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SWANSEA. FRIDAY, JUNE 9. _.,,",1>-1)-<-4-,

o!) ! THE IRISH AiDJS BILL.

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o!) THE IRISH AiDJS BILL. THE present attempt of the Government to restrain the people of Ireland by means of a Bill restricting the use of fire- arms, is nothing more than a continuation of thbt hateful policy in which the Tory party has always persisted, and which both past and present experience demonstrates to be totally ineffec- tual for the purpose designed. What is it that the Executive flow demands, but the unrestricted power of placing every Irishman under the domination of the Magistracy ? Of what sort of men, too, are these Magistrates composed ? They are tnen, almost without an exception, selected from the ranks of the fierce Orange party. Their deep political and religious prejudices, totally disqualify them for anything like a dispas- sionate exercise of even moderate and thoroughly constitutional powers, and the influence which they possess, is openly and avowedly employed in favour of opinions deeply obnoxious to the large majority of the native population. Can it be wondered, then, that an attempt to augment the authority of these men, should be viewed with distrust, dislike, and indignation, by those who are but too sensible of the animus in which it is likely to be exercised. The Bill is a most unjust aud unwise ftieasure. It is, we say, unjust, because it enlarges the power of one body of men, notoriously unfit to wield them btmeficially, and inflicts a deep stigma and disgrace upon others and it is unwise, because it can be, and has been clearly demonstrated, that the measure will not prorcct life and property, but just the reverse, by placing the peaceable and unprotected at the mercy of the turbulent and armed. The Bill is defended, because The exigencies of the country demand coercion. This is, and always has been, the tyrant plea. Who has shown that coercion is needed? Has Lord De Grey shown that Ireland cannot be governed by any other agencies than those at praent recom. mended f Has lie shown, in his own administration, the failure of mild and conciliatory policy-a policy in unison with the feelings and sympathies of the Irish people—favourable to the interests of that mis-governed nation—not dictated by narrow and confined prejudices, but guided by enlarged and noble views—developing the native resources of the country, and affording security for the investment of capital in domestic, undertakings? Further, has he exhibited an inclination to ad- minister justice, without regard to political or religious dis- tinctions, by appointing, to judicial stations, men eminent for abstinence from party bias, as well as for fit professional qualifications ? Has all this been done, and still has the country shown signs of no amelioration, siill exhibited a sullen insolence to its benefactors, still persisted in lawless rapine, and dastardly revenge ? Have Irish feelings been proved to he so savage and demoniac, that no kindness could conciliate them? If all this be the caSè, then, indeed, might there 01' some ground for resorting to some change but when the case is notoriously the reverse, and when the whole course of events shew that 110 such prin- ciples of Government have been exemplified ill Ireland, but that all that has been done, since Sir Robert Peel came into office, two years ago, has been done to the detriment, and not to the advantage, of Ireland, is it not scandalous for mell, conscious of their great demerits, to come to Parliament and offer to atone for them, by coercing the victims of their wickedness, by means of a despotic A nus Bill?" Ireland, under the paternal rule of Lords Normanby and Fortescue, was tranquil. She was at peace. because lhose at the helm of affairs had the wisdom to govern in a manner be- neficial to the whole nation. The annals of crime were rapidly diminishing-industry had received an impetus—and capital was beginning to find an advantageous sphere of employment. The ecolloiuical resources of tbe people were becomillg enlarged, alld the lower orders IVere beginning to understand and appre- ciate those comforts after which the Scotch and English peasant almost invariahly aspires. This was owing to a great extent to the judicious policy pursued by those two enlightened states* men. In two short years how has the aspect of things in Ireland changed! Outrage is now become most fearfully fre- quent—discontent stalks throughout the length and breadth of the land—animosity to Government is openly aud unreservedly avolVed-a breach of the legislative union is proclaimed as the only remedy for the present distress—confiscation of property under a milder term forms a prominent article in the popular creed—all threatens confusion and civil discord. But what is to be done? Is there 110 help-no balm-nothing to assuage all these wretched woes? Yes, there is. But that help is no Arms Bill-it is a bill for tùe suppression of discontent, by the use of the arms of reason, and mercy, and truth, and one for removing that obnoxious brand which now degrades and irri- tates the millions ot Roman Catholic Irish. CHARGES AGAINST nUR TOWN CLERK —The follow- ing circular has been forwarded to our Town Clerk, and a copy to each member of the Town Council. The charges are to be brought forward this day, in pursuance of notice given at the last meeting: — ° Swansea, 24th May, IS43. Sir, —In pursuance of a Resolution passed at the last Quar- terly Meeting of the Town Council of this Borough, I now forward to you the following notice of the circumstances which have induced me to consider it my duty to cull the attention of the Council to your conduct, in the discharge of the duties which appertain to the ollice of Town Clerk, which you fill in this Corporation — "1. Your conduct in reference to the Layer Keeper's claim against the Corporation: more especially as regards that part of the evidence given in court, and which was subsequently dis- tinctly contradicted by Mr. Aubrey. 2. Your conduct in reference to vour claim for payment of tolls alleged to be doe as Water Bailiff. 3. Year conduct in carrying on a suit against the Coporation after costs hud been taxed and the fact of your having made affidavits during the progress of the suit, that you had lost or mislaid cases and opinions which were placed in jonr custody as J own Clerk, and which were necessary to the defence of the Corporal ion in your snit against them. 4. Your condnct in referenct1 to the Action by the Common Attorney against the Corporation, for compensation for loss of onice more especially with regard to your having advised with him upon his claim. Your having neglected to give him the necessary notice of objection, although upon several oocaSlOllS you stated that notice had been given." I beg to inform yon, it is my intention to confine my ob- HervalÎons UpOIl this su.hject to the several points whIch I have now called to vour nnlwe. I am, Sir, your obedient servant. WILLIAM HENRY SMITH. Thomas Thomas, Esq., Town Clerk. SWANSEA HotlSF. OF CORRECTION.— On Monday last, the Rev. Win. Hewson, D. D., Rev. S. Davies, L. W. Dilbvyn, W. I. Jones, and Thomas Edw. Thomas, Esqrs., the Visiting Magistrates, met, in pursuance of advertisement, to receive estimates for the proposed extensive alterations in the House of Correction. There were four tenders sent in—one from Messrs. Wilcox and Son, of Bristol, amounting to It:i901., Mr. Richards, of Swansea, 19251., Mr. Rayner, of Swansea, 19951., and Mr.Reed, of Bristol, the contractor for the New Church, 20771. That of Messrs. Wilcox was accepted. It will be perceived that the estimate of our townsman, Mr. Richards, was only 35l. (little more than one-and-a-half per cent.) above the accepted tender.—It is hoped the contrac- tors will employ Swansea workmen, or the difference 111 the expenditure of the pO¡)r-rate will exceed 35i. SWANSEA MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.—Tt is with pleasure we learn, that this useful Institute, containing an elaborate selection of books on history, biography, chemistry, geology, manufactures, &c., bids fair towards having the sphere of its influence considerably extended, especially amongst the working chtsses means having been adopted to render the library accessible to them at the low rate of a couple of pence per week. It is hoped that snch a laudable effort for their moral and intellectual culture will not only be duly appreciated by the operatives of this town, but that they will readilv co-operate with the Committee in eo. deavouring to place the Institution on such a footing as may be commensurate with the exigencies of the place. PROCESSION OF SUSDAY SCHOOLS. —On Whit Mon- day, according to the usual custom, the teachers and children of the six Sunday Schools connected with the Burrows, Castle-ttreet, the English Wesleyan, Mount-pleasant, York- place, and the Primitive Methodist Chapels, in this town, together with those of several Welsh Schools, assembled in the Burrows-squaie, and walked in procession through the principal streets; after which, the Welsh Schools went to Bethesda Chapel, and the English Schools to the English Wesleyan and Mount-pleasant Chapels, each of which places was completely filled. At the Wesleyan Chapel, three able addresses were delivered, to the children by the Rev. T. Bliss, B.A., to Ihe teachers by the Rev. Mr. Hige;s, and to the parents by the Rev W m. Jones. At Mount-pleasant Chapel, the Rev. Thomas Dodd addressed thecbitdren, the Rev. Mr. Bishop the teachers, and the Rev. Mr. Simmonds the parents. All the addresses were listened to with the greatest attention. The schools then returned to their respective chapels, where the children were provided with refreshments. The whole had a very imposing effect. The number of teachers and children assembled amounted to between 2,700 and 2.800. FIRST IN THE FIELD, FIRST WIN.—Candidates for civic honours at the next election of Town Councillors, which is to take place oti the first of next November, just five months hence, have been, during the last few weeks, actively engagetl in canvassing the independent electors of the Lower Ward of the Borough of Swansea. IVORITF.S —On Tuesday last, this body marchod in full dtess through the principal streets in this town, preceded by a brass band, which played a variety of lively aits. Having attended a place of worship about half a mile from town, they spent the remainder of the day in conviviality. HUSTlC SPORTS.—On Whit-Monday several parties from this town went to Crnmlyn Burrows to amuse them- srlves with pigeon shooting, foot racing, pole climbing, and other-ports; but the day was better calculated for the pro- cession of Sunday School childien, for soon after that pro. cession had closed, a thunder storm came on, and it rained so heavily and incessaotly, that, by the time the Crnmlyn Barrows" gentlemen had reached town, they appeared more like persons having amused themselves with aqua-lie than »"us-tic sports. PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE. — On Friday last, the sides of a coal-pit, in the parish of Lansanilet, suddenly fell in, shutting lip about a dozen men who were at work in it. After some difficulty they succeeded in extricating them- selves flom their perilous situation by means of a a passage leading to another pit,throngh which they made their exit. ACCIDENT IN A COAL PIT.-On Thursday, an in- quest was held before Charles Collius, Esq., Coroner, on the body of a child about six years of ape, son of David Watkin, ot Lan-amlet. The child was killed by a large stone from the roof of the pit falling upon him.—Verdict accordingly. CORONER'S INQUEST.—An inquest was held on Thursday last, before C. Collins, Esq., coroner, on the body of Mary Jones, aged 22, a resident of Jockey-street, in this town, who died very suddenly on the preceding day.—Ver- did, "Died by the visitation of God." SKRIOUS ACCIDENTS.—Last week, two men. named Window and Noble, fell from a window of St. Mary's Chapel, Llandaff, which they were engaged in repairing, Both were severely injured, though hopes are entertained of their recovery. The accident took place in consequence of the scaffolding giving way.—As John Griffiths, a dray- man in the employ of Mr. Evans, High-street Brewery, Neath, was returning home yesterday with a cart of empty casks from Cwm Avon, in descending the hill near Cymle, one of the casks rolled upon him, while sitting on the shaft. The horses took flight, and started off at full speed, and the unfortunate man fell under the dray, the two wheels passing over both knees. Though the poor fellow has been severely 'njured, he is likely to recover. The Bristol steamer encountered very stormy weather in her passage from Bristol yesterday, which place she left at half-past two o'clock in the morning. Several ot her paddle-box boards were carried away, but the damage sustained was not of a nature to prevent her from returning this morning. L<VMPKTiiR.—" 'BF.CCA AGAIN," —On the night of Sa,dav se'nnight, this peaceable little town was made the scene of this noted Lady's antipathy to toll-bars, &c. The turnpike-gate, called the Pound Bar, was drawn from its lunges, and thrown over the bridge into the Tivy. Contrary to the usual practice, the work of destruction was conducted with but very little noise—a proof of the fewness of the party engaged. Various conjectures are afloat as to the author ot this nocturnal outrage, but since this wonderful L; dy has distinguished herself so much of late, this ad- ditional deed will add "another feather in her cap," The toll-collectors begin to fear more visits than will be agree- able; but all we have to hope is, that this will end the pro. ceedings in this neighbourhood, and 'Becca" will be con- vinced of the inutility of combating the strong arm of the aw.—A Coirespondent. The tradesmen ofMerthyr have, at the request of (hMf assistants and apprentices, consented to close their shops three evenings of the week viz., on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, at nine o'clock during the summer mouths and at eight o'clock in winter. CANADIAN CORN BILL. —Lord Adare presented three petitions to the House of Commons against the above mea. sure, from the eastern end of this county, on Friday last. They were signed by npwatds of 300 owners and occupiers of tand and we understand that another petition to the same effect has been very numerously signed in the neigh- bourhood of Bddgend, in this county. BRIDGEND.—On Saturday last, a little lad, three years old, had a narrow escape from drowning. He was playing by the side of the river, below Ihe old biidge, when he tnmbted in. There was a fresh in the river, and he would, in all probability, have been carried away, was he not observed in time to save his life. This part of the river is exceedingly dangerous, the wall being neariyon a level with the road-wav. From the bad state ot the wall on the side of the river, it is stranne that accidents of this kind are not of more frequent occurrence. IJHIDGEVD NEW TOWMMLL. — At an adjourned meet- ing In Id at the Wvndham Arms, on the 7ti> inst., present M. P. Traheme, M. P. Smith, Esqrs.. Rev. Robert Kn'ght, Mr. Walter Hihhert. Mr. W'illiaiii Edwards, and others,— Mr. Traherne submitted to the meeting, a plan of a Town. hall, drawn up hy Mr. Wyatt. The plan was on rather a smaller scale than Mr. Vauehan's, and was much admired for the elaborate finish of the interior. The flolli differed materially from Mr. Vatican's plan. Af'er some discussion relative to Ihe merits ot 'he two plans, it was suggested by the majority, that Mr. Vansrban s plan was the best adapted for the purpose. The meeting was then adjourned to the 14th inst. THE DfHRY SWEEP DINNER, AT THE WIMTE LION, CARDIFF—Tuesday fast being the general settling-day at Tattersall's, the members of the Cardiff Club wound up their important affairs over a most excellent repast, replete with every delicacy the most fastidious appetite could desire, with wines of the richest quality. The entertainments of the evening were most ably and satisfactorily arranged, and conducted under the government of a hinhlv-talented Chair. man, and a no less efficient Yicp. The following toasts were given, as they stand in order on the occasion:—" The Queen.—(Applause, and nine times nine, and one cheer more).—"The Piince Albert and the infant Princesses."— (Cheers).—" The Prince of Wales-God bless hUll-lone: may he live."—(Tremendous cheering, nine times nine, and one cheer more).— The Queen Dowager and the rest of the Royal Family."—(Cheers).—The worthy Chairman, after a very appropriate remark relative to the present meeting, proposed "The Turf, and may it be conducted with honour and honesty —with this toast, also, lie begged to couple the names of the Treasurer and Secretary of the Club, whose duties, thoush arduous, had been most satisfdc- torily discharged.—(Cheers).—"The winner of the Derby, and health to the fortunate possessor of Colherstone."— (Cheers).—[We are sorry to add, that the drawer of rhe favorite has not been so great a winner as we could cordially have wished him to be, in consequence of some mismanage- ment on the part of his advisers, who persuaded him to dis- pose of his <,hance, or ill some way 01' olllPr edje off, 1'1.0111 the nature of the facts elucidated by the holder of Cottier- stone],—" The Winner of the Second Stake."—(Cheers).— This foitunate winner also returned thanks, ard hoped lie should have a similar pleasure of returning thanks upon the issue of the Saint Leger.—(A laugh, and many dissentient voices).—" The Members of the Club."—(Cheers).—The drawer of Catherstone here rose, and in a very comnlimentary manner, proposed The health of the Cha:rman."—(Loud applause, again and again).—Order beinir resored, the worthy President ro^e and said, that he felt highly compli- mented for the warm and enthusiastic reception with which the toast had been received—"notwithstanding I feel (said he) out of my element.—(Cries of No, no.")—Gentlemen are kind enough to compliment me (continued he), but still I find mvself like the bashful man in Cowper. 1\1y feelings are good, hut my lips appear to refuse me utterance in the way I could wish. However, gentlemen, yon must take the will for the deed. I can only assure yon, that if my services on this, or any other similar occasion, can afford yon any satisfaction, it will make me happy in your confidence. (Hear hear).—I am sorry to add, that I fepl the weight of my present duties somewhat embarrassing from indisposi- tion—-(a general exclamation of Sorry for it;")—but I will not flinch.—(Hear, hear, and applause)..— Meetings like the present (said he) give me much pleasure—they are the means of bringing neighbours and friends together, and to my uttermost I will support them."—(Hear, heir, and cheers).—The worthy Chairman then wished health and long life to all present, and sat down amid much clieering. —"The health of the Vice-President" next followed, with a well-timed and complimentary introduction, and was re- ceived with deafening acclamations, accompanied by musical honours, and reiterated cheers.—This gentleman acknow- ledged the compliment in terms of considerable feeling, and assured gentlemen present, that nothing could <;i»e him greater pleasure than to unite in the wishes of his fiiends (hear, hear)—more especially so on the present interesting occasion. He did not feel himself exactly at home in the situation in which he was placed, but trusted, that if any inefficiency should occur in the anxious discharge of his duty, his friends would impute it to the head rather than the heart—(Hear, hear, and cheers).— The next toast that fol. lowed was very facetiously introduced, and appropriately descanted upon, namely, The Host and Hostess, with many tbnnks for the very superior manner in which the dinner had been got np."—This toast elicited many remarks on the skill and taste of the caterers, and was accompanied by long and continued cheering. The worthy Host returned (hanks in a warm and energetic address, during the delivery of which he was much cheered.— Harmony constantly pre- vailed, and at intervals joke and anecdote filled up the space, while laughter played on every cheek, and all was merriment and joy. Many most excellent songs were given, accompanied by appropriate toasts and sentiments, till smiling morn appeared, and then echo answered— Fly not yet, tis not the hour To curb young Pleasure's social pow r, For when did morning ever break, And find such merry souls awake, As those that kindle here." S.

SWANSEA POLICE.

ITo the EDITOR of The CAMBRIAN.

- To the EDITOR of The CAMBRIAN.

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