The North Wales Times

BIRTHS. EVANS—January 21st, the wife of Mr. Robert Evans Brynhyfryd, Llansannan, of a son-first-born. GUILePIT.ffs-February 14th, at 9, Glan'rafon Road, Mold, the wife of Mr. William Griffiths, shoemaker, of a aon. JONRs--February 19th, at Maelgwyn, Colwyn Bay, the wife of Mr. J. R. Jones, saddler, of a daughter. MATTHEWS—February 21st, the wife of Mr. John Matthews, John Street, Llangollen, of a son. ItoBERTs-February 19th, the wife of Mr. Richard Thomas Roberts, 83, Hsnllan Street, Denbigh, of a I daughter. WILLIAMs-February 22nd, at Penyball Street, Holy- well, the wife of Mr. Robert Thomas Williams, plasterer, of a son. WILLIAMS-February 23rd, the wife of Mr. J. J. Williams, 57, City Road, London, E. C., of a son. MARRIAGES. BABNETT—EVANS—February 22nd, at the Wesleyan chapel, Dolgelley, by the Rev. P. Jones Roberts, assisted by the Rev. S. Parry Jones, Mr. David Barnett, Lion Street Stores, to Miss Annie Williams Evans, Bridge Street-both of Dolgelley, DAVIES—OWEN—February 24th, at Tabor chapel, Criccieth, by the Rev. W. B. Marks, Mr. Robert Evan Davies, youngest son of Mr. Ellis Davies, Fedwarian, Bala, to Miss Mary Owen, daughter of Mr, William Owen, Braichysaint, Criccieth. ;ON.ES--BA:TTEN -February 20th, at the Independent chapel, Swan Lane, Denbigh, by the Rev. James Charles (the minister), in the presence of the registrar (Mr. E. Mills), Mr. Robert James Jones, mason, to Miss Lizzie Batten, youngest daughter of Mr, Thomas Batten, Chapel Street-both of Den- bigh. JONES-ROBERTs-February 20th, at Rehoboth chapel, Holywell, by the Rev. J. E. Davies, Mr. William Jones, to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Roberts—both of Brognallt Cottages, Holywell. Xzi,p,)oT-ROBEUTs- Feb. 25th, at Fron chapel, Den- bigh, before Mr. E. Mills, registrar, Mr. James Ker- foot, Mailey, Oefn Meiriadog, to Miss Anne Roberts, Brynhyfryd, Cefn Meiriadog. OWEN—ROBERTS—February 25th, at the Pendref Wesleyan chapel, Denbigh, by the Rev. Evan Jones (0. M.), in the presence of the registrar (Mr. E. Mills), Mr. David Owen, manager, Star Shop, High Street, to Catherine, fourth daughter of Mr. Edward Roberts, Castle Road-both of Denbigh. PARRY—LLOTD—February 20th, at the Fron chapel, Denbigh, before Mr. E. Mills (registrar), Mr. W. Parry, carrier, Dyserth, to Miss Esther Lloyd, Tan'raHt, Whitford. WILF,IAMS -EVAN s-Fkbr uary 13th, by license, at Moss Side chapel, Manchester, by the Rev. Ellis James Jones, Mr. John Williams, carrier, to Miss Mary Evans, Meyrick House-both of Dolgelley. DEATHS. BITH:ELL- February 22nd, at Holywell Road, Flint, Sarah Anne, wife of Mr. Thomas Bithell, master mariner (only daughter of the late Mr. Roger Jones, Rose Hill, Holywell), aged 27 years. DAVIES -February 22nd, at Half Way Cottage, Golch, near Holywell, Mr. John Davies, joiner, in his 82nd year. Fooo-February 20th, at High Street, Northop, Mary, relict of Mr, John Fogg, aged 73 years. JosES-February 13th, very suddenly, Mrs. Grace Jones, the beloved wife of Mr. Meredydd Jones, Cyn!as Bach, Cefnddwysarn, aged 69 years. JONES—February 15th, Mr. D. Jones (senior), Poct-y- meibion, Tregeiriog, aged 90 years. JONEs-February 24th, Eiluned Hefin, the beloved child of Mr. and Mrs. T. Charles Jones, Holland Villa, Denbigh, aged 8 months. JONEs-February 22nd, at The Square, Buckley, Mary Jones, aged 75 years. JONES-February 23rd, Sarah Anne, the beloved daughter of Mr. Evan and Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, Ty'otwlJ, Llantysllio, near Llangollen, aged 21 years. LEWIS—February 20th, Willie, brother of Mr. D. G. Lewis, solicitor, Bala, aged 18 years. LEWIS—February 22nd, at 1, Garden Place, Mold, Mary Lewis, aged 71 years. LLOTU—February 17th, Mr. Hugh Lloyd, High Street, Bala, aged 69 years. TABBY -February 23rd, after a brief illness, Mr. T. Parry, Bryn Rhedyn, Clwtybont, near Carnarvon, aged B0 years. PaITCHARD-February 19th, after a long illness, Mr. Hugh Pritchard, 188, Vine Street, Liverpool, aged 72 years. PCSH—February 20th, at Pwllglas, Mold, George Frederick, infant son of Mr. W. H, Pugh, aged 14 months, ROBERTs-February 22nd, Margaret Jane, infant son of Mr. Richard Thomas and Mrs. Gwen Roberts, 83, Henllan Street, Denbigh, aged 4 days. JMlTH-February 19tb, at Pentre Halkin, near Holywell, Mr. Joseph Smith, plasterer, aged 49 years. STEWABDSON—February 21st, at Brook Cottages, Wepre, Connah's Quay, Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Alfred Stewardson, engine driver, aged 64 years. VILCOOK-February 18th, at Eaton House, Leeswood, Dora Wilcock, aged 3 year3, WILLIAms-February 20th, at Main Street, Buckley, Frederick William, infant son of Mr. William Wil- liams, aged 2 months.

WELSH MARKETS. DENBIGH, February 24.—No trade In corn to-day. Fresh butter, from 15d to —d per Th: small tubs, 14d to —d per pound large tubs, 12d to -d. Beef, 5d to 9d; muttoD, 7d to 9d lamb, Od to Od; veal, 6d to 9d. Eggs, 16 for a Is. Ducks, 51 Od per couple. Fowls, 4s Od to 4s 6d per couple. Oatmeal, 2d per pound; wheat, Os. Od. to -s.; barley, Os. toOs. Od. LLANGEFNI, February 18.—Oats, from 14s Od to 16s. per quarter; potatoes, from 2s Od to 2s 3d per cwt; butter, 15d to -d per Ib wool, 7d to 8d per pound fowls, 3s Od to 3s 6d per couple; ducks, 4s Od to 59 Od per couple. Young pigs, 108 6d to 14s Od each; fat pigs, 3d per Th. Eggs, 15 to 16 for a Is. LLANRWST, February 23.-Barley, 8s to 9s Od per 147 pounds oats, 69 Od to 7s Od per 105 pounds oatmeal, -8 to a per 252 pounds; fresh butter, Is 6d. to Os Od per pound. Fowls, 3s 6d to 4s 6d per couple. Eggs, IS for a Is. Ducks, 5s. to 5a. 6d.

CATTLE MARKETS, AND FAIRS. BIRMINGHAM, February 23.-Fair supply of cattle and sheep, with trade low; and a moderate supply of pigs. Quotations:—Beef, 4d to Bid per pound; mutton, 6d to Sid per lb. Bacon pigs, 8s 6d to Os Od per score porkers, 8s 6d to 9s Od and sows, 5s 9d to 4fa, per score. DUBLIN, Feb. 18.-Prime heifer and ox beef, 54s Od to 57s 6d; ditto, second, 47s 6d to 52s 6d per cwt; inferior, 42s 6d to 46a 8d per cwt; prime wether mut- ton, Ed to nd per lb; ewe, 6d to 7d; choice veal, d to 9d per pound. SALFORD, February 23.—The supply of cattle was smaller. There was a fair demand, and last week's full prices were maintained. About the same number of sheep were brought to market as last Tuesday. There was a brisk demand, and better prices were obtained. A few choice lightweight hOiloi made up to 9d, the general top quotation being 8fd. per lb. The supply of calves was about the same as last market day. Trade generally ruled about the same, but for a few of the best rather more money was obtained. Quotations: Cattle, 5d to 6M per Ib; sheep, 6d. to 9d. per lb. calves, o^d to 7(1 per lb. HULL, February 23.—To-day a better show of horned atook, and rather more business done at fully late prices. Milk cows sold at Si4 to zEl7, in calves JE12 to £15, and grazing steers and heifers £8 to X12 per head. A large show of sheep, and made better trade at fully last week's prices, making 40s, to 43s. each. No pigs at market, LONDON, February IS.-The cattle trade has been quiet. The supply of beasts was short, and consisted entirely of fat bulls and rough cows, which met with a f&irly steady trade at former prices. There was a fair supply of sheep, with a few Iambs, on offer, the latter selling readily. Sheep met a slow, but steady sale. Calves sold slowly at late prices. Pigs dull; top, 3s 6d per Sib. Quotations as follows :-Beef-choice, 2s 4d to to 3a Od per 8 Ib secondary, 3a 2d to 5s 8d; prime large oxen, 4s 2d to 4s lOd ditto Scots, &c,, 4s 2d to 4a 4ri coarse and inferior sheep, 3s 6d to 4s Od second qualify ditto, 4s. 6d to 5s Od. Supply :-English- Beast,?, 100; sheep, 1,120; calves, 40; pigs, 40; and milch cows, 5. BIRKENHEAD.-Agricultnral Produce-February 23, —Hay, old, £ 3 10s to k4 Os Od per ton ditto, clover, M as to R4 10s Od; straw oat, JE3 Os Od to £ 3 5s turnip, 18s to 20s per ton. LONDON.—Hay and Straw. February 16,-Fair supplies, and trade dull at the following prices:— Good to prime hay, 60s to 88s Od; inferior to fair, 408 to 55s; good to prime clover, 70s to 96s Od; inferior to fair ditto, 45s to 65s.; mixture and sainfoin, 50s Od to 85ti Od.; straw, 208 to 39s per load. LIVERPOOL-St. John's MarketFebruary 22.-Beef, ftd te 7d per lb; mutton, 6d to 9d; veal,7d to 9d.; j fresh butter, la 3d to Is 4d per pound; salt, 12d to 14d per Th. eggs, 9a Od per 120; potatoes, 8d to lOd get feck.

THE CASE OF THE PEASANT FREEHOLDERS. IN the House of Commons on Tuesday night, Mr. Lloyd Morgan called attention to the case of the peasant freeholders in Wales, and moved That this House is of opinion that the distressed condition of the peasant and small occupying freeholders in Wales is such as to call for the earliest attention of the Government, and that it is desirable that State loans, subject to a low rate of interest, should be granted to such of the said freeholders as purchased their own holdings with money borrowed on the se- II curity of their land to enable them to re- deem existing mortgages in respect of which a higher rate of interest is payable than such freeholders are able to pay in the pre- sent state of agriculture.' Mr. Rees Davies seconded the motion, which, after some dis- cussion: was rejected by a majority of 102 against 43. It is everywhere admitted that the case of the peasant freeholder in Wales is a desparate one, and the present motion was made on the recommendation of the Welsh Land Commission that assistance should be granted to the freeholder who farmed his own' land, in the shape of a State loan at a low rate of interest. The fact that this recommendation of the Commissioners was made unanimously, of course, put the matter outside the sphere of party questions, and it is a significant fact that Mr. Milbank, Major W yndbam Quinn, and General Laurie, three Welsh Conservative members, heartily supported the motion. It would indeed be difficult to put the case of the peasant freeholders stronger than it was put by the Commissioners themselves, who atonepoint of their proceedings even debated the question as to whether they should pre- sentaninterim reporturging the Government to grant immediate relief. There are two aspects of the land problem in Wales which should always be taken into consideration in dealing with the question, and upon these due stress is laid by the Commissioners. One is the land hunger and the other is the passionate attachment of the Welsh people to their homes. Ruskin once wrote of the Irish people 'that they are a witty people, and can by no means be governed by wit- less ones. They are an affectionate people, and can by no means be governed on scien- tific principles, by heartless persons.' This might as truly be said of the Welsh people; to their attachment to their homes, there can be found no parallel in England, aad Mr. Long was wide of the mark when he stated that many of the English freeholders entertained quite as warm an attachment for their homes, and had to face quite as difficult a position.' Scores of derelict farms can be found in England, but hardly one in Wales. This means that when his farm ceases to pay him as it should the English- man will leave it, and in the absence of land hunger the farm is left tenantless. In Wales, it is wholly different. Although the farm does not pay, the Welshman clings to it, and pays the rent with his own unre- quited labour and that of his children. Thus land hunger prevails, the poor far- mer purchasing his own holding at a rui- nous price, yea even stands the brunt of a sale by auction, hence the present de- plorable condition of the small freeholders. But this state of things the ordinary English- man is too witless or heartless to perceive, hence Mr. Long has nothing better to say than that' if the House was going to admit that there was justice in the demand now made for the Welsh freeholder, it would be compelled, in common fairness, to admit there was equal justice in a demand for England.' In plain language, Mr. Long's argument, as Mr. Ellis Jones-Griffith said, is this, 'Wales wants it; England does not; therefore give it to neither.' Mr. Long, of course, was prepared with plenty of cheap sympathy, declaring that no portion of the House sympathised more than did the Government with the condition in which agriculturists, and especially occupy- ing owners, found themselves in many parts of the country, but when brought to the test by Mr. Ellis, he showed plainly what credit should be given such protestations of sympathy. Mr. Ellis asked whether he thought his plea was sufficient to take the responsibility off the Government in refu- sing to deal in any shape or form with thp unanimous recommendation of the Royal Commission, and Mr. Long's reply is signi- ficant. I did not seek to shelter the Go- vernment under the plea he said, I made it as plain as I could that in our opinion the case of the freeholders in England is as urgent as the case of the freeholders in Wales. There is no justification whatever for making a distinction betwern the free- holders of Wales and the freeholders in many parts of England.' Now the Commissioners are of opinion that Wales should be treated separately, and whether or not Mr. Long sought to shelter the Go- vernment under the plea that a certain member of the front Opposition bench was himself unable to assent to certain matters the Commissioners had laid down, it is evident that the Government refuse to deal with the unanimous recommendation of the Commission. On the other hand if the view of the Government is that the case of the freeholders in England is as urgent as the case of freeholders in Wales, the refusal of the Government to accede to the attempt to better the condition of the Welsh freeholders is in striking contrast to their professions of sympathy with the agricultural interest. The whole debate, indeed, shows nothing plainer than it shows the utter insincerity of the Government in its declarations of sympathy towards agriculture, excepting only wherein the interest of the landowning classes are concerned. There is in connection with this debate another thing we wish to draw attention to, and that is the attitude of Mr. Tudor Howell, the member for the Denbigh Bor- oughs. As we have already noticed, three Conservative representatives of Wales sup ported the motion, and each of them spoke strongly in its favour, but Mr. Tudor Howell, though admitting that there was much to be said for the resolution, spoke and voted against it. His reason for so doing should be instructive to the electors of the Denbigh Boroughs. It was impossible,' he said, 'to hold that different treatment should be accorded to the Welsh freeholder from that extended to the English freeholder under exactly similar circumstances.' Mr. Milbank, the Conservative member for Rad- norshire, said that the 'Welsh members were absolutely united on the question, and hoped that the Government would enable them to take a small crumb of comfort back to their constituents.' But Mr. Tudor Howell does not desire to be associated with the Welsh members, and the best crumb of I comfort he can offer his constituents is to tell them that they have no grievance as distinguished from England. We have never given Mr. Tudor Howell credit for much independent judgment, but it seems that he regards himself a better judge of the wants of Wales than a whole Royal Commission and than all the rest of the Welsh members, whether Liberal or Tory put together. Before his election Mr. Tudor Howell posed as a Nationalist, who would be ready to serve Wales first and foremost, but we are not aware that he has ever since done anything other than retail the tall talk of those of the leaders of his party who are most antagonistic to Wales, The exercise of these aping qualities may be a most congenial task for a man of Mr. Howell's calibre, but we would recommend his constituents to consider whether their interests would not be better furthered by a representative less susceptible to the plastic art of English Parliamentary hands.

SLINGS AND ARROWS. IBy A YEOMAN OF THE GUARD], "U- The country has been stirred to its depths by the Penrbyn strike and the incidents connected with it, but in my opinion a strike has been inaugurated in this town, which in importance and the magnitude of the issues involved, is likely to put the Bethesda strike to the shade' I allude to the 'strike of Church singers.' It appears that Cythraul y Canu' is very much in evidence these days, and has pitched his residence in more than one congregation, but nowhere has he accentuated his august presence more than in the Established Church of the town. Undoubtedly, the choir has a grie- vance. For some time the members have been dissatisfied with their position, and recently a meeting was held to discuss the situation, and a resolution passed, calling upon the Rector to carry out certain re- forms. After aauch hesitation (so says my informant) the Rector promised to carry out the resolution passed by the meeting. Upon reconsideration, however, the Rector withdrew his promise, and did not carry out the wishes of the meeting. He notified the choir of this. Last Sunday, not one of the men I turned up,' and for once, there was real, if not very satisfactory, congregational singing. B • • • This was a state of things that could not be passed over in silence, and the Rector called upon the members of the choir who had not presented themselves, to apologise for so doing. A meeting was convened to give the men an opportunity of doing this. But, evidently, they were not sodisposed, and the meeting terminated without asingle apology. » • • m Into the merits of the dispute I am not in a position to enter. But it is evident to the most casual observer that the Rector's way of carrying on the business of his church is not a very convenient one. To consult his choir, and then act contrary to its wishes is surely a novel proceeding. If he has the right to rule all things pertaining to his church just as he wishes, let him do so without pretending to consult anybody. If, on the other hand he thinks it wise to consult the officers and members of his con- i gregation, he should do his best to carry out the expressed wishes of the same, or at any rate give due weight to their representa- tions. p§A good story was related to me the other day of an old Denbighite, who has long since joined the majority. He was a good workman, and would keep to his employ- ment well for three or four weeks. Then he would have a spree' lasting several days. On one occasion he was at a public house, indulging in one of his periodicals,' when who marched in much to his surprise and chagrin, but his better half. Possibly, the term better kalf in its preseut applica- I tion, is not quite correct. Our old friend's wife was minus one leg, that useful and sometimes ornamental appendage having been replaced by a more solid, and less or- namental wooden leg. In comes this half a woman and half a tree'soundly rating her husband for his drunken condition, and or- dering him home. Very unwillingly, he went. Very early next morning, our old friend was again at the public house in question, asking the landlady for a glass of beer. She, however, demurred to his re- quest, and said that she was afraid that his wife would again be after him. No fear,' said the old fellow, I locked her in, and here is the key,' producing at the same time from under his coat his wife's wooden leg e < < Ruthin people are, no doubt, very gene- rous, but their philanthropic movements sometimes assume queer shapes. A feeling existed in Ruthin that it was desirable to contribute to the Indian Famine Fund. Two gentlemen-Ald. T. P. Roberts and Councillor Roiivr elected each other secre- taries, and sent out circulars dated Feb ruary 20th,, convening a meeting on the 19th! This was placing the Ruthinites in a predicament from which it was rather dif- ficult for them to extricate themselves, how- ever much their hearts bled for their dusky fellow-subjects in India. A meeting was, however, held, not on the 19th but on the 22nd. The Mayor was to preside, but he was unable to be present. I should have thought that the Deputy-Mayor- whoever he may be should have been asked to preside in the absence of the Mayor, but the promoters thought differently. Mr. E. O. V. Lloyd was elected to the chair, and however much this gentleman should be honoured-and he possesses excellent quali- ties—he is not in any way connected with the town, and this was a town's meeting. Surely, and alderman or a councillor should have been asked to preside — failing the deputy-mayor. The gentry of the neigh- bourhood were conspicuous by their absence, although evidently places had been reserved for them on the platform. < < I am always willing to give credit, to the police when they are deserving of it, and that is, I am glad to say, very often. That being so, I cannot be accused of unfairness when I chronicle events of a contrary nature. Recently a nJan) against whom there was a warrant, returned home to bury his father, which the police had been unable to serve. An astute officer heard of the I prodigal's' return, watched him as he walked in the mournful procession, and determined to ap- prehend him on his return. The man was, however, smarter than the police, and went from the churchyard by a path made spe- cially for himself on that occasion. The disappointed officer is still waiting.'

If you require your PHOTOGRAPHS taken in the best style, at moderate charges, go to D. & A. HUGHES, Photographers, Mold. Clubs, Schools, &c., by appointment.

SALE OF THE CROWN HOTEL AND BRYNTIRION. ON Wednesday afternoon, Messrs. Dew and Sen, the well known auctioneers of Bangor, offered for sale The Crown Hotel,' and the several public offices and show rooms at- tached, together with Brytirion a freehold private residence situated in Townsend, a short distance from the Railway station. The Crown Hotel is one of the best known houses in the town, with a long frontage to Crown square, and occupying a convenient position in the centre of the town. It is a fully licensed freehold property, has carried on an excellent trade, and as state.d in the statement of particulars, it is a property that will easily lend itself to great develope- ment. The premises are commodious and substantially built, and as a Hotel, it has a high reputation as a commercial house, and for its first class accommodation. Adjoining the hotel, and included in the lot, there is a large ShowiRoom (now in the occupation of the mayor), with six rooms above, now let as public offices to the Borough Accountant (Mr. Ellis Williams), and Mr. F. Llewelyn Jones, solicitor. The whole block covers an area of 1,240 square yards, or thereabouts. The sale took place on the premises, and from the large number of persons present, it was evident that great interest was taken in the sale. Mr. Dew having in his prelimin- ary remarks, dwelt on the present value of public house property in general, said that Denbigh was undoubtedly the principal agricultural town of North Wales, but it was so situated that no man could walk up Vale Street from the station without feeling thirsty (laughter) and being encouraged to enter a public house. The Crown Hotel was also so situated that very probably a man who suffered from thirst after such an effort would enter it (laughter). The property was such that the business could be easily increased. Probably, some of those present felt inclined to ask why the Hotel was not offered for sale by itself, and the public offices and show room in another lot. The reply to that question was, that it would be a ridiculous thing to sever the connection between them. There was plenty of room to extend the business from a [commercial and every other point of view, but any per- son that might buy the property, could only do this by taking over the ironmonger shop and the public offices. When Mr. Edward Thomas bought the property, he carried out the alterations with "a view of developing the property in the way already mentioned, and he showed his wisdom in doing so. But if any person who bought the hotel did not require the offices, kc.) that was such a pro- perty that could be easily disposed of in a profitable way. It faced the vegetable mar- ket, and was in every way a desirable pro- perty. Referring to the Crown Vaults, Mr. Dew said people seemed to be coming out of it like bees from a hive (laughter), and the more they went there, the more thirsty they seemed to get (laughter). He was nearly knocked over when he heard that the rent of the hotel was only £100. It could be let at a much higher sum any day. The bidding then commenced, Mr. Lum- ley stating with an offer of £ 2,000. This was quickly advanced in bids of £100 to £ 2,800. Offers of £ 50 were then forthcoming, until S3,100 was reached. The auctioneer, who now experienced some difficulty in getting another bid, said the company present all looked as if they were in a funeral; in fact, they looked as serious as judges (loud laughter). No bid followed however, and the property was withdrawn at £ 3,100. Mr. Lumley, however, made another offer of X50, and this was taken, followed immediately after by a bid of X25 by Mr. Roberts, auc- tioneer, Corwen. This Mr. Dew refused, and Mr. Roberts made it £50. This was the last offer, and the property was withdrawn at 23,200. The auctioneer stated that the property would no doubt be sold by private treaty afterwards. We were given to understand, but cannot vouch for the accuracy of the statement, that Mr. Roberts, Corwen, acted on behalf of a syndicate of farmers and temperance reformers, who are desirous of securing the property in order to convert it into a Tem- perance Hotel. Bryntirion was then put up. It was des-

OUR SUPPLEMENT. 1 WITH this number we have pleasure in presenting our readers with the first of a aeries of illustrated supplements which we purpose to issue. It is a representation of Ruthin Castle and Ruthin town as they appeared 155 years ago, and will, we hope, be of interest to those who are acquainted with the town as it is, and its history in the past. Other supplements of a similar nature will follow at intervals, as well as half-tone portraits of public men, and illustrations of events reported in the number with which they will be issued. We confidently expect that this additional feature of the NORTH WALES TIMES will be acceptable, and will materially add to its popular character.

BRITAIN JOINING THE TURKS. WHAT was a week ago snot to the public advantage' has now come out in all its naked hideousness, and it ought to shame Great Britain, steeped though it is in the mire of its lordid self-interest, The friend of the free' has made itselflthe champion of the outlaw,' to adopt Mr. GLADSTONE'S characterisation of Turkey. British ships have opened fire on the Cretan position, or in other words, Britain has joined the Turks. The mere fact should suffice to inspire a second CROMWELL to voice the unfortunately impotent rage of the people against the crime of the Government. As might be expected, reference to the matter was made in the House of Commons. On Monday night, Mr. LABOUCHERE moved the ad- journment of the House on the firing on Greek forces in Crete by Her Majesty's ships.' At the outset, Mr. CURZON and Mr. BALFOUR made a puerile attempt to raise a point of order, on the ground that there had been no firing on Greek forces,' but the Speaker, amidst loud cheers, said that he did not think a change in the words necessary. To raise such an objection on such a momentous question is characteristic of the spirit in which the Government deal with this crisis. Mr, LABOUCHERE made a strong speech, and when he alluded to the Sultan of Turkey as 'this miserable creature, that foul blot on civilisation,' there was an- other instance of the absurd Parliamentary etiquette which enabled the Speaker to call him to order, and which alone, it is to be hoped, induced the Speaker to refer to the foul blot on civilisation' as a 1 friendly so- vereign,' Mr. DILLON ably seconded the motion, and when he referred to the bom- bardment of the Cretan village as a 'scan- dalous and disgusting incident,' there was Ministerial laughter. To every true man, this laughter is more scandalous and disgus- ting than the bombarding, for when one reads of the former, he can hardly wonder at the latter. Mr. BALFOUR replied to the criticisms of the mover and seconder of the adjournment, and this is characteristic of his defence:- 'It appears to me that when the Great Powers have occupied and made themselves responsible for peace and security, they ought not to tolerate from any outside force interference with the prerogatives which they have taken upon themselves.' One would have thought that the utter failure of the Great Powers in what they call their at- tempts to maintain peace and security would have precluded a statement of this kind. If Mr. BALFOUR meant peace and security in Crete or Armenia, it is singular that he should forget that the present crisis in Crete, as well as the troubles in Armenia, are the direct outcome of the inaction of the Powers with their flaunted prerogatives. The talk a boat the peace of Europe on the other hand is surely ridiculous. Can the peace of Europe only be maintained at the sacrifice of Cretans and Armenians In short, are we to be asked to believe that the coercion of Greece and the perpetuation of the Turkish rule of tyranny are to be brought about in the interests of European peace? That is the meaning of Mr. BAL- FOUR'S words if there is any meaning to them at all, and we venture to say that the country will believe nothing of the kind. This miserable attempt to justify a degra- ding action was fittingly answered by Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT when he said, An insurrection has arisen in the Turkish do- minion. Why are you there? What is your object ? Apparently your object is to assert and maintain the dominion of Turkey against the insurgents. What were these bombs fired for from the British fleet upon the insurrectionary forces? Was it to put down the insurrection? Have you under- taken to put down the insurrection in Crete as against Turkey The right hon. gentle- man has said you have occupied these towns. Yes, but what have you occupied them for ? Why are you in thesa towns at all ? The Greek forces heve joined the insurrectionary party in Crete That, of course, is upon their own responsibility. One country may join one side in an insurrection. The Greeks have joined the insurrectionary Cretans and you have joined the Turks.' Of course, Mr. BALFOUR said this was not correct, and Sir WM. HARCORT retorted 'then what is correct r That is what the country wants to know, and that is what is not to the public advantage, says Mr. BALFOUR. Sir R. REID passionately denounced the 'un- worthy and unmanly act,' and Mr. GOSCHEN, although he had been primed by Mr. OHAX. BERLAIN, made a miserable defence for the Government. Mr, GOSCHEN said that he was anxious not merely to defend the Go* vernment, but to defend anything which might reflect on the general policy of this country.' Undoubtedly so; the tendency to defend anything done by Britain, let it be ever so atrocious, is palpable enough without this admission by Mr. GOSCHEN, and the assertion that the Government had been absolutely neutral as between Christ- ian and Mussulman is not borne out by the facts. In Mr. DILLON'S words, 'the Cre- tans were fighting on open ground some 1 distance from Canea, and were driving back those Turks who had issued from the town under the protection of the European flags.' To permit the Turks to go out and then to cover their retreat when they were beaten, and to bombard the Cretan position is the very reverse of absolute neutrality,' and for all his anxiety to defend anything which might reflect on the general policy of the Government, Mr. GOSCHEN was not able to put any other complexion on it. The fact remains, as Sir W. HARCOURT pointed out, that Britain has joined the Turks. The question that arises is this-how long will the Government be allowed to pursue a course which is entirely opposed to that dictated by the almost unanimous wish of the people of this country, and it is idle to shirk the question. Even to those of us who do not pose as international authorities, there is evident of late a marked tendency on the part of Governments to yield to the voice of the people, and Mr. BALFOUR'S sarcasm when he alluded to Mr. DILLON as a great international authority' was very ill-timed. Had international authorities like Lord SALISBURY and Mr. BALFOUR been allowed their way, would there ever have been an Arbitration Treaty between Great Britain and the United States '? Despite all limita. tions, the collective intelligence seldom errs, and there is a strange truth in the saying vox populi, vox Dei, a truth which is des- tined to play a yet more important part in the development of human affairs. The public indignation grows apace, and no amount of miserable sarcasm or evasive answers in that canting Parliamentary phraseology will stifle it. When Ministers say that they have no information, or that if they have, it is not to the public advan- tage to divulge it, the people's own organs supply them with the facts, and the voice that makes for justice and right is distinctly heard among the clamour and sophistries of diplomatists and statesmen. Let its power be such that no more British shells shall be directed against the friends of sacred liberty!

DENBIGH. -r- Borough A-uditors.Messrs. Abel Anwyl and Gwilym Parry have been duly proposed as Elective Auditors for the coming year, and as no one else was proposed up to the 25th instant, they will the elected without opposition on March 1st. The Police.-The police of the Denbigh district, (B. division) assembled dt the County Hall on Friday, and were measured for new clothing. They were put through their drills by Inspector Roberts, Abergele, who was in charge owing to the unavoidable absence of Mr. Superintendent Hugh Jones St. David's Day.-We beg to draw the at- tention of our readers to the soirae organ- ised by the Denbigh Liberal Club and the Women's Liberal Association, which will be held at the Memorial Hall on St. David's Day (Monday next). The programme will include addresses, songs, &c., by well-known speakers and singers. The Diamond Jubilee.-As will be seen from our advertising columns, a public meet- ing will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday, March 8th, at eight o'clock p.m., to consider what form the local celebration of Her Majesty's long reign should take. Suggestionsarelinvited from there who will attend the meeting. The vacancy in the Council.-It is reported in the town that Mr. Thomas Roberts and Mr. W. Keepfer intend coming out as candi- dates for the vacancy in the Town Council. As the late Councillor Andrews would have retired in November, the new member, who- ever he be, will only sit until then, and we hope the vacancy may be filled without a contested election. Fire.-About eleven o'clock on Tuesday mornig it was discovered that fire had broken out at Brynhyfryd, the residence of Mrs. Symonds Jones. The fire brigade speedily appeared on the scene, and the flames were at once extinguished. It is surmised that the Are originated in the overheating of a boiler, and the flames broke cut near the roof. Fortunately the fire was discovered in time, and the damage was but small. Visit of Professor Kuno Meyer.—The secre- tary of the tCapel Mawr Literary Society has been informed that Professor Kuno Meyer, of Liverpool, has been ordered by his medical advisers to spend some time in the South of France for the benefit of his health, hence Dr. Meyer's visit to lecture before the society has again been postponed. We however understand that the promise still holds good and that arrangements will be made for the visit of Professor Kuno Meyer at another date. The subject of the lecture is Loan words in Welsh as illustra- ting civilisation.' The late Afr. Robert Green.-As stated in our last issue, at Castle Street Welsh Bap- tist chapel, London, on Sunday evening, February 14th, the Rev. Mr. Williams preached a funeral sermon to the memory of the late Robert Green. There was a good congregation, the' majority of whom were dressed in black. The pulpit, &c., were draped in black cloth. Mr. Williams preached an excellent sermon, his text being Acts xi. chapter, 24th verse, in the course of which he dwelt on the good qualities and the life-work of the deceased. After the service, a meeting was held, at which Mr. D. Lloyd-George, M.P., was present and de- livered an address. Appropriate hymns were sung, and the service was throughout most impressive. Twm o'r Sant.-At the Swan Lane Inde- pendent chapel on Tuesday night, under the auspices of the Literary Society; the Rev.

Ben Davies, Pant teg, Ystalyfera, South Wales, the chaired bard of the Llandudno National Eisteddvod, delivered a most in- teresting and instructive lecture on 'Twm o'r Nant' In the absence through illness of Mr. J. Harrison Jones, the chair was taken by the Rev. James Charles. The lec- turer dealt with the life and works of Twm o'r Nant, and held his audience delighted for nearly two hours. Mr. Gee had kindly lent one of the bardic chairs of the poet of Want, which was placed in the pulpit. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Boaz Jones, a vote of thanks was ac- corded the lecturer, and the chairman was thanked on the motion of the Rev. Ben. Da vies seconded by Mr. Gee. The Castle Committee.—At a meeting of this committee held on Tuesday, the follow- ing gentlemen were elected members of the committee to fill vacancies caused by recent deaths — Messrs. James Hughes, Chelten- ham Villa H. T. Roberts, North and South Wales Bank A. Foulkes Roberts, solicitor, and George Davis, Yale Street. The ques- tion of electing a chairman to succeed the late Councillor Andrews has been deferred. 1 he Literary Society of Capel -ilawr.-The weekly meeting on Thursday last took the form of a supper, followed by an entertain- ment. Nearly 200 sat down to supper which had been prepared by a committee of ladies, and gave the greatest satisfaction. The meeting was presided over by Mr. Robert Owen, and the programme included songs by Miss Sallie Jones, Miss Ettie Salusbury, Miss Jennie Jones, Messrs. Joseph Roberts (Vale Street), and R. G. Jones Mr. Meirion Jones (encored), Miss Helsby, and Mr. Edward Jones; an address by the chair- man, and a dialogue by Miss Richards, Miss M. E. Williams, and Miss Emily Hughes.