The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

CARDIGANSHIRE POLICE. Last week the elected members of the Stand- ing Joint Committee carried their policy to a successful issue, and Major Lewis no longer commands the force. The police committee from their first formation have endeavoured to keep themselves conspicuously before the public, and we must give them credit for having achieved complete success. The dis- missal of the chief constable without any cause shown, and after long and exemplary service, has certainly placed them upon a pinnacle of notoriety, and in a position that few can envy. One false step usually entails another, and we have not had long to wait for the fulfilment of the proverb. If the summary dismissal of the late chief constable was unjust to the individual, the appointment of his successor is equally so to the ratepayer. We have no doubt that Sergeant Evans, who has now been promoted to command the force, is an efficient officer. He certainly has had a lengthy experience of police duties, and should be well able to fill the post to which he has been appointed. But what of the two super- intendents who have been put aside? In no service are qualified and capable officers so unceremoniously passed over. The proposer of the resolution had to turn to the Church for a very doubtful precedent. The only logical conclusion that the public can arrive at is that the two superintendents are in- efficient and unfit for promotion. Will any of the elected members of the committee pre- sume to say so 1 It is well known that the two Cardiganshire superintendents are thoroughly capable officers, bear the highest characters, and are in every way qualified for promotion. One of them has served a great number of years in the force with every satisfaction to his superiors and to the public the other, though not of such long service, is an excellent officer, and noted for his good sense, tact, and conciliatory manner. The justices readily supported the claims of these gentlemen, and it is an open secret that several of the elected members desired to do so, but discipline was too strong for them. Our local authorities are at their meetings ostentatiously desirous of publicity. Why do they not act up to their principles, and admit reporters to the previous meetings ? An account of the proceedings on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning would have been of great interest to the public, far more than the cut and dried motions of the Stand- ing Committee. At the time of the Council Election we heard much of economy in the police expendi- ture, the cost of the force, and the number of officers was made into a grievance, for which redress was promised as soon as the speaker was returned to guard the interests of the ratepayers. How have the interests of the ratepayer been served in this matter ? A sub-committee lately reported that with the sanction of the Home Secretary the Cardi- ganshire police force might be reduced by one superintendent, thereby effecting a considerable saving in the annual cost. The dismissal of the late chief constable gave an opportunity for effecting this reduction by the ordinary course and without hardship to any other person, by the promotion of one of the superintendents that opportunity has been sacrificed. If the recommendation of the sub-committee is to be carried out, it can now only be done by the discharge of one of the superintendents—a great hardship to the individual selected-who will then be entitled to compensation at the hands of the ratepayer the latter in that case may justly grumble at having to pay for the vagaries of the guardians (1) of his interests. 0 1-13 In the course of a few months, the new chief- constable will become qualified for the higher 0 rate of pension, and when that is applied for, what will have become of the arguments of the economists and reformers

THE TITHE AGITATION. Sheer force of circumstances, brought about to a great extent by their own vacillation, has compelled the Government for the third time to shelve their Tithes Bill much to the dissatisfaction of the country, particularly Wales, where the agitation is persevered in with a keenness and determination rarely to be met with. The withholding of their just dues from the clergy inflicts upon them a hard- ship they can ill afford to endure much longer. Longsuffering and hopeful they anxiously awaited the passage of this Bill through the House of Commons. But once more they ate disappointed and left to the tender mercy of the anti-tithers who glory in the result. With the substantial majority the present Government has at its back we cannot acquit it of want of confidence and firmness in its programme, and in the face of the present state of affairs in Wales, we certainly cannot justify its action in relegating to an uncertain date the re-introduction of so urgent a measure as the Tithe Rent-charge Recovery Bill. With a little discriminating tact early in the Session, and a fixed resolution, they could have proceeded successfully with its carriage through the House. The clergy and laity should now organise themselves into one compact and solid whole and fight the battle. Combination must be met by combination. This is a lesson that has been taught the Church party time after time, but not with any appreciative results, They are without confidence, courage, or decision—disorganised, distracted, and necessarily weak. Their efforts at best have hitherto been irregular and desultory. They, however, appear to-day to realise their position and awake to a fuller appreciation of their dangers. Net only are the anti-tithepayers prompted and encouraged in their dishonest, not to say sacrilegious deeds, by unscrupulous preachers and irresponsible self-constituted politicians, but they have formed themselves into a league, and have contrived to collect large sums of money for the avowed purpose of fighting the anti-tithe war. They have secured for their movement an importance and a stability equalled only by their persistent and successful efforts to thwart the law, and carry on their operations with impunity. Thu systematic filching of her revenues and the crippling of her resources, by audacious and unblushing fanatics, has too long been endured by the Established Church. In another column we publish an appeal from the Venerable Archdeacon North for funds to assist the clergy of his archdeaconry to collect the arrears due to them. We commend the same to the earnest and favourable considera- tion of every person in sympathy with the Church. We do not stop here. Believing that active co-operation is not only necessary but urgent if the rights and property of the Church are to be maintained, we should like to see started for Wales, or for each of the four dioceses a Common Fund to supply that pecuniary aid without which it is impossible to successfully combat the attacks made upon her. If the anti-tithe league has managed to collect a thousand pounds in support. of spoliation, surely an appeal for funds to support common justice and honesty should meet with a larger measure of success. What are the affected reasons for with-holding the tithes from their rightful and legal owners ? That the Church is ZD an alien institution and that the tithe is national property Ingenious and plausible as these contentions may seem, they so completely vanish when examined in the light of history and truth that no trace is left behind. They are bold assertions that have absolutely no foundation in fact. Tithes are no more national property than the funds of any civil corporation, and the Church is no more alien than the hills upon which she is built. Our opponents are supremely ignorant or lamentably indifferent to the truth, when they perch themselves on the top of a chapel, built as it were only yesterday, and there proclaim her an alien institution, worthy only of their opposition, censure and ridicule. The time has come when the Church must challenge her position and assert her rights, when she must strive to dispel the false impressions and prejudices that have long been tolerated to gather around her, and when she must concentrate all her energies and resources, and direct them faithfully and well in large defensive operations. Then decent pleasantry and Stirling sense, That neither gives nor will endure offence, Whips out of sight, with satire just and keen, I The puppy pack that would defile the scene."

THE JULY REGISTRATION. Conservative and Unionist owners of property are reminded that the last day for claiming county votes is to-morrow (Saturday). It is of the high- est importance that every owner should take care that his name is included in the list of voters which will become the Parliamentary Register of 1891, upon which the General Election may be fought. Change of address should also be noti- tied. The qualifications for ownership voters are — 1. A freehold estate of the annual value of 40s. or upwards. 2. A copyhold estate of C5 annual value. To be entitled to be registered for a freehold or copyhold the owner must have had possession for six months before July 15th, except where the property has come to him by decent, succession, marriage, marriage settlement, or devise. 3. A leasehold estate of either 20 years of £50 or 60 years of £ 5 annual value. 12 months' possession, or receipt of rent, before the 15th of July is necessary. With regard to copyhold and leasehold premises situate within the limits of a borough, it is pro- vided that no person shall be entitled to rote for tlem for the county, if the premises would entitle him or any other person (i.e., his tenant) to the borough franchise. Aildresses of Unionist Agents from whom, all information may be obtained. Pembrokeshire-Colonel Esmonde White, Haverfordwest. I Carmarthenshire—Mr Evan Jones, Tyssil Castle, Llandyssil. Cardiganshire—Mr Edward H. Davies, G, N ew- street, Aberystwyth.

Society anfc personal. The Viscount Emlyn returned to town on -Saturday last after the militia training. We are sorry to hear that several of his family are laid up with measles. Colonel Davies Evans, of Highmeacl, Lord- Lieutenant of Cardiganshire, has also returned to town, where his address is 90, St. George's- square, S. W. Mr Gerwyn Jones has sailed for Cowes in his yacht the "Gladwyn." #- Mr John C. Harford has gone on a fishing expedition to Norway. Mr and Mrs Longcraft are to be heard of at 41, Jermyn-street. Mr Morgan Jones and Mrs Jones have left Penlan for London. Captain and Miss Stewart of Alltyrodyn are travelling in Switzerland. The Press Association Romsey correspondent telegraphs :—There was very little alteration in Mr Stanley's condition on Wednesday, though he improves steadily, but slowly. He has some walking exercise, as well. as another pleasant car- riage drive. Surgeon Parke reports that he still requires much rest. :I(: Mr David! Davies, Llandinam, is serious- ly ill and much concern prevails as to the course his illnes will take, for lie has now been out of health for a long time, and at his age--over 70 years—anxiety can not be repressed. As head of the Ocean Coal Company, and having taken so prominent a part in the Barry Dock and Railway ent rprise, as as well as owing to his parliamentary career, he is known and esteemed far beyod the principality. Miss Violet Morgan's hunters will be put up for auction at Albert Gate, on Thursday, 24tli inst. Five very good hunters well-known with the Duke of Beaufort's, Lord Tredegar's and Lord Fitzhardinge's hounds. They are well bred, clever over a country, and some of them have taken prizes, so you may expect to hear of good prices being given for Miss Morgan's horses. Can I believe my eyes ? Here's St. Swithin's day, its past 12 o'clock, and I declare it ha'nt rained a drop Oh, things are looking up, in- deed, and although 1 have every respect in the traditional saying, yet I scarcely dare to hope that "for forty days it will rain na maer," but look here, St. Swithin, no offence meant, only you will oblige us very much by sticking to the text this year. We have all got our summer togery to don, its wearing out from disuse. I think the moth has got into mine—this damp nasty weather's done that so if this damp nasty weather goes on—I'll send you in my tailor's bill, St. Swithin. It is always a delicate matter to touch upon a lady's age, whether in conversation or in print, but as it has been stated that Mrs Stanley is shown in an inscription upon a tombstone in Highgate Cemetery—not a usual place, by the way, on which to look for such an entry—to have been born on March 22, 1855, and, therefore, to I be in her thirty-sixth year, the London corre- spondent of the Birmingham Daily Post says she he may state that on the marriage certificate was described at 32 her husband, it is to be noted, being set down at 47. If, as one must presume it is certain to be,, the certificate is right, and if the accepted story is correct that the lady was the original of Sir John Millais's picture No she was only seventeen at the time it was painted, it having been first exhibited in 1875, though the face looks the twenty indicated by the Highgate inscription. b b Mr Parke informed a representative of the Centud News that, although the attack of gastritis from which Mr Stanley is suffering is serious, it is not dangerous, and not nearly so severe as the attacks he had when in Africa. Under the most favourable conditions, however, the famous explorer is not likely to get about for several days, and but for the exceptional circumstances he would not have been allowed to be out on Saturday. The only nourishment which Mr Stanley can take consists of milk and arrowroot. According to present arrangements, at least a fortnight of the honeymoon will be spent at Melchet Court. On Saturday the villagers of Shedfield, in which parish the Court is situated, intended to drag Mr Stanley's carriage along, but 11 z;1 they reluctantly desisted in deference to the wishes of Mrs Stanley, who said her husband was not strong enough to bear the excitement. Friends, lend me your ears, while I retail an account of the Scotch wedding in Grosvenor- square last week (from a gentleman I hold a great admiration for —the "man about town." I can't do better than quote from him—asking his pardon—for he was there and, on account of the rain, one cabby was done out of his fare, for the gentleman left Grosvenor square, and re- turned home by water). Well, to start afresh— he says "The Church of St. Mark's, North Audley-street, was well filled by a dainty and dandy assemblage of representatives of the best families belonging to the United Kingdom, whilst the fair daughters of Columbia also graced the scenes with their presence. Mr Stirling Stuart looked a happy man, as lie conducted his charming wife, nee Miss Constance Deninstoun, down the aisle of the Church amidst the crash and clang of the wedding march. Her gown of white brocade and silver was more than lovely, and the same must be said of the bridegroom's bandanna scarf, which was worn en pouf, and fastened with a costly jewel. Four of the nicest little bridesmaids, all in white, charmed my eye, and the frocks of the guests, considering what an utterly unmentionable and disgusting state of the weather was going on (I can quite believe it) were lovely to look at. Mr and Mrs Deninstoun, after the ceremony, made us all welcome at 3G, Grosvenor-square, and fed us all plenteously with the good things of this world, such as iced wedding cake, and iced champagne. The wedding favours given to each guest on arriving at the house, were very pretty- real white roses, real white tuberoses, tied with real white satin. The presents were perfect. There were tiaras of diamonds, and rivieres of diamonds—yea, the very rings were encrusted with diamonds and sapphires of exceeding great price, and there was silver enough to stock a museum. Mrs Deninstoun's frock of lizard gieen brocaded satin, lined in places with silver grey, and further embellished by here and there a costly pink pearl, and here and there a diamond, was a wonderful work of art, and French to a degree. The daughters of the house of Deninstoun also wore lovely raiment in honour of the event, and they included Mrs John Deninstoun, Lady Lloyd, Miss Deninstoun, Mrs Macpherson Grant, and Miss Edith Deninstoun. The bride travelled to Eastbourne in heliotrope. There was a glittering throng of hundreds. The floral decorations in the Church and house were most effective, and the wedding bell, beneath which the happy couple stood and received congratulations, something to dream of. The wea- ther was the only thing but there, you can all imagine what that was, because, as I told you before, the gentleman returned home by water, quite sufficient rain in the streets for that.

CARMARTHEN. THE employes of the Anchor House had their trip to Pendine yesterday (Thursday). THE Glansevin Vale of Towy Otter Hounds will meet on Tuesday, July 22nd, at Abcrgorlech and on Friday, July 25th, Glan Towy Railway Bridge each day at ten o'clock a.m. THE MYRDDIX ORDER OF Goon TEMPLARS (WELSH). -The members of the above flourishing order had an outing to that well patronised little village—Llanatephan, on Thursday, the 10th inst, and it is needless to add, returned home, having spent a jolly day. XVT the Carmarthenshire Joint Standing Com- mittee on Wednesday, 9t'n inst., the tender of the Old Foundry Company, Blue-street, for heating the Shire-hall, was accepted for ¿113. ENTERTAINMENT.—Mr Hartz, the well-known great American sorcerer, will visit this town, and give performances at the Assembly Rooms, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings next. He holds many medals, etc presented to him by the Crown heads of Europe, which will bear testimony to the character of entertainment he produces. THE Secretary of the Carmarthenshire In- firmary begs respectfully to acknowledge the following — Flowers and rhubarb, Miss Jennings, Gellydeg old linen, Miss Thomas, Picton-terrace "Illustrated Paper," from Mr Finch, Nott square and "Tit Bits" and Answers," from two friends. LAMMAS STREET INDEPENDENT CHAPEL SCHOOL TREAT.—Yesterday (Thursday) morning, the above school had their annual outing. Llan- stephan was unanimously decided upon, and about 9.15 they started in over a dozen carts, I &c., kindly lent for the occasion by gentlemen of the town. Refreshments were supplied to the scholars, and although the weather was rather unfavourable in the morning, all enjoyed them- selves to their heart's content. CARMARTHEN Hum SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.—The following pupils of the above school were successful in obtaining certificates in the May examination of 1890, of the Science and Art Department Agriculture May David and Maria Lucas, 1st Gwendolen E. H. Kumsey, Florence E. M. Rees, Lucy E. Stickland, Emily J. Minister, Annie Timothy, Gwynuedd J. David, Edith A. Davies, Alice G. Stickland and Edith P. Smith, 2nd and in stage I. mathematics, C. C. Giles and M. S. David, 1st A. Timothy, 2nd. ESCAPB OF A LION.—There was a great com- motion in Carmarthen on Sunday night about 8. 30. At that hour one of the lions of Wombwell's Menagerie, which were in the cattle market, broke its way through its cage and made three attempts to clear the wall surrounding the market, but, fortunately, the owner saw it and took prompt steps to prevent the animal from escaping. The inhabitants were greatly alarmed until the keeper had forced the beast back into its cage. 1ST V.B. THE WELSH REGIMENT. Orders for the week ending July 20th, 1890. Officer for the week, Captain Baker. Orderly Sergeants, D. T. Llewellyn and Lance-Sergeant Davies. Company drill and Adjutant's inspection on Monday, July 21st, at 7.30 p.m., in the cattle market. Officers in patrol jackets and forage caps other ranks full dress uniform and Glengarry caps. Recruits drill on Tuesday and Wednesday, at the same time and place. Class firing on Tuesday and Friday, at 2.30 p.m. (weather permitting). By order, G. A. HUTCHINS, Captain Commanding. THE LIVING OF REYNOLBSTONE OFFERED TO A SWANSEA CLERGYMAN.—We understand that the living of Reynoldstone, vacant through the death of the Rev J. E. Jones, has been offered to the Rev J. H. Watkins Jones, M. A curate of Christ Church, Swansea, who has, however, declined to accept it. The Rev. J. H. Watkins. Jones is an eloquent preacher and an earnest worker, rand is very popular among all classes of the people in Christ Church parish, and it is to them, no doubt, a matter of sincere congratula- tion that, through the decision he has to come to, they will not be deprived of one whose ministra- tions are so acceptable and to whom they are so warmly attached. Mr Jones is a native of Car- marthen. PARK-Y VELVET GRAMMAR AND SCIENCE SCHOOL.—Mr Henry Howell, the secretary, has just received the result of the class in Physio- graphy. Twenty-six were presented. Twenty- three passed, and sixteen were placed in the first division. Their names are Miss K. L. Griffith (niece of Mr Thomas, Tanlan, Ferryside) Miss Maggie Williams, Llanstephan Miss Hannah Jones, Peniel Miss Annie Crowther, Rhydlewis Miss Mary Crowther, Rhydlewis Earnest Taylor, Richmond Terrace, Carmarthen Jacob Samuel, Priory- street, Carmarthen Edgeworth J. S. Williams, Cwrtmawr J. E. Thomas, Wellfield-road, Carmarthen William Jones, Pencader W. Davies, Trevaughan Hill Mr D. Scurlock, Pentremeurig John Titus, Waunifor David John Lewis, St. Catherine- street, Carmarthen W. H. Thomas, Tanerdy, near Nantgaredig and W. James, Aberayron. The percentage of first class names is as singular as it is agreeable. TRINITY COLLE(;E, LONDON.—The following is a list, in order of merit, of the successful candidates at the last Musical Knowledge examination, held in connection with this college, at the Assembly-rooms, Carmarthen, on June 20th, 1890, with the names of their teachers Senior Honours Miss Eleanor Anne Hughes (Mr C. V. Harding). Senior Pass Miss Constance K Lockyer (Mr C. V. Harding) Miss Marion Sinclair David (Miss A. M. Buckley) and Miss Alicia Maud Davies (Mr C. A. Cooke). Junior Pass Miss Mary Gwendoline Jones (Miss McArthur); Miss Sarah Jane Hopkins (Miss McArthur); Miss Ceniwen Evans (Miss McArthur) Miss Mary Elizabeth Jones (Miss Evans) Miss Mary Margaretta Williams (Miss McArthur) Miss Anna Mary Williams (Miss A. M. Buckley) Miss Annie Timothy (Mr C. V. Harding) Miss Mary Madeleine Jones (Miss A. M. Buckley) Miss Edith Muriel Morris (Miss Frances M. Davies) and Miss Hilda Mary Giles (Miss A. M. Buckley). SCHOOL TREAT. The Sunday School scholars of the Mission in Blue-street, had their annual outing on Tuesday last, and, as usual, Llanstephan was selected. The day was fine. The scholars left Carmarthen about 8.30 a.m. in waggons, and arrived at Llanstephan about 11. Soon after their arrival luncheon was provided on the sands and at 4.30 tea was served out. Games of every description were carried on the sands, to the enjoyment of the little ones. Mr Francis, Parade, supplied ginger-nlo gratis to the scholars. Previous to starting home, the children sang pretty hymns, and the superin- tendent of the school (Mr Bright, Spring Gardens), and Mr Chapman, Blue-street, thanked those kind friends who had contributed towards the outing. Carmarthen was reached about 9.30 p.m., after a pleasant day's outing.One of the horses which conveyed them down was taken ill at Llanstephan. A telegram was sent to Mr Bland, the owner, who sent answer, asking that the horse be sent home. A man was accordingly employed to do so, but when near Ystrad, Johnstown, it dropped dead on the road. The horse is said to be a valuable one.

KIDWELLY AND DISTRICT NOTES. [BY RAMP,LEE.] On Saturday, while walking around the town, I saw a procession of (for the most part) young folk who were, in spite of the drizzling rain, singing Welsh hymns as they marched along. It turned out to be the Baptist Sunday School, who had just had their annual tea treat. Head- ing the procession were the Revs J. and G. Reynolds, the respected ministers of the Baptist denomination in the town. x. Talking of treats, I have heard that, the English Wcsleyans, who have for many years invariably held their Sunday School treat on Bank lluliday, have this year arranged to hold it on the preceding Saturday, in consequence of the Methodist eisteddfod, which is to be held on Bank Holiday. # Granting tine weather on Bank Holiday, the eisteddfod will be a grand success, but even if it rains a little, I still believe it will be a success, as the committee have secured the use of a large marquee, which when erected will entirely cover the whole of the Old Castle court-yard, where the eisteddfod is to be held. 1 was at the Old Castle the other day, A" was very grieved to notice the state it is in. Some parts of the walls seem to have been recently destroyed, and that wantonly. The large and beautifully constructed water tank (some erroneously think it a dungeon) in one of the chambers in the gate house, has almost been filled up will stones and debris. Can't something be done to remedy these evils ? Will the town council or some other responsible body take care of it, and keep it in proper repair ?

THE TITHE QUESTION IN WALES. Appeal of the clergy, titheowners, within the Archdeaconry of Cardigan, in the diocese of St. David's, holding benefices in the south western portion of the county of Cardigan, and the north east of the county of Pembroke. Dear Sir,-Tlie unjust sufferings of the clergy in North and South Wales have been the subject of report, and of discussion in public print for the last few years. But due prominence has not been given to a district in South Wales, which has been selected to be the scene of an assault upon the Established Church in the form of refusal to pay the tithe rent-charge. It is conceived that the English public have not been duly impressed by the gravity of the issue. A return to a state of calm may be mis-apprehended as indicating the growth of a more reasonable spirit in the recusants. This impression may have been confirmed by the patient silence of the clergy, who, intent on their spiritual work, and the maintenance of peace and goodwill, have long borne hostility and privation. But the present aspect is only one of passive non-payment, spreading through a wider area, and threatening to affect a large portion of the community else- where. The generous sympathy of the respected Bishop of the diocese claims the grateful acknowledgment of many of the suffering clergy for aid given by his lordship and others, which for the time saved them from severe extremity. The relief, however, served only for awhile and at length continued oppression compels them to seek redress of their wrongs by the provisions of the law, as the only course now left open to them. Previous attempts at recovery have been crushed by riotous crowds collected for resistance, and overcoming the official agents with uproar and outrage Yielding in dismay ta lawless violence, the clergy have awaited the passage of the Tithe Rent-Charge Bill through Parliament which at first encouraged, but at length, deluded hope. Nevertheless, even if the Bill had become law, it would not affect the large arrear.3 now long accumulated, examples of which we here give to February last Present vallie Name of Benciicc. of Tithes. Arrears. Whitcchurch Xio!) 5 10 £ 171 18 81 Trocdyraur X239 13 2] X501 17 1 L'enbryn X269 6 64, X238 9 U Kilrhedyn £ 205 5 7-J £ 258 4 2^ Llanfyrnach Y,192 16 5* A;921 3 6 Bridcll £ 140 10 4| X249 12 1 Since February another half-year's rent-charge has become due. These arrears can be recovered only by a very costly process of distress. With patience exhausted and a gloomy prospect, the clergy are constrained to attempt positive measures for enforcing their legal claim in order to save themselves and their families from more aggra- vated privation. Themselves denied their justly claimed supplies, in order to bear the expenses attending the necessary legal proceedings, they presume to appeal for the sympathy and pecuniary aid of the generous public, now very deeply and urgently needed. They feel assured that this aid will not be withheld, seeing that securing the rights of the Church will also serve to vindicate the law of the land. We venture to lay this statement before you, in the hope you will kindly take it into your consideration, and respond with a generous contribution.—We are, &c., WM. NORTH, Archdeacon of Cardigan T. JONES, Vicar of Penbryn, and D. H. DAVIES, Vicar of Mount, hon. secretaries. July, 1890. Contributions will be thankfully received by the Venerable Archdeacon North, M.A., Treforgan, Cardigan, treasurer; the Rev. T. Jones, B.A., vicar of Penbryn, Cardigan, and the Rev. D. H. Davies, B.A., vicar of Mouut, Cardigan, hon. secretaries or may be paid to the Brecon Old Bank, Cardigan, or to the National Provincial Bank, Cardigan, to the account of "The North Pembrokeshire and South Cardiganshire Clergy Defence Fund."

LAUGHARNE ECHOES. (By ARERCORRAN) Laugharne, Wednesday. THE READING ROOM. On Tuesday morning last, I received the follow- ing communication from Mr M. Franklin, Chapel Street, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, and which I herewith have pleasure in placing before your readers Mr G. D. Wilkins, Dear Sir,—May I trouble you to hand to the Treasurer of the Laugharne Reading Room, the amount of enclosed P.O.O., with my best wishes for its pros- perity, faithfully yours, M. Fianklin." I ba,, a handed over the amount (one guinea) to the Portreeve of Laugharne (the treasurer of the Reading Room), and I purpose forwarding to the kind donor a copy of this week's JOURNAL, as an acknowledgment of receipt. I should like to mention here, that the Library is open on Monday evening, from 8 to 9 p.m. THE OLD MAN WEARS THE "CAI' AND BELLS." "Now step I forth to whip hypocrisy." Hi, Presto Here we are again How the sawdust smells, and the clown's bells merrily jingle Wculd you be surprised to hear, gentle i I I el reader, that for the nonce, that most potent, grave and reverend old gentleman" has laid aside his white tie, and other impedimenta. He has donned the cap and bells, and pretends to be quite convulsed with the efleet of his own small beer jokes. Once, again, and positively for the last time, permit me gentle reader to introduce to your notice, Mr Fiddle-de-de, whose moral literary exhibition was to be seen on Friday last price one penny. 'Tis true, 'tis pity, pity 'tis 'tis true!" that an old" gentleman", holding the position that he does—he that should be an example to others,—should so far forget his calling, and sink his self-respect, as to stoop to use language whieh would raise a blush on the face of a Billingsgate fish-woman. From the very bottom of my heart I pity you, old man. You have an immediate recourse to literary mud—throwing should an opponent have the temerity to express liia opinion freely and fear- lessly. Behind the nom lie plume" V eritablo Ass," (some persons regard the cognomen as singularly appropriate), your penny squibs are scattered about, but your powder is damp—result nil. But to caricature an opponents' physical infirmities, and like a charlatan, attempt measure- ment of his mental calibre, is certainly going the whole hog. What has soured the milk of human kindness in Fiddle-de-de. Talk you of arguiiieiit ? "People who live in glass houses should not throw stones," argument, indeed do you fooliskly imagine that abuse of the most pointed, abomin- able, and contemptible kind constitutes argument ? Your "plethora of adjectives will be a standing and lasting disgrace to yourself only. But you should hold the mirror up to nature. With you, the, prentice, not the master hand, is everywhere visible. Take my advice—" to prayers, to prayers, old man," you have sown much dissension since your advent to this parish, to prayers, to prayers old man. Do not forget your high and holy to prayers, to prayers, old man." And now I've said my say, I shall dismii-s this unsavoury subject summarily. Good bye, grand pa, most grave and reverend signor adieu, grand ma. Ta-ta; to all the rest. One cannot touch pitch without being defiled, I smell it still, Bah

BIRTH. GII.I.ERT.—Jul}' 12th, at the Picton Castle Hotel, Neyland, the wife of Mr William Edward Gilbert, engine-driver, G.W.R, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. Hl\;HEI>i-DA\TEs.July 13th, at Christ Church, Carmarthen, by the Rev J.N. Evans, curate, Mr William Hughes, second son of the late Mr James Hughes, sawyer, to Mary Davies, daughter of Mr David Davies, farmer, Conwil. HARRIES--LEWIS.—July 17th, at Lammas-street Independent Chapel, Carmarthen, by the Rev. D. Evans, pastor, Mr Thomas G. Harries, eldest son of Mr J. B. Harries, grocer, &c., Blue-street, in this town, to Miss Hannah Lewis, third daughter of the late Mr William Lewis, Picton-terrace, Carmarthen. DEATHS. MARTIN. July 4th, at Priory-street, Carmar, then, Mary, the wife of Mr Thomas Martin, behinder at the Tinworks, aged 24 years. JONES.—July 11th, at Aberystwyth, Ruth Jones, of The Parade, Carmarthen, widow of the Rev John Jones, late vicar of Novern, Pembroke- shire, aged TO year*.