece of wood) against little Baker, who was go- ing home from school. Baker picked it up and threw it down the road. A quarrel ensued, and Baker called Towt Durgy." Towt then sa- vagely threw a stone, which cut through Baker's bat and injured his head severely. Towt's defence was that little Baker threw at him first. Mr Kennard said that if it was done in re- taliation that only made it the worse. The system of throwing stones had become a very serious evil. In the present case, the boy might have been killed. In order then to put a stop to the practice, defendant was fined 20s, or in default fourteen days' hard labour. „ [On the very next day (Sunday) a similar case occurred near the Crane-street station. A little boy was there knocked down and stunned by a stone intended for another boy, and when he got up staggered off like a diunken man. pro- fusely bleeding from the head. The sentence in the above case might be read out in schools to advantage, if schoolmasters would take the trouble.] AFFILIATION. Elizabeth Kinon summoned Penry Powell for arrears due on an affiliation order. Defend- ant pleaded that he had been unable to work and was still unwell. Ordered to pay in a fort- night, with Gs costs. "DROPS"-ICAL CASES. Joseph Richards and William James, who did not appear, were fined 7s 6d each for being drunk at Blaenafon. Arthur Jones was fined 7s 6d each for a like offence. Michael Thomas was fined 5s for a like offence. FURIOUS DRIVING. John Lane was charged with furious driving. P.c. Matthews deposed that on the 17th of January, about 20 minutes past 10 o'clock, he was oil duty in George-street, when defendant drove down at full gallop, himself sitting on the shaft. Defendant, who was in the employ of Mr Cooke, brewer, of Abergavenny, was fined 15s. THE COMPENSATION CASES. Mr Alexander Edwards applied, on behalf of Mr John Phillips, owner of the Prince of Wales inn, Blaenafon, for compensation, to the amount of £15 128 5d, for damages dune by the mob at the election riots on the 21th of November, He Maid that the Act of Parliament allowed compensation where the mob attacked a dwell- il')! with design to destroy it wholly or in part. Mere the mob had begun to destroy, were in the act of doing so when the military came up, and but for the arrival of the military would have completed the work of destruction. The tenant's claim, which amounted to about £100, was distinct from this. Mrs Vincent and Mr John Burgoyne having given evidence as tD the damage, Mr Kennard sai l that this case canto clearly within the Act of Parliament, and the Bench would allow the claim. The Bench postponed their decision on the other claims, heard a mouth ago, till t';e 10th yf April, in order to have the bent fit of tLu ruling of the judges of assize in the mean time. Mr Kennard remarked that the Bcnch woplrlbc happy to allow the claims if they could do so.
MONDAY.
MONDAY. Before the Rev J. C. Llewcllin A QUEER OLD LADY. Hannah Jenkins, a little old woman, was brought up in custody, charged with being drunk and disorderly. It seemed that she had made her appearance in court before, and as she was being conducted there, P.s. Young exclaimed, u I don't know what on earth we shall do with yon, Hannah Don't ee now ? asked Hannah, with childlikc simplicity. No, that I don't, said the officer; unless we send you to New Zealand. And what do um do to um there ? asked the old lady in confidence, wrapping her little shawl tighter over her bosom. They give people to the pigs there, said the sergeant, with a solemn shake of the head. Do um now ? said Hannah. What a pity No; it aint not with people who get drnnk. But I didn't do nuffin said Hannah, in alarm. Why, you see, Hannah, ninety-nine out of every hundred who come here never do any- thing. When they entered the presence of the ma- gistrate, the old lady began with I was sitting in my house as comfortable as could be, having a cup of tea, when they came and pulled me out I had done nothing. This evidently did not go down, for Mr Ed- wards said Now, now, Hannah why don't you alter? You know I have been a friend to you, and have got your pay back. Mr Llewellin I have tried to influence her, but all in vain. Hannah Well. I go to church often. Mr Llewellin But I am afraid you go too often to the public-house as well. P.c. Agg deposed I was going down George- street at 11.30 last (Sunday) night, when I saw defendant by her own door, cursing and using filthy language She then went into the house, and began beating another old woman, and I had to interfere. Hannah: Why, we were sitting down as happy as could be P.c. Agar The other woman was crying out "Murder!" Mr Edwards: Perhaps that is her notion of happiness. Supt M'lntosh Last Saturday night week, I found the prisoner drunk in the street, with a lot of boys following her. She was taken into custody, but I let her out next morning. Mr Llewellin It seems a case of dipsomania [or raging thirst dipsas" is given as the name of a serpent whose bite causes unquenchable thirst]. It is difficult to know what to do with her. Where did you get the money to buy the drink? Hannah It was only a penn'orth, sir in- deed it was. I bought a ha'p'orth of milk, and have got Is now. I do live along wi' poor old Margaret Arnold, widow of ——— Arnold and her can't see, and I ha' got to do everything for her. Ob, do let me go home to the poor old woman I will go down on my two knees to you (preparing to Hop"); and I will never drink a drop of nothing again Mr Edwards But you have often told us that. Hannah Ob, do let me go home I am 78 years old, four years older than Margaret. She has nobody to look after her but me. Mr Llewellin I fear it is the blind leading the blind. Hannah I will not take a drop more if it was pison I am too weak to stand it. For God's sake, let me go home I will go down on my knees to you, I will Mr Edwards If we let you off with a fine, what will yon do ? Hannah I've got a shilling now, and will pay every week out of my two shillings. Supt M'lntosh She never pays. Hannah Indeed, I will Mr Llewellin: Well, you are fined 5s, to be paid in a week. Hannah (joyfully) Margaret will catch hold of Hannah, and hug me and kiss me Her always do I've lived longer than her. God biess you, Mr Llewellin God bless you I am 78 I am 78 God bless you ASSAULTING THE POLICE. Henry Griffiths was charged with assaulting P.c. Lawrence, at Blaenafon. He pleaded not guilty. P.c. Lawrence, whose face was one mass of black and blue bruises, deposed that at 12.20 on Sunday morning he found the defendant drunk and making a noise in Broad-street, Blaenafon. Requested him to go home when he put his fist in witness's face. Witness put him back when he again came on. put his fist in witness's face, and tried to throw him. He was then taken into custody, and while he was being taken to the station-house, 15 or 13 of his companions Ret upon witness with stones, and caused the marks now visible. Defendant, who had been engaged in putting a galvanised iron roof over the new blast fur- naces, denied all knowledge of the stone-throw- ing party. Fined 40s, or in default 21 days'hard labour.
------------------------------------lVHERE…
lVHERE ONCE I LIVED. There is the church spire, tall and straight, and dwindling into nought, The landmark many a weary eye from distant heights has sought; There are the houses, great and small (I hneio who lived in each), The time-bleached rocks, the trees, the meads, the river s winding reach And there's the school, the bell rings out, just as it used, at two, But there's a different master now, and all the boys are new And here's my name, cut in the tree, my school- mates' names beside, The hands that carved them, some are cold, the rest are scattered wide There is the stile, where we have sat, I and the one then dear: That's past, the grave holds one of us, but still when 1 am here I shrink, for never more may come affection half so sweet As when the young untutored heart first swells in kindly beat, And offers up itself, its joys, without the know- ledge why, To bring a smile to other's lips, to share anothcr's sigh There is the path, ichere first we read in Shaks- peare's mar/ic parle, The boughs stretch wider than they did, the gates hang loose with age There took we the hedge-sparrow's nest, there played at hare and hounds, There hustled in the bandy fight, and chased the football's bounds; And now I reach the churchyard, ichcre my kin and playma tes lie. Half read the names no longer known, then hurry, saddened, by Are these the streets where once They are not as they were, And strangers from once friendly doors look with a chilling stare. llome of my boyhood! Once so dear, no more a home for me, I shake thy dust from off my feet, it chokes me as I flee Thou canst not make the dead alive; I see no hand to press; There is no pleasure in thy paths, 0 thing of bit- terness Keep youth's glad memories, youth's regrets, tholt weird and dismal place, Come not upon my dreams again, when otherplains I pace; My life is in the present; all the hopes thou knar'st are gone, Another race yields love as kind as ever from thine shone; Thou mournest not tlwfriwds I mourn I ask of thee no tomb A las that we should come to look, and loathe our boyhood's home W. II. GREENE.
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THE REV PETER M'KENZIE.
THE REV PETER M'KENZIE. This Wesleyan preacher, who enjoys conside- rable popularity in the sect to which he be- loiigj, and who is now stationed at Sunderland, preached a sermon at the Wesleyan chapel, Pontypool, in aid of the funds of that place of worship, on Tuesday afternoon. In the evening, at the same plaee, he deli- vered a lecture on "Samson, the Hebrew Her- cules, and his feats among the Philistines." Admission was by tickets, 6d and Is cad),and there was a pretty good attendance. The pro- ceedings were commenced with a hymn, after which prayer was offered by the Rev Mr Curt- land. Another verse was sung, and Mr Trap- nell, of Bristol, who was called to the chair, briefly introduced the lecturer. Mr M'Kerizie, who indulges in some queer gesticulations and expressions, commenced by congratulating Ins hearers that the proceeds of the lecture were to be devoted to a good cause, and that there would be no collection. With regard to his subject, he claimed for Samson the honour of being the prototype of the heathen Hercules. It had been said that the story of Samson had been founded on that of Hercules; but the lecturer asserted that the story of Sam- son was the older of the two, and that the fruit could not have existed before the tree. He re- marked on the similarity of the angelic an- nouncements to the mother of Jesus and to the mother of Samson and that the faith which was shown by the latter proved that Manoah was blessed with a good wife. This led to a digres- sion on matrimony. In due time the predic- tion was realised, and the wife of Manoah gave birth to a son. Tho lecturer here dandled a bible in his arms, baby-fashion. He said that there was a similarity between Jesus and Sam- son inasmuch as they were both only sons, and that many great men had been only sons. There was this peculiarity about Samson, that he was to wear his hair uncut and to be a total abstain- er from intoxicating drinks. The lecturer con- sidered that long hair was symbolical of mus- cular stamina and brute force, and total absti- nence was symbolical of mental purity, and this led him into an invective against drunken- ness. Long hair, as worn by women, was also emblematical of submission. The ridiculous fashions with which foolish women make them- selves frights were here grotesquely described and censured. Long hair, in the case of Sam- son, also indicated nonconformity to the world. The next thing the bible told of Samson was that "the child grew and the Lord blessed him." There were special indications that he was under the care of Divine providence. It was narrated of Hercules that, while a child in his cradle, he strangled a boa constrictor. (Mr M'Kenzie is the first who has defined the par- ticular sort of serpents destroyed by the infant god.) No such feat was recorded of the He- brew Hercules, but the bible said that the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times," and gave token of that prowess which in after years enabled him to oouquer the Pnilistines, not with a sharp sword, nor an Enfield rifle," nor the usual weapons of war, but with the jaw bone of an ass. an instrument which must have made the humiliation of the vanquished all the greater. Samson, Mr M'Kenzio observed, no doubt could do a good deal on his own hook but lib could not have done what he did had he not been assisted by the Spirit of the Lord. Samson grew up to manhood, and then be want- ed a wife. He went down to Timnath, saw a Philistine woman, and was love-struck. He next did the best thing lie could lie went home and told his father. Ilis father rcmonstrated with him but Samson's only answer was, Get her for me for she pleaseth mo well. He, like other lovers, fancied that she was all beau- ty or lie was all blind. The lecturer descanted on ill-assorted matches and the fact that many wise men had married foolish wives. With re- ference to this, he quoted an epigram: "It must always seem strange, But can't be denied, That the goose and the sage Are closely allied." He particularly addressed himself to the young people who had given themselves np to God, and urged upon them the apostolic injunction, Be ye not unequally yoked." He told them that the world was drowned because the sons of God married the daughters of men, and point- ed out how careful the patriarchs were about advising their descendants on these matters. He in similar style went through the deeds of Samson, which are recorded at length in the 14th, loth, and lGtli chapters ot the book of Judges. The lecturer was repeatedly applauded. Th chairman having made a few remarks, Mr Greenway very highly praised the lec- ture, and proposed a voto of thanks to Mr M'Kenzio for giving it. The Rev J. Bramley seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr M'Kenzie proposed, and Mr Curtland se- conded, a vote of thanks to the chairman. This was also duly carried. The doxology was afterwards sung. Mr Bramley pronounced the benediction, and brought the meeting to a close.
TEA PARTY AND LECTURE AT BLAENAFON.
TEA PARTY AND LECTURE AT BLAENAFON. On Monday last a tea party was given in the! Town Hall, Blaenafon, for the benefit of the Catholic School Chapel, at half-past V and on j the same evening the Rev II. N. Oxenham, M.A.. late scholar of Balliol College, Oxford, gave a lecture for the same object, the subject being— "Sketches of Napoleon L" Upwards of a hundred persons sat down to the excellent tea and cake provided for them by Mrs Morris, of the Red Lion Hotel, whom we cannot sufficiently praise, not only for the supe- rior quality of the feast, but also for the excel- lent and efficient manner in which she superin- tended the whole management of the proceed- ings. The very Rev Father Elzear, accompanied by Fathers Antony and Fortunatus, and a goodly company from Pontypool, arrived by the quarter to three o'clock train, and were met at the railway station by the Abersychan band, which preceded them to the Town Hall, playing national airs. The room had been tastefully decorated with long festoons of ivy leaves and wreaths of holly and other evergreens, and pre- sented a very cheerful and festive appearance. About 5 o'clock the tables were cleared, and the children amused themselves with blind-man's- buff and other games till G o'clock, when the band again marched down to the station to meet and escort the rev. lecturer and his friends on the arrival of the train, accompanying them to the Town Hall with the enlivening strains of ¡¡ 81. Patrick's day in the morning." A select table had been prepared with refreshments for them on the platform, after partaking of which the room was cleared and the benches and chairs arranged for the lecture, which was to com- mence at half-past 7. About that hour the band struck up a merry tune, which soon brought all stragglers inside the doors, and when all were seated and order established, the Rev Mr Oxen- ham, (who was supported on the platform by the very Rev Father Elzear, Father Antony, Father Fortunatus, and Father Gerard), rose to commence his lecture. He began by observing that he had to speak of a man wlioin all knew well by name, Napo- leon 1st, or, as he is sometimes called, or rather mis-called, Napoleon the Great. Now there are various meanings to the word great, all convoy- ing parallel but distinct ideas. We may speak of a great man, or a great dog, or a great coun- try, or a great villain, or a great nuisance and in each of these cases the word has a different meaning. In one sense, Napoleon was a great man, for he was a great genius but he had no moral greatness, either natural or supernatural, to direct and support his genius in all the no- ble qualities of human nature, he was not great but most emphatically little, for his two chief characteristics were an unmixed selfishness, which was the ruling principle of his life, and an unbounded capacity for lying. Having thus introduced his subject, the rev. lecturer pro- ceeded to give a short sketch of the causes and leading incidents of the French Revolution, which may be said to have produced and formed Napoleon. He was by birth a Corsican, not a Frenchman, for he was born in 1768, the year before Corsica came into the possession of France, though be invariably dated his own birth a year later, in order to proclaim himself to the world as a Frenchman, thus beginning his life, as he subsequently ended it, with a lie in his mouth. As a boy, the germs of his future character began to show themselves, in a morose, gloomy disposition, causing him to refuse all friendly companionship with his schoolfellows, and in acts of cruel selfishness. He bad all the worst faults schoolboys are liable to. He was a bully, a tell-tale, and a sneak. To come to the beginning of his public career, which may be divided into three periods the first extending to his forcible seizure of the office and title of First Consul; the second from his appointment as First Consul to his coronation as Emperor the third including his empire and his fall. He was first recommended to the Directory by his great talents, especially in military affairs, and he rose rapidly to the chief command of the French army; and now began those celebrated' campaigns in Italy and Egypt, which first made hia name famous throughout the world. The rev. lccturer Lere drew especial attentiun to the fact that these campaigns were undertaken, and those victories achieved, not from love of what he called his country, nor for her benefit, though he made loud and constant protestations of patriotism not for the love of liberty, though "liberty, equality, and fraternity," were ever uu hi;" lips, the lying watchwords which veiled his real design and motives; but solely and in- variably for his own glory and aggrandisement, and with an utter disregard for the claims of justice, honour, and humanity. He had no more right to over-run Italy, to dethrone her rulers, and to establish his own tyrannical op- pression in their place than a highwayman has to stop a peaceful passenger. Moreover he added fraud to injustice, for at the very time when he was offering liberty to the Venetians if they would accept him as their ruler, he was carrying on secret negociations with the court of Austria, the object of which was to hand over Venice to that foreign rule under which it groaned for more than half a century. The Egyptian campaign, which terminated in his dereat at the great naval battle of the Nile, wdiere Lord Nelson commanded the British fleet, was, if possible, still more disgraceful to him. As he professed to bring liberty to the Italians, so he told the Turks that the French were the true Musselmen," in order to impose upon the rulers of the country. Leaving his demoralised army (after some hundreds of the sick had been poisoned by his directions) with an empty promise of soon returning to it, he hastened back to France, ostensibly for weighty matters of state, but really because he saw a favourable opportunity of overturning the Directory, and getting himself elected First Consul, which ho [ in fact accomplished. This commences the second period of his life, during which the bat- tles of Marengo and Ilolienlinden were fought, and dlIring wl/icb occurred two of the most dis- I graceful incidents of his life—the Concordat with the Pope, and the murder of the Duke of Enghien. Tho former was perhaps the most barefaced instance of duplicity ever recorded of the ruler of a great nation. The Christian reli- gion had been altogether banished and proscri- bed by the Revolution Napoleon finding it an impossibility to govern without religion of some kind, restored the outward profession of Catho- licism in France, but, being determined to have religion, as well as everything else, completely In his own hands, he introduced into the Con- cordat with the Pope so many restrictions and reservations that Cardinal Consalvi, at that time the Pope's representative in Paris, wss unable to sign it. After much disputing and many difficulties, certain alterations were agreed upon by both parties, and a day appointed for the Cardinal's signature to what was supposed to be this revised document. Consalvi, however, was not only a good and upright man, but also a good diplomatist, and he insisted on reading the paper bofore signing it. To his extreme surprise, he found that every one of the changes agreed upon had been altered back again in the document offered him for signature Napo- leon, losing, or affecting to lose, all command over his temper, stormed, threatened, and even grossly insulted the Cardinal, but at length he was forcedtogivewayandaHow the signature of tho revised copy. The Duke of Enghien was a member of the House of Bourbon, and, though perfectly quiet and inoffensive, and having no intention whatever to lay claim to the throne, was violently seized and dragged from Baden, a neighbouring and friendly State, hurried to Paris, thence to Vincennes, and there, after a mock trial, brutally shot at midnight in the castle yard. The lecturer proceeded to speak of the third period of the life of Napoleon, da- ting from hi 18 Briunaire, as the Revolu- tionary calendar termed it, viz., the 9th of No- vember, 1804, when the army took an oath to him as emperor. On the 2nd of December fol- lowing he was crowned in Notre Dame, the cathedral church of Pris, by Pius VII, the then reigning Pope, and one of the saintliest Pon- tiffs who ever sat on tho throne of St Peter. With his usual unlimited capacity for lying, Napoleon had persuaded him to come to Paris, and performthisceremony,by many false pro- mises, which he soon found means to break. He was, in fact, excommunicated not long after by this very Pope for his outrageous conduct, on which occasion he is reported to have said: "Does that old man think that tho muskets will drop from my soldiers' hands because he chooses to curse me ?" It is a memorable fact that in tho disastrous retreat from Moscow, when the remains of his vast army were being frozen to death by thousands all along the road, the mus- kets did drop from the icy hands which had no longer power to grasp them. After dwelling on the domestic policy of the imperial regime and tho unprincipled Spanish invasion, the lec- turer proceeded to describe the expedition into Russia, the most gigantic act of unmixed sel- fishness, with uo bhadow of a motive beyond that of mere personal ambition, which perhaps the world has ever seen. It. was described most graphically, and iu words which seemed almost to bring before our very eyes the burning towers and walls of Moscow, from which Na- poleon himself fled, leaving several of his gene- rals aud soldiers to perish in tho flames with that cool indiifcrencc to their fate which always characterised hiUi; the hasty retreat in the depth of a Russian winter, when thousands wore frozen to death every night the pursuit by the infuriated Russians, when those who had escaped the fire and the frost, wero cut down by the sword and finally, that crowning act of selfish and inhuman cruelty, the burning of the brilgo over the Borodino by Napoleon's: order, which cut off all possibility of escape except for the handful of men who, with hini- self, had already passed it. An army consist- ing of over half-a-uiillion of men, did Napoleon lead into Russia; a few thousand stragglers alone, frost-bitten, wounded, dying, found their way back to Paris. "The army is lost, but the Emperor is saved Napoleon coolly announced on his return. Yes, the army was lost, sacrificed to the unscrupulous ambition, the unparalelJed selfishness of one man. For no principle, true or false no aim, no object but his own greed of glory," did Napoleon undertake an expedition which he knew from the first could by no possibility be crowned with any permanent success. And now the vengeance alike of God and of man fell upon him the very army in which he had trusted, which had almost worshipped him, opened its eyes to his real character, and fell away from him. He was compelled to abdicate, and was banished to Elba, while the allied armies entered Paris, and the Bourbon line was restored in the person of Louis XVIII. But still as ever, false to his engagements, Napoleon escaped from Elba, and putting himself at the head of an army, endeavoured to regain his lost position, but it was too late. The great battle of Water- loo put a complete end to all his ambitious projects he was banished to the island of St. Helena, where, after lingering miserably for SIX years he died as he had lived, uttering the insolent falsehood that he had always sanctioned the highest principles, aud fought for liberal institutions and if report speaks true, with the petty and unchristian profession of spite on his dying lips,—" I will never forgive Sir Hudson Lowe,"—the English governor of the island, whom lie had perpetually harassed by meau and paltry intrigues, and who had certainly far more to forgive than to be forgiven. So lived, and so died, Napoleon perhaps the most striking example afforded in history of a man of extra- ordinary genius and power nevertheless failing to be really a great man, because he would not be a good man. There can be no real greatness even in this world, unaccompanied by good- ness even in man's judgment, Napoleon is now almost universally rated at his real value. As we stand around the splendid monument at the Invalided, where hia mortal remains are laid to their last long rest, we might well re- verse for his epitaph the well-known lines of our great dramatist, for it is true, iu the highest and most real sense, to say— The gond deeds that men do live after them; The evil are interred with their bones." No permanent trace remains of his empire or his victories, of all he lived and toiled for; the memory of Marengo and Hohenlinden, Auster- litz and Jena, may linger still to remind us that the barbarous conqueror passed on his desola- ting path, like the breath of the Riroeco, or like Attila, "the scourge of God," beneath whose horse's hoofs no grass would grow. At the conclusion of the lecture, wdiich occu- pied about an hour and a half, a vote of thanks was proposed in grateful and appropriate terms by the very Rev Father Elzear, and acknow- ledged by Mr Oxenham, who also took that ap- portunity of thanking the Abersychan band for their services on the occasion. They responded by striking up a merry tune, and the company dispersed, those who came from Pontypool re- turning by a special train engaged for tho occasion.
THE MARQUIS OF BUTE AND THE…
THE MARQUIS OF BUTE AND THE ROMISH CHURCH. (From the Morning Star, Wednesday.) Our correspondent telegraphs that a private letter from Pau to hand in Shrewsbury ves- terday mentions as a rumour credited in society there, that the Marquis of Bute will shortly be admitted to the Romish priesthood. The report claims as authority Bishop Kepple, who re- ceived his lordship into the bosom of the church. The noble marquis is now at Rome.
DREADFUL CALAMITY NEAR SOUTHPORT,—SEVEN…
DREADFUL CALAMITY NEAR SOUTH- PORT,—SEVEN DROWNED. On Tuesday morning a sad occurrence took place in the vicinity of Marshside, a fishing hamlet near Southport. At an early hour seven mon went out to "put" for shrimps, a mode of fishing in which the man enters the water up to his middle and then pushes before him a net fastened on a cross beam at the end of a long pole. The fishing ground was a bank in the channel of the Ribble, not far from Lytham. They ought to have returned about seven o'clock, but some hours previous to this time a thick fog came on, and, being unable to find their way from the shore, which in this place is full of holes and gullies, they were all surrounded by the tide and drowned. About seven o'clock, as a fisherman was crossing the Channel to catch bait, he found several of the hats, nets, and baskets of the deceased, whose sad fate was thus discovered. On the alarm being given large numbers hastened to search for the bodies, and during the day all were found.
DEATH OF MR ERNEST JONES.
DEATH OF MR ERNEST JONES. It was but the other day that the Liberal electors of Manchester, by way of testing the ballot, made choice of Mr Ernest Jones as their candidate at the next election and now we have to record the death of this gentleman, which event took place on Tuesday afternoon, the cause being inflammation of the lungs. Mr Jones's age at the time of his unexpected dissolution was fifty years. He was the son of an equerry of the late Duke of Cumberland, and was an Irishman by birth as well as by immediate descent, though he boasted a Nor- man lineage. He was educated in Germany, and on returning thence he wrote a romance entitled The Wood Spirit," and became a contributor to journals of fiction and poetry. He was called to the bar by the Middle Tem- ple in 1844, and joined the Chartist movement the following year. Till the dismemberment of Chartism, or at least of tho Chartist organi- sation in 1858, Mr Ernest Jones was the re- cognised leader of the body, supporting the cause by newspapers, or rather making the cause support them. He voluntarily surren- dered a fortune of nearly £2000 a year left to him on condition that he would abandon the Chartist cause. The violence of his political speeches kept him continually in hot water and in the memorable revolutionary year, 1848, he was tried for sedition and sentenced to two years' imprisonment, a term which he under- went in one of the metropolitan gaols. During his detention he wrote an epic poem, entitled The Revolt of Hindostan and, that nothing might be wanting to give this production eclat, he wrote it with his blood, thereby signallising the oppression which deprived him of pens and ink during a considerable time of his impri- sonment. Other poems, of no mean ability, were published by Mr Ernest Jones and, in the dedication of one of his volumes, 14 or 15 years ago, to Lord Lytton, then Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, he renounced politics, and de- clared his intention to devote his hours of lei- sure to literary pursuits. Although it cannot be said that this purpose has been followed im- plicitly, still there is evidence that Mr Jonea was sincere, in the faot that he had retired from such prominent advocacy of democratic princi- ples as at one time made him famous. When he defended the Fenian prisoners at Manches- ter, on their trial for the murder of a police- constable, his eloquence never exceeded the limits of moderation and forensic propriety. His best-known efforts of verse were The Battle Day," "The Painter of Florence," "The Emperor's Vigil," "Beldagon Church," and Corayda." The last public speech which he addressed to the working men of Manchester in whose cause he had 50 long laboured, con- tains the following words, which are now in- vested with a mournful interest :—" There was a personal reason why he desired soon to get into the House of Commons, and that was that lie could not afford to wait very long. What little work there was in him must be taken out speedily, or it would soon be lost altogether." Printed and Published by DAVID WALKINSHAW, AT his General Printing Office, Corn Market House, Pontypool, in the county of Monmouth.—Saturday Jan. 30, 1869.
A SOLICITOR AND A MAGISTRATE.…
A SOLICITOR AND A MAGISTRATE. On Thursday week a very extraordinary and certainly exciting and amusing "scene" oc- curred in the Police-court, Cheltenham, ending in the ejection of a respectable attorney, (Mr Stroud) formerly of Pontypool. While the chairman (Mr C. L. Harford) was in the act of sentencing a Drisoner, his attention was attracted by a buzz of conversation from the" bar;" cans- ing the following result 'The Chairman (ad- dressing solicitors) Be quiet there, if possible. Mr Stroud Was that observation addressed to me. sir? Chairman: Sit down, sir, or I will order you out of court. Mr Stroud But The Chairman (sharply): Silence, sir, or leave the court. Mr Stroud: Am I to take that as an order to leave the court? The Chairman: Yes, if you're not silenL Mr Stroud again speak- ing ——— The Chairman Leave the court, sir, or I'll have you put out. Mr Stroud Oh, I can leave without that. The Chairman Mr Day (superintendent), put that man out of court—put that man out of court. Mr Day ap- proached and asked the learned advocate to leave. Mr Stroud: PHgo without being touched. Is it the wish of the other magistrates that I should go ? I am here as an advocate. The Chairman I am here as chairman, and deter- mined to have order. I order you out of court; Mr Day, have him put out. Mr Stroud said it was not such a pleasant duty to appear before the chairman at any time. The Chairman Day, have him put out immediately. In com- pliance with his worship, the superintendent, amidst much amusement, escorted the learned gentleman out of the court, but he again thrust his head inside, and the chairman again re- peated his peremptory instructions for his ojec- j tion, which was repeated, and the door guarded by two policemen. When, however, Mr Stroud did appear to go into the case in which ho was retained, ho apologised for his guilt (if there was any on his part, but there was none) of un- seemly conduct. The chairman would not con- j descend to discuss the question, and ordered the business to be proceeded with.
MR COBDEN ON CLERICAL FONDNESS…
MR COBDEN ON CLERICAL FONDNESS FOR WARLIKE TOPICS. Mr Cobden thus concluded a letter to a minis- terial correspondent:—" Will you pardon me if, before I lay down my pen, I so far presume upon your forbearance as to express a doubt whether the eagerness with which the topic of the Duke of Wellington's career was so gene- rally selected for pulpit manifestations, was calculated to enhance the influence of ministers of the Gospel, or promote the interests of Chris- tianity itself. You- ease and that of public moil are very dissimilar. The mere politician may plead the excuse, if he yields to the excite- ment of the day, tint he lives and moves and has Ids being in the popular temper of the times. Flung as he is in the mid-current of passing events, he must swin with the stream or be left upon its banks; for few have the strength or courage to breast the rising wave of public feel- ing or passion. How different is your case! Set apart for the contemplation and promotion of eternal and unchanging principles of benevo- lence, peaco and charity, public opinion would not only tolerate but applaud your abstinence from all displays where martial enthusiasm and hostile passions arc called into activity. But a far higher sanction than public opinion is to be found for such a course. When the Master, whom you especially serve, and whose example and precepts are the sole credentials of your faith, mingled in the affairs of this life, it was not to join in the exaltation of military genius, or share in the warlike triumphs of nation over nation, but to preach i Peace on earth and good wII! toward mOIl. Can the humblest layman err, if, in addressing the loftiest dignitary of the Christian Church he says, Go thou, and do
CONSERVATIVE BANQUETATNEWPORT
CONSERVATIVE BANQUETATNEWPORT The Conservative party in Newport mus- tered strongly on Wednesday night, on the occasion of their inviting Samuel Homfray, Esq., the late unsuccessful candidate for the Monmouthshire boroughs, to a banquet at the King's Head hotel. When Mr Homfray be- came a candidate to represent the boroughs, it was understood that personally he had no de- sire to have the honour thrust upon him, but consented in the interest of his party only, who never anticipated aught but success. The strong Liberal spirit of Newport, however, was sufficient to overthrow all Tory influence, strongly exerted as it was, and to return as the representative of the boroughs Sir John William Ramsden, Bart. Under these cir- cumstances, it was only natural that the Con- servative party should desire to solace in some degree the disappointment and vexation occa- sioned to the gentleman who sacrificed much to serve them. The banquet, as we have said, took place at the King's Head hotel, and the number of tickets issued was limited, owing to the large room being insufficient to accommo- date the numerous applicants. The gathering was a Conservative one pure and simple, and no applications for tickets from any party known to be of Liberal principles was enter- tained. The banquet-room was profusely de corated with flags and evergreens, and at the head of the room were portraits of the guest of the evening, Lord Tredegar, Godfrey Mor- gan, Esq., M.P., the Lord Bishop of the Dio- cese, &c. In front of the head table were bannerets bearing the arms of Samuel Horn- fray, Esq., the crest of Lord Tredegar, the arms of Godfrey Morgan, Esq., and a fourth bore the motto" The Queen, God bless her." These banners were beautifully executed by Mr J. W. Bebell, who, with the committee, worked most indefatigably in carrying out every arrangement. Much of the success no doubt is due to the exertions of Vade Kester- ton, Esq., the active hon. secretary. The Chairman on the occasion was Thomas Gratrex, Esq., of King's-hill, a stanch Conser- vative, and well-known as such throughout the county. On his immediate right was the guest of the evening, Samuel Homfray, Esq., the Rev Canon Hawkins, Granville Somerset, Esq., Q.C., the Rev W. Somerset, and G. Homfray, Esq. On the chairman's left were Godfrey Morgan, Esq., M.P., L. A. Homfray, Esq C. W. David, Esq. (Cardiff), Charles Protheroe, Esq., E. J. Phillips, Esq., and among the general company were Crawshay Bailey, jun Esq., the Rev S. Fox. John Law- rence, Esq., Thomas Colborne, Esq., and the elite of the gentry of the town. On the cloth being drawn, several speeches were delivered, for which we are unable to find room.
Family Notices
BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. [It is our rule to select from the Registrar's office, every Thursday, deaths registered up to that day. Notices of deaths that have not been registered should be sent, properly authenticated, to the Editor.-All births and marriages will be charged One Shilling DEATHS. Jan. 18, at the Lower Race, aged 11 months, Ellen, daughter of Mr Michael O'Brien, engineer. Jan. 20, at Pontymoil, aged 75 years, Mr Joseph Rees, labourer at the works. Jan. 20, at Abersycban, aged 38 years, Mr Cornelius Caniff, coker. Jan. 20, at Ornmlin-strect, Pontypool, agod 68 years, Mr George Holly-field, iron miner. Jan. 21, at Cwmynyseoy, aged 3 years and ]0 months, Mary Ann, daughter of Mr Jacob Waters, haulier. Jan. 21, at Llewyn-y-lhn, Trevcthil1, agcù 77 years, Mr Thomas Morgan, farmer and fcwrier. Jan. 21, at Abersychan, aged 1 year, George, son of Mr Edward Allen, ooal miner. Jan. 22, at Greenland cottage, Abersychan, aged 1 year, William, son of Mr Charles Hodges, coal miner, Jan. 22, at Gibson-square, Pontypool, aged 80 years, Margaret, widow of the late Mr John Barry, farm la- bourer. Jan. 26, aged 34, Charlotte, wife of Mr Isaac Prosscr, overman, Blaenafon.
A DOUBLE MISFORTUNE.
A DOUBLE MISFORTUNE. On Friday last, "Jerry," the helper at the Crown Hutel, was seot with II horse aud trap, to drive a geutleman to Blaena- fon. When returning, Jerry was directed to pull up at Mr Drown's, the Union inn, Abef svclian. Instead of going straight to the ohifi door, he drove round the lamp-post in th6 Square, and then the vehicle came in contact with a stone which is put to keep carts, &c.o# the pavement. The horse went on, and the body of the trap was consequently rippod froru the fore part. Jerry mounted the horse to ride home, but his trouble was not yet over, for i" ascending Poutnewynydd pitch he managed to run against a cart, the shaft of which entered the body of his horse, and killed it on the spot. This gives Mr Walters, the new landlord of the Crown, an early taste of the pleasures of hotel- keeping.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The Dowlais Iron Company, by a graceful concession, have averted a strike among the colliers in their employ. The colliers demanded that they should be allowed to have two men to see the weighing properly carried out, the two men to be paid by them. The company at first refused the application, but after a few days conceded the point, and this decision is expected to affect every colliery in Glamorganshire.
GOOD NEWS FOR BLAINA.
GOOD NEWS FOR BLAINA. THE BLAINA IRONWORKS.—It will be recol- lected that some three years ago the proprietors of the Blaina Works succumbed to their diffi- culties, and the creditors determined on carrying on the extensive concern under inspection, the gentlemen nominated as inspectors being Me Abraham Darby, Ebbw Vale Mr G. T. Clark, Dowlais and Mr Thomas Gratrex (Bailey and Co.), Newport. It was represented at the time that there was a prospect of the creditors being paid in full in the course of two or three years, but the almost unprecedented depression which followed in the iron trade, and many other u0- toward circumstances, soon proved the uttcf hopelessness of the concern ever returning 20s. in the pound to the creditors. The inspectors declared one dividend of 2s. in the pound, and after carrying on the works for about two years, during which time considerable loss was sua- tained, the determination was arrived at to close the establishment altogether. The seriousuess of such a step as regards the prosperity of the district may be at once realised from tho fact that the works supported a population of about 9000, who, in consequence of the stoppage, had to seek employment elsewhere. Hundreds of houses were vacant in the course of a few weeks, and all classes of property were, as a natural result, seriously depreciated. It has all along, however, been hoped and believed that such » fine property as Blaina would not be long idle, and it is satisfactory to be able to announce that there is at last a certainty of the re-starting of the works. Negotiations have been in progress for some time between the various parties in- terested and certain Lancashire capitalists, and the terms of sale have now been so far arranged that it only remains for the usual legal formali- ties to be gone through to complete the trans- action.—Miniug Journal.