The Aberystwyth Times Cardiganshire Chronicle and Merionethshire News

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD FOR 1809. A general meeting of the council was held at the Castle Hotel, Brecon, on Thursday. The Rev. J. Griffith, rector of Neath, presided, and there were also present—Mr J. Jolines (Dolaucothv), Nefydd, Gahebydd, Mr Pedr Mostyn Williams, Mr E. W. Gee, Mr Joseph Joseph, Mr James Williams, Mr W. Roberts (local secretary), &c. The Mayor and ex-Mayor, and the other local members, were unavoidably absent. The principal business at the meeting was the election of a general secretary for the Eisteddfod, to take the place of Mr J. P. Williams, of Rhyl, deceased. There were twenty-eight applications for the office. Some time since, however, a gcneml feeling had been expressed that Mr Pedr Mostyn Williams should take the secretaryship, but he had then de- clined. The same desire was now expressed, and Mr Wil- liams kindly consented to accept the post. Mr Williams has already commenced his duties, and we understand that his private address will lie No. 9, Prince's-street, Chester-road, .Manchester. It was decided to hold the next Eisteddfod in the fir.T-t week in August next, when gentlemen of position in the country will be requested to act as presidents. A conrer- sazione will be held on the Monday evening ti open the exliibi'.ioii of works of art and industry, and the Eisteddfod proper will commence on Tuesday morning, and be held on that and the three successive days. We append the subjects for prizes, amI the amounts to be given, at the forthcoming Eisteddfod:— 1. For the best account, historical and architectural, of the castles in the county of Carmarthen (in English), shewing whether they were erected upon encampments of prior date, by whom originally built, by whom subsequently held, and the several warlike transactions in which they formed either points of attack or defence, and the legends and traditions connected with them. Prize, £ 40: presented by John Johnes, E,(I.. Dolaucothv, Carmarthenshire. 2. For the best treatise, in English, on the mineral springs of Brecknockshire and Llandrindod, including the most ac- curate analysis. Prize, 125. 8. For the best biographical account, in Welsh or English, of the eminent men of Breconshire. Prize, £15, and medal. 4. For the fullest catalogue of manuscript (English and Welsh) extant in Wales, specifying the age, author, and sub- ject of each. Prize, Cl5 15s., and medal. 5. For the best account of the different varieties of the colloquial Welsh language iu the Principality. Prize, £ 5 5 s. aud medal. (>. For the best critical and biographical essay, in Welsh on Vicar PritcUard, Llanvmddyfir, author of OanWyll y Cymry (The Welshman's Candle). 7. For the best history (in English) of Brecknock and its Castle, Priory, College, &c. Prize, elO 10s., and medal. 8. For the best essay, in Welsh or English, on The old customs, superstitions, and traditions of Brecknockshire, relating chiefly to witchcraft, charms. fortune-telling." Oce. Priz", ,r»s. 9. For the best description of the ancient weddings, bid- dings. and funerals of South Wales. Prize, £5 5s. 10. Fur the best treatise in Welsh on the system of farming best adapted for the upland farms of Breconshire, how they can be most usefully and profitably cultivated, and if any breed of fheep could be advantageously introduced. Prize, X5 5s. and medal. 11. For the best English essay on the Mines and Miners of Wales, the last of the series of geological subjects proposed by Professor Ramsay. Prize.. £ 10 10s. and medal. POETRY. 1. The Chair Prize, for the best Awdl, not exceeding 1,000 lines, on Elijah (Elias y thesbiad), Prize, ,£20 and the Bardic Chair of Wales for 1809. 2. For the best Welsh Pryddest on any subject, chosen by the competitor, provided the subject be a Welsh character. Prize, X20 and medal. 3. Fox- the best pastoral song, in Welsh, founded on some Welsh treatise. Prize, X5 5s. and a medal. the N^irnf P°em, in Welsh or English, on medal Beauties oi Brecknockshire. Prize, £ 5 5s. and +i 5..Fur the best elegy, in any metre, on •' Rhydderchofon," .the late seciet uj o Yr EIstedd rod. Prize, £5 5s. and medal Ii, Fur the best stanza (Englyn) on Y Niwl. Prize, Xi Is. 7. For the best stanzas (Euglynion) on 1: itnall Brychei. niog. Prize, £ 2 2s. The musical subjects and prizes will he arranged by Mr Briudloy Richards, and will be published shortly.

THE CHANGE OF MINISTRY. On Wednesday, the 2nd, Mr Disraeli addressed the following statement to his supporters • year, were placed in a minority in tho House o{ Com"mons on the question ot Disestablishing the Church in Ireland, they had to consider that the policy proposed had never been sub- jc,eted to the cotintri-, aDd they believed that the couiitiv would not ) They therefore felt it. their duty to advise her Majesty to dissohe Parliament; but to make an appeal to tbe obsolete onmfonUof Ct5heV°pU boen an absurdity, and tho candid opinion oi the country coincided with that of Parliament 'i>C aatUfactor.V unless the voices of the cn.ai^cd Electoral Body were ascertained. All means were, theiennc, taken by the Ministry to expedite that appeal, and a special Statute was passed for the purpose. "Although the General Election has elicited, in the deci- sion of numerous and vast constituencies, an expression of feeling which in a remarkable degree has justified their anticipations, and which, in dealing with the question in controversy, no wise Statesman would disregard, it is now clear that the present Administration cannot expect to com- command the confidence of the newly-elected House of Commons. Under these circumstances, her Majesty,s Ministers have felt it due to their own honour, and to the policy they sup- port, not to retain office unnecessarily for a single day. Thev hold it to be more consistent with the attitude they have assumed, and with the convenience of public business at this season, as well as more conducive to the just influence of the Conservative party, at once to tender the resignation of their offices to her Majesty, rather than to wait fer the assembling of a Parliament in which, in the present aspect of affairs, they are sensible tint they must be ill a minority. "Iu thus acting, her Majesty's Government have seen no cause to modify those opinions upon which they deemed it their duly to found their counsel to the Sovereign on the 11ucstillll 01 the Disestablishment and Disendowmcnt of the Church. Ti 'oy remain convinced that the pr qiosition of Mr Gladstone is wrong in principle, probably impracticable in conduct, and, if practicable, would be disastrous in its effects. "While ready at all times to give a fair consideration, and willing to aid any plan for the improvement of tlia Churchill Irelan(I-to the policy which they opposed last Session, rife, as they believe it to be, with many calamities to society and the S ate, they will continue, in whatever position" they occupy, to offer an uncompromising resis[,1!1()c. Downing-strcet, Dec. 2. » n It?,o,10<lience to a royal summons, conveyed to Hawarden faon by General Grey, Mr Gladstone arrived at Windsor M-iiecH011 Thursday afternoon, and had an audience of her the rvrn'i,, right lion, gentleman went on to London in seven o'cio^kleiVcllin'' t,le w,lterloo Station shortly before who returnerl'uf ? wa* accompauied by a Queen's messenger, stone to her Majesty.°'clock' wilb desPatches from Mr Glad- ^i^.onT1nnSand°tho received tho Earl of (dareni Lator residence on Carlton House-ten ace. Eat e r i n t h e d a y Lord Justice Page Wood, Sir Roundell Pa «er and ChUder d » were enfJ^cJ 1 af^ Jhe Right Hon. Edward Card well was also amo 0 Gladatonog. political friends who met at nis house. • OPINIONS OF THE PRESS [Timcs. ] The cards are thrown down- The Ministry have resolved, for tho first time since the da> s of -li icdenck Robinson— the late Lord Ripon-notto meet 1 arliamont and, indeed, their case is more extraordinary than tnat oi-the sole pre- cedent which can be cited to excuse them, forthe Parliament which Mr Disraeli has declined to face is one chosen under the advice given by himself to the Crown. Ilieio has never been anything like this voluntary surrender of the higli function of advising the Crown. Lord Ripon was afraid to face Parliament; but then Lord Ripon was called to the post ef Prime Minister after Parliament had been prorogued, and his conduct has always been considered pusillanimous. No one will accuse Mr Disraeli of such fear as is said to have influenced Lord Ripon. He has resigned simply because he deemed it prudent to resign. He tell his supporters that his colleagues have felt it due to their own honour and to tire policy they support not to retain office unnecessarily for a single day but, looking back-we will not say npon the last eight or nine months, but tlpon the last two yettrs-who is not aware that upon such a plea the Ministry might have re- signed their posts almost as soon as they had accepted them ? The present resignation must be regarded merely as a strategic movement. When Mr Disraeli and his calleagues had convinced themselves that to be in Opposition was their inevitable fate, they discovered that to be in Opposition as soon as possible was for their clear advantage. It is much more easy to fight as a guerrillt chief than as the leader of a disciplined host. A man who is in Opposition without having propounded any policy save that of opposition is encumbered by no strict plan of campaign; he has no hag- gage in the way of principles to hamper his movements he may shift his base of operations from hour to hour and from day to day, feeding upon the enemy in the matter of neces- sary supplies, and may be expected, of course, to execute some dashing movements and occasional surprises. But, after all, what is such a position worth? Is it not a mistake ? Flying squadrons may be useful when they are auxiliary to some definite plan of operation by a disdained force but they can avail little or nothing when they are the only object of their own existence. Viewed as a question of pure strategy taking, that is to say, the most favourable to Mr Disraeli's actiott-we must pronounce his last move- ment the feeble supplement of agaUant career. [Daily News.'] Though to constitutional precisians the course which Mr Disraeli and his colleagues have taken may seem of doubtful propriety, public convenience may he pleaded in its behalf. Even if the late Government had met the Parliament with the semblance of a Ministerial character, they would stiil really have been the t) pposition. It is not the business of an Opposition to frame the Queen'd speech, to indicate projects of law, or to sketch a policy towards the carrying out of which they will not be in a position to make even the first step. The waste of time and temper in a debate, of which the end is forseen from the beginning, has also been spared by the course Mr Disraeli has taken, A Minister wh,) takes office witdout a preÏmillary trial of strength, and that discip- line and organisation of his forces which a party contest involves, labours, no doubt, under considerable disadvan- tages. Ia the avoidance of any exp'icit declaration of policy other than that of saying" X 0" to Mr Gladstone, the retiring Ministers gain something. Thev get rid of all complicity in that monument of wasted labour, the Report of the Irish Church Commission. The Liberal majority in the House of Commons is pie ged to support measures shadowed forth in the resolutions passed last Session, and to give its support to the statesman who is identified with them. A Parliamentary vote could not more strictly define their position. [.Star.] It was a for'unate circumstance that an expedient pre- sented itself to Mr Disrapli's mind by which he could save his party from inconvenience, and retrieve his own character for honourable dealing, without in the least damaging the interests of the party by which he lias been conquered. By retiring from office, instead of waiting to be expelled, Mr Disraeli averts a debate very inconvenient to himself, and spares the country a great many denunciations and defences of the Ministry which may easily be iiii igined. As a pre- cedent the course he has determined upon is new, but not in any way <langerous. By ftvoi iin a general debate on the merits of his Government, Mr Disraeli probably avoids a castigation which Mr Gladstone in one of his Lancashire speeches seemed inclined to administer; but there is no danger of Parliament being baulked of all opportunity of criticising any Administration which it chooses to arraign. Practically the history of the resignation will be an early settlement of the new Government and a business-like initia- tion of its great labours under the prosperous auspices of an uncontested victory. [Telegraph.] Mr Disraeli's mode of presenting the issue on which the opinion of the coulJtryhasjast been emphatically pronounced of itself suffices to show that there could be no difficulty in selecting his successor to the Premiership. The voice of the people had unmistakably designated Mr Gladstone as the statesman who should conduct the momentous busiue-s that is to come before the new Parliament; and we may rest as- sured that there will be no delay in taking the steps which will enable the Liberal leader to gather around him, in official posi ions, the able and experienced administrators witli whose names we have made the public familiar. Both Houses meet on Thursday, the lotli in-tant; and three or four days will setve for the transaction of tbe formal business incidental to the assembling of a new Parliament. On Tuesday, the 15th, therefore, we may expect that the neces- sary steps wi I be takon for the re-election of those members who hayp accepted office in the new administration. The present Ministers will occupy the front Opposition Bench; the Treasury Bench will necessarily be vacant; and the new writs will be moved by Mr Glyn, the Patronage Secretary to the Treasury under the coming Liberal Ministry. The Houses will then adjourn to a (lay in February and the country already know the character of those great measures of reform which Mr Gladstone has already foreshadowed. [Standard.] Mr Disraeli has, as we holl, acted well, wisely, loyally, in retiring at this moment. He has acted with equal loyalty and abnegation of per-onal feeling in advising her Majesty —disregarding all middle courses and secondary personages -to send at once for the lea,ler of Opposition. Mr Gladstone is the unquestioned leader -before the world the only leader—of his party; his authority over it is now stronger and more ascertained than ever, and no other Minister could represent the views or pledge the support of that Parliamentary majority to secure whose services to the Crown is the oLjoct of Mr Disraeli's retirement. Iu another respect Mr Disraeli has acted honestly and generously by his rival. He has, by resigning on the 2nd of December rather than on the 2"tll, given Mr Gladstone full and ample time to mature his scheme for the achievement of the great social, religious, political, awl proprietary revolution he has undertaken, The Conservatives have consulted the public interests and the convenience of their successors in resigning at the earliest possible moment after the deci- sion of the country was ascertained; they have rendered a last service to their Sovereign by forbearing to ask her to open a Parliament hostile to her Ministry; and however un- generously some of th ir adversaries may requite their courtesy, we feel sure that they will not fint the better portion of their opponents insensible of their consideration, their Queen unmindful of their loyalty, or their country un- grateful for their services. [PM Mall Gazette.] As soon as it became clear that the Liberals would be returned to Parliament in greatly preponderating numbers, it was equally manifest that Mr Disraeli's best policy was to retire at the earliest opportunity. The humiliation of being chivied out of office on a vote of want of confidence, the spectacle of formal defeat in any shape, was itself a thing to be avoided; and there were better reasons than that why the Premier should choose retirement immediately upon the meeting of Mr Gladstone's House of Commons. But very few imaginations, we suppose, compassed the idea of resigna- tion a week beforehand Our own resentment at Air Disraeli's wonderful cleverness was not that he managed to do what Heaven designed us Liberals for, nor even at his manoeuvring for checks," nor at those philosophical little "dodges," the minority clause and the principle of personal payment of rates, to which he was assisted by another sort of cleverness among another sort of men. Our resentment was and is against the cynical, auda- cious, successful way in which he used his adroitness to the destruction of all faith in the political honour of public men. No such example of cool, smiling, downright apostasy from all the opinions, professions, and pledges of a long life as that which Mr Disraeli made last year is to be found in Parlia- mentary history; or, if so flagrant a case can be found, it was not, at any rate, aggravated in its shame by the applause the laughter, ihe jocund sort of satisfaction with which Mr Disraeli's monstrous tergiversations were received by Eng- lishmen in general. Political morality was low enough before that time, and it may be said for Mr Disranli, indeed, that if ho had not been perfectly assured of the general decay of political integrity throughout the nation he would never have dared to have laughed away every pretence of consistency in himself and his followers, simply to accom- plishlthe trick of dishing the Whigs." But that being granted, it was not for him to display and to aggravate the degradation of public opinion. That is our grudge against the outgoing Government. As a mere Administration it has done well. The most considerable blunder in it-the ap. pointment of Lord Mayo to govern India-is only a part, perhaps, of its great disgrace. Certainly Lord Mayo's despe- rate contradictions of himself during the Irish Church debates deserved as great a reward as lie soon afterwards obtained. On the other hand, the Administration as origin- ally formed can boast of one really honourable little episode; namely, the secession of Lord Crauborne, Lord Carnarvon, and General Peel. On Saturday afternoon Mr W. E. Gladstone left London in order to have an audience wi li her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle. Mr Gladstone left town by the 3 45 p.m. train from Waterloo on the London and South-Western Railway, which passes along the loop line via Kew and Feltliam to Windsor, where it arrives at 5 5 p.m. as a rule. The fact be- coming known, a large number of the Liberal inhabitants assembled at the Windsor terminus of the South-Western line to give him a welcome, and the band of the Slough Corps of the Bucks Volunteers, which had previously played Mr Roger Eykyn, the newlv-elected member for Wind-or, and his bride homo to the "Willows," was despatched to the t'rminus to play upon the arrival of Mr Gladstone. The spectators lined the arrival platform, and near them was stationed the trumpeter of the South Bucks Yeomanry Lan- cers, to give the signal when it was ascertained that Mr Gladstone was really in the train. Shortly before five o'clock a royal carriage was sent from the Castle mews to the South-Western Station. It drove to the enclosed ground in front of her Majesty's private waiting-room, which bad been thrown open so tliat Mr Gladstone might reach the carriage without inconvenience. The baud was stationed outside, opposite the entrance, and a number of people thronged the ro tcl. Toe train arrived at Windsor about 5 If) p.m., and it gradually paused by the platform amid a loud cheer from the people. Mr Gladstone seemed anxious to avoid the crowd who surrounded him and cheered lustily as he made his way to the Royal waiting-room, and thence to the Queen's car- riage, which was immediately surrounded by the throng, many of the people rushing to the carriage window, and at- tempted to shake him by the hand. One or two succeeded in their object, another did so, at the same time exclaiming, Mr Gladstone, you are the working man's friend." Mr Gladstone cordially acknowledged the cheering, and amidst this ovation, with the band playing and the crowd shouting, the royal carriage drove rapidly up Thames-street to the castle, which was reached about half-past five o'clock. Shortly afterwards Mr Gladstone had an audience with the Queen, which lasted some tillic, and left the castle in the evening. THE NEW MINISTRY. The following is a correct iist of such appointments as have actually been made and approved by the Queen. First Lord of the Treasury Mr Gladstone. The Lord High Chancellor Lord Justice Page Wood. Lord President of the Council (Education) Earl Do Grey. Lord Privy Seal Earl Kimberley. Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Lowe. First Lord of the Admiralty Mr Childers. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs The Efti-I of Clarendon. Secretary of State for War Mr Cardwell. Secretary of Stilte for India The Duke of Argyll. Secret arv of State for the Colonies Eilrl Granville. Secretary of State for the Homo Department Mr Bruce. Postmaster-General Lord Hartington, Poor-Law Board Mr Goschen. Chief Commissioner of Works Mr Layard. Chief Secretary for Ireland MrChichester Fortescne. President of the Board of Trade Mr Bright. Lord Chancellor of Ireland Mr Justice O'Hagan. ( Mr Hugessen. Junior Lords of Treasury Mr Adam. u Captain White. secretary of tho Treasury Mr Stausfield. Patronage Secretary Mr Glyn. • ecretary of Admiralty Mr Otway. Attorney-Genera1 Sir R. P. Collier. Solicitor-General )Ir Coleridg,. Lord Advocate iir MoncrietT. Lord Chamberlain Lord Sydney. Lord Steward Lord 13essboroiigh, Master of the Horse Lord Aylesbury.

CORN, &e. LIVERPOOL CORN.—TUESDAY. Good attendance. Fair trade in Wheat and Flour at same recovery on the low rates of last week. Indian Corn slow and rather easier. Mixed scarce and brings 39s. OLer articles slow and unchanged. LODO, MONDAY.—Last week's supplies were generally good and large in foreign Oats. Exports trifling. English Wheat 5,498 qrs., foreign 16,085 qrs. There was a very small show of fresh samples this morning from Kent and Essex. A rather firmer feeling was evinced in the trade, and, though it was far from brisf, sales were more readily made. It was still more marked as regards foreign qualities, for which there was a better enquiry at unaltered rates. Couutry Flour 20,685 sacks, foreign 1,885 sacks 6,739 barrels. The trade remained very heavy and prices barely supported for Norfolks and other country sorts. The foreign business continued heavy without quotable chauge of price. Town qualities were unaltered. Maize 8,617 qrs. This grain lost its ready sale, and would have been cheaper to sell in quan- tity. British Barley 4,869 qrs., foreign 15,218 qrs. English malting sorts were more steady than of late, but medium foreign, as well as low grinding, were Is. per qr. lower. The Malt trade was very heavy, and cheaper to sell. English Oats 1,170 qrs., Scotch 298 qrs., Irish 7,916 qrs., foreign 51,793 qrs. All new corn was again 6d. to Is. per qr. cheaper, and dull; but in old there was little alteration. English Peas 6(12 qrs., foreign 3,970 qrs. New white were again rather easier to sell. Linseed 7,579 qrs., exports 350 qrs. Seed was in calm as well as cakes, at former rates. CUURENT PRICES OF BRITISH GRAIN AND FLOUR IN MARK LANE. Shillings qr Wheat, Essex and Kent (white), new 53 to 56 Wheat, Essex and Kent (red) new. 48 50 Wileut, Norfolk, Lincoln, and Yorkshire .red) 47 49 Barley 35 87 Beans 43 45 Oats, English feed.VI 53 Flour, households, 42s. to 47s. p" sack of 2801b. ABERYSTWYTH, MONDAY, Dec. 7th.—Wheat, 6s. 9d. to 8s. Od. per bushel; Barley, 4s. 9d. to 5s. 3d.; Oats, 3s. 6d. to 4s. Od.; Old ditto, Os. Od. per bu-h. Potatoes, red, Is. 9d. to 2s. 6d. per bushel; ditto, white, Us. Od to Os. per bushel; Butter, fresh, Is. 3d. to Is. 5d. per lb; ditto, salt, Is. Id. to Is. 2|d. per lb Beef 6d. to 7d.; Mutton, 5d. to 6<d.; Veal, 01. to Od.; Pork, 5d. to 6d.; Lamb, Od. to od. per lb; Fowls, 2s. Od. to 3s. Od. per couple; Ducks, 2s. 6d. to 4s. Od. per couple; Geese, 2s. 6d, to 3s. 6d. each; Turkeys, 3s. Od. to 4s. Od. each; Hares, 3s. to Us. Od. each; Rabbits, Is. each; Partridges, 2s. 6d. to 3s. per brace; Pheasants, 6s. to 0s, per brace; Soles, 10d. per lb.; Codfish, lOJ. to Od. per lb; Lobsters, Is. each oysters, Is. 3d. per score; Onions, 2d. per lb.; Cheese (Welsh), 3d. to 3id. per lb; Wool, 10d. per lb.; Oranges, 5s. per 100; Lemons, lod. per dozen; Flour, 38s. to 45s. per sack. WELSHPOOL, MONDAY.— Wheat (per80lbs.), 7s. 6d. to 7s. lOd.; Barley (per 40 qts.), 6s. 6d. to 7s. 0d.; Oats, (per bag), 17s. to 23s. Od. Lggs, 10 for Is. Butter, Is. 4d. to Is. 5d. per lb. Fowls, 2i. 9i. to 3s. 6d. per couple, Ducks, 3s. 6d. to 4s. j 6d.; Geese, 4s. 6d. to 5s. 6d. each. Potatoes, 3s. 0d. to 4s. OJ. per bushel. CATTLE. METROPOLITAN, MONDAY.—The total imports of foreign stock into London last week amounted to 4,844 he id. In the corresponding week in 1867 we received 9,758 in 1836,10,782 in 1865,17,450 and in 1864, 13,802 head. There were mode- rate supplies of foreign Beasts on sale here to-day in fair condition, aud the demand on the wh de was steady, at last week's prices. The show of English Beasts was short, but the general quality of the stock was excellent. Nevertheless, the trade rule,l far from active, and no improvement can be reported in prices. The extreme price realised was 5s. 6d. per 81b., which must be regarded as quite an exceptional figure. From Lincolnshire, Leicester-hire, and", orthampton- shire we received about 1,520 shorthorns, &c; about 350 of various breeds from other parts ol England 310 fine Scots and crosses from Scotlaud; and about 3 0 oxen from Ireland. The number of Sheep on sale was larger than on Monday la,t, and somewhat in excess of the demand. Prices conse- queutly had a drooping tendency, dthough. in the majority of cases, former terms were realised. Be-t Downs and half- breds changed hands at 5s. to 5s. 2d. per 8ib. Prime small Calves were scarce, and commanded more money, and pigs met a moderate inquiry at late rates. LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.—The supply to-day of catt'e and sheep was much less than on Monday last. The demand was good for both at higher prices. Quotations Beef, 4J d. to 7jd.; mutton, 5}d. to 7|d. per lb. There were at market 2,870 cattle and 8,6'27 sheep. The great Christmas show will be held on Monday next. MISCELLANEOUS. LONDON PROVISION, MONDAY.—The arrivals last week from Ireland were 949 firkins Butter and 2,747 bales Bacon, and from foreign ports 23,062 casks, &c., Butter, and 53J bales Bacon. In Irish Butter the business transacted last week was very limited, prices nominally without change. Foreign sold slowly, the extreme mildness ef the weather has an effect on the demand. The Bacon market recovered the late dulness; sales effocte(I at 2s. advance, best Waterford sold at 70s. free on board, and the market closed very firm. LONDON HOP, MONDAY.—Our market exhibits a good inquiry for mediums and fine grades, and a fair amount of business has been transacted during the past week, prices fully maintaining the recent advance. Continental markets are very firm, the Belgian in particular is showing a slight advance, which may serve to check shipments to this side, late arrivals being very numerous. cw York advices to the 23rd ult. report a dull market, with an alteration in prices. Mid and.East Kent £ 2 10 £ 5 0 £ 8 8 I Weald of Keuts 2 0 3 5. ± 15 Sussex 2 0 3 0 4 4 Farnham 4 0. 5 0. 6 0 Country 4 0. 4 10, 5 5} Bavarians 2 16 3 10 4 10 Belgians 2 2 2 10 3 0 j Yearlings 3 0. 3 10 4 4 i WORCESTER HOP, SATURDAY.—A little more disposition to purchase was shown, but the few hops on offer were held for more than buyers were inclined to give, which prevented business. Planters incline to hold their hops over until next year, when they anticipate better prices will be obtain- able. Of new hops 12 pockets were weighed to-day, and 57 previously during the week. LONDON SEED, MONDAY.—There was not much English red Cloverseed offering fine samples were held very hi, h. 9 Choice Belgian was very dear, and good German was held higher. Little French expected, and its quality inferior. Trefoil was fully as high. Nothing passing to change the value of Mustard-seeds. Spring Tares of tine quality were held with more firmness, a demand for them soon being ex. pected. LONDON WOOL, MONDAY.—Attention being now princi- pally directed to the public sales of Colonial produce, there has been very little doing in English wool, but the quota- tions have been well supported. Stocks are on the decrease. CURRENT PRICES OF ENGLISH WOOL. s. d. to s. d. FLEECES—Southdown hoggets .per lb. 1 2J 13 Half-bred ditto 14 15 Kent fleeces „ 1 4 1 5 Southd'n owes and wetliers 1 2t 1 31 Leicester dItto; 1 3" 1 3 SORTS—Combing 1 0 1 Clothing. 1 2 1 7 LONDON POTATO, MONDAY.—Liberal supplies of Potatoes are on sale at these markets, but a considerable proportion of the receipts has been of indifferent quality. On the whole the trade has been quiet at irregular currencies. The import into London last week consisted of 6.405 bags, 1,340 sacks, 1,528 packages, 93 tons Antwerp; 958 bags, 504 sacks Bou- logne; 1,856 bags, 4 baskets Rotterdam 1,478 bags, 124 tons Rouen; 46 sacks Hamburg, 103 bags Harlingen, 12 bags Bremen, 225 tons Brussels, 210 sacks 110 tons Dunkirk, 93 bags 37 baskets Gibraltar, 200 bags 6 baskets Amsterdam, 135 tons 198 bags Calais, and 37 sacks Ostend. English Regents 60s. to 130s. per ton. Scotch Regents 60s. to 13 Is. „ French 40s. to 80s. BIRMINGHAM HIDE AND SKIN MARKET SATURDAY.— Hides: 951b. and upwards, 4gd. to Od per lb; 851b. to 941b. 4Jd. to 01. per lb.; 751b. to 841b., 4!,d. to Od. per lb.; 651b. to 741b., 8Jd. to Od. per lb.; 561b. to 641bs. 3,1. to Od. per lb.; 551bs. aud uuder 3Jd. to Od. per lb.; cows, 3,5,1. to 3Jd. per lb.; bulls, 3d. per lb.; flawed and irregular, 3ijd. to 01. per lb.; horse, 5s. 9d. to 12s. 01. each. Calf: 171b. and unwatds,4'd. per lb.; 121b. to 161b., 7.1d. per lb.; 91b. to lIlh., 711. per lb. light, 7f 1. per 11). flawed and irregular, 5td. per lb. Wools. A 1, 7s. 6d.; A, 6s. 3d.; B, 4s. 2d. WOLVERHAMPTON HIDE, SKIN, and FAT MARKET, Saturday. Hides 951bs. aud upwards,4Jd. per lb.; 851bs. to94 lbs, 4d, per ))! 75ibs. to 841bs., 3^d. per lb.; 651bs. to 741bs. 3Jd. per lb. 561hs. to 64Ibs., 31d. per 1 h. 551bs. and under, sla. per Iti. Cows, 651bs. and upwards, 3jd. per lb.; 641bs. and under, 3d. per lb; bulls, 2Jd. to 3Ld. per It).; flawed and irregular, Od. to 3d. per lb.; kips, 3d. to 4Jd. per lb.; horse, 6s. 0d. to 12s. 6d. each. Calf; 1711) 1. and upwards, 4Jd. per lb. 121bs. to lGlbs. nd. per lb.: 91bs. to lllbs., 7jd. per lb. light, 7jd. per lb.; flawed and irregular, o.Jd. per lb. Wools' 4s. Od. to 6s Od each. Fat, 3d. to 3^d. per lb. LONDON PRODUCE.—SATURDAY. SUGAR. Business small, and currency weak for raw and refined. COFFEE.—Market quiet, and late terms can only be ob- tained for fine sorts. TEA.—A small business, at steady prices. RICE.—Floating cargoes wanted, at former prices. Little business doing on the spot. TALLOW.—Market quiet, at 51s. on the spot.

REVIEW OF THE BRITISH CORN* TRADE. (From the Mark Lane Express.) The wind having become southerly this week we have had a return to damp mild weather, so vegetation as yet has had very little to endure from frost; and though all the Black Sea as well as Baltic much ice has formed, we question whether the stoppage will be permanent at all ports with such sudden fluctuations. Nothing can exceed the healthy look of the early planted wheat, which in some places so covers the ground that it can scarcely be seen, and plants in such condition have become too strong to be seriously affected, even by a severe winter. It is the changes of spring and the ravages of insects which have most to be feared. The trade yet drags on heavily, but we bear of such a free use lor cattle that such a necessary, and yet we cannot help saying a mal-appropriation, cannot fail greatly to diminish our re- ported super-abundance. But while Spring corn remains so scarce and dear, what else can be expected ? Barley it seems, however, has passed its zenith, and the subsidence of the American deaiand must be considered a benefit to the country, for growers might have appropriated more land to its growth than an average consumption would have war- at o ranted; and should wheat be only of secondary consideration ff with the growers, the population would soon find the differ- ence. A rise of 5s in spring would be a mere bagatelle on present rates; and as nothing now pays importers, and im- portations must fall off, it is not at all improbable we shall see it, notwithstanding the present imperturbable dulness. The elections were lately blamed, but since they are over we have bread at (id. The fact is, we have not been used to such an abundance find such a quality, and the double blessing to the community is lost sight of in the dissatisfaction of middle men. For mildew, rnst, and famine are the pet s of a certain class, whose sympathy seldom exceeds the circumference of their pockets. The dulness lately noted in France has continued, with several markets rather lower. B.dgium has taken the same turn, but Holland, though dull, has not yielded. Hambro', Dantzic, and several places in Germany, remained much as previously, not being so much depressed by the probable closing of the ports as expected. New York has rather given way, bnt exports were only moderate,

Miscellaneous. SIR EDMUND BUCKLEY, BART.—The Gazette of the •4th contains the official announcement of the baronetcy conferred on Mr E. Buckley, M.P., of Mawddwy, Merionethshire, and Grolton Hall, Saddleworth, Yorkshire. BRECON AND MERTHYR RAILWAY.— 51 mlles open,] For week ending 29th November, 186S;—PasseDgcrs. parcels, &c., £ 151 3s. lod. goods and live stock. £ 899 Is. lod.-total, JE1041 5s. 8d.; JE19 as. 81. per mile per week. Corresponding week last year, 48 iniles open :-Passengers, parcels, &c., X134 10. -1 L; Roods and live stock, £1354 3s. 7d.; total, £ 983 4,. lid.; £ 20 53. 91., per mile per week. Increase, JE53 Os. 9d. The election of proctors has been distinguished by several contests arising out of the Irish Church question. In some cases the poll has been resorted to. Dr Vaughan is one of the old members of Convo- cation who have lost their seats for supporting IIr Gladstone. Much angry feeling has naturally been caused by the re- cent contest in Denbighshire, and documents have appeared in the papers on the subject One of these documents is a statement by Mr Osborne Morgan's committee, who defend their conduct against the charges which have been brought against it. We have only space to state that Mr Morgan has generously offered to defray all the expenses of Colonel Myddelton Biddulph and himself. A MILITARY GOAT.-The non-commissioned officers of the Fifth Field Battery of the Prussian Guard- Artillery announce by an advertisement in the Berlin Vossische Zeitung the death of their comrade of war Herr Schneider." This is the nime of a goat be- longing to the Battery, which came into their possession when the army was mobilised in 1864, and he soon became attached to the men of the corpvvith whom La was a general favourite. Herr Schneider always marched with the men of the first gun, from whom he also received his rations. He regularly attended parade, took his place among the non commissioned officers, and appeared to listen attentively to the order- given. When the war broke out into 1SGG, he marched at the head of the battery, and when they crossed the Bohemian frontier, was promoted to the rank of sergeant by the piivates, who presented him with a beautiful collar on which were embroiderad the dis- tinguishing marks of his military rank. However, as soon as hostilities commenced he was tied up to one of the ammunition waggons and kept in the rear, but during the battle of Ivonigiuhof, when the roar of can- non and discharges of small arms were at their highest, the military spirit of Herr Schneider broke out, and he managed to slip away and go to the front at full galop, the orderly following as fast as he could in order to recover his charge. Just at that moment the Crown Prinee met them, and inquired of the orderly what he was doing with the goat. On being informed of the state of affairs his royal highness appeared much amused, and said jocosely Let him go, he has ord --rs to attack the enemy, and will be in the me^; before any of you." Subsequently Herr Schneider returned to his ammuni:ion waggon, none the worse for his bravado. After the battle the artillerymen promoted him to the brevet rank of sergeant-major for having given proofs of his undoubted courage in the presence of the enemy, and decorated his collar with a medal made of a copper pan from the captured cooking uten- sils of General Count Coronini. After going through all the dangers of the campaign unscathed, lie had the misfortnnate on the return march of the army after the conclusion of the war to break one of his legs while leaping down from a waggon but the science of the regimental surgeon and the needful repose soon reinstated him in his former robust state of health, and he was able to march at the head of his battery on the memorable triumphant entry of the army into Berlin, in September, 1866. FAREWELL ADDRESS TO THE BI-HOI> OF LICK- FIELD BY NEW ZTALIND COLONISTS.—A meeting has been held at Wellington, at which a committee was formed, to prepare a valedictory address to Dr Selwyn on the occasion of his relinquishment of the Bishopric of New Zealand. A form of address was adopted, of which the following is a copy:—"To the R:ght Reverend George Augustus, Lord Bishop of Lichfield, and Bishop of New Zealand, &3., &c.—The colonis's of New Zealand, of all classes and creeds, whose names will bq found in lists accompanying the present address, desire, on the eve of your departure from these shores, to express to you their mo:.t hearty wishes for your future welfare, and their sincere admiration and appreciation of those high and noble qualities displayed during your long and anxious labours in t'lee islands, which have already earned for you a world-wide reputation. They feel that'an attempt to recount ycur exer:ions in the interests of or to acknowledge in bscommg terius the unflinching fortitude, the self-denying devotion, and the large-hearted and open-handed generosity which have distinguished your past career, while unnecessary on their part, would be distasteful to yourself. Be- lieving that your name will be for ever associated with the early history of the calony, they feel confident that however important may be the destined career of their adopted country that name will always be pro- minent among the noblest of its ornaments, and your career will be held up to their posterity as a worthy exemplar of devoti m to duty. That the Almighty may be pleased to spare you for many years to dis- charge the honourable and responsible functions of the high office to which you have been called by your Sovereign, and to grant to you and your family an abundant measure of his choieast blessings, is the cordial wish of those who now join in offering to you this sincere Farewell' tribute." ° A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT-The Civil Service Gazette has the followin" There are very few simple articles of food which can boast so many valuable and important dietary properties as cocoa. While acting on the nerves as a <*entle stimulant, it provides the body with some of the purest elements of nutrition, and at the same time corrects and in- vigorates the action of the digestive organs. These beneficial effects depend in a great measure upon the manner of its preparation, but of late years such close attention has been given to the growth and tfeatment of cocoa that there is no difficulty in securing it with every useful quality fullv de- veloped. The singular success which Mr Epps attained by his homoeopathic preparation of cocoa has never been sur- passed by any experimentalist. Far and wide the reputation of Epps's Cocoa has spread by the simple force of its own ha^e^i"^comm^t™^°f^SS-rf beneficial article of diet for persons of weak'constitutes This superiority of a particular mode of preparation over til' others is a remarkable proof of the greut results to be obtain. eel irom little causes By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected cocoa, Mr Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which mav save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be Gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floatin" around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We mav escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame." ELECTION OF PKOCTORS.—The clergy of the dioc.se of Bangor assembled at the Chapter-room on the 4th, to elect two proctors to represent the diocese in Con- vocation. The Very Rev. the Dean of Bangor, in the absence of the Chancellor, presided, and the rules laid down at the commencement were, t'jat the nominator of a candidate should occupy not more than five minutes, fiat the seconder should make no speech at all, and that the candidates themselves should be al- lowed eight miuutes. Judging from the excellent character of gome of the speeches, it was unfortunate that the rule with regard to the seconders was not relaxed, and that additional time was not given to the candidates to express their views. The Rev E. Lewis Rector of Dolgelley, Merionethshire, was proposed by the Rev. D. W. Thomas, and seconded by the Rev. R. W. Mason the Rev J. C. Vincent, vicar of Carnarvon, was proposed by the Rev H. Owen; and the Rev W. Johnson, rec'or of Ltaniestvr., and bishop's chaplain; the Rev P. C. Euis, rector of Llanfairfecban and the Rev J. Pryce, junior vicar of Bangor, were also put in nomination. The candidates having severally stated their views (all being opposed to the disestablishment of the Irish Church and to ultra-Ritualism) a show of hands was taken, whicit vas declared to be in favour of Messrs Lewis and Vincent. A poll was then de- manded, the result being that Mr Lewis received 37 and Mr Vincent 29 votes, these being the highest. The number of votes pallc-d for the other candidates were not announced, but it was understood that Messrs Johnson and E.lis were about equa', and that Mr Pryce received the fewest number of votes. Messrs Lewis and Vincent were declared elected. I

TUAFHG IlKCEll'TS. I Res. Hrc-tt. >7.-torn £ 72643 West Midland L lt<u7. South Wales J £ 70,417 1 «!■„?. ,,on,lon α-iA IVostern London and North Western ) £ 122,214 Shrewsbury and Hereford f 1-m>7. Shropshire Union 123,9:49 CAMBRIAX RAILWAYS. —] 170 miles open J— Return of Traffic for the week ending: November 28,11, 18G3 Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails £1:3;3; merchindise, minerals, and cattle, 1:131(4; Total for the week, 2692. Corresponding week in last year, 176 miles openPassengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, 11 ~4 > merchandise miner als, and cattle, £ 1400. Total f >r the week C2643. Aggregate to this date, ditto last year,' £ 61847.

LLANGOLLEN. DEATH OF E. H. PARRY, Esg.—The death of this gentleman, so soon after his marriage (which was to have been cele- brated by a public dinner), has caused great regret in this neighbourhood. Mr Parry was lieutenant of the volunteer corps, who assembled at his funeral, when hundreds of symi alhizing spectators lined the streets. BOARD OF HEALTEI. -Thursday, 3rd inst. Present: Mr J. Hughes, Mr Wro. Morgan, Mr Wm. Jones, Mr John Thomas, Mr John Jones, and Mr John Morris. Mr Thomas signed the usual declaration by new members. Mr John Hughes was unanimously de- clared chairman. Ordered that the interest due to Mr Thomas Jones, sizer, be paid, £ 2 13s. lid.; Messrs J nes, also interest and principal, £ 8 Is. 81.; that Mr John Davies be paid for extra work, El 3s. 9J. that Mr John Jones's claim to recompence for extra work in collecting tolls a nd copying receipts be con- s'dered at the next meeting. "Ordered that Mr J. Morris and Mr J. Thomas be the committee to ex- amine the exemptions. Ordered that as soon as it is legal to join the two offices of surveyor and tax- gatherer together, they be joined.

LLANFYLLIX. Frm-A disasterous fire br. ke out on Sacurdav, the 26 h November last, at the buildings of a Farin House called Lletty, in the patish of Llanfi- hangel, about four miles from this town. The p irticulars seem to be thus. The wife of the occupier, Mr Edward Jones, wjct. about three o'clock in the a:;ernoon, with a rush candle to the buildings in search 0' a hen which was missing. By some means some of the dry straw there took fire, and at once the whole place was in a blaze. The contents, consisting of a quantity of wheat, barley, oats, and hay, were all con- sumed, and the b-iildings, which are the property of Sir Watkin, were buPt to the ground. We are in- formed that the s'ock was not insured. B0RJUGH PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY week.— Before C. R. Jones, Esq., and Edtvard Jones, Esq., b i iflfs. Drin k end Disoderlji.—P.C. Edward Jones charged Henry Ellis, Robert Ellis, and Thomas Jones, with bring drunk and disorderly on the 2G:h of last month. The two first were fined as. and costs each, bat the Bench thought that Thomas Jones bad been punished cuiM '.pntly ia consequence of having a piece of his nose bitten off by Henry Eib's. Drunkenness.—Hugh J mes, Thomas Parry, and Thomas H-rves, were ch u-jrei by P.C. Elward Jo: es with this offence and were fined 5s. and costs eacb, COL XTY PETTY SESSIONS. FKID AY week.—B fjre Rev. W. Maddock Williams and R. S. Perrot, Esq. Doj Licences. -Thomis Noblyn, supervisor, charged Henry :J ones, Llansaintffraid, with keeping a dog without a licence. Charge admitted.—Fined 25s. —The same cjmplainaut charged John Osvens, Finnant, with this offence and said that when he called at the defendant's place on the 29th September last, he saw two dogs there, but the owner had only taken out one licence. The defendant said he had taken out a licence for the one but the other was a pnp under six months oil.—Thomas Morris, the defendants' servant corroborated this statement and said the little dog pupped on the 1-t May last. Case dismissed,

NEWTOWN. THE MONTGOMERYSHIRE INFIRMARY. — On Sunday a sermon was preached by the Rev. T. J. Woel Ion, in the Calviaistie Methodist Cliape-, and a collection amounting to E2 10s. made in aid of the funds of the charity. THE NEW STATION.—The works In connection with the new station are actively progressing, and it is expected that the bni'ding will be ready for occu- pation early in the spring. The site, which is between the present booking office and the waiting shed, was a out on Thursday by Mr Spasll, architect, and Mr Wùrd, to whom the contract has been let. The cost of the new station will, it is expected, be about X2,000, and it will be constructed somewhat on the model of Machynlleth station, with a covered platform, wailia? rooms, and the necessary offices. At present it is intended that the alterations shall be confined to one si Ie of the station only. MARKET, December 8.h. —Wheat, 7s. Sd. to 7s. 10i, per bushel; barley. 63. 8J. per bushel; oats, 20s. (j 1. to 21s. per bag; butter, 15 1. to lSd. per lb.; eggs, 5 for 6.1. fowis, 33. 61. to 4i. per couple; ducks, 3s. to 4s. per couple; geese, 4s. 61. to 8s. ei-h turkeys, 4s. to 4-. 61. each partridges, 2s. 61. to 3s. per brace pheasants, 53. 6.1. to 6i. per brace; hares, 2s. to 3s. each; rabbits, Is. 61. to 2s. per couple beef 71. to 8^1. per lb. mutton, 51 a. to 7 d. per 1). pork, 61. to 71.; veal, 61. to 7~d. bacon 1 to 5H. per lb.; potatoes 12 and 14 lbs. for 61. iuaruet dull. HER MAJESTY AND WELSH MANUFACTURES.—Ou Thursday morning week Mr Piyce Jones, of the Royal Welsh Warehouse, was again honoured with an ex- tensive order from her Majesty the Queen for the supply of a quantity of Welsh flannel and a variety of articles of Welsh manufacture for distribution at the Christmas charities at Windsor, an 1 also for use in the royal household. The order was commanded through Lady Caroline Barrington, one of her Majesty's ladies-in-waiting, and the letter also con- tained a gracious expression of her Majesty's pleasure and satisfacion with the royal orders which had been previously executed by Mr Jones. This is the third annual occasion upon which Mr Pryce Jones has been honoured with the immediate patronage of royalty, which testifies to the wide-spread reputation which this extensive establishment now deservedly enjoys by the enterprise, perseverance, and business qualities displayed by its energetic proprietor, and must affect to a considerable extent the farther development of the staple trade and industry of Xewtown and its neighbourhood. The pleasurable news created much excitement in the town, the church bells rang out a merry peal throughout the day, and at dusk the P, Val Welsh Establishment was beautifully illuminated. In addition to the royal orders, Mr Jones, who, as our readers may be aware, is the recipient of several Eisteddfodau medals, has also hai the honour of sup- plying goods for the charities of H.R.H. the Princess of Wales, at Sandringham, the Princess Christian Schleswig-Holstein, the Countess of Derby, the Dowager Duchess of Northumberland, Countess of Carnarvon, Duchess of Grafton, Countess Mayo, Countess Stanhope, Countess Yane, Lady Wynn, Countess of Scarborough, Viscountess Cranbourne, Marchioness of Downshire, Viscountess Combermere, Countess of Cardigan, and numerous other ladies of title and quality in the United Kingdom.

MONTFORD, SHREWSBURY. REMARKABLE CASE. On Monday last sn inquest was held at the house of Mr Henry Lee, farmer, before E. Blackburne, Esq., cjroner, on the body of Ann Williams, single woman, aed 22, who died the previous Siturday. It app°ars that deceased was in the service of MrBowen, Ensdon House, as housemaid. On Wednesday, after her tea, she complained to a fellow-servant, named Hannah D ivies, of being sick, and toll her that she had drank something out of a cup in the pantry, which was very bitter. She continued to get worse, and on Thursday she removed to her father's. Mary Pritchard. a sifter to deceased, having heard a report that there was some money missing from Mr Bowen's, went to ask Ann if she knew anything about the money; but Ann said she knew nothing about it. She appeared very ill, and complained of her back, and that it hurt her to speak. The father of the girl wished to send for a doctor, but she said it was not necessary. She continued worse, and died on Saturday morning. Dr Hughes, of Shrewsbury, who had made a post-mortem examination of the body, stated that death was caused by inflammation of the bowels, brought on by expo- sare to cold, after confinement. After a short consultation the jury returned the fol- lowing verdict That death was caused by inflam- mation of the bowels, caused by exposure to cold, after recent delivery of a child." Whibt the inquest was going on, a search for the missing money was made, and in the privy, at Mr Bowen's, a newly-born child was discovered, which no doubt belonged to the deceased. The corpse of the child was handed over to the police, and an itquest was to be held yesterday.

SMtTHFIELD CATTLE SHOW. ,7^ Lan« Express describes the Smithfield Cattle cross breed r f P T Herefords, and tlr ,,1 :lve' for £ eueral excellence, seldom been bet- ter. wnereas the shorthorns make up only a moderate aver- age. Nor are the Scotch breeds as good as thev have been. Amongst the sheep the southdowns are better than thev have been for some years, whi'st amongst the longwoois the Lincolns are still maintaining their rising repute as one of the best represented breeds in the hall. The Leicesters and Cotswolds are short in number, and of no remarkable merit, there not being a single commendation added to the awards. The pig show, either for numbers or merit, is the very worst ever seen.

HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. The Idris-sidc Harriers will mcet on Monday, Dec. 14th Kennels Friday, Dec. 18th Cefcowen-ucha At 10.