Weekly Mail

THE BAPTIST UNION. The nnnual session of the Baptist Union of Grertt Britain and Ireland opened on Monday at Bloomsbury Chapel, London. The retiring presi- dent introduced his successor, Dr. S. G. Green, who delivered the inaugural address, when he dealt with the signs of revival in the Church, and how best to estimate the living forces of the Church, their augmentation or decline. He con- sidered that at present the Church was doing an excellent work, and might look hopefully towards the future.

REMINISCENCES OF THE LATE RECTOR. rBY ONE WHO KNEW Hm.] I have known the late Rector of Merthyr intimately for nearly 40 years, and had many opportunities of forming an opinion of his character and idiosyncrasies. The Rev. John Griffith was not like other men, and must not, therefore, he judged by ordinary laws. There were many things about him which appeared inconsistent with one another. I remember a friend once describing him as an eel. When you thought you had caught him you found he was gone. He was to a great extent a man of impulses, and governed by circumstances. You were not certain to find him to-morrow where you left him to-day. His views and opinions were not always the same, and he appeared often as if he contradicted himself. But he was, nevertheless, a genuine man and-a true Christian. His abilities were of a high order, but were more suited to the press, or the stage, than the pulpit. What made his public utterances popular was their singularity. He always said something funny, which made you smile, and the crowd followed him. His "sermons" were more like platform addresses than what is usually heard from the pulpit. Sometimes he would sketch the character of some well-known figure wit.h the hand of a master. His literary abilities were also of a high order, and I thought, when observing his efforts to speak extempore, how much better the effect would be if he read his sermons instead. His cilntributions to the 1Vestn.n Mail showed how he could wield the pen. They were eminently "readable" and thoroughly original. His histrionic powers were marvellous, and would have placed hi u in the front rank of the stage if he entered upon it. I never knew a man who had such command over his countenance. No one could divine what was behind that face and those eyes when in conversation wtth him. Having embraced a profession for which lie was not suited, he was not popular among his brethren. He was too much of a freelance, and was not a safe man to wield ecclesiastical authority, which accounts for his absence of promotion in the Church. He was an autocrat in his parish—did as he liked, and never consulted anybody. 1 am not aware that he made a confidant of anyone, or shared his griefs and troubles with another. If you met him in the street, he was most agreeable, and made you feelquiteat home with him,but if you touched upon any debatable question, or sought his opinion on a matter about wnich persons differ, he would suddenly discover that he had an engagement, or see someone on the other side of the street to whom he wished to speak. He had all tho characteristics of a Cardiganshire man. Cardiganshire people are a peculiar people—unlike in person and cliaract.er to the inhabitants of other portions of the Principality—as if they are of a different race'* Tirey are physically bigger than those of anv other county. It is said that when the whole kingdom rose to arms inthe 'time of the first Napoleon the Cardiganshire Volunteers occupied more space than any other regiment. Their facial conforma- tion differs also. You do not find tne high cheek bones in that county that you see in other parts of the frineipaiitv. They have also a characteris- tic, which has given them the appellation, Cardi" —namely, cunning and cautious. You must get up very early in the morning if you wish to get the better of a Cardiganshire man. And he has always been noted for his saving propen- sities. lie spends only what he is obliged to. The late Rector possessed these peculiarities. He never spent a penny without entering it in his pocket-boolc. He regulated his household with rigidity, and even controlled the kitchen expen- diture. His clothes were made of home spun (gwlan diCr ddafad), which never weai-3 out, Who does not remember his peg-top trousers, which he wore for ten years after that style had gone out of fashion? lie economised everyway, in his garden, in his stablei, in his cellar, nnd every- where. And yet, notwithstanding those sinull personal foibles which often characterise strong and vigorous minds, we may safely say that— E'en his failings leaned to virtue's side.

THE DECEASED AS VICAR OF ABlCliDARE. Our -Abei'dare correspondent, writes :—Upon the announcement of the death becoming known through m11' columns on Saturday morning deep expressions of-regret wore heard from people of all sects and creeds in A'oerdare. To some of the. older iuluihitante the Rector had been a familiar figure and name for 40 years. By Noncon- formists the deceased was lauded for the vigorous and able manner in which he had always upheld every movement relating to the good of the Principality, and his bold, uncompromising championship of the programme of the Liberationists secured him many warm supporters in this district. When the Rev. John Griffith was appointed to the vicarage of Aberdars in 184-6 the town had a most primitive appeamnceo The only church in the parish was that of St. John the Baptist; there the vicar conducted two ser- vices every Sunday—an English one in the morn- ing and a Welsh one in the afternoon. These were always well attended by the people for many miles around, and it was a noticeable fact that in one year the regular worshippers included the high sheriffs of two counties—the late Mr. Fothergill, Hensol Castle, holding that oflice in Glamorgan- shire, and Mr. Crawshay Bailey in Monmouthshire. Even in those early days the deceased was singularly original in his sermons, which were skilful and earnest and totally opposed to the common-place platitudes often indulged in by young- curates. The congregation soon in- creased to such an extent that the Parish Church became inadequate, and it was then that the vicar applied himself to the task of collecting subscrip- tions for a larger t-difice. His exertions were well rewarded, and St. Klvan's Church—one of the finest in Wales—is a standing testimony to the zeal and ardour with which he entered into the work. It was whilst residing in Aberdare that the Rev. John Gi ilifth roused the wrath and indigna- tion of his Dissenting brethren throughout Wales I by the evidence which he gave before the Govern- ment Commission that sat to inquire into the state of education in Wales, and it was at that time that. the name of the young vicar, which afterwards became a household word as Rector of Merthyr, first came prominently to the front. At that period the parish of Aberdare revelled in the luxury of not possessing a single lawyer, and, as is customary in country districts, the trifling disputes amongst the people wore generally referred to tho head of the Church for settlement. Tho late Rector, on receiving h:s appointments such, left Aberdare in 1859, and was succeeded by the Hev. Evan Lewis (now Dean of Bangor), but in after years he continued to entertain an affection for the place, and often visited there. Mr. Thomas Evans, the respected parish clerk, who has filled that oflice nearly half a century, is amongst the few living who remember the advent, of tho deceased amongst them, and he bears hearty testimony to the earnest manner in which the services of the Church were then conducted. In Aberdare on Saturday it was freely remarked that yourcontomporary, tho so-called organ of the Disestablishment party, displayed but questionable tasto in abstaining from any notice of the death of the Rector, who was such:, valuable addition to their ranks. I understand that a largo number of Nonconformists will attend the funeral on Wed- nesday.

CURRENT AGRICULTURAL TOPICS. -Sr AGRICOLA. » Of THB FlEl».j '1'he object ot Mr. Jesse (rollings to establish {'•Mint proprietary farming seems in a fair way accomplished by our landed aristocracy ■etnaelves, they having, at a great meeting held 1Q the Metropolis on Friday last, entered into an organisation for forming a public company to earr, out a gigantic scheme specially referring thereto. What took place at this meeting will be differently regarded, but it appears tolerably evi- "nt that the desire to multiply the peasant pro- letary class is not confined to one particular political party mure than another. Indeed, s? bkany big landowners, both Conservative and Liberal, took part in the proceedings at the above Meeting that cynics will, perhaps, be inclined t* think this a new scheme for the landowners to make lIIore of their poor lands, in danger of being thrown en masse on their hands owing to the Iyatem of English rent-paying farming having to some extent broken down, so far as their Management is concerned. However, there is a far &.ore charitable view to be taken of it, which is that the majority of the promoters of the Bcheme are anxious to benefit the suffering sili- cons i" such times as the present, when emplof- Mer-t is so scarce, and if lands at present almost '"fertile for want of labour can be fertilised and relld.red productive, and the destitute and idle ta .hioad L a fair way of obtaining their living by ne and the same means, those promoting this land organisation system will prove benefactors to the human race, whether pecuniary gain is obtain- able or not thereby. The only question is as tA the possibility of peasant proprietary farming being a success in this country, it having hitherto, According to general admission, turned out a failure. hat took place at the last moeting of the East Suffolk Chamber of Agriculture is intimately con- nected with this subject. The Rev. F. B. Zincke tt/1,d a paper on Comparative Systems of Culture, the tendency of which was to show that the British ono of renting large farms only answers when produce sells high and labour is low. On the other hand, it was sought to be proved that the labour of the peasant proprietor is a substitute for capital, owing to which ho can combat with bad tio»es better than his more wealthy noighbour, "ho has to incur large expenses from which he is •xetapt. Yet Mr. Zincke was of opinion that the Con- tinental small farmers had to pay more for their land than farmers in England. He said that in tine department of France no land was to bo pur- chased under £100 per acre, and he knew of the Produce of land having been taxed to the extent of £40 per acre. These statements were listened to ^ith great astonishment by the rev. gentleman's Editors, and Mr. Everett, in commencing the dis- cussion, said he had always understood that more Produce was raised by the English farm system than by any other the wide world over, while it ^as urged by Mr. F. S. Corrance and Mr. Herman JliddeU that peasant proprietors always worked Wder than paid farm labourers in England, and naany cases fared far worse likewise. Froro this discussion, and what has taken place *tvarious other Chambers of Agriculture recently# lto may be learned that practical farmers are the Potest doubters as to any scheme of small pro- dietary farming answering in this country, and, Considering that Fergus O'Connor's 1841 scheme utterly failed, it must be admitted that they have toOd grounds for being sceptical. Still, the times ba". altered since 1848, dairy goods, eggs, and poultry selling better. fhe Ensilage Commission, which has held six •lttings during the past fortnight, is performing amount of good the value of which is scarcely te be estimated. Lord Walsinghain appears to be Jhe right man in the right place as chairman of the ^ommisaion, having studied the subject so atteu- ^*ely and taken so much interest in it that he is Perfectly at home in examining the witnesses, and Setting &8 much information out of them as pos- lible in a brief period of time, On April 21, the rst day of sitting, six witnesses wore examined, on. of the most important statements being that Of Mr. Goise, of Nottingham, that by means of the ensilage system the stockage of any farm might be Doubled. The same witness computed the value of silage to be just double that of roots. He would Prefer to buy silage at £2 per ton rather than •edes at £1 per ton. Mr. J. Bateman, of Bright- liogsea, Essex, also gave a hijjh estimate of the *alue of silage, which, according to him, has already become a marketable article at Maldon, the cowkeepers of that town being glad to give 30s. per ton for it. Mr. Bateman is a great advo- cate of growing two silo crops in one season, the first being rye, and the second maize, and said he had 60 acres of rye growing to be siloed and to be succeeded by a maize crop this summer. Mr. Benry Woods, who adopts the same system on Lord Walsingham's farms at Merton, was under examination two hours at the third sitting. He, *°°» is foud of growing maize, and said he raised a crop last year which, although cut in September, Jlelded 32 tons per acre. The ensilage system was *^°ut to be carried out very extensively at «rton, and the bailiff expected to feed 100 ullocks where only 40 had been fed before. bably the-evidence of two witnesses examined ••t on th3 third day of the sitting will be cou- riered of high importance indeed. Mr. Hardy, of Northamptonshire, not only paid ha had °ubled his stock on a small farm of 120 acres by ^^Verting an old barn into silos and adopting the "Miage system, but that he had never fed animals ^lth less cost than during the past winter, or had in better condition, his system of feeding belD: half silage and half dry chaff. He said he "Stdsred half a ton of hay not more valuable to 1m for feeding purposes than ono ton of silage. material he put in his silo was, however, out Of the common, being a splendid crop of beans and •tches mixed, 30 tons to the acre. Mr. Seth ^h, of Abingdon, converted last year an old Reou-hoila0 into a silo, filling it ciliary with •nniin*s of ditches and flags, sedgegrass, rushes, other coarse stuff from a swamp. Stock would J*t scarcely any of it green, and when made into y the previous year it was scarcely worth .£2 per 0jhis dairy cows had cleared up every bit Of it, -lags and all, giving three gallons of milk per week while being fed partly on the silage t. tbeir yield when there was no moro to be given •m. iie considered the value to him of this made from almost waste material, to have 2-^s. per ton. Closely bearing on the above I. a statement of Mr. Harris, M.P., that some rushes on the top of his silo were eagerly d^roured I1.&bseqUtlntly in consequence. 4 Proposal has bean made in Hereford-wire to tet up a national testimonial to Mr. Duckhitai* •> and it has been suggested that 8uffici«ni might, no doubt, be raised to buy Bays'uaiu b Urt and the farm so long occupied by Mr. Duck- and present it to hun. Mr. Duckham's sor- "ices to farmers in general, and especially to those ;r Herefordshire and the counties where the white- breed of cattle is chiefly bred, are well °*yn, and it is very certain that to no public 11 are agriculturists more largely indebted in t.Q Qndeavour to free herds and flocks from con- 30 tious diseases. He has done useful service for Ycars or more, and it must he gratif) ing to him °ed to find that his labours are 'act unappre- tlll.teÙ. 'l'lJe great tenant-right case of Norraan against r ^ili'ricj Lawson is settled at last, neither party lng off absolutely the winner. It will bo t-f- jJ^bered that Mr. Noruaan's claim was for j62,278, tS t he is awarded only /.673 3s. lid., of which 17 19s. 7d. is for the consuming value of crops and fixtures. On the other hand, Sir Wilfrid, for° °^P°S £ <* the c'aim and put in one of his own ^P'-iations to £ 300, is allowed ttnd each party is to pay his own HI The worst feat-ire in the caee was the COB- evidence of si many practical men, all »et la^ict'Dg c-ne another very much as to the condition in which the farm was given up.

1'.EIE WEATHER AND THE CROPS. '1'1\ to ^Ui of Monday says:—English wheat ?°rei» at Friday's recovery, and sometimes dearer. • ^heat is 2s. above last Monday's rates, the *i°H8 being steady. Flour is lirm in all situa- rt^^r ¥alt'nS barley steady; feeding sorts rf^Ud occasionally 3d. dearer. Maize in a.fat the Bame advance. Beans Is. dearer. SHsh Quiet; sales at old rates. Value of commonly 5s. per bushel. The *t I*?0* a^roa(1 aru discouraging, but hope- 10Ine.

GARDENING NOTES. [Br MR. J. MUIR, MASGAU.1 GARDEN WAIJES.—Good walks or paths are both ornamental and useful in all gardens, and the in- terest anyone takes in their garden can generally be judged by the condition of the walks. All who enjoy their garden will always see that they have a comfortable walk to inspect their produce and add to the convenience of operations. Mere foot- paths—low, damp, muddy, and weedy everywhere but on the small track where they are kept down by the feet—are the worst and most discreditable walks we could meet with; and the best are those made to a certain width, high and dry on the centre, sloping gently to each side, and all clean and neat. it does not matter what width they are to have them in this condition. All should take the same form, and be kept clean and comfortable throughout. One great advantage of having a walk with a high centre is that this part is always dry for the feet, and, no matter how puddly the garden may be, an inspection of it can always be made comfortably. Where the gardens are small the paths should be narrower than where they are spacious. In a cottage garden a walk all round two feet or three feet wide would be sufficient, but in a much larger garden the walks might be six feet or eight feet in width. Laige stones as a foundation, and small gravel or ashes as a surface, will always make a good walk. Just now is a good time to do up all walks for the summer, and, while those in front of houses and in pleasure-grounds receive attention, do not omit those iu the vege- table garden. THINNING YOUNG VEGETABLKS. — Early sown parsnips, carrots, turnips, &c., are now growing fast, and they will soon become masses, and be injuriously crowded unless they receive timely attention in thinning. No greater mistake can be made with young vegetables than allowing them to be too crowded while young. It draws the plants up into a spindly, unnatural shape, and they are never thoroughly satisfactory afterwards. Thinning should begiu as soon as the plants can be handled, and the plants should be drawn up by degrees until there is no danger of one interfering with the proper development of another. At the first thinning the plants may be left two inches apart; when they meet, thin again to six inches apart; and from ten inches to one foot will be found a very suitable distance for the vegetables named above and many other productions. DAISIES ON LAWNS.—On extensive lawns these are allowed to grow and bloom without any at- tempt being made to exterminate them, but for some reason or other owners of small pieces of grass are seldom pleased with them, and try all they can to root them out. Different kinds of sand and other nostrums have been recommended to clear them out at one dressing, although I n^ver knew of a case where this happened. They might disappear for a time. and come again more plenti- ful than before. The only sure way of getting clear of them is to dig them up, and this should be done early in the season, as, if left till further on, the seed will have fallen and a fresh crop will appear. A very small fork will take them out without much injury to the lawn; but it is a pity that anyone should consider such a quaint flower objectionable. FLOWKR BKDS.—Where these are filled in summer with a selection of geraniums, calceolarias, and such like, it is time they were prepared for their reception. A moderately rich soil suits most flowers best; when it is too rich the plants are very apt to produce more wood and leaves than blossoms. When too poor the disphy will always be of short duration and meagre. Tho middle of May is a good time to plant, and all the beds and borders should be in readiness by that time. NICOTIAN A. AFKINIS."—This is the name of a fine species of the tobacco plant. It is a perennial, and is easily raised from seed, which should be sown in a warm corner of tho garden at this time. It suc- ceeds in the open air throughout the summer, and in the greenhouse in winter. It is cliietly note- worthy on account of the long, pure white tube- shaped flowers produced at the end of each shoot, and on wet days and in the cool of the morning and evening they emit a fragrance more delicious than any flower I could naine. KOHL RABI.—This is principally grown for feed- ing stock, but used in a young state, about the sizo of an orange, is a very good substitute for swedish turnips. Sow in March and April in drills fifteen to eighteen inches apart, and thin out to nine inches in the rows. ENorVE is in great request for salads in autumn nnd winter when lettuces get scarce. Sow in May and June in very shallow drills when the plants are up, thin to stand twelve inches apart. When the leaves have a length of eight inches they are fit for blanching. For this purpose a dry day must be selected. Gather the leaves up in the hand in a close and rounded form-observing that there is no litter in the centre—tie them closoly in two places, the middle and the top. to prevent the rain from penetrating, which would cause the heart to rot. In ten days or two weeks they will be blanched ready for use. Straw put over the plants in such a manner as to exclude the light is an easy and effectual method of blanching, and by con- tinually moving them onwards as the heads are cut a successional supply of well blanched endive may be secured. At the approach of winter the growing crop should be lifted carefully with a ball of earth to each root, and planted close together in a frame or dry cellar. GROWING PIT WOOD IN SOUTlt WALES.—A cor- respondent in the Woods and Forests section of the Garden says:—It is a remarkable fact that, notwithstanding the enormous quantities of pitwood used here every year, very little effort L* u1ade towards producing any of it on the spot. To one who sees the shipments of wood for this purpose constantly arriving from France and other places it seems incredible that land almost at the pit's mouth which is apparently well adapted for growing this class of wood should be allowed to lie waste and unproductive. It is, further a well-known fact that, colliery owners will willingly give a higher price for suitable home-grown wood, as its qualities are of a more lasting nature. Planting has been undertaken by a few landed proprietors with good results, and there is undoubtedly at the present moment a wide field open for such enterprise. TREES THAT RABBITS LIKK.—Another writer observes :—My experience is that rabbits are ex- tremely fond of the laburnum, and I believe it is sometimes planted or sown extensively in woods for the very purpose of diverting rabbits from other trees. I think they are, next to tho labur- num, fondest of hollies, young plantations of which they destroy wholesale. On ono estate I know a nurseryman planted tho different varieties of hollies upon an extensive scale; the rabbits which swarmed in the park had not been reckoned upon, and in one year they nearly ruined every plant. Cupressus Lawsoniant is eaten up by them hero during hard winters as far as they can reach.

GAUDEX OPERATIONS IN MAY. May is one of the busiest months in the garden in the whole year, and cultivators will now find their time fully occupied. The follow- ing operations extend throughout the month and should have timely attention:— Get the beds ready for summer bedding plants, planting the hardiest things, such as calceolarias, centaureas. &c., first. How dwarf ulm savoys dust turnips, brocooli, and other seed beds with wood ashes to keep down fly. Plant out some celery, caulitlowel's, and lettuce. Sow more peas, spinach, lettuce, radishes, and small salads, coleworts, and leeks. Thin carrots, spinach, parsley, turnips, and all crops that are too thick. Leave air on vineries night and day if the grapes have commenced to colour. Sow French beans for main crop. Shade and water copiously camellias which are making new growth. Plant out a few bedding plants now without delay, except the more tender kinds, such as coleus, alternantheras, iresines, and the softest sub-tropical plants. Sow scorzonera, salsafy, and early white snowball turnip; also green curled and Bataviun endive. Nuil in or tie the leading shoots of fruit trees on walls. Thin onions and ehallots. Sow more pead and French beans, plant gherkins and tomatoes, also late melons. Mulch outside vine and peach borders. Plant vegetable marrows and cover them with handlights. Sow cardoons, chervil, and thyme. Plant early savoys and Brussels sprouts. Pot greenhouse azaleas which have done flowering, and put them in & close atmosphere. Plant out the main crops of celery. Plant out leeks in deep, well-watered drills. Sow late peas, spinach, and scarlet runner bdans; also radishes, on rich ground.

A WELSHMAN HIGH SHERIFF OF LONDON. It is authoritatively announced that Mr. Alder- man David Evans, Ewell Grove, Ewell, Surrey, and of 24, Watling-street, London, has consented to undertake the important office of high sheriff of the City of London for 1885-6. We need hardly state that Mr. Alderman David Evans was born at Glanmychudd, Llantrisant, Glamorganshire, being the onlv son of the late Mr. Thoinas Evans, of that place. He is cousin to Mr. John Evans, CroftR, near Dantrisant. Few men have over at his age attained such high civic distinctions, he being still only about 35 years of age. He will formally assume the office, with the consent of the Common Hall, on the 24th of June next, and will continue to hold the office until the end of the civic year in 1886. It is well known that the office of high sheriff costs the individual holding it between £4,000 and £5,000, which comes entirely out of his own pocket. We have reason to believe that Mr. Alderman David Evans's town residence during his holding of the office will be in Portland-square.

ALSOP'S STEAM CABINET WORKS.—Mr. Uriah Alsop, the well-kuown cabinet manufacturer, of Broadmead, Bristol, has recently made another addition to his already extensive premises. A fact which strikes one on visitinj th-) establishment is the great progress which has been made in the process of manufacture. This use of the best and most I expeditious machinery is )t reason why Mr. Atsop is enabled to sell furniture of a certain chtiia 110 oheapiy; but it ahould not be forgotten that while cheap are manufactured, Mr. Alsop alio turns out furniture which would suit the most artistic or fastidious t&dbe. Mr. A ISOP s trade IS net confined to a certain district, but he sends to all parts of tho country —to London, Liverpool, Manchester, and all the large, as well as smaller, towus in England and Wales, aud across the borders to Scotland and Ireland, aud he has at times received orders from places still more remote. Such a business in- volves the employment of a large number of workmen, of whose skill an idea can be formed from the excei.entohft- racter of the best-class furniture sent out.—-Bristol Dailv There is an immense assortment of furniture, the manufactory being oue of the largest out of Looaoru Swntrsrt County QazctU. i^wsUtc

"MORIEN" IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. LONDON, Monday NIGHT. This lias been a memorable night in the per- sonal history of the Prime Minister, of the House of Commons, and of the British Empire. This will be understood when I state that the crowded House passed unanimously, after the termination of the Prime Minister's speech delivered in Committee of Supply, the Vote of Credit for eleven millions sought by the Government. Party differences were for the moment set aside, and the British Parliament presented to the whole world an unbroken front. The Celts and the Saxons no longer remembered anything but that they were members of the great British natiou. Liberals, Tories, and Radicals forgot party alto- gether to-night, and stood up as one man in favour of adopting every available means to maintain inviolate even the fringe of that wide Empire which the Almighty in His Providence has be- queathed to the fostering care of the Anglo-British people. This marvellous unanimity in the great council of the nation presented a sublime scene to the contemplative mind. One seemed to witness exercised on this occasion the dominant quality which has made the British race the colonisers and the civilisers of the world. In this light I regarded the great Assembly, fully animated by diversity of opinions, presenting an unbroken phalanx to the nations. It was a scene almost enough to reanimate the dust of the great patriotic kings and queens sleeping in the sepulchres of the neighbouring Abbey of Westminster, and the united voices of millions of living Britons seemed to say to-night by their representatives, We love our country because our fathers' sepulchres are here, and here our kindred dwell." Every seat was occupied; the gallery facing the Treasury Bench was crowded with hon. members unable to find room below. Mr. Henry Richard, the senior member for Merthyr, was to-night again stranded on the Irish coast, having alighted in the centre of the Farnellites. I confess his venerable appearance added dignity to tho Irish quarter, but he seemed pretty careful not to hold converse with any of Mr. Parnell's young men. Mr. Biggar, who sat next to him on his right, must have reminded the descendant of the eloquent Welsh divines of one of the heroes in Bunyan's immortal works. The Fourth Party were present in full force. Lord R. Churchill,at its head, seemed to be rapidly recover- ing from the amiable mood peculiar to tho Eastern climes in which he lately sojourned, and which distinguished tho noble lord for some time after his return. The bracing climate of John Bull's Isle seemed to have re-kindled the latent vigour in his blood. This seemed to be quickly recognised to-night by the Prime Minister, for when the noble lord interrupted the Prime Minister in his speech by a sly reference to the bombard- meat of Alexandria, Mr. Gladstone seemed for the moment inclined to bomhard him on the spot. The Prime Minister stopped in his speech, and then, bending f-lightly forward aud looking straight at the noble lord, remarked that such interruptions were hardly compatible with the decencies of that House. It had been evident for some time that Lord R. Churchill intended to speak in the debate; but later on, when the Prime Minister was dwelling on the gravity of the occasion, he tore up his notes. Mr. Gosohen and Mr. Foster were in their usual places. Mr. Forster sat in a corner behind the Treasury Bench in a perfectly passive attitude, lounging back in his place and watching Mr. Gladstone with a side-look. Next to the Prime Minister sat the Home Secretary, then the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer, Lord Hartington, Mr. Chamberlain, and Sir Charles Dilke. On Mr. Gladstone's right was the Judge-Advocate-General (Mr. 0, Morgan). The Prime Minister was care- fully dressed in a black frock coat, and wore a pink flower in his button-hole, He had placed on tho table a small flat bottle, containing a white mixture, which, I am told, is usually the case with him when he comes down prepared to deliver a great speech. After the questions had been disposed of, the right hon. gentleman faced the deuply-expectant House to make a brief statement on the motion that the House resolve itself into Committee of Supply to consider the Vote of Credit. As soon as he sat down Mr. Arthur O'Connor criticised the action of the Government in proposing the Vote of Credit for the expenses of the Soudan and that for other military prepara- tions with a view to contingencies elsewhere. He proposed a resolution with a view to keep the two accounts separate. This was seconded by Sir H. Holland. Mr. Chaplin followed, who proceeded to refer to past operations in the Soudan, and cha- racterised the Suakim and Berber Railway as moonshine. Mr. Balfour, the Marquess of Salis- bury's nephew, rose from the next seat to I,ord R. Churchill's, and, referring to the speech which the Minister of War had just delivered, remarked he had never heard a worse case than the noble lord had set forth. Ho then, after placing his gold spectacles on his nose, mado the serious allegation that the Government had brought forward the joint vole with a view to avoid discussion on their past policy in the Soudan. The Prime Minister seemed to watch the lieutenant of the Fourth Party, for so is Mr. Balfour regarded, like an eagle eager to make a swoop. The ardour of the Prime Minister was made very apparent. He, however, restrained himself and simply took notes. Mr. Gorst spoke after Mr. Balfour, and while he was speaking the Prime Minister, looking very grave, often shook his head in token of disapproval of the remarks of this other member of the Fourth Party. Sir William Harcourt then spoke, his manner remind- ing one of Mr. Disraeli's description of his oratorical efforts as Herodian eloquence." Sir Stafford Northcote and Lord R. Churchill then stood up together, but the noble lord instantly gave way to the leader of the Opposition. After some brief remarks by tho Prime Minister, who seemed to be studiously dignified, the division was taken, and the Government scored a majority of 4-3. The House then went into Committee on the vole, and Mr. Gladstone rose and roxde his memombla speech, which occupied one hour and twenty minutes ill the delivery. He spoke with great deliberation, but emphasised certain pas- lIagê3 by voice and gesture. The portion of his speech which seemed to stir the House most was that in which he dwelt on the efforts of the Government to maintain peace between Great Britain and the Russian Empire. He held up his right hand, as if appealing to heaven, and in thrilling tones said: We have laboured, do labour, and shall continue to labour for a pacific settlement by honourable means, but with regard to the sad contingency of an outbreak of war and the rupture of relations between Russia and England, I will say wit.h great strength of conviction, and with great earnestness, we will strive to conduct ourselves to tho end of this diplomatic contro- versy in such a way that, if unhappily it is to end in violence or rupture, we at loast may be able to challenge the verdict of civilised nations as to whether the Government had not done all that men could do by every high and honourable method to prevent the plunging of two such countries, with all the millions that own their sway, into bloodshed and strife." There was some- thing like a sensation. The whole House, at the close of this eloquent and touch- ing passage, respondod with loud applause, In lessth-m five minutes after the right hon. gen- tleman resumed his seat the vote was passed unanimously, followed by cheers frotn neir the Treasury Bench. The House quickly separated. LONDON, WEDNESDAY NIGHT. The House of Commons, as usual on Wednesday, met to-day at noon. Immediately upon the Speaker taking his seat Lord E. Fitzmaurice made the announcement, in answer to an hon. member, that information had been received from Sir Peter Lumsden confirming the news which appeared in the morning journals that Russia had made another advance on the frontier of Afghanistan. Of course, this being another distinct violation of the solemn compact entered into on March 17 between Russia and the Government of her Majesty, to the effect that neither party would advance beyond the positions occupied at that time, by it Russia throws down the gauntlot well knowing what the consequences must be. The outlook, therefore, is dark in the extreme. Indeed, it is stated to-night, that negotiations between the two Governments have come to an end, and at any moment the world may be startled to hear of a further momentous developmetpf the crisis. Peace is despaired of, and the awful calamity of war seems to be immi- nent. It is stated that a Cabinet Council was held this morning at the official residence of the Prime Minister, when the critical condition of affairs was solemnly discussed. The decision arrived at has not transpired, but it cannot but be momentous. One of the morning papers published a second edition in which it was stated that British subjects had been ordered to leave Odessa. If this be correct it would seem that the first act of an open rupture between the two Governments is actually in course of development. It is admitted on all hands that the British Government have lately so conducted matters in the negotiations as to satisfy the con- science of the civilised world, and that the British Power will take tho tield-if take the field it must —backed by the sympathy of all those whose sym- pathy is of any value. The House of Commons busied itself all the rest of the day in discussing amendments to the Redistribution Bill. The question as to whether Westminster is to have three or four members occupied much time. Sir Charles Dilke moved that the number should be limited to three members. The Opposition sought four mem- bers, in accordance with a promise to that effect made by the Government. It provoked Lord Randolph Churchill's wrath with the leaders of the Opposition, and in speak- ing in reference to the question he emphasised sarcastically the words the leaders of tho Opposition in this House," at which the House laughed good-humouredly The noble lord folded his arms, and stood boldly on the floor of the House until the storm of merriment had blown over, and then repeated the sarcasm, and said in effect the House ought to exercise its own sense in the matter, irrespective of the understanding between the leaders of the parties. Sir Stafford Northcote very quietly in- timated that the promise referred to had been made in accordance with the "Wishes of represen- tatives of that side of the House. He would not say in the presence of the noble lord "of the leaders of the Opposition." This hit was much enjoyed by the House. Mr. Gorst, as if wishing to aim a blow at Lord R. Churchill, hinted that the sense of the House was absent when the noble lord was engaged on his Indian tour. He did not say this in so many words, but his meaning was obvious, and the House laughed heartily. Meanwhile the lion of Woodstock eyed his candid friend ominously. The opposition which seems to be organised in the Rhondda Division to the candidature of a direct Parliamentary representative of labour in the next Parliament receives some attention here. I regret to state there seems to be a widespread opinion here that Welsh constituencies are more inclined to regard a seat in Parliament as a reward for past favours, either in the way of keeping a pack of hounds or something of the kind, than as a serious position to be occupied for the benefit of the country at large. It is alleged that the ques- tion, Who is the fittest to represent u&? is bat rarely asked by Welsh constituencies. It is to be hoped this humiliating allegation is not weU founded.

THE SPIRIT OF THE WELSH PRESS. [BT GWTLIH»TDB."] Wrexbam was highly favoured this week. Ii; had the honour of entertaining the Association of the Calvinistic Methodists and the Marquess of Salisbury. The Amseroedd devotes a leading article to the Conservative chief and the future Premier of Great Britain. The visit of the Tory leader to Wales is giving the Radicals a good deal of anxiety. The Avueroedd says:—" It must be admitted that the Tories of Wales are showing signs of life and activity, and they boast that the future is theirs. They had prepared an immense pavilion for the reception of Lord Salisbury, and all the squires, big and small (/m awrfrith a manfrith were gathered to the place. If we are to take the Wrexham meeting as a test of the feeling of the Principality, there is no question that our great men (' mawrion') are awake, whatever may be said of the masses. The burden of his lord- ship's address was an attack on Mr. Gladstone and his Govemment.and he contended that the present state of our foreign relations is due to their bung- ling and helplessuess." The Bauer says ;-6; We cannot help recognising the hand of the wise Providence of Heaven, and to feel thankful Mr. Gladstone is at the helm of government. What if the vaunting, passionate creature, who cares not what bad language lie uses, were Prime Minister ? The coach would have been upset long ago." Several of the papers have articles on the English press on the war, and bear such a strong family likeness as if they had been inspired by the same person. The probability, however, is that they are founded upon an English article on the subject, and served up second-hand in Welsh. Original ideas and articles on politics are few and far between in the Welsh newspapers. The GoUuad de- plores th*. warlike character of the London press:—" For some days the war spirit has taken possession of the newspapers, and we are sorry to find that the Daily Neios has caught the fever. The reason for it is that the conductors of the papers take too narrow a view of the question at issue between England and Russia." The writer con- cludes with the following pious prayer" We can safely leave the matter in the hands of the Government, praying that they may be guided by the Divine General, and be able to settle matters in accordance with His designs and purposes." The Amseroedd says:—"The English press has fallen from grace in the matter of Afghanistan. Even the Daily News went astray for a time. The general opinion is that the London press is utterly incapable of forming a correct opinion on the sub- ject." How profound! The Disestablishment discussion at Llandudno between Mr. Fisher and Mr. Helm was. an inte- resting event, and will have the effect of en- lightening the public mind on the subject. It occupied three nights, and everything passed off without a hitch. The defenders of the Church occupied the body of the hall.and the Liberationists the gallery. The Baner, Gwalia, and Genedl report the proceedings, but the other papers ignore them, which is a pretty fair indication of who had the best of the discussion. The Baner says:—" Every- thing passed off quietly. The two advocates con- ducted themselves as gentlemen. Mr. Fisher proved himself a sound reasoner, and Mr. Helm showed great skill in dealing with his opponent. We do not know what good will come of it. A lull report of the proceedings will be published." The Goleuad is chiefly occupied with the pro- ceedings of the Calvinistic Methodist Association at Wrexham. They occupied three days, and were attended by a large number of the leading ministers of the denomination. The spread of the English language is causing great anxiety to the Corph. A proposal was made to build an English chapel at Manchester for the use of their members in that city. Mr. John Roberts, M.P., did not think it wise to establish English causes in the large towns of England. The one in London has proved a failure, and those of Liverpool are not very flourishing. He thought it would be better for their friends to join the Presbyterians. Mr. Richard Davies, M.P., was of the same opinion. He hoped to see the different sections of Presbyterians joining in one body. Dr. Owen Thomas suggested that the question be put off until the next meeting of the Association. It was a very broad question," he said. and an important one if the denomination is to live." It appears that a large proportion of the chapels are held on lease, and a resolution was adopted asking Mr. Henry Richard, Mr,r ilichard Davies. and Mr. John Roberts to introduce a Bill into Parliament mnking it compulsory for land. owners to sell the freeholds of the chapels to the denomination. Does not this sound very much like axi attempt to get in the thin end of the wedge in favour of making the Corph the Established Church of Wales? It is very strange to witness a body of men asking the Legislature to make laws in their own favour, whilst, with the same breath. calling upon the Government to deprive another Church of its buildings and revenues. The Tyst and Celt are in mourning on account of the death of the Rev. Simon Evans, one of the leading Independent ministers of the Principality. The Tyst says of him:—•' Mr. Simon Evans was one ot the most eminent characters that ever belonged to our dew>iination, ana he secured for himself, by his services uid usefulness, a high and honourable place all; ..g the leaders of Inde- pendency in Wales. It was of no use undertaking any work or enterprise without asking his opinion and advice, and securing his co-operation." The Celt says:—" Mr. Evans was a strong man in body and soul, and without hypocrisy. He was strong and courageous enough to be a fair antagonist, and liberal enough to admit the merits of those who differed from him. He was an immovable rock, and nothing would turn him from his purpose." The Baner sa:>> The Uov, Simon Evans was an independent of the Independents, but was also aw free and brotherly as anyone we know. He was not an accomplished speaker, but was a strong thinker, a fair reasoner, and stood alone among his brethren in his knowledge of the Scriptures. There is no need to say who his father or relatives were—for the name of Simon Evans is as well known throughout Wales as that of Simon Peter." The Genedl has another able nrticle on "Eistedd- fod Reform, which deserves to be read by every friend of the old institution. Tho writer says:— "There was a time when the adjudications were the gems of the Eisteddfod, but they ar« now treated too much as Hecuba was— with jeering and contempt. At the Denbigh Eisteddfod of 1860, the adjudication of • Ernrys' on the prize poem was read at length, and those who were present remember the effect it produced. The adjudication of Eben Fardd' at the London Eisteddfod is considered one of the best produc- tions of his pen. Matters are much changed since those days. The old state of things ought to be restored. Before the adjudicators had their proper place at the Eisteddfod a better understanding must be had about the standard and general prin- ciples of adjudicating. As a rule deficiency of time accounts for many imperfections. How absurd it is to expect three adjudicators to come to an understanding about the respective merits of six or ten compositions, each contain- ing hundreds of pages, in three weeks! Adjudicators must under such circum- stances sacrifice the chief principles of adjudication—order, exactness, and cluarness, and, maybe, justice also—and form an opinion under the impulse of the moment and not from careful reading and reflection." Bearing upon this subject is the report of a trial at the Llandudno County Court to recover the sum offered for a prize, upon which the Herald has a leading article. It appears that the Mayor of Con way offered a prize of £5 for the best essay on Eminent Welshmen" at a local Eisteddfod last Christmas. Two reverend gentlemen were appointed adjudicators, who awarded the prize to one Thomas Davies. The committee discovered before the prize was handed over that the author had "cribbed" nearly the whole of the essay from a printed book. The ad- judicators in this case were either incompetent for the office or grossly neglected their duty. Scarcely any consideration is given in the present day to the fitness of adjudicators for the work entrusted to them, or the probability of their faithfully dis- charging it. The Baner has another long article on Fail- Trade," which appears from a foot note to be a translation from an English pamphlet on the sub- ject. One would have supposed that this and former articles on Fair Trade, considering the place they appeared ill the paper, the leading type, and the editorial we," were the original produc- tions of the editor. The same paper has an article on "Intermediate Education," deprecating hasty legislation on the subject. We fear," the writer says, if the matter is pressed too much on the Government, we shall have an unjust and unsatis- factory Bill. Let the Bit! be printed before the general election, so that we may consider its pro- visions before it is discussed in Parliament." Gtoalia gives a flourishing account of the Primrose Demonstration at Bangor on the 18th. The Conservative clubs were decorated, and the primrose was worn by nearly everybody in tho streets. A procession was formed at the Work- men's Conservative Club, headed by a band, which proceeded to the railway station to meet the con- tingent from Bethesda. The two bodies then marched through the streets, headed by their bauds, and went to the Penrhyn-halllmd held a public meeting. The hall was decorated with Conservative mottoes and a profusion of primroses. The meeting was crowded and enthusiastic, and a resolution was passed in favour of the Conserva- tive candidate, Colonel Piatt. A similar demon- stration was held at Carnarvon." Mr. Cynfal Davies contributes an interesting letter to the Gwyliedydd on Llewelyn Dda o Fon; and Thalamus sends the first of, a series of letters on "Old London." The Celt is surprised that Lord Cairns, a Puritan in religion, should be a Tory in politics, forgetting that the King of the Puritans, Oliver Cromwell, was one of the biggest Tories that ever lived. The Liberalism of the Puritan Welsh of the present day is accidental and ephemera), and will have to give place, sooner than many people think, to the Conservatism of their past history, and the only form of politics which suits their habits and race. Gwalia states that there were only nine pri- soners for the whole of North Wales at the recent assizes, and only three of the number were Welsh. The Tarian goes in strongly for Mabon as a candidate for the Rhondda Valley, and a corre- spondent of the same paper asks the shopkeepers and preachers who oppose him to remember who helped them out of the horrible pit and miry clay in which they were found. One of the staff of the Grcetthttor, named Brython," indulges in choice language of the Billingsgate order about the Western Mail. I congratulate tho respected pro- prietor of the paper on his possession of so able and accomplished a correspondent. Somehow or other the Welsh people will read the Western Mail, notwithstanding the anathemas of the pulpit and the set fawr.

To STODKNTS.—To all those who burn the "Midnight Oil "enptgedui mental labour, we would recommend Cadbary's Cocoa, its comforting, exhila- rating, and sustaining power* are extraordinary. 69780

CAUSE OF DEATH. The Rector had suffered for soma- years from an affection of the chest. He had been very much indisposed ever since the death of his son- in-law, Major Dickenson, who died in India last autumn of Asiatic cholera. He had been away at his seat at Braichycelyn, near Aberdovey, and had evidently improved in health. Upon his return about a month ago, he had some very marked symptoms of a painful affection of the nerves of the heart, which were greatly relieved by medi- cines, and towards the end of the week previous to his death he was apparently very much im- proved in health. At the solicitation of his friends, and of Dr. Dyke and Dr. Ward, his medical atten- dants, he went on Monday last to London to con- sult Sir Andrew Clarke, whom he saw on Tuesday, and obtained an opinion confirmatory of the view entertained by his local doctors. He returned from London on Wednesday, and during the day on Thursday he did not appear to be at all fatigued by his journey, but on Thursday evening upon re- tiring to rest he complained of considerable difficulty of breathing, indicative of a cold on the chest. The symptoms became more marked as the night advanced. His medical attendants were sent for, and endeavoured by every means in their power to restore the action of the heart aud so relieve his breathing. Their efforts were for a time successful, but owing to that weakness of the heart's action to which he had for some time been subject all that medical skill could do was of no avail, and after a great amount of painful suffering he passed quietly and calmly away, at twenty minutes past seven on Friday evening, the cause of death being certified as Failure of the heart's action."

DEATH OF THE REV. DR. 1 REES, OF SWANSEA. The inhabitants of Swansea were exceedingly surprisedsnd shocked on Wednesday afternoon at the unexpected intelligence that the well-known Dr. Rees, who had a week or so before been car- rying on his laborious duties with all his accus- tomed activity, had died. About an hour after his death the intelligence was on the lips of everyone, and it was easily to be seen that the old minister was one of the best known and generally esteemed residents of the town. Dr. Rees died in the zenith of his reputation, having this year held the position of chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, the highest position open to an aspiring minister of that sect. For the last 23 years the rev. gentleman—who had bad the title of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him by his Transatlantic admirers—had been pastor of the Ebenezer Chapel at Swansea,where he had laboured, as in his previous charges, with the greatest success, and his was, therefore, a more than usually familiar figure in the town. He was a thorough Welshman, and by his death the Welsh Nonconformist pulpit loses one of its most forcible preachers, whilst Swansea loses one of its most respected citizens. At the outset of his career, educated by a charitable member of the body to which he belonged, the humble lad rose step by step, by dint of industry and undoubted merit, to the highest position he could have attained, and after conferring an immense benefit on his fellow Nonconformists by a life of unwearied toil of tongue and pen, he passed away—the representative Welsh Nonconformist—amid the most profound respect of all who knew him. It was not expected that the illness from which Dr. Rees suffered would have proved fatal, as he had suffered in a similar way before. He caught cold whilst attending a funeral in Pembrokeshire about, a fortnight ago, and on Friday last was compelled to take to his bed. The inflammation of the lungs which had affected him became more severe on Tuesday last, and his condition on Tuesday night and Wedne day morning became very serious. He succumbed at 1.20 on Wednesday afternoon, at the age of 70 years. The following sketch of his life and labours will doubtless prove interesting:— BIOGRAPHICAL PARTICULARS. The Rev. Thomas Rees was born on the 13th of December, 1815, at his father's farmhouse, Peny- bontbren, which is situate at Llanfynydd, near Llandito, Carmarthenshire. Wit.h the exception of a fortnight spent in a dame school, he never attended any school or college. Ho was entirely self-taught, all his knowledge being acquired by his own industry. In the autumn of 1828 Wales experienced a great religious revival," and the deceased, who was then not thirteen years old, joined the Wtdsh Congregational Church at Capel isuac, His ministerial career, which lasted for Hioio than half a century, commenced at this chapel, where ho began to preach in Match, 1832, when ho was little more than sixteen. He was not, however, formally ordained until the 15th of September, 1836, when he was appointed to a pastorate at Cruig-y-Fargoed, near Merthyr. The Church of which he than took charge numbered, it is stated, only twelve members, and his salary— ten shillings a month—was projiortionately small. On the 25th of August, 1833, ho married Miss Jane Williams, tho daughter of Mr, Thomas Williams, a farmer at Blaina, Monmouthshire. After a stay of four years at Craig-y-Fargoed he moved in 1840 to Ebenezer, Aberdaro, where he laboured until March, 1842. From Aberdare he went to Siloa, Llanelly. Here, two years later, he first turned his attention to literary work, and began to translate into Welsh tho popular work, "Notes 011 the New Testament. by Albert Barnes. This work was completed in 1830 and published at Denbigh, and had an extensive circulation. While at Llanelly he also began to collect materials for his magnum opus, the History of Noncon- formity in Wales," which was not written and given to tho public until 1861. The book was receivod with great favour, and commanded a larg-e sale, and a second edition, revised and enlarged by the author, and brought down to the present time, was published in 1883 In June, 1849, he left Llaneily for Carmel, Beaufort, Monmouthshire, where his ministerial labours were eminently succeedul. 111 the autumn of that year, while the choler.i was raging violently in the country, no t!ll1 393 persons joined his Church, as m my :1" 210 being received as members on Sunda.y, Ocioticr 23. Tiie latter end of the year 1859 was ;>i.-ir.»., -1 by glc,lt. excitement on Ihù subject of i- .igioi. in various tmrts of the United King<ii>m, a iii Pro Kees, accompanied by other Welsh mini. 1 s, to ide a preaching touroftwoorthree momhs'duration in the North of Ireland, where the 'revival" movement gained great strength, particularly in Belfast. While Dr. Rees was at, Beaufort he was mainly instrumental in founding an English Congregational Church and establishing a British School there. He accepted the pastoral charge of Ebenezer, Swansea, in March, 1832, and in the following May took up his residence in that town. The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him in 1862 by tiie Univetsity of Marietta, Ohio, U.S.A., in I t:co;;nirion of hi" services in religious literature. Dr.* Rees collaborated with his friend, the Rev. John Tiiouris, D. D., of Liverpoo),in writing the "History of the Independent Churches in Wales,"which was completed in 1875. The work is in the Welsh language, and fills four volumes. Another of his important literary works is a Welsh Bible, which he edited, and to which he added explanatory notes. This large and costly work, which engaged his attention from 1370 to 1876, was published by the well-known firm of Virtue and Co., and between 8,000 and 10,000 copies of it have been sold. He was a prolific contributor to Welsh religious periodicals, and he himself esti- mated that his fugitive pieces would fill eight or ten octavo volumes. Twelve papers read by him before various societies and nssociations were col- lected and published in 1867 under tho title of Miscellaneous Papers all Subjects relating to Wales." Having been repeatedly asked to visit America, Dr. Rees took a trip to the United State- in May, 1876, and preached in several of the prin- cipal cities. He intended to stay until September but, unfortunately, in July he was called back home by a telegram announcing the death of his wife. During the past quarter of a century <■< 1 more Dr. Rees displayed the greatest activity M promoting the building of Enghsh Congregational Churches in ordor to keep pace with the growth of the English language in Wales. Thanks mainly to his efforts, as many as four English places of worship for Independents were built in Swansea— Fabian's Bay. Sandfields, Walter-road, and Poppett- hill-and his own Welsh chapel was re-built in 1863 at a cost of £2.500, The Walter-road Church was the one at which the late Rev. Thomas Jones. the poot-preacher of Wales," ministered both before he went to Australia and atter he returned, and it may be remarked, in passing, that between these two prominent Welsh Indepen- dents there always existed the warmest friend- ship. Few Welsh preachers enjoyed such a widespread popularity as Dr. Rees, who is said to have preached, on an average, six times a week for tho last 30 years. Kindness and benevolence were writ large on his fiice, and his flowing white beard rendered his appear- ance quite patriarchal. His platform utterances were always clear and sensible, as even his oppo- nents admit, and were entirely free from the odium theologicum, so that whenever he spoae in public he was listened to with attention and interest. In the month of May, 1884, by an almost unanimous vote, Dr. Rees was elected President of the Con- 'gregational Union of England and Wales, which distinguished position he filled at the time of his death, He was held in the highest esteem by Welsh Nonconformists of all sects, and the Congro- gationalists of the Principality were naturally proud of a man who by his good works and force of character had readied such an honourable position. [BY Ap TCDOB ] The most notable and distinguished minister of the Independent denomination in Wales—the Rev. Thomas Rees, D.D.—died at his residence at Swansea on Wednesday afternoon. Only a few days ago—the 21st mstant-he preached at the funeral of another distinguished minister of the same denomination—the Rev. Simon Evans—and appeared to be in his usual robust health. He was attacked a few days ago with in- flammation of tho lungs, from which he never rallied. He was chairman of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, and was to have delivered his inaugural address in London the second week in May. Dr. Rees was a self-made man. He had no educational training in bis youth, and the high and exalted position he attained among his brethren was due to his untiring industry and ability. He was born in the year 1815 at Capel Isaac, near Llandilo, Car- marthenshire, and was consequently in his 70th year when he died. He was a fine specimen of the old Puritan divines who have made Wales famous as the home of earnest religious life. He had a fine and dignified presence, which commanded attention and respect wherever he appeared. As a pulpit orator he stood in the first rack, and was universally popular. His mamMK and appearance in the pulpit wero Botanm 8Dd impressive. Everybody felt that a luiiBlm of assemblies was going to apeak. Btoomuicced his pulpit addresses with gravity Mid Mbmtiwi —laid the foundation, as it were, with can and deliberation—and as he proceeded the warmth and power of his nature were gradmUf unfolded until he held bis hearers epeU- bound. Oil occasions hia eloquence rose to a high pitch, and his tich inmefiBtfoa brought forth things new and old with soch power and freshness that only those who hare had the privilege of hearing him can realise his grandma as a preacher. And yet, notwithstanding bill solemn and serioua style of preaching, he waft genial and simple as a child. Although an un- compromising Independent, he was mild and tolerant towards those who differed feom bimpaad gave the right hand of fellowship to all the Evangelical sections of the Church. He had a wholesome dread of Roman Catholicism, which influenced his life and actions in matters political and educational. Dr. Rees was ordained when he was eighteen years of age, and has, therefore, been in tbe ministry over 50 years. His first charge was Craig-y- Kargoed, near Merthyr Tydfil. He afterwardsheld the pastorate of Churches at Aberdare, Llanelly, Beaufort, and, for the last 22 years, that of Ebenezer Church, Swansea. He translated Barnes's Commentary on the New Testament into Weteh, which obtained a largo circulation, and which secured for him the diploma of Doctor of Divinity from one of the American Universities. He wrote also, in English, a history of Welsh Nonconformity which displays an amount of. labour and research that is almost incredible when it is considered how much of his time was spent in preaching in all parts of the Principality. Tho information contained in this volume affords valuable material for the future historian, and helps to throw much light on the origin and growth of Nonconformity in Wales. By his death the Independent body has lost its most brilliant minister, and Wales one of her best and noblest sons. Dr. John Thomas, of Liverpool, referring to the death of the Rev. Simon Evans, said that he felt as if one of the buttresses of the denomination had been taken away, Well may he exclaim, with the Hebrew prophet, I, even I only, am left." JFBOM A. SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Dr. Roes, the author of Nonconformity in Wales," was in his 701.h year, liaving passed his 69th birthday inDecembp) la*t. lie was the son of Rhys Rees, and was bom at Capel Isaac, near Llandilo. His father may be described as „ small farmer and a large shoemaker, like his ancestors On the mother's side Dr. Reos was certainly one of the Nonconformist elect, there having been twenty- five ministers in succefuon in her family. Rees's grandfather was Morgan Morgan, who not only tilled his own land but, like the people of his time combined the manufacturing :nd the agricultural and kept fourteen shoemakers steadily at work a' his place at Maes y Teilo. Dr. Rees .1ben a lad waf apprenticed to the trade, but made little headway and when in the 14th year of his age beeaux infected to such an extent wtth the revivalism o the period that his cr .ndfather, though an cider at Capel Isaac, was incensed with him, and was of:¡ in the habit of driving Rees out into the graveyr. One time ltoes escaped and sought fthetterupon UI high tomb of an ancestor, from which he derisively dared them to drive him. From (Jape1 Isaac Rees wandered, and came to Llwydycoed tr his uncle, Rhys Price, a contractor, who placed him to mine work, but a knockdow. blow from a fellow workman gave him a dislike for under- ground operations, and his uncle allowed him, henceforth, to remain at home and study. His first" call was to Craig y Fargoed, and his salary 15s. per month. For this he journeyed from Llwydycoed to Bargond every Sunday, over the mountains, and at night journeyed back. Happily, this did not last long. He opened a school, found favour in the eyex of a fair daughter of a mountain farmer, married her. and she being an energetic woman a shop was opened—the village shop—and for a time Rees was happy. But evil days were in store. The Newport Riots were looming, colliers got deeply in debt, to prepare for evil days" every collier had a sack of flour in his house, and Rees's book debts was something enormous. Then the storm burst, and Rees found himself a debtor in Cardiff Gaol. This was a turning point in his life. It was not his fault that he went to gaol. He, poor fellow, while in the clouds dreaming, knew little of the shop transactions, and only awoke to the liabilities of those who do with debtor and creditor when in gaol. In gaol, hit books allowed him and some liberty of action, ht was able to rivet his mind upon his favourite studies, and there is no doubt but that the outcome was a deeper religious fervour and a more philosophic view of the littleness of the world. W hen ltees came out of gaol, a sorrowing man, his course in life abruptly checked, he knew not what to do. Happily, good friends were around him. and he went to Siioah, Llanelly, and, by the aid of an energetic printer, ho brought out his great work, the translation of "Barnes on the Gospels." As the money came in for this he put by a little regularly to pay his trade Jebt, and was never happy until ho nad paid it off. From Llajaelly he went « Beaufort, and as Rees, of Kendle, won a great name Here he wrote his "History of Nonconfonnitj in Wales," a work displaying a vast amount of in ilustry, and, considering that his educational ad- v.intugfes had not been great, a most creditabW production. Last year a second edition, pruned o' some of its defects, was issued, and a copy for- warded to and accepted by the Premier. Froir Beaufort Dr. Rees removed to Swansea, and this with the exception of a few months' visit to America, when lie had the degree of Ph.D. ooo ferred upon him, ended his wanderings. HI had been twenty-two years in Swansea i. connection with the Independent cause, and had the distinguished honour of being the chairman o the association representing the Nonoonformis' world, the first honour of the kind ever obtainec by a Welshman. As a self-trained man Dr. Rce* held a high position. He had a grand bass voice thoroughly disciplined and at command, and thlt with his powerful form, impressed his hearers a' once. But it was when his mastery of description f\nd power of reason came into play that his reai influence was felt and always acknowledged. He had thorough command over his congregation. His gravity, said one who knew him well, seemed never to relax. You carried away with you an awful solemnity, and the echo of his voice seemed to haunt you and remain with you. Dr. Rees was one of the old school, earnest in all he did, in all he thought, and yet friends knew that the ponderous man who seemed ever bent upon ponderous themes was not insensible to the play of fancy and the pleasantnessof humour, even though in hia artillery against the powers of evil such formed no part. During one of the Eisteddfodau gatherings at Swansea there was a rumour of fire, and a great rush was made to the outlets. In the throng moved the doctor, a head and shoulders above the crowd, and his strong, rich voice was heard in Welsh bidding everyone clear the way. let me pass," he said, waving his hands to and fro, Let me pass; it is too soon for me to go. I have work to do; work to do on earth." Not fur him then the realm fenced oil with gates of jasper and emerald. He had to battle with wrong in the dark places of earth, to fight against the tyranny of wealth, the -cepticism of intellect, and in his way, with his "lights," the doctor has done his part. Lacking the ease and training of the schools, he had that rugged ai-uestness and simplicity and fervour of nome- i i Ip which are too often lost under academical disci. plirse and friction, and he may well be regarded as a notable and distinguished Welshman—almost the last of the band who has given a distinction to Wales.

THIS REPRESENTATION OF COWEK. AT.DRUMAN YKO, OF SWANSEA, AS A CANDIDATE. On Wednesday a deputation, consisting of CM* tain Swansea Liberals and residents of Gower waited upon Mr. Frank Ash Yeo, cliairman of the Swansea H rbour Trust and alderman of the borough, at his offices at Swansea, and presented him with a requisition signed by certain elector- of Gower requesting him to "allow his name to be placed as that of a candidate before the Council of the Gower Liberal Society." The rcqu.sition wait on to say:— We are familiar with your Ijf¡>.long devotion to tb8 pdncirles of civil and rei "ious liberty, to your Pros Trade principles, and to your general sympathy with the political alld social progress (If the masses. It is known to everyone in the district that you. have rendered valuable services in promoting trade aM com- merce, and that you are ever ready to ald In deveJopiDC local industrial resources. The admirable manner in which you have filled the mayor's chair for the borough of Swansea, and the capable and noteworthy way in which you preside over the destinies of the Swansea Harbour, attest your htnow for a seat ill the new House of Commons. The requisition was presented by Mr. Thomas Phillips, J.P., and its prayer waa supported bj Councillors Freeman and Martin, the Revs. A Lloyd Jones, J. Evans, and N. Evans, and Mesaa Hartland, R. Hughes, ho. Letters were read from Sir Hussey Vivian, M.P. Mr. L. LI. Dillwyn, M.P., Sir J. Jones Jenkins. M.P. and Alderman Daniel, all of whom were in favour ot Alderman Yeo being selected as a candidate. Alderman YEO, in reply, said ho was deeply sensible of the kindness shown him, and faljj appreciated the high compliment. A fortnight before he had fully abandoned any thought of becoming a candidate for any constituency. bot what had happened since had constrained him to re-consider his decision. He had heard that Sir John Jones Jenkins was going to stand for the division, but a few days ago Sir John informed him that be had no idea of quitting his old constituency, aoc had urged him to become a candidate. Lookinf at the compliment paid him, he had no alternative but to accept the candidature. His.political creed was well-known. He was one of the most earnest and advanced Liberals, and was said to have much of the Radical about him. If he was adopted he should be prepared to contest the seat against all comers, and he did not fear the issue should the same enthusiasm be shown then as now. (Cheers.)

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