The Welshman

MR. GLADSTONE'S "AUTOBIOGRAPHY." I [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.] I Mr Gladstone's Chapter of Autobiography," written in vindication of the inconsistency of his political life, is now before the public. Let it be conceded that each retrograde step from his first estimate of the relations of Church and State was dictated by reasons which to himself appeared irrefragable let it be admitted that the circumstances by which he found himself surrounded were amply sufficient to modify the course of action to which his opinions on entering on his Parliamentary career committed him let him be acquitted of having acted on any but the very highest and most honourable motives, free alike from any conscious bias, from ambi- tion, personal aggrandisement, or subserviency to party let it be granted that he has earned for himself a cha- racter of shining moral purity, of solid statesmanship, of accomplished scholarship and let the only enquiry be, whether his course of action on questions referring to the union of Church and State was one consistent with sound reason. Think as we may on these points, let us, at all events, imitate the great example he has set us in eliminating abuse of others from defence of himself. The charge of inconsistency against Mr Gladstone is admitted on all hands, even by himself. Of himself, he -confesses, with that elegance of allusion, which sponta- neously distils from his scholarship, that Ille ego, qui quondam," which he thus renders,—" I, the person who have now accepted a foremost share of the responsibility of endeavouring to put an end to the existence of the Irish Church as an Establishment, am also the person who, of all men in official, perhaps in public life, did until the year 1841 recommend upon the highest and most imperious grounds its resolute maintenance." Alas! the application to himself of the poet's words excites a painful contrast. That he who once addicted himself to Pastoral Poetry should afterwards employ his talents on Epic, involved no inconsistency but Mr Gladstone in 1841 and 1868 is the very opposite to him. self. It is that opposition to himself that he attempts to justify, and his justification we propose to examine. Himself, as he existed in 1841, he described in a book entitled, The State in its relation to the Church," printed during the autumn of 1838. "The work at- tempted to survey the actual state of the relations be- tween the State and the Church to show from history the ground which had been defined for the National Church at the Reformation, and to enquire and deter- mine whether the existing state of things was worth preserving and defending against encroachment from whatever quarter. This question is decided emphati- cally in the affirmative." It is impossible to read this description of the book without asking in utter surprise-Did not Mr Glad. stone know when he wrote it the state of public opinion in this country, the principles of parties in both Houses of Parliament, and the legal changes which had taken place with respect to persons not in communion with the Church of England? If he were ignorant of these things, although such ignorance would be mar- vellous, yet the subsequent knowledge of them would be an ample justification for modifying his opinions but if he knew them, and it is hard to think otherwise, his defence is rendered more difficult. That he was not ignorant of the state of public opinion and of changes in the law is manifest from what passed between him- self and Lord Macaulay, who reviewed his work in the "Edinburgh," and involved some discussion on the Test Act. Mr Gladstone enters on' his defence Scarcely had my work issued from the press when I became aware that there was no party, no section of a party, no indi- vidual person probably in the House of Commons, who was prepared to act upon it. I found myself the last man on the sinking ship. Exclusive support to the esta- bUshed religion of the oountiy, with a united a&d loW exception for Scotland under the Treaty of Union with that country, had been up to that time the actual rule of our policy the instances to the contrary being of equivocal construction and of infinitesimal amount." Be it observed that this paragraph explains what required explanation and definition in a passage quoted above. Mr Gladstone said that one of the objects of his book was to enquire and determine whether the exist- ing state of things was worth preserving and defending against encroachment from whatever quarter he now explains that the existing state of thing3 he referred to meant "the exclusive support of the established reli- gion of the country." Mr Gladstone is here speaking of pecuniary support, and we quite agree with him that the time had arrived when exclusive support of this kind could not bo continued. The constitution of the House of Commons and the state of public opinion rendered it impossible. What then ? Was the support of the Esta- blished Church inconsistent with such a relaxation P Did not the Toleration Act take away from the Church certain supports which the State had built about her before, and yet the union of Church and State still existed ? Might not the extension of pecuniary aid to tolerated bodies be considered an extension of toleration without materially affecting the relation of the State to the Church ? This plea, whilst it justifies Mr Gladstone for abandoning that part of his convictions, that pecu- niary aid ought to be confined exclusively to the Church, does not warrant him in aggressive measures against her either in England or in Ireland. The strength of Mr Gladstone's convictions of the relations which ought to exist between the State and the Church was first tested in 1844, when he was a member of Sir Robort Peel's government, and on the subject of a modification and increase of the grant to Maynooth College. As this was no new grant, Wut one of some standing, and bad never been considered to affect the established relations between Church and State, one would suppose it might have been debated on its merits, without regarding its decision as the mark of a standing or a falling church. Let Mr Gladstone describe his own conduct on the occasion :— I well knew that the words of Sir Robert Peel were not merely tentative, but that, as it was right they should, they indicated a fixed intention. The choice before me, therefore, was to support his measure, or to retire from his government into a position of complete isolation, and what was more than this, subject to a grave and general imputation of political eccentricity, my retirement I knew could have no other warrant than this that it would be a tribute to those laws which, as I have urged, must be upheld for the restraint of changes of opinion and conduct of public men. My whole purpose was to place myself in a position in which I should be free to consider my course without being liable to any just suspicion on the ground of per- sonal interest. Giving up what I highly prized, I felt myself open to the charge of being opinionated, and wanting in deference to really great authorities and I could not but know I should be regarded as fas- tidious and fanciful, fitter for a dreamer, or possibly a schoolman, than for the active purposes of public life in a busy and moving age. In the month of January, 1845, if not sooner, the resolution of the cabinet was taken, and I resigned. The public judgment, as might have been expected, did not favour the act." Such is Mr Gladstone's apology for abandoning the convictions recorded, no doubt after much reading and careful and thoughtful consideration of what he had read, in his book entitled, "The State in relation with the Church." We have read this passage with amaze- ment we look in vain for some solid grounds for Mr Gladstone's change of opinions, but we find nothing calculated to account for such change. Sir Robert Peel's government resolved on bringing in a bill for remodel- ling and increasing the grant to Maynooth. Mr Glad- stone, without any intention of opposing that bill, re- signs his seat in the cabinet. Singular are the conse- quences to himself which he conceives his resignation produced. It became the atonement which was due from him-a public man-for changing his opinion, it placed him in a position not liable to any just suspi- cion on the ground of personal interest" for supporting a foregone conclusion, and established his freedom, which has never since, during a period of nearly five- and-twenty years, been compromised." The freedom he acquired by this process was, we presume, freedom from the notion that pecuniary aid ought to be confined exclusively to objects of the Established Church. But besides all this, Mr Gladstone tells us with great can- dour that he was under the influence of certain, feelings and of certain consequences attending the maintenance of his convictions: I felt myself," says he, open to the charge of being opinionated, and wanting in defe- rence to really great authorities and I could not but know I should be regarded as fastidious and fanciful, fitter for a dreamer, or possibly a schoolman, than for the active purposes of public life in a busy and moving age." If this be the defence which Mr Gladstone has to offer for the complete revolution of his opinions and conduct since he bagan public life, starting in the ranks of the most advanced Conservatives, and now occupying the post of leader ot Liberals and Radicals in an on- slaught for the disestablishment and disendowment of the Irish Church, we must say it is not only weak, but void of rational foundation. Was not the honest- hearted and brave Richard Cobden, when he obtained a seat in the House of Commons, placed in circum- stances similar to those of Mr Gladstone when a mem- ber of Sir R. Peel's government p Had he not committed himself to decided opinions on free trade ? Did he not find a very strong government and a large majo- rity of the House of Commons, and an overpowering one in the House of Lords, opposed to his views? Did he permit numbers, or the delights of office, or the dread of being esteemed a dreamer, or a schoolman, or of being thought unfit for public life in a busy and stirring age to move him from his settled conviction P No. He clung to his conviction; he urged again and again the grounds of his conviction till he convinced the great minister himself, and finally led him to un- dertake and accomplish what its earlier advocates could not do-the abolition of the Corn Laws. This was acting like one worthy to be a Senator, one not to be led away by an erroneous opinion entertained by many, and they, too, men of thought, but capable of bringing them over to his own more enlightened & better established views. Sir Roundell Palmer, too, has con- victions and if any man has an interest in abandoning them for party purposes, it is he. Yet, how nobly does he bear himself in the midst of the present political turmoil. Calm and unimpassioned, ho declines to give in his adhesion to the leader of his party on the item of the disendowment of the Irish Church. Rather than do this, he will forego the honours of the woolsack, and run the risk of being esteemed a dreamer, or a school- man It is with such public characters that Mr Glad- stone must submit to be compared, and it is from such comparisons that the public must decide whether his conduct or theirs is most in accordance with high prin- ciples and a sound understanding. Here we take leave of Mr Gladstone for the present with one concluding remark. Had he bad in him the spirit of Richard Cobden-had he become the con- sistent and persevering advocate of his early opinions modified, but not overturned, by the course of events- had he defended them, as soldiers defend a besieged city, yielding step by step only when overpowered, what assistance might he not have given in reducing the divisions of this distracted country, which constitute her present weakness, and contain the germs of her future destruction, and what glory might he not have acquired whilst strengthening and supporting the cause of the Established Church without rousing the envy of those who are separated from her communion. This we conceive his great talents would have enabled him to effect, had he stuck nearer to his earlier convictions. Had he thus acted, instead of being a convert to the enemies of Church and State, playing into their hands, strengthening them, and opening the way for the triumph of their principles; like Richard Cobden, be might have brought the House of Commons over to his own opinions, have raised the convictions of the multi- tude to a higher standard, and done a noble part in the endeavour to re-unite this nation in the acknowledg- ment of the One Truth, the most precious possession a people can have, for it is the only foundation of that unity which is peace and strength.

A subscription list has been opened at Orleans for the erection of a statue to the memory of M. Berryer in his native city, Marseilles. We quoted last week a statement made by Mr Brad- laugh in the National Reformer, to the effect that a Church of England clergyman at Northampton had voted for him- The agent of the Conservative candi- dates at that election writes to the Northampton journals As several clergymen have called upon me upon this subject, I think it proper to observe that no Church of England clergyman did vote for Mr Brad. laugh at sueh election, and that he is altogether mis- taken in thinking that any such vote was so given. I know each individual of the clerical body attached to the church service in this town, and could, from such general knowledge and partial acquaintanceship, have at once denied the accuracy of Mr Bradlaugh's statement; but, for better assurance, I have referred to the register and can therefore authoritatively assure your readers that there is no record of a vote of that kind." EXTRACT OF MEAT.-SO much having been written about cheap food for the people, it is scarcely necessary to draw attention to the invaluable extract of meat by Liebig's process, which, first introduced as a medicinal agent, is now so extensively used in the kitchen. We cannot imagine housekeepers making soup or beef-tea by the old, tedious, and expensive method, while with this extract they can prepare soup equally nice and far more digestible in a moment. The genuine extract is manufactured in enormous quantities from cattle of English breed, on the establishments of R. Tooth, Esq. of Sydney, Australia, and is now sold at a reasonable price in jars with very convenient stoppers. The scien- tific men speak highly of Tooth's extract. Dr. Richter. of Dresden, a man of no mean attainments, describes it as exquisite at the same time, it is all approved by Dr. W. A. Miller, of King's College, before being issued for sale. We should recommend a trial of it. Messrs, Coleman and Co., of St. Mary-at-Hill, are the con- signees, but it is sold in nearly every grocer's and che- mist's shops in town and gouatry.-Tlw Standard, Sep. tombw 2ad. 16

LLANELLY HARBOUR. I The monthly meeting was held last Friday, present Mr C. W. Nevill, (in the chair) Air W. Nevil, Mr Rosser, Mr R. B. Jones. Mr B. Jones, Mr Dunkin, Mr W. Thomas, Mr H. J. Howell, Mr Glascodine, and Capt Samuel. The Harbour Master reported that the buoys were being constantly run down, and suggested that the offenders should be punished. Capt Ward, R.N had called at the Harbour Office, and said that the new iron life boat would be sent in about ten days. Her weight, on account of additional ballast, will be about 25 cwt. The stern post of the Ceres, although lately protected and secured, would be relieved by cutting away her heavy awkward rudder, which was not of very great importance to her, except when she parted from her moorings, or was being towed up to Llanelly. The boat services were-Maria 26; Sea Flower 30 Leonora 24; Rose Emma, 28 expenses, 134 13s 6d. It appeared there was a bye law against damage to buoys, but not sufficiently stringent. No proceedings had been taken against such offenders.-Capt Samuel said there was a little excuse for sailing ships, but none for steamers, when they ran down buoys. The sub- ject was referred to the Pilot's Committee, Capt Ross to report on the repairs made to buoys during the past twelve months, and to make a claim on the parties offending.—It was stated that the damages to the buoys had been upwards of £I5.-In respect to the Ceres, Capt Ross said that if she broke adrift she was so fiat-bottomed that she could easily be run ashore. Mr W. Nevill said he was advised that if the rudder was not taken off, the stern post would come out; hence it was a choice of two evils.-Capt Ross did not think the Ceres would last much longer. The Clerk announced that to-day was the time for nominating candidates for filling the vacancies on the Board.-Mr W. Nevill nominated Mr John Symmonds Tregoning, junior.—Mr Glascodine nominated Mr Biddulph.—Mr Bowen nominated Mr Thomas Harries Llangenaeeh Tin Works.—Mr Dunkin nominated H, Francis Perkins, who would represent the store and coal trades, which were not sufficiently represented. In respect to the New Dock negotiation, the Clerk said the committee had scarcely had time to consider the letter received from the company in answer to the communication from the commissioners. Mr W. Nevill said there had been ample time for the committee to meet. The Clerk said he had sent the letter on Monday, but only received the reply yesterday. Mr W. Nevill thought when he reminded the clerk that a letter was received from the company in the early part of the month, and that the letter received yesterday was the second letter received from the com- pany, it would be seen that there had been ample time for the committee to meet. The Clerk said he had only received the letter yesterday. Mr W. Nevill said he had only received that morning a copy of a letter which the clerk had received in the early part of the month. Mr Glascodine said it was not so there was a mis- apprehension. Mr Nevill repeated his charge. The Clerk said that the account he had given was true, and after he had denied what Mr Nevill bad said, Mr Nevill ought not to repeat it as it was not true it was untrue. Mr W. Nevill rose with some warmth, and the Chair- man endeavoured to prevent the scene which was evi- dently impending, but without effect. Mr Nevill said that if the words truth and untruth were to be used at that Board by a subordinate, it was high time that the person who used the words should be taken notice of. He had no personal feeling in the matter, but, as the words truth and untruth had been used, he felt called upon to say a few words which he should not otherwise have mentioned. With respect to the dock negotiations and to the letter he had received that morning, he had called at the Harbour Office to see Mr Glascodine, who was not there. From enquiries put to Mr Thomas he learned that two letters had been written to the Clerk of the Commissioners during the month moreover, Mr Thomas showed him in the letter-book copies of both the letters which had been written to Mr Ben. Jones, and which he said he had not received. Mr Thomas said he had not had Mr Ben. Jones's reply. He saw both letters in the letter-book, and if that was not suffi- cient authority that two letters had been written he could not say what was. As to general business, since he had begun the negotiation up to the present moment they had scarcely received any assistance from the Clerk, who had presumed to address him as he had with respect to truth and untruth. The Clerk said he was sorry that he had used the words truth and untruth, but it was simply a fact that be did not get the letter referred to till the time he had stated. It was true that Mr Glascodine had sent one letter to him, but he called at his office to make an addition of a few words which had been omitted from the letter. Mr Glascodine took the letter away to amend it, and took a copy to leave with Mr W. Nevill He had given all the assistance he could give. He had summoned meetings whenever requested, and had re- ported everything, and in short, had done all he could to promote the success of the negotiation. Mr Glascodine said he was not aware of any other letter being written to Mr Ben. Jones other than the one mentioned but yesterday morning he called on Mr Jones, and requested that he might be allowed to amend the letter. The amendment of the letter did not improve its appearance, and he then begged Mr Jones to allow him to take it away to be re-copied. That accounted for the existence of the second letter alluded to. He took a copy of the amended letter away to leave with Mr W. Nevill, but forgot to leave it at Mr Nevill's ofifce, as he had promised, That was the reason that Mr Nevill received the letter such a short time before the meeting. The Clerk then read the letter, which was dated Nov. 27, as follows:—Nov. 27. My dear Sir-In reply to your letter of the llth inst. I am instructed to inform you that the directors of this company consent to the insertion of the words suggested by the resolution of the Llanelly Harbour Commissioners of the previous day, for modifying the terms of the payment of the annual sum guaranteed by the commissioners in case of deficiency after providing for the ordinary charges of the trust, with provision for the audit of the Com- missioners Accounts on behalf of the Company. The directors are still of opinion that it would not be proper to charge interest on the contributions on either side. The subject of the contract is under consideration, and as soon as it is decided I will not fail to inform you. (Signed) RICHARD GLASCODINE. The Chairman said it was well to understand how the negotiations stood between the company and the commissioners, and the committee. From the letter it appeared that there was still a question to be settled. Mr Glascodine said that the matter was now out of the hands of the committee, inasmuch as the last com- munication was made direct from the board. Every- thing was settled excepting the interest, and the ques- tion as to whether the directors would adopt the con- tract entered into by the commissioners. The Chairman said there would be a communication from the company on the latter question, and it would be well to refer that to the committee, and then have a special meeting of the board with reference to the adoption of the whole agreement, or to any alteration as to interest. Mr Glascodine concurred in this idea. Mr W. Nevill said the board had discussed the ques- tion of interest more than once, and were as well able to come to an opinion on it as the committee perhaps better. The Chairman suggested that, on the receipt of a communication respecting the contract, the clerk should call a special meeting of the board. The question of interest could be discussed to-day or stand over. Mr W Nevill said it had better stand over. The most important matter was the view which the company might take as to the contract and any conclusion they might come to to-day as to interest, might be an obstacle in the progress of the negotiations. It was then decided to have a special meeting to discuss the question of interest, &c. Some conversation took place on the subject, and Mr. Rosser said that the commissioners might at some period have X20,000 of their money in the dock, and if so it would be wrong not to have interest upon it. The tender for printing the tide table was let to Mr Broom.

CARDIGAN.—MARKET (Saturday last).—The weather for the last week has been very windy and rainy. Our market was not very well attended with people consequently the business transacted was not great. Prices were as follows:—Frebh Butter, Is 3d; Cheese, 2gd to 3d per lb; Pork 9s per score; new wheat 7s to 7s 6d per 65 lbs barley 4s to 4s 6d new oats, 2s 6d to 2s 10 per bushel. COUNTY COUItT.-The usual bimonthly court was beld at the Town Hall on Wednesday last. In conse- quence of the indisposition of the judge; the uncon- tested cases only were heard, before Mr W. W. Smith, the registrar, and the court was adjourned for the hearing of two equity cases. PETTY SEssio-, s. -These sessions were held on Satur- day last, before John Thomas, Esq mayor. Thomas Davies, toll-keeper, charged John Evans, currier, Llan- arth, with non-payment of toll. Dismissed.-On Monday before the Mayor, R. D. Jenkins, Esq., T. Davies, Esq., and T. Edwards, Esq. P.S. Nicholas Davies, charged W. Fisher, a tramp, with vagrancy. Discharged with a severe reprimand. Mr John Isaac, charged Messrs M. Williams, Trellyffant, D. Rees, Gernos, D. Williams, Rhydymaen, and S. Gwynne, Cefen, with nonpayment of the market toll. The com- plaint against Williaius and Rees was dismissed. D. Williams, Rhydymaen, was fined 9d and costs, and S. Gwynne, 3d and costs. LAMPETER. POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS.— The third of the series of these entertainments was given at the Town Hall, on Friday evening last, when the Rev James Jones, Rector of Cellan, presided. The following was the programme, and it is but justice to the per- former to say that they acquitted themselves credit- ably: -Piano- duct, U Les jolis oiseaux," Misses Evans, and Watkins; song, "The officer's Funeral" Mr A. G. Lewis; reading, "Bugeilgerdd," Rev D. O. Parry; song, "Believe me if all these endearing Young Charms" Mr T Lloyd reading, Precepts of Polite- ness," Mr D. M. Evans; song, Annie Lisle" Mr T. Price solo-piano, Prince Albert's Band March," Miss Watkins song, "Ymweliad y Bardd," (encored), Miss Evans; reading, "The Jangling House," Mr T. H. Williams; solo-violin, The Sailor's Hornpipe" (en. cored) Mr E. Davies reading, The Farmer and the Lawyer," Mr Meredith song, (in character) Beauti- ful for ever" (encored), Will nobody marry me," Mr T. Lloyd. LLANARTH.—This place was the scene of very great rejoicing on Tuesday last, on the occasion of the marriage of the Rev W. Rees, Llangunllo, to Miss Jones, Fronwen. The villagers vied with each other in their demonstrations of respect towards the young people the bells rang a merry peal, and flags decorated many houses, and we also observed a few articles which were most tastefully worked The firing of musketry was carried on almost throughout the day, and in the evening the whole village was illuminated. LLANILAR.—PETTY SESSIONS.—These sessions were held on Friday last, before G. W. Parry, Esq., J. Davies, Esq., W. Chambers, Esq., J. Loxdale, Esq., and Lewis P. Pugh, Esq. David Williams, Bronfynwent, Lledrod- issa, farmer, charged William Williams, Lluestybroga, Lledrod-issa, labourer, with having on the 12th Novem- ber last, assaulted complainant. Case adjourned until next Petty Sessions.—A. S. Fratham, Mount Havod, Llanfihangel Upper, (upon the information of Richard John Peregrine, game keeper), charged Benjamin Lewis, Nanthendy, Llangwig, Montgomeryshire, with having on the 13th ult., committed trespass in pursuit of game, upon lands in the occupation of complainant. Case ad- journed.—The same complainant, charged William Mitchell and Henry Mitchell (father and son), with having unlawfully fished for trout in a certain pond, in the parish of Llanfihangel, the complainant's right of fishing. Settled out of court, defendants paid costs.— Walter Hickox, supervisor, charged John Jones, Peny- bwlch, Gwnnws, for keeping a dog without a license, fined Yl 5s, with recommendation to reduce it to 12s 6d. ABERAYRON.—INQUEST. On Monday last, an adjourned inquest was held at the Gogerddan Arms, before T. J. Hughes, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, cf which Mr Selby was foreman, on view of the body of a new born male child, which was found by the police on the 20th ult., buried in a garden at Castell, Llwyndafydd. Police-constable Thomas Phillips, on being sworn said, that having received information that a young woman, named Sarah Evans, a servant with Jenkin Davies, of Castell, Llwyndafydd, was sup- posed to have given birth to a child lately, he proceeded there to make enquiries, and found the dead body of a new born male child, buried in a garden at Castell, and Sarah Evans admitted having given birth to it on Sunday, the 15th November. He then took her into custody, and conveyed her and the dead body of the child to the lock-up house, and showed the body to Mr James James, surgeon. James James, surgeon, on being sworn said to the following effect; that he had made a post-mortem examination on the body of a new born child, which was shown him by the last witness, he was quite certain that the child had breathed, and and he expressed opinion that the child died from suffocation. The Coroner summed up the evidence to the jury, who returned a Verdict of Found Dead." On the same day, at the County Sessions House, before J. G. P. Hughes, Esq. Sarah Evans, of Castell, Llwyndafydd, was brought up in custody of the police, charged with the wilful murder of a new born male child, which was found by P.C Thomas Phillips, and James James, Esq., surgeon, repeated the evidence given before the coroner, and Jenkin Davies, the prisoner's master (who was the only person living with her at the time), and Rachel Rees, of Cross Inn, mother of the prisoner, stated that they did not know that she had given birth to a child until the police apprehended her. The prisoner was committed for trial at the next assizes. ABERYSTWITH.—PETTY SESSIONS. —In the Town Hall, on Monday, the 2nd inst., before J. Matthews, Esq., mayor, and Richard Roberts, Esq.—John Jones, tailor, Moor-street, was brought up on remand charged with obtaining goods under false pretences, to the amount of 9s 7d, the property of J. P. Jones, draper, Little Dark Gate-street.—Alfred Edwards said: I am clerk to Mr J. P. Jones, the prosecutor in this case. I know the prisoner John Jones. He came to the shop on two days last month. The first day I served him. He had told me previously that he wanted patterns of flannel for Mr Watkins, of the Wine Vaults. I gave him some, as he had been in the habit of getting goods at the shop for Mr Watkins. On Friday, the 20th ult., the prisoner again came to the shop for some flannel, saying that Mr Watkins had sent him. Upon this representation, I served him with goods to the amount of 5s lid, and he told me to enter these goods to Mr Watkins' account, which I did accordingly.—Hugh R. Pugh said: I am an ap- prentice to the prosecutor. The prisoner John Jones came to my master's shop on Saturday, the 21st ult., and asked for some lambskin for drawers, for Mr Watkins, the Wine Vaults, who, he said, had sent him. I supplied him with goods to the amount of 3s 5d, and entered the goods to Mr Watkins.—John Watkins, wine merchant, said: I did not authorise the prisoner, on the days mentioned, to procure for me any goods at Mr Jones's shop. The prisoner had previously been in the habit of getting goods for my family, but he was always directed to procure a bill with them. Prisoner ad- mitted his guilt, but said he was not sober. -The prosecutor said he hoped the Bench would deal leniently with the case. Committed to take his trial at the next quarter sessions, but admitted to bail.— Charles Penham, and James Allen, two tramps, were brought up in custody charged with stealing a quantity of bacon, value 3s 9d, the property of James Roberts, grocer, Bridge-street. The prisoners pretended that the prosecutor had shied the pieces of bacon at their heads in lieu of brickbats. They failed, however, to persuade the bench to take a similar view of the case, and were fully committed to take their trial at the next quarter sessions.—Mr Crealock made application on behalf of Jane Owens, for the issue of a warrant to obtain possession of premises in Mary-street, which were held by Wm Evans, after the expiration of the tenancy previously existing between them. Order made that warrant be issued in 24 days. COMMISSIONERS' MEETING.-At a meeting of the Town Improvement Commissioners, held in the Town Hall, on Saturday, the 8th inst., J. Matthews, Esq,, in the chair, it was resolved. That the plan and report of Mr Szlumper, be received and adopted, subject to the outfall of the proposed sewers, terminating at the north-western corner of the coal yard wall; that the portion of drainage from the top of Fountain Court to the outfall at the coal yard be forthwith carried out, I and that advertisements be issued for tenders for evcavating the said ground against the next monthly meeting that Mr Szlumper's plan for draining the lower end of Bridge-street, to meet the drain lately made, be adopted, but not carried out until a plan be produced (by Mr Baker) of the land to be exchanged by him with the ooaiMioner* j aD" that the consideration of Mr Duncan's report of the several proposed plans to supply the town with water, be ad- journed till next Tuesday." WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIFTY.-The annual meet- ing in connexion with this Society was held in the Queen- street Chapel on Wednesday, the 2nd inst. The chair was occupied by the mayor, J. Mathias, Esq., and the report, from which we learn that the subscriptions for the past year from the Aberystwith district amounted to X42 14s 10J, was read by Mr Lloyd. Able and inter- esting addresses were also delivered by the Rev. T. Phillips, Wesleyan minister, of Trerddol; by the Rev. J. Thomas, Wesleyan minister, of Corris by the Rev. E. Williams, Baptist minister, of this town; by the Rev. E. Hughes, Methodist minister and by the Rev. W. Thomas, English Wesleyan minister, of this town. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting closed, as it had opened, with prayer and singing.

I PEMBROKESHIRE. COMMISSIONS SIGNED BY THE LORD-LIEUTENANT.— County- of Pembroke; Henry Seymour Allen, Esq., to be Deputy Lieutenant. November 24, 1st Pembroke- shire Artillery Volunteers:—Second Lieutenant William O. Hulm, to be first Lieutenant. SUICIDE OF AN AGED WOM.&N.-On Tuesday an in. quest was held before W. V. James, Esq., coroner, at the "Ross," in the parish of Rudbaxton, on the the body of a woman named Mary Davies, who was found dead in her house on the previous day, by a neighbour named Levi Williams. The poor woman was last seen alive on Sunday evening, and is supposed to have committed suicide by hanging herself, while labouring under a fit of temporary insanity. She was 63 years of age. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS.—These sessions were held on Saturday last, before J. Adams, Esq., N. A. Roch, Esq., W. Hulm, Esq., F. L. Clarks, Esq., S. P. Williams, Esq., M. A. Saurin, Esq., A. J. Morrison, Esq., T. Mansel, Esq., and H. Leach, Esq. Ann Rowe, of Carew Mountain, was charged by James Thomas, of the same place, with assaulting him on the 25th ult. This assault arose out of the parties children quarrelling. Fined Is, and 7s 6d costs.—William Carrick, of Hodge- ston, farmer, was charged by John Charrett, a hired labourer, with unlawfully dismissing him from his ser- vice without just cause. Mr W. O. Hulm appeared for defendant. The case was proved by the complainant and his witness. Defendant ordered to pay 12s wages due, and 12s lid costs. -John Richards, of Rhoscrow. ther, blacksmith, was charged by William Henry Ball, agent to Col. Lovett, with using a wire gin for taking game, on the 14th of November last. Mr F. Lanning appeared for complainant, and Mr W. O. Hulm for the defendant. David Morgan Pugh said I am game- keeper to Col. Lovett at Pwllcroshan. On the 13th of November last I was going along the fields in occupa- tion of Mr Thomas Russell, of Yerbeston, which he keeps as byholt, and I saw six snares there in the after- noon. I removed five of the snares and left the one, but just displaced it, so that it could not catch. I watched that snare that night till eight o'clock. It was in the same state as I put it. Early on the 14th, about or before six o'clock, I found the snare reset. I displaced it again, and went to watch. I lay in a ditch about fifty yards from the gin or snare. About eight o'clock I saw John Richards coming from his house and go straight down to the gin. He was in the act of re- setting it or taking it up. I could not see which, and went up to him. I found this peg in his hand the wire was fast to a stick. I took the gin up, and took the peg out of his hand. I asked him how many he had got down. He said only this one. I said he ought to be ashamed of himself. He said, I suppose this will stop me doing any more of it for some time. I asked him what had he done with the hare that was caught in it a day or two before. He said he did not have her. —Cross-examined by Mr Hulm I believe defendant looks after Mr Russell's sheep, but there was none there then. I don't know what he gets for it. I know Richards' donkey is allowed to pasture there.—Fined 10s, and 7s 9d costs.—Joseph Beddows, of Saundersfoot, was charged by John Leach, Esq., of Ivy Tower, with trespassing in search of game in the parish of Gum- freston, on the 28th ult. He was also charged separately with a like offence in the parish of St. Florence. Mr W. 0. Hulm appeared for complainant. The defen- dant admitted both charges. Fined 5s, and 8s 7d costs in each case, in all Si 7s 2d paid.—George Lloyd, a farm labourer at Trenorgan, was charged by Bernard Sonnways, nead-gamekeeper to Earl Cawdor, with trespassing in search of game and rabbits on the 21st ult. Mr W. 0 Hulm appeared for complainant. De- fendant admitted the offence. Fined 10s, and 8s 7d costg.-William James, of Hoplas, labourer, was charged with assaulting P.C. William Francis in the execution of his duty on the 2nd instant. William Francis said On Wednesday, the 2nd inst., I was at Hoplas in search of defendant to serve a summons on him as witness in a case heard here this day (viz., Charritt v. Carrick). I found him in the stable, and told him my business. I commenced reading the summons. He said he would not take it, and said you brought me one before. I then put the summons in his breast His waistcoat was open at the time. He threw the summons to the ground, and took hold of my arm and endeavoured to throw me down, saying he would soon do for me. He then squared against me in a fighting attitude, at- tempted a couple of blows at my face, which I warded off. I requested him many times to be quiet, as he would get himself into trouble. He then struck me suddenly on my left cheek but it was slightly as I held my head back. I drew my etaff, and he became quiet at once. There was no person present only us both. Ann Cole came there and heard him asking me to forgive him, and he wanted me to shake hands.— Fined fl, and 6s 6d costa in default, one month's hard labour. He was removed in custody to the police station, but subsequently the fine and costs were paid.

Mr J. Evans, of Alltycadno-I beg to propose Thos. Jones as a fit and proper person to fill the office. I place confidence in him more because of the recommen- dation he has received from Mr Jones, the present relieving officer, than from my personal knowledge of his abilities. He had done the work for Mr Jones, during his illness, and has given satisfaction, and I know him to be a sober, steady young man. (Hear, hear). The motion was seconded by Mr Lewis, Pontantwn. Mr J. Davies, Quay-street—I do not think the ex- officio guardians should come into the Board-room on an occasion like this. The elected guardians have to do the work during the whole year, without the assistance of the ex-officios, but when there is anything to be given away, we have those gentlemen coming here to assist us. (Applause, which the Chairman checked.) Dr Lewis—I beg leave to reply to Mr Davies's obser- vations. If the law gives the magistrates of the borough the right to come here, is it right for any gentleman to object to what the legislature has imposed upon us. I say no one has a right to object, and I beg to propose a vote of censure upon Mr Davies for his observations. Mr Dixie-I am afraid you would be in a minority (laughter). Ven. Archdeacon Williams-It is very unpleasant and uncouth, not to say indecent, to have these things continually thrown in the teeth of the ex-officio guardians. It should be remembered that they have other work to do, and cannot always be here. It is certainly very indecent for the elected guardians to come here and beard the Acts of the Legislature, who has authorised us to be present at these meetings (hear, hear). I shall not be deterred from coming here by Mr Davies or anyone else, so long as the law invests us with the power to come. As to the administration of the Poor Law generally, I have such confidence in the ability of the guardians, and in their jealousy over the public purse, that I think it unnecessary for the ex- officio guardians to interfere; but when you come to elect officers to carry out distant and important affairs of the union, it is our duty to be present, in order to see that fit and proper persons are appointed (hear, hear). I hope we shall hear no more of the ex-officio guardians coming here. If they wish to attend regularly, well and good if not, then it is to their own disadvantage (hear, hear). I have been a Vice-Chairman of this Board for years, and have come here regularly, so that I am free from the imputation cast upon us by Mr Davies (hear, hear). Dr Lewis-I think the Chairman ought to express his opinion upon Mr Davies's remarks. The Chairman-As two of the ex-officio guardians have made some remarks, I may be allowed to say some- thing (hear, hear). I am an ex-officio guardian myself, but if everyone came here as often as I do there would be no room for complaint (hear, hear). I do the work for love and not from necessity. I think it is the duty of us all to take part in the granting of the poor relief. I take a pleasure in it, and if any gentleman feels aggrieved at the ex-officio guardians not coming here except when there is something given away, I cannot help that, though I cannot agree with Mr Davies's remarks. I look upon the relieving officer as one of the most important officers connected with the Board, and it is the interest of every one to see that proper persons are appointed. You should not complain so long as the ex-officios come here to support good men but when you find them jobbing, when you find them supporting men from merely friendship's sake, you will have cause to complain (hear, hear). J hope that those present to-day are prepared as ex-officios to support the best man (hear, hear). Mr J. Davies-Far be it from me to cast an imputa- tion upon any ex-officio guardian but I do protest against their coming here occasionally. I should be very glad if they take a part in the regular work of the Board, but I do protest against their coming here on those occasions only when there is some patronage to bestow. Mr Mostyn Davies-I have seen them here on other occasions many times. Mr Morris, St. Ishmael's—I have seen Archdeacon Williams here often, but not Dr Lewis. Mr Adams-Mv name with several others was sent up to the Lord Chancellor, but as I am connected with trade I was not placed upon the commission of the Deace. Still, were I a magistrate, and did not attend here regularly, I would not come here at all. (Hear, hear). With regard to Dr Lewis, I have not seen him here for a long time, and if I were in his position I would not come here at all. 1 would either attend regu- -ar, bear ) larly or not at all. (Hear, hear). The Chairman—Some of the elected guardians only come here occasionally. Archdeacon Williams-I think this is a day on which the least reproach should be cast upon the ex-officio guardians. I think if they came here in force upon particular occasions to overrule the votes of the elected guardians you would have something to complain of; but to-day there are only two ex-officio guardians pre- sent. (" More, more"). I beg pardon I did not know Capt. Beynon was present. At any rate, there are only three present, and thereforo I think this is the least op- portune movement Mr Davies could have chosen for making those observations. (Hear, hear). Besides, as the law permits the presence of ex-officio guardians, you are bound to obey the law. (Hear, bear). I think there can no reproach attach to the ex-officio guardians for coming here to give an opinion whenever they have an opportunity of doing so. (Hear, hear). Mr Dixie-I propose that we go to work. (Laugh- ter). Archdeacon Williams-I agree to that. (Laughter). Mr Morgan, Llangunnor, proposed John Jones, of Llwynmelyn, as a fit and proper person to fill the office of relieving-officer for the Llangendeirne district. Mr D. B. Edwards said he had much pleasure in seconding the appointment of Mr Jones. He did not do so because of his personal knowledge of Mr Jones but he placed great reliance in the testimonial sent in by the Auditor, who well know what was required of a relieving offi<j#r. (Hear, hear). And besides, the Chair- man, had sent in a similar testimonial in his favour, and he did not know any better criterion to go by than the opinion of the Chairman, who had presided over this Board for seven years, and knew exactly what duties were required of the relieving officers. (Hear, hear). Had he not promised his support to Mr John Jones, he should have been guided in a matter of this importance by the opinion of the Chairman, whose experience was of great value. (Hear, hear). Mr. Harries, of Mydrim, proposed Mr. Rice Beynon, the motion being seconded by Mr. Rees, Llanwinio. Mr T. Edwards, Llanfihangel, proposed Mr. Hugh Thomas, the motion being seconded by Mr. Davies, Lord's Park.. Mr George, Llanarthney, proposed Mr John Davies, the motion being seconded by Mr Mostyn Davies. Mr Evans, Llanllawddog, proposed Mr Isaac Smith, the motion being seconded by Mr. Howells, Llan- eadwraen. The votes were then taken. Archdeacon Williams declined to vote, saying that he never would vote again at this board until those remarks about the ex-officio guardians were discontinued. Dr. Lewis voted for John Jones, Captain Beynon remained neutral, and the Chairman voted for John Jones. The votes given are as follows :—John Jones, 14 Thomas Jones, 9 Rice Beynon, 3 Isaac Smith, 2 Hugh Thomas, 3 John Davies, nil. The votes given to Beynon, Smith, and Thomas were then taken in favour of John and Thomas Jones with the following final result :-J ohn Jones, 20; Thomas Jones, 11. John Jones was therefore declared duly elected. The following entries appear in the Chaplain's book" :-Nov. 18.—I conducted religious worship here last Sunday, and visited the male and female wards this morning. I also examined the school, and found every- thing in good order.—Nov. 22. I conducted divine service, and the inmates were attentive to the word delivered the attendance was good and orderly.— Nov. 26. I visited the wards. I was much pleased with the cleanliness of the house, and the general ap- pearance of the inmates. I read a portion of the Bible, and prayed with the sick and aged.-J OHN HUGHES,