The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

OUTLNES OF THE WEEK. --+- THE military news from America during the past week is not very important, unless it be that General Sherman has occupied the South Carolina bank of the Savannah Eiver as well as the Georgian side, and driven the Confederate pickets a considerable distance. General Butler has been deprived of his command, and has been removed from the army. Various reasons have been as- signed for this proceeding, the principal being the failure of his expeditions at Wilmington and Dutch Gap. Operations against Wilmington, under the new Federal General Ord, are said to be again in contemplation. It was stated that a few days ago an unofficial peace mission to Richmond was undertaken by Mr. Blair, to endeavour to pacify the belligerent spirit of the South. This was partially contradicted by the Southern papers, since which time it has been semi-officially asserted in the New York papers that no person, authorised or unauthorised, has left the Federal States on a peace mission, or to consult the Confederate au- thorities on existing difficulties. Thus it is in- ferred that both belligerents are determined to fight on, caring little for the misery they inflict upon those around them, or for the lives of those engaged in the conflict. Canada is likely to suffer much commercial loss through the foolish decision of a Canadian judge in permitting the technicalities of the law to allow marauders to escape from punishment. The men, however, who crossed the Canadian border and spoliated a Federal village are now in custody under a military warrant but the ill-feeling which the decision caused has not been entirely appeased. No person is allowed to pass from Canada to the Northern States without a passport, and travellers have become a great rarity in conse- quence, and all business transactions between the two countries have partially ceased. The people of Michigan have addressed a remonstrance to Mr. Seward, and the Canadian Government have done the same. Meanwhile, Federal troops have been sent to the frontier to enforce the passport system; to meet this again Canadian troops have been passed to the border to protect the -interests of British America, and the Federal Senate have been considering the question of giving notice to the British authorities of the termination of the treaty which allows each Government to have but one war vessel on the lakes which separate these countries. We trust, however, that the peaceful relations which now exist between the two nations will never be interrupted, and that the English Government will advise the British dependencies to adopt a conciliatory course. ANOTHER affair has occurred in Japan which, for a time, appeared likely to lead to a quarrel with the English authorities. Two British officers were murdered at Yokohama, one of the Japanese provinces. The English ambassador demanded the arrest and punishment of the assassins, a demand which, we are glad to hear, is likely to be complied with. The details have not at present reached us, but there is a feeling that English- men oftentimes make a mistake, when visiting foreign countries, in not complying as far as possible with the customs of the country is which they reside. THE Emperor of Mexico is winning golden opinions in his new t^fritory, his desire being apparently to improve the condition of the people. His latest act has been to order a scrutiny into the moral and material state of the prisons and of the persons detained there-information respecting the kinds of employment, and the religious and secular education provided therein; also as to the size of the dormitories, the number of prisoners, the state of ventilation and the cleanliness of the apartments, and whether sufficient food and clothing are provided. The Government inspector is to listen to the complaints of the prisoners, and to make all inquiries necessary to ascertain their grievances. We have been told that this was a step greatly needed, as persons confined in H durance vile" in Mexico had previously little hope of being freed until death relieved them, even when suf- fering for trivial acts of transgression. PEACE everywhere seeins to be the happy state of things in Europe. A reduction in the Italian, in the French, and in the Russian armies is pro- posed; whilst even the Austrian and E-russian politicians wish to force upon their Governments a, military reduction. It would appear that in the latter despotic countries gold. is .about to conquer cold steel, and that rather than bankruptcy should tap at the door of these States, they have wisely resolved to carry out a system of reduction in their national expenses, and a policy which will secure peace. IN politics all is anticipation until Parliament meets, although members of the House of Com- mons have been starring it in the country, and meet- ing their constituents with most persuasive smiles, thinking they may soon have to call upon them for their support. A rumour has reached us which in many quarters has given dissatisfaction- namely, that Mr. Gladstone will propose a tax of a penny upon every railway tieket issued for a journey over twenty miles. The ques- tion resolves itself into this—will the tax be paid by the companies or the travellers ? if by the ordinary traveller (for, of course, it cannot touch parliamentary passengers), we fancy it will not be over popular. But perhaps, after all, this is only rumour. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, with a handscme balance in prospective, might possibly do without any new tax, and yet reduce the abominable income-tax. We have also heard that the post-office revenue will again show a vast in- crease of receipts over expenditure, and that, in consequence, the fee for registering letters will be reduced from fourpence to twopence. It is a question, however, whether a gradual reduction in the rate would not have been better, say to 3d. in- stead of 2d., and let the other surplus go to a fund that would insure the value contained in letters registered, for at the present moment the system j of registering is no security from loss to the public. There has been a heavy cry about the malt-tax, and a meeting was held in Leicestershire recently, at which all the county members were present, as well as others from adjoining counties. Mr. Bus- field Ferrand was there, and in his usual eccentric manner denounced c,; free-trade as a mockery, de- lusion, and a snare." A resolution was afterwards. passed in favour of a total repeal of this tax. In the manufacturing districts, however, there is a belief that some of the greater necessaries of life might be cheapened before the malt-tax is abolished. IT is a, great pleasure to record the fact that the masses of the people, particularly in large towns, are making efforts to raise themselves in the social scale. Since the North London Industrial Exhi- bition, a South London and a West London have been brought forward, and will doubtless be opened in a month or two; a great number of local towns are also supporting like projects. It seems as if a new incentive to the working classes to put forth their talents and not hide them, will be the result. The moral is an easy one, and a happy one to read. The pleasure of being appreciated and being employed upon useful works will giveworking people higher consideration in the eyes of those .of a more exalted rank, and draw friendly feelings closer, breaking down the efforts of those who would try to set class against class. The growing importance of the Working Men's Industrial Ex- hibitions may be drawn from the fact that Mr. Milner Gibson, as Vice-President of the Board of Trade, has asserted his intention to introduce in the next Session of Parliament a Bill which will protect the designs and inventions of working men during these exhibitions. With the great gratification we all must feel at the progress of the working classes through this means, one only regret occurs, that the originator of Industrial Exhibitions—Prince Albert—does not live to see the cherished institution on a, great scale develop- ing itself minutely and in a minor degree to that originally introduced, and bringing forth utility and industry from such unthought-of and hidden mines. WE have not yet'done with the Yelverton case, it seems. There ie, an old form of Scotch, law which enables Miss Longworth to claim, at least, that MajQr Yelverton should take oath on the question of the asserted marriage between himself and the lady named above, in spite of the decision of any superior court. Major Yelverton's counsel oppose this claim; he objects to take the oath, and the court have not yet decided whether it is a case in which this test can be forced upon him.

THE CHETWYND DIVORCE CASE. This case, which has been before the public for the last fortnight, came to a close on Friday. The jury, after deliberating about three-quarters of an hour, found that Mr. Chetwynd had been guilty of cruelty, and that he had committed adultery with Mary Jane Smith, but not with Sarah Jane Pomfret, Caroline Lethbridge, or Ann Emerson. They found that Mrs. Chetwynd had not condoned the cruelty or adultery of her husband; that she had not-, by her wilful neglect and misconduct, conduced to his adultery; and that she had not committed adultery either with Mr. Matthews or Mr. Nichols. This was a verdict for the petitioner on all the issues. It was received with a burst of applause (speedily checked) by the audience which thronged the court. The Queen's Advocate then asked the Court for a decree nisi. Mr. Kenealy hoped the decree would be suspended, in consequence of the bill of exceptions which had been tendered on the part of the respondent. His Lordship said that the bill of exceptions had nothing to do with the matter, and granted the decree nisi. Some conversation then took place as to the remu- neration of the jury for the length of time they had been occupied in the case. His Lordship thought the claim on the part of the jury quite reasonable, and the Queen's Advocate intimated that there could be no object ion to it. Subsequently, however, the parties declined to entertain their claim. The jury expressed considerable dissatisfaction, one observing that it would be better for j rors to pay the fine than to suffer y the loss which service on such protracted trials en- tailed on them. In this case they had been occupied for ten days. His Lordship expressed regret at the result, but told the jury that he had no power in the matter.

A Rescued Crew.—The captain and crew of the Dutch schooner Brazil Packet were driven on the coast of Cornwall during the -late storm. Not long before she went to pieces, her captain and crew were rescued by the Portuguese schooners Mercurio and Sereira. Mr. H. Nyman, the master of the shipwrecked vessel, states that but for the exertions of Captain Domingo dos Santos, of the Mercurio, and Captain Manoel Joze de Loura, of the Sereira, he must have perished with the wreck. They and the seamen under their command displayed the utmost courage on the occasion referred to. John OoMurll lOud Co.'s cheir" Touth Poat*, price 18. 6fl. peoidediy f!ie best prsyarution for oteanmw ana prasemns Sold, bv »-U perfawnfr" sa<i onercists.—I'-LTbree tiis.K-et., bnir<J-st Ewer and Co.L Musical Library, British and Foreign.- Sub,criber,. may enter daily; prospectuses gratis. 87, Regent-street, London. Agents wanted for a well-known Manure, which commands a ready sale, is highly recommended by customers for several years, aud sold car- riage free. Liberal terms given. Address, B. C., Pall-mall East, London. Dr. Midge's i-ats-ut (Cooked) lag, for Infants. Agreeable, digestible,noutfebing,for Invalids. Hoaeidity orwind; the cheapest, food. Of chemists. Canisters, 4d,8&, Is., or Ss.6d. The HimalaY2. Tea Co.'s Pure Tea is moderate in price and;of excellent ,¡UlÛiiy j being the purest Tea in use it isthe most wholesome, thet&we te, best and cheapeet Sold only in packets.

CARD SHARPING IN RAILWAY CARRIAGES. The following letter appeared recently in the Time., I travelled the other night from Liverpool to London by the 3.45 train, and witnessed a determined attempt at card swindling; but, as I and others remained spec- tators of the transaction, and took no part in it, we are unable to appear as principals in any action in the police-court. Your coljimns seem to be the only method of giving a caution to other railway travellers against this gang of thieves. If it will not occupy too much of your valuable room, I will relate the mode of operation. We were four passengers in number from Liverpool to Crewe, where we were joined by two others, who entered into a free and easy conver- sation, in order to make everything pleasant for the in- troduction of a third and principal eonfederate, who, as the train was starting from Rugby, jumped into our carriage, and commenced a noisy story about his having been in very amusing company in another carriage among a party of Americans, Italians, and Germans. He said they had been playing cards, and that he had learnt several new games, such as Euchre and French Mottet. Had we never seen the last game ? No. Then he would show us, for luckily one of his friends had given him a pack of cards, which he produced, wrapped in a dirty piece of newspaper, and chose from them a black King and five red cards. He showed us that the game was to find the black one from the others, and bet as we chose-Xl, X2, £10, or 480 if we liked; but there was yet a simpler way of doing the same thing with three cards, and then he began the old stale game, which I have seen once or twice before in railway trains. All this while his friends were en- couraging him by questions on the game, & and then they opened the betting by staking sovereigns. This went on, but aa only one of us bit, an unfortunate Irishman, and he only to the extent of one sovereign, they made a determined set upon an American gentleman in the corner, one of the party endeavour- ing very hard to get him to bet or go shares in a oet with him. They annoyed this gentleman to such an extent that he had at last absolutely to threaten to give his neighbour in charge if he did not hold his tongue. We took his part, and the cards were reluc- tantly put away. From Rugby to London is a run of eighty miles, and a fool might easily lose much money in this distance. As railway legislation is shortly to be revised, I might, on thoughtfully thinking over the circumstances, suggest that a bye-law be passed for- bidding gambling of any kind on railways, and giving power to the railway officials to arrest any sharper at the instance of two witnesses. I would not allow any of these three men to leave the carriage until I saw the police and their names were taken down; but on inquiry from the stationmaster this morning I find that it will not be possible for him or myself to take any action in the matter.

THE NEW DRESSMAKING COMPANY. Mr. Hughes (the author of Tom Browne) writes in the Daily Neqvs-in answer to a question, Where is the Dressmaking Company?" The company was formed too late to commence business before the close of last season. During the autumn the directors sought for a convenient house in which to begin business, and no trouble was spared in the search. It must be remembered, however, that suitable houses in the part of London to which the objects of the company necessarily limit their choice-of busi- ness premises are very difficult to find. I am happy to say that we have at last succeeded in getting a large and suitable house in Clifford-street, Bond- street, which is now in the hands of our builder, and will be ready for occupation in the course of a month. The committee of ladies have secured a superintendent and staff, who are engaged in making all the arrange- ments for beginning business. The subscribed capital (except a balance which the directors thought it wise to keep upon a drawing account to enable them to take instant advantage of any offer of a house) has been on deposit account at Messrs. Overend and Gurney for the last six months. The first ordinary general meeting of the shareholders will be held, under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1862, on the first Monday in February, at which I hope your correspondent will be present. The notices convening it are now in the printer's hands. If he will write a line to the secretary, giving his address, that gentleman shall call upon him with the articles of association for his signature, and will also deliver to him the certificates of his shares. Every information as to the position and prospects of the company will be given at the general meeting, or should the 'City Man' prefer it, the secretary will answer any questions he may wish to put, either in person or by letter."

A poor woman was being' conveyed the other day from the Southern Police-office to the lying-in-Hos- pital, Glasgow. On the way, and while in the cab, she give birth to a fine male child. In ordinary Tootta-ncbe Nervine g1vs SnataDtaaeoua relief; Mld. by leaving the plug of Nervine m the cavity, It forms a stopping, tlf j the oause of pain IS Neraalgia, II. most certam remedy will be fuund in Ciahk's MEciiaLoio Tikctere.) Renter's Kekvikjs may be had oi nil Chemists at is. lid. per musket, or post free fey fifteea stamps txtrn S. B. 1 OOOPSIB. Chemist.. Maidstone. j

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. -+-- AMEBIC A, „ „ NEW YORK, JAN. 10. Mr. Francis Blair has again left for City Point. It is said that he goes on an unofficial peace mission to Richmond, with a pass from the Confederate authori- ties. The New York Tribwie asserts that the peace pro- posals of Mr. Blair will be on the baais of aretnrn to the Union. General Butler has been removed, and ordered to report at Lowell, Massachusetts. General Ord has temporarily superseded him. Richmond papers state that Sherman is concen- trating between Hardeville and the Savannah river. A dispatch from Washington says it is rumoured that General Lee has been placed in command of all the Confederate armies, and that he immediately de- termined to put Beauregard in command of the defences of Richmond, intending himself to proceed to South Carolina to concentrate the Confederate forces in that quarter, for the purpose of confronting Sherman in his proposed movement northward. Sherman's movements are said to be considered by Lee as more important than any Grant can possibly make upon Richmond in four months. NEW YORK, JAN. 11. The military situation before Richmond and Peters- burg is unchanged. The dispatch from City Point, announcing General Butler's removal, says that the ostensible charges against him are connected with the Dutch Gap and the fiasco at Wilmington but that it has also been Butler s misfortune to have appointed irresponsible persons to positions of importance. Other charges have accumulated against him, embracing arbitrary and illegal use of power in causing arrests and inflict- ing unmerited punishments. He has been ordered to transfer all Government monies and property in his possession to Major-General Ord. Sixteen hundred Indians made an attack on Jules- burg in the Colorado territory last Saturday. They robbed the overland mail and express, dispersed a mule train, and destroyed a stage station and a large amount of telegraph material. A severe fight after- wards took place, resulting in the defeat of the Indians. The enforcement of the passport system has nearly put an end to the travelling of Americans in Canada, the passenger trains on both the Grand Trunk and Great Western Railroads now running nearly empty west of Toronto. Guards of United States soldiers are to be stationed at Rouse's Point and Moer's Junction, to see that the passport regulations are complied with.

A MISER'S DEATH: MORE MONEY 2 HAN SENSE. An inquest was recently held, before Dr. Lankester, upon the body of a man named James Noah Baker, who had been found dead in the room he occupied, of actual starvation-a fate which it was proved he had encountered, if not voluntarily, yet without the pres- sure of sore need, and clearly by his own act. The evidence adduced disclosed a remarkable history, which may be summarised as follows :—James Noah Baker, who was fifty-five years of age, lodged in .ne room, at 11, Braithwaite. place; Paddington. He had lived there during the past two years, but had formerly been in business as a tobac- conist. His mode of life was this: Even in the most inclement weather he did not have any fire in his room. Every morning he was accustomed to go out with a bag, and he did not return, save exceptionally, till two o'clook in the morning. Few people could tell how he subsisted, but it was known to some that he was a nightly wanderer, travelling about with his bag, like the chiffonniers of Paris, picking up rags or food or bones. His landlord explained that some- times he had to press him for the rent, which the old man would reluctantly pay, while, at the same time, he reiterated he "would see to it; you shall have it regularly." After such an interview he would bring his rent down to the landlord 2d. at a time, till all was discharged. This witness said "he was a very quiet man. He sung songs very cleverly." On Tuesday morning last all was silent in his room, and the landlord knocked at the door. There was no answer so, after a time, the police were calle, in and the door was broken open. A shocking seer was presented. The old man lay upon the bed, un dressed, his emaciated body partly covered with a ragged piece of flannel, and a piece of a shirt. He was quite dead, but looked very peaceful. The right hand was lying across his stomach. The room was in a filthy condition, and swarming with vermin. It was bare and wretched, and half-filled with empty tobacco-jars. There were also pieces of stale bread and a piece of cheese-rind about an inch square. A strict search was instituted, and first some money and a bank-book were discovered, wrapped up care- fully in some rags, and with them was a memo- randum-book. In the bank-book was entered cash for nearly.2300, and the account had not been drawB. from since 1837. In the memorandum-book were entered certain records of his food: Monday, bread and water; Tuesday, late dinner, no breakfast; Wednes- day, no breakfast or supper; Thursday, dinner off leg of mutton, 3 ounces, 3d." There were also found some loose memoranda all to the same effect:- A soldier's dumpling, Id.; plaice, Id vegetables, Id.; and with these last were found two letters. The following one was readApril 15, 1863.— Dear James,—I have the pleasure of enveloping you the half-notes for your legacy, and hope you will receive them safely, and derive comfort and hap- piness from them, with the addition of your daily earn- ings. I send half a zC50 note, half a .£20, and half a .£5, making .£75. The next letter I must register, so I must deduct Is. for them, and will enclose 3s. in stamps with the second halves when I know they have reached you safely. But I shall not venture till a letter comes from you. I returned from Bath to-day, so I have lost no time in forwarding it. Joseph is still with me. He unites in love to you.- Your affectionate sister, EMMA W. BAKER." The writer of this letter was in court, and she stated that she knew of a R.40 note which he had received, besides the notes named in the letter. A parcel of money was moreover discovered wrapped in rags and paper. It contained .£30 in silver and copper, but no gold. The medical evidence proved that the deceased had been dead about six hours when the door was broken open. There was but little blood on the brain; both lungs were in the third stage of inflamma- tion, and the liver was shrivelled and pale. The stomach was perfectly empty, and he had died from want of food and proper attendance. The verdict found was in accordance with this opinion. —

The Draft in the Federal States. Up to the close of last year 3,604,743 men had bee- drafted into the Federal armies by the cODscriptiod orders of the Washington Government. In 1861 tllere were 664 743 men drafted; in 1862 there 740,000; in 1863 there were 700,000, and in 186A there were 1,500,000, making the grand total as &I-IOVO- This embraces only the several calls and draftal and is quite independent of voluntary enlistments and the 500,000 men called for a few days ago. Modern Misappropriations.—A very slight attention to the mømg of words would preserve us from making invasions—of roses, of sage, or other herbs-and, still more absurd, of beef into teas, but such kitchen errors are little worth noting. Far more effeneive ia the absurd polysyllabic affectation by which all sorts, kinds, and classes, have beeome descriptions of things. This barbarism, which it would be amusing to attempt to translate into any civil180" language, smacks strongly of man-millinery and was probably invented by one of those persuasive orators who declaim to the ladies from behind their counters on muslins, silks, and ribbons. Let it return to the shop whence it came. Polite euphemism, the source of so many moral as well as philological mis- nomers, has introduced the practice of employing the word limited in the sense of small or scanty. Its chief use was to stand as a screen before two things of which no honest man aught to be ashamed—poverty and school-keeping. Limited incomes-as if even the most enormous ones were unlimited-and limited numbers of pupils were mincingly prattled of. While this contemptible fashion was still a novelty, a man of learning, wit, and spirit, was thus condescendingly addressed on his introduction to a commercial Crcesue of mean mind and silken phrase-" I believe, Mr. you have a seminary for young gentlemen?" li I keep a boy's school, sir." "A limited number, I presume ? No, all's fish that comes to my net. Miss Aiken's Memoirs.

Horaixoan's Tsa is choice and strong, moderaU in 1.n°"a nu" fend wholesome to use. These a0.vanin.jw nave secured for this Taa.& geBeralprefarence. It is sold in jackets by 2,280 Agaow

FATAL COLLIERY ACCIDENT. Three Lives Lost. An inquest was recently held before Mr. Taylor, coroner, at the Junotion-inn, Silkstone-common, about four miles from Barnsley, on the bodies of William Hobblethwaite, aged twenty.two years; Thomas Walton, twenty; and William English, aged forty- four years, who were killed the previous day under circumstances of an extraordinary character. Mr. Morton, the government inspector, was present. It appears that Messrs. Haynes and Lawton, proprietors of the Hallroyd Colliery, are sinking a trial shaft to what is known as the four-foot seam, for which purpose they have a small engine of about two-horse power fixed within a yard of the shaft, which is seven feet in diameter. Hobblethwaite was the engine- tenter, and the other two men sinkers. The men ascend and descend by means of a very simple con- trivance called a trunk," and which is only made to carry one person at a time. John Beaumont, the banksman, said that he was engaged at the shaft about half-past ten on Friday morning, when hearing a shout, he turnpd round and saw Hob- blethwaite entangled in the headgearing after the engine had started and the rope gone down and been drawn up a few yards. He appeared to have been dragged up to jack-roll, and immediately after got loose and fell down the shaft, where there were three men, one of whom was coming up, and against whom he struck and slightly injured. Hobblethwaite was found to be alive after falling to the bottom, and was at once removed home, where he died in about an hour after. Witness further stated that deceased fre- quently jumped across the shaft, which was seven feet in diameter and fifty-six yards deep. Richard Lawson said that he took charge of the engine after the first accident on Friday, and found it all right. After pulling up Hobblethwaite, he was signalled to pull up from the bottom, where were Walton and Eng- lish. He let the "trunk" down, and pulled up steadily after being told from below "to go on." On the "trunk" getting within four or five yards of the top he saw that the two men were in it. Just then the key of the bed, which fastened the drawing wheel to the roll, gave way, and instantly lowered the trunk" some three or four yards. He then had the break on, and then heard a scuffle in the trunk for a second or two, and nothing more. He was not aware that there were two men in the trunk until he saw their heads. The key-bed caught the shaft, when he applied the break, and stopped the descent of the trunk. A sinker, named Thomas John Reed, said that, after the last accident he went down the shaft and found Walton and English at the bottom quite dead. He further said the owners found fault with witness and the two deceased sinkers for coming up two at a time; and that he had fre- quently seen Hobblethwaite jumping across the top of the shaft. The Coroner then briefly reviewed the evidence with regard to the first accident, and said there would be no doubt that Hobblethwaite had at times acted in a very reckless manner, but it was evident that his death was entirely accidental so far as the evidence went. With regard to the death of the other two men, it appeared that in consequence of the key-bed giving way the "trunk" was suddenly lowered, and so led to the accident, as it was quite likely that Hobblethwaite falling on to the trunk might have, by the sudden shock, deranged the machinery. Mr. Morton said the accidents were certainly the most extraordinary that he had known during his long experience. The jury then returned a verdict of "Accidental death."