The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

FIRST BRECKNOCXSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEER CORPS. ORDERS for the Week ending JAN. 19th, 1867. Officer on duty—Ensign John James. Orderly Sergeant—John Williams. „ Corporal—Richard Hargest. Recruit Drill on Monday, Wednesday, and Fri- day, at 7-30 pm. Full Dress Parade with Band on Monday, the 21st inst. Light Infantry Drill with Blank Cart- ridge. Fall in at 7-30 p.m. The Reading Room will be open every evening (except Saturday and Sunday). The Sergt. In- structor will attend on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the Orderly Sergeant for the week on Tuesday, and the Corporal on Thursday. The hours are from 7 to 9-30 p.m. By Order, PENRY LLOYD, Orderly Rooms, Watton, Capt. Commanding. Brecon, Jan. 10th, 1867.

THE strife of parties, in which the United States of America have been plunged since the close of the war, has gradually become more and more embittered every day, and has cul- minated in a duel between Congress and the President, which may perhaps have important results in the political constitution of the States. The opposition shown by President Johnson to the course of the dominant party has been overruled, and his veto of one mea- sure after another has been rendered ineffec- tual, by the existence in both Houses of a majority of two-thirds against his policy, ena- ,71 bling them to pass their measures in spite of him. The effect has been to weaken the Presidential authority to a material degree, and to elevate Congress into the supreme and almost the sole power in the State. Not content with thwarti-ig his plans and over-riding his power, the Houses are evidently about now to attempt to humiliate the Presi- dent by a further step, which has heen talked of for some time past, but was regarded by moderate men as too extravagant to contem- plate as a reality. They, or at least the party which has obtained the upper hand, are bent upon impeaching Andrew Johnson for betray- ing the interests of the country, and have actually commenced proceedings with this view. We learn from Washington that the House of Representatives, by a majority of 108 against 38, have directed a committee to inquire into offences alleged to have been committed by the President against the con- stitution. This is the first step towards the threatened impeachment, which the Radicals are determined to press. The adoption of this course by Congress will produce more surprise in this country than in the United States, where it has been talked of for months past, although at times only as a remote contingency. Looking on the entire questions in dispute from a distance, and with the calmness belonging to spectators of a strug- gle in which they are not themselves engaged, the people of this country have sympathised strongly with President Johnson from the first, and warmly approved his liberal and concili- atory policy towards the vanquished Southern people. But it has made him bitter and de- termined enemies, who do not hesitate to de- nounce him as a traitor, and to couple him with President Davis. These men are ready to proceed to every extremity the constitution allows, probably less in the hope of convicting him of guilt than in the certainty of harassing him during the remainder of his term of office, and injuiing if not destroying his influence in the country. It is to be regretted that President Johnson has lately exposed himself to the deserved censure of some of his previous .supporters, and weakened his own position, by the most inju- dicious and violent attacks upon his enemies in congress, whom he has not scrupled to charge with plotting to bring about his assas- sination. Dignity is a quality in which Ame- rican statesmen and presidents are commonly enough deficient, but the want of it in this case has had a very mischievous effect. The President is not without a party of his own, and friends ready to engage warmly in his defence, and he might safely leave his case to them and to the good sense of the country. But there is a deal of combativeness in Presi- dent Johnson, and it is apparently impossible for him to rest, when assailed, without coming forth to assail in return. The threatened im- peachment has not had the effect of inducing him to waver in his course. The same des- patch which brings us intelligence of the ac- tion of the House of Representatives, informs us also that he had put his veto on another bill, providing for negro suffrage in the district of Columbia. Whether he is wise thus to continue his opposition to a course in favour of which Congress has declared itself so strongly, may be open to question but it was probably never desired by the framers of the constitu- tion that the President of the country should be compelled to give his assent to measures which he believed to be prejudicial to its real interests; and it is hard to see how President Johnson can be justly accused of dereliction of duty, for exercising a power which the consti- tution has undeniably placed in his hands. The necessary check upon his authority is provided by the proviso that a sufficient majority of the Houses may pass their measures notwithstand- ing .his veto, as they have recently done on more than one occasion. It is hard, then, to see from this side of the water how the talk of impeachment can amount to anything more than an annoyance, which the House has shown itself anxious to inflict upon the President; on every possible opportunity. How far it can itself descend from its own dignity in following this course, is shown by the fact that from the last Appropriation Bill it struck out the paltry salary of the Presi- derit's I I Clcrk of Ilai (Tons officer whose duty it was to examine petitions for pardon, and transmit them when granted. Reuter's telegram conveys the information, that on the 7th of January a resolution was introduced into the House of Representatives distinctly impeaching President Johnson. How this matter will end we know not; but this we know, that the entire conflict, and the whole course of political events in America since the war, afford matter for deep regret to the best friends of peace and union in the States, and certainly do not tend to exalt our opinion of Republiean institutions.

The Fenian prisoners in Canada are so enraged at what they consider the neglect which they have received from the leaders of the Brotherhood in the United States, that they have published a letter declining to accept a Christmas dinner which President Roberts" had propsed to send them. Among the mysteries of that now half-forgotten conspiracy, Fenianism, a somewhat singular inci- dent occurred the other day in Dublin. A stranger called at a house and inquired for lodgings and, as he -said, he required nothing but a bed the landlord consented to let him have a small closet adjoining the drawing-room. The gentleman go- ing away shortly returned with a small box, which he left on the table, promising to come back. Again leaving the house, some days elapsed, and nothing being heard of him, the lodginghouse- keeper having his suspicions aroused, proceeded carefully to examine the contents of the box, when he discovered two round bottles corked and covered over with chamois leather. Other articles next came in for a share of attention, amongst which was a large paper parcel, which, on being touched, exploded with such terrific effect as to knock down the side walls and partition of the room, and blow the windows right out Of the house, besides seri- ously hurting the landlord. The scamp has not since been heard of. The name of the injured man is Conolly. Reciprocating the generosity of England in rais- ing contributions for the sufferers from the great fire at Quebec, the good people of that city have, it is stated, started a subscription for the benefit of those who have been left destitute through the recent colliery explosions in England. The Russian Government has passed a decree prohibiting the importation of pork into Russia and Poland on account of the frequent occurrence of trichime disease in Germany. The cholera is on the increase at St. Petersburg. In the neighbouring village of Tzarskoe-Selo forty persons have lately died of the disease. It is said that there are not less than iOO white women now in the hands of the Indians, lately captured from Texas, and constantly subjected to the grossest outrages. Twenty-one lives have been lost by fire in New York city within two weeks. Lord Adelbert Cecil has resumed his religious services at Stamford. The newspapers are filled just now with the an- nual trade circulars, summing up the business of the past twelve months, and hazarding various conjectures as to that of the next. Not the least important have reference to the food supplies, and, if we may credit what is stated, there is a prospect of a better time coming. The importation of corn continues on a large scale, though the average price of wheat last week was 28 per cent. higher than in the corresponding week of 1865. The quantity now afloat for the United Kingdom is computed to be 300,000 quarters. Prices have fallen at New York, and stocks have increased, so that additional shipments of flour from the At- lantic ports are likely to be made. It is also now stated that the deficiency in the French crop is not so serious as was at first supposed, and any further upward movement at home will attract to us some of that stock which every year France seems to have in hand for the benefit of other countries.

BRECON. SEASONABLE CHARITY. We chronicle, with much pleasure, an act of great liberality by the Member for the Borough, Howei Gwyn, Esq. Mr. Gwyn, during the past and pre- sent week, has sent into the town 60 tons of coal for distribution amongst the poor inhabitants. The coal was sent in eight trucks from the Dynevor Coal Company's pits, near Neath, and about 8CO poor families were supplied with It cwt. each, by 2 tickets left at their cottages. On the arrival of the coal -in the town its distribution was at once handed over by Mr. David Thomas, Mr. Gwyn's agent, to a committee of gentlemen, consisting of John Davies, Esq., mayor; Messrs. Prothero, Cansick, Rich, Griffiths, T. B. Jones, J. Evans, John Williams, John Bridgwater, Lewis Price, Howel Lewis, and others. The Town was divided into Districts -.Llanfttes was taken by the Rev. Rees Price, Vicar of Saint David's, who is deserv- ing of the highest praise for his zeal and impar- tiality in the distribution of the tickets. We are glad to find that all shades of political and religions opinions, in the town, shared equally the munificent liberality of the Member for the Borough and his amiable lady. f In addition to the above Mr. Gwyn has kindly contributed the sum of X20 to the newly erected English Calvinistic Chapel.

TREDEGAR PARK RACES.—These races which were to have come off on Monday (twelfth day), but postponed to Wednesday has been set aside altogether this year, in consequence of the unpro- pitious state of the weather. MID-WALES RAILWAY.-—A special general meet- ing of this company was held on Tuesday at the offices, Ethelburga-iiouse, Bishopgate-street, for the purpose of creating and issuing additional capital, authorised by the Mid-Wales Railway Act, 1866 Mr. G. H. Whalley, M.P., in the chair. The Chairman said the object of the meeting was to carry into effect the powers conferred upon the company during the last Seesion of Parliament by the issue of preference shares to the amount of X200,000, with the right of voting at the general meetings of the company. r He moved a resolution authorising the directors to issue preference shares of £ 10 each to the amount of £ 200,000, the. holders to have the right of voting in respect thereof, as provided by the Company's Act. The motion was agreed to, and the proceedings terminated.

TOWN COUNCIL AND BOARD OF HEALTH ADJOURNED MEETINGS. The above meetings were held on Monday last, at the Council Chambers, at the Town Hall, when the following gentlemen were present: John Davies, Esq., mayor, in the chair; John Prothero, Esq., ex-mayor, George Cansick, Esq., Mr. John Griffiths, Mr. T. Trew, Dr. Lucas, Mr. Rich, and Mr. Walton. S. B. Evans, Esq., town clerk. The Town Clerk having read the minutes of the last meeting, The Mayor.said that the first thing he had to bring before them was concerning the alteration of the markets; the committee had promised to see Mr. Cobb on the matter, but unfortunately he was from home, therefore they would have to ad- journ that question. Mr. Trew said that he should move, before any more business was gone into, that a large Cattle Market be held on Friday, the first of February next. Mr. Griffiths seconded the proposal, which was carried. The Mayor said that he would next call upon the Town Clerk to read the report of the committee which had sat last week for the adoption of the prices to be charged for water, and other matters connected with the Water Works, which was as follows:— To the Local Board of Health of the Borough of Brecon. Gentlemen,—We, the members of your Water Works Committee, having on several occasions as- sembled and carefully discussed and considered what would probably be the requisite and desirable regulations, charges, and provisions in respect of the intended new water supply for the said borough, beg leave to subnrt to you, as the result of the re- port of our deliberations, the schedule of regulations and scale of charges hereunto annexed. Proposed Regulations and Scale of Charges. Persons applying to have water brought to their premises by the Board are required to take notice of the regulations, charges, and provisions herein- after following, that is to say :— The Board do not undertake to supply any wa ter unless the apparatus, cisterns, pipes, and cocks ne- cessary fpr such supply shall be constructed of such strength, material and size, and on such prin- ciples and in such manner as shall be required or previously approved by the Board, and be so used as to prevent the waste or undue consumption of the water of the Board, and the reGurn of foul air, or the return of other noisome or impure matter into the pipes belonging to or connected with the mains or pipes of the Board. The lead pipes used for the fittings of houses must not be lighter than 13lbs. per yard for 1-inch internal diameter. lOlbs. „ for |-inch „ 71bs. „ for |-inch „ 5lbs. „ for it-inch „ The common plug-tap must not be used in any case. No tap must be placed on any sink or drain ex- cept where such tap is fitted on to a water waste preventer to be previously approved by the Board. No pipe must be layed through or in any sewer, drain, or other place from which, if the pipe become decayed or injured, the water of the Board may be liable to be fouled or wasted. All existing water closets shall be inspected by a person to be appointed by the Board and if such wat: r closets be constructed in a manner satisfac- tory to the said inspector they may be allowed to remain but all the new water-closets must be of the kind known as the self-acting closet," or "the pan closet," and must be provided with a full and complete apparatus, comprising service cistern, basin, trap, &c., except that instead of the pan or service box, the self-acting closet may have a double valve to let down a regulated quantity of water, which shall in no case be more than two gallons. No valve will be permitted to any closet or cistern which will allow the water to run into the cistern from the mains, whilst the discharging valve is open. No pipe conveying water for the use of the closet from the pipes belonging to the Board will be permitted to communicate with the basin or tap, or otherwise than with the cistern. The communication-pipe from the mafn to any house or other premises to be supplied with water, will be laid by and at the cost of the Board. All mterior fittings, including the stop-cock, which is to be placed between the main and the first tap, shall be at the cost of the owner or occupier of the said premises. The Board will, when required, undertake to lay down, according to the regulations, the interior service pipes and fittings, charging the consumer a fair and reasonable price for the materials, and labour of the men employed in fixing the same. Consumers are requested, on the grounds both of economy and security, to permit this work to be done by the Board, In the event, however, of the consumer preferring to employ his own plumber, it must be understood that the work shall be done under the supervision of an inspector, to be appointed by the Board, and be approved by him before the water is brought on the premises. The time and trouble of this inspector to be paid for by the consumer. The Board will, in no case, be responsible for the security or efficiency of any work not done by their own plumbers. The water rate, for water used exclusively for domestic purposes will be charged at 6t per cent. on the annual rateable value, according to the last poor's rate assessment, of the house or premises which the said water is supplied, that is at the rate of one shilling and three-pence (Is. 3d.) for every pound, and for every fraction of a pound. A supply of water for domestic purposes shall include a supply for the following purposes :— drinking, culinary, washing, and sanitary purposes; one water-closet or bath for every £10 of rateable value washing carriages and horses; watering gardens to the extent of one square statute perch, for every £10 of rateable value, but shall not in- clude any supply for fountains, or other ornamental purposes whatsoever, nor where such washing may be done, or such carriages, horses, or baths may be kept for the purpose of hire or profit, nor generally for any trade or business whatsoever. On inns and public-houses of every description, there shall'be imposed the following extra charges: If under the annual rateable value of £ 20—7s. 6d. each per annum. If above the annual rateable value of £20, and under the rateable value of X,50- 12s. 6d. each per annum. If beyond the rateable value of £50 per annum. Xi each per annum. On every malthouse the extra charge shall be £1 per annum. On every slaughter-house the extra charge shall (according to agreement), not exceed £ I per annum. On every water-closet or bath, beyond those allowed for any house or premises as, above men- tioned, an extra charge of 5s. each per anm.m. In all cases where the Board have reason to be- lieve that, in their opinion, a large quantity of water is comsumed, the use of a meter will be en- forced, which the consumer will be allowed to purchase or hire of the Board. If hired, a charge of rental of 10s. per'cent. per annum, or the tes3 of such meter as stated by the Board, will be made on the consumer, but the Board will fix it at their own charge. The scale of charges per quarter for supply by meter will be as follows For 100,000 gallons or less, 9d. per 1,000 gallons. For each 1,000 gallons, between 100,000 and 250,000, 8d. For each 1,000 gallons, between 250,000 and 500,000, 7d. For each 1,000 gallons, between 500,000 and 1,000,000, Gd. For each 1,000 gallons, beyond 1,000,000, iJd. But not less than 25,000 gallons will be charged for by meter in any one quarter. Water used for breweries, steam mills, fountains, trade and other purposes, will also, at the option of the Board, be charged for by special agreement. Every person supplied with water by the Board for domestic purposes, who shall use for other than domestic purposes any water supplied by the Board, without having previously agreed with them for such other purposes, and every person who, having agreed and stipulated with the Board for a supply of water for any other than domestic purposes, shall, for every such misuser or offence, forfeit and pay to the Board such sum not exceed- ing X.5, as shall be fixed and declared by, the Board. The water rates shall be payable, and paid in advance, by equal quarterly payments, on the 25th March, the 24th June, the 29th September, and the 25th December in every year, the first pay- ment to be made, unless otherwise stipulated, at the time when the pipe by which the water is supplied shall be made to communicate with the pipe of the Board. Every consumer who shall give notice to the Board of his intention to discontinue the use of the water supplied to him by the Board, or who shall remove from his dwelling-house or other pre- mises, between any two days of quarterly payment, shall pay the water rate in respect of such dwelling- house or premises for the quarter ending on the quarterly day of payment next, after his quitting the same and giving such notice. 11 11 The Town Clerk enquired whether any member present would propose the adoption of the report, before which, the Mayor said that the forming of the report had received the entire consideration of the committee before being introduced to the Board. Mr. Rich enquired whether the conditions read were binding for more than a year. The Mayor said that that was their arrange- ment with the town and railway companies, and reserved to themselves the right of making any al- teration they may think fit at the end of the year, and hoped that although they had fixed the price in accordance with other towns, yet he hoped that next year they should be able to lower the scale. Mr. Trew proposed the adoption of the report, and Dr. Lucas seconded it. Mr. Walton took an objection to the wording of a portion of the report, which had effect in the formation of, or the fitting up of water closets, in which it said may have double valves; he thought, from understanding the nature of those matters, and the necessity for the same, that the word shall have the same, be substituted for providing the same, which was agreed to. b A question arose as to the tenders for the con- necting of the service pipes, and the manner in which the same are to be tapped from the main into the service pipes. Mr. Davies, the engineering surveyor, recom- mended that previous to the contract being agreed to, that the contractor be given in writing, a spe- cific order in which way the same are to be done, for instance, that no tapping should take place in the mains less than two feet from the joints, and many other matters in connection with it. The Town Clerk read a letter from Mr. Rouse, the superintendent of the work, recommending that all tools required for the boring and other matters in connection with the putting in the ser- vice pipes, be found by the contracted Mr. Davies, the present contractor for the works, said that he was quite agreeable to that at the price he had sent in, viz lOcI. per yard. Mr. Griffiths proposed that the tender of Mr. Davies he accepted, with the proviso that a speci- fication of the manner in which the work wa.s to be done be supplied by him to Mr. Davies the engineering surveyor, to be approved of previous to commencing the work.—This was agreed to. In answer to the Board, the Engineering Sur- veyor said that the pipes had been all laid, and would in a short time be ready for supplying the town with water one of the filter beds was ready, and could be made to supply the town with water without going into the reservoir at all, and he thought that with about three weeks of fine wea- ther the contractor would be able to nearly finish all required. Mr. Cansick For the supply of railways as well. Mr. Davies Yes, nearly all the requirements. The Town Clerk said that in order not to detain Dr. Lucas from his professional duties, he would formally state that Mr. Lucas wished to consult with the Board.respecting the state of the poorer classes of the town. Dr. Lucas said that the state of the weather last week, had induced him and some friends to take into consideration the state of the poor of the town, and they had consequently subscribed some money for the purpose of distributing provisions to the poorer classes. It had been usual to distribute soup, but it would be a matter for consideration at the present time whether it should be again adopted as the most useful, or should they substitute bread, tea, and sugar, and' he may add coals. The wea- ther had certainly altered since the past week, and had become more open, and should it continue, there would not be so great a hurry for carrying out their intentions, but in order to be ready fur any emergency, he would propose that a sub-com- mittee be appointed of members of the Council, to assist in the carrying out of the affair. He under- stood that there was about £ 60 in hand, and per- haps more subscriptions may be collected by the committee, when they should be enabled he hoped to have sufficient funds for the necessary require- ments. Mr. Rich said that he begged to second Doctor Lucas's proposition, and should strongly recom- mend substituting bread, tea, and sugar, instead of soup. Mr. Griffiths also highly commended the praise- worthy efforts of Dr. Lucas, and agreed that coals, bread, and groceries, would be far more advantage- ous than soup. The Mayor said that he was sure that the whole Board felt with him the kind interference of Dr. Lucas in this matter, and that the arduous duties that gentleman had daily to attend to, did not pre- vent him from sympathising with the poorer classes of the town he would be most happy to render any assistance in his power in so good a cause, and was sure that the committee about to be formed would do so also. The Town Clerk also spoke highly of the kind feeling manifested by .Dr. Lucas in bringing for- y ward this appeal on behalf of the resident poor. No person he said could be more fully aware of the privations and requirements of a large portion of these classes than the worthy gentleman he had named, as daily instances of such came under his observations. So generous and thoughtful a pro- position, therefore, as the one now introduced by Dr. Lucas, proved rthat while he was obliged to be the witness of such things he did not forget them, but came forward to their assistance, and for which he deserved the thanks of all classes. Mr. Cansick said that he quite endorsed the opinions of the former speakers, respecting the kind feeling of Dr. Lucas to the poor. With re- gard to again distributing soup, he was well aware of the trouble they had to undergo in preparing this commodity, beside he was quite conscious that it would not give such general satisfaction to par- ties as the other necessaries spoken of, for instance there were many an aged couple who were not able to fetch soup, and would thus be deprived of any j assistance, but when tea and sugar was given, it could be given them in their houses. He would therefore support the giving of the latter. Mr. Cansick then advocated to the interest. ot money left by the late Town Clerk, and thought there was rather more than X,50 in hand the interest of 5 per cent. had not been able to be obtained, as wished by the testator, but lie (Mr. Cansick) had made up the deficiency during his year of mayor- alty. The Mayor said that whatever deficiency ther6 may be in the interest due so as to make, up the ,1 required interest, he should be most happy to I make it up, as his predecessors had done. j Mr. Prothero said that he could not see why the money could not be made to pay 5 per cent. He was of opinion that if it was laid out on the Water f Works at interest that it could be made to realise that amount. The Town Clerk at some length explained that f the manner which tho will of the gentleman who ) had so kindly left this money, was in some parts i so worded that it required some little considera- tion, as for instance—left for the supply of soup for the poor of Brecon, &c—well, all that was j meant no doubt, was that the interest should be applied to charitable purposes for such poor, and he could not therefore see any objection to this being done there was nothing in law to prevent them doing so, it was left to the discretion of each i succeeding mayor to do the best they could with. Mr. Griffiths proposed, and Mr. Trew seconded, 4 that the money be laid out in the manner proposed by Mr. Prothero, and the same was agreed to. Mr. Walton enquired whether any account or balance sheet had been presented to the Board from the Burial Board Society since its formation. He said that it depended on the answer he received > from the Town Clerk before lie went further into the matter. The Town Clerk said that he had had no com- munication of the kind made to him. He remem- bered that Mr. Baskerville Jones had on several occasions, when in the Council, endeavoured to procure the same. 1 The Mayor and Mr. Cansick said that Mr. Jones had anxiously tried to get a statement of the affairs of that Board, but without success. Mr. < Cansick also said that there had been several en- i quiries, but they were told that they had no busi- v ness in the matter; he was informed that the 1 business of that Board was very regularly con- ducted, and their books regularly audited and open for inspection at any time. ( Mr. Walton said that that Board had as,ni,ich right to ask for the ratepayers of the town what J was done with the money collected by rates, and a full account rendered, as they had for any other rates they paid, and he would move that that Board request the Secretary of the Burial Board, or the Managers, to furnish them with a state- ment of accounts and a balance sheet by the first of March next. Mr. Griffiths said that he fully agreed with Mr. Walton, and thought that the ratepayers should be furnished with such statement of accounts, he would therefore second the proposition. Mr. Wal- ton furnished the Town Clerk with a written reso- lution to that effect. The Town Clerk said that he would receive it, « and make known its request, and from the know- ledge he had of the gentlemen connected with that board, he did not think that there would be any want on their part, but to render all necessary information on the matter, they were a Board i< formed of some of the most respectable inhabitants of the town, and, as he was informed, had their accounts regularly audited, and they were at any reasonable time open to inspection. Mr. Walton said that he was prepared to go further, suppose that a refusal should follow the application, if so, he would at any expense insist upon being furnished with a statement, and hoped the Board would assist him in such a matter. The Town Clerk and the Mayor said that they thought they could assure Mr. Walton that there would be no difficulty in getting the statement re- quired, and the application for the same was agreed to. The Board fixed on an evening to form a com- mittee on the resolutions of Dr. Lucas, and then adjourned until their next monthly meeting. —' "i