The Welshman

[Tht following appeared in our Sacona Edition of latt tCHk.] I Upon a division, the original motion for the issue of the writ for Berwick-upon-Tweed was carried by 218 against 60. On the order for going into a Committee of Ways and Means Mr. T. Duncombe inquired whether it was the intention of the Government to proceed with the second information against Mr. Hale, the manufacturer of the patent war-rocket, He prefaced his question with some playful animadversions upon what he termed an absurd and ridiculous State prosecution, upon political grounds, under an old fire-work act, and in- veighed against it as an unworthy course for the British Go- vernment to take, which he endeavoured, apparently, to trace to a desire to gratify foreign Powers. Lord Palmerston complimented Mr. Duncombe upon the success with which he had blended jocularity with argument. He had, he said, never disguised tne ground upon which he had directed this prosecution. When he was informed that a great collection of warlike stores was accumulating in an out- of-the-way place, under circumsrances of secresy and in con- nexion with other circumstances which tended to show that there was a purpose bevond the legitimate transactions of commerce, it was his duty to inquire whether the proceeding was contrary to law, and, being informed that it was, he should have forfeited his duty if he had taken no step to put a stop to it. In doing this, he had consulted the honour and dignity of this country. He had, however, no hesitation in saving that the Government had no desire to press hardly upon Mr. Hale, and that the evidence they had did not bear out or justify proceedings against any other persons, British or foreign. Upon general principles, held it to be objection- able for the Government to abandon a proceeding once com- menced against an individual and the objection would oe much stronger in this case. He was, therefore, advised that the proceedings against 34r. Hale should not be stopped until the judgment of a competent Court had been obtained on the law of the case. Lord D. Stuart denounced the statements made with the view of implicating M. Kossuth in this proceeding as, upon Lord Palmerston's tardy declaration, baseless fabrications and ffnfounded calumnies. Mr. Bright, after speaking in terms of intense bitterness of the Times, inquired whether policemen had been employed to watch M. Kossuth's house if so, whether it was done with the authority of the Home-office, and whether the expense was defrayed by the Government, or out of the metropolitan rated, or by the Austrian Government or the Austrian Em- bassy ? Lord Palmerston replied that the expense of our police was borne by this country, and that it was their duty, if they had reason to think th 7 and that it was their duty, if they had reason to think that persons were engaged in proceedings contrary to law, to inform the Government but that he had given no special directions to them regarding M. Kos- suth. Mr. Cobden asked whether there had been any communica- tions between the Home-office and the police with reference to any proceedings taken to watch the premises of M. Kossuth. Lord J. Russell said, the rule to be observed with refer- ence to refugees was founded upon the law of England and the great international law of Europe, according to vhich, while they enjoyed the hospitality of this country and were safe under the shelter of its law, they ought not to abuse that hospitality by making war against other States in peace and alliance with England. M. Kossuth, respecting whose conduct there were two opinions, was bound scrupulously to obey the law of this country, and not to involve her in a quarrel with its neighbours. But it was not to be wondered at that suspicions should be raised after the publication of his proclamation, proclaiming the duty of insurrection,-a most imprudent and most unjustifiable act; and after the letter which had been read in that house, expressing a deter- mination to wage war with the Sovereign of Hungary, a Prince in amity with this country. Under all the circum- stances of the case, it was not unreasonable for the police, whose duty it was from time to time to make reports to the Government, to believe that a crime was meditated. The communications from Austria are not of the nature of de- mands, applications, or requirements at the same time that Government had stated that they felt aggrieved by proceed- ings carried on by refugees residing in this country. After a few remarks by Sir J. Walinsley, the House went into a Committee of Ways and Means. On the resolution granting an income-tax until 1850, Mr. Lawless moved that the words "Great Britian" be substituted for United Kingdom." He approved of the rest of the budget, but, although he hoped the time would arrive when Ireland could bear her full share of taxation, that time had not come yet. Colonel Dunne, regarding the budget as disadvantageous to Ireland, expressed his regret that Mr. Lawless had not voted the other night for Sir E. B. Lytton's amendment, instead of bringing forward a motion not likely to suc- ceed. Mr. V. Scully had looked carefully into the figures con- nected with this question, and his conclusion was that Ire- land would, on the whole, 0" benefitted by the budget if the income-tax would be introduced, as he understood was in- tended, with good practical modifications and a mitigation of inquisitorial inquiries. Taxing the income-tax and the Consolidated Annuities as alternatives, he preferred the former. Mr Duffy treated the grounds on which the application of the income-tax to Ireland was defended as utterly iusuffi- cient. His main objection to the budget was that it would be oppressive to the middle classes of that country. I the course ofhis speech he declared that the grossest corruption ever practised since the days of Walpole and the I elhams had been practised, under his own eye, upon Irish members of that House. Mr. J. Ball moved that these words betaken down. Lord J. Russell observed that if Mr. Duffy meant to refer to any members he ought to name them. If he was ready, with the Speaker in the chair, to charge any Irish members individually, with the corruption with which he had charged them generally, he should not refuse to vote that the words be taken down otherwise it would be better to treat words, which Mr. Duffy was unable to prove, with contempt. A warm discussion ensued, in which Mr. Lucas disputed the interpretation put upon the worda, arguing that they con- veyed no imputation upon any persons except Her Majesty's Ministers. Mr. Duffy having declined to retract the words, they were taken down, and the Chairman being ifigrdml to report pro- gress, the House resumed, when the occurrence was reported to the Speaker, who inquired of Mr. Duffy whether he had anv explanation to offer or would retract the word*. Mr. Duffy declined either alternative, and was directed to withdraw. Lord J. Russell thought that, under the circumstances, the ulterior proceedings ought not to be suggested by any member of the Government, Mr. Disraeli proposed that Mr. Duffy should be called iu and desired to state the names of the members whom he considered the Government had practised upon in a corrupt manner. Mr. S. Wortley moved!that the words reported to the House be taken into consideration this day. Lord J. Russell thought this the preferable course; and after some further debate, amid many manifestations of im- patience, the proposition was agreed to. On the moti ot nf )Lr. Stana f reed to. On the motion of Mr. Stanley, Mr. Duffy was ordered to attend in his place this day. The other orders and motionsTiaving been disposed of, the House adjourned at five minutes past two o'clock.

AFFAIR OF HONOUR.-We are informed, upon good autho- rity, that on Wednesday, the 27th ult., a duel took place be- tween Sir Robert Peel and Mr. Bernal Osborne, member for Middlesex, the origin of the meeting being the speech which the hon. baronet delivered upon the Jew Bill. The ball from Mr. Osborne's weapon passed through his antagonist's coat sleeve, and the affair happily terminated without bloodshed.— Essex Herald. HORRIBLE OCCURRENCE AT PORTSMOUTH. -On Friday last this neighbourhood was thrown into an unusual state of excitement bv the report that a child had been killed by a bear belonging to the 38th Regiment, and we are sorry to state the report is correct. It appears that the bear was presented to the 38th Regiment by the 7th, on their relieving that regiment at Nova Scotia, and it has been kept by subscription among the officers. The bear was kept in a yard called Hogg's-yard, in Nicholas-street, and the child George Martin Curley, aged five years, son of Mr. Martin Curley, landlord of the Rose and Crown, Nicholas-street— was in the habit of feeding the bear with bits of bun and such matters. Yesterday, it is supposed, he was teasing the bear, when the beast seized him bv the back of the neck and broke his windpipe and Mr. White, surgeon, stated he must have died instantly. The oiffcers immediately ordered some poison to be given to the bear, and he died in 20 minutes.- ",tsniouth TtMM. Mrs. Morden has received a letter from the solicitor of the Rev. Mr. Gordon, to state that that gentleman had resigned his clerical appointment in the parish of St. Andrew, Holborn, and had left the country. CASE OF ALDERMAN SALOMANS.—JUDGMENT. — In the r Exchequer Chamber (in error) on Wednesday, the case of I Salomons v. Miller was completed, and Lord Campbell deli- vered the judgment of the Court, affirming the decision of the Court of Exchequer, and said both the objections raised failed. They were of opinion the statute of 6 George III. was passed for all time to come, and had not ceased with the death of George IV.; and also that the oath must be taken in the ex- press terms of the statute, the words on the true faith of a Christian" being an esssentIal part of the oath. Therefore no Jew could take the oath or sit in parliament. Judgment of the Court of Exchequer affirmed. ENCUMBERED ESTATES COURT, IRELAND.-This court was never known to be so full of business as it is at the present time, the number of valuable estatea entered of late being truly astonishing. To facilitate the transactions of the court, and in order to give equal publicity in London as in Dublin, an office for the registration of all rentals of en- cumbered estates has been opened in London, to which office all rentals are forwarded from Dublin as soon as entered. This will be a great boon to capitalists, as hitherto acourate information on every estate for sale in the court could not be had in London. PHOTOGRAPHIC ESORATING.—Mr. Talbot fas written to the Athetutum, announcing the fact that he baa. after many trials and much difficulty, succeeded in couveffbiR photogra- phic metal plates into what he calls positive etching," by causing the plate, by certain chemical means, to engrave itself. Any object which can be placed in contact with the metallic plate,—M the leaf of a fern, the lit feathery Cowers of a grass, a piece of lace, &c., is engraved as C? curately as if its shadow had itself corroded the metal. Ob- jects which cast a broad and uniform shadow^ as the opaque leaf of a fern or other plant, produce an etching which, when printed, delineates the original in a pleasing but unusual form—-aomething between an aqua-tint engraving and an Indian-ink drawing the size of the plate offers no difficulty in this new process, except as requiring more care in the operator. But the larger the plate, the less obvious the minute deviations from the original. DEATH IN THE S.NVFF-Box.-On Wednesday, Daniel Cannon, anuffand tobacco-manufacturer, was fined by the Commissioners of Excise in the mitigated penalty of E25 (his liability being E300) for mixing chromate of lead with snuff. The analytical officer of excise having proved the adulteration, Mr. Cannon stated that he had no idea of de- frauding the revenue or the public by increasing the weight of the snuff, and that his only object was to add brilliancy to the article by the mixture. Mr. Commissioner Stevenson, observed that the act was not only illegal, but deleterious to health, and therefore cautioned the defendant against a re- petition of the offence. THE ARMY.—-A military inquiry of a most delicate nature. to which we adverted a short time since, having been brought to a close, we now place before the public a copy of the finding of the Court, which was composed of three General Officers, viz., Sir Peregrine Maitlana, Lord Cathcast, and Sir George Berkeley. The charge, preferred at the inrfance of the Com- mander-in-Chief, against the defendant, Major-General the Hon. Henry Frederick Compton Cavenish, was, that he was the writer of a series of pseudonymous letters, addressed to the late Duke of Wellington, with the view of destroying the character of Colonel Hall, M.P., the officer who, at the last Brevet, succeeded, without purchase, Major-General, (then Colonel) Cavendish in the command of the 1st Life Guards. The inquiry was conducted with rigid privacy, and the verdict of the Court, which has not been officially promulgated, but which, from the extraordinary terms in which it is couched, deserves all possible publicity, is as follows:—"After an in- vestigation of an extremely difficult and embarrassing nature, anomalous in its character and unsatisfactory in regard to proof, inasmuch as the conflicting and nearly balanced evi- dence before us was not upon oath, and was in other re- spects such as to be inadmissible in the Courts of Westminster Hall, we submit to your Lordship, in obedience to your Lord- ship's desire, our opinion, subject to the above observations, viz.I. That Major-General Cavendish was not the writer of a certain letter or letters marked A. and B, addressed or sent in the years 1847 and 1848 to the late Commander-in- Chief, the Duke of Wellington. 2. That Major-General Ca- vendish was cognizant of their beiM? written or sent to his Grace. (Signed) Peregrine MMtlaaCChaMrman, sent to his George Berkeley." V

HOUSE OF LORDS, TUESDAY, MAY 7. I Earl Grey moved an address to Her Majesty, praying that the arrangements with respect to the transportation of con- victs which were in force last year might not be altered until Parliament was made acquainted with the system which the Government proposed to substitute for those arrangements, and until it had an opportunity of discussing the new system. The noble earl, in a speech of great length, entered into a defence of the reformatory system ending in transportation introduced by himself, which he described as having worked admirably, and as being peculiarly adapted, by its severity, to deter the vicious from the commission of crime, It was true that an outcry had recently been raised against transportation by some of the Australian colonists-the very men who had formerly applauded the system under which their adopted country had arisen to an unexampled pitch of prosperity. It did not, however, follow that because a clamour was loud it was reasonable, or that it was shared in by the more sensible portion of the community, and such he believed was the case with the Australian outcry against transportation. The House must remember that if transportation ceased the convicts would be thrown in large bodies on society at home, and ulti- mately become as formidable a class to the Welfare of the com- munity as the?b/'c<t? in France. The Earl of Aberdeen said that the motion of Earl Grey was of a very unusual character, involving, as it did, an inter- ference seldom attempted with the prerogative of the Crown and the discretion of the Executive. The practical question was, whether transportation to Van Diemen's Land was to cease or not. Now, it should be remembered that the Go- vernment, with respect to that colony, were struggling with a difficulty created by Earl Grey himself, who, in one of his I despatches, as it was understood by the Governor of the colo- nists, had certainly held out an expectation that no more convicts would be sent to their island. The noble earl had also decided that the Government of this country had no right to send convicts to any colony against the consent of its inhabitants, and yet, when the Government, acceding to the wishes of the Legislature of Van Diemen's Land, determined that transportation to that colony should cease, they were met by this motion. With respect to transportation "in general, he thought that in a very great number of cases other kinds of reformatory punishments might be successfully introduced, and the propositions of the Government on the subject would shortly be laid before the House; but in the meantime, i he must protest against the notion that transportation was to be altogether abolished, because the Government had found it necessary to discontinue it in the case of Van Diemen's Land. The Earl of Chichester opposed the motion, and proposed an amendment, declaring it to be the opinion of the House that transportation should only be applied to the graver. offences, that it should be limited, to certain colonies, and that a more complete system of secondary and reformatory punish- ment should be introduced at home, The Earl of Derby said that the amendment proposed by the Earl of Chichester was quite beside the original motion, for there was no reason why any one Who agreed to the one should not also agree to the other. It was with regret that he ob- served that the Government were about to take a course which would involve them in embarrassment, and which had the appearance of concession to popular clamour raised in Van Diemen's Land for this reason, if for no other, he should vote with Lord Grey if he pressed his motion to a divi- sion. The Duke of Newcastle defended the course pursued by the Government in a speech of considerable length, and after speeches from the Lord Chancellor and Lord Campbell their Lordships divided, when the numbers wer3- For Lord Grey's motion 37 Against. 54 Majority.17 Their Lordships then adjourned. THURSDAY, MAY 12. The Lord Chancellor took his seat on the woolsack at five o'clock. The Earl of Ellenborough presented a petition from Hartle- pool and Sunderland against admission of foreigners into the coasting service. The noble earl called attention to certain returns, recently laid before the house, which showed that while there was a diminution of 2,412 seamen in the coasting trade, there had been an increase of 17,817 in the foreign trade. (Hear, hear.) He trusted the Government would make some inquiry into the subject. Lord Stanley of Alderley would make the inquiry which the noble earl had suggested. On the motion of Lord Redesdale, the Earl of Derby was permitted to attend as a witness before the Dockyard Inquiry Committee ofthe House of Commons. The Exchequer Bills Bill, after a few observations from Lord St. Leonards, was read a second time, and the standing orders having been suspended, it was read a third time and passed. The County Election Polls (Scotland) Bill was read a second time. The Chimney Sweeper's Regulation Bill was read a second time. The Cathedral Appointments Bill, was read a third time. (LEFT SITTING.)

HOUSE OF COMMONS, TUESDAY, MAY 9. I The Cardiff Waterworks Bill was read a third time. Petitions were presented in favour of the ballot by Mr. J. H. Vivian, from Swansea. Petitions were also presented by Mr. Morgan, from the students of the Congregational College of Brecon, in favour of the representation of the University of London in Parliament; and one from the Town-council in favour of the Brecon Col- legiate Bill Mr. T. Chambers, in moving for leave to bring in a bill to facilitate the recovery of personal liberty in certain cases, observed that an impression prevailed that there were classes in this country, especially females, subjected to personal coercion and restraint, a wrong which the state of the law was not adequate to redress; that there were institutions in this country—namely, monastic establighments-ilien to our legal institutions, and rapidly increasing, which required the inter- position of Parliament, with the view of protecting those who were beyond the reach of the law as it now existed; the bill not being directed, he said, against Roman Catholic institu- tions alone, but including all such establishments. He enu- merated the reasons which had produced the impression to which he had referred, that the Roman Catholic nunneries were not, a3 alleged, societies of contented and happy females, but that the inmates were retained there against their inclina- tion, though entitled to their liberty by British law. He I anticipated objections to legislation upon this subject, one of which was that it was an invasion .of religious liberty but the object was not to interfere with religious, but to protect civil liberty. It appeared that there were 75 Roman Catholic nunneries in England and Wales but there were likewise, perhaps, 100 Anglo-Catholic nunneries, which required quite as much looking after. The inmates of these establishments, he observed, were subjected to irresponsible power exercised in secret; the fair inference from this fact was, that the law should be vigilant in protecting persons so secluded; whereas a nun was less under the protection of the law than lunatics, factory children, or parish apprentices. Moreover, these institutions located in this country were affiliated with similar institutions abroad, and a woman might be transported for life without the possibility of tracing her. These institutions were no part of the Roman Catholic Church they existed at the option of the rulers of that Church; and he contended that it was too late, in the face of modern legislation, to press the maxim that an Englishman's house was his castle. He pro- posed, therefore, that the Secretary of State for the Home Department should have the power of appointing one or more persons, where there were reasonable grounds to infer the exercise of coercion and restraint towards any female any- where, to go, in company with a justice of the peace, to the house, see the party, ascertain the facts, and, if necessary, put the ordinary law ip force by writ of habeas corpus. The motion was seconded by Mr. C. Berkeley. Mr. Bowyer, in opposing the motion, said he had no difficulty in accounting for the popular feeling to which Mr. Chambers had referred when lie called to mind the atrocious libels against convents contained in pamphlets, and the speeches in Exeter-hall, calculated ,to inflame popular pre- judices upon this subject. This question, he insisted, was whether convents were to exist at all in this country; for, under the proposed inspection, to be appointed by the Govern- ment of the day-which might be a Protestant Orange Government—it was impossible that any convent subject to religious rules could exist. He explained the constitution and interior administration of convents, respecting which, he said, false notions prevailed; and he inferred, from the facts he stated, that the existence of coercion in those establish- ment was utterly improbable. Mr. Serjeant Murphy likewise protested against making popular opinion upon such a subject, founded not upon investigation of facts but upon delusions, the foundation of legislation. He denied that nuns were debarred from liberty their relations and friends were not prohibited from visiting them; he had three near relatives in different nunneries, and had been always permitted to see them alone. If the unnecessary and inquisitorial system now proposed were adopted, it would put to flight these religious communities, which were the dispensers of useful education. Mr. Frewen and Mr. Newdegate spoke in support of the motion. Lord J. Russell greatly regretted that this question had been brought before the House. A bill upon this subject bad been introduced about two years ago, which the House rejected, and very strong ground should be assigned for the introduction of a new bill upon the same subject. We boasted of our per- sonal liberty, and had made provisions for its preservation then the question was, whether there were certain classes of persons with respect to whose personal liberty the existing laws were insufficient, and that there should be scperate legis- lation for their special protection. If so, our laws must be generally insufficient. Then, what was the special case? Certain ladies of the Roman Catholic perusasion took vows and resided in certain private houses in Great Britain and Ireland; many of them, he believed, entered these houses from a spirit of sincere and deep devotion, which no man ought to speak of without respect; some devoted themselves to active duties, whose practical services could not but be re- garded with approbation; while others dedicated themselves to painful a ance upon the sick. Then he was asked, not I whether he approved of those institutions, but to vote for the internesition of the law- for tlw spedal restriction and special examination of the houses in whioh these ladies chose to live. With respect to the case of persons actually confined against their will, in the first place no evid(?ce of the fact had been offered; but there w- another conclusive reason why he could not agree to this motion. Mr. Chambers had said that per- sons were retained by force, and that the whold force of Parliament was required to set them &ee. Now, we Jived in p rh. .me. t ? a a he did not believe that burfeUow-<ubjects pfofew!lg the Roman Catholic persuasion were so kklifferent to political freedom, and so destitute of the feelings of humani- ty, that they would .wiUmgly see our laws set at nought, and lend no assistance towards the liberation of their own rela- tions. But his objections did not end here. The Roman Catholics of this country would feel such a law as this both an injury and an insult. If any remedy was called for, let it be one which applied to the whole nation; let the Habeas Corpus Act be made more complete. But this was not the remedy proposed by the bill, which would invest the Execu- tive Government with the power to interfere. A remedy like this, differing from the ordinary law of the land, could hardly be used without exciting feeling of the greatest indignation on the part of the Roman Catholics, who would think their reli- gious institutions unduly interfered with. He had no reason to believe that the general law was not sufficient for the protection of personal liberty, and with this feeling he must refuse his assent to the introduction of the bill. Lord E. Howard, in opposing the motion, contradicted cer- tain statements, made in the course of the debate, with reference to the case of Miss Talbot, and complained of the misrepresentations which resulted from adopting cases without due investigation. Mr. Drummond had dialiked the former bill, and did not like the present because he thought it was not in the power of the Legislature to separate the good from the bad in monastic institutions for he could not go the length oflome in their blame of them. He did not think it right that there should be any where a number of the Queen's subjects who could not appeal to the law; but the country was not yet prepared for the only remedy-the suppression of monastic institutions altogether. Mr. Lucas thought the speech of Lord J. Russell must perfectlysettle the question. Mr. Whiteside said his objection to the bill was, that it treated in a very narrow way a very large subject. Mr. Fagan declared that the bill should experience his most decided hostilit decided C. Hamilton, Sir R. Inglis, and Sir 1. TyqeU on ported the motion, which upon a division, was earned by 131 against 115-a majority of 23 in favour of the bill. Mr. V. Scully obtained leave to bring in a bill to facilitate the transfer of land in Ireland. Mr. Gregson, in moving for certain returns, called attention to the Treasury order of February last relating to the sale of mixtures of coffee and chicory. Mr. J. Wilson stated the number of convictions and punish- ments under the order, to prove the bona fid* intention of the Government to prosecute in all cases of its infraction, and showed the favourable effect of the order in increasing the consumption of coffee. Mr. Stanley.moved an address for a commission to inquire into corrupt practices at the late election for the borough of Barnstaple, whiSh was agreed to. Mr. Bentinck moved for a select committee to inquire into the circumstances under which the petitions against the return of Mr. Atherton and Mr. Grainger for the city of Dur- ham had been withdrawn, detailing, in support of the motion, particulars connected with the transaction. The motion was opposed by Mr. M. Chambers, who made a counter statement, and contended that, while the inquiry would be useless for its professed object, it would defeat in- quiry into the last election. Mr. Miles considered the case to be one full of suspicion, and which demanded inquiry. Sir J. Trollope, Chairman of the Committee of Selection, said the rules of the House had been grossly abused, and the committee was made a stalking horse by parties for their own purposes. Sir C. Wood recommended that the matter should be postponed until Mr. L. King's motion came on, which stood for the 31st of May, for a committee to inquire into the with- drawal of all election petitions. Mr. Walpole concurred in this suggestion, and recom- mended Mr. Bentinck not to persevere in his motion. After a brief, but warm and eager discussion, the House divided upon a motion of Lord Palmerston, that the debate be adjourned until the 31st of May, which was carried by 107 to 74. The remaining business having been disposed of, the House adjourned at 1 o'clock. I WEDNESDAY, MAY 11. I The Speaker took the chair at 12 o'clock. Lord Drumlanrig appeared at the bar with her Majesty's answer to the address of the House of Commons with respect to the Hospital of Kilmainham. It ran as follows I have received your loyal and dutiful address on the Hospital of Kilmainham, and I have ordered that a commission shall isrue to investigate the matters connected with that hos- pital. Several petitions were presented in favour of vote by ballot. Several petitions were presented for and against the opening of the Crystal Palace on Sundays. Mr. G. Butt moved the second reading of the Elections Bill, the object of which was to limit the expense of the elections of members of parliament, particularly for counties, by dimi- nisliiug the time allowed to elapse between the receipt of the precept and the day of nomination. He also proposed to limit the polling for universities to five days; but m order to effect this it would be necessary to increase the time between the day of nomination and the day of polling, and that the five days of polling should be all in one week. The bill was read a second time without any opposition. Mr. Crauford moved the second reading of the bill to extend the jurisdiction of the Sheriffs' Courts in Scotland, which was now limited to iS 6s. 8d. to the same amount as that of the judges of the County Courts in England. Mr. Cowan moved as all amendment, that the bill be read a second time that day six months. Mr. Ewart supported the second reading of the bill. Mr. C. Bruce opposed the second reading, After some further discussion, Mr. Craufurd replied, and the house divided. The numbers were- For the second reading 58 I Against it. 184 I Majority. 126 The bill was consequently lost. The Probates of Wills and Grants of Administration Bill was passed through coinniiteee. Ths house then went into committee on the County Rates and Expenditure Bill.; Mr. W. Miles moved the following amendment to the fourth clause. In line 17, after the word of," to omit all the words to the end of the clause, and insert justices of the peace se- lected at the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace in every county in England and Wales, not in number more than the unions which exist in a county formed either under the pro- visions of the Act 4 and 5 Will. IV., c. 76, or the Act 22 Geo. III., c. 83, or any single parish or united parishes acting under any local act to which aforesaid justices of the peace one person annually elected from each of the aforesaid unions, parish, or parishes respectively, shall be added. A discussion ensued as to whether this amendment would not prevent other amendments on the paper being put at all; and at length, in order to obviate the difficulty, Mr. Miles said he would only move his amendment down to the words more than." Captain Scobell moved as an amendment the following in- terlineation after the words justices of the peace," not more than one of such justices being resident in the same union and to substitute for the word selected" the word elected." Mr. Hume said it was better that the bill should be aban- doned altogether unless government would take up the subject and endeavour to compromise the differences between hon. members, if no other way csuld be found to enable some bill to be adopted to secure some controul over the expenditure to the rate payers. Sir J. Pakington said, he had offered the fairest possible compromise in the clause which he had proposed. It was, however, rejected by the house, ana he should therefore, give every opposition in his power to the bill. Mr. M. Gibson said as it was impossible to conclude the dis- cussion of the clause that day, he would, in order to facilitate the other business on the paper, move that the chairman report progress and ask leave to sit again. After some observations from Sir W. Jolliffe, The house resumed, and the chairman obtained leave to sit again on the 19th inst. The remaining business was then disposed of, and the house adjourned. I THURSDAY, MAY 12. I The Speaker took the chair at four o'clock. A great number of petitions were presented upon different subject. On the motion of Mr. "Walpole, Lord St. Leonard's Lunacy Biils were read a first time, and the recand reading fixed for the 16th of May. Mr. C. Berkeley asked whether there is to be any inquiry in this session of Parliament into the working of the Public Health Act, with a view to the amendment of that act, or of the construction of the Board of Health ? ..Sir W. Molesworth said, that at the termination of the existence of the present Board of Hfalth the Government would be prepared to bring in a bill to renew the board, making such improvements as would be deemed necessary. It was not intended to institute any extraordinary inquiry. Mr. Hume said that unless there was an inquiry great dis- satisfaction would be excited. In reply to a question, Mr. Fitzroy said he was now engaged in framing a clause to be introduced into the Hackney Carriage Bill, for the purpose of preventing the nuisance occasioned by advertis- ing vans. Mr. Iticardo said the late Government introduced a bill for the purpose of defining what was a newspaper, and when the present Government came in they said they should take up the bill. Now, he wished to know when the Government measure was likely to be brought in. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said the bill was in a state of great forwardness, and ready to be laid upon the table, but it had been thought expedient to delay bringing in the bill until the decision of the house had been taken on the subject of the advertisement duty. Mr. Ricardo begged to remind the right hon. gentleman that a prosecution Avas now pending against parties in the Court of Exchequer upon the question arising out of the pre- sent unsettled state of the law. The Attorney-General said it was quite true the prosecution was pending against a person named Collet, but the pro- secution was taken at the defendant's own request, for the purpose of having the law defined by one of the superior courts. THE IRISH DISPUTE. I On the question of going into committee of ways and means, an explanation arose as to Mr. Magan's statements in the House on a previous night that accredited agents from the Whig party had pledged that party not to introduce the Income Tax to Ireland provided Lord Derby's Government was ejected. It appeared from statements made by Mr. Magan, Mr. French and Mr. M. O'Conuell that the only' foundation for such a statement was a loose conversation with Mr. Hayter: in the lobby of the House. Both Mr. Hayter and Sir C. Wood denied having given any pledge, either specific implied upon, the subject. (LEFT SITTING.

ADVANCE IN THE PRICE OF WOOL.-An Irish paper calls attention to the fact that the price of wool, which was only 18s. 6d. Jast October, has now run up to £ 1 3s. 6d. This extraordinary advance is attributed to the shortness of the usual supplies from Australia, where ptock-farming has been neglected for the more exciting and profitable occupa- tion of gold-digging. The Irish farmers, meanwhile, are reaping the benefit of the neglect. SHOCKING MURDER AT BACTON RECTORY.—On Sunday morning last a most brutal murder was committed at the rectory-house at Bacton, a secluded village, about six miles from Stowmarket, in the county of Suffolk. The rectory- house is in the occupation of the Rev. Mr. Barker, a gentle- man upwards of 80 years of age. The establishment kept up by the rev. gentleman consisted of a housekeeper, named Maria Steggall, upwards of 7Q years of age, and a housemaid. The housekeeper had been in her master's service upwards of 53 years, and was a most steady and confidential woman. On Sunday morning last Mr. Barker left his residence about half- past 10 o'clock to proceed to church, and was shortly after followed by Susan Clarke, his housemaid, leaving the house- keeper at home in charge of the house, she being at the time of their leaving in her usual good health. The rev. gentle- man, after the service of the church was over, returned home entering by the front door, closely followed by his housemaid who went round to the back door. Mr. Barker, not finding his housekeeper in the hall as she was wont to be on former occasions, called out loudly for her by name, but receiving no answer, he went into the kitchen, where he was horror stricken at seeing her lying upon her back upon the floor in a pool of blood. Mr. Barker sank down upon a chair close by, shrieking out, Oh, Susan, Susan, your mistress is mur- dered This brought the housemaid to the kitchen, who was so alarmed that she ran out of the house, crying out, Mur- der! Murder!" Her cries brought three countrymen to her assistance, who upon entering the kitchen discovered that, although the skull of the housekeeper had been broken in three places, she still breathed. Her clothers were much dis- ordered, showing evidently that she had struggled much with her murderer. Surgeons were soon in attendance, but their assistance was of no avail, as she died in about an hour after she was discovered by her master. An inquest was held on Monday on view of the body, before Mr. Charles Gross, coro- ner. The Jury almost immediately returned a verdict of Wilful murder against some person or persons unknown. No other reason can be given for the commission of the mur- der than the hope of plunder, for three sovereigns and five shillings, as well as some things of trifling value, had been abstracted from the box belonging, to the housemaid, which stood in her bedroom upstairs. Other articles of property are missing, but from the state of mind in which the rev. gentle- man and his housemaid are at present, it is impossible to give any accurate information with reference thereto. An investi- gation into the melancholy occurrence will, we understand, be at once instituted by the magistrates. LONDON COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.—IN RE BARBER.—A CHINESE CREDITOR.—EXTRAORDINARY SCENE IN COURT.— The bankrupt was a grocer and tea-dealer, in Bishopsgate street. This was the meeting for the choice of assignees. His debts are about .£1600. The only peculiarity in the case was the appearance of a Chinaman, who had been employed by the bankrupt as shopman, and who claimed payment of L38, as an arrear of wages. He gave his name Chun-Ahmen, and was attended by a countryman of his own, who, having a tolerable knowledge of English, acted as interpreter. Some difficulty presented itself as to the mode of swearing the wit- ness and as the court could not learn that he properly under- stood the obligation of an oath, this formality was dispensed with, and he was questioned as to the nature of his claim. It appeared that he had been about two years in the service of the bankrupt; he is believed to be one of the crew who came over in the Chinese Junk. The claim of £38 was for a year's service. He expected to be paid in full; but on its being ex- plained to him that he could only receive three months' wages in full, and must prove and take a dividend for the remainder, he fell into a violent passion, and ultimately rushed out of court, threatening to hang himself if his claim were not once discharged in full. His friend the interpreter strove to calm him, but in vain. After a short absence, he again marched into the court, and created some alarm by his wild" gesticu- lations. He addressed himself to the solicitor under the bankruptcy in a menacing manner; he was again offered the three months' salary in full, but persisted in rejecting it, and ultimately left the court, making pantomimic motions with his hand across his throat to indicate his determination. His friend ran after him, apparently for the purpose of taking care of him. All the parties soon after left the court. It was stated that this Chinaman is the same who figured at the Ex- hibition as a Chinese mandarin, and who, on the opening, was honoured with a place near Her Majesty. We cannot insert, or notice in any way, any communication that is sent to us anonymously; but those who choose to address us in confidence, will find their confidence respected. Neither can we undertake to return any manuscripts what- ever. Cymro in our next.

The proceedings in the House and in its Committee Rooms are -still a series of striking successes for the government, and of discomfiture and disgrace to their opponents. In a tolerably full House on Monday, an amendment of Mr. Pal- mer to obtain an admission that only the net value of property should be subject to the Income Tax, was defeated by a majo- rity of 75. And the defeat was a just one. If property be allowed to deduct for repairs, management, and insurance- why not machinery for wear and tear, and manufactories for depreciation ? Mr. Gladstone showed the fallacy of the pro position, but Mr. Disraeli made the opportunity one for show- ing his weakness. If no better objections than that of Mr. Palmer can be brought to bear on the budget, it is very clear that it must pass intact. A private letter from London informs us that the Lords are very sore on the subject of the legacy duties, and that a majority of the--a have agreed'rather than subject landed property to the rule which governs personal estate, to call up the Budget and veto it. Our informant is positive of the correctness of his information-i. e., that threats to the above effect are freely and publicly used. But their realisation is more than doubtful, we believe. Tiie Lords have rarely exercised the prerogative of throwing out a money Bill; and in the present instance the Budget is so popular that they would hardly dare to try the patience,of the country by rejecting it. As the Lords have not the privilege of making amendments, they would reject the whole measure, if any portion-a proceeding too dangerous for so wise and cautious an assembly to attempt. The Lords have now almost regained the good opinion of even the ultra reformers, and will, we trust, be careful not to sacrifice that opinion by a step which would involve us in inextricable troubles, if not in revolution. A measure for producing supervision of Conventual Es- tablishments in England was approved by a majority of 23 on Monday, Lord John Russell having on his own behalf rather than- that of the Ministry faintly opposed it, because a similar measure was refused two years ago! We believe there cannot be a doubt that English nunneries require looking after, and of this the Taunton case was an ample proof. The difficulties in the way of such supervision cannot be great, and we regret that Lord John, unlike Mr. T. Cham- bers, hesitates to try his hand at framing a suitable law. At present we are not so well provided for in this respect as are France and Austria. The exposures before the Dockyard Committee make one blush for father-land and for Constitutional Government. Already have we seen a Secretary who foreswore himself and belied his trust; a chief Lord of the Admiralty who neglected his trust altogether, and curiosity is excited that the late Premier and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have tendered them- selves as witnesses. Will they say as the Duke of Northum- berland said on Monday, that ignorance is their excuse for not looking after the interests of the country ?

I It will be remembered that Lord Campbell, some time since, give utterance to a legal decision, to the effect that Railway Acts of Parliament were not permissive but compul- sory, and that all Companies were bound to make their lines in compliance with their Acts. This dictum it was feared, would greatly inconvenience the South Wales Railway Com- pany, who would under this ruling be compelled to construct all the different lines through Pembrokeshire for which they had obtained Parliamentary powers, and thus entail an enor- mous expenditure upoii the shareholders. In the Exchequer Chamber, however, on the 29th ult when there were present, the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, the Chief Baron, Mr. Baron Parke, Mr. Baron Platt, Mr. B iron Martin, Mr. Justice Cresswell, and Mr. Justice Williams, the Chief Justice delivered judgment in the case of the York and Midland Company, reversing the previous decisions of Lord Campbell on uncompleted railways, and determining that Railway Acts re permissive, but not imperative.

It is an established axiom that Corporate bodies have no consciences." There is no exception to the universality of this truism. In all ages and in every variety of circum- stances of history it has b3n founl that large bodies of men will, when incorporated together, perform aati which cash individual would take shame to himself for permitting in hi s own personal case. The very generality of th; fact prevents people from seeing the heinousness of the dereliction which may be in question. Nor are matters Municipal, free from this taint of moral laxity. How frequently have we seen decisions of the Town Council of Carmarthen, arrived at by men of the strictest honour and integrity in private life, and of irreproachable personal conduct and character, which are in no degree whatever founded upon justice or even le- gality ? Our present purpose is to call particular and pointed attention to an instance, to which it is not even yet too late to apply a remedy and cure. It will b3 doubtless fresh in the recollestiou of our readers, that the Town Clerk of this Borough obtained the sanction of the Town Council to a project by which he was to be paid a fixed salary of 4120 per annum for all Corporation business, in lieu of the fees which he had theretofore received. It was distinctly understood at the time this fixed salary was awarded him, thai, the step was adopted in order to avoid the recurrence of constant bills of costs for duties performed, and there was an equally distinct understanding, incorporated in the resolution recorded on the Minute-book of the Corporation, that the X120 per year was to include all charges for professional services devolving upon the Town Clerk by virtue of his office. Notwithstanding this, however, very shortly after the adoption of this arrangement, the Town Clerk brought in a bill for attending to the list of Parliamentary voters, claiming payment on the ground that it wasan additional duty cast upon him by the 6th and 7th Victoria. Mr. Brigstocke and several other members of the Council vehemently pro- tested against this violation of the compact recently entered into, and contended that the Town Clerk was not entitled to an y additional remuneration. The opinion of Mr. Justice Y aughn Williams, (when Revising Barrister) was cited to prove that the Town Clerk was not entitled to payment at all for the labour in question, as far as his own services were concerned, but that he was merely to be allowed his expenses" or dis- bursements, and the fact that the Town Clerks of Haverford- west and other places, made no charge for this description of service, was also duly brought in aid of the arguments of those who opposed the payment of the bill. The Town Clerk, however, urged that the Council would not have to pay him out of the Borough Fund, but merely be required to grant him a certificate to enable him to receive his money out of the Poor Rate, and that therefore his salary of 9120 as Town Clerk remained virtually unaugmented by the Council. This pleading satisfied a majority of the Council that the cer- tificate should be granted, and it was accordingly signed for several consecutive years, although still energetically pro- tested against by Mr. Brigstocke and others, and indignantly scouted by writers in these columns as an injustice to the ratepayers. The year before last, however, this vexata questio became again the subject of argument, and the Mayor (William Mortis, E:5q.,) IDoved that Coun- sel's opinion should be taken as to the legality of the pay- ment. The opinion of Mr. Lloyd (no mean authority in such matters) was therefore obtained upon a case, which certainly did not strenuously express the sentiments of the opponents of the payment. In spite of this drawback to the pro- bability of an arrival at the correct law upon the point, Mr. Lloyd gave it as his opinion that the Town Clerk was not entitled to anything more than his mere, disburse- ments. This decision was hailed by Mr. Brigstocke and his friends as a triumph, and they fondly believed that they had relieved the ratepayers of this obnoxious item in the parochial accounts. But their illusion was speedily dispelled. The Town Clerk, although beaten so signally by the decision of the very Counsel in whom he most reposed confidence, suddenly changed his tactics and impressed upon the Town Coun- cil, being fortunate enough to find a majority of its members to coincide with him, — that the decision did not affect the question at all, for if he was to be allowed his disbursements," all that he had to do was to give the work to a clerk, instead of perform- ing the duty himself, and then charge his payment to the Clerk as "expenses" or disbursements and suggested that in order to avoid future annoyance or discussion upon this subject, the Council should give him an annual fixed payment for the work in question. Accordingly, the sum of £10 per annum was agreed upon for the Town Clerk's labour, (of course being exclusive of the payments for printing, which is now performed at the Corporation ex- pense,) most of the gentlemen voting, we would fain hope, in the belief that the Town Clerk was entitled to something, and wishing to set the matter in dispute finally at rest. This arrangement has continued to the present time, and doubtless would continue to be adhered to, but for an unfortunate circumstance, as regards the Town Clerk, which has just occurred. It appears from a decision of the Judges on Saturday last, in a case involving precisely similar features to that now undergoing cqpiment, that the Town Clerk not only is not now, but neverfias been, entitled to one shilling more than his costs out of pocket. Not only is he by virtue of his office bound to perform the duty in question without additional remuneration, but he is equally bound to make no charge for his clerk's personal labour. That there may be no mistake about the matter, we quote the case and lecision in full from The Times of Monday last: "COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH, WESTMINSTER, MAY 7. (Sittings in Banco, before Lord CAMPBELL and Jtisticei WlGHTM.VN, E,tLE, and CROMPrO.V.) "THE QUEEX (ox THE PROSECUTION OF THOMPSON) V. THE GOVERNOR AND DEPUTY-GOVERSOR OF THE POOR OF HULL. In this case a rule nisi had been granted for a mandamus to the governor and deputy-governor of the poor of Hull, commanding them to pay the balance of a sum of jE90 10s. 6d, due to Mr. Thompson, the town-clerk of Hull, in respect of "expenses" incurred by him in his office. Mr. Thompson was appointed town-clerk in the year 1837 at a salary of £ 100 a-year, to include salaries paid to clerks, and was to receive no other allowances except for money actually paid out of pocket. The 6th and 7th Victoria, passed some years after his appointment, imposed new duties upon the town-clerk, which Mr. Thompson discharged. He then carried in his bill, and, among ther i,ems relating to Parliamentary registration, he charged £67. los. for printing, and Cl5 3s. 61. for the at- tendances of himself and clerk. The question was whether, under the word "expenses," might be included any charges for labour, or whether the town-clerk was entitled only to be paid for money out of pocket. "Mr. Watson, Q.C., and Mr. Bovill showed cause against the rule, which was supported by Mr. H. Hill, Q.C., and Mr. Cross. "The Court decided that the word "expenses" meant money paid out of pocket, and did not include charges for personal labour by the town-clerk or his clerks. "Rule discharged." After this can there be a doubt about the matter ? Is it not plainly and unequivocally determined that every shilling which the Town Clerk has received of late years for his per- sonal labour in attending to this duty, or for the labour of his clerks in assisting him, has been erroneously paid to him, and can there be a moral doubt as to the proper aiid manly course left for him to pursue towards those who have behaved so handsomely to him under the mistaken no- tion that they were acting according to law ? With regard to the Town Council, it is not too late for reparation on their parts. Let them rescind the order by which the annual stipend is ordered to be paid, and they will then have the s.ttisfaction of knowing that they have discharged their duty in strict accordance with the law. For the To ,vn Clerk, we can only say that his sense of propriety will, we doubt not, enable Jiim to gee an alvantageous mode of extricating him- self from an unpleasant portion by at once cheerfully reim- bursing to the ratepayers the amount which has been paid to him under a mistaken notion of the law upon the point.

CARMARTHENSHIRE INFIRMARY. House Surgeon's Weekly Report for the week ending May il. n <1 Remaining since last Report.. He 116 Adniitted since 2 Q.22 I Disellai-ged cured and relievetl 41 (3 it l Died. 0 Remaining -12 fflemaiiiing since last Report 69 1 7„ a '¡:: I Admitted since *J j i Di.?,charged cured an relieved 11 l, O £ I Died. 0)? Remaining. -67 MKDICAL OFFICERS FOlt THE WFEK. Physician, Dr. Lawrence; Surgeon, Mr. Rowlands. Co'LNIITTI-'E.-Mr. Geoi-e Spurrell, Cliairmar,, Rev. 11. W. Jones, Messrs. J. J. Stacey, George Davies, C. Dri^stoeke, C. D. Williams, J. N. Roberts, G. Harris, It. M. Davies. J. W. WHITE, Secretary.

CARMARTHEN TOWN COUNCIL. The usual quarterly meeting of the Council was held on Monday last, when there were present:—The Mavor, Alder- men J. G. Philipps and W. G. Thomas, Councillors T. C. Morris, H. Lawrence, M.D., D. Davies, G. Davies, G. Goode, T. Parry, C. Brigstocke, P. G. Jones, H. Norton, and John Thomas, maltster. The Finance Committee met previously to the assembling of the Council, and examined the bills usually presented for payment at quarterly meetings. Amongst others was a bill from Mr. William Jones, Clerk of the Peace for the Borough, charging a sum of about £ 5 10s. for summoning jurors and transacting other business at each Quarter Sessions since he had been in office. Mr. Brigstocke said that these charges had never been made by the late Clerk of the Peace, and if they were now allowed, there would be a long arrear due to Mr. Lewis's representatives. The Mayor said that he believed under a recent Act of Parliament the Clerk of the Peace was bound to charge the Borough in lieu of the parties. The Town Clerk then withdrew the bill, observing that he had not yet had time to look into the correctness of the charges. Mr. Brigstocke subsequently in the course of conversation stated that he understood there was a loss to the ratepayers yearly in consequence of the Borough Rate and the Poor Rate being collected separately. The Mayor asked if this was the case, when the Collector answered in the. affirmative, and said that an annual loss of about zC60 accrued. The Council assembled for the transaction of business at 12 o'clock precisely. The Mayor said that since their last meeting he had re- ceived two letters, to which he wished to call the attention of the Council. The first to which he would allude was a com- munication from Mr. Vaughan, the Clerk of Assize to the South Wales Circuit, who complained that in the prosecution of three prisoners at the last Assizes for perjury and forgery, the solicitors conducting it had been left without payment of the expenses they had incurred, the answer of the Borough Treasurer being that he had no funds in hand. To prevent such an injustice and the unpleasantness which attended it from continuing, Air Vaughan begged the particular attention of the Corporation to the subject. The Mayor observed that when the last Borough Rate had been ordered, the sum of-PI.50 had been set down in the estimate as the probable amount required to defray the expenses of prosecutions, but zC290 had been already expended, including the costs of the removal of convicts. It should be remembered besides that the Treasurer would have to meet the expenses of prosecutions at the next Quarter Sessions and at the July Assizes. His object in mentioning the subj ect was that the Council might consider whether it would not be advisable in future to put down a larger amount for prosecutions in the estimate. It was very true that the sums paid by the Treasurer at the last Assizes would be repaid by the Government, but such repayment would not take place until December next. Mr. Goodo asked if this was the first instance in which the Treasurer had been unable to meet the demands for prose- cutions ? The Treasurer replied in the affirmative. Mr. Goode said that Mr. Vaughan's letter appeared couched in rather severe terms. The Mayor observed that the prosecution in question was really a County one, but had been transferred to the Borough at the last moment by the advice of Caunsel. The Treasurer, in answer to Mr. Brigstocke, said that he had received 162 from the Treasury, which was due in De- cember last. The Mayor remarked that he had merely read the letter in order to afford an explanation of the circumstances. He had also received a letter from Mr. Nicholas Roch, of Paskeston, who was the owner of the Anchor House at the corner of Queen Street, and who stated that as the house was vacant, he had no objection to treat for its sale to the Corporation if they thought it expedient to pull it down in order to widen the thoroughfare. There was a sum of money in hand (ob- served the Mayor) but the question was whether this was the most desirable improvement to be effected in the town. Mr. Brigstocke said that when the subject of determining to what improvements the funds in hand were to be applied came to be discussed, this could be brought under considera- tion as well as others. The Mayor presented the bills which had been approved of by the Finance Committee. He had one observation to make as regarded the Bridge. The sum of L70 had been already expended in repairs, and about XSO more would be required according to Mr. Collard's estimate to put it in a secure state. The question he wished to ask was what fund they were to obtain this money from ? He thought the fairest way would be to devote a portion of the surplus derivable from the sale of of the Corporation Marshes to this object, as they could make no rate for it. Mr. Collard's report stated that part of the foundations of three of the arches had been washed out, which materially affected the stability of the bridge. They would require to be repaired and pointed with Aberthaw lime at an expense of about £79. Now there remained in the Trea- surer's hands a balance of £1.54 19s. 8d. from the sale of the Corporation lands, while t500 from the same source, and zC300 from the sale of the Town Manure, had been invested in Ex- chequer Bills. Mr. Parry found that the total amount required for the re- pairs of the Bridge would be £ 150, and he wished to know if any specification of the work had been prepared. The Mayor said that L17 19s. had been expended under the superintendence of a Committee after the last great flood the danger being imminent, and there being no time to enter into contracts. In answer to Alderman J. G. Philipps, Ir. Collard said that he considered the bridge to be now quite safe The Mayor added that all the repairs had been executed under Ir. I ensoii s sanction and of course there was some- thing due to that gentleman for his advice and trouble. Mr. Brigstocke asked if the repairs could not be paid for out of be manure money ? The Town Clerk' replied in the negati ve, and said that the money should be paid from the Borough Fund. Mr. Brigstockc Is the Town Clerk satisfied that the Council can apply the surplus derivable from the sale of the Corporation lands for such a purpose ?" The Town Clerk:—"Quite certain." Mr. Brigstocke:—"I think that the repairs ought to fall upon the inhabitants from year to year, and that the Corpo- ration property ought not to be absorbed in order to save tem- porary ratepayers." The Town Clerk :—" There is no doubt that general repairs ought to be defrayed from the rates, but this is a special and extraordinary instance." Mr. Goode observed that there was a question as to the lia- bility of the County to contribute to the repairs. Had any- thing been done to ascertain whether the County was liable or not ? The Town Clerk said that it was his private opinion, al- th^ oughlftP did not want that to be taken as the law, that the. repairs fell exclusively on the borough. Capt. D. DaviesWho doubts it ?" The Town Clerk had searched the Corporation books and fotfnd no evidence of repairs having been efiected by the County, but on the contrary there were numberless instances of repairs by the borough. Even the grant of £ 200 by the County for the purpose of widening the bridge had been given in a very qualified manner. Mr. Parry denied that there was any qualification of the grant at all. The Town Clerk said that they had had the document be- fore them, and it appeared that the County had granted the sum of £ 200, which was given as a contribution to the Bo- rough Fund to repair the bridge. The Mayor thought that the £70 already expended had bet- ter be paid from the Borough Fund. This was at once agreed to, and it was understood that the Treasurer should transfer the surplus sale money to the Borough Fund nominally, but actually keep a separate account. Mr. Norton asked why the County had been allowed to put up a turnpike gate at the end of the Bridge if they were not liable for the repairs. After a brief discussion, it was determined that the County Minute Book should be again sent for, in order to see if there had been any qualification in the grant from the County. Upon reading the minute, it appeared that the County had given a contribution of zC200 for the purpose of widening Car- marthen Bridge and erecting iron railings, and had appointed a Committee to superintend its expenditure. Mr. Parry contended that this was quite an unconditional grant. The Town Clerk thought it was a special contribution, as the order was very carefully worded. Mr. T. C. Morris:—"Would not the grant have been illegal if the County was not liable for a portion of the repairs ?" Mr. Goode would suggest that a deputation of the Borough Magistrates be appointed to confer with the County Magis- trates. Mr. John Thomas, Maltster, thought that before such con- ference took place it would be well that the deputation should arm themselves with all the facts which might have a bearing upon the subject. The Mayor said that the-Town Clerk might state a case and obtain Counsel's opinion. Mi. T. C. Morris would hope that there might be a disposi- tion on the part of the County to co-operate with the Borough in maintaining the Bridge. At all events they ought not to pre-suppose that the County would be antagonistic to them. Mr. Parry said that they had better ask Capt. Davies what the County would do in the matter, for he was pretty well able to inform them. Capt. Davies observed that they had better not ask for any assistance if they could not sustain a right to it. Mr. Goode said that there were a great many instances in which the County had made grants of money which could not be sustained, especially in relation to Bridges. The Mayor remarked that the Town Clerk might as well enter into communications with the Clerk of the Peace upon the subject. Mr. T. C. Morris said that the Council had already made an order to that effect. The Town Clerk:—"If I recollect rightly, there was a Committee appointed." -Air. Oli dear, no! The Town Clerk was ordered to write to the Clerk of the Peace." The Mayor suggested that the Town Clerk should refer to the order, which having been done, it appeared that the re- pairs had been directed to be proceeded with forthwith, but the Town Clerk was to give notice to the County authorities that the work had been commenced in consequence of urgent necessity, and without prejudice to any claim which the Coun- cillllignt have upon the County. Mr. Parry:—" Has that notice been given ?" The Town Clerk:—" No." The Mayor :—" Then the order, of the Council had better be at once carried out." The Town Clerk thought that something more ought to be done by the Council, for at present all he had to do was to in- form the County that the work had been commenced without prejudice to the rights of the Corporation. The Mayor observed that the Town Clerk ought to com- municate generally with the Clerk of the Peace as to the County's liability. Mr. T. C. Morris said that it would be as well also to see what was the whole amount spent for the widening and im- proving the Bridge, so as to ascertain what proportion the £200 formed of it. Mr. Parry was doubtful as to whether the Couutv had not for many years employed a man named Owen to repair the Bridge. The Mayor said that Dr. Bowen had a perfect recollec- tion of all the facts connected with the grant of X200. > Mr. Parry would rather trust to the entry in the County minute Bouic than to any person's memory. Mr. Norton said that either the £ 200 had been given as a gratuity or the County was liable for a portion of the repairs of the Bridge. Ultimately it was ordered that the subject shall be brought before the County magistrates at the next July Quarter Sessions. The Mayor said he had received two memorials, one from the scavengers and road labourers praying for an advance in their wages of 3(1. per day, and the other from the carters seeking an additional Gel. per day. In each instance the plea urged for the advance was the increase in the price of provisions. Mr. Collard said that the scavengers and labourers in the town were now paid Is. 9d. per pay, each finding his own oioomsat a eosi, oi aoout Is. per week. The country road labourers received Is. 7id. per day. The carters were paid 3s. per day. Mr. Goode moved that the advance sought by the carters be granted. This was at once acceded to, the Mayor observing that it was {he general opinion that the wages paid them was too low. Mr. -Goode said that with regard to the labourers it should be recollected that when the sum of Is. 9d. per day was agreed upon, other labourers in the neighbourhood were only re- ceiving 7s. per week. The Mayor recollected that a great difference of opinion existed upon the subject, aud that considerable discussion re- sulted. He was sure that no member of that Council wished to give the labourers less wages than they were actually en- titled to. Mr. John Thomas, (Maltster,) observed that the price of food had risen very considerably of late, and he doubted if 3d. per day would compensate for the difference. Mr. Collard said that previously the Corporation found tools for the labourers, but their wages were raised to Is. 1 1. per day on condition that they found tools themselves At present, the Corporation found nothing but the patent scrapers. In answer to Mr. Goode, Mr. Collard said that there were seven labourers employed in the town, all of whom were able- bodied men. Mr. Goode said that the County Roads Board labourers were paid 9s. per week, and he was bound to admit that everything except barley had recently advanced in price. Mr. John Thomas observed that if the men were able-bo- died, the Council would be likely to loss their services, unless their wages were increased, as there, was no want of employ- ment. Mr. 1\ G. Jones thought that the Council decidedly ought to make the advance required. Mr. H. Norton suggested that an additional shilling a week should be granted. Mr. P. G. Jones repudiated such a cheese-paring notion. Mr. Goode reminded the meeting that the estimate for the year was based upon the sum originally voted. Mr. P. G. Jones (interrupting)" We had better come to a division at once." ,)Jr. (ioode: I beg your pardon; I think every member has a right to express his opinion if he thinks proper." Mr. P. G. Jonos Oh, yes, certainly he has. 't i n l v lie h,.?. s Mr. Brigstocke moved that the labourers wages be increased to lis. per week, which would be 10s. payment, and an allow- ance of a shilling for brooms. Mr. J. Thomas moved as an amendment that the additional 3d. per day prayed for be granted. Mr. P. G. Jones seconded the amendment. The Mayor suggested that the matter had better be settled without proceeding to a division. To his mind Mr. BriO"- stocke] s proposition appeared fair and reasonable. t> Mr. Thomas saiu that every able-bodied man was deserving of receiving 12s. a week, and could get employment at that rate. Mr. T. C. Morris doubted if the labourers were worth that rate of wages. Mr. Goode said that masons and carpenters, who were obliged to learn their trade, could only obtain about 15s. a week. Mr. Collard, in answer to the Mayor, said that for the town labourers 12s. a week was not too much, as they had a great deal of labourious and dirty work to perform. Upon this it was unanimously agreed that 12s. a week should be paid in future. The Mayor said that a complaint had been made to him bv Dr. Bowen that there was a defect in the weighing machine as an iron hurdle which had been weighed there differed as much as 30 lbs. between its actual weight and that indicated by the machine. Mr. Collard was certain the machine was correct and would weigh within a pound accurately, as he had tested it with a spirit level. If he had been told at the time of this alleged difference in weight, he could have found out whether the seller or the weigher was in fault. Mr. Norton said that mistakes frequently arose in weighing carts, from the legs of the horse not being all upon the machine at the same time. The Treasurer had seen the iron hurdle alluded to weighed. The machine indicated 1 cwt. and 1 quarter, but the party selling it said that he had not had so much iron to put in it. Mr. Goode said that this was a most important subject, as thousands of tons of timber would shortly he required to be weighed by the machine. The Lessee's toll-collector was then sent for, and on his arrival said that he personally superintended the machine, and weighed the hurdle for Dr. Bowen, who made no com- plaint, but said it was just as he expected. (A laugh.) The Mayor said that there must evidently be a mistake. The Collector corrected himself and stated (in answer to Mr. Parry) that it was not Dr. Bowen, but the owner of the iron who said so. The Mayor admonished him to be more careful for the fu- ture, for if his weight was not correct he would lose his tolls, since people would not use the machine. Mr. Parry asked if there was no penalty for incorrectly weighing. Mr. Collard replied that there was a very heavy penalty under the Market Act. The Mayor thought that perhaps after this conversation the machine would be better attended to. The Treasurer complained that the Lessee of the Market was two months in arrear, and lie was £ 46 ISs. Od. in advance. Mr. Goode said that this ought not to be allowed. The Mayor observed that the Town Clerk had written to the lessee, who ought properly to pay a month's rent in advance. It was too bad that the Corporation should have funds ac- cruing to them which could not be made available. The Town Clerk was then ordered to enforce payment of the instalment in arrear forthwith. The Mayor stated tnat tne bill for constructing a New Cat- tle Market and Slaughter House had been read a third time in the House of Lords, and only awaited the Royal Assent to make it the law of the land. He thought therefore that no time should be lost in carrying it out, and they should in the first place see how much money would be required to do so. He was of opinion that the time had now arrived when they could fairly call upon the debenture holders under the present Market Act to accept 4 per cent. interest instead of 5 which would occasion an annual saving to the Borough of £ 70 a year. that amount, with the money which would be derived from the sale of the present Slaughter House and the sum which the Act would enable the Council to borrow, would be sum- cient to fulfil the requirements of the town without saddling tne inhabitants with a rate. At all events the Cattle Market and Slaughter House would in future be included in a separate ietting, aud a larger revenue would be derived. About July next, the Treasurer would be in a position to pay up the in- terest due to the debenture holders in March last, and as the Corporation would then be out of debt for interest monevs, they could reasonably apply for a reduction of the interest to four per cent. Capt David Davies sai 1 that there was no doubt they would obtain plenty of money at that rate. The Mayor observed that it would be better to appoint a Committee to carry out the Act, rather than to leave it to a. large body, and he thought the names h3 had put down would suit the purpose, as they chiefly were those of parties connected with agricultural pursuits or men of business. If he had omitted any one whom it was desirable to add he would do so with much pleasure. The Committee he would nominate would be-The Mayor, Messrs. E. H. Stacey Lewis Morris, J. Howell Y. Heed, C. llrigstocke G. Davies, H. Norton, G. Goode, J. L. Philipps, and J. Thomas, maltster. This was unanimously agreed to. The Mayor produced a plan of Worcester Cattle Market which was considered the most perfect in England and which had been procured for him by Mr. Howell but all the information on the subject was not perfected, as he had not been supplied with the amount of acreage it covered. Mr. Goode said that the best Cattle Market he had sean was that of Sir Charles Morgan at Newport. There were also very good ones at Gloucester and Bristol, and he observed that that at Worcester was triangular, whereas the general endeavour was to build the Market places square in order to obtain a greater number of entrances. The Mayor said that as soon as the bill received the Royal Assent he would convene a meeting of the Committee and all requisite steps would be taken. In answer to Mr. Norton, Mr. Collard said that the Bridge could be repaired without constructing a coffer-dam, as he would put planks from cutwater to cutwater, which would be well bolted and stopped with mud, so that the men could work inside. The Mayor observed that as to the Sewerage question he had been throughout extremely anxious to forward the opera- tion of the provisions of the Health of Towns Act, solely with a view to improve the sanatory condition of the town, but the Town Clerk had been recently in London, and ascertained that a Commission had been issued by the Government to discover whether the recent epidemic at Croydon had been caused by pipe drainage. As this Commission was perfectly independent of the General Board of Health, it was most likeh- that their report would be satisfactory, and he suggested that all proceedings under the Health of Towns Act should stand over until the report of the Commission was issued. (" Hear hear," from Mr. Brigstocke.) He repeated that throughout he had no wish in the matter save the improvement of the sanatory condition of the town. He had now to announce two vacancies in Sir Thomas Powell's Grammar School, which would be filled up at the next meeting, and this having termi- nated all the business he had to bring forward, he should be happy to hear any motion that any one wished to make. Mr. Brigstocke asked if there had been anv further answer from the Admiralty with respect to the South Wales Railway Bridge over the Towy ? The Mayor answered in the affirmative, adding that the let- ter was still stronger in favour of the Company than that which had been first received. The letter in question was produced by the Town Clerk, after some delay, and read, from which it appeared that the Admiralty were of opinion that the proposed Bridge was less likely to create an impediment in the river than that required in the Company's Act, and the opening was in thq best pos- sible place for the navigation of the river. Mr. John Thomas asked if any section of the bed of tho river had been forwarded to the Admiralty. The Town Clerk replied that they had had all the plans and sections of the Bridge before them. The Mayor said that the Council could take no further step in the matter, and whether for good or evil the question was finally disposed of. A discussion arose as to the best place in which to deposit the heaps of town manure at present carted to Waundew and this day (Friday) was fixed upon for a Committee meet- ing on the subject. The Surveyor's report was next read. He stated that new rollers and other repairs for the Crane were required, at an expense of X4, which were at once ordered. The inhabitants of Waterloo Tcrrace complained of a want of water, and requested that a Conduit might be erected at the corner of Barnes Row, at an expense of 120. Mr. Collard stated that 450 feet of pipe were required, and the water would be supplied from Mr. Alfred Thomas's reservoir. After a brief discussion, the demand of the ratepayers was conceded and a new conduit was also ordered to be constructed near the Infirmary, the present one being in a dilapidated con- dition. The plan of a new house intended to be erected by Mr. William Jones, Ironmonger, in Red Street, was laid before the meeting and approved of. Four specimens of traps for sewage water were exhibited, two being of the manufacture of the patentees, and two having been constructed by Mr. Bright, of the Old Foundry. Th latter being deemed considerably superior to the former, a dozen were directed to be ordered and placed in immediate requisition. Upon the application of Mr. Norton, the open gutter adjoin- ing the Workhouse wall was ordered to be coyered over at an expense not exceeding 15. The meeting then separated.

LLANGADOCK PETTY SESSIONS.—These sessions were held at the Glansevill Arms, on the 5th instant, before Lewis Lewis, Esq., and Capt. Lloyd, when the following cases were disposed of :—Henry Jones summoned Thomas Davies for unlawfully and maliciously damaging' trees on the Cwmclydach estate. Fined j61 and costs. John Davies, servant in husbandry, charged his employer, John Morgan, of Tymawr, with irt. treatment by not supplying him with necessary provisions. Case dismissed and complainant ordered to return to his ser- I vice. John Davies, of Nantgwynne, against Lewis Davies of Penwauncrynfe, for malicious damage to trees. Fined £1 and costs. Lewis Lewis, of Llwynybrain, Llanddeusaint prefered a complaint against John Jones, District Surveyor of the Highways in form, but with the intention of dedicating a road for reparation by the parish, which has for some years been neglected. Use adjourned. David Jones, of Pantvgranog, charged 77 dliarn Jlm/hes, with an assault, and William Hughes summoned the said David Jones and his brother John Jones for the same offence. They were all bound over to keep the peace for six months, and tdo costs were divided. LJ,ANELLY PETTY Saturday, before R. J. Liy1 X LI Y TTY n SS roxs'11 Saturday, before R. J. Nevill, J. H. Rees, and R. G. Thomas, Esqrs.-John Jones, a snoemakcr, was charged by P.S. Lewis with being drunk on the previous day. Defendant admitted the offence. It was fair aay, and he was very sorry for what had occurred. Fined 5s. and costs. John Thomas, a farmer, was charged by P.S. Lewis with selling beer without a license. Defendant held a "T,9J\ )'' at house, and here the offence was com- ..nd-f-n.rl TW said his daughter was about to be mar- •i i a £ ,^1 ding," was held at his house, at which beer was sold. The bench said thev were determinMl to put a stop to the practice of holding cwrw hachs," which was very prevalent in the neighbourhood. Fined 5s. and costs. Mr. W. J. Lowden charged David James, a shoemaker from Car- marthen, with assaulting him. Mr. Dowden stated tha* w\ ihursday evening he was at the Circus. He had occasion tq go out during the performance, and on returning encountered defendant with some other persons. Defendant seeing him about to pass them, unobserved ran after him and thrust hia fist in complainant's face. Complainant pushed him off, and he fell, in consequence of his foot tripping in one of the ropes of the Circus. He, however, immediately got up and struok complainant several blows with his fist, one of which broke hia spectacles. Complainant said he did not press for a severe punishment. Fined 5s. and costs, or 14 days' imprisonment Joseph Drown was sworn in a constable for the Llanelly Dock Co. as a substitute for Wm. Morsran. Tho Qwrwrrs of Litno)i Y. Dr. Hopkins a,cl T. B. -rott.-)Ir. R. Jone appeared for Dr. Hopkins, and said he was instructed to deny that that gentleman had any beneficial int?res? in the pro-  rated in his ?- ^matt- ™ eventually adjourned,