The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

THE WELSH LANGUAGE AND THE SCIENCES. On Saturday evenening, January 28th, the Ivorites assembling at the Welsh Harp held, in a small way, a comp titive meeting in prose, poetry, music, &c. One of the chief subjects for com- petition on the programme was, a prize ot 5s for the best treatise on Electricity, of which, the learned adjudicator stated, that four had come to hand, one in Welsh, and three in English, but were so considerably below the standard (of his own ment I guess), that he could Dot in any way be induced to award the prize to either of them, two of the English harpings were no other than verbal tran- scriptions of pre-existing documents on the subject, and strange to say, the would-be authors had taken their pitchers to the same well. The other again was of no other value, the author mentioned some- thing about a reservoir, existing as a strata around and above the atmosphere of our common mother earth such a thing did not exist, besides, it was an old idea, which had long ago died away. The Welsh ene, however, was the strangest of all, though the authors had pounded together a good deal of matter, yet it contained not a single sen- tence on the subject, wonderful! Poor deluded Welshmen. Steel is not gold surely. Thinking over the above, I could not help calling into mind the expression made use of some time ago, by Mr Cynddylan Jones, that the Welsh is not well adapted for the development of art and science. Being of a similar opinion, I may be allowed, here- by, to offer my humble opinion on the comparative merit of Welsh and English as mediums for develo- ping the unlimited resources that supply the necessities of human nature. To that end I feel bound to say that it appears to me that the English is by far superior to the Welsh, for the developement of civilization in all its practical features, necess- itous and commercial; the sententiousness of the English in that direction is much more positive in its edification, her compounds more secularly en- lightened, and more definite in the brevity of their diction. The Cymraeg, Welsh again, though the moft prolific as to the roots of all others doubtless, for they seem to run through and irrigate, as it were, all the known dialects in existenca, being an abstract language, such, as that of the first photo, as it were, from nature, has as unavoid- ably so, a negative temperament, and hence it is I presume, that the Welsh is not such as could be adapted with success to the developement of the arts and sciences, in a secular point of views, bee a treatise on Electricity in Cassell's Popular Edu- cator, vol. iv, page 309, 312. Withall, it must be admitted, at least, as far as my experience goes, that the Cymraeg in thi Divinity and poetry (Duwinyddiaeth a Barddoniaeth), is unapproachable in its power. There is one other distinctive feature in the Cymraeg, and not the least important too, as worthy ef notice, that is, the study of the Cymruc language from the source of its derivation, wields a power from within itself, that unavoidably some- how enslaves her votarist. The English seems to me to have been a necessitated child of progress, at some remote period in the history of the British people, not to supplant the Cymraeg, an idea which the Biitish Bards not for a moment entertain, but rather the.Latin, for in the Cymraeg are imbeded. all the jewels of the Kirkal Fabric, which are also as unavoidably fixed as the rock upon which the Kirk, cylch, is built upon. G. P.

PONTYPRIDD RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. The monthly meeting of the Pontypridd Rural Sanitary Authority was held on Wednesday morning at the Union Workhouse, when there were present: The Hev. D. W. Williams, in the chair; Messrs A. Lnle, M. Cule, E. John, and J. Evans (Croffta). THE LLANTRISANT SMOKE NUISANCE. Messrs John Thomas and Joseph Davies, Llan- trisant, attended the Board, and complained of a nuisance caused by smoke coming from Mr Henry Williams' smithy. A petition in favour of Jlr Williams, and stating that no nuisance existed, was presented on the other side. There was an aLimated conversation carried on between the senior Mr Williams and Mr Davies on the subject. Ultimately, Mr Williams promised to raise the chimney higher and make other alterations by May-day. THE FINE ON A CAERPHILLY CONTRACTOR. Mr Richard Morgan, drainage works contractor, Caerphilly, attended, and asked the Board to reduce the X20 fine which they had imposed upon him. I he Chairman remarked that they had ordered other contractors, who had done their work improperly, to do it over again, and as the pipes laid by Mr Morgan's men were not deep enough in some places, he really did not see what they could do. It must not go abroad that the Board allowed work to be scamped ov, r because the contractors said they were not present when the bad work was done, or they would have no end of such excuses. There being only one Guardian for the parish of EqjlwyBilan present, Mr M. Cule, the matter was adjourned for a month. ABSENCE OF LLANTWIT VARDRE GUARDIANS. The Clerk was directed to write to the Guardians for the parish of Llantwit Vardre, complaining of their non-attendance at the last two meetings of the Rural Sanitary Authority. DR. PRICE'S PRIVY AGAIN. The Inspector of Nuisances reported that Dr. Price had pulled down the privy erected by the Board on land belonging to him, and near houses he owns, at Llantrisant: and in consequence that a nuisance arose there through the want of privy accommodation. A fresh notice was ordered to be served on the doctor to abate the nuisance, and if that is net attended to, it appears that proceedings are to follow. There was no other business of importance.

THE TREORKY GREENGROCERS' QUARREL. « DRUNK AS A WHEEL." At Pentre police-court on Monday, Isaac Orton, greengrocer, of Treorky, was summoned by Gilbert Gould, also a greengrocer of the same place, for an assault alleged to have been committed outside the Prince of Wales Inn, at Treorky. Mr Walter H. Morgan, solicitor, appeared for the complainant. The case created considerable amusement in court. The complainant's version of the affair was that he wfnt into the Prince ot Wales Inn, between half- past 10 and 11 o'clock at night, on the 4th < f January, and the defendant asked him to stand treat he refused, and the defendant struck him in the face. Subsequently, the defendant went out, and when complainant proceeded to go home the defendant set npon him. Seeing P.C. Dumaid on the other side of the road, the complainant called to him, bMt the officer's reply was that if the men did not go home he would have them locked up. It was only on the previous night that the defen- dant was fighting with the two sons of the Prince of Wales." (Laughter.) Defendant said they wero four of them together in the public-house on tho night of the 4th of January, and they all drank out of the same pint, but when it came to the complainant's turn to pay he said "he had not got the coin." (Laughter). That this led up to a quarr-1, &c.—George Pym. alleged by the defendant to have been" one of the four," corroboiated complainant's statement as to the assault on the road.—For the defence, David Jones, a tailor, said he saw Gould first push the defendant in the bar, and then strIke him in the chest. The men were drunk.—ilr Morgan You were the only sober man there, I suppose ? (Laughter). The witness Yes, I were sober nt the time, thank God for that.—The Stipendiary Rather an unusual thirg, I suppose. (Laughter.)—Hichard Rees, the next witness called, gave ID a very original manner, an account of an interview between him and Gould, when the latter wanted Bees to give Orton what forand when he replied that he did not know whether he could do it, and at any rate, he preferred not undertaking the task, as he was well acquainted with thc. man.—The Stipendiary believed that both men were drunk and dismissed the case. — Gould and Orton were then placed together on the defendant's side of the court, and P.'J. Dumaid proferr-d a charge against them of being drunk and fighting; his evidence bein they were very drunk, and like two bull-dogs." Gould denied being drunk Orton said, We were both drunk as a wheel, sir, both of us." (Laugh- ter.) In this case the defendants were fined 10s each and costs.

Y GOLOFN GYMREIG. Y Gohebiaethau i'w danfon i'r Golygydi MR. COSSLETT COSSLETT. (CARNELLAN), POXTY PRIDD.

BEIRNIADAETH CYFANSODDIADAU CYFARFOD LLEN- YDDOL Y WELSH HARP, IONAWR 28, 1882. GAIt CARNETJAN. "Y nos o flaen y Frwydr."—Daeth pedwar o gyfansoddiadau i law. Dyma y testyn goreu o ddigon ya y gystadleua; th hon, ac yr oeddym yn dysgwyl cynyrch da, er fod y wobr yn fach-ac yn hyn ni chawsom ein cwbl siomi. Llumanwr."—Mae'r awdwr hwn yn canu yn weddol—rhy ddof yw y cyfansoddiad,—er ei fod yn cynllunio, a dychmygn, yr hyn oedd yn myned yn mlaen yn ngwersylloedd y ddwyblaid. Mae ganddo dor mesur, a chorfanau cloffion yma a thraw-ac amryw wallau orgraffol-yr hyn sy'n tynu 'nol oddiwrth deilyngdod y llinellau-y mae yma amlygiad o awen. Carwr Heddwch.Mae hwn yn canu yn debyg i Llumanwr, ond mae efe yn fwy ystwyth ei gorfaniad, ac yn llai beius mewn orgraph-rhy ddof yw yntau wrth ein bodd-ac nid yw y penill olaf yn perthyn i'r testyn yn uniongyi-chol- dylid cadw at y testyn o'r ddechreu i'r diwedd mewn darn mor fyr a hwn. Collin Cambell," a Gwliedydd.Mae y ddau yma yn rhagori ar y ddau flaenaf a nodwyd -ceir fod y feddyliaeth yn y ddau yma yn lied gyfartal-mae orgraph y ddau hefyd yn Ilea agos a bod yn gydbwys-mae y ddau yn canu yn llithrig—oddieithr un linell gan Gwyliedydd, lie y sillgolla yr N yn nechreu y llinell-H neulldu" eto, yn lie neilldu-ac un syniad eithafol braidd- lie dywed fod y rhyfelgorn yn "rhwygo Creigiau'r Wlad." Dywed yn ei ail benill fod brwydr yr elfenau y nos cyn y frwydr yn gysgod, neu yn rbagfynegydd o'r f wydr y dydd canlynol, ac o'r trychineb oedd i ganlyn-diwedda ei gerdd yndra phriodol. Mae Collin" yntau yn lled ffyddlon i'w bwnc, ond mae yma ol diofalwch, megis, A mantell o d'w'llwch yn foan i'w daenu," i'w thaenu ddylasai fod; eto," Roedd deurder eu llygaid yn awr yn melltenu." Llinell dda yw hon: A'r ser uwch eu penau oedd fel yn ymgrymu." Ond difwynir ei phrydferthwch yn ffos y llinell nesaf. Eto, "Ond gobaith y ddwyblaid a gadwa'i olygon Ar dwr buddu- goliaeth y syllai o hyd." Os mai ar dwr buddugoliaeth yr oedd ei olygon—beth yw ystyr- Y syllai hyd drachefn ? Eto, Y cyfan i gyd." Os oedd y cyfan yr oedd i gyd-un or ddau air yn ddigon. Ceir d'wyllwch am d'w'llwch ddwy waitn—hefyd, nid da y gair tra yn nechreu y tail' llinell, Tra'r haul — tra hwytbau-tra baner-ar am a'r—cynyrchion brys yw'r brychau a nodwyd debygem—beth bynag am hyny, pe buasai wedi eu hosgoi, cawsai haner y wobr—ond fel y mae a heibio yn gyfan i Gwyliedydd." Coffawlgan i'r diwedd Matthew Morgan, Ysw., Cliff Cottage. Derbyniwyd tair. Syr Harri."—Mae efe yn hysbys o ragoriaethau Mr Morgan, a gesyd y cyfryw o'n blaen yn lied ddiiodres, a cheir ambell linell a tharawiad tlws. Ond mae yn wallus iawn yn y mesur, rhaid canu y don hon wrth gyfansoddi cyn y bydd yn Ilithrig a phersain; a dywedwn yn garedig wrth yr awdwr am fynu meistroli yr orgraph; nid oes gobaith enill pan fo'r wisg mor fratiog—gosoded ei blant barddol yn eu dillad goreu i fyned i gystadleuaeth. Ei Edmygydd."—Can yn cynwys teithi, a rhagoriaethau cymdeithasol, galwedigaethol a moesol y diweddar Mr Morgan. Pa fodd y cam- gymerodd am hyd rhai o'r llinellau nis gwyddom -modd bynag, maent yn milwrio yn erbvn tei- lyngdod ei gerdd, a hyn yw y prif beth sydd genym yn ei herbyn-mae ganddo fwy o sillau yn ei linellau nag sydd o nodau yn y don-eto, ni fuasem yn petruso gwobrwyo hon, am bae fod yma un a ystyriwn yn rhagori ar ni. Ardalydd."—Can fywiog—bert — ystwyth—yn cynwys darlun byw, cyfiawn, a lied farddonol, o'r diweddar haeddbarch funeddwr yw hon-yr ydym yn ddibetrue yn dyfarnu y wobr i Ardalydd." Y Dyn Dauwynebog "—Mae Ash-fab yn dra diffygiol mewn teithi barddonol—cyffredin iawn yw ei syniadau, ac mae ei iaitb, a'i fydryddiaeth, a'i orgraph yn wallus iawn. Dyn Un Wyneb."—Ceir ambell ergyd lied dda gan hwn, ond fel cyfanwaith, mae ar ol gryn dipyn—mae'r corfaniad, a'r gramadeg, a'r orgraph dan draed yn ami— diwygicd yn y pethau hyn, ac fe lwydda. 11 As you like it.Pedwa.r penill lied ddifai mewn -Uenyddiaeth am bell linell ag eisiau ychydig olew arni-defnyddia y gair "gwenau" a gwyneb yn rby aiiil mewn cerdd mor fyr—er hyny cawsai ef y wobr oni bae fod yma ei drech. J'arluniedydd."—Cerdd finiog a gwatwarus, ae ambell i stroke lied farddonol; mae yn weddol ystwyth, ac yn lied gywir—a cbynwysa ddarlun rly du, hagr, ond pur gywir o'r Dauwynebog. Dar. luniedydd yn ddibetrus bia'r dorch. Dau englyn i'r "Trydan wawl" (Electric Light). -Tri ddaeth i law, mae eiddo Trydanydd yn lied bwyntiol—a'i gynghan- eddiad yn lied ystwyth, hwyrach fod y llinell, If All i'n hedd droi o wyll nen," yn rhy debyg -eto, cawsai y wobr gyda phleser oni bae fod yma oleuni" mwy tanbaid. 11 Taranwr uwch trueni" a Gwvliedydd.Yr un gwr bia y rhai hyn, ac maent mewn manau yr un fath. Hfryrach nad yw y cyrch yn yr ail englyn yn gwbl rheolaidd,-os seinir Edison fel y 1!1 tybiwn y ddylid-modd bynag, mae eiddo Gwyliedydd, yn enwedig esgyll yr ail englyn, yn rhagorol. Efe bia'r wobr. Englyn i'r Drwydded Iforaidd." Daeth i I law chwech o englynion. I'r Trwyddair (password) mae eiddo Aelodwr ac Ap Ifor-pe y Trwyddair fuasai y testyn "Aelodwr" enillasai y gamp o ddigon. Mae eiddo Ap Ifor Hael," yn Hed bwyntiol-er nad ydym yn hoffi y gair herwyf." Rhyw gymysg o Drwyddair a Thrwydded yw eiddo Iforydd" gallwn feddwl-nid yw yn ein boddhau-dylai englyn fel hyn fod yn glir o ran meddwl, ac yn hapus ei weithiad allan. Ifor Wyn a Brodor sydd ddau enw ar yr nn person, a'r un englyn,—ychydig iawn yw'r gwahaniaeth rhwng y ddau—maent yn cynwys pob o gyrchiad gwallus, ac mae coll h gan Ifor Wyn." Gwell genym eiddo Brodor," ac mae yn englyn da, cyflawn, a phridol-ac yn llawn werth y wobr, er gall fod brycheuyn arno-og gall, tyned hwnw i ffwrdd.

YSTRADYFODWG LOCAL BOARD. THE TRAMWAY SCHEMES. The fortnightly meeting of the Ystrad Local Board was held on Wednesday, when there were present: Mr John Davies (in the chair), Dr. H. N. Davies, Dr. Idris Davies, Messrs E. Thomas, E. Evans, E. Davies, W. Jenkins, and W. Davies. Dr. H. N Davies called attention to the nuisance caused by an unpleasant smell at the B,itannia Gas Works. The Surveyor was requested to report upon the matter to the Board and the manager of the Gas Works. Deputations from the Treherbert Chamber of Trade, and from a ratepayers' meeting held at Porth, on Wednesday evening, waited upon the Board, and urged upon them the desirability of their giving every facility for the construction of tramways in the Valley. The Board went into the whole 9hatter of the tramways at great length, and resolved to have from the promoters of the through scheme a deposit of £ 250, and from the promoters of the shorter scheme J6150 before the roads are touched, the amounts to be repaid after the completion of the schemes, on the certificate of the Board's Surveyor that the provisions of the Act have been complied with. In cases where the roads are not 22 feet 6 inches in width the Board have power to widen them to that width, charging the cost of the works to the promoters of the schemes, but, it is understood, bearing the cost of I purchasing the necessary land themselves. A clause in the schemes, enabling the companies to charge more than one penny per mile for short distances, was expunged. and a new clause inserted that the uniform fares be one penny per mile I along the whole route. Plans of new offices for the Board were passed and tenders ordered to be advertised for. I

PONTYPRIDD. LECTURE. — On Monday evening, at Sardis Chapel, the Rev. T. P Evans, New Quay, delivered his popular lecture on "Being healthy," when the chair was occupied by the Rev. Dr. Roberts.' THE REV. THOMAS PARRY.—AH church-going people in this district will learn with regret that the Rev Thomas Parry, one of the two curates connected with Glyntaf Ecclesiastical District, left on Wednesday, for Llanbadarn Fawr. The rev. gentleman bad won many friends in the district, and hit departure is much regretted.

RHYDFELEN. THE MONTHLY MEETING was held at Rhydfelen Baptist Chapel, on Sunday and Monday, when the Revs. Jones, Berthlwyd; T. Baker, Llantrisant T. Evang, Treforest; J. Thomas, Tongwynlais, and Dr. Roberts, Pontypridd, preached.

GLYNTAF. CXUBCR PASTORAL AiD SOCIETY.—On Sunday, special sermons were preached on behalf of the above society in the parish church, and also in St. Catherine's Church, Pontypridd, by the Revs. T. H. Hughes, Brecon, and W. Lewis, Ystrady- fodwg. The congregations at both churches were large, and collections in aid of the society were made at the close of each service. In the after- noon there was a large gathering of the Sunday scholars of Glyntaff, and addresses were de- livered by the deputations, the Vicar, and Mr F. R. Crawshay, Treforest.

ABERDARE JUNCTION. MAN UNKNOWN FOUND DROWNED.—At 1 p.m. on Tuesday the body of a man, unknown, was discovered floating in the canal at this place. The body is described as that of a man about 50 to (30 years of age, 5ft. 6in. high, proportionate figure, dark brown hair, whiskers and moustache turning grey. round face, pug-nose, lost right arm at wrist, and point of fingers off the left hand, dr, ssed in brown cloth ti-ousers, and vest double-breasted, old Welsh flannel shirt, leather belt round waist black and white wooil n cuff on left wrisc supposed to be tramp and had Is lid in coppers, and a whistle. He has been in the water several days.

PENYGRAIG. ACCIDENT.-An accident resulting in the loss of a valuable hor e belonging to Mr S. Andrews, of Cardiff, occurred on Wednesday evening be ween Penygraig and Tonypandy. It appears that a van full of furniture was started from Cardiff about half-past 3 o'clock in the afternoon for l'onypahdv. I'he driver states that in going down the steep hill near the Naval Steam Coal Co's works the front horse was frightened by the steam of the eno-ine there, and the animal suddenly turned round, and pulled the van over the embankment and upon the horse itself, which was killed on the spot.

CLYDACH VALF. OPENING THE ELY VALLEY RAILWAY.—On Monday, a locomotive ran for the first time along the Elv Valley Railway at Llantrisant to the top of Clydach Valley, which is a short offshoot, about two miles in extent, of the Rhondda Valley at Tonypandy. This line traverses the Ely Valley from one end to the other, passes Tonyrefail, Penrhiwfer, Penygraig, and now reaches into the Clydach Valley, iu which are situated the important collieries of Messrs Thomas and Riches, Mr Perch, and the collieries of the Treforest Steel and Iron Company. Extending from the Rhondda Railway branch at Trealaw is a railwny incline to the top of the Clydach Valley, reaching to a spot near where the Ely Valley Railway now enters it. The result is that now, bv the opening of the Ely Valley Railway to the Clydach Valley and to a spot in close proximity to the end of the said incline, the Great Western Railway system extends to within a short distance of the great coal-field of the two Rhonddas. CONCERT.—A grand evening concert was held at Zoar Congregational chapel, on Thursday, 2nd inst., presided over by Mr Hayhurst, agent of Messrs. Thomas and Riches, colliery proprietors, when a very good programme was gone through by the following artistes :—sopranos, Llinos Dar (Ton Ystrad), and Eos Alma (Dowlais), contralto, Mor- fydd Rhondda (Treorky), and Eos Fach (Dowla s) tenor, Telorydd (TOR Ystrad), acd Llew Dyfodwg,' baritone, Mr T. Johns (Llwynpia) and the Ton Glee Party. After an overture on the piano by Mr D. Bowen, Dowlais, the glee party made a very good impression by renderi, g in very good style Cheer up Companions." Eos Alma and Eos Fach have improved very much of late, "The two Cousins sang by them bad a very hearty encore and Nant y Mynydd and "Elvin's Call was' rendered by them very satisfactorily. Mr T. John gave us in capital style "The Little Hero" and The Old Brigade Llam y cariadau by Llinos Dar was encored,and also Can y Melinydd" by Morfydd Rhondda. Mr and Mrs. Bell," by Telorydd and Llinos Dar was very enthusiastically encored by a certain portion of the congregation, when I noticed several others suppressing their emotions under very different influences. They gave us next selections from Blodwen when the audience unitedly gave them very hearty applause. The concert turned out in every sense a thorough success.—Cymro.

MAESYCWMMWR. FARMER'S MEETING.—On Friday evening a meeting of the Mynyddislwyn, Bedwellty, fled was, and Llaniddel District Farmers' Association was held at the Angel Hotel, when Mr Watkin Waters (Woodfield) presided, and Mr John Morgan (Tymawr) occupied the vice-chair. Among those present were Messrs W. Jenkins (Penllwynmawr), Rees, Morgan, &c., with Mr 1 hos. Rees (Penllwyn Bach, Blackwood) the secretary. It was decided to hold the ploughing and hedging matches on the 9th of March. Mr Thomas Rees delivered in Welsh a very telling address upon cultivating the soil.

MOUNTAIN ASH. FATAL ACCIDENT.-—A boy 12 years of age, named Thomas Harris, son of Mr Rees Harris, of Woodland-terrace, met his death about nine o'clock on Wednesday morning. As he was going into the works at the lower pit, Cwmpennar, the shackling in some way got loose, and a train of 10 trams ran over the poor fellow, and caused his instant death. An inquest will be held. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES AT DUFFRYN SCHOOLS. -On Friday evening Lord Aberdare distributed y I the prizes to the successful scholars at the Duffryn Schools. The meeting took place in the bovs' school, the spacious building being crowded to excess. Among those present were Lady Aber- dare and daughters. Lord Aberdare at the outset informed his hearers that the Duffryn Schools had been transferred to the Aberdare School Board, and would be managed henceforth bv a joint committee, composed of nine members, five of whom represented Aberdare, and four Llan- wonno School Board. Six of these gentlemen who took great interest in education in the place' were residents of Mountain Ash therefoie thev would naturally infer that the schools would not suffer on account of the change. The boys had not been so successful in the Government examin- ation these past two years as on previous occasions having failed in arithmetic. The nature of the sums given to them to make was somewhat strange to them, viz., problems, and, therefore, they were taken out of their ordinary groove; but he believed in novel examinations. No doubt Mr Dowlino- and his assistants would in the future do then- utmost. and, consequently, the schools would asume their former position. In consequence of the schools having been transferred to the Board and the fact that it was illegal for School Boards to vote public money for the purpose of giving away prizes, he proposed to the Messrs Nixon and the Powell Duffryn Company that the necessary sum should be rra 1e up between t^em and himse^, to which proposal the two comp mi^s had favour- ably leplied. The prizes, therefore had been contributed by the two companies and himself. (Applause). The examination had 1 eea conducted by Mr Meggs, of Newpo t. Twenty-two girls and 20 boys were present. The aggregate number of marks attained was-Gills, 154 7; boys, 151'7. The highest number of marks attained by the most successful amongst the girls was 189, and the highest amongst the boys 185. I*- appeared from the report of the inspector, read by his lordship, that all the children did exceedingly well in all the subject. His lordship then distributed the prizes, after which an entertainment, com- posed of singing, &c., took place, the scholars and their teachers taking part.

TRUCKS RUNNING WILD AT GILFACH GOCH. On Tuesday, owing, it is supposed, to the freak of a lad, eight coal waggons to the value of JE150 werf damaged by -f" running wild upon an incline on the Llwyni and Ogmore Railway. Strange to say. though four waggons smashed, a youngster of 16 who had gone into the van at the top of the incline remained uninjured.

PLOT TO INJURE MR FORSTER STARTLING DISCLOSURE. What appears to have been a disgraceful attempt to inflict personal injury upon Mr. Furater has just been made the subject of an official investigation. One morning last week a letter addressed to him was received at the Castle, Dublin; but suspicion as to the nature of its contents was aroused in consequence of some dark stains upon the envelope. The officials, after partly opening the letter, resolved to send it to an analyst for examination. It is under- stood that the result of this analysis was the dis- covery that the envelope contained a highly explosive substance, which, when dry, is liable to explode by the slightest friction. The fact, however, that the sub- stance was somewhat dump modified its explosive power for the time being, and was also the means, bv staining the paper, of leading to its discovery. The letter was addressed to The Right Hon. W. E. Forster, the Castle, Dublin," and above this inscrip- tion were the letters, as if to lead to the supposition that the communication ws,s of an official character. It bore the Dublin postmark, and the date January 31st. Whatever the substance contained in the letter, il is unquestionably a dangerous explosive. The more act of opening the letter somewhat roughly woulc probably have caused an explosion resulting in injury to the hands, and if it had been opened near the face might have destroyed the eyesight, « inflicted other serious injuries. It should be stated that all letters addressed to Mr. Forster are in the first instance opened by his secretaries In the present case it happens that the secretariat themselves had also left Dublin. Tnose who remainec in charge of the official business at the Castle hac their suspicions awakened immediately on the receipl of the letter. Beyond the explosive substance the envelope contained nothing whatever, there being n. writing, nor anything which might give any indica- tion to the identity ot the offenders.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. THE QUEEN'S SPEECH. On Tuesday, the 7th inst., the third session of the 10th Parliament of the present reign was opened by commission, when the Queen's Speech was read in the House of Lords by the Lord Chancellor, and in the House of Commons by the Speaker. The following is the text of the Royal Speech My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, It is with much satisfaction that I again iitvita your advice and assistance in the conduct of public affairs. I have given my approval to a marriage between my son Prince Leopold Duke of Albany, and Her Serene Highness Princess Helen of Waldeck and Pyrmont. I have every reason to believe that this will be a happy union. I continue in relations of cordial harmony with all oreign Powers. The treaty for the cession of Thessaly to the Greek kingdom has now been executed in its main provi. sions. The transfer of sovereignty and of occupation was t^S^cted in a manner honourable to all concerned. In concert with the President of the French Re- public, I have given careful attention to the affairs ol Egypt, where existing arrangements have imposed on me f-peciat obligations. I shall u-e my influence to maintain the rights already established, whether by the Firmans of the Sultan, or by various international engagements, in a spirit favourable to the good govern- ment of the country and the prudent development of its institutions. I have pleasure in informing you that the restoration of peace beyond the North-Western Fron- tier, together with continued internal tranquility, plentiful eeatons, and increase of revenue, has enabled my Government in India to resume works of public utility which had been suspended, and to devote its attention to measures for the further improvement ot the condition of the people. The convention with the Transvaal has been rati- fied by the representative assembly and I have seen no reason to qualify my anticipations of its advan- tageous working. I have, however, to regret that, although hostilities have not been renewed in BasutoJand, the country still remains in an unsettled condition. GENTLEMEK OF THZ HOUSE OF COMMONS, The estimates for the service of the year are in an advanced stage of preparation, and will be promptly submitted to you. My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, My communications with France on the subject of a new Commercial Treaty have not been closed. They will be prasecuted by me, as I have already acquainted you, with a desire to conclude a Treaty favourable to extended intercourse between the two nations, to whose close amity I attach so great a value. The trade of the country, both domestic and foreign, has for some time been improving, and the mildness of the winter season has been eminently suited to farming operations. Better prospects are, I trust, thus opened for the classes immediately concerned in agriculture. The public revenue, which is greatly, though not always at once affected by the state of industry and commerce, has not yet exhibited an upward movement in proportion to their increased activity. The condition of Ireland at this time. as compared with that which I described at the beginning of last J ear, shews signs of improvement; and encourages the ope that perseverance in the course you have pursued will be rewarded by the happy results which are so much to be desired. Justice has been administered with greater efficacy; and the intimidation which has been employed to dfter occupiers of land from fulfilling their obligations, and from availing themselves of the Act of last Ses- sion, shews upon the whole a diminished force. My efforts, through the bounty of Providence, have been favoured by the abundance of the harvest io that portion of the United Kingdom. In addition to a vigorous exertion of the provisions of the ordinary law, I have not hesitated, under the painf-il necessity of the case, to employ largely the exceptional powers intrusted to me for the protection of life and property by two Acts of the last Session. You will be invited to deal with proposals for the establishment in the English and Welsh counties of local self-government, which has so long been enjoyed by the towns; together with enlarged powers of administration, and with financial changes which will give you an opportunity of considering, both as to town and country, what may be the proper extent, and the most equitable and provident form, of contributio from Imperial taxes in relief of local charges. These prop osals, in so far as they are financial, will apply to the whole of Great Britain. It will be necessary to reserve the ease ot Ireland for a separate consideration. In connection with the general subject of local administration, I have directed a measure to be pre- pared and submitted to you for the reform of the arcient and distinguished Corporation of London, and the extensi i of Municipal Government to the Metro- polis at largA. Bills will again be laid before you with which, dur- ing the last Session, notwithstanding the length of its duration and your unwearied labours, it was found impossible to proceed. I refer particularly to those concerning bankruptcy, the repression of Corrupt Practices at Elections, and the Conservancy of Rivers and Prevention of Floods. Measures will also be proposed to you with respect to a Criminal ( ode and to the consolidation and amendment of the laws affecting patents. The interest of some portions of the United King- dom have ed pecuniarily,of late years, from the extreme pressure of the public business on your time and etrengtii but I trust that, during this Session, y, 11 may be able to consider bills which will be pre- seMei: to you in relation to the Law of Entail and to Educational Endowments in Scotland, and to im- proved means of Education in Wales. I commend these and other subjects with confidence to your care and it is my earnest prayer that your wisdom and energy may, under the blessing of God, prove equal to the varied and increasing needs of this extended Empire.

YSTRADYFODWG SCHOOL BOARD- The monthly meetiag of this Bonrd was held on Mondav afternoon at Pentre Chamb?rs, when there were present: Mr D. Evans (in the chair) Rev. W. Lewis, Rev. J. R. Jones, Messrs. E. Thomas, W. Jenkins, D. D. Joseph, M. R. Rowlands, H. Lewis, W. W. Hood, and W. Taylor. CLYDACH VALE POUNDAGE. Mr Hood reported that he and Mr Thomas had seen the manager of Clydach Vale colliery with regard to the poundage, and that gentleman stated that they considered it much trouble to collect poundage and pay it to the different School Boards, an that it was unfair because the young men bad to pay tor the married men; and the deputation failed to convince him of the propriety of the arrangement. The Chairman remarked that the only remedy they bad was to be strict its to the attendances and the payment of fees at Clydacb Vale. SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION AT TON. Mr E. Thomas drew attention to the deficiency of school accommodation at Ton, and said it was a serious matter to see so many children playing in the streets of that place daily. He thought they might obtain the necessary accommodation for the infints in a small vestry belonging to the Metho- dists. The matter was referred to the Sites Committee. CORRESPONDENCE. SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION AT FERNDALE, &C. The Clerk read a letter from Mr Thomas Jones, Ynyshir, enclosing a cheque for jE61 10s 6d pound- age for the three years ending the 31st March last. A letter was read from the Llanwonno School Board on the question of the transfer of Ferndale School, and a communication from the Education Department stating that the plans sent up of the existing school and its proposed alterations were satisfactory, but that there was no provision for infants, the number of children provided for being 156 senior boys, and 174 junior boys, and 156 senior girls, and 174 junior girls—660 in all, whereas the deficiency was 770. The Chairman proposed that the plans be adopted, and that they should have a plan of a new school for 480 infants and 100 junior boys. Carried. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. The School Management Committee reported no progress made at Dunraven School, the passes had increased 4*5 on the same period of last year. The The inspector (Mr Howells) having reported to them that seven of the head-teachers were absent when he called at times when they should be giving lessons to pupil teachers, the committee recom- mended that all the head-teachers be written to, aed asked to pay special attention to the pupil teacher's lessons. The report was adopted. TRUSTEES IN A PREDICAMENT. The Chairman read a letter, or rather a petition, addressed to him by Mr John Lloyd, Pentre, and others, asking the Board to place before the Education Department some facts connected with the transfer of Pentre Schools to the Board, so that, if possible, the Board might receive something more from the Board towards clearing their liabilities. The petition stated that the trustees had kept the schools open for 8 months during the strike, that the buildings were ereeted at a time when everything was costly, and that the same buildings were valued for transfer to the Board when the rod of God was on the earth." After some conversation, it was suggested by the Chairman that Mr Lloyd be asked to state the whole of the facts of the case clearly, and the Board would consider whether they could recom- mend the matter to the notice of the Department. This was agreed to. TENDERS. Tenders for the supply of fire guards and fenders to all the schools of the Board were opened as follows: Evan Llewelyn, Pontypridd, fenders, 7s each, guards 6s each; Sarah Jones, Rhondda Foundry, fenders 2s 6d, guards 6s; D. V. Thomas, Pontypridd, fenders 4s 3d. guards 31d per lb. The tender of Mrs Jones, being the lowest, was accepted. THE CLERK'S SALARY. When this question came on for discussion, the Clerk (Mr Rosser) retired. Mr E. Thomas spoke highly of Mr Rosser's services and moved that his salary be advanced from .£100 to JE150 a year. The work bad greatly increased and was increasing, and he considered that Mr Rosser was entitled to that amount. Mr H. Lewis asked whether they had thought of the advisability of amalgamating the offices of Clerk and Superintendent. The Chairman The Board as a whole have not considered anything yet. Mr Taylor: I have thought of it. I find that other Boards do that. The'Chairmau In those cases they keep clerks to assist them. Mr Thomas did not think the Superintendent would be able to do it, he had too much work. Mr Taylor thought the schoolmasters might take some work off the Superintendent's hands. Mr Joseph believed that befcre they could speak of an amalgamation of the two offices notice must be given. Mr H. Lewis remarked that if they gave the Superintendent £50 a year more for the extra work they would save another £ 50. The Rev. J. R. Jones seconded Mr Thomas's motion. Mr Joseph proposed that the matter be adjourned so that the question of the amalgamation of the two offices might be discussed. Mr Taylor seconded the motion. Mr Hood considered that the two offices should be entirely separate, and that the clerk had been underpaid hitherto, andibelieved that instead of gain- ing P,50 a year they would lose more than that in grants, &c. by an amalgamation. The Rev. W. Lewis imagined that the application had come too soon. New schools were abut to be built, and it was after those had been opened that the matter should have been brought up. Mr Hood: But we shall always be having new schools opened. Mr Thomas said that their clerk saw other officers of the parish receiving material advances in their salaries. The Rev. W. Lewis But they are not parallel cases. Mr H. Lewis No, no. Mr Thomas I am a member of the other Board as well, and I think they are. The amendment was then put to the meeting, and 4 voted for it. For the motion to advance the salary 5 (independent of the Chairman) voted. Mr Thomas You have not voted, Mr Chairman. The Chairman It is not necesssary. Mr Thomas's motion was declared carried, and on the Clerk's re-appearance in the Boaid-room, the Chairman intormed him that the Board had ex- pressed their appreciation of his services by resolving to increase his salary C50 a year. The Clerk said he was glad that his services were appreciated, and much obliged to them for the advance, hut he would have been very much more glad and more obliged if they had advanced it to .£200. (Laughter). He only hoped to merit their confidence in the future as in the past. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. Mr Howells (School Superintendent), said the percentage in averge attendance at the schools of the BoaLd to be 63-9, and of the number present at all 73.9, and at the voluntary schools in average attendance 66, and present at all 70. The report dealt at some length with the school fees question, the arrears of which were said to amount to JJ29 10s 7d. Whereupon Mr W. Jenkins proposed the question of the revision of the school fees be placed on the next agenda. After the transaction of some other business of minor importance the meeting terminated.

Pentre Police Court. MONDAY.—(Before Mr G. Williams, Stipendiary; Mr T. Joseph and Mr Eben«7er Lewis.) TREORKY STEALING A SHIRT.—Jane Ranee, was charged with stealing a shirt, value 6s, from a window-sill at Treorky, on the 30th ult., the property of Evan Davies, Treorky. The shirt had been found at prisoner's house, and the prisoner, when apprehended hiding in a water-closet, at once admitted her guilt, and attributed all to "drink." The Stipendiary remarked that in his opinion pris- oner's excuse was not a palliation but an aggrava- tion of her offence, and were it not that this was prisoner's first breach of the law she would have been much more severely dealt with. Fined £ ], or in default, 7 days. TYNEWYDD: THE ALLEGED W ATcn THEFT. David Charles, blacksmii h, Tynewydd, was charged on remand, with stealing a watch. Superintendent Matthews said that the wntch had been stolen in July, and had been found pledged with Mr Stall, pawnbroker. It appeared, however, that Mr Stall had said that the watch had been pledged with him in March, whereas the owner of the watch asserted that he had not lost it till July. This was so important a differe ice, in fact, that in the absence of Mr Stall, Mr Matthews applied thut defendant should be again remanded on bail. To this the bench assented. TREORKY: WOMEN'S QUARREL.-Catherine Harris, single woman, Treorky, was summoned by Amelia Williams, a young married woman, for assaulting her on the 1st February, and Henrietta Harris mother of the defendant, was also summoned for assaulting Elizabeth Bailey, mother of the last complainant, at the same time. Mr D. Rosser, Pontypridd, appeared for defendants. It was represented that Mrs Harris had struck Mrs Bailey several times, and dragged her down towards her (Mrs Harris's) house. Catherine, too, had struck Amelia, and burnt her with a hot poker. The bench fined the two defendants 10s and costs each. PENRBIWFER COLLIERY OFFENCE—William Ed- wards and Benjamin Jones were charged with breach of cc Iliery rules at Penrhiwfer. William Jenkins, overman at the colliery, said that on the 26th ult. he searched Benjamin's pocket, and found a box there with one match. In Edwards's pocket was a knife with a match in the slide." Benjamin tried to show that he knew nothing of the match in die box, and Edwards remarked that he had not opened the knife, which he had found a week before. Both men received a very good character. The Stipendiary pointed out that the rules were very strict upon the matter; but he -accepted Edwards' excuse as valid, and dismissed the case against him.—Benjamin Jones said he never smoked.L-The Stipendiary said that people took matches for other than smoking purposes, and fined Jones £1 and costs. LLWTNPIA: WAGES DIdPUTE.- Phillip Davies, contractor, Tonypandy, was summoned by Frederick Bryant, Troalaw, for £1 lis 3d, balance of wages. Complainant claimed about eight days, at 4s a day. He admitted that he left without notice, but said that that was because of the constant stoppages at the colliery.-The Stipendiary: Do you not know that there is a monthly notice stipulated at the colliery ?—Complainant: No.-The Stipendiary Then I do.—Complainant: Many more have been stopped by you and left without notice.—the Stipendiary: In this case, as in a recent Dinas case, these wages have become due to complainant, and if you (defendant) are a loser, you should take out a summons against him. But you have no business to withhold a man's wages when he has earned them. I'll hold the summons over until you (defendant) take out a summons against him, and I shall certainly hold that you are entitled to some compensation if he left you without notice. It is the universal custom in this district to give notice now, except at Penygraig.-Ultimately the case was settled by complainant going back to work a. month's notice-the nttice to commence that day, and the case to be held over for a fort- night, so that the Bench might see if the agreement would be properly acted out. PORTH ALLEGED BURGLARY.—David Llewellyn, who had only come from prison Oil the Monday previous after 18 months incarceration, was charged with stealing three pairs of boofs, a coat, and a waistcoat, from the house of William Evan Richards, platelayer, Railway-side, P. rth, on the 28th April, 1890. 'I he prosecutor, William Evan Richards, said that on the 28th of April, 1880, he went to bed about ten o'clock, h rvlngthe windows and doors fastened. When he got up about five next morning he noticed that the window was open, and drawn down sufficiently to have admitted a man through it. He saw a flower pot out of which the flower had ben taken. He noticed candle greese and matches on the floor. On looking around he missed a coat. waistcoat, and three pairs of boots. The coat and waistcoat were hanging on the stairs door on the previous night. The whole of the goods stolen were worth about 25s. Happy Todd," said the prisoner was on the night before the burglary at Porth, at a public-house. After. wards, the prisoner left and went in the direction of Richards' house. This was about eleven o'clock p.m., and the prisoner was then without a bundle of any kind.-Sergt. Price, Dinas, said that cn Monday, the 17th of Muy, 1880, he went to Merthyr police-station and found the boots produced on the prisoner's feet. Remanded until Wednesday. TYNYBEDW HOUSES ALLEGED TO BE UNFIT FOR HABITATION. — Mr Walter H. Morgan, solicitor, (clerk to the Ystradyfodwg Local Board), asked for an order to close two houses at High-street, Tynybedw, belonging to the London and Provincial Bank, Pontypridd, and of which the rents were collected by Mr E. H. Davies. John Evans, one of the sub-inspectors of the Ystrad Local Board, said the houses were rendered unfit for habitation by water running through the back and the closets into the houses.—Mr W. Williams, solicitor, who appeared. for Mr Davies, consented to the order, and remarked that the mortgagees would do the work and th, y would try to come to some under- standing with the landlord. Houses were ordered to be closed in a fortnight. Daniel Davies, printer, Treorky, was summoned for neglecting to abate a nuisance behind his house, through having it was alleged, improper drains at the back, which flooded the next house and rendered it damp.- Case adjourned for a fortnight. Llewelyn Rees, High-street, Tynybedw, whose house was said to be flooded occasionally by water in the back, ordered to close in a mon h. TREHERBERT A FAMILY ASSAULT ON THE POLICE. -Robert Eveligh, an old man, Ann Eveligh, (his wife), and Samuel Eveligh, (their son), were charged with assaulting P.C. Lewis at Dumfries- street, Treherbert, a little after midnight on Satur- day last. Mr Walter H. Morgan, solicitor, appeared for the defendants. It appeared that a friend had gone into the house with young Eveleigh, and that there was some harmonium f laying going on, when for some reason the police were called in to turn out the guest of the evening. So far there seems to be no difference of opinion, but of the subsequent proceedings the version of the police and of the defendants differed According to the evidence of P.C. Lewis, the son asked him what he wanted, and struck him. He determined to take Samuel into custody, when the other defendants attempted to release their son, but he stuck to his man, and P.C. Tom Bryant came and took the old couple into custody. The police admitted that there was considerable scuffling, but denied having committed an assault upon either of the defendants. On the other hand, the defence set up was that the police had exceeded their duty, that the guest referred to had gone out, when the father and son had a dispute as to the ownership of the harmonium, and P.C. Lewis was alleged to have given the younger Eveleigh a smack m the face, that when he resented the officer seized him by the throat, but let him to when Mrs Galloway, who lived next door, came in that Samuel then went into the back kitchen, but was followed by Lewis; that Bryant then "came in like a bull," and that the trio were taken into custody by the two officers. The mother and son were said to have been drunk at the time. but the old mau sober. Mr Morgan in his speech for the defence, spoke strongly of the conduct of the constables, and pointed to a black eye which the old woman had, to some clotted blood on the head of the son. The Stipendiary said that if the magis- tracy declined to give the police protection in do ng their duty they would refuse to interfere in qnurrels in pi ivate houses. Mr Morgan: How can it be said that every man's house is his castle, if the police are allowed to interfere in this way ? The Stipendiary But the < fficer had been invited into castle, you see. (Laughter.) Though we find the defendants guilty of assaulting the police we consider that they have been somewhat roughly handled and we shall only require them to find sureties to keep the peace for six months, and to pay the costs of the proceedings.

THE YOUNG MEN OF PONTYPRIDD AND THE LITERARY INSTITUTE. SIR,-It is said of a certain Spaniard that he used to wear spectacles when eating cherries, that they might appear larger and more tempting. Certainly he was eccentric, and in this peculiar habit it would be difficult for him to find an imitator, except in a "whining schoolboy" gazing dejectedly on his last apple. Still, taken metaphorically, his example conveys to us an important lesson, viz.: to make the best of what is best for us, or to avail ourselves of the advantages and facilities offered to us for self-improvement. While rejoicing that the growing physical short-sightedness of the age is so amply provided for by skillful opticians, and that our young friends as we 1 as old are so ever cautious to use ocular crutches even in cases when they may perform their callings better without them, yet I cannot but deeply regret the negletet of the rising generation of the very many appliances offered to it for mental cultivation, which neglect invariably results, if not in total mental blindness, evidently in a great mental short-sightedness. To the inhabitants of Pontypridd, the Literary Institute is one of these appliances. Its chief objects, as embodied in the Rules and Regula- tions," are—1. To keep open a reading-room to be supplied with daily and weekly newspapers, and with magazine literature of an unsectarian charac- ter. 2. To establish and maintain a Library, also unsectarian. It has also other minor objects. The committee for carrying out these objects is con- structed of the most prominent gentlemen of the town. Besides a comfortable and spacious reading- room, with the principal daily and weekly news- papers and monthly periodicals strewn judiciously on a large table, it has a splendid library, consisting of about 1,500 volnmi s, well-selected, and dealing with every branch of literature, Art and Science, Theology, History, Biography, Travels, Philology, Fiction, Encyclopedias, &c., and to guide the visitors in searching out the treasures of thought deposited therein, there is a very amiable librarian, whose genial presence) spreads an extra lustre over the whole Here the wearied tradesman at the end of a busy day may step in for recreation of the best kind here the low-hearted workman may turn his mind to some stirring aiticle or essay until the dulness which a monotonous drudgery had pro- duced is shak. n off and he feels that he is himself again; and here, above all, the young man (and the young lady also) may improve his leisure hours by filliug his mind with a stock of useful informa- tion which is not only conducive, but essential, to a happy and a prosperous life. But I am sorry to understand that this noble Institute is shamefully neglected by that class which it was especially intended to benefit. In spite of the rapid growth of our town in population and importance, the members' list for last year was one hundred less than three years ago; and of those that remain the majority are those over thirty years of age. By last year's report the Institute appears to be scarcely se f-sapportable; and were it not for the generous donations of some gentlemen who make it the aim of their lives to promote the public welfare, it would be by this time in the ditch. This state of affairs leads one to inquire into the cause of it. The Institue may be not in all things what it ought to be, but I am convinced that it is what it could be under the circumstances. It ought to have a Free Library; it ought to be sup- ported by a public rate; the number of books ought to be doubled. Many improvments, undoubtedly, will be brought about in course of time, but unless the public in future take more interest in it than in the past we caunot expect them very soon. But 1 am afraid that this is not the chief cause of it. I venture to assert that it is the growing in- difference of the people of our town for self-im- provernents,-especially the young people. This growing indifference shows itself in even circle of society-churches, Sunday Schools, public entertainments, and above all in every diy conversation. The old adage, know thyself," seems to be entirely forgotten in our days. What a bane to society are these ihtellectual coxcombs I Most of them have got up somehow a great deal of superficial knowledge, but without sense enough to use it either for their own beuefit or that of others. Their education," of course, is complete. Henceforth, they will live on the bounties of leisure, practically despising all kinds of mental work. It is surely not Lheir lot To scorn delight, and live laborious days-" Consequently, they are only ciphers in their genera- tion, or, indeed, it is difficult to classify them at all. They are considered by their fellow-townsmen more diligent to be objects of pity and hatred. They are deprived of the society of the sons of labour, which, with the exception of domestic unhappiness, is the greatest punishment their use- less lives incur on them. And this class is constantly increasing. Their habits of self- indulgence and neglect of common duties are resulting in a total inability to fight the battle of life. Their mental powers are dwarfed. A millstone and the human mind Are driven ever round, If they have nothing else to grind They must themselves be ground." They fold their arms, expecting fate to cut their paths before them, and waiting for favourable winds to start the sea of life, and run them into some snug harbour in the official world. But often the storm keeps them in the offing until it is too late, or others are preferred, and all on a sudden they find themselves bearded men and heads of families. Enslaved to the senses, and the headlong impulses of lust, aimless, ambitionless, such people drag through their profitless existence with no other variety than that which the indulgence in the different forms of sensuality can afford. Oh how such indifference do mar the prospects of many a promising young man. For this world has always been an uncomfortable place for people having no direct aim. The bee-hive of industry grows hotter and hotter every day for drones. We cannot lead an us-less life, and avoid the conse- quences. No gifts of fortune, no altitude of rank, can wholly relieve us of the laws of life. We are bound to contribute to the harmonious working of things, or pay the heavy penalty inflicted upon d scord. 1 hope this humble appeal to the young men of Pontypridd, on behalf of this Institute will gather weight from the fact that so many young men have lately joined the Blue Ribbon Movement. It gladdened my heart the other day to hear one of these saying What a grand thing this move- ment is!" But while rejoicing at the grand success of this "grand thing," and wishing God speed to the movement, allow me to state what has been inv riably proved in all t emperance as well as religious revivals, that unless these young men find out some means of amusement contrary to those which they adopted before, they cannot possibly hold on very long. Hut what an antidote to habits of self-indulgencelwould be to apply one s self assiduously to mental cultivation. Next to the grace of God, I knew of nothing more powerful. And what a blessing it is that we can exercise our minds in this direction. If we were in a country where freedom of inquiry was not tolerated, or if there were no books accessible to us, or had we no means of feeding out minds with suitable food, our condition would be deserving of the deepest compasson. But our situation is one of high privilege. The rich territory of intellect is laid before us. The golden mines of thought are accessible to every one, no jealous guardinn keaps the door, no frowning edict stands between us and the aliment of the soul. Providence has cast down all external barriers between us and the knowledge of the best and higher order; it remains with ourselves to reap the harvest which has thus been graciously prepared for us. Let me then, sir, through the columns of the Chronicle, which I consider to be an important factor in the social reform of this district, especially as it comes for- ward so decidedly and gallantly for the advocacy of temperance, while some of its contemporaries can scarcely devote a single corner to this noble cause, let me appeal to the candid consideration of the young men of Pontypridd to avail themselves of this Institute. Being a young man myself, with attainments scarcely up to the averagn young man, conscious of the infirmities of youth, capable of enjoying whatever that periud lawfully affords as well as anybody, A youth to fortune and to fame unknown," yet, in the interest of our common humanity, I believe I have a nght to point out to my fetlt.w- townsmen what I think needs reform. Yours Truly, A YOUNG MAN.

HOPKIINIS I OWN. SAVING'S BANK.— The Money order and SAVINGS Bunk business has been extended to the Post Office already established here.

LL W YN PI A. JERUSALEM.—Nine were baptised by the Rev. J. R. Jones, on Sunday evening last.