The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

DENBIGH. FUNERAL OF THE LATE R. PARRY, ESQ., BRYNFFYS- ON\—The mortal remains of the above gentleman were conveyed to their last resting place at Whitchurch, on Monday afternoon last. The mournful cortege consisted of a division of the Volunteers, attended by the band phying the "Dead March ill Saul," The hearse, mourning Coach, The Mayor and Corporation, 12 members of the Oddfellows, 12 ditto of the Foresters, and about 200 of the burgesses of the town, including the workmen of the deceased. Blinds were drawn down, and all places of business closed as the funeral passed through the town. The burial service was solemnly read by the Rector; and the body was lowered into the grave with military honours.

GWALCHMAI. TESTIMONIAL TO A CLERGYMAN.—On Thursday last, a meeting was held in the National School-room of the above parish, for the purpose of presenting to the Rev. Hugh Davies Owen, M.A., a handsome silver inkstand, as a mark of affectionate remembrance from the church commuuicants and other friends in that parish, on his departure to another field of labour. The chair was taken by the Rector, who expressed the great pleasure it afforded him to bs present on an occasion wherein so gratifying a testimony was borne in favour of his late highly valued coadjutor. For a period of over more than five years, Mr. Owen had been unwearied in his labours in the parish of Gwalohmai, and those labours had been blest with a more than ordinary amount of success. Nor was it a little to his credit that it might be truly asserted that while Mr. Owen had ever shewn himself an uncompromising Churchman, he had con- ciliated the good opinion and kind wishes even of those who differed with him. The rev. chairman felt quite sure that all would unite with him in praying that Mr. Owen's future career might be attended with every suc- cess, and that he might live to point out to his children's children the humble but substantial memento now be- fore the meeting, of the estimation in which he was held as Curate of Gwalchmai. The assembly was next addressed in terms highly complimentary to Mr. Owen, by Messrs Jones, of Bodwina, Parry, of Gwalchmai, and others; upon which, the Rev. H. D. Owen arose, and with evident emotion returned his heartfelt thanks to those who had joined in presenting him with so en- during a mark of their regard. They all knew that he was a man of few words, and therefore would not, he hoped, estimate his gratitude according to the imper- fection of his speech. Some of his happiest days had been spent among them, and he could hardly utter on behalf of his successor in office a better wish than that he, too, at the close of his connexion with the parish of Gwalchmai, might be able to say the same. The meet- ing terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman and collectors, and the singing of the hymn- Mor hardd yw canfod brodyr cu Yn byw'n gytun yn nhy eu Tad."

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. LONDON CORN MARKET—FRIDAY. Wheat inactive, at late rates; Oats firm, at Monday's rates. LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET-FRIDAY. Wheat and flour steady; Corn 6d. dearer on the week. WAKEFIELD CORN MARKET— FRIDAY. Firm all round.

AMERICA. The Nova Scotia steamer arrived on Thursday even- ing, at Greencastle. The news she brings is of some im- portance. It is rumoured that i great battle has been fought in South Carolina, and that Sherman has been checked. Johnstone is said to have between 60,000 to 89,000 men under his command in addition to re-inforce- ments, probably sent to him by Gen. Lee. Admiral Semmes is said to be preparing another attack in James River. Slaves and free negroes are to be employed to defend Richmond. Long4reet temporarily commands in the latter town. In President Lincoln's inaugural address, no mention of any change of policy, nor any mention of foreign rela- tions is made. His address inaugurating his second term of office is highly religious in tone, scriptural in language, and emphatic in placing before the country the abolition of slavery as the great object to be achieved by the war. In the concluding passage he says Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if it be God's will that it continue until the wealth piled by bondsmen by 250 years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and nntil every drop of blood drawn by the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said 3000 years ago, so still it must be said, that the judgments of the lord are trU3 and righteous altoge- ther."

RATING OF PORT PENRHYN. To the Editor of the North Wales Chronicle. Sir,-My attention has been drawn to a letter from Mr. Barber, Colonel Pennant's solicitor, which appeared in your last paper. As it has been arranged that this question is shortly to be taken before one of the Superior Courts for deci- sion, I think it very undesirable that it should now form the subject of discussion in the public prints. I cannot, however, allow Mr. Barber's statement that Port Pen. rhyn was never intended to be included in the District," to pass unchallenged. Mr. Barber states that he has the authority of every member of the Board at that time, wi' i whom he has conversed on the subject, for this assertion. At a meeting of the Board, at which Col. Pennant presided, a plan of the district was ordered to be made by Mr. Johnson, the Surveyor. This was accordingly done and at a subsequent Board, at which Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Beaver Roberts, Mr. Vincent Williams, Mr. Hugh Roberts, and Mr. Chas. Bickuell were present, the plan was produced and "highly approved of." That plan is now in the office of the Local Board, and it will be found, upon inspection, to include Port Pen- rhyn within the District. I am, Sir, Your faithful Servant I Denbigh, Karcb 16, THOS. GOLD EDWARDS. I Denbigh, March 16, 1865.

haidd. I am not sure that deceased had a comforter" around his neck. Some time after I was startled by some noise outside; I did not recognise the voice of any one. I went out when the voice had ceased. The pri- soner met me close by the hovel near the house, coming from my husband; he was walking. He said to me, Take William away, he has struck me." I asked him, What is the matter John, he is very low to-day ?" I did not hear what he said in reply. I went direct to the field; saw deceased getting from off the ground. He did not say a word. He went towards the cow shed, and walked with his head on one side. I cried out, "William, where are you going," but he made no reply. I called out immediately, William is dying," and ran to his assistance. He had fallen before I got to him, and was lying flat on the ground. I observed his throat cut; there was blood on his neck. Whilst I was there Edward Thomas, Hendre, came up to me, and went to Dolhaidd. We carried him home into the kitchen, where he died shortly after. He never had a knife in his possession. Cross examined by Mr. McIntyre-My husband had a twca." He was in rather low spirits in consequence of his leaving Dolhaidd he never intended to go from there to live. He had been for some time in rather a desponding state of mind. I absented from chapel in the summer of last year for his company's sake—not because I was afraid of leaving him alone. When I heard the noise outside the house I thought the pri- soner and the servant were talking together. My hus- band had a stick, which I saw yesterday he took the stick out with him that day. Sometime in the course of the summer last year he said many things to me. Cannot say but he might have said to me—" You will lose three things this year, your sheep, your farm, and your husband." lie had not got the purse with him on the day in q nestian. Re-examined—People carry twca" about if they have use for it—sometimes in their pockets. Had notice to leave the farm at the time of Tmwsfynydd fair (21st September.) Deceased appeared in his usual spirits on the morning in question. He was then a little recon- ciled with his leaving Dolhaidd after he got Brynteg to go to, He had had a stitch in the back about two lays previous to this occurrence; and he generally used a atick. By the JFDGE-Did not seethe I- twea" brought in by the boy Morris Williams. Edward Thomas, Hendre, said—I live in the adjoin- ing farm of Dolhaidd, which I can see from my house. Was well acquainted with deceased. Remember seeing Wm. Rnwbud. on the morning of the 30th November last When I saw him on the first occasion I was co- ming from the cattle. He borrowed a chaff-cutter from me, and wanted my brother lo come and carry it for him to Dolhaidd. In about half-an-hour after I heard a screaming noise. Heard a voice when I went to the door; I believe it was that of deceased I thought he was shouting My life" several times; I heard only one voice. I looked in the direction from whence the voice proceeded, and saw John Williams and Wil- liam Rowlands together in the ditch. They were taking hold of each other; prisoner was on the top of the other, and according to my belief he was taking hold of him by the breast. They remained quiet for some time. Saw the prisoner getting up, and taking hold of his brother, by the arm, I think. The prisoner then left deceased and went towards the house out of sight. William Rowlands remained behind, and made a turn to the lower side of the ditch. I then hung back a little out of sight for a short time, after which I saw deceased had moved about 35 yards from the spot where I first saw him. When I got to him he was down on the ground he was in the act of falling when I first saw him. Saw the wife running about for help. Saw a wound in deceased's neck. I ran to Dolhaidd for help, having the wife in charge of deceased. I saw prisoner's wife at Dolhaidd asked for Mrs. Rowlands, but I did not see him. I then went back to deceased and assisted to take him home, and remained there till he died. Prisoner came there shortly after, and said deceased would come to himself shortly, that he was only pretending. He then left the house; I asked him to stop there and be quiet, or else go away. I did not observe any knife on the spot I found Rowlands lying. Pointed out to the policeman (Enoch Roberts) both places where I saw deceased lying. Remained at the houso tillltobert Griffith came there, and did no- thing to the corpse. Cross-examined by Ntr. McIntyre-It was a very stormy morning; I believe the wind was from south- west. I know a brook shewn on the plan. There was a good deal of water in it, and it was flowing rapidly. The brook was beginning to flood. There is a waterfall in the river. There was water in the ditch. John Wil- liams had the same clothes on then as he had oil when he was taken up. Saw a pole in the ditch where I saw deceased. Am not aware of having seen the stick pro- duced that morning. Robert Griffith—I live at Alltwen, and knew de- ceased. Went to Dolhaidd on the 30th November, and there saw his body, and Edward Thomas, who went out and left mo there. I met Enoch Roberta on the field. Enoch Roberts, police-oiffcer-On the 30th of Novem- ber last, I was sent for to Dolhaidd. Saw Rowland's body, which was shewn to Dr. Richards. Edward Thomas shewed me the places where deceased had been, which are correctly shown on the plan. Noticed a quantity of blood there, and marks of a struggle. Saw a stick and a "comforter" between the two places marked. The "comforter" I found about 16 or 17 yards from thi place where I saw the marks of a struggle. Searched deceased's pockets, but only found a small screw upon him. Prisoner was upstairs, and I spoke to him. He said there was a shocking rumour about the death of his brother. I viewed the body; aud awaiting the ar- rival of Edward Thomas, I charged the prisoner with causing the death of his brother. He said, "I am inno- cent of his blood." He also added that he was going for a piece of timber, and that he put one on his should- er, when he met his brother, who asked him where he was going. He told him what he intended doing with it, upon which he struck him with a stick. He told him to consider that he had bought everything from him at Dolhaidd, and what was it he wanted ? He then said they took hold of one another, and that they Struggled into the ditch—the deceased lowermost, and the prisoner uppermost. He also said he shouted for his life for him to loose him, and that he got loose, and went towards the house. The prisoner, I think, had a bruise on the forehead, and auother on the back of his left hand. At Maentwrog station I took the prisoner clean clothes, on the next day. He there called my notice to blood on the right sleeve of his shirt, and said he had been assisting to kill a bullock on the night previous (29th), and that he assisted to carry the pieces of meat to the house. Searched him again, and found the knife produced. Deceased's hands, when I first saw him, had no blood on either; but there was a cut on the left hand. Examined by Mr. McIntyre-Hacl one "twca" in my possession. Was present when the "twcas" were produced oy the police at Trawsfynydd. Saw the tim- ber found in the ditch. It was a long pole. They had 4 miles to send for me. It was after one o'clock when I reached Dolhaidd. There was water in. the ditch run- ning rather rapidly. Prisoner mentioned the circum- stance of the bull being killed. He mentioned to me the name of the butcher, Edward Roberts, who was examined by the coroner. I saw marks on the prisoner s forehead, which were much discoloured oil the following day. E. P. Evans, pulice-officer, Baid-I made a thorough search of the ground, but could not find any instrument there. There was water iu the brook, but the water in the (liteli was diverted. Owen Richards, M.D.—I am a Burgeon, practising at Bala On the 3rd December, I examined the body of deceased. There was a large wound in the right side of the neck, commencing about an inch behind the ear, and extending an inch behind the angle of the jaw, to an inch also (.it ;t line of the throat on the left. That part of the wind pipe called thyroid cartilage was cut through in two places about three-eighths of an inch apart parallel with each other, the upper one being half- an-inch below the upper border of the cartilage, and extending through the whole of the right side of the cartilage to about one inch on the left side, the lower cut being three-eighths of an inch shorter than the up- per one. These cuts corresponded with the two cuts of the wound on the left side. There was a cut below the lower border of the wound a short distance on the right, an inch long and skin deep, proceeding in a direc- tion upwards and inwards, terminating in the lower border of the wound. In addition to the blood from the wounds of the superficial vessels, there was a large open- ing iu the internal jugular vein. The superior thyroid artery was divided within about three quarters of an inch from the common carotid artery. The lower cut was quite distinct; in fact there were three distinct cuts having no connection with e-ich other. My opinion is that the wounds were inflicted from right to left Supposing the large wound had been inflicted by ano- ther party, my opinion is that he would have been on the right side of the deceased. He had lost much blood, and the marks were chiefly on the right side. The ribs were broken on the left side. It is very im- probable, from what I have read and seen, that the wounds were self-inflicted. It was improbable alike, from the situation, the direction, and the nature of the wounds, as well as the injtiriesrcceived. The knife pro- duced might have caused the wounds. Cross-examined by Mr. M clntyre- Have of teii seen "tweas" like the one produced. Have no personal expe- rience in the investigation of cases of suicide. My opinion has been chiefly from what I have read. I wou'd not go so far as to say it was improbable he might take the knife by the right hand from the right side. The prisoner had marks of bruises on his fore- head. If it was done by the stick produced, it would require great force, assuming that it was done before deceased's throat had been cut. A f&U upon a pole would not have fractured so many ribs. It would depend upon the size of the pole, which I have not seen. Re-examined by Mr. Lloyd-Had extensive practice in the hospital, where I have seen several suicide oases. I cannot speak of any particular case. Mr. Howel Hedd Lloyd Clough, Chief Constable of the County Police Force, said-I received the prisoner's clothes from the police constable, which I took to London to Dr. Taylor for examination. Dr. Alfred Swaine Taylor, said-I am a member of the Royal College of Surgeons and Lecturer on Medical Jurisprudence at Guy's Hospital, London. I have had considerable experience, and have attended to many cases of suicide. I have been in court, and attended to the description given by Dr. Richards of the wounds inflicted upon deceased. I can form an opinion per- sonally as to the manner in which'they were done. I will not say that it was impossible for the wounds to have been inflicted bv deceased himself, but I never knew, heard, or read of any instance of the kind having occurred. I examined the clothes brought to me by the last witness. There was blood on the sleeves of both wristbands of the shirt, more particularly the right sleeve. It had the characteristics of human blood, but I purposely compared it with bullock's blood and was unable to perceive a difference. The same result was arrived at with regard to the right side of the sleeve, as well as the trowsers. I examined the knife, but I found no traces of blood upon it-only a few spots of rust. If it was immersed in cold water before the blood set in the marks would be readily removed. Blood is exceed- ingly soluble in cold water. Cross-examined by Mr Mclntvre-There are cases in which a knowledge is formed with very great diffi- culty as to the probability of wounds being inflicted by injured persons with their own hands, and unless a knowledge of extraneous circumstances were obtained the opinion often would be that they had been inflicted by other hands. Assuming that certain facts did not come to the knowledge of medical men the appearance of the wounds would be conclusive that they were caused by other hands. In examining knives I generally find traces of blood in the indentation or the notch. Here I find no traces in the letters or the notch. This closed the case for the prosecution. Mr. Mclntyre then rose to address the jury on be- half of the prisoner. He said-The case for the prose- cution having closed, it now becomes my duty to ad- dress certain observations which have occurred to my mind upon the statement of facts laid before the court by my learned friend, and the evidence adduced by the witnesses examined this day on behalf of the Crown. In approaching this case, I feel that it is of the utmost importance both to the public and the prisoner that you should arrive at a right and proper conclusion from the facts laid before you this day. I trust in the observa- tions I shall make I shall not deal unfairly with the witnesses called to give their testimony either for or against the prisoner. It is my duty to offer a few com- ments upon the evidence already laid before you, and point out to you by argument the facts upon which you are to rely in order to bring a correct and just verdict. To the prisoner this is a matter of life and death. Should your verdict be adverse to him he will no doubt suffer death as a penalty for the crime with which he stands charged. That, however, should not deter you, if you find that the evidence leads conclusively to that, to re- turn such a verdict as you should return consistently with the oaths you have taken. But I implore you to dispel from your minds any circumstance or facts which you may have heard outside of this court. You are to form your opinion of this man's guilt upon the evidence -and upon that only—which will be given to you by witnesses, who have called their Maker to witness that they state no falsehood. The case of the prosecution is that the prisoner feloniously, wilfully, and with malice aforethought did kill his own brother, William Row- lands. Gentlemen, the very fact that a brother is ac- cused with having caused the death of a near relative may create a prejudice against the man but at the same time it ought also to weigh considerably upon the minds of the jury that a man could have been guilty of an act so infamous as to wilfully take away the life of his brother Before I approach the details of the case I ask you what possible motive could he have had to deprive his brother of his life ? They were both joint- tenants of Dolhaidd. It was agreed by the two that they should part—the money was to be paid down, and it was impossible that he could by any means relieve him- self of any responsibility by murdering his brother. John Williams had been somewhat successful with his farm, and there was no reason for him to be angry with his brother. He retains the farm, the hay and sheep are to be given up to him at a valuation. He would gain no- thinl, bv his brother's death; because he had left be- hind him a widow and a son 31 years of age to inherit his property, while he (the prisoner) had only a wife without any children to share his property. They found that William Rowlands was very much depressed in mind; and though his widow said he was more con- tented after he got the new farm to go to, the very ex- pression used to John Williams in the field shewed that deceased was Buffering from some mental anguish, for we find it said by the widow, "say nothing to William to-day for he is in very low spirits." On the morning spoken of by the widow and Edward Thomas, the weather was very boisterous; high wind and rain pre- vailed at the time. We have heard from the policeman that the ditch was filled with water. It is important also for you to bear in mind that the wind was blowing from H endre towards the house of Dolhaidd at the time of this occurrence. Now, we have heard from the widow that she heard voices while she was in the house. Point A on the plan, where the brothers were said to have: struggled together is distant about 55 yards from Dolhaidd-the wind was blowing towards the widow's house, and would be carried to hers and from that of Hendre and though she does not say she distinguished the voices, she does say this, which is confirmatory of the prisoner's statement, that she thought what she heard was the voice of John Williams speaking to the servant man. She, from the position she was in, had better opportunity of recognising the voices than Kd- ward Thomas had, and, moreover, she was married for so many years that she would easily recognise her bus- baud's voice. She had also lived for more than twenty years in the same house as John Williams, and one would suppose that his voice would be familiar to her also. Now, on the other hand, Edward Thomas has not been acquainted with the parties for any length of time. It was not in the nature of things that he would know the voices of any of them as well as the wife would He was also placed in a disadvantageous posi- tion as regards the wind, and he only thinks that it was the voice of William liowlands. I think it is not at all unfair to suggest to you, gentlemen, that now, Wil- liam Rowlands being dead, Edward 1 homos not from his own accurate knowledge, but from an impression subsequently made upon his mind, believes that the voice he heard was that of William Rowlands. We hear that the two brothers were seen in the ditch together, and that John Williams was uppermost and deceased lowermost. They appeared to be face to face. I should suppose then, being face to face, the one who was uppermost would have struck the other on the left side and not on the right one. And here let me call your attention to the evidence of Dr. Rich- ards. He evidently assumes that the wound was inflict- ed by a person who would be upon deceased s right side. The ribs broken also were on the left side, therefore if injured by the prisoner he must have been on the left and not ou the right side. The two having been seen in this position by Edward Thomas, he says that John Williams walked away and that he lost sight of deceased for a time, and when he sees him again he had gone a distance from him of 35 yards. John Williams goes straight off to the house. Now, one would have sup- posed bad John Williams inflicted the injuries upon his brother at the time, there would have been blood upon his hands, or on some part of his person. No blood was said to be seen by the widow, and the prisoner walked straightway to his house. If he had a knife he would have put it into his pocket, and traces of blood would have been found in the letters and the handle, which would have taken considerable time to wash and scrub it off. Dr. Taylor assumes the blood must have been washed away immediately. But where did he wash it ? Had it been washed in the ditch Edward Thonws would have seen it. He sees him getting up, and he might have seen him patting the knife in his pocket. If on the other hand it was done in the house it must have been shut before he meets Mrs. Rowlands, and it would have been impossible to close it without leaving traces of blood upon it in some way. The prisoner comes to the house and meets William Rowlauds's wife on his way, and the only thing of im- portance that occurs here is that the prisoner has told the same consistent story to her, and to the policeman, and up to the present time is confirmed as far as any- thing can be confirmed by the facts that have since transpired, viz, tint his brother had struck him with a stick, and was in low spirits on the morning of that day. But is it true that he did strike him with a stick at all ? Of this, there cannot, gentlemen, be the slighest doubt. The stick produced was such as would undoubtedly produce the marks and the discoloration which his face presented in a day or two afterwards We are told that the poor man was removed into the house, where he shortly afterwards died. The prisoner was apprehended within a few hours after this occurred. We are told also that the clothes he had on when taken into custody were those worn by him on that morning. If this man had been guilty of the charge laid against him, one of two things must have happened, either the clothes must have been destroyed, or the stains of blood washed out. The clothes were handed over to Dr. Taylor in the state they were when worn by the prisoner on the morning in question. He pointed out himself the blood on the wristband of his shirt. Now, gentlemen, is that the conduct of a tnan who acknowledges himself guilty of the murder of his brother ? Is it not consistent with the statement he made to the policeman and repeated before you this day, wnich was that a day or two before this took place he ansisted to kill a bullock, and cutting up the flesh i he bad carried the pieces into a house, which would plainly account for the stains found upon his clothes. I thought we should have important evidence from Dr. Taylor upon this point—a gentleman of very great ex- perience and of undoubted eminence in his profession- but what does he say? why that he analysed the blood found upon the clothes and carefully compared it with the blood of a bullock and was unable to detect the dif- ference between them. Why, that was a positive testimony from Dr. Taylor that the blood found upon prisoners clothes was that of a bullock. Well, the policemau was sent for, and he arrived at Dolhaidd about one o'clock. This stick was found by him between the poiuts A and B"-just the very track William Rowlands took when he left the ditch, and it was discovered by the side of the ditch. Then the prisoner's story about the two pieces of timber was also very consistent, me WHO says the deceased had the stick going out that morning; and the stick as well as the pole were found near the ditch where the struggle is alleged to have taken place. It has been often said in a court of justice that when you find men telling one plain and consistent story-con- firmed by circumstances over which he has no control- that statement strengthens the case in a high degree in favour of the prisoner when he comes to be put upon his trial. When the policeman arrives at Dolhaidd he speaks of the deplorable event—meaning the death of his brother. He does not attempt to escape by leaving the house -he does not manifest any signs of guilt as is generally the case with men who have committed great crimes. Nothing in his demeanour or position would indicate in the slightest degree that he was guilty of this offence—an offence against God and man-nothing to shew that he was attempting to mislead. The learned Counsel then went on at some length to comment upon the evidence adduced as regards the twca" produced, and pointed out to the jury the fact admitted that the deceased had another twca" in his possession, and which persons in his position of life very often carried in their pockets (sheathed), and to this day the police notwithstanding all their skill had not been able to dis- cover this weapon, with which he suggested the wound was inflicted. He then passed over to the evidence of Dr. Taylor, who saw nothing of the cuts, or any drawing of them either but he heard the evidence of Dr. Rich- ards, and upon that he has formed his opinion—valuable no doubt as being that of a man of great eminence-. but eminent as he is, he may be deceived, and from ap- pearances may form an erroneous opinion. All he can say is, that he never met with a case like this, and that it was very improbable but not impossible that the wound might have been inflicted by deceased himself. He might have used the knife himself, and taking it in a manner described by the Counsel might have been taken in the right hand used with greater force and strength than if applied from the left side to the right. Now, if it is a thing which might have occurred in the manner indicated, the jury should act with the greatest caution. The theory set up by the defence is not impos- sible, though it may be improbable. Dr. Richards as- sured that three separate wounds were inflicted, which he supposes were done on three separate occasion. That is his opinion, and mark you, it is only a matter of opin- ion. Opinions may differ, and it is just as possible that one wound may have been extended and contiuued in order to produce death. I dou't make these remarks, gentlemen, with the view of casting any reflection upon Dr. Richard's ability. He is a man of considerable ex- perience and of undoubted skill in his profession. But, I would have you to observe that Dr. Richards did not see the occurrance--he only judged from seeing the wounds on the following day, which may have altered in appearance from what they were on the previous day, and which had the Doctor seen them immediately after death might have altered his opinion. The basis upon which Dr. Richards arrives at the conclusion that the injuries were not self-inflicted is by the assumption that the knife was held in the hand in the usual way, and the other assumption was formed upon this theory. Now, if the basis is demolished the structure must of necessity give way, and I maintain that one false as- sumption must follow the fate of the other. Now, gentlemen, I think that is the whole of the evidence laid before you on the part of the prosecution. I have endeavoured to grapple with the points put forward to induce you to believe that the prisoner is guilty of this crime. I trust my remarks are not unworthy of con- sideration, and that you will give a complete answer to the whole facts as laid before yeu. Dr. lay tor strengthens the prisoner's case in a material point. He says there cannot be a doubt that cases have arisen where the persons having inflicted the wounds by suicide, it could be imferred that they were done by the person a own hands by the evidence of extraneous circumstances. Just consider that admission in reference to the present charge. The medical men gave it as their opinion that the appearance of wounds of this nature may be consis- tent with the theory that the man might have committ- ed self destruction, It was possible, and not so highly improbable, that that might have been the case. Now, compare that admission with the widows' own direct testimony. She said her husband was at times very low spirited and that he may have said that she would lose three things that year, viz., sheep, farm, and him- self. She admitted he said he would not leave Dolhaidd; this shews that the man was in a very desponding state of mind, and that the depression had reached a climax when he was about to leave his old and favourite home of Dolhaidd. But, gentlemen, allow me to observe that if you think there is yet a possibility that the prisoner has not told you the truth in hisstatement of this occur- rence, and that the wounds were inflicted by him (the prisoner), how then, were they inflicted. Doubtless you may assume from the evidence that if the wounds were inflicted upon the prisoners' forehead and hands by this stick being wielded by deceased, they must have been done before these injuries were inflicted which caused death. And that therefore John Williams in a moment of anger and passion inflicted these wounds upon his brother; and this being so it would reduce the crime from murder to manslaughter. You will be directed upon that point by the learned judge but I merely throw out the suggestion whether or not your verdict will be that of guilty of manslaughter and not guilty of the capital crime of murder, Having stated so much, gentlemen, I will now proceed to state to you the way in which we propose to answer the case on the prisoner's part, that is to support the theory that the wounds were self-inflicted by Wm. Rowlands, and that the prisoner is not guilty of the crime laid to his charge. We shall prove before you that William Rowlands was a person irritable in temper and that he was very particularly de pressed in spirits for some time prior to his death that he has on more than one occasion threatened to commit suicide, and shall be able to prove it distinctly upon one occasion. It is plain that his wife, when she stopped at home from chapel—of which she was a mem- ber—she must have been nervous respecting his low and depressed state. Witnesses will tell you of several occasions when he spoke to them he should never leave Dolhaidd alive. To David Thomas and to Sarah Wil- liams he made 'similar statements. Anne Williams will tell you of his being agitated in mind only a few days before his death. He saw her at Dolhaidd. He aceomoanied her home, and on the way he told her he would never leave Dolhaidd alive. To another person he said, 1 shall never leave Dolhaidd except upon my bier." To Griffith Williams he also made a remark, Farewell, the next time your father and mother will come here will be to bury me." It is clear that he had contemplated suicide before-havingthreatenecl self-des- truction prior to this said occurrence. It is very probable that the thought of committing suicide came across his mind when about to leave Dolhaidd, and the natural supposition is that he committed suicide upon that oc- casion whilst in a depressed state of mind. I shall pre- sently call be fore you witnesses who will prove the facts I have now mentioned and I do trust that if you believe their testimony-aud I see no reason why you should disbelieve one tittle of what they say—you will agree that the case, strong as it appeared in the fir,t I place, on the part of the prosecution, has been answered on the part of the prisoner, and that it is most probable that the deceased must have committed suicide in the way I have endeavoured to describe to you. And I trust that you will in your verdict save this poor man from the agony of having been convicted of such a heinous crime as that of murder, and that the murder of one of his nearest relations. I believe since Hwntw Mavir" was tried some 50 years ago, no prisoner has stood in a court of justice in this county charged with the crime of wilful murder. Now, I trust the inhabitants of this county who have so conducted themselves, and so main- tained their reputation as not to necessitate your coming to the conclusion that this man who is now taking his trial befoie you is guilty of the dreadful murder of his nearest relative. Gentlemen, you will pause before you come to that conclusion. Think well before you pronounce your verdict, and you may rest assured if you think before doing so that if you make a mistake on the side of mercy it may be that it will turn out that the prisoner ought to escape but if you once make a mistake on the other hand, aud say that justice demands this man's life, your mistake can never be rectified. And now, gentlemen, I again call upon you to pause. Give this cast your deep and anxious consideration before it will be too late hereafter to consider the result of your verdict this day. Although this case has occupied a considerable amount of time, and may have appeared tedious to some, it has been to me one of painful inter- est. The duties that are cast upon the counsel who ap- pears in a court of justice to plead for the life of a fellow- creature are not light; one cannot help thinking that there may be points in this case that should be pressed more strongly; but you, gentlemen, sitting there as the tribunal to try this man will, I feel confident, supply all the deficiencies and shortcomings on the part of counsel —you may discover arguments which tend to prove that V the guilt of this man has not been satisfactorily brought home to him, and I feel that you as well as the whole 0 .unty of Merioneth will be extremely glad if you can fairly and consistently with the oaths you have taken, come to the conclusion that the prisoner at the bar is not guilty of this heinous crime. The prisoner, though he was ignorant ofjthe language in which Mr. Mclntyre addressed the Court, from the earnest and powerful manner in which the Counsel de- livered himself, appeared considerably affected, which was seen by the tears that silently trickled down his cheeks. William Richards, police-oflicer-I found the twca" produced in the stable loft at Dolhaidd. Had no other tweas in my possession. Rowland Williamssaicl- Thistwca belonged to my father (William Rowlands. Cannot say where I saw this last. Examined by Mr. Mclntyre.— Cannot tell if Morris Williams had brought a twca on Sunday. Some people do carry tweas" in their pockets. Mr. Pierce, surveyor, was again called to state the dis- tances of the various places on and near Dolhaidd, in which the allegffi struggle took place. Enoch Robejts (re-called)—The place indicated is rather down than level. Robert Jones, examined by M r. Morgan Lloyd-Am a farmer near Festiniog. Before deceased was married I was fellow servant with him. That is 35 years ago we slept together; he was at times very depressed in spirits. I have seen him with a naked knife across his throat many times; that was three or four weeks before his marriage; the last time I saw him do so he stopped and leant upon his plough, opened the knife and said, I have a great inclination to cut my throat." I told him that I thought he had better not. Cross-examined by Mr. Horatio Lloyd—The last time I saw him he went over the hedge and laid down; he had been courting years before. Re-examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd-It was at the time the askings were up in church. Ephraim Williams examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd- Am a farmer, and brother to the prisoner and deceased. I am the next older brother than John. During the first seven years I lived with deceased at Dolhaidd, he used to be very apt to get into a rage, and has held the scythe over my head; he has also thrown stones at me, and on one occasion he threw a-pitchfork after me. Pross-examined by Mr. Horatio Lloyd-I have not seen much of him of late years ( he has been getting more infirm; my brother John (the prisoner) was quiet tempered. Evan Williams, examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd- Am a farmer living at Llaenwen, and brother to prisoner and deceased. The deceased was in very low spirits, four or five weeks be fore his death he was at my house, and I walked part of the way home with him; he took hold of both my wrists, and he said Farewell, Evan dear, I will never leave yonder (Dolhaidd) alive." Cross-examined by Mr. Horatio Lloyd.He had not at that time taken another farm. Sarah Williams, examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd- Am wife of the last witness; remember deceased com- ing to my house in November last; it was a few days before All Saints (November 12th); he appeared very low in spirits, and when going away he bid me farewell and asked me if I would not come and see him before they broke up his home; he said he would not go from there alive. Cross-examined by Mr. Horatio Lloyd--I live about three miles from Dolhaidd, and very often saw deceased Catherine Morris, examined by Mr. Me 1 ntyre-Am the wife of John Morris, of Tir-y-felin; in the corn harvest I saw deceased, he asked me if it was good, and I said it was, and added that he should have plenty of food after you left there. He replied," I will never leave Dolhaidd alive, Catherine." Cross-examined by Mr. Horatio Lloyd—This was in September when we were beginning the corn harvest. Rowland Williams examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd— Am a farmer living at Gors, near Dolhaiadd am brother of prisoner and deceased remember deceased coming to me two days before his death he was very low hearted, and when I accompanied him home, he clasped his hands and said It has come quite to an end with me and I have nowhere to go but to the Lord; I can never go there (Dolhaidd) again I am afraid to see my boy come for a load, it will then be up with me." He added that he was very sorry he had bought anything at Brynteg, and he would not have done it but for his boy. The boy said, That's the way you are father, you get broken hearted I have never had a place to try to live before." He then went over the hedge to another field and asked me to sit down be- side him he named several persons that owed him money, and said I shall do nothing with them I shall leave them between Catherine and the boy." I never saw anybody so low spirited he appeared as if he had been crying; and was afterwards crying very much to his wife. Cross-Examined by Mr. Horatio Lloyd. The prisoner was not at my house on the day deceased died but J met him about nine o'clock on Dolhaidd field, when he cried very much and I asked him what was the matter ? he said William (deceased) had been doing something to him; I saw deceased when brought home to Dolhaidd. Re-examined by Mr. Morgan—When I met prisoner in the field, I did not know of my brother William's death I did not see deceased alive that morning; after deceased was brought into the house, I went to tell pri- soner something which I dont now remember. Elizabeth Williams, examined by Mclntyre -Am the wife of last witness; saw deceased after he was going to leave Dolhaidd he told me to take notice that he had said he would never leave Dolhaidd except on his bier; I saw him on the Monday before his death he was in low spirits and appeared as if he had been crying. Ann Williams examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd—Wife of Griffith Williams, a quarryman was at Dolhaidd the day before Wm. Rowland's death it was about two o'clock; he said he was very low spirited indeed because he had bought the stock of Brynteg he was sitting and leaning his head upon his stick he told me he had occasional fits of depression of spirits. Griffith Williams the younger examined by Mr. Alclu- tyre-Deceased was my uncle. A short time before All Saints (Nov. 12th) I recollect going with my sister to Dolhaidd deceased went part of the lane with us and on leaving he said Farewell to you my dear chil- dren, tell your father and mother that the next time they will come here they will come to bury me." He was crying very much. Cross-examined by Mr. Horatio Lloyd—My father lives at Llechwedd Ystrad. Hugh Thomas examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd-Am a farmer living at Tanrallt, near Dolhaidd; it is within about a mile; I was at Dolhaidd the evening before Wm. Rowlands died; I saw him and observed a rag about his thumb on that day we had been killing a bullock, and the prisoner helped me with it and after- wards assisted in carrying the beef after it was killed lie took off his coat to skin it; I did not observe spots of blood on his clothes, but it is likely enough they were there. John Bilby examined by Mr. Mclntyre—Am a clerk in the employment of the Festiniog Railway Company. Saw the prisoner on the 30th November, and noticed his hand had swollen as if from a very severe blow; next day I observed the upper part of his right eye very much con- tused, swollen and discoloured, extending down to the cheek; it was all together the very worst blank eye I have ever seen. P.C. John Roberts recalled by the Judge-When the prisoner told me about his having been struck on the hand with the stick, he said he was then suffering severely from it. This having closed the case for the defence. Jfr. Horatio Lloyd proceeded to reply upon the whole case, He contended that the language of the deceased as spoken to by the witnesses for the defence was not to be accepted as evidence of his intention to commit suicide, but as a strong way of expressing his great dislike to leaving Dolhaidd. The Court then adjourned, and the Jury, through the kindness of the High Sheriff, were comfortably accommo- dated in a large room at the Lion Hotel, of course under the care of proper officers sworn for that purpose. THURSDAY. His LottDsnrP took his seat on the bench at half-past nine o'clock, as on the previous day and the excitement which the trial of John Williams had produced drew to- gether from various parts of the county a large concourse of people, who anxiously awaited admission into court from an early hour in the day. The prisoner, upon been placed in the dock this morn- ing, appeared careworn and anxious, and at times shewed evident signs of suppressed feelings. The names of the jury having been called, and silence obtained, His LORDSHIP, in a firm and serious tone of vioce, then addressed the jury, and said the prisoner at the bar was indicted for the wilful murder of William Rowlands, on the 30th of November, 1861, That was a case affecting the life of a fellow-creature, and that life was then in their hands. The consideration of the case occupied their attention the whole of Wednesday, and the length of time which it had taken to go through the evidence ne- cessitated a full investigation, they having the additional advantage of coming into court that morning with fresh minds. First of all, he purposed going through the ma- terial part of the evidence, and then explain what was already obvious—what were the questions for their con- sideration. The first witness examined was Catherine Rowlands, the unfortunate widow of deceased. He did not perceive from her evidence that there existed any settled malignity on the part of the prisoner against the deceased. It was plain they had from time to time quarrels together, as two men living in the same house very often have. He repeated there was nothing in her evidence to shew any settled purpose to do any miscluef to his brother. Further than that, he had no interest to gain by his brother's death. They were joint-tenants of the farm, and were in tolerably good circumstances, an agreement was amicably entered into, and a new farm taken. There was a certain debt due from the prisoner to deceased but to suppose that he meditated to take away the life of his brother to get rid of the debt was perfectly absurd. They might kill their creditor, but the debt would still be due to the executor or the deceased's representative. His Lordship then proceeded to read the evidence, commenting upon the most material parts as he went along. Respecting the observation which the widow might have heard her husband make that three things would happen that year, his Lordship said that was not at all unusual for a man to make under ordinary circumstances, and the inference that he meditated self- destruction by that remark was certainly nit very strong. There appeared to be two conflicting statements as to whose voice was that which was heard calling out, My life, my life." Deceased having borrowed a chaff-cutter at Hendre (which certainly did not seem to be the act of a man meditating self-destruction), and some time after Edward Thomas came out and heard a voice which he be- lieved to be that of deceased, crying, My life." The widow heard a voice about the same time, which she thought was John Williams's voice. If Thomas was cor- rect, it must have been the voice of deceased at the time his throat was cut; if that of John Williams, it must have been at the time he was attacked—though possibly they might have heard two different voices. For the pro- secution it was asked why, when the prisoner saw his brother bleeding, he went away, leaving him on the field. Prisoner remarked in the house. "Oh, William will come to himself—he is only pretending." If he had done the deed, it was a very strange remark for him to make and if he had not struck him, it was still quite as strange. Enoch Roberts, the policeman, had given his evidence extremely well, and deserved their attentive consideration. He related the search made for the knife, and the statement volunteered by the prisoner. If 'l1e deceased committed suicide, where was the knife—he" could not have hidden it himself, and it was not likely the prisoner in that case would have done so. The prisoner's statement about the encounter between him and his brother was certainly very plausible, and confirmed in a marked manner Edward Thomas respecting the position of the two whilst on the ground. The statement the pri- soner made as to the marks of blood on his shirt militated more against him than in his favour, for why should he volunteer a statement of that nature? The surgeon from Bala gave his evidence in a very clear and straight-for- ward manner, and though he did not undertake to say more than Dr. Taylor, that it was not impossible for the wounds to have been committed by the deceased himself. The counsel for the defence shewed, with great force, the entire absence of any motive for the commission of the crime he also laid great stress upon the wounds inflicted upon prisoner and it was an observation which was well en- titled their attention was that the cuts upon the prisoner must have been inflicted before deceased was prostrated. To say that deceased was low-spirited is what may be said of mankind in general, and with increasing years and declining health persons ordinarily get more irrita- ble. The evidence given by Mr. Bilby was extremely important, as tending to shew the force with which a blow was dealt to the prisoner, as well as to prove the nature and severity of the wounds inflicted upon him. That was the whole of the evidence for the defence. He had gone with considerable minuteness into the evidence, in endeavouring to call their attention to the material parts of it. He should submit three questions for their consideration and decision first, had the deceased cut his own throat; secondly, if he did not, did the prisoner cut it; and thirdly, if the prisoner did cut it, were the wounds inflicted under such circumstances such as would amount to wilful murder, or were they inflicted imme- diately after he had received blows from a stick, and while he was in hot blood, in which event it would be manslaughter and not murder. With respect to the first question, all the evidence in its favour was, that the de- ceased just before his death was in a low state of mind, and had been for some time previously while against that view of the case there was the nature and number of the wounds inflicted, and the fact of their having been cut from right to left in a back-handed man- ner. They would have to consider, whether, after having once severed the windpipe, the deceased would be likely to possess the courage to inflict -two other wounds. There was also the fact that his hands were unstained with blood, though a branch of the carotid artery had been cut, and from which blood would be likely to spurt. Then with regard to the instrument, none was found in the possession of the deceased, nor was any found in the neighbourhood of the fatal struggle, though diligent'search had been made for it. But the learned counsel for the defence had contended, and not unreasonably, that the second "twca" which the deceased was known to have possessed, might have been used by him in self-destruction, and afterwards washed away through the ditch into the river below, which had not been searched. But they must also bear in mind that no blood was seen on the prisoner's hands, and that what was on his wristband and clothes might have been, as he had said, caused through his assisting in killing the bullock on the previous day. Dr. Taylor was unable to say that it was human blood and though he had micro- scopically examined the knife, the maker's name, and the notch upon the blade, he could not discover the least trace of blood. But he had also told them that blood readily became soluble in cold water, and that if the knife was immediately washed in cold water nil trace of blood would be washed away. If they should decide that the deceased did not inflict the wounds upon himself, they would have to consider the next question, by whom was it done; .and if by the prisoner, was it d')1e under such circumstances as would reduce the homicide from murder to manslaughter. He was bound to sa; that no motive whatever had been shewn for the cri ne, and the witnesses for the prosecution, as well as Sir. Bilby. for the defence, had testified to the serious cha- racter of the blows inflicted on the prisoner with tin stick. Every part of the prisoner's statement about whit took place ou that morning seemed to be confirmed by the evidence on the part of the prosecution, so far as the use of the stick was concerned. Therefore, supposing they should be of opinion that the deceased did not cut his own throat, and that the prisoner did it, then they came to the most material question-did he do it from some motive of which there was no proof, or in hot blood after receiving severe blows from a stick. In one case they would find him guilty of murder, and the other of manslaughter. If they should be of opinion that the deceased did it himself, they would acquit the prisoner altogether. The jury retired to consider their verdict, and were absent about seven minutes. On their return into COIrt, they gave a VERDICT OF MANSLAUGHTER. The prisoner having been called upon in tIe usua' manner, said, "I have nothing to say, but that 1 am innocent of having done anything to him." The JUDGE then proceeded to pass sentence. H, wa: extremely sorry that the prisoner should have aggravated his offence by what he had just said, because nobody who had heard the evidence could have any doubt that he inflicted the wounds on his brother. However, he should not suffer that statement to influence the sentence he had made up his mind to pass upon him he must be punished for what he had done, and not for what he had just now said. The jury by their verdict had decided that those wounds were inflicted immediately after a severe blow from a stick, and in hot blood, and that, therefore, he was guilty of having committed manslaugh- ter and not murder. In that verdict he entirely agreed. Still, there was the use of the knife, though after griev- ous provocation. It had been a matter of very anxious deliberation what punishment the prisoner should receive. On the one hand he was bound to see that public justice should not be frustrated by passing too light a sentence and on the other hand, considering that the prisoner had not been shewn to have any previous malice, and that the knife had been used in hot blood after receiving a very severe blow, it would be hard to pass on the prison- er a seutence next to the sentence of death. His Lord- ship then ordered the prisoner to be kept in pend servi- turle fur ten years. The prisoner, who, during the summing up of the learned Judge, appeared to feel acutely his p tinful posi- tion, heard his doom with composure, but shortly after- wards gave way to grief. ARSON NEAR BALA. Alice Morse, 21, domestic servant, who had previously pleaded guilty to setting fire to a stack of hay near Bala, the property of the Misses Davies, was called up for judgment, and sentenced to penal servitude for six vears. CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER AT FESTINIOG. Thomas Wrench Jones, 21, mason, and Eduard Lewis, 19, miner, were indicted for feloniously killing and slay- ing Joseph Williams, at Festiniog, on Saturday, the 23rd December last. Mr. Morgan Lloyd and Mr. Coxon appeared for the prosecution Mr. Mclntyre defended Lewis, and Mr. Horatio Lloyd defended Jones. Mr. Morgan Lloyd briefly stated the case to the jury, and called the following evidence :— Robert Richards, examined by Mr. Coxon-Kllew Joseph Williams, the deceased remember the night that he was injured; it was the 3rd of December; had been with him at the Llwyn Inn Arms; left thereabout nine o'clock, and went in the direction of Tanygrisau; that is about 2 miles from the Llwyn Inn Arms; that was on our way home there were a great many people going along the same road; there was no quarrel as we went along; I saw Joseph Williams struck with a fist; there were about three or four present besides deceased and myself; do not knjiw who it was that struck the blow; it was very dark at that time when struck de- ceased bent down it appeared to be a violent blow tried to help him up but could not; afterwards got Griffith Watkins to assist me; there had been no fight- ing before with deceased after we got up deceased we went on towards home; we were followed, I cannot say by how many, but I saw two; two came up to us and said God d-m you" and struck me; I don't know what they struck me with, but it coiled round me; can- not, say how it was the same person struck Joseph wil- liams, who fell down; he was struck on the head, and complained of it afterwards; when I was struck I lost my cap and went for a lantern to search for it I left Joseph Williams there. Cross-examined by Mr. McIntyre-Saturday is pay day; I had not been long at Llwyn Inn; had two glas- ses of ale, and was quite sober. Joseph Williams was also sober; will swear that J oseph Williams was knock- ed down when I lost my cap. Griffith Watkins, examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd- Lived once at Tanygrisiau, and knew Joseph Williams; was at Llwyn Inn Arms on Saturday night, 3rd Decem- ber it was between 7 and 8,1 saw Joseph Williams and Robert Richards there and also the last witness; left them there, and went to another house; afterwards went to a wooden shop at Tanypwll, where I saw the prisoner Thomas Wrench Jones; he was quarrelling with Joseph Williams; afterwards saw the prisoner Edward Lewis in the wooden shop buying something for his supper; I then went to a shop kept by William Daviee; that is near Tanygrisiau; saw Williams and Richards by the wooden shop, afterwards neartheshop of William Ditvis; and subsequently near the house of William Foulkes; saw Edward Lewis later in the evening after the row; he lodged in the same house as I did; he said that he had been with deceased fighting, and he would thrash him in a minute; he further said it was himself that did it and no one else, and that he would do it on Monday morning if necessary; this was said at my lodgings, and it was near ten o'clock; I have told you everything that was said; I saw both prisoners at the row. nothing took place, I stopped everything; they were going to fight to- gether they said; Thomas Wrench Jones struck him with, what I supposed to be an umbrella; Joseph Williams was beside me when he said it Robert Richards afterwards asked me to assist him in lifting deceased from the ditch on the wall side; did not see how he got there; this was sometime after deceased had said that Jones struck him; cannot say exactly what time this was, but it was about half-past nine when Lewis and I got home. Ellen Jones, examined by Mr. Coxan --Remember the night Joseph Williams was hurt;, prisoner J ones lodged at my mother's house, where "I live; he came home about ten o'clock and Edward Lewis came with iii«; did not hear them say anything particular; they stayed about two minutes, and Thomas Wrench Jones went out 'with Lewis, and returned again he said no- thing heard the piece of an umbrella dropping on the floor, but did not see it in either of their hands on the following night Jones said he had struck some man with the umbrella till it had broken he added that he had thrown it to Edward Lewis, and then gone to the wall for k stone; he said it was for to beat," but he did not say whom or what. Cross-examined by Nir, 'Horatio LJoyd-Jones is a stone mason; he complained on the Sunday night of having Injured his haud,with a stone. Samuel Price, examined by Mr. Morgan Lloyd- Lodged in same house with Griffith Watkins; saw lid' ward Lewis on Saturday night in question, about ten o'clock; heard him say he had been in a sculffe with Joseph, and that he had beaten him Griffith Watkins said that he had not done so; Edward Lewis repeated that he had done so. and that he would do it again on Monday; I did not know who he meant by Joseph. Mr. Morgan Lloyd said he could not carry the case further against either of the prisoners, and he did not feel that he could expect the jury to convict under the circumstances. Under the direction of the learned Judge the jury ac- quitted the prisoners. This finished the business of tho Assizes, and the court rose at a few minutes before one o'clock.