The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed under this heading. All contribu- tions must be verified by the real name &!loa address of the writer as a guarantee of good faith.

IGNATIUS HELPERS ASSOCIATION. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. DEAR SIR,-l should be glad to make the above Society known in your town through the medium of your widely circulated columns., The Rev. Father is I believe well-known among you, and I feel sure many would gladly join us, if aware that the Association exists solely to defray expenses connected with the missioni, so that his noble work carried on for 27 years single-handed, may thereby be extended; for the hire of halls, printing, etc. mount up consid rtbly, and as the Rev. Father has neither stipend or pew-rents to depend on, those who have derived benefit from his ministrations would gladly aid us in the monetary part of the work, and so relieve him of the natural anxiety caused by h;3 present heavy responsibilities. As Hon. Trea8. to the above I shall be glad to supply further information, forward circulars, etc. —so that by increasing our numbers, we may there- by lighten the labour of one who has done so much for us. I remain, "Yours truly, REGINALD BERKELEY. Hon. Treasurer, J.H.A. 29, Paternoster Road, E.C.

Re A CERTAIN MEMBER'S LETTER. A REJOINER. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. SIR,—I have just read what purports to he an "emphatic denial" by a certain member" of the allegations made by me against him in the con- troversy between the clique in Towyn Church and myself. I sincerely trust that I could accept this denial such as it is, the more especially a" I am assured that, upon my doing this-the which I would most gladly do if I could-" no efforts shall be spared on his part to restore good feelings again: feelings that have existed "since we were boys together," feelings that I had hoped would be of life-long duration, and, therefore, feelings that I would not lightly throw away; but, Mr Editor, if his good graces cannot go hand in hand with truth and justice I shall behold his smiling face never more, as I am constrained by what I know to flatly reject his denial even to the small length it goes. Without doubc, you and your numerous intelligent readers will have perceived that this denial even if accepted would in no wise weaken the proof of my fourth charge, as the mere fact that the address was not submitted to the meeting for its approval amply justifies the assertion that the opportunity was not afforded me. What I alleged was "I have very good authority for stating that had a eerraiu memqer of the ruling family, &c. and I am com- pelled to add here that if "certain member's" wish for the restoration of good feelings was sincere and not palliative of his unkind inaction, he would not have left out of his quotation the important words in italics. Undoubtedly you will hive noticed ere this that, though I have said some hard things, I have stated them plainly and openly. In the accuracy of my statements I have been exceedingly careful. When I was an eye or ear-witness I led you to believe it: when I was speaking upon other authority I failed not to state so. Seeing this, then, the importance of those words will become apparent to you. As I see by your note that you wish this correspondence to cease, it behoves me to avoid possibly debatable matter and the designation of persons; oherwise, I could bring forth stronger reasons for rejecting this denial. The question is whether or no I had good authority for stating that this gentleman failed to gain an opportunity of moving an amendment. He confesses that the address as drawn out by the committee was not entirely to his satisfaction," which, to say the least, proves that his mind was in a most suitable state for conceiving an amendment; and in a letter which he intends to be a denial of something, why does he not say straight that he bad not an amend- ment, or be candid enough to frankly admit that he had? I take then, what he so reluctantly admits, that be had one, and that he now means to shelter himself behind the more difficult question to prove that he sought for an opportunity. I knew that he had an amendment: a most favourable one to Mr Jones, whose most intimate friend he was; in fact, I think I am justified in adding the only friend Mr Jones had just before his departure not only in the Church, but in New Quay. With more than one person (for reason stated I must not point out) and on more than one occasion he zealously advocated the advisability of altering the ad drees (I should like to see Mr Jones casting his eye upon this address in his study in Scranton Pa !) and he even went so far as to ask "Jeremiah," who he knew contemplated the same attention, to move for it at the meeting mentioned. "Jeremiah" acknow- ledges that he failed of the opportunity. Certain Member" did not move for this amendment. Knowing then his extreme anxiety-further evi- denced by the way he demeaned himself at this meeting, whereat he was sitting nearest to me- his love of hearing his own voice in chapel, and the interest he now has in not making known the whole truth, am I not justified in asking, why be did not move, and, in the teeth of the convenient reply "that the opportunity was not sought for." to conclude that he failed ? Moreover, why did he wait until you had made known your intention to close the correspondence before publishing his so-called denial? The allegations have been made since December 5th. He has known for the last five or six weeks who "Certain Member" was, and in spite of his friendly advice 1 have spread the correct report. Did he not think he could slyly put this in at the last moment, and so get the last word? cr, by getting you to reject his contribution as coming too late to publish, its rejection far and near. I feel glad, however, that yeu opened to him your columns, as now the clique cannot say that in stating their case they have been denied that "common fairness" prayed for by him. Again, he says, I went to him personally with the only object of contradicting the statement, and advised him not to spread the false report any further." He did meet me accidentally (and he knows it was accidentally, as it happened at an unusal time of the night for me to be out of doors; still he says he came with the only object), and advised me not to publish that he was "certain member," but I was not going to be frightened out of my course by such a hole and corner tender- hearted advice, I considered then, as now, that I I had good grounds for rejecting even a public denial. I had publicly made my accusation, and I wished any denial that was to be made to be public also, so that the public might judge between us. I have nothing to conceal. My "character and integrity" in this matter will, I am glad to think, bears public scrutiny, and that notwithstanding I the inaction of my past and worthlessly-proven friend in their defence when assailed. I Further, be says, that on the matter of the con- troversy he has refrained from penning a single word. This, if true, is for reasons I can well understand, as unless he was prepared to cast to the winds family ties he could not have profitably written more than hia comrades inarms, "Unplyg" and Carwr Cyfiawnder." However, I cannot refrain from remarking that this denial of his ret., inds me of the suggestive reproof which Mr Curran, the famous Irish lawyer, administered to a discourteous judge, who, whenever the former advanced any argument that was favourable to his client, neglected not, from jealousy, to shake his hea 1. This Mr Curran took quietly and meekly for a time, but all of a sudden, facing the audience, be thus delivered himself: "Ladies and Gentlemen,— You have no doubt noticed that his lordship is in the habit of shaking his head whenever an argu- ment is advanced that is favourable to the prisoner. Common observers mighl think that this implies a difference of opinion, but depend upon it, ladies and gentlemen, that, if you will stay in court long enough, you, like myself, will see that, when his lordship shakes his head, there's nothing in it." If anything more is required to prove my inno- nence, here it is. I have been present at the last two cyfeillach's" of the Towyn, which is rightly considered evidence of a desire to be reinstated. This, together with the fact that I have openly sbowuboth in and out of your payer that I do not mean to withdraw anything in my letters, forced the clique to take counsel as to their course cf pro- cedure in the event of my putting in an appearance again next Friday, which they did last Sunday. This was to be kept a profound secret, but friends of mine present have furnished mw with the gist of what was spoken there. No speaker hinted that there was untruth in what "Jeremiah" and myself have writen, and they decided that we should be allowed to take our places upon our testifying that we repented of having ever made public the doings of the Church, and promising, like dutiful children, not to do it again. When you consider that the charge against me was the publishing of falsehoods, you will perceive the extreme ridiculousness of their present position. One word more. I would warn "certain mem- ber" that I intend presenting myself again on Friday, when he will have an opportunity to make up for past failings. Thanking you for your courtesy in this matter, I remain, yours truthfully, LOVER OF TRUTH.

THE MONTHLY "POP" AT MAESLLYN CLUB. The audience came in one by one," Gracious thinks I. They'll never be done. As I sat in my 9d. chair in the Maesllyn Club Room last Friday night, twisting my neck round every five minutes, within an ace of dislocation, to catch sight of the various celebrities, who were being so warmly greeted, as soon as a nose was recognised round the door. We are all going to start now," says I to my- self. -As the room was by this time well filled, and the able chairman (the Rector of the Parish) took his seat upon the platform, and the flag fell to a good start the first to show in front was the Crossllan Glee Party," which well deserved the applause it received (before I go any further, ladies and gentlemen, I hope you will pardon me if I cannot remember every item on the pro- gramme, as ha/ing lost mine I have to trust to my exceedingly bad memory). Following hard on their heels was a very pretty quartette, sang by the Misses Oliver and party, the solo being sang by Mr Sam Richards, who seems a tremendous favourite, and quite right, too, for he has got a very good voice. The first to signal himself out with a solo was Mr J. Jones, Blaenbachcrydd, who was loudly encored for his excellent tender- ing of a Welsh song, name unknown to me, but it had something in it (repeated very often) about "Collesytraen" (that's somewhere near it, I hope !) The fences, took the form of periodical, tableaux here and there, the first, a simple bank, being "Simple Simon" (Miss Kewley). One wag was overheard t,) remark that H fishing was out of season," but she seemed perfectly happy with an empty bucket and a bit of string. Over this fence, the local Sim Reeves, Mr T. Griffith, came with a rush, and landed amid deafening applause, at least, two lengths in front; it is needless to remark he was encored to the echo. The running over the next few fences was pretty even, and the tableaux, "Queen of Hearts" (Mis Kewley and Miss Turner), Where are you going to my pretty maid (Miss Gabler and Miss D. Tyler), and The Black Pudding" (Miss L. Tyler and Mr D. Tyler). Although they did'nt brinij down the riders, certainly brought down the house. Mr Gwyn Saunders Da vies, who had kept his field well in hand throughout the race, now took up the running, on his well-known horse, "The Soldier," and being never after headed, won, with hands down, amid ringing cheers, as he has done "many a time before. Miss Gabler, who, on Mary Jones," is second to none in the country, next past the post, and, but for the extra weight she carried with her" rags and bones," would most assuredly have run a dead heat. Even ninepen'orth of concert, must, like everything else that is enjoyable, come to an end and as I buttoned up my coat, I joined most lustily in the Three times three," which was accorded to Mrs Tyler and all the performers, who had given us such a pleasant evening.

CONSERVATISM AT PEMBROKE. The annual meeting of the Pembroke and Castlemartin Conservative Club was held at the rooms at Pembroke on Monday. The president, Colonel Saurin, was in the chair, and there was a good attendance of members. The various re- ports of the committee were read and adopted and the officers appointed, Mr Joseph Hitching being re-appointed secretary. The following resolutions were adopted unanimously :— That the Pembroke and Castlemartin Club congratulates the Government of Lord Salisbury on its sound administration of affairs and the success of its efforts to maintain the interests of the Empire at home and abroad. That this meeting records its undiminished confidence in Admiral Mayne, C.B., M.P. for the Pembroke and Haverfordwest Boroughs, and congratulates him on the successful series of meet- ings of his constituents held during the autumn. That the members of the club desire to express their gratitude to Colonel Saurin for the very valuable services he has rendered to the club, and for his continuous efforts to uphold the Con- stitutional cause in the neighbourhood.

PEMBROKESHIRE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION. The annual general meeting of the above asso- ciation was held on Tuesday at the Castle Hotel, Haverfordwest. Lord Emlyn presided. At the unanimous request of the meeting and in response to a largely-signed and representative requisition from Conservative and Unionist electors of Pem- brokeshire, Sir Charles Philipps, Bart., of Picton Castle, consented to again contest the county as the Unionist candidate at the next election.

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THE TITHE WAR IN WALES. ROWDY PROCEEDINGS AT WHITE- CHURCH. The effect of last Tuesday's proceedings at Whitechurch involves the eventful abandonment of the moral influence plan. The agent of the associated clergy had committed himself, with some misgiving, doubtless, to a line of action based on the belief that the anti-tithers had decided, and would abide by the decision, to content themselves with mere passive resistance to the recovery of the tithe arrears. Mr Bowen, the chief-constable, not only desired, but had also worked, to justify the belief. The latter, how- ever, cannot survive to-day's proceedings. All the sanguine hopes of orderly distraints, levied without show of force on the one side and with- out lawlessness on the other, have been completely shattered. It is not for us to place the responsi- bility of destroying the armistice upon the shoulders of any particular class or individual. I The representatives of the tithe-owners affirm that they readily concurred with the suggestion of the chief-constable that the plan of the campaign should be left to him, and in all material points they have acted in accordance with expressed wishes. And this is the result of that implicit belief he professed to feel in the promises of the anti-tithers. Mr Bowen, on the other hand, admit in most matters Mr Peterson was as clay in the hands of the police authorities, but in one regard he acted on his own motion, and that one lapse from grace has set the district in a ferment The chief-constable alleges that it was his proposal to visit White- Church last rather than first. By reversing the order the distraiuers tapped Liberationist feeling where it runs most bitter. And this is the result. Needless is it for me to say that in describing the conflicting explanations I have adopted my own phrase, only borrowing the facts which it embodies, whatever may have been the true explanation, and fancy the present mode of the anti-tithers in this district must have been a powerful contributory cause. The fact is almost indisputable that moral influence as a restraint upon lawlessness is, for the present at all events practically played out. This by way of preamble to the record of the first day's incidents. Nine o'clock had been selected as the time for the distraining party to leave Cardigan. But it was nearly noon when the start was effected, the interval being taken up by a conference between the chief-constable, Mr Peterson, and Mr Ivor Evans, who represented the anti-tithe section. As the outcome of that interview, it was decided that when the distraints have ripened sales shall first become exhausted in one parish before pro- ceeding with other parishes. The preliminaries having been adjusted, a move was promptly made. Mr Peterson and his clerk occupied one trap; the chief-constable, Mr Ivor Evans, and the Rev. W. Jones, Moylgrove-the original discoverer of Peggy Lewis-the second; while the third vehicle conveyed the press representa- tive. Whitechurch lies about eight miles to the westward of Cardigan. The journey was made in perfect quietness. The weather was spring- like in its mildness, and there was a bright blue sky above. We gradually ascended the hills which overlook the old-fashioned little country town To our left, as far a" the eye could reach, stretched miles of fertile land, where the hills were diminutive and the valleys shallow. Keep- ing our faces set towards the rugged peaks of the more ambitious Preselly Range, which interposes itself between the northern portion and the sea, we drove steadily on for an hour, passing on the way the churches of Llantood and Eglwyswrw, both neat, compact structures, and bearing out- ward evidence of care and prosperity. I missed the local Bethels which usually obtrude them- selves on the notice of the traveller in Wales. A casual acquaintance, of Liberationist tenden- cies, declared that the chapels were to be found further to the northward, where the population was thicker. Thick is a relative terms and ap- plied to the population of Northern Pembroke it possesses special significance. Houses are so meagrely distributed over the broad billowy expanse that one is tempted occasionally to infer that it is absolutely free from human habitation. The extensive parish of Eglwyswrw, for example, does not contain a village or even a hamlet. On its somewhat extensive surface 100 tenements stand, and the population probably does not exceed 300. The resident clergyman (the Rev. W. Williams) .is a thorough Welshman, and preaches exclusively in the vernacular. There are 38 communicants at this church, which is usually attended by between 40 and 50 people- inconsiderable proportion of the population. The commuted value of his tithe is 2140, but is actually much less, and Mr Williams has also charge of the adjoining Church of Llanfair. Nantgwyn and Whitechurch Congregationalists have their chapel, and so also have their rival, the Septists The two buildings are so situated that they serve also for residents of bordering parishes. The congregation at either place of worship does not exceed about 120, I am informed so that, having regard to the advantage enjoyed by them, the disparity in the relative strength of Church and Dissent is not so marked. This is the condition of Whitechurch, which had been selected as the first Liberationist line to be assailed. Shortly after one o'clock we heard the first warbling note. At Pontyfaen a crowd of about a hundred people had placed themselves across the road, and when the vehicles swung in view there was a roar of human voices, to which a dozen horns supplied an ear-splitting accompaniment. And now the fun began. Close at hand was the farmhouse of Pontyhowell, debited with arrears amounting to 21 5s 6d. With our noisy escort dancing arouud, we drew up to the building, to find it tenantless, and the doors locked. Wildly jubilant were the anti-tithers when they beheld Mr Peterson try the door and look searchingly around. A fixed notion in the mind of the average farmer is that nothing can be distrained upon unless the agent touches it-hence their glee. The parish poet reeled off doggerel verses, weak, perhaps, in diction, but robust in sentiment. His admirers sang them lustily. The local wits, always abundant, gird at the agent and the clergy. A dog fight or two happen and then the procession moves on once more. Both parties are satisfied —the agent because he knows the distraint has been levied the anti-tithers because they think they know it has not. The procedure is nearly always the same, except where varied by some action of unexpected boldness. At Wenallt Meredyth, the second farm every possible device had been utilised to embarrass the distrainer. The pigs were not iu the sty nor the tenants (David and William James) in the hcuse, and a stalwart female, proud of her trust, mounted guard over each entry to the barn. An entry into the haggard involved much labour and inconvenience. The crowd, which had been steadily accumulating, strengthened now, and included half a dozen mounted men and a band of enthusiastic females of every age. When Mr Peterson tried the latch of the barn there was a chorus of yells, renewed again and again while he pulled over the hedge that enclosed the haggard. In the result he dis- trained upon one of the ricks, whereat the escort waxed wroth, alleging that he did not do his work fairly and legally. A prettily-conceived arrange- ment by which Mr Peterson was to bave been compelled to leave the yard by way of a pond was upset by some of the leaders, who compelled the more mischievous to abandon thescheme. Walking from this farm in company with the Rev. W. Jones. I had an oppurtunity of ascertain- ing the views of one of the leaders of the move- ment. He told me that the anti-tithers as a body objected to the application of the tithe to a sectarian purpose. They wanted to see the money devoted to educational and other purposes. Here and there persons might be found who had no clearly defined purpose in view, but, so far as he could understand, this was the object sought by the majority of those refusing to pay tithe. Up to this time the crowd, while noisy and demonstrative, had been good-tempered. Possi- bly the general belief that Mr Peterson had failed to distrSin was in some degree responsible for this. It was only when the truth gradually dawned upon the minds of the festive agitators that the noise and the manifold devices had failed to defeat the object of the visit that evidence of growing irritation was manifested. In passing towards the southern part of the parish we encountered a sturdy old man of the old school, in the person of Mr Thomas, of Glyn Meredyth. He was pointed out to me by one of the most active of the crowd as the head of the only conscientious family of Church-goors in the parish. This description is only valuable in so far as it bears on the character of Mr Thomas, whose erect, sub- stantial form shook with emotion as he pointed to the queerly-constituted body vigourously tramp- ing through the slush. There they go," he observed, doing the work of Satan. What sense is there in getting together this wild. impetuous crowd ?" He spoke in eulogistic terms of the vicar-" A better was not to be wished for." Invited to express an opinion as to the conscienti- ous objection, he clapped his hand on his breeches pocket, and earnestly rejoined, "It means what I have down here. Those persons want the money. It is not conscience at all." A few yards higher up the road an incident happened which made the angry passions of the agitators rise. The pace of the leading vehicle wasquickened. That action was interpreted as the outcome of a desire on the part of the agent to rid himself of his disgreeable followers, and some of the mounted men endeavoured to head off the vehicle. One of the horses attached to the latter thereupon began to plunge. A pedestrain named Enoch John either fell or was struck down by the wheel of the break. Before he could re-gain his feet a horse carrying one of the party passed over him, the pace being too hot and the pace to confined to permit of the rider pulling up or turning the horse aside. When our trap reached the spot the injured man was lying on the side of the road. He was subsequently conveyed home with a leg broken, so it is alleged. The responsibility for the mishhp was by general consent fastened on the driver of the vehicle, and sundry threats of vengeance were declared against him. By a strange course of reasoning, the few who saw the accident and the many who did not arrived at the satisfactory conclusion that the Liberationist horse went clean over the prostrate man without touching him. At Lyddin Farm Mr Peterson received the sum of R10 3s due from Melchio Evans, the occupier. This result was due to the illness of the latter, and it was arranged that the party should not go near the house. Payment under any circum- stances was resented by a section of the crowd, and while a recognised chief, Stephen Picton, dubbed General" by reason of being a nephew of the celebrated General Pictou, negotiated terms with Mr Peterson, the latter was struck with a piece of turf on the side of the head, the earth, with commendable impartiality, distributing itself also over the "General." It was in an angry mood that the band of conscientious objectors moved towards M'iesgwynue, the home of another picton, John to wit. A joyful shout from the advanced guard affo-ded the first noti- fication of trouble ahead to the agent. The latter, closely attended by the chief-constable walked into the private road leading to the farm-house, and about fifty paces from the high- way found the road blocked with a thick and well-made barrier of furze Pieces of turf were levelled at him as he approached the latter. Mr Peterson grasping the situation, began to climb the adjoining hedge. 44 Pull him down don't let him get up!" Trespass and similar exhortations were addresied to those near him, and not in vain, while those who had placed themselves on the hede pushed him on the road, others seized his legs and quickly brought him down. Great was the uproar. The twa sides of the land were lined with people, who hooted and jeered and p tinted their sticks at the embarrased agent. Mr Peterson made an attempt to address his persecutors, but failed to secure silence. After a pause of some minutes—employed in assailing the Englishman with witticisms, more or less agreeable—Mr Peterson retraced hi3 steps, and cries of triumph rent the air. Before reach- ing the highway the agent appealed to the chief- constable for advice. "I am to a certain extent in your hands," he said, and in my opinion if I attempt to force my way through there will be a breach of the peace." Mr Bowen made no immediate reply, but. whether as the result of his advice or not, Mr Peters >n again tried to scale the hedge. Immediately he did so, the latter was covered with obstructions. When the agent repeatedly attempted to get up those immediately in front, pushed him away, whilst others pulled at his coat-tails. He appeared likely to gain a footing when a terrier dog was flung upon him. This ended the struggle, and the distraining party withdrew. It is just to add Mr Ivor Evans and the Rev. W. Jones tried to prevent these actions. The former, when asked by Mr Peterson, If I endea- vour to get over this bank will they resist me ? I cannot hope to successfully oppose them single- handed," replied. Unfortunately, I have not the prescience to tell you." The crowd laughed, whermpon Mr Evans, recognising the situation, demanded a more suitable rejoinder, and added, If I had my way you would not be resisted." As the legal adviser of the local anti-tithers repudi- ated any official connection with the crowd, and the tenant of the farm would not disclose himself, Mr Peterson, exercising a discretion, sound under the circumstances, did not further perserve with the distraints. The conduct of the crowd at this juncture met with the frank disapproval of the recognised leaders. It is the worst thing that has happened to-day," was the verdict pronounced in view of the promises made by virtue of which the chief-constable dispensed with a force. Distraints are to ba resumed to-morrow at Whitchurch under precisely the same conditions as those obtaining to-day. But it needs not a prophet to foretell that the well-meant efforts to carry out the process without the safeguard of an adequate police or otht-r force are certain to fail. The anti-tithers of Whitechurch have tasted the sweets of licence, and they will not now readily forego them.

BURRY PORT. DEATH OF AN OLD INHAB]ITANT. -The death of Mrs Fiancts Edmunds, widow of the late Mr Henry Edmunds, for many yeats dock master at this place, occurred on Sunday morning last. The deceased, who was 88 years of age, was well known in this neighbourhood, and beloved by all. She was a faithful member of the congregation who worship at Jerusalem Chapel, and attended the services held in that place of worship regularly for the last 70 years. She was also the only woman in this place, who, up to her illness, which commenced about six weeks ago, wore the Welsh (sugar-loaf) hat. Her remains were interred at Jerusalem Chapel burying ground on Tuesday, the funeral being a private one The Rev John Rogers (pastor) and the Rev J. H. Rees officiated in the chapel and at the grave. FIRE. 1\ fire broke out in the show-room of the London House last Tuesday evening, which caused a good deal of damage. Some men, who were passing about 9 p.m. noticed the fire, and gave the alarm. A crowd soon gathered, and the work of putting out the fire commenced in earnest. This was accomplished in a very short time, but not before the whole stock of goods was completely spoilt. It appears the tire originated from the falling of a looking glass, which upset a lamp which had been left in the room. We sympathise with the proprietor, Mr T. H. Bowen, in his loss. SERVANTS' BALL. Mr and Mrs Whatman, of Pembrey House, gave their servants' ball on Monday evening, the 19th inst., a goodly number of friends being also invited. Dancing commenced at 9.30, and was kept up until midnight with great spirit, when an adjournment was made to another room, where an excellent spread awaited the guests. After the usual toasts had been gone through, dancing was resumed, and amongst other things, highland flings, Reel Tullock, and sword dance were very cleverly given by Messrs W. Gray and R. Leitch. Selections of stirring Scotch airs, marches, Strathspays and reel were rendered during the night by Pipe Major W. Robb, 97th Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, Aldershot, assisted by Messrs W. M. Radford (violin) and H. Williams (clarionet). The dancing broke up about 5.30 a.m., each one having enjoyed himself and her- self thoroughly.

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REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORN TRADE. Thaw began in earnest on Wednesday, and before the end of the week the Thames could be no longer mistaken for the Neva. The famous frost of 1890-1 has become a thing of the past, and February now seems likely to fill quite the average number of "dykes." We need, however, something more than the surface moisture born of thaw. The subsoil is very dry, springs and streams are very low, and unless we have a plentiful rainfall during the next two months, vegetation will start badly for the spring. Wheat we believe toliavestiffered exceed- ingly little injury in this country, but it has been otherwise abroad, and much damage has been done to the lightly-sown autumn grain of Spain, Italy, and the more poorly-farmed areas of France. The effect of the thaw upon trade has been regis- tered with accuracy by the half-hundred really big maikets of the week. We find wheat strong at 33 exchanges, against 47 during the last week of the frost; flour strong at 4, instead of 9; barley at 17, instead of 23; maize at 16, instead of 18. When we come to oats we find the situation unchanged. If the advance during the first three weeks of January was smaller than anticipated, there is now less feeling of depression than might have been supposed. Temporary weakness will hardly be escaped in certain quarters, but the fall in the Bank rate to 3i per cent. will facilitate holding, and lessen the number of compulsory sales. Those who can hold have full encouragement to do so. The supplies in immediate prospect are not over- wbelmtng-, for March and April arrival they are short. London averages show 5d improvement in wheat, but 7d decline on oats, but these quotations do not reflect the week's fluctuations at all accurately. The deliveries of wheat and barley in the country districts have increased, and must be considered large for the time of year. Since January 1st 1,646,209 qrs of wheat and 2,655,643 qrs of barley have been sold, as compared with 1,466,823 qrs of wheat and 2,594,194 qrs of barley sold in the same period of last cereal year. The sales of oats have also been liberal. Foreign wheat cannot be quoted lower on the week, but samples are harder to place from Monday last. Glasgow has admitted 6d decline on foreign flour, but the southern markets have managed to resist decline. The re-opening of Odessa has enabled Russia to send off 248,250 qrs of wheat, against only 58,800 qrs in the preceding week- figures which more than neutralise the cessation of all shipments from Roumania and tbp lower Danube. The news of the new wheat crops in the countries of the Antipodes is on the whole favour- able, but export trade of Chili is suspended owing to civil war. India hopes for a good wheat crop in March and April, but February is a critical period in which heavy damage to previous good prospects is not infrequent. The promise in California, on the other hand, is not so good as it was a month ago. Rainfall to date is much below the average, and the time wherein its fall will avail to secure a good crop is getting more and more restricted. The spring corn trade has not been greatly weakened by the thaw, though barley, which was previously advancing rather decidedly for grinding sorts, has been the subject of a slight decline. The quantity on passage has increased during the past fortnight, but we have no reason to anticipate weakness in this branch of trade. Oats in London are irregalar in price, and quotations may be left with prudence for another week. In the country 17s 6d to 18s seems to command most of what is offered. This time last year 18s 6d to 19s was obtainable, but the heavy home yield was expected to induce slight concessions on the part of farmers. -Mark Lane Express.

MARKETS. CORN. HULL, Tuesday. -A small show of wheat was sold slowly, but prices were of an upward tendency. English red, 34s to 36s per quarter. Foreign red, 34s to 35s white, 37s to 38s. Barley quiet, at 28s to 34s for English, and 27s to 33s for foreign. Oats, 17s 6d to 20s 6d, with I eter demand. Beans and peas made full prices. Maize about 6d dearer. Wind southerly rapid thaw. LIVERPOOL, Tuesday.—Wheat—moderate trade at a decline of id on Friday. No 1 Californian 7s 9d to 7s lOd. Beans-Saidi. 25s 9d to 263. Peas, 5s 8kd to 5s 9d. Oats quiet new white, 2s 8d to 2s lid yellow, 28 5d to 2a 7d black, 2s 5d to 2s 6d. Maize in moderate demand, and slow at the decline-new mixed, 5s 6id to 5s 6d. Flour quiet- Trieste, 35a to 378 6d Californian 28a to 30s; English patent, 32a bakers, 27s CARDIFF, Saturday.—(From the Report of Messrs. James Tucker, Limited),—There was an average attendance at our market to-day. Wheat: Only a few samples of English on offer, and prices nominal. Foreign was firm and unexchanged. Maize, oats, and barley were steady at full prices of last week. Beans were 3d to 6d per qr. dearer. GLOUCESTER, Saturday.—(From W. C. Lucy and Co.'s Report.)—English wheat was not in quite so large supply at our market to-day, but the trade being slow, prices were the turn lower. Foreign wheat was quiet at nominally previous prices. Spring corn was unaltered in value. PROVISIONS. MONMOUTH, Saturday.—The attendance at our market to-day was small, the weather being wet. Trade was slow. The quotations were as folio ws: Fi-esh butter, Is 5d per lb; hen eggs, 8 for is. Dressed poultry Fowls, from 4s 9d to 5s 9d per couple; ducks, from 6s to 7s per couple; geese, from 9d to lOJ per lb, and turkeys, lOd per lb. Butcher's meat (prime joints): Beef, from 8d to 9d per lb; mutton, from 9d to lOd per lb; veal, 9d per lb; and pork, from 7d to 8d per lb. BUTTER. CARMARTHEN, Saturday. — There was only a small supply of butter in the market to-day, which sold as follows s-New butter, from Is 2d to la 2åd, and old butter from 9J to Is per lb, according to quality. Cheese was quoted at from 22s to 24s per cwt. CORK, Saturday.—Ordinary Seconds, 129s; Thirds, 117s; Fourths, 94s. Kegs: Thirds, 112s; Fourths, 89s. Mild Cured Firkins. Fine Mild, 131s; Mild, 124s. Number in market. 42 firkins, 5 kegs, and 3 mild. CATTLE. MONMOUTH FORTNIGHTLY STOCK MARKET.—Our market was held on Monday, and was moderately Bopplied with beef; mutton in short supply pigs fairly numerous store c tttle scarce only a few calves on offer, which changed hands quickly. Trade was brisk, at about former prices. All cleared about two o'clock. Quotations as follows: Best beef, 6{-d per lb; other qualities from 5id; wether mutton, Bjd per lb; ewe do.7 £ d per lb pork, 8s 9d per Boore; bacon, 8s per score. Auction prices.—Fat beasts, YL4 to £ 23; fat wethers, 48s to 553; do. ewes, 47s to 51s; cows and calves, X13 to X20; two-year-old cattle, £ 12 to £ 17; yearling cattle, Y.9 to .£11. Pigs—strong steers, 40s to 57s; three months' old pigs, 25s to 35a weaners, 13s to 17s each. LONDON, Monday.—Although the beast supply is smaller, trade is very slow, aud only in a few cases were last week's top rates realised. Best Scotch rather cheaper, the ruling top price being 4s 8d per 8 lbs., although ocsasionally 4s lOd was given best Norfolks, 4s 8d. British arrivals260 Scotch; 50 Irish 700 Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex 630 midland, home, and western counties. Slight improvement in trade for small sheep, but other kinds dull. Calves nominal. Pig trade dull. Milch cows, fl6 to j827 each. Beef, 2s 4d to4s8d mutton, 4s 4d to 5d lGd; veal, 3s 6d to 5s 6d; pork, 2s 6d to 3s 4d per 8 lbs. Beasts, 1,550; sheep, 7,970; calves, 20; pigs, 70; including foreign— beasts, 10; calves, 10. HOPS. LONDOM, Monday.—The small amount of trade doing in the hop market is just sufficient to keep prices firm. The contiuental markets are a shade dearer, and considerably more active than our own Pacific coast hops are in more request, and prices Consequently are much firmer. WOOL. BRADFORD, Monday —Business to day is quiet, sellers and buyers alike holding their hands in anticipation of the opening of London sales. The tone, however, is firm, and confidence is felt that if similar firmness is shown at the sales buyers will not be slow to respond here. Botany top prices are yet relatively unprofitable here. No change in English wools, prices being upheld. Mohairs and alpaca are still weak. There is rather more inquiry for yarns, prices being low.

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THE C.E.T.S. 1 ST. DAVID'S DIOCESAN BRANCH. All contributions for this column shCJuld be addressed tn the Organising Secretary, Afr. Daniel Watkins, 13, G iildhall-square, Carmarthen, and be in hand by Wednesday in each week.

1 THE SUBMERGED TENTH. — I Whatever our opinion may be as to the accuracy of Mr W. Booth's statistics, no one can deny the existence of a dangerously large proportion of the population of London who are dragging on an existence full of misery to themselves and of danger to those around them. From other, and perhaps u ore trustworthy sources than Darkest England, we learn that the ranks of this army of misery are being swollen by a constant influx of recruits from the country. The decrease in the population of our rural districts is going on pari passu with the increase of the homeless population of London. It is appalling to think how large a percentage of those who leave the country to seek their fortunes in London meet with mis-fortune instead, and sink by degrees into the ranks of those who have abandoned hope. Others besides Mr Booth tell us that of these wretched outcasts the vast majority owe their misfortunes to intemperance and im- morality; and while we may hesitate to subscribe to the Salvation Army scheme to open the way out, wo can hardlp refuse our sympathy at least to those who are endeavouring to close the way in. The Bishop of London has lately addressed a letter to his clergy, in which he says :—" Much is being said just now of the duty of making a strenuous effort to rescue from their present degradation a large mass of our people who find it difficult to maintain themselves, and are living in a condition of squalor, wretchedness, and semi-starvation. It is quite certain that nothing permanent or really effective can be done for these people without a great moral change in their characters. There is not one change that cau be named which would do more for them than to rescue them from habits of intemperance; and this is the aim of the C.E.T.S. It is proposed that sermons should be preached to advocate the principles and claims of this Society on Sunday, April 26th inst. If you will help us in this good cause, I believe you will be doing a service to the Church and your fellow-men." It gives us much pleasure to record the fact that a similar endeavour on a somewhat wider basis is about to be made in the Diocese of St. David's, and that the Bishop of St. David's has expressed his approval of the setting apart of the first Sunday in Lent, February 15th, as Temperance and Purity Sunday. If our Temperance and Purity Societies were able to make their work felt in every parish in theDiccese, our contribution to the submerged tenth would be a very small one, and General Booth's task would be very materially lightened.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND PURITY SOCIETY. OBJECTS PROMOTING— 1. Purity among Men. t II. A Chivalrous Respect for Womanhood. III. The Preservation of the Young from Con- tamination. IV. Rescue Work. i V. A Higher Tone of Public Opinion. The Society emphasises obligations already binding on Christians; it does not impose new ones. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." THE WHITE CROSS OBLIGATIONS. I.-To treat all women with respect, and endeavour to protect them from wrong and degradation. 2.-To endeavour to put dowu all indcent language and coarse jests. 3.—To maintain the law of purity as equally binding on men and women. 4.—To endeavour to spread these principles among my companions, and to try and help my younger brothers. 5.—To use every possible means to fulfil the command, 11 Keep Thyself pure." REASONS FOR JOINING THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND PURITY SOCIETY. 1. Because I am a Christian, and because the sins against which this Society is contend- ing are a hateful offenceagaiust the purity and holiness of Him by Whose Name I am called, and Who died for me. II. Because I am a Man, and therefore bound to help all women, as being weaker than I am, aLd to save them from degradation bound above all not to make them the victims of my passions. III. Because the sius against which this Society is contending are, in spite of all that may be said to the contrary, most injurious to the bodily and spiritual welfare of those who in ulge in them, and because they are leading tens of thousands of the young of both sexes to utter ruin. Surely, then, I ought to lend my aid to rescue such. IV. Because these sins entail misery on thousands of innocent children, who suffer far the vices of their parents, and because they are sapping the strength of the nation. V. Because the evil is organised, and can only be met by counter-organisation. VI. Because I may, through the consciousness of union with oth3rs for the same end. be strengthened in the endeavour to keep Myself pure, and so obtain a blessing for myself as well as for others. ST. DAVID'S COLLEGE. Mr John Evans, the energetic secretary, is to be congratulated on the success of his endeavours to re-start the College Branch of the C.E.T.S. The Hon. Diocesan Secretary addressed a well-attended meeting in the Canterbury Buildings on Tuesday, the 20th inRt., when the Principal presided, and it was resolved to hold joint meetings of the C.E.T.S. and the Sunday Social. It has been arranged that addresses in connec- tion with the Church of England Purity Society and Woman's League should be given to Men and to Women in the rural deaneries of Castle- martin, St. Clears, Narberth, Lampeter, Llanba- darn-fawr, Hay, and Crickhowel, during the last three weeks of February. The speakers will be in the Welsh districts—Miss Griffiths, Rev. A. Britten, Rev. D. Jones, Rev. W. Williams, of Dolgelly. In the English—Miss Janes, Mrs D. Pugh Evans, Miss J. Bowen, Lieut.-Col. H. Everitt, Rev. D. Pugh Evans, and Rev. T. G. nree. Should this effort meet with sympathy, it is hoped that during the autumn a further effort may be made in other districts. It is felt: hat a vast amount of the low nigral tone which disgraces us as a nominally Christian people is the result of ignorance and want of thought, which may be removed by careful and plain addresses. We wish to draw the attention of the members of the C.E.T.S. to the above Society, C.E.P.S. Meetings in connection with this Society will be held during the next few weeks in various parts of the Diocese, when its objects will be more fully explained and opportunities given for those present to join. Though not compulsory, we trust all our members will avail themselves of these opportunities to join the Society. Our branches ought, and we have no doubt will, be found every- where a most ready and useful nucleus to eari-y on its work. We must never forget that we advocate only temperance not for its own sake, though that is in itself a virtue, but also as a means to a higher and nobler life both socially, morally, and spiritually. Whenever our thoughts, words, acts, or deeds are found only on a level with the intemperate, our temperance is but deserving of that contempt which it is sure to meet from every right thinking person. Our temperance zeal to save our fellowmen from the drink traffic ought, and to succeed must, always be based on deep and genuine sympathy with them in their unfortunate habits, on love for humanity generally, and ever burning zeal to save and better them. We cry against the traffic not because we bate the drink, but because we love humanity the more, and cannot assist it without removing intoxicating drink from its midst. Though we may appear to be always crying against this one evil, we are not and must not be blind to the mauy other evils to which flesh is heir. We are not unsympathetic as to these. It is impossible to be fully sympathis- ing in tLe one and be callous and indifferent as to the others. What we say is, that this drink traffic is in itself one of the greatest and most general vices in the land and not only that, but it also give3 birth to many others, and fosters and crystalises all. That if we but succeed in remov- ing this one, we not only remove the greatest vice of the day, but also kill many others and weaken all. Our motto is not &.buse the drink, but save the man." Therefore let all our members join, and by their action testify to our principles. Even should some find that they have no time to devote to its working, they can and it will be well for them to give it their approval and sympathy by enrolling themselves as members.