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TtlE MERIONETH AGKARIAN FIRE.
TtlE MERIONETH AGKARIAN FIRE. TRIAL AT TOWYS YESTERDAY. (Continued from the Supplement.) The he iring of the case was resumed on Thurs- day (yesterday) afternoon, before H. C. Beadnell, Humphrey Davies, J. Hughes Jones, Henry Haydn Jones, Meyrick Roberts, and J. Maethlon James, Esqrs. The Court was crowded by farmers from the Dyssnni Valley and the streets about the cr,urt were occupied by a large number of people who were unable to find admission. The bringing into. court of Mr Hugh Pugh, Llanegryn, and of Mr David Humphreya on a subpoena greatly increased the excitement, and the rumour had gone forth that charges against other farmers would be heard. Mr W. R. Davies, Dolgelley, again appeared to prosecute, and Mr W. P. Owen Aberystwyth, defended. The Clerk, at the opening of the Court. asked if there was any additional charge against J5dward Jones, and Mr Davies replied "Yes there is a charge of killing cattle." Mr Owen said he had received a letter to that effect but no information. Mr Davies replied that he had given a public intimation at the last hearing. He was going to open two charges. At Mr Owen's request the witne-ses were sent out of court, and Mr Davies proceeded to address the Bench for the prosecution. He observed that the first charge was partly gone into at the first hearing, but would have to be agaio gone into because 6t the personalty of the Bench not being identical. Mr Owen asked Mr Davies to confine himself to one charge at a time. Mr Davies replied that he would ask the Bench to commit the accused on one of two charges. Mr Owen objected to anything but one charge and that in respect of which the warrant was issued. Mr Davies said their Worships had the power, ana it was the common practice, to commit the accused on any charge they might find according to the evidence meet te be tried by a jury. For the information of the Bench, he would say tnat the accused was charged under two specific sections of the Act of Parliament. 24 and 25 vie c. 100, a. 16, taid that whoever should send or cause to be sent, knowing the contents, any letter or writing threatening to kill or murder any person shall be guilty of felony. 24 and 25, vie c. 97, s. 50, said whoever should send or cause to be sent, knowing the contents, any letter or writing threatening to burn or destroy any house, barn, & c., or to kill, maim, or wound any cattle shall be guilty of felony and be liable to a certain sentence. The letter con- tained-- Mr Owen objected and was asked by Mr Bead- nell not to interrupt but Mr Owen said he wad going to have the case conducted properly. Mr Beadnell asked Mr Owen not to interrupt Mr Davies, but to make any remarks he ba4 to make after he had finished. Mr Owen said his client was charged at the last hearing with one offence, and he was entitled to have that disposed of before going into a second charge. Mr Beadnell said, unfortunately, he was not a professional lawyer Mr Davies said that was a preliminary examina- tion. and their Worships would be competent to commit the accused on a different charge from what was opened as it depended upon the evidence what should be the ultimate shape of the charge The letter, which would be pat 10 evidence, was capable of sustaining two charges—one of threaten- ing to murder, and the other of threatening to kid Griffith's cattle. Mr Owen again objecting, Mr Beadnell said he was quibbHng with details. Mr Owen replied that he was going to quibble with everything. He had a duty to perform to the prisoner. Mr Beadnell-One moment, please. Mr Owen—I am here to defend the prisoner. Mr Beadnell-I quite understand that. Mr Owen—Who is liable to not less than three or more than ten years' imprisonment ? Mr Beadnell-We need not go into that. Mr Onen—Well, I fail to un lers'and why I should not be allowed to make an objection if thing" are not regular. Mr Dtvies-I submit I am perfec-ly regular. Mr Owen-We will take the opinion of th« Clerk. The Clerk said that Mr Davies was quite wi h in his right iy tendering evidence on the two ch .rges, but it was for the Hench to decide th" charge in which the accused would be committed. Mr Davies, then continuing his address, said that on the 18th Januiry a letter was addresstd to Mr Edward Griffiths, Penyparke, Pontfathew, near Towyu. The letter was as follows :— Llanegryn, January, 1896. MR EDW. (iRIFFITHS,-I am very sorry to be obliged to write to this purpose to one that has been on pretty good terms with the country, but now has turned out worse than Judas,the betrayer, but remember this, Ned, that yon will never succeed in this way. Don't think you'll get money for your traitorous work in this instance as you got before for a similar job (or affair), you devilish Judas,, you are mistaken, sooner a rope would be pro- vided for your neck, you usly elf. It is reported that you are withdrawing as your friend did. If you cross the Dysynni without feeling the bottom of it, or with a sound head before the year is out, you'll know what it will be to be without a single live creature in your pos- session to meet your rent with the exception of a few rabbits. For the sake of your wife and your little child think and consider what you have done and take warning in time before you get into trouble, Better late than never." Remember that I write on behalf of a com- mittee that are determined of carrying their plans out, and on behalf of them I warn you. We are not without sympathy with our country and countrymen that are so tyrannised over, and you are one of the foremost. We feel for your wife, otherwise our plans would be carried for your part you unprincipled viper, and you deserve it and shall get it unless you take this opportunity and be merciiui to yourseir anu ianmy, out remember your blood will be on your own head, you have brought it all on your own head, and with such a devil as you are we feel we give you too much fair play in warn- ing you instead of attacking you before you have time to repent and evade the sentence only for your wife's sake). —As one of, and on behalf of, the Fenians that have de- cided your fate. Take warning, warning. Continuing, Mr Davies asked their Worships to observe that the letter was posted at Towyu and that the postage was unpiid. It contained re- ferenpes to sttic ly lojal matters-to a man who had taken a farm on a prior occasion, and had re- ceived compensation for giving it up to the former tenant. The sender of the letter knew that fact There were also, local expressions in the letter and way of spelling peculiar to the district. The word ysgrifenu was spelled with an i and not with an u." It gave local tone and colour to the thing There also happened to be a motive. Mr Bpaonell- Thre is a motive in every cise. Mr Davies, continuing, aiid the brother of the accused was the outgoing tenant of Cemmaes. The incoming tenant was Edward Griffiths of Penpark,. the receiver of the letter. There was, therefore a strong motive in inducing Griffiths not to go agains his (the acc-'sed's) brother. Mr Owen-How am I responsible for my brother? Mr Davies SJ-id there was, therefore, a strong su-picion that the letter was sent by someone con- nected with the neighbourhood, and with the out- going tenant, who wished to deter the incoming tenant. He (Mr Davies) would call an expert who had vast experience in sifting cases of hand writing, who would give evidence after comparing the anonymous letter with letters admittedly in the handwriting of the accused. Mr Owen asked who admitted that the letters were in the handwriting of the accused ? Mr Davids said the letters were produced to the accused and to Mr Owen in Dolgellty, and the accus d did not deny. Mr Owen said the letters were produced after two hours' refusal. Mr- Davies addod that he did not mean that the accused admitted the anonymous letter. He meant bills and other letters. They were in his name and written from the farm where he resided. Thew Worships, he proceeded, were not there to try the cse, but to sty whether there was sufficient prima facie evidence to justify committal. Mr Beadnell said the Bench knew what they had to do. Mr Davies admitted that Mr Beadnell's experi- ence was large, but there were younger magistrates, and he thought, without offence to them, he might make that remark, as he did not remember a case that might be sent far trial coming before some of them. Mr Owen asked Mr Davies to point out what part of the letter contained a threat to kill ? Mr Davies replied that Mr Owen would hear it in due time. Quoting from OaWs Synopsis to the effect that the Magistrates were not bound to commit unless a prima facie case was made out by witnesses entitled, to a reasonable degree of credit, Mr Davies said that the SuperiutencVnt of Police, Mr.'Griffiths, Mr Owen Slaney Wyone, and Mr Owen Jones were witnesses entitled to credit.' Mr Owen said he did not suggest a word against any witness. Mr Davied continued by asking the Bench to consider it was a C-e which should not be dis- posed of there, but that the accused should be sent for trial before a jury of his own countrymen. Mr Beadnell—lhat depends upon what trans- pires. Mr Owen-Quite right, sir. Mr Davies said that Mr Owen asked what were the threats in the letter, The letter began by saying that the writer was sorry to write to this effect Why should an anonymous letter writer be sorry to write to a neigh bour,,un less he inteuded malice ? The reference to a rope and to the bottom of the Dysinni as well as having no live creatures to pay the rent with were evidence of threat, sufficient to send a mta for trial on the two charges.* The Clerk said the reference to the. cattle, he supposed-that Griffiths would be withous liv,, cattle-was the foundation of the charge of threatening tt. kill the cattle?' Mr Davies replied in the affirmative. Mr Griffiths lived on this aide of the Dyssini, and Cemmaes, the farm he had taken, was on the other side. After referring to the ether points in the letter, which Mr Davies said constituted threats, he reo called Superintendent Jones, who added the following to the evidence already given. The letter and envelop produced, -A he said, are in the same condition now as wheA. 1 received them on the 7th February from Mr Owen Slaney Wynne. I also produce bills of 1892 and 1896, the latter accompanied by an envelope received from Mr Owen Jones, estate agent. I also produce letters dated December 19th, 1895. October 9th 5th, and 3rd, each purp irting to be signed by Edward Jones, and written from Tirgawen, Towyn. I produced the bills and letters as well as a notice to quit to the accused and his solicitor on Mon- day, the 9th, at Dolgelley. Referring to the letter of the 19th December, he said he had sent them to a Mr Bowton, trying to get a farm. I said the letters were very Well written. Yfe," he said. I was trying to take a very good farm at Ludlow." I had the letter of the 19th December in my hand at the time, and the accused laid he had sent it. 11 Mr Davies.—Did he deny that he had sent others -He sud nothing. Cross-examined by Mr Owen—I received the expert's opinion on the 25th of February and took proceedings on the 25th of March, which was the day before Towyn Sessions. I then charged the accused with threatening to kill and murder. That was the only charge. Was the accused refuied to photograph the letters ?—Ye«, until I had the instruction of the Chief Constable. Mr Owen- -Not by the witness but by any friend. The instructions Wete immediately given by the Chief Constable 1- Y CII. The Chief Constable gave every information and elp. You have seen other letters? You have seen the original letters written to the Baner news- paper ? -Yes. Will you kindly look at that Baner. Is that one of them ?-Yc s, that is i he first letter that appeared. I have seen the original of the letter. Mr Davies objected to the letter as the piper was not evidence. The original roust be produced. Mr Owen hoped his friend would not object to anything in favour of the prisoner charged with an indictable offence. (To witness) Is that the first letter?- Witness Yes I have seen the second letter. The letters appeared on the 22nd and 29th January. Do you know that they were written by a person in the neighbourhood of Llanegryn ?—Ifee. Hugh Puglie admitted he had written them. Mr Owen said he wanted to base an argument on the letters. Mr Davies asked what possible relevance was in the question to the accused? Mr Beadnell said he did not see. It was going on side issues. Mr Owen—Oh well, if you refuse to let me put them in Mr Beadnell-No, I do not refuse; but you have the papers in now. Mr Owen (to witness)—At that time you suspected that Hugh Pugh had somec ing to do witft this 1 tter ?—No, I suspected that he had bad something to do with the outrage, but not directly. I thought he had something to do with a league which I believed was in existence. Did you produce Mr Pughe's letters to the ex- pert ?-I did not. Did you produce any other letters to the expert ? —I did not Wheti you took the prisoner into custody, what did he tell you ?—He told me, and I took it down in writing, I kuow nothing about it," &c. Mr Da., ie-Did you produce to Mr Gurrin, the expert, the whole of the documents I produca here to-day ?—Yea. My friend has asked about delay in taking pro- ceedings. Was anybody's else opinion taken- counsel ?—Yes. Mr Otfen—Where were the letters got from wh ch you produce?—From Major Best. Thomas Henry Gurrin. 59. Holborn Viaducf, Lond .n, said he W18 an expert in writing by profes. sion and gave evidence for the Treasury at sessions and ass,za. He was also fellow of the Royal Microscop cal and Geographical Societies, and wa* of eleven years experience. He also g*ve evidence for the Post Office, Admiral y, and oth r Govern- ment departments. I r^m^mber, he proceeded, on the 22nd Feb uary receiving certain letteis and documen s fnm Superintendent Jones, iuctudit g the anonymous le'ter. Mr Davles- Will you look at the other docu- ments 1—Yes. Having examined the anonymous letter and envelope and the letters bearing the signature of E (wa <1 Jo'^s havt- you c >me to any conclusion with respect to the handwriting of the aLonymou. let er ?-I have. Wh tt is that conclusion ?—First of all Wh t is the c inclusion with regard to the writing ?-I believe the handwriting of the letter aud envelop < to he the sain hatidwiitin^ f.s tl at in thf documents signed by Jones, only that the handwriting 'n the aronymons letter ra disguised. Have you any doubt about it ?-I have no doubt about it. Will you give us <!Icme instances of the grounds 'for crming to thit en elusion ? I would cdl attention in the first place, to tiie very marked peculiar ly in the formation of the small let er 'a" Tne round por,i,ti of the letter commences at the bottom of the letter sometimes en the right, nu' he comm- noement is quite omside the round part. It is almost as if it was a diph- thong. I take the letter of Dectmh r 19'h, 1895. I find there tevoral ";Ù;" containing this same peculiarity. I can see scveraijinstances. On the bill of the 28th January, 1896, I poin out the "a" in January; in the r of October 9th, 1889, tSa "a" in answer; and in the letter of October 5th, 1895, the a" in Tirgawen, an I the "a" in the same word :n the let'er of Oetoher arft. In the anonymous letter 1 draw at enti n to the two capial R' in th,. last line. In the letter of October 3 d there is a capital "R" and a cap,tal "R" in the word R. nt of October, 5th. I suggest that the two R'S » Mr Owen-Can we have suggestions ? Witness—My opinion is th.,t ttie two R's in the auo'.ymous letter vvi-re originally made in the same wa) as in the two letters referred to, but ad- d tions have been made to those two letters in tr,e anonymous letter for the purpose of disguising them. The marks on the left hand side ou t e tii SL down stftlke of the "R" are in each ose qui e disconnected with the letter, and ha\c every appearance of having been placed there af er tht-s" capitals had been made. Witijout tlmse additions the capitals resemble the capitals in the iefers purporting to be signed by V-dw tv d Jon<s. I nexr. p,int to the smniliar *y in the t, o capital" Ps on the envelope marked A as compared with the capital P" on the otru r envelope containing the hill for January 19th. Ti e broad top. the initial, and the final curYt, as well as the slope of the whole letter are st, ikingly similar. The next point to which I draw attention is the small letter y which frequently occurs in -lie word yn in the anouymous letter, and in the initial upstroke as well as in the pointing tail, and in the angle at which it is writt, n. It "ppens to me to be remarkably similar to many instance- of the same letter in the üth<"r writings produced. I draw par iculir attention to the y in the letter of the 19Lh December. I have tracings made hy myself from the anonymous letter and envelope, and from the other documents referred to. Mr Owen objected to the admission of tracings saying th" letters would apeak from themselves. Mr Beadnell said he certainly should look at the tracing himself. The evidence was then admitted. Witness, pro- ceeding, said—The next instance of similarity is the small letter" f." in the anonymous le ter. I find this letter written with the cross line generally written horizontally, and it is almost invariably the bame in the other writings. Another peculiarity of this letter is that, generally speaking, in the anonymous letter, although it appears pointed at the top, it is, as a a master of fact, u&ually rounded, and the up-stroke sometimes runs parallel with the. down-strokes, and I have f und various instances of this in the other haudwiiings produced. Another instance of similiarity, in which there appears to be scarcely any disguise, is the capital M." One is on the third line of the anonymous letter and one on the fourth line. The"e are almost exactly like the M on the notice to quit and on the envelope addressed to Mr Jon.,s of the estate office. These are instances not so much of general resemblance as instances where the special peculiarity or habit ot the writer is shown in spite of disguise. I was not going to allude to anything further unless you wish. Cross-examined by Mr Owen-I suppose it is possible for people to imitate the handwriting of others ?—Decidedly. May I ask were you in the Parnell case-the Times case ?-I was not. Perhaps you remember how mauy experts were called in that case ?-No, I do not. I was not engaged. Several I believe. And in the end found that although several of the experts said Mr Parnell had written the letter--? -No, I cannot go so far as that. I believe that only one expert was engaged on behalf of the Times. One expert was engaged for the Times, and several on the other side ?—Yes. And it was found in the end that the letter was a forgery?- Well, I am really not here to give evidence on that. (Slight derisive laughter in Court.) It is a matter of public notoriety ?-No it is not a public notoriety. The meaning of public notoriety is that the man who wrote those letters went and shot himself, But the man admitted those letters ?-I am not here to give evidence on that. We are not here on the Parnell* Commission. (Laughter.) I can see the drift of your remarks. It is more or leas to discredit the evidence of an expert. Mr Beadnell—We have nothing to do with the Parnell commission. If you wish to examine this gentleman in anything he has said, do so, but nothing on the Parnell commission. Mr Owen-I am entitled to give any evidence favourable to the prisoner. Mr Davies-But not what you read in the news- papers. This gentleman says he was not present at the Paruell Commission. Mr Owen.—But he knows it is a matter of notoriety. Mr Davies-It is wasting the time of the Court. Mr Owen-I am not wasting the time of the Court but if the Chairman rules it out of order I must submit. Mr Beadnell-I rule that reference to the Parnell Commission is out of order. Here you have the evidence of an expert. Cross-examine him on that as much as you wish. It is not my wish to cripple or gag this enquiry. Mr Owen -Every time I have objected you have interrupted, and I have not had fair play. Mr Beadnell—I have only interrupted when I thought you were travelling outside the case. Mr Owen-You seem to anticipate my objection from the very start, and I do not think you are giving me fair play. Mr Beadnell—I do not think you are justified in making that remark. I anticipate nothing. I did not know what you were going to say, and I could not anticipate. Mr Owen-I have not been allowed to state my objections. Mr Beadnell—If my colleagues think I have not done what is right, I hope, they will say so. Of course, I am only one on the Bench. Owen Slaney Wynne, Dolrhyd, Dolgelley, was the next witness. He said he handed the anony- mous letter on the 7th February to Superintendent Jones at Dolrhyd, and received it from Mr Owen Jones on the 27th January at Peniarth. Mr Oweu-I do not ask Mr Wynne anything. Mr Owen Jones, estate agent. Peniarth, said he received from Mrs Griffiths, Penyparke, on the 21st January, the anonymous letter. The bill he produced of the 13th Mav, 1892, was from Jones to the executors of the late M. Jones, Cemmaes, and the bottom was settled, May 13th, 1892, Edward Jones." He pa d the witness the money, and those Wi.ri's were written in his presence. Witness gave similar evidence respecting other documents. The bill of June 19th, 1896, he believed, was in the handwriting of the accused. The letters of October also appeared to be in the handwriting of Edward Jones. He could not say in whose handwriting the notice to quit Tirgawen was in. The writing at the ton. 41 W. R. M. Wynne, Esq. appeared to be in tlie handwritiug of the accused. Examination by Mr Owen-Who is the tenant at Cemmaes ?—Robert Jones. Has he given notice to quit that farm ?—He has. And is leaving the farm ou his own account ?— Yes, he is. Mr Beadnell—In other words,he has given notice to quit and has not been given notice? Mr Owen -Y*es (To witness)—And Robert Jones and Edward Griffiths are perfectly friendly with one another ?—As far as I know. And the same thing will apply to the prisoner ? Y 68, certainly. Mr B. aduell- Who is the prisoner Mr Owen-The accused. He is in custody. Cross-examined by Mr Davies I and Mr Wynne had interviews with Robert Jones, and he had every opportunity to take the farm if he so de- Slf. d. Mrs Griffiths, wife of Edward Griffiths. Peny- parke, was.next called. She said she would rather give her evidence in Welsh, but on being asked to try English gave it fluently in that language. She said she received the letter from the servant girl who had received it from the post lady and handed it ti) her husband, and to Mr Owen Jones (Mr Wynne's agent), on the 21st. Edward Griffiths, Penyparke. on being asked if he could give his evidence in English, replied, "No, sir" (Laughter.) In Welsh he said he received the anonymous letter from his wife. It had been opened. His wite read the letter to him. Mr Davies—What did you understand by the words If you cross the Dyssyni." Mr Owen said the letter spoke for itself, and after a little while the question was not pressed. Mr Davies—What was the effect of the letter ?— I was a little frightened. Tne Clerk-There, you have it now. Mr 04en -That was an unfair way of do,ng it. Mr Davies (after reading the words about the cattle in the letter)—Did anything happen to the cattle ? Mr Owen-It is unfair to put the question. Mr Davies-It is a question as to the threat. fr Owen-Well why do you want to go further, if it is ouly a threat ? By Mr Owen—I am friendly with Robert Jones, but never had anything to do with Edward Jones, ijood or bad. I had been to see Robert Jones, Cemmae-; on several occasions, who said he was leaving the farm. He added that he did not care who took it. but he preferred me to some others. So ynu came to au amicable arrangement with Robert Jones?—Yes. Mr Davies-I submit it is most material that I should get out thf fact that the cattle were killed. Mr Owen—I a-n charged with murder and threatening to kill catt'e. Has the fact that cattle were killed any coonection vvith the case ? Mr BeadneiJ- ThtJ threat is to kill, aud it is a question whether h" threat was carried out according to the terms of the letter. Mr Owen-How could that be evidence against me? I am not charged with killing the cattle or anything of the kind. Mr Davits I submit, inasmuch as there is a charge to ki,l, I -m en it-led to give evidence to the ff ct that the cattle were killed. Mr Beadnell—I think that is the common sense view of it. You are going on legil technicalities. Mr Ov,-eti-Y,,u are bJund by rules of evidence, und it is my duy to see that what is proper is do^e. Mr Beadnell—I adtmre your desire to do the best on beh,, if of your cliei hut there are foolish and ir- revtlant questions To my mind I think Mr Davies s entitled to give evidence as to killing cattle. Mr Davii s saving he would submit to the Clark's dvice, the Clerk aid on the last occasion Mr Davirs put the qu-^tion and the only charge then wa the cha ge of thre toning to murder. To-day, however, the question was perfectly r. levant, as the accused was now charged with threatening to kill c vttle. It w is a p rfect.iy legitimate question to a kon that charge vvhi-t'her, as ;» matter ot fact, ox.ttie had been killed su sequent to cue receipt of hat 'e:ter. Mr Beadnnell-That is the common sense view of the matt- r. Mr Own — I nhj c to the question. Mr Davies (to witness)—Did anything happen to your cat'le? Mr Owen—-That does not arise out of my questions. The Clerk—It is in reply to the Bench. (To the Bench) Do you allow ir to be put ? Mr J. Hughes JnnlS (to the Clerk)-You know tli,-t ordinary c-urse. The Clerk-It is ouly evidence of the fact, and does not connect the accused with it. The Chairman I am senior magistrate, at any rate, and I will take on myself the responsibility of allowing the que-ti m. You (Mr Owen) can enter n.protest and make any subsequent remark you like. The Clerk saying he would take a note of Mr Owen's obj etion, Mr Davies (putting the question to v. itlJes Griffith) asked Did anything happen to your cattle, and what?"—The whole were burnt. When ?-I do not remember the date. It was in lie second month February. Mr Davies-There is one question which arises clearly out of my ft iend's cross-examination. (To witness) You were asktd about the farm of Cem- maea ? You took the farm, I think ?—Yes, sir. Are you going there ?-Witness (quickly).-Oh no indeed sir. (Laughter). Mr Owe-I pnt i: to you plainly. Did you not say that you did not b lieve the Cemmaes people had anything to dofith the killing of your cat tie?— I said that I did not believe that Mr Robert Jones of Cemmaes had anything to do with the burning of my cattle, but I said nothing with regard to Edward Jones. And the prisoner lives at Tirgawen ?-I do not know where Edwaid Jones now resides. Mr Davies-That is the case for the prosecution. Mr Davies saying that that was the case for the prosecution, explained that the reason why the anonymous letter bearing the postmark 18th Janu- ary was not delivered until the 20th was because Sunday intervened and letters were not delivered on Sundays. Mr J. Maethlon James said it did not seem cleir to him where the prcsecution founded the threat to trurder. 'I, Mr Davies—The threat to put him in the Dys- inni Mr Owen-That is not a threat to murder. Mr Davies-To begin with there was a threat about ia rope. That indicated mischief. There was also a threat if he crossed the Dysinni. The Clerk-If he crossed the Dyssnni something would happen which you (Mr Davies) consider con- stitutes a threat ? Mr Davies replied yes. It was, he said, written on behalf of a Committee who were determined to carry out certain things. That was followed by a warning, and there was a sentence at the bottom of the letter Decide your fate." He (Mr Davies) re- lied upon those words expressly. Mr Owen-That is not a threat. The Clerk (to Mr Davies)—Taking the whole of the letter you say it constitutes a threat ? Mr Davies repli -d n the affirmative, again saying that the letter contained the sentence "Decide yonr fate," and that if he (Griffiths) crossed the Dyssyni he would be without live creatures to pay his rent. Mr Owen-That might mean that they would be killed by foot and mouth disease. Mr Owen then addressed the Bench on behalf of the accused. Two letters, he said, appeared in the Baner about the same time the anonymous letter was alleged to be written, and he asked the Bench to draw the conclusion that the prosecution had failed to connect the prisoner with that letter. There was no evidence whatever that he had been seen in the vicinity of the Post Office or anywhere else to go directly to the fact that the accused sent the letter., The "A" delivery in Towyn was in the morning. The envelope was marked the B" delivery, so the letter must have been posted between nine o'clock in the morning and five in the afternoon. If it was posted in any of the out- lying districts or handed to the post-woman or somebody else they would at once remember a letter that came from the vicinity of Llanegryn or Tirgawen because the letter, was unstamped, and that fact would naturally impress itself on their minds. One would expect some witness from the Post Office. All his friend had proved, or endeavoured to prove, was that the letter was received by Edw. Griffiths on the 18th January. The accused was charged with writing that letter and, consequently, with causing it to be sent. If the accused had been charged with seading that letter directly, it would be quite sufficient and his friend might have some ground to stand upon. There was no evidence that the accused sent the letter or caused it to be sent. Coming to the anonymous letter, Mr Owen added that he anticipated from the very start what their Worships had "sked, and that was, where was the threat ? Mr Owen then read the letter and contended that it did not contain any threats. All the reference to the Dyainui meant was that Griffiths would be ducked in the Dysinni. The plan referred to by the Committee .they intended carrying out might mean only to duck him in the Dysinni. They could not twist words and say because a man wrote on behalf of a Committee that he meant a threat to kill. His friend's imagination must be very great indeed to suppose murder or killing <?attle. Mr Davies—The words of the letter are Re- member, your blood will be on your own head. Mr Owen asked Mr Davies not to interrupt, ad- ding that he had had plenty of interruption that day. Mr Owen then went on to quote from the Cambrian News the translations of letters which had appeared in the Baner. Mr Davies, however, objected to anonymous letters in newspapers being put in, remarking that suppose he was to write anonypiously a nice letter to the paper about the case, that would not be evidence. Mr Owen, saying there was evidence by Super- intendent Jones that letters had appeared in the papers, was allowed to read. The first letter, he said, appeared on the 22nd January. That was four days after the anonymous letter was alleged to have been written or. really, two days after the receipt ot it by Edward Griffiths. In the ordinary course a letter written to Denbigh would have to be posted before the 22nd to be in time ta be inserted in the paper of that date. There was the peculiar fact that On the 22nd January that letter appeared in the Baner. Mr Owen then read the letter suggesting co-operation among farmers in forming an entire horse company, saying they could have further particulars if they would enquire in the district round about Towyo and Merioneth. Perhaps," the letter concluded, Mr Griffiths, Bryncrug, will have some if —— That, added Mr Oweu, would create suspicion in your worships mind. Mr Davies (interrogatively)-A suspicion that the writer of the anonymous letter did this ? Mr Owen (sitting down)—After Mr Dav ea has finished I will go on. Mr Davies-My friend says that the appearance of the anonymous letter he has referred to is sufficient to create a suspicion in your Worships' minds. I ask him to be plain and say that the writer of the letter in the Baner is the writer of the anonymous letter if he meant it. Mr Beadnell said he was listening attentively t) hear what Mr Ow en had to aay. Mr Owen, continuing his address, said on the 29th —the following wetk-a. second letter appeared as if from another writer, in which the writer agreed with his brother farmer in calling upon farmers to be more faithful to one another and form a club, saying, I am not going to E.G. for a horse even if I have to go to America. The writer suggested the formation of a committee, but that E.G. (Edward Griffiths) should not be 'One of them secondly, "All horses should be insured." There was no doubt, continued Mr Owen, some league against Edw. Griffiths, and it was members of that league that had been writing that letter. He went further, and asked if it was likely that a young man of Jones's intelligence would be a party to writing a letter con- taining threats to murder or to kill cattle ? Mr Davies said there were reasons why Griffiths should he threatened. Griffitns, however, himself stated that he and Robert Jones were perfectly friendly, and Mr Owen Jones said that notice was given by Robert Jones, who desired to leave the the farm. Tnat dispelled all idea of motive. It was far frum his mind to have anything to say against the in-coming tenant. He (Mr Owen) went further, and said that the accused's conduct showed that he had not written the letter. Was it likely that a man who had been to America, who was of high education, and highly respected, if he wrote the letter threatening to kill Griffiths, or his Cdtle, would rem in in this country ? What was his conduct ? He remained in the n, ie-h- bourhood. He was abo it every day, and made "pplications for farms f r people in the neighbour- hood. If he wrote the let er and a fire occurred, and cattle were destroyed, would he have rem dnfd in the country? v as it not the first 'hing such a man would do would be to leave the neighbourhood ? fl-appeared there and abso- lutely denied the authoiship of the letter. With their Worships' knowledge of Wel-h and of the neighix urhooo, he would a>k thtm to say th >t tnat le ter COLtained no threats. The accused bore an irreproachable c I iracter. He was charged with an offence wnica. if prove!, would make him liable to a sente ice of not less than thrt-e years an'd not more Iian ten. Thit being he asked t;le'.Be;,cli o look a''the matt T broadly and s:y whether there w.s any evidence to justify committal. Though the opiulon of tIle expert was obtained on the 25th Feb'u^rv noth ng was done until the night before th Petty Se-sions, with the r-sult that he wis not ablr to work up the case as it required to he worked up. HJe (Mr Owen) wss p vented from going into the Parndl Commission, but it was a veryjjiinporta.it element in respect of the charge. It was a notorious facv that Mr Parnell wis accused of writing a letter, that an expert wis call d who swore that the letter was in Mr Plrneil's hand- writing, and yet, a't -r all, it .vas a notorious fact that the letter was a forgery. Mr B,adnell-Are you quite sure that you are stating che actu-il fac s ? Mr O ven replied tuat he had read the whole thing from the Times report. He mentioned t-at fact for this reason. They had he-ird un ioubtedly that a league was formed against Edward Griffiths. It was, therefore, nit unnatural to infer that a league might a so be formed agtinit Edward J"n"s. a.jd that wnen tin letter appeared in the Baner, in order that thar league should try to divertsuspicion from itself it should try to put it on others. He ventured boldly to state that that had been the cise in regard to E iw. Jones, the accused. The young mm denied absolutely that he had anything against Edward Griffiths and disclaimed having dune anything whatever aguustthe man He therefore a-kf d the Bench to treat that c.se in the same mamer as the Parnell case had been treated and put an end to it that day. It oft,fn happened that when people were takn into custody they made admis,iong which in- criminated them. The accused, when charged, at once denied all knowledge of the matter, and showed no signs of guiit. The fact was, the case h.d sin.ply been brought forward on suspicion The prosecution put two and two together, and said it must be somebody from Cemmaes. He felt the gravity of the position and felt that it needed a more skilful and more experienced advocate thin himself; but he asked the Bench in all seii usness not to send the accus- d for trial, but to allow him to return to his home witn the same character he possessed when he was taken thence. Mr Davies said if their Worships thought there was no evidence to commit the accused on the charge of threatening to murder th, y could com- mit him on the charge of threatening to kill the cattle. The Bench then retired, and after an absence of some five minutes returned into Court and amidst the almost breathless silence of the audience, Mr Beadnell, the chairman, after inquiring the name of the accused, said Edward Jon**?, it is the opinion of the majority of this B-nch, assembled here, thtt, having gone very carefully into this cse, the charge of threatening t ) murder has not been sub- stantiated. It is the opinion of the Bench, taking in- to consideration everything and the evidence which the expert has given and other matters, that you are not guilty of sending that letter. (An ex- pression of relief in Court). There are six gentle- men on the bench-. The Clerk (to the Chairman)-You say that in the opinion of the majority there is not sufficient evidence to send accused to trial. Mr BeadnelI-Aecording to my own opinion I do not follow. I will not say in the first instance with regard to the murder charge but in my opinion you are guilty of having written that letter. (Hisses). At all events, I have to bow to the decision of the majority of the Bench, but I wish it to be placed on record that I do dissent, and tht I do consider, in the face of the evidence given here, that it is a miscarriage of jus'ice. (Continued biases). There was no applause in Court on the announce- ment of the decision. The accused was at once discharged and received the congratulations of his friends in Court.
Advertising
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NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.
NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS. ■IANTO lAGO." Your letter is smart, but not very respectful to the higher powers. It arused me, and, indeed, I will try to be happy. As to my being knighted when the Prince comes, that is tiliculous. Nothing less than a dukedom will suffi.e. I am more anxiuia about the means than the title, how- ever. What amuses me is to see two local shopkeepeis leaning on the. brooms with which they are sweeping shop refuse into tho gutters, d'snussieg what other people ought to do to promo'e the prosperity or the town There is one thing I may tell, Ian'o Iago," quite as a seer; t. If ic were not for hi-n and otheM who are living away from ttife i plages they love, my work down here would be quite Altogether impossible. REES, "-Bel patIent. Life may be harder to bear than you know, and there may be difficulties in the way you do not su-p-ut. J. n.Tht.rc is a famous paradox by He iod which says He is a fool who knoAS not how- much better the half is than the whole." Do you not see that the little you can get is far better th in tiie Ahtle which must remain for ever unattainable?
-il ALWAYS.
il ALWAYS. Not only in the darkness Guide Thou my way Not only when I stumble Be Thou my stay But in the noonday sunshine Shed brighter light And when I walk in sureness Lead me aright. Not only when I ask Thee Stand by my sde ) Not only when I seek Thee .hjL.. Near me abide J But when I see no danger Protect me still And when I wander from Thee Shield me from ill. Not only in my blindness Watch how I trend Not only when in sorrow Be thou my friend But when I walk earth proudly Touch Thou my eyes, And in Thy own way lead me That I be wise. Not only new but always May I be thine Not ouly here but elsewhere Great God be mine Bat if my will grows wayward i Still bring me in; And though my faith be clouded < Count it cot sin.
TO YOUNG WELSH POLITICIANS.
TO YOUNG WELSH POLITICIANS. One of the amusing features of my life is to see the place-hunting pol iricia n come and go. I know all the processes from his first advent until his final disappearance. I am not deceived once, and I never laugh if I can avoid it, but treat the whole thing as seriously as if it were real earnest. I have been in politics a good many years now and have won and lost in battles with all sorts of varying fortunes, but respect for party politics and party politicians has not grown with my experience. Sometimes candidates are insincere and corrupt, and sometimes voters are insincere and corrupt, and tonietimes both candidates and voters are insincere and corrupt. Mr Labouchere says that the Parliamentary Whips collect funds for the national political organizations, and these funds are really obtained by what practically is the sale of ti-Its or promises of titles to rich men who feel, or whose wives feel, that in this fashion monetary aid to the party ought to be recognized. Mr Labouchere undoubtedly knows. Where individuals work honestly and for Mothing. they have the satisfaction of putting into Parliament, or into places of honour, persona who are paid, or who intend to be paid. Party politics are a game in which the local voter, the local speaker, and the local writer are Hattered and humbugged if they are vain. If ttoey are not vain, and are honest and sincere, they ate treated with caution, and every effort is made to keep them from "doing harm." Cannot my friends, the young politicians of Wales, understand some things now that they know who are at the head of the national political parties ? Great efforts have been made to work Wales from a national centre as England is worke but too many tried the game and the attempt has dismally failed. There is a good deal more than meets the eye in the feverish attempts to establish national federations and leagues and associations in Wales. The man who could take twenty or thirty Liberal Welsh votes to the party whips would be somebody, and he would not care a brass farthing whether you and I were anything or not. He would not even care whether we were misrepresented in the House of Commons, as some of us are. I have always seen through the Welsh Liberal National Organization moves, and have done my level best to defeat each move as it has come to the top. Wales must combine for special political objects, and not to give this ambitious person or that power to speak in her name to the official wire-pullers. -What is the urgent cry of the so-called Welsh leaders ? Is it not that they should be appointed to all aorta of lucrative places-that they may be judges, stipendiaries, inspectors, and not that Wales may be free. The common people are fed on the Welsh language, which locks them up amid their own hills to be used as tools, and on spicy cries about Wales being a nation The leading men of Wales go away to England aad seek with eome success to turn their countrymen to profit able account. I would like to see Wales free. I was not born a Welshman, but I shall die one, for I now have no other land or home but the people who go about frothily crying Wales for the Welsh, and belauding their native language, have for the most part gone away into England for wealth and power and position and will die Englishmen. Sometimes Welshmen who have gone away to better themselves in England-and they were wise in going away-ask me whether I think that they should not be allowed to do anything for their country because they have left it. What I think is that we who live and work in Wales are the men and women who should be entrusted with its destinies, and who should say authoritatively what shall be and what shall not be. The people of the Welsh nation may depend upon it that Wales will never be what she ought to be as long as her affairs have to be managed at Shrewsbury for the convenience of honour and place-grabbing London Welshmen. I have nothing whatever against the London Welshman, but I object to his making a personal stepping stone of his country under the name of patriotism—which is perhaps the deepest, dead- liest, most blasting and withering curse that ever was compressed into one word. If political organization is to be merely a ques tion of Ins and Outs-merely a question of who shall levy and who shall spend a hundred millions of national revenue, and who shall secure national pltces and honours—if this is what political oiganization means then I, who am no longer young, "say to young Welsh politicians the game is not worth the candle; the result is not worth the effort; the prize is not worth the conflict; the goal is not worth the race; the end is not worth the means. The whole thing is a fraud and we are dnpes. But beei we be dupes? I say, no. If we re- fuse tc he bought, either with flattery or empty victories, we can win real battles, and we will win them This is certain. All we need is to take large, true views of life and to have in- domihl le courage.
WHERE ARE THEY ?
WHERE ARE THEY ? Some we>ks ago paragraphs appeared quickly one .fter esch other stating hat great discoveries of g Id had been made in the Fes iniog district fclati- mi..t's I want a few tons of gold—say about five tous, aD: I hope that nothing has happened to this disc very, even if it was lied about slightly. Why dO t e newspapers raise my hop s in this way ? And why, 0 why, are all thet!e startling gold discov. flit's recorded in Cardiff, Manchester, and Glasgow newspapers. Discoveries, like charity, should b gin at home. I
ANOTHER CHANCE.
ANOTHER CHANCE. There is in Wales a decided weakness for medals. It is now solemnly announced that Mr 0. M. Edwards, of Oxford, has starred a sort of Human Perfection Society w hr Sf:' teaching includes puriry, love for learning, kiudness io man, gentleness towards dumb creatures, and pure language. The diatingu shing thing about this sreiety is thit each m m'oer is t) wear a me lal. I am so -glA,I. There is to be no favouritism about this medal, for each member is to have one. The Cymmrodurion Society will now be able to g t ri l of their s ock of medals and of the dies. I do not want any reward for tiying to cell the Oymmrodorion stock of old medals. but how per- fectly awful it will be if this new society becom s popular, and every person yoa ii-leet is adorned with a medal. Besides, why should medals be confined to one society ? Why, united ? I can see looming in the near di-tance the men and women of Wales covered with m-. d ls as thick'y as a prize sewing machine or somebody's cocoa. I admit that Mr 0. M. Edwards is strong, hut <0, let him be merciful! Is it not po sibl^ we might have just a trifle too much medal ? Long have I ached for the distincci n of a medil. Now, at last, I see the possibility before me. There will never be such another chance fainrol my name as a Member of the Welsh Hum in Perfection Society, and send my medal down by luggage train. P. \V. The Coa-t.
AtSJltYTWYTH.
AtSJltYTWYTH. EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN."—The London Pub- lisher, of this Work, price Is., now in its second edition is Mr William Reeves, 185, Fleet Street, London, E.C. I MINING.—M. Williams Griffith, M.Lis: M. E., + as e ecttrd a Fellow of the Geological S >ctety of London at their meeting held ou the 26 th of February last. THE LIBRARY —In response tc an application ma 'e by Mr George-Davis, c iairmm of toe Public Library, to the Visiting Committee of Downi-'s B quest, Mr Evan Evans, clerk to the Beques has f-warded to Mr Davis a cheque tor f25 tor the purpose of augmenting the present coHec ion 01 b >- ks, etc., in the Library. POLICK COURT -At the Borough Police Court on Monday morning, David Thomas, PortmaJoc, Do ts, was finet 10s for having been Iruuk an i disorderly in the borough on Sa urday nig >ta»d for assaul ing P.C. Owens. The sit mg m titrates were T, H. Jones, Esq. and Alder mm W. H. Palmer. PEARL LIFE ASSURANCE Co.—The thirty-second annual report of this company will be found in our advertising columns. The premiun income shows an increase of t37,553 6s Id over that of last year, and the assurance fund shows an increase of C73,506 12s 8d for the year. Over 576,444 new policies were issued during the year. The company paid during the year 26,124 claLns, amounting to over £ 167,000 whieh, added to the sums previously, paid, makes a. total of £ 1.605,569 3s 5d. The superintendent for this district is Mr M. W. Parry, Northsrate-terraee, Aberystwyth. THE COLLEGE CONCERT.—" A Psalm of Life," com- posed by Mr D. Jenkins, Mus. Bac., which is to be performed in July by a choir of 2,000 voices at the Crystal Palace, will be sung at the annual college concert on Friday evening, with Haydn's "Spring." Miss Gertrude Hughes (of the Royal Academy), Mr William Davies (St. Paul's), and Mr Jack Edwards will tike the solo parts; a choir of 150 voices the choruses and the College Orchestra will be augmented by players from Sir Charles Halle's Band and the Liverpool Philarmonic. Particulars will be found in an advertisement. NARROW ESCAPES.—Owing to the heavy rain which fell on Saturday and part of Sunday the river Rheidol overflowed its banks and the Blaendolau Meadows and adjoining fields were flooded. E irly on Sunday morning several of Mr Wemyss' horses were with difficulty rescued from the flats by means of a boat pro- cured from the Terrace. Later on in the day a cow, the property of Mr David Phillips, was with difficulty saved from drowning by Mr Worthington and others. There was also a rumour that three or four children belongmg to a family that had been camping near the riverside had been swept away. This was not true. The children were in a farmhouse at the other side of the river. ENTERTAINMENT AT THE WORKHOUSE.—A successful entertainment was given to the inmates of the Workhouse at the Board room on Friday, when the chair was occupied by Mr Hugh Hughes, one of the town guardians, by whose efforts the entertainment was got up. The following pro- gramme was gone through Song, Miss Molly Owen, glee, Mr J B Cowley, and friends song, Miss J. Evans violin solo, Master Tommy Jones song. Miss Lizzia M. Jones; pianoforte wlo, Miss Nelhe Jones song. Miss C. J. Jenkins auto harp solo, Mr W. R. Jones song, Mr Richard Griffiths glee, Mr J B Cowley and friends recitation, Miss Maries Thomas soug, Mr J B Cowley song. Master Ten: my Jones recitation, Mr D Hughes song, Mr J E Harries. During the interval, Mr D J Lewis exhibited some excellent views with his limelight lantern, which created amusement and much interest. The subject. of illustration was How Uucle Pompey signed the Pledge" and Sam's Greediness." Mr Eiward Edwards (Pencerdd Ceredigion) also galle a song and delivered a few words of encouragement to the inmates. At the close, a vote of thanks on the proposition of Mr William Jones (master), was accorded the chairman for presiding and to those who had contributed to the evening's enter- 'ainment. An enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of Crugybar." The inmates were delighted with the entertainment and ex- pressed a hope that another would be given shortly. Misses Marles Thomas, U oa Morgan, and Nellie Jones acted as accompanists with ability, the piano being supplied by the Master, who in other ways, also assisted in promoting the success of the entertainment. SALEM CHAPEL, -On Tuesday evening, a lecture, in connection with the literary Society, was delivered by Professor Anwyl, U.C.W., the subject being "Bishop Morgan's Welsh tranalatiowof the Bible, and its influ- ence on the literature of Wales." The lecturer gave an interesting account of Welsh literature previous to the time of Dr Morgan. Coming to the subject of the lecture, he made a comparison of Salisbury's trausla- tion of the New Testament with the bishop's work, pointing out the readableness and flexibility of the latter, and its freedom from Greek and Latin words in which Salisbury indulged. He pointed out how the bishop seemed to have preferred the Roman Vul- gate to the reformed versions of the Bible. The lecturer wise{y evaded the investigation of the sup- posed sources of Morgan's translation as being too large and unsuitable a subject. He concluded a most instructive lecture by remarking how the Hebrew writings had vastly more influenced Welsh literature than had the classical masterpieces of Greece and Rome. Mr David Williams occupied the chair, and on the motion of Mr J. J. Thomas, a vote of thanks was accorded to Professor Anwyl. The Professor briefly replied. SALK OF FREEHOLD PROPERTIES.—On Wednes- day afternoon Messrs Daniel, Son, and Meredith, conducted a successful sale of properties at their Sale Rooms in Queens-road. There was a good attendance of intending buyers. The first lot put up for sale was the old Wesleyan Chapel, situate in Queen-street, held on lease for a period of 900 years, free of ground rent. After a brisk bidding the lot was purchased by Mr Hopkins, Three Horse Shoe for 9400. The two freehold messuages or dwelling houses and premises known as Woodside and Sunnyside, together with extensive gardens and land bel )ngiDg thereto, situate in Goginan, were next offered. The property was withdrawn at:C320. There was a spirited bidding for the free- hold dwelling house, shop and premises, No. 6, Chalybeate-street, in the occupation of the owner, Mr E. H. James but was eventually drawn at £ 1,450. The freehold two-stalled stable and coich hou?e at the back was purchased by the tenant, Mr Glitheroe, Bank Vaults, for JE150. The Llan- badarn-road and Trefechan properties, also advertized for sale, were not disposed of. Messrs Daniel, Son, and Meredith have several important sales on hand, as will be seen in our advertizing columns. WOMEN'S LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. -The monthly general meeting was held on Friday afternoon, March 6th, when Mrs E. James presided. There was an unusually good attendance. Miss E. Maries Thomas read an excellent paper on "Dress," which commanded the attention of the meeting through- out its reading. In referring to the interests that crntre around the exclusively human property of clothes, Miss Thomas during her remarks touched upon the philosophy of clothes as taught by Thos. Carlyle, and suggested that there was no branch of philosophy that was better understood or that was more acceptable to the every day world of men and A omen than that phase of the thinker's science. To many, dress presented an interest that tran. scended all other interests, while with some it amounted almost to a fetish worship. Dress was a practical as well a a theoretical concern in morality and in society. It was a factor in the science of ornament. It had, moreover, an aesthetic aspect, and called into use the exercise of tiste, It had "ho to do with pride, vain glory, and hypocrisy. In treating dress from a hygienic point of riew Miss Maries Thomas gave an intelligent description of suitable garments which it -would be well to a lopt. In advocating dress reform, decoration was was not to ba entirely ignored. There was no reason why scientific dress could not at the same time oe artistic ana beautiful. Nothing could be truly hygienic that was not also artMic. There w. re few people who did not fed pleasure at the sig -t of an artistically and becomingly-dressed man or woman. Of late, fashions had been more favour- able to hygienic clothing than before, the short skirt f the past two or three years having tllken the place of the trained one of former years. There were buc few who would find the short skirt useless,, for most women had much to do out of doors. A vo-e of thanks prop sed by Miss M. Roberts, seconded by Mrs Llewelyn Edwards, to Miss Maries Thomas for her paper, brought the meeting to a clode. R. 3. P. C. A. -Mr Lidderdale, of Rheidol Valley, Llanbadarn, has sent to the Hon. Sec. of the Local Branch a contribution of one pound towards the fund. All'; I-,TLRI,- L. -Prof. Anwyl. U.C.W., occupied the pulpit of the English Wesleyan Chapel on Sun- <iay evening, and he preached a powerful and eloquent sermon to a large congregation AGRICULTURAL Snow.-y-On Wednesday, March 18th, a mpeting will be' held in the schoolroom, Talybont, at 7 o'clock, to further arrangements for holding an Agricultural Show at Talybont, confined to North Cardiganshire. The President of the Show is Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart. PAMPHLET.—Mr Harry Bonsall," Cwm, has issued another of a series of pamphlets. The most recent pro- duction is called "Silence Please," and contains articles on the following subjects: Damn! Patriotism; W& are one A Welsh Parliament; The Beggar I The Farm Labourers The Mason and a Career. CHUKCH LFAGUE Ou Thursday evening of last «eek the tii**mb-rs<>f the League were entertained by Archdeacon Protheroe with an address on ConV' c ttion." The meeting was largely at- Conv,c.tlOn." The meeting was largely at- tended, and the chair was occupied by Mr B. Ellis Morgan THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.—A meeting for worship of the Society of Friends is held every Sunday morn- ing at 11 o'clock in the Assembly Rooms. The meetings are open t) all who may have an inclination to attend." Further particulars, will be found in our advertising columns. APPOINTMENT.—The vacancy caused by the death f Mr Richard J, n, s at the National and Provincial Baiik, Newtown, has b en filled by Mr Griffith D. Edwards, a native of Aberystwyth, who, until his appointment, was engaged at the Bank in Manches- ter. Mr Edwards, who is a brother to Mr J H. Edwards, draper, and Mr H. P. Edwards, butcher, commenced his dut es last week. A SCHOOXER ASHORE.-The schooner Rheidol Vale went ashore at the mou h of the harbour in a place called the Trap, on Wednesday e .eniug, bb. Lween six and sr ven Strenuous effor,8 were maje to get rhe vessel off, but all attempts were un- availing unt 1 the rising of the tide on Thursday morning, when s"e was successfully got clear of her dangerous position. Luckily, there was not a heavy sea or in all probability the vessel would have been ,i"hed to pieces, as was the fate of the smack. Lerry about two ars ago The vessel is loaded with a crgo of super-phospha'e. MARITIME.—Ou Sunday afternoon, the barque Ivanhoe, commanded by Capt. William", bound for Demarara, put into Plymouth for orders. The Ivanhoe, which was thirry-seven days out, experi- enced cry heavy weather in the Channel, several of her sails being blown away during the gale, whilst the huge seas which repeatedly swept over her carried aw-tv a portion. d her bulwarks Th" le halli oe, which is a vtsael of 347 tons, belonging to Messrs W n. Morris and Co., of Aberystwyth, behaved splendidly throughout the gale. THE WELSH Cup.-The. s> mi-final tie in connec- tion with the Welsh Association Challenge Cup will be played between Aberystwyth and Wrexham at VVelshpool on Saturday nex'. A cheap trip will be run from Aberystwyth at mid-day. The referee is Mr F. E. Roberts, Ellesmere. The following have been selected to do duty for Aber- ystwytn :-Goal, Roose backs, W R Jones and Bill Davids; halves Smith, Pryce White, and "Ailes forwards, Michael, Garner, Morris, Owen, md Rea. LIGHT RAILWAYS.—A correspondent who was in the House of Commons when the Light Railways Bill was being discussed says that Mr Vaughan Davies spoke well on the subject, and was attentively listened to. He said on the question of gauge that the successful working of Festiniig railway of narrow guage ought to have some bearing upon the con- struction of light railways generally. Replying to the argument that the main line companies ought to make offshoots in the form of light railways, he said that was impossible in Cardiganshire because there the main line company had one leg in the Bankruptcy Court. It was said, he concluded, that light railways would set up class distinctions. But there were class distinctions in Cardiganshire in travelling by the road vans, for whereas first-class passengers rode all the way and second-class passengers had to walk up the bills, third-class passengers not only had to walk up the hills but had also to push the vehicle along. To ask very poor people in aa outlying poor country to pay 3! per cent. upon the money advanced would be simply putting the last straw on the camel's back. THE STEAM PACKET COMPANY.—A meeting of the shareholders of the Abeiystwyth and Aberdovey Steam Packet Company was held on Wednesday afternoon, when there were present Messrs William Morris (chairman). Richard Morgan, John Owen, John Jenkins, Jamet Bowen. Thomas Morris, John Jones. John Watkina, Evan Davies, Thomas Morgan, and Isaac Griffiths, secretary. The balance sheet for the year ending December, 1895, with the Directors' report thereon, was submitted and adopted as read. The meeting then proceeded with the election of directors. The four retiring members of the directorate were Messrs Peter Jones, John Watkins, Isaac Hopkins, and Captain Houghton. Messrs Peter Jones and John Watkint4 were re-elected, but Captain Thomas Morris and Mr John 0,%en were elected in place of Captain Doughton and Mr Isaac Hopkins. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Mr John Watkins for services rendered by him as managing director during the past two years, and he was re-elected to the post for the enauing year. Mr H. L. Evans was also re-elected auditor.
CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.
CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. The annual meeting of the County Council was held at the Town Hall, Lampeter, yesterday (Thurs- day), Councillor J. M. Howell, chairman, pro tem.- On the proposition of Councillor David Davies, Llan- ddewi, seconded by Alderman James, Llanrhystyd, Alderman C. M. Williams, Aberystwyth, was onanimoasly elected chairman fer the ensuing vear On taking the chair Mr Williams hoped with their co-operation they would not regret the choice they had made that day.—The various Committees wera then appointed.—The question of the consideration of what steps should be taken by the Council in con- nection with the approaching visit of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to the County was considered. —Mr D. C. Roberts, in proposing that the matter be re- ferred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report, said it was difficult at present to know what steps to take. By the next Council the arrangements would be furthered, and the Committee c.,uld report on the matter.—Mr Llewelyn Edwards, Aberystwyth, seconded the proposition, and it was agreed to, the Chairman remarking on behalf of the Borough of Aberystwyth that they intended giving the Prince of Wales a welcome worthy of a prince and worthy of the County (applause,Other business was trans- acted, a full report of which will appear in our next issue.